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Biomedical subjects

U Jaeger

Publications and source records attributed to U Jaeger.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

Competitive CBFbeta/MYH11 reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction for quantitative assessment of minimal residual disease during postremission therapy in acute myeloid leukemia with inversion(16): a pilot study.

PURPOSE: (1) Quantification of minimal residual disease (MRD) by competitive CBFbeta/MYH11 reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and inversion(16) [inv(16)] during postremission therapy, (2) comparison of this method with conventional two-step RT-PCR, and (3) evaluation of a potential prognostic value. PATIENTS AND METHODS: MRD of six consecutive adult patients with AML and inv(16)(p13;q22) or t(16;16)(p13;q22) who entered complete remission (CR) was monitored by competitive CBFbeta/MYH11 RT-PCR in their bone marrow (BM) during postremission therapy with high-dose cytarabine (HiDAC) or after BM transplantation with a matched unrelated-donor marrow (MUD-BMT) during an observation period of 4.5 to 27 months after initiation of treatment. RESULTS: Competitive PCR showed a gradual decline by at least 4 orders of magnitude after 7 to 9 months in patients in continuous CR (CCR), while one patient who relapsed after 13.5 months only achieved a reduction by 2 orders of magnitude at the end of consolidation therapy. A rapid decrease below the detection limit was observed within 1 month in two patients after MUD-BMT. A temporary reappearance of molecular MRD was observed in these patients during immunosuppression for graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). After reduction of immunosuppression, the level of MRD dropped again below the PCR detection limit. Molecular monitoring by conventional two-step RT-PCR yielded comparable results only when multiple assays per time point were performed, while single-assay RT-PCR gave misleading results. CONCLUSION: Competitive RT-PCR is a valuable tool for molecular monitoring during postremission chemotherapy, as well as after BMT.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

[The phenomenon of debrachycephalization in Jena school children].

Head measurements are performed within the anthropological investigations of school children from Jena (Germany) since more than 5 decades (1944-1995). Here we report on secular changes of the head length, the head breadth and the cephalic index. The head circumference, measured in 1985 and in 1995, is included in the analysis. Head length and head breadth show a contrary development over the whole period: the average length of the head increases between the consecutive investigations, whereas the breadth of the head decreases continuously between the separate investigations. As a consequence the cephalic index decreases in boys and girls for about 8 units since 1944. In this way a secular change of the shape of the head in the sense of debrachycephalisation can be proved in Jena school children. The head circumference, however, remains nearly constant between 1985 and 1995. Possible causes of this process of debrachycephalisation are focussed in this article.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

[Secular trend in body height since the Neolithic period].

The body height of children and adults is estimated on the basis of skeleton material from the middle Elbe-Saale region since the Neolithic period. The men's body height was calculated according to Breitinger (1938), the women's body height according to Bach (1965), and the children's body height according to Telkkä et al. (1962). These estimates are compared with the mean body height of living persons from the adult population and of Jena schoolchildren, respectively. These are the following essential results: 1. Since 7000 years ago changes of body height can be observed. There was an increase of the mean body height from the Neolithic period until the Bronce age. In the A.D. era no clear changes of the average values can be found until about the 12th century, after which there occurred decreases seen until the 19th century. 2. The greatest secular trends in children and adults arise in our century. 3. The influence of different environmental factors on the body height in past and present is discussed and the sex-specific reactions to changes of these environmental factors are described. 4. It is pointed out that social, and/or geographic influences can cause changes of the body height calculated from skeleton material.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

[Is head size modified by environmental factors?].

In the article the development of skull measurements and head measurements (length and breadth) and of the cephalic index, calculated from these measurements, since the Neolithic period are presented. The results obtained from the historical material are compared with those of living persons. The measurements as well of the skull as of the head show secular changes. The following general trend was found: an increase of body height is connected with a debrachycephalisation and a decrease of body height is connected with a brachycephalisation. It can be emphasized that brachycephalisation/debrachycephalisation are part of the secular trend. Therefore environmental factors are responsible for the described changes of measurements of the skull and the head in a broadest sense.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor as an adjunct to induction chemotherapy for adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia--a randomized phase-III study.

Because of the recommendation to avoid the concomitant administration of growth factors and chemotherapy, there is only limited information on colony-stimulating factor (CSF) therapy in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) induction protocols, in which cytotoxic drugs are administered in divided doses over a prolonged period of time, thus requiring a simultaneous administration of growth factors and chemotherapy. We conducted a prospective, randomized, controlled study to determine the safety and efficacy of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF; filgrastim) as an adjunct to phase I of induction chemotherapy for adult ALL. Patients (n = 53) were randomized to receive no growth factor or G-CSF (5 microg/kg/d subcutaneously) starting on day 2 of chemotherapy consisting of daunorubicin (45 mg/m2) and vincristine (1.5 mg/m2) on days 1, 8, 15, and 22; L-asparaginase (2500 U/m2) on days 1 through 14; and prednisone (60 mg/m2) on days 1 through 28. A total of 25 patients in the G-CSF group and 26 patients in the control arm fulfilled the inclusion criteria of the study. G-CSF markedly ameliorated neutropenia because the median proportion of days with neutropenia less than 1,000/microL was 29% in the G-CSF group as compared with 84% in the control arm (P < .00005). The median time to reach absolute neutrophil counts (ANC) > or = 1,000/microL was 16 days in G-CSF patients and 26 days in controls (P < .001). More importantly, G-CSF significantly reduced the incidence of febrile neutropenia (12% v 42% in controls, P < .05) and documented infections (40% v 77%, P < .05). No significant differences were found with regard to requirements for red blood cell transfusions and platelet concentrates. A total of 24 of 25 (96%) patients in the G-CSF group and 20 of 25 (80%) evaluable control patients had complete remission after phase I of induction therapy. We conclude that G-CSF can be safely administered as an adjunct to induction therapy of ALL and is clinically beneficial by ameliorating neutropenia and reducing infectious complications.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Myelodysplastic syndrome/acute myeloid leukemia supervening previously untreated chronic B-lymphocytic leukemia: demonstration of the concomitant presence of two different malignant clones by immunologic and molecular analysis.

The development of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and/or acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has rarely been observed in patients with chronic B-lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL). So far, the discussion concerning the pathogenesis of the simultaneous occurrence of these two malignancies has been speculative, opposing the theory of two separate malignant clones to the theory of a common stem cell malignancy. We describe the case of a 77-year-old woman who developed MDS after 8 years of an indolent course of B-CLL. The diagnosis of MDS was based on bone marrow (BM) morphology, showing the typical picture of a refractory anemia with excess of blasts (RAEB). The clinical course of MDS was aggressive, terminating in AML within only 6 months. Immunophenotyping of BM and peripheral blood (PB) cells revealed a CD34+/ CD13+/CD33-/CD19-blast cell population and a CD19+/CD5+ B-cell population with kappa light chain restriction. Molecular analysis of PB and BM demonstrated the presence of an immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) gene rearrangement by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of genomic DNA with three different pairs of consensus primers. Cell-sorting experiments showed that the IgH gene rearrangement was present only in the CD19+/CD34- B-cell population, but not in the CD34+/CD19- blast cells. Furthermore, X-chromosome inactivation pattern analysis revealed two differently methylated cell populations. These experiments demonstrate the concomitant existence of two different clones in a patient with CLL-MDS/AML.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1996

Spontaneous remission of acute myeloid leukemia after infection and blood transfusion associated with hypergammaglobulinaemia.

Spontaneous remissions of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have been documented in association with infection as well as blood transfusions. Activation of the immune system including an increased number of NK cells and cytokine release have been implicated in the mechanism of this phenomenon. We have observed spontaneous remissions in two patients with AML (one with a t(8;21)-positive M2, one with M5b), both occurring after infection and blood transfusions. The bone marrow showed a reduction of blast cells from 65% to 2% or 40% to 1%, respectively. Remission was accompanied by a marked polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia in both cases (IgG values of 6420 and 2160 mg/dl, IgA of 802 and 811 mg/dl, respectively). A concomitant increase in bone marrow plasma cells was observed in both patients. Reduction of AML1/ETO PCR positivity from one-step to two-step PCR (approximately 100-fold) was documented in the patient with a t(8;21), while a regression of lymph node and skin leukemic infiltrations occurred in the patient with M5b. One patient relapsed after 4 months, at a time when his serum immunoglobulin levels had markedly decreased. The other patient is in continuous remission after 14 months. These cases suggest a potential role for a humoral immune response in the mechanism of spontaneous remission.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1996

Expression of the nerve growth factor receptor c-TRK in human myeloid leukaemia cells.

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is of major importance for the survival, development and maintenance of peripheral sympathetic and central neuronal tissue. Most of the cellular effects are mediated by binding to their high-affinity receptor c-TRK, a transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase. C-TRK protein has been detected in neuronal tissue and also in mast cells, monocytes and some haemopoletic progenitor cells. Here we report c-TRK gene expression in myeloid leukaemic cell lines (HEL, K562 and KG-1) and for the first time in the primary leukaemic cells of 44% (n = 59) of patients with acute myelogenous leukaemia (AML). Moreover, in the human promyelocytic cell line HL-60, c-TRK expression was inducible by differentiation induction with tetradecanoyl-phorbol 13-acetate (TPA). In c-TRK gene-expressing cells the transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase was detectable by Western blotting and by in vitro kinase assay. In the AML group, c-TRK expression was not correlated to the FAB-classified morphology or any other clinical parameter. In all cases tested we could not detect NGF mRNA by means of reverse transcriptase PCR, excluding an autocrine loop involving the TRK/NGF receptor-ligand system in leukaemogenesis. Our results show another example of possible communication between neuronal and haemopoietic tissue. However, we still lack positive evidence of a c-TRK function in haemopoiesis.

Blotting, Western↗
PubMed1996

[Interventional therapy of nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia with captopril: an experimental animal study].

PURPOSE: To clarify whether in nonocclusive mesenterial disease the extent of damage to the intestinal wall can be limited by local intraarterial application of Captopril. METHOD: Producing shock by means of pericardial tamponade in 18 piglets. Examination of three groups: Intraarterial application of Captopril at the beginning of the shock phase (n = 6) or administration one hour after the beginning of the shock phase (n = 6), as well as a control group (n = 6). Analysis of clinical pathology (laboratory chemistry) and haemodynamic parameters over a test period of 4 hours and histological preparation of resected segments of the small intestine. RESULTS: The initiation of therapy at the beginning of the shock improved the blood supply of the intestinal wall (measured by means of laser sonography in relative flow units RFU) from 226 RFU to 303 RFU; the rise in lactate from 2.7 to 3.6 mmol/l was significantly less (p = 0.05) than for the control group (from 3.1 to 11.5 mmol/l). The frequency and severity of the histological changes that are typical for ischaemia were less pronounced. If therapy was started only after a one-hour shock phase, this effect was no longer noticeable (rise in lactate from 5 to 9.5 mmol/l, intestinal wall blood flow from 168 to 170 RFU). CONCLUSION: Intraarterial administration of Captopril can reduce the extent of damage in nonocclusive mesenterial ischaemia (nonocclusive disease) if therapy is initiated early enough.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors↗
PubMed1996

[Results of radiologic follow-up of patients with automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillators].

In the follow-up of patients with automatic implanted cardioverter defibrillators (AICD), the serial radiographs give us important information concerning the cardiac function, signs of cardiac insufficiency may be a first sign of a dysfunction of the implanted aggregate or of the system of electrodes. Not only the short term but also the radiographs over a long period of time are important. The estimation of the correct positions of the electrodes is important too, for dislocation or disconnection of the electrodes lead to a misfunction of the AICD. On the other hand a kinging or a disconnection of the marker-stripe of plain-surfaced electrodes needs no correction for they do not lead to a misfunctioning AICD. Beside the serial radiographs, radioscopy is important because a disconnection of the electrodes often is not visible except by radiography.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Motility disorders of the esophagus: diagnosis with barium-rice administration.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the role of barium-rice administration for a standardized diagnosis of dysphagia and esophageal motility disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty healthy volunteers and 218 patients with various esophageal disorders (achalasia, scleroderma and other connective tissue diseases, neurologic diseases, esophagitis and others) were examined both by a conventional barium study and by a barium-rice study. The barium-rice meal consisted of barium sulfate and boiled rice, mixed half and half. The time required for esophageal clearance of one sip was measured. RESULTS: Normal esophageal transit time in healthy controls was between 5 and 15 s for both methods. In patients, the conventional barium study revealed a prolonged transit time in only 16.5% (36 of the 218 cases). The barium-rice study was abnormal in 51.8% (113 of 218 cases), independent of the underlying disease. The barium-rice study was pathological in 77 of those 182 patients (42.3%) who had normal barium transit time. In 24 patients the radiologic results was confirmed by endoscopy and manometric measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Esophageal motility abnormalities are detected by a barium-rice study with a high sensitivity. With this simple and low-cost method, quantitative and reproducible results can be obtained. Barium-rice administration is a suitable tool for screening and follow-up of patients with dysphagia and esophageal motility disorders.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

[Color-coded duplex ultrasound as a screening method in trauma surgery].

Deep vein thrombosis with consecutive pulmonary embolism is one of the most important complications for trauma patients. At the University Hospital of Mainz, Department of Traumatology, colour duplex ultrasound is used as screening method in trauma patients. Fractures of thoracic and lumbal spinal bones, pelvis, hip and lower extremities, endoprosthesis of hip and knee joints and longer immobilisation are considered as special risk for the genesis of deep vein thrombosis. Out of 326 patients investigated with colour duplex ultrasound, 24 patients suffered from unknown deep vein thrombosis, 8 developing pulmonary embolism. We recommend colour duplex sonography on day 10, after the third week, and after longer immobilisation. Colour duplex sonography provides an easy performable and noninvasive method for screening evaluation of deep vein thrombosis in trauma patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

[Duplex ultrasonographic diagnosis of renal artery stenosis by intrarenal acceleration determination and recognition of the tardus-parvus phenomenon with special regard to multiple renal arteries].

PURPOSE: Use of the "tardus and parvus" abnormalities for the exclusion of significant renal artery stenosis, including multiple renal arteries. METHOD: The lobar and interlobar renal arteries of 50 hypertensive patients were examined by colour duplex sonography at three different levels. Analysis included determination of the early systolic acceleration time and evaluation of the early diastolic complexes. In all patients, intra-arterial catheter angiography was performed on the following day. RESULTS: 48 out of the 50 colour duplex examinations could be properly evaluated. Angiography showed that 21 patients (42%) had multiple renal arteries, in 13 there was a haemodynamically significant renal artery stenosis and amongst these 4 patients had bilateral renal artery stenoses. The sensitivity and specificity of the early systolic acceleration time at > or = 0.120 sec. was 77 and 46% respectively. Amongst the 17 haemodynamically significant stenoses shown by angiography, 10 demonstrated changes in the early systolic peaks of the Doppler spectrum, a sensitivity of 69% and specificity of 90%. CONCLUSION: Use of acceleration time and of the early systolic complexes cannot be recommended as sole methods during a screening procedure.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

[Intrarenal color Doppler ultrasound for exclusion of renal artery stenosis in cases of multiple renal arteries. Analysis of the Doppler spectrum and tardus parvus phenomenon].

PURPOSE: To diagnose possible renal artery stenosis especially in case of multiple renal arteries by intrarenal colour-coded Duplex sonography. METHODS: In 50 hypertensive patients lobar and interlobar arteries were looked for at 3 different levels. Analysis included the determination of the early systolic acceleration time and the assessment of the Doppler waveform, especially the "tardus-parvus" phenomenon. Intraarterial angiography was performed in all patients the next day. RESULTS: In 48/50 patients the sonographic investigations were sufficiently evaluable. Angiography showed haemodynamically relevant stenosis in 13 patients, in 4 patients bilaterally. In 21 patients (42%) multiple renal arteries were found. Sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of renal artery stenosis was 77% respectively 46% (threshold value > or = 0.120 s). In 10/17 angiographically verified haemodynamically relevant renal artery stenosis a change of the Doppler waveform was noted; sensitivity in the diagnosis of renal artery stenosis was 69%, specificity 90%. CONCLUSION: Intrarenal colour-coded Duplex sonography cannot be recommended as a screening tool for renal artery stenosis.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

[Dynamics of the growth intensity of Jena school children since 1880].

The intensity of growth of Jena school children at the age of 7 to 14 years has been investigated between 1880 and 1985. In the regarded 105 years the intensity of growth showed little changes with the tendency of a gradual increase. The analysis differentiated for age reveals partially different results compared for the whole interval between 7 and 14 years. These differences result from a shifting of phases of intensified growth into ontogenetically earlier age stages, which can be traced back to the secular trend. The increase of the growth intensity caused by the secular trend is significantly smaller in the school age than in the preschool age.

Adolescent↗