Health problems in former elite female football players: Prevalence and risk factors.

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of health problems and associated risk factors in former elite female football players. A cross-sectional research design was employed, using an online questionnaire on personal characteristics and health complaints during/after the career. One hundred fifty-two (response rate: 62.0%) former first German league players answered the survey. Around 70% described their current health as good or very good. Over half (57.9%) reported knee problems during the last 4 weeks while exercising and a third (33.6%) during normal daily activities. The second most common location for complaints was the head (53.3%). Almost one quarter (23.7%) of players suffered from osteoarthritis (OA). Regression analysis showed that OA in knee/ankle and physical complaints (PC) in knee/ankle/head were significantly predicted by number and severity of previous injuries (P < 0.05). Further, increases in age, training volume, and level of play were associated with an increased likelihood of presenting with OA (P < 0.05), but not PC. In conclusion, a football career may lead to specific long-term health problems in elite female players. Prevention strategies should focus on knee, ankle, and head injuries. Future studies are needed to clinically assess the prevalence rates of OA and possible neurocognitive changes.

Soluble amyloid precursor proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid as novel potential biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease: a multicenter study.

In this report, we present the results of a multicenter study to test analytic and diagnostic performance of soluble forms of amyloid precursor proteins alpha and beta (sAPP alpha and sAPP beta) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with different forms of dementing conditions. CSF samples were collected from 188 patients with early dementia (mini-mental state examination >or=20 in majority of cases) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in 12 gerontopsychiatric centers, and the clinical diagnoses were supported by neurochemical dementia diagnostic (NDD) tools: CSF amyloid beta peptides, Tau and phospho-Tau. sAPP alpha and sAPP beta were measured with multiplexing method based on electrochemiluminescence. sAPP alpha and sAPP beta CSF concentrations correlated with each other with very high correlation ratio (R=0.96, P<0.001). We observed highly significantly increased sAPP alpha and sAPP beta CSF concentrations in patients with NDD characteristic for Alzheimer's disease (AD) compared to those with NDD negative results. sAPP alpha and sAPP beta highly significantly separated patients with AD, whose diagnosis was supported by NDD findings (sAPP alpha: cutoff, 117.4 ng ml(-1), sensitivity, 68%, specificity, 85%, P<0.001; sAPP beta: cutoff, 181.8 ng ml(-1), sensitivity, 75%, specificity, 85%, P<0.001), from the patients clinically assessed as having other dementias and supported by NDD untypical for AD. We conclude sAPP alpha and sAPP beta might be regarded as novel promising biomarkers supporting the clinical diagnosis of AD.

The growth of non-pyramidal neurons in the primary motor cortex of man: a Golgi study.

In Golgi-Cox-impregnated motor cortex (regio precentralis) of six children (36 weeks of gestation to 13 month after birth) four types of interneurons of laminae II-VI have been investigated qualitatively and quantitatively and finally, compared with interneurons of a child (3 month of age) with Down's Syndrome. All cell measurements have been made by using a computerized digital morphometric system. In order to study the developmental stage of interneurons in our cases we statistically compared analogue neuron types in the brains. As parameters for characterizing non-pyramidal neurons served the pattern of dendritic branching, dendritic length for all dendritic orders within single dendritic fields, and of the whole neuron. The quantitative morphological study of dendritic arborizations revealed that bitufted and large multipolar interneurons had significantly more branching material in the postnatal brains than their prenatal counterparts. These differences were due to the increase of both length and number of branches during perinatal period. Such constant increment in dendritic span and branching provides larger receptive areas and that should improve the development of connections in functional intracortical columns. The quantitative parameter area of dendritic fields and number of branching points of the brain with Down's syndrome revealed in comparison with normal brain of the same age differences such as lower dendritic areas and a higher amount of branching points.

Treatment of severe atopic dermatitis with extracorporeal photopheresis.

Extracorporeal photopheresis using UVA irradiation of enriched lymphocytes in the presence of 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) as a photoactivatable substrate has been employed for the treatment of several immunologically mediated disorders. We report on the first three patients subjected to extracorporeal photopheresis for severe atopic dermatitis. All patients had a lifelong history of atopic skin inflammation, and their disease had finally become resistant to well-established therapeutic regimes. Extracorporeal photopheresis resulted in a marked clinical improvement in the skin lesions of all patients. The decrease in cutaneous inflammatory activity became evident by the end of the second photopheresis cycle. In two patients skin lesions had virtually disappeared after the fifth treatment cycle, while in the third patient a lasting and substantial improvement in pruritus and erythema was achieved. Clinical remission was stable under maintenance therapy with prolonged intervals between photopheresis sessions. Therapeutic efficacy was reflected by a marked reduction in IgE serum levels in all three patients, while serum concentration of IgG, IgM and IgA as well as the profile of circulating lymphocytes remained essentially unchanged. No clinical signs of immunosuppression or other severe adverse events became evident. Collectively, our preliminary results indicate that extracorporeal photopheresis may interfere with the pathomechanisms leading to atopic dermatitis and therefore should be considered as a treatment modality for severe forms of this recalcitrant disorder.

Extracorporeal photopheresis for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma--the Düsseldorf and Munich experience.

Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) using UVA irradiation of enriched lymphocytes in the presence of 8-methoxypsoralen as a photoactivatable substrate was originally introduced as a therapeutic regimen for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Whereas ECP has previously been reported to be useful primarily for erythrodermic lymphoma, our purpose was to obtain data on safety and efficacy of ECP in patients suffering from different stages of CTCL. We report on 17 patients, 3 with erythroderma and 14 with plaque or tumor stages. In contrast to other studies our patients were treated predominantly with ECP alone; only a few patients received concomitant therapy. These data have not been published previously, except for preliminary data on four patients. Of the 17 patients, 12 (70%) responded to ECP. In seven patients at least 50% of skin lesions disappeared (defined as partial response) and in five patients at least 25% of skin lesions disappeared (defined as minor response). In two patients the disease remained stable and in three patients the disease progressed under the ECP treatment. No complete remission was observed. Partial responses were achieved not only in patients with early CTCL (stage Ib) but also in those with far progressed tumours (stage IVa). After treatment for 6 months partial responders showed an increase in the number of NK cells in their peripheral blood (P < 0.01). We cannot confirm a relationship between this treatment and CD8 cell counts, as reported by others. Overall, our results indicate that ECP is a safe and effective regimen for the treatment of all stages of CTCL.

[Unexplained loss of visual acuity in a 22-year-old woman]. / Unklare Visusminderung bei einer 22-jährigen Patientin.

Developmental disorders of the fovea are almost always accompanied by loss of visual acuity (VA) and are usually associated with different syndromes. We report on a young female patient with an unclear loss in VA, inconspicuous medical history and normal results for funduscopy, electrophysiology and clinical examinations. The presence of fovea plana could be confirmed by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT).

[Extracorporeal photopheresis]. / Extrakorporale photopherese.

Extracorporeal photopheresis is a new therapeutic approach developed by Edelson et al.; it is conceptually designed for the management of diseases mediated by malignant lymphocyte pathology, such as cutaneous T-cell-lymphoma (CTCL), and other disorders mediated by aberrant lymphocyte function, e.g. autoimmune diseases. The treatment is described in this paper, and theories on the mechanisms of action are discussed. In addition, the indications for treatment with extracorporeal photopheresis are discussed.

[The importance of lead pollution for pregnant women and the newborn in the Ruhr area. II. Communication (author's transl)]. / Die Bedeutung der Bleiimmissionsbelastung für Schwangere und Neugeborene im Ruhrgebiet. II. Mitteilung

Systematic measurements of blood lead levels in 315 mature and immature neonates and 198 mothers show that at least 40% of statistical variance in blood lead levels depends on lead immission at the mother's place of residence. Almost identical blood lead levels are found in identical and non-identical twins. These investigations demonstrate the value of a biological lead monitoring system. On this basis blood lead levels in areas not covered by the present study can be prognosticated.

[Significance of lead immission for pregnant women and neonates in the Ruhr area]. / Die Bedeutung der Blei-Immissionsbelastung für Schwangere und Neugeborene im Ruhrgebiet

Systematic measurements of blood lead levels in samples from 176 mature and premature neonates and 59 mothers in the western Ruhr-Rhine area demonstrated that at least 30% of statistical variance in blood lead levels depended on lead immission at the mother's place of residence. The close correlation between neonatal and maternal blood lead levels was confirmed. Identical and non-identical twins had almost the same blood lead levels. Using a biological system for determining lead immission, blood lead levels in areas not covered by the present study can be prognosticated.

Long-term application of extracorporeal photochemotherapy in severe atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal photochemotherapy (ECP) using UVA irradiation of enriched leukocytes in the presence of methoxsalen as a photoactivatable substrate has been employed for the treatment of several immunologically mediated disorders. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to determine the efficacy and safety of long-term ECP in the treatment of severe atopic dermatitis. METHODS: Fourteen patients with severe recalcitrant atopic dermatitis were treated with ECP in an open clinical trial at 2-week intervals. Disease activity was scored before each ECP cycle by means of a standardized protocol. RESULTS: A complete clinical remission was achieved in 4 patients (29%). Five patients (36%) experienced a substantial response with reduction of skin inflammation by at least 75%, whereas in one patient (7%) disease activity was reduced by more than 50%. Four patients were withdrawn from the study for unresponsiveness. No clinical signs of immunosuppression or other severe adverse events became evident. CONCLUSION: Long-term ECP may have significant beneficial effects on the course of atopic dermatitis and should therefore be considered as a treatment modality for patients suffering from severe and otherwise refractory atopic skin disease.

Subcutaneous infection with Mycobacterium abscessus in a renal transplant recipient.

Transplant recipients show a high incidence of infections, often with atypical manifestations mainly because of drug-related immunosuppression. Mycobacterial infections can be life-threatening in immunosuppressed patients due to the risk of dissemination. There have been only few reports of cutaneous infections with Mycobacterium abscessus among immunosuppressed patients. We present a rare case with a sporotrichoid skin infection with M. abscessus in a renal recipient. The value of immunohistochemical detection of mycobacteria using an anti-BCG antibody in the diagnostic work-up skin biopsies is demonstrated. Long-term antibiotic treatment resulted in complete remission, although recurrences with atypical presentation were observed.

Efficacy of laser treatment of tattoos using lasers emitting wavelengths of 532 nm, 755 nm and 1064 nm.

BACKGROUND: Multifunctional laser devices can be used to treat tattoos successfully. OBJECTIVES: To report the efficacy of laser treatment in professional, amateur, accidental and permanent make-up tattoos from our own experience and to compare it with the literature. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 74 consecutive patients with professional, amateur, make-up and accidental tattoos between June 1998 and November 2000. Patients were treated with a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (wavelengths of 532 nm and 1064 nm), a Q-switched alexandrite laser (755 nm) and a variable pulse Nd:YAG laser (532 nm). RESULTS: Fourteen patients (19%) achieved a complete response (>95% lightening of treated tattoos), 23 (31%) an excellent response (76-95% lightening) and 21 (28%) a good response (51-75% lightening). Sixteen patients (22%) showed only a slight improvement (< or =50% lightening). Make-up tattoos and blue-black professional tattoos were most successfully treated. Multicoloured professional tattoos needed more treatments (mean +/- SD 5.7 +/- 5.4) in comparison with single-colour tattoos (3.5 +/- 2.0). The amateur tattoos needed fewer treatments (2.8 +/- 1.1) in comparison with professional tattoos. With accidental tattoos the results depended on the particles which had penetrated the skin. In contrast to literature reports, newer tattoos showed a trend to better treatment results than older tattoos. CONCLUSIONS: Using modern Q-switched lasers, tattoos are removed successfully with minimal risk of scarring and permanent pigmentary alterations. Even multicoloured tattoos can be treated successfully and with a low rate of side-effects.

Nucleotide sequence of the gene encoding the spike glycoprotein of human coronavirus HCV 229E.

The gene encoding the spike glycoprotein of the human coronavirus HCV 229E has been cloned and sequenced. This analysis predicts an S polypeptide of 1173 amino acids with an Mr of 128,600. The polypeptide has 30 potential N-glycosylation sites. A number of structural features typical of coronavirus S proteins can be recognized, including a signal sequence, a membrane anchor, heptad repeat structures and a carboxy-terminal cysteine cluster. A detailed, computer-aided comparison with the S proteins of infectious bronchitis virus, feline infectious peritonitis virus, transmissible gastroenteritis virus and murine hepatitis virus, strain JHM is presented. We have also done a Northern blot analysis of viral RNAs in HCV 229E-infected cells using synthetic oligonucleotides. On the basis of this analysis, and by analogy to the replication strategy of other coronaviruses, we are able to propose a model for the organization and expression of the HCV 229E genome.

A randomized controlled clinical trial of topical photodynamic therapy with methyl aminolaevulinate in the treatment of actinic keratoses in transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Transplant recipients have an increased propensity to develop multiple actinic keratoses, which demonstrate an increased transformation rate into invasive squamous cell carcinoma. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of topical photodynamic therapy with the new highly tumour-selective photosensitizer methyl aminolaevulinate vs. placebo in the treatment of actinic keratoses in transplant recipients. METHODS: Seventeen transplant recipients with a total number of 129 mild to moderate actinic keratoses were enrolled in a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Two lesional areas within a patient were randomized for two consecutive treatments of topical photodynamic therapy 1 week apart using either methyl aminolaevulinate or placebo cream. Sites were illuminated with 75 J cm(-2) of visible light delivered at 80 mW cm(-2) by a noncoherent light source. Complete resolution and reduction in the number or size of actinic keratoses within the lesional area relative to the initial findings were evaluated at weeks 4, 8 and 16 after treatment. RESULTS: The lesional areas treated with methyl aminolaevulinate were clinically cleared in 13 of 17 patients at 16 weeks. A partial response was recorded in a further three. No reduction in the size or number of actinic keratoses was observed in one area treated with methyl aminolaevulinate and in all placebo-treated areas. Adverse events, such as erythema, oedema and crust formation, were mild to moderate, and treatment was well tolerated by all patients. CONCLUSION: Photodynamic therapy using methyl aminolaevulinate is a safe and effective treatment for actinic keratoses in transplant recipients. It may also reduce the risk of transformation of actinic keratoses to invasive, potentially fatal, squamous cell carcinoma.

Nucleotide sequence of the human coronavirus 229E RNA polymerase locus.

The nucleotide sequence of the human coronavirus 229E (HCV 229E) RNA polymerase gene and the 5' region of the genome has been determined. The polymerase gene is comprised of two large open reading frames, ORF1a and ORF1b, that contain 4086 and 2687 codons, respectively. ORF1b overlaps ORF1a by 43 bases in the (-1) reading frame. The in vitro translation of SP6 transcripts which include HCV 229E sequences encompassing the ORF1a/ORF1b junction show that expression of ORF1b can be mediated by ribosomal frame-shifting. The predicted translation products of ORF1a (454,200 molecular weight) and ORF1a/1b (754,200 molecular weight) have been compared to the predicted RNA polymerase gene products of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) and murine hepatitis virus (MHV) and conserved structural features and putative functional domains have been identified. This analysis completes the nucleotide sequence of the HCV 229E genome.