Low level of response to alcohol as associated with serotonin transporter genotype and high alcohol intake in adolescents.

BACKGROUND: A low level of response to alcohol has been associated with both the genetic constitution of the regulatory region (SLC6A4) of the human serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) transporter (5-HTT) and with future alcohol intake and an increased risk for alcoholism. To date, all studies of relevant polymorphisms have been carried out in populations in the United States. METHODS: Data were extracted from a subset (n = 243) of a cohort of children who have been observed since birth through evaluation of the family history of alcoholism and psychosocial risk influences. At age 16 years, the response to alcohol was assessed with the Self-Rating of the Effects of Alcohol (SRE) questionnaire, and the average amount of alcohol intake per month was assessed during the prior 6 months. Additional variables that were measured included the 5-HTT genotype, externalizing behavior, and sociodemographic variables, such as gender and age. RESULTS: The level of response to alcohol was significantly lower among carriers of two long alleles of the 5-HTT regulatory region compared with carriers of one or two short alleles (Mann-Whitney U = 5225.0, p = .005). In a multiple regression analysis, the level of response to alcohol and externalizing behavior but not psychosocial factors significantly predicted the average amount of alcohol intake per month. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that, independent of the assessed psychosocial variables, the 5-HTT genotype correlated with the level of response to alcohol and predicted alcohol intake among 16-year-old adolescents.     

Differenzierung getrockneter Spuren vom Blut Schwangerer,von fetalem Blut und Fruchtwasser durch die Bestimmung des Alpha-Feto-Proteins

Zusammenfassung Alpha-Fetoprotein läßt sich durch radioimmunologische Bestimmung in den getrockneten Spuren von fetalem Blut, Schwangerenblut und Fruchtwasser nachweisen. Eine eindeutige Zuordnung durch den bestimmten Wert ist nicht möglich. Eine zusätzliche Bestimmung des Gesamteiweißes oder eine elektrophoretische Trennung ist erforderlich.     

Proximal femoral focal deficiency: radiologic analysis of 49 cases

Proximal femoral focal deficiency, an uncommon congenital anomaly, necessitates early radiologic classification for surgical planning and treatment. Objective radiographic criteria, including femoral length index, acetabular depth index, acetabular angle index, and shape of the proximal femur were determined in 49 patients before cartilaginous ossification of the femoral capital epiphysis; final classification was based on follow-up radiographs or findings at arthrography or surgery. These parameters were analyzed to determine the accuracy and contributions of each in classification. Correct classification into one of three groups was possible in 86% of cases with use of three of the parameters: femoral length index, acetabular depth index, and shape of the proximal femur. The acetabular angle was found to contribute insignificantly to classification. Magnetic resonance imaging, used in only one case, depicted the nonossified cartilaginous femoral capital epiphysis, thus obviating the need for invasive diagnostic procedures and facilitating early classification.     

Der osteoplastische Zugang bei Zystenoperationen am Unterkiefer

Zusammenfassung Grundlagen: Die operative Therapie gro?er Zysten am Unterkiefer wirft hinsichtlich des chirurgischen Vorgehens verschiedene Probleme auf. Ohne begleitende Ma?nahmen erfordern gro?e Zysten h?ufig eine Zystostomie, die mit einer ausgedehnten Nachbenhandlungsphase und einem zum Teil erheblichen Knochensubstanzverlust verbunden ist. Methodik: Ein operatives Vorgehen unter Verwendung eines tempor?r entfernten freien Kortikalisdeckels wird vorgestellt, das die M?glichkeit er?ffnet, auch gro?e Zysten im Sinne einer Zystektomie zu entfernen. Ergebnisse: Die Anwendung und der Verlauf bei 16 Patienten werden retrospektiv dargelegt. Wesentliche Komplikationen im Sinne von Wundheilungsst?rungen traten bei 3 Patienten auf. Schlu?folgerungen: Bei ausgedehnten Zysten des Unterkiefers stellt die beschriebene Methode eine Alternative zu den sonst üblichen Verfahren dar, um dem Patienten sowohl die Nachteile der Zystostomie als auch den Mehraufwand einer Knochentransplantation zu ersparen.