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Biomedical subjects

J Eberhard

Publications and source records attributed to J Eberhard.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Sperm DNA integrity in testicular cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the impact of testicular germ cell cancer (TGCC), its treatment and length of follow-up on sperm DNA integrity. METHODS: In 96 TGCC patients, semen was collected at specific intervals until 5 years after treatment. Sperm DNA integrity was assessed by the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA, n = 193) and by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL, n = 159) assay. Results were expressed as DNA fragmentation index (DFI). Controls comprised of 278 military conscripts. RESULTS: Post-surgery testicular cancer (TC) patients did not differ from controls. Compared with pretreatment values, radiotherapy induced a transient increase in SCSA(DFI) (medians: 12 versus 19%; P = 0.03), normalizing after 3-5 years. One year or more after therapy, 5/13 (38%) of normozoospermic, irradiated patients had SCSA(DFI) >27% compared with 7% of normozoospermic controls (P = 0.002). More than two cycles of chemotherapy decreased DFI 3-5 years post-therapy (median SCSA(DFI): 12 versus 9.1%, P = 0.02; median TUNEL(DFI): 11 versus 7.5%, P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Irradiation increases sperm DNA damage 1-2 years after treatment, and 38% of irradiated patients with normozoospermia had high (>27%) DNA damage, which may affect the sperm-fertilizing ability. TC per se is not associated with an increase of DFI, and DFI is reduced by three or more cycles of chemotherapy.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Heat shock induces the synthesis of the inflammatory mediator leukotriene B4 in human pulp cells.

AIM: To measure the synthesis of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) in cultures of human dental pulp cells induced by heat shock. METHODOLOGY: Primary pulp cells (PC) and dental pulp stem cells (DPSC) were cultivated under appropriate conditions. For the characterization of PC the expression of dentine sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) was evaluated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Thermal stimulation of cell cultures was performed at temperatures of 37, 38, 39, 40, 42 and 45 degrees C for stimulation times of 5 and 30 s. LTB4 was quantified by reversed-phase high-performance chromatography and differences between the LTB4 concentrations of controls and heat stimulated cells were analysed with Friedman analysis of variances by ranks and multiple comparisons (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Both cell cultures expressed DSPP under the conditions of the present experiment. The analysis revealed significantly enhanced LTB4 synthesis following thermal stimulations at 38, 39, 40, 42 and 45 degrees C compared with unstimulated controls for both PC and DPSC. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated the capability of pulp cells to synthesize the arachidonic acid mediator LTB4 in response to heat shock. LTB4 has the capacity to induce inflammatory reactions and to sensitise afferent nociceptive nerve endings. LTB4 synthesis is induced by minor temperature changes, which are relevant for various clinical situations.

Cells, Cultured↗
PubMed2004

Impact of therapy and androgen receptor polymorphism on sperm concentration in men treated for testicular germ cell cancer: a longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Testicular cancer (TC) patients have a high survival rate, and the question of post-therapy recovery of sperm production and its dependence on genetic predisposition is of major interest. METHODS: Ejaculates were obtained from 112 TC patients at one or more of the following time points: post-orchidectomy, or 6, 12, 24, 36 and 60 months post-therapy. The lengths of the androgen receptor (AR) function modulating CAG and GGN repeats in leukocyte DNA were also analysed. RESULTS: No significant decrease in sperm concentration was seen in men who received 1-2 cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT). Radiotherapy (RT) or more than two cycles of chemotherapy (HCT) caused an initial decline in sperm concentration, which returned to pre-treatment levels 2-5 years after therapy. In the HCT group, sperm concentration 12-24 months post-treatment (T(12-24)) was inversely correlated with CAG length (rho = -0.72, P = 0.03). The type of treatment, but not the concentration at T(0), was an independent predictor of sperm concentration at T(6) (P < 0.0005) and T(12-24) (P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: ACT did not induce a significant decline in sperm concentration. After HCT and RT, a significant reduction of sperm concentration was observed, recovering to pre-treatment levels 2-5 years post-treatment. In HCT-treated patients, the AR CAG length influenced the recovery of spermatogenesis.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

[Conservative therapy of urinary incontinence and bladder complaints in the woman].

Urinary incontinence and urogenital disorders are increasing. This is bothersome and impinges on the patient's quality of life. Early recognition, allowing early diagnosis, effective therapy as well as long-term prophylaxis are important. For diagnosis that quickly leads to a therapeutic decision, the anamnesis should specifically cover this area. Additionally, clinical examination, urinalysis including residual urine determination and cystoscopy for evaluating the bladder wall and a coughing test with a full bladder should be performed-all investigations easily done in the gynecologists's office. After diagnosis, treatment planning takes place. Urinary incontinence and urogenital complaints often have several pathologic causes. To improve success, various treatment possibilities should be optimally combined. Conservative therapy basics include: drinking and miction training, pelvic floor training including training aids and electrostimulation, pessaries, pharmaceutical therapies, estrogen as well as a through prophylaxis and treatment of infection. The primary treatment must be followed up with long-term prophylaxis. The most important requirements for a successful conservative therapy include knowing the various treatment basics, their uses, understanding and having the patience to follow through with an involved and time-intensive treatment plan. This work provides an overview of the various conservative treatments and their successful combinations.

Diagnosis, Differential↗
PubMed2003

[Surgical therapy of female urinary incontinence].

Within the past years, surgical concepts for treating females with urinary incontinence have greatly changed. The spectrum of indications is becoming increasingly narrower. All possible conservative treatment modalities must first be attempted. Should the incontinence still continue to evoke social or hygienic problems, stress incontinence is usually treated with the minimally invasive TVT procedure (Tension-free Vaginal Tape), and in special cases, a modern modification of colposuspension is undertaken. Based on a success rate and specific complications, it is now known which slings and colposuspension techniques should no longer be used. Vaginal reconstructive surgery for pelvic organ prolapse, such as anterior and posterior repair and sacrospinous colpopexy are now obsolete for treating incontinence. Likewise discussed are operative procedures for rare forms of female incontinence and for urge incontinence, resistant to therapy.

Female↗
PubMed2002

[Alternative obstetrics: bed, chair or tub? Have alternative birthing methods become established?].

As a reaction to the technology craze that occurred in obstetrics, the pendulum swung toward alternative obstetrics with alternative birthing methods. Instead of the classical bed birth on a narrow bed, birth on a wide bed and births using the Maya birthing stool and waterbirths became established as alternative birthing methods. Using the example of the Women's Clinic of the Cantonal Hospital of Frauenfeld, this study shows how alternative obstetrical medicine was introduced and could be integrated into traditional obstetrics. The goal of the Frauenfeld obstetrics is to combine the parturient's personal wishes and desires with classical obstetrics. Using a quality analysis and prospective observational study that has been on-going since 1991, it could be shown that alternative birthing methods are just as safe for the mother and child as is the classical bed birth on the narrow bed. In addition to ensuring the safety for the mother and child, alternative obstetrics is responsible for the attitude that the birth be considered an unforgettable and beautiful experience for the parturient, which is a definite advantage for women. Alternative birthing methods have become established because they have been able, using a high technical standard, to combine safety for the mother and the child with a humane side of obstetrics that evokes a nurturing and warm atmosphere.

Analgesia, Obstetrical↗
PubMed2002

[Prolapse operation--also of help in urinary tract infections?].

Pelvic support defects are frequently associated with chronic and recurrent urinary tract infections. This is due to common etiological factors (hormone-related atrophy, neurogenic diseases, metabolic disorders) and to direct mechanical effects exerted by the descensus on the urethra function (kinking that occurs with miction disorders and an increase in the residual urine with large cystoceles or stress incontinence and urgency with large urethroceles). The therapy should begin conservatively and address all possible etiological factors. Fundamentals of conservative therapy include estrogens, pelvic floor training, pessaries, drinking and micturition training and therapy and prevention of ascending infections [1]. When conservative therapy does not achieve either a cure or a satisfactory degree of improvement within a few months, surgical treatment should usually be recommended. In this case, modern surgical methods are preferred which seek to achieve both an anatomical as well as a functional restoration, i.e. continence, a good degree of bladder emptying and defecation as well as painless coitus.

Female↗
PubMed2002

Fear of childbirth during pregnancy: a study of more than 8000 pregnant women.

In today's modern obstetrics, perinatal morbidity and mortality of mother and neonate have become extremely rare. Despite these advances, are pregnant women still afraid of childbearing and, if so, what--and how intense--are their fears? Are these fears influenced by previous birthing experiences and by birth preparation classes? Data from more than 8000 expectant mothers (collated via a prenatal questionnaire distributed between November 1, 1991 and October 31, 1999) are evaluated. This study examines and discusses the answers concerning quantity and quality of childbirth-related fear among women of differing parity and its possible relation to attended birth preparation classes. The women delivered in a hospital setting that practices modern obstetrics combined with alternative delivery methods. The most frequent fears mentioned are fear for the child's health (50%) and fear of pain (40%). Fears dealing with medical intervention, such as operative delivery, anesthesia, nerve blockage and of being at the mercy of obstetrics all lie at around 12%. It is difficult to establish a clear-cut benefit of birth preparation classes in reducing childbirth fears.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Cloning, sequence analysis and heterologous expression of the DNA adenine-(N(6)) methyltransferase from the human pathogen Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans.

We cloned and sequenced the DNA adenine-N(6) methyltransferase gene of the human pathogen Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (M.AacDAM). Restriction digestion shows that the enzyme methylates adenine in the sequence GATC. Expression of the enzyme in a DAM(-) background shows in vivo activity. A PSI-BLAST search revealed that M.AacDAM is most related to M.HindIV, M.EcoDAM, M.StyDAM, and M.SmaII. The ClustalW alignment shows highly conserved regions in the enzyme characteristic for type a MTases. Phylogenetic tree analysis shows a cluster of enzymes recognizing the sequence GATC, within a branch of orphan MTases harboring M.AacDAM. The cloning and sequencing of this first methyltransferase gene described for A. actinomycetemcomitans open the path for studies on the potential regulatory impact of DNA methylation on gene regulation and virulence in this organism.

Adenine↗
PubMed2001

[Surgical concepts in female urinary stress incontinence].

Severe anatomical and functional defects and failure or rejection of conservative treatment are clear indications for surgical repair of sphincter incompetence. Adequate pretherapeutical diagnostic work-up should rule out other reasons for incontinence and additional pathology and allow adequate selection of the surgical technique. Prospective randomized studies as well as meta-analyses enable us to recognize suitable procedures; for primary surgery colposuspension and tension-free vaginal tapes (TVT), and in selected cases traditional slings can be recommended, whereas vaginal repairs, needle suspensions and the different injectables should not be encouraged for primary cases.

Female↗
PubMed2000

Quantitation of arachidonic acid metabolites in small tissue biopsies by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography.

Arachidonic acid metabolites exert a variety of distinct biological effects on the initiation and resolution of inflammatory diseases and their measurements in tissue can be critical to evaluate their regulatory function during the course of inflammation and to supplement in vitro experiments. The aim of this study was the detection and quantitative analysis of four arachidonic acid metabolites in small-sized biopsies of human periodontal tissues. The biopsies were homogenized and injected directly into a single analytical column of a RP-HPLC system. Detection was performed by a photodiode array detector. Calibration was established by dilutions of authentic standards of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), leukotriene B4 (LTB4), 12(R)-hydroxy-5,8,10,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE), and 15(S)-hydroxy-5,8,11,13-eicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE). A total of 38 specimens weighing between 19 and 191 mg (wet tissue) were analyzed (mean = 59.9 +/- 30.2 mg). The detection limits were 1 pg for LTB4 and 12-HETE, 0.5 pg for 15-HETE, and 10 ng for PGE2. The concentrations of PGE2 and LTB4 were significantly higher in inflamed than in healthy periodontal tissues (P = 0.0079; P = 0. 0114). 12-HETE was detected in one biopsy (30 pg/g); 15-HETE was not detected. This method of homogenization, extraction, and analysis of arachidonic acid metabolites by RP-HPLC appears to be well suited for studies of human oral biopsies. Only small tissue samples and minimal laboratory equipment were required for a sensitive analysis.

12-Hydroxy-5,8,10,14-eicosatetraenoic Acid↗
PubMed2000

The Critical Care Research Network: a partnership in community-based research and research transfer.

The objectives of this study were to present a short history of the Critical Care Research Network (CCR-Net), describe its approach to health services research and to summarize completed and current research projects. In doing this, we explored the question is this research network accomplishing its goals? We reviewed the medical literature to identify studies on similar types of Networks and also the evidence supporting the methodology used by CCR-Net to conduct research using MEDLINE, HEALTHSTAR, CINAHL and the keywords network and health care or healthcare, benchmarking and health care or healthcare, and research transfer or research utilization. We also reviewed the bibliographies of retrieved articles and our personal files. In addition, we summarized the results of studies conducted by CCR-Net and outlined those currently in progress. A review of the literature identified studies on two similar networks that appeared to be succeeding. In addition, the literature was also supportive of the general process used by CCR-Net, although the level of evidence varied. Finally, the studies conducted to date within CCR-Net follow the suggested methodology. At the time of this preliminary communication CCR-Net appears to have adopted a valid approach to health services research within the area of Critical Care Medicine. Further direct evidence is required and appropriate studies are planned.

Canada↗
PubMed1999

Changes in the periodontal membrane due to apical periodontitis.

Teeth with an apical inflammatory lesion were studied by light microscopic morphometrical procedures to estimate the volumetric density of periodontal ligament tissues by point counting. Sixty-four root surfaces were investigated from coronal to apical. The observed tissue changes were similar in groups with and without bacteria, except for an elevated volumetric density of inflammatory cells in the first group. The attachment was lost apically. Principal fibers running to the root surface and extensions in the cementum decreased from coronal to apical, but were replaced by fibers running parallel to cementum and fibers oriented in a network. We suggest that acellular extrinsic fiber cementum was lost, whereas cellular mixed stratified cementum was built. The cellular mixed stratified cementum synthesis was by inclusion of the remaining fibers from the acellular extrinsic fiber cementum. We suspect that the changes were the result of the anti-inflammatory reaction caused by the periapical lesion.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Photoionization studies of sulfur radicals and products of their reactions.

A discharge flow-photoionization mass spectrometric system coupled to a synchrotron is employed to study intermediates and products of sulfur radical reactions related to atmospheric chemistry. Sulfur radicals are generated from reactions of oxygen or chlorine atoms with sulfur compounds in a flow tube. The gaseous reaction products are sampled into the ionization region via a three-stage differential pumping scheme. Photoionization spectra and ionization energies are measured by dispersing synchrotron radiation to ionize the samples. Using this technique, photoionization spectra and ionization energies of HSO, CH(3)SO, C(2)H(5)SO, HSCl, and some secondary reaction products, SSCl, HSSCl, HSSSH, CH(3)SOH and CH(3)SS(O)CH(3), were measured for the first time.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1997

[Investigating urinary incontinence].

Urinary incontinence and other bladder disorders belong to the most common female diseases. Investigation should always start with simple measures. A problem-oriented history and a differentiated clinical examination, eventually complemented with search for infection, miction calendar and assessment of residual urine most often lead to a rather precise diagnosis and to the initiation of a primarily conservative treatment. If primary therapy is unsuccessful stepwise integration of additional diagnostic measures like cystoscopy, ultrasound, X-ray and urethrocystometry is indicated. Surgical interventions in particular demand, in the authors' view a foregoing urodynamic examination. Execution of the investigations, interpretation of the results and their impact on recommendations for therapy are explained.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Isolation of a cDNA from tomato coding for an unregulated, cytosolic chorismate mutase.

A cDNA coding for chorismate mutase was isolated from tomato by complementing a chorismate mutase-deficient Escherichia coli strain with a cDNA library. Southern blot analysis suggests the existence of a single gene of this chorismate mutase type per haploid tomato genome. The abundance of the corresponding transcripts was highest in roots, lower in stems and cotyledons, and even lower in flowers and leaves. The activity of the protein expressed in E. coli was not regulated by the three aromatic amino acids. Characteristics of the sequence and of the enzymatic activity suggest that the identified cDNA encodes a cytosolic, unregulated CM-2 type chorismate mutase.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1996

Cytosolic and plastidic chorismate mutase isozymes from Arabidopsis thaliana: molecular characterization and enzymatic properties.

The three aromatic amino acids phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan are synthesized in the plastids of higher plants. There is, however, biochemical evidence that a cytosolic isoform exists of the enzyme catalysing the first step of that branch of the pathway which is specific for the synthesis of phenylalanine and tyrosine, i.e. chorismate mutase (CM). We now report on the isolation of a cDNA clone encoding a cytosolic CM isozyme from Arabidopsis thaliana that was identified by complementing a CM-deficient Escherichia coli strain. The deduced amino acid sequence of this isozyme was 50% identical to that of a previously isolated plastidic CM, and 41% identical to that of yeast CM. The organ-specific expression patterns of the two CM genes were rather similar, but only the gene encoding the plastidic isozyme was elicitor- and pathogen-inducible. The plastidic CM expressed in E. coli was activated by tryptophan and inhibited by phenylalanine and tyrosine, whereas the cytosolic isozyme was insensitive. The existence of a cytosolic CM isozyme implies that either a cytosolic pathway (partial or complete) for the biosynthesis of phenylalanine and tyrosine exists, or that prephenate, originating from chorismate in the cytosol, is utilized for the synthesis of metabolites other than these two aromatic amino acids.

Amino Acid Sequence↗