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Biomedical subjects

M Herranen

Publications and source records attributed to M Herranen.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

Effects of probiotic therapy on the activity and activation of mild rheumatoid arthritis--a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) on rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Twenty-one RA patients were randomised to receive 2 capsules of LGG or a placebo twice daily in double-blind fashion for 12 months. Arthritis activity was evaluated by clinical examination, HAQ index, and laboratory tests (e.g. ESR, CRP, pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines). RESULTS: There were no statistical differences in the clinical parameters, biochemical variables and HAQ index between the study groups over the intervention period. The mean number of tender and swollen joints decreased from 8.3 to 4.6 in the Lactobacillus group and from 5.5 to 4.8 in the placebo group (p = 0.41). According to the global assessment the RA activity was reduced in 71% (LGG group) vs. 30% (controls) (p = 0.15). Serum IL-1 beta increased slightly in the LGG group (p = 0.07), but no differences were seen in IL-6, TNF-alpha, MPO, IL-10 or 1L-12. CONCLUSIONS: Although there were no statistical significant differences in the activity of RA, more subjects in the LGG group reported subjective well being. More studies on the effects of probiotic bacteria in RA are needed.

Adolescent↗

Regulation of translation elongation in cyanobacteria: membrane targeting of the ribosome nascent-chain complexes controls the synthesis of D1 protein.

The photosystem II reaction centre protein D1 is encoded by the psbA gene. The D1 protein is stable in darkness but undergoes rapid turnover in the light. Here, we show that, in cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC6803, the synthesis of the D1 protein is regulated at the level of translation elongation in addition to the previously known transcriptional regulation. When Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 cells were transferred from light to darkness, the psbA mRNA remained abundant for hours. Cytosolic ribosomes were attached to psbA transcripts in the dark, and translation continued up to a distinct pausing site. However, ribosome nascent D1 chain complexes were not targeted to the thylakoid membrane, and no full-length D1 protein was produced in darkness. The arrest in translation elongation was released in the light, concomitantly with targeting of ribosome D1 nascent-chain complexes to the thylakoid membrane, allowing the synthesis of the full-length D1 protein. Downregulation of membrane targeting of ribosome complexes was also observed in the light if damage to the D1 protein was slow. This novel type of regulation of prokaryotic translation functions to balance the synthesis and degradation of the rapidly turning over photosystem II D1 protein in Synechocystis sp. PCC6803.

Cell Membrane↗

Understanding teamwork: another look at the concepts.

The interdisciplinary team is frequently utilized in the delivery of health care services. Considerable confusion surrounds the concept of teamwork. Three characteristics of teamwork are delineated to further the understanding of its structure and function. Integrative and coordinate teams are differentiated as models of practice. Implications for social work and nursing are highlighted.

Group Processes↗

Conflict in teamwork: understanding roles and relationships.

Out of the recognition that chronic renal failure has psychological and social as well as medical ramifications, the renal treatment team is composed of different professionals. As these disciplines respond to the psychosocial and medical dimensions, potential for role conflict arises. The paper focuses on this problem as it relates to the responsibilities of the social worker and the nurse clinician. The process is studied from the theoretical framework of role conflict, ambiguity, crisis, and resolution. A model of team development evolved from the study. Findings illustrate ways in which these conflicts can be minimized and clarified to enhance team functioning and improve services delivered to patients and their families.

Conflict, Psychological↗