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Biomedical subjects

G Hansen

Publications and source records attributed to G Hansen.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

[Tracheal stenosis and autoimmune thyroiditis].

After exposure to ammonia, a 63 year old woman experienced dyspnoea and respiratory infections. A stenosis was diagnosed in the proximal part of the trachea. High levels of antibodies against thyroperoxidase suggested thyroiditis. After treatment with corticosteroids both the antibodies and the stenosis decreased and the patient's symptoms improved. A few months later the patient developed therapy-resistant uveitis. Cyclosporin was added to the treatment and the condition was stabilized. The diagnosis was unclear. Tracheal stenosis may have developed secondary to autoimmune thyroiditis, while the uveitis probably was another organ manifestation of the autoimmune disease. The ammonia may have caused mucosal oedema, increasing the obstruction to symptomatic level.

Ammonia↗

alpha-Amylases from Thermoactinomyces vulgaris: characteristics, primary structure and structure prediction.

Two amylolytic active protein fractions (named alpha-amylase 1 and alpha-amylase 2) were isolated from the bacterium Thermoactinomyces vulgaris strain 94-2A. alpha-Amylase 1 had a molecular mass of 51.6 kDa, whereas alpha-amylase 2 consists of two fragments which have molecular masses of 17.0 and 34.6 kDa, respectively. These two fragments are products from a proteolytic cleavage of alpha-amylase 1 at amino acid position 303 (tryptophan) by a serine protease (thermitase) which is also produced by T. vulgaris. The purified alpha-amylase 1 and 2 follow the Michaelis-Menten kinetics in the presence of starch as substrate with Km values of 1.37 +/- 0.07 and 1.29 +/- 0.18 mg/mL, respectively. In effect they differ in their stability characteristics. The amino acid sequence of alpha-amylase from T. vulgaris derived from DNA sequence (1) was compared with those of other alpha-amylases. It reveals high homologies to alpha-amylases from other microorganisms (e.g. B. polymyxa, A. oryzae, S. occidentalis and S. fibuligera). A three-dimensional structure model for alpha-amylase 1 on the basis of the 3 A X-ray structure of Taka-amylase was constructed.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The gene amyE(TV1) codes for a nonglucogenic alpha-amylase from Thermoactinomyces vulgaris 94-2A in Bacillus subtilis.

We isolated the gene amyE(TV1) from Thermoactinomyces vulgaris 94-2A encoding a nonglucogenic alpha-amylase (AmyTV1). A chromosomal DNA fragment of 2,247 bp contained an open reading frame of 483 codons, which was expressed in Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. The deduced amino acid sequence of the AmyTV1 protein was confirmed by sequencing of several peptides derived from the enzyme isolated from a T. vulgaris 94-2A culture. The amino acid sequence was aligned with several known alpha-amylase sequences. We found 83% homology with the 48-kDa alpha-amylase part of the Bacillus polymyxa beta-alpha-amylase polyprotein and 50% homology with Taka amylase A of Aspergillus oryzae but only 45% homology with another T. vulgaris amylase (neopullulanase, TVA II) recently cloned from strain R-47. The putative promoter region was characterized with primer extension and deletion experiments and by expression studies with B. subtilis. Multiple promoter sites (P3, P2, and P1) were found; P1 alone drives about 1/10 of the AmyTV1 expression directed by the native tandem configuration P3P2P1. The expression levels in B. subtilis could be enhanced by fusion of the amyE(TV1) coding region to the promoter of the Bacillus amyloliquefaciens alpha-amylase gene.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A new open reading frame, encoding a putative regulatory protein, in Agrobacterium rhizogenes T-DNA.

We report the presence of an open reading frame, named ORF13a, encoding a putative regulatory protein on the T-DNA of Agrobacterium rhizogenes 8196 Ri plasmid. Homologous ORFs are present at the same location in two other types of Ri plasmids. We present evidence that ORF13a is transcriptionally active. Expression of ORF13a was investigated by analysis of glucuronidase (GUS) activity in transgenic tobacco containing an ORF13aGUS fusion. The gene fusion was expressed at higher level in roots than in leaves. The putative protein encoded by ORF13a has an isoelectric point of 11.55 and carries SPXX repeated motifs suggesting a possible regulatory function for this gene.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

BIRM 270: a novel inhibitor of arachidonate release that blocks leukotriene B4 and platelet-activating factor biosynthesis in human neutrophils.

(S)-N-[2-Cyclohexyl-1-(2-pyridinyl)ethyl]-5-methyl-2-benzoxazolamine+ ++ (BIRM 270) was identified as a potent and enantiomerically selective inhibitor of calcium ionophore A23187-stimulated leukotriene B4 biosynthesis in human neutrophils. The (S)- and (R)-enantiomers exhibited IC50 values of 1 nM and 40 nM, respectively. BIRM 270 did not inhibit 5-lipoxygenase activity in a cell-free assay. In addition, the compound did not interfere with the conversion of exogenous 5-lipoxygenase substrate (15S)-hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid to (5S, 15S)-dihydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid in intact, ionophore-stimulated neutrophils. Under the same experimental conditions, BIRM 270 inhibited the production of 5-lipoxygenase products from endogenous substrate, suggesting that the compound affected arachidonate availability rather than metabolism. Consistent with this concept, the inhibition of leukotriene B4 biosynthesis by BIRM 270 was overcome by the addition of exogenous arachidonic acid to the leukocyte preparation. Direct measurement of free arachidonate by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry confirmed that BIRM 270 inhibited arachidonate release from ionophore-stimulated neutrophils. The compound did not affect arachidonate reacylation. The blockage of arachidonate release coincided with inhibition of leukotriene B4 biosynthesis in these cells. BIRM 270 also inhibited ionophore-stimulated platelet-activating factor biosynthesis by human neutrophils. Although these results suggest that BIRM 270 inhibited phospholipase A2-mediated deacylation of membrane phospholipids, the compound did not directly inhibit the high molecular weight, cytosolic phospholipase A2 derived from human neutrophils or U937 cells. Thus, suppression of arachidonate mobilization by BIRM 270 may be due to indirect inhibition of intracellular phospholipase A2 or to inhibition of another acylhydrolase activity.

Arachidonic Acid↗

Patient-oriented rehabilitation planning in a single visit: first-year review of the Quick Program.

Persons who are geographically remote or do not qualify for inpatient rehabilitation have limited access to an effective multidisciplinary rehabilitation team. We present an innovative evaluation tool called the Quick Program. This multidisciplinary outpatient assessment involves a previsit database, therapy and physiatrist evaluations, a team meeting, and a patient-family meeting in a one-half day visit. Patient demographics and details of recommendations for the first 41 referrals are described. An average of 2.27 referrals per patient were made to resources outside of the core team, suggesting that the team achieved transdisciplinary status. The number of medical interventions recommended to accomplish rehabilitation goals (mean 2.16 per patient) suggests that the physiatrist was an active participant, and that physician input is crucial to success. We conclude that comprehensive rehabilitation planning for patients who have limited access to multidisciplinary rehabilitation team can be accomplished in a single visit.

Adult↗

Studies on the aetiology of coeliac disease: no evidence for lectin-like components in wheat gluten.

In an approach to examine the lectin-hypothesis in the pathogenesis of coeliac disease, the presence of lectin-like components in three wheat gluten preparations known to induce coeliac disease, gliadin, Frazer fraction III and an acetic acid/ethanol extract of gluten, was investigated. Lectin-like components in these wheat gluten preparations were traced in binding studies employing a variety of model glycoproteins glycosylated with the different types of N-linked oligosaccharides, i.e., those of the high mannose-, complex- and hybrid-type. Binding affinity of wheat proteins to these glycoproteins was analyzed by affinity dotting and blotting techniques and was compared to that of the well characterized lectins Galanthus nivalis agglutinin, Concanavalin A and wheat germ agglutinin. Though the three wheat gluten preparations exhibited binding reactivity for distinct model glycoproteins, no correlation was found between the type of N-glycosylation of the model glycoproteins and their binding capability to the different wheat gluten preparations. Moreover, binding of the three gluten preparations to the model glycoproteins could not be inhibited by competitive saccharides (methyl-alpha-D-mannopyranoside, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, mannan). Enzymatic deglycosylation of the ligand glycoproteins with endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase H (Endo H, EC 3.2.1.96) or peptide N-glycosidase F (PNGase F, EC 3.5.1.52) abolished their binding reactivity for the plant lectins, but did not affect binding of the wheat gluten preparations. These results give no evidence for the presence of lectin-like components in wheat gluten preparations and do question the 'lectin hypothesis' of coeliac disease.

Amidohydrolases↗

NTGLO: a tobacco homologue of the GLOBOSA floral homeotic gene of Antirrhinum majus: cDNA sequence and expression pattern.

We report the cloning and DNA sequence of a cDNA from Nicotiana tabacum, NTGLO, as well as the pattern of expression of the NTGLO gene in wild-type tobacco plants. The NTGLO cDNA encodes a protein of 209 amino acids, which shows 73% identity with the GLO protein encoded by the GLO gene of Antirrhinum majus, a homeotic gene involved in the genetic control of flower development. Northern blot analysis shows that the NTGLO gene is expressed mainly in floral organs and, within the flower, expression is restricted to petals and stamens. The NTGLO gene most probably represents a true homologue of the GLO gene because: i) the MADS boxes, of the two genes are highly homologous (56 out of 58 amino acids are identical): ii) at the carboxy-terminal a block of 19 amino acids is perfectly conserved between the NTGLO and GLO proteins and iii) their expression patterns in floral organs are identical.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Floral development and expression of floral homeotic genes are influenced by cytokinins.

Tobacco plants that are somatic mosaics for the expression of a cytokinin-synthesizing gene have viviparous leaves. Epiphyllous buds can be either vegetative or floral. Floral adventitious buds can be either normal or abnormal. Abnormalities of floral development correlate with: (i) a local activation of the cytokinin-synthesizing gene, (ii) a drastic increase in floral cytokinin content, and (iii) a decrease in the steady-state levels of mRNA homologous of the homeotic genes DEFA, GLO and PLENA of Antirrhinum majus. Thus, these data show in planta that cytokinins, a class of phytohormones, are able to alter the development of floral organs and to decrease the expression of three homeotic floral genes.

Base Sequence↗

Longterm physical training in rheumatoid arthritis. A randomized trial with different training programs and blinded observers.

The objective was to study the long-term effect (2 years) of different training programs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The method was a randomized trial with 75 patients participating. The measured variables included morning stiffness, a pain score, number of swollen joints, a health assessment score, a functional score, ESR, Hb, the cost of medicine, and progression using X-rays of hands and feet. The results showed no effect of training on the disease activity or on the progression of the disease. The conclusion is that although most patients are in favour of training, the present study does not support that training lessons per se affect the disease activity or the progression of the disease.

Adult↗

Human bronchial perfusion evaluated with endoscopic laser Doppler flowmetry.

Endoscopic laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) was used to study human bronchial microvascular perfusion in 25 healthy subjects. In total 617 recordings with good signal to noise ratio were obtained and, in the hands of an experienced bronchoscopist, the procedure did not cause major technical problems. Curve fluctuations synchronous to heart rate and respiration were identified. The spatial variation of measurements in one region was considerable, but when the mean of four measurements was used, acceptable precision levels were obtained. Regional differences were observed between 40.3 arbitrary perfusion units (PU) (34.0-46.6) in the right upper lobe bronchus and 77.3 PU (63.6-91.0) at the main carina. Measurements were obtained from the main carina, the right upper lobe bronchus, the apical segment of the right and left lower lobe bronchus. In all bronchi, recordings were performed at two locations distal to the bifurcation; 1-5 mm (central) and 6-10 mm (peripheral). The peripheral flux levels were significantly higher than the central (p < 0.001). Analysis of the short and long term temporal variation showed no significant differences, when the data was analyzed on a group basis. We conclude that LDF seems to be a promising method for future clinical investigations.

Adult↗

[On ketamine].

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Humans↗

A T-DNA transfer stimulator sequence in the vicinity of the right border of pRi8196.

An 8 bp sequence repeated 6 times is present to the right of the mannopine type pRi8196 T-DNA right-border sequence. Experiments were designed to test whether these repeats have a role in T-DNA transfer. Several constructs in which different lengths of pRi8196 right-border region were linked to the cucumopine synthesis gene on an Agrobacterium-Escherichia coli shuttle vector were made. The recombinant plasmids were tested for their efficiency to act as a source of T-DNA in a binary system in which a wild-type Ri plasmid provided virulence and root-inducing functions. The T-DNA transfer efficiency of the constructs was assessed by computing the relative frequency of roots containing cucumopine. Depending on the Ri plasmid used as source of virulence functions, a high level of T-DNA transfer was observed only if 6 (pRi8196) or 5 (pRiA4) repeats were present. These results were confirmed by looking for single-stranded T-DNA molecules (T-strands) in bacteria induced for virulence. The repetition of the 8 bp unit was named 'T-DNA transfer stimulator sequence' (TSS).

Base Sequence↗

Monoclonal antipeptide antibodies recognize epitopes upon VP4 and VP7 of simian rotavirus SA11 in infected MA104 cells.

To study morphogenetic events of rotavirus SA11-infected MA104 cells with strictly defined reagents we produced monoclonal antibodies against synthetic peptides from both outer capsid proteins VP4 (aa residues 228-241: QNTRNIVPVSIVSR) and VP7 (aa residues 319-326: SAAFYYRV) of simian rotavirus SA11. Two of the selected monoclonal antibodies proved to be reactive with determinants of SA11-infected MA104 rhesus monkey kidney cells, with purified SA11 as well as with the particular peptides used for immunization. The anti-VP4 antibody had a demonstrable neutralizing titer of 200 (50% focus reduction) whereas the anti-VP7 MuMAb revealed no detectable neutralizing activity. In peptide-inhibition experiments, the corresponding peptide inhibited its MuMAb whereas the noncorresponding peptide had no effect on antibody binding to intracellular viral antigen. Localization of VP7 was preceded by VP4 as shown by immunofluorescence microscopy.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Intrathecal baclofen. Effects on nocturnal leg muscle spasticity.

Electromyographic activity was recorded from tibialis anterior during nocturnal polysomnography in six patients with severe spasticity of spinal origin. The patients had a baclofen reservoir system implanted subcutaneously into their lumbar subarachnoid space and were studied for two nights in a double-blind, placebo controlled, crossover design. Tibialis anterior electromyographic activity per hour of sleep was reduced on the night of baclofen infusion. In particular, less electromyographic activity occurred after arousal from sleep.

Adult↗