Biomedical subjects

F Gruber

Publications and source records attributed to F Gruber.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Adaptation to high salinity in poplar involves changes in xylem anatomy and auxin physiology.

To investigate the physiological basis of salt adaptation in poplar, we compared the effect of salt stress on wood anatomy and auxin physiology of the salt-resistant Populus euphratica and salt-sensitive Populus x canescens. Both poplar species showed decreases in vessel lumina associated with increases in wall strength in response to salt, however, in P. euphratica at three-fold higher salt concentrations than in P. x canescens. The predicted hydraulic conductivity of the wood formed under salt stress decreased in P. x canescens, while in P. euphratica, no significant effects of salt on conductivity and transpiration were observed. The concentration of free indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) decreased under salt stress in the xylem of both poplar species, but to a larger extent in P. x canescens than in P. euphratica. Only salt-treated P. euphratica exhibited an increase in IAA-conjugates in the xylem. Genes homologous to the auxin-amidohydrolase ILL3 were isolated from the xylems of P. euphratica and P. x canescens. For functional analysis, the auxin-amidohydrolase from P. x canescens was overexpressed in Arabidopsis. Transgenic Arabidopsis plants were more resistant to salt stress than the wild-type plants. Increased sensitivity of the transgenic Arabidopsis to IAA-Leu showed that the encoded hydrolase used IAA-Leu as a substrate. These results suggest that poplar can use IAA-amidoconjugates in the stem as a source of auxin to balance the effects of salt stress on auxin physiology.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

PubMed2005

Delayed onset of warts over tattoo mark provoked by sunburn.

Multiple warts in a 32-year-old-man are reported that developed after tattooing and remaining exclusively confined to that area. The tattooing was done 2.5 years earlier by a professional tattoo artist. It was previously a lesion-free tattoo, but when damaged by sunburn developed multiple skin warts. The ability of a latent virus to induce warts after cutaneous ultraviolet exposure was discussed.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

The Weil osteotomy: a seven-year follow-up.

We prospectively evaluated the one- and seven-year results of the Weil osteotomy for the treatment of metatarsalgia with subluxed or dislocated metatarsophalangeal joints in 25 feet of 24 patients. Good to excellent results were achieved in 21 feet (84%) after one year and in 22 (88%) after seven years. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score significantly improved from 48 (SD 15) points before surgery to 75 (SD 24) at one year, and 83 (SD 18) at seven years. The procedure significantly reduced pain, diminished isolated plantar callus formation and increased the patient's capacity for walking. Redislocation of the metatarsophalangeal joint was seen in two feet (8%) after one year and in three (12%) after seven years. Although floating toes and restricted movement of the metatarsophalangeal joint may occur, the Weil osteotomy is safe and effective.

Aged↗

PubMed2004

The humane collection of fetal bovine serum and possibilities for serum-free cell and tissue culture.

Fetal bovine serum (FBS) is a common supplement to in vitro culture media. A workshop was organized to discuss whether or not fetuses might suffer when blood is withdrawn, and to discuss serum replacement methods. When bovine fetuses are exposed after slaughter of the dam, they can suffer only if they inflate their lungs with air and increase their blood oxygen to levels compatible with awareness. Preventing fetuses from breathing air or killing them by an efficient method, according to clearly defined safeguards, ensures that fetal blood collection is humane. Since serum is a supplement of unknown composition, which could be contaminated with unwanted factors, there are scientific and safety reasons for omitting FBS from culture media. Several media have been developed in which minimal or no animal derived components are present. Also, different cell types have been adapted to serum-free media. As yet, no standard serum free media are present, and each cell type requires its own medium composition. Among other recommendations, the establishment of a public database with information on cell types and their serum-free medium composition is proposed.

Animal Experimentation↗

PubMed2004

Perforin expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes and skin-infiltrating cells in patients with lichen planus.

BACKGROUND: Current evidence suggests that lichen planus is a T-cell-mediated autoimmune disease in which cytotoxic mechanisms have been poorly investigated. OBJECTIVES: We investigated the expression of perforin in subpopulations of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) in exacerbation and remission phases of the disease as well as in skin lesions. METHODS: We performed a simultaneous detection of perforin (intracellular molecule) and cell surface antigens on PBL by flow cytometry, and skin lesions were investigated by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The most interesting finding was a significant increase of perforin expression in cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CD3+ perforin+ cells) in the exacerbation phase of disease (P < 0.05), which was mostly located in the CD8+ subpopulation (CD8+ perforin+) (P < 0.01). Using immunohistochemistry we confirmed the infiltration of T lymphocytes in skin lesions, especially of CD4+ and CD8+ phenotypes, compared with uninvolved (P < 0.05) and healthy skin (P < 0.01). The expression of perforin was also significantly higher in lesional skin compared with nonlesional and healthy skin (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results clearly show the upregulation of perforin expression in peripheral blood as well as in lesions of patients with lichen planus and therefore suggest an important role for perforin in this autoimmune disease.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Perforin expression is upregulated in the epidermis of psoriatic lesions.

BACKGROUND: There are currently very few data regarding the role of cell-mediated cytotoxicity in psoriasis. Both cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells mediate cytotoxicity reactions, mainly by two distinct pathways, the perforin/granzyme and the Fas/Fas ligand pathway. OBJECTIVES: To study the expression and distribution of perforin, T- and NK-cell subsets in psoriatic lesional and nonlesional skin. METHODS: Skin biopsy specimens from both lesional and nonlesional skin of 11 patients with chronic plaque psoriasis and eight healthy controls were analysed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: We found a significant increase in CD4+ and CD8+ cells in psoriatic lesions compared with nonlesional and healthy skin. The expression of CD16+ NK cells was significantly lower in lesions compared with healthy skin. Perforin expression was significantly enhanced in the epidermis of psoriatic lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Perforin expression is upregulated in the epidermis of psoriatic lesions, suggesting a potential role for perforin in the creation of the psoriatic plaque.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

The epidemiology of Microsporum canis infections in Rijeka area, Croatia.

The aim of the study was to analyze the Microsporum canis infections in the Rijeka area, Croatia, observed between 1990 and 2001. A total of 724 cases of dermatophytosis caused by M. canis were diagnosed in 320 individuals with the tinea capitis and 404 with tinea corporis. The M. canis infections constituted 32.8% of all dermatophytes isolated during the study period.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

A new extended haplotype Cw0602-B57-DRB10701-DQA10201-DQB10201 associated with psoriasis in the Croatian population.

In this study, we have analysed the distribution of HLA class II alleles and the extended haplotype HLA-Cw-B-DRB1-DQA1-DQB1 in Croatian patients with type I and type II psoriasis by hybridization with specific oligonucleotide probes. Type I psoriasis showed a significant association with the DRB1*0701 [P < 0.00001; relative risk (RR) = 5.83], DQA1*0201 (P < 0.00001; RR = 6.12), DQB1*0201 (P = 0.0006; RR = 3.29) and DQB1*0303 alleles (P = 0.0008; RR = 7.51). A negative correlation with type I disease was observed for the DQA1*0102 allele (P = 0.002; RR = 0.26). Type II psoriasis did not show any association with any class II alleles. The extended haplotype HLA-Cw*0602-B57-DRB1*0701-DQA1*0201-DQB1*0201 was present at a significantly higher frequency in type I patients (P < 0.00001; RR = 7.72). However, this haplotype was not detected at all in patients with type II psoriasis. In conclusion, the extended haplotype HLA-Cw*0602-B57-DRB1*0701-DQA1*0201-DQB1*0201 is a risk haplotype for type I disease in the Croatian population. This particular haplotype has not been reported previously in association with psoriasis in any other ethnic groups.

Alleles↗

PubMed2003

Cytomorphological variations, proliferation and angiogenesis in the prognosis of cutaneous melanoma.

Depth of invasion and stage of the disease are well known prognostic indicators in cutaneous melanoma (CM). However, the role of other parameters, such as the variations in cytomorphology of melanocyte tumours, mitotic activity and angiogenesis is still open to question. The aim of this study was to analyse proliferation by mitotic activity index (MAI) and immunostaining of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and the intensity of neovascularization (microvessel density; MVD) in CM clinical stage I in relation to epithelioid, spindle and nevoid cell type, histological type (superficial spreading melanoma and nodular melanoma), Clark's level and Breslow thickness. Finally, the role of all parameters in the prognosis of CM was evaluated. Statistical analysis demonstrated that cytological characteristics of CM correlate only with Clark's level, while histological types correlate with MAI, PCNA and MVD. MAI and PCNA also showed correlation between groups according to Clark's level and Breslow thickness. Finally, tumour cell PCNA was found to correlate with MVD. Survival of patients with CM correlated significantly with MAI. These results suggest that cytological variation, histological type, PCNA and MVD alone are not independent prognostic parameters, whereas MAI is a potentially important prognostic marker in CM.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗

PubMed2003

Dermatomycoses in the Rijeka area, Croatia, before, during and after the war 1990-1999.

The frequency of dermatomycoses as well as the spectrum of causative agents in the Rijeka area, northwestern part of Croatia, in the periods before and during the war (1990-1994) and in the postwar period (1995-1999) were analyzed. A total of 20 463 patients with clinically suspected dermatomycoses referred to the Department of Dermatovenerology, Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, was examined. In the period from 1990 till 1994, 2462 samples were positive, compared with 2250 positive samples during the period from 1995 to 1999. The most frequently isolated dermatophytes were in both periods Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum canis, followed by Microsporum gypseum, Epidermophyton floccosum, Trichophyton verrucosum and in the first period T. rubrum. An intensive change in composition of the flora was observed in the postwar period, mainly connected to the migration of population from other regions to the Rijeka area. This was demonstrated by a disappearance of T. verrucosum and T. rubrum and by an eruptive occurrence of Trichophyton violaceum. This antropophilic species became third representative in the postwar period, followed by M. gypseum, and E. floccosum. Our data were compared with those obtained in the same area in previous studies, and with results obtained in other countries.

Croatia↗

PubMed2002

Chlamydia trachomatis infections in eastern Europe: legal aspects, epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment.

OBJECTIVES: Knowledge concerning genital Chlamydia trachomatis infections in eastern Europe is scarce. Data on the legal aspects, epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of the infection have never been collected, summarised, and presented to the international scientific community. The aim of this study was to present the current situation on the main aspects of chlamydial infections in the countries of eastern Europe. METHODS: Written questionnaires concerning legal aspects, epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of the infection were distributed among national STI operating administrators as well as researchers who had presented papers at earlier meetings of European chlamydia or STI societies. RESULTS: Most of the countries have not legalised reporting of chlamydial infections and in those who have done so, the quality of the reporting system is poor. Contact tracing is mostly done on a voluntary basis. Reported chlamydia incidence varies from 21 to 276 per 100000 inhabitants. The most commonly used diagnostic test remains the direct immunofluorescence test; however, some tendencies towards nucleic acid amplification are in evidence. Diagnostic services are paid for by the patient himself, while treatment in many countries is partially or completely covered by public insurance. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report summarising data concerning the situation on C trachomatis infections in eastern Europe. The reporting system and diagnosis of C trachomatis infections remain suboptimal, which allows neither control of the epidemiological situation nor optimal treatment of the patients. The most urgent work currently necessary is the education of professionals and the general population.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

PubMed2002

HLA class II haplotypic association and DQCAR microsatellite polymorphisms in Croatian patients with psoriasis.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate polymorphism of HLA class II haplotypic associations (HLA-DRB1, -DQA1, -DQB1) and DQCAR alleles in 78 Croatian patients with psoriasis. Patients were divided into two groups according to a family history of disease and age of onset: type I (positive family history and early onset) and type II (negative family history and late onset). The difference in frequency of HLA class II haplotypic associations between type I patients and controls was observed for the following combinations: HLA-DRB1*0701, -DQA1*0201, -DQB1*02 (23.6% vs. 7.2%; p < 0.001), HLA-DRB1*0701, -DQA1*0201, -DQB1*0303 (8.5% vs. 1.3%; p = 0.0018) and HLA-DRB1*1601, -DQA1*0102, -DQB1*0502 (2.8% vs. 9.3%; p = 0.06). The difference between type II psoriasis and controls for association: HLA-DRB1*1501, -DQA1*0102, -DQB1*0602 is not significant (20.0% vs. 8.9%; p = 0.06). The significantly higher frequency of DQCAR 113bp and 119bp alleles in patients with type Ipsoriasis is a result of linkage disequlibrium of these alleles with both HLA-DRB1*0701 haplotypic associations. Analysis ofDQCAR alleles in the HLA-DRB1*0701 haplotypic associations in patients with psoriasis vulgaris and matched controls did not reveal any difference in polymorphism of DQCAR alleles. These data suggest that HLA-DRB*0701 haplotypic combinations are associated with type I but not for type II psoriasis in the Croatian population. DQCAR polymorphism is not useful genetic marker to distinguish susceptible HLA class II haplotypic association.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Quantitation of viral DNA by real-time PCR applying duplex amplification, internal standardization, and two-color fluorescence detection.

A real-time PCR method was developed to quantitate viral DNA that includes duplex amplification, internal standardization, and two-color fluorescence detection without the need to generate an external standardization curve. Applied to human parvovirus B19 DNA, the linear range was from 10(2) to at least 5 x 10(6) copies per ml of sample. The coefficient of variation was 0.29 using a run control of 2,876 copies per ml. The method reduces the risk of false-negative results, yields high precision, and is applicable for other DNA targets.

Algorithms↗

PubMed2001

Influence of tumor thickness and vascularity on survival in cutaneous melanoma.

Eighty-eight cases of cutaneous melanoma (CM) were analyzed in order to elucidate the relationship between thickness, angiogenesis, and prognosis. The thickness of the tumor was measured according to the Breslow method, and the microvessels were identified by an immunohistochemical study using anti-factor VIII monoclonal antibody on specimens from 40 patients with superficial spreading melanoma (SSM), and 48 with nodular type (NM). Microvessels were counted in the area of highest density. The overall survival and disease-free period were analyzed retrospectively. The proportion of patients with thicker CMs (> 1.5 mm) increased with age in both sexes. Mean vascular count was statistically significant different only between thinner and thicker tumors in the SSM group (P < 0.05). Prognosis was correlated with the thickness of CM (P = 0.0002), mean vascular count alone (P = 0.004), mean vascular count in association with CM thickness less than 1.5 mm (P = 0.0005), and with mean vascular count in NM (P = 0.02). These findings suggest that increasing microvessel density indicates a worsening prognosis.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

A 20-year epidemiological study of cutaneous melanoma in the Rijeka district of Croatia.

A retrospective study was made of the incidence of cutaneous melanoma among the population of the district of Rijeka (Croatia) during the period 1977-96. A total of 397 patients with cutaneous melanoma was documented during this period. Over the 20-year period the incidence of the tumour increased, the mean annual rate being 4. 8 (4.0 in males and 5.4 in females) in the first 10-year period and 7.16 in the second (7.1 in males and 7.3 in females). The number of registered cases in males and females was almost identical (1 : 1.05). The number of melanoma cases increased with age in both sexes, whereas it was rare in children. The most affected anatomical location was the trunk in males and the lower limbs in females. The results indicate the need for active prevention and educational programmes in this population.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

Analysis of HLA antigens in Croatian patients with psoriasis.

In common with most autoimmune diseases, psoriasis is associated with some HLA antigens. We studied the distribution of HLA antigens in Croatian patients with psoriasis: 108 patients were divided into groups according to family history and age of disease onset. HLA antigens were analyzed serologically and HLA-C alleles were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction. We found significant increases in HLA-A2, -B17, -B37 and -B13 antigens and highly significant increases in HLA-Cw*0602 and DR7 antigens in psoriatic patients compared with controls. Patients with type I psoriasis (early onset, positive family history) showed highly significant associations with Cw*0602 [p < 0.00001; relative risk (RR) = 14.45] and DR7 (p < 0.00001; RR = 15.09) antigens. Patients with type II psoriasis (late onset, no family history) had a significant association with Cw*03 antigen (p = 0.008; RR = 0.17). In conclusion, HLA-B13, -B17, Cw*0602 and -DR7 antigens are associated with a significant risk of psoriasis in the Croatian population and the Cw*0602 allele has the strongest association, especially for type I psoriasis.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Assessment of perforin expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes in psoriatic patients during exacerbation of disease.

There are very few data concerning the role played by cell-mediated cytotoxicity, particularly at the molecular level, in the course of psoriasis. Both cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and natural killer cells contain in their granules the cytolytic protein perforin, a mediator in cell-mediated cytotoxicity reactions. The aim of this study was to analyze perforin expression in various sets and subsets of perforin-positive peripheral blood lymphocytes in 17 patients with chronic psoriasis vulgaris in the exacerbation phase. The results were compared with those of an age- and sex-matched healthy control group (n = 21). Perforin (intracellular antigen) and cell surface antigens were detected using the simultaneous double-staining method. We found a significant increase in perforin (P) expression in the patient group for CTL (CD3+P+ cells), which are located mostly in the CD8+ population of T lymphocytes (CD8+P+).

Acute Disease↗

PubMed2000

Treatment of early syphilis with azithromycin.

An open, noncomparative study was performed to establish the efficacy of azithromycin in the treatment of early syphilis. Sixteen patients were treated with oral azithromycin: 1g the first day and then 500 mg for the following 8 days. Two patients were excluded from the study, leaving 14 patients for the evaluation of the efficacy. Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) negativity was observed in 3 out of 6 patients treated for primary syphilis after 3 months and in all patients after 6 months. Two of 8 patients treated for manifest or early latent secondary syphilis had VDRL negativity after 3 months and 4 patients after 6 months. This study demonstrates that azithromycin is effective in the treatment of early syphilis. Two patients experienced gastrointestinal side effects which did not require treatment interruption.

Administration, Oral↗