[A new optoelectronic measuring device for assessment of leg circumference in comparison with manual measurement]. / Ein neues optoelektronisches Messinstrument zur Erfassung von Beinumfängen im Vergleich zur manuellen Massbandmessung.

For compression treatment to be effective in patients with chronic venous insufficiency, it is vital that leg circumference be measured accurately. If compression stockings are custom fit and appropriate for the medical indications, patient compliance will be high. Exact measurements of circumference and length are prerequisites for a good fit. The aim of the present study was to compare an opto-electronic device for the contact-free measurement of calf circumference with the conventional manual method using a tape measure. We investigated the differences between the results obtained with the two methods, and also their reproducibility. Circumferences were measured at defined heights on an anatomically shaped non-yielding leg model and on the leg of a healthy volunteer by 10 different experimenters both with the tape measure and with the opto-electronic device. The calf circumferences measured manually with the tape measure varied significantly more than those measured opto-electronically, both in the leg model and in the leg of the volunteer. A systematic error in the opto-electronic method appears unlikely, since the manual measurements on the leg model were both larger and smaller than those obtained with the opto-electronic device. Reproducibility was exceptionally high with the opto-electronic device (standard deviation 0.11-0.42 cm). The opto-electronic method yields rapid accurate measurements of circumference with excellent intra- and inter-operator reproducibility.

[Compression stocking in treatment of ulcus cruris. An efficient alternative to bandages]. / Kompressionsstrumpf zur Behandlung des venösen Ulcus cruris. Eine effiziente Alternative zum Verband.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to measure the pressure exerted on the skin with application of the specially designed UlcerCare compression stocking for treatment of chronic venous leg ulcers and simultaneously to objectify the improvement in venous function. PATIENTS/METHODS: Twenty patients with chronic venous insufficiency according to the CEAP Classification C1-4 EP AS, A14, AP, PR were examined. Static exerted pressure was measured while standing and the dynamic equivalent was measured during 10 repetitions of tip-toe exercise. The patients were wearing the standard stocking JOBST Medical LegWear UlcerCare (Beiersdorf AG, Hamburg, Germany). As a control for the effectiveness of the therapy on venous hemodynamics, the lower leg volume, calculated using optoelectronically-measured lower leg circumference and venous reflux, determined by strain gauge plethysmographically-measured venous refill time, were used. RESULTS: Use of the compression stocking system UlcerCare resulted in a decreased lower leg volume. This decrease was on average 5.3%, corresponding to 106 +/- 78 ml (p < 0.001). The calf and forefoot venous function parameters also improved. The venous refill time improved from 27.2 +/- 15.2 s to 45.0 +/- 27.4 s at the forefoot (p < 0.003) and from 10.5 +/- 4.5 s to 19.4 +/- 10.9 s at the calf (p < 0.002). The exerted pressure at the ankle while standing was 46.2 +/- 24.2 mmHg (resting pressure) and 48.5 +/- 27.2 mmHg during repetitive tip-toe exercises (mean exercise pressure). At the calf, the exerted pressure while standing was 40.7 +/- 26.9 mmHg (resting pressure) and during the repetitive tip-toe exercises it was 42.1 +/- 29.5 mmHg (mean exercise pressure). CONCLUSIONS: The exerted pressure of the UlcerCare compression stocking is equivalent to that of a class 3 medical compression stocking. This newly developed stocking diminishes venous reflux and reduces leg edema. These objectified effects suggest that the UlcerCare stocking is effective as compression therapy for venous ulcers.

Whole-body autoradiographic studies in rats with gadolinium-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, a new contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging.

The time course of the distribution of radiolabel in organs and tissues was investigated after intravenous administration of 0.5 mmol/kg of 14C-labelled gadolinium-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Gd-14C-DTPA) and of 153Gd-DTPA to pregnant rats (18th day p.c.) and after intragastric administration of 30 mumol/kg of Gd-14C-DTPA to male rats by whole-body autoradiographic technique. After intravenous administration Gd-DTPA was rapidly distributed within the organism. The distribution pattern was similar to that of classical X-ray contrast agents like diatrizoate and iotalamic acid. Gd-DTPA was not able to pass blood-brain and placental barriers. There was no indication of a dissociation of Gd-DTPA complex. 24 h after i.v. injection most of the radiolabel left the body. Only very small amounts were found in the kidney, the placenta and in the contents of the intestine. No specific and long-lasting retention of radioactivity was observed in any organ and tissue. After intragastric administration Gd-DTPA was not absorbed.

A new hereditary variant of the PGM1 erythrocyte enzyme system determined by isoelectric focusing.

A new variant of the PGMa1 erythrocyte enzyme system not identical with the known variants of the system has been detected in the hemolyzed red blood cells of a healthy blood donor by isoelectric focusing. Using this technique the variant is represented by two bands, a strong and slow one more cathodically located than the a3 band and a weak one in the position of the a2 band. Using agarose thin layer or acetate foil electrophoresis the variant is represented only by a minimal cathodic broadening of the PGM1 1 band and therefore it is easily overlooked. Investigation of the propositus' family shows that the variant occurs combined with the common alleles PGMa1(1), PGMa1(2), and PGMa1(3) and that it has an autosomal dominant inheritance. Obviously the variant has a very low frequency.

An auto-anti-b in an a1b person. Serological studies.

The serum of a patient (Mr. Lat) with the regular blood group A1 B contains an anti-B reacting with all cells having a B antigen except Bx and cis AB. The anti-B reacts at 4 degrees C and occasionally at room temperature as shown by agglutination, absorption-eluction and by thermo-dynamic assays. The antibody is regarded as an irregular autoantibody belonging to the group of the so called "suppressed" or "latent" antibodies.

[Frequency of Lewis blood groups and ABH and Lewis substance secretion in Schleswig-Holstein]. / Häufigkeiten der Lewis-Blutgruppen sowie der ABH- und Lewis-Substanzausscheidungen in Schleswig-Holstein

According to the hypothesis of Ceppellini and Morgan the Lewis blood groups are formed by the secondary attachment of the Lewis substances to the red blood cells and this process is genetically controlled by the genes of the ABH und Lewis(a)-substance secretion (SE, se, L and 1). The correctness of this hypothesis is demonstrated by determination of the Lewis blood groups and the ABH and Lewis secretor status with different suitable antisera and by estimation of the gene frequencies Se, se, L and 1 in a sample of 382 blood donors from Schleswig-Holstein and by determination of the same groups in 73 pairs of parents with 156 children. There are no significant differences between observation and expectation in the sample as well as in the family investigation and there are no critical pairs of parents having children with "impossible" Lewis blood group. The results suggest to make more use of the Lewis blood groups.