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Biomedical subjects

G Olsson

Publications and source records attributed to G Olsson.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

Detection of viable Chlamydia pneumoniae in abdominal aortic aneurysms.

OBJECTIVES: to investigate the presence of Chlamydia pneumoniae in the wall of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) and in the aortas of patients without a history of cardiovascular disease. DESIGN: case-control study. MATERIALS: twenty-six consecutive patients operated for AAA were compared to 17 controls. METHODS: aorta was obtained at surgery or autopsy (controls) and prepared for immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis and culture for C. pneumoniae. Throat swabs from 14/26 patients were analysed by PCR for C. pneumoniae. Blood was obtained from 24/26 patients and from 178 70-year-old males. RESULTS: C. pneumoniae was detected in the aortic aneurysms of 20/26 patients by IHC. C. pneumoniae was cultured from 10 of the 20 IHC-positive patients. Only 1/17 controls was positive for C. pneumoniae by IHC (p=0.0001). PCR was positive for C. pneumoniae in 5/14 patients. Serological analysis by microimmunofluoresence (MIF) showed significantly more high titres of the specific antibodies to C. pneumoniae in patients than in age-matched male controls. CONCLUSIONS: we conclude that C. pneumoniae is often present in AAAs in a viable form and that C. pneumoniae is linked to the pathogenesis of AAA.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Greater than normal prevalence of seropositivity for Helicobacter pylori among patients who have suffered myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: There is evidence to suggest that inflammation plays a role in the development of atherosclerosis. Chronic infections may activate an inflammatory response in the walls of blood vessels. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the possibility of there being an association between infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and coronary heart disease. METHODS: We examined 100 consecutive patients documented to have recently suffered acute myocardial infarction and 100 control subjects from the same geographical area for whom there was no evidence of coronary heart disease, carefully matched both for age and sex. Blood samples were tested for the presence of immunoglobulin G antibodies against H. pylori with a serological test. RESULTS: In comparison with controls, patients were more commonly smokers (26 versus 12%/0, P < 0.05) and had more commonly been treated for hypertension (37 versus 20%, P< 0.01). There was a significant association between seropositivity for H. pylori and having previously suffered acute myocardial infarction (68 versus 53%, odds ratio 1.36 with 95% confidence interval 1.02-1.82, P=0.034). These findings remained valid in a multivariate analysis including possible confounding factors (age, sex, smoking and hypertension; odds ratio 1.35 with 95% confidence interval 1.01-1.83, P=0.046). CONCLUSIONS: The positive association between seropositivity for H. pylori and having previously suffered acute myocardial infarction found in this study provides further support for the hypothesis that there is a causal association between chronic infection with H. pylori and the development of coronary heart disease.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Computerized measurement of LDL particle size in human serum. Reproducibility studies and evaluation of LDL particle size in relation to metabolic variables and the occurrence of atherosclerosis.

OBJECTIVES: The main aims of the present research project were to develop and evaluate a new software program for evaluation of LDL particle size applied to the gradient gel electrophoresis methodology without the use of previous ultracentrifugation, and to investigate the relationships among LDL particle size, metabolic variables and atherosclerosis, as measured by ultrasound, in subjects with different degrees of insulin resistance. METHODS: LDL particle size was determined by polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis. RESULTS: Coefficient of variation for between-assay experiments was 0.3% (r = 0.99) for measurement of LDL peak particle size. LDL peak particle size was negatively correlated to serum triglycerides, apolipoprotein B, fasting insulin, BMI and diastolic blood pressure and positively correlated to HDL. Furthermore, subjects with moderate to large plaques in the carotid artery had smaller LDL particles compared to subjects without plaques. CONCLUSIONS: This project resulted in a highly reproducible, computerized method for the analysis of LDL particle size. The data suggest that it is possible to assess LDL particle size in serum without the use of previous ultra-centrifugation. LDL particle size was associated with metabolic variables and the occurrence of moderate to large plaques in the carotid artery.

Apolipoproteins B↗
PubMed1999

Proteoglycans contribution to association of Lp(a) and LDL with smooth muscle cell extracellular matrix.

Lp(a) interference with fibrinolysis could contribute to atherothrombosis. Additionally, accumulation of Lp(a) and LDLs, could lead to cholesterol deposition and foam cell formation in atherogenesis. The interactions between Lp(a) and LDL could cause their entrapment in the extracellular matrix of lesions. We found that association of Lp(a) with matrix secreted by cultured human arterial smooth muscle cells increased 2 to 3 times the subsequent specific binding of radioactive LDL. Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans seem responsible for formation of the specific matrix-Lp(a) and matrix-LDL aggregates. The proteoglycans appeared also to participate in a cooperative increase of radioactive LDL binding to matrix pretreated with Lp(a). In the matrix preincubated with LDL, approximately 50% of the additional lipoprotein was bound by ionic interactions. In the matrix preincubated with Lp(a), 20% of the additional LDL was held by ionic bonds, and the rest was held by strong nonionic associations. Binding analysis in physiological solutions confirmed that chondroitin sulfate-rich proteoglycans from the smooth muscle cell matrix have a high affinity for Lp(a) and LDL. The results provide an explanation to the observed localization of Lp(a) and LDL in the extracellular matrix of arterial lesions and suggest a mechanism for their cooperative accumulation there.

Arteriosclerosis↗
PubMed1999

Treatment of class II furcation defects using resorbable and non-resorbable GTR barriers.

The present study was performed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of a resorbable matrix barrier (test) compared to a non-resorbable barrier (control) on the healing of periodontal tissues in class II furcation defects. Eleven patients, each with two class II furcation defects, underwent guided tissue regeneration surgery. Random selection was used to decide in which of the two sites in each patient test barrier and in which control barrier would be placed. Clinical measurements of the Plaque Index, the Bleeding Index, the Position of the Gingival Margin, as well as Vertical and Horizontal Probing Attachment Levels were made. Whether the barriers were exposed and adverse events were also recorded. It was demonstrated that both procedures led to clinical improvement at the furcation sites. Nine out of eleven defects treated with the test barrier showed improvement while 7 out of 11 achieved the same goal with control barrier. None of the improved sites, though, was completely closed. The conclusion was that within the limits of this study, resorbable test barrier can be used for guided tissue regeneration (GTR) in class II furcation defects with at least as good results as those achieved with non-resorbable control barrier but with the additional benefit of only one operation.

Absorbable Implants↗
PubMed1998

Adolescent depression. Epidemiology, nosology, life stress and social network. Minireview based on a doctoral thesis.

The study engaged a total population of 16-17-year-old urban high-school students and 2300 (93%) were screened for depression and previous suicide attempts. Adolescents with high depression scores in self-evaluation (12.3%) or reporting previous suicide attempts (2.4%) were diagnostically interviewed together with one control for each, matched for gender and educational program. After the interview self-ratings were completed regarding social network, family climate, and life events. Major depression was prevalent during the last year in 5.8% and during life time in 11.4%, 4 girls for every boy. A depression with remaining symptoms for a year or more was the most common type. Dysthymia without major depressive episodes was diagnosed in 1.1%, two girls for every boy. Short hypomanic episodes had been experienced by 13.2% of those with major depressive disorder. Anxiety disorder was comorbid to depression in one half and conduct disorder in one forth of the depressed adolescents. Alcohol was abused by 6.5% and used regularly by another 12%. Other drugs were used by 6.5% of depressed adolescents and not at all by controls. The depressed used tobacco twice as frequently as non-depressed. Social network and family climate were compared within the originally matched pairs. Adolescents with long-lasting depressions had a smaller and unsatisfying social network. They also had experienced many stressful life events related to family adversities, while those with shorter depressive episodes had stress related to the peer group. Depressed adolescents with comorbid conduct disorder reported insufficient support from the close network and a more negative family climate.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Depression among Swedish adolescents measured by the self-rating scale Center for Epidemiology Studies-Depression Child (CES-DC).

The self-report questionnaire Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Child (CES-DC) was used for screening depression in Swedish 16-17 year olds during their first year in high school. Completed questionnaires were produced by 2272 students (92% of the population). The mean score was 13.2 (boys 9.9; girls 16.5). Factor analysis gave the same factors for boys and girls with a strong main factor for depressed mood. High scores of 30 or above were found in 240 cases (10.3%). Of those, 204 (85%) and the same number of controls with low scores were interviewed with the Diagnostic Interview for Children and Adolescents (DICA-R-A). Depressive diagnosis during the last year was confirmed in 71% of high scores and 15% of low scorers. Beck's depression inventory with cut off at score 16 was used in the same material with equal result. Used with high cut off scores the CES-DC was specific enough for discovering depressive disorder.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Beck's Depression Inventory as a screening instrument for adolescent depression in Sweden: gender differences.

Beck's Depression Inventory was administered in a study of all students aged 16-17 years in the first year of high school in a Swedish town, and was completed by 93% of them (n = 2270). Cronbach's reliability coefficient alpha was 0.89, and there were strong correlations between item scores and total scores. A diagnostic interview focused on depressive diagnosis during the last year was conducted with 88% (n = 199) of all students with high scores (> or = 16), and with the same number of controls with low scores. A depressive diagnosis was confirmed in 73% of high scorers and 13% of low scorers. The questionnaire performed better with girls than with boys. The mean score was significantly higher for girls, and the proposed limit for moderate depression (a score of 16) was reached by 14.2% of girls and 4.8% of boys. All symptoms were significantly more frequent and more severe in girls. It was found that 20% of girls and 6% of boys reported suicidal ideation. In a factor analysis the strongest factor that emerged differed between the sexes. For boys it included sadness, crying and suicidal ideation, and for girls it included failure, guilt, self-dislike and feeling unattractive, combined with suicidal ideation. The gender differences are discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Do beta-blockers have a role in the treatment of chronic heart failure?

There has been growing interest in and recognition of the role of beta-blockers in chronic heart failure (CHF). The mode of action is complex and several mechanisms have been proposed. The principal rationale for the use of beta-blockade is to counteract neurohormonal activation and its deleterious consequences in CHF. While the positive effect of this treatment on haemodynamics, exercise tolerance and quality of life, and a clear trend in favour of improved prognosis have been shown, there is still no concrete proof that beta-blockers reduce mortality in CHF. Several large-scale, prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled trials, designed to provide a definitive answer, are underway.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1996

Effects of different energy levels, concentrate/forage ratios and lipid supplementation to the diet on the adaptation of the energy metabolism at calving in dairy cows.

A low level of energy (110 MJ ME) and a low concentrate/forage ratio (10/90) at calving resulted in low basal concentrations of glucose and insulin, but the cows had the capacity to increase the glucose level after glucagon injections. No signs of disturbances in the metabolic adaptation were observed. High intensity feeding (200 MJ ME and 50% concentrates) resulted in high basal serum insulin levels. The increase in the insulin concentrations after glucagon injections and the changes in insulin levels around calving varied widely between individual cows. The metabolic adaptation period was longer than in cows in the former group. An energy level of 170 MJ ME and variations of concentrate/forage ratios (5/95, 30/70 and 60/40) resulted in small differences in basal glucose and insulin concentrations and in response to glucagon injections. But the cows fed 60% concentrates showed signs of prolonged metabolic adaptation. Increased lipid concentrations in diets containing equal levels of energy and protein resulted in a fall in basal glucose and insulin levels and the metabolism seemed to be directed towards catabolism. Because of these metabolic effects, more needs to be known on fat supplementation if it is used in practical feeding. It is also necessary to take more interest in the effects of protein feeding on the periparturient metabolism.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed1996

The informational value of dreams and associations.

The manifest dream has usually been the object of study by researchers, while psychotherapists mainly have paid attention to the latent content of the dream, reached through free associations. The question is which aspects of the dream, manifest content or associations, yield information about the dreamer's psychic life. In the present study it is suggested that the manifest dream to a large extent maintains thematic continuity with the dreamer's associations. However, with regard to emotions, there is no clear overlap between the information contained in the manifest dream and in its associations. The associations make the dream into the dreamer's own personal dream. Associating to a dream changes strangers into known people in the life of the dreamer. The dreamer comes to recognize aspects of himself or herself in these people. In associations, the dreamers portray themselves as more responsible of emotions, while they in dreams rather ascribe emotions to others, and they themselves become objects of these emotions. The author argues for the value of both the manifest dream in its own right and the enhanced experiental closeness afforded by the dreamer's associations.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Use of beta-adrenoceptor blockers in patients with congestive heart failure.

The beneficial effect of chronic beta-blockade in patients with congestive heart failure has been repeatedly shown since its introduction into treatment for this condition in 1975. Still this kind of therapy remains controversial, it is sometimes regarded as a therapeutic paradox, and its use is mainly limited to specialist centers. Various favorable effects of beta-blockers in patients with heart failure due to idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and ischemic heart disease have been demonstrated, the principal among them being reduction in energy requirements and ischemia, antiarrhythmogenic effect, improvement of diastolic function, protection of myocytes against catecholamine overload, centrally mediated increase in vagal tone, upregulation of beta-adrenergic receptors, and possible blockade of autoantibodies against beta 1-receptors. Although most of the studies used metoprolol, these effects may be relevant to certain other beta-blockers. Despite very solid pathophysiological and pharmacological rationales for the use of beta-blockade, a major obstacle for a general acceptance of this therapeutic concept is the striking contrast between hemodynamic changes during the acute effect and long-term treatment. When titrated carefully from very low doses and used with a true commitment to long-term treatment, beta-blockers have been shown to prevent further deterioration of heart failure and to improve hemodynamics, exercise tolerance, quality of life, and prognosis.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗
PubMed1995

Effects of 1 year of growth hormone therapy on serum lipoprotein levels in growth hormone-deficient adults. Influence of gender and Apo(a) and ApoE phenotypes.

We investigated the influence of gender and apoE and apo(a) phenotypes as well as the effect of the metabolic effects of growth hormone (GH) on the effect of GH therapy on serum lipoprotein concentrations in GH-deficient (GHD) adults. Forty-four consecutive patients, 30 men and 14 women aged 46.5 (range, 19 to 76) years with GHD due mainly to pituitary tumors, were treated with recombinant human GH for 12 months. Serum concentrations of lipoproteins, insulin, thyroxine, and insulin-like growth factor-I were determined, body composition was assessed by bioelectrical impedance, and apo(a) and apoE phenotypes were analyzed. Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] concentrations in the GHD subjects were compared with a gender- and apo(a) phenotype-matched control group. After 12 months of GH treatment, the total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and apoB concentrations decreased, the HDL cholesterol and apoE concentrations increased, and the apoA-I and triglyceride concentrations were unchanged. Before treatment, the Lp(a) concentration was similar to that in the control group. However, after 12 months of treatment, the Lp(a) concentration had increased by 44% and 101% above baseline and the control group, respectively. Men and women responded differently to GH, with a more marked increase in Lp(a) concentration and fat-free mass and a more pronounced decrease in body-fat mass in men. Apo(a) phenotypes had no major influence on the effect of GH therapy. The only significant difference between apoE phenotypes was a higher baseline Lp(a) concentration among apoE4 heterozygotes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗