Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

J Heinrich

Publications and source records attributed to J Heinrich.

At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

Short-term effects of particulate air pollution on respiratory morbidity in asthmatic children.

Short-term effects of air pollution (consisting primarily of sulphur dioxide and particulate matter but with low acidity) on respiratory morbidity were studied in asthmatic children from Sokolov, Czech Republic. Eighty nine children with asthma, who recorded daily peak expiratory flow measurements, symptoms and medication use in a diary, were analysed for 7 months during the winter of 1991-1992. Air pollution measurements included: SO2, total suspended particulates (TSPs), inhalable particles, ie. particulate matter of aerodynamic diameter < or = 10 microm, particle strong acidity (PSA) and fine particle sulphate concentration (SO4). Linear and logistic regression analyses estimated the impact of air pollutants adjusted for trend, temperature and weekend and autocorrelated errors. Exposure to elevated levels of air pollution was associated with decreased peak expiratory flow rates, increased respiratory symptoms, increased prevalence of school absence and fever, and increased medication use. Prolonged exposure to particle SO4 showed the largest effect estimates. At the end of January, an air pollution episode occurred, during which respiratory symptoms, prevalence of fever, school absence and asthma medication increased. The association between respiratory symptoms and particulate SO4 was highly dependent on this episode, whilst the associations between lung function and SO4 as well as between fever and SO4 were still observed when this air pollution episode was excluded. Some evidence was found that exposure to air pollution might have enhanced the respiratory symptoms while children were experiencing respiratory infections. In this study, a panel of children with mild asthma experienced small decreases in peak expiratory flow and increased dyspnoea in association with fine particles formed during air pollution episodes.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Acute health effects of exposure to high levels of air pollution in eastern Europe.

Acute effects of winter-type air pollution characterized by high levels of SO2, moderate levels of particles, and low acidity were studied. A panel of 155 asthmatic children and 102 adults with a history of asthma from the former German Democratic Republic cities of Erfurt and Welmar and from the Czech Republic city of Sokolov participated from September 1990 through June 1992. The panelists recorded daily symptoms, medication intake, and peak expiratory flow (PEF). Statistical analysis was based on linear regression of population-averaged time series controlling for trend, meteorology, and autocorrelation. A temporospatial time series approach was also applied to the data to eliminate possible confounding by some known or unknown variables that occurred simultaneously in two of the study areas. Weak same-day effects and a stronger cumulative effect of air pollution on children was observed both for PEF and for symptoms. PEF decreased -0.90% (-1.35 to -0.46%), and a symptom score increased 14.7% (0.8-28.6%) in association with an average increase of 128 micrograms/m3 SO2 over the previous 5 days. Effects on adults were smaller and less consistent. Morbidity of children was best predicted by SO2 and sulfate concentrations. The authors conclude that prolonged, high exposure to winter-type pollution was associated with small adverse health effects in asthmatics.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Arsenic burden among children in industrial areas of eastern Germany.

The internal burden of arsenic among 5- to 14-year-old eastern German children in the heavily polluted areas of Hettstedt, a region of smelting and copper mining, and Bitterfeld, a center of chemical production and coal mining, was compared with that in a control area (Zerbst) by means of urinary arsenic concentrations in 1992-94. The unadjusted geometric mean among the 950 children was significantly higher in Hettstedt (5.1 micrograms/l; 95% C.I. 4.8-5.5) but not in Bitterfeld (4.3 micrograms/l; 95% C.I. 3.7-4.9) compared with the control area (4.0 micrograms/l; 95% C.I. 3.5-4.5). This difference persisted after adjustment for relevant confounders. Despite these regional differences, recent fish consumption was as strongly associated with urinary arsenic levels (42% increase, 95% C.I. 18-71%). Additionally, although the geometric mean among the children in Hettstedt (4.8 micrograms As/g creatinine; 95% C.I. 4.5-5.1) was higher than that found in an environmental survey of eastern German children (3.60 micrograms As/g creatinine; 95% C.I. 3.06-4.24), it was similar to that found among western German children (4.59 micrograms As/g creatinine; 95% C.I. 4.20-5.02). This suggests that the arsenic contamination in Hettstedt is not substantially increasing the internal burden of arsenic among children above that found in other German children.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and icterus.

Severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) leads to changes in laboratory analyte concentrations. Whereas elevated aminotransferase activity is often observed, a cholestatic course with hyperbilirubinaemia and icterus seldom occurs. In this report, the case of a 33 year old patient with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is described who, after stimulation with human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG), developed severe OHSS with haemoconcentration, ascites, hydrothorax, elevated aminotransferases, hyperbilirubinaemia and icterus. The patient did not become pregnant and the OHSS regressed, together with the normalization of laboratory and clinical parameters and disappearance of the icterus. During the course of an OHSS cholestasis with icterus may occur, which could be explained by a reactive cholestatic hepatosis as a reaction to the hormonal changes induced by the stimulation therapy.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Prevalence of respiratory symptoms, bronchial hyperresponsiveness and atopy among adults: west and east Germany.

The prevalence of respiratory symptoms, atopic sensitization and bronchial hyperresponsiveness was compared in a random sample of adults, 20-44 yrs of age, in two cities in West and East Germany, Hamburg and Erfurt, respectively. There were much higher levels of outdoor air pollution due to sulphur dioxide and suspended particulates in Erfurt, and major differences in living conditions during the last 40 yrs. Within the European Respiratory Health Survey, a short questionnaire was answered by 3,156 (80% response rate) subjects in Hamburg and 3,272 (74%) in Erfurt. A subset of responders to the short questionnaire completed a long questionnaire, spirometry, methacholine or bronchodilator test, skin test, and total and specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) measurements, with a total number of 1,159 participants in Hamburg and 731 in Erfurt. Six out of 8 questions on respiratory symptoms and diagnoses were answered in the affirmative more frequently in Hamburg than in Erfurt. In Hamburg, mean forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)% of predicted was 105 vs 107% in Erfurt (p < 0.0001), and bronchial hyperresponsiveness was more frequently observed in Hamburg than in Erfurt (25 vs 19%; p < 0.05). Atopic sensitization was more prevalent in Hamburg than in Erfurt regarding the results of skin tests against grass pollen (24 vs 19%; p < 0.05), birch pollen (19 vs 8%; p < 0.0005), cat (10 vs 2%; p < 0.0005), and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (14 vs 10%; p < 0.05). This was reflected by the prevalences of positive specific IgE values, which were higher in Hamburg than in Erfurt for grass (26 vs 20%; p < 0.05), birch (20 vs 10%; p < 0.0005) and cat (12 vs 8%; p < 0.05). In Hamburg, compared to Erfurt, there was: a lower mean number of siblings (p < 0.005); a higher degree of childhood and current exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (p < 0.005); and a higher frequency of fitted carpets and reported mould or mildew inside the house (p < 0.005). Therefore, these data may support the hypothesis that childhood factors and exposure to indoor allergens and irritants may have been more relevant for the development of asthma and atopy than the potential long-term exposure to high concentrations of sulphur dioxide and particulate matter.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Hemostatic variables in the prediction of coronary risk: results of the 8 year follow-up of healthy men in the Münster Heart Study (PROCAM). Prospective Cardiovascular Münster Study.

Myocardial infarction is usually due to the acute formation of an occlusive thrombus within the coronary arteries, in most cases against a background of pre-existing coronary atherosclerosis. Both of these factors may be promoted by a procoagulant state of the hemostatic system. Plasma fibrinogen, factor VIIc, blood pressure, and lipid parameters were measured in 2,781 healthy men aged 40-65 in the Münster Heart Study (formerly known as the PROCAM Study). After 8 years of follow-up 130 coronary events (15 sudden cardiac deaths, 22 fatal myocardial infarctions, and 93 nonfatal myocardial infarctions) were observed. Plasma fibrinogen concentration and factor VIIc activity were significantly greater among men who suffered a coronary event. The mean plasma fibrinogen level of the event group exceeded that of the non-event group by 0.32 g/l [2.59 +/- 0.58 vs. 2.91 +/- 0.58 (mean +/- SD) respectively, P < 0.001]. The incidence of coronary events among men within the upper tertile of fibrinogen concentration was three times higher than among men within the lower tertile. Plasma factor VIIc activity was 112.4 +/- 20.1% in the event group and 108.7 +/- 21.4% in the non-event group (P < 0.05). Among men in the upper tertile of factor VIIc activity, the incidence of coronary events was 1.6 times that of men in the lower tertile. When fibrinogen and low density lipoprotein (LDL) concentration were considered together, there was a graded and dramatic eightfold increase in 8 year risk from 17 per 1,000 of population among men with both fibrinogen and LDL cholesterol in the lower tertiles to 130 per 1,000 in men with both of these parameters in the upper tertile. In men with LDL cholesterol in the lowest tertile, increasing fibrinogen levels did not increase the risk of a coronary event. The coagulation variables, fibrinogen concentration, and factor VIIc activity thus markedly improve our ability to predict coronary risk.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Kinetocardiotocography--follow-up of diazepam poisoning].

Report about continuous fetal monitoring of heart rate and movements 9-30 hours after diazepam-intoxication. in an early stage after intoxication fetal movements are associated with FHF-decelerations, later on with accelerations. A sinusoidal like pattern may be caused by fetal suckling movements.

Anti-Anxiety Agents↗
PubMed1995

Precursor of C4 antisense RNA of bacteriophages P1 and P7 is a substrate for RNase P of Escherichia coli.

The C4 repressor of the temperate bacteriophages P1 and P7 inhibits antirepressor (Ant) synthesis and is essential for establishment and maintenance of lysogeny. C4 is an antisense RNA acting on a target, Ant mRNA, which is transcribed from the same promoter. The antisense-target RNA interaction requires processing of C4 RNA from a precursor RNA. Here we show that 5' maturation of C4 RNA in vivo depends on RNase P. In vitro, Escherichia coli RNase P and its catalytic RNA subunit (M1 RNA) can generate the mature 5' end of C4 RNA from P1 by a single endonucleolytic cut, whereas RNase P from the E. coli rnpA49 mutant, carrying a missense mutation in the RNase P protein subunit, is defective in the 5' maturation of C4 RNA. Primer extension analysis of RNA transcribed in vivo from a plasmid carrying the P1 c4 gene revealed that 5'-mature C4 RNA was the predominant species in rnpA+ bacteria, whereas virtually no mature C4 RNA was found in the temperature-sensitive rnpA49 strain at the restrictive temperature. Instead, C4 RNA molecules carrying up to five extra nucleotides beyond the 5' end accumulated. The same phenotype was observed in rnpA+ bacteria which harbored a plasmid carrying a P7 c4 mutant gene with a single C-->G base substitution in the structural homologue to the CCA 3' end of tRNAs. Implications of C4 RNA processing for the lysis/lysogeny decision process of bacteriophages P1 and P7 are discussed.

Bacteriophage P1↗
PubMed1995

The lytic replicon of bacteriophage P1 is controlled by an antisense RNA.

The lytic replicon of phage P1 is used for DNA replication during the lytic cycle. It comprises about 2% of the P1 genome and contains the P1 C1 repressor-controlled operator-promoter element Op53.P53 and the kilA and the repL genes, in that order. Transcription of the lytic replicon of P53 and synthesis of the product of repL, but not kilA, are required for replicon function. We have identified an additional promoter, termed P53as (antisense), at the 5'-end of the kilA gene from which a 180 base transcript is constitutively synthesized and in the opposite direction to the P53 transcript. By using a promoter probe plasmid we show that transcription from P53 is strongly repressed by the C1 repressor, whereas that of P53as remains unaffected. Accordingly, the C1 repressor inhibits binding of Escherichia coli RNA polymerase to P53, but not to P53as, as shown by electron microscopy. Under non-repressed conditions transcription from P53 appears to be inhibited by P53as activity and vice versa. An inhibitory effect of P53as on the P1 lytic replicon was revealed by the construction and characterization of a P53as promoter-down mutant. Under non-repressed conditions transcription of repL and, as a consequence, replication of the plasmid is strongly enhanced when P53as is inactive. The results suggest a regulatory role for P53as on the P1 lytic replicon.

Bacteriophage P1↗
PubMed1995

Impact of polymorphisms in the alpha- and beta-fibrinogen gene on plasma fibrinogen concentrations of coronary heart disease patients.

Despite many investigations in a variety of experimental settings, uncertainty remains concerning the size of the genetic contribution to plasma fibrinogen levels. We used the polymerase chain reaction to amplify the polymorphic sites for the restriction enzymes TaqI in the alpha-fibrinogen gene and HaeIII, HindIII and BclI in the beta-fibrinogen gene. Three hundred and eighty-four male coronary heart disease patients were investigated. Two alleles for each enzyme (+ or - designating, respectively, the presence or absence of the cutting site) were detected. The HaeIII and HindIII cutting sites were in complete linkage disequilibrium. A small but significant increase in fibrinogen level was associated with the rare cutting sites of HaeIII/HindIII, BclI and TaqI. At all polymorphic sites homozygosity for the frequent alleles was associated with about 0.20 g/l lower plasma fibrinogen concentrations than heterozygosity at the respective sites (p < 0.05). The frequencies and natures of the rare alleles were as follows: TaqI (+) 0.28, HaeIII/HindIII (-) 0.22 and BclI (+) 0.17. Mean fibrinogen levels in patients heterozygous for each of the four polymorphisms were 0.47 g/l greater than in subjects homozygous for the frequent allele at each cutting site (HaeIII/HindIII + -, TaqI + -, BclI + -: fibrinogen level 3.58 g/l (n = 32); HaeIII/HindIII + +, TaqI - -, BclI - -: fibrinogen level 3.11 g/l (n = 99), p = 0.003). Each polymorphism accounted for between 0.5 and 1.4% of the overall variance in fibrinogen concentration. Together, the polymorphisms in HaeIII, HindIII and TaqI explained 5.8% of overall variance, a proportion equivalent to that explained by age, smoking and body mass index (5.5%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Alleles↗
PubMed1995

Brief clinical report: interstitial deletion of the long arm of chromosome 4, del(4)(q28-->q31.3).

Interstitial deletions of the long arm of chromosome 4 are rare. Different breakpoints are involved. Only one of the patients had a very similar deletion to that of the present case. Both had low birth weight at term; weight, length and head circumference less than the third centile; epicanthic folds; apparently low-set abnormal ears; broad nasal bridge; micrognathia; hypoplastic nails; delayed psychomotor development; and mild mental retardation.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗
PubMed1995

Reduction of tissue edema by microdialysis.

OBJECTIVE: This is the first report (to our knowledge) of the use of tissue microdialysis to reduce tissue edema. In this study, a hyperosmotic solution was perfused through microdialysis catheters, allowing direct treatment of interstitial edema by osmosis. DESIGN: First, the catheter and perfusate characteristics were tested in vitro. A physiologic, controlled trial was then performed, with two outcome variables: osmolarity of the effluent and tissue water content. SUBJECTS: Twenty male Sprague-Dawley rats. One rat was withdrawn. INTERVENTIONS: Tissue microdialysis catheters were implanted in the rats. The control side of the animals was not perfused. The experimental side was perfused for 9 hours. RESULTS: Osmolarity of the perfusate was reduced 16.5 mOsm after passing through the catheter, indicating that fluid was removed from the tissue. Tissue edema was reduced by an average 1.8 mL of fluid per 100 g of wet tissue. CONCLUSIONS: Tissue microdialysis removed tissue fluid and reduced edema. This treatment may have a beneficial effect on edematous tissues. Potential use and limitations of this therapeutic modality are discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

The tripartite immunity system of phages P1 and P7.

Prophages P1 and P7 exist as unit copy DNA plasmids in the bacterial cell. Maintenance of the prophage state requires the continuous expression of two repressors: (i) C1 is a protein which negatively regulates the expression of lytic genes including the C1 inactivator gene coi, and (ii) C4 is an antisense RNA which specifically inhibits the synthesis of an anti-repressor Ant. In addition, C1 repression is strengthened by lxc encoding an auxiliary repressor protein. The repressors C1, C4 and Lxc are components of a tripartite immunity system of the two phages. Here, the mode of action of these regulatory components including their antagonists Coi and Ant is described.

Bacteriophage P1↗
PubMed1995

Measurement of acidic aerosol species in eastern Europe: implications for air pollution epidemiology.

A large number of studies have indicated associations between particulate air pollution and adverse health outcomes. Wintertime air pollution in particular has been associated with increased mortality. Identification of causal constituents of inhalable particulate matter has been elusive, although one candidate has been the acidity of the aerosol. Here we report measurements of acidic aerosol species made for approximately 1.5 years in Erfurt, Germany, and Sokolov, Czech Republic. In both locations, the burning of high-sulfur coal is the primary source of ambient air pollution. Twenty-four-hour average measurements were made for PM10, [particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter (da) < or = 10 microns], as well as fine particle (da < 2.5 microns) H+ and SO4(2-) for the entire study. Additionally, separate day and night measurements of fine particle H+, SO4(2-), NO3-, and NH4+ and the gases, SO2, HNO3, HONO, and NH3 were collected with an annular denuder/filter pack system over a 7-month (late winter-summer) period with additional measurements during pollution episodes the following winter. At both sites, 24-hr SO2 (mean concentrations of 52 micrograms/m3, with peak levels of > 585 micrograms/m3) and PM10 (mean concentration 60 micrograms m3) concentrations were quite high. However, aerosol SO4(2-) concentrations (mean concentration of approximately 10 micrograms/m3) were not as great as expected given the high SO2 concentrations, and acidity was very low (mean concentration of < 1 microgram/m3, with peak levels of only 7 micrograms/m3). Low acidity is likely to be the result of NH3 neutralization and slow conversion of SO2 to SO4(2-).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acids↗
PubMed1995

Health effects of high level exposure to traditional pollutants in East Germany--review and ongoing research.

In East Germany ambient air pollution is characterized by high concentrations of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and suspended particulates (SP). Since acidity and sulfate are surprisingly low, oxidation of SO2 seems to be incomplete and neutralization seems to play an important role. Few studies on health effects of air pollution in the former German Democratic Republic have been performed. They showed an increased prevalence in polluted areas of respiratory symptoms, lung function decrement, mild anemia, nonspecific stimulation of the immune system and, retardation of skeletal maturation of children. Since the German unification in 1990, several large-scale studies have been started. Short-term effects of air pollution on daily mortality have been investigated in Erfurt retrospectively for 1980 to 1989. Logarithmic exposure-effect curves have been found for both SO2 and SP. The number of deaths increased by about 10% with SO2 and by more than 20% with SP if the 95th percentile of the pollutant is compared to the 5th percentile. The logarithmic shape shows that the increase of ambient concentrations at the beginning of the heating season in fall is more important than further increases in concentrations later in winter. A second study on short-term effects was conducted using daily peak flow measurements and respiratory symptoms in 270 patients with asthma and other obstructive airway diseases in East Germany and the Czech Republic between 1990 and 1992. From regression analysis it follows that an increase by 500 micrograms/m3 of SO2 leads to a mean decrease of the average patient's peak flow below 2%.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed1995

Fibrinogen and cardiovascular risk.

Ischaemic heart disease and stroke are the major causes of death in the Western world. Established risk factors such as smoking, hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia explain only some of these events. Most myocardial infarctions and cardiac deaths are precipitated by acute occluding coronary thrombi, and it has been known for some time that thrombosis participates in atherogenesis. For these reasons, haemostatic variables have been included in studies of cardiovascular risk. The plasma fibrinogen level is associated with both the severity and the extent of coronary, cerebral and peripheral atherosclerosis. In prospective studies, fibrinogen was found to be an independent predictor of myocardial infarction in both sexes and of stroke in men. The plasma fibrinogen level thus provides information on risk over and above that supplied by established risk factors. Fibrinogen may play a part in atherothrombosis via several mechanisms: (1) by promoting atherosclerosis, (2) as an essential component of platelet aggregation, (3) because the amount of fibrin deposited and the size of the clot are directly related to the plasma fibrinogen level and (4) because fibrinogen increases plasma viscosity. Nevertheless, it is not yet possible to determine whether high fibrinogen levels are a cause or a consequence of cardiovascular disease because no drugs that selectively lower plasma fibrinogen levels are available. In addition, further standardization of measurements is needed before routinely including plasma fibrinogen in cardiovascular risk scores.

Animals↗