Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

H Schröder

Publications and source records attributed to H Schröder.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

High monetary costs of dietary patterns associated with lower body mass index: a population-based study.

INTRODUCTION: Food choice is strongly influenced through economic constraints. The monetary costs for foods, especially those foods associated with a lower risk of obesity, have considerably increased during the last years. The purpose of this study was to determine the cost differences between low and high adherence to two dietary patterns which have been inversely associated with body mass index (BMI) and obesity. METHODS: The subjects were Spanish men (n=1547) and women (n=1615) aged 25-74 years who were examined in 1999-2000, in a population-based cross-sectional survey in the northeast of Spain (Girona). Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. Two dietary quality indices, namely the Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS) and the Healthy Eating Index (HEI), were created. Average food prices were calculated. Anthropometric variables were measured. RESULTS: Adjusted linear regression analysis revealed that an increase in 1 Euro (1.25$) of monetary diet costs per day was associated with a change of 0.46 units (P<0.001) and 2.03 units (P<0.001) in the MDS and HEI, respectively. The magnitude of the association was similar for both scores after standardization. Subjects who closely adhered to the MDS and HEI paid daily 1.2 Euro (1.50$) (P<0.001) and 1.4 Euro (1.75$) (P<0.001) more for food consumption, respectively, than those who weakly adhered to these dietary patterns. Multiple linear regression analysis adjusted for several confounders showed an inverse association of the MDS (P=0.011) and the HEI (P<0.001) with BMI. The risk of obesity (BMI> or =30) significantly decreased across quartile distribution of MDS (P=0.004) and HEI (P=0.001). CONCLUSION: Data showed that a high adherence to the MDS and HEI, both inversely associated with BMI and obesity, led to higher monetary costs as compared to a low adherence. This might be of importance for public health policies in an effort to develop strategies to promote healthy diets preventing weight gain.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Regional variation in outpatient antibiotic prescribing in Germany.

OBJECTIVE: According to recent surveys, outpatient antibiotic prescribing in Germany has been comparatively low among European countries. We assessed regional variation in outpatient antibiotic use within Germany both for overall use as well as for specific antibiotic drug classes. METHODS: Prescription data for the year 2003 covering approximately 90% of the total population were analysed using the ATC/WHO defined daily dose (DDD) methodology. Data were expressed in DDD per 1,000 persons covered by the insurance and day (DID). RESULTS: Outpatient antibiotic prescribing in 2003 was 13.6 DID and ranged between 9.2 and 17.9 DID in the different regions examined. Low consumption regions were eastern and southern states. High consumption areas were in the west near the French and Belgian border. This regional prescribing pattern was similar for children and adults. Penicillins were the most frequent prescribed drugs, but their use density showed a relatively large regional variation (factor 3.5), with relatively low prescription frequency in the eastern states. In almost all regions quinolones were used more often than trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. CONCLUSION: The regional variation in recent outpatient antibiotic prescribing in Germany is substantial. The relatively high antibiotic use in the western part of the country is remarkable, remains unexplained and requires further study.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2006

Proximal deep venous thrombosis following PTA of the superficial femoral artery--an obligation to disclose a complication that is rarely taken into account.

We report two cases of femoral vein thrombosis after arterial PTA and subsequent pressure stasis. We discuss the legal consequences of these complications for information policies. Because venous thrombembolism following an arterial PTA might cause serious sequel or life threatening complications, there is a clear obligation for explicit information of the patients about this rare complication.

Aged, 80 and over↗
PubMed2006

Heme oxygenase-1 and cardiovascular disease.

Heme oxygenase (HO)-1 is the inducible isoform of the first and rate-controlling enzyme of heme degradation. HO-1 is up-regulated by a host of oxidative stress stimuli and has potent cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory functions via decreasing tissue levels of the prooxidant heme along with production of bilirubin and the signaling gas carbon monoxide. This review deals with recent findings that highlight the emerging significance of HO-1 in cardiovascular disease. Evidence is presented on how heme and various oxidative stress stimuli may cause endothelial cell dysfunction and how HO-1 may counteract the detrimental effects of oxidative stress in the endothelium. Recent advances in the understanding of the role of endothelial HO-1 for the regulation of the inflammatory response are summarized, including the modulation of leukocyte recruitment and transmigration through the endothelial barrier. Furthermore, experimental evidence from various cell culture and animal models is discussed which suggests an association of HO-1 with the complex sequence of events that cause atherosclerosis. In the second part of the review we present potential strategies that apply HO-1 as a therapeutic target in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Specific inducers of HO-activity which may ultimately lead to the development of clinically relevant pharmacological applications are introduced.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

[Examination of the density of the brain parenchyma in different dog breeds using quantitative computed tomography].

In the present study quantitative computed tomography was used to analyze the absorption density in different localisations of the brain parenchyma comparatively in five different dog breeds. The breeds German Shepherd Dog, Dachshund, Boxer, Labrador Retriever and Miniature Poodle were chosen as representatives of different skull shapes and sizes. The mean absorption density for the German Shepherd Dog was 35.8 HU in the cerebellum, 28.5 - 34.8 HU in several locations of the cerebrum, 39.6 HU in the brain stem and 40.8 HU in the hypophyseal region. In the Dachshund, the mean density was 33.8 HU (cerebellum), 34.3 - 44.2 HU (several locations of the cerebrum), 33.3 HU (brain stem) and 38.6 HU (hypophyseal region). The Boxer showed a mean density of 38.7 HU in the cerebellum, 30.2 - 40.8 HU in several locations of the cerebrum, 35.6 HU in the brain stem and 33.1 HU in the hypophyseal region. The mean absorption density in the Labrador Retriever was 37.2 HU in the cerebellum, 29.4 - 32.9 HU (several locations of the cerebrum), 34.7 HU in the brain stem and 47.5 HU in the hypophyseal region. In the Miniature Poodle the mean density was 33.6 HU (cerebellum), 34.9 - 45.5 HU (several locations of the cerebrum), 32.7 HU (brain stem) and 32.4 HU (hypophyseal region). The study showed that the absorption density of the cerebrum, the brain stem and of the hypophyseal region partly were influenced by the different dog breeds. In the cerebellum no difference of density could be seen in the different breeds. The standardised values for the data of absorption densities of the brain parenchyma are the base for further examinations of dogs with clinical CNS diseases.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Effects of opioid antagonists and morphine in a hippocampal hypoxia/hypoglycemia model.

The influence of opioid antagonists and of morphine on rat hippocampal slices in a model of reversible hypoxia/hypoglycemia was investigated by assessment of evoked field potentials (population spike amplitude). In control slices, a brief hypoxia/hypoglycemia led to a loss of field potentials followed by an impaired recovery (40-50% of baseline) during reperfusion. In contrast, restoration was significantly improved when the opioid receptor antagonists funaltrexamine (mu) or naltrindole (delta) were administered prior to and during hypoxia/hypoglycemia. In addition, recovery was improved in brain slices derived from mu-opioid receptor-deficient mice as compared to wild-type mice, indicating a deleterious role of endogenous opioids in hypoxia/hypoglycemia. Exogenous opiate exposure with morphine (0.1, 1.0, 10 microM) prior to hypoxia/hypoglycemia caused a slight concentration dependent increase of evoked field potentials. When morphine exposure was terminated after 1h and immediately followed by hypoxia/hypoglycemia, an impaired recovery of population spike amplitude was obtained, dependent on morphine concentration during preincubation. These results demonstrate that morphine aggravates neurotoxic effects of hypoxia/hypoglycemia. Conversely, when onset of hypoxia/hypoglycemia was delayed for 3h after morphine termination, a significantly improved recovery was observed. Similarly, in vivo administration of morphine 12h prior to slice preparation resulted in a dose dependent improved recovery of field potentials after hypoxia/hypoglycemia. These results provide evidence that preconditioning with morphine is able to induce neuroprotective effects.

Analgesics, Opioid↗
PubMed2005

Gonadoblastomas in 5 patients with 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis.

We describe five patients with 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis who developed gonadoblastomas, dysgerminomas, a mature teratoma, and a testicular intraepithelial neoplasia. The age of the patients was between 12.2 and 18.5 years. The external genitalia were normal female in two cases, in three they were intersexual. Four of our patients presented with slight retardation of puberty followed by stagnation. Most importantly the development of the breast (Tanner stage 2-4) did not correspond with pubic hair stage (Tanner stage 4). The patients can be classified as virilized phenotypical females. Serum testosterone was detectable in three, estradiol in two patients. None of the gonadoblastomas showed immunoreactivity with antibodies against steroid hormone receptors and against testosterone and estradiol, respectively. Probably the immature cells are able to produce steroid hormones. Only steroid-like cells with Leydig cell appearance showed positive cytoplasmatic immunostaining for testosterone in three patients. The findings in our patients underline that dysgenetic gonads must be removed as early as possible to prevent development of malignant tumors.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

NO-cGMP signaling molecules in cells of the rat molar dentin-pulp complex.

By the formation of cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP), nitric oxide (NO)-sensitive enzyme-soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) plays a receptor role for NO within the NO-cGMP signaling cascade, which is involved in vasodilatation and neurotransmission. The hypothesis that NO-cGMP signaling molecules modulate cells of the dentin-pulp complex was investigated in rat molars by histochemical, immunohistochemical, immuno-ultrastructural, and organ bath techniques. NO synthase (NOS) I-III, the sGC alpha(2)-subunit/beta(1)-subunit, and cGMP were detected in odontoblasts and blood vessels. NOS I, sGC alpha(2), and cGMP were identified in nerve fibers. Treatment of rat molars with the NO donor NONOate (10(-5) M) increased cGMP staining intensities in blood vessels and odontoblasts, while NO synthase inhibitor L-NAME (10(-4) M) attenuated intensity of the reaction products for cGMP, suggesting an effect of endogenous NO on sGC. These correlations of patterns and alterations of cGMP staining intensities after treatment with the NO donor or NO inhibitor might represent an NO-sGC-cGMP signaling-dependent modulation of odontoblasts, blood vessels, and nerve fibers in the dentin-pulp complex.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Rosuvastatin upregulates the antioxidant defense protein heme oxygenase-1.

Cholesterol-independent, pleiotropic actions of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) lead to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions by as yet unidentified mechanisms. This study explores the role of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) as target and potential mediator of rosuvastatin. In cultured human endothelial cells (ECV 304), rosuvastatin increased HO-1 mRNA and protein levels in a concentration-dependent fashion. HO-1 induction by rosuvastatin remained unaffected by mevalonate and N-nitro-L-arginine-methylester, showing that isoprenoid- and NO-dependent pathways were not involved. Pretreatment of endothelial cells with rosuvastatin reduced NADPH-dependent production of oxygen radicals. The HO-1 metabolite bilirubin, when added exogenously to the cells, virtually abolished NADPH-dependent oxidative stress. Rosuvastatin-induced inhibition of free radical formation was rescued in the presence of the HO inhibitor, tin protoporphyrin-IX. Our results demonstrate that HO-1 is a target site and antioxidant mediator of rosuvastatin in endothelial cells. This novel pathway may contribute to and partially explain the pleiotropic antiatherogenic actions of rosuvastatin.

Antioxidants↗
PubMed2004

Antibiotic use in Germany and European comparison.

In view of increasing rates of antibiotic resistance worldwide and decreased research and development of new antibacterial compounds, programmes helping to better understand the complex relationship between antibiotic consumption and emergence of resistance have gained importance. Consequently, in addition to increased support for research projects that establish prospective surveillance and evaluation of antibiotic resistance and antimicrobial drug use, the EU has passed directives addressing political leadership in this respect. Information on antibiotic use in Germany is now available from databases independent from cost-oriented market research studies. This information allows estimation of antibiotic use in ambulatory and hospital care as compared with to other EU countries. According to results of current projects, the frequency of national antibiotic use in ambulatory care in Germany (4948 defined daily doses per 1000 population per year) falls within the lower third of EU countries. Upper boundaries in regional variation in antibiotic use are still much lower than values for high-use countries like France, Spain and Portugal. Hospital antibiotic use, in contrast, appears to be in the range of that reported for other countries. However, only rough estimates of hospital antibiotic use are available for Germany as well as most other EU countries due to data usually derived from non-representative hospital sampling.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Aspirin induces nitric oxide release from vascular endothelium: a novel mechanism of action.

1. The study was designed to test the hypothesis that aspirin may stimulate nitric oxide (NO) release from vascular endothelium, a pivotal factor for maintenance of vascular homeostasis. 2. Clinical evidence suggests that low-dose aspirin may improve vascular endothelial function. Since other cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors showed no beneficial vascular effects, aspirin may exhibit a vasculoprotective, COX-independent mechanism. 3. Luminal NO release was monitored in real time on dissected porcine coronary arteries (PCA) by an amperometric, NO-selective sensor. Additionally, endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) activity was measured in EA.hy 926 cell homogenates by an l-[(3)H]citrulline/l-[(3)H]arginine conversion assay. Superoxide scavenging capacity was assessed by lucigenin-enhanced luminescence. 4. Aspirin induced an immediate concentration-dependent NO release from PCA with an EC(50) of 50 nm and potentiated the NO stimulation by the receptor-dependent agonist substance P. These effects were independent of an increase in intracellular calcium and could be mimicked by stimulation with acetylating aspirin derivatives. The aspirin metabolite salicylic acid or the reversible cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin failed to modulate NO release. Incubation of soluble eNOS for 15 min with 100 microm aspirin or acetylating aspirin analogues increased the l-[(3)H]citrulline yield by 40-80%, while salicylic acid had no effect. Aspirin and salicylic acid showed a similar, but only modest, magnitude and velocity of superoxide scavenging. 5. Our findings demonstrate that therapeutically relevant concentrations of aspirin elicit NO release from vascular endothelium. This effect appears to be due to a direct acetylation of the eNOS protein, but is independent of COX inhibition or inhibition of superoxide-mediated NO degradation.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

In vivo study of acetylcholine esterase in basal forebrain, amygdala, and cortex in mild to moderate Alzheimer disease.

It is currently unclear whether impairment of the cholinergic system is present in Alzheimer disease (AD) already at an early stage and to what extent it depends on degeneration of the nucleus basalis of Meynert (nbM). We examined acetylcholine esterase activity in vivo in the nbM, the amygdala, and cerebral neocortex. Measurements were performed in normal controls and in patients with mild to moderate AD with positron emission tomography (PET) and C-11-labeled N-methyl-4-piperidyl-acetate (MP4A) which is a specific substrate of AChE. AChE activity was reduced significantly in amygdala and cerebral cortex. In contrast, AChE activity and glucose metabolism appeared preserved or even increased in the nbM. The results support the concept that neocortical and amygdaloid functional changes of the cholinergic system are an early and leading event in AD, rather than the consequence of neurodegeneration of basal nuclei.

Acetates↗
PubMed2004

Population dietary habits and physical activity modification with age.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to analyse the relation between age and both dietary habits and leisure-time physical activity, and to determine nutrient inadequacy of aged groups in our population. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: A random sample of the 25-74-y-old population of Gerona, Spain. SUBJECTS: A total of 838 men and 910 women were selected from among the general population according to the 1991 census. OUTCOME MEASURES: Analysis of dietary habits, including amount and type of alcohol consumption, and detailed evaluation of leisure-time physical activity. RESULTS: Nutrient densities of carbohydrates, vitamin B(1), vitamin B(12), vitamin C, vitamin E, folate, potassium, iron, magnesium, copper, and dietary fiber increased significantly (P<0.05) with age in both genders, whereas an inverse trend was observed for total fat, saturated fatty acids, cholesterol, and sodium. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed a direct association of healthy dietary habits, characterized through a composite dietary score, with age after adjusting for several confounders both in men and women (P<0.001). This score was composed of folate, vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, dietary fibre, cholesterol, saturated fatty acids, and sodium. In all, 29 and 10% of male and female subjects aged 65-74 y, respectively, reported inadequate intakes of six or more of 16 nutrients. Total leisure-time physical activity increased with age in men (P<0.002), and was not different among female age groups. CONCLUSION: Dietary behaviours and levels of physical activity spent during leisure time indicate a healthy lifestyle of the aged men and women in the present population. Nutrient inadequacy observed in some aged men and women, however, deserves particular intervention of health-care programmes for this growing part of our society.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Chromosome aberration analysis in peripheral lymphocytes of Gulf War and Balkans War veterans.

Chromosome aberrations and sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) were determined in standard peripheral lymphocyte metaphase preparations of 13 British Gulf War veterans, two veterans of the recent war in the Balkans and one veteran of both wars. All 16 volunteers suspect exposures to depleted uranium (DU) while deployed at the two different theatres of war in 1990 and later on. The Bremen laboratory control served as a reference in this study. Compared with this control there was a statistically significant increase in the frequency of dicentric chromosomes (dic) and centric ring chromosomes (cR) in the veterans' group. indicating a previous exposure to ionising radiation. The statistically significant overdispersion of die and cR indicates non-uniform irradiation as would be expected after non-uniform exposure and/or exposure to radiation with a high linear energy transfer (LET). The frequency of SCEs was decreased when compared with the laboratory control.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

The relationship of physical activity with dietary cancer-protective nutrients and cancer-related biological and lifestyle factors.

The aim of the present study was to analyse the relationships among different intensities of leisure-time physical activity (PA) and cancer-protective dietary components, cancer-related biological (general and central obesity) and lifestyle factors (heavy smoking and excessive alcohol consumption). The present population-based cross-sectional study (765 men and 812 women from the general population of Gerona, Spain) included measurement of anthropometrical data, dietary intake, and alcohol and cigarette consumption and furthermore detailed evaluation of total leisure-time physical activity, including measurement of different intensities. Logistic regression analysis adjusted for several confounders was used to analyse the relationships among variables. A composite variable composed of dietary fibre, vitamin C, alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene and folate was directly associated with higher levels of leisure-time PA in both genders, after further adjusting for energy intake [odds ratio (OR) of low versus second tertile of total leisure-time PA was 1.98 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.22-3.23) for men and OR of low versus top tertile of total leisure-time PA was 1.75 (95% CI 1.07-2.84) for women]. Low to moderate- but not high-intensity leisure-time PA was directly related to higher intakes of these nutrients. Heavy smoking was inversely associated with higher levels of total leisure-time PA in men. With the exception of central obesity in women, there was no significant relationship between the cancer-related biological and lifestyle factors, and low to moderate-intensity leisure-time PA in both genders. In contrast, central obesity (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.16-0.63) and heavy smoking (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.16-0.96) were significantly related to high-intensity but not to total or low to moderate-intensity leisure-time PA in men and women, respectively. The observed relationships between leisure-time PA and several of the studied cancer-associated variables might partially account for the protective effect of physical activity against cancer observed in the literature. However, different intensities of leisure-time PA were distinctly associated with the mentioned cancer-related dietary, biological and lifestyle factors. Most importantly, although some of these variables were not associated with total leisure-time PA a significant relationship was observed for intensities of leisure-time PA. This should be considered when analysing the relationship between leisure-time PA and cancer.

Alcohol Drinking↗
PubMed2003

Effect of chronic treatment with vitamin E on endothelial dysfunction in a type I in vivo diabetes mellitus model and in vitro.

Diabetes mellitus often leads to generalized vasculopathy. Because of the pathophysiological role of free radicals we investigated the effects of vitamin E. Twenty-eight rats were rendered diabetic by streptozotocin injection and were fed either with a diet with low (10 mg/kg of chow), medium (75 mg/kg of chow) or high amounts of vitamin E (1300 mg/kg of chow). Nine age-matched nondiabetic rats receiving 75 mg of vitamin E/kg chow served as controls. After 7 months, mesenteric microcirculation was investigated. Smooth muscle contractile function was not altered in diabetic versus nondiabetic vessels. Endothelial function was significantly reduced in diabetics; relaxation upon 1 micro M acetylcholine was reduced by 50% in diabetics with a medium and high vitamin E diet. In vitamin E-deprived rats, a complete loss of endothelium-dependent relaxation was observed, and instead, acetylcholine elicited vasoconstriction. L-N(G)-Nitro-arginine-induced vasoconstriction was reduced in small arteries in diabetics, which was not prevented by vitamin E, but was aggravated by vitamin E deprivation. In a subchronic endothelial cell culture model, cells were cultivated with 5 or 20 mM D-glucose for an entire cell culture passage (4 days) with or without vitamin E (20 mg/l versus 0.01 mg/l). Hyperglycemia led to significant reduction in basal and ATP-stimulated nitric oxide (NO)-production. Hyperglycemia-induced reduction in basal NO-release was significantly prevented by vitamin E, whereas reduction in stimulated NO-release was not influenced. NADPH-diaphorase activity was reduced by 40% by hyperglycemia, which was completely prevented by vitamin E. We conclude that 1) vitamin E has a potential to prevent partially hyperglycemia-induced endothelial dysfunction, 2) under in vivo conditions vitamin E deficiency enhanced diabetic endothelial dysfunction dramatically, and 3) positive effects of vitamin E may be attenuated with a longer disease duration.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

["Off-label" prescribing of drugs in the ambulatory care of children and adolescents].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Hospitalised children receive up to 90 % of their drug prescriptions without ("unlicensed use") or outside ("off-label use") the terms of their product license. As no data are available for pediatric outpatients in Germany, we determined "off-label" use in a representative cohort of children and adolescents. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analyzed 1.74 million prescriptions, written from January 1 st through March 31 st, 1999, to 455 661 children and adolescents aged 0 to 16 years by 6886 specialists in pediatric, general or internal medicine. All prescriptions were covered by the public health insurance, Allgemeine Ortskrankenkasse, (AOK) Baden-Wuerttemberg. License status of 1 592 006 identifiable prescriptions comprising more than 10 000 differently branded drugs was determined in 5 age groups and in different groups of the Anatomical Therapeutical Chemical Classification (ATC). As reference documents for licensing status we used the "Fachinformation" (summary of product characteristics), the "Rote" and "Gelbe" Liste, respectively. RESULTS: 13.2 %, i. e. 210 528 of the 1.59 million prescriptions, were "off-label". 75 % of these "off-label" prescriptions were due to a lack of information on pediatric use in the summary of product characteristics. The highest "off-label" fractions were found in drugs topically used in eyes and ears (78.6 %), dermatological (57.9 %), cardiovascular drugs (55.2 %), drugs für musculoskeletal (45.2 %) and urogenital disorders (48.5 %) and antidepressants (36.6 %). CONCLUSION: "Off-label" prescribing in outpatient children is less frequent than in pediatric inpatients. Considering the high absolute number of prescriptions however, 13.2 % cannot be neglected. Doctors prescribing drugs for children and adolescents should be aware of their actual licensing status because of its medical and legal consequences.

Adolescent↗