Comparative analysis of mRNA and protein expression of Popdc1 (Bves) during early development in the chick embryo.

The isolation of the Popeye gene family was based on its preferential expression in striated muscle tissue. Recently, a monoclonal antibody against chick Popdc1 (also known as Bves) became available and was used in this study to comparatively analyze the expression pattern of Popdc1 at both the protein and mRNA level during early chick embryogenesis. Using whole-mount immunohistochemistry, expression in the heart was first observed at Hamburger and Hamilton (HH) stage 10 in the presumptive left ventricular segment. Cardiac expression was confined to differentiated cardiac myocytes, and undifferentiated myocytes at the anterior and posterior pole showed little expression. After looping, the outer curvature myocardium showed prominent Popdc1 staining, whereas the inner curvature was unlabeled. Despite previous reports, Popdc1 protein was not detectable at any time point in the proepicardium, epicardium, or the smooth muscle layer of the coronary vessels. Whole-mount in situ hybridization using a full-length Popdc1 probe detected novel expression domains, which have not been described previously. Popdc1 mRNA was found in Hensen's node at HH stage 4, and by HH stage 5+, expression became asymmetric. In addition, Popdc1 mRNA was found in pharyngeal endoderm and in the notochordal plate. Subsequently, beginning at HH stage 9, Popdc1 mRNA expression was found in the cardiac mesoderm and expression was maintained in the heart in a pattern very similar to the one observed by antibody staining.     

Zur Biochemie der Schilddrüsenfunktion

Ohne ZusammenfassungMit 5 Textabbildunge.Aus der zum 75. Geburtstage Herrn Prof. Dr. A. Dietrich, Stuttgart, überreichten Festschrift.VII. Mitteilung. Hüter, F.: Z. Naturforsch. 2b, 414 (1947).     

Scalp position and efficacy of transcranial magnetic stimulation.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of the scalp site on the biological effects of TMS. METHODS: We performed high-resolution, three-dimensional whole head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a healthy subject, systematically measured the scalp-to-cortex distance across the head and calculated the resulting electric field in the superficial cortex. RESULTS: The variability in scalp-to-cortex distance led to differences in calculated cortical electric field strengths of a factor of two. A major portion of this variability was explained by a lateral to medial gradient with scalp-to-cortex distances being greatest close to the midline and smallest towards the temporal coordinates. CONCLUSIONS: Because of the medio-lateral gradient in scalp-to-cortex distance interventions tailored on the basis of effects of TMS in the motor system will systematically induce stronger than expected electric currents when performed laterally to the motor spot. SIGNIFICANCE: The biological effects of TMS outside the motor spot may be markedly different from those observed in the motor system and this should be taken into account to optimize TMS for the evaluation or treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders.     

Berufskrankheit Nr. 2108–2110 – bandscheibenbedingte Erkrankungen der Wirbelsäule

The inclusion of disc-related disease of the cervical and lumbar spinal column in the Occupational Illness Ordinance with effect in law from 1 January 1993 brought with it a multitude of problems on a scal no-one could have foreseen for medical experts. At that time there were absolutely no conclusive criteria available to distinguish the many cases that were not specifically occupational in origin from cases that were classifiable as occupationally induced. Such criteria appeared to be urgently needed, especially as even considerable occupational stress on the spine is by no means sure to result in disease of the disc. The epidemiologically derived data gathered from disc-related diseases in specific occupational sectors alone have proved unsuitable for application as conclusive criteria of causation in individual cases as demanded by the legislator. The historical developments directed at solving the problems involved for those entrusted with providing expert opinions are presentd, as are the tentative approaches currently being followed.     

In-vivo evaluation of random donor platelet concentrates from pooled buffy coats

 Random-donor platelet concentrates (PC) prepared from pooled buffy coats have recently been described as an alternative method for platelet preparation. We evaluated such PCs in the clinical setting compared with a standard PC from platelet apheresis. PCs were prepared either from pools of buffy coats (BC-PC) or from single donors (SD-PC) with the cell separator CS-3000 plus. PCs were stored for up to 5 days before transfusion. We compared fresh PC (day 1) with stored (day 2–3) and long-stored PC (day 4–5). For analysis, platelet increment in the recipient was determined immediately and 16–22 h (mean 20 h) after transfusion, corrected for total body area and transfused platelets (CCI). A total of 316 PCs were administered to 36 thrombocytopenic patients suffering from various hematological disorders. Patients with detectable HLA or platelet-specific antibodies or splenomegaly were excluded from the study. Mean platelet content of the PC was 262×10⁹ for BC-PC and 251×10⁹ for SD-PC. The 20-h CCI after transfusion of fresh PC was slightly higher with BC-PC than with SD-PC (14.5 versus 11.9;p=0.19), but values did not differ significantly between the two types of PC on any day of storage. For BC-PC, 20-h CCI decreased with further storage by 30% (10.2;p=0.02). For SD-PC a decrease by 9% was not significant. In conclusion, platelet concentrates prepared from pools of buffy coats showed excellent transfusion results when administered fresh, but storage decreased the CCI by 30%. No significant difference from PCs from plateletpheresis was observed on any day of storage. Both types of platelet concentrates were capable of sufficient platelet increment even when stored for up to 5 days. Received: 28 December 1995 / Accepted: 14 May 1996     

Sklerosierende Läsion des Os sphenoidale

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

Dentists' opinions of their dental education; results of a survey of dentists who studied in Amsterdam between the years 1982-1990

Four hundred and fifty dental graduates from the Free University (VU), the University of Amsterdam (UvA) or the Academic Center for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA) between 1982 and 1990 were asked by questionnaire to give their opinion about the undergraduate dental training they received. Most respondents felt that their undergraduate education prepared them reasonably well for general practice. Yet imperfections in the education were noticed. These imperfections show resemblance to conclusions from similar surveys in other countries.     

Congenital muscular dystrophy with eye and brain malformations in six Dutch patients.

From four Dutch families six patients, who have congenital muscular dystrophy, involvement of the central nervous system and of the eyes, or the so-called "muscle, eye and brain disease" (MEB-D), are reported. Two patients are still alive, in four autopsy could be performed. The clinical and morphological data of our patients are compared to those described in recent literature. The progression of the disease was rapid in five of our six patients. Our study supports the idea that within the MEB-D syndrome there are at least two different types of clinical expression, one with a rapid progression as described by Dobyns et al 1989 (9) and one with a slower progression as described in most patients of Santavuori et al 1989 (23). The study also confirms the autosomal recessive mode of inheritance of MEB-D.     

Elektronenoptische Untersuchungen von Gewebeschnitten aus silikotischen Granulomen

Ohne ZusammenfassungNach einem Vortrag, gehalten auf der Arbeitsgemeinschaft am 2. 7. 54 in Bochum-Hordel, Steinkohlenbergwerk Hannover-Hannibal AG.