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Biomedical subjects

J Sterne

Publications and source records attributed to J Sterne.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1998

Indoor factors associated with concentrations of house dust mite allergen, Der p 1, in a random sample of houses in Norwich, UK.

BACKGROUND: Studies of house dust mite allergen concentrations suggest large variations both within and between homes. It is likely that different household characteristics influence allergen levels in different locations within the house. OBJECTIVES: To investigate household characteristics associated with higher concentrations of house dust mite allergen in a random sample of houses. METHODS: Information on indoor environment was obtained from 158 adults aged 20-44. Dust samples were collected from their living room floor, bedroom floor and mattress. Concentrations of Der p 1, the major allergen from the house dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, were measured by monoclonal antibody immunoassay. Associations between mite allergen concentrations and household characteristics were examined using censored-normal regression models. Factors that were related to Der p 1 (P </= 0.2) in univariate analyses were included in multivariable regression models. RESULTS: Der p 1 was not detected in any location in 10 (6.3%) houses. Geometric mean concentrations of Der p 1 were 1.9 microg/g in living room floor dust, 1.7 microg/g in bedroom floor dust and 2.0 microg/g in mattress dust. Approximately 25% of living room floor and mattress, and over 30% of bedroom floor samples had Der p 1 concentrations greater than 10 microg/g. Household characteristics associated with Der p 1 concentrations in both living room and bedroom were floor level, extractor fan in the kitchen, and age of carpet. Living room Der p 1 concentrations were also associated with gas oven/hob, window condensation, open fires, vacuum cleaner type, smokers in the house and age of house. Bedroom Der p 1 concentrations were also associated with use of blankets and wash temperature of bedding. Mattress Der p 1 concentrations were associated with window condensation, concrete bedroom floor and age of mattress. CONCLUSION: Different household characteristics were associated with high Der p 1 concentrations in different parts of the house. These findings are relevant to design of allergen avoidance regimes or formulation of policy recommendations for reduction of disease associated with allergen exposure.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

The association of respiratory symptoms and lung function with the use of gas for cooking. European Community Respiratory Health Survey.

The association of respiratory symptoms and lung function with the use of gas for cooking was examined using data collected as part of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey, an international multicentre study. Associations between gas cooking and respiratory symptoms and respiratory function were assessed by logistic and multiple regression models. Tests for interaction were used to examine whether the effect of gas cooking varied between centres and, as there was evidence for this, the average effects were estimated using standard methods for random effects meta-analysis. Data from 5,561 males and 6,029 females living in 23 centres in 11 countries were analysed. There was no significant association found between respiratory symptoms and gas cooking in males. In females the association between some respiratory symptoms and gas cooking varied between centres with an overall positive association with "wheeze in the last 12 months" (odds ratio (OR) 1.24: 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.00-1.54) and "wheeze with breathlessness in the last 12 months" (OR 1.33: 95% CI 1.06-1.69). There was no evidence that atopy modified this association. Cooking with gas was associated with airways obstruction in both males and females although the differences failed to reach statistical significance. In some countries the use of gas for cooking is associated with respiratory symptoms suggestive of airways obstruction in females.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗
PubMed1996

Child mortality following standard, medium or high titre measles immunization in West Africa.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the use of high titre measles vaccine in 1989. Subsequent long term follow-up of several trials yielded results suggesting higher mortality among children inoculated with medium and high titre vaccines compared to standard titre vaccines, although none of the individual trials found significant differences in mortality. METHODS: Long term survival after standard, medium and high titre measles vaccines has been investigated in a combined analysis of all West African trials with mortality data. In trials from Guinea-Bissau, The Gambia and Senegal, children received medium or high titre vaccines from 4 months of age and were compared to control groups recruited at the same time later receiving standard titre vaccine from 9 months of age. All children were followed up to at least 3 years old. RESULTS: Combining trials of high titre vaccines showed higher mortality among the high titre group compared to the standard group: mortality ratio (MR) = 1.33 (95% CI : 1.02-1. 73). Mortality among recipients of medium titre vaccines was not different from that in the standard vaccine group, MR = 1.11 (95% CI: 0.54-2.27). In a combined analysis by sex, the adjusted mortality ratios comparing high titre vaccine with standard vaccine were 1.86 (95% CI : 1.28-2.70) for females and 0.91 (95% CI : 0.61-1.35) for males. The trials were not designed to study long term mortality. Adjustments for several possible sources of bias did not alter the results. CONCLUSIONS: The combined analysis showed a decreased survival related to high titre measles vaccine compared with standard titre vaccines, though solely among females. As a result of these studies from West Africa and a study from Haiti, WHO has recommended that high titre measles vaccine no longer be used.

Age Distribution↗
PubMed1994

[Treatment of superficial mycoses in the tropics. Results of a double-blind study in the Karonga District, Malawi].

A double-blind trial was undertaken in Karonga District, Northern Malawi comparing Whitfield's cream (3% salicylic acid and 6% benzoylic acid) and clotrimazole cream in the treatment of dermatophyte infections of the skin. To date, 138 patients have been reviewed; 65 of these patients received Whitfield's cream and 73 received clotrimazole cream. Within 4 weeks to 4 months after the beginning of treatment, there were six definite treatment failures in each group. In view of the considerable difference in price between the two preparations, Whitfield's cream should be considered as the treatment of choice in tropical primary health care.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed1982

Anti-inflammatory effect of LA 2851 and reference drugs on some models of inflammation. Investigation of the mechanism of action.

LA 2851 (2-4-diamino-7-methyl-pyrazolo (1,5-a) 1,3,5-triazine), a bronchodilator and antiallergic compound, in type I hypersensitivity, has been tested orally for activity against carrageenan oedema and complement dependent, reverse passive Arthus (RPA) and zymosan oedema in rats. Pharmacokinetic determinations were also realized in order to correlate plasma blood levels and pharmacological activity. LA 2851 was found active in the first test but showed a more marked effect in the immunologically mediated RPA reaction and zymosan oedema. Among reference drugs tested, theophylline showed the same pattern in contrast with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. LA 2851 and theophylline, using a superfused lung preparation, were found ineffective on the synthesis of cyclooxygenase products from arachidonic acid. LA 2851 as theophylline inhibited cAMP phosphodiesterase (PDE) but this inhibition does not seem to be involved in their anti-inflammatory activity since papaverine, a potent inhibitor of PDE, was totally inactive. The activity on RPA and zymosan inflammation was achieved at the drug plasma level in the range of those required to relax the trachea. The same antagonism was obtained with the 2 drugs at a lower plasma level with LA 2851 than with theophylline for the same dose administered (25 mg/kg). LA 2851 and theophylline did not inhibit all the components of the inflammatory process since maximum inhibition did not exceed 60% up to 200 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg respectively.

3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases↗
PubMed1981

[Effect of long-term metformin treatment on the development of diabetes in genetically diabetic mice (DBM) (author's transl)].

Genetic diabetic obese, hyperinsulinaemic mice of the DBM (db/db) strain received long-term metformin. The drug was given orally (200 mg/kg twice a day) by gastric intubation starting from the 13th week of age to the 42 th. A continuing hypoglycemic effect was observed with a simultaneous decrease of HbA1c. The immunoreactive plasma insulin and body weight of treated homozygous mice were higher than those of homozygous controls. No significant modification of food consumption and blood lipids was noted. Pancreatic islets of homozygous controls showed, by light and electron microscopy, a characteristic hypersecreting appearance at 25 th week compared to that of heterozygous animals. Morphological dedifferentiation (canalicular changes and foreign cell colonization) followed in most cases at the 42 th week with reduction in B-cells. Pancreas of treated mice was similar to that of controls at 25 th but showed less B-cell exhaustion and islet degeneration at the 42 th week, explaining higher plasma IRI concentration.

Animals↗
PubMed1981

Bronchodilator and antiallergic properties of LA 2851 (2-4-diamino-7-methyl-pyrazolo (1,5-a) 1,3,5-triazine).

LA 2851, 2-4-diamino-7-methyl-pyrazolo (1,5a) 1, 3, 5 triazine has been found to possess potent bronchodilator and inhibitor properties on experimental active and passive anaphylaxis. In vitro evaluation on guinea-pig trachea indicated that LA 2851 had relaxant properties on unstimulated and stimulated (histamine or pilocarpine) strips. Resistance and compliance measurement in anaesthetized dogs and guinea-pigs showed that the drug reversed or prevented in vivo bronchoconstriction due to histamine. The relaxant effect was not linked to beta stimulating property. LA 2851 was as active as theophylline in all tests used. LA 2851 and theophylline prevented anaphylactic shock in mice. DSCG was poorly active. IgE mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in rat was dose-dependently inhibited by LA 2851 (DSCG greater than LA 2851 greater than theophylline). According to these results the compound decreased histamine release from rat mast cells induced by different secretagogues (LA 2851 greater than DSCG greater than theophylline). No tachyphylaxis (PCA) nor time preincubation dependency (mast cells) was found with LA 2851 as it has been reported for DSCG. LA 2851 by its pharmacological properties associated with a very low toxicity (2.5 to 5 times less than theophylline) provides a new potential agent for respiratory diseases.

Anaphylaxis↗
PubMed1980

[Diabetic glomerulosclerosis in the DBM mouse. Correlated study of quantitative morphology, immunofluorescence and electronic microscopy].

Using an experimental model of genetic diabetes (DBM mouse) a comparison was made of the results of quantitative data obtained by light and electron microscopy (measurement of glomerular and mesangial surface areas, assessment of the thickness of the basal membrane and its irregularities) and was used to demonstrate the actual presence of glomerulosclerosis in the renal parenchyma of 31 diabetic animals. In addition, immunofluorescent investigations in these same animals demonstrated the presence of serum proteins (in particular immunoglobulins and albumin) in the glomerulus and the tubular basal membrane. These substances transude through the vessels as a result of increased vascular permeability. In this area, membrane abnormalities are not a consequence of hyperglycaemia. In the group, one batch of animals in which hyperglycaemia was partially reduced by glycoregulatory therapy showed the same glomerular changes. Amongst other factors, the possible role of hyperinsulinaemia constantly present in these animals, regardless of their blood glucose level, is worthy of considération.

Animals↗
PubMed1979

DBM mice as a pharmacological model of maturity onset diabetes. Studies with metformin.

Hyperglycemic obese and hyperinsulinemic mice of DBM strain develop a diabetic syndrome which can be compared to human maturity onset diabetes. In this study 6 to 49 weeks old female mice were used. Hyperglycemia and concomitant obesity were observed at 9 weeks. Plasma immunoreactive insulin (IRI) was maximum at 15--20 weeks, then decreased progressively with broad individual variations. Metformin, administered at 200 mg/kg per os, ineffective dosage in normal mice, showed a strong hypoglycemic effect in younger mice (11--18 weeks) with a plasma IRI decrease and no blood lactate and liver glycogen alteration. Plasma metformin concentration curve showed an exponential elimination fitted to a one compartment model with a plasma half-life of 2.7 hours. Metformin-induced hypoglycemia was lower in older mice (23--29 weeks) and corroborated their lower initial plasma IRI. All these results are in accordance with those reported in man and show that DBM mice provide a suitable model for a better understanding of antidiabetic drugs effects.

Aging↗
PubMed1976

[Butalamine hydrochloride. A new vasoactive substance].

With its new mode of action Adrevil has a stimulating effect on the blood flow, without affecting the cardiovascular system. Oxygen supply in the diseased vascular areas is improved. The antiphlogistic and analgetic properties of the drug as well as its local anaesthetic effect favourably influence painful, inflammatory and proliferative processes in the ischemic areas. In view of its effectiveness at low doses and its very low toxicity Adrevil is considered a most effective therapeutic agent to be used in a large range of indications. No teratogenic effect of the substance was observed in animal experiments.

Animals↗
PubMed1976

[Early histoenzymologic and ultrastructural changes induced by adrenalin-thyroxine and fat diet in rabbit aorta (author's transl)].

The first stages of the atherosclerotic lesions induced in the rabbit aorta by adrenalin- thyroxine, with (or without) an hypercholesterolic diet, have been studied on the 6th, 13th, and 22nd day. Major parietal changes, barely demonstrable with light microscopic standard techniques, were detected, as soon as the 6th day, by electronmicroscopy and histoenzymology. These changes were probably due solely to the hormonal treatment. In the early stage, they consisted of some fragmentations of the elastic sheets and some smooth muscle cell lysis. The oxidative and ATPase activities were greatly reduced. The increased lysosomal hydrolase actitivities of the outer layers of the vessel could be related in the increased vascular permeability and consecutive increased perfusion gradient induced by these lesions. Later, an obvious repair process was seen. The smooth muscle cells bearing numerous processes were bound by many microfilaments and by some elastic material. The energetic enzymatic activities were increased. The part taken by the lipidic diet in these changes, apart from the increase of the esterase activity, did not seem yet of significance in this first stage of atherosclerosis. However, one cannot exclude that the intensively accumulating lipids might, at some later stages, potentiate the consequences of the vascular lesions or impede the repair process.

Alcohol Oxidoreductases↗
PubMed1976

[Changes in carbohydrate metabolism and efficiency of hypoglycemic drugs related to the light dark cycle in rats. A study on stimulated diaphragm (author's transl)].

A study of glucose uptake and lactate release was performed on isolated diaphragm stimulated regularly by an electric device. This stimulated model is much more sensitive than the motionless diaphragm preparation in the Warburg apparatus. The diaphragms take up twice as much glucose and release one and a half times more lactate during summer than during winter. This increase relates to lighting conditions. It is suppressed even during summer, if rats are maintained in darkness for 15 days before the experiment, other factors remaining unchanged. Several antidiabetic drugs (insulin, metformin, phenformin, buformin), active on the stimulated diaphragm, have their effects reduced or suppressed when animals are exposed to intense light; they regain their effect even during summer, if the animals are kept in the dark. The mechanism and practical implication of these findings are discussed.

Animals↗