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Biomedical subjects

R Gustafson

Publications and source records attributed to R Gustafson.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

Characterization of Haemophilus influenzae isolates from the respiratory tract of patients with primary antibody deficiencies: evidence for persistent colonizations.

A total of 117 consecutive patients with primary antibody deficiencies were followed for up to 5 years with regard to acute respiratory tract infections. Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHI) was the sole pathogen in 61% (202/330) of the samples from which a potential pathogen was recovered. Common variable immunodeficiency (CVI) was the most prevalent condition (27/39 patients) in the group where H. influenzae was isolated. In patients where H. influenzae was not found only 9/78 patients had CVI. 49 of these 78 patients had isolated IgG3 or IgA deficiency. Both of these entities seemed to be associated with a lower prevalence of NTHI infections. 13 of 18 patients with at least 2 isolates of NTHI were colonized with the same strain from 3 to 43 months as shown by total genomic DNA-fingerprinting. Recurrent symptomatic infections occurred in these patients despite substitution therapy with gammaglobulins and repeated antibiotic treatments. All but 2 of the 224 H. influenzae isolates were beta-lactamase negative and sensitive to ampicillin. The use of 10 lipopolysaccharide-specific monoclonal antibodies in a whole cell ELISA showed that the LPS-epitopes on the 224 H. influenzae isolates from the hypogammaglobulinemic group were very similar to 499 NTHI isolates from immunocompetent patients with respiratory infections. One may therefore conclude that i) patients with CVI, were prone to be permanently colonized with NTHI, and ii) the colonizing bacteria were ordinary strains showing the same LPS-phenotypes as those strains that cause acute respiratory tract infections in immunocompetent individuals.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato infection in Ixodes ricinus in Sweden.

Between 1988-1991, a total of 3,141 Ixodes ricinus ticks, 2,740 adults and 401 nymphs, was collected from different localities in 23 of the 25 provinces of Sweden. The ticks were identified, dissected and examined for the presence of Borrelia spirochetes. Indirect immunofluorescence was performed, using an antiserum obtained from rabbits, immunized with sonicated, whole Borrelia burgdorferi spirochetes isolated from Swedish Ixodes ricinus ticks. Borrelia-positive I. ricinus were found in all 23 provinces. The prevalence of infection in adults ranged from 3% in Jämtland to 23% in Södermanland. In nymphs, the infection prevalence ranged from 0% in 9 provinces to 15% in Södermanland. A significantly greater proportion of the adult ticks were found to be positive for Borrelia in the southern and central parts of Sweden as compared to the northern part (Norrland). No significant difference in prevalence could be demonstrated between the western and eastern parts of Sweden. On average, 10% of the nymphs and 15% of the adult I. ricinus were positive for Borrelia. Of 41 non-I. ricinus ticks, none was positive for Borrelia. This study shows that Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato is present throughout the distributional area of I. ricinus in Sweden. This should lead to increased awareness of signs and symptoms compatible with Lyme borreliosis in persons living in or visiting areas where I. ricinus is present.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Epidemiological studies of Lyme borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis.

The hard tick Ixodes ricinus, vector of Borrelia burgdorferi and TBE virus (TBEV), is most abundant in the southern and central parts of Sweden. About 2000 cases of Lyme borreliosis (LB) and 50-80 cases of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) are estimated to occur in Sweden annually. Five populations, including 903 individuals living in five different areas close to Stockholm where LB and TBE are endemic, were studied with regard to the clinical manifestations and antibody prevalence of LB and TBE. The study areas involved four groups of islands in the Baltic Sea and one island in Lake Mälaren. A history of LB was reported by 1-21% of the participants and antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi were found in 7-29% of the individuals from the various areas. An increasing seroprevalence with age was seen. A history of TBE was reported by 0-6% of the individuals and in non-immunised participants seropositivity was seen in 4-22%, depending on the area investigated. The individuals from one of the areas, where 30% of Ixodes ricinus ticks had been found to be infected with Borrelia spirochetes, were followed during a two-year period. In the first year of the study, 4.6% of the subjects (n = 303) developed LB and in the second year 3.2% (n = 277). A significant increase in the antibody titre for Borrelia burgdorferi was seen in 4.6% of the individuals in the first year and in 2.9% in the second year. In the first year of the study, 0.3% of the subjects developed TBE and in the second year 0.4%. Seroconversion for TBEV was found in 1.2% of the subjects in the first year and in 2.4% in the second year. In 362 orienteers from the county of Stockholm, a past history of LB was reported by 6% of the individuals and 9% of them were seropositive. A past history of TBE was reported by 0.3% of the orienteers and 1% of the individuals were seropositive. A total of 3141 Ixodes ricinus ticks, 2740 adults and 401 nymphs, were collected from different localities in 23 of the 25 provinces in Sweden. The ticks were examined for the presence of Borrelia spirochetes by indirect immunofluorescence. The prevalence of Borrelia-infected Ixodes ricinus ticks varied from 10-20% in the southern and central parts of Sweden to about 5% in the northern part (Norrland). Of 41 non-Ixodes ricinus ticks, none was positive to Borrelia.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

The life situations of patients with primary antibody deficiency untreated or treated with subcutaneous gammaglobulin infusions.

The life situations of 25 patients with hypogammaglobulinaemia were studied before and after the initiation of subcutaneous replacement therapy by using medical records, data registers and questionnaires (a study and a disease-specific questionnaire, the Sickness Impact Profile and the General Health Rating Index). Before treatment, the patients perceived more dysfunctions with regard to ambulation, mobility, emotional behaviour, social interaction, sleep and rest, household management, work and recreation or pastime activities compared with a Swedish reference group (P = 0.0001). A significant increase in the perceived frequency of infections was also seen in untreated patients compared with a group of healthy individuals (P = 0.0001). After 18 months of weekly subcutaneous infusions of an intramuscular gammaglobulin preparation (100 mg/kg), the patients reported a significantly increased, health-related function and improved self-rated health. A significantly higher pre-infusion IgG level was also found.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

What do experimental paradigms tell us about alcohol-related aggressive responding?

This article reviews the acute effects of alcohol on aggressive responding. The review is restricted to experimental research that use human subjects. It is concluded that a moderate dose of alcohol does not increase aggression if subjects are unprovoked. Under provocative conditions aggression is increased as a function of alcohol intoxication provided that subjects are restricted to an aggressive response. If subjects also have access to a nonaggressive response, no increase in aggression is observed. Disinhibition and arousal cannot explain the empirical results. A model assuming changes in attentional processes is a more promising explanation.

Aggression↗
PubMed1993

Conditioning treatment of children's bedwetting: a follow-up and predictive study.

50 children with a mean age of 7.8 yr. were treated using the conditioning technique originally developed by Mowrer and Mowrer in 1938. The parents were trained to handle the equipment and to keep records of progress. The treatment was administered in the respective homes by the parents under the supervision of a clinical psychologist. Analysis indicated that the treatment was successful after one treatment for 72% (n = 36) of the children, after one relapse and two treatments for an additional 10% (n = 5), and after two relapses and three treatments for an additional 8% (n = 4). 10% (n = 5) of the children experienced a third relapse after the third treatment. The observed differences in patterns of recovery during treatment, such as number of learning opportunities, significantly differentiated the successful cases from the less successful ones, but a discriminant analysis indicated difficulties in classifying individual cases. It was concluded that process variables are not sufficient to predict success of the present treatment method.

Behavior Therapy↗
PubMed1993

Clinical manifestations and antibody prevalence of Lyme borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis in Sweden: a study in five endemic areas close to Stockholm.

Five populations, including 903 individuals living in 5 different areas close to Stockholm, were studied with regard to clinical manifestations and antibody prevalence of Lyme borreliosis (LB) and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). The study areas involved 4 groups of islands in the Baltic Sea and 1 island in Lake Mälaren. Serum samples from each individual were tested for antibody activity to Borrelia burgdorferi using a sonicated whole spirochete antigen in an ELISA, and to TBE-virus (TBEV) by ELISA and haemagglutination inhibition. A history of LB was reported by 1-21% and antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi were found in 7-29% of the participants from the various areas. An increasing seroprevalence with age was seen. In sera from 3 different control groups, including 502 individuals living in non-endemic areas, antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi were detected in 1-2% and from 1 control group including 150 individuals living in the city of Stockholm, in 9%. A history of TBE was reported by 0-6% of the individuals and in non-immunized individuals seropositivity was seen in 4-22%, depending on the area investigated. No antibody activity to TBEV could be detected in sera from persons in the 3 control groups living in non-endemic areas, whereas 5% of the controls from Stockholm were found to be positive. The prevalence rates of antibodies to TBEV in persons vaccinated against TBE were 40%, 53% and 79% after 1, 2 and 3 injections, respectively.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Antibody prevalence and clinical manifestations of Lyme borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis in Swedish orienteers.

Antibody prevalence and clinical manifestations of Lyme borreliosis (LB) and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) were studied in 362 orienteers from the county of Stockholm during a large relay race in October 1990. From all participating orienteers, a blood sample was collected and a questionnaire completed. Antibody activity to Borrelia burgdorferi was measured using a sonicated whole spirochete antigen in an ELISA, and to TBE virus (TBEV) by ELISA and haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test. A past history of LB was reported by 6% of the orienteers and antibodies to B. burgdorferi were found in 9%. Antibody reactivity to B. burgdorferi was found in 1-2% of the sera from 3 different control groups comprising 502 persons living in non-endemic areas. The corresponding value was 9% in sera from a fourth control group consisting of 150 persons living in the city of Stockholm. A past history of TBE was reported by 1 orienteer (0.3%) and detectable antibodies to TBEV in non-immunized individuals were found in 1%. No antibody activity to TBEV could be detected in sera from the control individuals living in the 3 non-endemic areas, but in 5% of the controls from Stockholm. In this study, there was no indication that frequent or severe manifestations of LB or TBE are common among orienteers in Sweden.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Alcohol-related expected effects and the desirability of these effects for Swedish college students measured with the Alcohol Expectancy Questionnaire (AEQ).

The Alcohol Expectancy Questionnaire (AEQ) was administered to 400 Swedish college students to explore their alcohol-related expectancies in relation to different background variables and their rated desirability of these expected effects. For each item in the AEQ, subjects further rated to what degree the specified effect was desirable. Results indicated that men and high consumers had stronger expectancies and rated these effects as more desirable than did women and low consumers. Regardless of background variables significant positive correlations between expected effects of alcohol and the desirability of these effects were found. The strength of expectancies and the corresponding desirability ratings were both separately positively correlated with drinking habits. The discussion was focused on expectancies as causes of drinking.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Transfer by BMT of IgG2 deficiency involving an immunoglobulin heavy chain constant region deletion and a silent IgG2 gene.

A patient suffering from ALL who underwent allogeneic BMT developed complete IgG2 deficiency after BMT. When the donor Ig serum levels were examined, it was found that he also lacked detectable levels of IgG2. The IGHC genes were investigated and a heterozygous 50-70 kb deletion encompassing the genes coding for IgG2 (G2) and IgG4 (G4) (del G2-G4) was found in the white blood cells. The patient had IgG2 levels in the low normal range before BMT. When the patient's fibroblasts were examined to determine his original genotype, they were found to carry the same deletion haplotype, but in combination with a different G2 allele than that present in the transplanted BM cells. The combination of Ig heavy chain constant region gene alleles found in the transplant has also been inherited by a third brother also lacking IgG2. The hemizygous G2 allele present in the donated BM cells was thus 'silent' and the complete IgG2 deficiency had been transferred by the BMT.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Ventriculopleural shunting used as a temporary diversion.

Due to the limited absorptive capacity of the pleural cavity, infants and young children are not generally ideal candidates for ventriculopleural shunts. We report using chest cavities as alternate for temporary diversion of CSF in a young child. Venous access to the cervical region could not be utilized because of scarring from previous procedures, while peritoneal access was contraindicated due to repeated pseudocyst formation. Pleural effusions were removed by thoracentesis when necessary, and the shunt catheter was changed to the opposite side of the chest when the effusions reaccumulated within one week. Utilizing the ventriculopleural shunts allowed us to temporize her non-communicating hydrocephalus for a period of one year, until a definitive CSF procedure by direct intracardiac placement of the distal catheter could be performed.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts↗
PubMed1992

Two-year survey of the incidence of Lyme borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis in a high-risk population in Sweden.

A survey was made over a two-year period (September 1987 to August 1989) of a population living in an area endemic for Lyme borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis in Sweden. For each patient a blood sample was collected and a questionnaire completed annually. All sera were tested for an antibody response to Borrelia burgdorferi in an EIA using sonicated antigen and for an antibody response to the tick-borne encephalitis virus using an EIA and a haemagglutination inhibition test. Antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi and tick-borne encephalitis virus were detected in 89 (25.7%) and 40 (11.6%) respectively of 346 samples collected in August 1987. In the first year of the study 14 of 303 subjects (4.6%) developed Lyme borreliosis and in the second year 9 of 277 subjects (3.2%). A significant increase in the antibody titre for Borrelia burgdorferi was seen in 14 of 303 (4.6%) subjects in the first year and 8 of 277 (2.9%) subjects in the second year. An earlier episode of Lyme borreliosis or an elevated antibody titre did not seem to protect against reinfection. One case of tick-borne encephalitis was seen each year. Seroconversion for tick-borne encephalitis virus was found in 3 of 258 (1.2%) subjects in the first year and 5 of 211 (2.4%) in the second year, excluding subjects who had undergone successful immunisation or had earlier been hospitalised for tick-borne encephalitis. The study thus demonstrated a high yearly incidence of tick-borne infections in a population at risk.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Women's yielding to social group pressure as a function of alcohol and type of pressure.

Thirty-six women participated in an experiment exploring whether alcohol intoxication facilitates yielding to social persuasive information. Subjects were randomly assigned to either an Alcohol, a Placebo, or a Control Group. The alcohol dose was 1.0 ml of 100% alcohol/kg body weight. Subjects first estimated the length of a line and were then given faked feedback from either a male or a female peer reference group. This procedure was repeated 60 times. Analyses indicated that the Placebo group yielded more often than the Alcohol group irrespective of type of feedback. A measure of locus of control indicated no significant mean differences as a function of alcohol group but correlations between externality and yielding were strong for placebo subjects, that is, externally oriented placebo subjects yielded more than internally oriented placebo subjects. This was discussed in terms of feelings uneasiness caused by the discrepancy between feelings of intoxication and information about drink content.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Alcohol and social influences: yielding among male social drinkers to social pressure.

Thirty men participated as paid volunteers in an experiment exploring whether alcohol intoxication makes a person more or less likely to yield to social pressure. Subjects were randomly assigned to either a Control, a Placebo, or an Alcohol group. The alcohol dose was 0.8 ml of 100% alcohol/kg body weight. Subjects first estimated the length of a line, then received feedback from either a male or a female reference group (social pressure), and finally made a second estimation. This procedure was repeated 30 times. The analysis indicated that the only effect of intoxication was to become more resistant in terms of number of yieldings to social pressure, provided the feedback came from a male reference group. Locus of control in terms of internality significantly predicted number of yieldings for the Alcohol group, although the analysis indicated no significant differences between groups as to mean locus of control scores.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

The development of alcohol-related expectancies from the age of 12 to the age of 15 for two Swedish adolescent samples.

Two hundred seventy-four Swedish students from grades six through nine participated in the first study. The purpose was to explore whether 12-year-old Swedish students (grade six) have formed alcohol-related expectancies prior to any own extensive drinking experience and whether alcohol-related expectancies change from the age of 12 to the age of 15 (grade nine). Results indicated that expectancies are formed at the age of 12 and that most of the expected effects are positive in nature. From the age of 12 to the age of 15 expectancies develop further in a positive direction. Background variables did not affect the results to any major degree. The results from a second, more heterogeneous sample of 146 students from grade six and grade nine, confirmed the general picture. It was concluded that adolescents do hold positive alcohol-related expectancies and that these expectancies become more positive with increasing age.

Adolescent↗