Insect repellents and the efficacy of sunscreens.
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DEET↗
Biomedical subjects
K Klein
Publications and source records attributed to K Klein.
Radiographic manifestations of multiple myeloma in the mandible: a retrospective study of 77 patients.
PURPOSE: This retrospective study was done to determine the frequency and radiographic pattern multiple myeloma in the mandible. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventy-seven patients with multiple myeloma were studied using skull and panoramic radiographs of the jaws made at the time of initial diagnosis. RESULTS: Skull manifestations were present in 46.7% and jaw manifestations in 15.6% of the cases studied. The pattern of jaw involvement was characterized by osteolytic lesions without other radiographic manifestations of bone involvement. There was no relationship between the pattern of jaw and extragnathic involvement and increased M-component of secreted immune globulin. Jaw involvement was largely unaccompained by oral symptoms. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that mandibular lesions are a common finding in multiple myeloma.
Adult↗
Restricting smoking at the University of Köln, Germany: a case study.
The effects of a new policy limiting smoking to separate, designated areas in School of Education buildings at the University of Köln, Germany, were analyzed. Although the majority (77%) of the 1,223 students surveyed did not expect the changed policy to affect their smoking habits, approximately 28% of the men and 30% of the women said they were smoking less at the university after the change went into effect. Ninety-one percent of the nonsmoking students and 68% of the smokers supported the new policy. Smoking rates among Köln students are not significantly different from those of the adult German population, where 34% of the women and 41% of the men are smokers. The findings in this study indicate that such a policy change may result in a net decrease in amount smoked and could be a successful intervention in countries where smoking rates are traditionally higher than they are in the United States.
Attitude↗
Determinants of radial bone density as measured by PQCT in pre- and postmenopausal women: the role of bone size.
The aim of the present study was to examine the influence of anthropometric, hormonal, and geometric factors on the variability of radial bone mineral density (BMD) in women. In 583 healthy pre- and postmenopausal females (aged 40-60 years) radial total (BD) and trabecular BMD (TBD) was measured by peripheral quantitative computerized tomography at the nondominant distal forearm. In addition, 29 women who had suffered a Colles' fracture after minor trauma were also evaluated. There was no age-dependent change in radial BD and TBD before menopause. We found a negative correlation between BMD and age and years since menopause (YSM) in postmenopausal women (BD = 422.73 - 2.342 age - 6.308YSM; r = 0.36, p = 0.0001, n = 128). The variation of YSM, body mass index (BMI), and age accounted for 20% of the variability of BD in postmenopausal women. In contrast, in premenopausal women, only 3% of the variability could be explained by anthropometric variables. Bone mineral content (BMC) and bone area, but not BMD at the distal radius, were significantly correlated to grip strength (r = 0.25, p = 0.006 for BMC, r = 0.26, p = 0.003 for area). The cross-sectional bone area of the CT slice showed a significant increase with aging (y = 263.02 + 1.25x; r = 0.14, p = 0.0009). There was a strong negative correlation between bone area and BD and TBD (y = 516.04 - 0.668x; r = -0.57, p < 0.0001 for BD). If BMD is normalized for BA, variation is reduced by 32% (for BD) and 10% (for TBD), respectively. Women with Colles' fracture had a significantly lower TBD normalized for BA (fracture group [-0.71 +/- 0.88] vs. normals (0.03 +/- 0.99]; p = 0.00009). Our results show that YSM and BMI are predictors of postmenopausal BMD. However, radial BMD is influenced strongly by geometric variables such as cross-sectional bone area.
Absorptiometry, Photon↗
Delinquency during the transition to early adulthood: family and parenting predictors from early adolescence.
This longitudinal study examines the prediction of delinquency in early adulthood by family variables and one type of maternal parenting skill during early adolescence. In 132 Caucasian families, family variables (marital status, interparental conflict, mother-adolescent relationship, and maternal depressive mood) and maternal communication/problem-solving skills were assessed through self-report measures and behavioral observations during subjects' early adolescence. Outcome measures (minor and severe delinquency, arrests/convictions) were assessed six years later during early adulthood. Regression analyses revealed relationships between the predictors and severe delinquency and arrests/convictions, but not minor delinquency. The interaction of low levels of maternal communication/problem-solving skills and negative family variables (i.e., high maternal depressive mood) was associated with higher rates of delinquency, whereas the interaction of higher levels of such maternal skills and positive family variables was associated with lower rates of delinquency.
Adolescent↗
Specific interaction of (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase with membrane phosphatidylcholine as studied by ESR spectroscopy in oriented phospholipid multibilayers: coenzyme binding enhances the interaction with phosphatidylcholine.
The interaction of phospholipid with (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, a phosphatidylcholine-requiring membrane enzyme, has been studied using ESR spectroscopy of spin-labeled lipids, both as ordered multibilayers and in lipid vesicle suspensions (liposomes). Partially oriented phospholipid multibilayers were prepared from lipid vesicles composed of a 1:1 mixture of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). Vesicles containing (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase yielded active preparations of the enzyme in such multibilayers. With increasing protein/lipid ratio, the order of the multibilayers was disrupted as monitored by ESR spectroscopy with a spin-labeled analogue of PC, 5-doxyl-PC (5 mol %, 10% of total PC) as a probe. The outer peak separation of 5-doxyl-PC varied with the lipid/protein ratio. The lower the ratio, the larger was the separation, with higher activity enzyme being more effective in exerting this effect. When 5-doxylstearic acid was substituted for 5-doxyl-PC or when the enzyme was inactive, the 2A(zz) value stayed practically constant at its lower limit (about 54 G). Multilayers composed of 81% PE, 11% diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), and 8% 5-doxyl-PC (no unlabeled PC present) gave similar results. With this lipid mixture, the maximal 2A(zz) value (about 61 G) was reached at lower protein/lipid ratios, although the enzymic activity of (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase is reduced to 40% in this system. The outer peak separation also depended on the presence of the coenzyme, NAD+, and 2-methylmalonate. The latter enhances binding of NAD+ about 100-fold by forming a ternary complex. With this ternary complex, the 2A(zz) values were increased unless the maximal values had been reached already in the absence of coenzyme. In all these experiments only a single ESR spectral component was observed. Similar results were obtained for the enzyme in liposomes, although the effect was less pronounced apparently due to the higher mobility of the probe. It is concluded that PC is motionally restricted by (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase and yet is in rapid exchange with the bulk lipid on the ESR time scale. PC is required for formation of tight and functional complexes with NAD [Rudy et al. (1989) Biochemistry 28, 5354-5366], and such complexes strengthen the interaction of the enzyme with PC.
Animals↗
[Current state of alimentary iodine deficiency in Germany].
Germany finds itself among the most iodine deficient countries of Europe. Voluntary use of iodized salt constitutes the only goiter prophylaxis. In the last few years, measures such as the opening up of European internal markets, abolition of lac pertaining to the alimentary iodine consumption. Random samples of urine collected from 5932 persons without thyroid ailment, distributed over 32 regions of Germany, were measured for iodine excretion. The median value of iodine excretion was 72.4 micrograms I/g creatinine. Children under 10 years (76.9) and persons over 70 years (80.7) showed a slightly higher iodine elimination than those between 11-70 years (71.9). No differences between the former East Germany and West Germany as well as North, South and middle regions of unified Germany were observed. 55% of the study population presented with iodine values between 50 and 100 micrograms, 19% with lower than 50 micrograms. Only 9% showed sufficient iodine state. The results expose the inadequacy of the voluntary measures to tackle the problem of alimentary iodine deficiency.
Adolescent↗
Receptor-mediated phosphoinositide metabolism in peripheral nerve and cultured Schwann cells.
Peripheral nerve possesses muscarinic cholinergic receptors, predominantly of the M3 subtype, that stimulate phosphoinositide metabolism. Evidence suggests that one site of this response is the myelin sheath. Purified peripheral nerve myelin contains several heterotrimeric GTP-binding proteins. Furthermore, carbachol and guanosine-5'-(3-O-thio)triphosphate-stimulated hydrolysis of exogenous phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bis-phosphate that is blocked by atropine can be reconstituted in a purified peripheral myelin-rich fraction. Nerve phosphoinositide turnover is also stimulated by adenosine analogs and blocked by adenosine receptor antagonists in a pattern consistent with the presence of adenosine A2 receptors in the tissue. Receptor-mediated phosphoinositide metabolism has also been studied in a human tumor-derived Schwann cell line (NF1T) derived from a neurofibromatosis-1 patient. By the same experimental criteria, NF1T cells also appear to contain adenosine A2 receptors which upon activation stimulate phosphoinositide turnover. However, phosphoinositide metabolism in these cells is not increased by either carbachol or ATP. Our findings taken together with other reports suggest that Schwann cells may possess a variety of receptors which regulate phosphoinositide metabolism.
Cells, Cultured↗
Cross cultural child injury prevention awareness.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine how injury prevention awareness of children ages 3, 4, and 5, based on recognition of hazards in pictures differs in the United States, Belgium, East Germany and West Germany. METHODS: Children from these four countries were presented with 10 different pictures. Each picture represented a common injury producing situation to which children are exposed in traffic, home, and recreation. RESULTS: Results indicate that for pictures relating to home hazards, less than 22% of children from Belgium (21.5%), West Germany (4.7%), and the United States (20.3%) clearly recognized the essential hazards in the pictures, whereas over 40% of the East German children clearly recognized these dangers. A higher proportion of the children from all countries recognized the traffic hazards. Only 23.9% of all children had a clear recognition of the playground situations. The child's age had a bearing on ability to recognize hazards overall. CONCLUSIONS: Children need to be provided with better injury prevention education at an early age, especially those from West Germany.
Accident Prevention↗
Evidence for redundancy in propeptide/prohormone convertase activities in processing proglucagon: an antisense study.
To further examine the physiological roles of the neuroendocrine prohormone convertases (PCs) in proglucagon processing, alpha TC1-6 cells were transiently transfected with PC1/3 and PC2 expression vectors containing either antisense or sense encoding cDNAs. PC1/3- and PC2-directed RIAs were used to determine that the PC1/3 antisense transfections lowered endogenous levels of PC1/3 by 40 +/- 7.9% but did not alter the levels of PC2. The PC2 antisense transfections decreased the endogenous levels of PC2 by 91 +/- 11.7% without affecting the levels of PC1/3. To quantitate the levels of proglucagon and proglucagon-derived products, transfected cells were metabolically labeled with [3H]tryptophan, and extracts were chromatographed by reversed-phase HPLC. Recovered peptides were then subjected to peptide mapping analyses, allowing precise quantification of 3H-radioactivity incorporated into proglucagon and its cleavage products. Product-precursor ratios were determined, and percent change in the proportion of products generated in antisense-transfected vs. sense-transfected cells was calculated. The decrease in PC1/3 after antisense treatment significantly reduced the amounts of glicentin produced and partially reduced the levels of all other proglucagon cleavage products. PC2 antisense treatment significantly reduced the levels of glicentin and 9K glucagon generated but had no significant effect on the remainder of the proglucagon-derived peptides. These results suggest the existence of redundant mechanisms that ensure the production of each of the intermediate and product peptides derived from proglucagon. PC1/3 is potentially an important enzyme in the processing of most proglucagon-derived peptides, whereas PC2-processing activity appears to predominate at only two of the four potential cleavage sites.
Animals↗
Sexual risk-taking by Muscovite youth attending school.
Sexual behaviors of adolescents place them at a high risk for HIV and other sexually transmissible infections. Studies of sexual risk-taking and other health compromising practices by youth in countries other than the United States are relatively rare. Examination of health practices across cultures provides insights with respect to explaining international differences in disease rates, helps predict future trends in disease transmission, and identifies health education needs of particular populations or settings. Sexual behavioral risk factors were studied in a sample of 1,090 youth (mean age = 14 years) in Moscow using a translated version of the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance (YRBS) survey developed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Only 26.3% of Muscovite youth report being taught about HIV/AIDS infection in school, and just 41.7% indicate discussion of HIV/AIDS occurred with parents or other familial adults. Overall, 15.7% of females and 23.7% of males report at least one sexual intercourse in their lifetime. About 8.8% of the sample reported participation in sexual intercourse before age 12, and 34.9% indicated having had sexual intercourse with four or more partners. Concomitant use of alcohol and other drugs is common (24.4%) prior to the most recent intercourse, and use of a condom occurs in fewer than half (41.7%) of recent sexual episodes.
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
Breast cancer in the inner city: intensive efforts may be succeeding.
Breast cancer is a significant problem in a 518 bed government supported university hospital in New Jersey's largest city. The following records were reviewed: tumor registry abstracts of the 367 analytic breast cancer patients admitted from 1/1/91 to 12/31/92; the 455 participants in the Breast Cancer Detection Awareness Program (BCDAP) from 1987 to 1992; and the 460 breast biopsies performed from 1990 to 1992. Breast cancer is less common at this inner city hospital than in the U.S. in general; the stage is more advanced at presentation than in the U.S. overall; and the overall survival is only 54% at five years. Approximately 40% of the patients were African-American women from the inner city. Their median age was 53, seven years younger than the median age for diagnosis in the U.S. overall, and their five year survival was only 46%. Intensive efforts have recently produced improvement in the proportion of cases diagnosed at early stages (T0 and T1), but a decrease in mortality has not yet been seen.
Black or African American↗
[Goiter incidence in Germany is greater than previously suspected].
BACKGROUND: The data regarding goitre prevalence in Germany is based on calculation arising out of dissimilar studies conducted among inhomogeneous study groups. The aim of our study was to collect data towards prevalence of goitre, thyroid size and structure through a prospective nationwide survey conducted using identical examination methods and study protocol. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A total number of 6815 subjects belonging to various age groups and spread over 32 regions in Germany participated in our thyroid ultrasound study conducted with a 7.5 MHz transducer. Information regarding nutrition, use of iodised table salt and iodine containing medicine and/or substances were collected through a questionnaire. The volumetry and age related normal values were followed as per the guidelines set by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Endokrinologie. RESULTS: Enlarged thyroid was seen in 50% of 18 to 70 year age group, 52% of 11 to 17 year age group and in 21% of children up to 10 years. Focal lesions were detected in 2.5% of subjects below 18 years and in 30% of women and 21% of men over 18 years. A positive correlation between age, thyroid volume and number of thyroid nodules was seen. Up to 83% of the examined subjects admitted to using iodised table salt. Children consuming iodised salt were found to have smaller thyroid glands. No correlation was found between the consumption of iodised salt and thyroid size in the adolescent age group and young adults. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of goitre in Germany is higher than it has been reported. The study underlines the insufficiency of the present goitre prophylaxis. Only an iodine prophylaxis (table salt, food products, fodder) backed by legislative measures can bring about a real breakthrough.
Adolescent↗
Processing of mouse proglucagon by recombinant prohormone convertase 1 and immunopurified prohormone convertase 2 in vitro.
The mouse tumor cell line alpha TC1-6 was used as a model system to examine the post-translational processing of proglucagon. Determination of the mouse preproglucagon cDNA sequence and comparison with the published sequences of rat and human preproglucagons revealed nucleic acid homologies of 89.1 and 84%, respectively, and amino acid homologies of 94 and 89.4%, respectively. Immunohistochemical analyses with antibodies directed against PC2 and glucagon colocalized both the enzyme and substrate within the same secretory granules. PC1 was also immunolocalized in secretory granules. Cells were metabolically labeled with [3H]tryptophan, and extracts were analyzed by reverse-phase high pressure liquid chromatography. Radioactive peptides with retention times identical to those of synthetic peptide standards were recovered and subjected to peptide mapping to verify their identities. To determine the potential role of PC1 and PC2 in proglucagon processing, 3H-labeled proglucagon was incubated in vitro with recombinant PC1 and/or immunopurified PC2. Both enzymes cleaved proglucagon to yield the major proglucagon fragment, glicentin, and oxyntomodulin, whereas only PC1 released glucagon-like peptide-I from the major proglucagon fragment. Neither PC1 nor PC2 processed glucagon from proglucagon in vitro. These results suggest a potential role for PC1 and/or PC2 in cleaving several of the normal products, excluding glucagon, from the mouse proglucagon precursor.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at the lumbar spine in German men and women: a cross-sectional study.
A cross-sectional, population-based study of 238 randomly selected females and 224 males with German ethnic background (aged 20-80 years) was carried out to establish lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) values, using dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), for a German population. Comparison was made to the reference range provided by the manufacturer of the DXA equipment. No sex difference in peak spine BMD was found in our study (1.091 +/- 0.114 g/cm2 for males versus 1.070 +/- 0.113 g/cm2 for females, n.s.). Different patterns of bone loss could be detected in both sexes. In premenopausal women there was no significant correlation between age and BMD (y = 1.044 + 0.00047x, r = 0.03, P = 0.73) whereas reduction of female BMD at the spine was demonstrated in postmenopausal women (y = 1.189-0.0041x, r = -0.28, P = 0.01), underscoring the important role of the menopause for later manifestation of spinal osteoporosis in women. In contrast, in males we found no significant change of BMD with aging (y = 1.071-0.0007x, r = -0.08, P = 0.25). Employing commonly used exclusion criteria, BMD values of the study subjects were found mostly within the normal range of BMD. The major finding of our study was good concordance between female data of our study population and the reference data provided by the manufacturer. Clinically significant discrepancies between our data and the Hologic reference range for males could be detected. Our data on males (30-39 years of age) were up to 7% lower than those provided by the manufacturer, probably due to differences in sampling procedures.
Absorptiometry, Photon↗
Distribution of peptidyl-glycine alpha-amidating monooxygenase immunoreactivity in the brain, pituitary and islet organ of the anglerfish (Lophius americanus).
Peptidyl-glycine alpha-amidating monooxygenase (PAM; EC 1.14.17.3) is an enzyme that catalyzes conversion of glycine-extended peptides to alpha-amidated bioactive peptides. Two peptides that are processed at their carboxyl-termini by this enzyme are neuropeptide Y and anglerfish peptide Y, both of which possess a C-terminal glycine that is used as a substrate for amidation. Results from previous reports have demonstrated that neuropeptide Y-like and anglerfish peptide Y-like immunoreactivities are present in the brain of anglerfish (Lophius americanus). Furthermore, neuropeptide Y-like peptides, namely anglerfish peptide Y and anglerfish peptide YG (the homologues of pancreatic polypeptide) are present in the islet organ of this species. Neuropeptide Y has also been localized in the anterior, intermediate and posterior lobes of the pituitary gland in a variety of species. In order to learn more about the distribution of the enzyme responsible for alpha amidation of these peptides in the brain and pituitary and to specifically investigate the relationship of this enzyme to peptide synthesizing endocrine cells of the anglerfish islet, we performed an immunohistochemical study using several antisera generated against different peptide sequences of the enzyme. PAM antisera labeled cells in the islet organ, pituitary and brain, and fibers in the brain and pituitary gland. The PAM staining pattern in the brain was remarkably similar to the distribution of neuropeptide Y immunoreactivity reported previously. Clusters of cells adjacent to vessels in the anterior pituitary displayed punctate PAM immunoreactivity while varicose fibers were observed in the pituitary stalk and neurohypophysis. Endocrine cells of the islet organ were differentially labeled with different PAM antisera. Comparison of the staining patterns of insulin, glucagon, and anglerfish peptide Y in the islet organ to PAM immunoreactivity suggests a distribution of forms of PAM enzyme in insulin and anglerfish peptide Y-containing cells, but no overlap with glucagon-producing cells. The results also indicate that PAM immunoreactivity is widely distributed in the brain, pituitary and islet organ of anglerfish in cells, that contain peptides that require presence of a C-terminal glycine for amidation.
Animals↗
Sevoflurane for outpatient anesthesia: a comparison with propofol.
Three different anesthetic techniques were compared in 146 healthy outpatients undergoing ambulatory surgery. In Groups I and II, anesthesia was induced with propofol (1.5-2.0 mg/kg, intravenously [iv]) and maintained with nitrous oxide (N2O) 60% in oxygen and either a propofol infusion, 75-160 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 IV, or sevoflurane, 1%-2% end-tidal, respectively. In Group III, anesthesia was induced and maintained with sevoflurane, 1%-4% end-tidal and N2O 60% in oxygen. In addition to 60% N2O in oxygen at a total gas flow of 3 L/min, all patients received fentanyl, 2-3 micrograms/kg IV, and vecuronium, 0.1 mg/kg IV. IV induction of anesthesia with propofol (90 +/- 53 s and 94 +/- 48 s in Groups I and II, respectively) was significantly faster than inhalation induction with sevoflurane (153 +/- 100 s). There were no significant differences in the incidence of coughing, airway irritation, or laryngospasm during induction of anesthesia. Although the mean arterial blood pressure values were similar in all three groups, the use of sevoflurane was associated with consistently lower heart rate values during the early maintenance period. Early and intermediate recovery times were the same in all three treatment groups. The use of sevoflurane for induction and/or maintenance of anesthesia was associated with a higher incidence of postoperative emetic sequelae compared with propofol. Finally, the times at which patients were considered "fit for discharge" and the actual discharge times were similar in all three groups. Sevoflurane is an acceptable alternative to propofol for induction and maintenance of outpatient anesthesia.
Adult↗
A comparison of survival at different degrees of hemorrhagic shock in germ-free and germ-bearing rats.
We have previously reported superior survival after one level of hemorrhagic shock in germ-free (GF) rats compared with germ-bearing (GB) rats. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the GF state on survival at different degrees of hemorrhagic shock. GF and GB rats were bled to a mean arterial blood pressure of 30 mmHg. Shock was terminated after 10, 20, 40, or 80% of the maximum shed blood volume was reabsorbed spontaneously. Both shock time and time to decompensation were significantly longer in GF rats (p < .05). Comparative survival was greater for GF rats at most levels of shock (p < .01). This superiority in survival was greatest at moderate shock levels and decreased at severe shock levels. There may be several reasons for the increased tolerance of GF animals to hemorrhagic shock such as metabolic or immunologic variations. It is hard to avoid the fact, however, that the most notable difference between the GF and GB rat is the presence or absence of bacteria.
Animals↗