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Biomedical subjects

E Zimmermann

Publications and source records attributed to E Zimmermann.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Uterine artery embolization for symptomatic fibroids: short-term versus mid-term changes in disease-specific symptoms, quality of life and magnetic resonance imaging results.

BACKGROUND: Prospective study to evaluate changes in symptom severity, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and uterine and leiomyoma volume after uterine artery embolization (UAE). METHODS: Eighty-two women completed a validated uterine fibroid symptom and quality of life (UFS-QOL) questionnaire and underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before and 3-20 months after UAE. Primary outcome measures were changes in symptom severity and QOL at short-term follow-up [median 5 (range 3-7) months] and mid-term follow-up [median 14 (8-20) months]. Secondary outcome measures included the frequency of additional procedures to control persistent symptoms and changes in dominant fibroid volume (DFV) and uterine volume (UV). RESULTS: Of 82 patients, 71 (86.6%) patients completed follow-up, 7 (8.5%) patients had a second procedure and 4 (4.9%) were lost to follow-up. Symptom severity scores decreased from a median of 43.75 to 21.88 (P < 0.001) in the short-term follow-up group and from a median of 43.75 to 9.38 (P < 0.001) in the mid-term follow-up group. QOL scores increased from a median of 56.90 to 87.93 (P < 0.001) and 66.81 to 96.12 (P < 0.001), respectively. During short-term follow-up, median UV decreased by 27% (95% CI 20.25-33.81, P < 0.001) and median DFV by 62% (95% CI 47.81-71.55, P < 0.001), whereas UV decreased by 36% (95% CI 23.34-55.02, P < 0.001) and DFV by 66% (95% CI 54.28-71.92, P < 0.001) for the mid-term follow-up group. A decrease in UV correlated with change in symptom severity (P < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Women report significant improvements in fibroid-specific symptoms and QOL at short- and mid-term follow-ups after UAE.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Characterization of an anther- and tapetum-specific gene and its highly specific promoter isolated from tomato.

A full-length genomic clone of 2,233 bp long containing an anther- and tapetum-specific gene TomA108 was isolated and characterized from tomato. The gene was present in one copy per haploid genome. The isolated clone contained 5' and 3' untranslated regions of 810 and 170 nucleotides, respectively and a single intron with highly repetitive sequences. The cDNA encoded the protein with an apparent mass of 10.6 kDa and a pI (isoelectric point) of 5.3. It was cysteine-rich and had an N-terminal hydrophobic domain with characteristics of a secretory signal. Amino acid sequence comparisons demonstrated that the protein was closely related to a family of cereal seed storage proteins and protease inhibitors. The fusion of beta-glucuronidase to the TomA108 promoter demonstrated that the promoter was highly active from early-meiosis to free microspores production in tapetum of tobacco. This strong and highly specific promoter can be potentially used to generate male sterility for efficient production of plant hybrids.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2006

Maximal constant heart rate--a heart rate based method to estimate maximal lactate steady state in running.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the accuracy of the maximal constant heart rate method for predicting anaerobic threshold (AnT) in running. This method only requires a common heart rate (HR) monitor and is based on the identification of the maximal constant HR maintainable for 30 min (HRMC). HRMC, 4-mmol threshold, and maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) were determined in 31 probands. 17 probands underwent an additional MLSS retest within 2 weeks. The correlation between HR at MLSS and at MLSS retest was very close (r = 0.807; SEE = 5.25 beats x min(-1); p < 0.001). So were the correlations between HR at 4-mmol threshold and MLSS (r = 0.844; SEE = 6.43 beats x min(-1); p < 0.001) and between HRMC and HR at MLSS (r = 0.820; SEE = 6.73 beats x min(-1); p < 0.001). Mean velocities at maximum constant HR trials and MLSS (r = 0.895; SEE = 0.185 m x s(-1); p < 0.001) as well as 4-mmol threshold and MLSS (r = 0.899; SEE = 0.186 m x s(-1); p < 0.001) were highly correlated. In conclusion, data presented in this study confirm that the determination of HRMC is a manageable method giving a highly accurate estimation of both HR and velocity at MLSS in running.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

[Effects of a programme for structured outpatient follow-up care after inpatient rehabilitation of obese children and adolescents--a multicentre, randomized study].

INTRODUCTION: Inpatient rehabilitation is an important contributor to the treatment of child and adolescent obesity with comorbidity in Germany. Thus far outpatient follow-up care has not been subject to research. The main goal of this study is the development and longer-term evaluation of a programme for structured outpatient follow-up care by primary care physicians after inpatient rehabilitation of obese children and adolescents. METHODS: This multicentre, randomized, parallel controlled clinical trial enrolled 521 children and adolescents aged 9 - 16 (avg. 13.3) years in 7 cooperating specialized rehabilitation facilities. The patients were randomized at the end of their multimodal inpatient treatment that lasted for 5.9 (+/- 1.2) weeks. The intervention consisted of 12 half-hour outpatient consultations by the primary care physicians utilizing a modular consultation guideline and an internet-based training programme. The control group received standard care. Outcome variables included anthropometric measures, questionnaires on eating behaviour, physical activity, quality of life, self-efficacy and subjective rating of the intervention. Measurements were performed at the beginning (t1) and end (t2) of inpatient rehabilitation as well as 6 (t3) and 12 (t4) months after discharge. RESULTS: There was a highly significant improvement of BMI-z-score (standard deviation score of the Body Mass Index), relevant behaviour, quality of life and self-efficacy between t1 and t4. On intention to treat analysis no differences were detected between intervention and control groups. The intervention was utilized by only 50 % of entitled. The BMI-z-score reached a minimum at t3 (6-month follow-up). Predictors of longer-term BMI-z-score decline were psychological suffering, poor eating behaviour, low physical activity and high socio-economic status. In multivariate linear regression improvement of eating behaviour and physical activity correlated with the improvement of BMI-z-score. DISCUSSION: This low-level outpatient intervention did not improve the demonstrated longer-term effectiveness of inpatient rehabilitation. An interdisciplinary outpatient follow-up care in groups with inclusion of the parents is recommended.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Pruritus as a leading symptom: clinical characteristics and quality of life in German and Ugandan patients.

BACKGROUND: Pruritus is the most frequent and distressing symptom associated with dermatoses and various internal and neurological diseases. OBJECTIVES: To investigate two different populations of patients with pruritus, one in Germany and one in Uganda, with a particular focus on clinical characteristics, aetiology and quality of life. METHODS: We investigated by questionnaire 132 patients (59 men, 73 women, mean age 54.5 years) who were referred to the Department of Dermatology at the University Hospital of Magdeburg, Germany, with the diagnosis of pruritus as a leading symptom. The questionnaire was also applied in 84 patients who consulted the Dermatology Clinic at Mbarara, Uganda for pruritus. The questions referred to personal data and disease history of the individual, history and present occurrence of concomitant diseases, present and past therapy, quality, frequency and triggers of itching and scratching, other disorders and complaints, quality of life and impact on work and disability. RESULTS: Seventy-five (57%) of the German patients had pruritus due to dermatoses, 47 patients (36%) had pruritus due to a systemic disease and in 10 patients (8%) pruritus was of unknown origin. Most had a history of pruritus of several months up to years. Pruritus associated with dermatoses mostly affected the whole body and was permanent with an undulatory character. Affective reactions such as aggression and depression occurred more frequently in dermatological patients compared with those with systemic pruritus. The former group felt that pruritus had a greater impact on their lives. Almost all Ugandan patients had pruritus due to dermatoses except for three patients with pruritus of unknown origin. Eczema and prurigo were the most frequently observed dermatoses in both German and Ugandan patients. Patients with pruritus in both populations showed an impaired quality of life. There was no pronounced difference between the populations with regard to feelings of depression and suicidal thoughts. CONCLUSIONS: A great deal of helpful information in this complex group of patients can be obtained using this questionnaire. Pruritus has a major impact on quality of life and especially impairs those patients with pruritus associated with dermatoses and pruritus of unknown origin.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

[Transarterial embolization for uterine fibroids: clinical success rate and results of magnetic resonance imaging].

PURPOSE: To analyze the clinical success rate and the findings of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after uterine artery embolization of symptomatic leiomyomas (fibroids) of the uterus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective single-center case study of 80 consecutively treated patients, followed for 3 - 6 months (group I), 7 - 12 months, (group II), and 13 - 25 months (group III). MRI was used to determine the uterine volume and size of the dominant leiomyoma. Symptoms and causes requiring repeat interventions were analyzed. RESULTS: Significant (p < 0.01) volume reduction of the uterus (median: 34.95 % confidence interval [CI]: 30.41 - 41.76 %) and dominant leiomyoma (median: 52.07 %, CI: 47.71 - 61.57 %) was found. The decrease in uterine volume (I-III: 22.68 %, 33.56 %, 47.93 %) and dominant leiomyoma volume (I-III: 41.86 %, 62.16 %, 73.96 %) progressed with the follow-up time. Bleeding resolved significantly (p < 0.0001) in all three follow-up groups (groups I-III: 92.86 %, 95.23 %, 96.67 %). Furthermore, urinary frequency (groups I-III: 70 %, 75 %, 82.35 %) and sensation of pelvic pressure (groups I-III: 42.86 %, 60 %, 93.75 %) improved, which was statistically significant in group III (p < 0.01). The number of leiomyomas correlated (p < 0.05) with improvement of the bleeding and the pelvic pressure. Repeat therapy was necessary for complications in four patients (5 %) and for therapeutic failure in three patients (3.8 %). Permanent amenorrhea was observed in four patients (5 %) of age 45 years or older. CONCLUSION: Uterine artery embolization of uterine leiomyomas has a high clinical success rate with an acceptable incidence of complications and repeat interventions.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Physicochemical investigations on the structure of drug-free and drug-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) by means of DSC and 1H NMR.

A solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) formulation, based on the lipid Imwitor 900, was developed for the incorporation of the poorly water soluble drug RMEZ98. Physicochemical investigations were undertaken to examine the structure and physical stability of the selected lipid as colloidal dispersion in comparison to the bulk material. Using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) it could be assessed the influence of the incorporated drug on the structure of the lipid matrix. Investigation of mixtures of Imwitor 900 and RMEZ98 showed an increasing effect on the melting/recrystallization behaviour with increasing drug content (5-30%). DSC and 1H NMR results revealed the formation of a crystalline matrix of SLN when prepared by high pressure homogenization excluding, therefore, the phenomenon of supercooled melt. After preparation of RMEZ98-loaded SLN, the drug remained inside the lipid matrix; however, it exhibited only a small effect on the recrystallization behaviour of Imwitor 900 at the lowest payload required for a therapeutic effect (4% m/m with regard to the lipid matrix). Furthermore, the incorporation of RMEZ98 revealed no distinct influence on the particle size distribution. Imwitor 900 proved to be a suitable lipid for the drug RMEZ98, i.e. possessing a sufficient loading capacity and simultaneously physical stability.

Calorimetry, Differential Scanning↗
PubMed2004

Postexercise increase of free fatty acids. A qualitative indicator for free fatty acid utilisation during exercise?

AIM: The purpose of this study was to verify the hypothesis that the postexercise increase (PEI) of plasma free fatty acid (FFA) concentrations after cessation of exercise is a suitable qualitative indicator for the FFA utilisation during the foregoing exercise. METHODS: Fourteen, 17 and 23 healthy subjects participated in 3 test series performing several prolonged exercise protocols (PEP) on a bicycle ergometer. During and after cessation of the PEP heart frequency, lactate and FFA were measured. RESULTS: Fasting resulted in an increase of PEI (90%, p<0.05) and the synergistic use of upper body muscles during cycling caused a significant rise of PEI compared to "regular" cycling (39%, p<0.01). Increasing workload step by step produced continuously rising PEI (p<0.05), only from 42% to 50% of maximal workload PEI decreased by 17% (p=n.s.). CONCLUSION: The results support the hypothesis that PEI is a suitable qualitative indicator for FFA utilisation during a foregoing exercise. Furthermore the results indicate that there is a maximum of FFA utilisation in the legs at 40% of maximum workload during cycling and that the upper body muscles contribute substantially to total body FFA turnover at high inten-sities, an aspect to which possibly too little attention has been paid to when quantifying FFA turnover during cycling.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Expression of NOD2 in Paneth cells: a possible link to Crohn's ileitis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Genetic variation in NOD2 has been associated with susceptibility to Crohn's disease (CD) and specifically with ileal involvement. The reason for the unique association of NOD2 mutations with ileal disease is unclear. To identify a possible link, we tested expression of NOD2 in intestinal tissue of CD patients and controls. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty five specimens of ileum or colon from 21 CD patients, seven ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, and five controls with pathology other than CD or UC were stained for NOD2 using an immunoperoxidase method. RESULTS: Using a monoclonal antibody against NOD2 developed in our laboratory, we detected uniform expression of NOD2 in terminal ileum Paneth cells from controls and patients as well as in metaplastic Paneth cells in the colon. Mechanical purification showed enriched expression of NOD2 mRNA in ileal crypts. In Paneth cells, NOD2 was located in the cytosol in close proximity to the granules that contain antimicrobial peptides. We detected minimal NOD2 in the villous epithelium of the ileum or in the colonic epithelium from both CD patients and controls. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest a role for NOD2 in the regulation of Paneth cell mediated responses against intestinal bacteria and a plausible mechanism to explain the selective association of NOD2 mutations with ileal disease. The impaired capacity of CD associated mutations to sense luminal bacteria may result in increased susceptibility to certain gut microbes.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Colony specificity in a social call of mouse lemurs (Microcebus ssp.).

Nocturnal primate species are often difficult to discriminate by gross visual bodily characteristics. This is also true for the world's smallest primate taxon, the Malagasy mouse lemurs. Recent findings imply that this taxon contains sibling species that can be diagnosed noninvasively by their species-specific advertisement call. We used comparative bioacoustics in order to explore variation of this call type and to assess species status of three European colonies. Acoustic variation was compared within and between colonies as well as with known species-specific differences. It was further related to morphological and genetic variations to investigate in how far it covaries with them. Results show that acoustic and genetic differences revealed by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fingerprinting separated colonies reliably, but were on a different level than known species-specific differences. A Mantel test showed that acoustic differences were weakly correlated to genetic, but not to morphological differences. Our study is the first to reveal that both acoustic signaling and genetics clearly establish the species status for nocturnal primate populations. It also suggests that acoustic traits change at a more obvious and rapid pace than morphology in isolated populations, and may be used as an indication of conditions that may favor the evolution of subspecies.

Acoustics↗
PubMed2001

Female dominance in captive gray mouse lemurs (Microcebus murinus).

Female dominance or female feeding priority seem to be characteristic for many lemur species, but are rare traits in other primates and mammals in general. The nocturnal lemur species, however, are underrepresented in the quantitative studies on social dominance. The aim of this study is to investigate the pattern of intersexual dominance relationships in the gray mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus), a species that is generally thought to possess a number of ancestral lemur traits. The context, distribution, and outcome of intersexual conflicts are analyzed in four captive groups of gray mouse lemurs. Intersexual conflicts occurred in the study groups in different behavioral contexts and were mostly spatial interactions (chasing/fleeing, approach/avoidance). The majority of conflicts were decided, and were in all but one case won by females. This is the first evidence suggesting unconditional female dominance in a cheirogaleid primate. The existence of female dominance in most families of the Lemuriformes suggests it is an ancient trait that evolved in their common ancestor.

Aggression↗
PubMed2001

Molecular phylogeny of the lemur family cheirogaleidae (primates) based on mitochondrial DNA sequences.

Cheirogaleidae currently comprises five genera whose relationships remain contentious. The taxonomic status and phylogenetic position of both Mirza coquereli and Allocebus trichotis are still unclear. The taxonomic status of the recently discovered Microcebus ravelobensis (a sympatric sibling species of Microcebus murinus) and its phylogenetic position also require further examination. A approximately 2.4-kb mitochondrial DNA sequence including part of the COIII gene, complete ND3, ND4L, and ND4 genes, and 5 tRNAs was used to clarify relationships among cheirogaleids. Mirza and Microcebus form a clade representing the sister group of Allocebus, with a clade containing Cheirogaleus major and Cheirogaleus medius diverging first. M. ravelobensis and Microcebus rufus form a subclade within Microcebus, with M. murinus as its sister group. The molecular data support the generic status of Mirza coquereli and species-level divergence of M. ravelobensis. Furthermore, "M. rufus" may well represent more than one species.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Electrolyte- and pH-stabilities of aqueous solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) dispersions in artificial gastrointestinal media.

The influence of artificial gastrointestinal (GI) media on the physical stability of solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) formulations consisting of different lipids and various surfactants/stabilizers has been investigated in vitro, with respect to ionic strength and pH. Laser diffractometry and zeta potential measurements were the techniques applied. Some SLN formulations already showed aggregation/particle growth in the presence of electrolytes at neutral pH. Other lipid nanodispersions remained physically stable with respect to the influence of electrolytes, but were pH-sensitive. It was possible to produce SLN that were GIT (gastrointestinal tract) stable by an optimized stabilizer composition. There is no optimal surfactant mixture for stabilization of any lipid, e.g. SLN consisting of the lipid Cutina CP showed GIT stability in combination with the stabilizer sugar ester S1670, whereas the stabilization with the surfactant mixture Tween 80/Span 85 was not effective. Vice versa, the emulsifier Pluronic F68 stabilized the lipid Compritol ATO 888 but not the lipid Imwitor 900 sufficiently to avoid aggregation of the SLN dispersion in artificial GI media. The stabilizing properties depend obviously on the specific interactions of the lipid matrix with the emulsifier, e.g. anchoring of the stabilizer on the lipid surface and density on the surface.

Capsules↗
PubMed2001

Auditory and vestibular defects in the circling (ci2) rat mutant.

The circling rat is an autosomal recessive mutant (homozygous ci2/ci2) that displays lateralized circling behaviour, locomotor hyperactivity, ataxia and stereotypic head-movement. These abnormal behaviours occur in phases or bursts either spontaneously or in response to stress. Heterozygous (ci2/+) littermates display normal spontaneous behaviours. We have previously found that ci2/ci2 rats of both genders have a lower tissue content of dopamine in the striatum ipsilateral to the preferred direction of rotation, indicating that the rats turn away from the brain hemisphere with higher striatal dopaminergic activity. In view of the similarities of the motor syndrome of the ci2/ci2 mutant rat to that of mouse deafness mutants, the present study evaluated the hearing ability of the circling rat mutant by recording brainstem auditory-evoked potentials. To test for vestibular dysfunction, a swimming test was conducted. Histological methods were used to examine the cochlear and vestibular parts of the inner ear and the cochlear and vestibular brainstem nuclei for defects. The absence of auditory-evoked potentials demonstrated a complete hearing loss in the adult ci2/ci2 mutant rat, whereas heterozygous littermates exhibited auditory-evoked potentials with thresholds resembling those of other laboratory strains. Furthermore, the mutant rats were unable to swim. Histological analysis of the inner ear of adult mutants revealed virtually complete loss of the cochlear neuroepithelium, while no such hair cell degeneration was seen in the vestibular parts of the inner ear. However, part of the vestibular hair cells showed protrusions into the endolymphatic space, suggesting alterations in the cytoskeletal architecture. The histological findings in mutant circling rats strongly indicate that the hearing loss of the mutants is of the sensory neural type, the most prevalent type of hearing loss. In the cochlear nuclei of the brain stem of mutant rats, neurons exhibited an abnormal shape, reduced size and increased density compared to controls. In contrast, no abnormal neuronal morphology was seen in the vestibular nuclei, but a significantly reduced neuronal density was found in the medial vestibular nucleus. Abnormal vestibular function would be a likely explanation for the disturbed balance of mutant rats as exemplified by the ataxia and the inability to swim, whereas the previous data on these rats strongly indicate an involvement of the basal ganglia in the abnormal circling behaviour. The genetic defect in the mutant rats, thus, results in a clinical syndrome with features also seen in human genetic disorders with deafness and hyperkinesia, making the ci2/ci2 rat an excellent model for investigating both cochlear/vestibular dysfunction and hyperkinetic movement disorders.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Influence of different parameters on reconstitution of lyophilized SLN.

Drug-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) suitable for parenteral administration were freeze-dried. The lipid matrix Imwitor 900 (concentration, 2.5%) was stabilized with Lipoid E 80 and sodium glycocholate. The influence of different parameters of lyophilization like the protective effect of cryoprotectants, freezing velocity, and thermal treatment was investigated. The results of this study demonstrate that, by optimizing critical process parameters, i.v.-injectable SLN-dispersions can be freeze-dried, preserving their small particle size.

Drug Carriers↗
PubMed2000

Preserved solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) at low concentrations do cause neither direct nor indirect cytotoxic effects in peritoneal macrophages.

In order to investigate the interaction of preserved solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) with murine peritoneal macrophages (Mpsi), cytotoxicity and proinflammatory effects of two different solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) preparations consisting of either compritol (CO) or cetyl palmitate (CP) preserved with thiomersal were analyzed. Concentration-dependent cytotoxic effects were observed using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Secretion of interleukin-6 by Mpsi following incubation with CO and CP SLN did not differ from secretion by untreated cells; proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-12 and tumor-necrosis-factor-alpha as further indicators of immunomodulatory effects were not detectable. These findings paralleled our previous findings that unpreserved CO and CP SLN did not induce immunomodulatory effects but cytotoxicity at higher concentrations. There were no synergistic cytotoxic effects of preservative and SLN. Thus, preservation of SLN using thiomersal does not appear to cause increased cytotoxicity and immunomodulatory effects following incubation with Mpsi.

Animals↗