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Biomedical subjects

S W Rasmussen

Publications and source records attributed to S W Rasmussen.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Gene identification in the obligate fungal pathogen Blumeria graminis by expressed sequence tag analysis.

Powdery mildew of barley is caused by the obligate fungal pathogen Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei. Haploid conidia of B. graminis, landing on the barley leaf, germinate to form first a primary germ tube and then an appressorial germ tube. The appressorial germ tube differentiates into a mature appressorium from which direct penetration of host epidermis occurs. Here we present data on 4908 expressed sequence tags obtained from B. graminis conidia. The combined sequences represent 2676 clones describing 1669 individual genes. Comparison with sequences from other pathogenic and nonpathogenic fungi defines hypotheses on the genes required for pathogenicity and growth on the host. The putative roles of some of the identified genes are discussed.

Ascomycota↗

[Injuries of bus passengers in an area of Copenhagen].

Medical records from the emergency rooms in an area of Copenhagen with 250,000 inhabitants were collected. Accidents in buses were counted and the injuries graded according to ISS. Over three months 37 casualties were found ranging in age from two to 94 years old. About half the accidents happened because of braking and about one-third happened when boarding or alighting, primarily among the elderly. The injuries were graded from ISS 1 to 18 with three injuries graded higher than 11. Of all the casualties, 17 had the treatment concluded in the emergency department, while 12 had to be admitted to hospital. Eight had ambulatory treatment afterwards. Comparing our results with other investigations made in Denmark and abroad we found a higher incidence of casualties. We found about three times as many accidents per inhabitant as in Odense and far more accidents per driven kilometre than an English investigation. In conclusion, more seats in the buses, precautions when braking and a less tight time schedule in order to allow enough time for passengers to get on and off could be recommended.

Accidents, Traffic↗

Hansenula polymorpha Pex1p and Pex6p are peroxisome-associated AAA proteins that functionally and physically interact.

We have cloned the Hansenula polymorpha PEX1 and PEX6 genes by functional complementation of the corresponding peroxisome-deficient (pex) mutants. The gene products, HpPex1p and HpPex6p, are ATPases which both belong to the AAA protein family. Cells deleted for either gene (Deltapex1 or Deltapex6) were characterized by the presence of small peroxisomal remnants which contained peroxisomal membrane proteins and minor amounts of matrix proteins. The bulk of the matrix proteins, however, resided in the cytosol. In cell fractionation studies HpPex1p and HpPex6p co-sedimented with the peroxisomal membrane protein HpPex3p in both wild-type cells and in Deltapex4, Deltapex8 or Deltapex14 cells. Both proteins are loosely membrane-bound and face the cytosol. Furthermore, HpPex1p and HpPex6p physically and functionally interact in vivo. Overexpression of PEX6 resulted in defects in peroxisomal matrix protein import. By contrast, overexpression of PEX1 was not detrimental to the cells. Interestingly, co-overproduction of HpPex1p rescued the protein import defect caused by HpPex6p overproduction. Overproduced HpPex1p and HpPex6p remained predominantly membrane-bound, but only partially co-localized with the peroxisomal membrane protein HpPex3p. Our data indicate that HpPex1p and HpPex6p function in a protein complex associated with the peroxisomal membrane and that overproduced, mislocalized HpPex6p prevents HpPex1p from reaching its site of activity.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

Involvement of cAMP and protein kinase A in conidial differentiation by Erysiphe graminis f. sp. hordei.

Erysiphe graminis f. sp. hordei, the causal agent of barley powdery mildew, is an obligate biotroph. On arrival on the host, a primary germ tube (PGT) emerges from the conidium. An appressorial germ tube (AGT) then appears, forms an appressorium, and effects host penetration. Such developmental precision may be due to multiple, plant-derived signals and to endogenous tactile and chemical signals. The transduction mechanism remains obscure. The isolation of an expressed sequence tag (EST) homologue of the catalytic subunit of cyclic AMP (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) enabled the corresponding gene to be characterized and the transcript to be identified in conidia and in PGT and AGT stage spores. cAMP-dependent PKA activity was detected in ungerminated conidia. These data suggest that PKA and cAMP are involved in conidial development. To substantiate this we exploited the responses of developing conidia to various surfaces, including exposure to the host leaf (fully inductive to AGT formation), cellulose membrane (semi-inductive), and glass (non-inductive). Assessment of fungal development, following application of exogenous cAMP or cAMP analogues, revealed that, at different concentrations and on different surfaces, cAMP either promoted or inhibited conidial differentiation. Various PKA inhibitors were tested for their effect on PKA activity and conidial development. A negative correlation was established between PKA inhibition in vitro and fungal development in vivo. Taken collectively, these data suggest that PKA and cAMP play a role in conidial differentiation in this obligate, plant-pathogenic fungus.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme Pex4p of Hansenula polymorpha is required for efficient functioning of the PTS1 import machinery.

We have cloned the Hansenula polymorpha PEX4 gene by functional complementation of a peroxisome-deficient mutant. The PEX4 translation product, Pex4p, is a member of the ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme family. In H.polymorpha, Pex4p is a constitutive, low abundance protein. Both the original mutant and the pex4 deletion strain (Deltapex4) showed a specific defect in import of peroxisomal matrix proteins containing a C-terminal targeting signal (PTS1) and of malate synthase, whose targeting signal is not yet known. Import of the PTS2 protein amine oxidase and the insertion of the peroxisomal membrane proteins Pex3p and Pex14p was not disturbed in Deltapex4 cells. The PTS1 protein import defect in Deltapex4 cells could be suppressed by overproduction of the PTS1 receptor, Pex5p, in a dose-response related manner. In such cells, Pex5p is localized in the cytosol and in peroxisomes. The peroxisome-bound Pex5p specifically accumulated at the inner surface of the peroxisomal membrane and thus differed from Pex5p in wild-type peroxisomes, which is localized throughout the matrix. We hypothesize that in H. polymorpha Pex4p plays an essential role for normal functioning of Pex5p, possibly in mediating recycling of Pex5p from the peroxisome to the cytosol.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

[Attendance pattern at an open casualty ward in Greater Copenhagen].

To analyse the use of a casualty department in Copenhagen, we prospectively analysed all contacts to the casualty department at Hvidovre Hospital during a period of four weeks. There were 3908 contacts and 3851 of these were accessible for registration with a full record (98.5%). The mean intake was 130 patients per 24 hours. Sixty eight percent were seen within 24 hours of the accident or onset of serious symptoms of illness, 22% were admitted by ambulance. A total of 680 patients (18%) came to the hospital rather than their general practitioner for reasons of convenience. Only one third of the patients presented an orthopaedic problem. Twenty-five percent of the patients presented a problem, which properly should have been dealt with by their general practitioner. Eight hundred and forty-seven (22%) of the contacts were unnecessary. Like most other hospitals in Denmark, all patients at Hvidovre casualty department are evaluated by a junior orthopaedic surgeon. By establishing a possibility for primary evaluation and proper distribution of patients by an older and more broadly educated colleague, it should be possible to eliminate approximately 30% of the attendances from the emergency department and there by give better time and treatment for those in real need of help.

Clinical Competence↗

The Hansenula polymorpha PEX14 gene encodes a novel peroxisomal membrane protein essential for peroxisome biogenesis.

We have cloned the Hansenula polymorpha PEX14 gene by functional complementation of the chemically induced pex14-1 mutant, which lacked normal peroxisomes. The sequence of the PEX14 gene predicts a novel protein product (Pex14p) of 39 kDa which showed no similarity to any known protein and lacked either of the two known peroxisomal targeting signals. Biochemical and electron microscopical analysis indicated that Pex14p is a component of the peroxisomal membrane. The synthesis of Pex14p is induced by peroxisome-inducing growth conditions. In cells of both pex14-1 and a PEX14 disruption mutant, peroxisomal membrane remnants were evident; these contained the H.polymorpha peroxisomal membrane protein Pex3p together with a small amount of the major peroxisomal matrix proteins alcohol oxidase, catalase and dihydroxyacetone synthase, the bulk of which resided in the cytosol. Unexpectedly, overproduction of Pex14p in wild-type H. polymorpha cells resulted in a peroxisome-deficient phenotype typified by the presence of numerous small vesicles which lacked matrix proteins; these were localized in the cytosol. Apparently, the stoichiometry of Pex14p relative to one or more other components of the peroxisome biogenesis machinery appears to be critical for protein import.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Triplex US in the diagnosis of asymptomatic deep venous thrombosis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the accuracy of triplex ultrasound (TUS) compared with venography as a screening test for deep venous thrombosis (DVT), and to evaluate interobserver variation in the interpretation of the venographic studies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 133 postoperative hip fracture patients, asymptomatic of DVT, were prospectively examined with TUS and venography. All venograms were reviewed blindly and in case of disagreement a consensus was arrived at. RESULTS: The incidence of DVT was 20%, with isolated calf vein thrombi in 63% of the cases. There were 7 false-negative and one false-positive result/s at TUS, with a sensitivity of 74%, specificity of 99% and accuracy of 97%. The kappa values ranged from 0.58 to 0.82. The false-negative results were all caused by missed calf vein thrombi in technically inadequate examinations. At sonography 2% of vein segments were noninterpretable, compared to 29% at venography. CONCLUSION: Venous US is less sensitive as a test for DVT in this study of asymptomatic patients than in earlier studies on symptomatic patients. Still, sonographic screening of high-risk patients would be both effective and cost effective. Fresh thrombi may cause a false-negative compression test.

Aged↗

The Hansenula polymorpha PER9 gene encodes a peroxisomal membrane protein essential for peroxisome assembly and integrity.

We have cloned and characterized the Hansenula polymorpha PER9 gene by functional complementation of the per9-1 mutant of H. polymorpha, which is defective in peroxisome biogenesis. The predicted product, Per9p, is a polypeptide of 52 kDa with sequence similarity to Pas3p, a protein involved in peroxisome biogenesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In a per9 disruption strain (Deltaper9), peroxisomal matrix and membrane proteins are present at wild-type levels. The matrix proteins accumulated in the cytoplasm. However, the location of the membrane proteins remained obscure; fully induced Deltaper9 cells lacked residual peroxisomal vesicles ("ghosts"). Analysis of the activity of the PER9 promoter revealed that PER9 expression was low in cells grown on glucose, but was enhanced during growth of cells on peroxisome-inducing substrates. The highest expression levels were observed in cells grown on methanol. Localization studies revealed that Per9p is an integral membrane protein of the peroxisome. Targeting studies suggested that Per9p may be sorted to the peroxisome via the endoplasmic reticulum. Overexpression of PER9 induced a significant increase in the number of peroxisomes per cell, a result that suggests that Per9p may be involved in peroxisome proliferation and/or membrane biosynthesis. When PER9 expression was placed under the control of a strongly regulatable promoter and switched off, peroxisomes were observed to disintegrate over time in a manner that suggested that Per9p may be required for maintenance of the peroxisomal membrane.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗

Elbow synovectomy in rheumatoid arthritis.

We present the results of a clinical and radiographic follow-up study of patients undergoing elbow synovectomies. Twenty-five elbows in 24 patients with rheumatoid arthritis were followed for a median period of 52 months (range 10-108) after operation. Nineteen (74%) stated they had improvement of pain and function. Two patients reported increased pain. Improvement of motion was noted, but this was not statistically significant. Radiographic classification showed statistically significant progressive changes. Three complications were noted, all without permanent sequels. Moderate elbow destruction can provide a good indication for elbow synovectomy in the treatment of patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.

Adult↗

A 37.5 kb region of yeast chromosome X includes the SME1, MEF2, GSH1 and CSD3 genes, a TCP-1-related gene, an open reading frame similar to the DAL80 gene, and a tRNA(Arg).

The complete DNA sequence of cosmid clone p59 comprising 37,549 bp derived from chromosome X was determined from an ordered set of subclones. The sequence contains 14 open reading frames (ORFs) containing at least 100 consecutive sense codons. Four of the ORFs represent already known and sequenced yeast genes: B645 is identical to the SME1 gene encoding a protein kinase, required for induction of meiosis in yeast, D819 represents the MEF2 gene probably encoding a second mitochondrial elongation factor-like protein, D678 is identical to the yeast GSH1 gene encoding gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase and B746 is identical to the CSD3 gene, which plays an as yet unidentified role in chitin biosynthesis and/or its regulation. The deduced amino acid sequence of A550 is 63% identical to the Cc eta subunit of a murine TCP-1-containing chaperonin and more than 35% identical to thermophilic factor 55 from Sulfolobus shibatae, as well as to a number of proteins belonging to the chaperonin TCP-1 family. Open reading frame F551 exhibits homology to two regions of the DAL80 gene located on yeast chromosome XI encoding a pleiotropic negative regulatory protein. In addition, extensive homology was detected in three regions including parts of ORFs A560, B746/CSD3 and the incomplete ORF C852 to three consecutive ORFs of unknown function in the middle of the right arm of chromosome XI. Finally, the sequence contained a tRNA(Arg3) (AGC) gene.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

[Referrals to an emergency unit before and after changes in the practitioner-on-call system].

Attendance at the casualty department of the Central Hospital in Naestved was investigated during two similar periods before and after changes were made in the practitioner-on-call system. The total number of patients admitted (either via casualty or referred from a practitioner) were registered. A total of 4454 attendances took place during the two periods, 2330 of these being before the changes and 2123 after the changes in the practitioner-on-call system. In the present material there were 1673 orthopaedic and 136 medical patients before and 1552 orthopaedic and 133 medical patients after the reorganization. No changes in medical specialities of the attendances in the two periods could be pointed out. 2110 patients were admitted to hospital in the first period, 2299 in the second period. The study concludes that no changes in the pattern of attendance at the casualty department could be shown after the reorganization in general practice.

Denmark↗

Complete DNA sequence of yeast chromosome XI.

The complete DNA sequence of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae chromosome XI has been determined. In addition to a compact arrangement of potential protein coding sequences, the 666,448-base-pair sequence has revealed general chromosome patterns; in particular, alternating regional variations in average base composition correlate with variations in local gene density along the chromosome. Significant discrepancies with the previously published genetic map demonstrate the need for using independent physical mapping criteria.

Base Sequence↗

[Staffing the emergency departments].

In recent years, there has been a growing public demand that the emergency department (ED) should be staffed by an orthopaedic surgeon. We questioned the necessity of this, and here present a prospective study of 4500 consecutive patients attending the ED of Naestved Hospital. About 70% of the patients were found to have injuries or ailments that belonged to the orthopaedic specialty, and were treated by doctors from this department, but only 15% of these cases required treatment by a specialist in orthopaedic surgery. The remaining contacts to the ED concerned cases belonging to other specialties. Eight percent of all contacts resulted in admission, half to the orthopaedic ward and half to other departments. In conclusion, about 60% of all cases could be treated by any doctor, and the ordinary physician would in actual fact be able to treat more cases than the orthopaedic surgeon with at least as good a result. Thus, we question whether the orthopaedic surgeon is the best person to be in charge of the ED.

Denmark↗

Sequence of a 28.6 kb region of yeast chromosome XI includes the FBA1 and TOA2 genes, an open reading frame (ORF) similar to a translationally controlled tumour protein, one ORF containing motifs also found in plant storage proteins and 13 ORFs with weak or no homology to known proteins.

The complete DNA sequence of cosmid clone pUKG148 comprising 28,600 base pairs was determined from an ordered set of subclones. The sequence contains 22 open reading frames longer than 100 amino acids of which five are entirely covered by other, longer reading frames. YKL054 exhibits 25% homology at the amino acid level to a number of plant storage proteins of the glutenin type, YKL056 is 40% homologous to a translationally controlled mammalian tumour protein, YKL058 (TOA2) is identical to the small subunit of transcription factor TFIIA from yeast and YKL060 is identical to the FBA1 gene also from yeast, already sequenced but not mapped to chromosome XI. The remaining 13 open reading frames show weak or no homology to known genes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Sequence of a 20.7 kb region of yeast chromosome XI includes the NUP100 gene, an open reading frame (ORF) possibly representing a nucleoside diphosphate kinase gene, tRNAs for His, Val and Trp in addition to seven ORFs with weak or no significant similarity to known proteins.

The complete DNA sequence of cosmid clone pEKG080 comprising 20,723 base pairs was determined from an ordered set of subclones. The sequence contains nine open reading frames (ORFs) longer than 100 amino acids. The deduced amino acid sequence of YKL067 exhibits significant similarity to nucleoside diphosphate kinases from a number of species and probably represents this gene in yeast. YKL068 is identical to the NUP100 gene recently cloned and sequenced. The gene codes for a nuclear pore complex protein. YKL073 is identical to Hsp70 proteins from yeast and Hydra at about 20% of the amino acids. The significance of this similarity is uncertain. The remaining six ORFs do not share homology with known proteins. Three tRNAs for histidine, valine and tryptophan respectively were identified, the latter interrupted by a 34 bp intron. Solo delta sequences were found at three locations.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Amputations in the treatment of Dupuytren's disease.

23 finger amputations in 19 patients operated on for Dupuytren's disease were reviewed 6 months to 8.5 years after operation (mean 4 years). The distribution of amputations were 17 little fingers and six ring fingers. We found a recurrent lack of extension in nine out of 16 finger amputations distal to the MP joint and painful neuroma or phantom limb pain in five out of seven little finger amputations through or proximal to the MP joint. When amputation in the little finger is necessary, disarticulation of the MP joint may be preferable to amputation at a more distal level. Alternatives to finger amputation should be sought in difficult cases of Dupuytren's disease.

Adult↗