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Combiths P, Amberg R, Hedlund G, Rose Y, Barlow JA. Automated phonological analysis and treatment target selection using AutoPATT. Clin Linguist Phon 2022; 36:203-218. [PMID: 34085574 PMCID: PMC8642465 DOI: 10.1080/02699206.2021.1896782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Automated analyses of speech samples can offer improved accuracy and timesaving advantages that streamline clinical assessment for children with a suspected speech sound disorder. In this paper, we introduce AutoPATT, an automated tool for clinical analysis of speech samples. This free, open-source tool was developed as a plug-in for Phon and follows the procedures of the Phonological Analysis and Treatment Target Selection protocol, including extraction of a phonetic inventory, phonemic inventory with corresponding minimal pairs, and initial consonant cluster inventory. AutoPATT also provides suggestions for complex treatment targets using evidence-based guidelines. Automated analyses and target suggestions were compared to manual analyses of 25 speech samples from children with phonological disorder. Results indicate that AutoPATT inventory analyses are more accurate than manual analyses. However, treatment targets generated by AutoPATT should be viewed as suggestions and not used to substitute necessary clinical judgement in the target selection process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Combiths
- School of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, USA
- Department of Cognitive Science, University of California, San Diego, USA
| | - R. Amberg
- Alta Loma School District, Rancho Cucamonga, USA
| | - G. Hedlund
- Department of Linguistics, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, Canada
| | - Y. Rose
- Department of Linguistics, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, Canada
| | - J. A. Barlow
- School of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, USA
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Amberg R, Elad A, Beuer F, Vogt C, Bode J, Witte F. Effect of physical cues of altered extract media from biodegradable magnesium implants on human gingival fibroblasts. Acta Biomater 2019; 98:186-195. [PMID: 31352109 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2019.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Volume stable barrier membranes made of magnesium are very promising in Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) to treat periodontal bone defects in dentistry due to their excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability. During the degradation process the cells are exposed to the alteration of various parameters, so called physical cues, involving surface alterations due to the formed corrosion layer and medium alterations arising from the dissolved corrosion products. Cell migration of human gingival fibroblasts (HGF), as a crucial parameter for optimal healing process in GBR, has been investigated on magnesium membranes and revealed that medium alterations by dissolved corrosion products have a higher impact on cell migration than surface alterations. However, the effect of each altered medium parameter on cell migration has not been adequately studied, but their roles are crucial to explain the slower migration rate on magnesium surfaces compared to titanium and tissue culture plastic surfaces. Our study investigates the single effect of Mg2+, Ca2+, H2 and increased osmolality as well as the effect of magnesium extracts, which contain a dynamic mixture of previous parameters on cell migration, proliferation and viability of HGF. We showed that at 75 mM Mg2+ concentration and at 0 mM Ca2+, respectively, the cell migration rate is greatly reduced. In complex magnesium extract media, we found that a temporarily increased ratio of Mg2+ to Ca2+ conditioned a slow HGF migration rate. Based on these findings and the characterization of supernatants from HGF migration assays on Mg membranes, we propose, that the slower migration rate of HGF can be explained by the altered ratio of Mg2+ to Ca2+, caused by increasing concentrations of Mg2+ and decreasing concentrations of Ca2+ in the vicinity of the corroding Mg implant, combined with a constantly increased molecular hydrogen concentration in the supernatant. These results are cell type specific and should be checked carefully, if necessary, for Mg implant performance. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The study is providing a systematic approach to explain the main effects of extract medium parameters (physical cues) such as magnesium or calcium ion concentration, osmolality and dissolved molecular hydrogen and CO2 in cell culture media modified by co-incubating with corroding magnesium implants on the migration rate of human gingival fibroblasts (HGF). This study uncovers for the first time the combinatory effect of slightly increased molecular hydrogen and the change in Mg2+/Ca2+ ratio on HGF cell migration.
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Kurz S, Thieme R, Amberg R, Groth M, Jahnke HG, Pieroh P, Horn LC, Kolb M, Huse K, Platzer M, Volke D, Dehghani F, Buzdin A, Engel K, Robitzki A, Hoffmann R, Gockel I, Birkenmeier G. The anti-tumorigenic activity of A2M-A lesson from the naked mole-rat. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0189514. [PMID: 29281661 PMCID: PMC5744951 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0189514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer resistance is a major cause for longevity of the naked mole-rat. Recent liver transcriptome analysis in this animal compared to wild-derived mice revealed higher expression of alpha2-macroglobulin (A2M) and cell adhesion molecules, which contribute to the naked mole-rat’s cancer resistance. Notably, A2M is known to dramatically decrease with age in humans. We hypothesize that this might facilitate tumour development. Here we found that A2M modulates tumour cell adhesion, migration and growth by inhibition of tumour promoting signalling pathways, e.g. PI3K / AKT, SMAD and up-regulated PTEN via down-regulation of miR-21, in vitro and in tumour xenografts. A2M increases the expression of CD29 and CD44 but did not evoke EMT. Transcriptome analysis of A2M-treated tumour cells, xenografts and mouse liver demonstrated a multifaceted regulation of tumour promoting signalling pathways indicating a less tumorigenic environment mediated by A2M. By virtue of these multiple actions the naturally occurring A2M has strong potential as a novel therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Kurz
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Leipzig, Medical Faculty, Leipzig, Germany
| | - René Thieme
- Department of Visceral, Transplantation, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University of Leipzig, Medical Faculty, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ronny Amberg
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Leipzig, Medical Faculty, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Marco Groth
- Leibniz Institute on Aging—Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Jena, Germany
| | - Heinz-Georg Jahnke
- Centre for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Molecular Biological-Biochemical Processing Technology, University of Leipzig, Germany
| | - Philipp Pieroh
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Grosse Steinstrasse 52, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Lars-Christian Horn
- Institute of Pathology, Division of Breast, Gynaecological and Perinatal Pathology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Marlen Kolb
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Leipzig, Medical Faculty, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Klaus Huse
- Leibniz Institute on Aging—Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Jena, Germany
| | - Matthias Platzer
- Leibniz Institute on Aging—Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Jena, Germany
| | - Daniela Volke
- Center for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Faramarz Dehghani
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Grosse Steinstrasse 52, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Anton Buzdin
- Pharmaceutical Artificial Intelligence Department, Insilico Medicine, Inc., Emerging Technology Centers, Johns Hopkins University at Eastern, B301, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Pathway Engineering for Cancer Research, OmicsWay Corp., Walnut, CA, United States of America
- National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, Centre for Convergence of Nano-, Bio-, Information and Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, 1, Akademika Kurchatova sq., Moscow, Russia
| | - Kathrin Engel
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Leipzig, Medical Faculty, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Andrea Robitzki
- Centre for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Molecular Biological-Biochemical Processing Technology, University of Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ralf Hoffmann
- Center for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ines Gockel
- Department of Visceral, Transplantation, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University of Leipzig, Medical Faculty, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Gerd Birkenmeier
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Leipzig, Medical Faculty, Leipzig, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Schrom T, Amberg R, Bast F. Determining Tarsus Curvature in Relation To Direction of Gaze Using Non-contact Ultrasound Video Assistance. Ultrasound Int Open 2016; 2:E8-E12. [PMID: 27689167 DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1565243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2015] [Accepted: 10/31/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Plastic surgery on the eyelids for the purpose of aesthetic or functional correction requires precise knowledge of lid anatomy. Changes in the tarsal curvature of the upper eyelid relative to line of vision are important, particularly when a surgical correction of paralytic lagophthalmos is undertaken. We used a computer-based image-processing algorithm to establish a relationship between changes in the curvature of the tarsus relative to the line of vision. MATERIAL AND METHODS A dynamic, ultrasound examination of the upper eyelids of 100 participants (100 eyes) was performed transpalpebrally using a 7.5 MHz scanner with the patient looking straight ahead, away from and towards the midline of the body. A computer-aided examination of the upper eyelid tarsus was then performed, followed by the calculation of the radius of curvature of the tarsus relative to the line of vision in each position. RESULTS Using regression of a Taylor polynomial, the shape of the tarsus was mapped by a quadratic function, and the change in tarsal curvature relative to line of sight could be demonstrated. CONCLUSION With objective evidence of change in the tarsal curvature relative to the line of sight, this may influence the treatment of pathological changes in the upper eyelid.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Schrom
- Head and Neck Surgery/Plastic Surgery, Clinic for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Bad Saarow, HELIOS Clinics Bad Saarow, Germany
| | - R Amberg
- Institute for International Media and Computing, Economics II, University of Applied Science, Berlin, Germany
| | - F Bast
- Department for Otolaryngology, AMEOS Klinikum Haldensleben, Haldensleben, Germany
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Böttcher R, Amberg R, Ruzius FP, Guryev V, Verhaegh WFJ, Beyerlein P, van der Zaag PJ. Using a priori knowledge to align sequencing reads to their exact genomic position. Nucleic Acids Res 2012; 40:e125. [PMID: 22581774 PMCID: PMC3439880 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gks393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of a priori knowledge in the alignment of targeted sequencing data is investigated using computational experiments. Adapting a Needleman-Wunsch algorithm to incorporate the genomic position information from the targeted capture, we demonstrate that alignment can be done to just the target region of interest. When in addition use is made of direct string comparison, an improvement of up to a factor of 8 in alignment speed compared to the fastest conventional aligner (Bowtie) is obtained. This results in a total alignment time in targeted sequencing of around 7 min for aligning approximately 56 million captured reads. For conventional aligners such as Bowtie, BWA or MAQ, alignment to just the target region is not feasible as experiments show that this leads to an additional 88% SNP calls, the vast majority of which are false positives (≈ 92%).
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Affiliation(s)
- René Böttcher
- Philips Research Laboratories, High Tech Campus 11, 5656 AE Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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7
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Gründer G, Schreckenberger M, Dielentheis TF, Lochmann M, Mann K, Lange-Asschenfeld C, Siessmeier T, Buchholz HG, Amberg R, Bartenstein P. Effects of alcohol and benzodiazepines on brain metabolism: [18F]FDG-PET studies. Pharmacopsychiatry 2004. [DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-825347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Abstract
Pathological changes of the ocular fundus in acute severe head or extracranial injury are difficult to document. In vivo examination usually has to be carried out under intensive care conditions. Postmortem ophthalmoscopy is usually impeded by rapid blurring of the cornea. Therefore, endoscopic fundal photography has been applied by using a pars plana approach during forensic postmortem procedures. This technique provides fundoscopic pictures of high quality as a valuable supplement for subsequent macro- and histopathological preparations and sections. Different patterns of fundoscopic findings seem to correspond to different types of injuries such as craniocerebral trauma, traumatic asphyxia and decompression sickness, and may allow some insight into the respective pathogenetic mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Amberg
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Freiburg/Br., D-79104 Freiburg, Germany
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9
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Sendt W, Amberg R, Hassan A, von Specht BU, Schöffel U. Secondary peritonitis: severity of disease and activation of peritoneal cells. Eur J Surg 2001; 167:426-32. [PMID: 11471666 DOI: 10.1080/110241501750243761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the degree of the inflammatory response of human peritoneum with the severity of peritonitis. DESIGN Clinical laboratory study. SETTING University hospital, Germany. SUBJECTS 15 patients with diffuse secondary peritonitis and 5 having conventional cholecystectomy (controls) had peritoneal specimens taken from the site of incision. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Correlation between presence of indicators of the inflammatory response: interleukin 1 (IL-1), interleukin 6 (IL-6), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), antibacterial protein (defensin 3 reflecting the activation of granulocytes), the antibody clone HAM 56 (for detection of local macrophages), and antibodies against macrophage migration inhibiting factor (MIF)-related proteins 8 and 14 (MRP 8 and 14), and clinical state evaluated by the Mannheim Peritonitis Index (MPI), the Peritonitis Index Altona II (PIA II) and the Acute Physiology Score (APS). C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations were measured preoperatively in the serum. RESULTS Expression of MRP 8 and 14, HAM 56, and defensin 3 was significantly higher in patients with peritonitis than in controls (p < 0.05). Expression of IL-1 and IL-6 was almost undetectable. ICAM-1 expression correlated significantly with phagocytic activation. There was no correlation between clinical scores, CRP, and immunohistochemically detectable variables. CONCLUSION The pattern of peritoneal inflammatory reactions is relatively uniform and does not correlate with the clinical grading of severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Sendt
- Department of Surgery, University of Freiburg, Germany
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10
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Bohnert M, Faller-Marquardt M, Lutz S, Amberg R, Weisser HJ, Pollak S. Transfer of biological traces in cases of hanging and ligature strangulation. Forensic Sci Int 2001; 116:107-15. [PMID: 11182261 DOI: 10.1016/s0379-0738(00)00357-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
In hanging and ligature strangulation, the noose mostly causes a mark or groove which is formed partly by compression of the skin and partly by abrasion with loss of the upper epidermal layers. The horny scales abraded from the neck may be transferred to the strangulation device or to the interposed textiles where they are sometimes visible at stereomicroscopic examination or even to the naked eye as silver-grey particles. The morphologic features of the epidermal transfer due to hanging and ligature strangulation is demonstrated by 14 case examples. The biological traces may be sufficient for comparative DNA typing by means of PCR-based methods. In 9 out of the 14 cases, genomic DNA typing was successful. Analysis of mtDNA succeeded in another two cases, although genomic DNA could not be detected. Beside the accumulation of solid epidermic particles the paper describes deposition of serous and fatty tissue fluid at the ligature (mainly adjacent to skin ridges).
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Affiliation(s)
- M Bohnert
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstrasse 9, D-79104, Freiburg, Germany.
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11
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Lutz S, Weisser HJ, Meier V, Amberg R. [Significance of mitochondrial DNA for forensic stain analysis, identification and forensic lineage determination]. Arch Kriminol 2000; 206:50-8. [PMID: 11006826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
DNA testing using conventional STR systems may produce insufficient results, if the genomic DNA in the specimen is either highly degraded or the available quantity is very small (e.g. skin particles, hair shafts or ancient bones). In some of these cases the examination of mitochondrial DNA, which is present in considerably larger copy numbers in the cytoplasm, is more successful than that of nuclear DNA. Identification of unknown corpses by conventional DNA typing sometimes remains doubtful, if only samples from presumably distant relatives or putative brothers or sisters are available for comparison. Since mitochondrial DNA is generally transmitted in maternal lineages, its sequence pattern can be directly compared with those of other individuals and, in case of the same maternal lineage, corresponding sequence chromatograms are to be expected. In connection with nuclear DNA typing methods certain sequence motives may furnish clues to ethnic groups. The report presents three cases illustrating the application possibilities of mtDNA typing in forensic practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Lutz
- Institut für Rechtsmedizin, Universität Freiburg
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Schoeffel U, Pelz K, Häring RU, Amberg R, Schandl R, Urbaschek R, von Specht BU, Farthmann EH. Inflammatory consequences of the translocation of bacteria and endotoxin to mesenteric lymph nodes. Am J Surg 2000; 180:65-72. [PMID: 11036145 DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9610(00)00410-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Translocation of intestinal bacteria to mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) has been documented in humans under a variety of circumstances, yet its clinical significance remains to be established. The aim of this study was to correlate detectable translocation to MLNs of bacteria and endotoxin with local and systemic signs of inflammation. METHODS From each of 10 patients with carcinoma of the cecal region two MLNs were harvested prior to resection. The presence of bacteria and endotoxin in the lymphatic tissue and blood was determined by culture methods and DNA preparation (PCR) and by a Limulus assay, respectively. Inflammatory mediators were determined in plasma and in MLN homogenates. RESULTS Viable bacteria were detected in MLNs of 7 patients and in 9 of 20 lymph nodes. PCR revealed traces of bacteria in 4 patients and in 6 of their MLNs. Combining both modalities, the translocation rate was 80% and 55% for patients and MLNs, respectively. There was no detectable bacteremia. Endotoxin was found in the plasma of 7 patients and in 9 MLNs from 5 patients. There was no correlation between culture findings and endotoxin concentrations. Moreover, bacteriological data did not correspond to local or systemic inflammation. The group of MLN with detectable endotoxin differed significantly from LPS-negative nodes with respect to interleukin-6, interleukin-10, and sCD14. Systemic concentrations of endotoxin and inflammatory parameters did not correspond to levels within MLNs. CONCLUSION Translocation to MLNs occurs in patients with cecal carcinoma. This, however, seems not to be of major clinical significance if no additional physiologic insults are encountered. Irrespective of the presence of bacteria, there are variations in inflammatory reactions between lymph nodes from one and the same patient, probably reflecting fluctuating response mechanisms to low-grade translocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Schoeffel
- Department of Surgery, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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13
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Sendt W, Amberg R, Schöffel U, Hassan A, von Specht BU, Farthmann EH. Local inflammatory peritoneal response to operative trauma: studies on cell activity, cytokine expression, and adhesion molecules. Eur J Surg 1999; 165:1024-30. [PMID: 10595604 DOI: 10.1080/110241599750007838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that different surgical procedures may lead to different degrees of activation of the human peritoneal response. DESIGN Clinical laboratory study. SETTING University Hospital, Germany. MATERIAL Peritoneal specimens taken from the incision or parietal resection margins at the beginning and end of laparoscopic or open cholecystectomy, or other conventional open operations (n = 5 in each group). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Detection of indicators of the inflammatory response: interleukin 1 (IL-1), interleukin 6 (IL-6), intercellular adhesion molecule- (ICAM-1), antibacterial protein (defensin 3 that reflects the activation of granulocytes), the antibody clone HAM 56 (for detection of local macrophages), and antibodies against macrophage inhibiting factor (MIF)-related proteins 8 and 14 (MRP 8 and 14). RESULTS The rise between preoperative and postoperative evaluations was significant for each variable (p < 0.05). With one single exception (IL-6 between laparoscopic cholecystectomy and other operations), the one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed no significant differences among the three groups in the detectable increases in staining. Linear regression analysis showed no correlation between length of operation and increases in immunohistochemically detected inflammatory variables. CONCLUSION Minimally invasive surgery does not necessarily mean minimal peritoneal damage. The immunohistochemical evaluation of the local cellular response may provide additional objective criteria for the grading of operative trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Sendt
- Department of Surgery, University of Freiburg, Germany
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Abstract
A case of probable isolated primary arteritis of the coronary arteries (coronaritis) in a 68-year-old man who died suddenly and unexpectedly is presented. The histologic presentation of the disorder is discussed, especially the differential diagnosis of arteritis of the coronary arteries versus distinct coronary artery sclerosis with concomitant inflammatory change.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Dettmeyer
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Bonn, Germany
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15
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Sander A, Beyer U, Amberg R. Systemic Fusarium oxysporum infection in an immunocompetent patient with an adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and extracorporal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Mycoses 1998; 41:109-11. [PMID: 9670761 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0507.1998.tb00310.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We report a case of disseminated fusariosis in a 42-year-old patient with adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and extracorporal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), but without definite immunosuppression. Fusarium oxysporum was isolated from a bronchial lavage taken 6 days ante mortem. Despite antifungal treatment with amphotericin B and flucytosine the patient died in septic multiorgan failure. A post-mortem examination was performed. The patient's liver was found to contain fungus cells and F. oxysporum could be cultured from ascites.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Sander
- Abteilung Mikrobiologie und Hygiene, Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie und Hygiene, Freiburg, Germany
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Abstract
The mechanism of selenocysteine insertion into proteins is distinct from all other amino acids in all lines of descent in that it needs specific protein cofactors and a structurally unique tRNA(Sec). It is first aminoacylated with serine and further recognized among all other serylated serine isoacceptors by a selenocysteine synthase and is converted to selenocysteyl-tRNA(Sec). We present here the complete set of identity elements for selenylation of mammalian seryl-tRNA(Sec) and show that the transplantation of these elements into normal serine tRNA allows its selenylation. Four particular structural motifs differentiate eukaryotic tRNA(Sec) from normal tRNA(Ser): the orientation of the extra arm, the short 4 bp T psi C-stem, the extra long 9 bp acceptor-stem and the elongated 6 bp dihydrouridine-stem. Only the last two are essential and only together sufficient for selenocysteine synthesis, whereby the additional base-pairs of the acceptor-stem may be replaced by non-paired nucleotides. Each exchange of the first three structural motifs mentioned above between tRNA(Ser) and tRNA(Sec) resulted in a significant loss of serylation, indicating that the overall composition of particular structure elements is necessary to maintain normal functions of tRNA(Sec). Since we find that all seryl-tRNAs which are selenylated are also substrates for serine phosphorylation we propose that phosphoseryl-tRNA(Sec) is a storage form of seryl-tRNA(Sec).
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MESH Headings
- Acylation
- Animals
- Base Sequence
- HeLa Cells
- Humans
- Kinetics
- Mammals
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Nucleic Acid Conformation
- Phosphorylation
- Point Mutation
- RNA, Transfer, Amino Acid-Specific/chemistry
- RNA, Transfer, Amino Acid-Specific/metabolism
- RNA, Transfer, Amino Acyl/chemistry
- RNA, Transfer, Amino Acyl/metabolism
- RNA, Transfer, Ser/chemistry
- RNA, Transfer, Ser/metabolism
- Selenocysteine/biosynthesis
- Selenocysteine/metabolism
- Serine/metabolism
- Sodium Selenite/metabolism
- Transferases/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- R Amberg
- Institut für Biochemie, Bayerische Julius-Maximilians-Universität, Biozentrum, Würzburg, Germany
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Abstract
In a living patient, a hemotympanum can be a sign of a temporal bone fracture. Postmortem endoscopy in forensic autopsy cases also revealed hemotympanum findings without any fracture. Thoracic compression or cranio-facial congestion were probably the pathogenetic mechanism in some of the cases. An engorgement of the internal and external jugular veins was found in all cases. Due to increased intravenous and intraarterial pressure, capillary hemorrhages were revealed in endoscopy and histological sections.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Amberg
- Institut für Rechtsmedizin, Klinikum der Albert-Ludwigs-Universität, Freiburg
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Abstract
It has been reported that selenocysteine tRNA from bovine liver is completely edited to two isoacceptor species, called tRNA([Ser]SecNCA) and tRNA([Ser]SecCmCa), which differ from the gene sequence. We used direct tRNA sequencing, mobility shift analyses, primer extension, restriction enzyme digestion and single strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) analyses of products from reverse transcription coupled with polymerase chain reaction (RT/PCR), sequencing of RT/PCR products and HPLC-coupled mass spectrometry to reproduce this result and show here that editing of these tRNAs does not occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Amberg
- Institut für Biochemie, Biozentrum, Würzburg, Germany
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Buser U, Mihatsch MJ, Amberg R, Denz M. [Cryoglobulinemia--25-year search for an etiology]. Schweiz Rundsch Med Prax 1993; 82:323-30. [PMID: 8456226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- U Buser
- Departement für Innere Medizin, Kantonsspital, Universitätskliniken, Basel
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Abstract
A semi-skeletted water-lodged corpse was supposed to be an 82-year-old missed man. Fifteen years ago this person underwent an operation of a trimalleolar fracture of the left ankle joint. Conventional X-ray photograms of the left ankle joint of the water-lodged corpse showed no evidence of an operation. A T-1 weighted spin-echo sequence revealed the entire aspect of the osteosynthesis as documented in the previously performed post-operative X-ray photograms.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Amberg
- Institut für Rechtsmedizin im Klinikum der Albert-Ludwig-Universität, Freiburg im Breisgau, Federal Republic of Germany
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Wintzer HO, Amberg R, von Kleist S, Forster B. Immunohistological demonstration of lymphocyte surface antigens in postmortem lymphoid tissues. Virchows Arch A Pathol Anat Histopathol 1988; 413:581-9. [PMID: 3144093 DOI: 10.1007/bf00750400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The postmortem stability of cell antigens has hardly been studied. Using monoclonal antibodies (mabs) we examined the postmortem detectability of lymphocyte surface antigens in different lymphoid organs by comparing two sensitive, immunohistological staining procedures. To quantify the probable degree of autolysis of the tissues a score system was applied by taking into consideration the postmortem age as well as the core temperature of the corpses. The antigens examined generally proved to be very resistant to autolytic influences. Differences were found when comparing different mabs and with regard to the type of lymphoid tissue. The loss of immunohistological reactions was most extensive in the spleen whereas tonsils showed almost no qualitative alterations in staining patterns. Reactivity of mabs with postmortem tissues decreased in the following order: Dako CD22 and anti-Leu 4, anti-Leu 3a, anti-Leu 7, Dako T8. The mabs anti-Leu 7 and Dako-T8 frequently failed to demonstrate their respective antigens but no correlation between the loss of staining and the degree of autolytic decomposition (our score) could be detected. In general, postmortem tissues as well as tissues shock frozen after delay are suitable for qualitative immunohistology of those cells characterized by the mabs applied. The APAAP-method proved unequivocally to be the superior staining technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- H O Wintzer
- Institute of Immunobiology, University of Freiburg, FRG
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Salama A, Kiefel V, Amberg R, Mueller-Eckhardt C. Treatment of autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura with rhesus antibodies (anti-Rh0(D). Blut 1984; 49:29-35. [PMID: 6430368 DOI: 10.1007/bf00320381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
There is evidence that blockade of the reticuloendothelial system (RES) by sequestration of autologous red blood cells (RBC) leads to an elevation of platelet counts in immune thrombocytopenia. To substantiate this hypothesis, 10 Rh0(D)-positive adult patients (9 female, 1 male) with chronic autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) (1 to 21 years duration) were treated with low doses of intravenous IgG-anti-Rh0(D) (200 to 1,000 micrograms per dose; 300 to 3,600 micrograms per course; administration within 1 to 5 days). All patients improved clinically as indicated by cessation of bleeding. In eight out of ten patients there was a rise in platelet count. Platelet increments were excellent (greater than 100 X 10(9)/l) in one, good (50-100 X 10(9)/l) in three, fair (20-50 X 10(9)/1) in two and low (10-20 X 10(9)/1) in two patients. Splenectomized patients (N = 4) had a poorer response than non-splenectomized patients (N = 6) with mean increments of 16 X 10(9)/l (range 5-43 X 10(9)/l) versus 60 X 10(9)/l (range 10-110 X 10(9)/l). The increase in platelet counts persisted for seven to over 150 days. Transient and slight signs of haemolysis developed in seven out of ten patients (haemoglobin remained stable; increase of lactate dehydrogenase (greater than 250 IU/l) in four, decrease of haptoglobin (less than 60 mg/dl) in five patients). The direct antiglobulin test became positive in all cases due to IgG1 without complement fixation. We conclude that the interaction of antibody-coated RBC with macrophages (and, probably, other means of RBC alteration) is a feasible therapeutic approach in selected cases of ITP and related conditions.
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Desaga JF, Glaser E, Amberg R, Schirmer B, Schley W, Lasch HG. [High dosis cortisone therapy in shock treatment. Inhibition of intravascular cellular transformation in responders]. Verh Dtsch Ges Inn Med 1977; 83:1161-3. [PMID: 306167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Desaga JF, Glaser E, Amberg R, Schirmer B, Schley W, Löffler H. [Lymphocyte population in man. Markers, functional and kinetic aspects in cortisone-resistant T-cells]. Verh Dtsch Ges Inn Med 1977; 83:1130-2. [PMID: 306166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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