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A Svensson

Publications and source records attributed to A Svensson.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Expression of matrix metalloproteinase gelatinase A messenger ribonucleic acid in parathyroid carcinomas.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of parathyroid cancer in patients with hyperparathyroidism is less than 1%. However, these few cases cause diagnostic problems in the absence of clear-cut invasion of adjacent organs or metastasis. New markers are needed to increase diagnostic accuracy. METHODS: Thirty-one parathyroid tumors from patients with primary hyperparathyroidism were collected worldwide. Eighteen tumors were classified as unequivocal cancers, whereas 13 tumors were considered equivocal because of a lack of infiltrative growth or evidence of recurrence. Paraffin sections were hybridized with a 35S-labeled riboprobe complementary to gelatinase A mRNA, dipped in photographic emulsion, developed, counterstained, and then evaluated by light- and dark-field microscopy. RESULTS: Fourteen of the 18 unequivocal parathyroid cancers expressed gelatinase A, as compared with the equivocal tumors, of which only 4 of 13 showed expression. The strongest hybridization signal was seen in stromal cells at the tumor border, most likely fibroblasts and macrophages. No expression was detected in tumor cells. CONCLUSIONS: Invasive growth of many tumors is facilitated by proteolytic enzymes, such as gelatinase A. The presence of gelatinase A mRNA in parathyroid tumors strengthens the suspicion of malignancy but cannot be used as a definitive marker of malignancy.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

PBSC harvests individually optimized by using pre-collection CD34(+) values and on-line flow cytometric analysis of the mononuclear cell enrichment.

BACKGROUND: We have investigated how the amount of blood processed during collection of PBSC affects the yield of CD34 cells. METHODS: We first established a method of significantly increasing the enrichment of mononuclear cells (MNC), CD34(+) cells and granulocyte-macrophage progenitors (GM-CFU) by on-line flow cytometric (FCM) analysis of the leukocyte populations in the collect line. A total of 166 PBSC collections from 94 patients, were devided into five groups according to the blood volume processed: < 12 L of processed blood, 12-13L, 13-14L, 14-15L and > 15L. RESULTS: When the yield of CD34(+) cells war compared between these groups, a positive correlation was seen (r=0.97) between the processed blood volume and the yield, expressed as a ratio between total number of CD34(+) cells in the harvest and the CD34(+) cell concentration in blood. This correlation can be used to estimate the volume that must be processed to exceed a specific target number of CD34(+) cells. The implications of these results on the need for one, two or more leukapheresis procedures in order to collect a sufficient amount of stem and progenitor cells for a given patient are discussed, i n relation to clinical logistics and the benefits for the patients. DISCUSSION: PBSC harvest can be improved by individually-adjusted leukapheresis according to on-line FCM analysis and pre-harvest levels of CD34(+) cells and the processed blood volume can be used to predict the CD34(+) yield.

Antigens, CD34↗
PubMed1998

Crystal structures of native and recombinant yeast fumarase.

Crystal structures for both native and recombinant forms of yeast fumarase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae have been completed to moderate resolution by two separate laboratories. The recombinant form was obtained by the construction of an expression plasmid for Escherichia coli. Despite a high level of amino acid sequence similarity, purification of the eukaryotic enzyme from the wild-type prokaryotic enzyme was feasible. The crystal structure of the native form, NY-fumarase, encompasses residues R22 through M484, while the recombinant form, RY-fumarase, consists of residues S27 through L485. Both crystal structures lack the N-terminal translocation segment. Each subunit of the homo-tetrameric protein has three domains. The active site is formed by segments from each of three polypeptide chains. The results of these studies on the eukaryotic proteins are unique, since the recombinant form was done in the absence of dicarboxylic acid and has an unoccupied active site. As a comparison, native fumarase was crystallized in the presence of the competitive inhibitor, meso-tartrate. Meso-tartrate occupies a position close to that of the bound citrate molecule found in the active site of the E. coli enzyme. This inhibitor participates in hydrogen bonding to an active-site water molecule. The independent determination of the two structures provides further evidence that an active-site water molecule may play an active role in the fumarase-catalyzed reaction.

Binding Sites↗
PubMed1998

Volumetric determination of normal and scoliotic vertebral bodies.

A new method is presented for stereological evaluation of the volume of the vertebral body in vivo. The height of the vertebral body is measured at three standardised points on an anteroposterior radiograph and at two other points on a lateral one. The area of the body is also measured using a special grid superimposed on a CT scan from the middle part of the vertebra. The volume of the vertebral body is then calculated using Cavalieri's principle for irregular objects: V = delta a x H, where V is the volume of the vertebral body, delta a is the mean cross-section surface area on the CT scan and H is the mean of the heights at the five points on the radiographs, computed as mean weighted circumferential height. The volume of one normal and one scoliotic vertebra was evaluated in vitro using this formula. The obtained values were compared with the values derived from serial CT scans of the two vertebrae. The results showed that the volume of the normal vertebra measured with our new method was 15.9 cm3 and measured with serial CT scans using the same grid it was 15.07 cm3. For the scoliotic vertebra the values were 17.6 and 17.3 cm3, respectively. The degree of accuracy of the measurements with the presented method as compared with the serial CT method was 95% for the normal and 98.5% for the scoliotic vertebra. To prove the clinical applicability of the method, the heights of the apical and of the upper and the lower end vertebrae of the curve and the volume of the apical vertebrae were evaluated in eight scoliotic girls (nine curves) before and 3 years after spinal instrumentation and posterior fusion. The results showed that the mean circumferential height of the three vertebrae had increased significantly at the last follow-up. The volume of the apical vertebra had also increased, but the difference was not significant. It is concluded that the described method is easy to apply and has satisfactory accuracy for in vivo longitudinal studies of the volume of the vertebral body on radiographs and CT scans.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Transdermal oestrogen reduces daytime blood pressure in hypertensive women [see comment].

The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of transdermally administered 17-beta-oestradiol on ambulatory blood pressure (BP) in hypertensive, postmenopausal women. Thirteen postmenopausal women with ongoing treatment for hypertension were included in this placebo-controlled, double-blind cross-over study. Ambulatory recordings of BP and heart rate were performed during 24 h on two occasions, separated by at least 1 week, after application of a patch containing either 100 microg per 24 h 17-beta-oestradiol or placebo. Serum oestradiol was increased (P<0.001) during active treatment (139.2 +/- 21.1 pg/ml) compared with the baseline postmenopausal levels recorded during placebo (40.5 +/- 2.2 pg/ml). No rise in BP was found in office BP or during ambulatory recordings. Daytime BP pressure was acutely reduced by approximately 3 mm Hg during the 24 h of treatment with oestrogen (SBP n.s., DBP P<0.05), without any change in heart rate. Nocturnal dipping in SBP and DBP was present during placebo conditions, and there were no signs of an increase in dipping during treatment with 17-beta-oestradiol. This study supports previous evidence that hormone replacement therapy is safe in hypertensive women. The data in the present study also imply an acute, but small reduction of daytime BP due to transdermal oestrogen in hypertensive, postmenopausal women. Furthermore oestrogen did not blunt or increase the dipping phenomena during the night in these women.

Administration, Cutaneous↗
PubMed1998

The relations of microalbuminuria to ambulatory blood pressure and myocardial wall thickness in a population.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the relationship between microalbuminuria (20-200 microg min(-1)) and 24 h ambulatory blood pressure and heart wall thickness, in a representative population sample of men and women aged 56-65 years. DESIGN: Every second individual aged 56-65 years (n=488) in the district, was invited for a health examination, which included determination of urinary albumin and creatinine (overnight sample). The highest and lowest decentile of urinary albumin/creatinine ratio were compared. SETTING: The district of the Primary Health Care and Research Centre of Mölnlycke, Sweden. SUBJECTS: After excluding 2 individuals with a urinary albumin excretion exceeding 200 microg min(-1). 26 subjects (group 1) could be compared with 27 subjects in the lowest decentile (group 2). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Comparison between the determinations of the ambulatory blood pressure and echocardiographic variables in the two groups. RESULTS: Group 1 had significantly higher 24 h ambulatory blood pressure, and heart septum and posterior wall thickness as well as significantly higher fasting blood glucose and serum triglyceride concentrations. The differences in blood pressure (P < 0.05) but not heart wall thickness remained significant (P<0.05) after excluding subjects with hypertension, angina pectoris, treated diabetes mellitus, and/or history of heart or cerebrovascular disease. When excluding individuals with both treated and untreated diabetes mellitus, fasting blood glucose concentration was higher in group 1. The waist-hip ratio, weight and body mass index did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that microalbuminuria is related to signs of cardiovascular and metabolic influence and therefore could be a valuable tool for grading the risk of later cardiovascular morbidity.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

Prevalence of self-reported hand dermatosis in upper secondary school pupils.

The purpose of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of self-reported hand dermatosis among upper secondary school pupils. All pupils in grades 1 and 3 from the four upper secondary schools in Växjö, southern Sweden, were invited to participate in the study. A previously validated questionnaire was used. Of the 2609 invited pupils, 2572 (98.6%) responded to the questionnaire. The point prevalence of self-reported hand dermatosis was 4.2% (95% CI, 3.4-4.9%) with no significant differences between gender and grades. The overall one-year prevalence of self-reported hand dermatosis was 10.0% (95% CI, 8.8-11.1%), i.e. the corresponding figures for males were 7.3% (95% CI, 5.9-8.8%) and for females 12.5% (95% CI, 10.6-14.6%). There were significant gender differences in grade 1 (p < 0.001) and in grade 3 (p < 0.05). Males and females from the hotel and restaurant course had the highest one-year prevalence in grade 3. It is concluded that the high point and one-year prevalence of hand dermatosis among upper secondary school pupils merits long-term prospective study in order to address the question of which aetiological or trigger factors are most important in the development of hand dermatosis in a population.

Child↗
PubMed1998

Immunity in the Swedish population: diphtheria, tetanus and poliomyelitis.

BACKGROUND: Large-scale vaccination programmes have been carried out for a long time in Sweden, as in many other countries. However, often little is known of the effects of these vaccinations. During 1990 and 1991 a survey of immunity based on a random adult population sample was carried out. The main purpose was to estimate the level of immunity to diphtheria, tetanus and polio of the adult population in Sweden. In total 4800 people were randomly selected according to a stratified, two-stage, sampling plan. METHODS: Based on standard sampling theory, methods for calculations of estimates and confidence intervals of the proportion of the population that is immune are given. The response patterns and its possible effects on the estimates are discussed. RESULTS: In total, 70.6% of the 4800 selected gave a blood sample. The response rate differs for men and women and for different age groups. Among the oldest, the response rate was close to 80%, but it was only about 60% among the youngest. CONCLUSIONS: With the survey design used, it was possible to obtain a sufficient degree of response. Our experience is that the response rate depends to a large extent on the efforts made to explain and motivate participation.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Immunity to tetanus, diphtheria and poliomyelitis in the adult population of Sweden in 1991.

BACKGROUND: During 1990 and 1991 a survey of immunity was carried out in Sweden. The main purpose was to estimate the level of immunity to diphtheria, tetanus and polio in the adult population. In total, 4800 people, randomly selected according to a stratified, two-stage, sampling plan, were contacted and asked to contribute a blood sample. Of those selected, 70.6% gave a blood sample. METHODS: Estimates and confidence intervals of the proportion of the population with antibodies exceeding some titre was calculated. The population was divided according to sex, year of birth (five age groups) and residence (four regions). RESULTS: In age groups that were born after the introduction of childhood vaccination, > or =90% and 75-90% of people have demonstrable antibodies at a protective level against tetanus and diphtheria respectively. Those born earlier, especially women, are poorly protected with less than 50% having protective antibody levels for both tetanus and diphtheria. Differences between men and women were particularly seen in the age groups born between 1930 and 1950. Less than 5% of the Swedish population lacked the protective level antibodies against polio types 1, 2 and 3 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Vaccination against tetanus, which can be combined with vaccination against diphtheria, can be recommended especially to women born before 1950 and with no documented previous vaccination. The same recommendation can be given for men born before the 1930s. As regards poliomyelitis, general booster vaccination of the adult population does not appear to be necessary at present.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Alterations of the MEN1 gene in sporadic parathyroid tumors.

Primary hyperparathyroidism is a common endocrine disease that also occurs in a number of inherited disorders, including multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1). Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in the MEN1 region on chromosome 11q13 has been found in 30% of sporadic parathyroid tumors, making the recently cloned MEN1 gene a prime candidate for involvement in parathyroid tumorigenesis. Using LOH and single strand conformation analysis, we screened 45 sporadic tumors from 40 patients for alterations involving the MEN1 gene. Thirteen tumors showed LOH at 11q13, and in 6 of these cases, somatic mutation of the MEN1 gene was detected. In tumors without LOH, no mutations were detected. The mutations consisted of 3 small deletions, 1 insertion, and 2 missense mutations that had not been reported in MEN1 patients or parathyroid tumors previously. Using messenger ribonucleic acid in situ hybridization, the expression of the MEN1 gene was studied. There was no difference in expression between normal and tumor tissue. In conclusion, the findings of inactivating mutation in tumors with LOH at 11q13 confirm the role of the MEN1 tumor suppressor gene in a subset of sporadic parathyroid tumors.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Complement activation during blood sampling procedures alters the expression of CD11b/CD18 on human neutrophils.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Differences in blood sampling and separation techniques can affect the quantitative levels of activation markers on different leukocyte subsets. We examined the effect of two sampling procedures of EDTA blood on the quantitative levels of two markers, the CD11b/CD18 antigen and the EG2 epitope on intracellular eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP), in neutrophils and eosinophils, respectively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sample I was collected directly after completion of blood donation by an open technique and constant flow from the transfer tube directly into EDTA tubes. After sampling, the transfer tube was manually closed with a clamp. Sample II was collected 45 s later by the same technique by opening the clamp. RESULTS: We found a significantly (p < 0.01) higher expression of CD11b/CD18 on neutrophils collected by sampling procedure II than on those collected by sampling procedure I. In contrast, we did not find any difference in the intracellular ECP expression between sampling procedures I and II. To further explore the mechanisms for the observed upregulation of CD11b/CD18, fragments of a transfer tube were incubated with normal human serum (NHS) and heat-inactivated NHS (NHS56), respectively, for 60 min at +37 degrees C. Leukocytes from healthy blood donors were then incubated for 15 min at +37 degrees C with these serum preparations. The CD11b/CD18 expression was significantly higher (p < 0.01) on neutrophils incubated with transfer-tube-activated NHS compared with NHS alone. However, when leukocytes were incubated with transfer tube activated NHS56, no difference was observed compared with incubation with NHS alone. In addition, by using confocal laser scanning microscopy, we could identify complement (C3c) deposits on the inner surface of the transfer tube fragments incubated in NHS, but not in NHS56, CONCLUSIONS: The quantitative level of the activation marker CD11b/CD18 on neutrophils, but not the EG2 epitope on intracellular ECP in eosinophils is significantly increased by a slight modification of the blood sampling procedure. It is suggested that the observed upregulation of CD11b/CD18 is caused by complement activation within the transfer tube. The results emphasize the importance of in-house data on the effect of variations in sampling procedures, particularly when data from healthy blood donors are included in clinical studies.

Blood Proteins↗
PubMed1997

Differential loss of heterozygosity in familial, sporadic, and uremic hyperparathyroidism.

Various genetic loci harboring oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and genes for calcium receptors have been implicated in the development of parathyroid tumors. We have carried out loss of heterozygosity (LOH) studies in chromosomes 1p, 1q, 3q, 6q, 11q, 13q, 15q, and X in a total of 89 benign parathyroid tumors. Of these, 28 were sporadic parathyroid adenomas from patients with no family history of the disease, 41 were secondary parathyroid tumors, 5 were from patients with a history of previous irradiation to the neck, 12 were from patients with a family history of hyperparathyroidism, and 3 were parathyroid tumors related to multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1). In addition, we determined the chromosomal localization of a second putative calcium-sensing receptor, CaS, for inclusion in the LOH studies. Based on analysis of somatic cell hybrids and fluorescent in situ hybridization to metaphase chromsomes, the gene for CaS was mapped to chromosomal region 2q21-q22. The following results were obtained from the LOH studies: (1) out of the 24 tumors that showed LOH, only 4 had more than one chromosomal region involved, (2) in the tumors from uremic patients, LOH of chromosome 3q was detected in a subset of the tumors, (3) LOH of the MEN1 region at 11q13 was the most common abnormality found in both MEN1-related and sporadic parathyroid tumours but was not a feature of the other forms of parathyroid tumors, (4) LOH in 1p and 6q was not as frequent as previously reported, and (5) tumor suppressor genes in 1q and X might have played a role, particularly on the X chromosome, in the case of familial parathyroid adenomas. We therefore conclude that the tumorigenesis of familial, sporadic, and uremic hyperparathyroidism involves different genetic triggers in a non-progressive pattern.

Adenoma↗
PubMed1997

Topical calcipotriol in childhood psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: The use of topical calcipotriol in adults with psoriasis is safe and effective. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to study the efficacy and safety of calcipotriol in children. METHODS: A multicenter, prospective, 8-week, double-blind, parallel group study was conducted in 77 children. Response to treatment was assessed by means of the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) in that the intensity of redness, thickness, and scaliness as well as the area involved are scored. The children were 2 to 14 years of age and had stable psoriasis, involving less than 30% of the body surface. Forty-three children were assigned to receive calcipotriol ointment and 34 to receive placebo. Nine children dropped out of the study, six in the calcipotriol-treated group and three in the placebo-treated group. RESULTS: Both treatment groups (calcipotriol and placebo) showed significant improvement in PASI from baseline to the end of treatment, and the difference was not statistically significant. No serious side effects, in particular including those relating to calcium and bone metabolism, were recorded. CONCLUSION: Calcipotriol ointment was statistically significantly more effective than its vehicle in terms of the investigator's overall assessment and reduction in redness and scaliness but not in terms of PASI score.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed1997

Glucose and insulin levels in young subjects with different maternal histories of hypertension: the Hypertension in Pregnancy Offspring Study.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse whether hypertension during pregnancy is associated with early signs of impaired glucose metabolism in the offspring. DESIGN: Longitudinal study with a 5-year follow-up. SETTING: University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Fasting levels of glucose, insulin and C-peptide. SUBJECTS: Thirty-six children were born to mothers with hypertension in pregnancy. The children were divided into two groups according to their mothers' blood pressure at follow-up 7-12 years after pregnancy. Nineteen children had hypertensive mothers (HT), while 17 children had normotensive mothers at follow-up (NT). A control group (C) comprised 16 children, who were born after normotensive pregnancies to mothers who remained normotensive. RESULTS: Fasting plasma glucose was significantly higher in HT than in NT (5.2 vs. 4.9 mmol L-1; P < 0.05). In C fasting glucose was 5.1 mmol L-1. The same trend was seen for fasting insulin in HT. NT and C, respectively (6.7 vs. 4.7 vs. 5.3 microU mL-1). The C-peptide level was 1.61, 155 and 1.64 ng mL-1, respectively. Calculated insulin resistance was 1.5 in HT. 1.0 in NT and 1.2 in C. CONCLUSIONS: It is suggested that hypertension during pregnancy may be associated with impaired glucose metabolism and elevated fasting glucose levels in the offspring during adolescence.

Blood Glucose↗
PubMed1997

Efficient harvest of in vivo IL-2-activated CD3+ lymphocytes for adoptive immunotherapy by selective leukapheresis (lymphocytapheresis).

Autologous activated lymphocytes are an alternative to tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes for adoptive immunotherapy. We developed a method of selective lymphocytapheresis that harvests large numbers of interleukin-2 (IL-2)-activated autologous T lymphocytes. Five patients with metastatic malignant melanoma received 2.4 x 10(6) IU/m2 IL-2 sc. once a day 5 days a week for 3 weeks before lymphocytapheresis. Four patients went through lymphocytapheresis without IL-2 pretreatment. After IL-2 pretreatment, activated memory T cells increased significantly. Increasing CD3+ cells paralleled the significant enhancement of the cytotoxic activity against an HLA-A2-matched allogeneic melanoma cell line during the 3 weeks of IL-2 pretreatment. Lymphocytapheresis was performed 72 h after the last IL-2 injection to obtain the maximum recovery of activated lymphocytes at the peak of the rebound phenomenon. IL-2 pretreatment resulted in many more lymphocytes in the harvest than without pretreatment. The percentage, number, and lytic units of CD3+ cells harvested by the differential apheresis were significantly higher than were present in peripheral blood before lymphocytapheresis. These results show that pretreatment of melanoma patients with low-dose IL-2 before lymphocytapheresis allows the selective harvest of large numbers of activated T lymphocytes for adoptive immunotherapy.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Contact allergy to gold and gold therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis were investigated for contact allergy to gold in connection with treatment with gold preparations. There were 57 patients with rheumatoid arthritis previously treated with gold, with or without cutaneous side-effects, as well as 20 patients intended for such treatment; all were exposed to patch and intradermal tests with gold sodium thiosulfate, gold sodium thiomalate and auranofin. Contact allergy to gold was demonstrated in 8 out of 77 patients (10.4%). In the retrospective material, gold allergy was found in 1.8%, in the prospective material in 35.0%. Contact allergy to gold is very frequent among patients with rheumatoid arthritis before gold therapy. In order to avoid early hypersensitivity reactions skin tests should be carried out before gold therapy is instituted.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Evaluation of a self-reported questionnaire on hand dermatosis in secondary school children.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the reliability and validity of a self-reported questionnaire for estimating the prevalence of hand eczema and other hand dermatoses. All pupils in grades 1 and 3 from the secondary schools in Växjö, in southern Sweden, were invited to participate in the study, which consisted of two parts, a questionnaire and a clinical examination. Of those invited, 2572 (98.6%) responded to the questionnaire. Of the respondents, 2535 pupils (98.5%) were clinically examined. The kappa value for the questionnaire findings, compared with the diagnosis from the clinical examination, was 0.79, indicating good agreement. The sensitivity of the questionnaire findings was 73% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.6425-0.7975), and the specificity was 99% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.9860-0.9940). The self-reported questionnaire was suitable for detecting hand dermatosis in a population of secondary school children and may be used as a cost-effective and reliable method of investigating the prevalence of hand dermatosis in epidemiological studies.

Child↗