Intracellular receptors. New wrinkles in retinoids.
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Animals↗
Biomedical subjects
B Andersen
Publications and source records attributed to B Andersen.
A stereologic study of postmature placentas fixed by dual perfusion.
OBJECTIVE: Placental insufficiency has been considered the cause of increased morbidity in infants delivered postmaturely. Former quantitative studies have indicated a decrease in some placental structures just before term. In this study we describe a method of dual perfusion fixation to provide tissue for stereologic examination. Postmature placentas were examined with this method. STUDY DESIGN: Eleven postmature placentas and 14 placentas delivered at term were fixed by dual perfusion. The volume and the surface area of villi, the trophoblast volume, and the volume, surface area, and length of villous capillaries were estimated by stereologic examination. The Mann-Whitney test (p < or = 0.05) was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Morphologic features were normal in all placentas. No significant differences were disclosed in the stereologic estimates of placentas delivered at term and postmature placentas. CONCLUSION: No morphologic or significant quantitative changes were found in postmature placentas.
Female↗
Pit-1 determines cell types during development of the anterior pituitary gland. A model for transcriptional regulation of cell phenotypes in mammalian organogenesis.
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Animals↗
Rapid assessment of mycobacterial growth inside macrophages and mice, using the radiometric (BACTEC) method.
SETTING: Conventional methods of determining the growth and drug susceptibility of mycobacteria either in macrophages or in vivo are time consuming and laborious. OBJECTIVE: We sought to develop a simple and rapid method for assessing growth and susceptibility of mycobacteria in macrophages and in vivo. DESIGN: The radiometric (BACTEC) method was compared with the conventional method for rapid assessment of growth and susceptibility of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) to clofazimine (CFM) and its two analogues (B4100 and B4101) in macrophages and in beige mice. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: A linear relationship was observed between growth index (GI) readings by the BACTEC method and the colony forming unit (CFU) counts obtained by conventional plating on 7H11 agar in vitro of lysates from infected macrophages and of homogenates from the infected organs. There was also a good agreement between the two methods with respect to susceptibility of MAC to CFM and its analogues both in macrophages and in spleen. The BACTEC method, in addition to being quick and simple, was found to be more consistent. Our studies thus demonstrate that the radiometric method has potential application in rapid screening of drugs for antimycobacterial activity in macrophages and in animals besides its established value in in vitro screening.
Animals↗
Mast cells in the placenta. Is there a relation to the development of atopic disease in infants before 18 months of age?
OBJECTIVE: To disclose a relation between the amount of mast cells in placenta and the development of atopic disease in children before 18 months of age. DESIGN: A prospective, descriptive study. SETTING: Two obstetric departments at university hospitals. SUBJECTS: 67 pairs of mothers and their newborn infants. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Family history of atopic disease was taken. The amount of mast cells in placenta was counted. Follow-up questionnaires of the children were evaluated after 18 months. RESULTS: The follow-up rate was 84%. The number of mast cells in placenta did not differ between atopic and non-atopic children. CONCLUSION: A new predictor, the amount of mast cells in placenta was evaluated. In this study the amount of mast cells, in placenta was not predictive of the development of atopic disease before 18 months of age.
Cell Count↗
Plasma cholecystokinin in obese patients before and after jejunoileal bypass with 3:1 or 1:3 jejunoileal ratio--no role in the increased risk of gallstone formation.
BACKGROUND AND AIM: Jejunoileal bypass surgery for obesity increases the risk of gallstone formation, and, contrary to expectations, the incidence is greater in patients with a long as compared to a short ileum left in continuity. Impaired gallbladder motility due to reduced cholecystokinin (CCK) stimulation could be an explanation. The aim of this study was to investigate the CCK levels in such patients. SETTING: The randomized trial of bypass surgery named The Danish Obesity Project. DESIGN AND METHODS: We compared plasma levels of CCK in obese patients at three, nine or 15 months after jejunoileal bypass surgery with either a 1:3 jejunoileal ratio (n = 14) or a 3:1 ratio (n = 15), and in unoperated obese patients (n = 7). Plasma CCK levels were determined during fasting and during 150 min following ingestion of a liquid test meal. RESULTS: There were no significant changes over time following surgery. Basal CCK levels were significantly increased after surgery, and significantly higher in those with a 3:1 than in those with a 1:3 jejunoileal ratio. The postprandial AUC (mean +/- SEM) was 935 +/- 71 pM x min in the 3:1 ratio group and 891 +/- 100 pM x min in the 1:3 ratio group. This difference was not significant, but both bypass groups were significantly higher than the unoperated group (515 +/- 79 pM x min). The integrated increase in plasma CCK above basal level showed a similar pattern, but the difference between the unoperated and the bypass groups was insignificant. CONCLUSION: Postoperative changes in plasma CCK levels neither explain the increased risk of gallstone formation after bypass surgery nor the higher incidence with a long compared to a short ileum left in continuity in the bypass.
Cholecystokinin↗
Sperm 1: a POU-domain gene transiently expressed immediately before meiosis I in the male germ cell.
Members of the POU-domain gene family encode for transcriptional regulatory molecules that are important for terminal differentiation of several organ systems, including anterior pituitary, sensory neurons, and B lymphocytes. We have identified a POU-domain factor, referred to as sperm 1 (Sprm-1). This factor is most related to the transactivator Oct-3/4, which is expressed in the early embryo, primordial germ cells, and the egg. However, in contrast with Oct-3/4, rat Sprm-1 is selectively expressed during a 36- to 48-hr period immediately preceding meiosis I in male germ cells. Although the POU-domain of Sprm-1 is divergent from the POU-domains of Oct-1 and Oct-2, random-site-selection assay reveals that Sprm-1 preferentially binds to a specific variant of the classic octamer DNA-response element in which the optimal sequence differs from that preferred by Oct-1 and Pit-1. These data suggest that the Sprm-1 gene encodes a DNA-binding protein that may exert a regulatory function in meiotic events that are required for terminal differentiation of the male germ cell.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Brn-5 is a divergent POU domain factor highly expressed in layer IV of the neocortex.
We have identified rat cDNA clones that encode a POU domain protein, referred to as brain-5 (Brn-5). During embryogenesis in the rat, Brn-5 is widely expressed with highest levels in the developing brain and spinal cord from embryonic day 12.5. In the adult, Brn-5 mRNA is most abundant in the brain, where it is diffusely expressed with the exception of an enrichment in layer IV of the neocortex. However, Brn-5 is also found in multiple adult tissues outside the central nervous system, including kidney, lung, heart, adrenal, skin, testis, and anterior pituitary. This expression pattern contrasts with that of most other POU domain genes that are expressed predominantly in the developing nervous system and are progressively restricted to discrete regions of the brain. The predicted amino acid sequence of Brn-5 is considerably divergent from previously described POU domains and thus defines a new POU domain subclass (class VI). Consistent with its divergent sequence, the DNA-binding characteristics of Brn-5 overlap with, but are clearly distinct from, that of Oct-2. Although Brn-5 can bind to non-octamer sites, a random site selection indicates that its preferred binding site contains a variant octamer core motif. Finally, we show that the amino terminus of Brn-5 contains a transactivation domain.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Skn-1a and Skn-1i: two functionally distinct Oct-2-related factors expressed in epidermis.
Two forms of a member of the POU domain family of transcriptional regulators, highly related to Oct-2, are selectively expressed in terminally differentiating epidermis and hair follicles. One form, referred to as Skn-1i, contains an amino-terminal domain that inhibits DNA binding and can inhibit transactivation by Oct-1. A second form, Skn-1a, contains an alternative amino terminus and serves to activate cytokeratin 10 (K10) gene expression. The pattern of expression of the Skn-1a/i gene products and the effect of the alternative products on the expression of other genes suggest that these factors serve regulatory functions with respect to epidermal development.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
The PSI-E subunit of photosystem I binds ferredoxin:NADP+ oxidoreductase.
A photosystem I complex containing the polypeptides PSI-A to PSI-L, light-harvesting complex I and ferredoxin:NADP+ oxidoreductase has been isolated from barley using the non-ionic detergent n-decyl-beta-D-maltopyranoside. The ratio between bound ferredoxin:NADP+ oxidoreductase and P700 is 0.4 +/- 0.2. The complex is highly active in catalyzing light-induced transfer of electrons from plastocyanin to NADP+ at rates of 280 +/- 150 and 1800 +/- 800 mumol NADPH/(mg chl.h), without and in the presence of saturating amounts of exogenously added ferredoxin:NADP+ oxidoreductase, respectively. Endogenously bound ferredoxin:NADP+ oxidoreductase interacts with the PSI-E subunit as demonstrated by cross-linking experiments using two different types of cross-linkers and identification of the products by Western blotting and the use of monospecific antibodies.
Cross-Linking Reagents↗
Atmospheric deposition of trace elements around point sources and human health risk assessment. I: Impact zones near a source of lead emissions.
The deposition of lead was monitored over 8 years in the area around a car battery factory north of Copenhagen, Denmark. The area also has heavy traffic. Deposition was measured by in-situ grown vegetables, transplant grass culture biomonitors, bulk deposition and soil samples. Three impact zones were identified by a multivariate statistical analysis. Within each zone, the total dietary intake of lead was estimated for adults and children as a percentage of the provisional tolerably weekly intake (PTWI), and as a result recommendation on restrictions in use of locally grown fruit and vegetables were given to the public. The pattern of lead deposition in the area during the period 1981-1988 was monitored and the amount of lead ingested via vegetables was toxically evaluated. Lead emission reduction measures introduced in the factory and in the traffic during the period produced significant reductions in lead deposition.
Adolescent↗
A double-blinded multicenter trial of somatostatin in the treatment of acute pancreatitis.
To evaluate the effect of somatostatin in the treatment of acute pancreatitis, 63 patients were randomly allocated to continuous intravenous infusion for three days of 250 micrograms of somatostatin (Dura Scan, Odense, Denmark) per hour (n = 33), or placebo (n = 30). Patients with a first attack of pancreatitis, serum amylase level of more than 450 units per liter and symptoms for less than 24 hours were eligible for participation in the study. Apart from a slightly significant faster decrease in serum amylase concentrations, we were unable to demonstrate any significant benefit from somatostatin with regard to paraclinical values and clinical course.
Acute Disease↗
Morbidity after immediate and delayed opening of sigmoid end colostomy: a randomised trial.
OBJECTIVE: To see if sigmoid end colostomies that were opened immediately carried a higher early morbidity than those in which opening was delayed for 10 days. DESIGN: Randomised trial. SETTING: University department of surgical gastroenterology. SUBJECTS: All patients for whom a temporary or permanent end sigmoid colostomy was done between December 1986 and May 1989. INTERVENTIONS: 51 patients had their colostomies opened immediately, and in 49 opening was delayed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Presence of ischaemia, retraction, separation or infection, and length of stay in hospital. RESULTS: Two patients from each group died within the first week; none of the deaths was associated with complications of the colostomy. One patient whose colostomy had been opened immediately developed gangrene of the stoma, and one in whom the opening had been delayed developed retraction. There was no difference between the groups in length of stay in hospital. CONCLUSION: As we could find no differences in morbidity whether the colostomy was opened immediately or whether it was delayed, we now recommend that it should be done immediately. The question of late complications (stenosis and hernia), however, cannot be answered yet.
Cause of Death↗
RXR beta: a coregulator that enhances binding of retinoic acid, thyroid hormone, and vitamin D receptors to their cognate response elements.
The retinoic acid receptor (RAR) requires coregulators to bind effectively to response elements in target genes. A strategy of sequential screening of expression libraries with a retinoic acid response element and RAR identified a cDNA encoding a coregulator highly related to RXR alpha. This protein, termed RXR beta, forms heterodimers with RAR, preferentially increasing its DNA binding and transcriptional activity on promoters containing retinoic acid, but not thyroid hormone or vitamin D, response elements. Remarkably, RXR beta also heterodimerizes with the thyroid hormone and vitamin D receptors, increasing both DNA binding and transcriptional function on their respective response elements. RXR alpha also forms heterodimers with these receptors. These observations suggest that retinoid X receptors meet the criteria for biochemically characterized cellular coregulators and serve to selectively target the high affinity binding of retinoic acid, thyroid hormone, and vitamin D receptors to their cognate DNA response elements.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
[Nursing. Self-help for overweight persons].
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Humans↗
[Mental health. Care and restraint].
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Delirium↗
Consistent production of phenolic compounds by Penicillium brevicompactum for chemotaxonomic characterization.
A consistently produced group of fungal secondary metabolites from Penicillium brevicompactum has been purified and identified as the Raistrick phenols. These compounds are shown to exist separately as an equilibrium mixture in aqueous solutions. The Raistrick phenols have all been included in the metabolite profile of P. brevicompactum. By means of thin layer chromatography-scanning and high performance liquid chromatography-UV diode array detection, the chromatographic and spectroscopic data can be used in the chemotaxonomic characterization of the fungus.
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗