| 1. |
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1973. En träff med tidsandan
- 2008
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In: 1973. En träff med tidsandan. - Lund : Nordic Academic Press. - 9789189116979 ; , s. 11-21
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Editorial collection (other academic/artistic)
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| 2. |
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| 6. |
- A. Nojima,, et al.
(author)
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Calculational aspects of electron-phonon coupling at surfaces
- 2008
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In: J. Phys: Condens. Matter. - : IOP Publishing. - 1361-648X .- 0953-8984. ; 20
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We study the validity of two frequently used approximations in calculations of electron–phonon coupling at surfaces. The rigid-ion approximation is a standard approximation used for the bulk metals. On the basis of density functional theory calculations, we find that for Be this approximation is as valid for surface atoms as for bulk atoms. In addition, the slab method for calculations of a phonon induced surface state lifetime is examined. The convergence of the electron–phonon matrix element with respect to the thickness of the slab is studied for several systems. When the number of slab layers is increased, the net effect of decreasing overlap and increasing number of final states depends strongly on the decay length of the surface state wavefunction and the band structure.
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| 7. |
- A. Nojima,, et al.
(author)
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Model Eliashberg function for surface states
- 2008
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In: Applied Surface Science. ; 254:23
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We present a simplified procedure for the analysis of the phonon-induced lifetimes of surface states. The model includes information about the electron and phonon structure and is thus more reliable than procedures based on phonon Debye models. We apply the model to calculate the lifetime broadening of Cu(1 1 1) and Al(0 0 1) surface states. The obtained Eliashberg functions and lifetimes are in reasonable agreement with previous detailed studies.
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| 8. |
- Aaberge, Rolf, et al.
(author)
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Evaluation of an In-work Tax Credit Reform in Sweden: Effects on Labor Supply and Welfare Participation of Single Mothers
- 2008
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Reports (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The purpose of this paper is to evaluate a recent Swedish in-work tax credit reform where we pay particular attention to labor market exclusion; i.e. individuals in as well as outside the labor force are included in the analysis. To highlight the importance of the joint effects from the tax and the benefit systems it appears particular relevant to analyze the labor supply behavior of single mothers. To this end, we estimate a structural microeconometric model of labor supply and welfare participation. The model accounts for heterogeneity in consumption-leisure preferences as well as for constraints in job opportunities. The results of the evaluation show that the reform generates welfare-gains for virtually every single mother, and moreover benefits low-income households. Finally, due to increased labor supply and decline in welfare participation we find that this reform is almost self-financing.
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| 9. |
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| 10. |
- Aaro Jonsson, Catherine, 1963-, et al.
(author)
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Long-term cognitive outcome after neurosurgically treated childhood traumatic brain injury
- 2009
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In: Brain Injury. - : Taylor & Francis. - 0269-9052 .- 1362-301X. ; 23:13-14, s. 1008-1016
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: To explore the cognitive long term outcome of two cohorts of patients neurosurgically treated for childhood traumatic brain injury (CTBI), either in 1987-1991 according to an older concept, or 1997-2001 with a stronger emphasis on volume targeted interventions. Research design and methods: Participants in the two cohorts were subject to an extensive neuropsychological assessment, 13.2 and 6.1 years post injury, respectively. In a between group design, assessment results of the two cohorts, n 18 and n 23, were compared to each other and to controls. Data were analyzed with multivariate analyses of variance. Results: Long-term cognitive deficits for both groups of similar magnitude and character were observed in both groups. Abilities were especially low regarding executive and memory function and verbal IQ. The cognitive results are discussed in terms of vulnerability of verbal functions and decreased executive control over memory-functions. Conclusions: There is a definite need for long term follow up of cognitive deficits after neurosurgically treated CTBI, also with the newer neurosurgical concept. Verbal learning and the executive control over memory functions should be addressed with interventions aimed at restoration, coping and compensation.
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| 11. |
- Aaro Jonsson, Catherine, 1963-, et al.
(author)
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Neuropsychological progress during 14 years after severe traumatic brain injury in childhood and adolescence
- 2004
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In: Brain Inj. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0269-9052 .- 1362-301X. ; 18:9, s. 921-34
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of time since injury on neuropsychological and psychosocial outcome after serious TBI in childhood or adolescence. METHODS: The subjects were eight patients with serious TBI sustained at a mean age of 14 years who had been assessed neuropsychologically at 1, 7 and 14 years after TBI. A retrospective longitudinal design was chosen to describe the development in six neuropsychological domains on the basis of the assessments. Psychosocial data were gathered from clinical knowledge and a semi-structured interview 14 years after TBI. RESULTS: Performance of verbal IQ shows a declining trend over the three assessments, that the performance of attention and working memory is low and that verbal learning is the cognitive domain which exhibits the largest impairments. The main psychosocial result is that three of the eight subjects went from a school situation with no adjustments to adult life with early retirement. CONCLUSIONS: Time since insult is an important factor when assessing outcome after TBI in childhood and adolescence and that assessment of final outcome should not be done before adulthood.
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| 12. |
- Aars, M, et al.
(author)
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A conceptual framework for curriculum design in physiotherapy education: an internationaöl perspective
- 2003
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In: Advances in Physiotherapy. ; 5:4, s. 161-8
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Globalization is having a significant impact on healthcare and physiotherapy education, among other sectors, can benefit from this trend. The main aim of this work was to develop and describe a conceptual framework for physiotherapy curriculum design and, in doing so, to stimulate international debate on physiotherapy education. The framework was developed through an international collaboration and was tried out in the participating schools in order to refine it further. The current framework consists of three elements to be taken into account in physiotherapy curriculum design: (1) The content aspect or the knowledge base of physiotherapy; (2) the learning aspect or the student's learning process; and (3) the socio-cultural context aspect, which concerns the way in which physiotherapy is experienced and practised. The content aspect includes a description of core concepts of physiotherapy: body, movement and interaction, and acknowledges that physiotherapy should be science-based. The learning aspect and the socio-cultural context aspect form separate parts of the framework. Nonetheless, all aspects are intertwined and reflect theory-practice integration. This framework is offered for critical reflection and as the basis for a debate on the development and evaluation of physiotherapy programmes. Further work is needed in testing the relevance of this framework for curriculum design in different countries and settings. Keywords: Core knowledge; curriculum development; physiotherapy practice; professional issues; post-graduate education; socio-cultural context; student's learning; theory-practice integration; undergraduate education
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| 13. |
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| 14. |
- Aasa, Anna, et al.
(author)
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Collecting dialect data and making use of them an interim report from Swedia 2000
- 2000
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In: Proceedings FONETIK 2000. ; , s. 17-20
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Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- This paper consists of two, somewhat disparate parts. In the first part, some experiences of two years of fieldwork are summarized, concentrating, as the subtitle suggests, on the very heart of phonetic fieldwork: the encounters and interviews with the informants. As a result of the fieldwork, the project now has access to recordings from approximately 1300 speakers of more than 100 dialects of Swedish. We are currently initiating research on various aspects of the sound patterns of these dialects. The second part of the paper is meant to give an overview of some of our research plans for the near future.
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| 15. |
- Aasa, M., et al.
(author)
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Temporal changes in TIMI myocardial perfusion grade in relation to epicardial flow, ST-resolution and left ventricular function after primary percutaneous coronary intervention
- 2007
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In: Coron Artery Dis. - 0954-6928. ; 18:7, s. 513-518
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Myocardial perfusion at the end of reperfusion therapy assessed angiographically with thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) myocardial perfusion grade (TMPG) has been associated with recovery of left ventricular (LV) function and survival. The aim of this analysis was to study the evolution of TMPG within the first week following primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and its association with ECG-derived ST-segment resolution (STRES) and recovery of LV function. METHODS: A total of 76 patients with acute myocardial infarction were pretreated with enoxaparine and abciximab and subjected to primary PCI within a prospective study and evaluated with TMPG assessed on coronary angiography at the end of the procedure and after 5-7 days. STRES was evaluated at 120 min post inclusion and global LV function was assessed by echocardiography after 30 days. RESULTS: Reperfusion (TIMI flow 2-3) was reached in all patients. Forty one percent had 'open myocardium' (i.e. TMPG 2 or 3) after PCI, a number that increased to 61% after 5-7 days (P=0.003). STRES >50% was reached in 73% of the patients and there was a good correlation between TMPG and STRES. Furthermore, those who improved from 'closed' to 'open myocardium' had higher STRES (and similar to those with 'open myocardium' already post-PCI) than those who had 'closed myocardium' at both occasions (80 vs. 52%, P=0.012). CONCLUSION: A significant increase was found in the number of patients with 'open myocardium' within the first week post-primary PCI and STRES seems to predict this improvement.
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| 16. |
- Aasheim,, et al.
(author)
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Vitamin status after bariatric surgery: a randomized study of gastric bypass and duodenal switch.
- 2009
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In: The American journal of clinical nutrition. - : Elsevier BV. - 1938-3207 .- 0002-9165. ; 90:1, s. 15-22
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery is widely performed to induce weight loss. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to examine changes in vitamin status after 2 bariatric surgical techniques. DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial was conducted in 2 Scandinavian hospitals. The subjects were 60 superobese patients [body mass index (BMI; in kg/m(2)): 50-60]. The surgical interventions were either laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. All patients received multivitamins, iron, calcium, and vitamin D supplements. Gastric bypass patients also received a vitamin B-12 substitute. The patients were examined before surgery and 6 wk, 6 mo, and 1 y after surgery. RESULTS: Of 60 surgically treated patients, 59 completed the follow-up. After surgery, duodenal switch patients had lower mean vitamin A and 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and a steeper decline in thiamine concentrations than did the gastric bypass patients. Other vitamins (riboflavin, vitamin B-6, vitamin C, and vitamin E adjusted for serum lipids) did not change differently in the surgical groups, and concentrations were either stable or increased. Furthermore, duodenal switch patients had lower hemoglobin and total cholesterol concentrations and a lower BMI (mean reduction: 41% compared with 30%) than did gastric bypass patients 1 y after surgery. Additional dietary supplement use was more frequent among duodenal switch patients (55%) than among gastric bypass patients (26%). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with gastric bypass, duodenal switch may be associated with a greater risk of vitamin A and D deficiencies in the first year after surgery and of thiamine deficiency in the initial months after surgery. Patients who undergo these 2 surgical interventions may require different monitoring and supplementation regimens in the first year after surgery. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00327912.
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| 17. |
- Abate, Michele, et al.
(author)
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Pathogenesis of tendinopathies: inflammation or degeneration?
- 2009
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In: Arthritis research & therapy. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1478-6362 .- 1478-6354. ; 11:3
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The intrinsic pathogenetic mechanisms of tendinopathies are largely unknown and whether inflammation or degeneration has the prominent role is still a matter of debate. Assuming that there is a continuum from physiology to pathology, overuse may be considered as the initial disease factor; in this context, microruptures of tendon fibers occur and several molecules are expressed, some of which promote the healing process, while others, including inflammatory cytokines, act as disease mediators. Neural in-growth that accompanies the neovessels explains the occurrence of pain and triggers neurogenic-mediated inflammation. It is conceivable that inflammation and degeneration are not mutually exclusive, but work together in the pathogenesis of tendinopathies.
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| 18. |
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| 19. |
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| 20. |
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| 21. |
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| 22. |
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| 23. |
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| 24. |
- Abbas, Abdul-Karim, 1959, et al.
(author)
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Persistent LTP without triggered protein synthesis.
- 2009
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In: Neuroscience research. - : Elsevier BV. - 0168-0102. ; 63:1, s. 59-65
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Protein synthesis is believed to be involved in stabilizing synaptic plasticity. Effects lasting longer than about 2-3h are considered to require synthesis of new proteins, implying a functional separation between early (E) and late (L) components. However, the issue of constitutive vs. new protein synthesis is still unclear, especially in young animals. Here, we examined the effects of two protein synthesis inhibitors, anisomycin and emetine, on long-term-potentiation (LTP) in CA1 area of hippocampal slices from 12- to 20-day-old rats. Either drug was applied from -30 min to +30 min with respect to LTP induction, a time window previously reported to be critical. However, the LTP remained stable under the entire recording period of 4h (anisomycin), or 8h (emetine). Proper preparation of emetine solution was evidenced by the fact that, in separate experiments, prolonged treatment with emetine gradually blocked baseline responses. Although no corresponding effect was observed with anisomycin, the drug was judged to be potent by its ability to inhibit yeast growth. The ability of anisomycin to inhibit protein synthesis was further confirmed by radiolabeling experiments assessing the degree of leucine incorporation. Our data suggest that LTP up to at least 8h is not dependent on triggered protein synthesis but can be attained by utilizing proteins already available at induction time.
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| 25. |
- Abbas, Abdul-Karim, 1959, et al.
(author)
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S-sulfo-cysteine is an endogenous amino acid in neonatal rat brain but an unlikely mediator of cysteine neurotoxicity.
- 2008
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In: Neurochemical research. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0364-3190 .- 1573-6903. ; 33:2, s. 301-7
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- S-sulfo-cysteine (SSC) is an agonist of glutamate receptors which could be involved in cysteine-induced neurotoxicity. Here we analyzed SSC by HPLC and demonstrated that the concentration of SSC in cortex of cysteine-injected rats increased to 1.4 microM, about four times the value of control rats. The neurotoxic effect of SSC was evaluated in slice cultures of rat hippocampus and compared to NMDA and cysteine. The neurotoxicity threshold of SSC was well above the tissue concentration. Our results show that SSC increases in neonatal rat brain after cysteine injection but reaches a tissue concentration far below concentrations that induce neurotoxicity in vitro. Thus, even if all the tissue SSC after cysteine injection was extracellular it would be below the threshold for toxicity, indicating that SSC is not a main excitotoxin involved in cysteine toxicity.
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| 26. |
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| 27. |
- Abbas, F, et al.
(author)
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Surgical treatment of gingival recessions using emdogain gel: clinical procedure and case reports
- 2003
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In: Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent. ; 23, s. 607-613
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This article describes the clinical procedure and outcome of surgical treatment of gingival recessions with the adjunctive use of Emdogain gel, an enamel matrix derivative bioactive material for periodontal reconstructive surgery. Six cases with gingival recession on maxillary canines are presented with 12 months of follow-up. Initial gingival recession averaged 4.8 mm, with a mean probing pocket depth of 2.2 mm. At the 12-month follow-up, a mean of 3.5 mm of root coverage was observed (ie, 73% root coverage, range 60% to 100%). Probing pocket depth averaged 1.7 mm, indicating a 4-mm gain of clinical attachment (range 3 to 5 mm). On a clinical level, mucogingival surgery in combination with the application of Emdogain gel results in predictable root coverage and gain of clinical attachment while maintaining shallow pockets.
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| 28. |
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| 29. |
- Abbas, Zareen, 1962, et al.
(author)
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From restricted towards realistic models of salt solutions: Corrected Debye–Hückel theory and Monte Carlo simulations
- 2007
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In: Journal of Mathematical Fluid Mechanics. - : Elsevier BV. - 1422-6952 .- 1422-6928 .- 0378-3812. ; 260:2, s. 233-247
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The properties of bulk salt solutions over wide concentration ranges are explored by a combination of simple physical theory and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations. The corrected Debye–Hückel (CDH) theory which incorporates ion size effects in a linear response approximation is extended to yield free energy and other thermodynamic properties by integration of the chemical potential over concentration. Charging integration which is usually used to obtain an electrostatic contribution of total free energy of electrolytes is avoided in this new direct approach. MC simulations are performed with a modified Widom particle insertion method, which also provides directly the ionic activity coefficients. The validity of the CDH theory is tested by comparison with the MC simulation data for 1:1, 2:1, 2:2 and 3:1 restricted primitive model (RPM) electrolytes over a wide concentration range and at various ion sizes. Mean ionic activity and osmotic coefficients calculated by the CDH theory in RPM approximation of electrolyte are fitted to experimental data by adjusting only a mean ionic diameter. Good fits up to 1 molal (m) concentration are obtained for a large number of salt solutions. MC simulations data for unrestricted primitive model (UPM) of 1:1 and 2:1 electrolytes are also fitted to the experimental data by varying the cation radius while keeping the anion radius fixed at a crystallographic value. The success of this approach is found to be salt specific. For example good fits up to 2 and 3.5 m concentrations were obtained for LiCl and LiBr, respectively. However in the case of less dissociated salts such as NaCl and KI the experimental data could only be fitted up to one molal concentration. Possibility of extending the applicability range of the CDH theory to concentrations >2 m is explored by including a concentration dependent dielectric constant as measured in experiments. Mean ionic activity coefficients for a number of salts could successfully be fitted up to 3 m concentration by adjusting only a mean ionic diameter. Difficulties encountered in simultaneously fitting the mean ionic activity and osmotic coefficients at salt concentrations >2 m are discussed.
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| 30. |
- Abbas, Zareen, 1962, et al.
(author)
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Monte Carlo Simulations of Salt Solutions: Exploring the Validity of Primitive Models
- 2009
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In: Journal of Physical Chemistry B. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 1520-6106 .- 1520-5207. ; 113:17, s. 5905-5916
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- An extensive series of Monte Carlo (MC) simulations were performed in order to explore the validity of simple primitive models of electrolyte solutions and in particular the effect of ion size asymmetry on the bulk thermodynamic properties of real salt solutions. Ionic activity and osmotic coefficients were calculated for 1:1, 2:1, and 3:1 electrolytes by using the unrestricted primitive model (UPM); i.e., ions are considered as charged hard spheres of different sizes dissolved in a dielectric continuum. Mean ionic activity and osmotic coefficients calculated by the MC simulations were fitted simultaneously to the experimental data by adjusting only the cation radius while keeping the anion radius fixed at its crystallographic value. Ionic radii were further optimized by systematically varying the cation and anion radii at a fixed sum of ionic radii. The success of this approach is found to be highly salt specific. For example, experimental data (mean ionic activity and osmotic coefficients) of salts which are usually considered as dissociated such as HCl, HBr, LiCl, LiBr, LiClO4, and KOH were successfully fitted up to 1.9, 2.5, 1.9, 3, 2.5, and 4.5 M concentrations, respectively. In the case of partially dissociated salts such as NaCl, the successful fits were only obtained in a more restricted concentration range. Consistent sets of the best fitted cation radii were obtained for acids, alkali, and alkaline earth halides. A list of recommended ionic radii is also provided. The reliability of the optimized ionic radii was further tested in simulations of the osmotic coefficients of LiCl−NaCl−KCl salt mixtures. A very good agreement between the simulated and experimental data was obtained up to ionic strength of 4.5 M.
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| 31. |
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| 32. |
- Abbas, Zareen, 1962, et al.
(author)
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Size-Dependent Surface Charging of Nanoparticles
- 2008
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In: J of Physical Chemistry C. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 1932-7447 .- 1932-7455. ; 112:15, s. 5715-5723
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Experimental interest in the possible curvature dependence of particle charging in electrolyte solutions is subjected to theoretical analysis. The corrected Debye-Hückel theory of surface complexation (CDH-SC) and Monte Carlo (MC) simulation are applied to investigate the dependence of surface charging of metal oxide nanoparticles on their size. Surface charge density versus pH curves for spherical metal oxide nanoparticles in the size range of 1-100 nm are calculated at various concentrations of a background electrolyte. The surface charge density of a nanoparticle is found to be highly size-dependent. As the particle diameter drops to below 10 nm there is considerable increase in the surface charge density as compared with the limiting values seen for particles larger than 20 nm. This increase in the surface charge density is due to the enhanced screening efficiency of the electrolyte solution around small nanoparticles, which is most prominent for particles of diameters less than 5 nm. For example, the surface charge densities calculated for 2 nm particles at 0.1 M concentration are very close to the values obtained for 100 nm particles at 1 M concentration. These predictions of the dependence of surface charge density on particle size by the CDH-SC theory are in very good agreement with the corresponding results obtained by the MC simulations. A shift in the pH value of the point of zero charge toward higher pH values is also seen with a decreasing particle size.
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| 33. |
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| 34. |
- Abd-el-Gawa, G, et al.
(author)
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Vitamin B12 and folate after 5-12 years of continent ileal urostomy (Kock reservoir) in children and adolescents.
- 2002
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In: European urology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0302-2838. ; 41:2, s. 199-205
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To assess B12 and folate deficiency after continent urinary diversion via a Kock continent urinary reservoir in children and adolescents.Ten boys and 10 girls (10.8-18 years old at surgery) were operated with a Kock reservoir and followed for 5-12 years (mean 8.5). The follow-up period was divided into early (3 months-5 years, EFU) and late (5-12 years, LFU) follow-up. Patients were investigated for haemoglobin, serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), serum Vitamin B12, serum and blood folate, methylmalonic acid (MMA), homocystine and glomerular filtration rate.Two patients developed subnormal B12 values (median 107.5 pmol/l), one at the EFU, and the other at LFW. The B12 value decreased during the LFU compared to the EFU in nine patients, but it was still within the normal range. Two patients with renal impairment had elevated MMA with normal B12 values. Five patients had high values of homocystine with folate deficiency and/or B12 deficiency and renal impairment. Plasma folate mean value was normal during the whole follow-up. Blood folate was below normal in five patients at the EFU. Two of these five patients, in addition to three patients, had low values at the LFU. Three of four patients with remaining short terminal ileum (20-45 cm) had normal B12 values at both the EFU & LFU and one had low values at the LFU. Six patients had subnormal GFR at the LFU.To a similar degree as in adults, Vitamin B12, folate and iron deficiency can occur in children and adolescents after continent urinary diversion using an ileal segment. Therefore, Vitamin B12 and folate should be monitored regularly in these patients. Serum MMA and homocystine may offer increased detection of Vitamin B12 deficiency, especially in the patients with normal renal function. Vitamin B12 deficiency is neither correlated with the time elapsed since surgery, nor with the ileum length. Patients are usually asymptomatic, so patients with true B12 deficiency should be identified and placed on life-long Vitamin B12 therapy. An adequate synthetic folic acid as supplements or fortified food is recommended for patients with folate deficiency.
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| 35. |
- Abd El-Gawad, Gamal, 1959, et al.
(author)
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Health-related quality of life after 5-12 years of continent ileal urostomy (Kock reservoir) in children and adolescents.
- 2002
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In: Scandinavian journal of urology and nephrology. - 0036-5599. ; 36:1, s. 40-5
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To assess quality of life after continent ileal reservoir diversion in children and adolescents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Nine boys and 9 girls (10.8-18 years old at surgery) were operated with a Kock reservoir and followed for 5-12 years. They participated in an interview using a questionnaire based on the Swedish self-esteem inventory, "I think I am". The questionnaire consisted of 76 questions that covered medical, physical, psychological, social, body image and sexual aspects. RESULTS: Six of 18 patients had some difficulties on catheterization. Five complained of pain or bleeding during evacuation. Two patients had slight urinary leakage between evacuations and 6 had mucus secretion. Ten patients had diarrhea with different frequencies. Physical activities were not hampered by the operation in any patient. Instead, activities such as full day outside home, friend at home overnight, using all types of clothes, and participation in camps were increased in 8, 6, 5 and 5 patients, respectively. All patients but 2 had an excellent relation with friends and family members. More than half of patients had excellent positive self-esteem and body image and the rest had very good self-esteem. However, some patients were concerned about how they looked and felt that life was unfair to them. CONCLUSIONS: The patients were satisfied with their operation. They were physically active and declared a positive perspective regarding self-esteem and body image. The medical problems related to the operation did not have any negative influence on the self-esteem or body image. The choice of the operation can only be determined on the basis of an attentive dialogue between surgeon, child and parents.
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| 36. |
- Abd El-Gawad, Gamal, 1959
(author)
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Urologic and metabolic consequences of continent urostomy (Kock reservoir) in children and adolescents
- 2001
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- During the last decades, urinary diversion using an intestinal segment has been commonly used in children and adolescents. Kock pouch is a feasible alternative for the children in need of a continent diversion where other alternatives such as Mitrofanoff are excluded for various reasons. The present study focused on the evaluation of the urologic and metabolic consequences after continent urinary diversion (Kock reservoir) and the assessment of the quality of life after surgery in children and adolescents. Twenty patients with congenital urinary incontinence were operated and followed for 3-12 years. The reservoir and upper urinary tract were studied through enterocystometry, enterocystoscopy, enterocystography, intravenous urography and clinical history. Acid-base status, serum electrolytes, vitamin B12, folate, methylmalonic acid (MMA) and homocystine were measured. Renal function was assessed by Cr51 EDTA clearance and serum creatinine and the split renal function by (99m) Tc-MAG 3 renoscintigraphy. Patients answered a questionnaire that covered medical, physical, social and body image aspects. The follow-up was divided into different periods: early -EFU (3 months - 2 or 5 years), and late -LFU (2-10 or 5-12 years after surgery).A low reservoir pressure was accompanied by high capacity and compliance. Nipple malfunction (angled nipple, prolapsed or stenosed stoma) occurred in 35% and stones in 40% of patients. Reservoir perforation was observed in 2 patients. An excellent continence was reported in 90% and a good one in the rest of patients. Angled efferent nipple seen on enterocystoscopy or enterocystography coincided with nipple malfunction, reservoir mal-position or infrequent emptying (= 4 times/day). Ureteral dilatation was detected in 84% of patients 3 months after surgery. The dilatation was improved in 56% and unchanged in 25% of patients after one year, and then it continued to improve at the LFU. New focal renal scars were radiologically detected in 2 patients. Three patients had metabolic acidosis and 8 had hyperchloremia. Serum creatinine level was increased in 82% of patients with infrequent emptying at the LFU (P<0.05). GFR was below normal in 4 patients preoperatively, in 6 at the EFU and in 8 at the LFU. Two patients developed low B12 values and 2 had elevated MMA with normal B12 values. Blood folate was low in 5 patients at the EFU and in different 5 at the LFU. There was no correlation between the resected ileal segment length and B12 value.Physical activities were not hampered by the operation in any patient. Instead, some activities as full day outside home and friend at home over night were increased in some patients. More than half of patients had excellent positive self-esteem and body image and the rest had good one. However, some patients were concerned about how they looked and felt that life was unfair to them.Conclusion: Kock reservoir remains a viable alternative to other forms of continent urinary diversion. The stability of the reservoir volume and low internal pressures was achieved early after operation depending on the frequency of the reservoir emptying. Efferent nipple malfunction is common during the first 2 years after surgery. The Kock pouch provided a satisfactory continence to all patients, although a revisional operation was necessary in some patients to get a permanent continence. Urinary tract dilatation is a frequent finding postoperatively, but it subsides in most cases 3-12 months after surgery. Long-term afferent nipple dysfunction may be the result of angulation, reservoir stones, mal-position and/or over-distension. Permanent renal damage may be due to pyelonephritis, stones, infrequent reservoir emptying, urinary obstruction, or metabolic acidosis. A strict regime of reservoir evacuation to decrease the possibility of metabolic alterations and of renal function deterioration is strongly advisable in these patients. Vitamin B12 and folate values should be monitored regularly. B12 deficiency is neither correlated with the time elapsed since surgery, nor with the resected ileal length. Serum MMA and homocystine may offer increased detection of occult B12 deficiency. The patients were physically active and declared a positive perspective regarding self-esteem and body image. The medical problems related to the operation did not have any negative influence on the self-esteem or body image. The choice of the operation can only be determined on the basis of an attentive dialogue between surgeon, child and parents.
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| 37. |
- Abdalrahim, Maysoon S, 1962, et al.
(author)
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Documentation of Postoperative pain by Nurses in Surgical Wards
- 2008
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In: Acute Pain. - : Elsevier BV. - 1366-0071. ; 10:2, s. 73-81
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose To describe nursing documentation of pain assessment and management in the first 72h postoperatively in surgical wards. Methods A retrospective approach was used to collect data on nurses’ documentation from patients’ records. A total sample size of 322 records at six hospitals in Jordan were audited using three audit instruments; Pain and Anxiety Audit Tool, the North American Nursing Diagnosis Association (NANDA) form for characteristics of acute pain, and comprehensiveness assessment tool. Results There was no evidence of pain assessment documentation on the first day of surgery in 113 (35%) of patient's records. Pain location was the most recorded information for pain assessment in 197 (61%) notes, and only 14 (4.3%) nurses used a pain scale. More than 53% of the records lacked information about medication for pain management. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) in all the categories of pain documentation between the first day and the subsequent days. Nurses documented patients’ self-report of pain [297 (92.3%)], and patients’ crying [200 (62.1%)]. More than 80% (273) of the records were ranked below the minimum score for a satisfactory documentation. Conclusion The results indicate the need to improve postoperative pain assessment and documentation, and the establishment of acute pain service.
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| 38. |
- Abdalrahim, Maysoon S, 1962
(author)
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Postoperative Pain Assessment and Management: The Effects of an Educational program on Jordanian nurses’ practice, knowledge, and attitudes
- 2009
-
Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Aims: The overall aims of this thesis was describe the current nursing postoperative pain assessment and management practices in the surgical wards in Jordan and evaluate the effectiveness of implementing a ostoperative pain management (POPM) program in improving the Jordanian nurses’ POP assessment and management practices in the surgical wards. Lewin’s Force-Field Model for change provided the structure for planning for and implementing the POPM program. Method: Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used. Qualitative content analysis inspired by the hermeneutic philosophy was used to describe the surgical nurses’ experiences in caring for patients having POP. Data were collected by interviewing 12 registered nurses working in surgical wards at four hospitals in Jordan. A retrospective quantitative design was used to collect data on the documentation system and strategies of the POP assessment and management in the surgical wards. A total of 322 patients’ records obtained from six hospitals in Jordan were audited in six-month period. The records review was performed using three audit instruments. Later, a POPM program for nurses was implemented in two surgical wards at a university hospital in Jordan. The program was evaluated by means of a quasi-experimental design with a nonequivalent control group where the control group (120 patients) and the intervention group (120 patients) were not drawn from the same population. All registered nurses (65 nurses) employed in the two surgical wards participated in the study to implement the program. First, assessment of patients’ communication about pain with nurses and their satisfaction about nurses’ intervention were assessed by means of a questionnaire. Second, the quality of nurses’ pain assessment was evaluated by comparing the attending nurses’ assessment of patients’ pain intensity rating scores with the researcher’s rating scores of the same patients. Third, a questionnaire was used to test the nurses’ knowledge of and their attitudes toward pain. Forth, the records were audited before and after the intervention. The POPM program was implemented for three months. Findings: The findings of the studies I and II formulated the foundation where the researchers can illuminate the main issues and obstacles in the process of change toward better POP management. Findings from these studies draw attention to the fact that there is an urgent need for improving POP assessment, management and documentation. The findings illustrated that the implementation of an educational program for nurses was successful. First of all, the quality communicated information about pain and pain management with patients was significantly improved. Secondly, the nurses developed the habit of assessing POP intensity using numeric rating scales, in addition to the assessment of other pain characteristics. Thirdly, the nurses improved their knowledge about POP, and their attitudes toward it were evidently changed. Finally, the nurses improved their practice in documenting patients’ pain. The patients’ records showed a significant difference in the amount and the quality of nursing documentation which reflected the fact that nurses became more aware about the importance of documentation and might also means that they change their practices toward better POP management. Discussion and Implications: The studies provide several contributions to the knowledge and understanding of the POP current management practices such as the recognition of the surgical patients suffering due to the unsatisfactory pain management routines, the impact of health institutions restraints on nurses that prohibit them from providing quality of care for patients with POP, and the need to change the current practices of nursing documentation of POP. The findings add to a growing body of literature on the benefits of implementing educational programs for nurses to improve their roles in caring for patients with POP. The findings of this thesis provide opportunities for nurses to evaluate themselves in the area of POP knowledge and management practices which may affect their caring abilities. Another implication related to nursing practice is that this study might increase the awareness of the health care professionals and the health institutions administration toward the establishment of team work to induce change with a common purpose in upgrading the quality of pain assessment and management. Managers and supervisors can facilitate the application of educational programs and incorporate with the team to move more quickly in the desired change. Implications of the study may be relevant to nursing education and in continuing education of health care institutions.
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| 39. |
- Abdelkader, Amal F., 1969, et al.
(author)
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Chlorophyll accumulation, protochlorophyllide formation and prolamellar body conversion are held back in wheat leaves exposed to high salt stress
- 2008
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In: In: Allen JF, Gantt E, Golbeck JH, Osmond B (eds.) Proceedings of the 14th International Congress on Photosynthesis, Glasgow, Scotland, July 22-27 2007. ; , s. 1139-1142
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Journal article (other academic/artistic)
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| 40. |
- Abdelkader, Amal F., 1969, et al.
(author)
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High salt stress in wheat leaves causes retardation of chlorophyll accumulation due to a limited rate of protochlorophyllide formation
- 2007
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In: Physiologia Plantarum. - : Wiley. - 0031-9317 .- 1399-3054. ; 130:1, s. 157-166
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- When exposed to salt stress, leaves from dark-grown wheat seedlings (Triticum aestivum, cv. Giza 168) showed reduced accumulation of chlorophyll during irradiation. To elucidate the mechanism behind salt-influenced reduction of chlorophyll biosynthesis, we have investigated the effect of salt stress on the spectral forms of Pchlide, the phototransformation of Pchlide to Chlide, the Shibata shift, the regeneration of Pchlide and the accumulation of Pchlide from 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA). We found that the phototransformation of Pchlide to Chlide was not affected by salt stress. The blue shift (Shibata shift) of newly formed Chlide was delayed both after flash irradiation and in continuous light. The reformation of Pchlide in darkness after a flash irradiation or after a period of 3-h irradiation was retarded in the salt-treated leaves. However, after a 20-h dark period, Pchlide was reformed even in salt-treated leaves but the formation of short-wavelength Pchlide was suppressed. Compared to controls, salt treatment also reduced the amount of Pchlide accumulated in leaves floated on ALA. The increase in the low temperature fluorescence emission spectrum at 735 nm, which occurred gradually during several hours of irradiation with continuous light in control leaves, was completely suppressed in salt-treated leaves. It is concluded that salt stress inhibits chlorophyll accumulation partly by reducing the rate of porphyrin formation but, as discussed, also by a possible reduction in the formation of chlorophyll-binding proteins.
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| 41. |
- Abdelkader, Amal F., 1969, et al.
(author)
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High salt stress induces swollen prothylakoids in dark-grown wheat and alters both prolamellar body transformation and reformation after irradiation
- 2007
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In: Journal of Experimental Botany. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0022-0957 .- 1460-2431. ; 58:10, s. 2553-2564
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- High salinity causes ion imbalance and osmotic stress in plants. Leaf sections from 8-d-old dark-grown wheat (Triticum aestivum cv. Giza 168) were exposed to high salt stress (600 mM) and the native arrangements of plastid pigments together with the ultrastructure of the plastids were studied using low-temperature fluorescence spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Although plastids from salt-treated leaves had highly swollen prothylakoids (PTs) the prolamellar bodies (PLBs) were regular. Accordingly, a slight intensity decrease of the short-wavelength protochlorophyllide (Pchlide) form was observed, but no change was found in the long-wavelength Pchlide form emitting at 656 nm. After irradiation, newly formed swollen thylakoids showed traversing stromal strands. The PLB dispersal was partly inhibited and remnants of the PLBs formed an electron-dense structure, which remained after prolonged (8 h) irradiation. The difference in fluorescence emission maximum of the main chlorophyll form in salt-stressed leaves (681 nm) and in control leaves (683 nm) indicated a restrained formation of the photosynthetic apparatus. Overall chlorophyll accumulation during prolonged irradiation was inhibited. Salt-stressed leaves returned to darkness after 3 h of irradiation had, compared with the control, a reduced amount of Pchlide and reduced reformation of regular net-like PLBs. Instead, the size of the electron-dense structures increased. This study reports, for the first time, the salt-induced swelling of PTs and reveals traversing stromal strands in newly formed thylakoids. Although the PLBs were intact and the Pchlide fluorescence emission spectra appeared normal after salt stress in darkness, plastid development to chloroplasts was highly restricted during irradiation.
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| 42. |
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| 43. |
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| 44. |
- Abdula, Rahimaisa, 1976
(author)
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Climate Change Policy of Bio-Energy: A Computable General Equilibrium Analysis
- 2005
-
Licentiate thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- This paper explores the intersectoral and land-use dynamics behind bio-energyâ??s development as a climate change policy. Bio-energy from agriculture and forestry can potentially mitigate the emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) from energy use and land-use changes (LUC) by its substitution to fossil fuels and its diversion of land-use to biomass plantation. Two major issues concerning its interplay with the other sectors of the economy and other land-use options are mapped in the study, namely its competition with other energy sources and sectors of similar production structure such as the crops and livestock sector; and its competition for land with other land-use based CO2 mitigation option of afforestation. By employing a computable general equilibrium with a land-use change model, the study was able to depict the various interfaces of bio-energy with the rest of the economy and with the land market. Moreover, the model enabled the mapping of policy implications upon the economy, welfare, and pattern of land-use changes and its subsequent contribution to CO2 emissions. The main policy considered in this study is the carbon taxation with revenues geared towards the reduction of direct taxes and towards the finance of bio-energy subsidy. Results showed that the carbon taxation per se does not ensure the growth of the bio-energy sector, unless the tax base is extended to land-use changes and unless the proceeds are directed to subsidize the sector or to buttress the incomes and consumptions of rural households; the main users of bio-energy. Investment in bio-energy as a complementary mitigation policy to carbon taxation has resulted into the improvements in the domestic capacity for energy sourcing and the welfare of the rural households. It successfully lowered the cost of mitigation by shifting reliance away from fossil fuels and by inducing land-use conversion to bio-energy and forestry purposes, without instigating dramatic transformations in the land-use system and without producing catastrophic burden upon the agricultural sector. Moreover, despite the competition for scarce land resource of the different land-use based mitigation options, synergies between developing carbon offset through bio-energy and building carbon sink through afforestation can be achieved through the market mechanism. The same benefits are presented by integrating land-use changes emissions into the carbon tax coverage.
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| 45. |
- Abdulle, Sahra, 1970, et al.
(author)
-
Cerebrospinal fluid viral load and intrathecal immune activation in individuals infected with different HIV-1 genetic subtypes
- 2008
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In: PLoS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 3:4
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: HIV-1 exhibits a high degree of genetic diversity and is presently divided into 3 distinct HIV-1 genetic groups designated major (M), non-M/non-O (N) and outlier (O). Group M, which currently comprises 9 subtypes (A-D, F-H, J and K), at least 34 circulating recombinant forms (CRFs) and several unique recombinant forms (URFs) is responsible for most of the HIV-1 epidemic. Most of the current knowledge of HIV-1 central nervous system (CNS) infection is based on subtype B. However, subtypes other than subtype B account for the majority of global HIV-1 infections. Therefore, we investigated whether subtypes have any influence on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) markers of HIV-1 CNS infection. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: CSF HIV-1 RNA, CSF neopterin and CSF white blood cell (WBC) count were measured in patients infected with different HIV-1 subtypes. Using multivariate regression analysis, no differences in the CSF WBC count, neopterin and viral load were found between various HIV-1 subtypes. CONCLUSIONS: We did not find any subtype-dependent differences in the markers evaluated in this study.
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| 46. |
- Abdulle, Sahra, 1970, et al.
(author)
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Continuing intrathecal immunoactivation despite two years of effective antiretroviral therapy against HIV-1 infection
- 2002
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In: Aids. ; 16:16, s. 2145-9
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of antiretroviral combination treatment on intrathecal immunoactivation in HIV-1 infection. METHOD: Lumbar punctures were performed at baseline, and after 4 months, 1 and 2 years on 30 neurologically asymptomatic, treatment-naive HIV-1-infected patients started on antiretroviral treatment with three or more drugs. Levels of neopterin, beta2-microglobulin and HIV-1 RNA were measured in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood. RESULTS: All patients continued the study until the 4-month follow-up, although seven discontinued before the 1-year control, and an additional five discontinued before the control after 2 years. Neopterin, beta2-microglobulin and HIV-1 RNA decreased significantly both in CSF and blood, but although 100% of the patients decreased their CSF concentrations of beta2-microglobulin and HIV-1 RNA to normal levels, only 55% had normal CSF neopterin concentrations after 2 years treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to CSF viral load, antiretroviral combination therapy substantially decreases the intrathecal immunoactivation as reflected by CSF neopterin and beta2-microglobulin in neuroasymptomatic HIV-1-infected patients. However, almost half of the patients still have slightly increased CSF neopterin concentrations after 2 years of effective treatment, which might reflect an ongoing low-grade viral replication in brain tissue.
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| 47. |
- Abdulle, Sahra, 1970, et al.
(author)
-
CSF neurofilament protein (NFL) - a marker of active HIV-related neurodegeneration.
- 2007
-
In: Journal of neurology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0340-5354 .- 1432-1459. ; 254:8, s. 1026-32
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND AND METHODS : The light subunit of the neurofilament protein (NFL), a major structural component of myelinated axons, is a sensitive indicator of axonal injury in the central nervous system (CNS) in a variety of neurodegenerative disorders. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) NFL concentrations were measured by ELISA (normal < 250 ng/l) in archived samples from 210 HIV-infected patients not taking antiretroviral treatment: 55 with AIDS dementia complex (ADC), 44 with various CNS opportunistic infections/tumours (CNS OIs), 95 without neurological symptoms or signs, and 16 with primary HIV infection (PHI). The effect of highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) was studied by repeated CSF sampling in four of the ADC patients initiating treatment. RESULTS : CSF NFL concentrations were significantly higher in patients with ADC (median 2590 ng/l, IQR 780-7360) and CNS OIs (2315 ng/l, 985-7390 ng/l) than in neuroasymptomatic patients (<250 ng/l, <250-300) or PHI (<250 ng/l, <250-280), p < 0.001. Among patients with ADC, those with more severe disease (stage 2-4) had higher levels than those with milder disease (stage 0.5-1), p < 0.01. CSF NFL declined during HAART to the limit of detection in parallel with virological response and neurological improvement in ADC.CSF NFL concentrations were higher in neuroasymptomatic patients with lower CD4-cell strata than higher, p < 0.001. This increase was less marked than in the ADC patients and noted in 26/58 neuroasymptomatic patients with CD4 counts <200/mul compared to 1/37 with CD4-cells >/=200/mul. CONCLUSIONS : The findings of this study support the value of CSF NFL as a useful marker of ongoing CNS damage in HIV infection. Markedly elevated CSF NFL concentrations in patients without CNS OIs are associated with ADC, follow the grade of severity, and decrease after initiation of effective antiretroviral treatment. Nearly all previously suggested CSF markers of ADC relate to immune activation or HIV viral load that do not directly indicate brain injury. By contrast NFL is a sensitive marker of such injury, and should prove useful in evaluating the presence and activity of ongoing CNS injury in HIV infection.
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| 48. |
- Abdulle, Sahra, 1970, et al.
(author)
-
Effects of antiretroviral treatment on blood-brain barrier integrity and intrathecal immunoglobulin production in neuroasymptomatic HIV-1-infected patients.
- 2005
-
In: HIV medicine. - : Wiley. - 1464-2662 .- 1468-1293. ; 6:3, s. 164-9
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVES: To study the effect of antiretroviral combination therapy on blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity and intrathecal immunoglobulin G (IgG) production. METHODS: Lumbar punctures were performed on 38 neurologically asymptomatic, treatment-naive HIV-1-infected patients prior to and during treatment at intervals of approximately 4 months, 1 year and 2 years. Albumin ratio and IgG index were analysed as markers of BBB integrity and intrathecal IgG synthesis. RESULTS: HIV-1 RNA decreased to < 50 HIV-1 RNA copies/mL in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of all patients and in the plasma of all but one patient. Only 5% of patients had elevated albumin ratio values at baseline, while 56% had an elevated IgG index. There was no significant reduction of the albumin ratio or the IgG index. After 2 years of treatment all patients had normal albumin ratio values, while 41% still had increased IgG index levels. CONCLUSIONS: Up to 2 years after the initiation of treatment, the favourable impact of antiretroviral combination treatment on CSF viral load was not accompanied by a similar reduction of intrathecal IgG production. BBB function, measured as the albumin ratio, was not significantly changed in this cohort of neurologically asymptomatic HIV-1-infected patients.
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| 49. |
- Abdulle, Sahra, 1970
(author)
-
HIV-1 infection of the central nervous system. Markers of pathogenesis and antiretroviral treatment effects
- 2006
-
Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) invades the central nervous system (CNS) early in the course of infection and either directly or through opportunistic infections causes a spectrum of neurological complications. The most severe manifestation of HIV-1 CNS infection is AIDS Dementia Complex (ADC), which occurs in approximately 20% of untreated patients with AIDS. ADC is considered the result of a complex interplay between immune activation effects and viral replication in the brain, which ultimately leads to neuronal injury and death. Reliable markers to diagnose HIV-1 associated CNS injury, track disease progression, and identify patients at risk of developing ADC are lacking. Such markers would also be beneficial in evaluating the efficacy of antiretroviral treatment (ART) in the CNS, as well as to provide insights into the pathogenesis of HIV-1 CNS infection.HIV-1 elicits intrathecal cell-mediated and humoral immune activation. We found that ART effectively decreased the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of neopterin and beta2-microglobulin, but had little effect on the elevated IgG index. However, almost half of the patients still had slightly elevated levels of neopterin after 2 years of follow-up. Phylogenetic analyses have identified 3 distinct HIV-1 genetic groups. Group M, which is responsible for most of the global HIV-1 epidemic is further subdivided into subtypes and circulating recombinant forms (CRFs). Most of the current knowledge of HIV-1 CNS infection is based on studies of subtype B, which is predominant in the western world. However, subtypes other than subtype B are responsible for most of the epidemic outside the western world, and HIV-1 infections due to subtypes other than B are rapidly increasing across Europe. Markers of HIV-1 CNS infection such as HIV-1 RNA, neopterin, and white blood cell (WBC) count in CSF were measured and compared in patients infected with different HIV-1 subtypes. We did not find any significant subtype-specific differences in the neuromarkers evaluated in this study. Thus, subtypes do not appear to influence neuropathogenesis.Although there is no evidence of productive infection of neurons the end-result of HIV-1 CNS infection is neuronal damage and loss. We investigated the potential of CSF neurofilament (NFL), a sensitive indicator of axonal injury, as a marker of HIV-1 associated neurodegeneration. CSF NFL concentrations were higher in patients with ADC than in neuroasymptomatic patients, or patients with primary HIV-1 infection. Patients with severe ADC had higher CSF NFL levels compared to those with milder disease. CSF NFL declined with ART to the limit of detection in parallel with virological response and neurological improvement in patients suffering from ADC.Neurocognitive impairment remains a major concern in HIV-1 infection despite the success of ART. Studies on the pathogenesis, epidemiology, and the effects of ART on HIV-1 CNS infection are important to improve patient management.
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| 50. |
- Abdurahman, Samir, 1965-, et al.
(author)
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Activity of the small modified amino acid alpha-hydroxy glycineamide on in vitro and in vivo human immunodeficiency virus type 1 capsid assembly and infectivity
- 2008
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In: Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. - 0066-4804 .- 1098-6596. ; 52:10, s. 3737-3744
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Upon maturation of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) virion, proteolytic cleavage of the Gag precursor protein by the viral protease is followed by morphological changes of the capsid protein p24, which will ultimately transform the virus core from an immature spherical to a mature conical structure. Virion infectivity is critically dependent on the optimal semistability of the capsid cone structure. We have reported earlier that glycineamide (G-NH(2)), when added to the culture medium of infected cells, inhibits HIV-1 replication and that HIV-1 particles with aberrant core structures were formed. Here we show that it is not G-NH(2) itself but a metabolite thereof, alpha-hydroxy-glycineamide (alpha-HGA), that is responsible for the antiviral activity. We show that alpha-HGA inhibits the replication of clinical HIV-1 isolates with acquired resistance to reverse transcriptase and protease inhibitors but has no effect on the replication of any of 10 different RNA and DNA viruses. alpha-HGA affected the ability of the HIV-1 capsid protein to assemble into tubular or core structures in vitro and in vivo, probably by binding to the hinge region between the N- and C-terminal domains of the HIV-1 capsid protein as indicated by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-mass spectrometry results. As an antiviral compound, alpha-HGA has an unusually simple structure, a pronounced antiviral specificity, and a novel mechanism of antiviral action. As such, it might prove to be a lead compound for a new class of anti-HIV substances.
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