Visual field progression in glaucoma.
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Disease Progression↗
Biomedical subjects
G Lindgren
Publications and source records attributed to G Lindgren.
Fitness loss and germline mutations in barn swallows breeding in Chernobyl.
The severe nuclear accident at Chernobyl in 1986 resulted in the worst reported accidental exposure of radioactive material to free-living organisms. Short-term effects on human populations inhabiting polluted areas include increased incidence of thyroid cancer, infant leukaemia, and congenital malformations in newborns. Two recent studies have reported, although with some controversy, that germline mutation rates were increased in humans and voles living close to Chernobyl, but little is known about the viability of the organisms affected. Here we report an increased frequency of partial albinism, a morphological aberration associated with a loss of fitness, among barn swallows, Hirundo rustica, breeding close to Chernobyl. Heritability estimates indicate that mutations causing albinism were at least partly of germline origin. Furthermore, evidence for an increased germline mutation rate was obtained from segregation analysis at two hypervariable microsatellite loci, indicating that mutation events in barn swallows from Chernobyl were two- to tenfold higher than in birds from control areas in Ukraine and Italy.
Albinism↗
[New reference values for child development. Body height has increased 1-2 cm, body weight 1-2 kg].
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Adolescent↗
Altered expression of the retinoblastoma tumor-suppressor gene in leukemic cell lines inhibits induction of differentiation but not G1-accumulation.
The retinoblastoma tumor-suppressor gene, RB, has been implicated in tumor suppression, in regulation of the cell cycle, and in mediating cell differentiation. RB is necessary for hematopoiesis in mice, and aberrant RB-expression is associated with the progress and prognosis of leukemia. We have used antisense oligonucleotides, established clones stably expressing an antisense RB construct, and also established clones over expressing the retinoblastoma protein (pRb) to study the role of RB expression in monocytic differentiation induced by all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) or 1-alpha-25-dihyroxycholecalciferol (Vit D3) in the monoblastic cell line U-937 and erythroid differentiation induced by transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1) and hemin in the erythroleukemic cell line K562. A reduction in pRb production in antisense RB-transfected U-937 clones was shown. Antisense oligonucleotides as well as expression of the antisense RB construct suppressed differentiation responses to ATRA or Vit D3, as judged by the capability to reduce nitro blue tetrazolium, by the appearance of monocyte-related cell surface antigens and by morphologic criteria. K562 cells showed decreased differentiation response to TGFbeta1, but not to hemin, when incubated with antisense oligonucleotides. U-937 antisense RB-transfected cells were also suppressed in their ability to upregulate levels of hypophosphorylated pRb when induced to differentiate. Although U-937 cells incubated with antisense oligonucleotides and clones expressing the antisense RB construct were hampered in their ability to differentiate on incubation with ATRA or Vit D3, the induced G0/G1-accumulation was similar to differentiating control cells treated with ATRA or Vit D3. Intriguingly, U-937 clones overexpressing RB were also inhibited in their differentiation response to ATRA or Vit D3 but not inhibited in their ability to respond with G0/G1 accumulation when induced with these substances. The results indicate that pRb plays a role in induced differentiation of U-937 cells as well as K562 cells involving mechanisms that, at least partially, are distinct from those inducing G1 accumulation.
Animals↗
Genetical and physical assignments of equine microsatellites--first integration of anchored markers in horse genome mapping.
Twenty equine microsatellites were isolated from a genomic phage library, and their genetical and physical localization was sought by linkage mapping and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). Nineteen of the markers were found to be polymorphic with, in most cases, heterozygosities exceeding 50%. The markers were mapped in a Swedish reference family for gene mapping, comprising eight half-sib families from Standardbred and Icelandic horse sires. Segregation was analyzed against a set of 35 other markers typed in the pedigree. Thirteen of the microsatellites showed linkage to at least one other marker, with a total of 21 markers being involved in these linkages. In parallel, 18 of the microsatellites could be assigned to their chromosomal region by FISH. These assignments involved eight equine autosomes: ECA1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 10, 15, and 16. The genetical and physical mappings revealed by this study represent a significant extension of the current knowledge of the equine genome map.
Alleles↗
Long-term follow-up of cryosurgery of basal cell carcinoma of the eyelid.
BACKGROUND: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignant tumor of the eyelid and its incidence is increasing. It remains to be established which is the best treatment in terms of safety and cost-effectiveness. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to analyze the long-term treatment results and possible side effects of cryosurgery of eyelid BCC. METHODS: During the last 14 years 219 patients (222 tumors) treated for eyelid BCC with cryosurgery were followed up prospectively for up to 10 years. RESULTS: The tumors cleared completely after treatment in all patients with no recurrence observed to date. Ninety-two patients were followed up for 5 years or more. Complications were few and minor. In 26 treated eyelids conjunctival overgrowth was noted. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that cryosurgery of BCC of the eyelid has a high cure rate, is cost-effective, and is well tolerated.
Adult↗
Perimetric probability maps to separate change caused by glaucoma from that caused by cataract.
We describe a new method for analysis of change in glaucomatous visual fields with the object to differentiate between changes caused by glaucoma from those caused by cataract. New pattern deviation change probability maps were developed from a prospectively collected glaucoma material and designed to be sensitive to changes in localized field loss, but to be unaffected by media-induced perimetric change. We compared the new change probability maps with the commercially available total deviation change probability maps in series of Humphrey perimetric tests in a glaucoma material of 43 eyes of 35 patients, who had undergone cataract surgery. When using the total deviation maps, considerable differences were seen between fields obtained before and after cataract surgery. Much smaller differences were seen when using the new change probability maps, that almost eliminated the common and disturbing effect of increasing cataract. This new tool could be of considerable help in differentiation between progressive glaucomatous visual field loss and deterioration caused by increasing media opacities.
Aged↗
The impact of marital relationship on the rehabilitation process in a group of women with long-term musculoskeletal disorders.
This qualitative study investigated problems in the rehabilitation of women with long-term, musculoskeletal pain disorders. Data were collected by repeated semi-structured interviews and doctor-patient encounters during two years, and analysed in a gender perspective. The "marriage contract", i.e. the pattern of division of duties and power structure within the marital relationship, was of obvious importance to the implementation of rehabilitation measures. We explored situations where the rehabilitation measures disagreed with the terms and patterns in the "marriage contract". The participants' ways of coping with the contract in these delicate situations could be described as three type strategies; accepting the terms, negotiating for new terms, and breaking the contract. The crucial impact of the "marriage contract" and the type strategies on the rehabilitation process are exemplified.
Adaptation, Psychological↗
Biophysical and physiological properties of a modified porcine surfactant enriched with surfactant protein A.
Surfactant protein A (SP-A), a major protein component of natural pulmonary surfactant, is absent in exogenous surfactants currently used in clinical practice. We investigated the physical and physiological properties of one of these modified natural surfactants (Curosurf) after enrichment with 5% SP-A (SP-A-Curosurf). A pulsating bubble system was used for in vitro assessments and ventilated newborn rabbits for evaluation of in vivo effects. In the presence of various potential inhibitors (meconium 5 mg.mL-1, fibrinogen 5 mg.mL-1, albumin 25 mg.mL-1, or whole serum proteins 25 mg.mL-1), Curosurf at a concentration of 5 mg.mL-1 was inactivated while SP-A-Curosurf and natural porcine surfactant at the same concentration had normal maximum and minimum surface tension. This protective effect of SP-A was calcium dependent. In immature newborn rabbits, the improvement of lung-thorax compliance observed after treatment with 100 mg.kg-1 of SP-A-Curosurf was equivalent to that obtained with 200 mg.kg-1 of Curosurf. Similarly, in near-term newborn rabbits with respiratory failure induced by instillation of fibrinogen via the airways, the increase in compliance after administration of 100 mg.kg-1 of SP-A-Curosurf corresponded to that seen after treatment with 200 mg.kg-1 of Curosurf, whereas Curosurf at a dose of 100 mg.kg-1 had no substantial effect. Our data thus indicate that surfactant protein A increases the resistance of Curosurf to inactivation under in vivo conditions.
Albumins↗
"How could I even think of a job?"--Ambiguities in working life in a group of female patients with undefined musculoskeletal pain.
OBJECTIVE: To explore the meaning of working life for a group of women sick-listed because of undefined, musculoskeletal pain disorders. DESIGN: Repeated thematic interviews, analysed qualitatively according to grounded theory. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Twenty female patients, impaired by biomedically undefined pain and musculoskeletal disorders, were successively recruited at an urban primary health care centre in northern Sweden. MAIN FINDINGS: There were discrepancies between work aspirations and work experiences concerning economic maintenance, social interaction, and personal recognition. The women had low-income jobs in fields threatened by redundancy, such as cleaning, care, and service. Family considerations had a strong impact on organization and priorities in paid work. In a situation of pain and sick leave, family orientation strengthened and work aspirations declined. Social and personal recognition was sought in the unpaid duties at home, and economic refuge in 'the state as supporter'. IMPLICATIONS: To understand women with undefined musculoskeletal pain as patients, we must also understand their aspirations and experiences as workers, mothers, and spouses. 'Family considerations', 'diminishing paid work', and 'the state as supporter' are important concepts for understanding the women's sick role process.
Adult↗
[Children are bigger now than in the 50's. New reference curves for Swedish young children].
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Adolescent↗
"I've been crying my way"--qualitative analysis of a group of female patients' consultation experiences.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: What do women patients, sick-listed for biomedically undefined musculoskeletal disorders, expect and experience when they consult a doctor? With the purpose to learn more about this, a qualitative interview study was conducted. METHODS: Twenty women participated. They were patients at an urban health care centre in northern Sweden. Data were gained through repeated, semi-structured interviews, and analysed according to grounded theory. RESULTS: The participants described an atmosphere of distrust in the consultation. They had felt ignored, disregarded and rejected by doctors, and had worked out strategies to keep up medical attention in their search for a creditable diagnosis. They were somatizing, claiming under cover, and pleading, to catch the doctor's interest. In addition, they upheld their self-respect by mystifying and martyrizing themselves and their symptoms, and by condemning physicians as ignorant. DISCUSSION: The patient's consultation experiences are discussed from different aspects; the biomedical framework, the power asymmetry, and the gendered positions of patient and doctor. The findings indicate the importance of making doctors aware of the context behind frustrations in doctor-patient interaction.
Adult↗
Height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) of Vietnamese (Hanoi) schoolchildren aged 7-11 years related to parents' occupation and education.
In the spring of 1992 schoolchildren (679 boys and 661 girls) aged 6-12 years in a school in central Hanoi, Vietnam were enrolled for a medical examination including measurements of height and weight. Most of them were measured a second time almost exactly 1 year after the first measurement. Thus, values for height, weight, and body mass index (BMI), and their yearly increments were obtained for the ages 7-11 years. When these heights and weights were compared with those for children from Bangkok, Tokyo and Sweden, the Hanoi values were very close to the Bangkok ones. There were overall no significant differences in height, weight, and BMI between children whose parents were of different occupational and educational groups, except for girls whose mothers were workers/farmers, who were shorter (P <0.05), lighter (P <0.01), and had a lower BMI (P <0.05) than girls whose mothers were from upper occupational status (government staff). The overall incidence of low birthweight (<2500 g) was 11 per cent, but this was not associated with either parents' occupation or education. At the time of measurements 31.6% of the children were rated by the doctors as being in 'general bad condition'; there was a higher proportion of girls than boys (P <0.01) and a higher proportion of girls whose mothers were workers/farmers (P <0.001).
Body Height↗
Causes of vitreous hemorrhage.
It is often a challenge for the ophthalmologist to find the underlying cause of a vitreous hemorrhage. Unless clinical signs clearly point in another direction, the first suspicion should always be a posterior vitreous detachment causing a retinal tear. The other two major causes, diabetic retinopathy and retinal vein occlusion, remain common complications in spite of recent years' improvement in retinal treatment. Macroaneurysm is one of the most often overlooked causes of vitreous hemorrhage. An ocular tumor sometimes presents with a vitreous hemorrhage. In all cases of dense vitreous hemorrhages, the use of diagnostic ultrasonography is mandatory.
Animals↗
Pubertal stages 1980 of Stockholm schoolchildren.
In March 1980 a cross-sectional study of the pubertal developmental of a sample of Stockholm schoolchildren was conducted. Breast development (B1-B5), pubic hair (PH1-PH5) and axillary hair (AH1-AH3) were rated in 138 girls, and genitalia development (G1-G5), pubic hair (PH1-PH5) and axillary hair (AH1-AH3) were rated in 116 boys according to the Tanner method. The girls' and the boys' ratings were done by one female and one male medically qualified expert respectively. When relating social class to age of pubertal stage no significant differences were found. Median ages for entry to successive pubertal stages as well as centiles were calculated by logistic regression. Girls were somewhat earlier in their breast and pubic hair development than Stockholm girls investigated in earlier studies; however, somewhat later in their development of axillary hair. The boys entered G2 earlier than boys studied in 1970 but entered G5 at exactly the same age, 15.1 years. Boys entered PH2 somewhat later than 1970 boys, but again reached PH5 at exactly the same age, 15.5 years. The present study is based on a more recent and somewhat larger sample of children drawn from a wider area of Stockholm than the earlier studies. It is further suggested that these values be used in the proposed new height and weight reference values for youth in Sweden.
Adolescent↗
The use of a water extract from the bark of Choerospondias axillaris in the treatment of second degree burns.
Burns are common in Vietnam, and because of economic constraints and limited resources for the import of appropriate treatments, the health authorities are obliged to rely on traditional herbal remedies. It is therefore essential to evaluate current drugs, one of which is the water extract of the bark of the tree Choerospondias axillaris. It has been used for many years in the Vietnam-Sweden hospital at Uong Bi in northern Vietnam. We assessed the efficacy of the remedy in an open, randomised controlled clinical trial, in which 20 patients with second degree burns were treated with the extract of the Choerospondias axillaris and 19 with saline gauze. The mean healing time was significantly shorter for patients treated with Choerospondias axillaris (11 days) compared with patients treated with saline gauze (17 days) (p < 0.01), and the number of wound infections was significantly lower in the Choerospondias axillaris group (7/20 compared with 16/19, p = 0.003). The bark extract was easy to apply and additional wound care was not usually necessary, while the treatment with saline gauze was laborious for both patients and staff and was much more expensive. The extract from Choerospondias axillaris is a convenient treatment for second degree burns in both children and adults.
Adolescent↗
Jet identification based on probability calculations using Bayes' theorem.
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Journal Article↗
Carboxyl-terminal prodomain-deleted human leukocyte elastase and cathepsin G are efficiently targeted to granules and enzymatically activated in the rat basophilic/mast cell line RBL.
The hematopoietic neutral serine proteases leukocyte elastase and cathepsin G are synthesized as inactive precursors, but become activated by removal of an amino-terminal dipeptide and are stored in granules. Moreover, the pro forms of elastase and cathepsin G show carboxyl-terminal prodomains of 20 and 11 amino acids, respectively, which are not present in the mature enzymes. To investigate mechanisms of processing, activation, and granular targeting, we have utilized transgenic expression of myeloid serine proteases in the rat basophilic/mast cell line RBL-1 (Gullberg, U., Lindmark, A., Nilsson, E., Persson, A.-M., and Olsson, I. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 25219-25225). Leukocyte elastase was stably expressed in RBL-1 cells, and the translation products were characterized by biosynthetic labeling followed by immunoprecipitation, SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and fluorography. Processing of a main pro form of 34 kDa into mature 31- and 29-kDa forms was demonstrated. Translocation of mature forms to granule-containing fractions was shown by subcellular fractionation experiments. The processed forms were enzymatically active, judging by the occurrence of amino-terminal processing demonstrated by radiosequence analysis, the acquisition of affinity for the protease inhibitor aprotinin, and the appearance of elastase activity in transfected RBL cells. To investigate the function of the carboxyl-terminal prodomains, deletion mutants of leukocyte elastase and cathepsin G lacking the carboxyl-terminal extension were constructed and transfected into RBL cells. Our results show that as full-length proteins, the deletion mutants were converted to active enzymes and transferred to granules with kinetics similar to that of wild-type enzymes. We conclude that human leukocyte elastase and cathepsin G are converted into enzymatically active forms when expressed in RBL cells and targeted for storage in granules; the carboxyl-terminal prodomains are necessary neither for enzymatic activation nor for targeting to granules in RBL cells.
Amino Acid Sequence↗