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Offenthaler I, Jakobi G, Kaiser A, Kirchner M, Kräuchi N, Niedermoser B, Schramm KW, Sedivy I, Staudinger M, Thanner G, Weiss P, Moche W. Novel sampling methods for atmospheric semi-volatile organic compounds (SOCs) in a high altitude alpine environment. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2009; 157:3290-3297. [PMID: 19581029 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2009.05.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2009] [Accepted: 05/17/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
High- and low-volume active air samplers as well as bulk deposition samplers were developed to sample atmospheric SOCs under the adverse conditions of a mountain environment. Active sampling employed separate filters for different European source regions. Filters were switched depending on daily trajectory forecasts, whose accuracy was evaluated post hoc. The sampling continued on three alpine summits over five periods of four months. The prevailing trajectories varied stronger between sampling periods than between stations. The sampling equipment (active and bulk deposition) proved dependable for operation in a mountain environment, with idle times being mainly due to non-routine manipulations and connectivity.
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Belis CA, Offenthaler I, Uhl M, Nurmi-Legat J, Bassan R, Jakobi G, Kirchner M, Knoth W, Kräuchi N, Levy W, Magnani T, Moche W, Schramm KW, Simoncic P, Weiss P. A comparison of Alpine emissions to forest soil and spruce needle loads for persistent organic pollutants (POPs). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2009; 157:3185-3191. [PMID: 19539410 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2009.05.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2009] [Accepted: 05/17/2009] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The project MONARPOP analysed the concentrations of semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in two important sink compartments, needles of Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) and forest soil from 40 remote Alpine forest sites in Austria, Germany, Italy, Slovenia and Switzerland. In the present study the load of PCDD/F, PCB, PBDE, PAH, HCB, HCH and DDT in the Alps calculated on the basis of measured data are compared with their estimated emissions in the Alpine region. It comes out that the masses of the studied pollutants stored in the forests are higher than the corresponding emissions in the Alpine area indicating that the Alps are a sink for POPs advected from surrounding areas. It is assumed that local emissions of PCDD/F and PAH deriving from biomass burning are probably underestimated and that the pool of these pollutants in the forests represents the accumulation over some decades.
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Levy W, Henkelmann B, Pfister G, Bernhöft S, Kirchner M, Jakobi G, Bassan R, Kräuchi N, Schramm KW. Long-term air monitoring of organochlorine pesticides using Semi Permeable Membrane Devices (SPMDs) in the Alps. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2009; 157:3272-3279. [PMID: 19552989 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2009.05.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2009] [Revised: 05/20/2009] [Accepted: 05/21/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Atmospheric sampling of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) was conducted using Semi Permeable Membrane Devices (SPMDs) deployed in the Alps at different altitudinal transects for two consecutive exposure periods of half a year and a third simultaneous year-long period. Along all the altitude profiles, the sequestered amounts of OCPs increased in general with altitude. SPMDs were still working as kinetic samplers after half a year for the majority of the OCPs. However, compounds with the lowest octanol-air partition coefficient (K(oa)), reached equilibrium within six months. This change in the SPMD uptake was determined for the temperature gradient along the altitude profile influencing K(oa), OCPs availability in the gaseous phase, and SPMD performance. In sum, it seems two effects are working in parallel along the altitude profiles: the change in SPMD performance and the different availability of OCPs along the altitudinal transects determined by their compound properties and concentrations in air.
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Diddams SA, Kirchner M, Fortier T, Braje D, Weiner AM, Hollberg L. Improved signal-to-noise ratio of 10 GHz microwave signals generated with a mode-filtered femtosecond laser frequency comb. OPTICS EXPRESS 2009; 17:3331-3340. [PMID: 19259170 DOI: 10.1364/oe.17.003331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
We use a Fabry-Perot cavity to optically filter the output of a Ti:sapphire frequency comb to integer multiples of the original 1 GHz mode spacing. This effectively increases the pulse repetition rate, which is useful for several applications. In the case of low-noise microwave signal generation, such filtering leads to improved linearity of the high-speed photodiodes that detect the mode-locked laser pulse train. The result is significantly improved signal-to-noise ratio at the 10 GHz harmonic with the potential for a shot-noise limited single sideband phase noise floor near -168 dBc/Hz.
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Kirchner M, Olbrich S, Claußen K, Dreesman J. Erhebung zum Läusebefall in niedersächsischen Landkreisen und kreisfreien Städten. DAS GESUNDHEITSWESEN 2009. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1215509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Kirchner M, Dildei C, Runge M, Claussen K, Weiss U, Fruth A, Mellmann A, Beutin L, Wichmann-Schauer H, Pulz M, Dreesman J. Management von lebensmittelbedingten Ausbrüchen am Beispiel einer Häufung von EHEC-Erkrankungen nach einem Schulausflug. DAS GESUNDHEITSWESEN 2009. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1215459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Randall LP, Kirchner M, Teale CJ, Coldham NG, Liebana E, Clifton-Hadley F. Evaluation of CHROMagar CTX, a novel medium for isolating CTX-M-ESBL-positive Enterobacteriaceae while inhibiting AmpC-producing strains. J Antimicrob Chemother 2008; 63:302-8. [PMID: 19043079 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkn485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate CHROMagar CTX (CHROMagar France), a novel agar for the selective isolation of Enterobacteriaceae expressing the bla(CTX-M) gene in the presence of enteric bacteria expressing AmpC enzymes. METHODS A panel of 150 Gram-negative bacteria (mainly Escherichia coli, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas and Salmonella) isolated from humans and animals were assembled for the purpose of evaluating CHROMagar CTX and comparing it with CHROMagar ECC with the addition of 1, 2, 4 and 8 mg/L cefotaxime or ceftazidime and with bioMérieux extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-Bx agar. CHROMagar CTX was also assessed for its ability to isolate bla(CTX-M) strains from farm animal faeces (n = 342). RESULTS The panel contained CTX-M-positive (n = 70) strains (CTX-M types 1, 9, 14 and 15), ESBLs (n = 31) belonging to other families (OXA, PER, SHV, TEM, VEB), strains positive for ampC genes (n = 31), strains that overexpressed ampC (n = 6), non-ESBL/AmpC strains (n = 11) and Klebsiella oxytoca (n = 1). CHROMagar CTX was superior to other agars tested for selective isolation of Enterobacteriaceae expressing the bla(CTX-M) gene with 100% sensitivity and 64.2% specificity for CTX-M strains in the panel and 90.1% of the colonies from animal faeces plated on CHROMagar CTX were CTX-M strains. CONCLUSIONS CHROMagar CTX is a valuable agar in situations where it is important to isolate bla(CTX-M) strains in the presence of AmpC strains. The agar may be particularly useful in veterinary studies, where AmpC-producing commensal E. coli can be encountered reasonably frequently in the enteric flora of some animal species and may also be useful, following further evaluation, for samples from humans.
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Scharlach M, Gross C, Wagner D, Dreesmann J, Claussen K, Kirchner M, Repotente A, Wermes G, Sadowski H, Pulz M, Lütgehölter M. [Comparison of the tuberculin skin test with the interferon-gamma test in the framework of a surroundings investigation in a prison]. DAS GESUNDHEITSWESEN 2008; 70:684-9. [PMID: 19039729 DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1100403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
After the occurrence of a multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in a prison of Lower Saxony (Germany), 223 contact persons (178 inmates, 45 staff members) were identified. To detect latent tuberculosis infections, all contact persons were tested with the tuberculin skin test (TST) and the interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA). An additional standardised questionnaire on anamnestic information and risk factors was completed by the participants. The statistical analysis included 149 male inmates with a mean age of 39 years. 61.1% of the inmates were born in Germany, 14.8% were born in the USSR or, respectively, its follow-up states. With the TST 29.5% of the inmates were tested positive, whereas with the IGRA the positive rate was 18.1%. For 7 inmates there was a positive IGRA despite a negative TST. The positive predictive value of TST with respect to IGRA was 45.5%, agreement was 79.2% (kappa=0.44). The agreement found in this study is comparable to studies within populations with lower incidence. Numerous investigations outside Europe indicate a high risk of tuberculosis infection among inmates.
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Scharlach M, Groß C, Wagner D, Dreesman J, Claussen K, Kirchner M, Repotente A, Wermes G, Sadowski H, Pulz M, Lütkehölter M. Vergleich von Tuberkulin-Hauttests und Interferon-Gamma-Tests im Rahmen einer Umgebungsuntersuchung in einer JVA. DAS GESUNDHEITSWESEN 2008. [DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1076529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Levy W, Henkelmann B, Pfister G, Kirchner M, Jakobi G, Niklaus A, Kotalik J, Bernhöft S, Fischer N, Schramm KW. Monitoring of PCDD/Fs in a mountain forest by means of active and passive sampling. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2007; 105:300-6. [PMID: 17706191 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2007.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2006] [Revised: 03/09/2007] [Accepted: 05/03/2007] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/F) are sampled and investigated in a forested area in Middle-Europe. The campaigns, consisting in active and passive samplings, were conducted in the Bavarian and Bohemian Forest at four sites chosen for their similar soil and forest stand characteristics. Passive sampling was conducted using both semi-permeable membrane devices (SPMDs) and needles of well-exposed dominant spruce trees. Active air sampling was also performed at one site with a low volume air sampler. Correlations were performed to identify relationships and trends of PCDD/F. Lower chlorinated PCDD/F are accumulated in SPMDs, needles collected all compounds among homologues and their PCDD/F pattern is close to that of active sampling. Results of the analysed compounds obtained with the different sampling methods served as a basis for the establishment of advantages and disadvantages of the sampling tools applied and their possible optimisation.
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Kühn T, Kirchner M. [Reasons for different loss experiences with men and women in private disability insurance]. VERSICHERUNGSMEDIZIN 2007; 59:120-2. [PMID: 17912885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Women in general have a more unfavourable loss experience in private disability insurance due to biological and social reasons (enhanced rate of malignant and psychic diseases). Contrary to the enhanced rates of orthopaedic diseases and accidents with men, women's diseases are not work-related and therefore are not to be compensated by any extra amounts concerning occupational groups. In spite of the enhanced risk of occupational disability, women are more seldom insured against this risk than men. So--despite the rising female rate--there is still a clear backlog demand.
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Burger J, Kirchner M, Bramanti B, Haak W, Thomas MG. Absence of the lactase-persistence-associated allele in early Neolithic Europeans. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2007; 104:3736-41. [PMID: 17360422 PMCID: PMC1820653 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0607187104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 308] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Lactase persistence (LP), the dominant Mendelian trait conferring the ability to digest the milk sugar lactose in adults, has risen to high frequency in central and northern Europeans in the last 20,000 years. This trait is likely to have conferred a selective advantage in individuals who consume appreciable amounts of unfermented milk. Some have argued for the "culture-historical hypothesis," whereby LP alleles were rare until the advent of dairying early in the Neolithic but then rose rapidly in frequency under natural selection. Others favor the "reverse cause hypothesis," whereby dairying was adopted in populations with preadaptive high LP allele frequencies. Analysis based on the conservation of lactase gene haplotypes indicates a recent origin and high selection coefficients for LP, although it has not been possible to say whether early Neolithic European populations were lactase persistent at appreciable frequencies. We developed a stepwise strategy for obtaining reliable nuclear ancient DNA from ancient skeletons, based on (i) the selection of skeletons from archaeological sites that showed excellent biomolecular preservation, (ii) obtaining highly reproducible human mitochondrial DNA sequences, and (iii) reliable short tandem repeat (STR) genotypes from the same specimens. By applying this experimental strategy, we have obtained high-confidence LP-associated genotypes from eight Neolithic and one Mesolithic human remains, using a range of strict criteria for ancient DNA work. We did not observe the allele most commonly associated with LP in Europeans, thus providing evidence for the culture-historical hypothesis, and indicating that LP was rare in early European farmers.
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Bernhardt-Römermann M, Kirchner M, Kudernatsch T, Jakobi G, Fischer A. Changed vegetation composition in coniferous forests near to motorways in Southern Germany: the effects of traffic-born pollution. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2006; 143:572-81. [PMID: 16443311 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2005.10.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2005] [Revised: 10/06/2005] [Accepted: 10/16/2005] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
To estimate the effect of traffic emissions on the vegetation composition of coniferous forests near to motorways, three transects of 520 m length were studied by analysing vegetation composition, soil parameters and deposition data in the Munich-area, Southern Germany. The detected patterns suggest that motorways have an impact on the vegetation composition in the neighbourhood of roads. Depending on the wind direction, the influences of the motorways reaches up to 230 m on downwind side and up to 80 m on upwind side. The vegetation is mainly affected by the deposition of nitrogen deriving from fuel combustion and by basic substances added to road salt. By monitoring vegetation changes near to motorways, it is possible to estimate the areas where harmful alterations of the ecosystem can be expected.
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Kirchner M, Schnelle W, Niewa R. Inverse Perovskites (Eu3O)E withE = Sn, In – Preparation, Crystal Structures and Physical Properties. Z Anorg Allg Chem 2006. [DOI: 10.1002/zaac.200500399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Kirchner M, Marshall D. A double-blind randomized controlled trial comparing alternate forms of high molecular weight hyaluronan for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2006; 14:154-62. [PMID: 16242361 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2005.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2005] [Accepted: 09/06/2005] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the safety and effectiveness of a high molecular weight hyaluronan produced by biological fermentation (Bio-HA) with those of avian-derived hyaluronan that uses cross-linking to achieve high molecular weight (CL-HA). DESIGN This was a prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind trial evaluating patients with confirmed osteoarthritis of the knee. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC Index) pain subscale was the primary effectiveness measure (visual analog scale). Both products were administered via three weekly injections, with follow-up evaluations at weeks 3, 6 and 12. Acetaminophen was permitted as rescue medication and quantitated by pill counts. RESULTS Analyses were performed on the intent-to-treat population, defined as all patients receiving at least one injection. Of the 321 patients randomized to treatment, 314 patients (98%) completed the final study assessment. Improvement in the average WOMAC Index pain score was 29.8mm (-61.6%) for Bio-HA and 28.8mm (-54.9%) for CL-HA, meeting the prospective criteria for non-inferiority. For the secondary outcome measures, statistically significant differences favored Bio-HA for the number of patients requiring acetaminophen (P=0.013) and patient global satisfaction evaluations (P=0.03). Local reactions differed between the products in that 15 effusions were reported in 13 CL-HA patients (8.1%) after injection, compared to one effusion (0.6%) after Bio-HA injection (P=0.0015). CONCLUSION The effectiveness of Bio-HA was not inferior to that of CL-HA. The significantly higher incidence of post-injection effusion in the CL-HA group provides a safety advantage for Bio-HA. These data suggest that Bio-HA has an improved benefit-risk profile compared with CL-HA.
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Hercegová A, Dömötörová M, Matisová E, Kirchner M, Otrekala R, Stefuca V. Fast gas chromatography with solid phase extraction clean-up for ultratrace analysis of pesticide residues in baby food. J Chromatogr A 2005; 1084:46-53. [PMID: 16114235 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2004.10.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A sample preparation method based on single solvent phase extraction and solid-phase extraction (SPE-NH2) clean-up is studied in combination with fast capillary gas chromatography (GC) to determine 18 selected pesticides belonging to various chemical classes in apples, the common raw material for baby food production and baby food, at the concentration level < or = 10 microg/kg maximum residual limit (MRL). Possibilities of mass spectrometry (MS) detector and electron capture detector (ECD) in fast gas chromatography (GC) of samples with complex matrice at ultra trace levels of pesticide residues were studied and compared. MS detection in single ion monitoring (SIM) mode provided higher selectivity compared to ECD. Optimisation of extraction as well as the simplifying of the whole process of sample preparation was carried out. Recoveries obtained at concentration level of 5 microg/kg (the required value for limit of quantification (LOQ) in baby food) were >90%, except of dimethoate (77.7%) and captan (46.4%) with MS detection. The obtained LOQs were at least 1 order lower than 5 microg/kg for the majority of compounds. The repeatability of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) measurements of the matrix matched standards expressed as relative standard deviation was <11% except of captan and cypermethrin.
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Kirchner M. [Discussion. Problems and success in the battle against tuberculosis. 1904]. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR ARZTLICHE FORTBILDUNG UND QUALITATSSICHERUNG 2004; 98:11-5. [PMID: 15027627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
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Kirchner M. [Problems and outcomes in the struggle against tuberculosis. 1904]. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR ARZTLICHE FORTBILDUNG UND QUALITATSSICHERUNG 2004; 98:15-20. [PMID: 15027628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
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Kirchner M, Niewa R, Schnelle W, Wagner FR, Walther D, Kniep R. Seltenerdnitride des Indiums (R3N)In. Z Anorg Allg Chem 2002. [DOI: 10.1002/1521-3749(200209)628:9/10<2202::aid-zaac2202>3.0.co;2-g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Faes L, Nollo G, Kirchner M, Olivetti E, Gaita F, Riccardi R, Antolini R. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis for measuring the local organisation of human atrial fibrillation. Med Biol Eng Comput 2001; 39:656-63. [PMID: 11804172 DOI: 10.1007/bf02345438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The distribution of atrial electrogram types has been proposed to characterise human atrial fibrillation. The aim of this study was to provide computer procedures for evaluating the local organisation of intracardiac recordings during AF as an alternative to off-line manual classification. Principal component analysis (PCA) reduced the data set to a few representative activations, and cluster analysis (CA) measured the average dissimilarity between consecutive activations of an intracardiac signal. The data set consisted of 106 bipolar signals recorded on 11 patients during electrophysiological studies for catheter ablation. Performances of PCA and CA in distinguishing between organised (type I) and disorganised (type II/III, Wells criteria) were assessed, in comparison with manual reading, by evaluating the predictive parameters of the classification analysis. Both methods gave high accuracy (92% for PCA and 89% for CA), confirming the feasibility of on-line characterisation of AF. Sensitivity was lower than specificity (81% against 98% for PCA, and 77% against 97% for CA), with seven out of eight misclassifications of PCA in common with CA. Differences between manual and computer analysis may be related to the higher resolution of PCA and CA in the measurement of the organisation of atrial activations. These procedures are suitable for providing automatic (by CA) or semi-automatic (by PCA) measures of the extent of local organisation of AF in the pre-ablation treatment phase.
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Guérin JP, Kirchner M, Cubizolles F. Effects of Oxyrrhis marina (Dinoflagellata), bacteria and vitamin D(2) on population dynamics of Tisbe holothuriae (Copepoda). JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MARINE BIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY 2001; 261:1-16. [PMID: 11438102 DOI: 10.1016/s0022-0981(01)00252-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Laboratory experiments were performed to determine which food combinations had the most favorable effect on population dynamics of the harpacticoid copepod Tisbe holothuriae. In addition to basic diets of TetraMin (T), rice (R) or a mixture of both (T+R), supplements consisting of the following were given: the heterotrophic dinoflagellate Oxyrrhis marina, a bacterial suspension and vitamin D(2). Results show a beneficial effect of bacteria at a given concentration on T. holothuriae, which is enhanced in combination with vitamin D(2). A higher concentration of bacteria together with vitamin D(2), however, has a reverse effect leading to greater mortality, lower sex ratio and number of ovigerous females, and a dramatic decrease in production of eggs, regardless of the basic diet. We conclude that different concentrations of a given bacterial community may have variable effects on the reproduction of harpacticoid copepods and that, in addition to the bacteria, vitamin D(2) may also play a role in invertebrate nutrition.
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Kirchner M. [The public professional duties of the physician. From the series of lectures on "Physician legal information" organized by the Central Committee for Physician Continuing Education in Prussia. 1905]. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR ARZTLICHE FORTBILDUNG UND QUALITATSSICHERUNG 2000; 94:878-80. [PMID: 11286183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
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Kirchner M, Braeutigam S, Ferm M, Haas M, Hangartner M, Hofschreuder P, Kasper-Giebl A, Römmelt H, Striedner J, Terzer W, Thöni L, Werner H, Zimmerling R. Field intercomparison of diffusive samplers for measuring ammonia. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING : JEM 1999; 1:259-65. [PMID: 11529113 DOI: 10.1039/a902378j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Agricultural production systems are recognised as a major source of atmospheric ammonia. Deposition of ammonia and ammonium may contribute to undesired changes in oligotrophic ecosystems. The continuous measurement of atmospheric ammonia requires expensive and sophisticated techniques and is performed only in a very restrict number of ambient air stations in Europe. Therefore, the application of passive samplers, which have the advantage of being easy to handle and cost-efficient, is useful. In the past the comparability of different passive samplers must be considered as rather scarce. In a joint European project under the leadership of the GSF-Forschungszentrum für Umwelt und Gesundheit, Neuherberg, in 1997 a comparison of different passive ammonia monitoring methods was carried out in a prealpine rural site near Garmisch-Partenkirchen. It was considered valuable to include not only well established systems but also methods still being developed. For the comparative test ten working groups with different methods took part. A wet annular denuder system, which has been developed by the Netherlands Energy Research Foundation for on-line measurement of atmospheric ammonia, served as reference of passive methods. The experiment, which started in June and finished in December, showed that most of the passive samplers fulfil the requirements and can be recommended for further measurements. Additional measurements of meteorological parameters were performed to check the influences of different weather conditions on passive sampling.
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Werner H, Kirchner M, Welzl G, Hangartner M. Ozone measurements along vertical transects in the Alps. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 1999; 6:83-87. [PMID: 19009409 DOI: 10.1007/bf02987554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/1998] [Accepted: 06/24/1998] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
To investigate the vertical profiles of air pollutants in the boundary layer, aircraft and balloon-born measurements and measurements using a cable car as an instrument platform have been performed in different parts of the Alps. This on-line monitoring of atmospheric pollutants requires expensive and sophisticated techniques. In order to control ambient air quality in remote regions, where no infrastructure like power supply is available, simple instruments are required. The objective of this study, which was coordinated and evaluated by the GSF-Forschungszentrum für Umwelt und Gesundheit was first, to investigate the vertical distribution of ozone in different parts of the Alps and secondly, in addition to continuous analyser measurements, to test monitoring by means of two types of passive samplers. The selection of these samplers - one for one week use and another one for two week application - was based on a passive sampler intercomparison done in a preliminary study one year earlier.
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Gaita F, Riccardi R, Calò L, Scaglione M, Garberoglio L, Antolini R, Kirchner M, Lamberti F, Richiardi E. Atrial mapping and radiofrequency catheter ablation in patients with idiopathic atrial fibrillation. Electrophysiological findings and ablation results. Circulation 1998; 97:2136-45. [PMID: 9626174 DOI: 10.1161/01.cir.97.21.2136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Knowledge of the electrophysiological substrates and the cure of atrial fibrillation (AF) is still unsatisfactory. The goal of this study was to evaluate the electrophysiological features of idiopathic AF and their relationship to the results of radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation of AF and the safety and effectiveness of this procedure. METHODS AND RESULTS Sixteen patients with idiopathic AF underwent atrial mapping during AF and then RF ablation in the right atrium. The atrial activation was simultaneously recorded in four regions in the right atrium: high lateral wall (HL), low lateral wall (LL), high septum (HS), and low septum (LS) and in the left atrium through the coronary sinus (CS). In these regions, we evaluated the atrial fibrillation intervals (FF) and the morphological features of AF recordings by Wells' classification. No complications occurred during RF ablation. Of the 16 patients, 9 (56%) without AF recurrences during the follow-up (11 +/- 4 months) were considered successfully ablated. These patients showed a significantly shorter mean FF interval in the HS and the LS (122 +/- 32 and 126 +/- 28 ms, respectively), than in the HL and LL (159 +/- 24 and 156 +/- 28 ms, respectively). Moreover, the septum had more irregular electrical activity with greater beat-to-beat changes in FF and a higher prevalence of type III AF than the lateral region. The CS had similar behavior to the septum. Conversely, patients with unsuccessful ablation had an irregular atrial activity in the lateral wall, septum, and CS with no significant differences between the different sites. CONCLUSIONS Right atrial endocardial catheter ablation of AF is a safe procedure and may be effective in some patients with idiopathic AF. The atrial mapping during AF showed a more disorganized right atrial activation in the septum than in the lateral wall in patients with successful ablation.
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