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Biomedical subjects

E Rapp

Publications and source records attributed to E Rapp.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

[Transverse radioulnar branch of the dorsal ulnar nerve: anatomic description and arthroscopic implications from 45 cadaveric dissections].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: We conducted an anatomic study of the transverse branch of the dorsal ulnar nerve to describe its morphology and position in relation to arthroscopic exploration portals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-five non-side-matched anatomic specimens of unknown age and gender were preserved in formol. The dorsal branch of the ulnar nerve was identified and dissected proximally to distally in order to reveal the different terminal branches. The morphometric analysis included measurement of the length and diameter of the transverse branch and measurement of wrist width. We also measured the smallest distance between the transverse branch and the ulnar styloid process, and between the branch and usual arthroscopic portals (4-5, 6R, 6U) in the axis of the forearm. RESULTS: The transverse branch was inconstant. It was found in 12 of the 45 dissection specimens (27%). In two-thirds of the specimens, the branch ran over less than 50% of the wrist width, tangentially to the radiocarpal joint. Mean nerve diameter was 1 mm. It was found 5-6 mm from the ulnar styloid process and was distal to it in 83% of the specimens. The dissections demonstrated two anatomic variants. Type A corresponded to a branch running distally to the ulnar styloid process, parallel to the joint line (10/12 specimens). Type B exhibited a trajectory proximal to the ulnar styloid process, crossing the ulnar head (2/12 specimens). The relations with the arthroscopic portals (4-5, 6R, 6U) showed that the mean distance from the branch to the portal was 3.75 mm for the 4-5 portal (distally in 11/12 specimens), 3.68 mm for the 6R portal (distally in 10/12 specimens), and 4.83 mm for the 6U portal (distally in 7 specimens and proximally in 5). DISCUSSION: To our knowledge, there has been only one report specifically devoted to this transverse branch. Two other reports simply mention its existence. According to the literature, the transverse branch of the dorsal ulnar nerve occurs in 60-80% of the cases. We found two anatomic variations different than those described in the literature. Based on our findings and data reported previously, we propose a new classification, describing two main types. In Type 1, the transverse branch arises proximally to the ulnar styloid process;type 1A and type IB are described in relation to the direction of the branch. In Type II, the branch arises distally to the ulnar styloid process;type IIA and type IIB again being described in relation to the direction of the branch. On the tangential trajectory over the radiocarpal joint, the morphometric data show a zone of risk described by a rectangle measuring 10 mm wide (6 mm distal and 4 mm proximal to the ulnar styloid process) and covering 50% of the wrist width. The relations with arthroscopic portals describe a zone of risk corresponding to a 5-7 mm radius circle centered on the portals (4-5, 6R, 6U), which includes 83% of the transverse branches.

Arm↗
PubMed2004

Repair of distal biceps tendon ruptures using a suture anchor and an anterior approach.

In a prospective study, eight consecutive patients with nine ruptures of the distal biceps tendon underwent repair through a single incision. All patients were satisfied with their clinical results and had full ranges of elbow and forearm motion. There were no radial nerve injuries and no radio-ulnar synostoses. Isokinetic testing, after correction for dominance, demonstrated a 6% strength deficit, but 7% higher endurance in the repaired extremity for the flexion-concentric test, and no strength deficit and 13% higher endurance for supination. The improved endurance is probably explained by initial reduced effort due to apprehension which minimized subsequent fatigue.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Hypothyroid goitre in a ram: chemical analysis gives indirect evidence for a structurally altered type of ovine thyroglobulin.

The thyroglobulin of a ram of the East Friesian milk sheep breed suffering from goitre was investigated by physico- and immunochemical methods. The respective ram was the only animal amongst the other sheep of the flock, that exhibited severe goitre, additionally showing depressed behaviour. Results of the thyroid-stimulating hormone response test were indicative of hypothyroidism. The dysfunction of the thyroid gland could be treated by additional iodine supplementation quite successfully, although all sheep had been given iodinated cattle salt throughout the course of the history. Without reducing conditions sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) of isolated thyroglobulin molecules of the ram and control sheep did not reveal different band patterns, but under reducing conditions different band patterns were evident for the respective animals: the ram's thyroglobulin displayed two main bands, those of healthy reference sheep only one. Both bands reacted equally with anti-thyroglobulin antibodies, even with those produced by immunizing rabbits with single bands. The reduced single thyroglobulin band of healthy sheep corresponded to a truncated form of that molecule, whereas the additional main band of the ram was a more resistant, intact thyroglobulin subunit, as was shown by mass spectrometry. In conclusion, results of physico- and immunochemical investigations gave evidence of a modification of thyroglobulin with suspected different iodine binding properties in the ram. The latter finding may have clinical relevance in similar cases in other species, as it is an example of the impact that a minor change in a protein molecule may have on a complete metabolic pathway. Additionally, it could be shown, that in the ovine species the generally found single main band of thyroglobulin after reduction is a truncated form and not an intact subunit. This truncation seems to be induced in vitro by the reductive sample pretreatment prior to SDS-PAGE.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Influence of pressure upon coupling pressurized capillary electrochromatography with nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

In this work, the influence of supplementary pressure on the separation efficiency of pressurized capillary electrochromatography (pCEC) was examined. At low pressures of up to 30 bar, which is more than sufficient to prevent bubble formation, no significant loss in separation efficiency is observed. Even at 100 bar, the efficiency of pCEC is still significantly better than without application of an electric field. In addition, analysis times are drastically reduced compared to both capillary electrochromatography (CEC) and capillary HPLC. On the basis of these results, an improved interface for capillary NMR coupling is described and used for the separation and identification of a mixture of unsaturated fatty acid methyl esters. Under these conditions, the analysis time could be shortened by up to a factor of 10 when pCEC is coupled to NMR spectroscopy.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗
PubMed2001

Concurrent weekly carboplatin and radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma: report of a joint phase II study.

We report a phase I/II study of weekly concurrent carboplatin and radiotherapy in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (M0 stage). Of 47 patients registered, 45 completed the treatment course. Twenty-six (55%) (95% CI, 41-69%) patients experienced > or =grade 3 acute toxicity (RTOG). Five (11%) (95% CI, 2-20%) patients experienced > or =grade 3 chronic toxicity. This regimen appears to have acceptable toxicity compared to the experimental arm of Phase III Intergroup Study 0099, but progression-free and overall survival are probably inferior. At present, there is no data to suggest that carboplatin can replace cisplatin for concurrent chemoradiation for NPC.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Relative weights of the human carpal bones: biological and functional interests.

The relative carpal weights (Weight of each of the eight carpal bones/Weight of the complete carpus x 100) were studied in a series of 95 complete human adult carpi (dried bones). The greatest was the capitatum (19.92%; mean rank 1.16) and the smallest the pisiform (4.43%; mean rank 8.00). The scaphoideum and the hamatum presented very near values (17.19 and 15.81%; mean ranks 2.34 and 2.74), as did the lunatum and trapezium (12.56 and 12.52%; mean ranks 4.41 and 4.48), and the triquetrum and trapezoideum (9.21 and 8.36%; mean ranks 6.19 and 6.68). Within the proximal row, a regular radio-ulnar decrease was observed from the scaphoideum (39.58%) to the pisiform (10.20%). Within the distal row, a marked break existed between the trapezoideum (14.77%) and the capitatum (35.19%); the capitato-hamatal element represented 63.11% of the distal row. The distal row (mean 56.61%) was always a little heavier than the proximal row (mean 43.39%), resulting in a mean proximo-distal weight ratio of 0.77. A radio-ulnar decrease in the relative weights was observed from the radial to the ulnar carpal columns. The determination of the relative carpal weights is simple, reproducible, non-invasive, rapid, and inexpensive, and can be considered an interesting and valuable approach to the estimation of the relative carpal volumes. Relative carpal weights reveal the intrinsic proportions of the carpus and are the reflection of biological, functional and evolutionary constraints. Interesting relations appear with carpal growth and ossification, with functional characteristics, and with evolutionary processes.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Improved column preparation and performance in capillary electrochromatography.

Problems encountered in capillary electrochromatography, i.e. non-reproducible column manufacture, bubble formation during usage, short column lifetimes and limited choice of packing particles are addressed by the development of fritless or single-frit, internally tapered, segmented and dead-volume free coupled capillary columns. The Van Deemter plots measured demonstrate the performance of these high-quality capillaries which are suitable for capillary electrochromatography as well as for capillary high-performance liquid chromatographic applications.

Benzoates↗
PubMed2000

Electroosmotic and pressure-driven flow in open and packed capillaries: velocity distributions and fluid dispersion

The flow field dynamics in open and packed segments of capillary columns has been studied by a direct motion encoding of the fluid molecules using pulsed magnetic field gradient nuclear magnetic resonance. This noninvasive method operates within a time window that allows a quantitative discrimination of electroosmotic against pressure-driven flow behavior. The inherent axial fluid flow field dispersion and characteristic length scales of either transport mode are addressed, and the results demonstrate a significant performance advantage of an electrokinetically driven mobile phase in both open-tubular and packed-bed geometries. In contrast to the parabolic velocity profile and its impact on axial dispersion characterizing laminar flow through an open cylindrical capillary, a pluglike velocity distribution of the electroosmotic flow field is revealed in capillary electrophoresis. Here, the variance of the radially averaged, axial displacement probability distributions is quantitatively explained by longitudinal molecular diffusion at the actual buffer temperature, while for Poiseuille flow, the preasymptotic regime to Taylor-Aris dispersion can be shown. Compared to creeping laminar flow through a packed bed, the increased efficiency observed in capillary electrochromatography is related to the superior characteristics of the electroosmotic flow profile over any length scale in the interstitial pore space and to the origin, spatial dimension, and hydrodynamics of the stagnant fluid on the support particles' external surface. Using the Knox equation to analyze the axial plate height data, an eddy dispersion term smaller by a factor of almost 2.5 than in capillary high-performance liquid chromatography is revealed for the electroosmotic flow field in the same column.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

Is the renal space closed?

The aim of this study is to verify the aperture or the closure of the renal space. The study is undertaken on histological sections of fetuses in the horizontal and sagittal planes. On each side, the kidney and the suprarenal gland are disposed in a space that is closed on all sides. The anterior and posterior layers of the renal fascia fuse at the upper pole of the space to become continuous with the inferior fascia of the diaphragm. Likewise, they merge at the lower pole and at the lateral border of the space to become continuous with the fasciae of the parietal muscles. At the medial border of the space, the two layers merge to continue medially with the peri-aortocaval connective tissue; they penetrate the hilum and beneath it enclose the ureter.

Cadaver↗
PubMed2000

Microvascularisation of the raphe buccalis in edentulous subjects, fetus, new-born and adult.

The aim of this study is to describe the microvascularisation of the raphe buccalis located at the inner surface of the cheek. The raphe buccalis is the zone where the maxillary and mandibulary prominences fuse in the embryo during the second month of life. This study was conducted using heads from edentulous subjects, fetuses, newborns and adults, injected with Indian ink in agar, then dissected or sectioned in the three basic planes. The vascular networks of the raphe buccalis are as followed: a deep reticular network, a superficial reticular network and a papillary network. The microvascularisation of the raphe buccalis classifies it as a continuation of the commissure of the mouth and of the mucosa of the cheek.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Fritless capillary electrochromatography.

The preparation of packed capillaries with stable frits of good quality can be a hurdle to obtain efficient separations in capillary electrochromatography (CEC). Especially with particles smaller than 3 microm, frit preparation is cumbersome. Highly efficient separations using packed capillaries without frits are presented. Under appropriate CEC conditions the particles were retained by electrophoretic attraction towards the anode by a tapered capillary inlet, without the need of a frit at the outlet end. Such fritless capillaries, packed with 1.5 microm nonporous reversed-phase particles, allowed separations with efficiencies of more than 500,000 plates/m. Once the capillaries were conditioned properly, more than 100 separations could be performed with good repeatability. With respect to separation efficiency, fritless capillaries packed with 3 microm particles were comparable with standard CEC capillaries with frits. Examples of separations of steroids, a pesticide and its by-products, and cardiac glycosides under various CEC conditions are shown.

Chromatography, Liquid↗
PubMed1999

Restoration of sensation over the contact surfaces of the thumb-index pinch grip using the terminal branches of the superficial branch of the radial nerve.

In huge median nerve losses and in some brachial plexus lesions, absence of sensation over the pulps of the index finger and the thumb preclude their use without visual control. Currently, end-to-side anastomosis is a new option available (when the ulnar nerve is intact) but we have reviewed the results of 7 cases of nerve anastomosis between the sensory branches of the radial nerve and the collateral nerves of the thumb (ulnar) and index finger (radial). Palmar translocation of the donor nerve, as classically performed, was used in two cases and the technique was subsequently modified to provide a better nerve suture by dorsal transfer of the collateral nerves of the thumb and index. Two sequellae of brachial plexus lesions and 5 cases of extensive defects of the median nerve were reviewed at a mean follow up of 5 years. With the classical technique the two point discrimination was 15 mm in one case and more in the other; with the modified technique, 4 patients achieved a thumb discriminaTion of 9 mm, 12 mm (2 cases) and 13 mm.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Type of screw does not influence holding power in the femoral head: a cadaver study with shearing test.

We studied the holding power during cut-out tests of 4 different screw fixation devices of the femoral head, correlated to head size and bone density, on 48 paired deep frozen proximal femurs of fresh gross specimens. We found no significant effect of the device on the holding power. There was a significantly higher maximal load at failure in large and dense heads. It seems then unnecessary to advocate more sophisticated but also more expensive devices to fix femoral neck fractures.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

Results of a phase III, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of megestrol acetate modulation of P-glycoprotein-mediated drug resistance in the first-line management of small-cell lung carcinoma.

The objective of this study was to determine if the addition of megestrol acetate (MA), a modulator of P-glycoprotein-mediated drug resistance, to first-line cytotoxic therapy in patients with limited and advanced stage small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) would improve median time to disease progression and median overall survival. Secondary outcomes evaluated were response rates and patient symptom profile. Between 1992 and 1995, 130 eligible patients were randomized in a double-blind fashion to receive standard first-line therapy consisting of alternating courses of cyclophosphamide/doxorubicin/vincristine and etoposide/cisplatin (and thoracic radiotherapy for limited stage patients), along with either placebo or MA 160 mg t.i.d. for 8 days commencing 3 days before initiation of each cycle of chemotherapy. Treatment was continued for a maximum of six cycles. A total of 130 eligible patients were randomized, 65 to each arm. Fifty-two per cent of patients had limited disease and 48% had advanced disease. The median time to disease progression in limited stage disease was 46 weeks in the placebo arm and 43 weeks in the MA arm (P = 0.71) and in advanced stage disease was 28 weeks in the placebo arm and 27 weeks in the MA arm (P = 0.92). The median overall survival in limited stage disease was 75 weeks in the placebo arm and 75 weeks in the MA arm (P = 0.56) and in advanced stage disease was 41 weeks in the placebo arm and 39 weeks in the MA arm (P = 0.96). There was no consistent statistical difference in response rates or patient symptom profiles between the two treatment arms. The addition of MA, in the dose and schedule used, to standard first-line cytotoxic therapy in SCLC did not result in a significant improvement in response rates, symptom profile, median time to disease progression or overall survival.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗
PubMed1997

[Proximal tibial meniscal slope: a comparison with the bone slope].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: X-ray measurements of the proximal tibial slope only study bony structures, without considering cartilage and meniscil thickness. It is well known that the posterior horn of the meniscil is thicker than the anterior one, and this could decrease the bony postero-distal slope. The aim of this study was to measure the meniscal slope, including cartilage and meniscil, and to compare it to the usual bony slope. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 19 knee cadaver specimens without meniscal or chondral lesions were studied. Four metallic clamps were inserted at the most anterior or posterior part of the medial or lateral meniscosynovial border. Lateral plain X-ray was taken for each knee. The bony proximal tibial slope and the medial and lateral meniscal slopes were measured and compared for each knee. Paired Wilcoxon T-test and correlations were calculated with a 5 per cent significant limit. RESULTS: The mean paired difference between bony slope and medial or lateral meniscal slope was -6 degrees: the actual meniscal slope was less oblique than the bony slope, and it was almost perpendicular to the proximal tibial axis. There was a very significant correlation between bony and medial meniscal slopes. There was no correlation between bony and lateral meniscal slopes, nor between medial and lateral meniscal slopes. DISCUSSION: These results suggest that the proximal tibial meniscal slope, which is the mechanically active one, is less oblique than the usually measured bony slope. Medial meniscal slope and bony slopes are very strongly correlated for one given knee. But medial and lateral meniscal slopes can be very different for one given knee. CONCLUSION: These results could have an influence on the design of total or unicondylar knee replacements: the polyethylene slope of the tibial surface, which should reconstruct the natural articular design, should reproduce the meniscal, and not the bony slope. The medial and lateral slopes, should perhaps be individually reconstructed.

Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee↗
PubMed1995

Peptide synthesis using novel S-sulfocysteine derivatives.

New cysteine S-sulfonate derivatives, Boc-Cys(SO3Na)-ONa 2 and Fmoc-Cys(SO3Na)-ONa 3, were prepared and their utility for peptide synthesis examined. The Fmoc derivative 3 was used in the solid-phase peptide synthesis of Arg8-vasopressin 9 via the Bunte salt 7. Satisfactory S-sulfonate stability was observed when p-cresol scavenged the cleavage from the resin. The intermediate 7 was purified by ion-exchange chromatography prior to S-sulfonate cleavage with tributylphosphine.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1995

Ultrastructural study of unidentified inclusions in the cornea and iridocorneal angle of dogs with pannus.

The corneas and/or the iridocorneal angles of 13 dogs were examined morphologically by use of transmission electron microscopy. Virologic identification techniques also were used for tissue from 2 dogs. Four dogs had clinical signs of chronic superficial keratitis or pannus, 9 dogs had normal eyes. In the tissue from 7 dogs (4 German Shepherd Dogs with chronic superficial keratitis; 2 German Shepherd Dogs and 1 mixed-breed dog with normal eyes) we found unusual cytoplasmic inclusions. Inclusions were not found in dogs of other breeds with normal eyes. The inclusions were observed in corneal fibroblasts, vascular endothelial cells, and macrophages, as well as in trabecular cells and fibroblasts of the iridocorneal angle. They were often grouped within the rough endoplasmic reticulum or found free in the cytoplasm. The cylindrical particles had a helical substructure, measuring 20 nm in diameter and up to 400 nm long, with a distance of 10 nm for the repeating turns. Results of virologic culturing on canine and seal kidney cells were negative, as was staining with fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled antibodies against canine distemper virus, canine herpesvirus, canine parvovirus, and canine adenovirus. Relevance of the inclusion bodies described is discussed. Because our results seem to hint at a correlation between presence of the rod shaped particles and German Shepherd Dogs with pannus, we suggest that an etiologic or pathogenic connection exists that merits further examination.

Animals↗