Biomedical subjects

A Hinz

Publications and source records attributed to A Hinz.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Fatigue assessment questionnaire: standardization of a cancer-specific instrument based on the general population.

OBJECTIVES: Fatigue has become a major issue of concern in the care of cancer patients, as it has been shown to compromise their quality of life in a significant and lasting way. However, there is a lack of economic and specific measures. The Fatigue Assessment Questionnaire (FAQ) has been developed based on thorough interviews and tested on a large mixed sample of cancer patients. The purposes of this paper are to test the psychometric properties of the FAQ and to provide norms for the German population. METHODS: The FAQ was administered to a representative sample of the German population (1,340 female and 1,101 male participants) along with standardized scales of depression, mood and life satisfaction. RESULTS: We could confirm that fatigue is multidimensional and can be measured by the scales of physical, affective and cognitive fatigue with good reliability and validity. The dependency of fatigue on sex and age makes it useful to have standard fatigue scores for oncological research as provided in this paper. CONCLUSION: The FAQ is a promising, differentiated, yet economic instrument for further use in oncological research.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

[Severity of chronic back pain. Assessment with the Mainz Pain Staging System].

BACKGROUND: Among the possible reasons for low back pain, psychological factors are getting more attention. Early assessment of the stage of chronicity is important for successful therapy. The aim of the present study was to analyse the applicability of the Mainz Pain Staging System (MPSS) for chronic back pain outpatients. METHODS: Each of 679 back pain outpatients were assigned to one of the three MPSS stages of chronic back pain severity. Pain intensity and duration, anxiety and depression, pain sensation, impression of control and muscular capacity (isometric power of lumbal extensor), number of clinical consultations, hospitalisation, and days of work inability were also recorded. RESULTS: Males and females showed levels of chronic pain increasing with age. Patients with high MPSS levels showed significantly higher mean scores for anxiety, depression, number of consultations, hospitalisation, and days of inability to work. Furthermore, the same patients showed lower impressions of control and muscular capacity. CONCLUSIONS: The present study confirms the significance and usefulness of the MPSS applied to outpatients with back pain. To assess completely the stage of chronicity, psychological and physical/functional parameters should also be obtained.

Absenteeism↗

PubMed2006

Acute effects of aldosterone on the autonomic nervous system and the baroreflex function in healthy humans.

Aldosterone has been reported to impair the baroreflex response in animal models. The present study aimed to investigate the acute effects of aldosterone on the autonomic nervous system and the baroreflex control of muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) and heart rate in healthy humans. Nine healthy subjects were examined in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study design, receiving either i.v. aldosterone (100 microg) or placebo on the experimental day. Heart rate variability (HRV) was measured at rest, whereas blood pressure, heart rate and MSNA (assessed by microneurography from the peroneal nerve) were monitored both at rest and during baroreflex tests. Baroreceptor stimulation and deactivation was induced by i.v. infusion of incremental doses of phenylephrine and sodium nitroprusside. HRV indices at rest were specifically changed by aldosterone with a significant increase in standard deviation of RR intervals and total power, and a trend towards increased time domain parameters indicating parasympathetic predominance in heart rate regulation. Basal MSNA, blood pressure and heart rate remained unaffected by aldosterone administration. Sodium nitroprusside decreased diastolic blood pressure and increased MSNA as well as heart rate in both the aldosterone and placebo experiments. However, the tachycardic response to arterial baroreceptor deactivation was more pronounced in the aldosterone experiments. By contrast, baroreflex control of MSNA and heart rate during phenylephrine infusion was not affected by aldosterone. Thus, our study demonstrates that, in healthy humans, aldosterone tends to increase cardiac vagal activity and enhances the heart rate response to nitroprusside whereas MSNA remains unaffected.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

[Depression in cardiac patients undergoing rehabilitation--a study for investigating the correlations between depression and occupational groups].

The results of many studies show that physical recovery and social integration of cardiac patients are negatively influenced by a persistent depressive disorder. For this reason issues of occupational integration should be considered from this point of view, too. Correlations between various occupational groups and depression were investigated with 907 cardiac patients at the beginning and at the end of a follow-up treatment. The results were compared to those for 756 persons in corresponding age groups from the general population. We found that at the beginning of rehabilitation the depression values of the HADS did not show any significant differences between the various occupational groups, however, their values were significantly higher than those found in the general population. During rehabilitation the HADS values decreased significantly. At the end of rehabilitation, unskilled and semi-skilled workers had significantly higher depression values than skilled workers and persons in higher positions. Consequences for medical rehabilitation are discussed.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed2003

Fatigue in the general population.

BACKGROUND: Fatigue symptoms are often found in cancer patients. One test to assess fatigue is the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20). It has been successfully applied to specific groups of cancer patients. However, until now population-based norm values are missing. METHODS: We conducted an investigation on a representative sample of the adult German population, which comprised 2,037 subjects aged 14-92 years. RESULTS: The reliability of the 5 MFI-20 subscales (general fatigue, physical fatigue, reduced activity, reduced motivation, and mental fatigue) is satisfying. The correlations between MFI-20 subscales and the fatigue scale of the quality-of-life questionnaire EORTC indicate convergent validity. As an important result we found that all subscales of the MFI-20 showed a clear and nearly linear dependency on age with higher fatigue values for older subjects (p < 0.0001). Females as compared with males are characterized by higher mean values in all MFI-20 subscales (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results show that it is necessary to take into account age and sex when different groups of cancer patients have to be compared.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2002

ROBITOM-robot for biopsy and therapy of the mamma.

MR-Mammography reaches a high sensitivity in detecting breast carcinomas of 3 mm in size at least. In cooperation with the Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology of the Friedrich-Schiller-University of Jena, a manipulator has been developed by the IMB, which combines the advantages of MRM imaging with a minimal invasive biopsy and a possible subsequent therapy. Referring to this ROBITOM I was introduced in November 1999 as worldwide first, precise operating manipulator system in the ISO center of a closed MR, at RSNA in Chicago. Clinical trials started at 22. November 2000. The experiences and results of these tests were brought into the following prototype ROBITOM II, that is currently developed at the IMB. The completion of this Prototype is planned at the end of 2002.

Biopsy↗

PubMed2001

[Anxiety and depression in the general population over 60 years old].

BACKGROUND: Anxiety and depression lead to extensive utilization of the health service. Frequency and extent of symptoms of anxiety and depression were assessed in the elderly general population. PARTICIPANTS AND METHOD: In a random community sample of 622 elderly persons aged above 60 years (mean age 69.55 years; 56.1% women), the frequency of anxiety and depression was assessed by means of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. RESULTS: Probable anxiety was found in 7.6% of the elderly, probable depression in 27.5%. Negative affectivity (based on the total scale) was found in 31.7% of the elderly. Self-reported anxiety and depression symptoms correlated to a considerable extent (r = 0.69). There were higher rates of probable anxiety and depression in women than in men. However, a significant effect of the sex on anxiety and depression scores was not found. There was a significant effect of age, with higher depression rates with increasing age. Anxiety and depression correlate significantly positively with the fatigue syndrome and with subjective bodily complaints and significantly negatively with different aspects of quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Physical complaints in the elderly cannot be directly traced back to age-correlated multimorbidity. Rather, elderly persons with nonspecific bodily complaints and fatigue should also be screened for anxiety and depression.

Age Factors↗

PubMed2001

Reference data for the quality of life questionnaire EORTC QLQ-C30 in the general German population.

The objective of this study was to obtain age- and sex-specific reference values for the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire QLQ-C30. A randomly selected sample of the German adult population (3015 subjects) was used, 2081 subjects agreed to take part in the investigation. Most of the scales and symptom items of the questionnaire proved to be dependent on age and sex. Men reported fewer symptoms than women. Age differences were even more pronounced. Younger people reported better functioning and fewer symptoms. Compared with the results of a similar Norwegian study (Hjermstad MJ, Fayers PM, Bjordal K, Kaasa S. Health related quality of life in the general Norwegian population assessed by the European Organization for research and treatment of cancer core quality-of-life questionnaire: The QLQ-C30(+3). J Clin Oncol 1998, 16, 1188-1196) the prevalence of some symptoms was markedly less. Norm values for age and sex groups are given and regression analyses are performed which help to calculate expected mean scores. The results show that age and sex differences must be taken into consideration when different groups of cancer patients are compared. The norm values help to interpret quality of life data for clinicians.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

[Anxiety and depression in the general population: normal values in the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale].

For the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) psychometric properties were tested and standardised values were calculated on the basis of a representative sample of the German adult population with 2037 persons. The main result was the evidence of age and gender differences for anxiety and depression. Females were more anxious than males. For both dimensions of the HADS a nearly linear age dependency was found which was more pronounced for depression (r = 0.36) than for anxiety (r = 0.14). Standardised values are given for different age and gender groups, and the results of regression analyses are presented. The psychometric properties were satisfying or good, the two-dimensional factorial structure could be replicated. By means of the standardised values and regression coefficients it is now possible to compare patient groups of different age and gender distributions with the general population.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

The effect of data aggregation on temporal stability of cardiovascular reactivity.

Temporal stability of behaviorally evoked cardiovascular responses is important for theoretical (concept of activation) and practical (risk for cardiovascular diseases) reasons. As in test psychology, reliability of physiological responsivity depends on the degree of data aggregation across several measurements. This paper describes a statistical approach based on intra-class correlations. This approach is suited to define certain stability measures based on variance components representing different levels of data aggregation. An empirical investigation is presented comprised of 58 subjects, three physiological parameters (heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure), two mental tasks, two sequences of the tasks within one session, and 2 days with an interval of 4 weeks between them. In addition to the finding that data aggregation can generally increase stability, the different sources of aggregation (across phases within a task, across tasks, and across task sequences) and their combinations are systematically compared with regard to their contribution to this enhancement. Finally, it will be shown how the approach can be utilized to explain aggregation effects for other psychophysiological research questions such as covariation, consistency, and ambulatory assessment of cardiovascular functioning.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

[Attitude of medical students toward the handicapped].

In their daily professional work physicians are increasingly faced with persons who live with chronic diseases or handicaps. Beyond profound medical knowledge, an understanding of psychosocial factors and a positive attitude are essential for providing optimal treatment. In order to teach the medical students of Leipzig University how to balance these factors they are required to visit self-help groups and institutions for disabled persons as part of the course "Social Medicine". 250 medical students of the 9th semester filled out a questionnaire designed to assess their attitudes toward handicapped persons as well as their motivation for choosing the medical profession. The questionnaire was given twice, once before their visitations and once following. 28 students of special supportive education served as a control group. While the attitudes of the medical students were very similar to those of the standard population, the attitudes of the supportive education students were significantly more positive. A comparison of the results of the questionnaires before and after the visitations showed that the attitudes of the medical students remained essentially the same without any obvious changes due to their experiences during the visitations. This evidence suggests that there needs to be more emphasis in Social Medicine and medical education in general placed on the problems specific to handicapped people.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Angioscopic evaluation of atherosclerotic plaques: validation by histomorphologic analysis and association with stable and unstable coronary syndromes.

OBJECTIVES: We validated coronary angioscopic observations with histologic assessment of material removed by atherectomy. BACKGROUND: Up to now, angioscopic findings have been primarily descriptive, and the clinical significance still needs to be substantiated. The proposed Ermenoville classification is relevant but has not yet been validated by histomorphologic analysis. METHODS: We compared angioscopic findings in patients with different coronary syndromes and used atherosclerotic material retrieved by directional coronary atherectomy to validate the angioscopic observations. Coronary angioscopy was performed in 63 patients (56 men, 7 women) with stable (26 patients) and unstable angina (37 patients) before and after directional coronary atherectomy. The identity of atherectomized material was confirmed by ex vivo visualization with the angioscope and by postatherectomy angioscopy. Angioscopic and histologic findings could be compared in 44 of 63 patients. RESULTS: Angioscopic findings were grouped into gray-white and yellow lesions (gray-yellow, deep yellow, yellow-red or yellow-pink). We found that patients with unstable angina had predominantly yellow lesions (89%). In patients with stable angina, gray-white (43%) or yellow (57%) lesions were similarly distributed. Ruptured yellow plaques and red or pink thrombi were identified in 11% of patients with stable angina and 39% of patients with unstable or early postmyocardial infarction angina. Histologically, gray-white lesions represented fibrous plaque without degeneration in 64% and with degeneration in 36% of patients. Gray-yellow lesions were associated predominantly with degenerated plaque (64%) and, to a lesser extent, with fibrous plaque (14%) or atheroma (14%). Deep yellow and yellow-red lesions represented either atheroma (53%) or degenerated plaque (42%). CONCLUSIONS: Our study establishes a histomorphologic basis for classification and interpretation of angioscopic findings. Yellow plaque color is closely related to degenerated plaque or atheroma and is associated with unstable coronary syndromes.

Angina Pectoris↗

PubMed1994

Stability of cardiovascular responses across subjects and situations: a systematic approach.

This study describes the reproducibility of behaviorally elicited cardiovascular response patterns, 111 subjects were studied over a 1-year interval. Physiological variables recorded were heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and respiratory rate. Test-retest stability coefficients were calculated and compared with the results of a study with a 3-day interval between test sessions. The physiological data are depicted in a four-dimensional data box (subjects, situations, replications, variables), and the variance components of the factors and their interactions are estimated. Some of the interaction components are associated with specificity principles and with temporal stability. To comprehensively describe special aspects of stability, measures for stability were generated (concerning subjects, situations, or both), adopting basic ideas from the covariance partitioning approach. The stability measures were compared with simple test-retest reliability coefficients and with generalizability coefficients, and systematic relationships between the stability measures are discussed.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1993

Profiles of spontaneous 24-hour and stimulated growth hormone secretion in male patients with endogenous depression.

Abnormalities of both the spontaneous and the stimulated release of growth hormone (GH) have been described in patients with endogenous depression. In this study, six unmedicated male patients with endogenous depression (ICD 296.1/3) were compared with six age-matched healthy men. Levels of GH were determined at 15-minute intervals over 26 hours. A combined releasing hormone test was performed during the last 2 hours of blood sampling. The 24-hour profile of GH secretion was significantly lower in the depressed patients than in the healthy control subjects due to a significantly diminished sleep-related GH secretion. GH stimulation following releasing hormones was lower in the depressed patients than in healthy subjects. Hypersecretion of GH before the stimulation test might therefore not explain the blunted GH response to stimulation that has been observed in depressive patients.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

Dependency of growth hormone (GH) stimulation following releasing hormones on the spontaneous 24-hour GH secretion in healthy male and female subjects.

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate whether in healthy subjects the GH response following stimulation with releasing hormones is dependent on the spontaneous GH secretion within 24 hr prior to the stimulation test. In 18 male and 9 female healthy subjects (21-59 years) GH was measured every 15 min over 26 hr. Twenty-four hours after the beginning of blood sampling, a GH stimulation test was performed by using a combined releasing hormone test. Sleep was recorded in three consecutive nights. A positive correlation was found between the AUCs of the 24-hr GH secretion and the AUCs of GH stimulation, which could not be explained by an age effect only. This study demonstrates that subjects with comparatively high amounts of GH secreted within 24 hr also show good GH secretory responses when immediately after the 24-hr sampling period a stimulation test is undertaken. Therefore, a low GH response to stimulation cannot be explained by feedback effects of high GH amounts secreted during the 24 hr before the test or by empty pituitary GH storages.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

[Imaging of the normal anatomy of the hand using high resolution magnetic resonance tomography and surface coils].

Magnetic resonance imaging can visualize the soft tissue and the bone marrow of the hand. High spatial resolution requires the use of a surface coil. Signal-to-noise contrast was measured and compared for 3 different coils. Optimal results were obtained with a surface coil with a diameter of 8.5 cm. The wrist and the fingers of 10 volunteers each were examined. Images with a high spatial resolution and a good signal/noise contrast were obtained, enabling the delineation of small structures like Gynon's channel and the median nerve.

Fingers↗

PubMed1993

[Nuclear spin tomography of the hands of a patient with Maffucci's syndrome].

Maffucci's syndrome is associated with tumours of the soft tissues and enchondromas. The hands are involved in the majority of patients. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enables the demonstration of the soft tissue structures and the bone marrow of the hand. The hands of 19-year old patient with Maffucci's syndrome were examined via MRI and the results were compared with radiographs, angiograms and skeletal scintiscans of the hands. MR imaging shows a more expansive infestation with enchondromas than the radiographs. Haemangiomas were also visualised.

Adult↗

PubMed1992

[The visualization of bony and vascular structures in digital subtraction images depending on the contribution of the anatomical background].

We examined the loss of contrast leaving a part of the anatomic background in digital subtraction angiography by visual analysis and densitometry. We observed a greater loss of the quality at the representation of the bone below than above an amount of anatomic background of 60%. The loss of quality at the representation of the vessels decreases more above than below an anatomical background of 45%. We think that, depending on the clinical problem, an anatomical background between 15 and 30% should be left.

Angiography, Digital Subtraction↗