PubMed HealthSearch

Biomedical subjects

K Seeger

Publications and source records attributed to K Seeger.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Clinical features and outcome of children with first marrow relapse of acute lymphoblastic leukemia expressing BCR-ABL fusion transcripts. BFM Relapse Study Group.

Although the Philadelphia chromosome (Ph1) has been identified as an adverse prognostic factor in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), little is known about the incidence and clinical course of relapsed Ph1-positive ALL in children. The incidence was determined by screening of 170 consecutive children with first bone marrow relapse of ALL using the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and comparison, with cytogenetic analysis. Among these 170 children, 20 (12%) were found to be BCR-ABL-positive, representing a rate that is about three times higher than that reported for newly diagnosed ALL. Ten of the cases were identified by RT-PCR only. In none of the 21 patients with T-cell immunophenotypes could an expression of the BCR-ABL mRNA be detected. BCR-ABL positivity was associated with a significantly shorter duration of first remission (P = .0086) and higher white blood cell (P = .0157) and blast cell counts (P = .0304) at relapse diagnosis. All patients were treated according to the ALL-REZ BFM 87 and 90 relapse trials of the BFM Relapse Study Group. The intensive multiagent chemotherapy induced a second complete remission in only 60% of children with BCR-ABL-positive ALL compared with in 91% of those without BCR-ABL expression (P = .0023). The prognosis of BCR-ABL-positive ALL in children is poor, with a probability of event-free survival at 2 years of 8% versus 50% in those without BCR-ABL mRNA or cytogenetic analysis should become part of the routine diagnostic panel for children with newly diagnosed ALL and is fundamental for children presenting with an early bone marrow relapse.

Adolescent

TCR delta gene rearrangements in acute myeloid leukemia with T-lymphoid antigen expression.

In this review we present our data concerning T-cell receptor (TCR) delta gene rearrangements in acute myeloid leukemia with coexpression of T-lymphoid features (CD2/CD4/CD7; Ly+ AML). We found a correlation between TCR delta gene rearrangements and coexpression of these T-lymphoid features. Ten of 66 Ly+ AML and only one of 44 AML cases without this coexpression exhibited TCR delta gene rearrangements (p = .028). In contrast, no correlation was observed between terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) expression and the occurrence of TCR delta gene rearrangements in AML. Rearrangements were found in two of 25 AML with and seven of 71 AML cases without TdT expression. Interestingly, nucleotide sequencing of junctional sites revealed up to 36 N-nucleotides in cases without or with only weak TdT expression indicating downregulation of TdT expression after the TCR rearrangement took place. Complete V delta 1J delta 1 and incomplete D delta 2J delta 1 gene rearrangements were observed most frequently in Ly+ AML. These recombination patterns were similar to patterns observed in acute T-lymphoblastic leukemia with coexpression of myeloid features (My+ T-ALL) suggesting transformation of a common myeloid/T-lymphoid progenitor cell in these cases.

Acute Disease

In vitro effect of vegetable and fruit juices on the mutagenicity of 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline, 2-amino-3,4-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline and 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline.

The antimutagenic potencies of the juices of 28 fruits and 34 vegetables commonly consumed in Germany were investigated with respect to the mutagenic activities induced by 2-amino-3-methyl[4,5-f]-quinoline (IQ), and in part by 2-amino-3,4-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline (MeIQ) or 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (MeIQx) in Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100. With IQ, weak to strong antimutagenic activities were found in 68% of the fruits and 73% of the vegetables that were tested. In fruits, strong antimutagenic activities were detected in bananas, blackberries, blueberries, sweet and sour cherries, blackcurrants and redcurrants, pineapple and watermelon. Moderate antimutagenic activities were detected in greengage, kiwi, mangos, honeydew melons and plums. Weak antimutagenic activities were detected in apple, apricot, mirabelle, pears, peaches and strawberries, whereas white and red grapes and raspberries were inactive, and gooseberries and citrus fruits in general possessed marginal or no antimutagenic activities. In vegetables, strong to moderate antimutagenic activities were found for all cruciferous vegetables, except Chinese cabbage, which had only weak antimutagenic activity. Other vegetables with strong antimutagenic activities were beets, chives, horseradish, onions, rhubarb and spinach. Moderate antimutagenic activities were found with green beans and tomatoes, weak activities in eggplant, garden cress, many lettuces, leeks, mangold, cucumber, pumpkin, radish and summer squash. Asparagus, carrots, fennel leaves, parsley, green peppers and radishes were inactive. When fruit and vegetable juices were heated, a considerable reduction of antimutagenic potencies was seen with apple, apricot, kiwi, pineapple, beets, cabbage (Chinese, Savoy, red and white), cauliflower, leafy lettuce, cucumber, onions, radish and rhubarb. Antimutagenic factors in blackberries, blueberries, sweet and sour cherries, honeydew melons, mirabelle, plums, strawberries, Brussels sprouts, chicory greens, eggplant, garden cress, mangold, pumpkin, lamb's lettuce and spinach were, however, remarkably heat stable. Antimutagenic potencies in bananas, blackcurrants and redcurrants, greengages, gooseberries, mangos, watermelon, green beans, kohlrabi, horseradish, tomatoes and chives were partially reduced. Antimutagenic activities in the juices of eight apple cultivars were moderate in two, weak in four, and marginal or absent in two. No major differences, however, were detected in five batches of oranges and three batches each of grapefruits, asparagus, green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach and tomatoes. No (or only minor) differences were seen between IQ, MeIQ and MeIQx and tester strains TA98 and TA100. Pineapple and celeriac juices inhibited the enzymatic system responsible for the activation of IQ, but had no desmutagenic activity. Peroxidase activity found to be present in broccoli, cauliflower, green beans and tomatoes may contribute to antimutagenic activities in these vegetables.

Animals

Rearrangements of T-cell receptor delta, gamma and beta genes in acute myeloid leukemia coexpressing T-lymphoid features.

In order to investigate the role of T-cell receptor (TcR)-delta and TcR-gamma gene rearrangements and/or deletions in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) coexpressing T-cell-associated antigens (i.e. CD2 and/or CD4 and/or CD7), we examined blasts from a selected group of 56 AML cases (25 children, 31 adults) coexpressing either of these antigens without cytoplasmic CD3 expression. Forty-four typical AML cases (7 children, 37 adults) without T-cell associated antigens were further studied as controls. Germline configuration of the TcR-delta gene was observed in 91 out of the total of 100 AML cases investigated. Eight of nine cases with rearranged or deleted TcR-delta genes coexpressed T-cell-associated antigens. Blast cells of 7/9 cases were classified as FAB M1, two as FAB M2. In six of these cases TcR-gamma gene rearrangements were also detected. TcR-delta alterations were predominantly found in children whose blasts coexpressed T-lymphoid associated antigens (6/25, 24%), but were rarely detected in adult AML with or without coexpression of T-cell antigens (2/31 and 0/37, respectively).

Acute Disease

Antibacterial activities in vitro and in vivo and pharmacokinetics of cefquinome (HR 111V), a new broad-spectrum cephalosporin.

Cefquinome is a new injectable aminothiazolyl cephalosporin derivative. It is stable against chromosomally and plasmid-encoded beta-lactamases and has a broad antibacterial spectrum. Staphylococcus aureus, streptococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and members of the family Enterobacteriaceae (Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Klebsiella spp., Enterobacter spp., Citrobacter spp., and Serratia marcescens) are inhibited at low concentrations. Cefquinome is also active against many strains of methicillin-resistant staphylococci and enterococci. Its in vitro activity against gram-negative anaerobes is very limited. The high in vitro activity of cefquinome is reflected by its high in vivo efficacy against experimental septicemia due to different gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. We studied the pharmacokinetic properties of cefquinome in mice, dogs, pigs, and calves. After single parenteral administrations, cefquinome displayed high peak levels, declining with half-lives of about 0.5, 0.9, 1.2, and 1.3 h, respectively. The areas under the concentration-time curve determined for dogs and mice showed linear correlations to the given doses. In dogs the urinary recovery was more than 70% within 24 h of dosing.

Animals

[Therapy of salmonellosis in Macaca arctoides].

Four clinically normal M. arctoides shed Salmonella infantis after the stress of transportation. One animal developed diarrhea and died. After therapy with 30 mg chloramphenicol/kg BW orally for two times eight days, thereafter 10 mg neomycin/kg BW orally for eight days and finally 2 mg gentamicin/kg BW i. m., they still shed S. infantis. Oral application of daily 100 mg ofloxacin (Tarivid) for 10 days and repetition of that same therapy for seven days after one week without therapy terminated salmonellas-shedding. The animals were released from quarantine and transferred into the zoo's monkey house.

Administration, Oral

[Microbiological development studies in a clinically healthy, closed primate colony (Macaca mulatta, Macaca arctoides) after the establishment of a Salmonella infection].

A case of a Salmonella infantis septicemia in a primate (Macaca mulatta) probably induced by shipment stress gave rise to microbiological examination of fecal samples from all animals of a since 1976 closed colony of Macaca mulatta and Macaca arctoides. During 3 investigations carried out in 3 week intervals salmonella-positive animals were separated immediately from the stock. At the first examination 3 of 52, and at the second 2 of 49 samples were found to be salmonella-positive. At the third series all of the remaining 47 animals proved to be salmonella-negative. All isolates were identified as S. infantis. Feeding of contaminated, dried prawns was suspected as the most probable source of infection. A simultaneous examination of 96 of the stool specimens revealed Y. enterocolitica in 4 samples. Additionally, electron-microscopy of pooled fecal samples (3 to 4 animals each) led to demonstration of corona-, adenovirus and small round virus-like particles in one pool each. Moreover, coronavirus-like particles could be detected in 7 of 13 (1st examination series), 5 of 15 (2nd series) and 1 of 13 pools (3rd series).

Animals

Beta-adrenoceptor density and resolution of high and low affinity state on B- and T-cells in asthmatic and non-asthmatic children.

Beta-adrenoceptor binding in lymphocytes of asthmatic and non-asthmatic children and healthy adult volunteers was investigated with the radioligand 125-iodocyanopindolol (ICYP). Binding studies were performed with 4 to 5 different concentrations of ICYP. Receptor density and affinity were calculated by Scatchard plots. Resolution of beta-adrenoceptors into those of high and low affinity state was obtained from inhibition curves with salbutamol using Hofstee plots. Receptor density in B-cell enriched fractions was two to three-fold higher than in T-cells for all patients and volunteers studied (P less than 0.025). No difference in beta-adrenoceptor density on B and T-cells occurred neither in age-matched asthmatic and non-asthmatic children nor in adult volunteers. The affinity of beta-adrenoceptors did not differ for B and T-cells nor for the patients or volunteers studied. However, when two distinct binding states for beta-adrenoceptor agonists were obtained using salbutamol displacement curves it appeared that beta-adrenoceptors on T-cells were at a higher affinity state compared to those on B-cells in asthmatic and non-asthmatic children, as well as in adults. Since the ability of an agonist to activate adenylate cyclase correlates closely with the amount of high affinity receptor state formed in the presence of the agonist, increased intrinsic activity of the beta-adrenoceptor agonist on T-cells may be postulated. In conclusion, age-related control groups and determination of the B/T ratio are necessary for interpretation of beta-adrenoceptor changes in bronchial asthma.

Adolescent

Density and agonist-promoted high and low affinity states of the beta-adrenoceptor on human B- and T-cells.

beta-Adrenoceptor binding on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of healthy adult volunteers was investigated using the radioligand 125iodo-cyanopindolol (ICYP). Saturation binding studies were performed with nine different concentrations of ICYP. Receptor density and affinity were calculated by Scatchard plots. Resolution of beta-adrenoceptors into those with high and low affinity state of the beta-adrenoceptor was obtained from inhibition curves with salbutamol using Hofstee plots. Receptor density on enriched B-cells ('B-cells') was two-fold higher than on enriched T-cells ('T-cells') (P less than 0.025). Affinity (KD values) of beta-adrenoceptors did not differ for B- and T-cells. However, when two distinct binding states for beta-adrenoceptor agonists were identified using salbutamol displacement curves, beta-adrenoceptors on T-cells presented more receptors in a high affinity state than those on B-cells (P less than 0.01). Since the ability of an agonist to activate adenylate cyclase is closely correlated with the ratio of low to high affinity states formed in the presence of the agonist, increased intrinsic activity for the beta-adrenoceptor agonist on T-cells may be postulated. In conclusion, determination of the B/T ratio is a prerequisite for interpretation of beta-adrenoceptor changes on peripheral lymphocytes in various diseases.

Adolescent

[Is a repeat treatment of antibiotic therapy necessary?].

Interrelations between host, bacterium and antibiotic compound in antibiotic therapy of bacterial infections are analysed. Some methods for the evaluation of antibacterial activity of antibiotics in vitro are described and their limits, in particular of the widely used MIC tests, are demonstrated. Data from trials comparing antibiotic applications once and twice a day as well as discussions in chemotherapy, concerning the applicability of in vitro results to therapy, are used to try to find practicable guidelines for the repetition of antibiotic therapy.

Animals

Dose linearity and other pharmacokinetics of cefodizime after single-dose intravenous administration.

Pharmacokinetics of cefodizime, a broad-spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic, were determined after intravenous (IV) administration of single doses of 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 gm to 12 healthy male volunteers in an open study. In a separate pilot study, data were obtained after IV administration of 0.5 gm of cefodizime to six healthy male volunteers. Determinations of cefodizime in serum and urine using a microbiological assay agreed with determinations using high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), which specifically measures the unchanged drug. Active metabolites of cefodizime were not detected. After IV administration of 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 gm of cefodizime, initial mean serum concentrations were 215, 322, and 394 mg/L, respectively (HPLC determinations). A linear response to dosage was shown (coefficient of correlation r = .89), as was the case for area under the serum concentration-time curve to infinity, AUC infinity (r = .82), and 48-hour urinary recovery of cefodizime (r = .94). In all cases, the corresponding values obtained after the 0.5-gm dose showed that the linearity extended to this dose. The kinetics of single-dose administration of cefodizime corresponded to a two-compartment open model with an apparent steady-state volume of distribution of about 40 L. Volume of distribution, terminal elimination half-life, serum and renal clearance, and percent urinary recovery were not dose dependent. Cefodizime combined a long terminal elimination half-life (mean, 2.5 hours) with a high urinary recovery (80%). After IV administration of cefodizime, urinary concentrations of the unchanged drug remained above 5 micrograms/ml for at least 24 hours after drug administration and were dose dependent. Mean values for the 1.0-gm and 2.0-gm doses were, respectively, approximately 12 mg/L and 30 mg/L, several times the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC90) for most clinically relevant bacteria. These results suggest that once- or twice-daily IV dosing with cefodizime (depending on the dose regimen) would be suitable for clinical use. The drug was safe and well tolerated.

Adult

Cefodizime, an aminothiazolylcephalosporin. I. In vitro activity.

Cefodizime possesses a broad antibacterial spectrum including staphylococci, streptococci and Enterobacteriaceae. Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Haemophilus influenzae are also highly susceptible to cefodizime. Because of its beta-lactamase stability cefodizime is active against bacterial strains producing especially plasmid-coded enzymes. The MICs of cefodizime are slightly higher than those of cefotaxime, but with most Gram-negative bacteria they are lower than those of cefazolin, cefotiam and piperacillin. The in vitro activity of cefodizime is not dependent on inoculum size, or on the pH and composition of the test medium. Cefodizime did not induce in vitro resistance of Staphylococcus aureus or Escherichia coli. Because of its binding properties to PBPs 1A/B and 3, cefodizime leads to filamentation of Gram-negative rods and, at only slightly higher concentrations, to bacteriolysis.

Bacterial Proteins