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Biomedical subjects

A Bijl

Publications and source records attributed to A Bijl.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

Movement disorders induced by gastrointestinal drugs: two paediatric cases.

A number of frequently prescribed gastrointestinal drugs can cause movement disorders in children, as well as in adults. In our centre for paediatric neurology, we saw a 3-year-old girl with abnormal movements mostly of the legs with an inner restlessness (akathisia) while using cisapride. Another patient, a 17-year-old male, developed a hemiballism (a fierce movement of one arm and shoulder with a hurling appearance) while using ranitidine for gastric distress. In both children, the movement disorder disappeared after discontinuing the drug. The pathophysiological mechanisms of these drug-induced movement disorders might be related to the central function of histamine in the developing brain. These cases illustrate the importance of being alert for possible drug-induced events early in the process of diagnosing abnormal movement disorders.

Adolescent↗

Molecular cloning and characterization of mouse CD97.

The EGF-TM7 family (CD97 and EMR1) is a group of class II seven-span transmembrane receptors predominantly expressed by cells of the immune system. Recently, we have identified CD55, a regulatory molecule of the complement cascade, as a cellular ligand of human CD97 (hCD97). In this study, the molecular properties of mouse CD97 (mCD97) are described. Like hCD97, mCD97 has an extended extracellular region with several epidermal growth factor-like (EGF) domains. Due to alternative RNA splicing, isoforms with three and four EGF domains exist, designated mCD97(EGF1,2,4) and mCD97(EGF1,2, 3,4) respectively. All EGF domains, except for the N-terminal one, possess a calcium-binding site. In a third isoform mCD97(EGF1,2,X,3, 4), a sequence of 45 amino acids was found between the second and third EGF domain that does not correspond to any known protein module. Using newly generated mCD97 mAb, we show that analogous to the blood expression pattern of hCD97, mCD97 can be found on lymphoid and myeloid cells. Adhesion of mouse erythrocytes and splenocytes to COS cells expressing mCD97(EGF1,2,4) or mCD97(EGF1,2, 3,4) could be blocked by mouse CD55 (mCD55) antibody, identifying mCD55 as a cellular ligand for mCD97. Consistent with the necessity of directly linked EGF domains for the integrity of the CD55-binding site on hCD97, no adhesion was detected to the largest mouse isoform mCD97(EGF1,2,X,3,4). Remarkably, we found that the interaction between CD97 and CD55 is phylogenetically restricted, as indicated by the selective adhesion of primate erythrocytes to hCD97 transfectants, and of mouse and rat erythrocytes to mCD97 transfectants respectively.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

What limits endurance in normal children?

We have compared the results of a standard progressive maximal exercise test to those of an endurance exercise test in 22 healthy school children (13 girls, 9 boys, mean age 14.8 years) in order to examine whether it is possible to extrapolate results from a maximal test to predict their endurance capacity. All children performed a standard progressive maximal exercise test (15 W increments every minute until exhaustion) and an endurance test (individually calculated loads to mimic cycling at 20 km/h against a windforce 5 of Beaufort for 30 minutes) on 2 separate days. In both tests metabolic [oxygen uptake (VO2), CO2 production, blood lactate accumulation], ventilatory [minute ventilation (VE)], and circulatory variables were measured. From the maximal test the threshold of lactate accumulation (LT) was determined. Thirteen children were capable of enduring the 30 minute exercise (Group 1), and 9 could not complete the endurance test (Group 2). These two groups were comparable with respect to age, height, and baseline lung function. Children in Group 2 had a higher mean weight (P < 0.005) than those in Group 1. Eight of the 9 children in Group 2 were girls, whereas Group 1 consisted of 5 girls and 8 boys. There was no significant difference between Group 1 and 2 in the mean values of VO2 max, maximal respiratory exchange ratio (R max), VEmax, LT, oxygen pulse, and other variables obtained during the maximal exercise tests. Lactate accumulation during the endurance test in Group 2 was larger than in Group 1 (P < 0.005).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗