Biomedical subjects

W Künzel

Publications and source records attributed to W Künzel.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2001

Breed specific osteological features of the canine lumbosacral junction.

Inefficient facet geometry suggests the lumbosacral junction to be mechanically imperfect in a large number of dogs (especially German Shepherd Dogs) resulting in a significantly higher prevalence of osteophyte formation and increase in the longitudinal extension of the articular surface covering the caudal articular process of the seventh lumbar vertebra. Such osteological features give evidence for lumbosacral craniocaudal translation, were predominantly noticed in combination with axial rotation and are taken to be anatomic risk factors that can predispose to the development of lumbosacral stenosis. The statistically significant relationship between age and the magnitude of the caudal facet inclination angles of the seventh lumbar vertebra in juvenile specimens indicate an affection of the three-dimensional modeling of the immature caudal articular processes by formative stimuli such as body weight and locomotion. However, results additionally indicate an association between the magnitude of these inclination angles and vertebral body dimensions also suggesting a congenital influence on facet geometry.

Aging↗

PubMed2001

Osteological features in pure-bred dogs predisposing to cervical spinal cord compression.

Relative to body size, midsagittal and interpedicular diameters of the cranial and caudal aspects of cervical vertebral foramina (C3-C7) were found to be significantly (P < 0.05) larger in small breeds than in large breeds and Dachshunds, and also larger in Dachshunds (P < 0.05) than in large breeds. This condition increases the risk for spinal cord compression resulting from relative stenosis of the cervical vertebral foramina, especially in large dogs, and this is also exacerbated by the typical shape of the vertebral foramina (i.e. dorsoventrally flattened cranially and bilaterally narrowed caudally). Within large dogs those breeds highly predisposed to cervical spinal cord compression were Great Danes (the breed with the smallest midsagittal vertebral foramen diameters from cranial C6 to cranial T1) and Doberman Pinschers, because of the most strikingly cranially dorsoventrally narrowed cone-shaped vertebral foramina at C6 and C7. The existence of a small midsagittal diameter in the cranial cervical spine was a high risk factor predisposing to spinal cord compression in small breeds and Dachshunds. Remarkable consistency was noted between the spinal level of the maximum enlargement of the spinal cord which previously was reported to be at C6, and the site of maximum enlargement of the vertebral canal currently stated in Dachshunds and small breeds. In large breeds the maximum enlargement of the vertebral canal tended to be located more caudally at the caudal limit of C7. The average age at which large dogs were most susceptible to noxious factors causing abnormal growth of the pedicles was determined to be 16 wk.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

[Changes and trends in the epidemiology of caries in Europe].

The extension of fluoride prevention in the Western-European countries changed basically the caries prevalence of the young population in these countries, which influenced also the conception of preventive care. In the Central-Eastern European countries, with a high prevalence of dental caries, countrywide-based national caries-preventive programs are necessary. Concerning the Western-European countries with a low caries prevalence, targeted programs for high-risk groups should be planned. In this respect the forecast of risk-groups with high caries activity gains an increased importance.

Dental Caries↗

PubMed2001

The position and shape of osteophyte formations at canine vertebral endplates and its influence on radiographic diagnosis.

The relationship between the risk of missing osteophytes in lateral radiographs and their position was determined in a sample of German shepherd dogs (GSDs, n = 42) and dachshunds (DHs, n = 36). Only 10% of osteophytes which were not detected on radiographs were located in the ventral median area (position 1) and classified as type 1 (small spur with narrow base). The highest risk for being affected next to the intervertebral foramen and/or the dorsal area of the vertebral endplate (position 3) was noticed in the lumbar segment (95% CI: 5.2-9.8% in DHs; 11.9-17.7% in GSDs). The minimum risk of missing osteophytes in this position radiologically was 33.3% in the GSDs and 26.4% in the DHs. In the GSDs a higher proportion of type 2 osteophytes (spur with broader base of origin, tending to extend up to half the way along the disc space) was not visualized on radiographs. Peak incidences of osteophytes in positions 1 and 3 were located at the centres of spinal flexion and extension. Therefore, distribution patterns of osteophytes in these positions confirmed mechanical factors being important in pathogenesis of vertebral osteophytosis.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Decline of caries prevalence after the cessation of water fluoridation in the former East Germany.

In contrast to the anticipated increase in dental caries following the cessation of water fluoridation in the cities Chemnitz (formerly Karl-Marx-Stadt) and Plauen, a significant fall in caries prevalence was observed. This trend corresponded to the national caries decline and appeared to be a new population-wide phenomenon. Additional surveys (N=1017) carried out in the formerly-fluoridated towns of Spremberg (N=9042) and Zittau (N=6232) were carried out in order to support this unexpected epidemiological finding. Pupils from these towns, aged 8/9-, 12/13- and 15/16-years, have been examined repeatedly over the last 20 years using standardised caries-methodological procedures. While the data provided additional support for the established fact of a caries reduction brought about by the fluoridation of drinking water (48% on average), it has also provided further support for the contention that caries prevalence may continue to fall after the reduction of fluoride concentration in the water supply from about 1 ppm to below 0.2 ppm F. Caries levels for the 12-year-olds of both towns significantly decreased during the years 1993-96, following the cessation of water fluoridation. In Spremberg, DMFT fell from 2.36 to 1.45 (38.5%) and in Zittau from 2.47 to 1.96 (20.6%). These findings have therefore supported the previously observed change in the caries trend of Chemnitz and Plauen. The mean of 1.81 DMFT for the 12-year-olds, computed from data of the four towns, is the lowest observed in East Germany during the past 40 years. The causes for the changed caries trend were seen on the one hand in improvements in attitudes towards oral health behaviour and, on the other hand, to the broader availability and application of preventive measures (F-salt, F-toothpastes, fissure sealants etc.). There is, however, still no definitive explanation for the current pattern and further analysis of future caries trends in the formerly fluoridated towns would therefore seem to be necessary.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

Dental erosion in Cuban children associated with excessive consumption of oranges.

Marked erosion at the mesial edges of upper front teeth was observed during an examination of Cuban children. The preferential erosion of mesial edges produced characteristic V-shaped defects on upper central incisors, and the aim of the present study, carried out on 12-yr-old children (N = 1010) in 10 communities in the Province of Havana was to establish the frequency of dental erosion and explain its occurrence. The symmetrical erosion of teeth 11 and 21 (excluding crown injuries and attrition) were clinically classified into four grades: 0.5 = objectionable; 1 = abnormal mesial shortening of incisal edges; 2 = V-shaped defect of cutting edges; 3 = exposure of dentine and extension of the erosive defect to the lateral incisors. In four of the communities, children did not show or rarely showed incisal erosion. In the other six communities, the frequency was surprisingly high (16.6-40.9%). Overall, 17.4% of children exhibited erosion, and the occurrence was significantly higher in girls (20.7%) than in boys (15.0%). The typical V-shaped pattern of erosion seems to be a consequence of the manner in which citrus fruits are eaten. There was also a positive correlation between the frequency of dental erosion and the proximity of citrus plantations, which presumably related to the extent of (daily) orange consumption.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

[Comparative epidemiologic study of caries in German and Hungarian adolescents].

The aim of the study was to assess the trend of caries prevalence in German and Hungarian population sample. The authors examined 15-16-year-old Hungarian adolescents in Debrecen and Budapest in 1997 (451 persons), then re-examined them in 1999 (377 persons). These data were compared to those of 15-16 and 17-18-year-old adolescents examined in the Eastern part of Germany (Plauen) in 1991 (668 persons) and in 1995 (586 persons). The results showed significant caries reduction in Germany. The DMFT values of 17-18-year-old adolescents were nearly half in Germany (x = 5.2) compared to those of Hungary (x = 9.0). This fact suggests the necessity of introduction of effective preventive programs including salt fluoridation in Hungary.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Influenza vaccination in liver transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: The immunogenicity of the trivalent inactivated influenza split virus vaccine (Infusplit SSW 97/98) containing A/Bayern/07/95 (H1N1)-like (A/Johannesburg/82/96 [NIB-39]), A/Wuhan/359/95 (H3N2)-like (A/Nanchang/933/95 [Resvir-0]), and B/Beijing/184/93-like (B/Harbin/7/94) hemagglutinin antigens was tested in liver transplant recipients (TXL-R). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Serum antibody titers were determined 21+/-2 days after a single vaccination in 62 adult TXL-R and 59 adult volunteers. RESULTS: Protective postimmunization antibody titers for the three antigens were similar in TXL-R (protection rates 92%, 92%, and 95%) and the comparison group (97%, 100%, and 100%). Adverse reactions were mild and less frequent in TXL-R. A significant decrease of CD8+CD38+ lymphocytes after vaccination was found in TXL-R. No association between antibody response and age, gender, time interval since transplantation, anti-hepatitis B surface antigen immunoprophylaxis, or immunosuppressive medication was detected. CONCLUSION: Our results show that the vaccine is safe and effective and should be recommended to TXL-R.

ADP-ribosyl Cyclase↗

PubMed1999

[The Chemnitz Pathologic-Hygienic Institute and its leader from 1898 to 1998].

The 100-year-history of Pathological Anatomy in Chemnitz is described by edification and fall of its buildings as well as the main dates of its leaders. From these the founder of the institute Coelestin Nauwerck, his most important disciple Martin Staemmler and the newfounder after the 2nd world war Walther Panofsky are especially mentioned. The article also refers to the involvement of Staemmler in Nazism and the injury done to Panofsky by it. The importance of the microbiological-hygienical departure during a long period is accented.

Academies and Institutes↗

PubMed1999

[Anatomic features of the carpal joint of the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatuw), compared with the domestic cat (Felis catus)].

The anatomy of the carpal joint of the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) was examined in seven specimens using dissection and corrosion casts as well as radiography, and compared to well-known data of the domestic cat (Felis catus). It was found that in the cheetah, as in the domestic cat, the intermedioradial, ulnar and accessory carpal bones, as well as the first, second, third and fourth carpal bones and the sesamoid bone of the abductor pollicis longus muscle, develop in a regular manner. The bones had a similar shape and the ligamentous apparatus was comparable, the most striking differences being the connection of all compartments of the joint cavity and the mediocarpal joint, working as a screw joint. The syndesmosis between the intermedioradial and ulnar carpal bones, instead of a synovial connection, is another adaptation for stabilization of the carpus of the cheetah during locomotion. The joint capsule is little spacious and in all three recesses can be differentiated. The first extends proximally palmar the ulnar carpal bone between the styloid process of the ulna and the accessory carpal bone, the second also extends proximally mediopalmar of the intermedioradial bone, and the largest third recess is located on the dorsal surface and extends proximally, laterally to the inserting tendon of the extensor carpi radialis muscle.

Acinonyx↗

PubMed1998

[Anatomic and radiographic examination of the shoulder joint of the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)].

Anatomical structures of shoulder joints of five adult cheetahs were examined by dissection, corrosion casts and radiography. The bones, capsules and auxiliary synovial devices were described, as well as ligaments and adjacent muscles. The cheetah shoulder has many similarities with the shoulder joint of the domestic cat, but also considerable differences. Proper osteological features were the large supraglenoid tubercle, the caudally directed coracoid process and the extension of the articular surface of the scapula to the lateral area of the supraglenoid tubercle. On the proximal end of the humerus the width of the head of humerus, the facet of infraspinatus muscle as a shallow cavity with the insertion of the infraspinatus muscle around it and two raised roughnesses on the proximal end of the tricipital line for the insertions of the lateral glenohumeral ligament and the teres minor muscle were noticeable. The insertion of the joint capsule was mainly on the glenoid labrum, only in part of the articular surface on the lateral area of the supraglenoid tubercle laterally on the scapula. The joint capsule formed a supra- and infraspinatus recess laterally, an intertubercular tendon sheet for the biceps brachii muscle cranially, and a bipartited subscapular recess medially. An extracapsular transverse ligament passing the intertubercular groove, a laterally capsular strengthening--called lateral glenohumeral ligament--and an intracapsular medial glenohumeral ligament could be found. The latter one was joined to the capsule by a mesoligament, dividing the subscapular recess into two pouches.

Acinonyx↗

PubMed1998

[Anatomic characteristics pf the elbow joint of the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)].

Anatomical structures of elbow joints of six cheetahs were examined by dissection, corrosion casts and radiography. As a result, it was observed that the distal end of humerus is divided into the trochlea humeri for articulation with the ulna and the capitulum humeri for articulation with the radius. As the trochlea humeri is posed oblique and looks like a disc-shaped cone sector, flexion. Flexion of elbow joint is always combined with adduction of the distal parts of the limb, and, respectively, extension with abduction. The cylindrical but also in sagittal direction convex capitulum humeri enables the head of the radius all movements on a spheric sector. Furthermore, advantageous preconditions for rotation in the proximal radioulnar joint are the mighty medical coronoid process, the displacement of the radial tuberosity to the caudal surface of the radius and the insertion of the biceps brachii muscle exclusively on this elevation of the radius. Limiting factors are the insertions of collateral ligaments at the antebrachial skeleton. The lateral collateral ligament inserts only on the radius, the medial collateral ligament mainly on the ulna. The radial anular ligament directly connects the two coronoid processes of the ulna and moreover is intracapsular. The joint capsule is common for both the cubital and the proximal radioulnar joint and five pouches could be described. These were between the lateral epicondyle of humerus and the olecranon, underneath the tendon of origin of the extensor carpi ulnaris muscle, cranially in the bend of the elbow joint, between the head of the radius and the tendon of origin of supinator muscle and the lateral part of radial anular ligament, just as between the medial epicondyle of humerus and the tendons of origin of flexor muscles of the forearm.

Acinonyx↗

PubMed1998

Intrauterine fetal death during pregnancy: limitations of fetal surveillance.

OBJECTIVE: Perinatal statistics in Germany have shown that fetal death during pregnancy remained unchanged during the past 12 years. The question arises whether the quality of prenatal care can be improved and contributing factors to ante partum mortality (APM) reduced. METHODS: The perinatal data base from Hesse was evaluated for 1990-1995. It comprises 347,463 deliveries in a population based survey from the state of Hesse/Germany. Antepartum death occurred in 1,133 cases (0.33%). Pregnancy care was evaluated in a longitudinal investigation analysed from 1982 to 1995. RESULTS: Fetal surveillance showed during the past years a steady improvement demonstrated by the number antenatal visits of more than 10: it rose from 54 to 75%, by the CTG recordings ante partum: it increased from 55 to 90% and ultrasound examinations more than 5: it rose from 12 to 26%. Despite the increase of ante partum care fetal death during pregnancy remained constant since 1985 at 0.5 to 0.6%. Malformations contribute to APM in 8.3%. In 44.4% various risk factors could be identified, whereas in 47.4% no causes could be shown. Special risk factors are hydramnios, diabetes, placenta praevia, multiple pregnancy, IUGR and others. Fetal death occurs preferentially during the last weeks of pregnancy with a maximum at 40 weeks of gestation. Social burden and insufficient prenatal care are contributing factors to APM. CONCLUSION: APM can still be improved by using simple clinical estimates and by defined application of surveillance tools at present available.

Female↗

PubMed1998

[Radiologically detectable changes in the radial annular ligament and the supinator muscle of the domestic cat (Felis catus)].

Elbow joints of a random sample of 59 cats were investigated by means of X-rays and dissection as well as histologically and by making cuts through synthetic resin-embedded joints. Bone-dense shadow craniolateral to the elbow joint was observed in X-ray images of 23 limbs (about 20%). Furthermore 8 of these 23 elbow joints (about 7%) showed signs of arthrotic alteration. Histologic examination revealed one or more centers of metaplasia of varying status of development of the annular ligament of the radius. Alterations varied from chondroid metaplasia to mineralisation and ossification. They turned out to be located in the area where the annular ligament of the radius crosses the tendon of origin of the supinator muscle and are considered to be a reaction of tough connective tissue to mechanical stress. Compressive forces seem to be less responsible than tensile stress. As soon as bone-dense shadow is observed in X-ray images, alterations have grown so far as the annular ligament of the radius as well as the tendon of origin of the supinator muscle are affected.

Aging↗

PubMed1998

[Gameprost, sulproston and dinoproston for induced abortion in the 15th-24th week of pregnancy].

In a randomized, prospective study at the Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the University Hospital of Giessen 4 different ways of inducing abortions with prostaglandins were tested between the 15th and 24th week of gestation. The aim of the study was to determine the best approach to inducing abortion in order to minimize the psychological and physical stress to the patient. Subjects randomized to the first two groups got a single cervical installation of either 0.5 mg Dinoprostongel (Prepidil, N = 22) or 0.5 mg Sulprostongel (Nalador, N = 21). Six hours later, i.v. infusion with Sulproston (8.3 micrograms/min) was started and continued until the abortion was complete. Patients randomized to the third and fourth group received either 0.5 mg Dinoprostongel intracervically (N = 15) or 1 mg Gemeprost vaginal suppositories (Cergem, N = 21) every 6 hours until the cervix was 1-2 cm dilated. Subsequently the patients received an i.v. infusion with Sulproston until the abortion was complete. In the first group with intracervical application of Sulproston the total time until abortion was 17.8 h +/- 7.8 h. This was shorter than following a single application of Dinoprostongel (22.5 h +/- 14.7 h). Although there was a five hours difference, the between-group differences were not statistically different because of a wide range in values following Dinoproston treatment. This range could not be explained by the age of the mother, week of gestation or parity. In the group receiving multiple intracervical applications of Dinoproston the time till expulsion was twice as long as that after multiple vaginal suppositories of Gemeprost (33.8 h +/- 13.9 h vs. 15.6 +/- 6.0 h, p < 0.01). The time span until a cervical dilatation of 1-2 cm was 27.0 h +/- 13.7 h in the group with repeated Dinoproston application. This period of time was more than twice the time span seen in the group with repeated Gemeprost application (12.5 h +/- 4.2 h, p < 0.01). On the average four treatments with intracervical Dinoprostongel were required while the average with Gemeprost vaginal suppositories was two to achieve a cervical dilatation of 1-2 cm. Furthermore in 7 of 21 cases treatment with Gemeprost achieved the expulsion of the fetus without Sulproston infusion (11.4 h +/- 5.2 h). Comparing single versus repetitive prostaglandin application we could demonstrate that the duration of Sulproston infusion was cut in half after repeated therapy with Gemeprost. We conclude that repetitive application of Gemeprost vaginal suppositories decreases the time to abortion and subject discomfort tremendously. The application of Gemeprost suppositories provides the easiest and most efficient therapeutic approach for both patients and staff. Furthermore the regiment that provided the best results was also the most cost-effective (range 180,-DM to 317,- DM per case).

Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal↗

PubMed1997

Maternal plasma fibronectin: a predictor of preterm delivery.

OBJECTIVE: Current opinion holds that there are several distinct groups among patients with preterm labour: one of them is characterized by bacterial infection, another one by the presence of placental vascular abnormalities with endothelial damage. The aim of this study was to investigate plasma fibronectin, a suspected biochemical marker of endothelial damage, as an indicator for pregnancies with a high risk of preterm delivery. METHODS: Plasma fibronectin levels were measured in patients with preterm labour (n = 80) and in healthy pregnant women with uncomplicated (control) pregnancies (n = 64) between the 22nd and 36th week of gestation. Furthermore, the plasma concentrations of fibronectin in 15 newborns at term and ten babies born preterm were measured to study the relationship between preterm delivery and plasma fibronectin concentration in newborns. Fibronectin was measured by nephelometry. RESULTS: The mean concentration of fibronectin in patients with preterm labour was 0.44 g/l (S.D., 0.15) vs. 0.25 g/l (S.D., 0.12) in uncomplicated control pregnancies matched for gestational age. In control patients who actually delivered at term, fibronectin values were found to be lower than in control patients who underwent preterm delivery (0.25 g/l; S.D., 0.05; vs. 0.46 g/l; S.D., 0.15; P < 0.05). Particularly high values were detected in patients with preterm labour delivering before 32 weeks of gestation (0.60 g/l; S.D., 0.16). There was no significant difference between fibronectin concentrations in the umbilical arterial and venous blood of premature infants and mature infants. Leucocyte concentration, bacteriological smear and cervical dilatation did not correlate with fibronectin concentrations in patients with preterm delivery or controls. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the higher plasma concentrations of fibronectin in women with preterm labour may be a biochemical marker and a predictor of preterm delivery.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

Peri/intraventricular haemorrhage: a cranial ultrasound study on 5286 neonates.

OBJECTIVE: We launched a prospective cranial ultrasound study at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the University of Giessen. In this study we examined the incidence and severity of brain damage in neonates and related them to various obstetrical risk factors. STUDY DESIGN: More than 90% of all neonates born between 1984 and 1988 were included in the study (n = 5286) and were screened by ultrasound for cerebral abnormalities on 5-8 days post-partum. The relation between the incidence of peri/intraventricular haemorrhages (PIVH) and obstetrical risk factors were analyzed by contingency tables. RESULTS: The most frequent abnormality was PIVH (3.6%) of various degrees (grade I-III). Periventricular leucomalacia, porencephalia, subarachnoidal haemorrhages, and hydrocephali were rare (< or = 0.2%). The incidence of PIVH increased progressively with decreasing gestational age, e.g. from 1.6% at 38-43 weeks up to 50.0% at 24-30 weeks of gestation. A large percentage of babies with PIVH were clinically normal. In immature neonates there was a close inverse relationship between Apgar score at 1, 5 and 10 min and both incidence and severity of PIVH. This was in contrast to findings in mature neonates where a marked increase in the incidence of PIVH was found only with Apgar scores as low as 0-4 points. The relation between the incidence of PIVH and both cardiotocography and arterial cord blood pH was poor, independent of the gestational age. The incidence of PIVH was increased in growth retarded fetuses (pH < or = 7.29), premature rupture of membranes, fever sub partu and gestosis. It is interesting to note that in mature fetuses there was no difference in the incidence of PIVH between vaginally delivered (0.8%) and sectioned breech presentations (2.1%). In preterms at 35-37 weeks with prolonged labour and secondary cesarean section, the incidence of PIVH was very high (11.2%). CONCLUSION: From the present study we conclude that the incidence of PIVH especially in immature neonates is highly associated with low Apgar scores at birth. Since the Apgar score reflects the clinical condition and the degree of circulatory centralisation of neonates that is influenced by various ante- and intranatal risk factors, a protective obstetrical management is necessary to reduce the incidence of PIVH in neonates.

Acid-Base Equilibrium↗

PubMed1997

Rise and fall of caries prevalence in German towns with different F concentrations in drinking water.

The rise and fall of caries prevalence (DMFT) and its relation to changing F concentration of drinking water and other health-related factors is analysed based on dental findings of more than 286,000 subjects of either sex (6-15 years old) from the two industrial towns Chemnitz and Plauen. Water fluoridation (1.0 +/- 0.1 ppm F) was implemented in Chemnitz (formerly Karl-Marx-Stadt) in 1959. It was in operation until autumn 1990 with an interruption lasting 22 months around the year 1971. In the F-poor town of comparison, Plauen, 55% of the citizens were supplied with F-enriched drinking water (0.9 ppm F) during the years 1972-1984. Another 20% received F-containing mixed water (0.4-0.7 ppm F). During the first three decades of the study the level of caries prevalence was strictly correlated with the availability of an optimal caries preventive F concentration in the drinking water. Water fluoridation was followed by a decrease of caries, and interruptions in fluoridation were followed by increasing caries levels. A different caries trend was observed in the years from 1987 to 1995. There was a significant caries decrease down to the lowest DMFT (2.0) since 1959 in spite of the fact that only F-poor water was available over years in both towns. This improvement of oral health is explained by changes in caries-preventive and environmental conditions.

Adolescent↗