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1.
Anaesthesia ; 72(11): 1317-1326, 2017 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28542848

ABSTRACT

Trauma promotes trauma-induced coagulopathy, which requires urgent treatment with fixed-ratio transfusions of red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma and platelet concentrates, or goal-directed administration of coagulation factors based on viscoelastic testing. This retrospective observational study compared two time periods before (2005-2007) and after (2012-2014) the implementation of changes in trauma management protocols which included: use of goal-directed coagulation management; admission of patients to designated trauma centres; whole-body computed tomography scanning on admission; damage control surgery; permissive hypotension; restrictive fluid resuscitation; and administration of tranexamic acid. The incidence of massive transfusion (≥ 10 units of red blood cells from emergency department arrival until intensive care unit admission) was compared with the predicted incidence according to the trauma associated severe haemorrhage score. All adult (≥ 16 years) trauma patients primarily admitted to the University Hospital Zürich with an injury severity score ≥ 16 were included. In 2005-2007, the observed and trauma associated severe haemorrhage score that predicted the incidence of massive transfusion were identical, whereas in 2012-2014 the observed incidence was less than half that predicted (3.7% vs. 7.5%). Compared to 2005-2007, the proportion of patients transfused with red blood cells and fresh frozen plasma was significantly lower in 2012-2014 in both the emergency department (43% vs. 17%; 31% vs. 6%, respectively), and after 24 h (53% vs. 27%; 37% vs. 16%, respectively). The use of tranexamic acid and coagulation factor XIII also increased significantly in the 2012-2014 time period. Implementation of a revised trauma management strategy, which included goal-directed coagulation management, was associated with a reduced incidence of massive transfusion and a reduction in the transfusion of red blood cells and fresh frozen plasma.


Subject(s)
Blood Transfusion/standards , Wounds and Injuries/therapy , Adult , Aged , Anticoagulants/therapeutic use , Clinical Protocols , Cohort Studies , Erythrocyte Transfusion , Female , Goals , Hemorrhage/blood , Hemorrhage/drug therapy , Humans , Incidence , Injury Severity Score , Length of Stay , Male , Middle Aged , Plasma , Retrospective Studies , Treatment Outcome , Wounds and Injuries/blood , Wounds and Injuries/mortality
2.
J Microsc ; 263(2): 129-41, 2016 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26708415

ABSTRACT

Stress-induced physiological deficiencies in cells are reflected in structural, morphological and functional reactions of organelles. Although numerous investigations have focused on chloroplasts and mitochondria as main targets of different stressors in plant cells, there is insufficient information on the plant Golgi apparatus as stress sensor. By using the advantages of field emission scanning electron microscopy tomography in combination with classical ultrathin sectioning and transmission electron microscopic analyses, we provide structural evidence for common stress responses of the large and highly stable dictyosomes in the algal model system Micrasterias. Stress is induced by different metals such as manganese and lead, by starvation in 9 weeks of darkness or by inhibiting photosynthesis or glycolysis and by disturbing ionic homeostasis via KCl. For the first time a stress-induced degradation pathway of dictyosomes is described that does not follow "classical" autophagy but occurs by disintegration of cisternae into single membrane balls that seem to be finally absorbed by the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Comparison of the morphological features that accompany dictyosomal degradation in Micrasterias to similar reactions observed during the same stress application in Nitella indicates an ubiquitous degradation process at least in algae. As the algae investigated belong to the closest relatives of higher land plants these results may also be relevant for understanding dictyosomal stress and degradation responses in the latter phylogenetic group. In addition, this study shows that two-dimensional transmission electron microscopy is insufficient for elucidating complex processes such as organelle degradation, and that information from three-dimensional reconstructions as provided by field emission scanning electron microscopy tomography is absolutely required for a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon.


Subject(s)
Golgi Apparatus/metabolism , Micrasterias/cytology , Micrasterias/ultrastructure , Endoplasmic Reticulum/metabolism , Imaging, Three-Dimensional , Micrasterias/metabolism , Microscopy, Electron , Phylogeny , Tomography, X-Ray Computed
3.
Clin Radiol ; 71(9): 905-11, 2016 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27234434

ABSTRACT

AIM: To demonstrate the feasibility and accuracy of automatic radiation dose monitoring software for computed tomography (CT) of trauma patients in a clinical setting over time, and to evaluate the potential of radiation dose reduction using iterative reconstruction (IR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a time period of 18 months, data from 378 consecutive thoraco-abdominal CT examinations of trauma patients were extracted using automatic radiation dose monitoring software, and patients were split into three cohorts: cohort 1, 64-section CT with filtered back projection, 200 mAs tube current-time product; cohort 2, 128-section CT with IR and identical imaging protocol; cohort 3, 128-section CT with IR, 150 mAs tube current-time product. Radiation dose parameters from the software were compared with the individual patient protocols. Image noise was measured and image quality was semi-quantitatively determined. RESULTS: Automatic extraction of radiation dose metrics was feasible and accurate in all (100%) patients. All CT examinations were of diagnostic quality. There were no differences between cohorts 1 and 2 regarding volume CT dose index (CTDIvol; p=0.62), dose-length product (DLP), and effective dose (ED, both p=0.95), while noise was significantly lower (chest and abdomen, both -38%, p<0.017). Compared to cohort 1, CTDIvol, DLP, and ED in cohort 3 were significantly lower (all -25%, p<0.017), similar to the noise in the chest (-32%) and abdomen (-27%, both p<0.017). Compared to cohort 2, CTDIvol (-28%), DLP, and ED (both -26%) in cohort 3 was significantly lower (all, p<0.017), while noise in the chest (+9%) and abdomen (+18%) was significantly higher (all, p<0.017). CONCLUSION: Automatic radiation dose monitoring software is feasible and accurate, and can be implemented in a clinical setting for evaluating the effects of lowering radiation doses of CT protocols over time.


Subject(s)
Radiation Exposure/analysis , Radiation Protection/methods , Radiometry/methods , Software , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods , Wounds and Injuries/diagnostic imaging , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Feasibility Studies , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Patient Safety , Radiation Dosage , Radiation Exposure/prevention & control , Reproducibility of Results , Sensitivity and Specificity , User-Computer Interface , Young Adult
4.
Unfallchirurg ; 118(3): 233-9, 2015 Mar.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25783692

ABSTRACT

The influence of the transport mode, i.e. Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) versus ground-based Emergency Medical Service (EMS) on the mortality of multiple trauma patients is still controversially discussed in the literature. In this study a total of 333 multiple trauma patients treated over a 1-year period in a level I trauma center in Switzerland were analyzed. Using the newly established revised injury severity classification (RISC) score there was a tendency towards a better outcome for patients transported by HEMS (standardized mortality ratio 1.06 for HEMS versus 1.29 for EMS). Overall a short preclinical time and the presence of an emergency physician (EP) were associated with a better outcome.


Subject(s)
Air Ambulances/statistics & numerical data , Automobiles/statistics & numerical data , Injury Severity Score , Multiple Trauma/mortality , Multiple Trauma/therapy , Trauma Centers/statistics & numerical data , Emergency Medical Services/statistics & numerical data , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Multiple Trauma/diagnosis , National Health Programs/statistics & numerical data , Outcome Assessment, Health Care , Prevalence , Risk Factors , Survival Rate , Switzerland
5.
Cytogenet Genome Res ; 143(1-3): 150-6, 2014.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24642790

ABSTRACT

Based on the analysis of 20 different monocot and eudicot species, we propose that the centromeric distribution of the phosphorylated histone H2AThr120 is evolutionary highly conserved across species with mono- and holocentric chromosomes. Therefore, antibodies recognizing the phosphorylated threonine 120 of the histone H2A can serve as a universal marker for the cytological detection of centromeres of mono- and holokinetic plant species. In addition, super resolution microscopy of signals specific to the centromere-specific histone H3 variant CENH3 and to H2AThr120ph revealed that these histone variants are incorporated into different nucleosomes, which form distinct, partly intermingled chromatin domains. This specific arrangement of both histone variants suggests different centromeric functions during the cell cycle.


Subject(s)
Centromere/genetics , Chromatin/genetics , Chromosomes, Plant/genetics , Histones/genetics , Histones/metabolism , Phosphorylation/genetics , Nucleosomes/genetics
6.
Unfallchirurg ; 116(6): 559-62, 2013 Jun.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22824876

ABSTRACT

Delayed splenic injuries are rare but nevertheless well known and very dangerous complications after blunt abdominal trauma. The highest incidence is reported between four and eight days after trauma; however some cases with a latent period of weeks have been published. We present a case of delayed splenic rupture 13 days after trauma where most computed tomography (CT) examinations were interpreted as normal and present a review of the pathophysiology of delayed rupture, diagnosis and therapy.


Subject(s)
Abdominal Injuries/complications , Abdominal Injuries/diagnostic imaging , Delayed Diagnosis/prevention & control , Splenic Rupture/diagnostic imaging , Splenic Rupture/etiology , Wounds, Nonpenetrating/complications , Wounds, Nonpenetrating/diagnostic imaging , Adult , Humans , Male , Radiography
7.
J Microsc ; 246(1): 96-106, 2012 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22303860

ABSTRACT

Combined light microscopic (LM) and field emission scanning electron microscopic (FESEM) techniques with FluoroNanogold labelling allowed quantification and high resolution analysis of 3D distribution of the centromere-specific histone H3 variant CENH3 in barley mitotic chromosomes. Chromosomes were investigated with fluorescence LM, conventional FESEM, low-voltage FESEM and combined FIB/FESEM techniques for unprecedented comprehensive analysis to determine chromatin distribution patterns in the centromere. Using data from FIB/FESEM sectioning of centromeric regions of chromosomes, it was possible to render 3D reconstruction of the CENH3 distribution with highest resolution achieved to date. Complementary data derived from each approach show that CENH3 localizes not only to the primary constriction, but also in the pericentric regions and is distributed exclusively in the interior, rather than on the surface, of the centromere. This is relevant for understanding kinetochore assembly and digresses from current models of centromere structure. We emphasize here this broad microscopic approach, focusing on technical aspects of combined FESEM techniques, for which advantages and limitations are discussed, providing a relevant example--in the field of centromeric research--for application to investigations of other subcellular biological structures.


Subject(s)
Centromere/ultrastructure , Chromosomes/ultrastructure , Histones/analysis , Hordeum/cytology , Hordeum/genetics , Imaging, Three-Dimensional/methods , Microscopy, Electron, Scanning/methods
8.
Eur Radiol ; 22(11): 2357-64, 2012 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22645043

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate optimal monoenergetic dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) settings for artefact reduction of posterior spinal fusion implants of various vendors and spine levels. METHODS: Posterior spinal fusion implants of five vendors for cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine were examined ex vivo with single-energy (SE) CT (120 kVp) and DECT (140/100 kVp). Extrapolated monoenergetic DECT images at 64, 69, 88, 105 keV and individually adjusted monoenergy for optimised image quality (OPTkeV) were generated. Two independent radiologists assessed quantitative and qualitative image parameters for each device and spine level. RESULTS: Inter-reader agreements of quantitative and qualitative parameters were high (ICC = 0.81-1.00, κ = 0.54-0.77). HU values of spinal fusion implants were significantly different among vendors (P < 0.001), spine levels (P < 0.01) and among SECT, monoenergetic DECT of 64, 69, 88, 105 keV and OPTkeV (P < 0.01). Image quality was significantly (P < 0.001) different between datasets and improved with higher monoenergies of DECT compared with SECT (V = 0.58, P < 0.001). Artefacts decreased significantly (V = 0.51, P < 0.001) at higher monoenergies. OPTkeV values ranged from 123-141 keV. OPTkeV according to vendor and spine level are presented herein. CONCLUSIONS: Monoenergetic DECT provides significantly better image quality and less metallic artefacts from implants than SECT. Use of individual keV values for vendor and spine level is recommended. KEY POINTS: • Artefacts pose problems for CT following posterior spinal fusion implants. • CT images are interpreted better with monoenergetic extrapolation using dual-energy (DE) CT. • DECT extrapolation improves image quality and reduces metallic artefacts over SECT. • There were considerable differences in monoenergy values among vendors and spine levels. • Use of individualised monoenergy values is indicated for different metallic hardware devices.


Subject(s)
Artifacts , Metals/chemistry , Prostheses and Implants , Spinal Fusion/methods , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods , Humans , Observer Variation , Phantoms, Imaging , Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted/methods , Radiology/methods , Reproducibility of Results
9.
Unfallchirurg ; 115(12): 1126-32, 2012 Dec.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22933056

ABSTRACT

The management of tibial plateau fractures can be challenging because of the scarcity of soft tissue associated with a high rate of wound healing disorders. Classic open reduction and internal plate fixation require extensive soft tissue dissection and periosteal stripping, and elevation of depressed fragments and maintenance of the reduction is difficult. In the current report the authors describe a novel operative approach to percutaneously reduce depressed tibial plateau fractures using an inflatable balloon in combination with minimally invasive plate fixation. The results of the first 5 cases treated with this technique are reported.


Subject(s)
Bone Plates , Catheters , Fracture Fixation, Internal/instrumentation , Fracture Fixation, Internal/methods , Osteotomy/instrumentation , Osteotomy/methods , Tibial Fractures/surgery , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Combined Modality Therapy , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Radiography , Tibial Fractures/diagnostic imaging , Treatment Outcome
10.
Cytogenet Genome Res ; 134(3): 220-8, 2011.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21540575

ABSTRACT

The structure of holocentric chromosomes was analyzed in mitotic cells of Luzula elegans. Light and scanning electron microscopy observations provided evidence for the existence of a longitudinal groove along each sister chromatid. The centromere-specific histone H3 variant, CENH3, colocalized with this groove and with microtubule attachment sites. The terminal chromosomal regions were CENH3-negative. During metaphase to anaphase transition, L. elegans chromosomes typically curved to a sickle-like shape, a process that is likely to be influenced by the pulling forces of microtubules along the holocentric axis towards the corresponding microtubule organizing regions. A single pair of 45S rDNA sites, situated distal to Arabidopsis-telomere repeats, was observed at the terminal region of one chromosome pair. We suggest that the 45S rDNA position in distal centromere-free regions could be required to ensure chromosome stability.


Subject(s)
Chromosomes, Plant , Magnoliopsida/genetics , Nucleolus Organizer Region , Anaphase , In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence , Metaphase , Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
11.
Environ Microbiol ; 12(9): 2466-78, 2010 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20406295

ABSTRACT

'Candidatus Magnetobacterium bavaricum' is unusual among magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) in terms of cell size (8-10 µm long, 1.5-2 µm in diameter), cell architecture, magnetotactic behaviour and its distinct phylogenetic position in the deep-branching Nitrospira phylum. In the present study, improved magnetic enrichment techniques permitted high-resolution scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis, which revealed the intracellular organization of the magnetosome chains. Sulfur globule accumulation in the cytoplasm point towards a sulfur-oxidizing metabolism of 'Candidatus M. bavaricum'. Detailed analysis of 'Candidatus M. bavaricum' microhabitats revealed more complex distribution patterns than previously reported, with cells predominantly found in low oxygen concentration. No correlation to other geochemical parameters could be observed. In addition, the analysis of a metagenomic fosmid library revealed a 34 kb genomic fragment, which contains 33 genes, among them the complete rRNA gene operon of 'Candidatus M. bavaricum' as well as a gene encoding a putative type IV RubisCO large subunit.


Subject(s)
Bacteria/classification , Metagenomics , Phylogeny , Amino Acid Sequence , Bacteria/genetics , Bacteria/ultrastructure , DNA, Bacterial/genetics , Ecology , Geologic Sediments/microbiology , Molecular Sequence Data , RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics , Ribulose-Bisphosphate Carboxylase/genetics , Sequence Analysis, DNA , Water Microbiology
12.
Cytogenet Genome Res ; 124(3-4): 239-50, 2009.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19556777

ABSTRACT

Whole mount mitotic metaphase chromosomes of different plants and animals were investigated with high resolution field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) to study the ultrastructural organization of centromeres, including metacentric, acrocentric, telocentric, and holocentric chromosome variants. It could be shown that, in general, primary constrictions have distinctive ultrastructural features characterized by parallel matrix fibrils and fewer smaller chromomeres. Exposure of these structures depends on cell cycle synchronization prior to chromosome isolation, chromosome size, and chromosome isolation technique. Chromosomes without primary constrictions, small chromosomes, and holocentric chromosomes do not exhibit distinct ultrastructural elements that could be directly correlated to centromere function. Putative spindle structures, although rarely observed, spread over the primary constriction to the bordering pericentric regions. Analytical FESEM techniques, including specific DNA staining with Pt blue, staining of protein as a substance class with silver-colloid, and artificial loosening of fixed chromosomes with proteinase K, were applied, showing that centromere variants and ultrastructural elements in the centromere differ in DNA and protein distribution. Immunogold localization allowed high-resolution comparison between chromosomes with different centromere orientations of the distribution of centromere-related histone variants, phosphorylated histone H3 (ser10), and CENH3. A novel application of FESEM combined with focused ion beam milling (FIB) provided new insights into the spatial distribution of these histone variants in barley chromosomes.


Subject(s)
Centromere/ultrastructure , Histones/ultrastructure , Animals , Humans , Microscopy, Electron, Scanning , Microscopy, Immunoelectron , Plants/genetics
13.
Science ; 265(5170): 402-4, 1994 Jul 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17838043

ABSTRACT

Nematocysts (cnidocysts) are exocytotic organelles found in all cnidarians. Here, atomic force microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy reveal the structure of the nematocyst capsule wall. The outer wall consists of globular proteins of unknown function. The inner wall consists of bundles of collagen-like fibrils having a spacing of 50 to 100 nanometers and cross-striations at intervals of 32 nanometers. The fibrils consist of polymers of "mini-collagens," which are abundant in the nematocysts of Hydra. The distinct pattern of mini-collagen fibers in the inner wall can provide the tensile strength necessary to withstand the high osmotic pressure (15 megapascals) in the capsules.

14.
Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg ; 45(1): 91-98, 2019 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29238847

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To find ways to reduce the rate of over-triage without drastically increasing the rate of under-triage, we applied a current guideline and identified relevant pre-hospital triage predictors that indicate the need for immediate evaluation and treatment of severely injured patients in the resuscitation area. METHODS: Data for adult trauma patients admitted to our level-1 trauma centre in a one year period were collected. Outpatients were excluded. Correct triage for trauma team activation was identified for patients with an ISS or NISS ≥ 16 or the need for ICU treatment due to trauma sequelae. In this retrospective analysis, patients were assigned to trauma team activation according to the S3 guideline of the German Trauma Society. This assignment was compared to the actual need for activation as defined above. 13 potential predictors were retained. The relevance of the predictors was assessed and 14 models of interest were considered. The performance of these potential triage models to predict the need for trauma team activation was evaluated with leave-one-out cross-validated Brier and logarithmic scores. RESULTS: A total of 1934 inpatients ≥ 16 years were admitted to our trauma department (mean age 48 ± 22 years, 38% female). Sixty-nine per cent (n = 1341) were allocated to the emergency department and 31% (n = 593) were treated in the resuscitation room. The median ISS was 4 (IQR 7) points and the median NISS 4 (IQR 6) points. The mortality rate was 3.5% (n = 67) corresponding to a standardized mortality ratio of 0.73. Under-triage occurred in 1.3% (26/1934) and over-triage in 18% (349/1934). A model with eight predictors was finally selected with under-triage rate of 3.3% (63/1934) and over-triage rate of 10.8% (204/1934). CONCLUSION: The trauma team activation criteria could be reduced to eight predictors without losing its predictive performance. Non-relevant parameters such as EMS provider judgement, endotracheal intubation, suspected paralysis, the presence of burned body surface of > 20% and suspected fractures of two proximal long bones could be excluded for full trauma team activation. The fact that the emergency physicians did a better job in reducing under-triage compared to our final triage model suggests that other variables not present in the S3 guideline may be relevant for prediction.


Subject(s)
Emergency Medical Services/standards , Emergency Service, Hospital/standards , Triage/standards , Female , Germany , Humans , Intensive Care Units/statistics & numerical data , Male , Middle Aged , Practice Guidelines as Topic , Resuscitation , Retrospective Studies , Trauma Centers , Trauma Severity Indices
15.
FEMS Microbiol Rev ; 17(1-2): 207-12, 1995 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-7669347

ABSTRACT

As a tool for determining the topology of the small, 91-amino acid phi X174 lysis protein E within the envelope complex of Escherichia coli, a lysis active fusion of protein E with streptavidin (E-FXa-StrpA) was used. The E-FXa-StrpA fusion protein was visualised using immune electron microscopy with gold-conjugated anti-streptavidin antibodies within the envelope complex in different orientations. At the distinct areas of lysis characteristic for protein E, the C-terminal end of the fusion protein was detected at the surface of the outer membrane, whereas at other areas the C-terminal portion of the protein was located at the cytoplasmic side of the inner membrane. These results suggest that a conformational change of protein E is necessary to induce the lysis process, an assumption supported by proteinase K protection studies. The immune electron microscopic data and the proteinase K accessibility studies of the E-FXa-StrA fusion protein were used for the working model of the E-mediated lysis divided into three phases: phase 1 is characterised by integration of protein E into the inner membrane without a cytoplasmic status in a conformation with its C-terminal part facing the cytoplasmic side; phase 2 is characterised by a conformational change of the protein transferring the C-terminus across the inner membrane; phase 3 is characterised by a fusion of the inner and outer membranes and is associated with a transfer of the C-terminal domain of protein E towards the surface of the outer membrane of E. coli.


Subject(s)
Bacteriophage phi X 174/metabolism , Escherichia coli/metabolism , Membrane Proteins/metabolism , Viral Proteins/metabolism , Bacteriolysis , Endopeptidase K , Protein Conformation , Serine Endopeptidases/pharmacology , Viral Proteins/chemistry
16.
Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg ; 42(6): 749-754, 2016 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26660673

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Asymmetry in odontoid-lateral mass interspace in trauma patients is a common finding that regularly leads to additional diagnostic work-up, since its dignity is not entirely clear. There is little evidence in the literature that atlantoaxial asymmetry is associated with C1-C2 instability or (sub) luxation. Asymmetry in odontoid-lateral mass interspace seems to occur occasionally in healthy individuals and patients suffering a cervical spine injury. Congenital abnormalities in odontoid-lateral mass asymmetry may mimic an atlantoaxial asymmetry. The center of C1-C2 rotation is based in the peg of dens axis; therefore, a C1-C2 rotational influence seems unlikely. So far, no study examined the influence of C0-C1-C2 tilt to an asymmetry in odontoid-lateral mass interspace. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In order to determine if rotation or tilt influences the lateral atlantodental interval (LADI) and to estimate physiologic values, we examined 300 CT scans of the cervical spine. RESULTS: The mean LADI was 3.57 mm and the mean odontoid-lateral mass asymmetry was 1.0 mm. Head position during CT examination was found to be rotated in 39 % of the cases in more than 5°. Subsequent mean C0/C2 rotation was 4.6°. There was no significant correlation between atlantoaxial asymmetry and head rotation (p = 0.437). The average tilt of C0-C1-C2 was found to be 2°. We found a significant correlation between tilt of C0-C1-C2 and asymmetry in odontoid-lateral mass interspace (p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: We conclude that an atlantoaxial asymmetry revealed in CT scans of the cervical spine occurs occasionally. Since head tilt correlates with an atlantoaxial asymmetry, it is crucial to perform cervical spine CT scans in a precise straight head position.


Subject(s)
Cervical Vertebrae/diagnostic imaging , Cervical Vertebrae/physiology , Head Movements/physiology , Odontoid Process/diagnostic imaging , Odontoid Process/physiology , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies , Rotation
17.
Cytogenet Genome Res ; 109(1-3): 70-8, 2005.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-15753561

ABSTRACT

Three-dimensional mitotic plant chromosome architecture can be investigated with the highest resolution with scanning electron microscopy compared to other microscopic techniques at present. Specific chromatin staining techniques making use of simultaneous detection of back-scattered electrons and secondary electrons have provided conclusive information on the distribution of DNA and protein in barley chromosomes through mitosis. Applied to investigate the structural effects of different preparative procedures, these techniques were the groundwork for the "dynamic matrix model" for chromosome condensation, which postulates an energy-dependent process of looping and bunching of chromatin coupled with attachment to a dynamic matrix of associated protein fibers. Data from SEM analysis shows basic higher order chromatin structures: chromomeres and matrix fibers. Visualization of nanogold-labeled phosphorylated histone H3 (ser10) with high resolution on chromomeres shows that functional modifications of chromatin can be located on structural elements in a 3D context.


Subject(s)
Chromosomes, Plant/ultrastructure , Hordeum/genetics , DNA, Plant/analysis , Hordeum/ultrastructure , Meristem/genetics , Meristem/ultrastructure , Microscopy, Electron, Scanning/methods , Mitosis , Plant Proteins/analysis , Reproducibility of Results , Sensitivity and Specificity
18.
Plant Physiol ; 112(2): 633-639, 1996 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-12226417

ABSTRACT

Methods for the cryopreservation of protein import and integration in pea chloroplasts and of protein import or protein synthesis in tobacco mitochondria were modified to yield enzymatically active cryopreserved etioplasts from barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). The cryoprotectants ethylene glycol and dimethy sulfoxide were about 64 and 77% effective, respectively, for the cryopreservation of etioplast intactness. Phototransformation of protochlorophyllide a, esterification of chlorophyllide a or zinc-pheophorbide a, and stabilization of the de novo synthesized plastid-encoded chlorophyll-apoproteins P700, CP47, CP43, D2, and D1 were successfully preserved in liquid nitrogen. Cryopreservation of freshly prepared intact etioplasts completely retained enzymatic activities for accumulation of chlorophyll a or resulted in a slightly decreased yield of zinc-pheophytin a.

19.
J Leukoc Biol ; 62(6): 710-8, 1997 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-9400811

ABSTRACT

In contrast to the anticipation that in sepsis granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) would overactivate the nonspecific immune system by recruiting and priming leukocytes with consequent aggravation of inflammatory tissue lesions, recombinant (r) G-CSF pretreatment was protective in various experimental non-neutropenic models of inflammation. The mechanisms of protection, however, are not fully understood. Using intravital fluorescence microscopy, we show that rG-CSF enhances leukocyte endothelial cell interaction within the microvasculature of normal rat livers, whereas rG-CSF pretreatment of animals exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) attenuates the LPS-induced leukocytic response, including stasis in sinusoids as well as rolling and adherence in postsinusoidal venules with subsequent tissue infiltration. Moreover, rG-CSF, which did not affect Kupffer cell activity in normal rat livers, reduced the immediate activation of Kupffer cells on LPS exposure, as indicated in vivo by the delayed adherence/phagocytosis of intra-arterially administered latex particles associated with attenuation of proinflammatory cytokine release (tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-6). Finally, rG-CSF reduced LPS-induced nutritive perfusion failure and hepatocellular excretory dysfunction. This study provides evidence for a distinct, possibly tumor necrosis factor alpha-dependent modulation of LPS-induced cellular response within the liver by rG-CSF, thereby achieving protection against microcirculatory perfusion failure and hepatic dysfunction.


Subject(s)
Adjuvants, Immunologic/pharmacology , Cell Communication/immunology , Cell Movement/immunology , Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor/pharmacology , Kupffer Cells/pathology , Leukocytes/pathology , Liver/immunology , Liver/pathology , Animals , Cell Adhesion/drug effects , Cell Adhesion/immunology , Cell Communication/drug effects , Cell Movement/drug effects , Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor/immunology , Kupffer Cells/drug effects , Kupffer Cells/immunology , Leukocytes/drug effects , Leukocytes/immunology , Male , Rats , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Recombinant Proteins/immunology , Recombinant Proteins/pharmacology
20.
Br J Radiol ; 88(1047): 20140616, 2015 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25594105

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine the number of imaging examinations, radiation dose and the time to complete trauma-related imaging in multiple trauma patients before and after introduction of whole-body CT (WBCT) into early trauma care. METHODS: 120 consecutive patients before and 120 patients after introduction of WBCT into the trauma algorithm of the University Hospital Zurich were compared regarding the number and type of CT, radiography, focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST), additional CT examinations (defined as CT of the same body regions after radiography and/or FAST) and the time to complete trauma-related imaging. RESULTS: In the WBCT cohort, significantly more patients underwent CT of the head, neck, chest and abdomen (p < 0.001) than in the non-WBCT cohort, whereas the number of radiographic examinations of the cervical spine, chest and pelvis and of FAST examinations were significantly lower (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between cohorts regarding the number of radiographic examinations of the upper (p = 0.56) and lower extremities (p = 0.30). We found significantly higher effective doses in the WBCT (29.5 mSv) than in the non-WBCT cohort (15.9 mSv; p < 0.001), but fewer additional CT examinations for completing the work-up were needed in the WBCT cohort (p < 0.001). The time to complete trauma-related imaging was significantly shorter in the WBCT (12 min) than in the non-WBCT cohort (75 min; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Including WBCT in the initial work-up of trauma patients results in higher radiation doses, but fewer additional CT examinations are needed, and the time for completing trauma-related imaging is shorter. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: WBCT in trauma patients is associated with a high radiation dose of 29.5 mSv.


Subject(s)
Algorithms , Early Diagnosis , Multiple Trauma/diagnostic imaging , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods , Whole Body Imaging/methods , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Radiation Dosage , Reproducibility of Results , Retrospective Studies , Time Factors , Young Adult
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