Biomedical subjects

Hans Jonsson

Publications and source records attributed to Hans Jonsson.

16 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

The impact of time aids on independence and autonomy in adults with developmental disabilities.

The aim of this study was to describe how people with developmental disabilities experienced the use of time aids one year after their introduction by an occupational therapist. Data were obtained through semi-structured interviews. The analysis was performed using a phenomenographic qualitative approach. The results showed that independence and autonomy should be considered as two separate phenomena. Increased independence did not always lead to increased autonomy or vice versa. Four different relationships between these two phenomena were found. They all illustrate the different priorities of the participants and different levels of independence and autonomy. Concerning the usability of time aids, the occupational therapist has to recognize the importance of having frequent communication with the client to understand the phenomena that may affect the use of the aids. The occupational therapist should always try to involve both the client and significant support persons while introducing time aids. Future research in time aids with clients with developmental disabilities could involve multiple interviews with participants combined with participant observations and interviews.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Creativity and order in communication: implications from philosophy to narrative research concerning human occupation.

Narrative theory and methods are increasingly featured in qualitative research relating to human occupation. The present article addresses the concept of narrative in relation to some relevant foundational philosophical and theoretical roots. Specifically a twofold function of narrative as a mechanism for producing order versus creativity is highlighted. It is argued that these functions might serve as resources in research relating to human occupation, specifically regarding issues pertaining to change and agency. Examples from qualitative empirical research relating to human occupation are used to demonstrate points under discussion.

Communication↗

PubMed2005

The cell surface of Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC 55730 highlighted by identification of 126 extracellular proteins from the genome sequence.

Bioinformatical analyses of a draft genome sequence of the commensal bacterium Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC 55730 revealed 126 genes encoding putative extracellular proteins. The function, localization and distribution in bacterial species were predicted. Interestingly, few proteins possessed LPXTG motifs or C-terminal transmembrane anchors. Instead eight proteins were putatively anchored by GW repeats and several secreted proteins were likely to be re-associated to the surface. The majority of the extracellular proteins were widely distributed, i.e., found universally or in gram-positive bacteria, but 24 were only detected in L. reuteri. Further, the number of transporters was lower, while the number of enzyme was higher than in related species.

Amino Acid Motifs↗

PubMed2005

Antifungal effect of dairy propionibacteria--contribution of organic acids.

Large amounts of food and feed are lost every year due to spoilage by moulds and yeasts. Biopreservation, i.e. the use of microorganisms as preservatives instead of chemicals, has gained increased interest. Lactic acid bacteria and propionibacteria might be particularly useful due to their important role in many food fermentations. Knowledge of the antifungal effects of the organic acids produced by these bacteria is necessary to understand their inhibitory activity. We evaluated the antifungal activity of the type strains of five dairy propionibacteria, Propionibacterium acidipropionici, P. jensenii, P. thoenii, P. freudenreichii subsp. freudenreichii and P. freudenreichii subsp. shermanii against eight food- and feedborne moulds and yeasts. A dual culture system assayed the inhibitory activity on three different agar media, sodium lactate (SL), de Man Rogosa Sharp (MRS) and MRS without acetate (MRS-ac). The amounts of organic acids produced during growth of propionibacteria in liquid SL, MRS and MRS-ac were also determined. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of propionic, acetic and lactic acid were established for all fungi at pH 3, 5 and 7. Propionic acid, followed by acetic acid, was the most potent antifungal acid. Inhibition at pH 7 generally required concentrations above 500 mM for all three acids, at pH 5 the MIC values for propionic and acetic acids were 20-120 mM and above 500 mM for lactic acid. At pH 3, the MIC values were, with one exception, below 10 mM for both propionic and acetic acid and above 160 mM for lactic acid. The yeast Pichia anomala was the fungus most resistant to organic acids. The propionibacteria exhibited a pronounced species variation in antifungal activity on MRS (+/-acetate) agar, with P. thoenii being the most potent. Four of the five propionibacteria species produced more propionic and acetic acid in liquid SL medium than in MRS (+/-acetate) broth. However, when SL agar was used as the growth medium, none of the propionibacteria inhibited fungal growth.

Acetic Acid↗

PubMed2005

Effects of a hand training programme in five patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1.

The aim of this study was to evaluate hand function and self-rated occupational performance before and after specific hand training in five participants with myotonic dystrophy (MD) type 1. MD is the commonest of the muscular dystrophies with adult onset and is associated with muscle weakness, wasting and myotonia. Compensatory techniques and strategies are mostly offered as the only intervention therapy. In the present study, the participants were their own controls using pre- and post-test measures. Each participant was tested at intervals a total of nine times before and nine times after hand training. A hand-held myometer (Microfet2), Grippit, Purdue Pegboard and self-rated myotonia were used as outcome measures. Occupational performance was assessed pre- and post-test using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measurement (COPM) in which the participants rated their own performance and satisfaction in five self-chosen occupational performance areas. The participants performed hand training for a total of three months, three times per week using a specific resistance training programme including Theraputty, a silicone-based putty. Hand function was significantly increased and a positive change in self-rated occupational performance was noted after the training period. This study indicates that hand training has a positive effect on hand function, i.e. motor function and occupational performance. The present results need to be replicated in a controlled study including a larger number of patients and over a longer period of time.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Performance, feeding behaviour and microbial diversity in weaned piglets fed liquid diets based on water or wet wheat-distillers grain.

Performance, nutrient digestibility, feeding behaviour, diarrhoea frequency and faecal microbial diversity was studied in weaned piglets allotted to dry feed (diet A), liquid feed with water (diet B) or liquid feed with wet wheat-distillers grain (diet C). There were no differences in digestibility of organic matter and energy, and the performance was similar between piglets fed liquid diets. Piglets fed diet A spent more time on eating/drinking compared with piglets fed liquid diets. The frequency of diarrhoea decreased (p < 0.05) from from diet A (11 out of 16) to diet B (6 out of 16) and further to diet C (1 out 16). The type of diet did not affect the diversity of coliform bacteria or lactobacilli, but the composition of the Lactobacillus flora was changed. The lower diarrhoea frequency when feeding diet C may be due to a prophylactic effect induced by the inclusion of wet wheat-distillers grain in the diet.

Animal Feed↗

PubMed2005

Lactobacillus gastricus sp. nov., Lactobacillus antri sp. nov., Lactobacillus kalixensis sp. nov. and Lactobacillus ultunensis sp. nov., isolated from human stomach mucosa.

In an attempt to study the composition of the Lactobacillus flora from mucosa of human stomach, 16S rRNA gene sequences of 129 isolates were analysed. For 15 of these, the results differed significantly from known sequences, and additional tests were performed to determine whether these isolates represented as yet unrecognized species. Phenotypic and genetic characteristics revealed that these isolates represented four novel Lactobacillus species. Two belong to the Lactobacillus reuteri and the other two to the Lactobacillus delbrueckii subgroup of Lactobacillus. The names Lactobacillus gastricus sp. nov., Lactobacillus antri sp. nov., Lactobacillus kalixensis sp. nov. and Lactobacillus ultunensis sp. nov. are proposed, with the respective type strains Kx156A7T (=LMG 22113T=DSM 16045T=CCUG 48454T), Kx146A4T (=LMG 22111T=DSM 16041T=CCUG 48456T), Kx127A2T (=LMG 22115T=DSM 16043T=CCUG 48459T) and Kx146C1T (=LMG 22117T=DSM 16047T=CCUG 48460T).

Bacterial Typing Techniques↗

PubMed2005

Inducible gene expression in Lactobacillus reuteri LTH5531 during type II sourdough fermentation.

Lactobacillus reuteri LTH5531 is a dominant member of the microbiota of type II sourdough fermentations. To investigate the genetic background of the ecological performance of LTH5531, in vivo expression technology was used to identify promoters that show elevated levels of expression during growth of this organism in a type II sourdough fermentation. Thirty-eight sourdough-induced fusions were detected, and 29 genes could be identified on the basis of the available sequence information. Four genes encoded stress-related functions (e.g., acid and general stress response), reflecting the harsh conditions prevailing during sourdough fermentation. Further, eight genes were involved in acquisition and synthesis of amino acids and nucleotides, indicating their limited availability in sourdough. The remaining genes were either part of functionally unrelated pathways or encoded hypothetical proteins. The identification of a putative proteinase and a component of the arginine deiminase pathway is of technological interest, as they are potentially involved in the formation of aroma precursors. Our study allowed insight into the transcriptional response of Lactobacillus reuteri to the dough environment, which establishes the molecular basis to investigate bacterial properties that are likely to contribute to the ecological performance of the organism and influence the final outcome of the fermentation.

Bacterial Proteins↗

PubMed2005

Evaluation of ergonomic interventions to reduce musculoskeletal disorders of dentists in the Netherlands.

OBJECTIVES: An ergonomic intervention program was implemented in the Netherlands to reduce musculo-skeletal disorders (MSDs) in dental clinics. The aim of this study was to improve preventional methods by evaluating the secondary prevention programme from the dentists' point of view; investigating the dentists ability to implement the recommendations; identifying barriers and facilitators for implementation; ascertaining whether implementation of these recommendations led to a perceived reduction of their MSD. METHOD: A questionnaire survey was conducted. The questionnaire, specially developed for this research was mailed to 57 dentists who went through the intervention program. They all returned the questionnaire. RESULTS: Over 50% of the dentists implemented the recommendations given during the intervention fully or nearly fully, and 40% implemented the recommendations partially. Barriers that made change difficult included changing old routines and financial aspects. Important facilitators were motivation, pain and individualized recommendations. The dentists saw a clear relation between their implementation of recommendations and a reduction in MSD.; 72% of the dentists reported a reduction or disappearance of the main complaint. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that even in a highly motivated group recommendations to reduce MSD will often be only partially implemented. This obviously influences the effectiveness of intervention programmes. Improving our understanding of barriers and facilitators to the implementation of ergonomic measures may result in a class of guidelines dealing with implementation issues.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Phage display reveals 52 novel extracellular and transmembrane proteins from Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 20016(T).

Extracellular and transmembrane proteins are important for the binding of bacteria to intestinal surfaces and for their interaction with the host. The aim of this study was to identify genes encoding extracellular and transmembrane proteins from the probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus reuteri by construction and screening of a phage display library. This library was constructed by insertion of randomly fragmented DNA from L. reuteri into the phagemid vector pG3DSS, which was previously developed for screening for extracellular proteins. After affinity selection of the library, the L. reuteri inserts were sequenced and analysed with bioinformatic tools. The screening resulted in the identification of 52 novel genes encoding extracellular and transmembrane proteins. These proteins were classified as: transport proteins; enzymes; sensor-regulator proteins; proteins involved in host/microbial interactions; conserved hypothetical proteins; and unconserved hypothetical proteins. Further characterization of the extracellular and transmembrane proteins identified should contribute to the understanding of the probiotic properties of L. reuteri.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2002

Magnetocardiographic and magnetic resonance imaging for noninvasive localization of ventricular arrhythmia origin in a model of nonischemic cardiomyopathy.

Ventricular arrhythmia may in myocardial failure arise as a consequence of remodeling related to hypertrophy and dilatation. In surgically repaired tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), which carries a substantial risk for ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death, the situation is even more complex and several potential arrhythmia mechanisms exist. The authors wanted to test a completely noninvasive localization technique, magnetocardiography (MCG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to define the origin of ventricular ectopic beats (VEBs) in this model of nonischemic cardiomyopathy. The study included 84 patients with surgically repaired TOF, all 11 subjects with VEBs Lown grade > or = 2 on a 24-hour Holter were included. From 37-channel MCG registrations, the underlying current dipole was computed for the VEBs, and for anatomic correlation MRIs were produced. Eight patients had VEBs of altogether 11 morphologies during the MCG recording. The RVOT was the origin of 6 VEBs, while 4 originated from the RV free wall, and 1 VEB could not be localized. Applying this completely noninvasive technique, it was possible to define different origins of RV ectopies in a complex heart model. Thus, VEBs originated from the RVOT, suggesting a relation to surgical scars and from the nonoperated parts of the RV, supporting that ventricular remodeling might be of equal importance for arrhythmogenesis in this model of cardiomyopathy. This technique can assist in answering the important question of whether there is any difference in prognostic information depending on the origin and related mechanism of VEBs in this and other high risk conditions.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Weissella soli sp. nov., a lactic acid bacterium isolated from soil.

Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene of bacterial isolates from garden soil showed relatedness to Weissella kandleri and Weissella confusa. However, the sequences had notable differences, and DNA-DNA hybridizations confirmed that the isolates are separate from these two species. The isolates could be further distinguished from all previously described Weissella species by electrophoretic analysis of whole-cell proteins, as well as by the results from different biochemical tests. The name Weissella soli is proposed for the new species, the type strain being Mi268T (= LMG 20113T = DSM 14420T).

Bacterial Proteins↗

PubMed2002

A high-molecular-mass cell-surface protein from Lactobacillus reuteri 1063 adheres to mucus components.

A gene from Lactobacillus reuteri 1063 encoding a cell-surface protein, designated Mub, that adheres to mucus components in vitro has been cloned and sequenced. The deduced amino acid sequence of Mub (358 kDa) shows the presence of 14 approximately 200 aa repeats and features typical for other cell-surface proteins of Gram-positive bacteria. Fusion proteins consisting of different repeats of Mub and the maltose-binding protein (MBP) were produced. These proteins adhered to pig mucus components, with molecular masses ranging from <0.1 to >2 MDa, to pig gastric mucin and to hen intestinal mucus. The binding of Mub to mucus components occurred in the pH range 3-7.4, with maximum binding at pH 4-5 and could be partly inhibited by the glycoprotein fetuin. Affinity-purified antibodies against recombinant Mub were used in immunofluorescence microscopy to demonstrate the presence of Mub on the cell surface of strain 1063. By using the antibodies in a Western blot analysis, Mub could also be detected in the growth medium. The results implicate Mub as a cell-surface protein that is involved in Lactobacillus interactions with mucin and in colonization of the digestive tract.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Structural and putative regulatory genes involved in cellulose synthesis in Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii.

Six genes involved in cellulose synthesis in Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii were identified using Tn5 mutagenesis. Four of them displayed homology to the previously cloned and sequenced Agrobacterium tumefaciens cellulose genes celA, celB, celC and celE. These genes are organized similarly in R. leguminosarum bv. trifolii. In addition, there were strong indications that two tandemly located genes, celR1 and celR2, probably organized as one operon, are involved in the regulation of cellulose synthesis. The deduced amino acid sequences of these genes displayed a high degree of similarity to the Caulobacter crescentus DivK and PleD proteins that belong to the family of two-component response regulators. This is to our knowledge the first report of genes involved in the regulation of cellulose synthesis. Results from attachment assays and electron microscopic studies indicated that cellulose synthesis in R. leguminosarum bv. trifolii is induced upon close contact with plant roots during the attachment process.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Waiting to get better: a dilemma regarding habits in daily occupations after stroke.

The purpose of this study was to explore and gain an understanding of how habits are experienced when performing daily occupations after a stroke. In-depth interviews were conducted with 7 participants and a constant comparative method was used for data analysis. Four men and three women with stroke between the ages of 42 and 82 years participated in the study. The interviews were conducted 1.5 to 7 months after the participants had been discharged from hospital to their home. The findings show that the participants experienced frustration when performing daily occupations because changes in their performance meant that former habits could not automatically be reestablished; daily occupations had to be re-organized and planned with greater deliberation than had been required prior to the stroke. In reestablishing their daily occupations, the participants experienced an ongoing conflict about whether or not to develop new habits. Although adaptation and change would be beneficial in the short-term, both also represented giving up possible improvements, and participants seemed to consider that their eventual recovery and independence would be compromised if they allowed themselves to alter their habits. This dilemma led to a sensation of waiting: waiting to get better, waiting for another solution and waiting for the treatment to make an impact. As a result, few new habits were established in daily occupations. The findings suggest that occupational therapists need to be aware of the dilemma clients may perceive regarding decisions about whether or not to adapt and develop new habits during poststroke recovery.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

An occupational perspective on the concept of participation in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health--some critical remarks.

The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF; World Health Organization, 2001) provides an international and interprofessional scientific basis for understanding and studying health. The concept of participation plays an important role in the classification and has become a central construct in health care, rehabilitation, and in occupational therapy. The aim of this paper is to provide a critical analysis of the concept of participation in the ICF. As background, the origins and current presentation of the ICF are presented. The use and function of the ICF and the contemporary discussions regarding the classification are reviewed. An occupational perspective on participation in the ICF reveals major shortcomings regarding the subjective experience of meaning and autonomy. Furthermore, the ICF has limitations in capturing different kinds of participation in a single life situation. Following these analyses we discuss the advantages and shortcomings of using the ICF, and how an occupational perspective can contribute to an ongoing discussion about the development of the ICF.

Activities of Daily Living↗