Biomedical subjects

C R Carlson

Publications and source records attributed to C R Carlson.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2001

Binding of PKA-RIIalpha to the Adenovirus E1A12S oncoprotein correlates with its nuclear translocation and an increase in PKA-dependent promoter activity.

The adenovirus type 12 (Ad12) E1A12S oncoprotein utilizes the cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) signal transduction pathway to activate expression of the viral E2 gene, the products of which are essential for viral replication. A central unsolved question is, however, whether E1A12S interacts directly with PKA in the process of promoter activation. We show here that E1A12S binds to the regulatory subunits (R) of PKA in vitro and in vivo. Interaction depends on the N-terminus and the conserved region 1 (CR1) of E1A12S. Both domains are also essential for the activation of viral E2 gene expression. Infection of cells with Ad12 leads to the cellular redistribution of RIIalpha from the cytoplasm into the nucleus. Furthermore, RIIalpha is also located in the nucleus of cells transformed by E1 of Ad12 and transient expression of E1A12S leads to the redistribution of RIIalpha into the nucleus in a N-terminus- and CR1-dependent manner. Cotransfection of E1A12S with RIIalpha results in strong activation of the E2 promoter. Based on these results we conclude that E1A12S functions as a viral A-kinase anchoring protein redistributing RIIalpha from the cytoplasm into the nucleus where it is involved in E1A12S-mediated activation of the E2 promoter.

Adenoviridae↗

PubMed2001

The role of anger and depression in recurrent headache.

Individuals with tension-type headache report significant anger, depression, anxiety, and stressors. However, it is not clear to what extent these variables are interrelated. The objective of the present study was to explore the role of anger in headaches, and to examine its relationship to anxiety, depression, and daily life stressors. Participants were 65 young adult women who suffered from recurrent headaches. The sample was obtained in a large-scale screening of young adult women using the Headache Symptoms List to identify those with recurrent headache. Those individuals reporting headaches completed a battery of assessment measures that included the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory, the Mood and Anxiety Symptoms Questionnaire, and the Hassles Scale. Results revealed a significant relationship between anger suppression and depression (r = 0.40, P<.01), as well as anger expression and anxiety (r = 0.41, P<.01) for those with headache. The use of the Mood and Anxiety Symptoms Questionnaire allowed for the separate analysis of general distress symptoms and symptoms more specific to anxiety and depression. Results indicated that those with headache experience more general, nonspecific distress rather than symptoms indicative of anxiety and depression (P<.01). In addition, the mixed headache group scored high on both general (mean, 28.96) and specific measures of depression (mean, 65.76) and on anger suppression (mean, 20.12), suggesting that they might experience more psychological distress than those with tension-type headache. The present results indicate the need to distinguish the unique dimensions of anxiety and depression that should be assessed in the population with recurrent headache.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

CDK1-mediated phosphorylation of the RIIalpha regulatory subunit of PKA works as a molecular switch that promotes dissociation of RIIalpha from centrosomes at mitosis.

Protein kinase A regulatory subunit RIIalpha is tightly bound to centrosomal structures during interphase through interaction with the A-kinase anchoring protein AKAP450, but dissociates and redistributes from centrosomes at mitosis. The cyclin B-p34(cdc2) kinase (CDK1) has been shown to phosphorylate RIIalpha on T54 and this has been proposed to alter the subcellular localization of RIIalpha. We have made stable transfectants from an RIIalpha-deficient leukemia cell line (Reh) that expresses either wild-type or mutant RIIalpha (RIIalpha(T54E)). When expressed, RIIalpha detaches from centrosomes at mitosis and dissociates from its centrosomal location in purified nucleus-centrosome complexes by incubation with CDK1 in vitro. By contrast, centrosomal RIIalpha(T54E) is not redistributed at mitosis, remains mostly associated with centrosomes during all phases of the cell cycle and cannot be solubilized by CDK1 in vitro. Furthermore, RIIalpha is solubilized from particular cell fractions and changes affinity for AKAP450 in the presence of CDK1. D and V mutations of T54 also reduce affinity for the N-terminal RII-binding domain of AKAP450, whereas small neutral residues do not change affinity detected by surface plasmon resonance. In addition, only RIIalpha(T54E) interacts with AKAP450 in a RIPA-soluble extract from mitotic cells. Finally, microtubule repolymerization from mitotic centrosomes of the RIIalpha(T54E) transfectant is poorer and occurs at a lower frequency than that of RIIalpha transfectants. Our results suggest that T54 phosphorylation of RIIalpha by CDK1 might serve to regulate the centrosomal association of PKA during the cell cycle.

A Kinase Anchor Proteins↗

PubMed2001

Regulation of anchoring of the RIIalpha regulatory subunit of PKA to AKAP95 by threonine phosphorylation of RIIalpha: implications for chromosome dynamics at mitosis.

CDK1 phosphorylates the A-kinase regulatory subunit RIIalpha on threonine 54 (T54) at mitosis, an event proposed to alter the subcellular localization of RIIalpha. Using an RIIalpha-deficient leukemic cell line (Reh) and stably transfected Reh cell clones expressing wild-type RIIalpha or an RIIalpha(T54E) mutant, we show that RIIalpha associates with chromatin-bound A-kinase anchoring protein AKAP95 at mitosis and that this interaction involves phosphorylation of RIIalpha on T54. During interphase, both RIIalpha and RIIalpha(T54E) exhibit a centrosome-Golgi localization, whereas AKAP95 is intranuclear. At mitosis and in a mitotic extract, most RIIalpha, but not RIIalpha(T54E), co-fractionates with chromatin, onto which it associates with AKAP95. This correlates with T54 phosphorylation of RIIalpha. Disrupting AKAP95-RIIalpha anchoring or depleting RIIalpha from the mitotic extract promotes premature chromatin decondensation. In a nuclear reconstitution assay that mimics mitotic nuclear reformation, RIIalpha is threonine dephosphorylated and dissociates from AKAP95 prior to assembly of nuclear membranes. Lastly, the Reh cell line exhibits premature chromatin decondensation in vitro, which can be rescued by addition of wild-type RIIalpha or an RIIalpha(T54D) mutant, but not RIIalpha(T54E, A, L or V) mutants. Our results suggest that CDK1-mediated T54 phosphorylation of RIIalpha constitutes a molecular switch controlling anchoring of RIIalpha to chromatin-bound AKAP95, where the PKA-AKAP95 complex participates in remodeling chromatin during mitosis.

Cell Cycle↗

PubMed2001

Posttraumatic growth following breast cancer: a controlled comparison study.

Cancer may be viewed as a psychosocial transition with the potential for positive and negative outcomes. This cross-sectional study (a) compared breast cancer (BC) survivors' (n = 70) self-reports of depression, well-being, and posttraumatic growth with those of age- and education-matched healthy comparison women (n = 70) and (b) identified correlates of posttraumatic growth among BC survivors. Groups did not differ in depression or well-being, but the BC group showed a pattern of greater posttraumatic growth, particularly in relating to others, appreciation of life, and spiritual change. BC participants' posttraumatic growth was unrelated to distress or well-being but was positively associated with perceived life-threat, prior talking about breast cancer, income, and time since diagnosis. Research that has focused solely on detection of distress and its correlates may paint an incomplete and potentially misleading picture of adjustment to cancer.

Aged↗

PubMed2001

Social constraints, cognitive processing, and adjustment to breast cancer.

This cross-sectional study of 70 breast cancer survivors examined relationships among social constraints, behavioral and self-report indicators of cognitive processing, depression, and well-being. On the basis of a social-cognitive processing (SCP) model, it was predicted that social constraints would inhibit cognitive processing of the cancer experience, leading to poorer adjustment. Constraints were positively associated with intrusions, avoidance, and linguistic uncertainty in cancer narratives. Greater uncertainty, intrusions, and avoidance, as well as less talking about cancer were associated with greater depression and less well-being. Intrusions partially mediated the positive constraints-depression relationship. Talking about cancer partially mediated the inverse avoidance-well-being relationship. Findings support the SCP model and the importance of using behavioral indicators of cognitive processing to predict positive and negative psychosocial outcomes of cancer.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed2000

A fission yeast general translation factor reveals links between protein synthesis and cell cycle controls.

In two independent screens we isolated fission yeast mutations with phenotypes suggesting defects in B-cyclin function or expression. These mutations define a single gene which we call ded1. We show that ded1 encodes a general translation factor that is related in sequence and function to RNA helicases required for translation in other species. Levels of the B-cyclins Cig2 and Cdc13 are dramatically reduced upon inactivation of Ded1, and this reduction is independent of degradation by the anaphase promoting complex. When a ded1 mutant is grown under semi-restrictive conditions, the translation of Cig2 (and to a lesser extent Cdc13), is impaired relative to other proteins. We show that B-cyclin translation is specifically inhibited upon nitrogen starvation of wild-type cells, when B-cyclin/Cdc2 inactivation is a prerequisite for G(1) arrest and subsequent mating. Our data suggest that translational inhibition of B-cyclin expression represents a third mechanism, in addition to cyclin degradation and Rum1 inhibition, that contributes to Cdc2 inactivation as cells exit from the mitotic cell cycle and prepare for meiosis.

Cell Cycle↗

PubMed2000

Psychosocial profiles of patients with burning mouth syndrome.

AIMS: Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is estimated to affect 1 to 5% of the adult population, with women experiencing symptoms more frequently than men. The purpose of this study was to examine the psychosocial profiles of BMS patients to determine whether psychologic factors are related to pain reports. Based on previous literature, it was hypothesized that patients with BMS would be characterized by clinical elevations on standardized psychologic assessment instruments that included the Revised Symptom Checklist (SCL-90R) and the Multidimensional Pain Inventory (MPI). METHODS: Thirty-three BMS patients completed the McGill Pain Questionnaire, MPI, and SCL-90R during their initial clinical evaluation session. The SCL-90R and MPI data were then summarized and presented in standardized format (T-scores) to enable meaningful comparisons with larger population samples that included both a chronic pain population and a normal nonclinical sample. RESULTS: The T-score for the overall pain severity on the MPI was 40.8 (SD 12.8). For the entire BMS sample, there was no evidence for significant clinical elevations on any of the SCL-90R subscales, including depression, anxiety, and somatization. Moreover, patients reported significantly fewer disruptions in normal activities as a result of their oral burning pain than did a large sample of chronic pain patients. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that, as a group, this sample of BMS patients did not report significant psychologic distress. There were, however, individual cases (7 of 33, or 21%) where psychometric data indicated a likelihood of psychologic distress, and further evaluation by a competent health professional would be warranted for those individuals.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed2000

Influence of biased clinician statements on patient report of referred pain.

AIMS: The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of clinician bias on patients' reports of referred pain. Diagnosis of temporomandibular disorders is dependent on subjective reports of pain and referred pain upon manual muscle palpation. The influence of biased clinician statements in such subjective reports has not been previously investigated. METHODS: Forty subjects with pain and who met specific inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 experimental groups. One group was subjected to a standardized biasing statement, while the other group was not. Tender points in the masseter muscle were then stimulated with a pressure algometer to the pressure-pain threshold. Subjects then recorded the presence or absence, location, intensity, and unpleasantness of any referred pain. State-trait anxiety and social desirability were also assessed to explore the possibility that anxiety levels or subjects' desires to please the experimenter influenced results. RESULTS: The biased group reported increased presence (P < 0.01), intensity (P < 0.001), and unpleasantness (P < 0.003) of referred pain as compared to the non-biased group. There were no differences between groups on state-trait anxiety or social desirability (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: These data suggest that patient reports of pain referral may be subject to clinician bias, and recommendations to control this bias are offered.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Regulation of the start of DNA replication in Schizosaccharomyces pombe.

Cells of Schizosaccharomyces pombe were grown in minimal medium with different nitrogen sources under steady-state conditions, with doubling times ranging from 2.5 to 14 hours. Flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy confirmed earlier findings that at rapid growth rates, the G1 phase was short and cell separation occurred at the end of S phase. For some nitrogen sources, the growth rate was greatly decreased, the G1 phase occupied 30-50% of the cell cycle, and cell separation occurred in early G1. In contrast, other nitrogen sources supported low growth rates without any significant increase in G1 duration. The method described allows manipulation of the length of G1 and the relative cell cycle position of S phase in wild-type cells. Cell mass was measured by flow cytometry as scattered light and as protein-associated fluorescence. The extensions of G1 were not related to cell mass at entry into S phase. Our data do not support the hypothesis that the cells must reach a certain fixed, critical mass before entry into S. We suggest that cell mass at the G1/S transition point is variable and determined by a set of molecular parameters. In the present experiments, these parameters were influenced by the different nitrogen sources in a way that was independent of the actual growth rate.

Biomass↗

PubMed1997

Measurement of nuclear DNA content in fission yeast by flow cytometry.

Cell division cycle (cdc) mutants of Schizosaccharomyces pombe are arrested at specific points in the cell cycle when grown at restrictive temperature. Flow cytometry of such cells reveals an anomalous increase in the DNA fluorescence signal, which represents a problem in experiments designed to determine the cell cycle arrest point. The increased fluorescence signal is due to cytoplasmic constituents and has been attributed to mitochondrial DNA synthesis (S. Sazer and S. W. Sherwood, J. Cell Sci. 97: 509-516, 1990). Here we have studied the cdc10 mutant by flow cytometry using different DNA-binding fluorochromes and found no evidence that the increased fluorescence signal was caused by mitochondrial DNA synthesis. To determine more accurately the nuclear DNA content we have developed a novel method to remove most of the cytoplasmic material by exposing the cells to Triton X-100 and hypotonic conditions after cell wall digestion. The DNA fluorescence from cells treated in this way was more constant with time of incubation at restrictive temperature in spite of a considerable increase in cell size. With this method we could determine that the recently isolated temperature sensitive orp1 mutant is arrested with a 1C DNA content. Premature and abnormal mitosis ('cut') could be observed for the orp1 mutant after only 4 h at restrictive temperature.

Cell Cycle Proteins↗

PubMed1997

Effects of stretch-based progressive relaxation training on the secretion of salivary immunoglobulin A in orofacial pain patients.

There is a growing body of evidence that psychologic stressors can affect physical health and proneness to disease through depletion of the body's immune system. Relatively little research, however, has investigated the potential immunoenhancing effect of stress-relieving strategies such as progressive muscle relaxation. This study explored the relationship between immune functioning and relaxation training with persons experiencing persistent facial pain. In a single experimental session, 21 subjects either received relaxation training or rested for an equivalent time period. Salivary immunoglobulin A, mood, pain, and tension levels were measured before and after relaxation and rest periods. Results indicated that a greater proportion of those receiving relaxation training had increases in secretion of salivary immunoglobulin A. These findings suggest that immunoenhancement may be another potential benefit of progressive relaxation training for persons with chronic pain conditions.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed1997

The effects of tongue position on mandibular muscle activity.

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between tongue position and mandibular muscle activity. Thirty-three subjects (28 women) between the ages of 18 and 34 years (mean = 22.1 years) with no prior injury to or pain in the jaw, mouth, or tongue participated in the study. Subjects were asked to rest quietly while baseline electromyographic recordings were made from the temporalis, masseter, and suprahyoid muscle regions. Afterwards, subjects were randomly assigned to conditions requiring them to position the tongue either "against the anterior palate" or "on the floor of the mouth, making sure the tip does not press against any part of the mouth." The results indicated that right temporalis activity was higher when the tongue was positioned against the roof of the mouth than when it was either at baseline or resting on the floor of the mouth (P < .03). A similar pattern of results was observed for the suprahyoid muscle group (P < .01). There were no significant differences in masseter muscle activity as a function of tongue position (Ps > .20). These findings suggest caution in labeling the "rest" position of the tongue and indicate that further study of the relationship between tongue position and orofacial pains in needed.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

The chromosome map of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. canadensis HD224 is highly similar to that of the Bacillus cereus type strain ATCC 14579.

A physical map of the Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. canadensis HD224 chromosome based on AscI, NotI, and SfiI restriction sites has been established. The chromosome map of 4.3 Mb was similar to a revised map of the chromosome of the B. cereus type strain ATCC 14579, except that the B. thuringiensis subsp. canadensis HD224 chromosome lacked a NotI site and had two additional AscI sites. The positions of 27 probes were identical in the common macromap. A probe for the insecticidal toxin gene, cryIA, hybridized only to the B. thuringiensis subsp. canadensis HD224 chromosome. The BssHII ribotype patterns were almost identical confirming the similarity between the two strains.

Bacillus cereus↗

PubMed1996

Ambulatory electromyogram activity in the upper trapezius region: patients with muscle pain vs. pain-free control subjects.

STUDY DESIGN: This study compared the ambulatory electromyogram activity of persons reporting pain in the shoulder and cervical regions with an equal group of persons not reporting such pain. Ambulatory electromyogram data were obtained over 3-day periods. In addition, all participants completed several standard psychological questionnaires. OBJECTIVES: The results were analyzed with inferential statistics to determine whether subjects reporting significant pain in the shoulder and cervical regions had greater ambulatory electromyogram activity than an equal number of subjects not reporting pain. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Considerable controversy exists regarding the role of muscle activity in the etiology and maintenance of muscle pain disorders. Given the availability of ambulatory recording devices that can provide a detailed record of muscle activity over an extended period of time, the present research was conducted to determine whether persons reporting shoulder and cervical pain could be differentiated from a group of normal subjects. METHODS: All subjects (N = 20) completed a battery of tests with standardized psychometric instruments and then were fitted with ambulatory electromyogram monitors to record electromyographic activity of the upper trapezius region of the dominant side; the time, duration, and amplitude of electromyogram activity greater than 2 microV was recorded. The monitors were worn during normal working hours (mean, 6.2 hours per day) over 3 consecutive days. In addition to wearing the monitors, all subjects completed hourly self-ratings of perceived muscle tension during the recording periods. RESULTS: As expected, subjects with muscle pain reported significantly more pain (mean, 4.9) than did the normal control subjects (mean, 0.9), t(15) = 3.29, P < 0.01. However, patients with muscle pain did not have greater average electromyogram activity (mean, 6.4 microV) over the 3-day period as compared to the normal controls (mean, 7.1 microV), t(18) = -0.25, P < 0.80. Self-monitoring of perceived muscle tension also did not reveal differences between pain subjects and the normal control subjects (P < 0.75). CONCLUSIONS: Ambulatory measurements of electromyogram activity did not differentiate persons reporting upper trapezius or cervical pain from those that did not report such pain. Persons reporting pain are also not distinguishable from normal control subjects on a variety of self-report measures. These results raise questions regarding the role of ambulatory electromyogram recordings in the evaluation and treatment of muscle pain disorders.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Variable numbers of rRNA gene operons in Bacillus cereus strains.

Ribosomal RNA operon organisation was analysed in two Bacillus cereus strains of different chromosome size, ATCC 10987 (5.4 Mb) and F0837/76 (2.4 Mb). We estimated that there were twelve and nine copies of the rRNA operons in these two strains, respectively. In B. cereus ATCC 10987 six rRNA operons were less than 10 kb apart, while in B. cereus F0837/76 four rRNA operons were similarly clustered. The origin of replication was located in the vicinity of a rRNA operon in both strains.

Bacillus cereus↗

PubMed1996

Psychological coping with acute pain: an examination of the role of endogenous opioid mechanisms.

This study examined the relationship among endogenous opioids, Monitoring and Blunting coping styles, and acute pain responses. Fifty-eight male subjects underwent a 1-min pressure pain stimulus during two laboratory sessions. Subjects experienced this pain stimulus once under endogenous opioid blockade with naltrexone and once in a placebo condition. Blunting was found to be negatively correlated with pain ratings, but this relationship was significantly more prominent under opioid blockade. Results for coping behaviors subjects used to manage the experimental pain were generally consistent with the Blunting results, indicating that cognitive coping was related more strongly to decreased pain ratings and cardiovascular stress responsiveness under opioid blockade. Overall, the beneficial effects of Blunting and cognitive coping on pain responses did not depend upon endogenous opioids and, in fact, became stronger when opioid receptors were blocked. The relationship between endogenous opioids and coping appears to be dependent upon situational and stimulus characteristics.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed1996

Influence of a sympathomimetic amine on masticatory and trapezius pain/pressure thresholds and electromyographic levels.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the influence of terbutaline, a beta-adrenergic sympathomimetic amine on pain/pressure thresholds in the index fingers and masseter and trapezius muscles and electromyographic activity in trapezii. STUDY DESIGN: In a randomized and double-blind controlled trial, 20 asymptomatic female subjects were assigned to receive either an injection of terbutaline or sterile water before collection of pain/pressure thresholds and electromyographic levels. Repeated analysis of variance and paired t tests were calculated to test for baseline and postinjection differences between groups. RESULTS: No significant baseline or postinjection group differences in pain/pressure thresholds or electromyographic were detected. CONCLUSIONS: beta-adrenergic sympathomimetic stimulation does not influence pain/pressure thresholds or electromyographic activity in the masselet and trapezius muscles or pain/pressure thresholds in the index fingers. These results suggest that development of painful muscle conditions is not caused by elevations of sympathetic activity.

Adolescent↗