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Biomedical subjects

A M Larsen

Publications and source records attributed to A M Larsen.

12 recordsLinked to original sources

[Diagnostic transmission electron microscopy].

BACKGROUND: Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is an important diagnostic tool in surgical pathology. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We give an overview, based on our own experience, of the application of TEM in diagnostic pathology. RESULTS: In spite of its potential for high-grade resolution, the actual use of TEM in diagnostic pathology is rather limited. TEM is mandatory in the examination of kidney and muscle biopsies and is often indicated when a metabolic disease is suspected. However, in many centres its importance in tumour pathology has declined because of the advances in the field of immunohistochemistry. TEM requires a great deal of resources and high levels of skills in tissue processing and diagnostic interpretation. INTERPRETATION: The TEM diagnosis must be integrated with light microscopical and, often, immunohistopathological findings, as well as with the clinical data. We therefore recommend close collaboration between the clinician and the laboratory with regard to biopsy indication, handling of samples, and the final diagnosis.

Humans↗

Human herpesvirus-6 immunoglobulin G antibodies in patients with multiple sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: To further investigate a possible correlation between human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) infection and multiple sclerosis by analyzing the level of HHV-6 antibodies in MS patients and healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 189 serum samples from patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) in different disease stages and 190 serum samples from healthy controls matched for age and sex were analyzed for HHV-6 antibodies using a competitive ELISA. RESULTS: There was no difference between HHV-6 IgG titers in MS patients and controls. Two of the controls were seronegative for HHV-6 versus to none of the MS-patients. There was no apparent difference in HHV-6 titers from patients in different disease stages. CONCLUSION: This study cannot support the theory that HHV-6 is a contributing factor to the development of MS, although a seroprevalence study like this would not disclose whether a late primary infection (in puberty) with HHV-6 might affect the development of MS.

Adolescent↗

Medical expenditures of terminal cancer patients during the last year of life.

To measure the patterns of medical expenditures under conventional modes of cancer care for the terminally ill, we examined Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plan claims records for care during the 12 months preceding the deaths of 1,054 nonelderly patients diagnosed as having breast, colon-rectal, or lung cancer. Expenditures averaged +21,219 for the terminal year and grew exponentially as death approached, with +6,161 (29%) being spent in the final month alone. We found very few significant differences in spending or utilization by diagnosis, age, or sex of the terminal patient, but sizable differences by state of residence and between nonmetropolitan and metropolitan area residents. Our findings represent a baseline against which experience under new hospital payment strategies and alternative delivery systems might be compared.

Aged↗

Stimulation of human lymphocytes by cytomegalovirions and dense bodies.

Lymphocytes from healthy adult individuals were examined for their ability to incorporate thymidine in the presence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) and dense bodies. It was found that lymphocytes from donors with antibodies to CMV were stimulated to incorporate thymidine-14C both by preparation of CMV and CMV dense bodies. Lymphocytes from CMV seronegative donors did not respond. Dilution experiments and the dose-response curve indicate that the stimulation induced by the dense body preparation was not caused by the small amounts of contaminating CMV particles. These results indicate that in healthy human adults there is a correlation between CMV seropositivity and in vitro lymphocyte transformation, induced by either CMV or by dense bodies.

Adult↗

The rare blood group antigen, Wu.

The inheritance of the Wu antigen in three families is described. The observations suggest that the antigen is inherited as a Mendelian dominant character. Wu segregates independently of sex and of the ABO, MNSs, Rh, Lutheran, Duffy and Kidd blood group systems. Independence of Kell is also quite likely. Wu is a very rare antigen. The corresponding antibody is not as infrequent. Anti-Wu occurs as a 'naturally occurring' antibody, often together with antibodies against other rare antigens.

Blood Group Antigens↗