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Biomedical subjects

M Kunz

Publications and source records attributed to M Kunz.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

[Olympia participation 6 months after surgical replacement of a cruciate ligament -- optimal rehabilitation of a top athlete].

We present the medical history of an Olympic wrestler who suffered a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament. Operative reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament was performed using an autogenous semitendinosus-gracilis-tendon-transplant. The operation was followed by an aggressive rehabilitation program set up to meet the individual requirements. Six months later the athlete was able to compete at the 2004 Olympic games in Athens.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Functional genome and proteome analyses of cutaneous autoimmune diseases.

The use of functional genomics and proteomics technologies has dramatically increased through recent years with a special emphasis on cancer biology. However, a series of more recent reports has also addressed inflammatory diseases. These included studies on different autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus, and systemic sclerosis. Gene and protein expression profiles from these studies have emphasized the role of cytokines, chemokines, and apoptosis-related molecules for the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Much less is known about gene and protein patterns of these diseases in dermatology. Here we provide an overview on current knowledge about genomics and proteomics analyses of cutaneous autoimmune diseases. These diseases include psoriasis, lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, vitiligo, and alopecia areata. The presented findings not only provide deeper insights into the pathogenesis of each individual disease but also show overlapping gene patterns suggestive for common pathogenic mechanisms. However, many open questions remain to be resolved since data about local gene expression pattern in affected tissues are still scarce.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Intractable ventricular tachycardia and bridging to heart transplantation with a non-pulsatile flow assist device in a patient with isolated left-ventricular non-compaction.

Intractable ventricular tachycardia was investigated in a 51-year-old man with isolated left ventricular non-compaction during implantation of an automated internal cardioverter-defibrillator. Favorable bridging to cardiac transplantation was achieved with the DeBakey left ventricular assist device (LVAD).

Electrocardiography↗
PubMed2004

[The impact of Alzheimer's disease on the pain processing].

It is well known that patients with Alzheimer's disease report less pain in comparison to their age group. However, little is yet known about the underlying mechanisms causing the decreased pain report. In order to learn more about these mechanisms, experimental studies are indispensable, since only in experimental settings, noxious input and pain experience can be assessed independently. We therefore report on experimental data on pain perception in Alzheimer's disease in this review. The experimental data suggest that the threshold for pain tolerance is markedly increased and the autonomic pain reaction is, at least in part, considerably diminished. On the other hand, pain threshold and pain event-related brain potentials remain largely unchanged. As possible explanations we discuss age-related changes in pain perception and neuroanatomical changes in Alzheimer's disease. Particularly the atrophy of limbic structures may have a modifying impact on the pain experience. We also discuss what influence communicational deficits have on pain report.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

DNA microarray technology and its applications in dermatology.

The use of DNA microarray technology in biomedical research has dramatically increased during the past years. In the present report, we provide an overview on the basic DNA microarray technology and biostatistical methods for gene expression analysis. A focus is then put on its applications in dermatological research. In recent years, a series of gene expression studies have been performed for various dermatological diseases, such as malignant melanoma, psoriasis and lupus erythematosus. These analyses have identified interesting target genes as well as putative disease susceptibility loci. However, further functional studies will be needed for a more complete understanding of the pathogenesis of these diseases. This may be performed by means of the recently developed RNA interference technology. Besides its role in large-scale gene expression studies, DNA microarray technology has proved to be a valuable tool for genomic screens of genetic alterations, e.g. single nucleotide polymorphisms. These play a role in tumour development and progression, and also function as genetic markers for disease susceptibility. Taken together, DNA microarray technology opens enormous perspectives for dermatologists. It may help us understand the complex pathogenesis of a wide variety of dermatologic diseases and identify their genetic background.

Cell Differentiation↗
PubMed2004

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adult patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD): is ADHD a vulnerability factor?

OBJECTIVE: There is limited evidence suggesting a link between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This study examined the association between PTSD and ADHD using retrospective and current clinical evaluations. METHOD: Twenty-five male veterans with PTSD and 22 male veterans with panic disorder were evaluated for ADHD. The data was analyzed using chi-square and student's t-tests. RESULTS: Thirty-six percent of participants with PTSD and 9% of participants with panic disorder met criteria for childhood ADHD. Twenty-eight percent of participants with PTSD and 5% of participants with panic disorder met criteria for current ADHD. CONCLUSIONS: There appears to be a significant association of PTSD with ADHD. ADHD or common predisposing factors may increase the vulnerability for developing PTSD.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

[Injuries and chronic damages in classic ballet].

From 1994 till 1996 there were examined 219 dancers (male and female) at 8 theatres because of typical injuries and damages. It was elevated an exactly anamnese and physical examination with regard to orthopedic peculiarity. The determined dates were documented on a standardized form and analyzed separately to the respective part of the body. It is an examination with the biggest figures in Europe. The destination is to avoid damages because of enlightenment and timely recognize of reasons. Incorrect training and not recognizing individual anatomical faults could make this job dangerous and emphasize these typical injuries and damages.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2002

Validity of patient-supplied medical history data comparing two medical questionnaires.

In many European countries there has been a significant shift in the age structure of the population, resulting in a marked rise in the number of elderly, medically compromised patients. Early identification of possible medical risk factors is therefore increasingly gaining in importance in the treatment of dental patients. It was the aim of the present study to evaluate two different patient-administered questionnaires with a view to both the validity of medical history data supplied by the patients and the identification of a possible risk potential. A comprehensive form (A, specially designed for treatment under general anaesthesia, 50 questions) and a shorter form (B, for routine use in general dental practices, 37 questions) were randomly distributed to patients of two dental practices (n = 194). Data supplied by the patients were checked against those provided by the general practitioners and risk assessment was performed based on the American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification system. A total of 161 medical history forms were evaluated (A: 81 test persons, B: 80 test persons). A close relationship was observed between increased age and higher ASA classification. The evaluation of the two history forms yielded an overall sensitivity of 80% for form A and of 61% for form B (specificity 96% and 98%, respectively). With both forms, agreement between the data supplied by the patients and by the dental practitioner was highest for ASA Grade I patients (A: 88%, B:02%). However, agreement between patient and general practitioner-supplied data was lower for ASA Grade III patients with both forms (A: 92%, B: 72%). Risk overestimation with form A occurred in 6 % and with form B in 5% of cases, while the medical risk was underestimated with form A in 5% and with form B in 11% of cases. Although results of the present study emphasise the need for meticulous and thorough history taking, neither the more concise form B nor the more comprehensive and detailed form A was able to exclude the occurrence of false-positive or false-negative answers. Particularly the lack of validity observed for patient-supplied data, which resulted in higher medical risk classifications despite the use of a comprehensive medical history questionnaire, mandates the improvement and possible reorientation of interdisciplinary co-operation between the dentist and the general practitioner.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Real-time computerized in situ guidance system for ACL graft placement.

A recent consensus within an international society for sports traumatology revealed that approximately 40% of ACL grafts are being surgically misplaced in current clinical practice. To help solve this problem, a computer-assisted system has been developed at the M.E. Müller Institute for Biomechanics to perform intraoperative planning and guidance of ACL replacement. Dynamic reference bases are fixed on the femur and tibia to track the knee's movement. No intraoperative imaging is required, and potential ligament attachment sites can be directly digitized using a computerized palpation hook in a minimally invasive fashion when used in conjunction with standard endoscopic tools. The palpation hook can be used by the surgeon to interactively define various anatomical structures and reference landmarks that are important for proper ligament positioning. The system can input a standard diagnostic X-ray (sagittal view of the femur) and allows intraoperative registration of this image with the patient to provide valuable X-ray landmarks for intraoperative guidance. The computer helps in situ planning of ligament placement by providing the surgeon with a 3D overview of the relevant anatomical landmarks and information on graft impingement and elongation for various simulated surgical insertions and graft sizes. After planning, the computer helps guide placement of the chosen insertion tunnels. This approach provides an augmented 3D view of knee anatomy and ligament function prior to drilling that is not possible with current procedures. The flexibility of the system in permitting surgeon-defined landmarks and free interpretation of functional factors allows it to support a variety of surgical workflows and techniques.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament↗
PubMed2002

[Angiogenesis--anti-angiogenesis. Significance for tumor growth and metastasis].

Angiogenesis plays an important role in the local growth and metastasis of a variety of malignant tumors. During the past three decades so-called angiogenesis factors have been discovered and characterized in more detail. These are the major contributors to angiogenesis. The term angiogenesis factors includes other functionally heterogeneous molecules. The best characterized angiogenesis factors are endothelial growth factors, such as "vascular endothelial growth factor" (VEGF), "fibroblast growth factor" (FGF), "platelet-derived growth factor" (PDGF), Angiogenin and interleukin-8 (IL-8). However, members of the family of matrix metalloproteinases are also included. The list of factors involved in angiogenessis and their receptors are increasing steadily as does the list of molecules with antiangiogenic capacity. The latter comprises the endogenous factors, Angiostatin, Endostatin, Thrombospondin-1 and 2, and chemical compounds, such as the Fumagillin derivative, AGM-1470, or inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases. These have attracted more interest during the past years, since investigations on these molecules foster hope for new therapeutic strategies. Some of these antiangiogenic factors have already been used in various therapeutic approaches to influence tumor growth. While impressive results have been obtained in well controlled experimental animal models, the results of clinical studies in humans fall short of these successes. This is at least in part due to the fact that angiogenesis of tumors is a complex process based on the interaction of a variety of factors. The present article summarizes the current knowledge about tumor angiogenesis with a particular emphasis on antiangiogenic molecules. The presented data open new interesting therapeutic perspectives for future dermatology.

Angiogenesis Inducing Agents↗
PubMed2002

Differential expression of thrombospondin 2 in primary and metastatic malignant melanoma.

In the present report we used oligonucleotide microarray analysis for the identification of genes characterizing the late-stage metastatic phenotype of malignant melanoma. A panel of 5,600 genes was analysed in a low aggressive and a highly aggressive (metastatic) human malignant melanoma cell line, respectively. More than 300 differentially regulated genes were identified. High metastatic potential correlated with upregulated mRNA expression in the groups of cytoskeletal proteins, apoptosis and cell cycle proteins, GTP binding proteins and oncogenes, extracellular ligands and receptors, transcription and translation factors. In contrast, most angiogenesis factors, extracellular matrix molecules, and melanoma-specific antigens were downregulated. Particular target genes were further analysed by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical staining of primary malignant melanomas and melanoma metastases. Here, we show that thrombospondin 2, an extracellular matrix molecule which was differentially regulated in the microarray analysis, was strongly expressed in melanoma metastases, but not in primary tumours. The identification of thrombospondin 2 as a target molecule emphasizes the importance of cell-matrix interactions for the pathogenesis of malignant melanoma metastasis and may open future perspectives for treatment of this tumour.

Blotting, Northern↗
PubMed2001

Temperature-dependent neutron powder diffraction study of the Ba(OD)(2) polymorphs: a new low-temperature phase.

The structural behaviour of both low-temperature beta- and high-temperature alpha-Ba(OD)(2), barium dihydroxide-d, was investigated at temperatures between 10 and 552 K by neutron powder diffraction. While the beta phase (P2(1)/n) remains stable to the lowest temperature investigated, the quenchable alpha phase (Pnma) shows a reversible orthorhombic-to-monoclinic phase transition between 100 and 150 K. The structure of the new alpha(m) phase (P2(1)/n) is quite similar to that of the alpha phase. This behaviour is unusual as a metastable phase transforms to another metastable phase. The Pnma <--> P2(1)/n low-temperature phase transition is driven by an order-disorder mechanism, mainly caused by one of the D atoms, which is disordered on positions off the mirror plane, mimicking a special position on the mirror plane in the orthorhombic phase. Refinements of the alpha phase above the phase transition indicate this disorder across the mirror plane through a conspicuously high isotropic displacement parameter if compared to the other D atoms. At low temperature the energy of the vibration is lowered and the D atom is frozen at a general position in a correlated way, thus violating the mirror plane and reducing the space-group symmetry.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

[Bilateral asymmetric herpes zoster in adolescence].

Zoster is a frequent disease of adulthood with a distinct age-dependent increase after 60. In contrast during childhood or adolescence zoster only rarely occurs. Certain risk factors such as hematologic malignancies are associated with early appearance. The typical clinical manifestation is unilateral, equally involving thoracic dermatomes. A 16-year-old patient presented with zoster in bilateral asymmetrical distribution, with trigeminal and thoracic dermatomes simultaneously affected. Despite the clinical findings and the unusual localization, there was no history, clinical nor laboratory signs of an immune suppression or any other underlying disease. Careful follow-up examinations are necessary in order to recognize systemic, especially hematologic, malignancies.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Polymers and surfactants on the basis of renewable resources.

A new strategy for the preparation of different polymers and special surfactants was developed. First, unsaturated fatty acid methyl esters obtained from plant oils were converted to terminally unsaturated esters and alpha-olefins by metathesis with ethylene using heterogeneous rhenium or homogeneous ruthenium catalysts. These esters were directly copolymerized with ethylene by an insertion-type palladium-catalyzed polymerization to functionalized polyolefins. Polyesters were synthesized by metathetical dimerization of omega-unsaturated esters and subsequent polycondensation of the produced internally unsaturated dicarboxylic esters or by acidic transesterification with petrochemical diols and additional acyclic diene metathesis polymerization. Omega-epoxy fatty acid methyl esters, achieved by a new method of chemo-enzymatic epoxidation, were converted into polyethers with comb-structure catalyzed by aluminoxanes on the one hand and into sugar surfactants by nucleophilic ring-opening with amino carbohydrates on the other hand.

Carbohydrate Metabolism↗
PubMed2001

TSH-controlled L-thyroxine therapy reduces cholesterol levels and clinical symptoms in subclinical hypothyroidism: a double blind, placebo-controlled trial (Basel Thyroid Study).

This study evaluated the effect of physiological, TSH-guided, L-thyroxine treatment on serum lipids and clinical symptoms in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism. Sixty-six women with proven subclinical hypothyroidism (TSH, 11.7 +/- 0.8 mIU/liter) were randomly assigned to receive L-thyroxine or placebo for 48 wk. Individual L-thyroxine replacement (mean dose, 85.5 +/- 4.3 microg/d) was performed based on blinded TSH monitoring, resulting in euthyroid TSH levels (3.1 +/- 0.3 mIU/liter). Lipid concentrations and clinical scores were measured before and after treatment. Sixty-three of 66 patients completed the study. In the L-thyroxine group (n = 31) total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly reduced [-0.24 mmol/liter, 3.8% (P = 0.015) and -0.33 mmol/liter, 8.2% (P = 0.004), respectively]. Low density lipoprotein cholesterol decrease was more pronounced in patients with TSH levels greater than 12 mIU/liter or elevated low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels at baseline. A significant decrease in apolipoprotein B-100 concentrations was observed (P = 0.037), whereas high density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoprotein AI, and lipoprotein(a) levels remained unchanged. Two clinical scores assessing symptoms and signs of hypothyroidism (Billewicz and Zulewski scores) improved significantly (P = 0.02). This is the first double blind study to show that physiological L-thyroxine replacement in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism has a beneficial effect on low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and clinical symptoms of hypothyroidism. An important risk reduction of cardiovascular mortality of 9-31% can be estimated from the observed improvement in low density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Cholesterol↗
PubMed2001

Activation of c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase/stress-activated protein kinase (JNK/SAPK) is critical for hypoxia-induced apoptosis of human malignant melanoma.

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling was examined in malignant melanoma cells exposed to hypoxia. Here we demonstrate that hypoxia induced a strong activation of the c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK), also termed stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK), in the melanoma cell line 530 in vitro. Other members of the MAPK family, e.g., extracellular signal-regulated kinase and p38, remained unaffected by the hypoxic stimulus. Activated JNK/SAPK could also be observed in the vicinity of hypoxic tumor areas in melanoma metastases as detected by immunohistochemistry. Functional analysis of JNK/SAPK activation in the melanoma cell line 530 revealed that activation of JNK/SAPK is involved in hypoxia-mediated tumor cell apoptosis. Both a dominant negative mutant of JNK/SAPK (SAPKbeta K-->R) and a dominant negative mutant of the immediate upstream activator of JNK/SAPK, SEK1 (SEK1 K-->R), inhibited hypoxia-induced apoptosis in transient transfection studies. In contrast, overexpression of the wild-type kinases had a slight proapoptotic effect. Inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and p38 pathways by the chemical inhibitors PD98058 and SB203580, respectively, had no effect on hypoxiainduced apoptosis. Under normoxic conditions, no influence on apoptosis regulation was observed after inhibition of all three MAPK pathways. In contrast to recent findings, JNK/SAPK activation did not correlate with Fas or Fas ligand (FasL) expression, suggesting that the Fas/FasL system is not involved in hypoxia-induced apoptosis in melanoma cells. Taken together, our data demonstrate that hypoxia-induced JNK/SAPK activation appears to play a critical role in apoptosis regulation of melanoma cells in vitro and in vivo, independent of the Fas/FasL system.

Apoptosis↗