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Biomedical subjects

S Schmid

Publications and source records attributed to S Schmid.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Information systems in food safety management.

Information systems are concerned with data capture, storage, analysis and retrieval. In the context of food safety management they are vital to assist decision making in a short time frame, potentially allowing decisions to be made and practices to be actioned in real time. Databases with information on microorganisms pertinent to the identification of foodborne pathogens, response of microbial populations to the environment and characteristics of foods and processing conditions are the cornerstone of food safety management systems. Such databases find application in: Identifying pathogens in food at the genus or species level using applied systematics in automated ways. Identifying pathogens below the species level by molecular subtyping, an approach successfully applied in epidemiological investigations of foodborne disease and the basis for national surveillance programs. Predictive modelling software, such as the Pathogen Modeling Program and Growth Predictor (that took over the main functions of Food Micromodel) the raw data of which were combined as the genesis of an international web based searchable database (ComBase). Expert systems combining databases on microbial characteristics, food composition and processing information with the resulting "pattern match" indicating problems that may arise from changes in product formulation or processing conditions. Computer software packages to aid the practical application of HACCP and risk assessment and decision trees to bring logical sequences to establishing and modifying food safety management practices. In addition there are many other uses of information systems that benefit food safety more globally, including: Rapid dissemination of information on foodborne disease outbreaks via websites or list servers carrying commentary from many sources, including the press and interest groups, on the reasons for and consequences of foodborne disease incidents. Active surveillance networks allowing rapid dissemination of molecular subtyping information between public health agencies to detect foodborne outbreaks and limit the spread of human disease. Traceability of individual animals or crops from (or before) conception or germination to the consumer as an integral part of food supply chain management. Provision of high quality, online educational packages to food industry personnel otherwise precluded from access to such courses.

Consumer Product Safety↗
PubMed2006

Long-lived Feshbach molecules in a three-dimensional optical lattice.

We have created and trapped a pure sample of Feshbach molecules in a three-dimensional optical lattice. Compared to previous experiments without a lattice, we find dramatic improvements such as long lifetimes of up to 700 ms and a near unit efficiency for converting tightly confined atom pairs into molecules. The lattice shields the trapped molecules from collisions and, thus, overcomes the problem of inelastic decay by vibrational quenching. Furthermore, we have developed an advanced purification scheme that removes residual atoms, resulting in a lattice in which individual sites are either empty or filled with a single molecule in the vibrational ground state of the lattice.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2006

[Data collection for quality assurance in neonatology: how do physicians compare to documentation specialists?].

BACKGROUND: The quality of data collected for the German nationwide quality assurance program in neonatology is currently unknown. The aim of this study was to compare the quality of data collected by resident physicians with the quality of similar data collected by a dedicated research nurse. METHODS: Data for the German national quality assurance program in neonatology, derived from a cohort of 128 premature newborns with a birth weight <1500 g and/or a gestational age of <30 weeks born in the year 2003, were collected by residents taking care on these patients, and separately by a dedicated research nurse for the European Neonatal Network (EuroNeoNet). The data set collected for both networks included 44 common data items. The two data sets were compared, and any disagreement was double-checked using the chart of the baby to clarify which of the data entries was wrong. Furthermore, as data items are not equally important, a weighted analysis of all mistakes was performed. RESULTS: We found wrong data in 108/128 (84 %) of the data sets collected by the residents, and in 43/128 (34 %) of the data sets collected by the research nurse (p < 0.001). The weighted analysis revealed that residents made more mistakes in 30/44 of collected data items, whereas the research nurse did worse only in 1/44 data items. CONCLUSION: This study shows that the quality of data obtained by our resident physicians was worse than the quality of data obtained by our dedicated research nurse.

Clinical Nursing Research↗
PubMed2006

IGFII and MIB1 immunohistochemistry is helpful for the differentiation of benign from malignant adrenocortical tumours.

AIMS: The differentiation of adrenocortical carcinomas from adenomas may be difficult based on morphology alone. Differential expression of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) II and cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4 has recently been described in these tumours. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic usefulness of these markers immunohistochemically. METHODS AND RESULTS: We examined 22 benign and 17 malignant adrenocortical tumours and compared IGFII and CDK4 expression with known immunohistochemical as well as morphological criteria of malignancy. Thirteen of 17 carcinomas showed immunohistochemical reactivity for IGFII, whereas all adenomas but one were negative. Intense CDK4 expression was detected in 11 of 17 carcinomas but was present in only three of 22 adenomas. The MIB1 index was >5% in 14 of 16 carcinomas and was <5% in all adenomas but one. The combination of IGFII immunohistochemistry with MIB1 index led to high sensitivity and specificity in detecting adrenocortical carcinomas. CONCLUSIONS: IGFII and MIB1 are helpful immunohistochemical markers to predict malignancy in adrenocortical neoplasms. These markers can be used in addition to clinical, gross and morphological features to establish a diagnosis in difficult cases.

Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms↗
PubMed2006

European birth cohort studies on asthma and atopic diseases: I. Comparison of study designs -- a GALEN initiative.

BACKGROUND: The reasons for the rise in asthma and allergies remain unclear. To identify risk or protective factors, it is essential to carry out longitudinal epidemiological studies, preferably birth cohort studies. In Europe, several birth cohort studies on asthma and atopic diseases have been initiated over the last two decades. AIM: One of the work packages within the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA(2)LEN) project was designed to identify and compare European birth cohorts on asthma and atopic diseases. The present review (part I) describes their objectives, study settings, recruitment process and follow-up rates. A subsequent review (part II) will compare outcome and exposure parameters. METHODS: For each birth cohort, we collected detailed information regarding recruitment process, study setting, baseline data (pregnancy, birth, parents/siblings) as well as follow-up rates, outcome and exposure parameters at each time point. RESULTS: We identified and assessed 18 European birth cohorts on asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema. Six of these studies also focused on food allergies. The birth cohorts were mostly initiated in the 1990s with predominantly urban/metropolitan settings. Many studies were able to maintain high follow-up rates, even after five or more years. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the unique cooperation within the GA(2)LEN project a common database was established containing study characteristics of European birth cohorts on asthma and atopic diseases. This can be used as a basis for evaluating the possibility to pool data and perform meta-analyses, as well as to recommend criteria for conducting future birth cohorts.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

The PASTURE project: EU support for the improvement of knowledge about risk factors and preventive factors for atopy in Europe.

Since January 2002, the European Commission is funding a large project, 'Protection against Allergy--Study in Rural Environments' (PASTURE; contract no. QLK4-2001-00250), under the Fifth Framework Program in the field of epidemiology of allergic diseases. The aim of this paper was to describe the background and design as well as the aims of the project. Asthma and allergic disorders are a major public health problem in many Western countries. The aetiology of asthma and allergic disease remains poorly understood despite considerable research. Epidemiology has the potential to add greatly to the understanding by elucidating the risk factors for asthma and allergic disease and thereby suggesting productive avenues for research into causation and prevention. Several risk factors for the development of asthma and atopic disease in children such as passive smoke exposure during pregnancy and infancy, low birth weight or high body mass index later in life have been described. Furthermore, there is consistent evidence that the prevalence of atopy increases with higher socio-economic status. Levels of air pollution such as ozone, NO2, SO2 and particles are likely to provoke acute exacerbations of pre-existent respiratory disease. Their role in the inception of asthma and allergies remains to be clarified. Allergen exposure has been linked to the development of atopic sensitization to that particular allergen in children as well as in adults with occupational exposures. Exposure to house dust mite or cat allergen is, however, unlikely to contribute to the development of childhood asthma. In turn, pet keeping in the first year of life, particularly, dog keeping, has been inversely related to the development of wheeze and atopic illnesses. Several prospective birth cohort studies found a decreased prevalence of atopic disease in children having daily contact to pets, in particular to cats and dogs, during early infancy. The protective effect might be attributable to allergen or other exposures associated with pet ownership, but may also in part be because of the removal of pets in families with sensitized or symptomatic children or in families with a positive history for atopy at the time the child was born.

Cytokines↗
PubMed2006

European birth cohort studies on asthma and atopic diseases: II. Comparison of outcomes and exposures--a GA2LEN initiative.

BACKGROUND: The Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA2LEN) is a consortium of 26 leading European research centres committed to establish a European research area of excellence in the field of allergy and asthma. AIM: One of the GA2LEN work packages was designed to identify and compare the existing European birth cohort studies on asthma and atopic diseases. The present review compares their subjective and objective outcomes as well as exposure variables. METHODS: A common database was established to assess study characteristics of observational birth cohort studies designed to examine asthma and atopic diseases. Data were collected by visiting most of the participating research teams and interviewing all relevant study personnel. For each study, the type of objective/subjective outcome parameters and potentially influential factors were recorded precisely for every time point during follow-up. RESULTS: Eighteen birth cohort studies on asthma and atopic diseases were identified in eight European countries. Thirteen studies collected data on specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) to various inhalant and food allergens, whereas 12 performed skin prick tests (many at several time points during follow up). Several studies measured lung function, but across the cohorts no comparable standard procedures were used. For subjective evaluation of asthma and allergic rhinitis most studies applied the ISAAC questionnaire (sometimes modified), whereas the assessment of eczema was rather heterogeneous across the studies. CONCLUSION: This GA2LEN initiative established a unique common database of 18 European birth cohorts on asthma and atopic diseases. For selected cohorts, it seems that pooling data and performing common analyses may be possible to examine associations between certain exposure variables (e.g. pet ownership, tobacco smoke exposure and day-care) and selected outcome measures for atopy, asthma or allergic rhinitis (e.g. sensitization assessed by IgE or skin prick tests, doctor's diagnosis of asthma, parental perception regarding asthma/wheezing or hay fever symptoms).

Asthma↗
PubMed2006

Health behavior in psychiatric in-patients compared with a German general population sample.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the health relevant behavior of psychiatric patients and the general population. METHOD: Health behavior of 363 psychiatric in-patients with ICD-10 diagnoses of schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, major depressive disorders and neurotic, and somatoform disorders was compared with health behavior of a representative sample of 7200 persons from German general population. RESULTS: Increased prevalence rates for smoking and illicit drug use were found for all diagnostic groups. Risk alcohol consumption was increased in patients with schizophrenia and depression. Smokers with schizophrenia had an excess cigarette consumption compared with general population. The number of unhealthy food habits was increased in all diagnostic groups, and the body mass index was found to be increased for patients with schizophrenia. Patients with depression were more physically active than general population. CONCLUSION: Poor health behavior is widespread in patients with all major psychiatric diagnoses. Interventions to reduce risk behavior and strengthen health preventive lifestyles are necessary.

Demography↗
PubMed2005

Alteration of activator protein 1 DNA binding activity in gentamicin-induced hair cell degeneration.

Sensorineural hearing loss is often associated with damage of cochlear hair cells and/or of the neurons of the auditory pathway. This damage can result from a variety of causes, e.g. genetic disorders, aging, exposure to certain drugs such as aminoglycosides, infectious disease and intense sound overexposure. Intracellular events that mediate aspects of aminoglycoside-mediated damage to hair cells have been partially unraveled. Several independent research groups have demonstrated a crucial role of mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling in aminoglycoside-induced ototoxicity. Mitogen-activated protein kinases are important mediators of signal transduction from the cell surface to the nucleus. Jun N-terminal kinases, members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase family, are strongly activated in cell culture conditions by stress inducing stimuli, including ultraviolet light, heat shock and tumor necrosis factor; therefore they are also referred to as stress-activated protein kinases. In hair cells aminoglycoside treatment was shown to activate the Jun N-terminal kinase signaling pathway. Activation of Jun N-terminal kinase leads to phosphorylation and thereby activation of transcription factors and consequently to altered gene expression. There are many nuclear Jun N-terminal kinase substrates including c-Jun, ATF-2, and Elk-1 proteins. One of the downstream targets of Jun N-terminal kinase is the transcription factor activating protein-1. Activating protein-1 is a dimeric complex composed of members of the Fos and Jun proteins. A variety of different stimuli is known to induce activating protein-1 activity. Induction of activating protein-1 is thought to play a central role in reprogramming gene expression in response to external stimuli. In this study we have analyzed the effect of gentamicin treatment on the downstream targets of Jun N-terminal kinase. Our results demonstrate that gentamicin treatment of explants of organ of Corti results in increased activating protein-1 binding activity. The main component of these activating protein-1 complexes is the c-Fos protein. Moreover, we show that the activating protein-1 induction is transient and occurs exclusively in hair cells of rat organ of Corti explants.

Actins↗
PubMed2005

[Dysphagia: clinical management in diagnostics and therapy].

The oral nutrition is a complex procedure of different mechanisms. It saves the survival and is part of the social integration. That's why dysphagia seems to be a serious symptom. The aetiology is multiple and is often not recognized. With a profound diagnostic algorithm a lot of aetiologies can be discovered. Treatments can be conservative or surgical. The aim of therapy is to develop techniques of swallowing to reach an oral nutrition and to reintegrate patients in their social net. It is important to recognize early signs. The general practicer is an important initiator to introduce a differential diagnostic procedure.

Deglutition Disorders↗
PubMed2005

Sleep loss and the development of diabetes: a review of current evidence.

Emerging evidence suggests that short duration of sleep and sleep disturbances increase the risk of developing diabetes. The mechanism of this presumed adverse influence of sleep loss on glucose metabolism is not well understood yet. However, in diabetes research and diabetes care, the multitude of influences of sleep and sleep loss on glucose regulation has been largely neglected so far. Here, we provide a short overview of the current epidemiological and experimental evidence for a potential contribution of sleep loss to the development of diabetes.

Blood Glucose↗
PubMed2005

Chromosomal instability predicts metastatic disease in patients with insulinomas.

Endocrine pancreatic tumors (EPTs) comprise a highly heterogeneous group of tumors with different clinical behavior and genetic makeup. Insulinomas represent the predominant syndromic subtype of EPTs. The metastatic potential of insulinomas can frequently not be predicted using histopathological criteria, and also molecular markers indicating malignant progression are unreliable because of the small number of cases per subtype studied so far. For the identification of reliable indicators of metastatic disease, we investigated 62 sporadic insulinomas (44 benign and 18 tumors with metastases) by means of comparative genomic hybridization (CGH). In addition, the role of MEN1 (multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1) gene mutations was determined to assess specific chromosomal alterations associated with dysfunction of this endocrine tumor-related tumor suppressor gene. Only one case with a somatic MEN1 mutation was identified (1527del7bp), indicating that the MEN1 gene plays a minor pathogenic role in sporadic insulinomas. CGH analysis revealed that the total number of aberrations per tumor differs strongly between the benign and the malignant group (4.2 vs 14.1; P<0.0001). Furthermore, chromosome 9q gain was found to be the most frequent aberration in both benign and malignant insulinomas, whereas chromosome 6q losses and 12q, 14q and 17pq gains are strongly associated with metastatic disease. Our study shows that chromosomal instability, as defined by > or =5 gains together with > or =5 losses, or total number of gains and losses > or =8, rather than parameters such as tumor size and proliferation index, is the most powerful indicator for the development of metastatic disease in patients with sporadic insulinoma.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

No mutations but an increased frequency of SDHx polymorphisms in patients with sporadic and familial medullary thyroid carcinoma.

Germline mutations of the three succinate dehydrogenase subunits SDHB, SDHC and SDHD have recently been associated with familial pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma. Several reasons make these genes candidate tumor suppressor genes for medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC): (1) SDHB lies on chromosome 1p, the region known to be deleted most frequently in MTC, (2) MTCs develop from neural crest-derived cells, as do pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas and (3) patients with germline mutations of the Ret-protooncogene develop MTCs as well as pheochromocytomas, indicating a relationship of these tumors on a genetic level. Therefore, we attempted to determine whether the tumor suppressor genes SDHB, SDHC and SDHD are involved in sporadic and familial MTC. Somatic mutations of the SDH subunits were absent in all 35 investigated MTCs. Loss of heterozygosity was found in 27% (SDHB) and 4% (SDHD) respectively. While the frequency of non-coding, intronic polymorphisms did not differ in MTC patients compared with a control population, an accumulation of amino-acid coding polymorphisms (S163P in SDHB as well as G12S and H50R in SDHD) was found among MTC patients especially patients with familial tumors, suggesting a functional connection of coding SDH polymorphisms to activating Ret mutations.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Development and experience with an algorithm to evaluate suspected smallpox cases in the United States, 2002-2004.

Concerns that smallpox, an eradicated disease, might reappear because of a bioterror attack and limited experience with smallpox diagnosis in the United States prompted us to design a clinical algorithm. We used clinical features of classic smallpox to classify persons presenting with suspected smallpox rashes into 3 categories: those with high, those with moderate, and those with low risk of having smallpox. The classification guides subsequent diagnostic strategies, limiting smallpox laboratory testing to high-risk persons to minimize the number of false-positive test results. From January 2002 through June 2004, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) received 43 consultations regarding suspected smallpox cases. No patient was at high risk for having smallpox. One patient was tested for the presence of variola virus. Varicella was the diagnosis for 23 cases (53%). The algorithm worked well to guide clinical and public health responses to suspected smallpox cases. The poster is available from CDC, and an interactive version and laboratory protocol are available at http://www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/smallpox/diagnosis/riskalgorithm/index.asp. We recommend use of the algorithm in the United States and elsewhere.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Solitary fibrous tumor of the orbit--two cases and a review of the literature.

Solitary fibrous tumors of the orbit (SFT) are mesenchymal lesions that can develop either as malignant or benign neoplasias. We describe the histological features leading to the diagnosis in two females and review the current literature. Diagnosis of SFT only can be performed by histological examination, since clinical signs and radiological features are not specific enough. Even a malignant or benign course cannot be predicted, since clinical and radiological features do not correlate with histological signs of malignancy and vice versa. Radical resection is the treatment of choice, since no other treatment option has been proven to be efficient.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

[An endocranial complication of sinogenic origin without initial classical neurological symptoms].

A 14 year old male developed a subdural empyema with a leptomeningeal infection of sinogenic origin. Initially, there were none of the expected neurological symptoms such as worsening headaches, vomiting, alteration in the level of consciousness and neck stiffness. Later, focal neurological deficits and seizures occurred. An endonasal sinus drainage was performed simultaneously with a neurosurgical exploration. We started an antibiotic therapy. All neurological deficits disappeared rapidly.

Adolescent↗