Kongenitale Peromelie beim Rind

Bei einem männlichen Kalb der Rasse Deutsches Braunvieh fiel bei der Geburt eine monobrachiale Peromelie an der rechten Vordergliedmaße auf. Die missgebildete Gliedmaße wurde pathologisch-anatomisch und radiologisch untersucht. Sie war proximal bis einschließlich von Radius und Ulna physiologisch ausgebildet. Die weiter distal gelegenen Gliedmaßenabschnitte waren nur rudimentär vorhanden und endeten in einer Krüppelklaue. Mögliche genetische und exogene Ursachen der seltenen angeborenen Missbildung werden vor dem Hintergrund einer Literaturübersicht zu kongenitalen Gliedmaßenanomalien beim Rind diskutiert. Als mögliche Ursachen kommen Defekte in der Expression von Genen infrage, die für die Ausbildung dieser distalen Gliedmaßenabschnitte verantwortlich sind.

Kongenitale Hypotrichose und Oligodontie beim Rind

In diesem Bericht wird ein Bullenkalb mit kongenitaler Hypotrichose und Oligodontie aus einer Familie der Rasse Deutsche Holstein, Farbrichtung Rotbunt, klinisch und pathomorphologisch beschrieben. Der beobachtete Phänotyp folgt einem X-chromosomal, monogen rezessiven Erbgang. Bei der klinischen Untersuchung des drei Monate alten Bullenkalbes konnten eine generalisierte Hypotrichose, fast vollständig fehlende Zahnanlagen und ein trockenes Flotzmaul festgestellt werden. Die histologische Untersuchung der Haut zeigte eine sehr dünne Dermis mit einer herabgesetzten Zahl bisweilen atrophischer Haarfollikel und einer reduzierten Zahl von Schweißdrüsen. Ferner waren bei dem Tier keine Nasolabial-, Tracheal- und Bronchialdrüsen ausgebildet.

In einer Rinderfamilie der Rasse Schwarzbunte Deutsche Holstein konnte die molekulare Ursache der angeborenen Hypotrichose und Oligodontie beim Rind aufgeklärt werden. Die betroffenen Tiere wiesen eine Deletion im ED1-Gen auf, das auf dem X-Chromosom des Rindes kartiert. Dieser neue Fall einer X-rezessiv vererbten Hypotrichose und Oligodontie in einer rotbunten Rinderfamilie könnte daher zur Aufklärung von weiteren Mutationen im ED1-Gen beitragen.

Venous Thromboembolic Disease in Childhood

Venous thrombosis is an uncommon disorder in childhood with an incidence of about 1 in 100000 children (ages 0 to 18 years). Multiple clinical underlying conditions as well as congenital prothrombotic disorders contribute to the development of pediatric venous thromboembolic disease. The majority of thrombi are catheter-related and therefore situated in the upper venous system. Diagnosis of thrombosis in either the upper or lower venous system is most frequently made by noninvasive radiographic techniques, especially ultrasonography. Children are treated according to recommendations based on small pediatric studies and guidelines adapted from adult patient protocols. The long-term complications, including mortality, recurrence, and the post-thrombotic syndrome, seem to be considerable. Because the incidence of pediatric venous thrombosis will probably rise due to the increased use of central venous catheters and the increased survival of children with chronic diseases associated with a prothrombotic state, prevention of this disease will become an important issue.

Measurement of the B(0)-B(0) mixing parameter Deltam(d) using semileptonic B0 decays

We present a measurement of the B0-Bmacr;(0) mixing parameter Deltam(d) using neutral B meson pairs in a 29.1 fb(-1) data sample collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) collider. We exclusively reconstruct one neutral B meson in the semileptonic B0-->D(*-)l(+)nu decay mode and identify the flavor of the accompanying B meson from its decay products. From the distribution of the time intervals between the two flavor-tagged B meson decay points, we obtain Deltam(d)=(0.494+/-0.012+/-0.015) ps(-1), where the first error is statistical and the second error is systematic.

Observation of D+(s)K- and evidence for D+(s)pi- final states in neutral B decays

We report the first observation of a B meson decay that is not accessible by a direct spectator process. The channel B(0)-->D(+)(s)K- is found in a sample of 85 x 10(6) BB; events, collected with the Belle detector at KEKB, with a branching fraction B(B(0)-->D(+)(s)K-)=(4.6(+1.2)(-1.1)+/-1.3) x 10(-5). We also obtain evidence for the B0-->D(+)(s)pi(-) decay with branching fraction B(B0-->D(+)(s)pi(-))=(2.4(+1.0)(-0.8)+/-0.7) x 10(-5). This value may be used to extract a model-dependent value of |V(ub)|.

Radiative B meson decays into kpigamma and kpipigamma final states

We report observations of radiative B meson decays into the K+pi(-)gamma and K+pi(-)pi(+)gamma final states. In the B0-->K+pi(-)gamma channel, we present evidence for decays via an intermediate tensor meson state with a branching fraction of B(B0-->K(*)(2)(1430)(0)gamma)=[1.3+/-0.5(stat)+/-0.1(syst)]x10(-5). We measure the branching fraction B(B+-->K+pi(-)pi(+)gamma)=[2.4+/-0.5(stat) +0.4-0.2(syst)]x10(-5), in which the B+-->K(*0)pi(+)gamma and B+-->K+rho(0)gamma channels dominate. The analysis is based on a data set of 29.4 fb(-1) recorded by the Belle experiment at the KEKB collider.

Conceptional considerations for a German influenza pandemic preparedness plan

A pandemic appearance of influenza A virus must be expected at any time. The limitations of health preserving and life-saving resources, which will inevitably be reached in the event of a pandemic, will be accompanied by ethical and possibly social conflicts, which can be lessened or resolved only through precautionary planning, clearly specified competencies and transparent decisions within a social consensus. In case of a shortage of vaccines and virostatic agents, decisions will have to be made with regard to the segment of the population that absolutely must be vaccinated. It is currently estimated that a (monovalent) vaccine developed for a new pandemic strain would only suffice for the single vaccination of approximately half of the German population after a year; only 10-14 million vaccine dosages would be available to provide basic immunization and single boosters to personnel required to maintain basic medical care and essential infrastructure after half a year. In the event of local influenza outbreaks, antiviral chemotherapeutic agents could be used to close the gap until a vaccine can become effective. Even if suitable influenza vaccines and virostatic agents are not sufficiently available at the start of a pandemic, it is still possible to at least prevent an outbreak of two of the most feared secondary infections that accompany influenza: pneumococcal pneumonia or meningitis and illnesses resulting from Haemophilus influenzae. Agreement still needs to be reached with manufacturers for guaranteeing the necessary vaccine production or ensuring that they have a sufficient stock to meet the minimum demand for antiviral agents and agents for symptomatic treatment.

Observation of B+/- -->omegaK+/- decay

We report the first observation of the charmless two-body mode B+/--->omegaK+/- decay, and a new measurement of the branching fraction for the B+/--->omegapi(+/-) decay. The measured branching fractions are B(B+/--->omegaK+/-)=(9.2(+2.6)(-2.3)+/-1.0)x10(-6) and B(B+/--->omegapi(+/-))=(4.2(+2.0)(-1.8)+/-0.5)x10(-6). We also measure the partial rate asymmetry of B+/--->omegaK+/- decays and obtain A(CP)=-0.21+/-0.28+/-0.03. The results are based on a data sample of 29.4 fb(-1) collected on the Upsilon(4S) resonance by the Belle detector at the KEKB e(+)e(-) collider.

Analysis of factor VIII inhibitors in a haemophilia A patient with an Arg593-->Cys mutation using phage display

We characterized anti-factor VIII antibodies in a mild haemophilia A patient with an Arg593-->Cys mutation in the A2 domain, using V gene phage-display technology. All isolated single-chain variable-domain antibody fragments were directed against residues Arg484-Ile508, a binding site for factor VIII inhibitors in the A2 domain. After a further period of replacement therapy, a transient rise in inhibitor titre was observed. These antibodies were directed against the A2 domain. Activation of a pre-existing pool of B cells, which express antibodies against residues Arg484-Ile508, could explain the rapid anamnestic response.

Observation of B(0)-->D((*)0)pp

The B meson decay modes B-->Dpp; and B-->D(*)pp; have been studied using 29.4 fb(-1) of data collected with the Belle detector at KEKB. The B;(0)-->D(0)pp; and B;(0)-->D(*0)pp; decays have been observed for the first time with branching fractions B(B;(0)-->D(0)pp;)=(1.18+/-0.15+/-0.16)x10(-4) and B(B;(0)-->D(*0)pp;)=(1.20(+0.33)(-0.29)+/-0.21)x10(-4). No signal has been found for the B+-->D(+)pp; and B+-->D(*+)pp; decay modes, and the corresponding upper limits at 90% C.L. are presented.

The risk of postthrombotic syndrome in children with congenital heart disease

The lower extremities of 28 unselected children with congenital heart disease were investigated and classified according to the criteria for postthrombotic syndrome five to ten years after their first cardiac catheterization. For the clinical criteria, all patients completed a questionnaire and underwent a standardized physical examination of both legs. For the pathophysiologic criteria, the presence of venous outflow obstruction and reflux was evaluated by color duplex sonography in 24 of the 28 patients. Mild postthrombotic syndrome was present in half the patients. Partial or complete occlusion of the investigated vein was found in four patients (17%). In all patients studied, the venous valves of the deep system were competent. Postthrombotic syndrome frequently occurs in children with congenital heart disease. Prospective studies seem to be justified to investigate the precise incidence and potential risk factors.

Division of the corpus callosum into subregions

Various attempts have been made to subdivide the corpus callosum (CC) into anatomically and functionally distinct subareas. A promising current approach is the use of factor analytic techniques in conjunction with traced MRI images. The traced images are divided into 99 percentile slices, where the widths of the percentile slices are used as variables that are entered into the analysis (Denenberg, Kertesz & Cowell, 1991). Studies that use this technique agree broadly between 6 and 7 factors, but available factor solutions contain inconsistencies and large gaps, which arise when many of the percentile slices do not load appreciably on any of the factors. The present study uses a larger number of brains (N = 184), all normalized, and some methodological refinements in the analysis of the traced MRI images of the CC. A stable 7 factor solution was found, and the factor structure for males and females was very similar.

A comparison of cerebral oxygenation as measured by the NIRO 300 and the INVOS 5100 Near-Infrared Spectrophotometers

In this study cerebral oxygenation was measured using the NIRO 300 and the INVOS 5100 spectrophotometers in 10 healthy adult volunteers, exposed to varying degrees of hyperoxia and hypoxia. The results showed similar baseline values for tissue oxygenation index and regional cerebral oxygen saturation with mean (SD) values being 64.9% (5.1) and 62.3% (6.0), respectively. The overall bias was -2.1%, with the INVOS 5100 under-reading cerebral oxygenation compared to the NIRO 300, with limits of agreement of +/-14.7%. Both monitors demonstrated similar changes in response to hyperoxia and hypocapnia (coefficient of variance for FIo2 0.45 = 10.0%, FIo2 1.0 = 10.1%, hypocapnia = 14.5%). The reasons for the bias and variability may relate to differences in the methodological approaches of the two monitors. The correlation between the monitors in response to changes in cerebral oxygenation implies that they may be useful as trend monitors in clinical practice.

Observation of double cć production in e+e- annihilation at squareroot[s] approximately 10.6 GeV

We report the observation of prompt J/psi via double cc; production from the e+e- continuum. In this process one cc; pair fragments into a J/psi meson while the remaining pair either produces a charmonium state or fragments into open charm. Both cases have been experimentally observed. We find cross sections of sigma[e+e- -->J/psieta(c)(gamma)]xB(eta(c)-->>or=4 charged)=(0.033(+0.007)(-0.006)+/-0.009) pb and sigma(e+e- -->J/psiD(*+)X)=(0.53(+0.19)(-0.15)+/-0.14) pb and infer sigma(e+e- -->J/psicc;)/sigma(e+e- -->J/psiX)=0.59(+0.15)(-0.13)+/-0.12. These results are obtained from a 46.2 fb(-1) data sample collected near the Upsilon(4S) resonance, with the Belle detector at the KEKB collider.

Observation of the eta(c)(2S) in Exclusive B-->KK(S)K-pi(+) Decays

We report the observation of a narrow peak in the K(S)K-pi(+) invariant mass distribution in a sample of exclusive B-->KK(S)K-pi(+) decays collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric e(+)e(-) collider. The measured mass of the peak is M=3654+/-6(stat)+/-8(syst) MeV/c(2), and we place a 90% confidence level upper limit on the width of Gamma<55 MeV/c(2). The properties agree with heavy-quark potential model expectations for the eta(c)(2S) meson, the n=2 singlet S charmonium state.

Study of CP-violating asymmetries in B0-->pi(+)pi(-) decays

We present a measurement of CP-violating asymmetries in B0-->pi(+)pi(-) decays based on a 41.8 fb(-1) data sample collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) collider. We fully reconstruct one neutral B meson as a B0-->pi(+)pi(-) CP eigenstate and identify the flavor of the accompanying B meson from its decay products. From the asymmetry in the distribution of the time intervals between the two B meson decay points, we obtain the CP-violating asymmetry parameters S(pipi)=-1.21(+0.38)(-0.27)(stat)+0.16-0.13(syst) and A(pipi)=+0.94(+0.25)(-0.31)(stat)+/-0.09(syst).

p38-avidity-ELISA: examination of herds experiencing epidemic or endemic Neospora caninum-associated bovine abortion

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was established to measure the avidity of bovine IgG directed against p38, a surface antigen (NCSRS2) of Neospora caninum tachyzoites. In the sera of dams intravenously infected with N. caninum NC-1, the p38-specific avidity increased from initially below 40% up to avidity indices between 50 and 80% after days 23 and 91 p.i. The p38-avidity-ELISA was used to examine various herds that had experienced endemic and epidemic N. caninum-associated bovine abortions. In herds with endemic abortion, generally high avidity indices of N. caninum-specific IgG were detected. This finding and the observation of an association between the seropositivity of dams and that of their offspring suggested a predominantly vertical transmission of the parasite among the animals of these herds, thus indicating chronic infection of these cattle. In contrast, for herds experiencing epidemic abortion: (i) an association regarding seropositivity of dams and their daughters could not be shown and (ii) a generally low avidity of p38-specific IgG in the sera from aborting dams was determined. This indicates recent postnatal transmission of N. caninum in these herds. A linear regression model explaining the avidity of p38-specific IgG was significantly influenced by the time span between sampling and the occurrence of the first abortion of the epidemic in herds with an N. caninum-associated abortion storm. Another factor significantly contributing to the model was the proportion of dams at risk that had aborted in the herds (i.e. the severity of the abortion epidemic). A possible explanation for this observation is that herds experiencing heavy abortion are sampled earlier after the onset of the epidemic than others that have a less severe abortion storm.

Laparoscopic transgastric endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for benign common bile duct stricture after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

Access to the gastric remnant and duodenum is lost after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity. Traditionally, a percutaneous transhepatic access to the common bile duct has been used to manage choledocholithiasis and duct strictures. We present a novel method of laparoscopic transgastric endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for managing a benign biliary stricture after a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Observation of chi(c2) production in B meson decay

We report the first observation of chi(c2) production in B meson decays. We find an inclusive B-->chi(c2)X branching fraction of (1.80(+0.23)(-0.28)+/-0.26) x 10(-3). The data set, collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB e(+)e(-) collider, consists of 31.9 x 10(6) BB events. We also present branching fractions and momentum spectra for both chi(c1) and chi(c2) production.