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U Keil

Publications and source records attributed to U Keil.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

Cardiovascular risk factors, ECG abnormalities and quality of life in subjects with atrial fibrillation.

In Central European regions epidemiologic findings for atrial fibrillation (AF) in a randomly selected population are not available. Therefore, information obtained by a standardized examination procedure including resting 12 lead ECG of 4003 participants (2014 men, 1989 women), aged 25 to 64 years, of the MONICA-Augsburg Survey 1984/85 were analysed. Reexamination of 3753 subjects took place three years later (Follow-up Study 1987/88). Persons with AF in the baseline survey (n = 13) were compared with an age-and sex-matched control group (n = 156) without AF, chosen from the same population sample, with regard to cardiovascular risk factors, associated disease and disturbances in the subjects' general well-being. In 1984/85 thirteen cases with AF (6 males, 7 females) were observed, giving an age-standardized prevalence of AF in males of 0.22% and in females of 0.34%. The age of men with AF ranged between 50 and 63 years and of women between 61 and 64 years. No significant differences were observed in persons with AF compared to the control group in risk factor levels and alcohol consumption; however, significant differences could be seen concerning disturbances in quality of life like self-reported health status (p < 0.001), sleep disturbances (p < 0.05), antihypertensive medication (p < 0.001). AF cases were found to have further ECG abnormalities significantly more often (left anterior hemiblock: p < 0.05; ventricular premature beats: p < 0.05). In all subjects with AF in the initial examination 1984/85 AF was found three years later (chronic AF). Overall 13 new cases (7 men, 6 women) were identified in the 1987/88 follow-up. The prevalence of AF in a South German population is comparable with AF prevalences reported from studies in other populations (e.g.) Framingham 1950, Reykjavik 1967/70). Associated ECG abnormalities were found more frequently in subjects with AF. Cases with AF have considerable disturbances in their general well-being.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC): objectives and methods; results from German ISAAC centres concerning traffic density and wheezing and allergic rhinitis.

The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) was founded to maximize the value of epidemiological research into asthma and allergic disease by establishing a standardized methodology and facilitating international collaboration and comparison of data. The ISAAC design comprises three phases: Phase I uses validated core questionnaires designed to assess the prevalence and severity of asthma and allergic disease in defined populations; Phase II will investigate possible aetiological factors suggested by findings of Phase I and apply lung, blood and skin tests; Phase III will be a repetition of Phase I after 5 years to assess time trends in the prevalence and severity of wheezing, rhinitis and eczema in each ISAAC centre. In 1991 a survey on wheezing and allergic rhinitis in 2050 12-15 year old adolescents in Bochum showed a positive correlation between the prevalence of wheezing as well as allergic rhinitis and indicators of traffic density, controlling for putative confounders such as age, sex, passive smoking, active smoking, etc. In 1994-1995 an ISAAC Phase I survey conducted on adolescents in Münster, applying methodology similar to that in Bochum, found positive associations between surrogate measures of traffic density and 12 months prevalence of wheezing and lifetime prevalence of allergic rhinitis of a magnitude very close to that found in Bochum. The results from the two German cities provide support to the hypothesis that exposure to automobile emissions is related to wheezing and allergic rhinitis in children.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Coronary heart disease mortality, morbidity, and case fatality in five east and west German cities 1985-1989. Acute Myocardial Infarction Register Teams of Augsburg, Bremen, Chemnitz, Erfurt, and Zwickau.

Cardiovascular mortality (CVD; International Classification of Diseases [ICD] 390-458) is higher in East than in West Germany, but the differences in official coronary heart disease mortality (CHD; ICD 410-414) are not so pronounced. The aim of this study was to validate the official mortality statistics based on the five German AMI registers and to analyze whether these mortality differences are due to differences in the attack rates of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or to differences in the 28-day case fatality rates. This comparison includes the MONICA study cities of Augsburg and Bremen, both in West Germany, as well as the cities of Chemnitz, Erfurt, and Zwickau in East Germany (former the German Democratic Republic). The rates were calculated on the basis of all MONICA cases of definite AMI or coronary death aged 35 to 64 years occurring in the respective study populations between 1985 and 1989. All study populations except women in Augsburg showed higher coronary death rates compared to the rates based on the official cause of death statistics (ICD 410-414), but this difference was significant only for men in Chemnitz. In men there were no significant differences in the register-based coronary death rates between these urban areas (160/100,000 in Zwickau to 170/100,000 in Chemnitz) nor in the AMI attack rates (327/100,000 in Augsburg to 363/100,000 in Chemnitz), and consequently no significant center differences in the overall 28-day case fatality. However, the prehospital case fatality was significantly higher in Erfurt (34%) than in Bremen (27%). There were no significant differences in the AMI attack rates in women as well (60/100,000 in Chemnitz to 70/100,000 in Bremen and Erfurt), but the overall 28-day case fatality showed a clear gradient from the East (61-71%) to the West German cities (48-56%) and therefore also the register-based coronary death rates (38-50/100,000 and 34-38/100,000, respectively). However, the higher 28-day case fatality in women found in the MONICA registers in East compared to West Germany is not reflected in the CHD mortality statistics because of a stronger underestimation of the official mortality rates and in East than in West Germany, in particular in women. Nevertheless, the total mortality rates and in most cases also the CVD mortality rates were in women significantly higher in the East German compared to the West German cities. The East German official preunification CHD mortality data cannot be used for national and international comparisons. The results of the MONICA AMI registers in East and West Germany indicate, furthermore, the need to improve coronary care in women in the eastern part of the country. Nevertheless, because of the relatively high AMI attack rate in both parts of Germany primary prevention must generally be intensified.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

The association between self-reported symptoms of asthma and allergic rhinitis and self-reported traffic density on street of residence in adolescents.

We examined the association between self-reported symptoms of asthma and allergic rhinitis and self-reported exposure to motor vehicle traffic in adolescents in Münster, Germany. A total of 3,703 German students age 12-15 years completed a written and video questionnaire in 1994-1995. We found positive associations between both wheezing and symptoms of allergic rhinitis during the past 12 months and self-reported frequency of truck traffic. The sex- and age-adjusted prevalence odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for truck traffic, contrasting the categories "frequent" and "constant" against "never," were, for wheezing obtained by written questionnaire: 1.53 (95% CI = 1.15-2.05) and 2.15 (95% CI = 1.44-3.21); for wheezing obtained by video questionnaire: 1.61 (95% CI = 1.26-2.07) and 2.47 (95% CI = 1.74-3.52); and for symptoms of allergic rhinitis: 1.71 (95% CI = 1.36-2.15) and 1.96 (95% CI = 1.40-2.76), respectively. We found a similar positive association with self-reports on traffic noise. Putative confounding variables, including indicators of socio-economic status, smoking, etc, did not alter these associations substantially. The results correspond closely with findings of a survey carried out in 1991 in Bochum, Germany. Our results support the hypothesis that exposure to motor vehicle traffic is related to symptoms of asthma and allergic rhinitis in children, but we cannot rule out misclassification due to self-reports of traffic exposure.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Hospital care and survival of acute myocardial infarction patients in Minnesota and southern Germany: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND: The hospital care of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is likely to vary among advanced industrialized countries, but only few studies have systematically documented such differences. Moreover, despite likely differences in medical care, it is not known whether the prognosis of AMI patients differs among countries. METHODS: Using two registries of hospitalized AMI, we compared the characteristics, medical care, and survival through 1 year of patients in Augsburg, South Germany (n = 464) and Minneapolis-St. Paul (the Twin Cities), Minnesota, USA (n = 504). The samples included patients aged 25-74 years who had been treated in a coronary care unit and survived the first 24 h after admission. RESULTS: The two groups of patients did not differ in age distribution, sex ratio, or delay before admission to hospital (70% admitted within 6 h of symptom onset). The risk profile with respect to cardiovascular disease (smoking, hypertension, and diabetes) was more unfavourable among Augsburg patients than it was among Twin Cities patients but Twin Cities patients were more likely (P < 0.05) than Augsburg patients to report a previous myocardial infarction (29 versus 20%), coronary bypass surgery (9 versus 4%), and coronary angioplasty (6 versus 1%). Revascularization procedures were performed more frequently (P < 0.005) during the index hospitalization in the Twin Cities than they were in Augsburg: thrombolytic therapy 38 versus 28%, angioplasty 27 versus 13%, and bypass surgery 9 versus 3%. In contrast, cardiovascular medications, such as beta-blockers and aspirin, were administered more frequently in Augsburg than they were in the Twin Cities. There were substantial differences in duratin of hospital stay between the two sites with a median stay of 22 days for Augsburg patients versus 7 days for Twin Cities patients. However, there were no significant differences in 28-day case-fatality (6% in both) or 1-year survival (89% in Augsburg versus 88% in the Twin Cities, P = 0.70). Likewise, in multivariate analysis, allowing for the effects of age, sex and a history of myocardial infarction, the registry site was predictive neither of 28-day nor of 1-year mortality. CONCLUSION: These data document significant differences in the medical care of AMI patients in Minnesota and Augsburg, which, nonetheless, did not translate into survival differences.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Cancer mortality among workers in the German rubber industry: 1981-91.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the cancer specific mortality of active and retired workers of the German rubber industry with emphasis on cancer sites which have been associated with the rubber industry in previous studies. METHODS: A cohort of 11,663 German men was followed up for mortality from 1 January 1981 to 31 December 1991. Cohort members were active (n = 7536) or retired (n = 4127) at the beginning of the study, and had been employed for at least one year in one of five study plants producing types or general rubber goods. Vital status was ascertained for 99.7% of the cohort members, and cause of death found for 96.8% of the 2719 decedents. Age and calendar year adjusted standardised mortality ratios (SMR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated overall from national reference rates and stratified by year of hire and by years since hire. RESULTS: Mortalities from all causes (SMR 108; 95% CI 104-112) and all cancers (SMR 111; 95% CI 103-119) were significantly increased in the study cohort. Significant excesses in the mortalities from lung cancer (SMR 130; 95% CI 115-147) and pleural cancer (SMR 401; 95% CI 234-642) were identified. SMRs higher than 100 were found for cancers of the pharynx (SMR 144; 95% CI 76-246), oesophagus (SMR 120; 95% CI 74-183), stomach (SMR 110; 95% CI 86-139), rectum (SMR 123; 95% CI 86-170), larynx (SMR 129; 95% CI 69-221), prostate (SMR 108; 95% CI 84-136), and bladder (SMR 124; 95% CI 86-172), as well as for leukaemia (SMR 148; 95% CI 99-213). Mortalities from liver cancer, brain cancer, and lymphoma were lower than expected. CONCLUSIONS: Mortalities from cancer of several sites previously associated with the rubber industry were also increased among workers of the German rubber industry. Results of the stratified analyses are consistent with a role of occupational exposure in the aetiology of some of these cancers.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Trends in food consumption in a south German population from 1984/85 to 1989/90: results from the WHO MONICA project Augsburg.

In the risk factor surveys of the WHO MONICA project Augsburg 1984/85 (S1) and 1989/90 (S2), a qualitative food frequency questionnaire with 24 items was used to monitor trends in food consumption in two independent age- and sex-stratified two-stage cluster samples of the population aged 25-64 years (S1: n = 4,022; S2: n = 3,966). Alcohol intake was assessed by separate questions. From S1 to S2 slight but encouraging trends towards a better agreement with dietary guidelines could be found with a decreasing monthly consumption of meat, sausages and ham, eggs, and beer and an increasing consumption of cooked vegetables and cereals. These trends correspond well with trends in food supply data.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Blood pressure measurements in epidemiological surveys--time to change?

Blood pressure recordings in epidemiological surveys are usually obtained by non-ambulatory, multiple one-occasion, manual sphygmomanometric measurements by trained observers in study participants subjected to standardized examination conditions. High validity and reliability of blood pressure measurements ensure the comparability of study results obtained in different places and at different times, and have a major impact on the detection of correlates and determinants of blood pressure and hypertension. A blood pressure measurement quality assessment was performed within the multi-center collaborative WHO-MONICA Project investigating results of 47 surveys from various geographic regions of the world. In an overall summary assessment, six out of these 47 surveys were found to have had major measurement problems which prohibited their further inclusion in collaborative analyses. Most of the problems were associated with observer-related factors. Therefore, it was contended that automatic blood pressure measurement devices might be able to reduce and abolish most of these "nuisance" factors. In 1995, we had the opportunity to simultaneously study two independent random samples of men and women, aged 45 to 64 years, from the city of Augsburg in Southern Germany. One sample was examined by 16 observers with a random zero sphygmomanometer (MONICA Augsburg), the other sample (J.A.P. Study) was examined by two observers with an invasively validated, automatic oscillometric device (boso Oscillomat). In both surveys, blood pressure was measured three times under similarly standardized conditions. comparing the blood pressure results of the two surveys, the intra-individual measurement variation tended to be slightly higher with the Oscillomat than the random zero, and the population mean blood pressures and hypertension prevalences were found to be significantly lower with the Oscillomat. We conclude that manual measurements of blood pressure by sphygmomanometer should not be indiscriminately replaced externally validated automatic devices. The imponderabilities of automatic devices with varying technical principles have to be assessed in epidemiological settings weighed against recognized disadvantages of sphygmomanometry before any recommendations can be given as to changing the present epidemiological practice.

Bias↗
PubMed1995

[Historical cohort study in the German rubber industry: goals, study design and data collection].

A historical cohort study is carried out to investigate occupational hazards in the German rubber industry since 1991. We present and discuss the study objectives and study design features such as cohort definition, assessment of occupational exposure and selection of the reference population. Cohort enumeration, assessment of vital status and cause of death ascertainment are described. With approximately 2,800 deaths throughout the observation period 1981 to 1991 it will be possible also to study the occupational etiology of rare diseases.

Cause of Death↗
PubMed1995

[Mealtime patterns in a southern German population. Results from the WHO MONICA 1984/1985 Augsburg nutritional survey project].

Seven-day food records of the MONICA project Augsburg dietary survey, which were collected between October 1984 and May 1985 in 899 men aged 45-64 years (random sample), were used to analyze meal patterns. Among other variables, the emphasis was placed on meal frequency and rhythm, frequency of meal combinations, place and time of meal intake as well as on the contribution of different meals to selected nutrient intake. Breakfast delivers 17%, lunch 29%, and dinner 33% of the total daily energy intake; all other meals (snacks) deliver 21% of the energy intake. The mean contribution of the three major meals, such as breakfast, lunch and dinner to daily protein intake is 14%, 36%, and 36%; to fat intake 17%, 33%, and 35%, and to carbohydrate intake 23%, 25%, and 29%, respectively. Data on meal patterns are useful for the development of preventive strategies.

Diet Records↗
PubMed1995

[Correlation between dietary behavior and educational attainment: results of the 1984/85 nutrition survey of the Augsburg MONICA project].

The relationship between educational attainment and dietary behaviour was examined in a South German population of men aged 45 to 64 years. Analyses are based on data from the MONICA Augsburg Dietary Survey 1984/85 (7-day dietary records, n = 899). The evaluation of the daily food consumption shows that men with higher educational attainment prefer healthier food items than men with lower educational attainment. The healthier food pattern in men with higher educational attainment is reflected in a lower cholesterol intake and in a higher fibre intake. The mean daily intake of vitamins, minerals and trace elements is better in men with higher educational attainment with the exception of the vitamin niacin. The total daily caloric intake, fat intake and the combination of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids is independent of educational attainment. The percentage of carbohydrates, protein and fat of the total caloric intake is nearly the same in all educational attainment groups. The results concerning food pattern and nutrient intake by educational attainment offer important information with regard to the development of strategies for the improvement of nutrition habits.

Cross-Sectional Studies↗
PubMed1995

International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC): rationale and methods.

The aetiology of asthma and allergic disease remains poorly understood, despite considerable research. The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC), was founded to maximize the value of epidemiological research into asthma and allergic disease, by establishing a standardized methodology and facilitating international collaboration. Its specific aims are: 1) to describe the prevalence and severity of asthma, rhinitis and eczema in children living in different centres, and to make comparisons within and between countries; 2) to obtain baseline measures for assessment of future trends in the prevalence and severity of these diseases; and 3) to provide a framework for further aetiological research into genetic, lifestyle, environmental, and medical care factors affecting these diseases. The ISAAC design comprises three phases. Phase 1 uses core questionnaires designed to assess the prevalence and severity of asthma and allergic disease in defined populations. Phase 2 will investigate possible aetiological factors, particularly those suggested by the findings of Phase 1. Phase 3 will be a repetition of Phase 1 to assess trends in prevalence.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

[Temporal trends in myocardial infarct morbidity, mortality and 28-day fatalities and medical management. Results of the Augsburg Myocardial Infarct Register 1985 to 1992].

Between 1985 and 1992 a significant decrease in rates of acute myocardial infarction (AMI; fatal and non fatal, including prehospital cardiac death) from 533 cases per 100,000 population of 455 cases was observed in the 25- to 74-year-old male study population (linear regression model: -13%, p < 0.01). In the corresponding female study population the AMI rate increased from 153 cases per 100,000 population in 1985 to 153 cases in 1992 (linear regression model: +18%, p < 0.05). The decrease was only in 50- to 59-year-old male AMI patients without changes in risk factors (smoking, diabetes, hypertension, recurrent AMI) but with a decrease in patients with a history of angina pectoris, which may have been caused by intensified medical treatment of AMI endangered patients. Over time 34% of the patients died before hospitalization and another 19% died within the first 24 h after hospitalization. The register results show an underestimation of the coronary mortality by the official cause of death statistics. In contrast, the significant increase in treatment with thrombolytics (men from 16% to 38%, women from 8% to 42%), beta-blockers (men from 48% to 69%, women from 45% to 71%), and antiplatelets (men from 55% to 94%, women from 52% to 91%) was not related to any significant changes in 28-day case fatality of the 24-h survivors (men and women 13% to 14%). Without media campaigns, for the increased number of cases hospitalized within 4 h after the event (1985-1987 men 50%, women 42%; 1990-1992 58% and 60%; p < 0.01) thrombolytic treatment shows an increase from 25% in men and 17% in women (1985-1987) to 54% in men and 47% in women (1990-1992; p < 0.01).

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Emergence of myeloid cells from cultures of J2E erythroid cells is linked with karyotypic abnormalities.

J2E cells are an erythroid cell line immortalized at the proerythroblast stage of differentiation by the J2 retrovirus which contains the raf and myc oncogenes. In response to erythropoietin, these cells terminally differentiate into mature, hemoglobin-producing erythroid cells. We have shown previously that B cells overexpressing raf and myc acquired the phenotype of macrophages, and here we demonstrate that, under adverse growth conditions, myeloid cells can also emerge from J2E cultures. Morphologically, ultrastructurally, and by cytochemical analyses, these cells resembled monocytic precursor cells at different stages of differentiation. They no longer responded to erythropoietin, failed to express an erythroid-specific surface antigen, and ceased producing transcripts for globin genes, GATA-1 and SCL. Most of the converted cells displayed surface antigens typically found on myeloid cells and in vivo produced histiocytomas with severe cachexia, instead of erythroleukemias. All of the myeloid convertants had karyotypic abnormalities, and we speculate that these mutations may have triggered the transition from erythroid to myeloid phenotype. Overexpression of raf and myc oncogenes may have generated genetic instability, which then influenced the commitment of cells to specific lineages.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Geographical variations in plasma viscosity and relation to coronary event rates.

Plasma viscosity is reported to be predictive of coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke. To find out whether regional differences in CHD event rates correlate with differences in plasma viscosity, we compared plasma viscosity in a high-risk area for CHD (Glasgow Multinational Monitoring of Trends and Determinants in Cardiovascular Disease [MONICA] and Scottish Heart Health Study population surveys, 1985/86; n = 1166) and in a lower-risk area (MONICA Augsburg survey, 1984/85; n = 3258) in men and women aged 25-64 years. Mean plasma viscosity (37 degrees C) was 1.261 (SD 0.067) mPa s in Augsburg and 1.327 (0.093) mPa s in the west of Scotland for men, and 1.248 (0.066) mPa s and 1.318 (0.087) mPa s, respectively, for women. The unadjusted difference of the means between the west of Scotland and Augsburg was 0.066 (95% CI from weighted regression 0.058-0.073) mPa s for men and 0.070 (0.062-0.078) mPa s for women. Adjustment for age, smoking behaviour, total and high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and body-mass index had no effect on these differences. Age-standardised coronary event rates in 1985-87 were at least two times higher among men, and four times higher among women, in MONICA Glasgow than in MONICA Augsburg. This large geographical difference in plasma viscosity might partly explain the differences in CHD event rates between these populations. Further studies are needed on the determinants of plasma viscosity, and on its potential roles in atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and ischaemia.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Association between a deletion polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting-enzyme gene and left ventricular hypertrophy.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiologic studies have shown that left ventricular hypertrophy is often found in the absence of an elevated cardiac workload. To investigate whether such hypertrophy is determined in part by genetic factors, we studied the association between this condition, as assessed by electrocardiographic criteria, and a deletion (D)-insertion (I) polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) gene. METHODS: A population-based random sample of 711 women and 717 men 45 to 59 years of age was studied cross-sectionally in Augsburg, Germany. Electrocardiographic indexes, including the Sokolow-Lyon index, Minnesota Code 3.1, and the Rautaharju equations, were used to detect left ventricular hypertrophy. The status of the ACE gene with respect to the deletion-insertion allele was determined by the polymerase chain reaction in all subjects with left ventricular hypertrophy and an identical number of control subjects without the condition who were matched for age, sex, and blood-pressure status. RESULTS: We identified 141 women and 149 men with evidence of left ventricular hypertrophy. Among these subjects, an excess were homozygous for the D allele of the ACE gene (odds ratio, 1.76; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.22 to 2.53; P = 0.003). The association of the DD genotype with left ventricular hypertrophy was stronger in men (odds ratio, 2.63; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.50 to 4.64; P < 0.001) than in women and was most prominent when blood-pressure measurements were normal (odds ratio, 4.05; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.76 to 9.28; P = 0.001). This association was evident for each of the scores recorded in the electrocardiographic testing for left ventricular hypertrophy. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that left ventricular hypertrophy is partially determined by genetic disposition. They identify the DD genotype of ACE as a potential genetic marker associated with an elevated risk of left ventricular hypertrophy in middle-aged men.

Aged↗