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A Lindberg

Publications and source records attributed to A Lindberg.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Prediction of long-term response to recombinant human growth hormone in Turner syndrome: development and validation of mathematical models. KIGS International Board. Kabi International Growth Study.

It has become common practice to apply GH treatment in short Turner syndrome patients with the objective of promoting growth. The variability in response and the high costs of this treatment demand the individualization and optimization of therapy. Based on 686 prepubertal Turner patients from the Kabi International Growth Study (KIGS; Pharmacia & Upjohn, Inc. International Growth Database), we undertook a multiple regression analysis of height velocity (centimeters per yr) by using various parameters of potential relevance. Derived prediction models for the first 4 yr of GH treatment were validated with 76 additional KIGS patients and 81 patients from Tuebingen, Germany. Among the 6 predictors identified, the most influential variable for first year growth response was the natural log (ln) of the weekly GH dose. The first year growth response was also correlated with age and distance between height and target height (SD score; both negative) and body weight SD, number of GH injections per week, and oxandrolone treatment given additionally (positive). The first year model explains 46% of the variability, with 1 SD of 1.26 cm. For the second to fourth years, 5 predictors were identified: height velocity during previous years, weekly GH dose (ln), weight SD, oxandrolone therapy (all positive), and age (negative). These models explained 32%, 29%, and 30% of the variability, respectively, with SD scores of 1.1, 1.0, and 1.0 cm, respectively. When the models were applied to the other cohorts, no significant difference was noted between observed and predicted responses. Although the parameters used in our models do not entirely explain the variability in the growth response in Turner syndrome, the parameters themselves were clinically relevant to our present understanding and proved to be of high precision. Some of the tested markers, such as karyotype, do not contribute to the growth response. These variables make the models practical and suitable for planning beneficial and cost-effective therapy.

Anabolic Agents↗

Lack of virus transmission from bovine viral diarrhoea virus infected calves to susceptible peers.

None of 14 calves not previously exposed to BVDV became infected after being forced to have nose-to-nose contact with a group of 5 calves primarily infected with BVDV. These were 5 male calves primarily infected with a type I BVDV strain, after nose-to-nose contact with a persistently viraemic calf. All 5 became infected and were clinically affected. They were slightly depressed and pyretic at 8-9 days post-infection, with a body temperature of up to 41.6 degrees C, but no medical treatment was required. Seroconversions to BVDV were detected in these calves at 14 to 21 days post-infection. The 14 healthy calves, proved to be free from BVD virus--as well as antibodies, were introduced 2 by 2 into the group of 5 primarily infected calves on days 4, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42 after the 5 calves had been in contact with the persistently BVDV-infected calf. Each pair of calves stayed within the primarily infected group for 2 days. None of these 14 calves seroconverted to BVDV.

Animals↗

Purification, characterization, and cDNA sequencing of cytosolic phospholipase A(2) from equine neutrophils.

It has been demonstrated that equine neutrophils, but not eosinophils, require exogenous arachidonic acid for calcium ionophore A23187-induced leukotriene synthesis. Because cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)) plays an essential role in leukotriene formation in leukocytes, we investigated the presence of a functional cPLA(2) in equine neutrophils. To determine whether cPLA(2) from neutrophils was catalytically active, we purified the enzyme >6,500 fold with 3% recovery from equine neutrophils. The full-length cDNA sequence encoded a 749-amino acid protein. The deduced amino acid sequence demonstrated 95% identity with human and mouse cPLA(2), as well as 83 and 73% identity with chicken and zebra fish cPLA(2) protein, respectively. The equine cPLA(2) possessed some properties that distinguished the equine enzyme from the human enzyme. First, the enzyme activity of the equine cPLA(2) was differently influenced by cations as compared with the human cPLA(2). Second, the equine neutrophil cPLA(2) migrated as an approximately 105-kDa protein, in comparison with human cPLA(2) which migrated as a 110-kDa protein. A difference between equine neutrophils and eosinophils in the degree of phosphorylation of the cPLA(2) protein was observed. Thus, the cPLA(2) protein from eosinophils was constitutively phosphorylated, while the cPLA(2) protein from neutrophils was unphosphorylated. In summary, these results demonstrate that equine neutrophils indeed express an active cPLA(2) protein but that there is a difference in the degree of phosphorylation of the cPLA(2) protein between equine neutrophils and eosinophils. This difference might explain the difference between the two cell types in the capacity to produce leukotrienes from endogenous substrate.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

[Risk of food-borne infections is both reduced and increased. Expertise is greater, but so is the risk of exposure].

Food-borne disease is increasingly reported, and the spectrum of microorganisms involved is broad. Diarrhoeal disease is common, and official statistics represent only a minority of cases. Factors associated with an increasing risk of infection include industrialization and globalization of food production, international travel, and the import of exotic foodstuffs. The risk is diminished by good animal husbandry, hygienic handling and transportation of foodstuffs, and technical procedures such as heat and radiation treatment. Our expertise is expanding, but food-handling skills in the general public seem to be deteriorating. However, the impression of increasing risk may to some extent be attributable to intensified publicity in the media, and on the whole our food has probably become safer.

Food Handling↗

The CrescoTi Precision method: description of a simplified method to fabricate titanium superstructures with passive fit to osseointegrated implants.

Casting distortion and inadequate handling in the dental laboratory are 2 factors that can cause misfit between a cast framework and the implant analogs in the master cast. This article describes the CrescoTi Precision procedure, which has been developed for correction of misfit between cast titanium frameworks and supporting dental implants. The simplicity and accuracy of the procedure appear to demonstrate technical progress toward obtaining optimal precision of fit of the superstructure components, thereby eliminating stress forces that may be transformed to the peri-implant bone.

Dental Alloys↗

In vitro cellular accumulation and cytotoxicity of liposomal and conventional formulations of daunorubicin and doxorubicin in resistant K562 cells.

Previous investigations have indicated the possibility to circumvent multidrug resistance (MDR) by incorporation of an anthracycline into liposomes. We examined the in vitro cytotoxicity and cellular drug accumulation of the anthracyclines daunorubicin and doxorubicin compared with the commercially available liposomal formulations DaunoXome and Caelyx in human myelogenous leukemia K562 cells. The drug-sensitive parental K562/K line was compared with the P-glykoprotein (P-gp)-expressing cell lines K562/Dnr and K562/Vcr. Two cell lines with reduced levels of topoisomerase II (K562/Nov and K562/Ida) were also included. The cytotoxicity was determined by fluorometric microculture cytotoxicity assay and the cellular drug levels were determined by high performance liquid chromatograghy. There was a strong inverse correlation between P-gp levels and cellular drug accumulation (rho = -0.83, p = 0.04) and cytotoxicity (rho = -0.95, p = 0.01) of daunorubicin. Also the cytotoxicity of DaunoXome and doxorubicin was related to P-gp levels (rho = -0.96, p = 0.01 and rho = -0.90, p = 0.07, respectively). Caelyx did not show any cytotoxic effect due to impaired cellular uptake of the pegylated liposome. Regardless of the P-gp levels of the treated cells, DaunoXome showed the same cytotoxic effect despite lower intracellular accumulation (range 22-47%), compared with conventional daunorubicin.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

Final height in idiopathic growth hormone deficiency: the KIGS experience. KIGS International Board.

Final height was evaluated in 369 patients with idiopathic growth hormone deficiency (IGHD) enrolled in KIGS--the Pharmacia & Upjohn International Growth Database. At the start of growth hormone (GH) therapy, the patients were 9.8 years of age, their mid-parental height SDS was -0.8, and their height SDS was -3.1. Of the 369 patients, 50% had multiple hormone deficiencies, and puberty was induced in 31%. Patients were 18 years of age at completion of GH therapy, and had received GH at a dose of 0.49 IU/kg/week (0.16 mg/kg/week), with a mean of 5.2 injections/week for 8.1 years. Final height SDS was -1.5, final minus initial height SDS was 1.7 and final minus mid-parental height SDS was -0.5. A Swedish subgroup (n = 69) received conventional GH therapy throughout at 0.65 IU/kg/week (0.22 mg/kg/week), with seven injections/week for a mean of 9.4 years. These patients achieved their genetic potential (final minus mid-parental height SDS, 0.03), with a normal final height SDS of -0.3. For the total group, the following variables were associated with final height: mid-parental height SDS (r = 0.62), injection frequency (r = 0.37), duration of GH treatment (r = 0.28), peak stimulated GH concentration (r = -0.25), age (r = -0.19) (all p < 0.001) and height velocity SDS in the first year of treatment (r = 0.20, p = 0.004). In conclusion, genetic potential, expressed as the mid-parental height, is the variable with the greatest identified influence on final height during GH treatment in IGHD. Current GH regimens will lead to a normal height and attainment of mid-parental height. However, higher dose, individualized GH regimens are likely to be necessary for patients with IGHD who are disadvantaged at the time of commencing GH therapy, such as those with short parents, those whose treatment began in late childhood or adolescence and those with less severe GHD.

Adolescent↗

Predicting the response to recombinant human growth hormone in Turner syndrome: KIGS models. KIGS International Board. Kabi International Growth Study.

A mathematical model for predicting the growth response in patients with Turner syndrome who received growth hormone (GH) therapy was developed by analysing data from KIGS, the Pharmacia & Upjohn International Growth Database. A model for year 1 of GH therapy explained 46% of the variability of the growth response, with GH dose being the most important of the predictors of height velocity. In years 2-4 of therapy, height velocity during the previous year was the most important predictor, suggesting that an individual's initial response to GH may determine the height outcome of treatment. Additional predictors of height velocity in years 1-4 of GH therapy included age (negative), weight SDS and additional treatment with oxandrolone. The predictions in all 4 years were highly accurate, as indicated by the low error SDs. However, relatively low predictive power (R) during years 2-4 of treatment suggests the models are missing other parameters that would explain more of the variability of the growth response. These growth prediction models could help clinicians to design individualized treatment regimens, provide realistic expectations of therapy outcomes, and adjust treatment on the basis of detected differences between observed and predicted height velocities.

Body Height↗

The effects of an endurance ride on metabolism and neutrophil function.

The effects of an endurance ride on neutrophil functions in endurance-trained horses were evaluated and related to metabolic changes and changes in cortisol concentrations. Blood samples were taken from 7 horses (aged 9-15 years) one day before, and then 30-60 min, 1 day and 8 days after the ride. The race resulted in elevated serum cortisol levels (< 465 nmol/l) and an increased neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio. Immediately post race, the neutrophil ability to engulf yeast was increased. One day after the race, a decrease in leukotriene B4 production (approximately 40%) and in the respiratory burst (approximately 75%) was observed. Blood glucose concentration remained unchanged, as did serum lactate, which was low. After the race, the muscle glycogen stores were about 33% of the values noted after 8 days of recovery. Histochemical staining showed that 22 +/- 2% of the muscle fibres were totally depleted of glycogen. CK activity increased significantly from 40 +/- 10 mmol/min pre-race to 228 +/- 38 mmol/min post race. It was concluded that both hormonal and metabolic changes occurred during an endurance ride, which not only triggered neutrophil activation, but also induced alterations in their functional capacities.

Animals↗

The effects of regular inhaled formoterol, budesonide, and placebo on mucosal inflammation and clinical indices in mild asthma.

The present study was designed to observe the effects of 8 wk of treatment with formoterol (Foradil) 24 microgram, budesonide 400 microgram, and matched placebo inhaled twice a day on inflammatory indices in the bronchial mucosa of 64 patients with mild atopic asthma. Biopsies were obtained at the start and 1 wk before stopping a 9-wk period of treatment, and inflammatory cell numbers were assessed in the submucosa and epithelium by immunohistochemistry. Regular formoterol significantly reduced the number of submucosal mast cells, with a similar trend for eosinophils but not activated T cells. A subgroup analysis conducted in biopsies with >= 10 eosinophils per mm2 revealed a significant reduction in eosinophil numbers when compared with both pretreatment baseline (p < 0.01) and changes after placebo (p < 0.01). Parallel, but less pronounced, effects were observed on mast cell but not on CD25(+) T cell numbers. There was no effect of any of the three treatments on BAL levels of mast cell or eosinophil mediators. We conclude that regular treatment with inhaled formoterol reduces rather than increases inflammatory cells in the mucosa of asthmatic patients. It is possible that these cellular effects of formoterol may contribute to the therapeutic efficacy of this drug when used regularly in the treatment

Administration, Inhalation↗

Derivation and validation of a mathematical model for predicting the response to exogenous recombinant human growth hormone (GH) in prepubertal children with idiopathic GH deficiency. KIGS International Board. Kabi Pharmacia International Growth Study.

Postmarketing surveillance studies of recombinant human GH therapy, such as the Kabi Pharmacia International Growth Study (KIGS; Pharmacia & Upjohn, Inc., International Growth Database), have accumulated extensive data concerning the characteristics and growth outcomes of children with various causes of short stature. These data provide an opportunity to analyze the factors that determine responsiveness to GH and allow the development of disease-specific growth prediction models. We undertook a multiple regression analysis of height velocity (centimeter per yr) with various patient parameters of potential relevance using data from a cohort of 593 prepubertal children with idiopathic GH deficiency (GHD) from the KIGS database. Our aim was to produce models that would have practical utility for predicting prepubertal growth during each of the first 4 yr of GH replacement therapy. These models were validated by a prospective comparison of predicted and observed growth outcomes in an additional 3 cohorts of prepubertal children with idiopathic GHD: 237 additional KIGS patients, 29 patients from the Australian OZGROW study, and 33 patients from Tubingen, Germany. The most influential variable for first year growth response was the natural log (ln) of the maximum GH response during provocation testing, which was inversely correlated with height velocity. The first year growth response was also inversely correlated with chronological age and height SD score minus midparental height SD score. First year growth was positively correlated with body weight SD score, weekly GH dose (ln), and birth weight SD score. Two first year models were developed using these parameters, 1 including and 1 excluding the maximum GH response to provocative testing. The former model explained 61% of the response variability, with a SD of 1.46 cm; the latter model explained 45% of the variability, with a SD of 1.72 cm. The two models gave similar predictions, although the model excluding the maximum GH response to testing tended to underpredict the growth response in patients with very low GH secretory capacity. For the second, third, and fourth year growth responses, 4 predictors were identified: height velocity during the previous year (positively correlated), body weight SD score (positively correlated), chronological age (negatively correlated), and weekly GH dose (ln; positively correlated). The models for the second, third, and fourth year responses explained 40%, 37%, and 30% of the variability, respectively, with SDs of 1.19, 1.05, and 0.95 cm, respectively. When the models were applied prospectively to the other cohorts, there were no significant differences between observed and predicted responses in any of the cohorts in any year of treatment. The fourth year response model gave accurate prospective growth predictions for the fifth to the eighth prepubertal years of GH treatment in a subset of 48 KIGS patients. Analyses of Studentized residuals provided further validation of the models. The parameters used in our models do not explain all of the variability in growth response, but they have a high degree of precision (low error SDs). Moreover, the parameters used are robust and easily accessible. These properties give the models' practical utility as growth prediction tools. The availability of longitudinal, disease-specific models will be helpful in the future for enabling growth-promoting therapy to be planned at the outset, optimized for efficacy and economy, and individualized to meet treatment goals based on realistic expectations.

Child↗

Chylomicron metabolism in an animal model for hyperlipoproteinemia type I.

Mink homozygous for the mutation Pro214Leu in lipoprotein lipase (LPL) had only traces of LPL activity but amounts of LPL protein in their tissues similar to those of normal mink. In normal mink, lymph chylomicrons from rats given [3H]retinol (incorporated into retinyl esters, providing a core label) and [14C]oleic acid (incorporated mainly in triglycerides (TG)) were rapidly cleared from the circulation. In the homozygous mink, clearance was much retarded. The ratio of TG to core label in plasma did not decrease and much less [14C]oleic acid appeared in plasma. Still, half of the labeled material disappeared from the circulating blood within 30;-40 min and the calculated total turnover of TG in the hypertriglyceridemic mink was almost as large as in normal mink. The core label was distributed to the same tissues in hypertriglyceridemic mink as in normal mink. Half to two-thirds of the cleared core label was in the liver. The large difference was that in the hypertriglyceridemic mink, TG label (about 40% of the total amount removed) followed the core label to the liver and there was no preferential uptake of TG over core label in adipose or muscle tissue. In normal mink, only small amounts of TG label (<10%) appeared in the liver, while most was in adipose and muscle tissues. Apolipoprotein B-48 dominated in the accumulated TG-rich lipoproteins in blood of hypertriglyceridemic mink, even in fasted animals.

Amino Acid Substitution↗

Ionophore A23187-induced leukotriene biosynthesis in equine granulocytes-neutrophils, but not eosinophils require exogenous arachidonic acid.

Equine granulocyte suspensions, mainly consisting of neutrophils, failed to produce detectable amounts of leukotrienes when stimulated with calcium ionophore A23187 alone, whereas leukotrienes were dose-dependently formed in control incubations with human granulocytes. In contrast, ionophore A23187 initiated synthesis of leukotrienes B4 and C4 in equine granulocytes when added in combination with low concentrations of exogenous arachidonic acid. Similarly, ionophore A23187 provoked leukotriene biosynthesis when added alone to human whole blood, whereas addition of exogenous arachidonic acid was a prerequisite for ionophore A23187-induced leukotriene formation in equine whole blood. Leukotriene biosynthesis was provoked by A23187 alone after addition of homologous platelets to equine granulocyte suspensions. After separation of equine neutrophils and eosinophils, purified eosinophil suspensions produced LTC4 after stimulation with ionophore A23187 alone, whereas exogenous arachidonic acid was required for ionophore-induced LTB4 formation in purified neutrophil suspensions. Leukotriene synthesis in both eosinophils and neutrophils was suppressed by the 5-lipoxygenase activating protein (FLAP) inhibitor, MK-886. Exogenous arachidonic acid was needed for ionophore-induced leukotriene synthesis also in bovine granulocytes, but was not a prerequisite for the production of leukotrienes in porcine granulocytes or in rat and rabbit white blood cell suspensions. The results indicate differences in the mechanisms regulating leukotriene synthesis in equine neutrophils, as compared to human granulocytes or equine eosinophils, and suggest that elevation of intracellular calcium is an insufficient stimulus to provoke utilisation of endogenous arachidonic acid for leukotriene synthesis in equine neutrophils.

Animals↗

Demonstration of leukotriene-C4 synthase in platelets and species distribution of the enzyme activity.

Human platelets have been demonstrated to possess leukotriene (LT)-C4 synthase activity and may thus be involved in transcellular 5(S)-hydroxy-6(R)-S-glutathionyl-7,9-trans-11,14-cis-eicosatetraenoic acid (LTC4) synthesis. In this study, platelets from seven different species were screened for LTC4 synthase activity. Very high enzyme activity was observed in suspensions of bovine platelets, with approximately 70% conversion of 5(S)-trans-5,6-oxido-7,9-trans-11,14-cis-eicosatetraenoic acid (LTA4) to LTC4. The capacity of equine platelets to produce LTC4 was similar to that of human platelets. In addition, ovine, rabbit, and rat platelets also produced LTC4 after incubation with LTA4. The results demonstrate that LTC4 synthase activity is a common feature among platelets from various species. In contrast, porcine platelets failed to transform LTA4 to LTC4. Instead, these cells produced 5(S),12(R)-dihydroxy-6,14-cis-8,10-trans-eicosatetraenoic acid (LTB4), indicating the presence of LTA4 hydrolase in porcine platelets. A protein with a molecular mass of approximately 18 kDa and LTC4 synthase activity was solubilised from lyophilised bovine platelet concentrates and purified to near homogeneity by affinity chromatography and gel filtration. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of this protein was analysed and found to be almost identical to the corresponding sequence of human LTC4 synthase (17 of 18 amino acid residues identical). Kinetic analysis of partially purified bovine platelet LTC4 synthase revealed Km (for LTA4) and Vmax values of 3.3 microM and 521 nmol x mg protein(-1) x min(-1), respectively. In addition, the presence of a mRNA transcript encoding LTC4 synthase was demonstrated in equine platelets by reverse transcription (RT) PCR using primers derived from the human LTC4 synthase cDNA sequence. Cloning and sequencing of the PCR fragment corresponding to a region near the N-terminus demonstrated very high identity between equine and human leukotriene-C4 synthase in this region. In summary, the present study establishes that platelets contain LTC4 synthase and indicates that this enzyme is widely distributed among platelets from various species.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Growth hormone replacement and the risk of malignancy in children with neurofibromatosis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of growth hormone (GH) therapy in children with GH deficiency in association with neurofibromatosis. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of data from the Pharmacia and Upjohn International Growth Database (KIGS) in a total of 102 GH-deficient children with neurofibromatosis treated with recombinant GH. RESULTS: Median pretreatment height velocity was 4.2 cm/yr (1.7 to 6.4 cm/yr), increased to 7.1 cm/yr (4.6 to 10.0 cm/yr) in the first year of GH therapy, and remained significantly greater than pretreatment at 5.7 cm/yr (2.9 to 8.3 cm/yr) and 5.7 cm/yr (2.6 to 7.9 cm/yr) in the second and third years, respectively. The median height SD score increased from -2.4 to -1.8 by the end of 3 years of treatment. Five patients had either a recurrence of an intracranial tumor or a second intracranial tumor; this incidence of tumor occurrence is comparable to that reported previously in similar patients with neurofibromatosis. Other adverse events were relatively minor and unlikely to be attributable to GH therapy CONCLUSIONS: The data indicate that GH replacement therapy, per se, for patients with neurofibromatosis and GH deficiency is likely to be beneficial and unassociated with excessive malignant risk.

Adolescent↗

Are symptoms of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome related to bronchitic symptoms or lung function impairment? Report from the Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden Study.

To investigate whether the high prevalence of symptoms related to obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) in a bronchitic cohort is correlated with the bronchitic symptoms or lung function impairment we examined two cohorts with bronchitic symptoms (n = 357 and 82) and a reference group who had reported no respiratory symptoms in a previous survey in 1986 (n = 140). The study was a part of the Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden Study and included clinical examination and lung function tests. Although lung function measured as FEV1 percentage predicted was correlated with bronchitic symptoms we found that bronchitic symptoms and body mass index but not lung function impairment were correlated with symptoms related to obstructive sleep apnoea. According to our findings it was the various bronchitic symptoms such as longstanding cough, wheezing, sputum production and chronic productive cough that were correlated with OSAS symptoms. This might be due to increased upper airway swelling or increased upper airway resistance, and lung function impairment does not seem to be responsible for the high prevalence of symptoms related to obstructive sleep apnoea in this bronchitic cohort.

Body Mass Index↗

Signs of infections and reduced immune functions at weaning of conventionally reared and specific pathogen free pigs.

The growth rate and several immune parameters were recorded to monitor the performance, health and immune status of 40 piglets in a conventional farrow to finish herd. In addition, effects of weaning on immune parameters were studied under minimal influence of infections in 20 specific pathogen free (SPF) pigs. The growth rate of the conventionally reared pigs decreased after weaning and after allocation of pigs to new premises. Around weaning a considerable number of pigs displayed interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) in serum, indicating the spread of viral infections. Bacterial infections were indicated by elevated numbers of circulating neutrophilic granulocytes during the weaning period. Functional in vitro tests of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) revealed that the Concanavalin A (Con A) induced proliferation decreased both after weaning and after transfer of the conventionally reared pigs to the finishing unit. The decreased proliferation observed after weaning was accompanied by decreased interleukin-2 (IL-2) production in response to the mitogen. A reduced IL-2 producing capacity after weaning was confirmed with PBMC obtained from the SPF pigs. Flow cytometric analyses of these cells showed that the proportion of PBMC expressing IL-2 receptors (IL-2R+) was decreased 3 and 6 days after weaning when cultured in the absence of mitogen while the proportion of IL-2R+ cells was unaltered in Con A stimulated cultures. Thus indications of reduced immune function coincided in time with signs of infections, especially around weaning.

Animals↗