| 1. |
- Bay, Bjorn, et al.
(författare)
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Response of human oral mucosa and skin to histamine provocation : laser Doppler perfusion imaging discloses differences in the nociceptive nervous system
- 2009
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Ingår i: Acta Odontologica Scandinavica. - London : Taylor & Francis. - 0001-6357 .- 1502-3850. ; 67:2, s. 99-105
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective. To investigate the existence of histamine-excitable nerve fibers in the oral mucosa and to compare the response to histamine provocation in healthy volunteers with that in a small group of patients with chronic oral pain. Material and methods. Thirteen healthy volunteers and six patients suffering from chronic oral pain took part in the study. Blood perfusion was monitored in the hard palate, the tongue, and the skin of the cheek using laser Doppler perfusion imaging (Perimed; Sweden). Baseline scannings were performed, followed by 15 scannings after iontophoresis of histamine (1%). A free description of the sensations was then obtained from the participants after finishing the measurements. Results. Compared to pre-histamine scanning, histamine application resulted in a considerable increase in blood perfusion in all regions (p0.001) that was significantly higher in skin than in oral mucosa (p0.001). There were no significant differences between the healthy volunteers and the patients regarding baseline blood flow, increased blood perfusion, or flare size after histamine provocation. The sensory impression was reported to be more persistent and intense in the skin than in the oral mucosa. No effect on mucosa could be detected by visual inspection. Conclusions. Intra-oral flare could be induced by activating histamine-excitable nerve fibers. Both duration and intensity of the flare were considerably less pronounced than in the control skin site. Histamine application was not clearly associated with itch.
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| 2. |
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| 3. |
- Blom, Anna, et al.
(författare)
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C4b-binding protein (C4BP) inhibits development of experimental arthritis in mice
- 2009
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Ingår i: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. - London : BMJ Publishing Group Ltd. - 0003-4967 .- 1468-2060. ; 68:1, s. 136-142
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVES: To assess the human complement inhibitor C4b-binding protein (C4BP) for treatment of arthritis. METHODS: We have used two mouse models of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to assess the therapeutic effect of C4BP on different phases of arthritis, the collagen antibody-induced arthritis (CAIA), an acute antibody-induced disease and the collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), which carries the full complexity of arthritis. RESULTS: Purified human C4BP injected intraperitoneally alleviated CAIA significantly in a manner similar to cobra venom factor that depletes complement due to massive activation. Furthermore, C4BP was injected before and after the disease development into CIA mice. In the former case, the disease onset was delayed and in the latter, the severity of the disease was reduced in animals treated with C4BP. However, C4BP did not affect the anti-CII antibody synthesis. C4BP present in mouse sera decreased activity of the classical but not the alternative pathway of the complement system when these were assessed in a fluid phase. However, C4BP was efficiently inhibiting the alternative pathway when present on the activating surface. Taken together, the disease ameliorating effect of C4BP appears to be related to inhibition of both pathways of complement. CONCLUSIONS: Although human C4BP was cleared relatively fast from the circulation and was only moderately affecting complement activity, its effect on the disease severity was substantial, suggesting that minor alterations in complement activity can have significant therapeutic value in RA.
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| 4. |
- Brodin, N., et al.
(författare)
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Coaching patients with early rheumatoid arthritis to healthy physical activity : A multicenter, randomized, controlled study
- 2008
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Ingår i: Arthritis and Rheumatism. - Hoboken, NJ : Wiley. - 0004-3591 .- 1529-0131. ; 59:3, s. 325-331
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective. To investigate the effect of a 1-year coaching program for healthy physical activity on perceived health status, body function, and activity limitation in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis. Methods. A total of 228 patients (169 women, 59 men, mean age 55 years, mean time since diagnosis 21 months) were randomized to 2 groups after assessments with the EuroQol visual analog scale (VAS), Grippit, Timed-Stands Test, Escola Paulista de Medicina Range of Motion scale, walking in a figure-of-8, a visual analog scale for pain, the Health Assessment Questionnaire disability index, a self-reported physical activity questionnaire, and the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints. All patients were regularly seen by rheumatologists and underwent rehabilitation as prescribed. Those in the intervention group were further individually coached by a physical therapist to reach or maintain healthy physical activity (=30 minutes, moderately intensive activity, most days of the week). Results. The retention rates after 1 year were 82% in the intervention group and 85% in the control group. The percentages of individuals in the intervention and control groups fulfilling the requirements for healthy physical activity were similar before (47% versus 51%, P > 0.05) and after (54% versus 44%, P > 0.05) the intervention. Analyses of outcome variables indicated improvements in the intervention group over the control group in the EuroQol VAS (P = 0.025) and muscle strength (Timed-Stands Test, P = 0.000) (Grippit, P = 0.003), but not in any other variables assessed. Conclusion. A 1-year coaching program for healthy physical activity resulted in improved perceived health status and muscle strength, but the mechanisms remain unclear, as self-reported physical activity at healthy level did not change. © 2008, American College of Rheumatology.
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| 5. |
- Carlsén, Stefan, et al.
(författare)
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Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein induction of chronic arthritis in mice
- 2008
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Ingår i: Arthritis and Rheumatism. - : Wiley. - 0004-3591 .- 1529-0131. ; 58:7, s. 2000-2011
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To develop a new mouse model for arthritis using cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) and to study the role of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and Ncf1 genes in COMP-induced arthritis (COMPIA). METHODS: Native (pentameric) and denatured (monomeric) COMP purified from a rat chondrosarcoma was injected into mice with Freund's adjuvant to induce arthritis. C3H.NB, C3H.Q, B10.P, B10.Q, (B10.Q x DBA/1)F1, (BALB/c x B10.Q)F1, Ncf1 mutated, H-2Aq, H-2Ap, and human DR4+-transgenic mice were used. Anti-COMP antibodies and COMP levels in the immune sera were analyzed, and passive transfer of arthritis with purified immune sera was tested. RESULTS: Immunization with rat COMP induced a severe, chronic, relapsing arthritis, with a female preponderance, in the mice. The disease developed in C3H.NB mice, but not in B10.P mice, although they share the same MHC haplotype. Both H-2q and H-2p MHC haplotypes allowed the initiation of COMPIA. Using H-2Aq-transgenic and H-2Ap-transgenic mice, we demonstrated a role of both the Aq and Ep class II molecules in this model. Interestingly, the introduction of a mutation in the Ncf1 gene, which is responsible for the reduced oxidative burst phenotype, into the COMPIA-resistant B10.Q mouse strain rendered them highly susceptible to arthritis. In addition, the transfer of anti-COMP serum was found to induce arthritis in naive mice. Mice transgenic for the rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-associated DR4 molecule were found to be highly susceptible to COMPIA. CONCLUSION: Using rat COMP, we have developed a new and unique mouse model of chronic arthritis that resembles RA. This model will be useful as an appropriate and alternative model for studying the pathogenesis of RA.
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| 6. |
- Christensson, Kyllike, et al.
(författare)
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The Challenge of Improving Perinatal Care in settings with Limited Resources : Observations of Midwifery Practices in Mozambique
- 2006
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Ingår i: African Journal of Reproductive Health. - Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria : Women's Health and Action Research Centre. - 1118-4841. ; 10:1, s. 47-61
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aim of this study was to observe and analyze midwifery care routine related to asphyxia and hypothermia during the perinatal period and to investigate the effect of an in-service education program. A direct non-participant pre-and post intervention observation study of midwifery a performance during childbirth was conducted at a labour ward in Maputo. The observed groups consisted of 702 and 616 midwifery –attended deliveries. Examination was also conducted of the partographs (702 vs. 616). The quality of midwifery care related to prevention and early detection of asphyxia and hypothermia was found to be inadequate and the intervention had no significant effect upon the midwives' performances. This could be attributed to the quality of the intervention itself or to failure of implementing managerial decisions such as transfer to partograph documentation from obstetricians to midwives. Change in professional performance does not automatically follow awareness of evidence-based midwifery practices, but requires behavioural change, which may be more difficult to achieve.
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| 7. |
- Geng, Hui, et al.
(författare)
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Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein deficiency promotes early onset and the chronic development of collagen-induced arthritis.
- 2008
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Ingår i: Arthritis Research and Therapy. - London : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1478-6362 .- 1478-6354. ; 10:6
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION: Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) is a homopentameric protein in cartilage. The development of arthritis, like collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), involves cartilage as a target tissue. We have investigated the development of CIA in COMP-deficient mice. METHODS: COMP-deficient mice in the 129/Sv background were backcrossed for 10 generations against B10.Q mice, which are susceptible to chronic CIA. COMP-deficient and wild-type mice were tested for onset, incidence, and severity of arthritis in both the collagen and collagen antibody-induced arthritis models. Serum anti-collagen II and anti-COMP antibodies as well as serum COMP levels in arthritic and wild-type mice were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: COMP-deficient mice showed a significant early onset and increase in the severity of CIA in the chronic phase, whereas collagen II-antibody titers were similar in COMP-deficient and wild-type controls. COMP antibodies were not found in wild-type mice. Finally, COMP-deficient and wild-type mice responded similarly to collagen antibody-induced arthritis, indicating no difference in how collagen II antibodies interact with COMP-deficient cartilage during the initial stages of arthritis. CONCLUSIONS: COMP deficiency enhances the early onset and development of chronic arthritis but does not affect collagen II autoimmunity. These findings accentuate the importance of COMP in cartilage stability.
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| 8. |
- Hemmingsson, Helena, et al.
(författare)
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Sleep problems and the need for parental night-time attention in children with physical disabilities
- 2009
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Ingår i: Child Care Health and Development. - Oxford : Blackwell Publishing. - 0305-1862 .- 1365-2214. ; 35:1, s. 89-95
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: The aim of the study was to investigate the frequency and predictors of sleep problems and the need for parental night-time attention in children with physical disabilities.Methods: A questionnaire on sleep problems and need for parental night-time attention was completed by 505 parents of children with physical disabilities aged 1-16 years (mean 9 years 3 months) with moderate to severe motor disabilities. General characteristics of the children were analysed by frequencies and cross-tabulations. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with sleep problems and the need for parental night-time attention.Results: The results showed a high prevalence of sleep problems, which in general were chronic. Currently 48% of the children had sleep problems, of which 23% estimated the problems to be serious. About one-third (37%) needed parental night-time attention every night, and 10% needed help five times or more. No significant differences were found between younger children and school-aged children regarding sleep problems and the need for parental night-time attention. Having pain [odds ratio (OR)=3.4]was associated with sleep problems, as was having problems eating and drinking (OR=3) and the diagnosis of cerebral palsy (OR=2.5) (P<0.05). Children with muscular dystrophy (OR=68.5), cerebral palsy (OR=26.7) and 'other diagnosis' (OR=18.5) were more likely to need support at night than were children with spina bifida, P<0.001. Pain (OR=7.6) was also associated with need for support at night, P<0.001.Conclusions: The prevalence of sleep problems and need for parental night-time attention is high among children with physical disabilities. This in turn affects the whole family, and paediatric caregivers must keep this in mind. Besides certain diagnoses, the results suggest that children who have pain should be prioritized.
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| 9. |
- Hultqvist, Malin, et al.
(författare)
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The novel small molecule drug Rabeximod is effective in reducing disease severity of mouse models of autoimmune disorders
- 2009
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Ingår i: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. - : BMJ. - 0003-4967 .- 1468-2060. ; 68:1, s. 130-135
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVES: Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and multiple sclerosis (MS) affect a relatively large portion of the population, leading to severe disability if left untreated. Even though pharmaceutics targeting the immune system have revolutionised the therapy of these diseases, there is still a need for novel, more effective therapeutic substances. One such substance is the new chemical entity 9-chloro-2,3 dimethyl-6-(N,N-dimthylamino-2-oxoethyl)-6H-indolo [2,3-b] quionoxaline, Rabeximod, currently being investigated for efficiency in treatment of human RA. In this study we aimed to evaluate Rabeximod as a treatment for autoimmune diseases, using animal models. METHODS: In the present investigation we have evaluated Rabeximod as a treatment for autoimmune diseases using mouse models of RA and MS, ie, collagen-induced arthritis, collagen antibody induced arthritis and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. RESULTS: Rabeximod efficiently prevented arthritis and encephalomyelitis in mice. In addition, this effect correlated to the timepoint when cells migrate into the joints. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that Rabeximod reduces disease severity in animal models of autoimmunity and should be considered as a new therapeutic substance for MS and RA.
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| 10. |
- Johannesson, Ulrika, et al.
(författare)
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Steroid receptor expression and morphology in provoked vestibulodynia
- 2008
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Ingår i: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. - St. Louis : C.V. Mosby. - 0002-9378 .- 1097-6868. ; 198:3, s. 311.e1-311.e6
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: This study was undertaken to survey the steroid receptor expression and morphology in the vulvar vestibular mucosa in women with provoked vestibulodynia.Study Design: Fourteen patients and 25 controls without oral contraceptives were included. Vestibular biopsy specimens were obtained and analyzed by using immunohistochemistry, followed by computerized image analysis of estrogen receptors greek small letter alpha and β, progesterone receptors A and B, glucocorticoid receptor, androgen receptor, and the proliferation marker Ki67. The morphology was estimated by measuring 4 parameters in the epithelium.Results: There was a significantly higher expression of estrogen receptor greek small letter alpha in both the epithelium (P = .04) and the stroma (P = .02) in the patient specimens compared with the controls. There were no significant differences in the other analyses performed.Conclusion: There is an increased expression of estrogen receptor greek small letter alpha in the vestibular mucosa but the epithelial morphology seems unaffected in women with provoked vestibulodynia. Further studies regarding plausible associations to neurogenic inflammation are needed.
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