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Biomedical subjects

B Hansen

Publications and source records attributed to B Hansen.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

Larval exoantigens from ascarid nematodes are potent inducers of histamine release from human blood basophils.

Histamine release (HR) from washed human blood cells after challenge with the excretory-secretory antigens (ES) of the parasitic nematodes Toxocara canis and Ascaris suum was studied, employing a recently developed microfibre-based assay combined with hyperosmolar release media for maximal sensitivity. Blood samples were obtained from 30 patients suspected of parasite infection and 11 healthy volunteers serving as controls. Specific antibodies of IgE, IgG1 and IgG4 subclasses were determined by ELISA. Virtually no HR could be provoked by ES in the 11 controls. In contrast, HR was seen in 16 patients after challenge with T. canis ES and in 11 patients with A. suum ES. In the majority of these, HR was detectable after challenge with ES protein concentrations of less than 1 ng/ml, and the maximal HR obtained with ES was greater than that seen with optimal concentrations of anti-IgE. The HR after ES antigen challenge correlated with the amount of specific IgE in patient plasma, and coincided with the presence of specific IgG1 and IgG4.

Animals↗

Screening for familial hypercholesterolaemia by measurement of apolipoproteins in capillary blood.

A total of 3025 families with schoolchildren aged 6-8 years were offered pilot screening for familial hypercholesterolaemia by measurement of the concentrations of apolipoproteins A-1 and B in the children's capillary blood and by analysis of their family histories of early ischaemic heart disease. The concentrations of the apolipoproteins were determined by double rocket immunoelectrophoresis of an eluate of blood spotted on filter paper. Results were available from 2085 children. Because their B:A-1 ratio was above the 97.5 centile and their concentration of B was above the 99th centile, 54 children (2.6%) were selected to have their apolipoprotein concentrations reassessed. The 17 children (0.8%) whose values were persistently above the chosen cut off points, and all of their available first and second degree relatives, had fasting determinations of serum lipid concentrations carried out. Raised serum concentrations of low density lipoprotein cholesterol and an autosomal dominant pattern of hypercholesterolaemia were found in 12 children and 10 families, respectively, suggesting a higher incidence of familial hypercholesterolaemia than the reported 1:500. Further investigations among family members disclosed hypercholesterolaemia in 29 relatives. A family history of early ischaemic heart disease was elicited by questionnaire, and was positive in only five of the 12 schoolchildren with hypercholesterolaemia. We conclude that analysis of apolipoproteins from capillary blood spotted on filter paper is suitable for screening for familial hypercholesterolaemia, and that this method is more efficient than screening based on family history.

Apolipoproteins A↗

Prophylaxis of deep venous thrombosis after acute abdominal operation.

Two hundred and forty-five patients who underwent acute extensive abdominal operations were randomized into three regimens to achieve optimal prophylaxis of postoperative thromboembolic complications. All of the patients were screened by the 125I-fibrinogen uptake test for seven days and if the phlebographic findings were positive. Of 81 patients receiving low dose heparin, 12 had thromboembolism. Of 79 receiving a combination of low dose heparin and graded compression stockings, two had thromboembolism, and of 85 receiving a combination of dextran and graded compression stockings, 13 had this complication. This difference is significant in favor of the second treatment (p = 0.013). It is concluded that the combination of low dose heparin and graded compression stockings is an effective way to prevent thromboembolism after acute abdominal operations.

Adult↗

[Myeloid hemopoietic growth factors. Therapeutic possibilities and clinical experiences].

Colony stimulating factors (CSF) for white blood cells are formed in the bone-marrow and regulate proliferation and differentiation of the myeloid cells. Several of these hormones are cloned and manufactured by a recombinant technique for clinical use. The granulocyte-macrophage-colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and the granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) both belong to this group. Trials are still at the commencing stage. In vitro investigations, animal experiments and human experiments have rendered promising results. After intensive chemotherapy followed by treatment with GM-CSF and G-CSF, it has been demonstrated that the period of neutropenia following bone-marrow suppression is abbreviated. Accelerated bone-marrow regeneration and reduced tendencies to infection have been demonstrated compared with so-called control patients. In patients with the myelodysplastic syndrome, marked increase in the neutrophile granulocytes in the peripheral blood has been observed during treatment with growth factors. Long-term treatment with G-CSF has proved particularly effective in chronic idiopathic and cyclic neutropenia. On the other hand, the growth factors can scarcely improve the prognosis in severe aplastic anaemia. Animal experiments and a single human trial suggest that G-CSF and GM-CSF treatment are indicated in bone-marrow insufficiency secondary to radioactive irradiation accidents. GM-CSF has normalized the leucocyte counts in AIDS patients with leucopenia without any marked alteration in the tendency to infection. Future studies will show whether simultaneous treatment with growth factors and anti-viral and anti-leukaemic treatments, respectively, can improve the therapeutic results.

Bone Marrow↗

Regulation of HIV replication in infected monocytes by IFN-alpha. Mechanisms for viral restriction.

In a survey of 15 different virus isolates, no IFN-alpha or IFN-beta activity was detected in culture fluids of HIV-infected T cells or monocytes. Exogenous rIFN-alpha added to T lymphoblast or monocyte cultures induced restriction in replication of the amphotropic HIV that infect both cell types. With IFN-treated HIV-infected T cells, levels of reverse transcriptase (RT) activity in culture fluids were half those in control cultures, but the frequency of infected cells or the levels of p24 Ag released in culture fluids were unchanged. In contrast to the modest effect of IFN on HIV-infected T cells, IFN-induced antiviral activity in monocytes was quite dramatic. Monocytes treated with IFN at the time of virus challenge showed no evidence of HIV infection: no p24 Ag or RT activity, no viral mRNA, and no proviral DNA. In this system, IFN interrupts one or more early event(s) in the virus replication cycle before formation of proviral DNA. Monocyte cultures infected with HIV 7 days before IFN treatment showed a gradual decrease in levels of p24 Ag and RT activity to baseline by 3 wk. HIV-induced cytopathic changes were markedly reduced, and the frequency of productively infected cells was less than or equal to 1% of total cells. Virus particles released 24 h after IFN treatment were 100- to 1000-fold less infectious than equal numbers of control virions. But, monocytes treated with IFN 7 days after HIV infection were not free of the retroviral pathogen: levels of proviral DNA in the IFN-treated and control HIV-infected cells were indistinguishable. The presence of large quantities of proviral DNA in cells with little or no evidence for active transcription documents a situation approaching true microbiological latency.

CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes↗

[Primary assessment of X-ray images in a casualty department].

During a period of three months, the primary diagnoses made by the duty officer in the casualty department on x-rays taken on patients with orthopaedic conditions were compared with the definitive diagnoses made after a conference with the radiological department. The consequences of possible erroneous diagnoses were also recorded. A total of 634 regions were examined in 555 patients. Incorrect diagnoses were made in 55 regions (8.5%). In 21 of these, alterations in the primary treatment were required. All of the treatments could be corrected by telephone (7) or an additional visit by the patient (14). X-rays of the cranium and the spine are known to be difficult to evaluate by inexperienced doctors. This was also found to be the case in the present investigation.

Clinical Competence↗

High-performance liquid chromatography of rat and mouse islet polypeptides: potential risk of oxidation of methionine residues during sample preparation.

After preparative high-performance liquid chromatography of mouse islet culture medium, concentrated on disposable C18 cartridges (Sep-Pak), an unexpected insulin immunoreactive peak eluting earlier than mouse insulin I and II was detected. Molecular mass determination by mass spectrometry supported its suspected identity as methionine sulphoxide insulin II. We have examined the formation of Met-O derivatives of insulin II, glucagon and pancreatic polypeptide during sample preparation (Sep-Pak and Speed-Vac concentrating). The oxidation of methionine residues was found to depend very much on the buffer, the organic modifier and the procedure. In particular the use of methanol-trifluoroacetic acid resulted in extensive oxidation. The oxidation could be minimized by adding 2 mM dithiothreitol to the buffer and by degassing and/or nitrogen-bubbling of the buffer. Minimal formation of Met-O derivatives is important for the quantitation of methionine-containing polypeptides.

Animals↗

[Isolated sphenoid sinusitis].

A case of isolated sphenoid sinusitis following an influenza-like illness in a woman aged 34 years is presented. The importance of the diagnosis and treatment is emphasized.

Adult↗

Zinc gluconate lozenges for common cold. A double-blind clinical trial.

In a double-blind clinical trial, a total of 463 volunteers were enrolled in a study designed to compare the effects of zinc gluconate lozenges (4.5 mg zinc) and a placebo for common cold. The tablets were to be taken every 1-1 1/2 waking hours at the first symptoms and for the following days until the common cold was over, but for no longer than 10 days. During the winter months of 1987 and 1988, 145 experienced a common cold and 130 completed the study. For final analysis, 61 patients in the zinc lozenge group and 69 patients in the placebo lozenge group were evaluated. Based on the patients' records the duration and severity of the common cold were compared. No statistically significant differences were found between the patient groups. Two recent studies using a five-time higher zinc dose per lozenge for common cold showed a significant, positive effect, but associated with frequent side-effects, first of all taste distortion. In the present study there was a weak tendency (not statistically significant, p = 0.12) towards more patients in the zinc lozenge group than in the placebo lozenge group reporting side-effects.

Adolescent↗

High-performance liquid chromatofocusing and column affinity chromatography of in vitro 14C-glycated human serum albumin. Demonstration of a glycation-induced anionic heterogeneity.

High-performance liquid chromatofocusing of human serum albumin (HSA) after in vitro glycation with purified [14C]glucose has shown that with increasing glycation time a progressive increase in two major anionic fractions (pI 4.8 and 4.65) occurs, while the pI 4.9 fraction decreases in parallel. As early as after 5 days of glycation time, the [14C]glucose content in the anionic fractions was markedly higher than in the pI 4.9 fraction. After 10 and 15 days of glycation, a considerable heterogeneity of 10-15 components could be demonstrated. In addition, phenyl-boronic acid (PBA) affinity chromatography was applied and an enrichment of the more glycated species could be obtained using this method. We conclude that, in contrast to previous reports, glycation of HSA induces anionic heterogeneity (in accordance with the theoretically expected loss of positively charged amino groups) and, although the efficiency in separating non-glycated from monoglycated HSA was found to be very low, an enrichment of these anionic species can be achieved using PBA affinity chromatography.

Chromatography, Affinity↗

Training physicians in counseling about smoking cessation. A randomized trial of the "Quit for Life" program.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To test whether physicians who receive a continuing education program ("Quit for Life") about how to counsel smokers to quit would counsel smokers more effectively and have higher rates of long-term smoking cessation among their patients who smoke. DESIGN: Randomized trial with blinded assessment of principal outcomes. SETTING: Four health maintenance organization medical centers in northern California. SUBJECTS: Eighty-one internists assigned by blinded randomization to receive training (40) or serve as controls (41). Consecutive samples of smokers visiting each physician (mean, 25.6 patients per experimental and 25.2 per control physician). INTERVENTIONS: Internists received 3 hours of training about how to help smokers quit. Physicians and their office staff also were given self-help booklets to distribute free to smokers and were urged to use a system of stickers on charts to remind physicians to counsel smokers about quitting. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: On the basis of telephone interviews with patients after visiting the physician, we determined that internists who attended the Quit for Life program discussed smoking with more patients who smoked, spent more time counseling them about smoking, helped more patients set dates to quit smoking, gave out more self-help booklets, and made more follow-up appointments to discuss smoking than did internists in the control group. One year later, the rate of biochemically confirmed, long-term (greater than or equal to 9 months) abstinence from smoking was 1% higher among all patients of trained internists than among patients of controls (95% CI, -0.1% to +2.3%), and 2.2% (+0.2% to +4.3%) higher among the patients who most wanted to quit smoking. CONCLUSIONS: This continuing education program substantially changed the way physicians counseled smokers. As a result, a few more patients who wanted to quit smoking achieved long-term abstinence.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic analyses of insulin biosynthesis in isolated rat and mouse islets.

Two RP-HPLC systems were developed for the separation of the products of the conversion of proinsulin into insulin in rat and mouse islets, including proinsulin I and II. Peaks were identified by microsequencing and radiosequencing. It was confirmed that mouse C-peptide I has a two amino acid deletion compared to rat C-peptide I. A marked species difference in the ratio between insulin I and II was observed, i.e., 2:1 in the rat and 1:2 in the mouse. Pulse-chase experiments in rat islets have demonstrated that the ratio between insulin I and II in newly synthesized insulin is higher than that of the stored insulin, indicating a slower conversion rate of proinsulin II compared to proinsulin I.

Alleles↗

High-performance liquid chromatographic separation of membrane proteins isolated from erythrocyte ghosts.

Membrane proteins extracted from erythrocyte ghosts with sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), 3-(3-cholamidopropyl)-dimethylamminopropane sulfonate (CHAPS) or octylglucoside have been analyzed in various reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic systems. Only SDS was able to solubilize considerable amounts of membrane proteins with mol.wt. greater than 15,000 daltons, but these membrane proteins were recovered in poor yield from a silica-based C4 column eluted with an acetonitrile gradient in trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). A resin-based phenyl column eluted with a similar TFA-acetonitrile gradient was found to be a better choice with respect to the recovery of membrane proteins with mol.wt. greater than 15,000 daltons, and when this column was eluted with an acetic acid gradient with increasing amounts of acetonitrile, erythrocyte ghost membrane proteins solubilized in SDS (mol.wt. 10,000-200,000 daltons) were separated in six major and several minor components with satisfactory recovery.

Acetonitriles↗

[Histiocytosis X. Review of the literature and a case report].

Histiocytosis X is a non-lipid reticuloendotheliosis, characterized by histiocyte proliferation. The proliferating cells resemble the Langerhan's cells in the epidermis. The main clinical types include eosinophile granuloma, Hand-Schüller-Christian's disease (HSC) and Letterer-Siwe's disease (LS). Eosinophile granuloma is localized to the skeleton and runs a spontaneously benign course. HSC and LS are serious, generalized conditions. HSC runs a chronic and occasionally lethal course. LS usually runs a rapidly lethal course. LS commences before the age of three years while HSC occurs both in children and young adults. A case of HSC is described.

Adult↗