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Biomedical subjects

H Christ

Publications and source records attributed to H Christ.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2004

[Haemorrhoids are too often assumed and treated. Survey of 548 patients with anal discomfort].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Anal complaints, caused not by haemorrhoids but by anal folds, fissures or perianal thrombosis, are probably too often and wrongly attributed to haemorrhoids by patients and self-treated. It was the aim of this study to find out how frequently patients with anal complaints make this false assumption and how successful their self treatment is. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 458 consecutive patients referred between May and November 2001 with unclear abdominal and/or anal symptoms were investigated by a standardized questionnaire/interview, including any experience with wet compresses, haemorrhoidal ointments or results of a doctor's treatment of haemorrhoids. They were then examined by procto-coloscopy. The findings were documented on the questionnaire and the data stored in an computer. RESULTS: 344 of the 548 patients (63 %) believed that they had haemorrhoids, 184 (34 %) did not think so, and 20 (3 %) left the question unanswered. Haemorrhoids were found to be present in 18 % and 13 %, respectively. Bleeding, pain, itching and burning sensation around the anus were the most common symptoms in both groups. 151 of the 184 patients who did not think they had haemorrhoids (82 %) had been previously treated by a doctor for "haemorrhoids". 28 % of this group of patients and 36 % of those thought to have haemorrhoids had similar results with wet compresses, creams or ointments, and the two groups were also similar regarding the number found to have anal disease. CONCLUSION: Since many patients who had wrongly thought to have haemorrhoids had "treated" them successfully with wet compresses, creams or ointments, their complaints cannot be relied upon diagnostically. Doctors should not be misled by patients' complaints into assuming the presence of haemorrhoids and treat them, because this would incur unnecessary cost and bring little success.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Correlation between BMI, leisure habits and motor abilities in childhood (CHILT-project).

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of childhood obesity is increasing with its negative medical and psychosocial consequences. This paper examines the association between body mass index (BMI), motor abilities and leisure habits of 668 children within the CHILT (Children's Health InterventionaL Trial) project. METHOD: A total of 668 children (51.0% boys; 49.0% girls) and their parents were questioned on sport and leisure behaviour of the children. The anthropometric data were measured. Motor abilities were determined by a body gross motor development test for children (Köperkoordinationstest für Kinder; KTK) and a 6-min run. RESULTS: The children were 6.70 +/- 0.42 y old, 122.72 +/- 5.36 cm tall and weighed 24.47 +/- 4.59 kg, the average BMI was 16.17 +/- 2.27 kg/m2. KTK showed an average motor quotient (MQ) of 93.49 +/- 15.01, the 6-min run an average of 835.24 +/- 110.87 m. Both tests were inversely correlated with BMI (KTK and BMI r=-0.164 (P<0.001); 6-min run and BMI r=-0.201 (P<0.001)); the group of overweight/obese children showed poorer results than the normal/underweight ones, even after adjustment for gender and age (in each case P<0.001). Children with the greatest extent of exercise achieve the highest MQ (P=0.035). SUMMARY: Overweight/obesity is associated with a poorer body gross motor development and endurance performance. On the other hand, an active lifestyle is positively correlated with a better gross motor development in first-grade children. Therefore, to prevent the negative consequences of physical inactivity and overweight/obesity early intervention to support exercise and movement is recommended.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2003

[Evaluation of continuing medical education (CME) in print media].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In order to achieve points for the CME certificate of the German Medical Council ("Arztekammer") the reader of a CME article in a medical journal has to fill in an evaluation form that includes knowledge assessment. This article summarizes the data of the first ten CME presentations in the "Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift". METHODS: 4481 completed data sets were evaluated by chi-square and binomial tests using SPSS version 10.0. RESULTS: 85% of the participants were specialists, mainly in internal medicine or surgery: those working in private practice or a hospital took part. The great majority had received their licence one to 30 years ago. The topics dealt with diseases which were not uniformly often seen in clinical practice. The individually perceived changes in the strategy of diagnosis and therapy, induced by the CME article, was mainly dependent on qualification and specialization of the reader as well as on the frequency, with which the reader had been treating the respective disorder. The articles were appreciated by specialists as well as by non-specialists. Knowledge assessment was largely made on the basis of the article alone and was successfully passed by nearly 90% of the participants. CONCLUSION: For the first time this article provides detailed data on CME activities in a nation-wide available German medical journal and thus forms the basis for discussing further the definition of quality criteria for CME articles in medical journals.

Binomial Distribution↗
PubMed2003

[Continuing medical education in Germany--the northrhenian experience].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: For Germany there exist only very little data concerning the practice of continuous medical education (CME). The introduction of the CME certificate has made it possible to gather data about the CME activities and their evaluation which are presented here for the northrhenian chamber of physicians. METHODS: In 2002 the northrhenian academy for CME has certified more than 5500 CME activities and more than 2000 maintenance-of-quality group activities. In addition the evaluation forms of the first 4486 consecutive participants have been evaluated,including those of the northrhenian CME congress on the isle of Norderney. RESULTS: 94 % of the participants had received their license between 1 and 30 years ago and 81 % attended > or = 1 CME activity per month. Currently there exist only very few digital media certified for CME, which is dominated by oral presentations of which 85 % have gained > or = 2 points for the certificate (150 points in 3 years). General practitioners and internists together represented nearly 40 % of the participants, the others represent a broad spectrum of specialties. Topics and presentation were rated as of high quality and clinical relevance, which was also true for sponsored CME. CONCLUSION: Certified CME is currently dominated by oral presentations which mostly take place outside the working hours and which are rated as of high quality and clinical relevance.

Certification↗
PubMed1993

The gene coding for the major sheath protein of Litomosoides carinii microfilariae, gp22, is transcribed in oocytes and embryonic cells.

The transcription and translation of the gene encoding gp22, a major constituent of the microfilarial sheath of the filarial parasite Litomosoides carinii were studied by in situ hybridisation and immunohistology. Transcription of the gp22 gene is confined to oocytes and embryos in the reproductive organs of adult female worms. It starts in oocytes in the rhachis zone, is maximal in multicellular embryos and decreases slowly as the microfilariae develop. Blood microfilariae lack the gp22 transcript. The gp22 gene product is first detectable in parasites recovered on day 32 post infection. Expression of gp22 begins in multicellular embryos in the uteri of mature female worms and can be detected in all further developed intrauterine stages. The gp22 gene product appears to be exported by the embryonic cells and becomes integrated into the sheath where it may contribute to the flexibility of the latter structure.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1992

Trans-splicing of an early embryo mRNA in Litomosoides carinii, coding for the major microfilarial sheath protein gp22.

Both genomic and cDNA clones have been isolated encoding the major sheath glycoprotein, gp22, of Litomosoides carinii microfilariae. The mature gp22 mRNA is shown to result from both trans-splicing of a 22-nucleotide 5'-leader sequence to an acceptor site at position 313 of the pre-mRNA, immediately upstream from the start codon, and from cis-splicing of a 117-nt intron located within the coding sequence. Cis-splicing precedes the trans-splicing reaction. The gp22 reading frame of 148 codons has the inferred structure of a prepro-protein and includes a leader peptide and a pro-segment ahead of the known N terminus of the mature, extracellular protein of 105 amino acids. The N-terminal part of that protein contains five repeats of an elastin-related pentapeptide sequence, which, together with a proline-threonine segment between two Cys clusters in the center and at its C terminus, may cause an elongated conformation with an apparent molecular size of 22 kDa in contrast to the calculated M(r) of 11,200.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1988

Psychosocial issues for patients with AIDS-related cancers.

The social, psychological, and ethical challenge of AIDS, specifically AIDS-related cancers, is as complex as the biological and medical. Both the patient and his or her sexual partner experience a number of stresses to which they must adapt. AIDS also poses a challenge to professionals and to the social fabric of countries in which it occurs. One test of the worth of a society is the way in which it handles its fears, its sick, and its stigmatized individuals. The challenge to us all is to respond to this disease, to those endangered by it, to those overwhelmed by their fear, and to those who contract it with the clarity of thought, scientific excellence, high ethical standards, and human compassion that enables all of us to continue life with dignity and meaning.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1985

Fusiform nerve cells of the granular layer in the cerebellar cortex of the baboon.

The granular layer of the cerebellar cortex of the baboon contains a heterogeneous population of large nerve cells. Besides the well known Golgi cells there is a fusiform type of nerve cell which is mostly encountered immediately underneath the Purkinje cell layer. The fusiform nerve cells can be distinguished from Golgi cells not only in Golgi-impregnated material but also in Nissl-stained preparations. The fusiform nerve cells are evenly distributed throughout the superficial portions of the granular layer. The ratio of the Purkinje cells versus fusiform nerve cells is 4:1.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Creatinine clearance and renal interstitium in diffuse endocapillary proliferative glomerulonephritis.

Morphometric investigations of the renal cortex on biopsies obtained from patients with diffuse proliferative endocapillary glomerulonephritis (EPGN) were compared to biopsies without pathological changes, both groups having a normal serum creatinine concentration at the time of biopsy. Our findings are as follows: In both groups a statistically significant correlation exists between the decrease of the endogenous creatinine clearance and the broadening of the interstitium. The mean endogenous creatinine clearance value in EPGN is 107.6 +/- 40.6 ml/min/1.73 qm, the mean endogenous creatinine clearance in normal kidneys is 108.2 +/- 28.5 ml/min/1.73 qm; the mean interstitial volume in EPGN is 14.5 +/- 2.9 vol.%, that in normal kidneys 9.5 +/- 2.9 vol.%, the difference is statistically significant. Comparing the run of the two curves (relationship between endogenous creatinine clearance and interstitial volume) of the investigated groups, one finds that they run a nearly parallel course, the curve of the EPGN being shifted statistically significant to the right. The mean values of number, single- and total area of the peri- and intertubular capillaries are identical in the cases of EPGN and in those biopsies without pathological findings. Furthermore no correlations could be established between the above mentioned measuring values and the endogenous creatinine clearance in the both investigated groups. Consequently in these cases with normal serum creatinine concentration the reduction of the glomerular filtration rate (gfr) accompanied by interstitial broadening cannot be explained by an impairment of the postglomerular blood flow. Perhaps a tubular functional disturbance, the cause or the consequence of the interstitial broadening impairs glomerular function by the tubular-glomerular feedback-mechanism and/or by an elevation of the intratubular hydrostatic pressure.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

Behavioral effects of TRH, 3-Me-His2-TRH and naloxone in Hemichromis bimaculatus.

Twenty minutes after each injection of TRH (2, 5, 10 micrograms/g bw), Hemichromis bimaculatus displayed frequent chafing (rubbing body on substrate) at rates as high as 65 times in 5 minutes. Chafing continued even after 5 hours. Such frequent displacement activities were not observed in untreated fish. These activities could not be suppressed completely with the opiate-antagonist naloxone. Five minutes after application of 3-Me-His2-TRH (1, 2, 5 micrograms/g bw), H. bimaculatus was chafing at higher rates compared to those injected with TRH. Calling movements, which are regulated by a very high prolactin level, also occurred in some fish. When naloxone (2, 4, 8, 12, 16 micrograms/g body weight) was injected, Hemichromis showed excessive spitting and chewing. When 16 micrograms naloxone was administered, H. bimaculatus started to tremble and tried to escape by the presence of a fish net. The fact that chafing was not completely suppressed after naloxone-application implies that naloxone may mediate opiate and non opiate effects [17].

Aggression↗
PubMed1981

Early glomerular lesions in amyloidosis. Electronmicroscopic findings.

Our investigations on early glomerular changes in renal amyloidosis showed the following: 1. In some renal biopsies, amyloid was demonstrated in the mesangial matrix predominantly and could be seen penetrating through the basement membrane of the mesangial region into the subepithelial space of adjacent glomerular capillaries. 2. In other biopsies, showing the same severity of amyloidosis, deposits were demonstrated in the mesangium and in the capillary walls distant from the mesangium on both sides of the basement membrane. There was no apparent connection between the deposits in these two areas. 3. On the basis of the morphological changes found in the cytoplasm of the mesangial cells, the glomerular epithelial cells and partly also in the endothelial cells, supported by our electron microscopic findings in the immediate vicinity of these cells, we come to the conclusion that amyloid in the glomerulus is formed from amyloid precursors brought via the blood stream. 4. Amyloid fibrils may be formed in the extracellular space of the glomerulus under the influence of lysosomal enzymes released from epithelial, mesangial and perhaps endothelial cells, by action of these enzymes on extracellularly deposited amyloid precursors.

Amyloidosis↗
PubMed1981

Protectivity of herpes simplex virus antigens: studies in mice on the adjuvant effect of PICLC and on the dependence of protection on T cell competence.

The efficacy of a herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) envelope antigen (EAG) preparation against HSV infection was studied in T cell competent and T cell deficient mice. Immuno-competent mice were successfully protected against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2) infection when immunized 2 weeks prior to this infection with a heat-inactivated whole virus preparation or a HSV-1 envelope antigen (HSV-1 EAG) preparation. Since HSV-1 EAG was considerably less effective than the whole virus preparation, a poly.riboinosinic-poly.ribocytidylic acid complex with poly-L-lysine and carboxymethylcellulose (PICLC) was used as adjuvant. Immunization with HSV-1 EAG plus PICLC resulted in a pronounced increase of this protection rate as compared with that obtained after immunization solely with HSV-1 EAG. PICLC alone, however, offered no protection when given 2 weeks before challenge. In T cell deficient nu/nu mice no protection was achieved with HSV-1 EAG while their T cell competent, heterozygous littermates were protected. From these results it may be concluded that T cell competence is a prerequisite for establishing a protective immunity against HSV infection after immunization with HSV-1 EAG.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
PubMed1980

Structure and function of the kidney in diabetic glomerulosclerosis. Correlations between morphological and functional parameters.

Histological and clinical findings in 103 middle-aged patients suffering from diabetic glomerulosclerosis (gs) (biopsy material) are reported. In diabetic gs (as in other inflammatory and non-inflammatory glomerular disease) a statistically highly significant positive correlation exists between the grade of fibrosis of the renal cortical interstitium and the serum creatinine concentration at the time of biopsy. Rank correlations exist between vessel index and relative cortical interstitial volume on the one hand as well as serum creatinine concentration on the other. Significant differences are also shown to exist between the mean values of the cortical interstitium as well as the serum creatinine concentration and the vessel index in the four grades of diabetic gs. Severe glomerular lesions may be accompanied by a normal serum creatinine concentration, only if the interstitium shows no fibrotic changes. Mild glomerular lesions, when accompanied by an interstitial fibrosis, always have elevated serum creatinine concentrations. The incidence of hypertension, proteinuria, the nephrotic syndrome and hematuria in diabetic gs appears to vary greatly. From the highly significant correlation between the cortical interstitium and the serum creatinine concentration we presume the following: Alterations of the postglomerular vessels by interstitial fibrotic changes result in an increased resistance to renal cortical blood flow with a subsequent reduction of glomerular perfusion. This reduction of the glomerular perfusion may result in a rise of the serum creatinine concentration, independently of the severity of the glomerulosclerosis. It is also conceivable that glomerular function is affected by the malfunctioning atrophic tubules in areas of interstitial fibrosis.

Biopsy↗
PubMed1979

Indomethacin induced hypotension in sodium and volume depleted rats.

After a single oral dose of 4 mg/kg indomethacin (IDM) to sodium and volume depleted rats plasma renin activity (PRA) and systolic blood pressure fell significantly within four hours. In sodium repleted animals indomethacin did not change systolic blood pressure (BP) although plasma renin activity was decreased. Thus, indomethacin by inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis may diminish the blood pressure maintaining effect of the stimulated renin-angiotensin system in sodium and volume depletion.

Animals↗
PubMed1979

Shock kidney.

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Acute Kidney Injury↗
PubMed1979

The role of the interstitium of the renal cortex in renal disease.

Morphometrical investigations (point-counting method) showed that in different inflammatory (endocapillary -- acute -- GN, mesangioproliferative GN, membranoproliferative GN) glomerulonephritides and in non-inflammatory glomerular diseases (perireticular amyloidosis), there are statistically significant correlation between serum creatine concentrations at the time of biopsy and the enlargement of the cortical interstitium by fibrosis. Similar results were obtained in investigating different grades of benign nephrosclerosis with transition into secondary malignant nephrosclerosis conditioned by hypertension and in chronic diffuse sclerosing interstitial nephritides of different etiologies. As hypothesis, we assume that a narrowing of the postglomerular vessel network by interstitial fibrosis take place. This could lead to an increase resistance of the renal cortical blood flow. In spite of an elevated effective filtration pressure, the slowing of the glomerular blood flow may lead to the reduction of GRF and to an increase of the serum creatinine concentration. Additionally, in the case of interstitial fibrosis the tubules look atrophied. This could be the consequence of the reduced GFR as a sign of inactivity. On the other hand, tubular atrophy could result from malnutrition in the case of interstitial fibrosis. The resorptive capacity of these atrophied-looking tubules could be lowered and the GFR could be diminished by the so-called Thurau mechanism.

Amyloidosis↗