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Biomedical subjects

R Kretschmer

Publications and source records attributed to R Kretschmer.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Serum leptin and C-reactive protein levels in the physiological spontaneous menstrual cycle in reproductive age women.

OBJECTIVE: Only a few studies have investigated variations of different markers for inflammatory processes during the physiological menstrual cycle. The results are conflicting, particularly concerning the correlation between the marker leptin and steroid hormones. The aim of the study was to investigate the inflammatory markers C-reactive protein (CRP) and leptin in the serum of healthy, normally ovulating women and to correlate these with each other and with the hormones of the gonadal axis. A cycle-dependence of the markers studied would imply an exact timing of the blood sampling for clinical needs. DESIGN: Observational study investigating the two inflammatory markers CRP and leptin in relation to the hormonal pattern of the gonadal axis during the normal cycle. METHODS: Ovulatory cycles of 36 healthy, young, normo-androgenic women, having a normal body mass index were evaluated. Serum concentrations of leptin and CRP, as well as of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, 17beta-oestradiol, progesterone, prolactin (PRL) and free testosterone were measured every 1-2 days during one full cycle. RESULTS: Serum levels of leptin and CRP behaved differently during ovulatory cycles, with higher concentrations for leptin only during certain phases. Significant correlations were found in the follicular phase between leptin and PRL and leptin and free testosterone. CONCLUSIONS: Leptin levels change during the menstrual cycle. Leptin levels are more stable on cycle days 1-5 than later in the cycle. For precise cycle-independent measurements, these fluctuations have to be taken into account. There is no similar cyclic pattern for CRP.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Could the homologous sequence of anti-inflammatory pentapeptide (MLIF) produced by Entamoeba histolytica in the N protein of rabies virus affect the inflammatory process?

Amebiasis and rabies are public health problems, and they have in common a poor inflammatory effect in the target organs that they affect. In the GenBank, it was found that the anti-inflammatory peptide monocyte locomotion inhibitory factor (MLIF) produced by Entamoeba histolytica homologates 80%, with a fragment of the N protein of the rabies virus. We speculated if the N protein could contribute to the scant inflammatory reaction produced by rabies virus in central nervous system. The N protein was obtained and studied in vitro and in vivo. The N protein, as MLIF, inhibited the respiratory burst in human mononuclear phagocytes (43%, p<0.05), but in contrast to MLIF, it increased chemotaxis and it did not significantly inhibit delayed hypersensitivity skin reaction to 1-chloro-2-4-dinitrobenzene in guinea pigs. Therefore, the full peptide sequence has to be present or it has to be cleaved-free from the large recombinant N protein molecule (55 kDa) to become active.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Concentrations of leptin and C-reactive protein in serum and follicular fluid during assisted reproductive cycles.

BACKGROUND: There are only a few studies that have investigated inflammatory processes during ovarian hyperstimulation, with contradictory results especially concerning outcome. The aim of the study was to investigate the inflammatory markers C-reactive protein and leptin in serum and follicular fluid and to correlate these with the outcome. METHODS: One hundred and sixty-two gonadotrophin stimulated cycles were evaluated. Serum concentrations of leptin and C-reactive protein were measured at the initiation of stimulation, on the day of hCG administration or the day before, and on the day of oocyte retrieval. They were also determined in the follicular fluid. RESULTS: Serum leptin and C-reactive protein levels increased significantly during stimulation until the day of oocyte pick up, but following different patterns. After stimulation, they correlated with each other in serum and follicular fluid, but not with estradiol or progesterone concentration, embryo quality, or the pregnancy rate. CONCLUSIONS: Leptin and C-reactive protein levels change significantly during assisted reproductive treatment. In contrast to estradiol they are, however, not a marker of success.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Salivary excretion of rabies virus by healthy vampire bats.

Salivary excretion of rabies virus was evaluated in 14 adult vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus) intramuscularly injected with a large dose (10(6) MICLD50) of vampire rabies virus variant CASS88. Saliva samples were obtained from surviving bats every other day for 30 days, then weekly for 2 months, and finally 1 and 2 years later. Rabies virus was isolated in murine neuroblastoma cells and in randomly selected cases by PCR. Rabies virus was not detected in the saliva of any of the 11 animals that succumbed (somewhat early) to rabies challenge, nor in the control bats. In contrast, virus was detected early, and only once (days 6, 6 and 21) in each of the three animals that survived rabies challenge and remained healthy for at least 2 years after challenge. At that time even vigorous dexamethasone and cyclosporine administration failed to provoke further viral excretion.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Immunohistochemical characterization of the perivascular infiltrate cells in tissues adjacent to stainless steel implants compared with titanium implants.

Metallic orthopaedics implants are composed of elements that are known to be skin sensitizers in the general population. In this study, we analyzed the cells of perivascular infiltration in the tissue adjacent to titanium (n = 23) and steel (n = 8) implants after explantation of the metals by immunohistochemical methods. The following panel of monoclonal antibodies were used as parameters: CD 1a (Langerhans cells), CD 4 (T-helper cells), CD 8 (T-suppressor cells), CD 11c (monocytes and macrophages), CD 45 RO (memory cells), CD 45 RA (naive cells), eosinophil cationic proteins (ECP), neutrophil elastase, and HLA-DR. The number of perivascular total cells did not differ significantly. All cells were identified in both metal subgroups, but a statistical difference was not seen in the above-mentioned parameters. We conclude that sensitization to metals is possible in the tissue adjacent to steel and titanium implants, because all cells which play an important role in allergic delayed-type hypersensitivity (type IV) reactions are present. This phenomenon may be called a 'pre-sensitization' phase, because no sensitization or allergic reactions were seen in our cases. Second, in the present study, a statistical difference was not seen in the number of infiltrate cells in the tissue adjacent to steel compared with titanium implants.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Elevated carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) in patients with Echinococcus infection.

The carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9), a determinant (sialylated lacto-N-fucopentaose 119) of a circulating oligosaccharide antigen, is a frequently used tumor marker. Echinococcus spp. infects humans throughout the world and may be able to synthesize closely related molecules which could interfere with the measurement and interpretation of CA 19-9 concentration. The main objective of the present study was to determine the range of CA 19-9 levels in the sera of patients infected by E. granulosus (cystic hydatide disease; CYSHD) or E. multilocularis (alveolar hydatide disease; ALVHD). Serum samples were collected from patients (aged 10-85 years) over a period of 5 years: from 19 patients with CYSHD and from 20 patients with ALVHD. Infection was confirmed by positive Echinococcus serology and clinical evidence provided by imaging and/or histopathological findings. CA 19-9 was detectable in 13 patients with CYSHD (13.5 +/- 8.5 kU/l) and 13 patients with ALVHD (30.0 +/- 21 kU/l; p < 0.05). Thus ALVHD patients exhibited a significantly higher plasma level of CA 19-9 than CYSHD patients. The serum level of CA 19-9 assessed with an increased cut-off value (> 22 kU/l) was elevated in nine (45%) of 20 ALVHD patients compared to two (11%) of 19 CYSHD patients (p < 0.05). Sera from patients with Echinococcus multilocularis infection contain substances which cross-react with CA 19-9. These substances originate either from the parasite or are synthesized by the host in response to the infection, and possibly bear the Lewis-a antigen or closely related structures which are recognized by anti-CA 19-9 antibodies. Our findings are relevant to the investigation of patients presenting with cystic lesions for which the differential diagnosis includes an infectious or neoplastic origin.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Prevention of photoreceptor apoptosis by activation of the glucocorticoid receptor.

PURPOSE: Evidence has accumulated that excessive light exposure may promote age-related and inherited retinal degeneration, in which photoreceptor death by apoptosis leads to loss of vision. In the current study, the effect of elevated corticosteroid levels on light-induced apoptosis of photoreceptors was determined. METHODS: Photoreceptor apoptosis was induced in retinas of BALB/c mice by exposure to diffuse white light. High levels of corticosteroids were induced, either endogenously (fasting-mediated stress) or by a single intraperitoneal injection of dexamethasone (DEX). Photoreceptor damage was assessed morphologically and by electroretinography. Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and activator protein (AP)-1 activities were shown by Western blot analysis and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) of retinal nuclear extracts. RESULTS: Fasting and injection of DEX led to an activation of GR in the retina, as judged by its translocation to the nucleus of retinal cells. On induction of GR activity before light exposure, AP-1 activity, normally induced by damaging doses of light, remained at basal levels. Both treatments completely prevented photoreceptor apoptosis and preserved retinal function. CONCLUSIONS: Activity of the transcription factor AP-1 is associated with light-induced apoptosis. In the current study, pharmacologic suppression of AP-1 activity protected against light damage. Inhibition of AP-1 activity may have occurred by the protein-protein interaction of GR and AP-1.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Treatment of diglyme containing wastewater by advanced oxidation--process design and optimisation.

Diglyme (CAS No. 111-96-6), a biorefractive ether with teratogenic properties is of considerable importance as a solvent in the synthetic chemical industry. Results of lab-scale investigations into the optimal conditions for the oxidative mineralisation of 0.05 to 1 g/L of diglyme in synthetic process waters by hydrogen peroxide and ozone based advanced oxidation processes are presented. Fenton, photo-assisted Fenton and UV/H2O2 oxidation processes show acceptable TOC removals. At 50 degrees C the initial TOC removal rates varies between 0.07 and 6g TOC/L*h. The rates increase with the initial diglyme and hydrogen peroxide concentration as well as with the UV irradiation energy intensity. For example at a 1 g/l diglyme concentration a stoichiometric H2O2 addition resulted in TOC degradation of 60% to 70% after 30 minutes under the investigated conditions. Treatment with ozone/H2O2 at a pH of 8 and 25 degrees C required at least 100 minutes to achieve comparable mineralisation results. Biodegradability can be reached in far shorter times. Ozone on its own cannot be recommended for diglyme treatment. If complete mineralisation of diglyme is the objective, the UV/H2O2 oxidation process should be favoured. The ozone/H2O2 process might offer a viable alternative in cases where the oxidation step is followed by biological wastewater treatment, so that biodegradability is aimed at.

Biodegradation, Environmental↗
PubMed2000

NOAH--A mobile emergency care system.

Experiencing communication problems in our emergency services, we developed an innovative communication network and system the NOAH-system (NOAH, which stands for Notfall -, Organisations - und Arbeitshilfe or Emergency-Organisation Active Aide System). In contrast with the currently established emergency services communication in Germany by radio wave, data is transferred from the scene in the form of an electronic record on a mobile computer by means of the wireless data communication network Modacom (Mobile Data Communication), which is provided by German Telekom. It is received at the dispatch-centre in mentioned format and transferred to the admitting hospital without any loss of data. - In a prospective study, the technical and conceptual suitability of this system was investigated. It was shown that an admitting hospital was informed more than 20 minutes in advance about the admittance of a patient. To assure the quality of transferred data, information was ranked by different criteria. This further demonstrated that much more precise information about a patient's condition was already available upon admittance in the hospital.

Emergency Medical Services↗
PubMed1999

Surgical management of symptomatic spinal metastases. Postoperative outcome and quality of life.

STUDY DESIGN: Eighty-six surgical interventions in 76 consecutive patients with symptomatic spinal metastases were reviewed retrospectively. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the postoperative outcome and quality of life of patients surgically treated for symptomatic spinal metastases. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The standard surgical treatment for patients with symptomatic spinal metastases is anterior spinal cord decompression with stabilization. However, because therapy is only palliative, satisfactory quality of life and high patient acceptance are essential. METHODS: The medical records of all patients were reviewed retrospectively. Furthermore, all surviving patients or the next of kin of deceased patients were interviewed by telephone, and the family doctors or the care-providing physicians of external institutions were contacted. RESULTS: First-choice surgical treatment was anterior spinal cord decompression with stabilization. Postoperative mean survival was 13.1 months, and mean time at home after spinal surgery was 11.1 months. Neurologic improvement with regard to Frankel classification was observed in 58% of the patients, and 93% were able to walk postoperatively. Pain relief was noted in 89%. Overall, 67% of the patients achieved moderate or good general health as shown by the Karnofsky Index, and 80% were satisfied or very satisfied with the surgical intervention. Moreover, 19% of the surgical interventions were associated with complications, local tumor recurrence developed in 22% of the patients, and paraplegia ultimately developed in 18% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical management of symptomatic spinal metastases, in particular anterior decompression, is of benefit in most metastatic lesions in terms of satisfactory postoperative outcome and quality of life. However, in patients with melanoma or lung carcinoma, the authors advocate spinal surgery only in very exceptional cases.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

HLA characterization in adult asymptomatic cyst passers of Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar.

The present work aimed at studying the possible association of HLA antigens with Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar asymptomatic infection in a Mexican mestizo population. A case-control design was selected for evaluation of the role of genetic markers in parasite infection. For this purpose the HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-DR profiles of a population of asymptomatic E. histolytica/E. dispar adult cyst passers (cases) and a corresponding nonparasitized adult group (controls) followed for 12 months were identified. Entamoeba species were identified through zymodeme patterns and/or amplification of species-specific DNA sequences. A healthy, nonparasitized group of individuals was included as a control. Our results show that apparently, no specific HLA marker is associated with the asymptomatic cyst passers' condition. These findings have to be added to previous results in which, in contrast to a demonstrated association between HLA-DR3 and amebic liver abscess in Mexican mestizo adults and infants, no significant association with amebic rectocolitis was found.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Assessing the impact of telemedicine on health care management.

Telemedicine is undoubtedly one of the most dynamic developing fields of IT-technologies in health care. From research and development to routine clinical use of telemedicine applications, decision-makers demand information on the impact that widespread use will have on structures and processes in health care. To date published evaluations have mostly focused on technical core functions. Future evaluation concepts have to consider side-effects the use of telematic systems in health care might have. The report of effects should consider the 4 major interest groups: patients, providers, third-party payers, and society. Learning from experiences in other IT-fields, system developers can avoid pitfalls that might lead to a poor acceptance of their systems or the discontinuation of their R&D project at an immature stage.

Artificial Intelligence↗
PubMed1999

NOAH. A mobile emergency care system. Notfall-Organisations- und Arbeitshilfe.

Experiencing communication problems in our emergency services, we developed an innovative communication network and system (NOAH, which stands for Notfall-Organisations- und Arbeitshilfe, or Emergency-Organisation Active Aide System). In contrast with the currently established emergency services communication in Germany by radio wave, data is transferred from the scene in the form of an electronic record on a notepad-computer by means of the wireless data communication network Modacom (Mobile Data Communication), which is provided by German Telekom. It is received at the dispatch-centre in mentioned format and transferred to the admitting hospital without any loss of data. In a prospective study, the technical and conceptual suitability of this system was investigated. It was shown that an admitting hospital was informed more than 20 minutes in advance about the admittance of a patient. To assure the quality of transferred data, information was ranked by different criteria. This further demonstrated that much more precise information about a patient's condition was already available upon admittance to the hospital.

Emergency Medical Services↗
PubMed1997

Acceleration in dental development: fact or fiction.

The aim of this investigation was to determine whether an actual acceleration in dental development has taken place over the last 30 years in a European population group, as is so readily observable in relation to body height. In this study, radiographs of 1038 healthy European children, 516 boys and 522 girls, were evaluated. The methodology and norms given by Nolla (1960) for both sexes were used and compared with the tooth developmental stages in our subjects. In girls, no difference to Nolla's norms could be detected. However, in boys, dental development has accelerated. This difference was most apparent in the 3- to 9-year-old age group and was statistically significant. Thus, over the last 30 years, a small acceleration in dental development has taken place in very young males.

Adolescent↗