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Biomedical subjects

H Maier

Publications and source records attributed to H Maier.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

Epidemiology of laryngeal cancer: results of the Heidelberg case-control study.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx is a multifactorial disease which predominantly is found in males aged 50-70 years. Chronic consumption of alcohol and tobacco independently increase the relative risk of this type of cancer in a dose-dependent manner. Low educational standards and occupational training are associated with high risk. The majority of the cancer patients are blue collar workers who are exposed to a variety of hazardous working materials like polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons, cement dust, metal dusts, asbestos, varnish, lacquer, etc. Environmental exposure to airborne carcinogens like fossil fuel single stove emissions may increase the relative risk of laryngeal cancer. The regular consumption of fruit, salad and dairy products which contain considerable amounts of tumor protective micronutrients may decrease the risk of laryngeal cancer.

Alcohol Drinking↗
PubMed1996

[Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in Austria].

Between 1969 and 30th June 1996, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) was definitively diagnosed in 88 Austrian patients by autopsy and/or biopsy. The number of diagnosed cases has steadily increased in recent years (average incidence in 1969-1985: 0.18 per million; 1986-1994: 0.67 per million; 1995: 1.25 per million; estimate for 1996: 1.7 per million). The percentage of patients older than 70 years increased until 1989 and has decreased slightly since then. One patient received a lyophilised dura transplant 11 years before death. Another patient gave a history of intramuscular injections of bovine RNA (Regeneresen) extracted from various organs including brain administered over a ten-year period. One female patient had familial CJD with a glutamate-->lysine mutation at codon 200 of the prion protein (PrP) gene PRNP. The ages at death are distributed symmetrically around the median of 64 years. Two female patients died at the unusually young ages of 27 and 30 years. Median duration of disease was 4.5 months; 77% of the patients died within 6 months after onset of the disease. Retrospectively, 83% of the patients fulfilled the clinical criteria of probable or possible CJD. Neuropathologically, each patient showed accumulation of immunocytochemically detectable pathological PrP in the central nervous system. No patient had the neuropathological profile of the new CJD variant recently described in the U.K. The recent rise in diagnosed CJD in Austria probably reflects increased awareness and recognition rather than a real increase. Since bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) has not been observed in Austria, our data argue against an association between the rise of incidence of CJD and BSE.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

The use of an improved transposon mutagenesis system for DNA sequencing leads to the characterization of a new insertion sequence of Streptomyces lividans 66.

A DNA sequencing strategy was developed based on the tetracycline resistance transposon Tn1721. A universal M13 primer binding site (UP) for DNA sequencing and restriction sites for mapping were inserted near one end of Tn1721 and the new derivative, Tn5491, introduced onto a conjugative F' plasmid. The target sequence is inserted between two inverted resolution sites (res) of Tn1721 present on the high-copy plasmid pJOE2114. Due to the inviability of long palindromic sequences in Escherichia coli insertions between the inversely orientated res sites of pJOE2114 are positively selected. Transposition of Tn5491 into the target sequence is selected by cointegrate formation of Tn5491 during transposition, mating and transfer of the nonconjugative sequencing vector. After cointegrate resolution, the additional res sites in the vector result in a second site-specific recombination removing most of the transposon (except of 136 bp) and part of the target sequence. The reduced plasmid sizes and the use of the universal primer improved the quality of the sequencing results obtained on an automated fluorescent sequencer. A 3.35-kb EcoRI fragment from the 30-kb terminal inverted repeats (TIR) of the Streptomyces lividans chromosome was sequenced by this method. A 1304-bp sequence was found on this fragment with the features of insertion elements. The element called IS1372 had 27-bp IR and two potential open reading frames. The predicted gene products had similar sizes and high similarity to gene products encoded by insertion sequences of the IS3 family. Furthermore, a potential signal stimulating ribosomal shifts and typical for members of the IS3 family was identified. Five to seven copies of IS1372 were found in different strains of S. lividans but none in other Streptomyces species tested.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1996

[Ultrasound diagnosis in primary staging of head-neck tumors].

The radiologic imaging methods play an important role in the precise staging as basic requirement for an effective concept of tumor therapy. The accuracy of ultrasound in the primary staging according to the TNM-classification (UICC) was therefore prospectively investigated in 260 patients with head and neck tumors of the clinical stages T1N0 to T4N3. The clinically (C1) and sonographically (C2) evaluated pretherapeutic stages were compared to the postoperative histopathologic tumor classifications. The clinical staging was correct in 75.0%, high in 7.7%, low in 17.3%, the N-stages were correct in 59.2%, high in 17.7%, low in 23.1%. The sonographic staging was apparently superior with the T-classifications correct in 92.3%, high in 7.7%, low 0.0%. The N-stages were correct in 89.6%, high in 9.2%, low in 1.2%. The accuracy of combined TN classification rose from clinical 46.5% to 84.6% by sonography. Accompanying inflammations, foregoing biopsies and tooth extractions were the main reasons for incorrect staging. Therefore, the thorough sonographic investigation performed after the clinical examination and before invasive procedures, due to little patient discomfort, good availability and high accuracy, is an excellent sectional imaging method for staging, therapy-planning and follow up of tumors of the head and neck especially of the orofacial regions.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Assessment of qualitative functional parameters of stored red blood cells from donors with sickle cell trait (AS) or with heterozygote (AC) status.

We have compared the storage quality of three groups of 10 red blood cell concentrates of the AA, AS and AC haemoglobin phenotype. The 30 samples were drawn on CPD on day 0, and were centrifuged 6 hours later. Leukocytes were removed on D1 and the samples were kept at +4 degrees C for 42 days in SAG-mannitol. Viability tests were performed using a series of in vitro tests, including: ATP, 2,3-DPG, K+, glucose, lactic acid, pH, osmotic fragility tests and erythrocytic morphology determination. Results demonstrated a good functional quality for AS and AC haemoglobin RBCs. Higher 2,3-DPG levels were found in Hb AS and Hb AC. A lower osmotic fragility in Hb AC and AS RBCs versus Hb AA was observed; no significant difference was found in terms of ATP levels and other parameters. In addition no variation in S and C haemoglobin levels and no sickling were observed. In conclusion, these results indicate an overall good quality for haemoglobin AS and AC RBCs. Further in vivo studies must now be performed in order to confirm the transfusional quality of haemoglobin AS and AC RBCs.

2,3-Diphosphoglycerate↗
PubMed1996

[Squamous epithelial carcinoma of the tongue after occupational exposure to chromium VI compounds].

BACKGROUND: The major key risk factors of head and neck cancer are chronic alcohol and tobacco consumption. There ist further increasing evidence that exposure to hazardous occupational agents increases the cancer risk substantially. CASE REPORT: By means of a case report and an overview of the literature, the role of occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium compounds as a risk factor of head and neck cancer is analysed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The mechanisms of chromium carcinogenesis are outlined. Possible interactions of life-style factors and occupational factors which may influence the cancer risk in a synergistic manner are also discussed. Critical analysis of the literature provides evidence of a possible role of occupational exposition to hexavalent chromium compounds as a risk factor for oral squamous cell cancer.

Carcinogens, Environmental↗
PubMed1996

[Effects of chronic alcohol drinking on mouth mucosa. A morphometric study].

BACKGROUND: Chronic alcohol consumption is a major risk factor for oral and pharyngeal cancer. Besides other mechanisms a toxic effect of ethanol and/or its metabolite acetaldehyde on the oral mucosa and a resulting increased cell regeneration seem to play an important role in tumor promotion. METHODS: In the present study the effect of chronic ethanol consumption on the morphology of the oral mucosa of 20 male wistar rats that had been fed nutritionally adequate liquid diets containing 36% of total calories either as ethanol or isocaloric carbohydrates for six months was investigated. RESULTS: Morphometric analysis showed that in the ethanol rats, the size of the basal cell nuclei of the oral mucosa from the floor of the mouth, the edge of the tongue, and the base of the tongue was significantly increased (p < 0.001). The size of the basal cell layer in these rats was increased, and the stratification of the cells was altered. Mean epithelial thickness of the mucosa from the floor of the mouth was significantly reduced in the ethanol rats (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, our results indicate that chronic ethanol consumption causes oral mucosa atrophy associated with hyperregeneration, which may result in an enhanced susceptibility of the mucosal epithelium to chemical carcinogens.

Alcohol Drinking↗
PubMed1996

[Cancer of the oral cavity in machine workers].

BACKGROUND: So far, only few studies exist which investigated the influence of occupational factors on the risk of oral cancer. PATIENTS: A case control study enrolling 100 patients with carcinomas of the oral cavity and 400 randomized control persons was performed to analyze occupational risk factors for oral cancer. RESULTS: Twenty-two percent of the tumor patients and only 8.5% of the control persons were employed as machine workers. The relative risk for squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity was 3.4 (K.I.: 1.7-7.0) for machine workers (adjusted for alcohol and tobacco). Single case analysis showed that 96.3% of the machine workers with oral cancer and only 17.3% of the machine workers in the control group were exposed to dust, especially metal dust (55.5% vs. 9.7%). Also the exposure to paint, lacquer, and varnish containing chromium and nickel was significantly higher in machine workers with cancer of the oral cavity than in the machine workers without cancer (29.6% vs. 10.9%). CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that exposition to various types of dust, especially metal dust, increases the risk of oral cancer in machine worker patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Illness stage and IgA-anti-Fab/F(ab')2 autoantibody activity in serum of patients with malignant head-neck tumors].

BACKGROUND: Patients with malignant tumors of the head and neck often show immune defects. Increased serum IgA levels have been reported in these groups of patients. We investigated whether IgA-anti-Fab or IgA-anti-F(ab')2 autoantibodies, which have been shown to correlate with severe dysfunction of the immune system, also appear in patients with head and neck cancer. PATIENTS: Sera of 110 patients with squamous cell carcinoma, eight patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma, and 57 healthy controls were tested with an ELISA for IgA-anti-Fab autoantibody activity. RESULTS: Patients with head and neck cancer showed a higher IgA-anti-Fab activity (OD:399, n = 118) than healthy controls (OD: 84, n = 57, p < 0.0001). An association between stage of disease and IgA-anti-Fab activity could be established in patients with SCCHN. Stage IV patients had a significantly higher IgA-anti-Fab activity (OD: 538, n = 51) than stage 1 patients (OD: 283, n = 18, p < 0.05). Patients with stage II (OD: 293, n = 13) or stage III (OD: 379, n = 28) showed intermediate activity. Also a higher IgA-anti-Fab activity than in healthy controls was demonstrated in the eight patients with ACCHN (OD: 314, n = 8, p < 0.01). The highest IgA-anti-Fab activity was observed in eight patients with SCCHN who died within six months after testing (OD: 1004, n = 8). Similar results were obtained for IgA-anti-F(ab')2 autoantibodies. Our findings suggest an association between autoimmunity and final desintegration of physiological body functions. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of IgA-anti-Fab/IgA-anti-F(ab')2 autoantibodies might be interpreted as an aspect of immune deficiency in patients with malignant tumors of the head and neck.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Reconstruction of the soft palate with a microvascular radial flap].

BACKGROUND: A new technique for reconstruction of the soft palate using a folded microvascularized radial forearm flap is described. PATIENTS: The method has been used in 16 patients to date. RESULTS: There was no loss of the transplant. Only three patients had unsatisfactory functional results with respect to speaking and swallowing. CONCLUSIONS: The presented technique enables a one-step reconstruction of the complete soft palate. The complication rate we experienced was low and the functional results were excellent.

Humans↗
PubMed1996

[Primary unrecognized gunshot wound in the frontal skull base].

BACKGROUND: Craniocerebral gunshot wounds demand a high degree of skill in clinical treatment. In addition to painstaking history, modern imaging techniques for preoperative diagnosis and interdisciplinary surgical treatment are important. CASE REPORT: Diagnosis and therapeutic principles are discussed on the basis of a case study of a 21-year-old soldier with an unusual craniocerebral gunshot wound.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Cholesterol granuloma of the petrous apex--etiology, diagnosis and therapy].

BACKGROUND: In the past cholesterol granuloma has been described as an innocuous disease in the mastoid air cells related to an obstruction of the air source to a normally pneumatized cavity due to chronic inflammation. Cholesterol granuloma of the petrous apex has since been recognized as a distinct clinical entity that may cause severe cranial nerve problems and which thus demands adequate surgical treatment. CASE REPORT: Diagnosis and surgical management are discussed on the basis of two typical case studies and a review of the literature.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

CD8+ lymphocyte decrease in HIV disease: association with anti-CD4+ but not with anti-CD8+ lymphocyte autoantibodies.

HIV+ patients form autoantibodies against CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes. It was shown that anti-CD4+ lymphocyte autoantibodies are associated with the depletion of CD4+ cells. In the present study we analyzed the relationship of anti-CD4+ and anti-CD8+ autoantibodies with the CD8+ lymphocyte decrease commonly observed during HIV disease. IgM and IgG antibodies as well as complement fragments were determined on the surface of CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes using double fluorescence flow cytometry. Anti-CD8+ lymphocyte autoantibodies were found more often in HIV + hemophilia patients (75/105 = 71%) than HIV- hemophilia patients (13/37 = 35%; p < 0.0001), patients with pharyngeal carcinoma (20/44 = 45%; P = 0.002), habitual abortions (3/13 = 23%; p = 0.0009) or healthy individuals (93-223 = 42%; p < 0.0001). Anti-CD8+ antibodies, mostly of the IgM type, occurred significantly more frequently than anti-CD4+ antibodies in healthy controls (p < 0.0001), patients with pharyngeal carcinoma (p = 0.0001), or HIV- patients (p = 0.01). In HIV+ patients, however, anti-CD4+ autoantibodies were found more often than anti-CD8+ antibodies (85 vs 71%; p = 0.02). 70 of 104 (67%) HIV+ patients had autoantibodies on both CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes and the IgG/IgM/C3d autoantibody pattern was identical in 31 (44%) of the patients. Interestingly, peripheral blood CD8+ cell counts were significantly associated with anti-CD4+ (p = 0.01) but not with anti-CD8+ lymphocyte autoantibodies. It is hypothesized that the inhibition and depletion of CD4+ cells by anti-CD4+ autoantibodies is associated with a loss of regulatory functions that leads to a depletion of antiviral cytotoxic CD8+ lymphocytes.

Autoantibodies↗
PubMed1996

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in Austria.

Between 1969 and 30 September 1995, 79 Austrian patients had Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) diagnosed neuropathologically by necropsy or biopsy. The annual incidence has significantly increased in recent years (average 0.18 per million in 1969-85, and 0.67 per million in 1986-94; estimate for 1995: 1.5 per million). Also, the percentage of patients with CJD over 70 years at death increased significantly until 1989 but is since in decline. There is no regional clustering, familial occurrence, or recognised iatrogenic risk. One patient had a 10 year history of intramuscular injection of purified bovine RNA preparation (Regeneresen) from various organs including the brian. The ages at death are symmetrically distributed around the median of 64 years. The median duration of disease is four months. Most patients (76%) died within six months of onset. Retrospectively, 86% of patients fulfilled clinical criteria of probable or possible CJD. Neuropathology showed the classic triad of spongiform change, astrogliosis, and neuronal loss in most cases. Two cases did not show unequivocal tissue alterations, but anti-PrP immunocytochemistry detected PrP deposits also in these cases. It is concluded that the recent rise in incidence of CJD in Austria most likely reflects increased awareness and diagnosis of CJD rather than a real increase. As bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) has not been reported in Austria, the data do not support a link between a rise in incidence of sporadic CJD and BSE.

Adolescent↗