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Biomedical subjects

Mikael Andersson

Publications and source records attributed to Mikael Andersson.

14 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

EMBL Nucleotide Sequence Database in 2006.

The EMBL Nucleotide Sequence Database (http://www.ebi.ac.uk/embl) at the EMBL European Bioinformatics Institute, UK, offers a large and freely accessible collection of nucleotide sequences and accompanying annotation. The database is maintained in collaboration with DDBJ and GenBank. Data are exchanged between the collaborating databases on a daily basis to achieve optimal synchrony. Webin is the preferred tool for individual submissions of nucleotide sequences, including Third Party Annotation, alignments and bulk data. Automated procedures are provided for submissions from large-scale sequencing projects and data from the European Patent Office. In 2006, the volume of data has continued to grow exponentially. Access to the data is provided via SRS, ftp and variety of other methods. Extensive external and internal cross-references enable users to search for related information across other databases and within the database. All available resources can be accessed via the EBI home page at http://www.ebi.ac.uk/. Changes over the past year include changes to the file format, further development of the EMBLCDS dataset and developments to the XML format.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed2006

How a lateralized brain supports symmetrical bimanual tasks.

A large repertoire of natural object manipulation tasks require precisely coupled symmetrical opposing forces by both hands on a single object. We asked how the lateralized brain handles this basic problem of spatial and temporal coordination. We show that the brain consistently appoints one of the hands as prime actor while the other assists, but the choice of acting hand is flexible. When study participants control a cursor by manipulating a tool held freely between the hands, the left hand becomes prime actor if the cursor moves directionally with the left-hand forces, whereas the right hand primarily acts if it moves with the opposing right-hand forces. In neurophysiological (electromyography, transcranial magnetic brain stimulation) and functional magnetic resonance brain imaging experiments we demonstrate that changes in hand assignment parallels a midline shift of lateralized activity in distal hand muscles, corticospinal pathways, and primary sensorimotor and cerebellar cortical areas. We conclude that the two hands can readily exchange roles as dominant actor in bimanual tasks. Spatial relationships between hand forces and goal motions determine hand assignments rather than habitual handedness. Finally, flexible role assignment of the hands is manifest at multiple levels of the motor system, from cortical regions all the way down to particular muscles.

Brain↗
PubMed2006

Control of the aeration volume in an activated sludge process using supervisory control strategies.

In this paper, a simulation benchmark of a pre-denitrifying activated sludge process is utilized in order to evaluate a supervisory aeration volume control strategy. The aeration volume control strategy has also been evaluated in a pilot plant at Hammarby Sjöstad in Stockholm, Sweden. The main idea has been to let the dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration in some of the aerated compartments be determined by a higher level controller driven by the DO concentration in other compartments. In this way, only sensors for measuring the DO concentrations are needed for the decision of time varying DO set-points. The high reliability of such sensors implies robust input values for the proposed control strategy. Moreover, it is known that the respiration rate is affected by the content of substrate and nitrogen in the compartments; therefore, the suggested manipulations of the DO set-points are indirectly determined by the current load into the plant. Compared to constant DO control and a supervisory DO set-point control strategy based on ammonium measurements in the last aerobic compartment, the suggested aeration volume control strategy could reduce the effluent nitrate and ammonium concentrations significantly without increasing the aeration energy.

Air↗
PubMed2006

EMBL Nucleotide Sequence Database: developments in 2005.

The EMBL Nucleotide Sequence Database (www.ebi.ac.uk/embl) at the EMBL European Bioinformatics Institute, UK, offers a comprehensive set of publicly available nucleotide sequence and annotation, freely accessible to all. Maintained in collaboration with partners DDBJ and GenBank, coverage includes whole genome sequencing project data, directly submitted sequence, sequence recorded in support of patent applications and much more. The database continues to offer submission tools, data retrieval facilities and user support. In 2005, the volume of data offered has continued to grow exponentially. In addition to the newly presented data, the database encompasses a range of new data types generated by novel technologies, offers enhanced presentation and searchability of the data and has greater integration with other data resources offered at the EBI and elsewhere. In stride with these developing data types, the database has continued to develop submission and retrieval tools to maximise the information content of submitted data and to offer the simplest possible submission routes for data producers. New developments, the submission process, data retrieval and access to support are presented in this paper, along with links to sources of further information.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Modelling the spread of penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae in day-care and evaluation of intervention.

In 1995, a disease control and intervention project was initiated in Malmöhus county in southern Sweden to limit the spread of penicillin-resistant pneumococci. Since most of the carriers of pneumococci are preschool children, and since most of the spread is believed to take place in day-care, a mathematical model, in the form of a stochastic process, for the spread in a day-care group was constructed. Effects of seasonal variation and size of the day-care group were particularly considered. The model was then used for comparing results from computer simulations without and with intervention. Results indicate that intervention is highly effective in day-care groups with more than ten children during the second half of the year.

Biometry↗
PubMed2005

Subchronic haloperidol increases CB(1) receptor binding and G protein coupling in discrete regions of the basal ganglia.

The present study was designed to test whether chronic neuroleptic treatment, which is known to alter both expression and density of dopamine D(2) receptors in striatal regions, has effects upon function and binding level of the cannabinoid CB(1) receptor in the basal ganglia by using receptor autoradiography. As predicted, subchronic haloperidol treatment resulted in increased binding of (3)H-raclopride and quinpirole-induced guanosine 5'-O-(gamma-[(35)S]thio)triphosphate ([(35)S]GTPgammaS) in the striatum when compared to that measured in control animals. This increased D(2) receptor binding and function after 3 days washout was normalized after a 2-week washout period. Effect of haloperidol treatment was studied for CB(1) receptor binding and CP55,940-stimulated [(35)S]GTPgammaS in the striatum, globus pallidus, and substantia nigra. (3)[H]CP55,940 binding levels were found in rank order from highest to lowest in substantia nigra > globus pallidus > striatum. Furthermore, subchronic haloperidol treatment resulted in elevated binding levels of (3)[H]CP55,940 in the striatum and the substantia nigra and CB(1) receptor-stimulated [(35)S]GTPgammaS bindings in the substantia nigra after 3 days washout. These increased binding levels were normalized at 1-4 weeks after termination of haloperidol treatment. Haloperidol treatment had no significant effect on CB(1) receptor or [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding levels in globus pallidus. The results help to elucidate the underlying biochemical mechanism of CB(1) receptor supersensitivity after haloperidol treatment.

Analgesics↗
PubMed2005

Cannabinoid action depends on phosphorylation of dopamine- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein of 32 kDa at the protein kinase A site in striatal projection neurons.

Herbal cannabis, smoked in the form of marihuana or hashish, is the most common illicit drug consumed in the Western world. In the brain, cannabinoids interact with neuronal CB1 receptors, thereby producing a marked reduction of motor activity. Here, we report that the motor depressant effect produced by the cannabinoid receptor agonist (-)-cis-3-[2-hydroxy-4-(1,1-dimethylheptyl)phenyl]trans-4-(3-hydroxypropyl)cyclohexanol (CP55,940) is attenuated by genetic inactivation of the dopamine- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein of 32 kDa (DARPP-32), which is abundantly expressed in the medium spiny neurons of the striatum. Point mutation of Thr34, the protein kinase A (PKA) phosphorylation site of DARPP-32, produces a similar reduction in the effect of the CB1 agonist. In contrast, point mutation of Thr75, a site on DARPP-32 specifically phosphorylated by cyclin-dependent kinase 5, does not affect the behavioral response to CP55,940. Activation of CB1 receptors, either by an agonist or by inhibition of reuptake of endogenous cannabinoids, stimulates phosphorylation at Thr34, thereby converting DARPP-32 into an inhibitor of protein phosphatase-1. Genetic inactivation either of dopamine D2 receptors or of adenosine A2A receptors reduces the phosphorylation of DARPP-32 at Thr34 and the motor depression produced by CP55,940. Our data indicate that a considerable proportion of the psychomotor effect of cannabinoids can be accounted for by a signaling cascade in striatal projection neurons involving PKA-dependent phosphorylation of DARPP-32, achieved via modulation of dopamine D2 and adenosine A2A transmission.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Economic assessment of the negative impacts of ozone on crop yields and forest production. A case study of the estate Ostads Säteri in southwestern Sweden.

Ground level ozone concentrations, in combination with the prevailing climate, at the estate Ostads Säteri in southwestern Sweden were estimated to reduce the yield of wheat and potato ranging between 5% and 10%. Occasionally, in years with the highest ozone concentrations and/or climatic conditions favoring high rates of ozone uptake to the leaves, yield loss levels above 10% may occur. Based on simple extrapolation, these ozone-induced reductions of crop yields at Ostads Säteri represent a potential total annual yield loss in Sweden in the range of 24.5 million Euro for wheat and 7.3 million Euro for potato, respectively. A simulation of forest growth at Ostad Säteri predicted that prevailing mean ozone exposure during 1993-2003 had the potential to reduce forest growth by 2.2% and the economic return of forest production by 2.6%. Using this value for extrapolation to the national level, the potential annual economic loss for Sweden due to negative impacts of ozone on forest production would be in the range of 56 million Euro (2004 prices).

Agriculture↗
PubMed2004

Surface chemical analysis of carbohydrate materials used for chromatography media by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry.

The surface chemical structure of two raw materials (agarose and dextran) and four base matrixes used in the manufacture of chromatography media were analyzed using time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS). The results show that the small differences in molecular structure between these materials result in significant differences in the TOF-SIMS spectra and that these differences can be identified and quantified using either of two different approaches. In a novel approach, fragment ion distributions were extracted from the TOF-SIMS spectra for each material, providing an immediate and systematic overview of the spectral features. Difference fragment distributions were used to highlight spectral differences between the materials. The results of the fragment ion distribution analysis, in terms of identification and quantification of spectral variations between different materials, were found to be in agreement with the results from a principal component analysis using the same set of data. Both methods were found capable of (i) distinguishing between agarose and dextran and (ii) detecting and quantifying the degree of cross-linking present in the four base matrix materials. In addition, using a deuterated chemical cross-linker, it was possible to identify spectral features specifically connected to the cross-link molecular structure.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2004

Chemical characterisation of different separation media based on agarose by static time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry.

In this paper, the novel application of time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) for qualitative and semi-quantitative investigation of the surface chemistry of separation media based on beaded agarose is reported. Five different media were studied: DEAE Sepharose Fast Flow, Q Sepharose Fast Flow, SP Sepharose Fast Flow, Phenyl Sepharose Fast Flow at ligand densities between 7 and 33% (w/w) and the base matrix Sepharose 6 Fast Flow. The obtained TOF-SIMS spectra reveal significant chemical information regarding the ligands (DEAE, Q, SP and Phenyl) which are covalently attached to the agarose-based matrix Sepharose 6 Fast Flow. For the anion-exchange media (DEAE and Q Sepharose Fast Flow), the positive TOF-SIMS spectra yielded several strong characteristic fragment peaks from the amine ligands. Structural information was obtained, e.g. from the peak at m/z 173.20, originating from the ion structure [(C2H5)2NCH2CH2NH(C2H5)2l+, which shows that the ligand in DEAE Sepharose Fast Flow is composed of both tertiary and quaternary amines. The positive spectrum of Phenyl Sepharose Fast Flow contained major fragments both from the base matrix and the ligand. The cation-exchanger (SP Sepharose Fast Flow) gave rise to a positive spectrum resembling that of the base matrix (Sepharose 6 Fast Flow) but with a different intensity pattern of the matrix fragments. In addition, peaks with low intensity at m/z 109.94, 125.94 and 139.95 corresponding to Na2SO2+, Na2SO3+ and Na2SO3CH2+, respectively, were observed. The positive TOF-SIMS spectrum of Sepharose 6 Fast Flow contains a large number of fragments in the mass range up to m/z 200 identified as CxHyOz and CxHy structures. The results clearly show that positive TOF-SIMS spectra of different media based on Sepharose 6 Fast Flow are strongly influenced by the ligand coupled to the matrix. The negative TOF-SIMS spectra contained several ligand-specific, characteristic peaks for the cation-exchanger, having sulphonate as the ion-exchange group. Negative fragments such as S-, SO-, SO2-, SO3-, C2H3SO3-, C3H5SO3- and OC3H5SO3- were observed. Phenyl Sepharose Fast Flow, which has an uncharged group (Phenyl) coupled to the agarose matrix yielded one ligand-related peak corresponding to the C6H5O- fragment. DEAE and Q ligands could only be identified by the appearance of the fragments CN- and CNO- in the negative spectrum. However, a strong peak corresponding to the counter ion (Cl-) was observed. TOF-SIMS analysis can also be used for the investigation of residues from the coupling procedure that bonds the ligands to the matrix. One example is the observation of bromine peaks in the negative spectrum of Q Sepharose Fast Flow. Furthermore, it has also been shown that different ligand concentrations of Phenyl Sepharose Fast Flow can easily be detected by TOF-SIMS analysis. Information regarding the difference between the ligand density on the surface of the beads and in the bulk can also be obtained. However, spectra registered on the outermost surface and on the pore surface (crushed beads) of DEAE Sepharose Fast Flow clearly show that the agarose and the DEAE groups are homogeneously distributed in the beads.

Mass Spectrometry↗
PubMed2003

Study of developed resistance due to antibiotic treatment of coagulase-negative Staphylococci.

Coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CoNS) are a major cause of postoperative infections. These infections are often associated with foreign material implants and/or a compromised immune system in the patient. Multiresistant strains are increasingly common in the hospital environment and there is concern that the infections will become difficult or impossible to treat. This report is based on a study of 75 patients, with postoperative infections caused by CoNS after thoracic surgery. All patients were treated with surgical revision and antibiotic therapy. One or more bacterial cultures were made in each case, and the resistance pattern of the CoNS found was determined. The goal of the study was to evaluate possible relationships between antibiotic therapy and the appearance of resistance to antibiotics in CoNS found. To describe this relationship, three models were constructed and analyzed by multiple logistic regression. The results indicate an increased resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and clindamycin after the use of cephalosporins. Also, the use of vancomycin or vancomycin in combination with rifampicin or fusidic acid increases the risk for development of resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics, ciprofloxacin, fusidic acid, clindamycin, netilmycin, and rifampicin. The hypothesis that a combination of antibiotics will curtail the development of resistance was not supported in this study.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2002

Long-range electron transfer in porphyrin-containing [2]-rotaxanes: tuning the rate by metal cation coordination.

A series of [2]-rotaxanes has been synthesized in which two Zn(II)-porphyrins (ZnP) electron donors were attached as stoppers on the rod. A macrocycle attached to a Au(III)-porphyrin (AuP+) acceptor was threaded on the rod. By selective excitation of either porphyrin, we could induce an electron transfer from the ZnP to the AuP+ unit that generated the same ZnP*+-AuP* charge-transfer state irrespective of which porphyrin was excited. Although the reactants were linked only by mechanical or coordination bonds, electron-transfer rate constants up to 1.2x10(10) x s(-1) were obtained over a 15-17 A edge-to-edge distance between the porphyrins. The resulting charge-transfer state had a relatively long lifetime of 10-40 ns and was formed in high yield (>80%) in most cases. By a simple variation of the link between the reactants, viz. a coordination of the phenanthroline units on the rotaxane rod and ring by either Ag+ or Cu+, we could enhance the electron-transfer rate from the ZnP to the excited 3AuP+. We interpret our data in terms of an enhanced superexchange mechanism with Ag+ and a change to a stepwise hopping mechanism with Cu+, involving the oxidized Cu(phen)22+ unit as a real intermediate. When the ZnP unit was excited instead, electron transfer from the excited 1ZnP to AuP+ was not affected, or even slowed, by Ag+ or Cu+. We discuss this asymmetry in terms of the different orbitals involved in mediating the reaction in an electron- and a hole-transfer mechanism. Our results show the possibility to tune the rates of electron transfer between noncovalently linked reactants by a convenient modification of the link. The different effect of Ag+ and Cu+ on the rate with ZnP and AuP+ excitation shows an additional possibility to control the electron-transfer reactions by selective excitation. We also found that coordination of the Cu+ introduced an energy-transfer reaction from 1ZnP to Cu(phen)2+ (k = 5.1x10(9) x s(-1)) that proceeded in competition with electron transfer to AuP+ and was followed by a quantitative energy transfer to give the 3ZnP state (k = 1.5x10(9) x s(-1)).

Cations↗