| 1. |
- Munthe, Christian, 1962
(author)
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Pure Selection. The Ethics of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Choosing Children without Abortion
- 1999
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Book (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Preimplantation ge¬netic diagnosis (PGD) is taken to mark the starting-point of a new phase in human reproduction, where the possibility of choosing children on genetic grounds without having to resort to ethi¬cally controversial procedures (such as abortion) will grad¬ually increase. Ethical and political issues actu¬alised by this develop¬ment are addressed. The discussion touches upon issues regarding the moral status of em¬bryos and gametes, the moral import of respecting individual auton¬omy and its implications for the requirement of informed consent in health-care, the connec¬tion between sickness, dis¬ability and the value of life, the moral status of possible future people, and the connection between choosing children and eugenic policies of the past. Practical policy issues are adressed on the basis of this, as well as an empirical case-study of the intro¬duction of PGD in Sweden. The book ends up in a set of recommendations regarding the management of re¬search on, introduction and routine use of procedures for pure se¬lection, both within health care and from the point of view of society as a whole. It is argued that research on such procedures should be allowed and supported by society. However, tight restrictions regarding the clinical introduction of new procedures in this area is highly desirable. A rough model for implementing such re¬strictions is also pre¬sented. It is further asserted that, although reasons of economy and safety should limit the access to pure se¬lection, society should not apply any explicit restrictions based on ideasregarding how different traits affect a person’s quality of life. It is stressed that, in order to to avoid a re¬sur¬rection of eugenic policies of the past, the development in this field un¬der¬lines the need for continued and strengthen public support to the sick, dis¬abled and mentally retarded.
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| 2. |
- Ahlborg, Gunnar, 1948, et al.
(author)
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Reproductive effects of chemical exposures in health professions
- 1995
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In: Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. - 1076-2752. ; 37:8, s. 957-61
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Numerous chemical substances are handled by persons working in the health care sector. At exposure levels that may occur in the occupational setting, some of these substances are potentially harmful to the reproductive processes. Among the potentially harmful substances are anesthetic gases, antineoplastic agents, and sterilants. The epidemiological evidence of increased risks for adverse reproductive effects (eg, subfertility, spontaneous abortions, congenital defects) from such exposure is not unequivocal. However, due to the toxic potential, exposures should be kept at a minimum, and this may be especially important for workers who are pregnant or are planning to achieve pregnancy.
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| 3. |
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| 4. |
- Munthe, Christian, 1962
(author)
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Informed Consent and Quality of Available Information
- 1998
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In: Fourth World Congress of the International Association of Bioethics, Tokyo, November 4-7, 1998.
-
Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Standard versions of the requirement of informed consent state that patients who are offered to enter a clinical trial of a medical procedure should be informed about risks and possible benefits of this procedure (compared to available alternatives) in order to facilitate a rational decision whether or not to participate. However, in many real cases where new medical procedures are to be clinically tested for the first time the information available for such communication to prospective patients is very scarce, vague and/or uncertain. This phenomenon is illustrated by the clinical introduction of new procedures in reproductive medicine, such as preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). Regarding such procedures, it has ben argued that, in such cases, the quality of the available information may be too low for the obtaining of informed consent to be possible, even if it is successfully communicated. Others, instead, holds that informed consent may always be obtained regardless of the quality of the available information. Unfortunately, the standard litterature on informed consent give no clue as to which of these interpretations is correct. This issue is explored by connecting the concept of informed consent to ethical ideas of respect for autonomy and ideas of rational decision making. It is argued, first, that low quality of available information regarding the risks and possible benefits of a medical procedure may indeed make the obtaining of informed consent from patients to undergo this procedure impossible even in theory. However, it is also argued that whether or not this is the case must be relativized to the actual needs and desires of individual patients. Thus, regarding one and the same procedure, informed consent may be impossible to obtain from some patients due to the low quality of the available information regarding this procedure, but still be possible to obtain from other patients.
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| 5. |
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| 6. |
- Follér, Maj-Lis, 1946
(author)
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Future health of indigenous people: A human ecology view and the case of the Amazonian Shipibo-Conibo
- 1995
-
In: Futures (special double issue on health futures). - 0016-3287. ; 27:9/10, s. 1005-1023
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Health has its basis in the relationships between human societies and cultures and the environment. The health of indigenous peoples living in traditional territories is threatened today by the destruction of this environment and the introduction of new contagious diseases; those who move to urban areas suffer even worse health because of ‘civilization’ diseases and the loss of the social networks that provide personal support and health care. Contrary to expectations, an epidemiological transition has not occurred in developing countries where many of these groups live. Two apparent underlying causes—persistent poverty and political inequality—are among the factors that will affect the future health of indigenous groups, together with trends in population, urbanization, and the environment. Indigenous groups can play a major role in determining that future and are already doing so through territorial-control projects aimed at protecting the environment on which their health and well-being depend.
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| 7. |
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| 8. |
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| 9. |
- Munthe, Christian, 1962
(author)
-
Genetic Treatment and Preselection. Ethical Similarities and Differences
- 1999
-
In: Nordgren, A (ed.), Gene Therapy and Ethics, Studies in Bioethics and Research Ethics No. 4, Uppsala 1999: Acta Universitatis Upsaliensis. - Uppsala : Acta Universitatis Upsaliensis. - 915544640X ; , s. 159-173
-
Book chapter (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Medical genetic interventions can be performed in two ways. First, genetic defects may be repaired (gene therapy). Secondly, a possible future individual (an embryo or a possible combination of gametes) may be preselected because of its favourable genetic make-up (by using genetic diagnostic methods and procedures from reproductive medicine so called Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis). The first kind of intervention means that someone gets medical treatment in the normal sense, however, the second kind does not. Rather, in that case, the potential patient is exchanged for another individual who is in no need of treatment. The paper explores to what extent arguments for and against these kinds of genetic intervention apply equally to all of them. For example, may the benefits that can be achieved through gene therapy be equally well achieved through genetic preselection? Are fears of a resurrection of eugenic practices through gene technology more warranted regarding therapeutic interventions than regarding preselective ones (or vice versa)? Since genetic preselection is an intervention at the germ-line level and is presently clinically applied: How is it possible to motivate that clinical application of germ-line gene therapy is not similarily permitted?
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| 10. |
- Munthe, Christian, 1962
(author)
-
ntroduktion av PGD i Sverige i etisk belysning
- 1997
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In: 1st Swedish National Workshop on Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis, Sahlgrenska Universitetssjukhuset, Göteborg 1997..
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Conference paper (other academic/artistic)
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| 11. |
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| 12. |
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| 13. |
- Brattström, L, et al.
(author)
-
Pyridoxine reduces cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein and increases antithrombin III activity in 80-year-old men with low plasma pyridoxal 5-phosphate
- 1990
-
In: Scandinavian Journal of Clinical & Laboratory Investigation. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1502-7686 .- 0036-5513. ; 50:8, s. 873-877
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We have previously observed that pyridoxine treatment reduced plasma total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations and increased antithrombin III (AT III) activity in atherosclerotic patients with subnormal plasma pyridoxal 5-phosphate (PLP) levels. In order to confirm these results, we selected 17 males with low plasma PLP levels from a group of 122 80-year-old males in whom PLP has been determined. After supplementation with 120 mg of pyridoxine per day for 8 weeks their mean plasma TC and LDL cholesterol concentrations were decreased by 10% (p less than 0.01) and 17% (p less than 0.001), respectively. There was no effect on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides but plasma AT III activity was increased by 6% (p less than 0.05). The mechanism by which pyridoxine acts is unclear but it is hypothesized that pyridoxine-derived PLP may enhance the catabolism of LDL and the activity of AT III by inhibiting their glycosylation.
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| 14. |
- Ulander, A., et al.
(author)
-
Assessment of intermittent trichloroethylene exposure in vapor degreasing
- 1992
-
In: American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal. - 0002-8894. ; 53:11, s. 742-3
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To validate various sampling strategies in assessment of trichloroethylene (TCE) exposure, urine and air samples were obtained from 29 metal workers involved in vapor degreasing. Urinary trichloroacetic acid and trichloroethanol were useful metabolites to estimate TCE exposure on a group basis, but the predictive value of a single urine sample was low when related to the air concentration. With intermittent TCE exposure, the best information is obtained by analyzing both metabolites.
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| 15. |
- Ekström, Ulf, et al.
(author)
-
Mutations in the low-density lipoprotein receptor gene in Swedish familial hypercholesterolaemia patients: clinical expression and treatment response
- 1998
-
In: European Journal of Clinical Investigation. - : Wiley. - 0014-2972. ; 28:9, s. 740-747
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Familial hypercholesterolaemia, an autosomal co-dominant disorder caused by defects in the low-density lipoprotein receptor gene, is strongly associated with premature development of cardiovascular disease. METHODS: In this study, we have applied a gene screening method in a population of familial hypercholesterolaemia patients in order to describe the genetic background of the disease in southern Sweden. These patients were studied with the aim of relating the presence of the different mutations to the clinical expression of the disease and to the response to pharmacological treatment. RESULTS: In 16 out of 21 patients, potentially disease-causing low-density lipoprotein receptor gene defects were found, including five not previously described alterations (C240-->F, C122-->stop, C356-->Y, 785insG, 165delG). No defects in apolipoprotein B were found. One group of patients (n = 4) carried the mutation C122-->stop and another group of patients (n = 4) a mutation causing the substitution W66-->G. Patients in the two genotype subgroups were very similar with respect to lipid levels before treatment. CONCLUSION: A tendency towards differential susceptibility to treatment with statins was observed for the patient groups, encouraging further comparative studies of heterozygous FH patients.
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| 16. |
- Hellström, Anna-Lena, 1946, et al.
(author)
-
Association between urinary symptoms at 7 years old and previous urinary tract infection.
- 1991
-
In: Archives of disease in childhood. - 1468-2044. ; 66:2, s. 232-4
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The association between current micturition habits and previous urinary tract infection was analysed among 3553 school entrants aged 7 years by means of a questionnaire. A high incidence of urinary infection, confirmed by urine culture, was found (145 (8.4%) in the 1719 girls and 32 (1.7%) in the 1834 boys). There was a significant association between current symptoms that were suggestive of disturbed bladder function and previous urinary tract infection, but only among girls who were over 3 years of age at the time the first episode was diagnosed.
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| 17. |
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| 18. |
- Hellström, Anna-Lena, 1946, et al.
(author)
-
Micturition habits and incontinence in 7-year-old Swedish school entrants.
- 1990
-
In: European journal of pediatrics. - 0340-6199. ; 149:6, s. 434-7
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The prevalence of incontinence in children has been extensively studied, but knowledge of other bladder symptoms is lacking in a healthy child population. The micturition habits of 3556 7-year-old school entrants were surveyed by a questionnaire supplemented by telephone interviews. One or more symptoms of a disturbed bladder function was reported in 26%, but most of these had moderate urgency as a sign of incomplete voluntary bladder control. Isolated bedwetting occurred in 2.8% of the girls and 7.0% of the boys, whereas nocturnal incontinence combined with daytime wetting was equally common in both sexes, 2.3% and 2.0% respectively. Diurnal incontinence was reported in 6.0% of the girls and 3.8% of the boys and was usually combined with other symptoms. The frequency of micturition in children without symptoms of bladder disturbance and with no previous urinary tract infection was 3-7 times per day.
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| 19. |
- Kruse, Sonja, 1949, et al.
(author)
-
Daytime bladder dysfunction in therapy-resistant nocturnal enuresis. A pilot study in urotherapy.
- 1999
-
In: Scandinavian journal of urology and nephrology. - 0036-5599. ; 33:1, s. 49-52
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: Bedwetting is the most common form of incontinence in children. Research in recent years suggests that there can be many different factors responsible for the problem of bed wetting, one of which is bladder dysfunction. The aim of this pilot study was to identify infrequent voiding ("hold pattern") and to investigate whether increasing the number of micturitions during the day can improve the nocturnal enuresis in children with several failed treatment attempts. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-two children with severe bedwetting were treated. Twelve of them had had no other treatment than increasing the number of regular micturitions during the day, while 10 patients had had enuresis alarm or desmopressin added. RESULTS: The number of wet nights after 1 month of treatment decreased in all children and the improvement continued in most of the children during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that bladder training by increasing the number of micturitions during the day can be valuable in the treatment of nocturnal enuresis.
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| 20. |
- Shimizu, T, et al.
(author)
-
Inhibitory effects of theophylline, terbutaline, and hydrocortisone on leukotriene B4 and C4 generation by human leukocytes in vitro.
- 1994
-
In: Pediatric pulmonology. - 8755-6863. ; 18:3, s. 129-34
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and leukotriene C4 (LTC4) are considered to be important mediators in the pathophysiology of asthma. Theophylline, terbutaline, and hydrocortisone are drugs commonly used in the treatment of asthma. In the present study we have investigated the in vitro inhibitory effects of theophylline, terbutaline, and hydrocortisone on LTB4 and LTC4 generation from human leukocytes. After preincubation in the presence of these drugs, the cells were stimulated with the calcium ionophore A 23187 and the supernatants were analyzed for their LTB4 and LTC4 content using reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Total leukotriene (LT) production (the combined amounts of LTB4 and LTC4) was dose-dependently inhibited by pretreatment with theophylline, terbutaline or hydrocortisone. Therapeutic levels of hydrocortisone (5 x 10(-6) M) plus theophylline (5 x 10(-5) M) inhibited LTB4 and LTC4 production in an additive way, as did the combination of hydrocortisone plus terbutaline (5 x 10(-8) M). A statistically significant effect of diminished LTB4 generation was obtained after preincubation with therapeutic levels of theophylline plus terbutaline, but no such effect was seen for LTC4 levels. The in vitro inhibitory effects on LTB4 and LTC4 generation from human leukocytes by theophylline, terbutaline, and hydrocortisone, as well as the additive effect of hydrocortisone plus theophylline or terbutaline, add to our understanding of the therapeutic effects of these drugs in the treatment of bronchopulmonary obstruction.
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| 21. |
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| 22. |
- Rosén, Stefan, et al.
(author)
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A multispecific saline-soluble lectin from the parasitic fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora. Similarities in the binding specificities compared with a lectin from the mushroom agaricus bisporus.
- 1996
-
In: European journal of biochemistry / FEBS. - : Wiley. - 0014-2956 .- 1432-1033. ; 238:3, s. 830-7
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Several fungi can express high levels of saline-soluble and low-molecular-mass lectins that bind to glycoproteins such as fetuin and different mucins but not bind to any monosaccharides. In this paper, we report the binding specificities of such a lectin (designated AOL) isolated from the nematophagous fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora. The results show that AOL is a multispecific lectin that interacts with the following ligands: (a) Several sulfated glycoconjugates including sulfatide, dextran sulfate, and fucoidan. The specificity of this binding was indicated by experiments showing that none of the tested neutral- and sialic-acid-containing glycolipids, chondroitin sulfates B and C, heparin, and polyvinyl sulfate bound to AOL; (b) Phosphatidic acid and phospatidylglycerol, two out of several tested phospholipids. (c) N-linked and O-linked sugar chains bound to intact fetuin. The involvement of such sugar structures was demonstrated by analyzing the binding of AOL to chemically deglycosylated (trifluoromethanesulfonic acid) fetuin. Treating fetuin with O-glycosidase and N-glycosidase indicated that AOL bound to Gal beta GaLNAc alpha-Ser/Thr and to some N-linked complex sugars, respectively. Further assays demonstrated that AOL could interact with several other glycoproteins containing O-linked and/or N-linked sugar chains. The observations that AOL did not bind to free N-linked sugars isolated from fetuin, or to fetuin treated with trypsin or pronase, or to any of the tested neoglycoproteins and glycolipids with neutral- or sialic acid-containing sugars, indicated that the sugar chains need to be bound to an intact peptide backbone to interact with AOL. We have recently shown that the deduced primary structure of AOL has a high similarity to the sequence of a saline-soluble lectin isolated from the mushroom Agaricus bisporus (ABL) (Rosén, S., Kata, M., Persson, Y., Lipniunas, P. H., Wikström, M., van den Hondel, C. A. M. J. J., van den Brink, J. M., Rask, L., Hedén L.-O. and Tunlid, A., see companion paper). It is well known that ABL binds to Gal beta 3GaLNAc alpha-Ser/Thr, and in this paper we demonstrate that ABL binds to sulfatide, phosphatidic acid, phospatidylglycerol, and possibly also to the same N-linked complex sugars as AOL. The above data indicate that AOL and ABL are members of a novel family of fungal lectins sharing similar primary structure and binding properties.
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| 23. |
- van der Wijngaart, Wouter, et al.
(author)
-
Valve-less diffuser fluid micropump
- 1999
-
In: Gordon Research Conference 1999, Analytical Chemistry, New Hampshire, USA.
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)
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| 24. |
- Arroyo-Yanguas, Yolanda, et al.
(author)
-
Binding, internalization, and degradation of antiproliferative heparan sulfate by human embryonic lung fibroblasts
- 1997
-
In: Journal of Cellular Biochemistry. - 0730-2312. ; 64:4, s. 595-604
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Binding, internalization, and degradation of 125I-labeled, antiproliferative, or nonantiproliferative heparan sulfate by human embryonic lung fibroblasts was investigated. Both L-iduronate-rich, antiproliferative heparan sulfate species as well as L-iduronate-poor, inactive ones were bound to trypsin-releasable, cell-surface sites. Both heparan sulfate types were bound with approximately the same affinity to one high-affinity site (Kd approximately 10(-8) M) and to one low-affinity site (Kd approximately 10(-6) M), respectively. Results of Hill-plot analysis suggested that the two sites are independent. Competition experiments with unlabeled glycosaminoglycans indicated that the binding sites had a selective specificity for sulfated, L-iduronate-rich heparan sulfate. Dermatan sulfate, which is also antiproliferative, was weakly bound to the cells. The antiproliferative effects of heparan and dermatan sulfate appeared to be additive. Hence, the two glycosaminoglycans probably exert their effect through different mechanisms. At concentrations above 5 micrograms/ml (approximately 10(-7) M), heparan sulfate was taken up by human embryonic lung fibroblasts, suggesting that the low-affinity site represents an endocytosis receptor. The antiproliferative effect of L-iduronate-rich heparan sulfate species was also exerted at the same concentrations. The antiproliferative species was taken up to a greater degree than the inactive one, suggesting a requirement for internalization. However, competition experiments with dextran sulfate suggested that both the high-affinity and the low-affinity sites are involved in mediating the antiproliferative effect. Structural analysis of the inactive and active heparan sulphate preparations indicated that although sulphated L-iduronate appears essential for antiproliferative activity, it is not absolutely required for binding to the cells. Degradation of internalized heparan sulfate was analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis using a sensitive detection technique. The inactive species was partially degraded, whereas the antiproliferative one was only marginally affected.
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| 25. |
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| 26. |
- Krettek, Alexandra, 1968-, et al.
(author)
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Quantitation of platelet-derived growth factor receptors in human arterial smooth muscle cells in vitro
- 1997
-
In: Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology. - : Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. - 1079-5642 .- 1524-4636. ; 17:11, s. 2395-2404
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is suggested to play an important role in the development of atherosclerosis as a migratory and mitogenic stimulus to arterial smooth muscle cells (ASMCs). Stimulated and unstimulated ASMCs were studied with respect to PDGF receptor (PDGF-R) mRNA and protein expression. Quantitative RT-PCR was developed for simultaneous evaluation of both PDGF-R alpha and -R beta mRNA expression and a quantitative ELISA for estimation of corresponding PDGF-R subunits. On the mRNA level, the overall PDGF-R beta expression was approximately 100 times lower than that of PDGF-R alpha. Furthermore, although PDGF-R alpha mRNA levels were high irrespective of hASMC phenotype, PDGF-R beta mRNA was influenced by serum stimulation with lower copy numbers in proliferating and confluent cells compared with quiescent cells. On the protein level, quiescent hASMCs expressed 10 times more PDGF-R beta than PDGF-R alpha. Serum stimulation decreased cell surface PDGF-Rs, with most prominent loss of PDGF-R alpha (ELISA and immunohistochemistry). Our results suggest a differential regulatory pattern for PDGF-R alpha and -R beta and are compatible with the usage of alternative promoters for regulation of -R alpha expression. Further, it seems that the number of available receptor subunits is not the only determinant of variations in cell stimulation with different PDGF isoforms.
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| 27. |
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| 28. |
- Wanders, A., et al.
(author)
-
Effect of LS-2616 on the graft protection achieved by cyclosporin A, prednisolone, and 15-deoxyspergualin in heart-transplanted rats
- 1992
-
In: Transpl Int. ; 5 Suppl 1, s. S462-3
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The immunostimulator LS-2616 abolishes the effect of cyclosporin A in a rat cardiac transplantation model. The present paper compares the characteristics of rejection obtained under different immunosuppressive regimens with and without additional LS-2616 application in the same model. Cyclosporin A (CyA, 10 mg/kg daily), prednisolone (15 mg/kg daily), or 15-deoxyspergualin (2, 5, or 10 mg/kg daily), all given from the day of transplantation until day 9, protected the grafts during the treatment period. The addition of LS-2616 (160 mg/kg, day -1 until stop) resulted in a total abrogation of the immunosuppressive effect of CyA and prednisolone. However, LS-2616 could only partially or not at all reverse the effect of 15-deoxyspergualine. These results show a certain drug selectivity of LS-2616 in promoting rejection of immunosuppressed allografts. Further studies with LS-2616 may be of benefit in evaluating the mode of action of different immunosuppressive compounds and, thus, contribute to finding more effective antirejection therapies.
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| 29. |
- Wanders, A., et al.
(author)
-
Effects of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and drugs affecting PGE2 degradation on acute rejection of rat cardiac allografts
- 1992
-
In: Scand J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. ; 26:1, s. 33-7
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Systemic administration of prostaglandin E2 (PgE2) has been reported to prolong graft survival of heart transplants. We investigated the influence of systemic injection of two compounds which inhibit the endogenous degradation of PgE2 (CL42A and CL68A) and of local infusion of PgE2 into the transplant on the survival time of rat cardiac allografts. Both CL42A and CL68A gave increased graft survival time in two rat strain combinations, though this was not predictable in individual rats. Locally infused PgE2 gave slight, but not significant prolongation of graft survival in some recipients. Combined PgE2 and cyclosporin A, however, gave significant prolongation of graft survival time compared with cyclosporin A treatment alone. When local PgE2 treatment was begun 5 days after transplantation, graft survival time was prolonged in almost all the rats. Manipulation of the local PgE2 concentration thus seemed to have a positive effect on graft survival, possibly due to down-regulation of certain cells of the immune system by PgE2.
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| 30. |
- Wanders, A., et al.
(author)
-
Enhancement of the effect of low-dose cyclosporin A by sulphasalazine in prevention of cardiac allograft rejection in the rat
- 1992
-
In: Transpl Int. ; 5:3, s. 155-8
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Sulphasalazine (SASP) is an immunomodulatory compound with disease-modifying activity in ulcerative colitis and in other autoimmune disorders. SASP was previously shown to prolong the survival of heart allografts in rats treated with cyclosporin A (CyA) for 9 days after transplantation. We have now evaluated whether SASP also exerts a beneficial effect under continuous treatment with CyA, when CyA is discontinued after 14 days, or alone if given 10 days prior to transplantation. Cardiac grafts were transplanted from PVG donors to Wistar/Kyoto recipients using an accessory cervical heart transplantation technique. Rejection was defined as the absence of palpable contractions and occurred in the control group in a very reproducible manner on day 8 or 9. SASP alone was given orally (100 mg/kg body weight) starting 10 days before transplantation and resulted in a minor prolongation of graft survival. When SASP was given in addition to oral CyA (1 mg/kg or 2 mg/kg from day 0 to rejection) there was a significant prolongation in graft survival [from medians of 8 (range 6-11) and 9 (range 8-11) days, respectively, to medians of 10 (range 8-15) and 12 (range 11-15) days, respectively]. When SASP was given from day 0 to rejection, in addition to a schedule of oral CyA (10 mg/kg) for 15 days, there was no prolongation of graft survival [median of 30 (range 26-42) days vs median of 32 (26-38) days]. The data show that SASP acts as a weak immunosuppressive agent which enhances the effect of CyA given at a low dose.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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| 31. |
- Wanders, A., et al.
(author)
-
Evidence that LS-2616 (linomide) causes acute rejection of rat allografts protected by cyclosporine but not of long-term surviving allografts
- 1991
-
In: Transplantation. - 0041-1337 .- 1534-6080. ; 52:2, s. 234-8
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The immunomodulator LS-2616 (Linomide) induces rejection of cyclosporine-protected rat cardiac allografts. The aim of this study was to characterize this rejection in the presence of CsA and to test LS-2616 in other models of permanent graft acceptance in the rat. PVG rat hearts were transplanted heterotopically to Wistar/Kyoto (Wi/Ky) rat recipients on day 0. The recipients were treated orally on days 0-9 with CsA (10-40 mg/kg) and/or with LS-2616 (2.5-160 mg/kg) starting at different times (day -7 -+5) until the day of complete rejection. The addition of LS-2616 (day -1--stop) to CsA (10 mg/kg) resulted in a dose-dependent antagonism of the immunosuppressive effect of CsA with daily doses of 2.5-160 mg/kg. Furthermore, the results were similar, irrespective of whether LS-2616 treatment (160 mg/kg) was started on day -7, -1, +1, +3, or +5. LS-2616 (160 mg/kg) pretreatment of the recipient for 7 days before transplantation was considerably less effective. CsA (20 mg/kg) for 14 days after a PVG to DA transplantation resulted in permanent graft survival. This was not abrogated by LS-2616. Neither was rejection induced in long-term surviving grafts of RT1.C incompatible Lewis recipients. Our data suggest that LS-2616 activates already stimulated and sensitized T cells that are otherwise controlled by CsA.
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| 32. |
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| 33. |
- Lindeberg, Staffan, et al.
(author)
-
Lipoprotein composition and serum cholesterol ester fatty acids in nonwesternized Melanesians
- 1996
-
In: Lipids. - 0024-4201. ; 31:2, s. 153-158
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In this study, the relationships between dietary fat [as measured by serum cholesterol ester fatty acids (CE-FA)], age, smoking, body mass index, and serum lipids were analyzed in 151 subsistence horticulturalists, aged 20-86 yr, from Kitava, Trobriand Islands, Papua New Guinea. Their diet consists of tubers, fruit, coconut, fish, and vegetables with a negligible influence of western food and alcohol. Total fat intake is low [21% of energy (en%)], while saturated fat intake from coconuts is high (17 en%, mainly lauric and myristic acid). In multivariate analysis, 11-43% of the variation of the serum lipoprotein composition was explained by CE-FA, age, and smoking habits. The proportion of CE20:5n-3 explained much of the variation of triglycerides (TG, negative relation) and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C, positive) in both sexes and serum apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1, positive) in the males. CE16:0 was positively related to TG and negatively related to HDL-C and ApoA1 in both sexes, and in males it related negatively to total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C). In males, negative relationships were present between CE18:2n-6 and TC and between CE14:0 and serum lipoprotein(a). Smoking was independently associated with lower ApoA1 in both sexes and with lower HDL-C and higher TG, TC, LDL-C, and apolipoprotein B in males. In conclusion, marine n-3 fatty acids and linoleic acid showed the same potentially beneficial relationships with lipoproteins and apolipoproteins as in western populations. The relations of palmitic acid to serum lipids may be explained in terms of endogenous fat synthesis at a low-fat intake, rather than reflecting its relative intake.
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| 34. |
- Holmdahl, Gundela, 1956, et al.
(author)
-
Four-hour voiding observation in young boys with posterior urethral valves.
- 1998
-
In: The Journal of urology. - 0022-5347. ; 160:4, s. 1477-81
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- PURPOSE: We evaluated 4-hour voiding observation as a method of basic assessment of bladder dysfunction in young boys with posterior urethral valves. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Voiding pattern, including number of voids, voided and residual urine volume, and bladder capacity, was determined noninvasively in 24 boys younger than 4 years with posterior urethral valves and compared to that of healthy age matched controls. Results were then compared to those of standard cystometry. RESULTS: The number of voids was higher, voided volume was smaller and residual urine volume was higher in the posterior urethral valve group. There was no difference in voiding pattern before and after removal of the anatomical obstruction. Voided and residual urine volume, and bladder capacity were higher on standard cystometry than on voiding observation. CONCLUSIONS: Four-hour voiding observation is an easy noninvasive method that focuses on emptying difficulties and clearly detects differences in voiding patterns between boys with posterior urethral valves and healthy, nontoilet trained children. We recommend the method as a complement to standard cystometry for the diagnosis and followup of bladder dysfunction in young boys with posterior urethral valves to identify the need for treatment.
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| 35. |
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| 36. |
- Johansson, C B, et al.
(author)
-
A removal torque and histomorphometric study of bone tissue reactions to commercially pure titanium and Vitallium implants.
- 1991
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In: The International journal of oral & maxillofacial implants. - 0882-2786. ; 6:4, s. 437-41
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Screw-shaped commercially pure (CP) titanium and Vitallium implants were inserted in the rabbit tibial metaphysis. After a healing period of 3 months, it was demonstrated that a higher torque was needed to remove the CP titanium implants (average 24.9 Ncm) compared to Vitallium implants (average 11.7 Ncm). The histomorphometric part of the study revealed more bone-to-metal contact for the CP titanium implants (average 34.7%) compared to the Vitallium implants (average 21.7%). The results obtained in this study could be explained by differences in the topography or in biocompatibility of the metals, or a combination of these two factors.
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| 37. |
- Karlsson, Niclas G., 1966, et al.
(author)
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Analysis of monosaccharide composition of mucin oligosaccharide alditols by high-performance anion-exchange chromatography.
- 1995
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In: Analytical biochemistry. - : Elsevier BV. - 0003-2697. ; 224:2, s. 538-41
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A simple one-step method for the analysis of monosaccharides including galactosaminitol after acidic hydrolysis is described. The hydrolyzate was re-N-acetylated and analyzed by high-performance anion-exchange chromatography and the sugars were detected by a pulsed amperometric detector. The method was applied on a mixture of neutral oligosaccharides released from mucin glycopeptides of rat small intestine by alkaline borohydride. Sugars were detected down to the nanomole range and the results were compared with monosaccharide compositional analysis performed by gas chromatography of acetylated alditols.
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| 38. |
- Lundberg, Fredrik, et al.
(author)
-
Presence of vitronectin and activated complement factor C9 on ventriculoperitoneal shunts and temporary ventricular drainage catheters
- 1999
-
In: Journal of Neurosurgery. - : Journal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group (JNSPG). - 0022-3085. ; 90:1, s. 101-108
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Object. The pathogenesis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt infection is characterized by staphylococcal adhesion to the polymeric surface of the shunt catheter. Proteins from the CSF-fibronectin, vitronectin, and fibrinogen-are adsorbed to the surface of the catheter immediately after insertion. These proteins can interfere with the biological systems of the host and mediate staphylococcal adhesion to the surface of the catheter. In the present study, the presence of fibronectin, vitronectin, and fibrinogen on CSF shunts and temporary ventricular drainage catheters is shown. The presence of fragments of fibrinogen is also examined. Methods. The authors used the following methods: binding radiolabeled antibodies to the catheter surface, immunoblotting of catheter eluates, and scanning force microscopy of immunogold bound to the catheter surface. The immunoblot showed that vitronectin was adsorbed in its native form and that fibronectin was degraded into small fragments. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that the level of vitronectin in CSF increased in patients with an impaired CSF-blood barrier. To study complement activation, an antibody that recognizes the neoepitope of activated complement factor C9 was used. The presence of activated complement factor C9 was shown on both temporary catheters and shunts. Conclusions. Activation of complement close to the surface of an inserted catheter could contribute to the pathogenesis of CSF shunt infection.
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| 39. |
- Hjälmås, Kelm, 1933, et al.
(author)
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Long-term treatment with desmopressin in children with primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis: an open multicentre study. Swedish Enuresis Trial (SWEET) Group.
- 1998
-
In: British journal of urology. - 0007-1331. ; 82:5, s. 704-9
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To study the long-term efficacy and safety of desmopressin treatment in children with primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Children (aged 6-12 years) with nocturnal enuresis were recruited into an open multicentre trial. All children underwent an observation period of 4 weeks before starting a 6-week dose-titration period with desmopressin. If the number of wet nights decreased by more than half during medication, they began long-term treatment on 20-40 microg desmopressin. To test for cure and avoid overtreatment, the medication was interrupted for one week every third month. RESULTS: Of the 399 children forming the intention-to-treat cohort, 245 halved their number of wet nights and started long-term treatment. During the periods off medication, 77 children were dry and at the end of the study another 73 (still on medication) reduced the number of wet nights to < or =10% of that during the observation period. A further 51 children halved the number of wet nights compared with the observation period. No serious adverse events occurred. CONCLUSION: Long-term treatment with nasal desmopressin at a main dose of 40 microg is an effective and safe treatment for monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis.
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| 40. |
- Holmdahl, Gundela, 1956, et al.
(author)
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Four-hour voiding observation in healthy infants.
- 1996
-
In: The Journal of urology. - 0022-5347. ; 156:5, s. 1809-12
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- PURPOSE: We present the 4-hour voiding observation as a method for basic assessment of bladder function in infants and nontoilet trained children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Voiding pattern, including number of voidings, voided volume, bladder capacity and residual urine for 4 hours, was determined noninvasively in 43 healthy infants. RESULTS: The infants voided an average of 1 time per hour but with great variability. Bladder capacity increased with age according to the formula, 38 + 2.5 x age (months). Mean residual urine plus or minus standard deviation was 4.6 +/- 3.0 ml. In all infants residual volume was less than 5 ml. at least once during observation. CONCLUSIONS: The 4-hour voiding observation is an easy noninvasive method of characterizing the voiding pattern, focusing especially on emptying difficulties, in infants and nontoilet trained children.
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| 41. |
- Jacobsson, Stefan, 1951, et al.
(author)
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Flow cytometric analysis of megakaryocyte ploidy in chronic myeloproliferative disorders and reactive thrombocytosis.
- 1996
-
In: European journal of haematology. - 0902-4441. ; 56:5, s. 287-92
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Megakaryocyte (MK) ploidy patterns were analysed by flow cytometry in 29 newly diagnosed and previously untreated patients with chronic myeloproliferative disorders (MPD) and concomitant thrombocytosis, in 9 patients with reactive thrombocytosis (RT) and in 12 healthy individuals. Unfractionated bone marrow from routine aspirates was used. MKs were identified with a fluorescein labelled monoclonal antibody specific for glycoprotein IIIa (GPIIIa) and DNA was stained with propidium iodide. For the 12 healthy volunteers the mean modal ploidy number was 16 N; the 9 patients with RT displayed an identical MK ploidy pattern. The frequency of MKs with a ploidy > or = 32 N was 45% among the patients with essential thrombocythaemia (ET) compared to 32% among the healthy volunteers (p < 0.001). MKs with ploidy number > or = 64 N, comprising approximately 13% of the total number of MKs, was a characteristic finding in the patients with ET. Similar findings were present in 8 patients with polycythaemia vera (PV). In patients with PV 34% and 6% of the MKs displayed ploidies > or = 32 N and > or = 64 N, respectively. In contrast, a distinct shift towards lower ploidy number, with 63% of MKs < or = 8 N, was found among the 4 patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). The present results indicate that by using flow cytometric analysis of MK ploidy distribution in patients with thrombocytosis, those with a reactive cause are likely to be discriminated from patients with myeloproliferative thrombocytosis, i.e. PV and ET on one hand and CML on the other hand. The distinction between ET and PV, however, has to be made on other grounds.
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| 42. |
- Stockelberg, Dick, 1950, et al.
(author)
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Light chain-restricted autoantibodies in chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, but no evidence for circulating clone B-lymphocytes.
- 1996
-
In: Annals of hematology. - 0939-5555. ; 72:1, s. 29-34
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) platelet destruction is caused by antibodies directed against platelet membrane glycoproteins (GP), and the predominant autoantigens are known to be GPIb/IX and GPIIb/IIIa. In a recent study we reported that these antibodies frequently had a restricted light chain phenotype, thereby supporting a clonal origin. Similar findings and the presence of clonal B-cell populations in immune thrombocytopenias have been reported by others. In the present study we further explored the hypothesis of clonal B-cell expansions in chronic ITP. Twenty patients with chronic ITP were investigated. Antibodies were detected with an ELISA (MAIPA) specific for GPIb/IX and GPIIb/IIIa; circulating clonal B lymphocytes were assessed by flow-cytometric (FACS) clonal-excess analysis and by analyzing Ig-gene rearrangements (CDR3) with the PCR technique. Nine patients displayed a GP-specific antibody restricted to either kappa or lambda phenotype. However, FACS analysis and Ig-gene rearrangement studies did not disclose any circulating clonal B-cell population. Considering the sensitivity of the FACs analysis and Ig-gene rearrangement for detection of clonal B-cell populations, the hypothesis of clonally derived autoantibodies in ITP is still valid. Most probably, the clonal B-cell expansion responsible for the production of autoantibodies in ITP, if present, is below the detection limit for the techniques employed.
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| 43. |
- Wadenvik, Hans, 1955, et al.
(author)
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Peripheral and intrasplenic platelet kinetics and bone marrow megakaryopoiesis in alpha-2b-interferon treated hairy cell leukemia.
- 1994
-
In: Leukemia research. - 0145-2126. ; 18:8, s. 569-75
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In eight patients with previously untreated hairy cell leukemia (HCL), by using 111In-labelled platelets and megakaryocyte quantitation, the splenic platelet pooling and the platelet production rate (P) were evaluated before and during alpha-2b-interferon (IFN) treatment. Both before and after 8 months of IFN therapy the spleen was shown to pool a sizeable amount of the total body platelet mass. The average splenic platelet pools, prior to and after 8 months of IFN, were 58 +/- 17 and 47 +/- 11%, respectively. At the time when treatment was initiated, the patients were heterogeneous as regards the spleen size, platelet kinetics, and the bone marrow morphology. Three patients had values for P below the 95th percentile for a group of healthy control subjects; following IFN therapy they displayed a substantial increase in P. In three other HCL patients, with the largest spleens, the pre-treatment P was normal, or slightly above the values seen for the control subjects. In these patients, changes in splenic platelet pool size, blood volume, and platelet mean life-span accounted for the increase in platelet count observed in response to IFN. The mean megakaryocyte number and volume per microliter bone marrow increased during IFN therapy, while the mean P remained slightly reduced. It is concluded that splenic platelet pooling would explain the previously described difference in platelet counts between splenectomized and non-splenectomized patients treated with IFN.
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| 44. |
- Follér, Maj-Lis, 1946
(author)
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Protecting nature in Amazonia. Local knowledge as a counterpoint to globalization
- 1998
-
In: Finn Arler, Ingeborg Svennevi (eds.), Cross-cultural protection of nature and the environment. - Odense : University Press of Southern Denmark (Odense University Press). - 9788778383471 ; , s. 134-147
-
Book chapter (other academic/artistic)abstract
- [Book:] Over the last few decades, various international and cross-cultural partnerships have been established, often with impressive speed, to facilitate the protection of natural resources and the environment. However, many problems exist within these partnerships: international declarations and conventions are not binding in the same ways as national laws; the motivations behind the involvement of a country or culture are not always easy to identify and are often understood differently in different places; environmental obligations are often interpreted and implemented differently in different places; and, common aims are often not mutual at all. These difficulties surrounding the establishment and implementation of workable international and cross-cultural environmental policies form the basis of this book.
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| 45. |
- Kyllerman, Mårten, 1941, et al.
(author)
-
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy in children:follow-up investigation and results of prednisone-azathioprine treatment
- 1999
-
In: European Journal of Paediatric Neurology. ; 3, s. 209-215
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We collected 20 children with chronic dysimmune polyneuropathy in children(median age at onset 7.5 years) and performed a follow-up investigation after a median of 12 years. At onset all had areflexia; cerebrospinal fluid total protein was increased in 17(85%) of 20. Nerve conduction velocity was pathological in 17 of 18 and sural nerve biopsy in nine showed evidence of de- and remyalinization in eight. An underlying subclinical hereditary polyneuropathy was indicated in one parent in 11 of 14 re-examined children. Onset was preceded by an infection or vaccination in 12 (60%) of 20. The initial impairment was often impressive and one patient was treated o a ventilator. Treatment principles included induction with prednisolone 1-2mg/kg per day for 6 weeks, tapered off during 3-4 weeks and maintenance with azathioprine 2-3 mg/kg per day for 2 years. Accordingly, 17 were given corticosteroids and 15 also azathioprine. Seven (35%) had a monphasic and 13(65%) a relapsning-remitting course with 35 relapses (mean 1.7 per affected patient in the whole and 2.8 in the relapsing group). the relapses tended to become successively shorter and milder. The group with combined short-term corticosteroid and long term azathioprine treatment had fewer relapses (1.6 per patient) than the group with corticosteroids and short-term azathioprine (2.3 per patient). At follow-up two of three in the non-treated group, with generally more benign courses, had no remaining handicap, three of six (50%) treated with short-term prednisone and short-term azathioprine , and eight of 11(73%) given short-term corticosteroid and long term azathioprine had no remaining handicap acording to the WHO handicap score. Strength was most affected in hand, hip- and foot muscles. Corticosteroid dependency and long-term side-effects were avoided in all. We consider the outcome encouraging.
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| 46. |
- Dåderman, Anna Maria, 1953-, et al.
(author)
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Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) abuse in combination with alcohol causes premeditated, grievous violence in male juvenile offenders
- 1999
-
In: The journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law. - Bloomfield, CT, USA. - 1093-6793 .- 1943-3662. ; 27:1, s. 83-99
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This study focuses on 19 juvenile offenders who were frequently intoxicated by flunitrazepam (FZ), almost exclusively under the brand name Rohypnol. Street names for Rohypnol tablets are Rophies, Ropies, Roofies, Ropes, Roches, Rochas, Rochas Dos, Rophs, Ropers, Ribs, R-25, Roach-2s, Trip and Fall, Remember All, Mind Erasers, Forget Pills, and the Date Rape Drug. An overdose of FZ gives an increased feeling of power and self-esteem, reduces fear and insecurity, and provides the belief that everything is possible. FZ is also associated with loss of episodic memory and with impulsive violence, particularly when combined with alcohol. The subjects were taken from a subpopulation of 47 male juvenile offenders from Swedish national correctional institutions. Background information for subjects was obtained by in-depth interviewing and personality inventories including the Zuckerman Sensation-Seeking Scales, the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire, and the Karolinska Scales of Personality. Data concerning previous criminal offenses was obtained from the Swedish National Police Board. Almost all of the FZ abusers had been previously sentenced for serious violent offenses. Our data suggest that FZ abused by psychiatrically vulnerable subjects (i.e., with high scores on boredom susceptibility and verbal aggression) poses a serious hazard both to the abusers as well as the community. Our results support the finding that FZ should be classified as a Schedule I drug (i.e., a drug similar to heavy narcotics).
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| 47. |
- Miller-Podraza, Halina, 1948, et al.
(author)
-
Recognition of glycoconjugates by Helicobacter pylori: an apparently high-affinity binding of human polyglycosylceramides, a second sialic acid-based specificity.
- 1996
-
In: Glycoconjugate journal. - 0282-0080. ; 13:3, s. 453-60
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Helicobacter pylori has been reported to agglutinate erythrocytes and to bind to various other cells in a sialic acid-dependent way. The binding was inhibited by sialyllactose or fetuin and other sialylated glycoproteins. The specificity apparently requires bacterial growth on agar, since we found that it was lost after growth in the nutrient mixture Ham's F12. Instead, the bacteria bound with high affinity and in a sialic acid-dependent way to polyglycosylceramides of human erythrocytes, a still incompletely characterized group of complex glycolipids. Bacteria grown in F12 medium were metabolically labelled with 35S-methionine and analysed for binding to glycolipids on thin-layer chromatograms and to glycoproteins on blots after electrophoresis, with human erythrocyte glycoconjugates in focus. There was no binding to simpler gangliosides including GM3 or sialylparagloboside, or to a mixture of brain gangliosides. In contrast, polyglycosylceramides of human erythrocyte membranes bound at a pmol level. The activity was eliminated by mild acid treatment, mild periodate oxidation or sialidase hydrolysis. Erythrocyte proteins as well as a range of reference glycoproteins did not bind except band 3, which was weakly active. However, this activity was resistant to periodate oxidation. These results indicate a second and novel sialic acid-recognizing specificity which is expressed independently of the previously described specificity.
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| 48. |
- Olmarker, Kjell, 1958, et al.
(author)
-
Microvascular effects of chondroitinase ABC and chymopapain. An in vivo experimental study on hamsters and rabbits.
- 1990
-
In: Clinical orthopaedics and related research. - 0009-921X. ; :257, s. 274-9
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Immediate and long-term microvascular effects of chondroitinase ABC, 200 unit/ml, were analyzed in ten hamsters. The immediate effects on the microcirculation were studied by vital microscopy following local injection in the cheek pouch. There were no detectable effects on the microvascular blood flow during the 60 minutes of observation for chondroitinase ABC or the control. A therapeutic concentration (2000 pKat/ml) of chymopapain stopped the microcirculation in the injected area immediately, with numerous microbleedings at the border zone. Long-term effects were studied after subcutaneous injections in the ears of six rabbits. Chondroitinase ABC and the control did not cause any macroscopic or microangiographic effects. However, light microscopy showed a moderate inflammatory reaction in the subcutaneous layer for both chondroitinase ABC and the control. Chymopapain induced severe effects on the cartilage and surrounding tissues. Microangiography revealed a vessel-free zone at the injection site. Since 200 units/ml of chondroitinase ABC is four to eight times higher than the concentration that might be used for chemonucleolysis, i.e., dissolution of intervertebral discs by local enzyme injection, the present investigation suggests a wide margin of safety regarding the potential effects on blood vessels in tissues surrounding the disc.
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| 49. |
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| 50. |
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