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Biomedical subjects

C Jäger

Publications and source records attributed to C Jäger.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

[Surgical management of ovarian ectopic pregnancy].

Ovarian pregnancies represent a small fraction of ectopic gestations. They are especially feared due to their life-threatening intraabdominal hemorrhage. Pre- and intraoperative diagnosis is difficult. Pathogenetically ovarian pregnancy arises from the retention of a fertilized ovum in the ovary. General guidelines for the medical management are missing. In this case report, we diagnosed a subacute ruptured ovarian pregnancy during surgery and performed a partial ovarectomy via operative laparoscopy. Other therapeutic options in managing ovarian ectopic pregnancy will be discussed.

Adult↗

Laparoscopic hernia repair--TAPP or/and TEP?

BACKGROUND: Of various endoscopic hernia repair procedures, TAPP and TEP have been selected for routine use. METHODS: Results from Medline research were analysed. RESULTS: There is a similar risk for postoperative morbidity for both techniques. The recurrence rate in large single-centre series is between 0% and 3.4%. There were numerous indications for both procedures, whereby a transperitoneal TAPP can also be applied in cases of previous preperitoneal operations. CONCLUSION: Randomised trials comparing both methods of hernia repair are lacking. Seven non-randomised studies showed no differences in recurrence rate and morbidity. In general the learning curve for is shorter in favour of TAPP repair.

Hernia, Inguinal↗

[Sunlight-induced granulomatous reaction to permanent lip liner].

The demand for permanent make up and especially permanent lip liner has increased in recent years in Germany. Information about complications is not available in the medical literature, because tattooing is a trade whose results and problems are not monitored and documented, as is the case for medical procedures. A female patient with permanent lip liner experienced no complications for one year. Then, after intensive sun exposure she developed solid, linear papules along the outer margin of her lips. Histology revealed a granulomatous tissue reaction with a marked lymphohistiocytic infiltrate including epithelioid histiocytes. Treatment with topical steroids over three weeks led to a complete healing without relapse. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report on UV-light-induced granulomatous reaction to permanent lip liner.

Female↗

The AESOP robot system in laparoscopic surgery: increased risk or advantage for surgeon and patient?

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the advantages and risks of the Automated Endoscopic System for Optical Positioning (AESOP) 3000 robot system during uncomplicated laparoscopic cholecystectomies or laparoscopic hernioplasty. METHODS: In a randomized study, we examined two groups of 120 patients each with the diagnosis cholecystolithiasis respectively the unilateral inguinal hernia. We worked with the AESOP 3000, a robotic arm system that is voice-controlled by the surgeon. The subjective and objective comfort of the surgeon as well as the course and length of the operation were measured. RESULTS: The robot-assisted operations required significantly longer preparation and operation times. With regard to the necessary commands and manual camera corrections, the assistant group was favored. The same was true for the subjective evaluation of the surgical course by the surgeon. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that the use of AESOP during laparoscopic cholecystectomy and hernioplasty is possible in 94% of all cases. The surgeon must accept a definite loss of comfort as well as a certain loss of time against the advantage of saving on personnel.

Adolescent↗

Detection of carbonates in dust shells around evolved stars.

Carbonates on large Solar System bodies like Earth and Mars (the latter represented by the meteorite ALH84001) form through the weathering of silicates in a watery (CO3)2- solution. The presence of carbonates in interplanetary dust particles and asteroids (again, represented by meteorites) is not completely understood, but has been attributed to aqueous alteration on a large parent body, which was subsequently shattered into smaller pieces. Despite efforts, the presence of carbonates outside the Solar System has hitherto not been established. Here we report the discovery of the carbonates calcite and dolomite in the dust shells of evolved stars, where the conditions are too primitive for the formation of large parent bodies with liquid water. These carbonates, therefore, are not formed by aqueous alteration, but perhaps through processes on the surfaces of dust or ice grains or gas phase condensation. The presence of carbonates which did not form by aqueous alteration suggests that some of the carbonates found in Solar System bodies no longer provide direct evidence that liquid water was present on large parent bodies early in the history of the Solar System.

Astronomical Phenomena↗

[Juvenile dermatomyositis in the Nice area: a retrospective study 1991-2001].

INTRODUCTION: Juvenile dermatomyositis is a rare disease. We conducted a retrospective chart review on patients with juvenile dermatomyositis diagnosed in the Nice area from 1991 to 2001. Our purpose was to review diagnosis criteria and treatment strategies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The cases of juvenile dermatomyositis were identified by phone investigation of physicians of the departments of paediatrics, dermatology, rheumatology and internal medicine. RESULTS: Seven cases of juvenile dermatomyositis (sex ratio M/W: 0.75, medium age: 7.7 years) were identified. Myalgia and/or weakness were the main reasons for initial consultation. Cutaneous lesions were present in all patients on initial presentation. Muscular enzymes were abnormal in 4 cases out of 7. Muscular biopsy was conducted in 6 patients. In one case, MRI revealed an inflammatory involvement although no clinical or biological sign existed. Systemic corticosteroids was the initial treatment, associated with monthly intravenous immunoglobulins in 5 cases, allowing initial control of the disease in all cases. The other therapies were: methotrexate (3 cases), ciclosporin A (1 case), and chloroquine (2 cases). The evolution was monocyclic in three cases, polycyclic in four cases. With a median follow-up of two years, all the patients are alive: five under treatment, three still in first flare. COMMENT: The diagnosis strategy seems relevant because at least 3 criteria of Peter and Bohan were found in 6/7 patients. Muscular biopsy appears fundamental in the diagnosis strategy. MRI was useful when it was conducted but its use has to be assessed. Therapies were those of previous published studies, except for the use of intravenous immunoglobulins as first-line treatment, associated with corticosteroids. This strategy may be justified for corticosteroid-sparing purposes. CONCLUSION: Working on a real, well-codified strategy of diagnosis and treatment would enhance the uniform management of these patients.

Adolescent↗

Isolation of membrane protein subunits in their native state: evidence for selective binding of chlorophyll and carotenoid to the b(6) subunit of the cytochrome b(6)f complex.

Cytochrome (cyt) b-c complexes play a central role in electron transfer chains and are almost ubiquitous in nature. Although similar in their basic structure and function, the cyt b(6)f complex of photosynthetic membranes and its counterpart, the mitochondrial cyt bc(1) complex, show some characteristic differences which cannot be explained by the high resolution structure of the cyt bc(1) complex alone. Especially the presence of a chlorophyll molecule is a striking feature of all cyt b(6)f complex preparations described so far, imposing questions as to its structural and functional role. To allow a more detailed characterization, we here report the preparation of native subunits cyt b(6) and IV starting from a monomeric cyanobacterial cyt b(6)f complex. Spectroscopical and reversed-phase HPLC analyses of the purified cyt b(6) subunit showed that it contained not only two b-type hemes, but also one chlorophyll a molecule and a cyanobacterial carotenoid, echinenone. Evidence for selective binding of both pigments to this subunit is presented and their putative function is discussed.

Carotenoids↗

Bond-shift rearrangement in solid Li(3)P(7)(monoglyme)(3): a (31)P MAS NMR study.

The (31)P MAS NMR spectrum of solid Li(3)P(7)(monoglyme)(3) has been reinvestigated over a wide temperature range (-70 to +77 degrees C) and under conditions of better resolution (Larmor frequency of 162 MHz and spinning rate of approximately 30 kHz) than previously measured (121 MHz and 13 kHz). At low temperatures three spinning sideband (ssb) manifolds are observed: a singlet (centered at -45 ppm relative to 85% H(3)PO(4)) due to the apical atom (A) of the P(7)-cage trianion; a 1 : 1 : 1 triplet (at -110, -117, and -124.5 ppm) due to the negatively charged equatorial (E) atoms, and a one to two doublet (at -161 and -168.5 ppm) due to the basal (B) atoms. These results are consistent with the P(7) cage having nearly, but not perfect, C(3v) symmetry. The compound appears to be well ordered in the solid state with very little structural dispersity. On heating, the NMR lines broaden and eventually coalesce into a single ssb manifold. This behavior is ascribed to bond-shift rearrangement similar to the Cope rearrangement in bullvalene. A MAS 2D exchange experiment and a quantitative analysis of the 1D NMR lineshapes indicate that, unlike in solution where the rearrangement involves a single bond shift at a time, in the solid the process involves a succession of two bond shifts: The first leads to an intermediate species in which the rearranged P(7) cage is inverted, while in the subsequent step a second bond shift takes place that also restores the original orientation of the cage in the lattice. The overall effect of the double bond shift is equivalent to cyclic permutation of the phosphorus atoms within the five member rings of the P(7)-cage. The quantitative analysis of the dynamic lineshapes shows that this cyclic permutation proceeds at a different rate in one ring (k(d)(1)) than in the other two (k(d)(2,3)). The kinetic parameters for these processes are E(a)(1)=18.7 kJ/mol, E(a)(2,3)=58.0 kJ/mol, k(d)(1)(17 degrees C)=k(d)(2,3)(17 degrees C)=10(4) s(-1). No indications for independent threefold molecular jumps of the P(7) cage were found.

Journal Article↗

Multiplex-PCR-based differentiation and characterization of Candida-isolates derived from tortoises (Testudinidae).

Candida isolates (n=23) derived from Testudinidae were investigated by multiplex-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The isolates comprised 13 Candida (C.) tropicalis, nine C. albicans and one C. parapsilosis. In addition, five reference strains C. albicans (ATCC 10231), C. tropicalis (DSM 4238), C. parapsilosis (DSM 4237), C. glabrata (ATCC 70614) and C. krusei (ATCC 70075) were investigated. PCR revealed easily distinguishable species-specific amplicons of the chs1-gene and resulted in a clear identification in all cases. No discrepancies between conventional identification techniques and the PCR-based system were seen. The described PCR offers a rapid alternative to conventional techniques for the identification of C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis and C. krusei.

Animals↗

Sequencing and characterization of the cryptic plasmid QpRS from Coxiella burnetii.

Plasmid QpRS from Coxiella burnetii, isolate Priscilla Q177, phase I, has been completely sequenced. DNA for sequencing was amplified with "extra-long" (XL) PCR. The size of the QpRS plasmid sequence was determined to be 39,280 bp, with a G + C content of 39.3%. Putative proteins associated with replication and recombination were identified. The sequence of QpRS plasmid was analyzed for shared and unique regions among C. burnetii plasmids.

Base Sequence↗

Formation and degradation of a synthetic humic acid derived from 3-fluorocatechol.

A synthetic fluorinated humic acid (FHA) was prepared by the spontaneous oxidative polymerization of 3-fluorocatechol. The 13C-solid-state NMR spectrum showed signals in the region for aromatic carbons with different substituents (aryl-H, aryl-C, aryl-O carbons) and for carboxyl-carbon. The latter indicated the formation of carboxylic groups, probably caused by ring cleavages during the polymerization process. An indication of the formation of carboxylic groups was also found in the infrared spectrum (band at 1715 cm(-1)). The dissolved FHA was degraded with active mycelium of the agaric white-rot fungus Nematoloma frowardii as well as with its isolated manganese peroxidase. In both cases, decolorization of the brownish FHA solution and partial defluorination (45-60%) took place. Degradation proceeded via formation of lower-molecular-mass fulvic acid-like substances. The results demonstrate that halogenated humic substances, e.g., resulting from the humification of xenobiotic compounds (bound residues), can in principle be eliminated by ligninolytic fungi (e.g., soil colonizing litter decomposers) and their manganese peroxidase system.

Agaricales↗

Through-bond connectivity in solids by continuous-wave spin lock.

A simple two-dimensional correlation experiment that enables determination of through-bond connectivity in the solid state is described. The experiment is performed under fast magic angle spinning (MAS) conditions. After the initial pi/2 pulse, the magnetization develops freely under the MAS Hamiltonian. The t1-period is followed by a strong spin locking pulse used as mixing period. The dipolar coupling is averaged out by magic angle spinning, and the chemical shifts and r.f.-offsets are scaled by the applied spin locking field. Hence, for strong locking conditions, the isotropic J-coupling is the dominant interaction. The mixing Hamiltonian is thus identical to the well-known TOCSY-Hamiltonian, resulting in a net through-bond magnetization transfer. The mixing-time dependence of the exchange rates is investigated. Applications to crystalline P4S7 and MgP4O11 are shown.

Magnesium Compounds↗

Comparative study of motions in dimethylsulfone by noise excitation and solid echo spectroscopy.

2H NMR spectra of dimethylsulfone were measured with noise excitation and solid echo NMR spectroscopy in the temperature range from 125 to 355 K. Besides the known fact that broad NMR spectra can be measured with both methods, in comparable times it is shown that for noise excitation, the signal loss is negligible compared to echo spectroscopy in the regime when the correlation times of the motions are of the order of magnitude of the echo pulse spacing. For simulating the dynamic NMR spectra acquired with noise excitation, only the motional process must be taken into account and relaxation can be neglected. Furthermore, the problem of restricted acquisition bandwidth in noise NMR spectroscopy is discussed.

Cold Temperature↗

[Prevalence of Chlamydia infections in breeding sows and their importance in reproductive failure].

To investigate the prevalence of chlamydial infection and their significance for reproductive disorders in sow breeding herds in Germany, blood samples of 1493 pigs were taken for a serological survey by enzyme-linked-immunosorbent-assay (ELISA). Antibodies to Chlamydiae were found in 33% of the samples, in all herds investigated responders could be detected. The rate of seropositive animals in different farms varied from 4.3% to 72.7%. The percentage of positive responders in the farms correlated positively with the occurrence of MMA-syndrome (mastitis, metritis, agalactia), return to oestrus and diseases of the piglets. Also these herds showed less weaned piglets per sow and litter. Comparison of seronegative and seropositive sows within single farms revealed also worse reproductive data for seropositive sows. A significant relationship could be found between farms with a high quota of sero-positive sows and poor hygiene status as well as poultry keeping. As a second step 124 cervical swabs and 9 aborted piglets were investigated for chlamydial antigen by capture-ELISA and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Using the capture-ELISA for investigation only 3 probes with chlamydial antigen could be detected, however, examination by the more sensible PCR gave positive results in 50% of the probes. 20% of the PCR-positive animals were clinically healthy sows, 80% of the PCR-positive probes originated from sows with reproductive disorders. A significant relationship could be shown between PCR-positive probes and the incidence of abortion and litters with stillborn piglets and piglets with low viability. Swabs from 93 of the 124 sows were investigated as well for other bacterial pathogens of reproductive disorders. A high degree of micro-organisms of different species could be detected in 70% of the samples of sows with reproductive disorders and in 35% of the samples of clinically healthy sows. Species differentiation of the chlamydial antigen positive samples was done by southern blot hybridisation. Herewith C. psittaci could be diagnosed in all positive samples. Additionally 8 probes revealed a mixed infection with C. psittaci and C. trachomatis. The results of the present study show, that the prevalence of chlamydial infections in breeding herds is high and underline the importance of chlamydial infections for reproductive disorders. Single chlamydial infections as well as mixed infections with other pathogens must be considered.

Animals↗

Activation mechanisms of the urokinase-type plasminogen activator promoter by hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor.

Hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF) is a pleiotropic effector inducing invasion and metastasis of tumor cells that express the Met tyrosine kinase receptor. One of the effectors of HGF/SF is the urokinase-type plasminogen activator, a serine protease that facilitates tumor progression and metastasis by controlling the synthesis of the extracellular matrix degrading plasmin. Stimulation of NIH 3T3 cells that were stably transfected with the human Met receptor (NIH 3T3-Methum) with HGF/SF induced a trans-activation of the urokinase promoter and urokinase secretion. Induction of the urokinase promoter by HGF/SF via the Met receptor was blocked by co-expression of a dominant-negative Grb2 and Sos1 expression construct. Further, the expression of the catalytically inactive mutants of Ha-Ras, RhoA, c-Raf, and Erk2 or addition of the Mek1-specific inhibitor PD 098059 abrogated the stimulation of the urokinase promoter by HGF/SF. A sequence residing between -2109 and -1870 base pairs (bp) was critical for stimulation of the urokinase gene by HGF/SF. Mobility shift assays with oligonucleotides spanning an AP-1 site at -1880 bp or a combined PEA3/AP-1 site at -1967 bp showed binding of nuclear factors from NIH 3T3-Methum cells. Expression of an expression plasmid that inhibits DNA binding of AP-1 proteins (A-Fos) abrogated inducible and basal activation of the urokinase promoter. Nuclear extract from unstimulated NIH 3T3-Methum cells contained more JunD and showed a stronger JunD supershift with the AP-1 oligonucleotides, compared with HGF/SF-stimulated cells. Consistent with the levels of JunD expression being functionally important for basal expression of the urokinase promoter, we found that overexpression of wild type JunD inhibited the induction of the urokinase promoter by HGF/SF. These data suggest that the induction of urokinase by HGF/SF is regulated by a Grb2/Sos1/Ha-Ras/c-Raf/RhoA/Mek1/Erk2/c-++ +Jun-dependent mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway.

3T3 Cells↗

Off-angle correlation spectroscopy applied to spin-1/2 and quadrupolar nuclei.

A two-dimensional correlation experiment is described, in which homonuclear dipolar couplings are used to realize through-space magnetization exchange on spin-1/2 (31P) and on quadrupolar nuclei (23Na and 11B). In the detection period, Magic Angle Spinning is applied to enhance resolution, and the dipole couplings are re-introduced in the mixing period by spinning off the Magic Angle. The dependency of the exchange rates on the mixing time and the spinning angle is investigated. The influence of strong spin-locking during mixing is discussed, and shown in the spin-1/2 case to remove the dependence on chemical shift offset effects. For quadrupolar spins, the experiment yields information on the relative tensor orientations of the coupled quadrupoles. Applications to crystalline sodium aluminum diphosphate, sodium sulphite, and potassium borate glasses are shown.

Boron↗