Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

A Tschopp

Publications and source records attributed to A Tschopp.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1994

Short and longterm fluctuations of generational MS risk.

According to the hypothesis that childhood is an important age stage in view of MS predisposition, alterations of MS risk may be expected in respect of generational succession. Age-period-cohort-analysis in the appropriate statistical analysis model in this connection. After having shown considerable fluctuations of generational MS risk in the long term view we have tried to derive additional informations from corresponding short term fluctuations: descriptive informations as well as results in relation to the short term fluctuations of infectious diseases' mortality. While applying again age-period-cohort-analysis the results are questioned by the fact that the underlying cohort estimates represent 5-years-moving-averages. Computerized individual death records of the Swiss mortality statistics available since 1969 will enable us to check the recent results.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Smell or taste disturbances, neurological symptoms, and hydrocarbon exposure.

A total of 264 workers participated in a cross-sectional study concerning the toxicity of hydrocarbons. The clinical examination shows an increased prevalence of smell and/or taste disturbances in the heavily exposed group. These symptoms appear to be generally transitory and reversible. They seem to be due to concentration peaks rather than to a long exposure duration. They are associated with acute depressor effects and not with symptoms which could belong to a hydrocarbon-induced chronic toxic encephalopathy.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

[Effects of jogging on mental well-being and seasonal mood variations: a randomized study with healthy women and men].

The long-term effect of jogging on mental well-being and seasonal mood variation was examined in a randomized, controlled intervention study with healthy, middle-aged, sedentary, non-smoking, white collar subjects. 17 women and 39 men were allocated to jog 2 h/week for 4 months, whereas 16 women and 22 men served as controls. After 4 months, there was a partial cross-over with the controls now taking up jogging. After 8 study months, all 38 subjects of the second jogging intervention as well as 10 women and 30 men of the first 4-month jogging period were re-examined for the second time. All participants in the second re-examination were mailed a survey questionnaire one year after beginning of the study (response rate 83%). Despite varying adherence for the exercise regimen, the 4-month "net effects" (i.e. effect in exercise group minus effect in control group) showed a significant improvement in physical fitness (endurance capacity, resting heart rate) in men, but not in women. Among the mood scales assessed, "anger" showed a marginally significant effect in men (relative decrease; p = 0.05) and "calmness" a significant effect in women (relative increase; p = 0.02); after exclusion of 4 non-compliers from analysis in women, also "vigor" (relative increase; p = 0.03) and "depressiveness" (relative decrease; p = 0.02) were significantly improved after jogging. In women, the number of kilometers run was significantly correlated with an improvement in mental well-being (Pearson's r = 0.32 with change in 4 "positive" mood scales and r = 0.57 with change in 4 "negative" mood scales). Changes in endurance capacity were not significantly related to changes in mental well-being. However, in both women and men these mental effects of jogging were superposed by clear seasonal variations in mood, i.e. by a deterioration of mental well-being during the winter months and by a slow "remission" during summer. Taking jogging-induced and seasonal effects on mood together, the magnitude of the 1-year variability in mental well-being was somewhat attenuated in those study groups jogging, with this "buffering" effect reaching statistical significance in women (p = 0.050). We conclude from this training study with normal subjects that regular jogging of approximately 10 to 15 km/week may help to diminish the deterioration of mood observed during winter months (e.g. increase in depressiveness), especially in women. Hereby, a training-induced increase in endurance capacity is apparently not a prerequisite for this long-term mental effect of jogging.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

[Cardiovascular risk factors of visitors to a mass-screening booth].

The attitude towards mass screening of serum cholesterol is controversial. In order to characterize the volunteers of such screenings and to test the representativity of its findings, we compared the data of 1686 adult health-screening participants collected during a trade fair in the city of Basel, Switzerland, with the results of two population-based studies, the Basel City Risk Factor Survey and the MONICA Project in Western Switzerland. Among those screened, there was an over-representation of women and older persons. The age-specific medians of blood cholesterol and proportions of hypercholesterolemic persons were consistently higher in female screenees--and marginally so in males--than in the reference populations, whereas higher proportions of persons with ideal cholesterol level in those screened were also observed, especially in younger males. Higher systolic blood pressure, lower relative body weight and less regular smoking were found consistently among the screenees. This cross-sectional study shows that the participants of such mass screening actions are a selective group of older, more frequently female health-conscious persons with a specific risk-factor pattern. Mass screenings of self-selected volunteers can, therefore, not be used for a reliable prediction of risk-factor distributions in the general population. Moreover, suggested further steps for those screenees with both health-conscious behavior and elevated biological risk-factor levels, such as second measurement, medical consultation and counselling, cannot be assured in the setting of a trade fair. The objectives and intentions of such mass screening activities should be reconsidered and discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Differentiation of cardiac ischemia and rejection by nuclear magnetic spectroscopy.

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) criteria of early cardiac rejection are similar to those seen in myocardial ischemia, that is, a reduction of high energy phosphatases (Pc; ATP) and an increase of inorganic phosphates (Pi). Our aim was to assess in vivo changes of phosphorous spectroscopy (31P) induced by cardiac rejection and myocardial ischemia in the same animal. Heterotopic heart isografts (n = 5) and untreated allografts (n = 5) were examined at seven days on a two tesla wide-bore magnet with a surface coil. Subtotal global ischemia was produced for sequential NMR measurements, followed by heart excision for histological rejection grading (Billingham). Results 1. Isograft served as controls and showed normal energy-rich phosphate compounds and pH. 2. Rejecting (moderate to severe) allografts showed a decrease of Pc/Pi and beta-ATP/Pi ratio compared with isografts. However no significant pH drop could be detected. 3. Induced ischemia was confirmed by marked ECG-ST elevation and showed a significant early global myocardial acidosis (pH less than 6.9) particularly in severe prolonged ischemia (p less than 0.05). 4. Using 31P NMR techniques, ischemically induced changes were similar in isografts and allografts with a trend towards a more pronounced extent in the latter groups. In conclusion, magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P and pH) allows in vivo differentiation between cardiac rejection and acute myocardial ischemia.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1991

Incidence and clinical features of traveler's diarrhea in infants and children.

To assess the incidence rate and the characteristics of traveler's diarrhea in small children ages 0 to 2 years, children ages 3 to 14 years, and adolescents ages 15 to 20 years a retrospective survey was conducted. Of the pretravel visitors to the Zurich University Vaccination Center, all those ages 0 to 20 years were selected between October, 1987, and May, 1988. They received a questionnaire within 2 weeks after returning home. Of the 446 young travelers who were recruited, 363 (81.3%) could be evaluated. Within 14 days in the tropics or subtropics, traveler's diarrhea occurred in 8 of 20 (40.0%) small children, in 4 of 47 (8.5%) children ages 3 to 6 years, in 10 of 46 (21.7%) children ages 7 to 14 years and in 90 of 250 (36.0%) adolescents (P = 0.0003). In small children the clinical course tended to be severe and prolonged (average duration, 29.5; median, 17.5 days) when compared with other age groups (3 to 5 days). In 40% of all the children the parents reported that they had consistently practiced dietary preventive measures. For self-treatment oral rehydration solutions were used in 5.0% and loperamide in 33.8%. In conclusion adults should be discouraged from taking small children to developing countries unless necessary. Parents should be instructed about how to prevent traveler's diarrhea and about the mainstay of self-therapy in pediatric patients by oral rehydration solutions.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Effects of long-term, self-monitored exercise on the serum lipoprotein and apolipoprotein profile in middle-aged men.

To study the effects of long-term, self-monitored exercise on the serum lipid profile and body composition of middle-aged non-smoking males, a controlled study was conducted in 61 sedentary, middle-class Swiss men. Thirty-nine men were randomly allocated to jog 2 h/wk for 4 months on an individually prescribed, heart rate-controlled basis, whereas 22 men served as controls. Despite varying adherence to the exercise regimen, the following 4-month net changes (effect in exercise group minus effect in control group) in lipids were seen: HDL cholesterol (C) +0.12 mmol/l (95% CI 0.02, 0.22; P = 0.028), LDL-C +0.08 mmol/l (ns), VLDL-C -0.26 mmol/l (-0.45, -0.07; P = 0.009), total triglycerides (TT) -0.21 mmol/l (ns), HDL-C/total C +0.02 (0.001, 0.05; P = 0.047). The net changes in endurance capacity and resting heart rate in favour of exercisers were significant as well, whereas no significant changes in apolipoprotein levels were seen. Exploratory analyses revealed, for example, associations of the increase in total physical activity with an increase in the HDL-C/total C ratio (r = 0.46; P less than 0.001), and of the change in estimated body fat content with an opposed change in the HDL-C/total C ratio (r = -0.40; P less than 0.001), or an inverse relationship of the change in subcutaneous fat with a change in the HDL2-C level (r = -0.39; P less than 0.001). Multivariable regression analysis suggested that much of the effect of jogging on HDL-C was apparently mediated through a decrease in body fat content. A change in the waist/hip ratio was unrelated to lipoprotein changes but was related to the change of TT level (r = 0.22; P less than 0.05). This study confirms that individually prescribed, unsupervised jogging can increase HDL-C levels and improve the serum lipoprotein profile in self-selected nonsmoking males. Although the effect is modest, it may be relevant to preventive cardiology, given the evidence for a reduction in cardiovascular risk even after apparently small decreases in risk factor levels.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1990

Effects of self-monitored jogging on physical fitness, blood pressure and serum lipids: a controlled study in sedentary middle-aged men.

To study the effects of long-term, home-based exercise on physical fitness and cardiovascular risk factors of middle-aged nonsmoking males, a controlled study was conducted in 61 sedentary Swiss men. Thirty-nine men were randomly allocated to jog 2 h/week for 4 months on an individually prescribed and heart-rate-controlled basis, whereas 22 men served as controls. Despite varying adherence to the exercise regimen, the 4-month net change (effect in exercise group minus effect in control group) in estimated endurance capacity was significant and positive. Net changes in arterial blood pressure, measured with a random-zero device, were nonsignificant, but after exclusion of low-normotensive men (n = 19) from analysis, a significant net effect of exercise on diastolic blood pressure was seen (-4.3 mmHg; p = .048). The following net changes in serum lipid levels occurred: HDL cholesterol + 0.12 mmol/l (p = .028), total triglycerides -0.21 mmol/l (ns), HDL-C/total cholesterol ratio +0.02 (p = .047). Exploratory analyses revealed that an increase in estimated endurance capacity was associated with a rise in systolic and diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.49 and 0.43, respectively; p less than 0.01 both). Changes in the waist-hip ratio were directly related to the change in diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.27; p less than 0.05). Multivariable analysis indicated that much of the beneficial effect of exercise on diastolic blood pressure was apparently mediated through a decrease in body fat. This study confirms that individually prescribed jogging can reduce cardiovascular risk factors in self-selected nonsmoking males.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1990

[Hypercholesterolemia in general practice--2 representative surveys in Switzerland].

Two representative surveys of general practitioners in 1987 and 1989 showed, that cigarette smoking and high blood pressure are considered the most important risk factors for coronary heart disease. Elevated blood cholesterol level rank third. Between the two surveys no significant changes took place. The blood cholesterol level is usually measured at a check-up visit or in presence of another risk factor. Routine measurement is not common. At what level do Swiss physicians initiate a therapy? The median range in 1989 for a diet therapy was 6.2-6.7 mmol/l (240-260 mg%) for a 30 years old person, and 6.7-7.2 mmol/l for a 60 years old person. Lipid-lowering drugs are used at about 1 mmol/l (40 mg%) higher levels and there is less agreement between the physicians. Within two years the levels of initiating therapy decreased significantly. Differences between the three Swiss language regions (german/french/italian) in initiating therapy can be seen. 90% of the physicians mentioned compliance problems with a diet therapy. In 1989 half of the surveyed doctors experienced insufficient results in both diet and drug treatment. Further, compliance problems and side effects of drug treatment are mentioned. Half of the physicians reported having tested their own cholesterol level in the last 12 months. Older physicians are considerably more conscious of high cholesterol levels than younger.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

[Melanoma mortality in switzerland 1970-1986].

Time trends of mortality from malignant melanoma in Switzerland are presented. The death rates are based on the death certificates routinely collected by the Federal Office of Statistics and are age-adjusted (standard Europe). Mortality rates in Switzerland are the highest of any country in central Europe. Time trends in mortality show a significant increase in the elderly (aged over 64 years), whereas in the younger age group (30-64 years), the trend remains constant (no significant increase). For all age groups there is a significant increase in mortality (26% for men and 20% for women). Risk factors are presented. A higher risk of mortality from malignant melanoma among upper socioeconomic strata also applies to Switzerland. In view of the reported time trend in mortality, it is suggested that elderly people be addressed more specifically in future melanoma education campaigns.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Is excessive running predictive of degenerative hip disease? Controlled study of former elite athletes.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of regular long distance running on the state of the hips in later life. DESIGN: Retrospective study of a cohort of elite athletes and a group of normal, healthy, untrained controls examined 15 years after initial testing. SETTING: Research project at school for physical education and sports. SUBJECTS: 27 Former long distance runners (mean age 42), nine former bobsleigh riders (mean age 42), and 23 normal, healthy, untrained men (mean age 35) who had been examined in 1973 and who agreed to re-examination in 1988. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Radiological evidence of degenerative hip disease in 1988. RESULTS: Physiological and exercise characteristics of all subjects had been recorded in 1973, and in 1988 these measurements were repeated together with radiological examination of the hips. An additive radiological index of hip disease based on grades of subchondral sclerosis, osteophyte formation, and joint space narrowing was significantly increased among runners as compared with bobsleigh riders and untrained controls. After adjustment for age the significant effect of type of sports activity remained (p = 0.032). In multivariate analyses age and milage run in 1973 (97 km/week) emerged as independent, significant, and positive predictors of radiological signs of degenerative hip disease in 1988 (p = 0.017 and p = 0.024 respectively). Among runners alone running pace in 1973 rather than milage run was the stronger predictor of subsequent degenerative hip disease. The milage run in 1988 was not particularly predictive of the radiological index, but endurance in 1988 was inversely related to degenerative hip disease seen radiologically. CONCLUSION: Long term, high intensity, high milage running should not be dismissed as a potential risk factor for premature osteoarthritis of the hip.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1989

Anthropometric and lifestyle correlates of serum lipoprotein and apolipoprotein levels among normal non-smoking men and women.

The relationship between serologic predictors of coronary risk and anthropometric as well as lifestyle characteristics was investigated in 61 men (37.5 +/- 8.5 yrs) and 33 women (40.1 +/- 9.0 yrs). All subjects were healthy non-smokers, mostly middle-class bank employees. In bivariate analysis, among both genders the ratio of waist-to-hip circumference (WHR) was the single best predictor of levels of serum LDL-cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, VLDL-cholesterol and triglycerides (positive association) as well as HDL-cholesterol and apolipoprotein A-I (inverse association). In men, body fat as estimated from bioelectrical impedance measurement was the second best predictor of lipoprotein and apoprotein concentrations, whereas in women it was the body mass index (BMI). The additional independent predictive power of WHR and body fat for the lipid profile was tested in multivariate analysis by adding WHR and body fat sequentially to regression models containing already BMI, endurance capacity, exercise, alcohol consumption and age. For example, explained variance of triglyceride distribution rose from 26.3 to 35.1% (P = 0.01 for increase) when body fat was entered into the regression equation, or inclusion of WHR into a model already containing age, the behavioral variables, BMI, and body fat increased the explained variance of LDL/HDL-cholesterol ratio from 20.9 to 27.6% (P = 0.04 for increase). In women, the same regression models were even slightly more predictive for the serum lipid profile. Endurance capacity was related to a low atherogenic risk lipid profile in bivariate analysis but lost much of its predictive power in multivariate analysis, which confirms that the effect of fitness on lipid levels is probably mediated in part by a low body fat content. It is concluded from this cross-sectional investigation that studies which focus on associations between lifestyle and serologic predictors of atherogenic risk should possibly include the WHR and a measure of body fat, since the latter two appear to be closer correlates of serum lipoprotein and apolipoprotein levels than BMI or single behavioral factors, at least among male non-smokers.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed1988

[Cutaneous diphtheria imported from tropical countries].

Two cases of imported cutaneous diphtheria from tropical areas are described. Vacationing in the Seychelles, a 29-year-old man injured his left malleolus a few weeks before his return to Switzerland. The wound did not heal and an ulcer developed. Microbiologic investigation yielded toxinogenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae. There were no signs of systemic intoxication. The man had not been vaccinated against diphtheria since childhood. In the second case a 51-year-old woman returned from Thailand and Nepal with two very painful ulcers between the toes of her right foot, which was reddish-coloured. Microbiologic investigation again yielded toxinogenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae and there was no sign of systemic intoxication. Treatment with erythromycin brought about complete healing of the ulcers.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

[Treatment continuity in schizophrenic patients in ambulatory care. A 5-year follow-up].

A hundred schizophrenic patients, who were treated in hospital since 1978, referred for out-patient (OP) treatment and consecutively included in a five-year follow-up investigation, were examined regarding their consistency of OP treatment. 16% were not rehospitalised during these five years, whereas 84% were, half of them within thirteen months of hospital discharge. 92% of all the patients, discontinued or ended their OP treatment after an average of 16.2 months. Five years after the beginning of the investigation, 41% were in touch with the OP clinic. The choice of depot neuroleptics instead of short-working ones had no influence on the occurrence of further hospital admissions but shows a correlation with consistency of treatment.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1987

[Incidence of broken homes in schizophrenic patients. A study of 239 patients treated at a social psychiatric department].

259 schizophrenics, 102 women and 157 men, of whom 80 were enlisted from a night clinic, 46 from the Psychiatric University Hospital and 113 from an out-patient clinic, were examined with regard to the frequency of broken home situations during their childhood. 20% had, before they were 18 yrs. old, lost a parent by death and 20% by a traumatic separation. 58% had, before they were 18 yrs. old, lost a parent or had lived together with a parent who was seriously ill or badly disturbed. No relation between the age of first illness and a broken home could, according to these research results, be established. The hypothesis that there is a higher rate of broken home situations by schizophrenics with an early outbreak of the illness, could therefore not be confirmed. Neither could a difference in the occurrence of broken home situations between males and females be observed, with the exception of the frequency of loss of parents by death, which was higher by females. The frequency of the factor 'broken home' in our examines is quite similar to the values round by Bleulers' research, 1940-1945 on male schizophrenics.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

Factors determining the success of nicotine withdrawal: 12-year follow-up of 532 smokers after suggestion therapy (by a faith healer).

In 1973, 532 heavy smokers with an average age of 38 years for the men and 34 years for the women were questioned prior to treatment by the faith healer Hermano, and requestioned 4 months, 1 year, 5 years, and 12 years after the therapeutic ritual. The average cigarette consumption of the men had been 31 per day and that of the women 24 per day. From the moment of treatment, 40% of the subjects remained nonsmokers (with no relapse) after 4 months, 32.5% after 1 year, 20% after 5 years, and 15.9% after 12 years. At the time of the 12-year follow-up, 37.5% of the subjects were nonsmokers, the majority of them having stopped smoking again after suffering a relapse. In order to investigate the factors determining the success of nicotine withdrawal, those subjects who for 12 years had uninterruptedly abstained from smoking (N = 73) were compared and contrasted with those who for 12 years had continued to smoke almost without interruption (N = 31). Personality factors, sociodemographic features, and characteristics of smoking behavior showed no demonstrable connection with the tendency to relapse. On the other hand, it did prove possible to explain 16% of the variance in the responses to treatment: in particular, high alcohol consumption, markedly addictive smoking, rare attendance at church, and the attitude that "you have to believe in the treatment" were found to be conducive to relapse and addiction.

Adult↗