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Biomedical subjects

K Friese

Publications and source records attributed to K Friese.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

[Detection of atypical site of "sentinel lymph nodes" by lymph drainage scintigraphy in patients with breast carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: Sentinel lymph node (SLN) localization in breast cancer allows biopsy of directly tumor drained lymph nodes. The objective was to study the association of tumor and SLN localization. PATIENTS AND METHODS: SLN was identified in 39 (81%) of 48 patients with histologically proven breast cancer, clinically and sonographically unsuspected axillary lymph nodes after peritumoral application of 40-50 Mbq 99mTc-Nanocolloid. Patients age, tumor size and localization, histology and localization of the SLN as well as removed axillary lymph nodes were analyzed. RESULTS: Axillary lymph node metastases were found in 11 (28%) of 39 patients. Involvement of the SLN was confirmed by intraoperative frozen sections (n = 9) and paraffin embedded histology (n = 1). One (9%) patient with a positive node revealed a false-negative SLN. In 24 patients with a tumor in the lateral hemisphere of the breast the SLN were identified in the ipsilateral axilla. In 6 (40%) of 15 patients with a central or medial localized tumor the SLN was observed infraclavicular (n = 3), parasternal (n = 2) or in the contralateral axilla (n = 1). In the latter one the SLN of the contralateral axilla showed metastases, whereas the simultaneous SLN and all removed lymph nodes of the ipsilateral axilla were not involved. More than one SLN were found in 12 (31%) of the 39 cases. CONCLUSION: A correlation between tumor localization and localization of the SLN is suggested, but the lymph drainage seems more variable in cases of medial tumor size. Using blue dye for map of extraaxillary SLN seems inappropriate. Currently the diagnostic and therapeutic impact of the detection of extraaxillary SLN is still unclear.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

[Human amniotic fluid transferrin stimulates progesterone production by human trophoblast cells in vitro].

OBJECTIVE: During pregnancy transferrin plays a key role as an iron transport protein to serve the increased fetal demands of iron. Transferrin is also present in relatively high concentrations in amniotic fluid [6], showing a different glycosylation compared with serum transferrin. The biological function of human amniotic fluid transferrin (hAFT) is still unknown. In addition trophoblast cells also synthesise transferrin. Transferrin synthesised by the trophoblast shows a special glycosylation. We found identical carbohydrate structure of hAFT and trophoblast transferrin. We investigated the influence of hAFT on the progesterone-, cortisol- and hCG-release of trophoblasts in culture compared with the influence of human holo- and apo-serum transferrin on the release of these hormones. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cytotrophoblast cells were prepared from human term placentae by standard trypsin-DNAse dispersion of villous tissue followed by a percoll gradient centrifugation step. When placed in culture, the trophoblasts were incubated with varying concentrations (50-300 micrograms/ml) of human amniotic fluid- and serum-transferrin. Unstimulated cells of each placenta used as controls. Culture supernatants were assayed for progesterone, hCG and cortisol by enzyme-immunometric methods. RESULTS: Our results show, that the release of progesterone increased in hAFT-treated cell cultures compared to untreated cell cultures. Holo- and apo-serumtransferrin did not show any effect on the progesterone release by trophoblast cells in vitro. Neither hAFT nor holo- and apo-serum transferrin had any effect on the cortisol- and hCG-release in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: Progesterone is a marker for differentiation of trophoblasts in syncytiotrophoblasts. Only hAFT stimulates the progesterone production. We suggest, that hAFT can modulate the endocrine function of trophoblast cells in culture by regulating progesterone production.

Amniotic Fluid↗
PubMed2000

[Skin sparing mastectomy with autologous immediate reconstruction: oncological risks and aesthetic results].

OBJECTIVE: Is the oncological safety of skin sparing mastectomy (SSM) with immediate autologous reconstruction and improved aesthetic results comparable to postoperative findings in patients treated with modified radical mastectomy (MRM)? MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty patients with T1-2 breast carcinomas and contraindications for breast conserving therapy were treated by SSM and compared to 81 patients of the same age groups and MRM with regard to oncological and aesthetic data. In 33 (55%) patients the nipple areola complex (NAC) could be spared. For autologous tissue TRAM- and Latissimus dorsi-flaps were used. The mean follow-up was 40 (range 20-71) months. RESULTS: The observed local recurrence rates were not significantly different (p = 0.443) after SSM (n = 3; 5.0%) or MRM (n = 5; 6.2%). Distant metastases and death were seen in 26.7% and 15.0% (SSM), respectively, and in 25.9% and 13.5% (MRM), respectively. Body mass index, operation time and postoperative haemoglobin concentration differed between both groups significantly (p < 0.001) but not the rate of complications (p = 0.232). Aesthetic results of SSM were judged as excellent or good in 90.0% of patients and in 83.4% of surgeons. Nine patients (11.1%) underwent a secondary breast reconstruction after MRM. Furthermore, 12 (14.8%) patients with MRM would prefer a SSM with immediate reconstruction in a similar situation. CONCLUSION: Skin-sparing mastectomy improves aesthetic results to a high degree without increasing of local or distant recurrence rates. Skin-sparing mastectomy should be offered to selected patients with breast cancer as an alternative to modified radical mastectomy.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Incommensurately modulated phase of Rb2CoBr4 at 295 and 200 K

The crystal structure of Rb2CoBr4 at 295 and 200 K has been determined. At these temperatures Rb2CoBr4 exhibits an incommensurately modulated structure with wavevector q = (1/3 + delta)a*. At room temperature only the average structure was refined. Lattice parameters are a = 9.732 (3), b = 13.328 (4), c = 7.654 (3) A, space group Pnam. The R(F) value was 0.0414 for 286 observed reflections (0.0778 for all 477 reflections). At 200 K the lattice parameters are a = 9.691 (4), b = 13.278 (5), c = 7.630 (6) A, superspace group P:Pnam:1ss. Main reflections and satellite reflections of first order were measured. The refinement converged at R(F) = 0.052 for 309 observed reflections (255 main reflections and 54 satellites) and 0.2971 for all reflections (1849; 695 main reflections and 1154 satellites). Amplitudes and phases of the modulation function as well as bond distances show close relationships to those observed in the incommensurately modulated phase of Rb2ZnBr4.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

Absolute quantification of human chorionic gonadotropin-beta mRNA with TaqMan detection. 4.

We describe a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for determination of human chorionic gonadotropin-beta (HCG beta) mRNA copies using the TaqMan system. To evaluate our quantitative assay, we analyzed HCG beta transcripts of all protein coding genes (HCG beta 5, 3, 8, and 7) in human RNA panels of different normal tissues and in glycodelin-A-stimulated trophoblast cell cultures. Absolute quantification using HCG beta TaqMan probe was found to be highly reproducible. Our study of RNA panels confirms recently published results that expression of HCG beta transcripts is a common feature of a great variety of different normal tissues. High levels of HCG beta mRNAs (> 1,000 molecules per 200 ng RNA) were detected in placenta, uterus, and testis. An increase of HCG beta mRNA expression (1.7-fold) was detected at 150 micrograms/mL glycodelin-A treatment in trophoblast cell culture. Time-dependence study showed that the increase in HCG beta mRNA level was evident at 60 min after glycodelin-A treatment. In summary, we have developed a highly sensitive one-tube, one-enzyme quantitative RT-PCR system that is time-saving and avoids postamplification procedures.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Human chorionic gonadotrophin-beta transcripts correlate with progesterone receptor values in breast carcinomas.

The pathophysiological role for the expression of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) in malignant neoplasms is currently speculative. We investigated the overall expression of genes hCG-beta 5, 3, 8 and 7 in breast carcinoma (n=214), fibroadenoma (n=37) and macromastia (n=10) by quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR. Eighty (37.4%) of the breast cancer samples revealed positive hCG-beta mRNA expression and the mean value was 67. 9 copies per 200 ng total RNA (range: 0-1743; 95% confidence interval (CI) for mean: 44-92). Fibroadenomas had more frequently detected (56.8%) and greater hCG-beta copy numbers (mean 86.9; range: 0-845; 95% CI for mean: 35-138). Macromastia probes yielded no positive hCG-beta mRNA. The hCG-beta mRNA expression was significantly different in the three histological subgroups (P=0. 006). Among breast carcinomas, a positive correlation was detected between hCG-beta mRNA copy numbers and progesterone receptor (PgR) values (P<0.001). No significant differences were seen regarding disease-free (P=0.87) and overall survival (P=0.20) depending on hCG-beta mRNA status. Finally, our findings do not support a role for hCG-beta in malignant transformation of human breast cells and indicate a possible involvement of hCG-beta in benign breast disease. The relationship with PgR expression may suggest that progestins regulate the expression of hCG in breast epithelial cells.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Induction of erythroid proliferation and differentiation by a trophoblast-specific cytokine involves activation of the JAK/STAT pathway.

Pregnancy is characterized by increased erythropoiesis within maternal and fetal compartments. The placenta has been shown to produce factors that stimulate erythropoiesis but convincing evidence for placental production of erythropoietin (EPO) is still lacking. Prolactin-like protein E (PLP-E) was recently found to stimulate expression of the adult beta major globin gene in mouse erythroleukemia cells. Here we demonstrate that PLP-E transiently expressed in COS-7 cells stimulates proliferation and erythroid differentiation of murine and human erythroid progenitor cell lines. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays were used to show the activation of STAT5 by PLP-E in the human erythroid cell line TF1. Furthermore, we compared the effects of PLP-E on murine myeloid FDCP1 cells which do not express EPO receptors (EPORs) with effects on cells genetically engineered to express functional EPORs. We provide evidence that PLP-E-dependent proliferation and STAT5 activation is independent of the expression of the EPOR. Taken together, these data suggest that PLP-E acts on specific receptors of erythroid-committed murine and human cells by the activation of intracellular signaling pathways promoting cell growth and differentiation.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Differential diagnosis of peri- and postmenopausal ovarian cysts.

OBJECTIVES: To test the value of preoperative and intracystic parameters in the differential diagnosis of ovarian cysts. METHODS: Criteria for admission of 58 patients were age > 47 years, complete history, detection of CA 125 serum level, and ultrasound findings. Tumor markers (CA 125, cancer-associated serum antigen (CASA), CA 72-4), hormones (estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH)), epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor and c-erb B-2 amplification rate were detected in cyst fluid. RESULTS: Of the 58 subjects, 9 (15.4%) had functional cysts, 37 (63.8%) had benign tumors and 12 (20.8%) had malignant tumors. No functional ovarian cyst presented as echoic or multilocular cyst sonographically. The serum CA 125 values demonstrated significant differences between the non-malignant and malignant patient groups (P < 0.0005). The majority (63.8%, n = 37) of ovarian cysts were obtained at laparotomy, whereas only 36.2% (n = 21) were laparoscopically operated. The cyst fluid levels of FSH (P < 0.005) and LH (P < 0.05) were significantly lower in the functional group than in the benign or malignant group. Malignant cysts were significantly different from non-malignant cysts regarding low E2 (P < 0.01), high FSH (P < 0.05) and CASA (P < 0.02) values. There were no significant correlations between EGF receptor (P = 0.14) and c-erb B-2 (P = 0.06) gene amplification rates and malignant histology. CONCLUSIONS: Simple ovarian cysts combined with normal serum CA 125 levels are candidates for conservative follow-up or laparoscopy. The serum CA 125 is a powerful marker for prediction of histology in postmenopausal ovarian cyst. Laparoscopic surgery may be considered in patients with multilocular sonographic findings and normal CA 125 serum level. Combining serum CA 125 levels with cyst fluid parameters (E2, FSH, CASA) improves the sensitivity and specificity in predicting malignancy.

Age Distribution↗
PubMed1999

A cross-sectional study of workers in the chemical industry with occupational exposure to hexamethylenetetramine.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the health effects of hexamethylenetetramine (HMT) on the airways and the skin of workers in the chemical industry. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed with 17 employees of a HMT-producing chemical plant and 16 control subjects from the plant. In addition, we examined 4 out of 5 subjects who had left the production for medical reasons during the last 10 years. Anamnestic data, total and specific IgE to four environmental allergens, lung function and bronchial responsiveness to methacholine were assessed by standard procedures. Skin prick tests (SPT) and patch tests were performed with known sensitizing substances and HMT 100 mg/ml and 2% pet and aq. RESULTS: A high number of exposed subjects and controls reported symptoms during the previous year (64.7% vs 68.8%), most of them were not related to work. Work-related symptoms and objective parameters did not show differences between groups. No sensitizations to HMT as assessed by SPT or patch tests were found. Among those who had left the HMT production for medical reasons, 2 former baggers showed sensitizations to HMT by patch tests. These reported eczema during exposure but lost symptoms after removal from exposure. Geometric mean HMT concentrations as assessed by personal sampling were 0.3 [95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.1; 0.9] mg/m(3) in shiftleaders and 0.6 (95% CI 0.3; 1.1) mg/m(3) in baggers. CONCLUSION: High exposures to HMT may cause allergic contact dermatitis. There was no evidence of an increased risk for occupational asthma at mean airborne HMT concentrations below 1 mg/m(3).

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Breast reconstruction with latissimus dorsi flap: improved aesthetic results after transection of its humeral insertion.

Does transecting the tendinous insertion of the latissimus dorsi on the humerus improve aesthetic results and avoid the displeasing bulge in the armpit that sometimes occurs when the latissimus dorsi is used for breast reconstruction? In a prospective study, 60 patients who were having breast cancer surgery and simultaneous breast reconstruction using the latissimus dorsi flap were randomized for cutting (n = 29) or leaving intact (n = 31) the tendinous muscle insertion on the humerus. The cosmetic outcome was evaluated by patients and surgeons 6 to 12 months postoperatively. Patients reported good cosmetic results in 29 of 31 cases with the humeral insertion left intact and in 26 of 29 cases when the tendon was cut (p = 0.59), as compared with 21 of 31 cases versus 25 of 29 cases (p = 0.091), according to the surgeon's evaluation. A lateral bulge was more frequently observed by the surgeons in the group with intact insertion (10 of 31 patients), as compared with the group with a transected humeral insertion (2 of 29 patients). Discomfort caused by this bulge was reported by 19 of 31 patients with intact insertion, but only 3 of 29 patients with the tendon cut (p < 0.0001). The additional transection of the tendon was not associated with any complications. The additional transection of the tendinous humeral insertion of the latissimus dorsi muscle improves aesthetic results and avoids a displeasing bulge in the axilla when the latissimus dorsi flap is used for breast reconstruction.

Breast Neoplasms↗
PubMed1999

Interleukin-6 receptor is highly expressed in the ganglionic eminence of the human fetal brain.

The expression of interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R) has been investigated immunohistochemically in seven fetal brains with special reference to the ganglionic eminence (GE), a part of the telencephalic proliferative zone. Between the 22nd and 28th gestational week the GE stands out conspicuously due to its very high amount of intensely IL-6R-immunostained cells. Adjacent brain areas exhibit only very weak immunoreactivity. Between the 32nd and 36th week a moderate IL-6R immunolabelling is seen in the remnants of the GE. IL-6 may activate the immature IL-6R-positive cells to secrete a protease which is likely to be involved in GE involution and, perhaps, in the development of hemorrhage frequently occurring in the GE of premature infants.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1999

Antibiotics: treatment of preterm labor.

Our intention is to review recent data and provide recommendations for the use of antibiotics in cases of preterm labor or preterm premature rupture of the membranes (pPROM). Various studies assessing antibiotics as treatment for preterm labor demonstrate neonatal or maternal benefits only in certain circumstances. Antibiotic treatment should be given to patients with bacterial vaginosis and Trichomonas vaginalis. Currently, antibiotics should not be applied routinely to prolong pregnancy in women with preterm labor and intact membranes. However, antibiotic therapy should be given to patients with pPROM to prolong pregnancies at 24 to 32 weeks' gestation. Our management of pPROM up to 32 weeks' gestation includes use of corticosteroids, antibiotic (extended spectrum penicillins) and tocolytic treatment for preterm labor and pregnancy prolongation. We consider expectant management previous to evidence of intrauterine infection. In women with pPROM at 32 to 34 weeks we found it beneficial to deliver 24 hours after administration of corticosteroids or, in cases of intrauterine infection, immediately. Finally, we report on our research work regarding fetal brain development in preterm birth. Further studies will be necessary to clarify the role of the interleukin-6/interleukin-6 receptor pathway in the development of intracerebral hemorrhage frequently occuring in premature infants.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗
PubMed1999

[Rating of transvaginal sonography in the evaluation of postmenopausal bleeding].

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate transvaginal ultrasonography (TVS) in differential diagnosis of vaginal bleedings in postmenopausal patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between January 1990 and December 1996, 1198 postmenopausal patients with vaginal bleedings were sent to our clinic for a histological evaluation. Eight hundred and seventy-nine patients (73.4%) were preoperatively scanned by transvaginal probe, and endometrial thickness (< 5, 5-7, 8-10, > 10 mm) was measured. RESULTS: Atrophy was found in 46.3%, endometrial polyps in 19.8%, endometrial cancer in 17.5%, and hyperplasia in 6.7%. An endometrial thickness of lower than 5 mm (p < 0.0001) was shown in TVS patients with atrophy in 71%, with endometrial polyps in 10.9%, with endometrial cancer in 3.9% and hyperplasia in 6.8%. In 55.2% of these eases with endometrial cancer the preoperatively estimated thickness was 10 mm or more. The additionally morphologic examination in cases with an endometrium smaller than 5 mm was false positive in 75% (9/12). Thus an endometrial thickness of > 5 mm had a sensitivity of 92.5%, specificity of 71.0%, positive and negative predictive value of 75.6, respectively 90.9% for the detection of endometrial pathology. CONCLUSIONS: TVS allows the detection of an endometrial pathology in the vast majority of patients with postmenopausal bleedings. In cases with a single postmenopausal bleeding and an endometrium smaller than 5 mm we recommend expectative procedures with repeated ultrasound examination of the endometrium.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

[Investigation of adhesion molecules (sVCAM-1) in serum of nonpregnant women, normotensive pregnant women and in patients with pregnancy complications].

OBJECTIVE: An increased expression of endothelial adhesion molecules combined with neutrophil activation in the placental bed is to be assumed aetiopathogenetically relevant in preeclampsia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ranges of sVCAM-1 serum concentrations of both control persons (29 nonpregnant and 25 normotensive pregnant women) and patients with different complications of pregnancy (HELLP-syndrome n = 10, preeclampsia n = 12, gestational hypertension n = 38, diabetes n = 24, growth retardation n = 21) were determined by means of ELISA. Frozen placental samples of 5 normotensive and 10 hypertensive pregnant women were investigated immunhistochemically to study the distribution of VCAM-1 in the placenta. RESULTS: Significantly elevated sVCAM-1 serum levels (p < 0.05) were identified in samples of patients with HELLP syndrome, preeclampsia, diabetes and gestational hypertension compared with serum levels of normotensive pregnant women. The cut-off level (97.5% percentile of normotensive serum levels) was calculated (775 ng/ml). VCAM-1 was localized immunhistochemically at capillaries of villi and main villi. CONCLUSIONS: There are closed relations between elevated serum levels of sVCAM-1 during pregnancy and diseases with vasculopathies of placental bed.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

[Determination of reference ranges and effect of maternal and fetal factors on insulin and C-peptide level in umbilical cord blood].

OBJECTIVE: The risks of pregnancy caused by maternal diabetes are well known. Patients with unrecognized gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) represent a special problem. The aim of our study was to find out, whether the determination of insulin and C-peptide in cord blood serum offers a valuable tool for retrospective analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 600 paired serum samples from maternal venous blood and neonatal cord blood insulin and C-peptide were determined radioimmunologically. A reference group consisting of 338 mothers and their newborns was established by exclusion of all patients with known pregnancy complications. RESULTS: Positive correlations could be identified between fetal insulin and fetal C-peptide, as well as correlations of these parameters with birth weight and body length, with maternal values of insulin, C-peptide, body-mass index, weight, and weight gain during pregnancy respectively. Increased levels of cord serum insulin were found in complicated pregnancies as well as in patients with previous pregnancy losses, preterm deliveries or stillbirths. CONCLUSIONS: Cord serum insulin and C-peptide were found to be useful parameters for immediate postnatal identification of impaired glucose tolerance during the course of pregnancy.

Adolescent↗