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Biomedical subjects

A Weber

Publications and source records attributed to A Weber.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2005

Low soluble Fas (sFas) and sFas ligand (sFasL) content in breast milk after preterm as opposed to term delivery.

AIM: Various mechanisms of innate immunity and gastrointestinal integrity are potentially affected by soluble Fas (sFas) and sFas ligand (sFasL). Assuming that sFas and sFasL in milk reflect cellular events during lactogenesis, we aimed to assess the impact of premature parturition and duration of lactation on the concentrations of sFas and sFasL in human milk. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The content of the soluble form of the cell surface receptor Fas (sFas) and its natural ligand (sFasL) was measured in human breast milk of 44 healthy mothers after preterm (<35 wk, n=21) and term (>37 wk, n=23) delivery. Milk was furthermore classified as immature breast milk (days 4-7 of lactation) or mature breast milk (days 35-45 of lactation). Breast milk (2-3 ml) was sampled 5 min after the start of breastfeeding by manual expression or milk pump, and stored at -20 degrees C until analysis by an ELISA. RESULTS: sFas and sFasL concentrations were lower in immature milk after preterm compared to term delivery (sFas: 1.71; 1.38-2.47 ng/ml vs 3.03; 2.02-4.30 ng/ml, p < 0.001; sFasL: 0.13; 0.07-0.21 ng/ml vs 0.29; 0.15-0.60 ng/ml, p < 0.001 [median +/- interquartile range]). Mature milk samples, taken 1 mo later from both gestational groups, did not differ in sFas/sFasL content. Soluble Fas was positively correlated with sFasL in the same sample of immature (p < 0.001) and mature human milk (p < 0.05). A positive correlation was found between sFas and sFasL in immature and mature milk samples of the same mother (p < 0.01). The body mass index of the mothers and duration of pregnancy were positively correlated with the sFas and sFasL content in immature milk (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively) but not in mature milk. CONCLUSION: Preterm newborn infants fed with breast milk have a lower intake of sFas and sFasL compared to term neonates. Our results demonstrate that preterm delivery affects breast milk composition.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Bioflocculent algal-bacterial biomass improves low-cost wastewater treatment.

An innovative technology for the biological treatment of wastewater in regions with sufficient solar radiation based on the simultaneous growth and degradation processes of algal and bacterial biomass is presented. The aim of the work is the improvement of pond technology through the formation of stable algae-bacteria aggregates, which a) permit a simple separation of the algal biomass by gravity sedimentation, b) enable a high removal efficiency for organic carbon and nutrients, and c) are independent in terms of oxygen provision through algal photosynthesis. Algae-bacteria aggregates could be developed with a suitable algal species (Chlorella vulgaris, Strain Hamburg) as a 'model organism' in a wastewater environment. The morphology of algal-bacterial flocs is similar to activated sludge flocs. They are stable and settle quickly. Floc size ranged between 400 and 800 microm. Results of our experiments with an artificially irradiated lab-scale system, operated in continuous flow mode, revealed that even at a relatively short hydraulic detention time of two days, a high elimination capacity of 9.96 g N m(-2) d(-1) and 0.87g Pm(-2) d(-1) can be achieved. Recent investigations confirmed that floc formation of unicellular algae and wastewater bacteria also could be developed and maintained in a pilot-scale system with a water depth of 0.5 m.

Bacteria↗
PubMed2004

Electron transport through YBa2Cu3O7-delta grain boundary interfaces between 4.2 and 300 K.

The current-induced dissipation in YBa(2)Cu(3)O(7-delta) grain boundary tunnel junctions has been measured between 4.2 and 300 K. It is found that the resistance of 45 degrees (100)/(110) junctions decreases linearly by a factor of 4 when their temperature is increased from 100 to 300 K. At the superconducting transition temperature T(c) the grain boundary resistance of the normal state and of the superconducting state extrapolates to the same value.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2004

[School principals--too ill for healthy schools?].

AIM OF THE STUDY: School principals on the one hand play an important role in maintaining the performance and health of teachers, but on the other hand often feel over-burdened themselves and suffer from illnesses which not only impair their health-promoting function, but also lead to limitations in their fitness for the occupation. The aim of our study was therefore, using objective parameters and larger numbers of cases, to obtain a differentiated insight into the type and extent of morbidity spectrum and the health-related early retirement of school principals. METHODS: In a prospective total assessment (the whole of Bavaria in the period 1997-1999), all the reports about the premature unfitness for work of school directors were evaluated. The analysis included for example socio-demographic/occupational factors, diagnoses, assessment of performance and rehabilitation. The answers given in a standardised, anonymous questionnaire provided the database. Evaluation was carried out by means of descriptive statistics. RESULTS: The median age of the 408 school principals included in the evaluation (heads and vice-heads, 30% of whom were women) was 58 (min: 41 years old, max: 64 years old). The most frequent workplaces were primary schools (38%) and secondary schools (25%). 84% (n=342) of the headmasters were assessed to be unfit for work. The main reasons for early retirement were psychic/psychosomatic illnesses (F-ICD 10) which made up 45% of the cases. The relative frequency was higher in women than in men. Depressive disorders and exhaustion syndromes (burnout) dominated among the psychiatric diagnoses (proportion: 57%). The most frequent somatic diseases were cardio-vascular diseases (I-ICD10) in 19% of cases, then muscular/skeletal diseases (M-ICD10) in 10% and malignant tumours (C-ICD 10) in 9% of cases. Cardio-vascular diseases, in particular arterial hypertonia and ischaemic heart disease, were, in addition, found in headmasters significantly more frequently than in teachers without a leadership function (p < or = 0.05). 63% (n=257) of the school principals had participated in at least one medical rehabilitation measure before the proceedings for determining unfitness for work were instigated. The performance of 66% (n=226) of those judged unfit for work was assessed to be so severely impaired that no other employment could be expected of them. CONCLUSIONS: The morbidity spectrum of school principals prematurely unfit for work is characterised by stress-associated illnesses. The health disorders objectified are of considerable relevance for public health. Specific measures of prevention and intervention must, therefore, also include this occupational group. Activity should not be limited to the prevention of behavioural problems, but should also take into account important aspects for preventing adverse circumstances arising at the school workplace.

Administrative Personnel↗
PubMed2004

[Differential diagnosis of saccular aneurysms of the isthmus aortae: example of a penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer. Case-report and review of the literature].

Most aneurysms of the isthmus aortae, particularly those following thoracic trauma, are most likely to be diagnosed as acute dissecting or post-traumatic pseudoaneurysms. Furthermore, penetrating atherosclerotic ulcers in patients with atherosclerosis, congenital aneurysms such as ductus diverticulum and Kommerell's diverticulum, luetic aneurysms, and saccular aneurysms associated with Marfan's syndrome have to be included in the list of differential diagnoses. In view of the severe effect of any open thoracic surgical intervention, exact preoperative diagnosis is crucial. We report the case of a 73-year-old male patient who was accidentally diagnosed with an aneurysm of the atherosclerotic isthmus aortae. The aneurysm extended from the aorta to the dorsal site. The sacciform aneurysm (4.5 cm) was resected electively. Based upon localisation and pathomorphological findings, a penetrating ulcer was diagnosed. We also present a review of the current literature and give a survey of the differential diagnoses of aneurysms of the aortic isthmus: penetrating atherosclerotic ulcus, acute (traumatic) dissecting aneurysm, post-traumatic pseudoaneurysm, ductus diverticulum, Kommerell's diverticulum, syphilitic aneurysm, and sacciform aneurysm due to Marfan's syndrome.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

["They'll never come back...""--Expectations and reality of occupational reintegration of teachers unfit for service].

AIM OF THE STUDY: The reactivation of teachers with experience of both life and the profession who have become unfit for work is regarded by politicians not only as a suitable measure against the imminent lack of teaching staff, but also as a promising strategy for reducing the cost of health care. The aim of our study was to gather new evidence- based information on the occupational reintegration of teachers who took early retirement and to investigate to what extent official medical reactivation examinations are an effective instrument of tertiary prevention. DATABASE AND METHODS: In a prospective total assessment (the entire state of Bavaria) over the period of 1997 - 1999 all official medical examinations in the public health centres (Gesundheitsamter und Medizinische Untersuchungsstellen der Bezirksregierungen) were evaluated with regard to the reactivation of teachers unfit for work. The analysis included e. g. socio-demographic/occupational factors, the morbidity spectrum, rehabilitation and the assessment of performance. The answers given in a standardised, anonymous questionnaire provided the database. Evaluation was carried out by means of descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Of the 1465 teachers studied, 64 % (n = 939) were women and 36 % (n = 526) were men. The median age was 53 years (range: 31 - 63 years), and the proportion of over 60-year-olds was 5.5 %. 22 % of those who took early retirement were recognised as being severely disabled. In 77 % of cases, examination of unfitness for work was carried out at the order of the authorities. 57 % (n = 835) of the teachers had taken part in at least one medical rehabilitation measure, 13 % (n = 190) in at least one occupational rehabilitation measure. Within the morbidity spectrum, psychic and psychosomatic illnesses (F-ICD10) took first place with a share of 59 % the prevalence in female teachers of such illnesses was significantly higher than that in male teachers (p < 0.05). Among the psychiatric diagnoses, depressive illnesses dominated (share: 35 %). The most frequent somatic diseases were muscular/skeletal disorders (M-ICD10) in 12 % of cases, then cardiovascular disorders (I-ICD10) in 7 % and malignant tumours (C-ICD 10) in 5 % of cases. In 33 % of cases multi-morbidity was found. 93 % (n = 1,360) of the teachers investigated in follow-up examinations were again classified as unfit for work. In only 7 % (n = 105) reactivation was recommended by the physician; the lowest reactivation quotas were found among teachers with psychic illnesses and grammar school teachers. In who teachers that returned to work, compared to those still unfit for work, a lower age and lower prevalence of severe disability, multi-morbidity and psychic disturbances were objectified. CONCLUSIONS: Teachers who take early retirement return to the profession only in exceptional cases. The time and expense needed for reactivation examinations should be critically compared with the benefits. The same applies to the quality of the results of intervention and rehabilitation measures for restoring psychological and physical health. In this context problem-oriented disability management appears superfluous.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Indoor radon concentration forecasting in South Tyrol.

In this paper a modern statistical technique of multivariate analysis is applied to an indoor radon concentration data base. Several parameters are more or less significant in determining the radon concentration inside a building. The elaboration of the information available on South Tyrol makes it possible both to identify the statistically significant variables and to build up a statistical model that allows us to forecast the radon concentration in dwellings, when the values of the same variables involved are given. The results confirm the complexity of the phenomenon.

Air Pollutants, Radioactive↗
PubMed2004

Bimatoprost: a novel antiglaucoma agent.

The aim of glaucoma therapy is to preserve vision by reducing intraocular pressure (IOP). Following recent National Eye Institute sponsored studies, it is becoming increasingly apparent that every mmHg of extra IOP lowering counts. Bimatoprost is the newest and most effective addition to the physician's armamentarium of ocular hypotensive drugs. Direct clinical comparisons have demonstrated that it is more efficacious than the prostaglandin (PG) FP receptor agonist prodrugs, latanoprost and travoprost, as well as a beta-adrenoceptor antagonist, timolol, alone or in fixed combination with the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, dorzolamide. Moreover, patients that are refractory to latanoprost therapy may be successfully treated with bimatoprost. Such evidence provides support, at the clinical level, for the contention that bimatoprost is pharmacologically distinct from PG FP receptor agonist prodrugs. Bimatoprost is a structural analog of PGF2alpha-ethanolamide (prostamide F2alpha), which is formed from the endocannabinoid anandamide by a biosynthetic pathway involving cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Their pharmacology is remarkably similar, such that bimatoprost may be regarded as a prostamide mimetic. The target receptor for bimatoprost and the prostamides appears unique and unrelated to PG- and endocannabinoid-sensitive receptors. Extensive ocular distribution/metabolism studies in non-human primates demonstrate that bimatoprost is not a prodrug, it remains essentially intact. Its profound ocular hypotensive effects may, therefore, be attributed to its prostamide-mimetic properties.

Amides↗
PubMed2003

[Mucinous spindle cell carcinoma of the kidney. A molecular analysis].

The new WHO-classification of renal tumors includes new subtypes, one of which is the mucinous, tubular, and spindle cell carcinoma. Many of these tumors had been previously diagnosed as sarcomatoid carcinoma. There are areas of cord-like growth and spindle cell configuration, sometimes with a clear cell appearance. The cells have low-grade nuclear features. It has been postulated that these tumors are related to the loop of Henle. In this study, 21 tumors were immunohistochemically and genetically analyzed. The analysis showed complex genomic aberrations, but no chromosome 3p losses. Fluorescence in situ hybridization detected no von Hippel-Lindau gene deletions on chromosome 3p25, which are characteristic for clear cell renal carcinomas. These findings show that there is no genetic relationship to clear cell renal carcinomas. The results of the immunohistochemical analyses showed a complex immunophenotype, but could not prove a derivation from the loop of Henle. The prognosis of these tumors seems to be favorable.

Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous↗
PubMed2003

Replacement of conventional glucocorticoids by oral pH-modified release budesonide in active and inactive Crohn's disease: results of an open, prospective, multicenter trial.

Glucocorticosteroids (GCS) are established in the treatment of active Crohn's ileitis and ileocolitis. Recently, the topical steroid budesonide was found to be effective in untreated patients with Crohn's disease (CD) causing less side effects than conventional GCS. No clinical data have been reported about the effects of switching from conventional GCS to budesonide in terms of side effects and disease activity. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the development of side effects after switching from conventional GCS treatment to Eudragit L-coated budesonide (pH-modified release formulation) in patients taking 5-30 mg prednisolone equivalent per day for at least two weeks. In all, 178 patients with active CD (N = 88) or CD in remission during GCS treatment (N = 90) were included. Conventional GCS treatment was tapered down during a maximum of three weeks, with simultaneous intake of 3 x 3 mg budesonide. Thereafter, patients received 3 x 3 mg budesonide alone for six weeks. GCS-related side effects, disease activity and adverse events were documented at study entry and after 0, 2, 4, and 6 weeks of budesonide treatment. The percentage of patients with GCS-related side effects decreased from 65.2% (intention-to-treat-population) at entry to 43.3% (P < 0.0001) at the end of the trial. The total number of GCS-related side effects decreased significantly from 269 to 90. Of the patients who entered the study with active disease under conventional GCS therapy, 38.6% were in remission at the end of the study. Of the patients who entered the study with CD in remission, 78% stayed in remission after switching from conventinal GCS to budesonide. In conclusion, switching from conventional GCS treatment to budesonide leads to a significant reduction of GCS related side effects in patients with CD without causing rapid deterioration of the disease.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2003

Pattern analysis of human cutaneous mast cell populations by total body surface mapping.

BACKGROUND: Mast cells (MCs), critical effector cells in allergic inflammation and innate immunity to bacteria, are located in large numbers in tissues that interface the external environment, including the skin. However, little is known about the distribution and numbers of human skin MCs. OBJECTIVES: To assess the influence of age, sex and skin region on size and spatial distribution of MC populations in normal human skin. METHODS: Biopsies of healthy skin were obtained from 150 male and female individuals (age range 10-86 years). MCs were quantified and mapped planimetrically by histomorphometry in 15 anatomical sites (abdomen, thorax, lower and upper back, lower and upper arm, lower and upper leg, foot, hand, chin, nose, cheek, forehead, back of head). RESULTS: No differences in skin MC numbers or distribution were found when comparing skin obtained from male or female and from young or old individuals. At all skin sites, regardless of age or sex, MC numbers were highest in the most superficial skin layers where up to 10-fold more MCs were found as compared with the subcutis, which consistently contained the lowest numbers of MCs. Interestingly, MC numbers were highest at peripheral skin sites (maximum: chin and nose) and lowest at central skin sites (minimum: abdomen). Thus, healthy human skin exhibits a proximal/distal and a central/peripheral MC gradient and 'skin MC numbers' may vary by a factor of more than 20, depending on the skin layer and skin site analysed. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the recently identified role of MCs in the elicitation of protective immune responses against infectious microorganisms. One possible explanation for these unexpected findings is that skin site/layer-specific factors (e.g. the density of nerves or vessels, exposure to ultraviolet irradiation, frequency of minimal trauma) are involved in the regulation of skin MC numbers and distribution.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

[Evaluation of the premature unfitness for work among civil servants career--groups and morbidity].

Out of the data obtained in a prospective study over 11,528 assessments concerning premature unfitness for work among civil servant over a period of four years the collective groups of those assessed unfit for work (n = 6,861, 2,723 women i. e. 39.7 % and 4,128 men i. e. 60.2 %) were included in this study. The median age was 54 years (women 52, men 55), 4,112 were teachers, in the administration 1,644, in the technical service 386 and in activities with special request (e. g. fire-brigade or law execution service) 483. Career groups: official-legal groups of careers in lower service categories were 266, in medium categories about 29, in elevated service 2,766 and higher service 2,146 woman officials and male officials. In all fields of activity and groups of careers psychic disorders (ICD 10: F) had a prevalence between 30.8 % in lower service and 48.0 % in the elevated service as "Premature Retirement Suffering No. 1". Women in all fields of activity were clearly more frequently concerned than men (differences from 3.1 per cent points to 18.1 per cent points middle service or technical service, p < 0.01). Second place was taken by muscular/skeletal diseases (ICD 10 group M) in 17.4 % of cases (n = 1,630), and third place by cardiovascular diseases (ICD 10 group I) in 10.4 % of cases (n = 972). The altogether lower prevalence of musculoskeletale illnesses (ICD 10: I) showed a dependency on the activity request and was highest in the technical services and in lower service categories. The median of entrance into premature unfitness for health reasons was between 15 and 9 years earlier than the age limit by law and presented itself differently in the groups of careers. Although this analysis only shows the prevalence of illnesses causal for premature retirement and not the health situation of all civil servants, it can give however pointers to emphasis for a necessary prevention.

Adult↗