[Quality in the appraisal of head and neck sonography results in university hospitals-a random sample]. / Qualität in der Befundung von Kopf- und Halssonographien an Universitätskliniken ­ eine Stichprobe.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound diagnostics are widely used and are standard for radiologists, otolaryngologists, and oral and maxillofacial surgeons in the diagnostic work-up of various pathologies. There is agreement that digital documentation is urgently needed at present to improve and standardize the quality of sonographic documentation. There are more and more publications on the implementation of standardized documentation of findings in imaging diagnostics, including head and neck sonography. OBJECTIVE: The present work aims to determine the quality of routine head and neck sonography findings on a random basis, according to the criteria of the Bavarian Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KVB) at a selection of German university otolaryngology departments (ENT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 70 randomly selected anonymized written findings including image documentation from seven ENT departments were retrospectively analyzed by an experienced KVB examiner concerning fulfilment of KVB criteria. The data were evaluated descriptively. RESULTS: Of the 70 reports, 69 were eligible for evaluation. The average documentation completeness was 80.6%. A total of 9 findings were correctly documented in full (13%). The documentation completeness of the individual departments was sorted in ascending order from 68.1% to 93%. With 88.5% vs. 75%, the hospitals with a structured report showed a higher level of completeness. In 75% of the cases the hospitals with structured reports also had digital solutions for reporting and image archiving. CONCLUSION: In general, there is potential for optimization regarding the completeness and quality of routinely prepared head and neck sonography findings at the selected university ENT departments. The implementation of structured reporting masks and the conversion of analogue documentation into digital solutions as well as digital networking with the hospital information systems, picture archiving and communication systems should be promoted. Supervision by senior doctors is required to ensure the quality of findings of inexperienced colleagues and to help to achieve standards in reporting.

Injectable hydrogel promotes early survival of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived oligodendrocytes and attenuates longterm teratoma formation in a spinal cord injury model.

Transplantation of pluripotent stem cells and their differentiated progeny has the potential to preserve or regenerate functional pathways and improve function after central nervous system injury. However, their utility has been hampered by poor survival and the potential to form tumors. Peptide-modified biomaterials influence cell adhesion, survival and differentiation in vitro, but their effectiveness in vivo remains uncertain. We synthesized a peptide-modified, minimally invasive, injectable hydrogel comprised of hyaluronan and methylcellulose to enhance the survival and differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived oligodendrocyte progenitor cells. Cells were transplanted subacutely after a moderate clip compression rat spinal cord injury. The hydrogel, modified with the RGD peptide and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-A), promoted early survival and integration of grafted cells. However, prolific teratoma formation was evident when cells were transplanted in media at longer survival times, indicating that either this cell line or the way in which it was cultured is unsuitable for human use. Interestingly, teratoma formation was attenuated when cells were transplanted in the hydrogel, where most cells differentiated to a glial phenotype. Thus, this hydrogel promoted cell survival and integration, and attenuated teratoma formation by promoting cell differentiation.

Click-crosslinked injectable hyaluronic acid hydrogel is safe and biocompatible in the intrathecal space for ultimate use in regenerative strategies of the injured spinal cord.

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) causes damage and degeneration at and around the lesion site resulting in a loss of function. SCI presents a complex regenerative problem due to the multiple aspects of growth inhibition and the heterogeneity in size, shape and extent of injury. Currently, there is no widely accepted treatment strategy available and delivering biomolecules to the central nervous system remains a challenge. With a view towards achieving local release, we designed a hydrogel that can be injected into the intrathecal space. Here we describe the synthesis and characterization of a click-crosslinked hyaluronic acid hydrogel and demonstrate controlled in vitro release of bioactive brain derived neurotrophic factor. Importantly, we demonstrate that this new hydrogel is both biocompatible in the intrathecal space based on immunohistochemistry of the host tissue response and safe based on behavioral analysis of locomotor function.

Motor outcome and allodynia are largely unaffected by novel olfactory ensheathing cell grafts to repair low-thoracic lesion gaps in the adult rat spinal cord.

Olfactory ensheathing cells (OEC) are a promising graftable cell population for improving functional outcomes after experimental spinal cord injury. However only few studies have focused on experimental models with large cavitations, which require bridging substrates to transfer and maintain the donor cells within the lesion site. Here, a state-of-the-art collagen-based multi-channeled three dimensional scaffold was used to deliver olfactory ensheathing cells to 2 mm long unilateral low-thoracic hemisection cavities. For a period of 10 weeks, allodynia of the hindpaws was monitored using the von Frey hair filament test, while an extensive analysis of motor ability was performed with use of the CatWalk gait analysis system and the BBB locomotor scale. No substantial improvement or deterioration of motor functions was induced and there was no effect on lesion-induced allodynia. On the basis of these data, we conclude that relatively large spinal cord lesions with cavitation may present additional hurdles to the therapeutic effect of OEC. Future studies are needed to address the nature that such lesion cavities place on cell grafts.

Ethene adsorption and dehydrogenation on clean and oxygen precovered Ni(111) studied by high resolution x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

The adsorption and thermal evolution of ethene (ethylene) on clean and oxygen precovered Ni(111) was investigated with high resolution x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy using synchrotron radiation at BESSY II. The high resolution spectra allow to unequivocally identify the local environment of individual carbon atoms. Upon adsorption at 110 K, ethene adsorbs in a geometry, where the two carbon atoms within the intact ethene molecule occupy nonequivalent sites, most likely hollow and on top; this new result unambiguously solves an old puzzle concerning the adsorption geometry of ethene on Ni(111). On the oxygen precovered surface a different adsorption geometry is found with both carbon atoms occupying equivalent hollow sites. Upon heating ethene on the clean surface, we can confirm the dehydrogenation to ethine (acetylene), which adsorbs in a geometry, where both carbon atoms occupy equivalent sites. On the oxygen precovered surface dehydrogenation of ethene is completely suppressed. For the identification of the adsorbed species and the quantitative analysis the vibrational fine structure of the x-ray photoelectron spectra was analyzed in detail.

CatWalk gait analysis in assessment of functional recovery after sciatic nerve injury.

Following peripheral nerve injury repair, improved behavioural outcome may be the most important evidence of functionality of axon regeneration after any repair strategy. A range of behavioural testing paradigms have been developed for peripheral nerve injury research. Complete injury of the adult rat sciatic nerve is frequently used in combination with walking track analysis. Despite its wide-spread use, these walking track analyses are unsuitable for the simultaneous assessment of both dynamic and static gait parameters. Conversely, a novel automated gait analysis system, i.e. CatWalk can simultaneously measure dynamic as well as static gait parameters and, importantly, it's easy to control for the speed of locomotion which can strongly affect gait parameters. In a previous study, CatWalk was already successfully used to examine deficits in both dynamic and static gait parameters using the sciatic nerve lesion model with a 1cm gap characterized by absence of recovery [Deumens R, Jaken RJ, Marcus MA, Joosten EA. The CatWalk gait analysis in assessment of both dynamic and static gait changes after adult rat sciatic nerve resection. J Neurosci Methods 2007;164:120-30]. Using the sciatic nerve crush injury model (validated with the static sciatic index) and a follow-up period of 12 weeks, we now show that CatWalk can also measure behavioural recovery. In particular dynamic gait parameters, coordination measures, and the intensity of paw prints are of interest in detecting recovery as far as these parameters completely return to pre-operative values after crush injury. We conclude that CatWalk can be used as a complementary approach to other behavioural testing paradigms to assess clinically relevant behavioural benefits, with a main advantage that CatWalk demonstrates both static and dynamic gait parameters at the same time.

A detailed analysis of vibrational excitations in x-ray photoelectron spectra of adsorbed small hydrocarbons.

The vibrational fine structure of x-ray photoelectron (XP) spectra of a number of different small hydrocarbon molecules and reaction intermediates adsorbed on Pt(111) and Ni(111) has been investigated in detail. The data for methyl, methylidyne, acetylene, and ethylene can consistently be analyzed within the linear coupling model. The S factor, i.e., the intensity ratio of the first vibrationally excited to the adiabatic transition, is obtained to be 0.17+/-0.02 per C-H bond; for the deuterated species a value of 0.23+/-0.02 is obtained. Therefore, the vibrational fine structure can be used for fingerprinting in the analysis of XP spectra and for identifying unknown reaction intermediates. From the data, Deltar, the change of the minimum in the potential energy curve upon core ionization, is calculated within the linear coupling model using a first order correction. For all adsorbates, including the deuterated ones, a value of Deltar=0.060+/-0.004 A is obtained. Furthermore, from the binding energy of the adiabatic peak and from the energy of the vibrational excitation in the ionic final state some information on the adsorbate/substrate bond and the adsorption site can be derived.

A site-selective in situ study of CO adsorption and desorption on Pt(355).

Using time-dependent high-resolution x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy at BESSY II, the adsorption and desorption processes of CO on stepped Pt(355) = Pt[5(111) x (111)] were investigated. From a quantitative analysis of C 1s data, the distribution of CO on the various adsorption sites can be determined continuously during adsorption and desorption. These unique data show that the terrace sites are only occupied when the step sites are almost saturated, even at temperatures as low as 130 K. The coverage-dependent occupation of on-top and bridge adsorption sites on the (111) terraces of Pt(355) is found to differ from that on Pt(111), which is attributed to the finite width of the terraces and changes in adsorbate-adsorbate interactions. In particular, no long-range order of the adsorbate layer could be observed by low-energy electron diffraction. Further details are derived from sticking coefficient measurements using the method devised by King and Wells [Proc. R. Soc. London, Ser. A 339, 245 (1974)] and temperature-programmed desorption. The CO saturation coverage is found to be slightly smaller on the stepped surface as compared to that on Pt(111). The initial sticking coefficient has the same high value of 0.91 for both surfaces.

Kinetics of the CO oxidation reaction on Pt(111) studied by in situ high-resolution x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

High-resolution x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy has been used to study the kinetics of the CO oxidation reaction on a Pt(111) surface in situ. The study focuses on the interaction of a preadsorbed p(2x2) layer of atomic oxygen with CO dosed using a supersonic molecular beam. Measurements of O 1s and C 1s spectra at 120 K show that CO adsorbs on the oxygen precovered substrate, but no reaction occurs. A maximum CO coverage of 0.23 ML (monolayer) is observed, with CO exclusively bound on on-top sites. In accordance with the literature, bridge sites are blocked by the presence of atomic oxygen. The reaction of CO with preadsorbed O to CO(2) is studied isothermally in a temperature range between 275 and 305 K. The reaction rate initially increases with CO pressure, but saturates at 9x10(-7) mbar. The data indicate that a certain amount of disordered oxygen within the p(2x2) layer acts as a starting point of the reaction and for a given temperature reacts with a higher rate than O in the well-ordered oxygen p(2x2) phase. For the reaction of CO with this ordered phase, the results confirm the assumption of a reaction mechanism, which is restricted to the edges of compact oxygen islands. The activation energy of the reaction is determined to (0.53+/-0.04) eV, with a prefactor of 4.7x10(6+/-0.7) s(-1).

Spatio-temporal expression patterns of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) during follicular development in the rat ovary.

The steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) is a vital mitochondrial protein that is indispensable for the synthesis of steroid hormones in the steroidogenic cells of the adrenal cortex and the gonads. Recent studies have shown that StAR enhances the conversion of the substrate for all steroid hormones, cholesterol, into pregnenolone, probably by facilitating cholesterol entry into the inner compartment of the mitochondria where the steroidogenic cytochrome P450scc complex resides. To study the potential of StAR to affect ovarian steroidogenesis during follicular development, we examined the time-dependent expression of StAR protein and messenger RNA in PMSG/human CG (hCG)-treated immature rats. Western blot analyses and immunohistochemical and RT-PCR methodologies have revealed a biphasic expression of StAR in the ovaries responding to hormones. The first peak of StAR expression was generated by PMSG administration and lasted for 24 h. Furthermore, it was restricted to the entire network of the ovarian secondary interstitial tissue, as well as to a fewer scattered theca-interna cells. The second burst of StAR expression was observed in response to the LH surge, as simulated by hCG. This time, StAR was expressed in the entire theca-interna and interstitial tissue, as well as in those granulosa cells that were confined to periovulatory follicles. Immunoelectron microscopy studies revealed the over 90% of StAR antigenic sites are localized in the inner compartments of the mitochondrion, suggesting a rapid removal of StAR precursor from the mitochondrial surface, where it is believed to exert its activity. Altogether, our observations portray dynamic acute alterations of StAR expression during the process of follicular maturation in this animal model. Furthermore, if StAR indeed determines steroidogenic capacities in the ovary, our findings imply that, in immature rats undergoing hormonally induced first ovulation: 1) the early phases of follicular development are supported by androgen production originating from nonfollicular cells; 2) estrogen production in the granulosa cells of Graafian follicles is nourished by a submaximal androgenic output in the theca-interstitial compartments of the ovary.

Steroid production after in vitro transcription, translation, and mitochondrial processing of protein products of complementary deoxyribonucleic acid for steroidogenic acute regulatory protein.

We have previously demonstrated that steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) is essential for the rate-limiting step in the acute regulation of steroidogenesis, which is the transport of cholesterol from the outer to the inner mitochondrial membrane. We have hypothesized that this transport occurs as the 37-kilodalton (kDa) precursor form of StAR is imported into the mitochondria and processed to its 30-kDa mature forms. Using an in vitro transcription and translation system in the presence of mitochondria isolated from unstimulated mouse MA-10 Leydig tumor cells, we now directly show that the 37-kDa form is indeed the cytosolic precursor of StAR and can be processed by mitochondria to all four 30-kDa mature forms. To determine the subcellular location of StAR in steroidogenic cells, ultrastructural immunocytochemistry was performed in adrenal zona fasciculata cells using the protein A-gold technique. We show that StAR is associated exclusively with the mitochondria. There, StAR is primarily localized in the intermembrane space and the intermembrane space side of the cristae membrane. StAR was shown to induce steroid production in isolated mitochondria. StAR protein was expressed in COS1 cells and the cell lysate, which was shown to contain abundant levels of StAR by Western blot analysis, was incubated with mitochondria isolated from unstimulated MA-10 cells. In these experiments, StAR increased steroid production by at least 4-fold over control mock-transfected lysate, and this increase was time and dose dependent. Furthermore, the increase in steroid production induced by StAR-containing lysate was not observed when COS1 lysate containing high levels of another mitochondrially imported protein, adrenodoxin, was used. We conclude from these results that in response to tropic hormone stimulation of steroidogenic cells, StAR is synthesized as a 37-kDa precursor, imported into the mitochondria, processed to its 30-kDa mature forms, and localized to the intermembrane space. During import and processing in vitro, StAR induces steroid production in isolated mitochondria in a specific manner.

[Social psychological barriers to compliance in group and individual prophylaxis]. / Sozialpsychologische Barrieren zur Compliance in der Gruppen- und Individualprophylaxe.

In a long-term study of 700 school children attitudes and behaviour related to dental hygiene were registered and collated with findings on caries and oral hygiene. The data indicating developments in the 12 - 14 year old group showed that youths are well informed about the condition of their teeth, but are increasingly unwilling to accept treatment and advice offered by dentists. Potential barriers to compliance with prophylactic and therapeutic measures are a lack of success in school studies, insufficient accentuation of independence in the educational and child-raising process and a lack of communication between dentist and youths.

[Studies on juveniles' education for health of teeth and mouth. 2. Juveniles' knowledge of dental health and behavior]. / Studien über die Erziehung Jugenlicher zur Zahn- und Mundgesundheit. 2. Mitteilung: Jugendliche über ihr Wissen zur Zahngesundheit und ihre Verhaltensweisen.

General recommendations about healthy way of life and dental health are well-known to juveniles aged 12 to 16; but detailed information which completes and reinforces this general knowledge in a useful way is to a large extent lacking. Knowledge and behaviour of juveniles correlate with age, sex and success at school. An important role in developing a healthy way of life plays the family education. Point of contact for the dentist is the upgrading of dental screenings by a conform-intensive arrangement of these direct and very individual consultations.

Diagnostic features of chlamydia infection in dairy calves.

Chlamydia were routinely isolated from a group of calves with pneumonia, systemic disease, and enteric involvement. The most commonly observed lesions were acute interstitial pneumonia, hepatitis, and enteritis. Cultures of sequentially collected nasal and rectal samples from clinically normal calves revealed a large percentage of inapparent infections during, at least, the first 30 days of age.

[Juveniles' education for oral health. 1. Juveniles' position to health of teeth and stomatological care in children]. / Studien über die Erziehung Jugendlicher zur Zahn- und Mundgesundheit. 1. Mitteilung: Einstellung Jugendlicher zur Zahngesundheit und zur kinderstomatologischen Betreuung.

About one forth each of juveniles aged between 12 and 16 years which have been questioned in a written form to the topic of health declare a particular positive attitude towards a healthy way of live or a negative attitude towards dental health. The compliance of juveniles to dental care is influenced both by sex, age, achievements at school, family, group integration and their motivation structure and by paedodontics care.