[Routine documentation based on disability data of the legal health insurance]. / Routineberichterstattung auf der Basis von Arbeitsunfähigkeitsmeldungen der Gesetzlichen Krankenversicherung.

Data on sickness absence of employees are routinely used for health reporting and the analysis of work-related morbidity by institutions of the German health insurance. Since the insurance system comprises several different branches, these health reports differ in respect of objectives, data selection, methods of analysis, and presentation of results. A further lack of comparability is caused by the heterogeneous populations, since membership in a certain health insurance depends on social status and job requirements. Aim of this paper was to review the methods and characteristics of health reports as they are routinely published in Germany. By evaluating these reports recommendations should be derived to improve comparability. The review showed that at least four different kinds of health reports should be differentiated: company-based health reports, health reports for business branches, morbidity statistics, and reports from research projects. Such reports have different objectives and therefore require different methods of data analysis. However, group-specific and common standards could be set up and it is suggested that health insurance institutions should work out report guidelines based on the recommendations given in this review.

Synthesis of apolipoprotein A-1 in pig brain microvascular endothelial cells.

In an approach toward the identification of hitherto unknown proteins involved in the function of the blood-brain barrier, we constructed a pig brain microvessel-derived cDNA library that is enriched in blood-brain barrier specific sequences by means of subtractive cloning. Sequence analysis of selected clones revealed that one of the cDNAs encoded porcine apolipoprotein (apo) A-1. The identity of apo A-1 mRNA was further confirmed by in vitro translation of RNA from brain microvascular endothelial cells and subsequent immunoprecipitation with an antibody against human apo A-1. We further investigated the expression of apo A-1 mRNA in several tissues and in endothelial cells of the pig. It is shown that cultured brain microvascular endothelial cells provide an in vitro model to study the expression and function of apo A-1 in the microvasculature of the brain.

Fluorescent brightening agents for biological staining.

Excitatory and emission wavelengths and quantum yields were determined for 16 fluorescent brightening agents. Optimal microscopic excitatory and barrier filters, determined by these results, were used to examine tissues with Phorwhite BKL and Leucophor PAF, the two agents showing the highest quantum yields. All slides exhibited a high degree of fluorescence and did not fade after several hours of exposure to light.

Spectral properties and relative quantum yields of new fluorescent stains.

Excitation and emission spectra were obtained for thirty-two new fluorescent stains that resist fading when exposed to light. Quantum yields were determined for the fourteen stains that showed the greatest fluorescent intensity. Optimal microscopic excitatory and barrier filters, determined by the experimental results, were used to examine tissues stained with some of these dyes. Cellular detail was evident and there was no fading after several hours of examination.