[Quality of life in old patients suffering from giddiness in Germany. Results of an observational study on dimenhydrinate].
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Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to W Link.
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Trans-synaptic activation of gene expression is linked to long-term plastic adaptations in the nervous system. To examine the molecular program induced by synaptic activity, we have employed molecular cloning techniques to identify an immediate early gene that is rapidly induced in the brain. We here report the entire nucleotide sequence of the cDNA, which encodes an open reading frame of 396 amino acids. Within the hippocampus, constitutive expression was low. Basal levels of expression in the cortex were high but can be markedly reduced by blockade of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors. By contrast, synaptic activity induced by convulsive seizures increased mRNA levels in neurons of the cortex and hippocampus. High-frequency stimulation of the perforant path resulted in long-term potentiation and a spatially confined dramatic increase in the level of mRNA in the granule cells of the ipsilateral dentate gyrus. Transcripts were localized to the soma and to the dendrites of the granule cells. The dendritic localization of the transcripts offers the potential for local synthesis of the protein at activated postsynaptic sites and may underlie synapse-specific modifications during long-term plastic events.
The fracture of the clavicle is a very frequent injury to children and young adults. Using a figure-of-eight bandage for treatment leads to good functional result and acceptable cosmetical appearance. Indications for an open reduction are rare: they are confined to brachial plexus lesions, injuries to the subclavian vessels, open fractures or fractures of the outer third of the clavicle combined with an acromioclavicular separation. Fractures of the scapula merely require immobilization and subsequent physiotherapy to yield satisfactory results. Distorsions and subluxations of the joints of the clavicle are to be managed conservatively, too. Only in cases of complete ruptures of the acromioclavicular, coracoclavicular or sternoclavicular ligaments, it is necessary to perform an open reduction and repair of the ligaments.
Between 1973 and 1987 we applied stacked Bundle-nailing in 24 cases of pathological humerus fractures. It is a fast, low-risk technique with which a good stabilization can be obtained. Especially in patients with advanced malignant disease, a fast improvement of life-quality is significant.
Conclusions on results after resection arthroplasty were made by analyzing patient records with regard to completed questionnaires. Sixty-four patients were followed up for 2.1-15.9 years postoperatively. The indications for explanation were septic or aseptic loosening with extensive bony destruction. The average age of the patients was 69.7 years. A specially prepared questionnaire summarized each patient's condition at that time. Twenty-five patients had no discomfort in the operated hip: 25 others reported occassional mild pain during increased strain, and six patients complained of constant pain. All patients were able to walk with aids. In six cases the infection recurred. In summary, we can say that the goal of maintaining an infection- and pain-free hip was achieved in over 90% of cases, but the functional weight-bearing capacity was limited. Resection arthroplasty appears to be a successful treatment; it relieves the patients from pain and infection and can often end a long series of surgical operations.
From 1955 to 1987 414 children with supracondylar fractures of the humerus were treated at the surgical department of the University of Erlangen. Most important for the choice of treatment in supracondylar fractures was the classification of Baumann. 33 children concerning stage I were treated with cuff and collar or cast. Out of 381 patients with stage II and III Baumann's extension was used in 352 children; 29 had to be operated. The operation was indicated in a further 56 children. 20 of these had a lesion of the condylus radialis, 18 of the epicondylus ulnaris, 8 children showed diacondylar, 3 transcondylar lesions, 3 children had injuries of the condylus ulnaris and 4 more children showed splintered fractures. In 234 patients a follow-up was carried out according to the scheme of Morger. In 91% there was an ideal or good late result, in only 2% of the patients the result was unsatisfactory. The majority of distal fractures of the humerus can be treated conservatively with good results; operative treatment does not improve the functional and cosmetic results. It is indicated in complicated forms of fracture, in which satisfying results are not to be expected by conservative treatment.
In patients with multiple bone metastases of malignant tumors, bundle-nailing according to Hackethal is a fast and non-traumatic way of stabilizing existing or impending pathological fractures. It is also a therapeutic alternative in benign lesions, provided it is genuinely indicated and is performed correctly. Either as primary treatment following resection (sometimes with spongioplasty) or as secondary treatment, i.e. stabilization, it can be a valuable technique. Between 1976 and 1986 we performed 14 operations in our hospital using this technique. The tumor was malignant in 11 cases, benign in 3 and unclear in 1 case. The incidence of unfavorable results due to corrosion has been reduced recently, in particular since titanium has been used.
The development of modern osteosynthetic procedures has made the use of bundle nailing uncommon. Bundle nailing is restricted to extraordinary situations, but when indication is correct, it is superior to alternative procedures. From a current viewpoint only two indications remain: one are the fractures of the humeral shaft which cannot be treated conservatively, and the second are fractures of the femur in children if serious complications endanger conservative treatment. Simple instruments and implants as well as simple technique produce excellent results in the hands of experienced surgeons even if seldom performed. The rate of relevant complications for the above mentioned indications was 0.91% in a total of 560 bundle nailings; those were complications which either led to reoperation or negative effects on function.
In the therapy of fractures of the humeral shaft, the individual patient's total condition should be taken into consideration when selecting the adequate method of treatment. Conservative treatment of humeral shaft fractures is still preferred, and Sarmiento's functional therapy has expanded the therapeutic possibilities. The decision for operative treatment is clarified by dividing the indications into the following categories: absolute, relative and recommended indications. In order to reduce complication rates and to ensure stability, we chose among three osteosynthetic procedures: 1. Bundle nailing. 2. Compression plate. 3. Fixateur externe (De Bastiani's mono-fixateur). In simple fractures of the shaft, bundle nailing is an effective and low-risk treatment. Compression plate is indicated in the presence of radial nerve palsy and in very distal shaft fractures. In open fractures and fractures with accompanying blood vessel damage, we favour stabilization with the De Bastiani's unilateral fixateur externe.
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Human adult keratinocytes migrating on a nonviable dermal substrate in cultures without fibroblasts induce thinning and degradation of the collagen substrate beneath the migrating epithelium. Further, unconcentrated conditioned medium from the cultures exhibit collagenolytic activity against both type I and type IV collagen which is inhibited by EDTA but not by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride or N-ethylmaleimide. Since the migrating epithelium and dermal substrate do not contain fibroblasts, this study shows that migratory keratinocytes in contact with interstitial collagen are capable of producing collagenases against type I and type IV collagen. Moreover, migratory keratinocytes appear to be similar to highly metastatic cells in their ability to degrade basement membrane collagen.
For the last 28 years condylar upper arm fractures have been treated at the Department of Surgery of Erlangen University mainly via the extention after Baumann. 182 cases out of 306 were followed up clinically. Extension treatment after Baumann is a technically simple procedure and offers the possibility of continual control and correction of repositioning. Treatment results are good. We could not observe Volkmann's contraction among our patients. Operation does not decisively improve the results, whereas the risk is increased. It should remain restricted to those cases only which cannot be successfully treated by conservative measures.
In the medical literature we found published four cases of irradiation induced chondrosarcoma of the scapula. We present a fifth one and report about a 63 year old female patient. She underwent a left radical mastectomy for breast cancer. Pre- and postoperatively a local irradiation of 140,00 Gy was applied. After a disease free interval of 18 years a large tumor in the left scapula was histologically confirmed as a chondrosarcoma. All criterias of Cahan for an irradiation induced sarcoma are fulfilled.
In patients with haemorrhagic necrotizing pancreatitis who are scheduled for surgery we have been carrying out a preoperative retrograde investigation of the pancreatic duct system for the past months. The results in, to date, ten patients revealed four different morphological findings of importance for the surgical tactic: 1. A normal pancreatic duct system with no signs of fistulae: only peripancreatic necrosectomy is required. - 2. Contrast medium leaks via a ductal fistula: left resection including the removal of the fistulous area must be done. - 3. Normal duct system with complete segmental parenchymal staining, representing total necrosis in this region: left resection of the pancreas. - 4. Duodenoscopically demonstrable perforation into the duodenum of a necrotic cavity in the head of the pancreas: conservative management only, no surgery, since this lesion resulting in drainage of the necrotic cavity into the bowel permits self-healing, while the site of the perforation within the necrotic wall cannot be dealt with by surgery. - The experience gained so far indicates that the surgical tactic can be determined with greater selectivity by the use of ERP.
Although interest in intraoperative autotransfusion increased when commercial equipment became available, this technique still is utilized rarely in most hospitals. Our experience began with sporadic use in 1972 and has evolved to regular use at least ten times a month. The machine is operated by a technician, and we heparinize the autotransfusion system (ATS) reservoir. Our series includes 47 patients who had elective vascular operations and 141 who had emergency operations, usually for trauma. In the latter group, seven patients who were autotransfused with blood contaminated by intestinal contents survived near fatal injuries and did not develop complications attributable to the procedure. Morbidity and mortality rates in both groups did not appear to be increased as a result of intraoperative autotransfusion. Controversy over methods of anticoagulation and apprehension about effect on blood are not valid reasons for underutilization of this technique. Although significant administrative commitments are required to implement its use and to treat the coagulopathy that accompanies massive reinfusions, they are justified by the value of intraoperative autotransfusion in most cases in which two or more units of blood would be required ordinarily.
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