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Biomedical subjects

M Funke

Publications and source records attributed to M Funke.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Epiphysial ossification centres in iliosacral joints: anatomy and computed tomography.

Bilateral apparently bony structures of different forms and sizes located in the inferior and superior ventral parts of the sacroiliac joints were observed on axial CT images of the pelvic region of juvenile patients. No other pathological changes were noted in the sacroiliac joints of these individuals. In one patient the bony structures could also be seen on a conventional plain radiograph. We also examined 3 juvenile autopsy specimens of this joint using radiology, CT, macroscopical evaluation and histology. In two of them, structures could be detected on the CT scans which were similar to those observed in the young patients. Macroscopic investigations revealed the structures to be secondary ossification centres located in the articular cartilage of the lateral part of the os sacrum at the levels of the first and third sacral segments. According to older anatomical literature, these epiphysial ossification centres contribute to the auricular surface of the lateral part of the os sacrum and the free lateral surface of the inferior sacral parts. They can be observed between the ages of 12 and 25 years and begin to synostose with the lateral part around the age of 18 years. In macerated juvenile specimens of the bony pelvis, free ossicles were not detectable in the region of the sacroiliac joints. Histological peculiarities of the ossification process observed are discussed. These physiologically occurring ossification centres are to be differentiated from pathological alterations appearing as bony or bone-like structures on CT scans.

Adolescent↗

[Broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) in the diagnosis of osteoporosis].

The measurement of broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) of the calcaneus has been introduced as a new technique that provides information about both bone mass and structure without the use of ionizing radiation. BUA measurements of the calcaneus were obtained in 324 patients, 109 of whom had osteoporosis. Two hundred and fifteen patients served as control group. BUA values were compared with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measurements of the lumbar spine, the neck and the heel. The precision error of BUA was 4.1%. The correlation with spinal bone mineral density was r = 0.49, with DXA of the neck r = 0.52 and of the calcaneus r = 0.56, respectively. Patients with osteoporosis showed a significant decrease in BUA compared with healthy subjects (61.4 dB/MHz vs 74.6 dB/MHz). Roc analysis demonstrated that BUA was inferior to DXA of the lumbar spine in detecting osteoporosis.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

[Imaging techniques in the diagnosis of functional disorders of the shoulder].

Modern imaging techniques such as ultrasound, computer tomography and magnetic resonance imaging serve an increasingly important role as an extension of conventional radiological methods for clarification of shoulder disorders. The precise representation of bony, cartilaginous and soft tissue injuries has become indispensable for successful therapeutic decision making. A stepwise employment of the various examination techniques of the shoulder should be utilized while keeping in mind the patient's particular complex of symptoms.

Arthrography↗

[Experiences with digital luminescence radiography (DLR) in pediatric radiology].

X-ray examinations represent a variety of indications with different demands on exposure latitude, spatial and contrast resolution of screen-film-system combinations in paediatric radiography. The value of digital luminescent radiography (DLR) was compared to conventional x-ray examinations carried out with screen-film-systems, speed class 200, by analysing matched digital and conventional exposures in 200 abdominal, 600 skeletal and 300 chest examinations. The exposure of DLR was reduced to 50% of conventional exposure. Analysing the results in abdominal and skeletal radiography, DLR proved to be diagnostically equivalent to conventional radiography despite the reduction in exposure dose. DLR of the newborn chest compared to conventional x-ray studies was not always sufficient due to lower digital spatial resolution.

Adolescent↗

[Apophyseal elements of the sacroiliac joint in the computed tomographic image].

Between the ages of 12 and 18 years apophyseal elements appear within the SI joints which fuse subsequently with the sacrum. These apophyses could be demonstrated during two autopsies on juveniles and were seen in 7 CT examinations of patients between the ages of 15 and 19. On CT they appeared as narrow, round or band-like opacities situated on the ventral aspect of the joint. The differentiation of these normal findings from pathological changes within the SI joints is discussed.

Adolescent↗

[Comparative studies with quantitative computed tomography and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry on bone density in renal osteopathy].

Measurements of bone density were carried out in 25 patients on dialysis for terminal renal insufficiency, using quantitative computed tomography (QCT) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Unlike in subjects with normal kidneys, there was no significant correlation between these methods in this series. Ten patients showed an increase in bone density of the vertebral spongiosa on QCT measurements, which was interpreted as due to osteosclerotic bone changes in renal osteopathy. QCT showed advantages over DXA in demonstrating these changes.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Experimental and clinical studies of neonatal eeg mapping--methodical prerequisites and data interpretation.

To investigate whether the sampling theorem was fulfilled up to now in experimental and clinical EEG-mapping of neonates and to determine the "smearing effect" of EEG transmission by the leading media up to the skin, EEG-maps from 5 slightly anaesthetized term newborn piglets and 8 healthy human newborns were calculated. A spatial sampling rate of 1-2 cycles per cm is necessary for a sufficient reproduction of surface EEG topology in newborn piglets showing activity maxima within motor projection zones. In human neonates, 8-channel mapping gave insufficient results, whereas state and EEG pattern related 16-channel maps provided sufficiently constant, but not complete pattern. Simultaneous maps from epidural and epiossal, and epiossal, and surface recordings in newborn piglets showed only small "smearing" effects. We conclude, the more topical interpretation chances exist, like in neonates with smaller "smearing" effects of transmission media, the more complete uptake of original data for mapping is necessary. Up to now, it is done seldomly.

Animals↗

[Cystic space-occupying lesions in the femoral trigone].

The differential diagnosis of cystic tumours in the region of the so-called Trigonum femorale is presented and discussed. In this context the topography of this area is demonstrated. In addition to the clinical findings sonography and computed tomography are the method of choice in finding the right diagnosis. Invasive methods such as angiography and lymphography are indicated in only few cases. US-guided fine-needle-aspiration should be preferred instead, if it is of any therapeutic relevance.

Aneurysm↗

Trans fatty acid content of selected brands of West German nut-nougat cream.

The fatty acid composition including trans fatty acids of 12 brands of nut-nougat creams were analyzed by capillary gas chromatography. The creams consisted mainly of sugar and partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. The lipid content, which was quantified gravimetrically, amounted to between 30 and 38.2% in the different brands. The fatty acid composition varied considerably between the different creams. Linoleic acid, the major polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), ranged from 12 to 39%. Palmitic acid (16:0), which was the main fatty acid, varied from 9 to 27%. The total trans fatty acid content of the 12 creams ranged from 0.9 to 12.3%. Only two of the creams contained less than 1% of trans fatty acids; 18:1t was the trans fatty acid found in the greatest amounts, whereas 16:1t and 14:1t were only found in trace amounts. Three samples had amounts of 18:2tt, 18:2ct, and 18:2tc between 0.7 and 1.06%; only small amounts of linoleate isomers were detected in the other creams. Our results show that trans fatty acids are present in every brand of chocolate cream tested. Since the potential risk of arteriosclerosis and cancer resulting from the consumption of trans fatty acids is not yet clear, different ways of production should be used in order to eliminate them from the creams that are a preferred bread spread of infants and children.

Cacao↗

Retinal reflex photometry as a screening device for amblyopia and preamblyopic states in children.

Aberration in the physical structure or alignment of the eyes may produce pathologic neurocompensatory changes in the brain that, if left unattended, become irreversible. Two common examples of this abnormal state are accommodative esotropia and amblyopia. Both have a large optic component in their etiology and in most cases are correctable by optic methods. Generated retinal reflex photometry is a screening method that can detect, in the eyes of children, optic defects that tend to be the antecedents of more serious neurocompensatory processes. Detection at an early age permits more effective management and treatment of amblyopia. This technique is fast, safe, and inexpensive and provides a permanent record. It requires no response from the subject except a modicum of cooperation. It is attractive as an ocular screening method because it does not require highly trained personnel to administer the examination, yet appears to be accurate. The results lend themselves to mechanized processing.

Age Factors↗

Quantification of amebae specific antibodies as "Multiple of normal activity (MONA)" with a standardized enzyme immunoassay (EIA).

Sera of 853 returnees from tropical countries, of 24 cases with amebic liver abscess and of 172 nonexposed German individuals were tested for antibodies to E. histolytica in the enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Antibody results were expressed as "multiple of normal activity (MONA)". The qualification of the EIA as a routine screening procedure for amebae specific antibodies was investigated and compared to that of the complement fixation test. Based on the symmetric frequency distribution of results from the 172 non-exposed controls the upper one sided limits for 95% (less than 2.8 MONA) and 99% (less than 4.2 MONA) specificity were determined. Routine results below the 95% specificity limit were considered "inconspicuous", such between both limits "borderline" and all MONA values exceeding the 99% specificity limit "conspicuous". The intention was to thereby secure a high degree of sensitivity for amebae antibody in the test. Cases with clinically confirmed liver abscess revealed a one sided lower 95% sensitivity limit (greater than or equal to 1.2 MONA), far above the onset of the defined sensitivity thresholds for conspicuous MONA values.

Antibodies↗

Autochthonous amoebic liver abscess in Germany.

A liver abscess was diagnosed by sonography and surgery in a sewer-man who had never left Germany 14 weeks after he fell into a clearing basin and swallowed sewage. The causative agent of the abscess was confirmed immunologically to be Entamoeba histolytica.

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay↗

Psychoendocrine sequelae of chronic testosterone deficiency.

The precise role of testosterone in regulating mood, especially in alleviating depression, remains unclear although converging evidence indicates that androgens may exert antidepressant action. A model that may potentially assist in the clarification of androgen-mediated effects on mood is the study of cryptorchid men who may grow up with varying degrees of testosterone deficiency depending on the time in their life when cryptorchism is corrected. In this report, we describe a rare case of bilateral cryptorchism that did not come to the attention of the physician to implement effective substitution with testosterone until much later in adult life. The patient developed severe and suicidal depression which responded solely to testosterone. In addition, the patient experienced a delayed but accelerated puberty without any adverse events. These observations, although based on a single case, provide strong evidence that testosterone may exert powerful antidepressant action in the absence of concomitant antidepressant agents.

Adult↗

MRI in the evaluation of müllerian duct anomalies.

OBJECTIVE: Müllerian duct anomalies (MDAs) result from nondevelopment or nonfusion of the müllerian ducts and occur in 1-5% of women. Accurate diagnosis of the various subtypes is of great importance as MDAs are frequently associated with a broad variety of clinical symptoms. Recently, evidence arose that MRI might play a major role in diagnosis of MDAs. We present four cases of diverse subtypes of MDAs and the corresponding MRI findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients (n = 4) with clinical suspicion of MDAs were examined with MRI. Coronal and transaxial T1- and T2-weighted images were acquired. Diagnosis was made and patients were grouped according to the American Fertility Society's classification. Patients underwent laparoscopy or laparotomy in order to confirm the diagnosis. RESULTS: MRI revealed MDAs in all patients. In detail, one patient was diagnosed with hypoplastic uterus, one with unicornuate uterus with a noncommunicating rudimentary horn, one with bicornuate uterus bicollis with a double vagina and one with septate uterus. MRI diagnosis was correct in all cases, as confirmed by subsequent surgical intervention. CONCLUSION: MRI is a valuable tool in diagnosis of MDA subtypes. Its use will help to spare patients mutilating surgery and to prevent pregnancy-associated complications.

Adult↗