Biomedical subjects

A Lange

Publications and source records attributed to A Lange.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

PubMed2000

New lessons in the regulation of glucose metabolism taught by the glucose 6-phosphatase system.

The operation of glucose 6-phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.9) (Glc6Pase) stems from the interaction of at least two highly hydrophobic proteins embedded in the ER membrane, a heavily glycosylated catalytic subunit of m 36 kDa (P36) and a 46-kDa putative glucose 6-phosphate (Glc6P) translocase (P46). Topology studies of P36 and P46 predict, respectively, nine and ten transmembrane domains with the N-terminal end of P36 oriented towards the lumen of the ER and both termini of P46 oriented towards the cytoplasm. P36 gene expression is increased by glucose, fructose 2,6-bisphosphate (Fru-2,6-P2) and free fatty acids, as well as by glucocorticoids and cyclic AMP; the latter are counteracted by insulin. P46 gene expression is affected by glucose, insulin and cyclic AMP in a manner similar to P36. Accordingly, several response elements for glucocorticoids, cyclic AMP and insulin regulated by hepatocyte nuclear factors were found in the Glc6Pase promoter. Mutations in P36 and P46 lead to glycogen storage disease (GSD) type-1a and type-1 non a (formerly 1b and 1c), respectively. Adenovirus-mediated overexpression of P36 in hepatocytes and in vivo impairs glycogen metabolism and glycolysis and increases glucose production; P36 overexpression in INS-1 cells results in decreased glycolysis and glucose-induced insulin secretion. The nature of the interaction between P36 and P46 in controling Glc6Pase activity remains to be defined. The latter might also have functions other than Glc6P transport that are related to Glc6P metabolism.

Adenoviridae↗

PubMed2000

IL-6 production in ovarian carcinoma is associated with histiotype and biological characteristics of the tumour and influences local immunity.

The presence of interleukin (IL)-6 in peritoneal carcinomatous fluid (PCF) and its effect on immune cells composition in PCF in patients with advanced ovarian carcinoma was studied. In 21 out of 30 ovarian carcinoma patients, PCF IL-6 levels were found to exceed those seen in PCFs of patients with gastrointestinal cancer. IL-6 activity was higher in serous/mucinous than in endometrioid and undifferentiated ovarian carcinoma PCF (P = 0.05). Ovarian carcinoma PCF IL-6 activities were correlated with serum C-reactive protein levels (r = 0.65, P = 0.0000, n = 25). Ovarian carcinoma PCF leucocyte profile differed from that in blood with respect to: (i) lower percentage of NK and CD8+ and (ii) higher percentage of B and CD45RO+, CD14+ and HLA-DR+ cells. The proportions of CD45RO+ in blood were correlated with IL-6 levels in PCF. Corresponding to PCF ovarian carcinoma tumours were stained for the presence of Ki-67 antigen and p53. The highest proportions of Ki-67+ cells and cells showing accumulation of p53 were seen in undifferentiated tumours. A low grade of p53 staining was seen in tumours associated with high IL-6 levels in PCF. It was evident that IL-6 production (i) depended on the histiotype of the tumour, (ii) influenced the local immune system in favour of accumulation of B, and T memory cells, and (iii) was higher in patients lacking p53 accumulation.

B-Lymphocytes↗

PubMed2000

Molecular assessment of post-BMT chimerism using various biologic specimens and automated DNA sizing technology.

Highly polymorphic microsatellite markers provide useful genetic markers for detection of complete or mixed chimerism in patients after allogeneic BMT (allo-BMT). We report application of automated DNA sizing technology for detection of post-BMT chimerism using fresh peripheral blood, BM, or archival blood smears and various DNA isolation techniques. Donors' and recipients' DNA was amplified with fluorescent PCR primers specific for short tandem repeat (STR) marker loci: FGA, VWA, TH01, F13A1, D21S11. Chimerism was assessed in 14 recipients after allo-BMT. A complete chimerism was detected in 10 patients, in 3 patients we observed fluctuations of chimerism status, and mixed chimerism was assessed in 1 patient. We show that DNA from different types of biologic specimens (whole peripheral blood, BM suspension, archival blood smears), prepared according to the various isolation techniques (salting-out method, phenol chloroform extraction, Chelex procedure) and amplified with fluorescent PCR primers for microsatellite markers, enable identification of chimerism status following allo-BMT in children.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

Wave number of maximal growth in viscous magnetic fluids of arbitrary depth

An analytical method within the frame of linear stability theory is presented for the normal field instability in magnetic fluids. It allows us to calculate the maximal growth rate and the corresponding wave number for any combination of thickness and viscosity of the fluid. Applying this method to magnetic fluids of finite depth, these results are quantitatively compared to the wave number of the transient pattern observed experimentally after a jumplike increase of the field. The wave number grows linearly with increasing induction where the theoretical and the experimental data agree well. Thereby, a long-standing controversy about the behavior of the wave number above the critical magnetic field is tackled.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2000

Internet-mediated, protocol-driven treatment of psychological dysfunction.

An Internet system was developed for assessing psychopathology, for on-line, protocol-driven cognitive-behavioural psychological treatment and for measuring the effects of treatment. The system focused on the treatment of post-traumatic stress. The treatment comprised 10 writing sessions (45 min each) over five weeks. Participants were assessed on-line before treatment, after treatment and after six-week follow-up. After treatment the participants had improved significantly in terms of post-traumatic stress symptoms (P < 0.005) and general psychological functioning (P < 0.005), and this was sustained during the follow-up. Nineteen of the 20 participants were clinically recovered after treatment. Reduction in post-traumatic stress symptoms compared favourably to changes in control and experimental groups in trials of similar but face-to-face treatment.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Necrobacillosis in free-living male European bison in Poland.

In the Bialowieza Primeval Forest (Poland) a chronic disease of the external genital organs has been observed in free-living male European bison (Bison bonasus) since 1980. Investigations on this disease started in the late 1980s. The most striking findings are necrotic and ulcerative lesions of the prepuce and penis of bison aged from 6 mo to >10 yr. Histologic examination of tissue samples from the prepuce of six bison (9-mo- to 8-yr-old), and from the penis of two bison (3- and 8-yr-old), were characteristic of necrobacillosis. Masses of slender, Gram-negative, rod-like or filamentous bacteria occurred in necrotic tissue. At the periphery of necrotic tissue filamentous bacteria were often arranged in large clusters and strands that advanced towards healthy tissue. Immunolabeling and electron microscopy also suggest that these organisms are Fusobacterium sp.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

[Relevance of infection with equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) in a German thoroughbred stud: vaccination, abortion and diagnosis].

The aim of the present study was to clarify whether an EHV-1 induced abortion can be prognosticated by an increase of antibody titres, virus shedding and/or viraemia and whether the current abortion diagnostic is suitable. In this context the immune response post immunization and a possible reactivation were of great interest. For this purpose blood samples of 32 mares between the ages of 5-21 years were regularly investigated during a period of two years before and after vaccination and pregnancy. Neutralization tests, indirect immunofluorescence tests as well as PCR and virus isolation were used for EHV-1 diagnostics. It could be shown that the horses reacted individually to vaccination. In 14 cases a EHV-1-reactivation was suggested. An abortion prognosis was not possible even using serological, virological and molecular biological parameters. In addition, virus shedding and antibody titres were individual. An acute infection was detectable by a significant rise of antibodies and viraemia as well as virus shedding in the secretions. For the abortion diagnostics the antigen detection in combination with virus isolation and PCR from fetal lungs gave reliable results. In addition, the virological and serological investigation of the mare is recommendable. For prophylaxis we would advise a regular vaccination and strict hygiene.

Abortion, Veterinary↗

PubMed2000

[Is there a predictable correlation between time of birth, birth and the puerperal period and clinical and hormonal findings in horses?].

The investigations were done on 108 mares (78 warm-blooded horses, 25 cold-blooded horses and 5 trotters). To pursue the question in the title, progesterone and estradiol values in jugular vein-blood were examined starting from 30 days before the calculated date of parturition until 30 days after that event. In parallel to that Ca/Mg ratio was measured by means of a semiquantitative test-strip in the milk. Clinical signs of the birth, parturition itself and the post partum period were recorded. In respect to the P4 and E2 values it was that the P4:E2 ratio changed towards parturition in favour to E2 which was interpreted as a sign for the beginning of labour contractions as well as a signal to the ovarian hormonal activity and feed-back regulation. The "predict of the foal-test" by measuring Ca/Mg ratio is helpful only in combination with clinical findings. This test can be used for the decision to induce parturition. Concerning the colour and viscosity of the milk, it was observed to change from grey-aqueous 48 h a.p. through grey-brownish 24 h a.p. to white-yellow and viscous 12 h a.p. The results show that heavy mares more often retain the fetal membranes. They often bear lighter offspring with equally lighter fetal membranes, and the surfaces of the microvilli of the microcotyledonas seem to be smaller. Beside this it is concluded that during pregnancy disturbances in the fetomaternal relations probably exist as a result of a deficiency in placental development that finally results in retention secundinarum.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

[Quality control for HLA typing].

In November 1999 we started the quality control exercise for Polish institutions involved in HLA typing. Five out of eleven invited institutions responded favourably and took part in the first run of the workshop. In the second trial, presently reported, number of labs increased to eight. Each centre received 4 blood samples for serological typing of HLA class I and 5 samples for DNA HLA class II typing. As in the previous workshop, HLA class II typing should be performed at least for DRB1 alleles at the low resolution level. The paper presents the results of the second run of standardisation.

HLA-DQ Antigens↗

PubMed1999

The effect of long-term training on age-related left ventricular changes by Doppler myocardial velocity gradient.

Myocardial velocity gradient (MVG) derived from Doppler myocardial imaging and standard echocardiographic parameters were used to investigate whether age-related left ventricular (LV) functional and/or structural changes are different in long-term training athletes than in those leading a sedentary life style. Eighty-nine athletes (64 men, mean age 38 years, range 18 to 64) and 105 age-matched sedentary normal subjects were enrolled into the study. The MVG was analyzed in all patients throughout the cardiac cycle, and peak values were measured in systole and in diastole during both rapid ventricular filling and atrial contraction. No differences were found in LV systolic and late diastolic function between athletes and sedentary normal subjects. However, athletes had higher peak E waves in early diastole (73 +/- 10 cm/s vs 68 +/- 10 cm/s, p <0.001) and rapid ventricular filling MVG (10.2 +/- 1.5 s(-1) vs 7.2 +/- 2.8 s(-1), p <0.001) than sedentary normal subjects, suggesting a better early relaxation pattern. From LV diastolic indexes, the rapid ventricular filling MVG age-related decrease was less pronounced in athletes than in sedentary normal subjects (r = -0.39 vs r = -0.91; p <0.01). All other diastolic variables, including transmitral Doppler inflow, had a similar degree of age-related changes in both study groups. Thus, athletes, compared with those leading a sedentary lifestyle, have higher early diastolic performance, which is less affected by the physiologic aging process. It would appear that MVG derived from Doppler myocardial imaging may play an important role in the assessment of LV functional and/or structural changes.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Flow cytometric DNA analysis and chromosomal aberrations in malignant glioblastomas.

In this study we combined flow cytometry with fluorescence in situ hybridization to detect numerical aberrations in chromosomes. Fifty-nine human malignant gliomas were examined by flow cytometry for DNA-content and cell cycle analysis and for numerical aberrations of chromosome 1 by in situ hybridization using a chromosome specific centromere probe. Of the gliomas analysed, 42% were diploid and 58% showed aneuploid tumour cell populations. The DNA index was heterogeneous ranging from 1.0 to 2.3. The S-phase analysis showed proliferation activity from a very low range of 0.7% up to 17.0%. In general, diploid gliomas exhibited a lower S-phase activity than aneuploid gliomas. Of the aneuploid gliomas, 15% showed a peridiploid pattern with a DNA index mean of 1.1. In these peridiploid tumours a trisomy of chromosome 1 could be detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The frequency of trisomic chromosome 1 in malignant gliomas reflects a very slight increase in DNA index from diploid to peridiploid (DNA index 1.1). Comparison of chromosome numbers and DNA content gave good correlation. Also important, the results reflects the cell cycle, specifically the extent of S-phase activity. In general, cell proliferation of diploid and peridiploid gliomas is much less than in higher aneuploid gliomas. The analysis of DNA content may thus yield results with respect to the biological behaviour of tumours in general.

Chromosome Aberrations↗

PubMed1999

Cloning, expression and chromosomal localization of a human testis 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase gene.

6-Phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose 2,6-bisphosphatase (PFK-2/FBPase-2) is a bifunctional enzyme responsible for the synthesis and breakdown of Fru-2,6-P2, a key metabolite in the regulation of glycolysis. Several genes encode distinct PFK-2/FBPase-2 isozymes that differ in their tissue distribution and enzyme regulation. In this paper, we present the isolation of a cDNA from a human testis cDNA library that encodes a PFK-2/FBPase-2 isozyme. Sequencing data show an open reading frame of 1407 nucleotides that codifies for a protein of 469 amino acids. This has a calculated molecular weight of 54kDa and 97% similarity with rat testis PFK-2/FBPase-2, with complete conservation of the amino acid residues involved in the catalytic mechanism. Fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) localized testis PFK-2/FBPase-2 gene (PFKFB4) in human chromosome 3 at bands p21-p22. A Northern blot analysis of different rat tissues showed the presence of a 2.4-kb mRNA expressed specifically in testis. In mammalian COS-1 cells, the human testis cDNA drives expression of an isozyme with a molecular weight of 55kDa. This isozyme shows clear PFK-2 activity. Taken together, these results provide evidence for a new PFK-2/FBPase-2 gene coding for a human testis isozyme.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1999

A review of cognitive factors in the etiology of rape: theories, empirical studies, and implications.

In the past decade, research into the etiology of rape has increasingly focused on cognitive variables. The studies reviewed in the present article provide evidence that men with a high proclivity to rape have more rape supportive attitudes, are more likely to consider victims to be responsible for rape, and are less knowledgeable about the negative impact of rape on the victims. These men tend to misperceive cues emitted by women in heterosocial interactions; fail to generate inhibitory self-verbalizations to suppress association of sex and aggression; and have more coercive, sexual fantasies. Furthermore, a high proclivity to rape is associated with a semantic network in which concepts of sex and power are closely linked in such a way that power cues are necessary precursors of sexual feelings. Multivariate studies suggest that rape-supportive attitudes interact with noncognitive factors in the etiology of rape. Implications for rape prevention and treatment of rapists are considered. Finally, methodological issues are discussed, and recommendations for future research are given.

Aggression↗

PubMed1999

Effects of selective tachykinin-receptor antagonists on tachykinin-induced airway mucus secretion in the rat.

Tachykinins like substance P (SP), neurokinin A (NKA), neurokinin B (NKB) differentially stimulate airway mucus secretion with the following rank order of potency in rat trachea: SP>NKA>NKB. These differential actions are most likely due to different affinities to the tachykinin receptors, termed neurokinin (NK)(1), NK(2)and NK(3). In this study we characterized the receptor subtype responsible for the differential secretagogue effects in rat trachea by means of selective receptor antagonists and receptor agonists.SR 140333 [NK(1)-antagonist] completely inhibited SP action (283,29+/-21, 12%-->84,53+/-4, 09%; P<0,01) and significantly reduced the effects of NKA (179,08+/-17,34%-->118,86+/-6,7%; P<0,01) and NKB (171,89+/-5, 75%-->109,5+/-4,11%; P<0,01). SR 48968 [NK(2)-antagonist] did not affect SP action, but reduced the effects of NKA and NKB. SR 142801 [NK(3)-antagonist] did not change any effect of SP, NKA or NKB. [Sar(9)]SP (NK(1)-agonist) caused strong dose-dependent secretagogue effects similar to SP, [betaAla(8)]NKA (NK(2)-agonist) showed only slight and [Pro(7)]NKB (NK(3)-agonist) no effects. The present data suggest that the secretagogue effects elicited by tachykinins in rat trachea are mediated via NK(1)receptors.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

G-CSF-mobilized leukapheresis products: cellular characteristics and clinical performance in allografting.

Twenty-five G-CSF-mobilized leukapheresis products (mLP) were screened for cellular composition, including CD34+DR-, CD34+DR+ and leukocyte profile, to compare with 5 native (unstimulated) LP (nLP) and 16 BM inoculi. G-CSF stimulation led to an increase in CD34+ cells and CD15+ cells but did not influence the lymphocyte content of mLP. Two groups of 14 and 16 patients were allografted with phenotypically defined mLP (1-4 mLP were used for each patient) and BM, respectively. mLP used for allografting had significantly more CD34+ cells, including CD34+DR- cells, monocytes, T cells, and B cells as compared with BM inoculi. Patients were followed for median observation time of 289 days and 409 days for the mLP (PBPC) and BM groups, respectively. The two groups were well matched in regard to age, sex, and stage of disease, with a slight prevalence of major blood group incompatibility (7 of 14 versus 3 of 16) and a lower donor/recipient weight ratio (0.8+/-0.2 vs 1.5+/-0.6, p = 0.002) in the PBPC group. Granulocyte and platelet recovery was faster in the PBPC group than in the BM group. The time of reaching 20,000/microl platelets but not 500/microl granulocytes correlated with the number of CD34+ cells in each inoculum. The survival curves of the PBPC and BM groups were similar, as was the incidence of acute GvHD (aGvHD). This was also valid for aplastic anemia cases (7 and 5 patients in the PBPC and BM group, respectively), who benefited from a high number of CD34+ grafted cells but did not experience aGvHD. Thus, mLP do not appear to elicit aGvHD with higher frequency than BM and may be preferable for hematotherapy.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Long-term effects of childhood sexual abuse: objective and subjective characteristics of the abuse and psychopathology in later life.

This study investigates the association between objective and subjective characteristics of childhood sexual abuse and psychopathology in later life. The sample consists of 404 Dutch female adults who had been sexually abused in their childhood or adolescence. The participants were recruited by means of articles about childhood sexual abuse in major Dutch newspapers. The characteristics and severity of the sexual abuse were assessed with the Questionnaire Unwanted Sexual Experiences in the Past (QUSEP). General psychopathology was measured with the Symptom Checklist (SCL-90), the degree of dissociation was measured with the Dissociation Questionnaire (DIS-Q). Stepwise multiple regression analyses showed a moderate association between psychopathology and objective characteristics of the abuse, such as number of different types of abusive events and the duration of the abuse. However, more strongly associated with later psychopathology were variables reflecting coping style, such as the degree of self-blame, and circumstantial factors, such as the emotional atmosphere in the family of origin and the reactions after disclosure. Whether or not the abuse was incestuous did not explain additional variance in later psychopathology.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed1999

Long-term outcome of pharmacological and psychological treatment for panic disorder with agoraphobia: a 2-year naturalistic follow-up.

Two years after completion of a controlled outcome study of treatments for panic disorder with agoraphobia, patients were revisited and interviewed about their complaints. In the initial study, four treatments had been compared: (i) fluvoxamine combined with exposure; (ii) placebo medication plus exposure; (iii) psychological panic management plus exposure; and (iv) exposure alone. Comparison of the results at post-test had revealed superior efficacy of fluvoxamine combined with exposure over the other three treatments in reducing agoraphobic avoidance. The current naturalistic follow-up study investigated the long-term efficacy of the treatments with regard to abatement of complaints and reduced demand for further treatment. In addition, we examined whether patients were able to taper off the study medication without a recurrence of complaints. In total, 71 of the 76 patients of the original trial (93%) were interviewed. Comparison of the mean level of psychopathology at follow-up revealed no difference between the original treatment groups. The effect in the fluvoxamine plus exposure group was maintained, but was no longer superior, due to further improvements in the other treatment groups. Most patients received additional treatment during the follow-up period, usually because the 12 treatment sessions in the controlled study had yielded insufficient improvement. There was a trend for patients who received the fluvoxamine plus exposure treatment to require less aftercare than those who received the other treatments. Finally, almost 50% of the patients who had received medication in the original trial were able to taper off the use of fluvoxamine without a recurrence of complaints.

Agoraphobia↗

PubMed1999

Stimulation of alpha-amylase release in the scallop Pecten maximus by the myosuppressins. Structure-activity relationships.

The insect myosuppressin LMS (pGlu-Asp-Val-Asp-His-Val-Phe-Leu-Arg-Phe-NH2) elicits potent stimulation of the release of the digestive enzyme alpha-amylase from cell suspensions of the stomach-digestive gland complex of the scallop Pecten maximus. The myosuppressins are members of the FMRFamide-like peptide superfamily, which immunocytochemical data confirm is present in the scallop. Structure-activity studies indicated that the two most critical residues for bioactivity are Arg and Phe. Bioactivity of the peptide can be maintained if the basic, aromatic residue His is replaced by another basic residue (Lys) and another aromatic residue (Trp), but not the aromatic Tyr, indicating a sensitivity to the introduction of a phenolic OH group. A restricted-conformation analogue containing a cyclopropyl-Ala residue in position 8 (Cpa-MS) demonstrates an ability to antagonize the amylase secretion activity of LMS at microM concentrations. This result provides evidence that the myosuppressins adopt a tight turn in the C-terminal tetrapeptide active core region while binding to the scallop digestive gland receptor. Cpa-MS may provide a useful tool to neuroendocrinologists studying in vitro and in vivo digestive processes in mollusks and other invertebrates.

Animals↗