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Biomedical subjects

A Jeppsson

Publications and source records attributed to A Jeppsson.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Renal effects of amino acid infusion in cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate effects of amino acids on renal function and oxygen consumption and the role of individual amino acids on renal blood flow (RBF) changes. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, controlled study. SETTING: Operating room in cardiothoracic surgery department, university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-two male patients submitted to elective first-time coronary artery bypass surgery. INTERVENTIONS: A catheter was placed in the left renal vein for thermodilution RBF measurements and blood sampling. In 11 patients, a balanced mixed amino acid infusion was infused (200 mL/hr) for 30 minutes immediately after the operation. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: RBF and glomerular filtration rate increased during amino acid infusion compared with the control group. Renal oxygen consumption increased in the amino acid group and correlated with the increase in RBF (r = 0.70, p<0.001). Amino acid infusion induced two- to fourfold increases in plasma concentrations of individual amino acid concentrations and promoted renal extraction of aspartate, glutamate, glycine, and histidine. No correlation was observed between arterial concentration or uptake of individual amino acids and RBF. CONCLUSIONS: The increase in RBF from a mixed amino acid infusion was associated with increased glomerular filtration rate and renal consumption of oxygen. Changes in RBF of a mixed amino acid infusion could not be linked to plasma level or renal uptake of any individual amino acids.

Adult↗

Is skeletal muscle luxury perfusion the main hemodynamic effect of high-dose insulin in cardiac surgery?

Insulin, in combination with glucose and potassium (GIK), can be used in heart surgery to improve hemodynamic performance. This study evaluates the role of skeletal muscle vasodilation in hemodynamic effects of high-dose GIK therapy early after coronary surgery. Thirty-three male patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting were included in a prospective, randomized and controlled study. Eleven patients received infusions of mixed amino acids (11.4 g) and insulin solution (225 IU insulin, glucose with the glucose clamp technique, and potassium), 11 patients received infusions of mixed amino acids (11.4 g) and 11 patients served as control subjects. During combined insulin and amino acid infusion, cardiac output increased by 13+/-3% (+0.6+/-0.2 L x min(-1)) and systemic vascular resistance decreased by 24+/-3% (-320+/-46 dyn x s x cm(-5)). The changes differed from those in the control group (CO: -0.2+/-0.1 L x min(-1), p < 0.05; SVR: +136+/-42 dyn x s x cm(-5), p < 0.05). Changes in skeletal muscle perfusion and leg vascular resistance did not differ significantly among the groups. At most, changes in leg blood flow could explain 40% of the changes in cardiac output. Skeletal muscle luxury perfusion is not the main hemodynamic effect of high-dose insulin in the early postoperative period after coronary surgery.

Aged↗

PCR-based cloning and segregation analysis of functional gene homologues in Beta vulgaris.

To analyse genetic factors that potentially affect sugar quality and yield in Beta vulgaris, we designed primers based on 18 homologous ESTs and conserved regions of 32 heterologous ESTs encoding gene products that act in the Calvin cycle, the oxidative pentose phosphate cycle, photorespiration, synthesis, transport and degradation of sucrose, glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, nitrogen metabolism and osmoprotection. Data on the amplification of 54 gene homologues from B. vulgaris are presented. Among these are 35 homologues for which DNA sequence information from B. vulgaris is now available for the first time. For genetic mapping a PCR-based strategy using CAPS (cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence), DFLP (DNA fragment length polymorphism), SSCP (single-strand conformation polymorphism) and HD (heteroduplex) analysis was adopted. RFLP analysis was also used in some cases. The different techniques used for the detection of polymorphisms are evaluated with respect to their sensitivity and versatility. In all, 42 functional genes have been assigned to the nine linkage groups of sugar beet.

Alleles↗

Renal hypoxanthine balance in cardiac surgery: effects of felodipine.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that felodipine, a renal vasodilator, can prevent a release of hypoxanthine during rewarming after moderate hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass and that this is related to improved renal oxygen supply. DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, and controlled study. SETTING: Operating room in the cardiothoracic surgery department of a university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-two patients submitted to elective first-time coronary bypass surgery. INTERVENTIONS: A catheter was placed in the left renal vein for thermodilution renal blood flow (RBF) measurement and blood sampling. In 11 patients, felodipine was infused during the hypothermic period of cardiopulmonary bypass. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Renal uptake (renal arteriovenous concentration difference x RBF) of hypoxanthine was maintained during rewarming in felodipine-treated patients but not in control patients (55+/-28 v. -39+/-1 nmol/min, p<0.05). Oxygen consumption was higher after felodipine infusion despite unchanged total RBF. A positive correlation between renal oxygen consumption and hypoxanthine uptake and release (r = 0.74, p<0.01) was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Felodipine maintained renal uptake of hypoxanthine during rewarming after hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass. This maintenance is the effect of improved renal oxygen supply secondary to improved nutritive blood flow at the expense of nonnutritive renal blood flow.

Aged↗

Magnitude of abortion-related complications in Ethiopian health facilities: a national assessment.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the occurrence of abortion-related complications, available treatment and referral arrangements at various level of the Ethiopian health system, including those in remote areas. DESIGN: A cross sectional descriptive study. SETTING: The study was carried out in all but two of the regions in Ethiopia. SUBJECTS AND PARTICIPANTS: From the respective regions, health facilities were randomly selected. Health workers and traditional birth attendants were interviewed and operations registers were reviewed. RESULTS: In hospitals, the interviewees estimated that an average of 17 patients with post-abortion complications were seen per month, in lower level health facilities providing post-abortion care the estimate was one patient per month. In lower level units not providing post-abortion care, 84% of the interviewees responded that they saw patients with complications due to abortion. The study shows that abortion complications occur in both urban and rural areas and are seen not only in hospitals, but also in health centres and at health stations, many of which are ill equipped to handle the patients. CONCLUSION: The results indicate a need to address services to improve treatment of abortion complications and other reproductive health services, as well as the provision of education to prevent unsafe abortions with both communities and lower level health facilities that serve them.

Abortion, Illegal↗

Distribution of endothelin-1 in transplanted human lungs.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to assess which cells in transplanted lungs express endothelin-1 (ET-1) and if expression of the peptide can be used to discriminate between rejection and infection in transplanted lungs. METHODS: Transbronchial biopsies (n=104) from 29 human lung transplant recipients were stained immunohistochemically for ET-1. Cells expressing ET-1 (pneumocytes, endothelial cells, airway epithelial cells, lymphocytes, and macrophages) were quantified and correlated with clinical histopathology findings. RESULTS: ET-1 was expressed in airway epithelial cells (93% of the biopsies), infiltrating macrophages (86%), and lymphocytes (19%) but not in endothelial cells or pneumocytes. ET-1 expression did not vary with rejection, obliterative bronchiolitis, or infection. ET-1 expression did not correlate with age, grade of rejection, pulmonary function, or time after transplantation. CONCLUSION: In transplanted human lungs, ET-1 is expressed in airway epithelial cells and infiltrating macrophages, and expression does not vary with pathological processes. Therefore, immunostaining for ET-1 probably cannot be used to discriminate between rejection and infection in transplanted lungs.

Acute Disease↗

Systematic evaluation of distribution of transgene expression after adenovirus-mediated gene transfer to the transplanted heart.

In the transplantation setting, the study and potential treatment of acute and chronic rejection by means of gene therapy will require widespread transgene expression in the donor organ. The distribution of transgene expression after adenovirus-mediated gene transfer via the coronary vasculature in a model of abdominal heterotopic heart transplantation in syngeneic rats (n = 6) was evaluated at 1 week. Reporter gene expression was evenly distributed in the base, the midventricle, and the apex of the transplanted hearts. This study demonstrates that intracoronary administration of the adenoviral vector to the donor heart results in widespread transgene expression.

Adenoviridae↗

Renal effects of alpha-ketoglutarate early after coronary operations.

BACKGROUND: Alpha-ketoglutarate (alpha-KG) is a Krebs cycle intermediate and the carbon skeleton of glutamate. Alpha-ketoglutarate has provoked interest in heart surgery because of its proposed critical role in myocardial metabolism. This study investigates the role of alpha-KG in renal function after cardiac surgical procedures. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with normal preoperative renal function were included in a prospective, randomized, and controlled study. Eleven patients received intravenous infusion of 30 g alpha-KG/hour after the operation. Measurements were performed before operation, immediately after operation, and after 30 minutes of alpha-KG infusion. RESULTS: Renal blood flow was higher during alpha-KG infusion, 297% +/- 97% (of preoperative value), than in controls, 125% +/- 20% (p < 0.05). Filtration fraction was lower (12.3% +/- 0.05% versus 17.2% +/- 1.1%, p < 0.01), which prevented a significant difference in glomerular filtration rate. The renal arteriovenous differences of lactate, glutamate, glutamine, and glycine changed toward a net release during alpha-KG infusion. CONCLUSIONS: Infusion of alpha-KG enhances renal blood flow early after coronary surgical procedures in patients with normal renal function. The mechanism is unclear, but could be associated with primarily metabolic effects, and may potentially convey a beneficial effect for renal function.

Adult↗

Transbronchial gene transfer of endothelial nitric oxide synthase to transplanted lungs.

BACKGROUND: Experiments were designed to study the efficiency, distribution, and toxicity of transbronchial adenoviral-mediated transfer of endothelial constitutive nitric oxide synthase (ecNOS) gene to transplanted lungs. METHODS: Syngeneic orthotopic single-lung transplantation in the rat was performed after airway administration (300 microL, 1 x 10(9) pfu/mL) of either the ecNOS gene or the marker gene beta-Gal (control group) to donor lungs (n=4 each). After 4 days, transgene expression, inflammation, and the presence of apoptosis in the transplanted lungs were assessed by molecular, immunohistochemical, and histologic techniques. RESULTS: Gene transfer was confirmed by a positive polymerase chain reaction signal for the recombinant ecNOS gene, and recombinant messenger RNA by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Positive immunohistochemical staining for ecNOS was present in more than 75% of pneumocytes only in ecNOS transduced lungs. Calcium-dependent nitric oxide synthase activity was increased in ecNOS- compared with betaGal-transduced lungs (2,139+/-756 versus 47+/-28 pmol x mg protein(-1) x h(-1); p < 0.05). Minimal to mild inflammation was observed in all transplanted lungs; fewer than 0.5% of cells in both groups were apoptotic. CONCLUSIONS: Transbronchial transfer of ecNOS gene to the transplanted lung results in transduction of pneumocytes with expression of a functionally active transgene product.

Adenoviridae↗

Gene therapy in lung transplantation: effective gene transfer via the airways.

OBJECTIVES: Gene therapy may provide a means of modifying factors that contribute to the development of pathologic processes in transplanted lungs. Experiments were designed to study the feasibility of adenovirus-mediated gene transfer by way of the airways to the transplanted lung. METHODS: Orthotopic left lung transplantation (Lewis to Lewis rats) was performed on four groups of animals. 300 microl of adenovirus solution encoding for beta-galactosidase was infused into the left bronchus of donor rats at viral concentrations of 10(8) pfu/ml (n = 5), 10(9) pfu/ml (n = 6), and 10(10) pfu/ml (n = 6), and the lung was ventilated for 5 minutes. Controls (n = 6) received medium only. Seven days after transplantation, native and transduced, transplanted lungs were harvested. Sections of lung were fixed and stained with a solution of X-Gal (5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside) and staining was evaluated for distribution by cell type and intensity. RESULTS: Beta-galactosidase expression was absent in the control group and in the native lungs. Two of five lungs in the 10(8) group expressed beta-galactosidase, but in a limited distribution and intensity. All six lungs in the 10(9) group and five of six lungs in the 10(10) group expressed beta-galactosidase. The distribution and intensity of beta-galactosidase expression ranged from only a few cells staining per slide to up to 75%. Pneumocytes were the most frequently stained cell type followed by alveolar macrophages. CONCLUSIONS: Gene transfer to the transplanted lung via the bronchial route is feasible and offers a novel technique to modify pathologic processes in the transplanted lung.

Adenoviridae↗

Influence of temperature on adenovirus-mediated gene transfer.

OBJECTIVE: The transfer of recombinant genes to donor organs may allow for novel therapeutic approaches to the challenges of acute and chronic rejection. Adenoviral vectors are capable of efficient gene transfer, but use of these vectors during donor organ preservation may be less efficient due to the low temperature. This study was designed to examine the effect of temperature on the efficiency of adenovirus-mediated gene transfer. METHODS: Gene transfer to human endothelial cells, porcine vascular smooth muscle cells and cultured rat thoracic aortas was examined. Incubation with an adenoviral vector encoding for E. coli beta-galactosidase was performed for 1 h at three different temperatures: 4 degrees C, 10 degrees C and 37 degrees C. Transgene expression was assessed by histochemical staining for beta-galactosidase in transduced cells and by evaluation of beta-galactosidase activity in organ cultures. RESULTS: Both in human endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells the percentage of positively staining cells following transduction at 37 degrees C was significantly greater than at 4 degrees C and at 10 degrees C (30.55 +/- 7.26% vs. 14.29 +/- 3.79% and 12.43 +/- 2.47%, respectively for endothelial cells, P < 0.01 vs. 4 degrees C and 10 degrees C; and 28.25 +/- 4.52% vs. 17.91 +/- 3.76% and 16.63 +/- 3.92%, respectively for smooth muscle cells, P < 0.05 vs. 4 degrees C, P < 0.01 vs. 10 degrees C). Beta-galactosidase activity was significantly greater in aortas transduced at 37 degrees C than in vessels transduced at 4 degrees C and 10 degrees C (289,700 +/- 113,300 vs. 149,600 +/- 54,390 and 108,800 +/- 23,140 relative chemiluminesce units/mg of total protein, respectively; P < 0.05 vs. 4 degrees C, P < 0.001 vs. 10 degrees C). CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrates that the efficiency of adenovirus-mediated gene transfer is significantly reduced at lower temperatures. The need for cold preservation of donor organs may render efficient adenovirus-mediated gene transfer more difficult in the transplantation setting.

Adenoviridae↗

Insulin and amino acid infusion after cardiac operations: effects on systemic and renal perfusion.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to answer two questions: (1) Does a mixed amino acid infusion enhance systemic and renal perfusion in the early postoperative period after heart operations? (2) Does the addition of insulin (glucose-insulin-potassium solution) provide additional effects to those of an amino acid infusion? METHODS: Thirty-three male patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (mean age 65.9 +/- 1.2 years) were included in a prospective, controlled, randomized study. Eleven patients (AA group) received infusion of mixed amino acids (11.4 gm), 11 patients (AA + GIK group) received infusion of mixed amino acids (11.4 gm) and insulin solution (225 IU insulin, glucose with glucose clamp technique, and potassium), and 11 patients served as control subjects. RESULTS: Amino acid infusion alone had no effect on systemic vascular resistance or cardiac index but increased renal blood flow 51% +/- 11% (from 114 +/- 13 to 172 +/- 24 ml.min-1.m-2 in one kidney, p < 0.05 vs the control group). Insulin solution in addition to amino acid infusion reduced systemic vascular resistance 24% +/- 3% (from 1280 +/- 85 to 960 +/- 57 dyn.sec.cm-5, p < 0.05 vs the control and AA groups) and increased cardiac index 13% +/- 3% (from 2.3 +/- 0.2 to 2.6 +/- 0.2 L.min-1.m-2, p < 0.05 vs the control and AA groups). Insulin had no significant additive effect on renal blood flow. CONCLUSIONS: Our data imply that (1) infusion of mixed amino acids enhances renal blood flow after cardiac operations but has no effect on systemic perfusion and (2) the addition of insulin solution improves systemic perfusion. The combined treatment may potentially reduce the risk of renal hypoperfusion injury in the postoperative period after coronary artery bypass grafting.

Adult↗

Renal function during cardiopulmonary bypass: influence of the calcium entry blocker felodipine.

Glomerular filtration and tubular activity are decreased during hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The role of vasoconstriction to explain these changes is not known. The calcium entry blocking drug felodipine dilates constricted arterioles and reduces renal vascular resistance during noncardiac surgery. The present study was initiated to evaluate the effects of felodipine on renal perfusion and function during hypothermic, low pressure CPB. Twenty-two male patients (aged 61.7 +/- 2.3 y) were included in a prospective, randomized, controlled study. Renal blood flow was measured with thermodilution technique; renal extraction of 51Cr-EDTA and p-aminohippurate (PAH) were used to evaluate glomerular and tubular function. Systemic blood flow during hypothermic CPB was varied experimentally between 1.45 and 2.2 L.min-1.m-2. Felodipine reduced systemic vascular resistance but did not reduce the total renal vascular resistance during CPB. On the contrary, renal vascular resistance was increased at low CPB flow rates. The extraction of PAH (signifying tubular activity) was higher during felodipine infusion (0.74 +/- 0.04 vs 0.64 +/- 0.03 during low CPB flow, and 0.64 +/- 0.03 vs 0.57 +/- 0.05 during high CPB flow), whereas 51Cr-EDTA extraction was not influenced. The mechanism of enhanced PAH extraction may involve reduced regional vasoconstriction in PAH-extracting areas.

Aged↗

Previous injuries and persisting symptoms in female soccer players.

One hundred and fifty players in a female senior soccer division, starting up a new season, were examined for past injuries and persisting symptoms. An incidence of 0.18 injury/player/year was found, which is not significantly different from previously reported injury rates for male soccer. Sprains to the lower extremity and shin-splints were the most common previous injuries. Forty-three percent of the players had some kind of persistent symptom as a result of a past injury. Symptoms from previous ankle and knee sprains and from overuse injuries were the most common. Players who had sustained an ankle joint injury were more prone to have persistent symptoms (p less than 0.05) if they had persistent mechanical instability. Compared to previous retrospective studies on men's soccer, the women showed a higher rate of previous patellar dislocations. These injuries often caused persistent symptoms. The women showed fewer serious knee injuries. This might depend on a real difference in incidence or is just a reflection of female players ceasing to play soccer after a severe knee injury.

Adolescent↗

Tumor markers in mammary carcinoma. An evaluation of carcinoembryonic antigen, placental alkaline phosphatase, pseudouridine and CA-50.

In 104 patients with breast cancer, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) and the carbohydrate antigen CA-50 were analysed in serum. Excretion of the modified nucleoside, pseudouridine, was analysed in urine. The patients were subdivided in three different clinical stages according to disease manifestations. Levels of CEA and pseudouridine correlated to clinical stage and 58 per cent of the patients with distant metastases had elevated levels of CEA, compared with 36 per cent for pseudouridine. For PLAP and CA-50, the levels did not show any clear correlation to clinical stage. Increased activity of PLAP correlated strongly to tobacco smoking. A decrease in the level of CEA was observed following radical mastectomy. Increase in CEA levels predicted relapse in 5 out of 14 patients within about 3 to 6 months. In patients with tumor manifestations, elevated CEA levels predicted an inferior prognosis compared to those with ordinary levels.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Phenotypes of placental-type alkaline phosphatase in seminoma sera as defined by monoclonal antibodies.

PLAP-like enzymes could be detected in serum of patients with primary testicular tumors, in particular seminomas. The use of a panel of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) permitted typing into 6 different testicular serum phenotypes, of which one appeared similar to a placental type (II) and 2 have not been previously described. Most tumor sera belonged to type I, as described for seminoma tissues. With a more advanced tumor the mean serum PLAP-like levels increased. After operation, after radiotherapy or with no evidence of disease lower or non-detectable enzyme levels were found. In typing the tissue PLAP-like antigen in serum of the same patient or sera from recurrences of a seminoma in the same patient, the same phenotypes of PLAP-like antigen were usually but not always found. None of the 6 phenotypes appeared to confer a poorer prognosis. We conclude that the expression of PLAP-like antigen is eutopic and is enhanced by testicular malignancy, especially in seminoma cells.

Adult↗

On the value of placental alkaline phosphatase as a marker for gynecological malignancy.

A sensitive catalytic assay for placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) was used to quantify enzyme levels in sera from women with malignant gynecological tumors, i.e. cervical carcinoma, ovarian carcinoma and carcinoma of the breast. Values were compared with those of a reference group of 155 healthy individuals. In this group, basic mean levels of the enzyme amounted to 0.06 +/- 0.08 mumoles X min-1 X 1(-1) (mean +/- SD), which corresponds to 0.3 +/- 0.4 ng/ml (mean +/- SD) purified placental alkaline phosphatase. Enzyme levels were not significantly affected by age, whereas sex gave slightly higher values for women in all age groups. This difference was statistically significant (p less than 0.001). The discriminating capacity of PLAP as a tumor marker was analysed with this assay and compared in sensitivity with a radio-immunoassay. A cut-off level of 0.2 mumoles X min-1 X 1(-1), corresponding to 1 ng/ml enzyme protein as measured by the radio-immunoassay, detected 23-68% of the tumor patients, giving false-positive results from the control group in the order of 5%. Corresponding values at a cut-off level of 0.3 mumoles X min-1 X 1(-1) (1.5 ng/ml) gave values 20-44% and 2%, respectively. The present investigation emphasizes that sensitivity in assays of placental alkaline phosphatase, whether catalytic or immunological, must not exceed ng-level.

Adolescent↗