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Biomedical subjects

J Haas

Publications and source records attributed to J Haas.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2002

Both paracetamol and ibuprofen are equally effective in managing flu-like symptoms in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients during interferon beta-1a (AVONEX) therapy.

Interferon beta-1a is an established therapy for patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). Adverse effects in the first weeks of treatment are common. This open-label, multicenter, randomized, prospective study compared treatment of flu-like symptoms (FLS) with paracetamol versus ibuprofen administered 48 h within interferon injection. The percentage of patients with FLS was comparable between both treatment groups and improved during the course of the study (baseline: paracetamol 92%, ibuprofen 90%; week 12: paracetamol 60%, ibuprofen 57%). More than 75% of patients receiving either paracetamol or ibuprofen reported no or only mild impairment of daily activities. There was no significant difference in general satisfaction or incidence of additional symptoms (weakness, nausea, headache; paracetamol 84.6% patients, ibuprofen 86.0% patients) between the two groups. A significant overall improvement from baseline to week 12 was observed for all parameters studied (paracetamol and ibuprofen groups were pooled). These results indicate that neither the paracetamol nor the ibuprofen treatment regimen is better.

Acetaminophen↗
PubMed2001

Spontaneous vaginal delivery in the birth-chair versus in the conventional dorsal position: a matched controlled comparison.

AIM: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of a birth-chair on obstetric outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed the hospital records of 220 consecutive pregnant women who gave birth on a birth-chair at our institution. The control group consisted of 440 pregnant women who preceded and followed the index cases and who had spontaneous vaginal deliveries in the conventional dorsal supine position. The controls were matched for parity and for the attending mid-wife. RESULTS: Patients who delivered in the birth-chair had significantly lower rates of episiotomy and manual separation of the placenta. The umbilical blood cord pH was significantly higher in neonates of the birth-chair group. The duration of labour, rate of perineal and vaginal injury, Apgar scores and rate of admission to a neonatal intermediate care unit were not influenced by the mode of delivery. CONCLUSION: Our data support previous studies that a birth-chair delivery may be a safe alternative to conventional delivery in the supine position.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Successful treatment of aids related PML with HAART and cidofovir.

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a progressive demyelinating infection of the central nervous system caused by the JC virus (JCV) in an advanced state of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Currently there are still no drugs with proven clinical efficacy against JCV, though highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and the associated partial immune reconstitution have a beneficial effect on the survival time of AIDS-related PML. Various case reports have described an acceptable response under treatment with cidofovir which may be of particular benefit if HAART does not result in sufficient immune reconstitution. We report a patient with AIDS-related PML who improved under combined therapy with HAART and cidofovir. This suggests that the immediate combination of both drugs further improves the outcome of AIDS-related PML.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed2001

Dating Caral, a preceramic site in the Supe Valley on the central coast of Peru.

Radiocarbon dates from the site of Caral in the Supe Valley of Peru indicate that monumental corporate architecture, urban settlement, and irrigation agriculture began in the Americas by 4090 years before the present (2627 calibrated years B.C.) to 3640 years before the present (1977 calibrated years B.C.). Caral is located 23 kilometers inland from the Pacific coast and contains a central zone of monumental, residential, and nonresidential architecture covering an area of 65 hectares. Caral is one of 18 large preceramic sites in the Supe Valley.

Agriculture↗
PubMed2001

Independent HIV replication in paired CSF and blood viral isolates during antiretroviral therapy.

BACKGROUND: The goal of highly active antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected patients is to reduce plasma viral load (VL) below quantifiable levels. Mutations associated with drug resistance within the HIV-1 genome can limit therapeutic success. Low VL implicates a low risk of emergence of resistant mutants. Whether there is divergent development of HIV strains in different biologic compartments is not understood. METHODS: The authors studied VL and the occurrence of mutations conferring resistance in viral genomes isolated from blood and CSF samples of 23 HIV-infected patients. They determined sequences of HIV-1 RNA by reverse transcriptase PCR amplification and direct sequencing. They measured resistance to antiretroviral drugs genotypically by detection of drug-related point mutations and VL by a branched-DNA assay. RESULTS: Amplification of HIV was successful even in patients with plasma or CSF VL below detection limit. VL was considerably lower in CSF as compared with blood (p < 0.0001). There was no correlation between CSF and plasma VL. The mutational pattern in viral copies derived from blood and CSF was not identical. Ten (9%) of the total number of 118 mutations associated with drug resistance occurred in blood isolates only; 14 (11%) were detected exclusively in CSF strains. CONCLUSION: There is evidence for viral replication at HIV RNA levels less than 50/mL. The results suggest divergent evolution of HIV-1 in different biologic compartments. The presence of resistant mutants in the CSF may escape regular diagnostic in blood. Therapeutic success may fail after adapting therapy to genotypic resistance patterns detected in one compartment only.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Prognostic factors in surgically treated stage ib-iib cervical carcinomas with special emphasis on the importance of tumor volume.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to analyze the importance of tumor volume as a prognostic factor for overall survival (OS) in surgically treated stage Ib-IIb cervical carcinoma. METHODS: One hundred thirteen of one hundred sixty-five patients with histopathological stage Ib-IIb cervical carcinoma (44 Ib1, 24 Ib2, 10 IIa, 35 IIb) treated by radical abdominal hysterectomy between 1989 and 1999, for whom tumor volume could be assessed, were included in this study. Of the 113 patients, 90 (79.6%) received postoperative radiotherapy. Measurement of tumor volume was performed on giant histological sections using a semiautomatic image analyzer. The prognostic significance of tumor volume was analyzed and compared with that of various clinicopathological parameters using uni- and multivariate statistics. RESULTS: The 5-year disease-free survival was 71.4%. Increasing tumor volume was associated with more frequent lymph node metastases and a significant decrease in OS (P = 0.0112). The Median tumor volume was smaller in stage IIa tumors than in stage Ib2 tumors, and histopathological stage did not correlate linearly with lymph node metastases as well as OS. Stage Ib2 tumors were associated with worse overall survival than stage IIa tumors. In univariate analysis, lymph node metastases, histopathological stage, lymph vascular space involvement, tumor volume, parametrial spread, and tumor involvement of resection margins were significant parameters for OS. In multivariate statistical analysis, only lymph node metastases and histopathological staging remained independent prognostic factors for OS. CONCLUSIONS: Tumor volume does not seem to confer additional prognostic information if histopathological stage and lymph node status are known. However, it may provide important prognostic information if lymph node status is not known or histopathological stage cannot be assessed.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2001

Endometrial cancer in women 40 years old or younger.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to characterize endometrial cancer in women 40 years of age and younger, with special attention toward body-mass index (BMI). METHODS: A retrospective review of women age 40 and under with endometrial cancer was performed. Patients were identified via tumor registry data as well as a search of pathology department diagnoses over the dates 1980-1998. Data were abstracted regarding tumor grade and histology, stage, treatment, smoking, use of oral contraceptives, BMI, medical and family history, parity, and survival. Data were also collected with regard to uterine conservation and pregnancies following endometrial cancer diagnoses. RESULTS: Ninety-five patients were identified. The age range was 24-40 years (median 37) with BMI ranging from 17.5 to 63.6 (median 28.4). Forty-eight patients (52%) were not obese, with BMI < 30. Seventy-six patients (80%) had stage I disease and 60 patients (63%) had grade 1 disease. All but 4 patients had endometrioid histology. Women with BMI < 25 were more likely to have advanced disease (P = 0.04) and more likely to have high-risk histology (P = 0.02). Of the 4 patients with high-risk histology (clear cell or serous papillary), all had BMI < 25. Twelve patients were treated medically rather than surgically, and 4 patients achieved pregnancy, with 5 live births. CONCLUSION: Women under 40 who are not obese are at higher risk of both advanced disease and high-risk histology. Further study at the molecular and genetic level is ongoing in our laboratory to determine whether the mechanism of disease is different in slender woman.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2001

Hyperglycaemia in vitro alters the proliferation and mitochondrial activity of the choriocarcinoma cell lines BeWo, JAR and JEG-3 as models for human first-trimester trophoblast.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Early intrauterine growth delay in diabetes could be caused by a reduced growth of the placenta. Our study investigates whether hyperglycaemia in vitro reduces trophoblast proliferation. METHODS: First-trimester trophoblast cell models (BeWo, JAR and JEG-3 choriocarcinoma cells) were cultured for 24 and 48 h with 5.5 mmol/l D-glucose, 25 mmol/1 D-glucose (hyperglycaemia) and with an osmotic control. Cell number, total protein and nucleic acid content and mitochondrial activity (tetrazolium salt assay) were measured, the cell cycle analysed (FACS, cyclin B1 levels) and apoptosis (Annexin-V) measured. RESULTS: In BeWo cells hyperglycaemia reduced cell number, protein, nucleic acid and cyclin B1 levels. The reduced G2/M and increased G0/G1 population after 24 h reflects growth arrest at G0/G1. In JAR cells after 24 h the population was arrested in G0/G1, whereas after 48 h the G0/G1 block was abrogated and the cells were arrested at G2/M. The net effect was an unchanged cell number. In JEG-3 cells hyperglycaemia resulted in fewer cells after 24 h but not after 48 h indicating some adaptation. Mitochondrial activity was either stimulated (BeWo) or reduced (JAR, JEG-3) under hyperglycaemia. Some of these effects were also induced by hyperosmolarity alone. CONCLUSION/INTERPRETATION: Hyperglycaemia has the potential to inhibit the proliferation of first-trimester trophoblast cell models. The mechanisms leading to growth arrest and to changes in mitochondrial activity are complex and depend on differentiation. We hypothesise a hyperglycaemia-induced impairment of placental growth in the first trimester of a poorly controlled diabetic pregnancy.

Apoptosis↗
PubMed2001

Rapid distinction of acute demyelinating disorders and central nervous system lymphoma by molecular analysis of cerebrospinal fluid cells.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based automated high-resolution fragment analysis of rearranged immunoglobulin heavy-chain genes is a highly sensitive means for identifying clonal B-cell responses. We used this technique to distinguish polyclonal inflammatory from monoclonal neoplastic B-cell populations in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of three patients with acute demyelinating disorders of the central nervous system whose clinical, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and CSF features did not permit unequivocal exclusion of primary central nervous system lymphoma (pC-NSL). This approach is highly suitable for detecting CNS inflammation particularly when lymphomatous involvement cannot be ruled out by noninvasive diagnostic procedures alone.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2001

Thyroid hormones and thyroid antibodies in infertile males.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence of thyroid dysfunction, thyroid antibodies, and the correlation with semen and hormonal parameters in infertile men. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: University-based andrology laboratory. PATIENT(S): Three hundred five infertile men with idiopathic infertility. INTERVENTION(S): Medical history, clinical examination, semen analysis, measurement of free thyroxin (fT4), free triiodothyronine (fT3), basal thyroid-stimulating hormone (bTSH), LH, FSH, T, free testosterone (fT), PRL, E2, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), DHEAS, and the thyroid antibodies thyreoglobulin antibody (TGA), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO-Ab), and thyroid receptor antibody (TRAK). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Incidence of thyroid dysfunction and thyroid antibodies, as well as the correlation with hormones and the results of semen analyses. RESULT(S): No manifest thyroid dysfunction was observed. Latent thyroid dysfunction and latent hypothyroidism were diagnosed in 11.5% and 3% of infertile men, respectively. No correlation between thyroid dysfunction and semen parameters was detected. bTSH correlated significantly with PRL (P<.001). Thyroid antibodies were elevated in 7.5%. Elevated TPO-Ab were significantly correlated with pathozoospermia (P=.036) and asthenozoospermia (P=.049). CONCLUSION(S): Latent thyroid dysfunction had no impact on semen parameters. In patients with elevated TPO-Ab levels, pathozoospermia or asthenozoospermia should be considered.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Signaling by human herpesvirus 8 kaposin A through direct membrane recruitment of cytohesin-1.

The induction of a transformed cellular phenotype by viruses requires the modulation of signaling pathways through viral proteins. We show here that the phenotypic changes induced by the kaposin A protein of human herpesvirus 8 are mediated through its direct interaction with cytohesin-1, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for ARF GTPases and regulator of integrin-mediated cell adhesion. Focus formation, stress fiber dissolution, and activation of the ERK-1/2 MAP kinase signal cascade were reverted by the cytohesin-1 E157K mutant, which is deficient in catalyzing guanine nucleotide exchange. Furthermore, liposome-embedded kaposin A specifically stimulates cytohesin-1 dependent GTP binding of myristoylated ARF1 in vitro. These results suggest a previously unknown involvement of ARF GTPases in the control of cellular functions by herpesviruses.

3T3 Cells↗
PubMed2001

Effect of fetal hyperinsulinism on oral glucose tolerance test results in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to evaluate the impact of the fetoplacental glucose steal phenomenon on the results of oral glucose tolerance testing in pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus with fetal hyperinsulinism. STUDY DESIGN: This was an analysis of the cases of 34 patients with two consecutive abnormal oral glucose tolerance test results and amniotic fluid insulin measurement before institution of insulin therapy. Patients were divided into groups on the basis of normal versus elevated amniotic fluid insulin concentrations. RESULTS: Oral glucose tolerance tests were done at a mean (+/-SD) of 24.9 +/- 5.7 and 30.7 +/- 3.2 weeks' gestation, and amniotic fluid insulin measurements were done at 31.1 +/- 3.2 weeks' gestation. In 13 women with gestational diabetes mellitus with normal amniotic fluid insulin concentration, maternal postload blood glucose levels at 1 hour increased by 12 mg/dL (168 vs 180 mg/dL; 9.3 vs 10.0 mmol/L; P = .0006) during the course of 6 weeks. In contrast, in 21 women with gestational diabetes mellitus with elevated amniotic fluid insulin levels (>7 microU/mL; >42 pmol/L), 1-hour postload blood glucose levels decreased by 22 mg/dL (201 vs 179 mg/dL; 11.2 vs 9.9 mmol/L; P = .002) during the same period. The higher the amniotic fluid insulin level, the larger the decrease (R = 0.504; P =.02). Although low amniotic fluid insulin levels were correlated significantly with 1-hour glucose levels of the first and second oral glucose tolerance tests, high insulin levels were no longer correlated with the second oral glucose tolerance test. CONCLUSION: Exaggerated fetal glucose siphoning may provide misleading oral glucose tolerance test results in pregnancies complicated by fetal hyperinsulinism by blunting maternal postload glucose peaks. Consequently, oral glucose tolerance test results in a pregnancy complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus with a fetus that already has hyperinsulinemia may erroneously be considered normal.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Problems reported by elderly patients with multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common organic neurological diseases of the central nervous system. Because of improved therapies, nurses are confronted with elderly MS patients, but little is known about the specific problems of these patients. This survey analyzed problems in elderly MS patients. Fifty-three MS patients (44 female, 9 male; average age 73 years, average course of MS 25.3 years) from the Berlin Section of the German Multiple Sclerosis Association were evaluated by using a standardized questionnaire, considering social situation, daily problems, disease course, and disabilities, and by using the expanded disability status scale (EDSS). Elderly MS patients reported impaired mobility and inability to use public transportation; about 96% presented EDSS scores above 6.0. Nearly 50% complained about spasticity and pain due to spasticity. More than 70% suffered from bladder dysfunction. Problems with sleep and fatigue were present in less than 20%, but interrupted sleep was common. Selfcare impairments were reported by 50%-75% of the patients, and most of them required professional help. Depressive moods and thoughts about committing suicide were mentioned by more than 30% of the patients. Elderly MS patients experience physical and psychosocial impairments. Healthcare professionals should consider increasing independence and avoiding nursing home admissions in the management of elderly MS patients.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed2001

Effects of storage and type of blood collection tubes on hepatitis C virus level in whole blood samples.

In this study, we compared serum hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA concentrations with HCV RNA concentrations in whole blood collection tubes, including two different types of EDTA tubes and nucleic acid stabilization tubes (NASTs). We also investigated the impact of a processing delay on HCV RNA concentration in these tubes. In NASTs, the mean HCV RNA concentration was comparable to the mean serum HCV RNA concentration at "date zero." In EDTA tubes, mean baseline HCV RNA concentrations were higher. Storage at room temperature up to 96 h did not result in a decline of HCV RNA concentration in any of the whole blood collection tubes. In NASTs, HCV RNA concentrations remained stable during the whole study period, whereas a significant increase of HCV RNA was observed in both types of EDTA tubes at 96 h compared to date zero. We concluded that HCV RNA remains stable in NASTs at room temperature for at least 96 h, allowing greater flexibility in sample collection and transport.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Identification of two sequences in the cytoplasmic tail of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 envelope glycoprotein that inhibit cell surface expression.

During synthesis and export of protein, the majority of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Env glycoprotein gp160 is retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and subsequently ubiquitinated and degraded by proteasomes. Only a small fraction of gp160 appears to be correctly folded and processed and is transported to the cell surface, which makes it difficult to identify negative sequence elements regulating steady-state surface expression of Env at the post-ER level. Moreover, poorly localized mRNA retention sequences inhibiting the nucleocytoplasmic transport of viral transcripts interfere with the identification of these sequence elements. Using two heterologous systems with CD4 or immunoglobulin extracellular/transmembrane domains in combination with the gp160 cytoplasmic domain, we were able to identify two membrane-distal, neighboring motifs, is1 (amino acids 750 to 763) and is2 (amino acids 764 to 785), which inhibited surface expression and induced Golgi localization of the chimeric proteins. To prove that these two elements act similarly in the homologous context of the Env glycoprotein, we generated a synthetic gp160 gene with synonymous codons, the transcripts of which are not retained within the nucleus. In accordance with the results in heterologous systems, an internal deletion of both elements considerably increased surface expression of gp160.

Amino Acid Sequence↗