Detection of firefly luciferase-tagged bacteria in environmental samples.
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Animals↗
Biomedical subjects
A Möller
Publications and source records attributed to A Möller.
Psychological aspects of Turner syndrome.
Turner syndrome (TS) is a sex-chromosome disorder, occurring in 1 in 2500 female births. The principal features of TS are short stature and dysfunctional gonads, resulting in a lack of sex hormones, incomplete pubertal development and impaired fertility. The aim of this paper is to review the literature on the psychological effects of TS. The main areas covered relate to well-being and psychopathology, self-esteem, social functioning, gender identity, partner relations and sexual functioning, coping, family aspects and clinical aspects of cognitive impairment. Research on the psychological effects of medical intervention is described, and the methods used for psychological and educational support are presented. Finally, methodological issues are discussed and areas for future research are proposed.
Adaptation, Psychological↗
Frequency-dependent fatigue development during electrical stimulation in the masseter muscle of pigtail monkeys.
Low-frequency fatigue was investigated in nine female and one male adult pigtail monkeys (Macaca nemestrina) with a mean weight of 5.3 kg (range 4.3 to 6.5 kg). After sedation and anesthesia, silver electrodes were inserted into the anterior and posterior parts of the right masseter muscle. The contralateral muscle was used as a control. The masseter muscles were stimulated for 3 minutes (4 Hz, 2 ms, 100 V). After a 5-minute rest period, the stimulation was repeated with the same duration and voltage but at a higher frequency of 8 Hz. Bite forces were measured, and muscle biopsies were obtained from the central part of the right masseter and immediately frozen in liquid nitrogen. After freeze-drying, a fluorometric analysis that used enzymatic methods for measuring levels of glycogen, glucose, lactate, pyruvate, creatine phosphate, nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide (NAD), and reduced NAD (NADH) was performed. The bite force decreased by 12% after the initial 3 minutes of work. After the second contraction the bite force decreased to 56%. Prominent substrate depletion was observed. The precontraction levels of glycogen, glucose, and phosphocreatine were all reduced. The NADH and the NAD concentrations increased. An accumulation of metabolites was evident. The pyruvate increased by 32% and lactate levels increased by a factor of 3. The male measurements were comparable to the nine female measures for each assessment. The substantial substrate depletion in combination with a prominent accumulation of metabolites may contribute to the development of low-frequency fatigue.
Animals↗
[The development of criminal psychology in the work of Eugen Bleuler].
The study refers to Eugen Bleuler's first systematic publications on "the natural born criminal" (1896) and his subsequent forensic-psychiatric expertise, written by Bleuler as Director of the psychiatric Department of Psychiatry of the University of Zurich ("Burghölzli"). It could be clearly shown that Bleuler was influenced by a deterministic understanding of human behaviour. He referred to the Anglo-American concept of "moral insanity" as a circumscribed defect of altruistic feelings despite other psychic functions being normal and tended to include this psychopathic deviation in psychiatry. Although this theoretic position remained unchanged, the elderly E. Beuler--under pragmatic points of view--accepted the traditional differentiation between mental illness in a narrower sense and "moral insanity" as a personality feature of most delinquents, falling under the responsibility of law and penal institutions. In his publications as emeritus (after 1927). Bleuler was influenced by the natural philosophic and vitalistic concept of the so-called "Minemism", which, however, still made him reject the postulate of "freedom of will".
Criminal Psychology↗
Detection of intracellular interleukin-8 in human mast cells: flow cytometry as a guide for immunoelectron microscopy.
The chemokine interleukin-8 (IL-8) mediates infiltration and adhesion of neutrophils during inflammatory processes. We have previously shown that this cytokine can be produced and released by normal and leukemic human mast cells (HMC-1 cells). To assess whether and to what extent this cytokine is stored intracellularly, we investigated production and localization of IL-8 at the single-cell level by combined use of flow cytometry (FACS) and immunoelectron microscopy. Conditions necessary for optimal fixation and permeabilization of HMC-1 cells were determined by measuring changes in cell-specific light scatter parameters and by estimating cellular uptake of propidiumiodide (PI). In this way, we were able to detect IL-8 with a monoclonal antibody in stimulated cells that were microwave-fixed with a combination of paraformaldehyde (4%) and glutaraldehyde (0.1%), followed by permeabilization with saponin (0.025%). FACS analysis revealed time-dependent synthesis of IL-8 with at most 50% positively stained cells at 8-12 hr after stimulation. For pre-embedding immunogold electron microscopy, cells were treated according to the protocol established by flow cytometry. IL-8 was found to be located in specific cytoplasmic, electron-dense granules of stimulated HMC-1 cells. These results confirm and extend our previous findings by demonstrating IL-8 expression in HMC-1 cells at the single-cell level. In addition, we propose that quantitative FACS can be reliably used in a timesaving manner to establish appropriate conditions for pre-embedding immunoelectron microscopy of intracellular antigens.
Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
Quantification of genetically tagged cyanobacteria in Baltic Sea sediment by competitive PCR.
Competitive PCR (cPCR) is a quantitative PCR approach based on the addition of an internal standard to the PCR mixture. In this study, cPCR was used to quantitate genetically tagged cyanobacteria in Baltic Sea sediment. The cyanobacterium Synechocystis 6803-luc has a chromosomal insertion of the firefly luciferase gene, luc, as a marker detectable by PCR. A competitive standard was constructed that contained a 37-bp insertion within the luc DNA region that could be distinguished from the target luc DNA on the basis of size. Synechocystis 6803-luc cells were added to sediment, total bacterial DNA was extracted from sediment and the number of luc DNA copies was quantified by cPCR and phosphor imaging analysis. The internal standard was added either before (co-extraction) or after (post-extraction) isolation of DNA from sediment. The co-extraction method was found to be both more accurate and more precise for the quantitation of added cell numbers (luc DNA copies) by cPCR. When using the co-extraction approach, it was possible to overcome variations in extraction efficiency between replicate samples. The target:competitor PCR product ratio was the only value required for interpolation from standard curves to the luc DNA concentration present in the original sediment sample. The number of luc-tagged cyanobacteria added to the sediment could be calculated after adjustment for the number of chromosomes per cell. This technique should be applicable for quantitation of genetically tagged cyanobacteria in nature.
Autoradiography↗
[Purulent pericardial effusion with tamponade: a rare initial manifestation of o pneumococcal infection].
HISTORY AND FINDINGS: A 70-year-old man, admitted for a haemorrhoid operation, suddenly went into circulatory shock (heart rate 150/min, blood pressure 100/70 mm Hg), necessitating transfer to an intensive care unit. His neck veins were prominent and he had a paradoxical pulse. Heart sounds were distant and there was an arrhythmia (atrial fibrillation in the ECG). No murmurs were heard. Breath sounds were decreased, especially in the lung bases. INVESTIGATIONS: Differential blood count showed 30% stab cells with 12,200 white cells per microliter. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 118 mm in the first hour, C-reactive protein was raised to 11.8 mg/dl. There was a partially compensated respiratory acidosis (pH 7.12; pO 93.4 mm Hg; pCO 16.3 mm Hg; base deficit -22.6 mmol/l). In the chest radiogram the cardiac silhouette was greatly enlarged bilaterally. The echocardiogram demonstrated a large pericardial perfusion with a "swinging heart". TREATMENT AND COURSE: At pericardial needle puncture 700 ml of amber-coloured fluid, containing pneumococci, were aspirated with immediate circulatory improvement. Penicillin, 10 mill.U twice daily for 13 days, was administered intravenously, followed by amoxycillin, 1 g three times daily by mouth, for a further 15 days. In addition he was given anti-inflammatory treatment with diclofenac and methylprednisolone. Despite this pericardial effusion recurred after 14 days and 600 ml of sterile fluid were removed. Subsequently the inflammatory signs disappeared. Three months later no effusion was present and there were no signs of constrictive pericarditis.
Administration, Oral↗
Formation and determination of aldehyde-addition products of tryptophan.
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Acetaldehyde↗
[Epidemiology and clinical aspects of cold urticaria].
To study the frequency and clinical aspects of cold urticaria in Central Europe, patient data from a university dermatology clinic and a private dermatology office between 1984-94 were analysed and the patients re-examined if possible. The incidence of cold urticaria was found to be 0.05%. Of the 56 patients with cold urticaria (31 women, 25 men), 49 had idiopathic cold urticaria. The mean age was 41.0 +/- 15.6 year, the mean duration of disease 7.9 +/- 5.8 years. Atopy was found in 46.5% of patients, and 23.2% of the patients suffered from other types of urticaria (cholinergic, chronic idiopathic, dermographic, aquagenic and heat-induced). Laboratory examinations were only rarely abnormal. 44 patients were treated with antihistamines, with generally only moderate symptomatic improvement. Treatment with antibiotics (penicillin, 1-2 mil IU/d over 2-4 weeks, n = 18, or tetracyclines, 2 g/d over 2 weeks, n = 10) induced full remission in 13 patients and symptomatic improvement in 8. During an average of 6.5 year-follow-up, 20 of 43 symptomatic patients went into spontaneous remission. The good therapeutic response to antibiotics in this study underlines the need for a better elucidation of the cause of cold urticaria, in view of possible infectious causes.
Adolescent↗
Advantages and limitations of combining separation techniques with voltammetry.
In this review the combination of voltammetric methods of analysis with separation techniques, such as electrochemical separations, extractive separations, chromatography, electrochromatography, electrophoresis, volatilization and coprecipitation is critically discussed. Based on available publications and their own experience, the authors try to evaluate different separation techniques in view of future developments, paying special attention to extraction methods. For organic analysis, chromatography and electrophoresis with voltammetric detection are considered to be especially attractive while for stripping analysis, major progress is expected to be made in the development of electrodes and electronic equipment. Extraction, coprecipitation and volatilization will be of minor significance.
Journal Article↗
Two novel mutations in the aquaporin-2 and the vasopressin V2 receptor genes in patients with congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus.
The vasopressin V2 receptor (V2R) and the aquaporin-2 genes of two unrelated male patients with congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus were analyzed. The V2R gene of the patient of family 1 had the wild-type sequence. Consequently, the coding region of the aquaporin-2 gene including the exon-intron junctions was sequenced. A novel G to T transversion at codon 202, predictive of an exchange of tryptophan 202 by cysteine, was identified. As the mutation occurs at G-1 of the 5' splice donor site of intron 3, aberrant splicing is also likely. The mutation involves one of the supposed water pore-forming loops. Therefore, both aberrant splicing and amino acid substitution are likely to result in a functionally defective protein. Sequencing of the complete V2R gene of the male patient of family 2 revealed a novel single-base deletion at codon 310 (delta C1001), shifting the reading frame to give an altered amino acid sequence beginning at codon 311. The mutation is unique in predicting a C-terminally extended protein (termination after codon 434 in the mutant receptor instead of codon 371 in the wild-type). The deduced mutant protein is likely to be nonfunctional since the amino acid sequence of the seventh transmembrane domain and the C-terminus is altered.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Heterogeneity of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system response to a combined dexamethasone-CRH test in multiple sclerosis.
The endocrine system participates in the regulation of the immune and neural systems and therefore hormonal factors probably play an important role in the development and course of multiple sclerosis (MS). Specifically, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) system seems crucial because (a) the inflammatory response is accompanied by HPA activation; (b) animal models with an inherited HPA defect are prone to developing experimental autoimmune encephalitis; and (c) most important, corticosteroids are still the most widely used treatment. We administered a recently developed neuroendocrine function test that combines dexamethasone suppression (1.5 mg orally at 2300 h) and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) stimulation (100 micrograms i.v. at 1500 h the following day) and measured the response of plasma cortisol and corticotrophin (ACTH) secretion in 19 patients with an acute exacerbation of MS. These patients had a significantly higher mean plasma cortisol response than age-matched controls (peak minus baseline; 48.1 +/- 10.5 ng/ml [mean +/- SEM] versus 19.8 +/- 4.2 ng/ml; p < 0.05), but the corresponding ACTH values for the two groups were indistinguishable (13.4 +/- 1.4 pg/ml [mean +/- SEM] versus 11.3 +/- 1.4 pg/ml; n.s.). The response range in the patients was broader and we identified six patients with excessive cortisol release (peak minus baseline: 100.5 +/- 14.4 ng/ml [mean +/- SEM]), whereas four patients failed to respond at all. The hormonal response patterns were not related to previous treatments with corticosteroids or other immunosuppressants or to psychopathological features. These results point to a heterogeneity of HPA system function, most likely at the corticosteroid receptor level, which has clinical implications for all those treatments that affect the HPA system and the course of MS.
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
[Differential indications of non-opioid drugs for postoperative analgesia II. Quantification of the analgesic effect of a combination of metamizol plus diclofenac via patient-controlled analgesia].
OBJECTIVE: In a previous study we investigated the analgesic efficacy of metamizol. After laparoscopic operations, in particular, the reduction of postoperative opioid requirements within the first 24 h after surgery attained clinical relevance (-67%). In the present study we investigated the analgesic efficacy of supplementary diclofenac. METHODS: 86 patients, scheduled for minor orthopaedic surgery, laparoscopic cholecystectomy or resection of the thyroid gland, participated in a doubleblind, randomised, placebo-controlled study. The setting was comparable to our previous study, apart from the supplementary administration of diclofenac. Before induction of anaesthesia, verum-treated patients received a diclofenac suppository (100 mg), in addition to metamizol (1 g/100 ml NaCl 0.9% intravenous over 15 min). These infusions were repeated at 6h and 12h. In addition to the third infusion, the patients received a further diclofenac suppository (100 mg). Cumulated doses of buprenorphine (PCA, patient-controlled analgesia), pain scores (0-10), blood pressure, pulse and side effects were recorded during the first 6 h and again at 24 h. RESULTS: All verum-treated patients had significantly less pain immediately after surgery and required lower cumulated doses of buprenorphine during the first 24 h after operation (laparoscopic cholecystectomy -33%, minor orthopaedic surgery -73%, resection of thyroid gland -60%). CONCLUSIONS: Combination of metamizol and diclofenac cause a clinically relevant reduction in opioid requirements, in particular after minor orthopaedic surgery and resection of the thyroid gland. There is no need for supplementary diclofenac following laparoscopic surgery.
Adult↗
Bereavement, grieving and psychological morbidity after first trimester spontaneous abortion: comparing expectant management with surgical evacuation.
Early pregnancy loss is a profound adverse life event for many women, and increased psychiatric morbidity has been shown to occur after spontaneous abortion. Dilatation and curettage (D&C) has been the cornerstone in the treatment of first trimester spontaneous abortion over the last few decades. During recent years the possibility of conservative management has, however, been increasingly discussed. In a prospective randomized trial, we compared psychological reactions and morbidity, after either expectant management or D&C, for miscarriages of < 13 weeks gestation in which a transvaginal ultrasound examination showed intrauterine tissue and/or blood clots with an antero-posterior diameter of between 15 and 50 mm. Of the 86 patients included, 58 were randomized to expectant management and 28 to primary D&C. In patients randomized to expectant management, pregnancy products shown by transvaginal ultrasound disappeared within 3 days in 43 cases (74%), whereas 15 patients (26%) underwent D&C owing to retained products of conception after 3 days. At 2 weeks after inclusion, all patients answered self-administered questionnaires, including visual analogue scales, concerning their experience of the pregnancy loss, the present situation and concerns about the future. A brief anxiety status inventory was included. This study showed no increase in anxiety or depressive reactions 2 weeks after a first trimester spontaneous abortion when these patients were compared with non-pregnant healthy working females 19-39 years of age. Moreover, there were no significant differences in psychological reactions between patients managed either expectantly or by D&C.
Abortion, Spontaneous↗
Production of interleukin-6 by human mast cells and basophilic cells.
Since mast cells and basophils are thought to play a central role in several types of cutaneous inflammatory and allergic reactions, and since interleukin-6 (IL-6) is an important mediator in these processes, we have studied the ability of the human mast cell line HMC-1, the human basophilic cell line KU812, and human skin mast cells to produce IL-6. All three cell types proved to be potent sources of this cytokine after appropriate stimulation. Transcription of IL-6 mRNA was first detectable 2 h after stimulation with the ester phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and the calcium ionophore A23187 in both cell lines, as evidenced by semiquantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis. Whereas resting cells did not produce IL-6 protein, PMA/A23187-stimulated cells released immunoreactive and biologically active IL-6, as demonstrated and quantitated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and by the use of TEPC 1033 cells, an IL-6-dependent murine plasmacytoma cell line. Stimulated KU812 cells secreted sevenfold more IL-6 (up to 15 ng/ml) than HMC-1 cells (up to 2.4 ng/ml). Immunoblotting of HMC-1- and KU812 cell-derived IL-6 revealed several IL-6 forms in the molecular weight range of 21 to 30 kDa. Immunoelectron microscopic studies of human skin biopsies provided evidence that unstimulated mast cells do not contain preformed IL-6 but accumulate IL-6 in cytoplasmic and extruded granules after IgE-dependent stimulation. These findings suggest that IL-6 secreted by human mast cells and basophils potentially contributes to allergic, other immunologically mediated and nonspecific inflammatory responses.
Basophils↗
Modulation of in vitro cytokine release from human leukemic mast cells (HMC-1) by glucocorticoids.
Mast cells are well known effector cells not only in allergic but also in diverse acute and chronic inflammatory diseases. We have shown previously that these cells produce a broad spectrum of cytokines which might contribute to mast cell-dependent pathology. In the present study, we have investigated the influence of four potent glucocorticoids, methylprednisolone-aceponate, methylprednisolone-17-propionate, prednicarbate, and betametasone valerate (10(-5) M-10(-9) M), on the IL-1 beta, IL-3, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor alpha secretion of the HMC-1 mast cell line as measured by ELISA. All four glucocorticoids caused a comparable dose- and time-dependent inhibition of cytokine release from HMC-1 cells stimulated for 24 h with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate 25 ng/ml and calcium ionophore 2 x 10(-7) M. These results shed further light on the mechanisms involved in antiinflammatory effects of glucocorticoids in allergic inflammation.
Administration, Topical↗
Glucocorticoid-induced modulation of cytokine secretion from normal and leukemic human myelomonocytic cells.
Since glucocorticoid effects on inflammatory processes may be mediated via modulation of cytokine release, different types of myelomonocytic cells were stimulated in vitro with lipopolysaccharide (50 ng/ml) or phorbol myristate acetate (25 ng/ml) plus the ionophore A23187, 2 x 10(-7) M, and release of interleukin (IL)-1 beta, IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha was measured after 24 h by ELISA. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from two allergic and two normal human donors released similarly large quantities of IL-8 and lower amounts of IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha. This also held for myelomonocytic cell lines, with THP-1 cells being most active, followed by U-937 and HL-60 cells. All potent glucocorticoids studied caused a dose-dependent inhibition of cytokine release from donor cells, being most marked for IL-1 beta and lowest for IL-8. Inhibition of cytokine release was also noted with U-937 cells, with clear differences in potency between the glucocorticoids, whereas release was enhanced in all experiments with THP-1 cells. These results were confirmed with Northern blot analysis. Modulating effects of glucocorticoids on cytokine release are thus complex, and are particularly dependent on the cell type studied.
Administration, Topical↗
Repeat abortion: a comparative study.
In a study of 404 women (simple random sample) 20-29 years of age, 201 women (group A) applying for abortion and 203 women (group B) continuing their pregnancies were given a questionnaire and were also interviewed. The aim of the study was to describe women applying for repeat abortion and to compare them with women having their first abortion and with women continuing their pregnancies. Variables measured were socio-economic, psychological and social problems, relationship with the partner, earlier pregnancies, how the present pregnancy was experienced and decision-making. For presentation of the results, the data have been divided into four subgroups: pregnant women applying for their first abortion (A1, n = 137), women applying for repeat abortion (A2, n = 64), women continuing their pregnancies who have never applied for abortion (B1, n = 142), and women continuing their pregnancies who had previously applied for one or more abortions (B2, n = 58). Women who had had previous abortion/abortions had experienced more psychological problems during their lifetime than the other groups studied. They had more contact with the social welfare service and evaluated their relationship with the partner as less harmonious than women having a first abortion, also in comparison with women continuing their pregnancies with no earlier applications for abortion. Women who have had previous abortion/abortions seem to have a need for special attention. This involves not only being provided with efficient and acceptable contraception, but also with social and psychological support based on the experiences of the women.
Abortion, Legal↗