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Biomedical subjects

B Huber

Publications and source records attributed to B Huber.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

[Management of injuries of the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae in children].

Traumatic injuries of the thoracic and lumbar spine are rare in children and differ in pathomorphology, healing process and prognosis from those in adults. Before growth arrest the vertebral epiphysis has an important role in pathomorphology and prognosis; therefore, treatment should recognize the age-dependent potential for growth and remodelling. This study demonstrates the different anatomic and pathomorphologic characteristics of traumatic spinal injuries in 40 children. Additionally, prognosis and the various forms of treatment are discussed in the context of the recent literature. In total we observed 85% compression-type injuries and 15% distraction- and rotation-type injuries. Vertebral body fractures were treated conservatively and segmental disruptions by fusion. Long-term follow-up was performed on average 8 years after the accident in 26 patients clinically and in 21 patients radiologically. Most patients had no physical complaints or clinical symptoms. Additionally, the radiographs did not demonstrate any post-traumatic defects. In summary, spinal injuries up to the age of 12 without initial neurologic symptoms have a favorable prognosis.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1998

Evaluation of postsurgical crestal bone levels adjacent to non-submerged dental implants.

In most of the studies on long-term radiographic evaluations of crestal bone levels adjacent to dental implants, no baseline radiographs taken immediately postsurgically had been obtained. The aim of this study was to test the reproducibility of a simple radiographic method for linear measurements of changes in bone levels and to evaluate changes in crestal bone levels adjacent to non-submerged ITI implants 1 year following the surgical procedure. From 128 patients enrolled in a clinical and radiographic longitudinal study 40 patients also had radiographs taken immediately postsurgically. They were, however, not obtained as "identical" images. The radiographs were mounted onto slides and projected on a screen. Mesially and distally from 57 implants triplicate linear measurements of the distance implant shoulder to bone crest were taken, using known dimensions of the implants as internal reference distances. The median difference of 213 (out of 228 possible) duplicate measurements was 0.00 mm (ranging from -1.72 mm to +1.47 mm when comparing the second to the third reading). Some 81% of the double measurements were within +/- 0.5 mm and the precision was 0.30 mm. In the immediate postoperative radiographs the median mesial bone level was located at 2.07 mm (distally 2.19 mm) from the implant shoulder. A statistically significant amount of bone loss in the first year was observed mesially (median = -0.78 mm) and distally (-0.85 mm) (Wilcoxon matched pairs signed rank test P < or = 0.001). No statistically significant influence of the implant location, the implant length, type of the implant (screw; cylinder) was observed (Kruskal-Wallis P > 0.05). The age of the patients was not correlated significantly to the amount of bone loss observed. In conclusion, methodological limitations existed when evaluating linear bone changes in non-identical radiographs using reference dimensions of the implants. The amount of postsurgical bone loss estimated in other studies was confirmed when using an immediate postoperative radiograph as a baseline.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Dynamics of parvalbumin expression in low-frequency-stimulated fast-twitch rat muscle.

Similar to previous observations in rabbit muscle, chronic low-frequency stimulation suppressed parvalbumin expression in fast-twitch muscles of the rat. In extensor digitorum longus and tibialis anterior muscles, parvalbumin mRNA levels steeply declined with apparent half-lives of approximately 26 h and 45 h, respectively. Measurements of parvalbumin synthesis indicated that the reduction in mRNA was immediately transmitted to the level of translation. Relative parvalbumin synthesis rates decayed with an apparent half-life of approximately 60 h. Both the decrease in parvalbumin mRNA and synthesis considerably preceded the decay of parvalbumin protein. Although parvalbumin synthesis had approached zero in 14-day-stimulated muscles, parvalbumin content started to decrease only after some delay (28-day-stimulated muscles still contained 40-50% of their normal parvalbumin content). The lag time between fully suppressed synthesis and the onset of parvalbumin decay, as well as the stability of parvalbumin against tryptic cleavage in the presence of Ca2+ and Mg2+, indicated proteolysis as an important post-translational control of parvalbumin levels. The decrease in parvalbumin mRNA followed a similar time course as that of the mRNA specific to the fast myosin heavy chain HCIIb. After complete suppression, parvalbumin mRNA reached control levels 4 days after cessation of stimulation, which demonstrates the complete reversibility of the stimulation-induced parvalbumin suppression. These results show that a slow motoneuron-like impulse pattern rapidly silences the parvalbumin gene, thus overriding fast-fiber-type-specific programs of gene expression. Due to posttranscriptional regulation and the stability of parvalbumin, this high responsiveness of adult skeletal muscle to altered neuromuscular activity is more conspicuous at the mRNA level than at the protein level.

Actins↗
PubMed1996

Norrie-Warburg syndrome: two novel mutations in patients with classical clinical phenotype.

Norrie-Warburg syndrome (NWS) is a rare X-linked disorder characterized by blindness, which is invariable, deafness and mental disturbances, which are present occasionally. We describe here two novel mutations, a missense mutation (C126S) and a 1-base pair insertion (insT466/T467), together with a recurrent mutation (M1V), found in patients presenting with the classical clinical phenotype of NWS. All three mutations are likely to result in prominent structural changes of the norrin protein.

Blindness↗
PubMed1995

3-D reconstruction of Ir-192 implant dosimetry for irradiating gingival carcinoma on the mandibular alveolar ridge.

A recurrent cancer in the gingiva has been treated by specially fabricating a dental acrylic appliance. This replica of the floor of the mouth, gums, and teeth was constructed with the use of a vinyl polysiloxine impression material. The tumor boundaries were marked in the fabricated appliance with four metal wires to localize the surface and periphery of the tumor. The appliance was molded to hold Ir-192 wires in near contact with the target surface and to allow afterloading. A specially designed lead shield was imbedded onto the dorsal surface of the appliance so as to reduce dose to the tongue and maxillary structures of the mouth. Simulation films and 3-D treatment planning were used to generate isodose distributions and to allow preplanning. The dose calculation algorithm was modified to account for the attenuation in the lead shield represented in three dimensions. The Ir-192 mold was successfully applied for 38 hours in two sessions 1 week apart.

Aged↗
PubMed1994

Exogenous Mtv-7 superantigen transgene expression in major histocompatibility complex class II I-E- mice reconstituted with embryonic stem cell-derived hematopoietic stem cells.

Direct genetic manipulation of hematopoietic cells is limited by the lack of an established hematopoietic stem cell line. It has been demonstrated that embryonic stem (ES) cell<-->tetraploid embryos are completely ES cell-derived and that fetal liver (FL) cells from these embryos support hematopoiesis in lethally irradiated recipients. In this report, we demonstrate that FL cells from ES cell<-->tetraploid embryos support normal lymphopoiesis and T-cell repertoire development. Moreover, the introduction of the Mtv-7 superantigen transgene coding for minor lymphocyte stimulatory antigen 1 into murine hematopoietic cells via reconstitution with ES cell<-->tetraploid FL cells demonstrates that this method can effectively confer stable genetic changes into the hematopoietic tissues without going through the germ line. Long-term and secondary reconstitution with ES cell<-->tetraploid FL cells expressing the Mtv-7 superantigen transgene clonally deleted minor lymphocyte stimulatory antigen 1-reactive T-cell receptor V beta 6+, -8.1+, and -9+ T cells, but not V beta 7+ T cells, in H-2b (I-E-) mice. This model system will be extremely important for analyzing structure-function relationships of molecules involved in proliferation, differentiation, and selection of hematopoietic cells in vivo and for examining hematopoiesis-specific effects of mutations that are lethal during embryogenesis.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Syphilis in Missouri: a continuing problem.

Syphilis has re-emerged as a significant public health problem in the United States and Missouri. Reported cases of primary and secondary (P&S) syphilis and congenital syphilis in Missouri have been increasing since the late 1980s, and a major outbreak of these diseases continues in the St. Louis area. The nature of syphilis combined with certain characteristics of those populations at highest risk of infection can make prevention and control difficult. Achieving success requires the cooperative efforts of practicing physicians and public health professionals.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Evaluation of bone-grafting materials in a new canine segmental spinal fusion model.

This paper describes a new canine segmental spinal fusion model for the comparison of bone-grafting materials. The test sites in the model are three separate posterior interfacet-interlaminar fusion sites in the lumbar spine (L1-2, L3-4, and L5-6). The outcome was assessed by scoring of the fusion sites for union and by mechanical testing of fused segments. The results from two experiments are presented. Autogenous cancellous bone was the most effective material tested and had a statistically superior score for union compared with all other materials (p = 0.01). The results with an osteoconductive matrix of collagen and ceramic alone were no better than those with the controls (no graft). However, addition of an extract of matrix-derived proteins (15-30 kDa) to the collagen-ceramic carrier appeared to improve the score for union. The inclusion of nonresorbed ceramic granules had no evident effect on the mechanical properties of fusions, with a comparable score for union. This model appears to be a sensitive and efficient method for the comparison of graft materials. Advantages over previously described models are discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

[Complications of plate osteosynthesis of femoral fractures].

Although the introduction of the locking pin in the management of upper thigh fractures has widened the range of possible indications for intramedullary fixation, there are still cases where the DCP technique is applied. When using DCP, it is essential that the graft chosen has the appropriate length and that great attention is given to correct technique, because plating is still associated with a higher complication rate than intramedullary fixation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

[Induction of labor with a new intracervically administered prostaglandin E2 gel. Report of initial experience].

We report on our experience with the induction of labour using 0.5 mg of prostaglandin E2 gel (Cerviprost, Organon) intracervically. Out of 43 cases, 27 were primiparae. Indication for induction was: 10 post-term pregnancies, 9 PROM's > 24h, 12 foetal and 11 maternal indications. Mean Bishop score before induction was 3.1 and 9 hours later or at the beginning of regular contractions 6.7. In 9 of the 43 cases induction was unsuccessful. There were 23 spontaneous vaginal deliveries, 6 forceps and 5 Caesarean sections. Uterine hyperstimulation was found in 6 cases, 5 of which occurred during the first 16 inductions, and only one was seen during the following 27. A possible reason may be unrecognised extra-amniotic application of the gel. Intracervical prostaglandin seems to be an appropriate method not only for cervical ripening but also for induction of labour in cases with a low Bishop score. Although side effects are rare, sufficient monitoring and control of mother and foetus are mandatory.

Administration, Intravaginal↗
PubMed1991

[Therapy of degenerative rheumatic diseases. Need for additional analgesic medication with Phytodolor N].

In 40 inpatients with painful degenerative diseases, the additional requirement for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NAIDs) to obtain results identical with a given daily dose of either 3 x 30 drops of Phytodolor N or placebo administered over 3 weeks was investigated. Under Phytodolor N, a total of 100 mg of diclofenac and 1 tablet (500 mg) of paracetamol were additionally administered in 18 patients; under placebo, 2,400 mg of diclofenac and 3 tablets of paracetamol. In terms of days, additional medication was required on 3 days in the Phytodolor group, and on 47 days in the placebo group. Under Phytodolor N, the improvements obtained were identical to those in the group receiving in part considerably higher doses of NSAIDs and placebo. Clinical improvements are marked and major improvements (p less than 0.05) occur after only 1 week, with improvement being progressive. No side effects were observed.

Aged↗
PubMed1990

Emission of volatile sulfur compounds from spruce trees.

Spruce (Picea Abies L.) trees from the same clone were supplied with different, but low, amounts of plant available sulfate in the soil (9.7-18.1 milligrams per 100 grams of soil). Branches attached to the trees were enclosed in a dynamic gas exchange cuvette and analyzed for the emission of volatile sulfur compounds. Independent of the sulfate supply in the soil, H(2)S was the predominant reduced sulfur compound continuously emitted from the branches with high rates during the day and low rates in the night. In the light, as well as in the dark, the rates of H(2)S emission increased exponentially with increasing water vapor flux from the needles. Approximately 1 nanomole of H(2)S was found to be emitted per mole of water. When stomata were closed completely, only minute emission of H(2)S was observed. Apparently, H(2)S emission from the needles is highly dependent on stromatal aperture, and permeation through the cuticle is negligible. In several experiments, small amounts of dimethylsulfide and carbonylsulfide were also detected in a portion of the samples. However, SO(2) was the only sulfur compound consistently emitted from branches of spruce trees in addition to H(2)S. Emission of SO(2) mainly proceeded via an outburst starting before the beginning of the light period. The total amount of SO(2) emitted from the needles during this outburst was correlated with the plant available sulfate in the soil. The diurnal changes in sulfur metabolism that may result in an outburst of SO(2) are discussed.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1989

Dieting causes menstrual irregularities in normal weight young women through impairment of episodic luteinizing hormone secretion.

Thirteen healthy, normal weight young women were studied throughout a control cycle and a diet cycle, during which they lost 1 kg per week on a vegetarian 800 kcal diet. Blood was sampled daily in the morning, and at weekly intervals, collected at 10-minute intervals for 6 hours. Follicle growth was monitored by ultrasonic measurement. All subjects showed normal cyclic gonadal function during the control cycle. Cyclic gonadal function remained unaltered in two subjects during the diet cycle. No dominant follicle developed in seven others, while another four showed apparently normal follicular development but impaired progesterone secretion by the corpus luteum. Comparison of both cycles revealed that episodic luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion during the follicular phase was altered by dieting. Average LH concentrations and the frequency of episodic secretions were significantly reduced during the follicular phase but not during the luteal phase. Follicle-stimulating hormone was unaltered.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

[Pregnancy-induced gigantomastia].

Gigantomastia complicating pregnancy is rare and of unknown etiology. Medical treatment does not lead to a lasting improvement. We favour surgical treatment, involving plastic reconstructive aspects.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Chemical pathways of the Maillard reaction.

From reaction mixtures of reducing sugars with primary and secondary amines many heterocyclic and carbocyclic compounds have been separated. From the structures of these substances together with the knowledge about reactive intermediates some degradation pathways can be proposed. Caused by the nature of the sugar (pentose, mono- or disaccharide) and the amine (primary or secondary) differences in the pathways are observed. An attempt is made to present some reactions with emphasis to the Maillard reaction in mammalians.

Chemical Phenomena↗
PubMed1988

Dynamic cell culture system: a new cell cultivation instrument for biological experiments in space.

The prototype of a miniaturized cell cultivation instrument for animal cell culture experiments aboard Spacelab is presented (Dynamic cell culture system: DCCS). The cell chamber is completely filled and has a working volume of 200 microliters. Medium exchange is achieved with a self-powered osmotic pump (flowrate 1 microliter h-1). The reservoir volume of culture medium is 230 microliters. The system is neither mechanically stirred nor equipped with sensors. Hamster kidney (Hak) cells growing on Cytodex 3 microcarriers were used to test the biological performance of the DCCS. Growth characteristics in the DCCS, as judged by maximal cell density, glucose consumption, lactic acid secretion and pH, were similar to those in cell culture tubes.

Animals↗