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Biomedical subjects

M Nieminen

Publications and source records attributed to M Nieminen.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

Efficacy of very low dose perindopril 2 mg/indapamide 0.625 mg combination on left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertensive patients: the P.I.C.X.E.L. study rationale and design.

The PICXEL study is designed to evaluate the effects of long-term administration of very low-dose combination perindopril 2 mg/indapamide 0.625 mg (Per/Ind) vs enalapril in reducing left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in hypertensive patients. This multicentre, controlled, randomised, double-blind, parallel group study is carried-out to assess the variation of left ventricular mass index (LVMI) after treatment, using a centralised control of M-mode echocardiography determinations, and a dedicated software for semi-automatic measurement. Following a 4-week placebo run-in period, hypertensive outpatients aged >/=18 years, with LVH (LVMI >120 and 100 g/m(2) for men and women, respectively), are randomised to receive once daily, over 52 weeks, either Per/Ind or enalapril. According to blood pressure levels, the dose may be adjusted. In addition to clinical examinations, ECG, blood pressure, heart rate and laboratory assessments echocardiographic determinations are performed for selection, at baseline, after 24 weeks and at the end of the study. The main outcome criteria is the change from baseline in LVMI which is considered the primary efficacy criterion; changes in blood pressure and echo-Doppler parameters constitute secondary criteria. Two-sided Student's t-test for independent samples will be used to differentiate the effects of the treatment between groups with alpha = 5%, and the inter-group difference of LVMI variation will be analysed with a power of 90%. A sample size of 500 patients is required making it necessary to randomise at least 550 patients, based on a 10% proportion of potentially non-assessable patients. The results of this study, obtained after applying strict methodological procedures and requirements, are expected to provide valuable and reliable information on the effects of long-term administration of Per/Ind on LVH, and on its potential superiority over enalapril.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors↗
PubMed2002

The prevalence of asthma and asthma-like symptoms among adults in rural Beijing, China.

No data have been reported on the prevalence of asthma in rural areas of China. The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence of asthma-like symptoms, reported asthma and reported asthma attacks in rural Beijing, China, and to compare the prevalence in 20-44-yr-old participants with those reported for Canada and the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS). For a cross-sectional survey, 30 villages were randomly selected in the counties of Shunyi and Tongxian, 50 km north and east respectively of the city of Beijing and within the municipality of Beijing. The International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease questionnaire on bronchial symptoms translated into Chinese was completed by village doctors for each individual of >15 yrs. The survey was completed by 22,561 individuals, representing 98% of the eligible population. The prevalence of asthma-like symptoms and reported asthma attacks was higher in females than in males and increased with age. Smoking significantly increased the prevalence of symptoms; the effect in females was greater than in males. Among the 20-44-yr-olds, the prevalence of reported asthma attacks in the previous 12 months was 0.67% in rural Beijing, very much lower than that reported in ECRHS centres (3.1%), urban Canada (6.9%) and semirural Canada (5.1%), after adjusting for age and sex. The prevalence of asthma-like symptoms was also very low in rural Beijing compared with ECRHS centres and Canada. It is concluded that the prevalence of asthma-like symptoms and reported asthma was low in rural China compared with other countries, consistent with reports of the relative scarcity of asthma in farms and the "hygiene hypothesis".

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Human inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) survivin participates in regulation of chromosome segregation and mitotic exit.

A signaling cascade termed the "spindle checkpoint" monitors interactions between the kinetochores of chromosomes and spindle microtubules to prevent precocious separation of sister chromatids. We have investigated the role of human inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) surviving in regulation of cell division. We demonstrate that HeLa and PtK1 cells transfected or microinjected with surviving anti-sense oligonucleotides produce significantly more polyploid and micronucleated progeny cells and show abortive mitosis when treated with spindle poisons. Furthermore, perturbation of surviving function in HeLa and PtK1 cells with anti-surviving antibodies at the beginning of mitosis affects the normal timing of separation of sister chromatids and disturbs the 3F3/2 phosphoepitope-recognized tension sensing mechanism of the spindle checkpoint. This leads to premature separation of sister chromatids, which results in an uneven distribution of chromosomes between the newly formed progeny cells-an event associated with tumor formation in many cell types. Finally, cells injected with anti-surviving antibody exit mitotic block induced with microtubule drugs. Our data suggest that surviving protein may function within the spindle checkpoint pathway.

Antibodies↗
PubMed2001

Muscle fibre growth in undernourished reindeer calves (Rangifer tarandus tarandus L.) during winter.

To study whether moderate under-nutrition causes muscle wasting, reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus L.) calves were fed either pelleted reindeer feed ad libitum (n=8) or restricted amounts of lichens (n=8). The restricted amount was 60% of ad libitum intake of lichens, and the feeding period was 6 weeks preceded by a 2-week adjustment period. Biopsy samples from the middle gluteal muscle (M. gluteus medius) for the analysis of fibre composition and area, as well as for the activity of cathepsin B were taken before the restriction period in November and January, and after the restriction period in April. In all calves the muscle fibre composition remained unchanged during the winter. In the lichen group, the fibre size also remained unchanged, whereas in control calves the cross sectional area of type I and type IIA fibres increased significantly from November to April. Cathepsin B activity decreased in all calves from November to January and remained at that low level for the rest of the study period, which suggests an attenuated rate of protein degradation. These results can be taken as an indication that moderate under-nutrition causes no muscle wasting in reindeer calves, and the decreased availability of nitrogen is partially compensated for by adaptive decrease in protein degradation. Interestingly the adaptive changes in protein metabolism are equally well seen in the well-fed controls as in the undernourished lichen-fed reindeer.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

The effect of wintertime undernutrition on the fatty acid composition of leg bone marrow fats in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus L.).

We studied the effects of wintertime undernutrition on the fatty acid composition of bone marrow triacylglycerols (TAGs) of legs in freely-ranging reindeer calves (<1 year) and adult hinds by comparing reindeer in poor condition slaughtered in February with reindeer in good condition slaughtered in October. Significant reductions were found in the proportions of the major monounsaturated fatty acid, or oleic acid, and in linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids in the femur TAGs of the undernourished reindeer as compared with the reindeer in good condition. As a result of these changes, the unsaturation index (UI) of the femur TAGs was reduced by 11% both in the calves and hinds. Similarly, there were also significant reductions in the proportions of oleic and linoleic acid in the metatarsal TAGs in the undernourished hinds, but only in linoleic acid in the calves. The UI of the metatarsal TAGs of the hinds was reduced by 7%, but that of the calves remained unchanged. The results suggest selective mobilization of oleic acid and the principal C18-polyunsaturated fatty acids from bone marrow TAGs in the undernourished reindeer during winter. These changes decrease the unsaturation degree of bone marrow fats, and, if advanced, may impair their fluidity and the functioning of the legs in the cold.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2001

Malignancies after heart transplantation: presence of Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus.

The presence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human papilloma virus (HPV), and cytomegalovirus (CMV) was studied in 20 patients who developed malignancies after heart transplantation in the Helsinki University Central Hospital. The tumors were analyzed for the presence of HPV by polymerase chain reaction and for EBV by in situ hybridization. Clinical CMV infection was verified by immunochemical quantitation of CMV antigen in peripheral blood cells. HPV was detected in one of the eight epithelial malignant tumors studied. Three of the six lymphomas were positive for EBV. Two (67%) of 3 patients with EBV-positive lymphomas and one (33%) of the other three lymphomas but only 2 (14%) of 14 patients who developed other malignancies had a history of a manifest post-transplantation CMV infection prior to the development of malignancy. These results confirm the presence of EBV in lymphomas of heart transplant recipients and suggest that CMV might have a contributory role in the development of EBV-associated lymphomas.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Rationale, design, methods and baseline demography of participants of the Anglo-Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial. ASCOT investigators.

OBJECTIVE: To test the primary hypothesis that a newer antihypertensive treatment regimen (calcium channel blocker +/- an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor) is more effective than an older regimen (beta-blocker +/- a diuretic) in the primary prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD). To test a second primary hypothesis that a statin compared with placebo will further protect against CHD endpoints in hypertensive subjects with a total cholesterol < or = 6.5 mmol/l. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, open, blinded endpoint trial with a double-blinded 2 x 2 factorial component. SETTING: Patients were recruited mainly from general practices. PATIENTS: Men and women aged 40-79 were eligible if their blood pressure was > or = 160 mmHg systolic or > or = 100 mmHg diastolic (untreated) or > or = 140 mmHg systolic or > or = 90 mmHg diastolic (treated) at randomization. INTERVENTIONS: Patients received either amlodipine (5/ 10 mg) +/- perindopril (4/8 mg) or atenolol (50/ 100 mg) +/- bendroflumethiazide (1.25/2.5 mg) +K+ with further therapy as required to reach a blood pressure of < or = 140 mmHg systolic and 90 mmHg diastolic. Patients with a total cholesterol of < or = 6.5 mmol/l were further randomized to receive either atorvastatin 10 mg or placebo daily. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) and fatal coronary heart disease (CHD). RESULTS: 19 342 men and women were initially randomized, of these 10297 were also randomized into the lipid-lowering limb. All patients had three or more additional cardiovascular risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: The study has 80% power (at the 5% level) to detect a relative difference of 20% in CHD endpoints between the calcium channel blocker-based regimen and the beta-blocker-based regimen. The lipid-lowering limb of the study has 90% power at the 1% level to detect a relative difference of 30% in CHD endpoints between groups.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗
PubMed2001

Lactate-transport activity in RBCs of trained and untrained individuals from four racing species.

In red blood cells (RBC) of horses, both lactate-transport activity and lactate accumulation during races vary interindividually. To study whether similar variation in lactate transport is apparent also in RBCs of other racing species, blood samples were collected from 21 reindeer, 40 horses, 31 humans, and 38 dogs. Total lactate-transport activity was measured at 10 and 30 mM concentrations, and the roles of the monocarboxylate-transporter (MCT) and the inorganic anion-exchange transporter (band-3 protein) were studied with inhibitors. In the reindeer and in one-third of the horses, lactate transport was low and mediated mainly by band-3 protein and nonionic diffusion. In the humans, dogs, and the remaining two-thirds of the horses, lactate transport was high and MCT was the main transporter. No correlation existed between MCT activity and the athleticism of the species. In the horses and humans, training had no effect on lactate transport, but in the reindeer and sled dogs, training increased total lactate transport. These results show that among the racing species studied, only in horses was the distribution of lactate-transport activity bimodal, and the possible connection between RBC lactate and performance capacity, especially in this species, warrants further studies.

4,4'-Diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-Disulfonic Acid↗
PubMed2000

Doppler radar detection of exceptional mass-migration of aphids into Finland.

Our objective was to detect mass migrations of insects of economic significance by insect traps and a Doppler weather radar. Migrants were sampled by suction traps, tow nets and light traps in the Helsinki region. We used radar to observe the migrating insects, and trajectories to backtrack mass migrations of aphids (Homoptera, Aphididae) in spring 1988. The aphid migrations were clearly observed in trap catches and by radar. The first migration, mainly involving Euceraphis betulae, occurred on 18 May and was tracked back to northern Poland. The second migration, mainly of Rhopalosiphum padi (a serious pest of small-grain cereals), occurred 3 days later and was tracked back to a large area covering Latvia and western Russia south of St Petersburg. The third migration included both E. betulae and R. padi, and took place on 30 May. It originated from Estonia. Neither trap nor radar data provide exact quantitative information on migrations. Trapping efficiency depends strongly on wind speed and insect size. Radar echo intensity is very strongly related to the sizes of insects in the large volume of air measured, and the sizes are not known accurately. Weather data, especially temperature, can be used in predicting the development of aphids, and air-parcel trajectories in estimating the source areas of migrants. These methods for forecasting aphid migrations, combined with radar observations, are useful for warning purposes and to intensify insect trapping. This would contribute to more efficient agricultural pest management.

Agriculture↗
PubMed2000

The effects of a prolonged undernutrition on serum lipids and fatty acid composition of reindeer calves during winter and spring.

We examined the effects of undernutrition on lipid metabolism in reindeer (<1 year) during mid-winter and spring, with particular focus on the proportions of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in major serum lipids. The reindeer (n=8) were fed their winter feed, lichen, ad libitum for 5 weeks, followed by 40% restriction of energy for 8 weeks and refeeding to normal for 6 weeks. The concentrations of major serum lipids, cholesterol and phospholipids decreased significantly during the ad libitum period (by 50 and 44%, respectively). The proportion of major PUFA, linoleic acid in serum cholesteryl esters, decreased from 48.2 to 38.4% during the ad libitum period (P < 0.01), and to 29.2% during the restriction period (P < 0.001). The proportion of linoleic acid in phospholipids decreased from 27.9 to 15.6% during the ad libitum period (P < 0. 001), and to 13.0% during the restriction (P < 0.01). Also alpha-linolenic acid in the major lipids decreased significantly during the ad libitum and restriction periods. The decreases in the major lipids and linoleic acid were reversed during the refeeding. The control group (n=8) which was fed high-quality concentrates ad libitum gained weight most of the spring but showed similar although slower decreases in the major serum lipids and PUFAs than the lichen group. Our results indicate that feeding reindeer on lichen during winter leads to the retardation of growth and reductions in major serum lipids and their principal C18-PUFA proportions. The decreased proportions of the principal PUFAs most probably reflect their low dietary intake but may have been modified also by seasonal factors.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Age, dental infections, and coronary heart disease.

Epidemiological and intervention studies have suggested that infections are risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD). Dental infections have appeared as cardiovascular risk factors in cross-sectional and in follow-up studies, and the association has been independent of the "classic" coronary risk factors. This case-control study aimed at detailed assessment of the dental pathology found in various CHD categories (including elderly patients). Altogether, 85 patients with proven coronary heart disease and 53 random controls, matched for sex, age, geographic area, and socio-economic status, were compared with regard to dental status, assessed blindly with four separate scores, and to the "classic" coronary risk factors (seven of the controls had CHD, and they were not included in the analyses). The dental indices were higher among CHD patients than in the controls, but, contrary to previous studies, the differences were not significant (between the CHD patients and their matched controls or among the different CHD categories). This result could not be explained by potential confounding factors. The participants in the present study were older and had more often undergone recent dental treatment in comparison with subjects in our earlier studies. Age correlated with the severity of dental infections only in the random controls but not in the coronary patients who, although young, already had high dental scores. We believe that the higher age of the participants in the present study is the most likely reason for the results. Other possible explanations include an age-related selection bias among older CHD patients, and the fact that those participating in studies like this may have better general health and thus also less severe dental infections. Thus, the role of dental infections as a coronary risk factor varies according to the characteristics of the population studied.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1999

Neuropeptide FF and modulation of pain.

Neuropeptide FF (NPFF) and the related longer peptide neuropeptide AF (NPAF) derive from a single gene in several mammalian species. The gene product is expressed mainly in the CNS, where the posterior pituitary and dorsal spinal cord contain the highest concentrations. Evidence from biochemical and immunohistochemical studies combined with in situ hybridization using NPFF gene-specific probes suggest that all NPFF-like peptides may not derive from the characterized NPFF gene, but that other genes can exist which give rise to related peptides. Intraventricular NPFF exerts antiopioid effects, but intrathecal NPFF potentiates the analgesic effects of morphine. NPFF mRNA expression is upregulated in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord after carrageenan-induced inflammation in the hind paw of the rat, but not in the neuropathic pain model induced by ligation of the spinal roots. NPFF produces a submodality-selective potentiation of the antinociceptive effect induced by brain stem stimulation in the spinal cord during inflammation, and this effect is independent of naloxone-sensitive opioid receptors. In neuropathic animals, NPFF injected into the periaqueductal grey produces a significant attenuation of tactile allodynia, which is not modulated by naloxone. NPFF thus modulates pain sensation and morphine analgesia under normal and pathological conditions through both spinal and brain mechanisms.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Autoimmune regulator is expressed in the cells regulating immune tolerance in thymus medulla.

The AIRE gene (autoimmune regulator), coding for a putative transcriptional regulatory factor, is mutated in autoimmune-polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis ectodermal dystrophy (APECED). We have investigated the expression of the AIRE gene by mRNA in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry in various human tissues. Here we show that AIRE is expressed in distinct cells in thymus medulla, and also in rare cells in lymph node paracortex and medulla, and in spleen and fetal liver, but not in the target organs of autoimmune destruction. Double immunofluorescence studies revealed that in thymus medulla both epithelial (cytokeratin positive) and non-epithelial cells expressed AIRE. Subcellularly, AIRE was localised in nuclear dots in thymus and lymph node and also in transfected cells. The cellular localisation of AIRE and its nuclear localisation, compatible with its predicted protein domains, suggest that AIRE may regulate the mechanisms involved in the induction and maintenance of immune tolerance.

Biomarkers↗
PubMed1999

A prospective study of bone loss and turnover after cardiac transplantation: effect of calcium supplementation with or without calcitonin.

Cardiac transplantation exposes recipients to osteoporosis and increased risk of consequent fractures. The purpose of the present study was to examine the magnitude, timing and mechanism of bone loss following cardiac transplantation, and to establish whether bone loss can be prevented by calcium with or without calcitonin. Thirty patients (29 men, 1 woman), aged 26-68 years (mean 48 years), were randomized into three groups of 10 to receive either no additional treatment, oral calcium 1 g twice daily for 12 months or the same dose of calcium plus intranasal calcitonin 400 IU/day for the first month and then 200 IU/day for 11 months. Bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine and three femoral sites (femoral neck, trochanter, Ward's triangle) was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at the time of transplantation and 6 and 12 months later. Markers of bone formation [serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (B-ALP), type I procollagen carboxyterminal propeptide (PICP) and aminoterminal propeptide (PINP)] and resorption [serum type I collagen carboxyterminal telopeptide (ICTP)], as well as serum testosterone in men, were assayed before transplantation and at 1 week and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after transplantation. During the first 6 post-transplant months BMD calculated as a percent change from baseline decreased in the control group by 6.4% (p = 0.014) in the lumbar spine, by 6.0% (p = 0.003) in the femoral neck, by 5.0% (p = 0.003) in the trochanter and by 5.5% (p = 0.130) in Ward's triangle. Between 6 and 12 months a further decline in BMD occurred only at the three femoral sites, ranging from 2.2% to 9.8% (p = 0.004-0.079). In comparison with the control group, the group receiving calcium alone lost less bone in the trochanter between 0 and 6 months (p = 0.019), and the group receiving calcium together with calcitonin lost less bone in the femoral neck (p = 0.068) and Ward's triangle (p = 0.076) between 0 and 12 months. Seven (28%) of 25 assessable patients experienced vertebral compression fractures. Calcium with or without calcitonin had no effect on changes in biochemical parameters; consequently, the three study groups were combined. The markers of bone formation increased, the elevations in mean values being 59% for B-ALP at 1 month (p = 0.009), 152% for PICP at 1 week (p < 0. 0001) and 27% for PINP at 1 week (p = 0.021). After a temporary decline at 3 months B-ALP (p = 0.0002) and PINP (p < 0.0001) at 1 year were nearly doubled compared with baseline values. Throughout the study the marker of bone resorption, serum ICTP, was above normal, with a peak (mean values 67-69% above baseline) at 1 week (p = 0.0002) to 1 month (p < 0.0001). The mean concentration of total testosterone was decreased by 48% (p < 0.0001) 1 week and by 28% (p = 0.0005) 1 month after transplantation, but this was mainly explained by the concomitant drop in serum albumin. High bone turnover underlies bone loss after cardiac transplantation. Bone loss is most rapid during the first 6 post-transplant months. In the upper femur this bone loss may be reduced by treatment with calcium and calcitonin.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Effects of immobilization with medetomidine and reversal with atipamezole on blood chemistry of semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus L.) in autumn and late winter.

Blood chemistry was studied in 8 adult female reindeer, of which 5 were pregnant. Half of them received only medetomidine (150 micrograms/kg i.m.) and half of them medetomidine and atipamezole (750 micrograms/kg) in March. Three weeks later the drug regimens were reversed. The same procedure was carried out during the next September and October. Seasonal differences in pretreatment values could be seen in serum urea, phosphorous, and cholesterol, with the highest concentrations during the autumn; and creatinine, ASAT, ALAT, and CK values, which were higher in the non-pregnant reindeer in late winter. Their low-protein and low-energy diet during the winter explains most of the differences. Increased enzyme activities in serum indicate decreased membrane stability of certain organs in late winter, possibly due to nutritional deficiencies. Treatment effects could be seen in several parameters. The increase in blood glucose and decrease in serum FFA were most probably due to alpha 2-adrenoceptor activation, which inhibits insulin release and lipolysis. These effects were partly or totally inhibited after treatment with the antagonist atipamezole. The earlier increase in serum CK and ASAT activities in those receiving atipamezole can be explained by increased tissue perfusion due to atipamezole itself and the fact that these animals stood up and began to move much earlier than did those which received medetomidine only. A significant decrease in serum Na+, K+, Cl-, Pi, cholesterol, total Ca, and total protein concentration observed during the first 10 to 40 min of the medetomidine sedation could be explained by possible haemodilution and diuresis. More effective metabolism of medetomidine in autumn could explain the shorter recovery times of reindeer receiving only medetomidine and most of the differences in treatment effects between the seasons: faster increase in protein and cholesterol concentrations after the decrease, and the antagonistic effect of atipamezole on glucose and Pi changes in autumn. Based on these results, medetomidine seems to be a good sedation agent for reindeer both in autumn and in late winter; the effects of medetomidine can be rather effectively antagonized by atipamezole.

Adrenergic alpha-Agonists↗
PubMed1998

Ivermectin treatment did not increase slaughter weight of first-year reindeer calves.

To investigate if antiparasitic treatment of reindeer calves during the summer could increase their carcass weight during the slaughter period in autumn and winter, 529 reindeer calves were allocated to three groups, weighed, and marked with individually numbered plastic ear tags in early July, 1995. One of the groups was left untreated, another was treated with ivermectin injection at 200 micrograms/kg, and the third with pour-on ivermectin at 500 micrograms/kg. Following slaughter, carcass weights were received from 231 animals, and there was no difference between the treatment groups.

Animals↗