PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

T Becker

Publications and source records attributed to T Becker.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed2001

Diagnostic impact of fluorescence in situ hybridization in the differentiation of hepatocellular adenoma and well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma.

Histopathological differentiation between hepatocellular adenoma and well differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) may be a difficult task in small biopsies and occasionally in resected tumor specimens. Whether the analysis of chromosome aberrations can contribute to a more precise discrimination has not been analyzed systematically up to now. Therefore, fluorescence in situ hybridization was applied to 28 cases of adenoma and well differentiated carcinoma, using centromeric probes for chromosomes 1, 6, 7, 8, and X. None of 14 adenomas revealed an aberrant count in the analyses performed. By contrast, 13/14 carcinomas demonstrated aberrations for 2-5 chromosomes/case. Chromosome 1 was aberrant in 8/12 cases informative for this probe (67%), chromosomes 6 and 7 were aberrant in 9/14 cases (64%), chromosome 8 was aberrant in 11/14 cases (79%), and chromosome X in 7/14 cases (50%). Taking results for chromosomes 1 and 8 together, 13/14 HCC revealed aberrations for at least one of these chromosomes. Probes for 6, 7, and X revealed no additional aberrant cases.Thus, FISH for chromosomes 1 and 8, extended by probes for chromosomes 6, 7 and X, represents a promising approach toward a more accurate differentiation between hepatocellular adenoma and carcinoma.

Adenoma, Liver Cell↗
PubMed2001

Basal limbic system alteration in major depression: a hypothesis supported by transcranial sonography and MRI findings.

The pathogenesis of major depression (MD) remains unclear despite intensive research in the last decades which brought up a multitude of findings illustrating the complexity of this disorder. In this paper we will summarize the evidence pointing towards a structural alteration of the basal limbic system in MD and depression in Parkinson's disease (PD). Transcranial ultrasound and MRI studies in both depressive syndromes revealed altered signal intensity of the brainstem midline comprising fibre tracts of the basal limbic system. The hypothesis of a structural disruption of the basal limbic system is supported by biochemical and histopathological findings. The similarity of findings in MD and depression in PD might reflect a relationship between MD and neurodegenerative disorders.

Brain Stem↗
PubMed2001

A comparison of needs of patients with schizophrenia in five European countries: the EPSILON Study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the occurrence of needs of patients with schizophrenia in Amsterdam, Copenhagen, London, Santander and Verona. METHOD: Patients with schizophrenia were interviewed with the Camberwell Assessment of Need. The mean numbers of total, met and unmet needs were compared across the sites. Ratings for individual domains were also examined. Means were adjusted, using multiple regression analysis, to control for patient differences between sites. RESULTS: The highest levels of unmet need were in Amsterdam and London. The number of met needs were similar. Adjusting for patient differences reduced the estimated number of unmet needs and total needs in Copenhagen, but made little difference elsewhere. There were many site differences for individual domains. CONCLUSION: Needs vary between different countries. Unmet needs are greater in large urban areas like London and Amsterdam. Differences in the pattern of individual needs may be partly explained in terms of service provision.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Psychiatric reform in Germany.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the ongoing process of German psychiatric reform and the structure and functioning of mental health services. METHOD: Information sources used include official reports describing mental health services, relevant publications related to organization and functioning of services. RESULTS: There has been far-reaching change in mental health care since the late 1960s: psychiatric hospitals have lost about 50% of their beds and one psychiatric hospital has been closed. One hundred and sixty-five general hospital psychiatric units have been built up. Out-patient, community and residential services have been developed. There is a lack of diversified residential and rehabilitation services, particularly for the most severely ill. Co-ordination of care is not always ensured, transfer of patients to remote nursing homes has occurred in some places. Carers and service users articulate their views to an increasing degree. CONCLUSION: Political and professional enthusiasm have been important in implementation of the German reform. Evolving it further will require major efforts.

Germany↗
PubMed2001

[Psychosocial factors and depressive disorders: pathogenesis model and intervention strategies].

This article gives an overview of the impact of psychosocial factors on the manifestation and course of depressive disorders. It focusses primarily on the large body of work done by G.W. Brown and his co-workers since the 1970s on the pathogenesis of depression. A systematic approach to the treatment of depression should contain not only specific psychotherapy as well as antidepressant drug treatment, but should also include interventions of a psychosocial nature. There are so far hardly any controlled studies in this area. So-called "befriending" projects and psychosocial support schemes for at-risk groups, e.g. single mothers, promise to be interesting approaches. Befriending in this context means a specific kind of relationship that differs structurally from the relationship between a therapist and his client. Interventions of this type on the basis of the prevalence of depressive disorders could have a substantial impact on public health.

Depressive Disorder↗
PubMed2001

[European standardization and German language adaptation of scales for collection of outcomes and costs of treatment for patients with severe mental disorders].

For the evaluation of the effectiveness of psychiatric service systems internationally standardised instruments for the assessment of the outcome and the costs of psychiatric and psychosocial treatment and care are increasingly needed. Beside the measurement of objective facts there is a growing importance of the consideration of the subjective perspective of patients and relatives. In the research project "Cost-effectiveness analysis of psychiatric service systems in the European comparison" of the Research association for Public Health in Saxony, developments were worked out, in close cooperation with the BIOMED-2 project "European Psychiatric Services: Inputs Linked to Outcome Domains and Needs", German versions of five European standardized instruments for the assessment of needs for care, treatment satisfaction, burden of care on relatives, quality of life and service costs. The psychometric properties of the instruments were tested within the framework of a longitudinal study with 307 patients with the diagnosis of schizophrenia. As a result of this study, German versions of all relevant European instruments for psychiatric service evaluation are now available.

Cost-Benefit Analysis↗
PubMed2001

[Prophylactic long-term therapy of affective disorders with lithium, valproic acid and carbamazepine--effectiveness and cost-effectiveness].

Affective disorders have a substantial public health impact due to morbidity, mortality, quality of life impairment and economic implications. There has been renewed debate of the efficacy and effectiveness of Lithium in long-term treatment of affective disorders. In the present paper current literature is discussed with a focus on the routine use of Lithium (effectiveness) and on cost aspects. Recent reviews have confirmed the prophylactic efficacy of Lithium in bipolar affective disorders. However, there is some evidence that effectiveness studies do not hold what efficacy research would promise. Non-compliance is likely to be a major reason for this. Lithium response rates have declined in recent studies. This may be related to diagnostic change (broader concept of affective disorders) and more widespread Lithium use. Non-compliance in patients taking Lithium is a primary factor in relapse with substantial cost effects (due to inpatient care). Current studies compare Lithium with Valproic acid/divalproex, and find cost advantages for the latter possibly due to better compliance. A special suicide-preventive effect has only been proven for Lithium. To ensure the full prophylactic potential of Lithium compliance needs to be improved. Future studies will compare Lithium with Valproic acid/divalproex, Carbamazepine and new treatment strategies more detailed.

Antimanic Agents↗
PubMed2001

[Opinions of staff in the trial phase of standardized documentation of complementary psychiatric services].

A computerised standardised documentation system for non-hospital based psychiatric and psychosocial care is being developed in Saxony. A range of non-hospital based services was involved in the development process. Staff members were interviewed concerning their experience in using the documentation system. Results showed a critical appraisal by staff members, emphasising particularly (a) the investment of time required, and (b) the perceived usefulness of the documentation which was considered to be limited. Besides staff members feared that data protection issues might be disregarded and that data would be used to cut expenditure. Findings are compared with other studies assessing staff attitudes towards data collection in mental health services. It is concluded that the study adds to the existing evidence of staff scepticism towards computerised standardised documentation systems.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

[Instruments for the economical evaluation of psychiatric service systems: methodological foundations of the European standardisation and the German adaptation].

OBJECTIVE: In the project "Cost-effectiveness of psychiatric service systems. A European comparison" a German version of instruments for the assessment of needs for services (CAN-EU), service satisfaction (VSSS-EU) relatives' burden of care (IEQ-EU) and costs of psychiatric services (CSSRI-EU) was developed in close cooperation with the EPSILON Study group. METHOD: The English original versions of the instruments were translated into German and a back-translation into the original language was carried out by a second translator. The back-translation was screened by the first author of the original version. The German versions of all instruments were tested for comprehensibility and practicability by means of focus groups. The internal consistency of all instruments were tested on a representative sample of 307 patients with schizophrenia according to ICD-10 F20. Test-retest reliability and inter-rater reliability was tested by a sub-sample of 50 patients. RESULTS: Psychometric properties of the translated instruments will be presented and discussed. CONCLUSIONS: Statistical methods for the assessment of the reliability coefficients were identical with those of the EPSILON study, therefore the psychometric properties of the German version of the CAN-EU are directly comparable with the other European versions of the instrument.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

In vivo evidence for differential association of striatal dopamine and midbrain serotonin systems with neuropsychiatric symptoms in Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease affects various neurotransmitter systems. Using SPECT, the authors measured [(123)I]beta-CIT binding ratios of the caudate, putamen, medial thalamus, and dorsal midbrain over cerebellum in 16 patients with Parkinson's disease, and examined correlations with clinical ratings. Whereas striatal binding ratios (reflecting regional dopamine transporter densities) were associated with motor symptoms, dorsal midbrain binding ratios (reflecting regional serotonin transporter densities) were significantly correlated with the mentation, behavior, and mood subscale of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale. These findings indicate that degeneration of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons and a dysfunctional serotonergic raphe system contribute differentially to motor deficits and neuropsychiatric symptoms in Parkinson's disease.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Early screening for dyslexia--a collaborative pilot project.

An ongoing collaborative project, currently being piloted in 12 Wiltshire primary schools, is described. The aim is to provide a means of identifying potentially dyslexic children by the end of Key Stage 1 (Year 2) with a view to early intervention. The causal links identified by research between phonological skills and literacy development are taken as the theoretical basis of an initial screening procedure, and an intervention package is implemented for identified children. Those demonstrating persistent difficulties one year later are further assessed over a school term using an assessment package designed to identify those children showing a dyslexic profile. Further intervention is then planned and implemented.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed2000

Gradients of ephrin-A2 and ephrin-A5b mRNA during retinotopic regeneration of the optic projection in adult zebrafish.

Regeneration of optic axons in the continuously growing optic system of adult zebrafish was analyzed by anterograde tracing and correlated with the mRNA expression patterns of the recognition molecules ephrin-A2 and ephrin-A5b in retinal targets. The optic tectum and diencephalic targets are all reinnervated after a lesion. However, the rate of erroneous pathway choices was increased at the chiasm and the bifurcation between the ventral and dorsal brachium of the optic tract compared to unlesioned animals. Tracer application to different retinal positions revealed retinotopic reinnervation of the tectum within 4 weeks after the lesion. In situ hybridization analysis indicated the presence of rostral-low to caudal-high gradients of ephrin-A2 and ephrin-A5b mRNAs in unlesioned control tecta and after a unilateral optic nerve lesion. By contrast, the parvocellular superficial pretectal nucleus showed retinotopic organization of optic fibers but no detectable expression of ephrin-A2 and ephrin-A5b mRNAs. However, a row of cells delineating the terminal field of optic fibers in the dorsal part of the periventricular pretectal nucleus was intensely labeled for ephrin-A5b mRNA and may thus provide a stop signal for ingrowing axons. Ephrin-A2 and ephrin-A5b mRNAs were not detectable in the adult retina, despite their prominent expression during development. Thus, given a complementary receptor system in retinal ganglion cells, expression of ephrin-A2 and ephrin-A5b in primary targets of optic fibers in adult zebrafish may contribute to guidance of optic axons that are continuously added to the adult projection and of regenerating axons after optic nerve lesion.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2000

Proviral insertions in the zebrafish hagoromo gene, encoding an F-box/WD40-repeat protein, cause stripe pattern anomalies.

The zebrafish, Danio rerio, has three types of pigment cells (melanophores, xanthophores and iridophores) and, in adult fish, these cells are organized into a stripe pattern. The mechanisms underlying formation of the stripe pattern are largely unknown. We report here the identification and characterization of a novel dominant zebrafish mutation, hagoromo (hag), which was generated by insertional mutagenesis using a pseudotyped retrovirus. The hag mutation caused disorganized stripe patterns. Two hag mutant alleles were isolated independently and proviruses were located within the fifth intron of a novel gene, which we named hag, encoding an F-box/WD40-repeat protein. The hag gene was mapped to linkage group (LG)13, close to fgf8 and pax2.1. Amino acid sequence similarity, conserved exon-intron boundaries and conserved synteny indicated that zebrafish hag is an ortholog of mouse Dactylin, the gene mutated in the Dactylaplasia (Dac) mouse [1]. The Dac mutation is dominant and causes defects in digit formation in fore- and hindlimbs. This study revealed that the hag locus is important for pattern formation in fish but is involved in distinct morphogenetic events in different vertebrates.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2000

Tenascin-R inhibits regrowth of optic fibers in vitro and persists in the optic nerve of mice after injury.

Tenascin-R, an extracellular matrix constituent expressed by oligodendrocytes and some neuronal cell types, may contribute to the inhibition of axonal regeneration in the adult central nervous system. Here we show that outgrowth of embryonic and adult retinal ganglion cell axons from mouse retinal explants is significantly reduced on homogeneous substrates of tenascin-R or a bacterially expressed tenascin-R fragment comprising the epidermal growth factor-like repeats (EGF-L). When both molecules are presented as a sharp substrate border, regrowing adult axons do not cross into the tenascin-R or EGF-L containing territory. All in vitro experiments were done in the presence of laminin, which strongly promotes growth of embryonic and adult retinal axons, suggesting that tenascin-R and EGF-L actively inhibit axonal growth. Contrary to the disappearance of tenascin-R from the regenerating optic nerve of salamanders (Becker et al., J Neurosci 19:813-827, 1999), the molecule remains present in the lesioned optic nerve of adult mice at levels similar to those in unlesioned control nerves for at least 63 days post-lesion (the latest time point investigated), as shown by immunoblot analysis and immunohistochemistry. In situ hybridization analysis revealed an increase in the number of cells expressing tenascin-R mRNA in the lesioned nerve. We conclude that, regardless of the developmental stage, growth of retinal ganglion cell axons is inhibited by tenascin-R and we suggest that the continued expression of the protein after an optic nerve crush may contribute to the failure of adult retinal ganglion cells to regenerate their axons in vivo.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

American College of Cardiology/European Society of Cardiolgoy International Study of Angiographic Data Compression Phase II: the effects of varying JPEG data compression levels on the quantitative assessment of the degree of stenosis in digital coronary angiography. Joint Photographic Experts Group.

OBJECTIVES: This report describes whether lossy Joint Photographic Experts Group (UPEG) image compression/decompression has an effect on the quantitative assessment of vessel sizes by state-of-the-art quantitative coronary arteriography (QCA). BACKGROUND: The Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) digital exchange standard for angiocardiography prescribes that images must be stored loss free, thereby limiting JPEG compression to a maximum ratio of 2:1. For practical purposes it would be desirable to increase the compression ratio (CR), which would lead to lossy image compression. METHODS: A series of 48 obstructed coronary segments were compressed/decompressed at CR 1:1 (uncompressed), 6:1, 10:1 and 16:1 and analyzed blindly and in random order using the QCA-CMS analytical software. Similar catheter and vessel start- and end-points were used within each image quartet, respectively. All measurements were repeated after several weeks using newly selected start- and end-points. Three different sub-analyses were carried out: the intra-observer, fixed inter-compression and variable inter-compression analyses, with increasing potential error sources, respectively. RESULTS: The intra-observer analysis showed significant systematic and random errors in the calibration factor at JPEG CR 10:1. The fixed inter-compression analysis demonstrated systematic errors in the calibration factor and recalculated vessel parameter results at CR 16:1 and for the random errors at CR 10:1 and 16:1. The variable inter-compression analysis presented systematic and random errors in the calibration factor and recalculated parameter results at CR 10:1 and 16:1. Any negative effect at CR 6:1 was found only for the calibration factor of the variable inter-compression analysis, which did not show up in the final vessel measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Compression ratios of 10:1 and 16:1 affected the QCA results negatively and therefore should not be used in clinical research studies.

Adult↗