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N Becker

Publications and source records attributed to N Becker.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1998

[Pain epidemiology and health-related quality of life in patients with chronic non-malignant pain].

This paper presents the results of a detailed study of the pain epidemiology and health related quality of life (HRQL) in 150 chronic non-malignant pain patients referred to a Danish multidisciplinary pain centre. Mean pain intensity was 71.6 (SD 18.5) on the VAS scale. HRQL was evaluated using the questionnaires: SF-36, HAD and PGWB. Compared with the normal population (NP) both physical, psychological and social well-being was severely reduced, and 58% were found to have a depressive or anxiety disorder. Sixty-three percent of the patients had neurogenic pain conditions. Of these, only 25% were treated with antidepressants or anticonvulsants. At referral 73% were treated with opioids. Mean opioid consumption was 64 mg of morphine per day. Patients had used the health care system five times more often than the NP (p < 0.001). The study showed that HRQL of chronic non-malignant pain patients is among the lowest observed for any medical condition.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Cancer mortality and prevention in the European Union.

In the European Union (EU), approximately one in four people dies from cancer (27% of men and 21% of women) and one in three contracts the disease. In recent years, however, trends in cancer mortality appear to have changed, at least in some European countries. Standardized mortality rates among men have declined since the late 1980s or early 1990s. Among women, a continuous decrease in mortality has been observed over some decades. Nevertheless, due to population increase in the EU and the ageing population, the increase in the absolute numbers of new cancer cases continues. Lifestyle plays a crucial role in the aetiology of cancer and, because it is at least a principally modifiable determinant, we can assume that cancer could be avoided to a considerable extent via primary prevention.

Cause of Death↗
PubMed1998

Potency of products based on Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis: interlaboratory variations.

Six quality-control laboratories in 4 countries independently bioassayed aliquots of a flowable formulation of Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (B.t.i.) against the international standard powder IPS-82. All laboratories substantially followed World Health Organization or U.S. Department of Agriculture standard protocols. Significant differences were found in resulting potency values between laboratories. Factors that may have influenced results, such as age, stage, and strain of larvae used, amount and type of food provided to larvae, and processing of samples were examined. Use of different rearing temperatures, different strains of Aedes aegypti L., or late 3rd instars vs. the recommended early 4th instars did not explain the inconsistencies. The slope of the dose-response curve of the IPS-82 powder was influenced by particle size, which varied with the nature and duration of sample homogenization. Laboratories using low-intensity processing obtained a greater slope in the dose-response curve for the flowable product than for the powder standard. The type and quantity of food provided to larvae affected susceptibility. Larvae fed an excess of protein-rich food became 4th instars in 3 days and were less susceptible to B.t.i. than those fed smaller quantities of carbohydrate-rich food that became 4th instars in 5-7 days. Overall, deviations from standard protocols with regard to larval stage, holding temperature, and lighting regime may not be as important as differences in sample processing and pretest rearing conditions. The need to improve standardization in these areas, which are not clearly specified in current protocols, is discussed.

Aedes↗
PubMed1997

Improved outcome of young children on nightly automated peritoneal dialysis.

We reviewed our center's experience with nightly automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) as maintenance renal replacement therapy (RRT) for infants and children under the age of 5 years and compared it with national dialysis and transplant data. A retrospective chart review of 19 consecutive patients with the onset of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) before 5 years of age (mean = 1.8 years) between June 1988 and June 1994 was performed. All patients received nightly APD, supplemental feedings, calcitriol, erythropoietin, and 10 of 19 were on growth hormone (rhGH) therapy. The growth of our patients was maintained or improved during the study period, with the 10 of 19 on rhGH gaining a mean of one standard deviation in height when followed for 2 years. Our school-age children were all in age-appropriate classes. There were no deaths in our group; the incidence of peritonitis was lower than in national data. We conclude that APD is a realistic option for the treatment of ESRD in the 0- to 5-year-old child. Because of the improved graft and patient survival in older children, APD in a specialized center might be the RRT of choice in this age group, allowing good growth and development while maximizing the chances of an eventual and successful renal transplant.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed1997

Follow-up study among model and pattern makers in a German automobile company. Results of a second follow-up.

An historical follow-up study of 528 model makers in a German automobile company found an unusual pattern of mortality among these workers that included an increased risk of total cancer and tumors of the stomach, genitourinary organs, and the brain (Becker et al, 1992). Because of small numbers of cases and problems with the validity of causes of death, we carried out a second follow-up using data from the official mortality statistics and extending the observation period by five years. The new results did not confirm the previous observations of an increased risk of total cancer, cancer of the genitourinary organs, and tumors of the brain but confirmed indications of an increased risk of stomach cancer and suggested for the first time that there may be an increased risk of cancer of the intestine. Though the small numbers of cases did not allow statistical confirmation of these findings, they are consistent with the results of other studies recently conducted in the United States and published in this journal.

Automobiles↗
PubMed1997

Dispersal behavior of adult snow melt mosquitoes in the Upper Rhine Valley, Germany.

The dispersal behavior of female snow melt mosquitoes was studied in two forests in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, from April to August 1993. Both CDC-light-traps and human bait collections were used to collect mosquitoes. Sampling sites were chosen along a west-east and a north-south transect in treated and untreated parts of a forest with a village in its center. Around this settlement, breeding sites within a radius of 1.5 to 2.5 km were treated. It could be shown that this buffer zone is sufficient to prevent a nuisance caused by snow melt mosquitoes in the village. The results lead to the conclusion that snow melt mosquitoes do not regularly migrate over large distances but stay near their breeding sites. In a detailed study of the behavior of Aedes rusticus, it could be observed that these mosquitoes were resting in the interior of the forest during daytime and leaving it with increasing dusk up to 50 m from the forest edge. A comparison of landing rate counts near a row of trees and in the open field showed higher activity near the row of trees indicating visual orientation of the mosquitoes. Although the Ae. rusticus females left the forest regularly, no nuisance occurred in nearby villages. The treatment of breeding sites near settlements appeared to be sufficient to prevent a nuisance caused by the snow melt mosquitoes.

Aedes↗
PubMed1997

Culicidae (Diptera) in the diet of predatory stages of anurans (Amphibia) in humid biotopes of the Rhine Valley in Germany.

A three-year field study was conducted during 1993 to 1995 to determine the importance of mosquitoes in the diet of anurans. The study was aimed to assess the impact of biological mosquito control on the populations of amphibia in the Rhine Valley, Germany. Sampling took place in two areas with stands of different deciduous trees at the western bank of the Rhine (north of Karlsruhe, Germany) from early May to late October. The frequency and species composition of the terrestrial stages of Amphibia was monitored by hand catches and by live pitfall trapping. A total of 2,419 Amphibia were caught in the three years. Of these, 95.8% were anurans, consisting of 77% Ranidae, with 25.5% Rana arvalis, and 4.2% were Urodela, Salamandridae. All anura caught were subjected to "stomach flushing" to yield their stomach contents before they were released again. The stomachs of 2,163 anuran specimens contained an average of 7.7 prey items, of which only 0.16% were Culicidae. In R. arvalis the total diet consisted of 33% Collembola, spiders and beetles; 0.1% of the specimens in the diet were Culicidae. The most common culicid species in the study area, Aedes vexans, was also most often found in the anuran stomachs. However, no correlation existed between the number of mosquitoes and their number as prey of Anura. It is concluded that anurans will not be negatively affected by biological mosquito control in the Rhine Valley. Furthermore, the impact of anurans on Culicidae seems to be negligible.

Aedes↗
PubMed1997

International indoor and outdoor evaluation of Bacillus sphaericus products: complexity of standardizing outdoor protocols.

Only one Bacillus sphaericus strain, strain 2362, is currently used commercially to control Culex larval populations. A reliable methodology, easily used, was developed to identify new strains for field application. Larvicidal activities of 3 highly mosquitocidal strains, strains C3-41, Mal, and LB24, previously selected in the laboratory, were compared with that of strain 2362 in tropical and European countries. The following steps were performed: production and titration of acetonic powders from these 4 strains on local Culex species, survey of initial and residual activity under standardized indoor and outdoor conditions, and evaluation of the efficacy of liquid formulations of the 4 strains in natural breeding sites of Culex. In indoor conditions, strain C3-41 showed the highest activity on both Culex pipiens and Culex quinquefasciatus; strain Mal was the least active. The residual activity causing 80% mortality differed from 20 to 90 days according to the strains and the country. Outdoor experiments with powders (0.02-1.6 mg/liter) were performed and the initial toxicities were similar in all cases. Residual activities were very different, from 6 to 95 days posttreatment. Liquid formulations were applied to larval habitats (from 0.1 to 10 g/m2). In tropical countries, larval recolonization in cesspits or ponds occurred after 10-35 days. In Europe, higher doses were needed in polluted water than in clear water (from 3 to 10 liter/ha) for the same control, and the time before 80% residual activity was reached was less than 9-12 days. However, in cesspits, residual activity could be observed for 12 days to 5 mo. A strain 3-5 times more active than the others in bioassays is not significantly detectable from those strains in field trials.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Epidemiologic investigation of serum levels of the soluble forms of CD25, CD54 and CD58, and T cell responsiveness after stimulation via the CD2-dependent pathway in a random sample of the general population.

A sero-epidemiologic correlation study on immune parameters which would correlate with the frequency of common colds (FCC) had been conducted in 1992. There, an inverse relationship between circulating adhesion molecules CD54 and CD58 and FCC was found. Eighteen months later we performed an analogous assessment in order to verify the previous findings and to carry out additional experiments including in vitro proliferative responses of T cells and their production of various cytokines (IFN-gamma, IL-2, IL-6 and IL-10). The additional examinations showed that individuals with frequent common colds exert a higher T cell proliferation and higher production of cytokines than persons which experience never or few common cold infections. These findings could be confirmed statistically. Taken together, the results suggest consistently in individuals with frequent common colds an association with low serum levels of the immunosuppressive soluble adhesion molecules sCD54 and sCD58, high proliferation of unstimulated and stimulated T cells and secretion of higher concentrations of cytokines (IFN-gamma, IL-2, IL-6 and IL-10) into the cell culture supernatants.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1995

Characterisation of the Sek-1 receptor tyrosine kinase.

We present an initial characterisation of the mouse Sek-1 protein, a member of the Eph subfamily of putative receptor tyrosine kinases, which has been proposed to play a role in the segmentation of both the hindbrain and the mesoderm. Antibodies raised against the protein have been used to confirm the early embryonic expression pattern previously established by mRNA in situ hybridisation. These antibodies, together with the expression of the Sek-1 gene in a baculovirus system, were instrumental in demonstrating that the protein carries a tyrosine kinase activity and that it is presented at the cell surface with its N-terminal (putative ligand-binding) domain outside of the cell. Therefore, as expected from its amino acid sequence, Sek-1 conforms to the general model of receptor-type tyrosine kinases.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

The potential for malaria control with the biological larvicide Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) in Peru and Ecuador.

A study on the efficacy of Bti spraying in mosquito breeding places was undertaken in the Pacific coast of Peru and Ecuador and in the Amazon area of Peru. It was shown that Bti is a powerful larvicide for Anopheles larvae, although it sinks quickly, whereas Anopheles larvae feed at the water surface. The duration of its effect was less than 7 days with the exception of the Amazon area of Peru, where it was approximately 10 days. In two study areas, Bti was sprayed weekly over periods of 10 and 7 weeks, respectively, and the adult mosquito densities were monitored. The Anopheles adult density (bites per person per hour on human baits) was reduced by an average of 70% in one area and by up to 50% in the other. This means that Bti spraying can potentially be an important component of a modified malaria control strategy.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Congenital nephropathies and uropathies.

Although congenital nephropathies and uropathies only represent a fraction of possible genitourinary diseases detected during childhood, they have serious and sometimes avoidable morbidity and mortality. Advances in genetic, molecular, and cellular biology research continue to better define embryologic insults to normal organogenesis and offer the promise that many of these conditions might be avoided in the future. For now, awareness of these entities and their varied presentations and manifestations is crucial so that prompt evaluation and aggressive multidisciplinary management assures the affected child optimal growth and development.

Humans↗
PubMed1995

Comparison of carbon dioxide, octenol and a host-odour as mosquito attractants in the Upper Rhine Valley, Germany.

Field studies were conducted in the Upper Rhine Valley to determine the responses of mosquitoes to CDC traps baited with either CO2, octenol, light or paired combinations of these. Among eight mosquito species caught, the attractant effect on trap catches was studied in the four most abundant: Aedes vexans, Ae.rossicus, Ae.cinereus and Culex pipiens. Traps baited only with light or octenol caught few mosquitoes, whereas many were caught by traps baited with CO2 alone or in combination with either of the other candidate attractants. CO2 baited traps, with or without light, caught the most Aedes. The combination of CO2 and octenol attracted most Cx pipiens, but this apparent synergy was not significant. Using a caged hamster compared to CO2 as bait in a CDC light-trap with only intermittent fan suction, the hamster attracted less mosquitoes than CO2 emitted at a rate of 225 g/h on days 1 and 2, whereas on days 3 and 4 the smell from the hamster's cage became significantly more attractive than this rate of CO2 for all species of mosquitoes.

Aedes↗
PubMed1995

Effects of mellow and frenetic music and stimulating and relaxing scents on walking by seniors.

Previous research has yielded an inconclusive picture of the effects of music and scent on walking. Few laboratory studies have detected a beneficial effect of music; olfactory research has shown performance is positively affected for repetitive tasks but not yet on walking. The influence of these two types of stimuli in efficiency of exercise among seniors was assessed by measuring distance walked on an indoor course. Using a 3 x 3 factorial design [mellow music in 4:4 time, frenetic music in 2:8 time, and white noise by stimulating, relaxing, and control scent conditions], each of 20 volunteers from a senior center received nine randomized, 90-sec. exercise trials. Walking distance was reduced by mellow music but unaffected by stimulating music; there was no effect of scent.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

Dependence of CO2-baited suction trap captures on temperature variations.

In order to provide better standardized CO2-baited trap samples, the relationship between sample size and evening temperatures was studied. Adult mosquitoes were collected for 3 h centered on sunset by an automatic interval suction trap baited with CO2 in the Upper Rhine Valley, Germany. Aedes vexans females were most abundant, and their blood-seeking activity showed a significant correlation with the evening's average temperature (r = 0.76, P < or = 0.05). A higher degree of correlation was obtained when the number of specimens caught was related to temperature indices (r = 0.93-0.98, P < or = 0.01). A regression equation indicates the lower temperature threshold for Aedes vexans was between 9 and 10 degrees C. For each degree of increase in the average temperature index, it was estimated that a 5.5% greater number of mosquitoes would be trapped. An upper temperature threshold for this species was not observed at average temperatures < or = 23 degrees C. A relationship between catches of Aedes rossicus and Aedes cinereus and temperatures recorded at the site during the study was not found.

Aedes↗