PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

P Ziegler

Publications and source records attributed to P Ziegler.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2004

Predictors of children's body mass index: a longitudinal study of diet and growth in children aged 2-8 y.

OBJECTIVE: To identify longitudinal variables related to children's body mass index (BMI) (kg/m(2)) at age 8 y. DESIGN: A longitudinal design, with nine interviews per child from ages 2 to 8 y. SUBJECTS: In all, 70 white children (37 males, 33 females) who were continuous participants since infancy in the longitudinal study. Families were primarily middle and upper socioeconomic status. MEASUREMENTS: At each interview, children's height and weight were measured, and mothers provided 3 days of the child's intake data (a 24-h recall and 2 days of food records). ANALYSES: Analyses used were means+/-s.d., correlations, repeated measures analysis of variance, and forward stepwise regression. BMI at each interview was calculated and age of adiposity rebound was determined. RESULTS: Children's BMI at 8 y was negatively predicted by age of adiposity rebound and positively predicted by their BMI at 2 y. Additionally, each model included one longitudinal dietary variable; mean protein and fat intakes recorded between 2 and 8 y were positive predictors of BMI at 8 y; mean carbohydrate intake over the same time period was negatively related to BMI at 8 y. R(2) values indicated that these three-variable models predicted 41-43% of the variability in BMI among children. BMI of 23% of the children exceeded the 85th CDC percentile. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that factors in early life are associated with children's BMI at age 8 y.

Body Height↗
PubMed2001

Energy and macronutrient intakes of elite figure skaters.

OBJECTIVES: Dietary guidelines for athletes emphasize complex carbohydrates. This study examined dietary intakes of elite figure skaters relative to current recommendations in sports nutrition. PARTICIPANTS: Subjects were male (n=80) and female (n=81) figure skaters taking part in a series of training camps held in Colorado between 1988 and 1995. Mean age was 18 years for men and 16 years for women. DESIGN: Measures of height, weight, and skinfold thickness were used to calculate body mass index and percent body fat. Blood samples were drawn for analysis of nutritional status. Energy and nutrient intakes were based on 3-day food records. STATISTICAL ANALYSES: Multivariate regression model and correlation analyses used the SPSS for Windows program. RESULTS: Values of body mass index and percent body fat were similar to those obtained for elite athletes in other studies. Plasma chemistries were in the normal range. Energy intakes (2,329 kcal/day for men and 1,545 kcal/day for women) were below recommended values for sex and age. The skaters derived approximately 50% of their daily energy from sugars and fat. Sugars alone accounted for 25% of daily energy intakes--the skaters consumed between 100 g (women) and 142 g of sugars per day. Sugar and fat intakes, when expressed as percent of daily energy, were inversely linked, providing evidence of a fat-sugar seesaw. Higher-energy diets were higher in fat but lower in carbohydrate and protein. APPLICATIONS: High consumption of sugars and fat by elite athletes was not associated with overweight or excess body fat. Although recommended diets are usually built around complex carbohydrates, dietetics professionals can address the increased energy needs of elite athletes by recommending energy-dense foods. Sugars and fats are efficient sources of energy per unit volume.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

[Intermediate-term complications and problems after endovascular aortic stent prostheses].

From August 1994 to December 1998 321 patients were treated with endovascular stentgrafts for aortic aneurysm exclusion in our hospital. Primary exclusion rate was 91% (primary leakage 8.7%) and hospital mortality was 3.7%. 6 different types of grafts were used, 5 of them commercially available. Midterm complications are due to configuration changes of the grafts, material deterioration, side branch reperfusion and changes in aortic morphology. The common pattern of clinical expression of these complications is secondary leakage (60 cases) and graft limb occlusion (37 occurrences in 30 patients). 50% of the secondary endoleaks have been treated up to now leaving the remaining patients under a thorough follow-up. Graft limb thrombosis was treated in all but three, well compensated, patients. Midterm results of the first commercially available endografts are not yet satisfying in contrast to conventional aortic repair. The recently available grafts are promising as they have a better kink resistance, no graft sutures and fewer modular components.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

The nuclear localization signal (NLS) of PDX-1 is part of the homeodomain and represents a novel type of NLS.

The beta-cell homeodomain transcription factor PDX-1 has vital functions both in controlling the expression of pancreatic polypeptide hormones and in the development of the pancreas. The transactivating and DNA-binding properties of PDX-1 have been well characterized, but nuclear transport is still undefined. Here we show that PDX-1 bears a nuclear localization signal (NLS) that is part of helix 3 of the homeodomain. PDX-1 deletion mutants were tagged with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and expressed in COS-7 cells. Subcellular localization of the respective PDX-1-EGFP fusion proteins was analyzed by direct fluorescence microscopy and Western immunoblotting using an anti-(GFP). As a result we were able to demonstrate that the homeodomain or helix 3 alone was sufficient and necessary for transport into the nucleus. Point mutations of basic amino acid residues within helix 3 led to identification of an NLS with six amino acids being crucial for nuclear transport of PDX-1. Because this NLS does not match known examples of NLSs, the PDX-1 NLS may represent a novel class of NLS.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1998

Eating attitudes and energy intakes of female skaters.

PURPOSE: This study examined potential links between dietary intakes, body fatness, menstrual status, and hematological and serum iron status in 21 competitive female figure skaters aged 11-16 yr. METHODS: Attitudes toward dieting were assessed using the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT). Dietary intakes were based on 3-d food records. Percent body fat was calculated using measures of triceps, subscapular, suprailiac, pectoral, axillary, abdominal, and thigh skinfold measures. Blood iron status was measured using hematocrit (Hct), hemoglobin (Hgb), total iron binding capacity (TIBC), and serum iron. Menstrual status was based on a self-report questionnaire. RESULTS: Body weights and estimated energy intakes were all within normal range for this age group. Higher EAT scores were associated with lower micronutrient, but not lower energy intakes. Menstrual status and iron status were normal. No significant correlations between measures of body fatness, menstrual status, and hematological or serum iron status were observed. CONCLUSION: Although the measured indices of nutritional status were normal, adolescent athletes have higher energy needs than does the general population. Depending on energy expenditure levels, energy and nutrition intakes in the low normal range may put some athletes at risk for undernutrition.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Three-year experience with modular stent-graft devices for endovascular AAA treatment.

PURPOSE: To evaluate feasibility and present early results of endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) exclusion using modular stent-grafts. METHODS: In a 3-year period ending July 1997, 201 patients were treated with self-expanding stent-grafts for AAAs with infrarenal necks > or = 10 to 15 mm long and < or = 32 mm wide; subtotal mural thrombus, calcification, and even angulation to some extent were acceptable, as were iliac arteries up to 18 mm wide. The patients were treated with either the Stentor/Vanguard device (178 cases) or the Talent endograft (23 cases). Follow-up on all patients was conducted at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. RESULTS: The technical aneurysm exclusion rate was 89% (178/201). There were 18 primary endoleaks (9.0%; 2 proximal, 16 distal), 4 (2.0%) conversions to open surgery, and 1 (0.5%) failure to deploy the graft. Seven (3.5%) patients died in the perioperative period, 5 due to multiorgan failure early in the series and two of hemorrhagic complications. Five (2.5%) renal artery occlusions were encountered; in one case, the graft was removed after 3 weeks. Nineteen late endoleaks were found in follow-up, related primarily to the iliac limb graft extensions of the Stentor device, graft material problems, or unknown causes. To date, 10 primary and 13 secondary endoleaks have been treated endovascularly. Twenty (10.0%) graft-limb thromboses were treated either by thrombolysis, thrombectomy, or a femorofemoral bypass. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular grafting is technically feasible and becomes easier with improvements of the introducer systems and the grafts. The seemingly high complication rate in this series is due to the liberal patient selection criteria.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

[3 years experience with endovascular stent prostheses in aortic aneurysm].

Since August 1994 we changed our concept of the treatment of infrarenal aortic aneurysms at the Surgical Department of the Städtische Kliniken Frankfurt Höchst. All patients morphologically suitable for endovascular aortic stenting were offered the new device. From the technical point of view stentgraft implantation is safe and its feasibility has been proven. The primary success rate was 88%. Perioperative mortality was 3.6%, primary leakage (10%) During follow-up thrombotic stentgraft occlusion (10%), renal artery closure (2%) and secondary leakage (10%) revealed a major problem. Most complications, however, could be treated interventionally without harm for the patient. We conclude form our results that good selection is the main key to avoid complications in the early phase of endovascular grafting.

Aged↗
PubMed1996

[Difficulties and complications in transfemoral implantation of stent prostheses in infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms].

Between August 31st, 1994 and January 31st 1996, 69 patients received transfemoral application of stentgrafts for treatment of AAA. Only 10 patients received tube grafts in contrast to 59 bifurcated grafts, which were assembled within the aortic lumen. All aneurysms were symptomatic, growing or sacciform. Risk factors seemed to be aggravated in comparison to conventional operations. 59 operations were technically successful, three were converted to open laparotomy, because of technical malfunction twice and misplacement once. 5 postoperative deaths occurred from multiorgan failure. 7 patients were discharged with primary persisting leakage. All patients exhibited reactions to the stentgraft deployment, which mainly referred to the clotting system and/or arterial pressure. Postoperatively nearly all patients presented a "post-implantation syndrome" over days up to 4 weeks. The observed difficulties and complications can be attributed in part to a "learning curve", in part to difficult anatomic situations, which we included in our series. During follow up at 3, 6 and 12 months 7 secondary leakages were observed, three times because of a documented desintegration, once because of suspected beginning desintegration at a stent-graft junction, and three times because of possible failure of graft material. The leakages could be repaired by interventional procedures.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

Investigating groundwater pollution from different sources with combined biological and chemical methods.

This paper reviews groundwater pollution caused by the disposal of untreated effluents of a dye factory located 20 km to the west of Nicosia (Cyprus). The task of the work was to investigate the nature of the pollution and differentiate it from other possible pollution sources in the area. It focused on toxicity testing and biofractionation in order to address the most toxic pollutants and, on the evaluation of GC/FID profiles for investigating the connection between groundwater pollution and the effluents. This connection was successful due to a multiple comparison amongst the GC/FID profiles resulting from the polluted groundwater, the water from the reference areas and the dye effluents.

Coloring Agents↗
PubMed1994

Quantitative EEG analysis in early onset Alzheimer's disease: correlations with severity, clinical characteristics, visual EEG and CCT.

We report EEG findings in 15 presenile Alzheimer patients (probable Alzheimer's disease according to NINCDS-ADRDA criteria) in relation to clinical characteristics. The quantitative EEG was analysed in terms of absolute band power while accounting for EOG and EMG artifacts, respectively. The degree of dementia is strongly reflected by an increase of power in the delta frequency band, accentuated on the left hemisphere, as well as decrease of alpha activity. Longer duration of disease is associated with a decrease of power in the alpha frequency band, earlier age at onset with an additional increase of power in the theta frequency band. Visual EEG evaluation correlates highly with the degree of dementia, in contrast to visually assessed CCT.

Age of Onset↗
PubMed1993

Quantitative EEG analysis in early onset Alzheimer's disease: a controlled study.

We report EEG findings in 15 presenile Alzheimer patients (probable Alzheimer's disease according to NINCDS-ADRDA criteria) and 15 age-matched controls. The quantitative EEG was analysed with respect to absolute power for each frequency band at each location accounting for EOG and EMG artifacts respectively. Compared to controls patients showed an increase of power in the slow frequency bands delta and theta which occurred quite uniformly over the different brain regions. In contrast, the decrease of the power of the fast frequency bands alpha 2, beta 1 and beta 2 was accentuated over temporo-parietal regions. In the fast bands patients had a rather flat topographic power profile. The alpha activity was on the average still of a rhythmic nature but the peak frequency was slowed. Differences in slow and fast frequency bands were more pronounced on the left hemisphere.

Aged↗
PubMed1992

Hypofrontality on topographic EEG in schizophrenia. Correlations with neuropsychological and psychopathological parameters.

Topographic EEG was performed in 17 DSM-III-R schizophrenic patients and in 15 sex- and age-matched healthy controls. Eleven patients were first-onset (neuroleptic naive) schizophrenics. EEG band power was compared with psychopathology, neuropsychology and neurological soft signs. The EEG was recorded at 14 topographic locations monopolarly and movements of the eye and of the lid were monitored by two bipolar electro-oculogram (EOG) derivations, one vertical and one horizontal. A multivariate correction of EOG artefacts was performed based on regression analysis with respect to EOG channels. Schizophrenic patients showed higher mean and median power in most bands. These differences were marked in the delta band, in the fast alpha and beta bands, in particular at left frontal sites. Delta power at F7 was by far the best separating variable between schizophrenics and controls in a discriminant analysis. Significant positive correlations were found between the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale scores "Anxiety-depression" and "Activation" and power in the fast bands and negative ones between "Anergia" and the beta bands. Positive significant correlations emerged between the total score in the Negative Symptoms Rating Scale and the amount of delta power, predominantly over the temporal region. Impairment in the Luria-Nebraska neuropsychological scores "Rhythm" and "Memory" correlated highly significantly with EEG band power. No correlations were found between neurological soft signs and EEG band power. Our results are in line with the hypothesis of a hypofrontality in schizophrenia. It is unlikely that these findings are an artefact of prior psychiatric treatment, as they were also observed in first-onset, neuroleptic naive schizophrenics.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1992

The deleterious effect of ocular artefacts on the quantitative EEG, and a remedy.

The effect of ocular artefacts on spectral EEG parameters is assessed statistically. These artefacts are caused by movements of the eyeball and/or of the lid. Further, methods for correcting ocular artefacts are presented and evaluated. This methodological study is based on data from an investigation comparing the EEG of schizophrenic patients (n = 17) with healthy controls (n = 15). Ocular artefacts are monitored by the bipolar vertical and the bipolar horizontal electro-oculogram (EOG). It is shown that the influence of ocular artefacts on the measured electrical activity in the frontal region is larger than the cerebral potentials which the EEG is ideally intended to record. The more frequent occurrence of blinks and eye movements in schizophrenic patients may lead to an artificial enhancement of slow frequency EEG power for schizophrenics and eventually "false significances". In contrast to this, we found more significant group differences when correcting for EOG artefacts than without it. This can be attributed to a very much inflated sample variability of the uncorrected EEG, due to the individually varying EOG power. We conclude that it may not be sufficient to select visually epochs for analysis that are considered artefact-free. Rather, one should monitor EOG artefacts and apply an appropriate correction.

Artifacts↗
PubMed1992

Spontaneous pneumothorax in small cell lung cancer.

Two patients with extensive small cell lung cancer developed unilateral, spontaneous pneumothoraces while receiving chemotherapy. Both pneumothoraces wee asymptomatic, required no special procedure, and resolved with continued chemotherapy. Development of spontaneous pneumothorax during chemotherapy in patients with known small cell lung cancer may represent a response to treatment.

Aged↗
PubMed1992

[Regional survey of the vaccination rate of 5th grade students exemplified by a rural district in Bavaria].

It was the purpose of this investigation to get a survey of the vaccination rate of eleven-to-twelve-year old pupils in a rural district of Bavaria. We could get the facts by checking the international certificates of vaccination during the medical examination of children in the fifth class of primary schools. The results show that the vaccination rate against polio and tetanus was sufficient, incomplete against diphtheria and insufficient against German measles, mumps and measles. Due to the good cooperation with the primary schools we could get the facts by studying thoroughly 75% of the pupil's certificates of vaccination. A regional survey is a good and inexpensive way of obtaining information on the vaccination rate and it is the last opportunity to achieve a systematic survey of the vaccination rate of children of a certain age. The sero-conversion rate cannot be judged by such a regional survey of the vaccination rate.

Child↗