Biomedical subjects

T Munk

Publications and source records attributed to T Munk.

8 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

Bimodality in the transverse fluctuations of a grafted semiflexible polymer and the diffusion-convection analogue: an effective-medium approach.

Recent Monte Carlo simulations of a grafted semiflexible polymer in 1+1 dimensions have revealed a pronounced bimodal structure in the probability distribution of the transverse (bending) fluctuations of the free end, when the total contour length is of the order of the persistence length [G. Lattanzi, Phys. Rev E 69, 021801 (2004)]. In this paper, we show that the emergence of bimodality is related to a similar behavior observed when a random walker is driven in the transverse direction by a certain type of shear flow. We adapt an effective-medium argument, which was first introduced in the context of the sheared random-walk problem [E. Ben-Naim, Phys. Rev. A 45, 7207 (1992)], in order to obtain a simple analytic approximation of the probability distribution of the free-end fluctuations. We show that this approximation captures the bimodality and most of the qualitative features of the free-end fluctuations. We also predict that relaxing the local inextensibility constraint of the wormlike chain could lead to the disappearance of bimodality.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2004

Transverse fluctuations of grafted polymers.

We study the statistical mechanics of grafted polymers of arbitrary stiffness in a two-dimensional embedding space with Monte Carlo simulations. The probability distribution function of the free end is found to be highly anisotropic and non-Gaussian for typical semiflexible polymers. The reduced distribution in the transverse direction, a Gaussian in the stiff and flexible limits, shows a double-peak structure at intermediate stiffnesses. We also explore the response to a transverse force applied at the polymer free end. We identify F-Actin as an ideal benchmark for the effects discussed.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2004

Potential use of Braconidae (Hymenoptera) in forensic cases.

The larvae of small Diptera, such as Phoridae, from forensic cases are frequently identified by rearing out the adults. However, parasitoid Hymenoptera are often obtained instead. Rather than discarding these, it is suggested that, with a knowledge of their durations of development, they can be employed as surrogates for their hosts for estimating a minimum postmortem interval. Some data for a forensically important species of Phoridae parasitized by a species of Braconidae are presented.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

[Spontaneous abortion. Drug treatment versus surgery].

INTRODUCTION: Studies of conservative management of early miscarriage have questioned the need for post abortem curettage. METHODS: A prospective, randomised study was carried out to clarify the effect of vaginal administration of a prostaglandin E1 analogue (gemeprost) versus surgical management (curettage) of miscarriages at up to twelve weeks of gestation. A questionnaire revealed discomfort as bleeding and pain. RESULTS: The study comprised 61 patients: group 1 (n: 27) with an endometrial thickness less than 10 mm managed by expectancy, and group 2 with an endometrial thickness greater than 10 mm; group 2 was randomised to group 2A (n: 17), given gemeprost, and group 2B (n: 17), underwent curettage. On entry the mean gestational ages were 51 and 67.5 days for groups 1 and 2, respectively; transvaginal ultrasonography revealed a mean endometrial thickness of 8 mm in group 1 and 19 mm in group 2. One week later this was reduced to 4 mm in group 1 and 5.7 mm in group 2. The duration of vaginal bleeding was similar in all groups, with a mean of 1 week (2-3 days of moderate/heavy bleeding and 6-10 of no bleeding or spotting). The discomfort experienced was similar in all groups (a mean of 36-48 hours of moderate/strong pain and 7-10 days of no or insignificant pain). DISCUSSIONS: Conservative treatment can substitute general anesthesia and curettage in the management of complete spontaneous abortions with fresh vaginal bleeding and an endometrial thickness of up to 10 mm. Vaginal administration of 1 mg gemeprost can substitute general anesthesia and curettage in the management of incomplete spontaneous abortions of up to 12 weeks of gestation and absence of a gestation sac.

Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal↗

PubMed2001

Uterine artery embolization of symptomatic uterine fibroida . Initial success and short-term results.

PURPOSE: To evaluate reduction in fibroid volume, the effect on clinical symptoms, adverse events and complications after percutaneous uterine artery embolization (UAE) as primary invasive treatment for symptomatic uterine fibroids. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-two patients entered the study. Indications for treatment were fibroid-induced menorrhagia, bulk symptoms, pain, and/or large fibroid size. The first 50 patients were evaluated by clinical examination and ultrasonography with measurement of fibroid volume before treament and 1, 6 and 12 months after UAE. The remaining 12 patients were followed 3 and 12 months after treatment. Embolization with microparticles was performed percutaneously in local analgesia by selective catheterization of both uterine arteries. RESULTS: A primary technical success with bilateral UAE was achieved in 60/62 (97%) of the patients. They were treated for postprocedural pain lasting up to 24 h. In 30 of the 62 patients with 6 months follow-up, the mean fibroid volume was reduced 68% 6 months after treatment. Twenty-nine (96%) of the patients experienced reduced bleeding, 21 (70%) reduced pain, and 18 (61%) reduced bulk symptoms at follow-up. CONCLUSION: UAE is a method with a high technical success rate. The treatment has good effect on fibroid volume reduction and clinical symptoms. Severe post-procedural pain occurs generally in successful bilateral embolizations, but complications and adverse events are otherwise few and minor. UAE represents a promising new method for treating uterine fibroid-related symptoms.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

[Laparoscopically treated extrauterine pregnancy].

During a period of 12 months 55 women were treated for 56 ectopic pregnancies. Forty of the 56 (71%) procedures were performed laparoscopically. The duration of operation was 74 minutes when a conservative procedure was used, and 83 minutes where a salpingectomy was performed. The median duration of a diagnostic laparoscopy followed by laparotomy in 12 women was 83 minutes. Four women (13%) had persistent trophoblast, which necessitated a second operation. Two patients had a second laparoscopy because of lower abdominal pain, but did not need further treatment. Median hospitalization time (including diagnosis and second procedures) for the laparoscopically treated women was three days (range one to 16 days).

Female↗

PubMed1994

Herniation of the omentum after laparoscopy.

The use of laparoscopic surgery is increasing. With this new type of surgery new complications will occur. One of these complications is herniation via the troicart incision as a result of the use of large troicarts. This problem could be solved by using the Z-incision technique or by suturing the fascia. Two cases of herniation of the omentum are described and discussed.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

Laparoscopic sterilization under local anesthesia.

Fifty-two women were sterilized through laparoscope under local anesthesia with Filshieclips. The majority (94%) were satisfied with the method. During the operation three patients were submitted to general anesthesia due to adhesions (two) and inadequate relaxation (one). Admission period and sick leave were reduced to a minimum.

Adnexal Diseases↗