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Biomedical subjects

A Merker

Publications and source records attributed to A Merker.

18 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

Characterisation of mildew resistant wheat-rye substitution lines and identification of an inverted chromosome by fluorescent in situ hybridisation.

Seven different mildew resistant wheat lines derived from crosses between triticale and bread wheat were examined by molecular cytogenetics and chromosome C-banding in order to determine their chromosomal composition. Genomic in situ hybridisation (GISH) showed the presence of rye germplasm in all the lines and identified three substitution lines, three double substitution lines and one addition-substitution line. C-banding identified rye chromosomes 1R and 4R in the addition-substitution line, rye chromosomes 1R and 6R in two substitution lines and 1R and 2R in the third line, and rye chromosome 1R in the three substitution lines. Two of the latter lines (7-102 and 7-169) contained a modified form of the chromosome; fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) using five different repetitive DNA-probes showed a pericentric inversion of 1R in both lines. The breakpoints of the 1R inversion were between (1) the 5S rDNA site and the NOR-region on the satellite of the short arm, and (2) between two AAC(5) sites close to the centromere on the long arm. The role of the rye chromosomes in the mildew resistance, the utilisation of the inverted 1R and the significance of the lines in wheat breeding are discussed.

Chromosome Banding↗
PubMed2001

Prospective randomized comparison of laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) with abdominal hysterectomy (AH) for the treatment of the uterus weighing >200 g.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) can be used for the vaginal removal of large uteri (200 g), which are conventionally treated with an abdominal approach (AH). METHODS: Forty-eight women with a sonographically estimated uterine weight of >200 g were prospectively randomized to undergo either LAVH (n = 28) or AH (n = 20). RESULTS: The median uterus weight was 334 g for LAVH vs 428 g for AH (not significant). The median operative time (133 vs 132 min) and duration of recuperation (42 vs 42 days) were similar. LAVH was associated with significantly less intraoperative blood loss (median, 200 vs 600 ml; p < 0.05), a lower pain index at postoperative day 4 (median [who scale], 0 VS 5; P < 0.05), a lower decrease in hemoglobin (median,-0.6 VS -1.55 MG/DL; P < 0.05), and a lower decrease in hematocrit (median, -0.03% VS -0.07%; P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the frequency of postoperative complications (14.3% for LAVH VS 30% for AH). Although all LAVH patients who answered the questionnaire said they would undergo the same procedure again, only 45% of the AH group were satisfied (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: For the treatment of uteri >200 g, LAVH has several advantages over AH: lower postoperative morbidity, quicker short-term recuperation, and better patient acceptance.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Laparoscopic treatment of hemorrhage after vaginal hysterectomy or laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH).

BACKGROUND: This study examines the use of laparoscopy for the treatment of secondary hemorrhage following vaginal or laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomies (LAVH). METHODS: Over a 5-year period, the incidence and management of postoperative bleeding following vaginal hysterectomies or LAVH were registered prospectively. RESULTS: The overall incidence of hemorrhage after vaginal hysterectomies or LAVH was 1.2% (17 of 1319). Over the 5-year period, it decreased from 2.4% (five of 209) to 0.6% (two of 315). Surgical revision was initiated transvaginally in nine patients and by laparoscopy in eight patients. Five of the eight patients profited from the prompt use of laparoscopy; inconclusive vaginal exploration was followed by laparoscopy in another five patients. CONCLUSION: Hemorrhage following vaginal hysterectomy or LAVH can be treated by laparoscopy in the majority of patients. Laparoscopy is recommended if the source of bleeding cannot be identified clearly by vaginal examination and/or if an intraabdominal bleeding source is suspected.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Genome composition, stability and fertility of hexaploid alloploids between Triticum turgidum var. carthlicum and Leymus racemosus.

Hexaploid alloploids between the tetraploid wheat Triticum carthlicum and the perennial tetraploid Leymus racemosus were analysed for chromosome composition and cytogenetic stability. GISH analysis showed different lines to have from 11 to 16 Leymus chromosomes. The alloploids showed a relatively high frequency of univalents in meiotic metaphase and of aneuploid plants and hence they are not stable. The seedset is lower than in wheat, but high enough to secure a safe propagation and preservation. The alloploids are discussed in relation to widening the genetic variation of breadwheat and wheat breeding.

Chromosomes↗
PubMed2001

Variability, heritability and genetic advance in pheno-morphic and agronomic traits of tef [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] germplasm from eight regions of Ethiopia.

One hundred and twenty tef Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter, germplasm lines from eight regions of Ethiopia were field evaluated in two randomized complete blocks at Debre Zeit and Melkassa during the 1995/96, and at Debre Zeit and Alem Tena during the 1996/97 main seasons. The objectives were to assess the extent and pattern of their diversity with respect to 17 pheno-morphic and agronomic traits, and to obtain an insight into the broad sense heritability (H) and genetic advance (GA) expectations of the various traits. Discernible (p < or = 0.05) variability among regions and among genotypes within regions were observed in seven and nine of the traits, respectively. In the combined analysis of variance over environments, genotypes showed substantial (p < or = 0.05) variation in all traits, and genotypes and environments interacted significantly on nine of the traits. The phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation varied in that order from about 3% for days to maturity to 28% for grain yield/plant, and from less than 2% for days to maturity to 15% for number of fertile tillers/plant. Estimates of H were lowest for shoot phytomass/plant (17%) and highest for panicle length (75%). The minimum GA expectations were for days to maturity (2%) and the maximum was for number of fertile tillers/plant (23%). About 67% of the gross phenotypic diversity in the germplasm was explained on the basis of four principal components (PCs). Up to 28% of the variance extracted by the first PC was due mainly to variations in the second and first basal culm internode diameters, culm and panicle length, days to panicle emergence, and number of panicle branches and fertile tillers/plant. Largely variations in the length of the two basal culm internodes and grain yield/plant contributed to 19% of the whole variance accounted for by the second PC. Generally, the study showed that there is ample genetic variation in the genotypes evaluated and this presents a valuable base for use in the improvement work.

Agriculture↗
PubMed2001

Sources of wheat powdery mildew resistance from wheat-rye and wheat-Leymus hybrids.

Introgression of germplasm from rye and Leymus mollis has been used in the objective of broadening mildew resistance in wheat. The mildew resistant wheat lines were isolated from crosses of three hexaploid triticale lines, a mildew resistant double wheat-rye substitution line and a mildew resistant hexaploid wheat-L. mollis hybrid with three mildew susceptible breadwheats. Three different mildew isolates with a broad virulence have been used and lines with different resistance patterns, including resistance to all three mildew isolates, were selected. From a total of about 13,000 lines, eight lines from the triticale crosses, 58 from the double wheat-rye substitution line crosses and six from the L. mollis-hybrid crosses showed homozygous resistance to all three isolates. A differential tester set of wheat lines with known mildew resistance genes including earlier known resistance genes from rye showed a similarity between IRS-cultivars and the largest category in the triticale populations, indicating a higher frequency of IR chromosomes. The results are discussed in relation to the differential tester set and in relation to broadening the genetic base of resistance in wheat by interspecific hybridization.

Chimera↗
PubMed2001

Vulvar pain. Psychological profiles and treatment responses.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the psychological and quality of life profiles of women with different subsets of vulvodynia and identify differential response patterns to a combined gynecologic-dermatologic treatment program. STUDY DESIGN: Fifty-three women with vulvar dermatoses, dysesthetic vulvodynia and vulvar vestibulitis were recruited from a combined dermatologic and gynecologic vulvar clinic and completed instruments related to quality of life (QoL) and psychologic symptomatology. A repeated measurement design was employed. However, only 33 women could be assessed at the second point of measurement. RESULTS: Women with different subsets of vulvodynia showed (1) distinct quality of life and psychological profiles, and (2) different response patterns to treatment. There were significant differences on most QoL scales, with patients with dysesthetic vulvodynia and with vulvar dermatoses showing greater impairment than patients with vestibulitis. However, patients with vestibulitis displayed a highly specific pattern of psychologic symptomatology. Patients with vulvar dermatoses had an improvement in problems related to intimacy than patients with vulvar pain syndromes. CONCLUSION: Treatment intervention studies seem to be indispensable in order to gain a better understanding of the complex interplay between different subsets of vulvodynia and psychological symptoms concurrently with differential treatment reactions.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Vulval diseases need an interdisciplinary approach.

BACKGROUND: Vulval diseases are common, but their frequency and importance are often underestimated. OBJECTIVE: The study intended to evaluate the number of patients with vulval diseases seen in medical practice. Furthermore, the acceptance of an interdisciplinary vulval disease clinic, managed by a dermatologist in cooperation with a gynaecologist and a psychologist, was evaluated. METHODS: In April and Mai 1998, a mailing survey of all gynaecologists (n = 239), general practitioners (n = 244) and dermatologists (n = 96) in Thuringia, Germany, containing 7 questions concerning patients with vulval diseases was performed. RESULTS: 49% (n = 286) of the questionnaires were returned. On average, 97% of the physicians regularly treated females with genital diseases. The most common diseases mentioned by all specialities were local fungal and bacterial infections. The further ranking of diagnosis was different between the specialities. It was estimated that 83% of patients with chronic disorders would develop additional psychological problems. The necessity of an interdisciplinary vulval disease clinic in Thuringia was stated by 71% of the interviewed physicians. 76% of the gynaecologists and 75% of the general practitioners welcomed the introduction of the clinic. Interestingly, only 51% of the dermatologists felt that a vulval disease clinic was necessary. CONCLUSION: The majority of the physicians in Thuringia welcomed an interdisciplinary vulval disease clinic to improve the conditions for women suffering from genital diseases.

Dermatology↗
PubMed1998

Laparoscopic adnexal preservation in a patient with complete torsion--a case report.

OBJECTIVE: Laparoscopic adnexal preservation in a patient with complete torsion. STUDY DESIGN: Laparoscopy was performed in a 20-year-old nulliparous patient with a 24-h history of lower abdominal pain. RESULTS: Torsion of the left adnexa was diagnosed and detorsion was performed. After detorsion the patient reported complete resolution of pain. At second look laparoscopy blood supply of the left adnexa was completely normalized and a cystadenofibroma was excised with preservation of the ovary. CONCLUSIONS: Complete torsion of adnexa associated with edema and ischemia can be treated by laparoscopic detorsion.

Adnexal Diseases↗
PubMed1997

Laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy as an alternative to abdominal hysterectomy in patients with fibroids.

OBJECTIVE: Introduction of laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) was evaluated for its usefulness to replace abdominal hysterectomy in fibroids. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 240 women with a mean age of 46.7 years underwent hysterectomy over a period of one year. The technique of LAVH was introduced starting in the second quarter of the study period. Clinical data of 60 patients undergoing either LAVH or abdominal hysterectomy for fibroids were compared in a cross-sectional study by chi 2- and t-test. RESULTS: A comparison between the first and the last quarter of the study period showed that the rate of abdominal hysterectomies decreased from 66% to 12%, whereas LAVH increased from 0 to 40% (p < 0.05). The rate of vaginal hysterectomies remained between 34% and 48%. Compared to abdominal hysterectomy, LAVH operating time was about 1/3 longer, hospital stay was shorter (3 days), and LAVH proved more cost-effective than abdominal hysterectomy (significance of all differences: p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: LAVH is a valid alternative to abdominal hysterectomy in fibroids.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[Abdominal actinomycosis with IUD].

We report a case of abdominal actinomycosis in a 54 year old woman using an intrauterine device for a period of 8 years. The most important finding was a tuboovarialabscess at the left pelvic side with involvement of the serosa of the jejunum, ileum, sigma, and omentum majus. Intraoperative exploration showed a solid retroperitoneal infiltration between the pelvic side wall and sigma. Another infiltration was found on the left side of the abdominal wall. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological examination and the patient was treated by a combination of Aminopenicillin and Metronidazol. After a period of three months we observed a complete regression of the clinical and the MRI findings.

Abdominal Abscess↗
PubMed1996

[Laparoscopic para-aortic and pelvic lymph node excision--initial experiences and development of a technique].

It was the aim of this study to establish and analyze the laparoscopic technique of para-aortic and pelvic lymphadenectomy. During a one year period (from August 1994 till July 1995) 42 patients underwent pelvic and para-aortic laparoscopic lymphadenectomy. In 29 cases cervical cancer, in 11 cases endometrial cancer and in 2 cases tumors of low malignant potential of the ovary were the indication for lymphadenectomy which was combined with radical vaginal hysterectomy in 19 patients or simple vaginal hysterectomy in 13 patients. During the observation period the mean operating time for para-aortic and pelvic lymphadenectomy decreased and the efficiency of the lymphadenectomy increased significantly: the mean operating time for the first 10 para-aortic lymphadenectomies was 52 minutes and for the pelvic lymphadenectomies 141 minutes, respectively. For the last 10 procedures the para-aortic part took 35 minutes and the pelvic part 110 minutes. Whereas at the beginning of the study a mean of 25 lymph nodes were removed, a mean of 36 lymph nodes were sampled during the last 10 procedures. In 3 patients operative injuries to major vessels were encountered of which two were followed by laparotomy. In 3 other patients laparotomy due to postoperative hemorrhage was necessary. These 6 complications occurred during the first half of the study and were not encountered during the following operations by changing from monopolar to bipolar coagulation and by modifying the regimen for perioperative thrombosis prophylaxis. In the first half of the study in 9 women blood transfusions were necessary and in the second half only 4 patients had to be transfused. In the first 10 patients the mean intraoperative blood loss was 1300 cc, in the last 10 patients 300 cc. After a short learning curve laparoscopic para-aortic and pelvic lymphadenectomy is a safe and effective technique for staging cervical, endometrial, and early ovarian cancers. Though this technique is no standard procedure results of this pilot study warrant prospective studies comparing this technique with conventional procedures.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Role of a membrane-associated serine esterase in the oxidant activation of phospholipase A2 by t-butyl hydroperoxide.

Exposure of bovine pulmonary-arterial endothelial cells to the oxidant lipid t-butyl hydroperoxide (t-Bu-OOH) increases cell-membrane-associated phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity and stimulates arachidonic acid (AA) release. To test the hypothesis that a membrane-associated serine esterase plays an important role in activating PLA2, the present study was undertaken. In addition to increasing PLA2 activity and AA release, t-Bu-OOH also enhances the activity of a membrane-associated serine esterase that cleaves the synthetic substrate N alpha-p-tosyl-L-arginine methyl ester (TAME). Changes in the activity of this membrane-bound serine esterase correlate directly with changes in the activity of PLA2. Serine esterase inhibitors such as phenylmethanesulphonyl fluoride, di-isopropyl fluorophosphate and alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor, and TAME, a synthetic substrate for serine esterase, prevent the increase in serine esterase activity, PLA2 activity and AA release caused by t-Bu-OOH. Pretreatment of the endothelial cells with the antioxidant vitamin E prevents t-Bu-OOH-induced stimulation of AA release and the cell-membrane-associated serine esterase and PLA2 activities. Adding t-Bu-OOH or the serine esterase trypsin to the endothelial-cell membrane fraction also significantly augments PLA2 activity, implying that these treatments activate latent PLA2. These results suggest that t-Bu-OOH stimulates a membrane-associated serine esterase that plays a crucial role in activating PLA2 and releasing AA.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1976

Immunoassay of human TSH using dried blood samples.

A sensitive, semi-quantitative radioimmunoassay method to screen for elevations of TSH concentration in blood is described. The method requires two 0.32 cm dots of dried blood-impregnated filter paper (equivalent to 3 mul plasma) and a 3-day incubation. Separation of bound and free is obtained using polyethylene glycol. The method can recognize TSH concentrations as low as 22 muU/ml using a highly sensitive antiserum developed by one of us (AFP). TSH in dried cord and newborn blood from 4 infants with congenital hypothyroidism was clearly higher than in normal infants. The method is suitable for use in a newborn screening program to confirm the suspicion of primary hypothyroidism in specimens with low T4 concentrations.

Humans↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Changing behaviors. Nurse educators and clinical nurse specialists design a discharge planning program.

In this article, the authors describe a discharge planning program developed for geriatric and maternal-child nurses at Mount Sinai Medical Center. King's theory of goal attainment was used in the program design and teach strategies were selected that matched behavioral objectives in the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domain. Evaluation methods include participants' pre- and post-surveys regarding their comfort in implementing discharge planning and concurrent review of their documentation 1 month after the program. After participating in the program, staff nurses displayed a change in behavior in terms of increased documentation relating to discharge planning.

Education, Nursing, Continuing↗