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Biomedical subjects

E Geiger

Publications and source records attributed to E Geiger.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Molecular species of phosphatidylethanolamine from continuous cultures of Saccharomyces pastorianus syn. carlsbergensis strains.

Saccharomyces pastorianus syn. carlsbergensis strain 34/70 is well known to be the most used strain for lager beer production. The difference between this strain and very closely related strain 34/78 is the latter's greater flocculating character. This single physiological trait can cause technical difficulties in beer production. The aim of this study was to determine whether lipid analysis by a combination of thin layer chromatography (TLC) with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) could be used as a strain-typing technique in order to distinguish S. pastorianus syn. carlsbergensis strain 34/70 from strain 34/78. Both strains (34/70 and 34/78) were harvested after continuous culture under standard conditions. Polar lipids were then extracted from lyophilized cultures and analysed by TLC in order to separate phospholipid families. Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) was extracted and investigated using ESI-MS, to gain further information on individual molecular species. Using TLC analysis, lipids were separated corresponding to standards for PE, phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), cardiolipin (CL), phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidylinositol (PI), phosphatidic acid (PA) and sphingomyelin (SM). ESI-MS of the PE band, separated by TLC, showed that electrospray mass spectra were highly reproducible for repeat cultures. Novel findings were that both brewing strains displayed major phospholipid peaks with m/z 714, PE (34 : 2) m/z 742, PE (36 : 2) and m/z 758, PE (37 : 1). However, strain 34/78 had additional peaks of m/z 700, PE (33 : 2) and m/z 728, PE (35 : 2). Strain 34/70 had an extra peak with m/z 686 PE (32 : 2). We conclude that combined TLC/ESI-MS can distinguish between S. pastorianus syn. carlsbergensis 34/70 and 34/78 and may be a useful typing technique for differentiation of closely related yeast strains. This novel approach may aid quality assurance and could be suitable for yeast collections and larger industrial companies.

Cardiolipins↗
PubMed2003

Limited reliability of E-cadherin as a specific marker for in vitro-generated Langerhans cells.

Langerhans cells (LC) are a unique population of dendritic cells (DC) found in the epidermis where they can be identified by the expression of CD1a, E-cadherin and cytoplasmic Birbeck granules (BG) as their hallmark. Over the past years many techniques have been described to generate LC in vitro from either monocytes or CD34(+) hematopoietic cell progenitors. Antibodies against Lag and Langerin (two epitopes associated with BG) and E-cadherin (a Ca(2+)-dependent homophilic adhesion molecule) have been used to detect in vitro-generated LC. In this study we investigated whether the expression of E-cadherin on in vitro-generated CD1a(+) from either CD34(+) cells or monocytes is able to discriminate LC from other DC. Our results demonstrate that E-cadherin alone is not a reliable marker to specifically identify in vitro-generated LC.

Antigens, CD↗
PubMed2002

Characterization of monocyte subtypes in the allergic form of atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Monocyte (Mo) subsets exhibiting distinct phenotypic and functional properties identified in peripheral blood are assumed to be under the control of soluble factors from their surrounding micromilieu. Atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome (AEDS) is accompanied by humoral and cellular alterations among which an increased expression of the high-affinity receptor for IgE (Fc epsilon RI) on antigen presenting cells, like Mo, could be found. Therefore we analyzed the assembly of circulating Mo populations and their Fc epsilon RI surface expression during the course of AEDS. METHODS: Blood samples were taken from AEDS patients before and after topical treatment as well as from psoriasis patients and healthy control donors. Detailed analysis of Mo subsets was done by flow cytometry. Meticulous clinical scoring included quantification of the surface damage using the eczema area and severity index (EASI score) as well as evaluation of the serum level of thymus- and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC); this was done before and after 2 weeks of topical treatment with tacrolimus ointment 0.1%. RESULTS: During the exacerbation phase of AEDS, patients harboured a different assembly of Mo subtypes from normal nonatopic individuals and patients with psoriasis with a significant increased population of CD14(+)CD64(-) CD16(+) Mo. Clinical improvement led to a significant decrease of this subpopulation in favor of CD14(+)CD64(+)CD16(-) Mo, leading to a composition of Mo subsets similar to the state found in healthy donors. Interestingly, Fc epsilon RI expression was confined to the CD14(+)CD64(+)CD16(-) Mo subpopulation and the percentage of this Fc epsilon RI(+) Mo subset increased significantly in the peripheral blood after topical treatment. CONCLUSION: Our data provide for the first time clear evidence that fluctuations of Mo subsets in AEDS might reflect qualitatively and quantitatively distinct contributions of Mo subsets to the development of AEDS.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

The value of temporary external lumbar CSF drainage in predicting the outcome of shunting on normal pressure hydrocephalus.

OBJECTIVE: It has been reported that temporary external lumbar CSF drainage (ELD) is a very accurate test for predicting the outcome after ventricular shunting in patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). However, only a limited number of patients have been studied for assessing the predictive accuracy of ELD. Therefore, the value of ELD in predicting the outcome after a ventriculoperitoneal shunt in patients with presumed NPH was assessed. METHODS: All patients with presumed NPH were invited to participate in this study. Clinical assessment, MRI, and neuropsychological evaluation were followed by a lumbar CSF tap test consisting of removing 40 ml CSF. When this test resulted in marked clinical improvement of gait impairment, mental disturbances, or both, the patient was shunted without further tests. In patients with either questionable or no improvement after the CSF tap test, ELD was carried out. The value of ELD for predicting the outcome after shunting was calculated by correlating the results of ELD with that of ventriculoperitoneal shunting. RESULTS: Between January 1994 and December 2000, 49 presumed NPH patients from three institutes were included. Forty three had idiopathic, and the remaining six had secondary NPH. Forty eight patients were shunted; 39 had an ELD of whom 38 completed the test. After 2 months 35 of the 48 (73%) shunted patients had improved. The predictive value of a positive ELD was 87% (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 62-98) and that of a negative ELD 36% (95% CI 17-59). In two patients serious test related complications (meningitis) occurred without residual deficit. CONCLUSION: The study suggests that although the predictive value of a positive ELD is high, that of a negative ELD is deceptively low because of the high rate of false negative results. The costs and invasiveness of the test and the possibility of serious test related complications further limits its usefulness in managing patients with presumed NPH.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

NKX2.5 mutations in patients with tetralogy of fallot.

BACKGROUND: Recent reports have implicated mutations in the transcription factor NKX2.5 as a cause of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). To estimate the frequency of NKX2.5 mutations in TOF patients and to further investigate the genotype-phenotype correlation of NKX2.5 mutations, we genotyped 114 TOF patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients were recruited prospectively (November 1992 through June 1999) and tested for a 22q11 deletion; those with 22q11 deletion or recognized chromosomal alteration were excluded from the present study. Patients were screened for NKX2.5 alterations by conformation-sensitive gel electrophoresis and sequencing of fragments with aberrant mobility. Four heterozygous mutations were identified in 6 unrelated patients with cases of TOF, including 3 with pulmonary atresia and 5 with right aortic arch; none had ECG evidence of PR interval prolongation. Three of 4 mutations (Glu21Gln, Arg216Cys, and Ala219Val) altered highly conserved amino acids, of which 2 mapped in the conserved NK2 domain. The fourth mutation (Arg25Cys) was identified in 3 unrelated probands in the present study and has been previously reported. No homeodomain mutations were identified. CONCLUSIONS: NKX2.5 mutations are the first gene defects identified in nonsyndromic TOF patients. NKX2.5 mutation is present in >/=4% of TOF patients. Mutations identified in the present study mapped outside of the homeodomain, were not associated with atrioventricular conduction disturbances, and were not fully penetrant, in contrast to mutations previously reported that impair homeodomain function.

Female↗
PubMed2001

Topical tacrolimus (FK506) leads to profound phenotypic and functional alterations of epidermal antigen-presenting dendritic cells in atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease in which antigen-presenting epidermal dendritic cells (DCs), ie, Langerhans cells and the so-called inflammatory dendritic epidermal cells (IDECs) expressing the high-affinity receptor for IgE (FcepsilonRI) may play a significant pathophysiologic role. Therapeutic efficacy of the immunosuppressive macrolide tacrolimus (FK506) in AD has been demonstrated in clinical trials, but little is known of its mode of action. OBJECTIVE: The present study focused on the effects of topical tacrolimus treatment on epidermal CD1a+/FcepsilonRI+ DC populations in lesional AD. METHODS: Immunohistological analysis, epidermal DC phenotyping, and functional studies were performed on skin biopsy specimens from treated and untreated lesional skin of 10 patients with AD participating in a clinical trial with tacrolimus. RESULTS: Untreated lesional skin was characterized by a high proportion of CD1a+ cells, which was largely due to a high proportion of IDECs strongly expressing FcepsilonRI. Epidermal DCs isolated from untreated lesional skin exhibited high stimulatory activity toward autologous T cells, which was strongly reduced while clinical improvement was seen during application of tacrolimus. Concomitantly, a decreased FcepsilonRI expression was observed in both Langerhans cells and IDECs. Finally, topical tacrolimus led to a progressive decrease in the IDEC population within the pool of CD1a+ epidermal DCs and also to a decrease in their CD36 expression, which is indicative of lower local inflammation. CONCLUSION: Epidermal CD1a+ DCs may represent a target for topical tacrolimus in the treatment of AD.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed2001

Antigen-presenting cells in allergy.

The complex interaction of the innate and adaptive immune system requires flexibility and cooperation among various cell types. In this regard, antigen-presenting-cells (APCs) play a pivotal role in transferring information from the periphery of the organism to lymphoid organs, where they initiate the activation of naive T cells. Dendritic cells, Langerhans' cells (LCs), and macrophages are also critical in the induction of allergic inflammation by presenting allergens to T lymphocytes and by contributing to the local recruitment of effector cells. Because of a complex genetic background, atopic individuals exhibit a dysregulation of T cell-mediated immune mechanisms. Attempts to understand the role APCs play in these pathophysiologic conditions are in progress and may allow development of new treatment strategies. In this review we will focus on the biology of APCs and their unique role in the induction and control of allergic inflammation.

Antigen-Presenting Cells↗
PubMed2000

IL-4 induces the intracellular expression of the alpha chain of the high-affinity receptor for IgE in in vitro-generated dendritic cells.

BACKGROUND: Recent findings have shown that the surface expression of the high-affinity receptor for IgE (FcepsilonRI) on human CD1a(+) Langerhans cells (LC) and related dendritic cells (DC) in the skin, despite a constant intracellular expression of its alpha chain (FcepsilonRIalpha), is highly up-regulated in atopic dermatitis. Moreover, this surface expression correlates with the IgE serum level, strongly suggesting yet-to-be-defined common signals in the regulation of FcepsilonRI display on LC/DC and IgE synthesis. OBJECTIVES: In this study we examined the influence of different cytokines on the expression of FcepsilonRI on in vitro-generated CD1a(+) LC/DC. METHODS: CD34(+) precursor cells were isolated from cord blood with use of high-gradient magnetic cell sorting, cultured with GM-CSF, TNF-alpha, IL-4, or IFN-gamma, and surface and cytoplasmic staining for flow cytometry were performed. RESULTS: IL-4 strongly enhanced the generation of CD1a(+) LC/DC and also up-regulated the expression of the skin-homing structures E-cadherin and cutaneous lymphocyte antigen. In contrast, IFN-gamma was found to suppress the E-cadherin expression and to be a strong antagonist of IL-4 by inhibiting the production of CD1a(+) cells. Most important, IL-4 induced the cytoplasmic expression of FcepsilonRIalpha in CD1a(+) LC/DC but not its surface expression. This up-regulation was antagonized by IFN-gamma. CONCLUSION: IL-4 is not only a key cytokine in the regulation of IgE but also induces the expression of its receptor binding chain as well as up-regulation of skin homing molecules on LC/DC. Expression of these structures during generation of LC/DC reflects the in vivo situation encountered in LC.

Antigens, CD1↗
PubMed1998

Cultural diversity in Florida nursing programs: a survey of deans and directors.

To determine how nursing programs in the state of Florida promote and integrate cultural diversity, a survey of deans and directors was conducted. Of 90 deans and directors surveyed, 46 (51%) responded. The ethnic composition of students and faculty in the respondents' programs was examined in comparison with that of the Florida population. Hispanics, Blacks, and Asians were found to be underrepresented in nursing faculty as compared with their proportion in the state population. The majority of deans and directors ranked the goal of promoting cultural diversity of moderate importance. The two most critical issues perceived by the respondents were the lack of cultural knowledge, sensitivity, and awareness, and the academic problems and educational deficits of minority students. In 50% of the programs surveyed, culture content was integrated throughout the curriculum. Other programs either integrated culture content in specific classes or offered a course in transcultural nursing. Although numerous approaches are currently being employed to recruit ethnically diverse faculty and students, the data suggest that more extensive and innovative efforts are needed to overcome existing barriers. As nursing faces the challenge of caring for a multicultural society in the 21st century, nursing leaders and organizations must collaborate to resolve the issues and problems revealed in this survey.

Cultural Diversity↗
PubMed1997

[Revolution is a sensitive undertaking].

A psychological condition of exhaustion, accompanied by panic, triggered by a conversion symptom understood as the "emergency braking" of a drive towards a greater enjoyment of life because of a conflict of conscience arose which was held at bay. The symptom fades away, the drive is not given up in its entirety but is projected onto the loved one. The patient allows her conscience to take over once more in that she takes on the role of the conscience for her loved one. The price is possible satisfaction.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1993

Antiretroviral therapy in sporadic adult amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Clinical and experimental findings in idiopathic amyothrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) would be compatible with a retroviral involvement. In 35 adult patients with non-familial ALS we observed elevated circulating immune complexes, a decrease in IgG3 isotype and enzyme-linked sorbent assay (ELISA) serum antibodies against human spuma retrovirus (HSRV), confirmed by specific human foamy virus immunoblots. All 35 were negative for IgM or relevant IgG anti-ganglioside antibodies. We treated 12 HIV-negative, immune-complex-positive ALS patients with 500 mg d-1 zidovudine p.o. over 2-10 months and found reductions of serum creatine kinase and circulating immune complexes from two days to two weeks after the beginning of medication.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Separation of the enantiomeric intermediates of some platelet-activating factor analogues on a naphthylalanine-type Pirkle column.

A chiral high-performance liquid-chromatographic separation method was developed for the analysis of some glycerol-based, ether-linked platelet-activating factor precursors. Using a D-naphthylalanine-type Pirkle-column and tetrahydrofuran-hexane eluents, the retention-structure relationships were determined for a large number of glycerol ether derivatives. The derivatives leading to the highest chiral selectivity factors in the analytical separations were surveyed for their applicability in large-scale isolation of chiral synthetic intermediates.

Alanine↗
PubMed1978

[Phenumopericardium and pneumomediastinum depend upon bronchial foreign body (author's transl)].

A case with pneumopericardium and pneumomediastinum produced by a bronchial foreign body (pieces of a nut) is reported. The pathomechanism is discussed: In state of check valve the bronchial foreign body produces an interstitial emphysema by rupture of the alveolar membranes in the overinflated lung. The interstitial air travels along the sheaths of the pulmonary blood vessels to the root of the lung, to mediastinum, and to pericardium. In state of stop valve, depending on the inflammatory swelling of the mucosa, the affected lung becomes atelectatic. After removing the foreign body air passage will be free. Other therapeutic measures are not necessary.

Airway Obstruction↗