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Biomedical subjects

E Dahl

Publications and source records attributed to E Dahl.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1995

[What impact do social inequalities have on health status in Norway?].

OBJECTIVE: To examine the joint effects of social class, education and income on self-reported ill health. SETTING: A nationwide representative sample of employed adult Norwegians. MATERIAL: 2,134 employed Norwegians aged 20-64 years derived from the 1991 Survey of Level of Living. Three measures of ill health were studied: Long-standing somatic illness, reduced work potential because of long-standing somatic illness, and mental health. METHODS: The relationships between the health outcomes and the socioeconomic indicators were modelled by means of multiple logistic regression. CONCLUSION: Among the selected socioeconomic indicators, occupational class appeared to be the most important predictor of ill health.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Expression of gap junction genes, connexin40 and connexin43, during fetal mouse development.

The expression patterns of the gap junction genes connexin40 and connexin43 have been analyzed during late mouse fetal development, i.e., at embryonic days 14.5 and 16.5, by in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence. Connexin40 was found in endothelial cells of vessels, cardiomyocytes and in developing myoblasts and myotubes. Expression of connexin40 in developing muscle fibers was strong in the back muscles and weaker in the muscles of the limbs. The number of labeled cells in the back muscle decreased with ongoing differentiation of myoblasts, in accordance with the idea that connexin40 is only expressed in the early stages of muscle cell differentiation. Within a muscle bundle, connexin40 expression was predominantly found at the outermost side where myoblasts fuse to multinucleated myotubes. In contrast, connexin43 exhibits a wide and complex pattern of expression in fetal mouse development. It is found in organs originating from all three germ layers, such as epidermis, heart, lung, muscle, kidney and gut. Connexin43 transcript and protein were very abundant in tissues that had been undergoing inductive interactions, e.g., the inner enamel epithelium of the teeth, the glomeruli of the kidneys and the infundibulum forming the neural part of the pituitary gland. Very high connexin43 expression was found in the embryonic meninges (dura mater) and in the fetal adrenal cortex. During keratinocyte differentiation connexin43 mRNA expression decreased, being much stronger in the stratum basale than in stratum granulosum. No obvious discrepancy between the amount of mRNA and protein of either connexin was noticed, suggesting that there is no specific translational regulation at these developmental stages.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Cranial base in newborns with complete cleft lip and palate: radiographic study.

In a 1993 study, Mølsted and colleagues found an increased width of the spheno-occipital synchondrosis in newborns with complete clefts of the lip, alveolus, and palate compared with newborns with incomplete clefts. As the spheno-occipital synchondrosis represents remnants of the early chondrocranium that later ossifies and incorporates in the cranial base, it is possible that an inborn alteration, such as a deviant growth of cartilage, or a delayed maturation in the early development of the cartilaginous cranial base, can affect not only the length and the width of the cranial base, but also the petrous portion of the temporal bone and the nasal septum, as these structures also have a cartilaginous origin. The purpose of the present study was to measure the cranial base width, including the width of the maxilla, and to measure the bilateral angulation of the petrous portion of the temporal bone and the sphenoid bone in 3-month-old children with complete clefts and in 3-month-old children with an incomplete cleft of the lip, and to compare the two groups. Fifty-two children with complete clefts (CLP) without associated malformations comprised the test group. Forty-eight children with a minor, incomplete cleft lip (CL) constituted the control group. The results of the comparison showed marked differences between the CLP and CL groups. In the CLP children, the cranial base width and the bilateral angulation of the sphenoid bone increased. An increased angulation was also seen between left and right sides of the pars petrosa. Furthermore, increased maxillary width was found.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cartilage↗
PubMed1995

Long-term low-dose calcitriol treatment in predialysis chronic renal failure: can it prevent hyperparathyroid bone disease?

In an uncontrolled open study 13 patients with moderate to preterminal renal failure were treated with low doses (average 0.36 micrograms/day) of calcitriol up to the time of renal transplantation, which was performed before dialysis had been initiated. A transiliac bone biopsy was obtained both at the start and at the end of the treatment period, the latter coinciding with renal transplantation. All patients who started calcitriol treatment at a creatinine clearance (Ccr) above 30 ml/min had normal bone histology at the time of transplantation, but this was not observed when calcitriol treatment was started at Ccr below 30 ml/min. The study suggests that full benefit of calcitriol at the bone level is obtained only if prophylactic administration is started early in the course of renal failure.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

[Therapeutic need of acute psychiatric patients and offered care during a 10-year period].

With reference to the great changes made in recent years within the Danish psychiatric services, we compared the demand for care of acute psychiatric patients with the care offered. Over a period of three months in 1991 we prospectively registered all 243 acute psychiatric referrals to Svendborg Hospital, with regard to age, sex, way and source of referral, diagnosis, need for care and care offered. The result was compared with similar surveys in 1980 and 1985. We found that optimal treatment was not available to approximately 20% of the acute psychiatric referrals, the care we most often were unable to offer was acute admission to the psychiatric ward of Svendborg Hospital. We also found that from 1980 to 1991 there were no changes in the number of daily referrals, in the sex ratio or the age distribution of the patients. Our ability to meet the specific needs for care changes quantitatively throughout the period. The survey concludes that we are still unable to meet the specific needs for treatment of acute psychiatric referrals. Various suggestions are made as to how to improve the services offered to acute psychiatric patients.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1994

[Idiopathic osteoporosis in middle-aged men--a "new" disease?].

Idiopathic osteoporosis is uncommon in middle-aged men. We discuss nine otherwise healthy men aged from 35 to 57 years, eight of whom were shown to be osteoporotic when subjected to detailed investigation because of back pain. None had suffered fractures of the appendicular skeleton as adults. All had an ordinary life style and ate a normal diet. Lumbar spine bone density was greatly reduced in all nine patients, while six of them showed normal values for cortical bone density in the forearm. Bone histomorphometry showed high turnover of bone tissue, with high bone resorption and lower than average bone formation. Serum osteocalcin levels were low in all nine patients, but alkaline phosphatase was higher than the upper normal limit in six of them. The etiology of the disease is unknown, but the pathogenesis is a result of disparity between formation and resorption of bone tissue. Unidentified environmental factors may be one of the reasons for the appearance of idiopathic osteoporosis as a "new" disease among middle-aged men.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Chronic renal failure: diagnostic measures before parathyroidectomy.

To investigate whether conventional criteria suffice to differentiate between hyperparathyroid and aluminum (Al)-related bone disease, we obtained bone biopsies from 7 patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) at the time of PTX and 3.5-36 months later. All had hypercalcemia and elevated mid-region parathyroid hormone levels and 3 had bone pain at PTX. Bone histomorphometry revealed that 5 patients had hyperparathyroid bone disease at PTX, while 2 had osteomalacia and skeletal Al deposits. Retrospective determination of intact PTH showed normal levels at PTX in the latter two. PTX effectively reduced all indices of parathyroid hyperactivity, but the two patients with Al-related bone lesions did not improve clinically nor histologically after PTX. Intact PTH and/or bone biopsy prior to PTX could have deterred surgery in those with Al-related bone disease.

Aluminum↗
PubMed1993

Surgically induced uremia in rats. I: Effect on bone strength and metabolism.

During the course of chronic renal failure (CRF) in man, renal osteodystrophy (osteitis fibrosa and/or osteomalacia) gradually develops. The present study aimed to establish a similar type of CRF leading to renal osteodystrophy in rats. During progressive CRF development over 225 days after 5/6 nephrectomy, the following serum variables were measured: creatinine, immunoreactive parathyroid hormone (iPTH), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), a25-hydroxyvitamin D3, (25(OH)D3), alkaline phosphatase, albumin, phosphate, urea nitrogen, total calcium, and other blood electrolytes. Subsequent to sacrifice, mechanical properties of the rat femur, bone histomorphometry (osteoid and eroded surfaces) and bone contents of calcium, phosphate and hydroxyproline were also examined. Serum creatinine in rats with CRF gradually escalated by some 70%, while circulating 1,25(OH)2D3 was reduced beneath detection level. Total plasma calcium and phosphate concentrations were, however, almost unchanged indicating that PTH-induced bone remodeling due to moderate hyperparathyroidism sustained calcium homeostasis. Alkaline phosphatase levels were reduced by some 50%, which reflects chronically impeded bone formation. Bone histomorphometry assessment revealed substantial elevation of resorption with moderate accompanying fibrosis in about 70% of afflicted animals. Bone calcium, phosphate and hydroxypyrroline contents remained unaltered. However, hydroxyproline/calcium ratio was marginally reduced. These results, together with altered mechanical bending stress characteristics and diminished diaphysis cross section area, confirm development of mixed bone lesions in the uremic animals. Our results are compatible with the early development of CRF in man. The established rat model is therefore useful in elucidating the precipitation and early treatment of renal osteodystrophy in humans.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗
PubMed1993

A multicentre comparison of treatment regimens for unilateral cleft lip and palate using a multiple regression model.

The European Cleft Lip and Palate Research Group consists of specialists in orthodontics from six centres for the treatment of cleft palate in northern Europe. The purpose of this part of the multicentre study was to investigate whether differences in outcomes could be explained by specific treatment regimens. Three regimens that were assumed to influence the outcome of treatment were selected: Presurgical orthopaedics, closure of the palate, and primary bone grafting. The sample comprised 151 children with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate from the six centres. The result of multiple regression analysis showed that within that sample it was not possible to reach definite conclusions as to which factors exerted the most favourable influence on facial growth, but primary bone grafting was associated with reduced maxillary inclination and presurgical orthopedics with increased mandibular inclination.

Bone Transplantation↗
PubMed1993

PTH-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity and bone histomorphometry in iliac crest biopsies in the evaluation of uremic patients: a pilot study with the use of artificial intelligence.

Iliac crest biopsies of normals, uremic patients and subjects with primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) were investigated. It appeared that serum 1,25- and 24,25-(OH)2-D3 correlated inversely with basal adenylate cyclase (AC) activity and relative PTH-stimulated AC, respectively. Net PTH-elicited AC (dPTH-AC) activation hence reflected individual vitamin D status. The combination variable serum PTH (s-PTH) x dPTH-AC x [H+] correlated well with resorption surface (RS) in both normals, patients with pHPT or subjects with uremia, while s-PTH, dPTH-AC activity or pH as single variables were only marginally related to RS. For all subjects analyzed, osteoid volume (OV) correlated positively with serum alkaline phosphatase but negatively with serum 1,25-(OH)2-D3. OV showed no correlation with dPTH-AC, while the relationship between OV and s-PTH was strong, suggesting that PTH stimulates osteoid deposition via some signalling pathway other than cAMP. In normals, OV was inversely proportional to s-PTH, due to homologous desensitization of this signalling system. Furthermore, s-PTH was negatively correlated with urine cAMP due to homologous desensitization of the effect of PTH on the kidney 25-(OH)-D3 1 alpha-hydroxylase. This phenomenon was absent in uremic patients. Evaluation of variables by artificial intelligence showed that the prototype uremic patient exhibited serum creatinine > 900 microM, RS > 0.12, pH between 7.15 and 7.34 and s-PTH x dPTH-AC x [H+] between 0.5 and 3.7 units with the distinguishability index 'very good' (< 5% overlap) towards normals. Average similarity of uremic patients with the prototype for normal subjects was only 22%. Cluster analysis of all the variables was conducted for comparison and yielded less clinically relevant information. Hence, emulation done by the expert system was superior and clearly indicates that present treatment modalities restore normal bone turnover only to a minor degree or not at all.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗
PubMed1992

Two gap junction genes, connexin 31.1 and 30.3, are closely linked on mouse chromosome 4 and preferentially expressed in skin.

Two new gap junction genes isolated from the mouse genome code for connexin homologues of 271 and 266 amino acids, designated here Cx31.1 and Cx30.3, respectively. The two open reading frames, oriented in the same direction, are only 3.4 kb apart on mouse chromosome 4. Within the connexin family, these two proteins are most closely related to one another (70% amino acid sequence identity) and to Cx31 (65 and 68% identity, respectively). Comparison of the Cx31.1 mouse gene with a Cx31.1 cDNA showed a similar genomic organization to that found with other members of the connexin gene family, i.e. the coding and 3'-untranslated regions are contained within a single exon, which is preceded by an intron, less than 25 bases upstream of the ATG start codon. Northern blot hybridization revealed highly tissue-specific coexpression of the 1.6-kb Cx31.1 mRNA and two Cx30.3 transcripts of 1.9- and 3.2-kb size, predominantly in skin and two related mouse keratinocyte cell lines. Minor levels of Cx31.1 mRNA were detected in testis. Microinjection of Cx30.3, but not Cx31.1 cRNA, into Xenopus oocyte pairs induced formation of functional gap junction channels with unique voltage-gated parameters compared to other connexins expressed similarly.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1992

Basal cell carcinoma. An epidemiologic study in a defined population.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in a defined population is unknown. METHODS: The incidence of histologically diagnosed cases of BCC in a defined population of a city in southern Sweden was studied. Four 2-year periods were examined from 1970 to 1986. Cases from 1970 and 1980 were reexamined microscopically. RESULTS: From 1970 to 1986, the age-standardized incidence of BCC was doubled. BCC was equally common in male and female patients. It was possible to trace another BCC in the medical history of 41% of the patients. The risk of development of BCC increased rapidly with age greater than 55 years. Approximately two-thirds of the tumors were found in the head and neck region. There was a possible increase in superficial multicentric tumors on the trunk but otherwise an essentially unchanged pattern in type and distribution. CONCLUSIONS: The age-standardized incidence of histologically diagnosed BCC was doubled from 1970 to 1986. The rapid increase should be taken into consideration when planning allocation of medical resources.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Chromosomal assignments of mouse connexin genes, coding for gap junctional proteins, by somatic cell hybridization.

The connexin genes Cx31 and Cx45 coding for proteins of gap junctional subunits have been assigned to mouse chromosomes 4 and 11 by Southern blot hybridization of specific gene probes to DNA from mouse x Chinese hamster somatic cell hybrids. In addition, our results confirm the recent assignment of mouse connexin genes Cx26, Cx32, Cx37, Cx40, Cx43, and Cx46 to mouse chromosomes 14, X, 4, 3, 10, and 14, respectively, by analysis of interspecific backcrosses and by somatic cell hybridization. Our assignment of the Cx31 gene to mouse chromosome 4 locates the fourth connexin gene on this mouse chromosome to which the genes for Cx31.1, Cx37, and Cx30.3 have previously been assigned. Interestingly three of them (coding for Cx31, Cx31.1, and Cx30.3) are preferentially expressed in skin. Possibly some of the connexin genes clustered on mouse chromosome 4 may be regulated coordinately.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Molecular cloning and functional expression of mouse connexin40, a second gap junction gene preferentially expressed in lung.

From a mouse genomic library, a clone has been isolated that codes for a connexin-homologous sequence of 358 amino acids. Because of its theoretical molecular mass of 40.418 kD it is named connexin40 (Cx40). Based on both protein and nucleotide sequence, mouse Cx40 is more closely related to mouse Cx43 (alpha subgroup of connexins) than to mouse Cx32 (beta subgroup). The highest overall homology detected, however, was to chick Cx42 (67% amino acid and 86% nucleotide identity), raising the possibility that Cx40 may be the mouse analogue. The coding region of Cx40 is uninterrupted by introns and is detected as a single copy gene in the mouse genome. High stringency hybridization of Northern blots with the coding sequence of Cx40 identified a single transcript of 3.5 kb that is at least 16-fold more abundant in lung-similar to mouse Cx37-than in other adult tissues (kidney, heart, and skin). In embryonic kidney, skin, and liver the level of the Cx40 transcript is two- to fourfold higher than in the corresponding adult tissues. Microinjection of Cx40 cRNA into Xenopus oocytes induced functional cell-to-cell channels between pairs. These channels show a symmetrical and markedly cooperative closure in response to transjunctional voltage (Boltzmann parameters of Vo = +/- 35 mV; A = 0.32) which is also fast relative to other connexin channels recorded similarly (tau = 580 ms at Vj of +/- 50 mV). Although Cx40-expressing oocytes did not couple efficiently with oocytes expressing endogenous connexins, they did couple well to Cx37-expressing oocytes. The heterotypic channels which formed had voltage-gating properties modified from those of the original homotypic forms. Transfection of mouse Cx40 DNA, under control of the SV-40 early promoter, into coupling-deficient human HeLa or SK-Hep-1 cells resulted in expression of the expected transcript and restoration of fluorescent dye transfer in transfected clones.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1992

Aluminum metabolism and bone histology after kidney transplantation: a one-year follow-up study.

Parathyroid activity, bone aluminum (Al) metabolism, bone histology, and clinical bone disease were studied in 55 successfully grafted kidney recipients at transplantation (Tx) and after 1 yr of immunosuppression with a low dose corticosteroid and a high dose cyclosporin-A regimen. Symptoms of Al-related bone disease disappeared after Tx. Serum Al and stainable bone Al decreased. The rate of Al removal from the bone surfaces was independent of graft function (creatinine range, 62-415 mumol/L) and bone turnover. Osteoblast activity and bone formation rate increased, while mineralization lag time normalized. Indices of bone resorption remained elevated, indicating persisting hyperparathyroidism. Eighteen percent of the recipients had posttransplant hypercalcemia, most likely caused by incomplete involution of hyperplastic parathyroid glands, while 53% had normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism related to impaired graft function. Cortical thickness decreased, while cancellous bone volume remained stable after Tx; both indices correlated significantly at follow-up with their respective values at Tx. None of 46 radiologically examined recipients had aseptic bone necrosis 1 yr after Tx.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

A six-center international study of treatment outcome in patients with clefts of the lip and palate: Part 1. Principles and study design.

This article describes the design of an intercenter comparative study of treatment outcome in the treatment of children with a unilateral complete cleft of the lip and palate. The rationale and aims of this study are defined and treatment schemes of the participating centers are described. The findings are presented in a series of three papers (Parts 2, 3, and 4) dealing with the comparison of craniofacial form, dental arch relationships, and nasolabial appearance. In Part 5, conclusions and general recommendations regarding future research are discussed.

Child↗
PubMed1992

A six-center international study of treatment outcome in patients with clefts of the lip and palate: Part 2. Craniofacial form and soft tissue profile.

The craniofacial morphology and the soft tissue profile were evaluated in this part of the intercenter study of the European Cleft Lip and Palate Research Group. The sample was comprised of cephalometric x-rays of the full cohort of 151 cases from the six European cleft palate centers. The facial morphology in complete unilateral cleft lip and palate patients was evaluated by means of roentgen cephalometry. Approximately 25 consecutive cases from each of six European cleft palate centers were compared. Only one center showed notable and consistent differences from the others. A contributing factor for these differences may be an inconsistent treatment regimen with many surgeons involved. Analysis of the soft tissue profile between the centers showed more pronounced differences than analysis of the skeletal profile. The treatment outcome in centers with more complex or expensive programs was no better than those centers using simpler management approaches.

Analysis of Variance↗