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Biomedical subjects

M Möller

Publications and source records attributed to M Möller.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Determination and characterization of cross-reacting allergens in latex, avocado, banana, and kiwi fruit.

Sera of 11 patients were used to characterize allergens in kiwi fruit, latex, avocado, and banana by SDS-PAGE/immunoblotting and to determine cross-reactions between these allergen extracts in EAST inhibition and immunoblot inhibition. By SDS-PAGE/immunoblotting, allergens with apparent molecular weights of 21, 38, 40, and 42 kDa were visualized in latex extract. In avocado extract, IgE-binding components of 27, 43, 52, 58, 65, 75, and 88 kDa were to be seen, whereas, in banana extract, a 40-kDa protein showed strong IgE binding. Furthermore, allergens of 52, 58, 88, and 94 kDa were detected in the extract of banana. Cross-reactions between these allergen extracts were determined by EAST inhibition. Immunoblot inhibition demonstrated that almost all IgE-reactive bands in nitrocellulose-blotted latex, avocado, and banana extracts and two components of 43 and 67 kDa in kiwi fruit shared common IgE epitopes.

Adult↗

[Airborne molds and their metabolites at workplaces in composting plants].

Airborne fungal contaminants in composting facilities gain more and more importance in regard to health hazards for workers and an emission of spores and microbial metabolites in the environment. Possible health impacts of bioaerosols are widely discussed from both an allergological and a toxicological point of view. The present study investigates in detail the exposure to airborne fungal spores at working places in compost plants. These fungal spores are compared to the spectrum of microbial volatile metabolites with regard to the physiological properties of each fungal species. The results indicate, that the spectrum of microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOC) as well as the production of mycotoxins can be specific for certain species. In addition to the pathogenic and allergological relevance, the fungi may have different toxicological health impacts. However, an evaluation of health effects caused by the great variety of volatile organic compounds remains difficult, since information on their toxicological impact is lacking.

Air Microbiology↗

Effects of physical exercise on bone mass, balance skill and aerobic capacity in women and men with low bone mineral density, after one year of training--a prospective study.

Vadstena is a small community in the county of Ostergötland, Sweden, where a project began in 1989 to prevent osteoporosis and to lower the expected incidence of osteoporotic fractures. Persons aged 40-70 years who had a low bone mineral density (BMD) value at screening of the distal radius by single-photon absorptiometry (SPA) were invited to participate in a training study during one year. The definition of low BMD was a densitometry value below -1 SD (standard deviation) from a sex- and age-specific reference value (z-score). Fifteen persons wanted to exercise in a group and 15 persons wanted to become a control group. All participants answered a questionnaire about lifestyle, occupation, diseases, medication and heredity. Clinical tests were made regarding mobility of the joints and muscles, balance and physical fitness. BMD for the hip and the lumbar spine were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) before and after the investigation period. The training programme was carried out for 60 min twice a week during one year and had the intention to improve bone mass, muscle strength and flexibility, balance skill and aerobic capacity. After the training period there was a significant increase in BMD at the greater trochanter (P < 0.01), in balance skill (standing on one leg with closed eyes and "ski step"-test) (P < 0.05) and in oxygen uptake capacity (P < 0.05) in the exercise group. In the control group, there was a significant increase in BMD at the lumbar spine (P < 0.05). However, these results should be judged with caution because several participants were over the age of 60, and at that age degenerative changes in the lumbar spine may increase to a greater or lesser extent. Regular weight-bearing exercises during one year seem to influence BMD at the greater trochanter in a training group comprising both women and men. However, our study was small in number and further training studies are needed to assess the effect of weight-bearing training on bone mass in different sex- and age-specific groups.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Phylogeny and disjunct distribution: evolution of Saintpaulia (Gesneriaceae).

The molecular phylogeny of African violets (Saintpaulia H. Wendl.), based on ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences, follows the disjunct biogeography of the genus. Sequence analysis by parsimony of 19 accessions, representing 17 currently recognized Saintpaulia species, resulted in four trees of 182 steps. The first major division is between S. goetzeana, from the Uluguru Mts, Tanzania, and the rest of the genus. The basal position of S. goetzeana, and its putative primitive characters, may indicate an Uluguru origin for Saintpaulia and subsequent colonization of the more northerly mountains. Of the remainder, S. teitensis, from the Teita Hills of Kenya, is sister taxon to the other species (which occur mainly in the Usambara Mts of north-east Tanzania). A group of nine Usambaran species that we call the 'ionantha complex' show minimal ITS genetic differentiation and are also taxonomically critical. Species diversity in the Usambara Mts appears to be the result of rapid, recent (possibly Pleistocene) radiation. This study reveals the limitations of ITS sequences for elucidating the radiation of poorly differentiated species (the ionantha complex). However, the molecular data strongly suggest that conservation of the Uluguru and Teita populations is essential for the protection of the full range of diversity within the genus.

DNA, Plant↗

Functional and metabolic analysis of cerebral ischemia using magnetoencephalography and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

The details of the relationship between brain function and metabolism in brain infarcts have not been studied. Using magnetoencephalography (MEG) and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (1H MRSI), we localized sources of abnormal magnetic activities in ischemic brain regions and biochemical changes in suspected lesions showing pathological characteristics. Twelve patients with ischemic stroke were examined and the results of MEG and 1H MRSI were superimposed onto the corresponding MR images. The signal intensities of N-acetyl (NA) and lactate (Lac) were measured in the lesions with highly concentrated dipoles of slow wave activity. Eleven of 12 cases had increased slow wave activity in the cortical areas adjacent to the infarcts; 1 case was excluded because the infarct was too small (<1 cm in diameter). The signal intensity of NA in the regions with the highest slow wave activity was significantly reduced and was well correlated with the dipole density of slow waves. Though Lac was mildly accumulated in the lesions, the Lac level had no correlation with slow wave magnetic activity. The remaining and metabolically active cortical tissue showing NA signal produced the abnormal slow wave activity under lactic acidosis (mild accumulation of Lac).

Adult↗

[Corneoscleral transplant excision in the cadaver. Experiences of the North Rhine Westphalia Lions Cornea Bank 1995 and 1996].

BACKGROUND: Donor corneas are normally obtained by whole globe enucleation-a procedure often refused by the bereaved. To increase the acceptance of cornea donation, we have exclusively obtained donor corneas by in situ excision since the end of 1994. There have been reports of increased endothelial damage and higher contamination rates. We report our experience in 1995 and 1996. METHODS: The in situ excision was performed by staff trained in microsurgical techniques. Only donor corneas with negative end-storage cultures after at least 10 days and an endothelial cell count of more than 2500 cells/mm2 were used for transplantation. RESULTS: In all, 705 corneoscleral buttons were excised from 1/95 to 12/96. The bereaved consented in 34% in 1996. A total of 30.5% of the corneas were ineligible for transplantation which corresponds to the discard figures from all cornea banks with culture methods. We did not observe any primary transplant failure nor endophthalmitis after 444 perforating keratoplasties. CONCLUSION: In situ corneal excision is safe, and helps to reduce the shortage in donor corneas.

Cadaver↗

Logics and logistics of community intervention against osteoporosis: an evidence basis.

Under designations like small areas action research and intervention, directed 'ground-up' health promotion and prevention in the population form an important part of the ongoing medical systems development. There is recent evidence of the success of community intervention against cardiovascular disease. In osteoporosis, however, there is still a lack of conclusive data on both the logics and logistics of such an approach. Since 1988, a county health policy program has been formulated and implemented in Ostergötland, Sweden, following the principles and guidelines of the WHO HFA 2000 declaration. Vadstena (n approximately 7,600) was chosen for a local and generalizable osteoporosis prevention project mediated by the primary care organization by means of health promotion and education in the community. In the present report we emphasize that community intervention is an important new advancement of the medical systems, where the basic research questions include operational and management aspects as equally vital and measurable requisites and results as other performance and outcome variables. We found that a community intervention trial against osteoporosis is both motivated and feasible and in this report wish to provide evidence on these crucial issues of logics and logistics.

Adult↗

[Bilateral candida endophthalmitis in 2 i. v. drug-dependent patients with oral L-methadone substitution].

BACKGROUND: Controlled therapy programs for former i.v. heroin abusers supervised by physicians offer levomethadone (L-Polamidon) as an oral substitute for heroin to allow social stabilisation of the addict. As well they reduce the risk of bloodborne infections (e.g. HIV and hepatitis) by giving up "needle sharing". Assuming that i.v. drug abuse is one of the major risk factors for Candida endophthalmitis in young, otherwise healthy patients, in case of strict oral substitution no onset of Candida endophthalmitis should be expected. CASE REPORT: The clinical courses of two HIV-negative and primarily i.v. heroin addicted young male white patients are presented. While participating in an exclusively controlled, oral program of methadone substitution for several months, both patients developed bilateral Candida endophthalmitis. CONCLUSION: A persisting i.v. abuse, either of heroin or of L-methadone, parallel to the supposingly strict orally applied substituting drug L-methadone has definitely to be suspected leading to the Candida endophthalmitis.

Administration, Oral↗

Photochemical and photobiological studies of a furonaphthopyranone as a benzo-spaced psoralen analog in cell-free and cellular DNA.

Photobiological activities of the benzo-spaced psoralen analog furonaphthopyranone 3 have been investigated in cell-free and cellular DNA. The molecular geometry parameters of 3 suggest that it should not form interstrand crosslinks with DNA. With cell-free DNA no evidence for crosslinking but also not for monoadduct formation was obtained; rather, the unnatural furocoumarin 3 induces oxidative DNA modifications under near-UVA irradiation. The enzymatic assay of the photosensitized damage in cell-free PM2 DNA revealed the significant formation of lesions sensitive to formamidopyrimidine DNA glycosylase (Fpg protein). In the photooxidation of calf thymus DNA by the furonaphthopyranone 3, 0.29 +/- 0.02% 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (8-oxoGua) was observed. With 2'-deoxyguanosine (dGuo), the guanidine-releasing photooxidation products oxazolone and oxoimidazolidine were formed predominately, while 8-oxodGuo and 4-HO-8-oxodGuo were obtained in minor amounts. The lack of a significant D2O effect in the photooxidation of DNA and dGuo reveals that singlet oxygen (type II process) plays a minor role; control experiments with tert-butanol and mannitol confirm the absence of hydroxyl radicals as oxidizing species. The furonaphthopyranone 3 (Ered = -1.93 +/- 0.03V) should act in its singlet-excited state as electron acceptor for the photooxidation of dGuo (delta GET ca -6 kcal/mol), which corroborates photoinduced electron transfer (type I) as a major DNA-oxidizing mechanism. A comet assay in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) AS52 cells demonstrated that the psoralen analog 3 damages cellular DNA upon near-UVA irradiation; however, no photosensitized mutagenicity was observed in CHO AS52 cell cultures.

Animals↗

[Intravenous spiral CT angiography for assessment before orthotopic liver transplantation: comparisons between tomography, MIP, 3-dimensional surface imaging and intra-arterial DSA].

UNLABELLED: To analyse the efficacy of intravenous spiral CT angiography (SCTA) for the evaluation before orthotopic liver transplantation (oLT) compared with DSA. METHODS: Spiral CT was performed on 31 potential recipients of a liver graft in order to examine hepatic vessels, coeliac axis, splenic artery and superior mesenteric artery. The arterial vessels were reconstructed in "Maximum Intensity Projection (MIP)" and "Shaded Surface Display (SSD)"-technique. The axial images, MIP and SSD were compared in 25 patients with DSA with regard to the visualisation of the vascular anatomy, detectability of stenosis and vascular diameters. RESULTS: The type of arterial liver supply could be determined via SCTA in all patients. Stenosis of the coeliac axis was seen in ten patients on the DSA, MIP and SSD and in eight patients on the axial images. Occlusion of the hepatic artery was clearly visualised in two patients on the DSA, axial images and MIP and in one patient on the SSD. There was no false positive diagnosis with SCTA. SSD was seen as the best technique to visualise the vessels without overshadowing. There were no significant differences between the diameters measured from the axial images, MIP and SSD images in transversal direction and the DSA images (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: SCTA is a greatly promising method for the imaging of vessels supplying the liver before oLT, and may convey more diagnostic information than DSA.

Adult↗