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Biomedical subjects

A Möller

Publications and source records attributed to A Möller.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

[Disturbed sleep caused by sleep apnea. To the sleep laboratory for diagnosis?].

Since it was shown that numerous neurological, psychiatric and internal illnesses have characteristics manifested during, or influenced by sleep, somnology has been playing a clinically more and more important role. Among the 88 diagnoses listed by ICD, not only insomnia, but also sleep-related respiratory disorders, in particular the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, are of special importance. Sleep apnea is associated with coronary heart disease, myocardial insufficiency and other pathological conditions. Already in the doctor's office, a carefully taken history (nocturnal apnea alternating with irregular snoring, and diurnal sleepiness) can arouse an appropriate suspicion. This can be confirmed by an ambulatory polygraphic exploration. The definitive diagnosis is then established with the aid of polysomnography in the sleep lab where specific treatment is also initiated.

Diagnosis, Differential↗
PubMed2000

Inhibition of cytokine secretion from human leukemic mast cells and basophils by H1- and H2-receptor antagonists.

H1-type antihistamines have recently been reported to inhibit cytokine secretion from human and murine mast cells and basophils. In order to confirm and expand these studies, we have compared several H1-blockers and the H2-blocker ranitidine for their effect on TNF-alpha, IL-3, 6, 8 and GM-CSF release from human leukemic mast (HMC-1) and basophilic (KU812) cells, compared to dexamethasone. Cells were stimulated for 24 h with phorbol myristate acetate (25 ng/ml) and calcium ionophore A 23187 (2.5x10(-7) M) alone or with the drugs added at 10(-4) to 10(-15) M, and production of cytokines was measured by ELISA. All antihistamines caused a dose-dependent inhibition of TNF-alpha release from HMC-1 cells, with maximal effects at 10(-12) M for azelastine, 10(-9) M for loratadine and cetirizine, and 10(-8) M for ranitidine. The inhibitory potency of H1-blockers on cytokines from HMC-1 cells was TNF-alpha >IL-8> or =IL-6> or =IL-3, with no significant effects on GM-CSF. In KU812 cells which failed to secrete TNF-alpha and GM-CSF, the sequence was IL-6 >IL-8 after preincubation. Dexamethasone inhibited all cytokines, but ranitidine only TNF-alpha and IL-3. Antihistamines had no effect on calcium flux in resting or stimulated cells. At the mRNA level, inhibition was only seen with KU812 cells and IL-8 in the presence of azelastine at 10-(10) M. These data show thus distinct inhibitory patterns for different antihistamines during cytokine production from human mast cells and basophils which may contribute to the anti-inflammatory effects of these drugs during treatment of allergic diseases.

Basophils↗
PubMed2000

Erythema elevatum diutinum--evidence for disease-dependent leucocyte alterations and response to dapsone.

Erythema elevatum diutinum (EED) is a type of leucocytoclastic vasculitis of unknown aetiology. We report a patient with unusually widespread and disabling EED that had been unresponsive to corticosteroids and antibiotics, but resolved on dapsone. Biopsies of fresh lesions showed typical features of leucocytoclastic vasculitis, with prominent neutrophil infiltration, marked expression of the beta(2)-integrins CR3 and LFA-1, and increased mast cell numbers. Older lesions exhibited granulation tissue and fibrosis, macrophages were more dominant, beta(2)-integrins were expressed less markedly, and mast cell numbers were lower. In vitro chemotaxis of the patient's peripheral blood neutrophils prior to treatment showed increased random migration and directed migration towards interleukin-8 (by 424%), but a profoundly decreased responsiveness towards the bacterial peptide analogue N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) (by 98%). These values returned to normal after dapsone treatment and clinical improvement 5 months later. These findings support the concept that in EED, activation via cytokines such as interleukin-8 allows a selective recruitment of leucocytes to tissue sites, while immune complexes and bacterial peptides sustain the persistent local inflammatory infiltrate and the leucocytoclastic vasculitis.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗
PubMed2000

Experiencing liver transplantation: a phenomenological approach.

In order to promote health, nurses and other health care professionals need to discover and articulate the meaning that is implicit in experiencing life after liver transplantation. From such an understanding, appropriate nursing interventions can be based. The aim of this study was to investigate the subjective experiences of the meaning of having a liver transplant, 1 year after the transplantation. After approval from the ethics committee at Goteborg University, 12 patients, nine women and three men, were interviewed. The study sample was chosen strategically to represent common diagnoses preceding liver transplantation. A phenomenological approach was chosen for the study. Analyses of the interviews were based on a modified version of a phenomenological method by Karlsson. Seven categories emerged: facing the inevitable; recapturing the body; emotional chaos; leaving the experts; family and friends; the threat of graft rejection; and honouring the donor. Having undergone a liver transplant meant living in a paradoxical situation. Knowing that you survived, it was a struggle to regain physical strength under great emotional stress. The recipients had to self-administer life-long medication, recognize symptoms indicating a potential problem and monitor for the possibility of graft rejection. Social support was essential for recovery. Meeting others with the same experience helped liver-transplanted patients to deal with their identity crises as well as undergo a transformation from being utterly unique to a survivor among others. The clinical implications from this study are that interventions, such as patient education, and social and mental support, are important tools to optimize both self-care capacity and the ability to maintain a healthy perception of identity after having a liver transplant at least up to 12 months post-transplant.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed2000

Family function in families with children of normal height and in families with short children.

UNLABELLED: The purpose of this study was to examine any differences regarding cohesion and adaptability between Swedish families with children of normal stature (group A) and those with children of short stature (group B). Cohesion and adaptability were measured using a Swedish translation of the third version of the self-report questionnaire FACES (Family Adaptability and Cohesion, Evaluation Scales). Most of the 55 families in group A and most of the 49 families in group B appeared to be well balanced with regard to cohesion and adaptability. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups concerning the variable cohesion. Significant differences were found in adaptability: fathers in group A had higher values than mothers in group A and than mothers and fathers in group B. CONCLUSION: There are no major differences between families with children of normal stature and those with short children. However, it was found that fathers with children of normal stature perceived a greater adaptation within their families compared with mothers with children of normal stature and mothers and fathers with children of short stature.

Body Height↗
PubMed2000

Bronchogenic cyst. A rare differential diagnosis of retroperitoneal tumors.

Subdiaphragmatic bronchogenic cysts are rare, and those located retroperitoneally are exceptional. A review of the English-language literature revealed only 16 reported cases. We describe an additional case of a retroperitoneal cyst presenting as an asymptomatic adrenal mass and discuss clinical, radiographic, surgical and pathological findings as well as its embryological background.

Bronchogenic Cyst↗
PubMed1999

Subchronic toluene exposure in low concentrations produces signs of reduced dysfunction in the 6-hydroxydopamine lesioned nigrostriatal dopaminergic system of the rat.

The effect of a subchronic (4-week) exposure to low concentrations of toluene (40 or 80 parts per million, ppm) on the brain dopaminergic system has been examined in a rat model of Parkinson's disease. A unilateral lesion of the substantia nigra (SN) dopamine (DA) nerve cells was performed by injection of a low dose of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OH DA). The peak activity of contralateral rotational behavior induced by apomorphine was significantly decreased after exposure to 80 ppm toluene. Analysis of the neostriatum and SN ipsilateral to the lesion revealed that toluene (80 ppm, but not 40 ppm) counteracted the 6-OH DA-induced reductions of DA tissue levels both within the SN and the neostriatum. Also the lesion-induced reduction of immunoreactivity for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH IR) in the neostriatum was partly counteracted by the toluene exposure (80 ppm). In conclusion, a subchronic exposure to low doses of toluene (80 ppm) leads to signs of reduced dysfunction of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system after the neurotoxic treatment.

3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid↗
PubMed1999

CAPN11: A calpain with high mRNA levels in testis and located on chromosome 6.

Calpains are a superfamily of related proteins, some of which have been shown to function as calcium-dependent cysteine proteases. In mammals, eight different calpains have been identified. We report the identification of a new mammalian calpain gene, CAPN11. The predicted protein possesses the features typical of calpains including potential protease and calcium-binding domains. The CAPN11 mRNA exhibits a highly restricted tissue distribution with highest levels present in testis. Radiation hybrid mapping localized the gene to human chromosome 6, within a region mapped to p12. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that, in mammals, the predicted CAPN11 protein is most closely related to CAPN1 and CAPN2. However, of the calpain sequences available, the predicted CAPN11 sequence exhibits greatest homology to the chicken micro/m calpain. Thus CAPN11 may be the human orthologue of micro/m calpain. The discovery of this new calpain emphasizes the complexity of the calpain family, with members being distinguished on the basis of protease activity, calcium dependence, and tissue expression.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1999

A qualitative study to explore the experience of fatigue in cancer patients.

Fatigue--which is a complex, multicausal, and multidimensional subjective experience--is today the most frequently reported symptom from patients with cancer. The aim of this study was to explore the experience of fatigue in cancer patients and to describe the categories and dimensions of the symptoms. A qualitative method--grounded theory--was used. Unstructured, tape-recorded interviews with 15 cancer patients were used for data collection. The categories found in this study illustrate fatigue as a process. Three major categories were found: (1) experiences (of loss, need, malaise, psychological stress, emotional affection, abnormal weakness, difficulties in taking the initiative); (2) consequences (social limitation, affected self-esteem, affected quality of life); and (3) actions (coping). The categories were constructed on the basis of dimensions with subordinated qualities. Knowledge concerning the different expressions of fatigue is important in caring for patients with cancer. The results from this study may contribute to a better understanding of how a cancer patient can experience and express fatigue and how the symptoms may affect the patient.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1999

[The general psychological concept in the later work of Eugen Bleulers. Comparison with a summarized description from a forgotten theory 60 years after the final publication (1939)].

Documents by Eugen Bleuler from 1921 to 1939 that go into general psychological topics of meaning of consciousness, formation of motive and will, are presented. An effort towards integration of seemingly incompatible, side by side standing, unrelated biological and psychological concepts that probably is most likely explainable by the contemporary background of ideas, is recognizable. In this context, Eugen Bleuler refers to an already (especially by Richard Semon) systematically developed theory called "Mnemism" that he interpreted and applied to the psychological circumstances mentioned above. That theory of "mnemism" that can be most adequately described as a biogenetic-vitalistic theory, is assuming, that all organic life--independent of the possibility of a self-reflecting consciousness--is able to learn experiences made by analysis of environment and to pass it on following generations. Pattern of stimulus reactions are in the sense of this theory memorized ("engraphiert") and reactivated under similar situational circumstances ("ekphoriert") by the psychological mode of association.--It can be shown that Bleuler pursued this theory for a period of more than ten years. It represents the benchmark for Bleuler's standpoints, for example for the question of determination of human acting, that as itselves are already known from his earlier documents, but here have found a more theoretically based explanation. The assumption of the efficacy of specific, not necessary consciously remembered "engramms" of memory, suggests the hypothesis of the existence of unconsciousness; in this context textual points of contact to the psychological concepts of S. Freud and C. G. Jung--mnemic memory and collective unconscious--are shown.

Consciousness↗
PubMed1999

Obstetric outcome and psychological follow-up of pregnancies after embryo reduction.

The obstetric outcome and psychological follow-up of the parents after embryo reduction performed at Sahlgrenska University Hospital between 1993 and 1997 in 13 women treated for infertility is described. A comparison is made with non-reduced multiple pregnancies, both spontaneous and multiple pregnancies after assisted reproduction technology. Altogether 10 triplets, two quadruplets and one quintuplet pregnancy underwent embryo reduction. The surgical procedure was performed in gestation week 7-8 by transvaginal, ultrasound-guided aspiration of embryonic tissue. The psychological follow-up included personal interviews and psychological evaluations by a Psychological General Well-being Scale (PGWB) and Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI). In 11 cases reduction was performed to twin pregnancies. In two cases of triplets after in-vitro fertilization and transfer of two embryos, reduction was performed on the monozygotic, monochorionic twins. No complete miscarriages occurred. Ten women delivered twins and three women delivered singletons. The mean gestation length was 40.4 weeks for singletons and 35.9 weeks for twins. The mean birthweight was 3411 g for singletons and 2392 g for twins. No complications related to the reduction were detected in the children.The psychological follow-up showed that the psychological well-being of the parents was good. However, the events around the reduction were experienced as chaotic and emotionally disturbing. One woman regretted the reduction. All couples emphasized that avoidance of high order pregnancies should be of primary importance. In conclusion, embryo reduction appears to improve the perinatal outcome of multiple pregnancies obtained after assisted reproduction technology. It is important that the surgical procedure is performed at a centre with experience of this type of intervention, by a limited number of surgeons and in a regulated manner. Psychologically, however, the intervention is traumatic and psychological management is essential for good final outcome.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Repeat abortion: a qualitative study.

In a qualitative study of 20 women seeking a repeat abortion, interviews lasting for 1.5-2 hours were conducted after the first appointment with a gynecologist when the abortion was planned. The women were aged 20-29 years and had experienced one to five abortion(s) during the previous 5 years. The aim of the study was to attain understanding of the phenomenon of repeat abortion. The women were asked to express their thoughts related to their situation and their choices. The following categories were found: psychosocial background factors, reactions to previous abortion(s), reflections on fertility, sexuality, psychological factors, social factors, contraceptive use, the present pregnancy, motives for the planned abortion, feelings about the planned abortion and risk-taking process. Most of the women seemed to have a psychological vulnerability with many current and previous problems, as well as problems regarding sexuality. It was evident that insecurity was present in the use of contraceptives and in relation to sexual activities and to sexual partners. The main reason for an unplanned pregnancy is not a lack of information or even a lack of knowledge, but rather a failure to integrate the knowledge with situational, intrapsychic and social factors.

Abortion, Legal↗
PubMed1999

Prevalence of physical and sexual abuse before and during pregnancy among Swedish couples.

BACKGROUND: To estimate the prevalence of threats and actual acts of physical and sexual abuse during pregnancy. METHODS: Two hundred and seven pregnant Swedish women married to or cohabiting with Swedish men were randomly selected from three antenatal clinics in the city of Göteborg, Sweden. A standardized questionnaire was used for personal interviews about the women's experience of physical and sexual abuse by a husband or a boyfriend at some point in the past, during the last year and during current pregnancy. RESULTS: Twenty-seven point five percent of the women reported that they had been exposed to physical violence at some point in the past by their husband/boyfriend. Twenty-four and a half percent of the women had experienced some form of threat, physical or sexual violence during the last year. At some time (once or more) during their current pregnancy, the proportions of women who had been exposed to the following categories of violence, were as follows: 14.5%-symbolic violence, 14.5%-threats of mild violence, 2.9%-threats of moderate violence, 2.9%-threats of serious violence, 11%-mild violence, 4.3%-minor violence, 2.4%-moderate violence, 4.3%-serious violence and 3.3%-sexual violence. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that a considerable number of women had experienced threats, physical and sexual abuse during pregnancy. There is an obvious need for screening of experience of domestic violence among pregnant women to enhance the safety of women and their unborn babies.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

The disposition of 14C-labeled tacrolimus after intravenous and oral administration in healthy human subjects.

Tacrolimus is a macrolide lactone with potent immunosuppressive properties. It has been shown in clinical studies to prevent allograft rejection. The pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus in healthy subjects and transplant patients has been described in earlier studies using immunoassay methods; however, detailed information on the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of tacrolimus using a radiolabeled drug is lacking. The objective of the present study was to characterize the disposition of tacrolimus after single i.v. (0.01 mg/kg) and oral (0.05 mg/kg) administration of 14C-labeled drug in six healthy subjects. Tacrolimus was absorbed rapidly after oral dosing with a mean Cmax and Tmax of 42 ng/ml and 1 h, respectively. The oral bioavailability was about 20%. After i.v. and oral dosing, most of the administered dose was recovered in feces, suggesting that bile is the principal route of elimination. Urinary excretion accounted for less than 3% of total administered dose. In systemic circulation, unchanged parent compound accounted for nearly all the radioactivity; however, less than 0.5% of unchanged drug was detectable in feces and urine. The excretion of the metabolites was formation-rate-limited. The mean total body clearance at 37.5 ml/min was equivalent to about 3% of the liver blood flow. Renal clearance was less than 1% of the total body clearance. The mean elimination half-life was 44 h.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1999

Decision-making about unwanted pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to focus on aspects of the decision-making process among women having first and repeat abortion, in comparison with women continuing their pregnancies with or without having experienced abortions. METHODS: In a study of 401 pregnant women, (simple random sample) 20-29 years of age, 137 having first abortion (A1), 64 repeat abortion (A2), 142 continuing their pregnancies with no experience of abortion (B1) and 58 continuing, having experienced abortion(s) (B2), were given a questionnaire and were interviewed. RESULTS: The pregnancy evoked ambivalent feelings in all groups. One third of the women in the A-groups and about 25% of those in the B-groups had ambivalent feelings. More than half of the women decided to have an abortion upon first finding out they were pregnant, and after a few weeks of thought most of them had decided to have the abortion. More than half of the women having an abortion said it was rather or very difficult to make a decision. Among these subjects, women having had contact with social services found it significantly harder to make this decision. A majority agreed with their partners on having an abortion. A majority did not feel influenced by someone else when deciding about the abortion. However, 10% in the A1-group and 6% in the A2-group felt much or comparatively much influenced by someone else. CONCLUSIONS: Counselling seems to be important among a considerable number of women finding it hard to make a decision about abortion. Special attention is required for women feeling influenced by someone else and/or having pronounced social problems.

Abortion, Induced↗
PubMed1999

[Scientific psychology in the works of Eugen Bleuler].

The name of Eugen Bleuler is usually known in the context of the definition and conceptualization of schizophrenic disorders. Main other topics, less known in literature, are alcoholism, forensic psychiatry and general psychological topics of meaning of consclousness, formation of motive and will. Bleulers point of view presents itself as an empirically-based and anti-philosophic one, definitely deterministic concerning the topic of human "freedom of will". Eugen Bleuler refers to an already (especially by Richard Semon) systematically developed theory called "mnemism" that he interpreted and applied to the psychological circumstances mentioned above. That theory of "mnemism", that can be most adequately described as a biogenetic-vitalistic theory, is assuming, that all organic life--independent of the possibility of a self-reflecting consciousness--is able to learn experiences made by analysis of environment and to pass it on following generations. Pattern of stimulus reactions are in the sense of this theory memorized and reactivated under similar situational circumstances by the psychological mode of association. The influence of psychoanalytical theories, especially the presumed importance of infantil sexuality, on Bleulers understanding of a medical psychology seems to fade over the years.

Germany↗
PubMed1998

Expression and functional activity of the IL-8 receptor type CXCR1 and CXCR2 on human mast cells.

To further elucidate mechanisms involved in mast cell accumulation at sites of cutaneous inflammation, we have studied the ability of human leukemic mast cells (HMC-1 cells) to express functionally active IL-8 receptors. Expression of mRNA for both types of IL-8 receptors (CXCR1 and CXCR2) was demonstrated by PCR and of both proteins by flow cytometry. Binding and competition studies with 125I-labeled IL-8 and its homologue melanoma growth stimulating activity (125I-labeled MGSA) revealed two specific binding sites for IL-8, K1 = 1.1 x 10(11) M(-1) and K2 = 5 x 10(7) M(-1); and for MGSA, K1 = 2.8 x 10(10) M(-1) and K2 = 5 x 10(7) M(-1). This finding was supported by a dose-dependent rise of cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) induced by both chemokines and to a lesser extent by the homologue neutrophil-activating peptide-2 (NAP-2). A significant migratory response of human leukemic mast cells (HMC-1) was observed with all three chemokines at a range from 10(-8) M to 10(-9) M. Moreover, the formation of cellular F-actin was induced in a rapid, dose-dependent fashion, with a maximally 1.7-fold increase at 10(-7) M. Using postembedding immunoelectron microscopy, we could show the expression of CXCRI on the cytoplasmatic membrane of isolated human skin mast cells whereas CXCR2 was located in mast cell-specific granules. These findings demonstrate for the first time the functional expression of both types of IL-8 receptors on human mast cells, suggesting a role for their ligands during mast cell activation and recruitment.

Actins↗