The nucleotide: DNA sequencing and its clinical application.

Information determining cellular structure and function is contained in chromosomal DNA. Genes, regions of DNA encoding this information, are composed of specific sequences of nucleotides. DNA sequencing methods have been developed to identify these sequences. Even subtle alteration (or mutation) of these sequences can lead to many human syndromes and diseases. This article reviews 1) the structure of the nucleotide, 2) the methods of DNA sequencing, and 3) its recent clinical application in analysis of the nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome.     

Ergebnisse der strukturierten Konsensuskonferenz „Bild gebende Verfahren in der Unfallchirurgie“ und Methodik zur Messung der Akzeptanz unter Tagungsteilnehmern

Existing knowledge and present experience relating to the indications for imaging techniques in trauma surgery were summarised, screened and considered in different ways by representatives of various professional scientific bodies, with the aim of finding what procedures should be implemented as the primary examination techniques after a careful clinical examination when particular posttraumatic situations affecting the knee, foot, ankle, or hand were found. In the course of an interdisciplinary consensus conference the evidence-based recommendations prepared by a panel were discussed and modified, giving rise to statements on the suitability of the given imaging techniques in 28 different clinical situations immediately after a clinical examination, based on scientific evidence and medical consensus. The degree of consensus was measured and carefully documented. These statements were transformed into decision algorithms and presented to doctors working in accident and emergency medicine during a conference on trauma surgery, with the aim of.measuring the acceptance of the statements among those attending the trauma surgery meeting. The remarks made by the participants during the discussion and the results of the acceptance measurements clearly show the need for further discussion among experts.     

Posttraumatische Belastungsstörung

Current activities in the case management of patients with post-traumatic stress disorders are reported. In 2002 a project was initiated by accident insurance associations. The aim is to detect accident victims with stress disorder at an early stage and to avoid medical mismanagement.     

Akromioklavikulargelenkverletzungen

There is some controversy over the treatment of acromioclavicular injuries. The use of the Rockwood classification as the basis for decisions on whether operative or nonoperative treatment is indicated is discussed critically, and the authors' preferred operative technique is described and illustrated by examples. We treat injuries classified according to the Rockwood classification as types I and II with conservative methods. In type III injuries the patient's age, job and free time activities determine whether or not surgery is indicated. In the case of type IV or type VI injuries we always perform temporary internal fixation of the acromioclavicular joint, using transarticular K-wire fixation or hookplate osteosynthesis. Satisfactory results of both operative and nonoperative treatment are reported in the literature. The authors' own results are presented.     

Treating the cognitive deficits of schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is characterized by significant cognitive impairments that predict impairment in multiple domains of community outcome. Pharmacologic and psychosocial treatments are available that address these cognitive deficits. There is growing evidence that patients taking second-generation antipsychotic medications perform better on tests of cognitive function than those taking conventional neuroleptics. In addition, there have been a number of medications from other classes being investigated as cognitive enhancers for schizophrenia. Cognitive rehabilitation approaches focus on bypassing, compensating for, or remediating observed impairments in cognitive function. Outcomes for patients have been improved by cognitive remediation, errorless learning, and the use of supportive environments. Combining the newest pharmacologic interventions for cognitive dysfunction with state of the art psychosocial treatments aimed at ameliorating or bypassing deficits is likely to produce the most favorable outcomes for individuals with schizophrenia.     

Synopses of Posters Presented at the International Workshop on Brain Uptake and Utilization of Fatty Acids,Lipids, and Lipoproteins: Application to Neurological Disorders

Thirty-five posters were presented at the Workshop on Brain Uptake And Utilization Of Fatty Acids, Lipids, and Lipoproteins. They were grouped into four categories: (1) mechanisms of lipid uptake and transport to the brain, (2) lipoproteins and polyunsaturated fatty acids, (3) eicosanoids in brain function, and (4) fatty acids and lipids in brain disorders. This article summarizes the highlights of the research presented in these posters. The individual abstracts follow these synopses.