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Biomedical subjects

R Richter

Publications and source records attributed to R Richter.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2003

Early determinants of childhood overweight and adiposity in a birth cohort study: role of breast-feeding.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of adiposity in childhood is increasing. Is breast-feeding protective as suggested by cross-sectional studies? OBJECTIVE: In a longitudinal birth cohort study, we tested whether breast-feeding for more than 2 months has preventive effects against overweight and adiposity at 6 y. DESIGN: Of 1314 children representing the catchment areas of six delivery units, 918 could be followed up to the age of 6 y. Height, weight, and skin-fold thickness were measured at regular visits. As the criteria of overweight, obesity, and adiposity in the children, the 90th and the 97th percentiles of BMI and skin-fold values were used. Parents with a BMI at or above the 90th percentile, which was 27 kg/m(2) or more, were considered overweight. Infants bottle-fed from birth or breast-fed for less than 3 months were classified as 'bottle-fed' (BO), and those breast-fed for 3 months and more as 'breast-fed' (BR). Univariate comparisons and logistic regression analysis were performed applying SAS 6.12. The final logistic model consisted of the 480 cases for whom complete data for all variables were available. The potential effect of loss to follow-up was analysed by the Cochran-Mantel-Haenzel test: the outcomes were not significantly influenced by loss to follow-up. RESULTS: At birth BMIs were nearly identical in both groups. By 3 months, BO had significantly higher BMIs and thicker skin folds than BR. From 6 months on, compared to BR, a consistently higher proportion of BO children exceeded the 90th and the 97th percentile of BMI and skin-fold thickness reference values. From the age of 4 y to 5 and 6 y, in BO the prevalence of obesity nearly doubled and tripled, respectively. With only minor changes of obesity prevalence in BR, the difference of BMI and skin-fold thickness between groups became statistically significant. Logistic regression analysis revealed that overweight of the mother, maternal smoking during pregnancy, bottle feeding, and low social status remained important risk factors for overweight and adiposity at 6 y of age. CONCLUSION: A maternal BMI of > or =27, bottle-feeding, maternal smoking during pregnancy, and low social status are risk factors for overweight and adiposity at 6 y of age. Early bottle-feeding brings forward the obesity rebound, predictive of obesity in later life.

Body Mass Index↗
PubMed2001

[Subjective wellbeing and somatic markers in methadone substitution. Evaluation of 61 heroin addicts].

AIM: In 61 patients with the ICD-10 diagnosis "heroin dependence" an evaluation of subjective well-being with consideration given to coexisting symptoms prior to and 4 months after initiation of methadone maintenance. METHOD: The Lancashire Quality of Life Profile and, for the clinical physical side effects, the opioid withdrawal scale proposed by Bradley and Seldenburg, were used. Additionally, urinalysis was performed. RESULTS: Statistically appreciable differences were found between the two groups in terms of drug-specific side effects, somatic satisfaction scales, and consumption of medications and co-use of addictive drugs. Further statistically evident inter-group differences were seen with regard to mental well-being. CONCLUSION: Overall, methadone maintenance leads to a rapid improvement in subjective well-being and to a relevant reduction in concurrent physical symptoms.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Transition from symmetric to asymmetric scaling function before drop pinch-off.

The drop pinch-off at a nozzle is studied experimentally for a glycerin-water mixture in surrounding air. The neck diameter of the fluid shrinks with constant velocity. After a distinct transition point, the shrink velocity switches to a smaller value. Before that transition point, the shape of the neck can well be described by a symmetric scaling function, as obtained from Stokes-flow theory of drop formation. This function gives way to an asymmetric scaling function in the final stage before pinch-off.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Observation of triplet doubly excited states in single photon excitation from ground state helium.

We have observed, for the first time, LS-forbidden triplet doubly excited states, in single photon excitation of ground state helium, below the second ionization threshold. These states are identified as (3)D(o) and (3)P(o) and their excitation is due to spin-orbit interaction that mixes them with the optically allowed (1)P(o) states. This observation is possible due to the very high efficiency in detecting metastable atoms created after the fluorescence decay of the doubly excited states, and the new capabilities of third generation synchrotron vacuum ultraviolet sources with high resolution beam lines.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Use of alternative/complementary therapy in breast cancer patients--a psychological perspective.

The objectives of this study were to assess the additional use of alternative (complementary) therapies in patients with breast cancer who were receiving conventional treatment and to compare patients using alternative therapies with patients receiving only conventional treatment with special reference to psychological adaptation, causal attribution and quality of life. A sample of 117 female out-patients with a diagnosis of breast cancer filled in the following assessment instruments: FQCI (Freiburg Questionnaire for Coping with Illness), PUK (Causal Attribution Questionnaire), EORTC QLQ-C30 (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire), POMS (Profile of Mood States), and a self-developed questionnaire on alternative therapies. Nearly half the patients (47%, n = 55) reported that they had used alternative therapies in addition to conventional treatment. The methods applied most frequently were nutrition-related measures (special drinks, vitamin preparations and whole-foods - each applied by about 50% of users), mistletoe preparations (49%), trace elements (47%), and homeopathy (31%). Compared with patients receiving only conventional treatment, the users of alternative therapy were younger and better educated. Users developed a more active style of illness coping than nonusers and showed more religious involvement. Patients using a large number of alternative therapies (>3) tended to adopt a more depressive coping style than those using only a small number (< or =3). For a substantial proportion of cancer patients alternative therapies apparently fulfil an important psychological need. However, a subgroup of patients using many alternative therapies seem to have considerable adjustment problems. In dealing with cancer patients the treatment team should be aware of both these groups.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2001

Binding of a model regulator of complement activation (RCA) to a biomaterial surface: surface-bound factor H inhibits complement activation.

The complement system is an important inflammatory mediator during procedures such as cardiopulmonary bypass and hemodialysis when blood is exposed to large areas of biomaterial surface. This contact between blood and the biomaterials of implants and extracorporeal circuits leads to an inflammatory response mediated by the complement system. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of a complement regulator (factor H) immobilised on a biomaterial surface to inhibit complement cascade mediated inflammatory responses. The cross-linker N-succinimidyl 3-(2-pyridyldithio) propionate was used to immobilise factor H on a model biomaterial surface without affecting the biological activity of the inhibitor. Binding of factor H was then characterised using quartz crystal microbalance-dissipation (QCM-D) and enzyme immunoassays for products of complement activation: bound C3 fragments and soluble C3a, sC5b-9, and C1s-C1INA. Immobilised factor H reduced the amount C3 fragments deposited on the biomaterial surface after incubation with serum, plasma. or whole blood. In addition, lower levels of soluble C3a and sC5b-9 were generated after incubation with whole blood. In summary, we have demonstrated that complement activation on a highly activating model surface can be inhibited by immobilised factor H and have defined prerequisites for the preparation of future biomaterial surfaces with immobilised regulators of complement activation.

Biocompatible Materials↗
PubMed2001

[Day clinic treatment in child and adolescent psychiatry].

OBJECTIVES: The history of day treatment in child and adolescent psychiatry in Germany is brief. Accordingly, day treatment programs deal primarily with programming, outcome studies and indications/contraindications. METHODS: This article reviews the English- and German-language literature between 1960 and 2000 relevant to the outcome of day treatment in child and adolescent psychiatry. Outcome studies are discussed. RESULTS: Outcome studies do not yet allow decisions about for whom day treatment does or does not exactly work. Nonetheless, evidence from the literature suggests that day treatment does work for many different disorders in child and adolescent psychiatry. The predictive value of parental involvement in therapy for outcome is supported by several studies. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to randomized controlled outcome studies, effectiveness studies of single day treatment programs are useful and should deliver the data on the kinds of children, treatment goals and results for which a program in a specific regional mental health care system is effective.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

[Patients' need for information before surgery].

Frequently, prior to surgery, patients are provided with information in order to meet legal and hospital requirements, but without taking their psychological needs into consideration. In order to learn how to improve this situation, the present study was performed. By means of a semi-structured interview including a newly constructed card system, that avoids giving patients undemanded and possibly harmful implicit information, the need for information of 60 patients before hip- or knee-replacement surgery were investigated in great detail. The results show that 83.3% of the patients want to be prepared by the surgeon, preferably by means of an oral communication (75.0%). Most frequently the day when decision for surgery is made and the day of hospitalization were preferred as point of time for preparation (30% each). Patients were more interested in information about the operation and recovery (43.3% each) than about risks (33.3%). Only 11.7% wanted to get psychological preparation prior to surgery. We conclude that coming into contact and establishing a trustful relationship with the surgeon who does the operation is the most crucial need of surgical patients. He should give presurgical information according to the patient's needs, which often do not focus on the risks, as legal regulations do. By providing psychological preparation for the small number of patients in need, psychological specialists may contribute to improve satisfaction and outcome of surgical patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Posttranslationally processed forms of the human chemokine HCC-1.

HCC-1 is the only CC-chemokine known so far which circulates in nanomolar concentrations in human plasma. Its physiological function is not well defined. Posttranslational processing of HCC-1 was shown to modulate its biological properties. In this study several different processed forms of HCC-1 were isolated. Western blot analysis of human plasma extracts revealed a HCC-1 immunoreactive double band at 8-10 kDa indicating the presence of two distinct HCC-1 peptides. These peptides were isolated from a peptide library of human blood filtrate and represent predominantly HCC-1 (1-74) and glycosylated HCC-1 (1-74). Glycosylated HCC-1 exhibits a molecular mass of 9621 Da due to O-glycosylation at position 7 (Ser-7) with two N-acetylneuraminic acids and the disaccharide N-acetylgalactosamine galactose. Furthermore N-terminally truncated HCC-1 (3-74) and HCC-1 (4-74) were identified in the peptide library. In hemofiltrate approximately 3% of total HCC-1 represents HCC-1 (3-74) and approximately 1% represents HCC-1 (4-74) whereas the major products are nonglycosylated HCC-1 (1-74) and glycosylated HCC-1 (1-74). Our data imply that HCC-1 (1-74), HCC-1 (3-74), HCC-1 (4-74) and glycosylated HCC-1 (1-74) circulate in human blood. The N-terminal processing and modification of HCC-1 might be of importance in displaying its full biological activity.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2000

Radiative and relativistic effects in the decay of highly excited states in helium

A recent experimental study [J.-E. Rubensson et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 83, 947 (1999)] measured a significant fluorescence yield of the He( 2lnl(')) photoexcited resonances, showing major qualitative differences from nonrelativistic predictions. We present a further theoretical study of these states, and perform R-matrix multichannel quantum defect theory calculations to extract fluorescence and ionization cross sections. These theoretical results are in excellent agreement with newer, higher-resolution measurements. Radiative and spin-orbit effects are quantified and shown to play an important role in the overall characterization of highly excited states.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

[Psychotherapeutic and psychosocial therapy in general practice. Results of demonstration project on quality management in psychosocial primary care].

Since 1987, psychosocial primary care (PPC) provided by General Practitioners, are reimbursed by German health insurances. The aim of the psychosocial primary care is to improve recognition and treatment of mental disorders in the primary care sector. As a part of a eight-center national demonstration program on quality management in the outpatient services, General Practitioners (n = 191) from 5 regions participated in the study. 1341 treatment episodes of patients with predominately psychosocial strain were documented. Differences between psychosocial strain, treatment and outcome were determined by analyses of variance. Men and patients beyond the age of 65 were underrepresented. Psychosocial treatments were offered more often to those patients, who had the highest level of anxiety and depression. Patients with physical illness, with pain and without psychological attribution to the illness belief were offered less psychosocial interventions and reached a worse outcome. The study outcome helps to improve training programs as to recognition and treatment of psychosocial problems in primary care. Male and generally elderly patients with somatic symptoms and lack of psychological attribution need a special psychosocial intervention to improve the outcome.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Wave number of maximal growth in viscous magnetic fluids of arbitrary depth

An analytical method within the frame of linear stability theory is presented for the normal field instability in magnetic fluids. It allows us to calculate the maximal growth rate and the corresponding wave number for any combination of thickness and viscosity of the fluid. Applying this method to magnetic fluids of finite depth, these results are quantitatively compared to the wave number of the transient pattern observed experimentally after a jumplike increase of the field. The wave number grows linearly with increasing induction where the theoretical and the experimental data agree well. Thereby, a long-standing controversy about the behavior of the wave number above the critical magnetic field is tackled.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

[Primary psychosomatic management in general practice. Results of a German nationwide demonstration project of quality assurance].

In the frame of a national demonstration program, psychosocial care of patients with psychological and psychosomatic problems were assessed. General practitioners (n = 191) from six regions participated in the study. 1341 treatment episodes of patients with predominately psychosocial symptoms were documented. Anxiety (62%), depression (51%) and marital/family conflicts (44%) were the most frequent symptoms. Somatic treatment and psychosocial intervention were offered equally. Patients with psychosocial treatment achieved better results. Partners and family members were rarely integrated into therapy. The procedures employed to improve outcome were quality circles, family-orientated case conferences, consultation services and collaborative groups.

Combined Modality Therapy↗
PubMed1999

Proteolytic cleavage of glucagon-like peptide-1 by pancreatic beta cells and by fetal calf serum analyzed by mass spectrometry.

Fetal calf serum and a beta-cell line exhibit a proteolytic activity essential for the biological function of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This process of cleavage was investigated using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). To generate processing products, GLP-1 was subjected to rat insulinoma m5F (RINm5F) cell cultures or to fetal calf serum (FCS). For detection of processing products, a standardized extraction method including ion-exchange batch extraction, ultrafiltration, gel filtration, and reversed-phase chromatography was used. The RP fractions were analyzed by MALDI-TOF-MS. Processed proteolytic products were detected by comparing the resulting mass spectra of cell media or FCS after 2 h incubation with GLP-1 (7-36) amide with these of 2 h controls. To perform the comparison of the resulting mass spectra, software (MASSSPECANALYST) based on Microcal Software, Origins C-like language LABTALK was developed. GLP-1 fragments were purified by RP-HPLC, and characterized by sequence analysis. As insulin is the major secretory product of beta cells depending on GLP-1 stimulation, the insulin and insulin fragments of the cell culture supernatants were also analyzed by this method.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1999

Composition of the peptide fraction in human blood plasma: database of circulating human peptides.

A database was established from human hemofiltrate (HF) that consisted of a mass database and a sequence database, with the aim of analyzing the composition of the peptide fraction in human blood. To establish a mass database, all 480 fractions of a peptide bank generated from HF were analyzed by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Using this method, over 20000 molecular masses representing native, circulating peptides were detected. Estimation of repeatedly detected masses suggests that approximately 5000 different peptides were recorded. More than 95% of the detected masses are smaller than 15000, indicating that HF predominantly contains peptides. The sequence database contains over 340 entries from 75 different protein and peptide precursors. 55% of the entries are fragments from plasma proteins (fibrinogen A 13%, albumin 10%, beta2-microglobulin 8.5%, cystatin C 7%, and fibrinogen B 6%). Seven percent of the entries represent peptide hormones, growth factors and cytokines. Thirty-three percent belong to protein families such as complement factors, enzymes, enzyme inhibitors and transport proteins. Five percent represent novel peptides of which some show homology to known peptide and protein families. The coexistence of processed peptide fragments, biologically active peptides and peptide precursors suggests that HF reflects the peptide composition of plasma. Interestingly, protein modules such as EGF domains (meprin Aalpha-fragments), somatomedin-B domains (vitronectin fragments), thyroglobulin domains (insulin like growth factor-binding proteins), and Kazal-type inhibitor domains were identified. Alignment of sequenced fragments to their precursor proteins and the analysis of their cleavage sites revealed that there are different processing pathways of plasma proteins in vivo.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1999

Efficacy and safety of propiverine in SCI-patients suffering from detrusor hyperreflexia--a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

AIMS OF THE STUDY: The aim of this double-blind, randomised, prospective, multicentre trial was to evaluate the efficacy of propiverine in patients suffering from detrusor hyperreflexia caused by spinal cord injury in comparison to placebo. STUDY DESIGN: The treatment period of 14 days comprised visits at baseline (V1) and after 14 days treatment (V2). Fifteen mg propiverine t.i.d. or placebo t.i.d. were administered as medication. The following efficacy parameters were adopted: the urodynamic parameters maximal cystometric bladder capacity, bladder volume on onset of the first as well as duration and amplitude of the maximum detrusor contraction, bladder compliance and residual urine, and subjective assessment of efficacy by physicians. For the evaluation of the safety of propiverine the incidence rate of adverse events by directly questioning as well as laboratory parameters were investigated. For biometrical evaluation t-test for independent groups was applied. RESULTS: One hundred and thirteen patients were investigated. The maximal cystometric bladder capacity increased significantly in the propiverine group, on average by 104 ml (V1: 262+/-132 ml. V2: 366+/-143 ml, P<0.001). The changes in bladder capacity during the first contraction and the maximum detrusor contraction in the verum group were both statistically significant. The bladder compliance documented a more pronounced increase under propiverine in comparison to placebo. Residual urine increased by 37+/-71 ml in the propiverine group, significantly more than in the placebo group (P=0.01). Sixty-three per cent of the patients expressed subjectively an improvement under propiverine in comparison with 23% of the placebo group. Expected anticholinergic adverse events occurred: dryness of the mouth (37% in the verum and 8% in the placebo group), accommodation disorders (28% and 2% respectively). Nausea, constipation, headache, dizziness, tiredness and palpitations were reported in almost comparable incidence rates between 3 and 13% in both treatment groups. Eight drop-outs were registered in the propiverine group (five due to adverse events) and three in the placebo group (one due to adverse events). The laboratory parameters revealed no changes. CONCLUSION: Propiverine proved its efficacy in detrusor hyperreflexia with regard to the urodynamic parameters of the maximal cystometric bladder capacity and detrusor contractility. Anticholinergic adverse events such as dryness of the mouth and accommodation disorders were considered being tolerable. The increase in residual urine reflects the therapeutically desired effect of detrusor relaxation because the majority of patients normally practise intermittent catheterisation for bladder emptying.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Cyanophycinase, a peptidase degrading the cyanobacterial reserve material multi-L-arginyl-poly-L-aspartic acid (cyanophycin): molecular cloning of the gene of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, expression in Escherichia coli, and biochemical characterization of the purified enzyme.

The branched polypeptide multi-L-arginyl-poly-L-aspartic acid, also called cyanophycin, is a water-insoluble reserve material of cyanobacteria. The polymer is degraded by a specific hydrolytic enzyme called cyanophycinase. By heterologous expression in Escherichia coli, a gene encoding cyanophycinase has been identified in the sequenced genome of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. The gene, designated cphB, codes for a protein of 29.4 kDa. The high level of expression of active cyanophycinase in E. coli from the Synechocystis gene allowed for its purification to electrophoretic homogeneity. The enzyme, which appears to be specific for cyanophycin, hydrolysed the polymer to a dipeptide consisting of aspartic acid and arginine. Based on inhibitor sensitivity and primary sequence, cyanophycinase appears to be a serine-type exopeptidase related to dipeptidase E [Conlin, C.A., Haakensson, K., Liljas, A. & Miller, C.G. (1994) J. Bacteriol. 176, 166-172].

Amino Acid Sequence↗