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Biomedical subjects

F Böcker

Publications and source records attributed to F Böcker.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

Nerve cell loss in the thalamic mediodorsal nucleus in Huntington's disease.

We estimated the total neurone number, glial number, and glial index (ratio glial cells/neurone) in the thalamic mediodorsal nucleus (MD) in seven patients suffering from Huntington's disease (HD; four males, three females, mean age 52.4 +/- 13.6 years) and age- and sex-matched controls (four males, three females, mean age 53.6 +/- 12.1 years) by means of a stereological protocol. The mean total neurone number (N(T)) in the MD of controls was 2,985,188 +/- 174,710, the mean glial number (G(T); astrocytes, oligodendrocytes) 21,785,008 +/- 2,986,678, and the glial index 7.29 +/- 0.88. In HD, the average neurone number was decreased by 23.8% to 2,275,321 +/- 247,162 (Mann-Whitney U-test P < 0.05), the mean glial number by 29.7% to 15,318,895 +/- 1,722,524 (Mann-Whitney U-test P < 0.05), the glial index was slightly reduced to 6.81 +/- 1.06. Gallyas' impregnation for the demonstration of fibrous astroglia gave strongly positive results in all cases with HD and negative results in the controls. The morpho-functional correlation of the results is complicated because individual variability, presence of segregated and parallel neuronal circuits, and plasticity of the adult human CNS must be considered.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Nerve cell loss in the thalamic centromedian-parafascicular complex in patients with Huntington's disease.

The centromedian-parafascicular complex represents a nodal point in the neuronal loop comprising striatum--globulus pallidus--thalamus--striatum. Striatal neurone degeneration is a hallmark in Huntington's disease and we were interested in estimating total neurone and glial number in this thalamic nuclear complex. Serial 500-microns-thick gallocyanin-stained frontal sections of the left hemisphere from six cases of Huntington's disease patients (three females, three males) and six age- and sex-matched controls were investigated applying Cavalieri's principle and the optical disector. Mean neurone number in the controls was 646,952 +/- 129,668 cells versus 291,763 +/- 60,122 in Huntington's disease patients (Mann-Whitney U-test, P < 0.001). Total glial cell number (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, and unclassifiable glial profiles) was higher in controls with 9,544,191 +/- 3,028,944 versus 6,961,989 +/- 2,241,543 in Huntington's disease patients (Mann-Whitney U-test, P < 0.021). Considerable increase of fibrous astroglia within the centromedian-parafascicular complex could be observed after Gallyas' impregnation. Most probably this cell type enhanced the numerical ratio between glial number and neurone number (glial index: Huntington's disease patients = 24.4 +/- 8.1; controls = 15.0 +/- 5.2; Mann-Whitney U-test, P < 0.013). The neurone number in the centromedian-parafascicular complex correlated negatively, although statistically not significantly, with the striatal neurone number. This lack of correlation between an 80% neuronal loss in the striatum and a 55% neurone loss in the centromedian-parafascicular complex points to viable neuronal circuits connecting the centromedian-parafascicular complex with cortical and subcortical regions that are less affected in Huntington's disease.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

[Psychiatric aspects of surgical therapy in advanced age].

Nowadays, in medical treatment of the aged, anaesthesiology and surgical techniques permit extensive operative interventions, whereby there ist no given age limit. Apparently, possible psychic problems which often occur in old age play no role; publications in this area are scarce. Very little research has been carried out concerning the problem of patient's consent for the operation, the risks involved in anaesthesia and operation which are probably increased by brain deficiency, and the patient's reduced ability to cooperate in rehabilitation. So far, there are many questions but few answers.

Aged↗
PubMed1985

[Applicability of digital methods in x-ray diagnosis].

The significance of digital examination methods continues to grow. Since the introduction of computer tomography, two additional digital imaging modalities-digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)--have been developed. In this paper we present basic techniques of computerized image processing and outline foreseeable future developments. Furthermore, we discuss the possibilities and problems presented by digital picture archiving and communication systems (PACS).

Analog-Digital Conversion↗
PubMed1981

Methods of suicide prophylaxis in general practice.

In the Federal Republic of Germany, it is necessary to justify the assertion that suicide prophylaxis is an important part of humane medical treatment and a humane society. Nearly all diseases and disturbances having psychological bearing are associated with suicide. The general practitioner, in particular, is in a position to recognize and treat these conditions at an early stage.

Family Practice↗
PubMed1978

[The psychiatric emergency in general practice].

Emergencies (conditions requiring immediate interference with putting aside all other obligations) in psychiatry are acute excitatory states and threats or attempts of suicide. In both situations systematic and prudent medical management is necessary. Taking into consideration the conditions in private practice, the principles of conduct and therapeutic procedure are outlined.

Alcoholism↗
PubMed1975

[Suicide in the elderly (author's transl)].

The frequency of suicide increases with age. In addition to loneliness and isolation, many old people have to contend with diseases which affect their whole physical and often also their mental being. Every doctor can find numerous opportunities here for effective prophylaxis of suicide.

Age Factors↗