Die Universität – ein kohärentes Setting?

Background

This study examined the sense of coherence (SOC) of students, especially for those in the university setting, as well as their perceived quality of life.

Methods

A questionnaire that assesses SOC of university staff was adapted for students; 191 students at an Austrian university answered these items and questions regarding their quality of life.

Results

Confirmatory factor analysis supported the three-dimensionality of the“Students’ SoC” scale, which showed significant effects regarding the students’ quality of life.

Conclusion

The manageability and meaningfulness of university events is associated with respondents’ well-being. Health promotion should implement interventions that ensure well-defined structures and more codetermination and participation for students.     

Long-term comparative outcomes between 2 common ureteroneocystostomy techniques for renal transplantation

PURPOSE: We compared the incidence of ureteral complications between the classic (Lich-Gregoir) technique and the recently popularized single stitch (Shanfield) technique in renal transplantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The charts of 721 consecutive transplant recipients from May 1999 to July 2002 were retrospectively reviewed. Ureteral and nonureteral complications were reviewed at 3 to 5-year followup. RESULTS: Of the 721 recipients evaluated 713 were included in the study. There were 360 recipients in the Lich-Gregoir group and 353 in the Shanfield group. A significantly higher rate of ureteral complications occurred in the Shanfield group compared to the Lich-Gregoir group (15.6% vs 3.9%, p <0.0001). The Shanfield group consisted of 20 patients with ureteral leakage, 21 with hematuria, 11 with strictures and 3 who had ureteral stones. The Lich-Gregoir group had 8 patients with ureteral leakage, 5 with hematuria and 1 with a stricture. In comparison, urinary tract infections, delayed graft function and rejection rates were not significantly different between the 2 groups (p = 0.76, 0.12 and 0.19, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to other reports, the Shanfield group had significantly more ureteral complications. In particular the Shanfield technique may predispose patients to higher rates of hematuria and stone formation. Based on this large series and published meta-analyses we believe that the stented Lich-Gregoir anastomosis is the superior ureteroneocystostomy technique in renal transplantation.     

The effect of Ramadan on maternal nutrition and composition of breast milk

BACKGROUND: There are many advantages of breast milk for infants. Many factors can affect the volume and composition of breast milk. One of them is the maternal diet. The objective of this study is to determine the effect of Ramadan fasting on maternal nutrition and breast milk composition. METHODS: A total of 21 breast-feeding mothers aged between 17 and 38 years who fasted during Ramadan month and volunteered to give milk samples were surveyed. The ages of the infants were between 2 and 5 months. The study was performed during Ramadan and 2 weeks after the end of Ramadan. RESULTS: The results showed that during Ramadan, zinc, magnesium and potassium levels in breast milk decreased significantly (P<0.05). The mother's weight increased approximately 1 kg after Ramadan. Changes in body mass index of the mother were not statistically significant. A significant decrease in vitamin A intake was observed after Ramadan (P < 0.05). During Ramadan, energy and most nutrient intakes except protein and vitamins A and C were found below daily recommended dietary allowances necessary for lactating women. CONCLUSIONS: Ramadan fasting had no significant effect on the macronutrient composition of the breast milk and consequently the growth of the infants. There were significant differences in some of the micronutrients such as zinc, magnesium and potassium. The nutritional status of lactating women was affected by Ramadan fasting. All of the nutrient intakes (except vitamins A, E and C) decreased during Ramadan. For these reasons, it would seem prudent to excuse lactating women from fasting during Ramadan.     

Dual kidneys from marginal adult donors as a source for cadaveric renal transplantation in the United States

The current organ shortage has led to the utilization of double kidney transplants from marginal adult donors, but outcomes data are limited. The United Network for Organ Sharing registry database was used to compare the outcomes of 403 dual adult kidney transplantations (DKT) and 11,033 single kidney transplantations (SKT) from 1997 to 2000. Graft and patient survival and the effect of multiple risk factors were evaluated. It was found that DKT patients were older, less sensitized, and received grafts from older, more mismatched donors with longer cold ischemia times. There was also a greater percentage of donors with a history of diabetes or hypertension and African-American recipients and donors in the DKT group. Graft survival was inferior in the DKT group, with a 7% lower graft survival rate at 1 yr. There was a higher incidence of primary nonfunction in the DKT group, although the incidence of delayed graft function, early rejection treatment, and graft thrombosis did not differ. Multivariate analysis was used to identify African-American recipient ethnicity and retransplant as risk factors for graft loss. Graft survival was comparable in DKT and SKT with donors over 55 yr of age. DKT resulted in inferior graft outcomes compared with SKT. When compared with SKT with donors over 55 yr of age, DKT resulted in similar graft outcomes. These otherwise discarded kidneys should be cautiously considered as a source of marginal donors.     

皮质类固醇治疗外伤性视神经病变的四天关键时期(英文)

目的:评估静脉注射甲基强的松龙(IVMP)对外伤性视神经病变患者的疗效。方法:回顾性分析2000-01至2007-06我院收治的16例外伤性视神经病变(TON)患者的临床资料。1g甲基强的松龙分3d静脉应用,然后口服泼尼松龙11d,并逐渐减量。记录从损伤开始到治疗开始的时间。视力变化是本研究结果的主要功能评价指标。在入院时,治疗后1,2,3d;1wk和1mo时,分别记录最佳矫正视力(BCVA)。结果:共有16例患者纳入本研究,平均年龄为30岁,其中男性14例、女性2例。引起TON的主要原因有摩托车事故(占69%),打架斗殴(占19%)和体育运动(占12%)。所有患者都表现有相对传入性瞳孔障碍。在损伤后4d内开始静脉注射甲基强的松龙,采用Snellen视力表检查视力,绝大部分(56%)患者视力提高超过3行或大于等于0.5(6/12)。在损伤后5d以上才开始用类固醇治疗,视力则没有任何进步。结论:治疗TON,静脉注射中等到大剂量甲基强的松龙仍将起到重要作用。静脉注射甲基强的松龙治疗TON可能存在伤后4d的关键时期,超过了这个时期,该治疗可能就毫无效果。但还需要有更多的研究来为我们提供有明显统计学意义的数据。     

Echocardiogram‐gated multislice spiral CT in functionally univentricular heart following long‐lasting Waterston–Cooley anastomosis

Waterston–Cooley anastomosis may be carried out in patients with tricuspid atresia to provide pulmonary perfusion. It is associated with several complications, including preferential blood flow to the right lung, hypoplasia of the left pulmonary artery, obstruction of the anatomosis or rupture of pulmonary aneurysms. We study a patient with thrombosis in the pulmonary arteries following surgical construction of a Waterston shunt in childhood. Imaging findings and clinical symptoms are discussed with emphasis on echocardiogram‐gated multislice spiral CT.