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Biomedical subjects

K Schubert

Publications and source records attributed to K Schubert.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

[Effects of sociomedical risk factors on the progression of ovarian cancer].

INTRODUCTION: The potential prognostic influence of sociomedical risk factors probably on ovarian cancer patient prognosis has yet not been intensively investigated. This study was to determine whether the general psychologic constitution has an influence on patient survival after primäry surgery and in how far it correlates to sociobiologic factors. METHOD: 695 long-term followed ovarian carcinoma patients were studied. The median follow-up was 4.8 years with a range of 63 days to 18.7 years. Tumor-associated death was recorded in 219 patients. The prognostic influence of sociomedical risk factor was determined by age and stage corrected survival analysis. RESULTS: The variables "genetic or hereditary risk", "hormone replacement therapy" and "use of tobacco or alcohol" had no significant influence on survival. However, the variables "psychic disorders" and "parity" were found to be of strong prognostic influence, alone and in combination. Patients showing psychic disorders had a clearly worse prognosis (p < 0,001), as well as those of higher parity (p < 0,001). DISCUSSION: This newly described link between patients' psychological constitution and course of disease suggests psychotherapeutic support to be helpful for ovarian carcinoma patients. Risk factors, furthermore, may have an opposite effect on both cancer incidence and prognosis. The latter is discussed on the background of an ovarian carcinogenesis threshold model.

Female↗
PubMed2002

[Initial scleromyxedema. Successful treatment with melphalan].

Scleromyxedema is a rare mucinous disease without thyroid dysfunction, associated with a monoclonal gammopathy. The deposits of mucin in the skin and other organs such as the cardiovasculary system, determine the prognosis of the disease. A 74-year old patient with initial scleromyxedema is described, in whom a pulse therapy with melphalan was initiated already in the early stages of the disease. Four cycles of melphalan in combination with prednisolon led to a complete and sofar stable remission of the disease.

Aged↗
PubMed2002

The effects of prolonged physical exercise on renal function, electrolyte balance and muscle cell breakdown.

BACKGROUND: Postexercise proteinuria, hematuria and changes in serum electrolyte balance as well as increased levels of plasma indicators for muscle leakage are believed to be transient and of benign character. METHODS: A group of 51 healthy athletes took part in a 100 km race over 14.25 hours. All of them had to reach the finish together. Urine and blood samples were collected before (a) and immediately after running (b) as well as 6 hours after the race (c). RESULTS: The serum concentrations of potassium (4.8 +/- 0.5 (a) vs. 4.0 +/- 0.3 (c) mmol/l), protein (73.1 +/- 5.2 (a) vs. 71.1 +/- 3.9 (c) g/l) and albumin (44.0 +/- 2.85 (a) vs. 42.9 +/- 2.8 (c) g/l) decreased significantly (p < 0.0001, p < 0.05, p < 0.05, respectively) but remained within physiological ranges. The serum sodium concentration decreased immediately after the race (136.9 +/- 4.5 (a) vs. 131.1 +/- 2.4 (b) micromol/l, p < 0.0001). The fractional sodium excretion decreased 6 hours, but not immediately after the race (0.78 +/- 0.59 (a) vs. 0.48 +/- 0.82 (c), p < 0.05). Myoglobin (31.8 +/- 6.9 (a), 291.5 +/- 197.2 (b) and 182.2 +/- 135.3 (c) microg/l, p < 0.0001) and creatine kinase (1.13 +/- 0.45 (a), 10.76 +/- 6.9 (b) and 9.46 +/- 15.5 (c) pmol/l, p < 0.0001) increased dramatically. Troponin I was also significantly increased at finish (0.0186 +/- 0.0121 (a) vs. 0.0213 +/- 0.0165 (b) ng/ml, p < 0.05) and positively correlated with myoglobin and creatine kinase, but remained far below the pathologic range. Serum creatinine and urea remained almost unchanged. Glucosuria and hematuria occurred 6 hours after the run in 9.1% and 6.8%, respectively. The erythrocytes examined by phase-contrast microscopy were not damaged in terms of dysmorphic cells. Glomerular-type proteinuria was found in 11.4% of the participants 6 hours after the race. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that long lasting, mild exertion is harmless for renal function, electrolyte balance and skeletal muscle as well as myocardial metabolism in healthy persons.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Radiation therapy of stage I and II non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Surgery is the preferred and standard treatment for patients with resectable stage I and II non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Survival rates of local surgery are unbeaten by other treatment modalities. Up to 70% of these patients survive 5 years or longer. However, there is a subset of patients who either are inoperable due to the presence of severe associated diseases, or who refuse surgery. In these patients radical radiotherapy with curative intent is an effective alternative. In our department we retrospectively analysed survival and freedom from treatment failure in those patients treated in our hospital with primary irradiation for stage I and II NSCLC (T1-2 N0-1 M0) during the last 20 years. In total 60 patients with a median age of 69 years could be evaluated. 35% had stage I and 65% had stage II NSCLC. All patients received 2- or 3-dimensionally planned megavoltage radiotherapy with a median dose of 60 Gy with normally fractionated single doses of 2.0 Gy five times a week. Pneumonitis WHO Grade III was found in 5 out of the 60 patients (8.3%). Locoregional recurrence was observed in 53% of the patients resulting in a median progression-free survival of 18 months and a median overall survival of 20.5 months. However, there is a need for further improvement of treatment outcome of radiotherapy for medically inoperable patients with early-stage NSCLC. One possibility might be radiation dose escalation or alteration in fractionation of radiotherapy, such as continuous hyperfractionated accelerated radiotherapy CHART or a modification thereof CHARTWEL. These new fractionation schemes might be beneficial for a subset of patients in terms of improved local control, reduced incidence of metastasis and improved long term survival. The combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy might be another option for treatment of early-stage NSCLC. In advanced disease combined modality treatment turned out to be superior to radiotherapy alone, concerning local control and survival. If this is true also for early-stage NSCLC, it has to be shown in further investigations.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Structural investigations on the cell surface of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae.

The cell wall of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae was investigated. The corrected structure of the murein, which was published earlier, is reported here. The murein belongs to the B1delta type. It has L-alanine in position three of the peptide subunit and is crosslinked via a glycine-L-lysine-L-lysine interpeptide bridge. As expected by the complex serological situation in E. rhusiopathiae the carbohydrate moiety of the cell wall proofed to be very intricate. As accessory polymers polysaccharide(s) and teichoic acid(s) were identified. The teichoic acid(s) possess two novel polyols of which one could not be identified, the other one behaved like 6-O-methylgalactitol in gas liquid chromatography. Glucose and N-acetylgalactosamine were determined as substituents. The polysaccharide(s) is composed of mainly N-acetylfucosamine and smaller amounts of galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, and a further unidentified sugar appearing later than hexaacetylsorbitol in GLC.

Amino Acids↗
PubMed2000

P45, an extracellular 45 kDa protein of Listeria monocytogenes with similarity to protein p60 and exhibiting peptidoglycan lytic activity.

A monoclonal antibody obtained by immunization of mice with heat-killed cells of Listeria monocytogenes serotype 4d showed reactivity towards a protein (P45) from L. monocytogenes with an apparent molecular mass of 45 kDa. This protein was detected in the culture supernatant and at the cell surface of L. monocytogenes. Proteins cross-reacting with the monoclonal antibody were present in all Listeria strains investigated, except L. grayi. The structural gene was cloned in Escherichia coli and sequenced. Translation of the gene starts at a TTG initiation codon. The gene was found to code for a protein of 402 amino acid residues with a predicted molecular mass of 42.7 kDa. It has a signal peptide of 27 amino acid residues, resulting in a molecular mass for the mature polypeptide of 39.9 kDa. Protein database searches showed that this protein has 55% similarity and 38% identity to protein p60 of L. monocytogenes and exhibits significant sequence similarities to p54 from Enterococcus faecium and Usp45 from Lactococcus lactis. P45 was shown to have peptidoglycan lytic activity and the encoding gene was named spl (secreted protein with lytic property).

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2000

Comparison between a plasma arc light source and conventional halogen curing units regarding flexural strength, modulus, and hardness of photoactivated resin composites.

The plasma arc curing light Apollo 95 E (DMDS) is compared to conventional curing lights of different radiation intensities (Vivalux, Vivadent, 250 mW/cm2; Spectrum, DeTrey, 550 mW/cm2; Translux CL, Kulzer, 950 mW/cm2). For this purpose, photoactivated resin composites were irradiated using the respective curing lights and tested for flexural strength, modulus of elasticity (ISO 4049), and hardness (Vickers, Knoop) 24 h after curing. For the hybrid composites containing only camphoroquinone (CQ) as a photoinitiator (Herculite XRV, Kerr; Z100, 3 M), flexural strength, modulus of elasticity, and surface hardness after plasma curing with two cycles of 3 s or with the step-curing mode were not significantly lower than after 40 s of irradiation using the high energy (Translux CL) or medium energy conventional light (Spectrum). However, irradiation by only one cycle of 3 s failed to produce adequate mechanical properties. Similar results were observed for the surface hardness of the CQ containing microfilled composite (Silux Plus, 3 M), whereas flexural strength and modulus of elasticity after plasma curing only reached the level of the weak conventional light (Vivalux). For the hybrid composites containing both CQ and photoinitiators absorbing at shorter wavelengths (370-450 nm) (Solitaire, Kulzer; Definite, Degussa), plasma curing produced inferior properties mechanical than conventional curing; only the flexural strength of Solitaire and the Vickers hardness of Definite reached levels not significantly lower than those observed for the weak conventional light (Vivalux). The suitability of plasma arc curing for different resin composites depends on which photoinitiators they contain.

Composite Resins↗
PubMed1999

[Coronary angiography and change in antioxidative status].

PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a prospective study in 53 patients with stable angina pectoris symptoms the antioxidant status (glutathione peroxidase, glutathione, superoxid dismutase, malondialdehyde and selenium in serum and whole blood) was determined before and 4 to 6 hours after coronary angiography. According to the results of the coronary angiography the patients were classified in a group with "severe" (n = 16) and another with "moderate" coronary alterations. RESULTS: In both groups there was a significant reduction of selenium in serum and whole blood. The enzymes glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase as well as glutathione and malondialdehyde changed only slightly. CONCLUSION: These results can be the cause of an increase of the formation of free radicals during coronary reperfusion (PTCA, implantation of stents in the group with "severe" coronary alterations) but could also be seen as a sign of formation of radicals by the method itself (in patients with "moderate" coronary alterations). Further investigations are indicated. Furthermore the amelioration of the antioxidant status of the organism by scavenger substances (vitamins A, B, C and selenium) should be discussed.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

[Possibilities of an open magnetic resonance scanner integration in therapy simulation and three-dimensional radiotherapy planning].

PURPOSE: A system for digital integration of an open MR scanner (0.23 T, Figure 1) in therapy simulation and 3D radiation treatment planning is described. METHOD: MR images were acquired using the body coil and various positioning and immobilization aids. A gradient echo sequence (TR/TE 320 ms/24 ms) was used to create axial and coronal data sets. Image distortions were measured and corrected using phantom measurements (Figure 2) and specially developed software. RESULTS: Maximal and mean distortions of the MR images could be reduced from 19 mm to 8.2 mm and from 2.7 mm to 0.7 mm, respectively (Figure 3 to 5, Table 1). Coronal MR images were recalculated in fan beam projection for use at the therapy simulator. Tumor and organ contours were transferred from the MR image to the digitally acquired and corrected simulator image using a landmark matching algorithm (Figure 6 and 7). For 3D treatment planning, image fusion of axial MR images with standard CT planning images was performed using a landmark matching algorithm, as well (Figure 8). Representative cases are shown to demonstrate potential applications of the system. CONCLUSION: The described system enables the integration of the imaging information from an open MR system in therapy simulation and 3D treatment planning. The low-field MR scanner is an attractive adjunct for the radio-oncologist because of the open design and the low costs.

Algorithms↗
PubMed1999

[MRI simulation of bronchogenic carcinomas using an open low-field MRI].

AIM: The initial target volume for primary radiation therapy of lung cancer is usually determined with the aid of computed tomography. Due to the axial CT-scans the simulation of the RT-field is often difficult. MRI in its superior ability to demonstrate and characterize soft tissue and its possibilities of multiplanar imaging can be beneficial. As MRI is less available and more expensive the use of MRI in radiotherapy planning is still restricted. With the introduction of open low-field MRI-systems there is now a cost-saving alternative. The aim of this study was the clinical evaluation of the use of a new open low-field MRI in radiotherapy planning of bronchogenic cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients undergoing primary radiotherapy for lung cancer were studied using an open low-field MRI-system (Picker Outlook 0.23 Tesla). Conventional CT-assisted treatment planning was compared to a MRI-assisted procedure. Contours from coronary T1-weighted MRI-sections were superimposed onto the simulator radiograph using a subtrascope (MR-simulation). RESULTS: Open low-field MR-imaging using T1-weighted sequences resulted in excellent delineation of tumor masses from mediastinal fat, the airways and the vascular structures as well as the radial tumor infiltration into the vicinity of the lung (Figures 1a to 1c). This allowed an exact and reproducible transfer of tumor contours onto the simulator radiograph. The MR-simulation led to optimization in the field configuration in 5/15 patients (Figure 2). CONCLUSIONS: Open low-field MRI-systems can be very useful in treatment planning. They are less expensive and need less extensive rebuilding compared to high-field MRI-systems. In the radiotherapy planning of bronchogenic carcinoma the MR-simulation is reasonable and clinically practicable. One of the main advantages of open MRI-systems in comparison to CT and standard MRI-systems in radiotherapy planning is that there is a much greater variety of treatment positions.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase D in blood serum: is the liver the only source of the enzyme?

In cases of systemic inflammatory response syndrome, sepsis, and septic shock, the activity of glycosylphosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase D (GPI-PLD) in serum amounts to 20 to 25% of the activity found in a healthy control group. The activity of serum GPI-PLD is positively correlated with inflammatory markers and counts of monocytes and stab cells (bands) and negatively correlated with polymorphonuclear neutrophils and lymphocytes in severe diseases. This indicates a yet unknown involvement of the inflammatory system in GPI-PLD liberation and suggests that the liver is not the only source of the plasma enzyme. Plasma was shown to contain an effective inhibitor of GPI-PLD which is soluble in organic solvents. Its concentration in capillary plasma is 20-fold higher than in venous plasma. To find possible other sources of plasma GPI-PLD besides the liver, the GPI-degrading activity was measured in different organs of the rat. Product formation was analysed using [125I]TID-labeled GPI-AP.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗
PubMed1999

The influence of ofloxacin (Tarivid) on the parasite-host inter-relationship in patients with chronic urinary tract infection.

In urinary tract infection (UTI), the aim of antimicrobial chemotherapy is either to attenuate the virulence of infective micro-organisms, to influence the interaction between germs and host or to kill bacteria. In 25 females (aged 49.8+/-14.7 years) with chronic UTI, parameters of inflammation (CRP, alpha 2-globulin, leukocytes, ESR) as well as renal function were analyzed under the treatment with ofloxacin 2 x 200 mg. Subsequently, bacterial attachment, bacterial count, leukocytes, antibody-coated bacteria (ACB), immunoglobulin (Ig) G, albumin, a2-microglobulin, Tamm Horsfall protein, secretory IgA (sIgA) and lysozyme were determined in urine. The micro-organisms were examined with regard to the expression of hemolysin, aerobactin, P-fimbriae and according to their plasmid profile. Ofloxacin serum levels were analyzed once prior to, on day 6 during and on day 3 after drug administration. In all cases, the acute clinical symptoms had disappeared after 10 days of treatment, all bacteria were eliminated, and the parameters of inflammation in serum and urine had returned to normal. On the sixth day of therapy, no expression of P-fimbriae was detectable in the Escherichia coli strains isolated, and the attachment rate decreased from 42+/-30.9% to 11.1+/-18.1%. The sIgA level rose from 42.6+68.5 prior to therapy to 88.8+/-136.8 mmol/l on day 3 after therapy; acute symptoms of UTI did not recur in any case during the period of 1 year.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Delimiting the genus Staphylococcus through description of Macrococcus caseolyticus gen. nov., comb. nov. and Macrococcus equipercicus sp. nov., and Macrococcus bovicus sp. no. and Macrococcus carouselicus sp. nov.

Four species of the newly proposed genus Macrococcus, namely macrococcus caseolyticus gen. nov., comb. nov. (formerly Staphylococcus caseolyticus Schleifer, Kilpper-Bälz, Fischer, Faller and Endl 1982, 19VP), Macrococcus equipercicus sp. nov., Macrococcus bovicus sp. nov. Macrococcus carouselicus sp. nov., are described on the basis of a phylogenetic analysis comparing 16S rRNA sequences, DNA-DNA liquid hybridization, DNA base composition, normalized ribotype patterns, macrorestriction pattern analysis and estimation of genome size using PFGE, cell wall composition, phenotypic characteristics and plasmid profiles. Compared with their closet relatives, members of the genus Staphylococcus, these organisms demonstrated significantly lower 16S rRNA sequence similarities (93.4-95.3%), higher DNA G+C content (38-45 mol%), absence of cell wall teichoic acids (with the possible exception of M. caseolyticus), unique ribotype pattern types and macrorestriction patterns, smaller genome size (approx. 1500-1800 kb) and generally larger Gram-stained cell size (1.1-2.5% microns in diameter). Macrococci can be distinguished from most species of staphylococci (except Staphylococcus sciuri, Staphylococcus vitulus and Staphylococcus lentus) by thier oxidase activity. The four Macrococcus species can be distinguished from one another on the basis of DNA-DNA hybridization, ribotype pattern types, macrorestriction patterns and their phenotypic properties, including colony morphology, cell morphology, haemolysins, Staphy Latex agglutination, acid production from a variety of carbohydrates, acetoin production, nitrate reduction, aesculin hydrolysis, and DNase and urease activities. The type species is M. equipercicus. The type strains of M. equipercicus, M. caseolyticus, M. bovicus and M. carouselicus are ATTCC 51831T (= DD 9350T) ATCC 13548T (= TDD 4508T) (Schleifer et al. 1982, ATCC 51825T (= DD 4516T) and ATCC 51828T (= DD 9348), respectively.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Remote quantitation server for quality assurance in DNA ploidy analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To remotely test a stepwise framework of quality control measures, developed according to the 1997 European Society of Analytical Cellular Pathology consensus on diagnostic DNA image cytometry, in two series of measurements by means of the quantitation server EUROQUANT. STUDY DESIGN: In each of these series, 104 fine needle aspiration biopsies, imprints from breast cancer specimens and 28 rat liver imprints were measured twice at two different cytometry workstations. Further measurements on special rat liver specimens for evaluation of the stability of the machinery and of the preparation process were done at both workstations. Afterwards the measurement data from both machines were transferred to the quantitation server and analyzed automatically. Beside the classical DNA histograms, a set of further evaluations was performed to detect optical errors as well as inhomogeneities in the measurements. Running values for mean integrated optical density values, mean corrective factors and mean coefficients of variations of corrective factors were computed to control the stability of the entire methodology over time. RESULTS: The study demonstrated the preconditions and outcome of server-based quality control in DNA ploidy analysis. The results show that such a remote analysis is feasible and comparable to local DNA ploidy analysis. It is also demonstrated how quality control tests reflect the process performance of ploidy analysis at its different levels. CONCLUSION: Quality control must be an inherent part of the daily routine to allow a reliable diagnostic interpretation and ensure steadily high product quality.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

A comparative study of two levonorgestrel-containing hormone replacement therapy regimens of efficacy and tolerability variables.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of two sequential hormone replacement regimens differing in the dose of levonorgestrel on climacteric symptoms, bleeding pattern and lipid metabolism in postmenopausal women. STUDY DESIGN: In a multicentre, randomized, double-blind, active-treatment-controlled study, 210 postmenopausal women were assessed at the end of treatment cycles 3 and 6. The high-levonorgestrel group was treated with 2 mg estradiol valerate (days 1-21) sequentially combined with 0.25 mg levonorgestrel (days 12-21). The low-levonorgestrel group received the same estrogen regimen (2 mg estradiol valerate, days 1-21), but levonorgestrel was administered sequentially in a dose of 0.15 mg during the last 12 days of the cycle (days 10-21). Statistical analysis by Student's t-test for dependent variables (measured values versus baseline) and independent variables (differences between groups), and the composite t-test method for comparison of both regimens with respect to efficacy, was performed. RESULTS: Both groups were statistically comparable. The trial was completed by 137 subjects. Protocol violations occurred in 38 cases. Thirty-five subjects dropped out during the study, 21 of them because of adverse events. Both treatments were equally effective in the treatment of climacteric complaints. There were no clinically significant changes in body weight, blood pressure, haematological tests, and parameters of clinical chemistry. There was a tendency towards a reduction in bleeding intensity in both groups in the second half of the treatment period. The treatment for six cycles with both regimens significantly (P < 0.05) decreased plasma concentrations of triglycerides (significant in the low-levonorgestrel group only), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-3-cholesterol, lipoprotein(a) and apolipoprotein A1. In parallel, the serum concentration of total cholesterol increased significantly in both treatment groups, whereas low-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased significantly in the high-levonorgestrel group only. The changes in high-density lipoprotein-2-cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that both sequential combined oral hormone replacement therapy (HRT) regimens were equivalent with respect to efficacy and tolerability in the treatment of women with climacteric complaints. The preparation with the lower dose of progestin showed a tendency towards a less unfavourable influence on the lipid profile.

Cohort Studies↗
PubMed1997

[Sex hormones and antioxidant status].

Physiologically, an influence of sex steroids on the antioxidative capacity can be seen at least as a short-term effect. First of all the steroid effects are due to the estrogen component rather than the progestin component. The antioxidative potential of natural estrogens is several times higher than that of vitamin E. Long-term studies should be performed to verify this in perimenopausal hormone replacement.

Adult↗