Bifidobacterium bifidum R0071 decreases stress-associated diarrhoea-related symptoms and self-reported stress: a secondary analysis of a randomised trial.

Psychological stress is associated with gastrointestinal (GI) distress. This secondary analysis from a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study examined whether three different probiotics could normalise self-reported stress-associated GI discomfort and reduce overall self-reported stress. Undergraduate students (n=581) received Lactobacillus helveticus R0052, Bifidobacterium longum ssp. infantis R0033, Bifidobacterium bifidum R0071, or placebo. Participants self-reported 2 outcomes for a 6-week period, which included final academic exams: daily level of stress (0=no stress to 10=extremely stressed) and weekly three diarrhoea-related symptoms (DS, 1=no discomfort to 7=severe discomfort) using the GI Symptom Rating Scale. Self-reported stress was positively related to DS (P=0.0068). Mean DS scores were lower with B. bifidum versus placebo at week 2 at the average level of stress and the average body mass index (BMI). DS scores were lower with B. bifidum at week 5 versus week 0 and 1 and with B. infantis R0033 at week 6 versus week 0. DS scores were higher when antibiotics were used in the prior week with placebo (P=0.0092). DS were not different with or without antibiotic use with the probiotics. Only B. bifidum had an effect on self-reported stress scores (P=0.0086). The self-reported stress score was also dependent on hours of sleep per day where it decreased by 0.13 for each additional hour of sleep. During a stressful period, B. bifidum R0071 decreases DS and self-reported stress scores. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01709825.

[Walther Kausch (1867-1928) and his significance in pancreatic surgery]. / Walther Kausch (1867-1928) und seine Bedeutung für die Pankreaschirurgie.

The very interesting medical career of Walther Kausch, student of Johannes Mikulicz-Radecki, is portrayed. The first successful partial pancreatoduodenectomy of the world in 1909 was his great surgical feat. The question why Kausch did not go on this promising way will be discussed. In future it would be appropriate to speak of the "Kausch-Whipple-Operation".

[Conflicting expert opinions from the medical viewpoint]. / Kollidierende Gutachten aus ärztlicher Sicht.

The difference of expert assessments is mainly due to individual views but may be caused by other factors from the medical part. Some assessments sound different for the non-medical listener without really being different-at least from the approach. Additionally, the language of expert witnesses are quite different, plausible phrasing goes down well. The kind of the expert assessment or diversity of clients does not influence essentially the frequency of conflicts.

[Liability in the hospital from the physician's viewpoint]. / Haftung im Krankenhaus aus ärztlicher Sicht.

The right on liability results from the contract between the physician/hospital and the patient or from the offense jurisdiction. It results from a multitude of typical areas of organization and responsibility. Lack of care or negligence are often mentioned as reasons for a claim. Frequent examples are demonstrated. Causes of a more difficult hospital's ability for liability are discussed as well as psychological aspects on both sides.

Comparison of satiating effects of ceruletide and food intake using behavioral and electrophysiological indicators of memory.

Animal and human studies have suggested a satieting effect of ceruletide, an analog of cholecystokinin. In humans, signs of a selectively diminished central nervous processing of food stimuli may provide a more valid measure of satiety than overt eating behavior. To assess the satieting effects of ceruletide in humans, effects of ceruletide and food intake on memory of food stimuli and stimuli not related to food (neutral and sex) were compared with memory performance in fasted subjects. In experiment I, recall of slide-projected words was tested in 12 fasting men in a within-subject comparison (i) following intravenous administration of saline solution, (ii) of ceruletide (6.75 micrograms), and (iii) after having eaten a regular breakfast. The P3 component of the event-related potential to the stimuli was assessed as a physiological sign of memory processing. In experiment II, recognition of pictures was tested in a between-subject design in 36 fasting men following (i) administration of saline solution, (ii) of ceruletide (6 micrograms), and (iii) intake of an opulent meal. After food intake, recall and recognition of food and also of sex stimuli were diminished, but were increased for neutral stimuli. Ceruletide diminished recognition of food stimuli and increased that of neutral stimuli; similar effects on recall of food and neutral stimuli failed to reach significance. P3 amplitude did not reflect changes in memory performance. Memory of food stimuli declined after ceruletide as well as after food intake, suggesting ceruletide mediates satieting effects on memory processing.

[Determination of virus concentration using a minicomputer]. / Bestimmung der Viruskonzentration unter Verwendung eines Kleincomputers.

Described in this paper is a physical method by which to determine virus concentrations, including ultracentrifugation of a sample through a saccharose gradient and subsequent analysis of tubule content by means of a flow photometer. Here before, the curves thus obtained used to be graphically evaluated by means of stencil plates. Direct recording and processing of the extinction-time curve by means of a KC 85/1 minicomputer have substantially improved accuracy of results. Time consumption has been reduced, and reading as well as calculating errors have been entirely ruled out. Repetition of determinations confirmed that virus concentrations could be determined at an accuracy of four to seven percent.

[Surgical indications in small-cell bronchial cancer]. / Operationsindikationen beim Kleinzelligen Bronchiacarcinom.

From a total of 1,366 patients with bronchial carcinoma, all selected for an operative procedure, we found 101 patients with small cell carcinoma. For out of 7 of those with small cell carcinoma only mediastinoscopy revealed histological proof of the carcinoma. Thus mediastinoscopy proves to be a valid means for preoperative evaluation of intrathoracic growth of a tumor.

Comparative light and electron microscopic studies of cystic and papillary tumors of the peritoneum.

Using a cystic lymphangioma of the greater omentum and a benign cystic mesothelioma as examples, the distinguishing characteristics of cystic peritoneal tumors are shown, using light microscopic and ultrastructural findings. A benign papillary mesothelioma is used for comparison. The cellular structures and growth rate of the mesotheliomas are contrasted with the tissue reactions which are typical for irritated serosa. The diffusely growing papillary mesothelioma is a very rare tumor, the cells of which are similar to normal serosa cells, but also show characteristics of other benign or malignant mesothelial tumors and of reactive proliferated mesothelial cells. The diffusely growing benign cystic mesothelioma has only been described in isolated cases and is characterized by cysts grouped in acini with mainly flat, localized cuboidal cell lining. The histochemical properties and cytological findings correspond closely to those of the papillary tumor or normal peritoneal lining cells. In contrast, the cystic lymphangioma probably represents a congenital defect with a slow growth rate. The structure is characterized by a sponge-like arrangement of smooth-walled cysts, in the walls of which smooth muscle cells and lymph follicles are embedded. The endothelium is also flat and ultrastructurally resembles that of lymph vessels.

[Risks and complications on mediastinoscopy (author's transl)]. / Risiken und Komplikationen bei Mediastinoskopien.

Own experiences on 2500 cases of mediastinoscopy. Risks concerning the indication for the mediastinoscopy. Summary of complications with regard to 19 other authors including 12 161 mediastinoscopies. Most appearing complications: Lesions of the nervus recurrens. Lesions of the bigger vessels avoidable by concerning the local anatomy. Recommendations for emergency cases.