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J Jensen

Publications and source records attributed to J Jensen.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

Effects of epinephrine on glucose metabolism in contracting rat skeletal muscles.

The effects of epinephrine on glucose metabolism during contractile activity and insulin stimulation were investigated in fast-twitch (epitrochlearis) and slow-twitch (soleus) muscles from Wistar rats. All muscles were mounted on contraction apparatuses, and some muscles were stimulated electrically for 30 min in vitro. Glucose uptake and glucose phosphorylation were measured with 2-[1, 2-3H(N)]deoxy-D-glucose and glucose transport with 3-O-[methyl-3H]methyl-D-glucose. D-[1-14C]mannitol was used to correct for extracellular space. In epitrochlearis, both contraction and insulin increased glucose transport by threefold, and combined they showed an additive effect. Epinephrine (10(-6) M) did not influence glucose transport across the membrane during contractile activity or insulin stimulation. In the absence of epinephrine, similar glucose phosphorylation was obtained during contraction and during insulin stimulation in epitrochlearis ( approximately 12 mmol . kg dry wt-1 . 30 min-1). In the presence of epinephrine, 9.5 +/- 0. 6 mmol . kg dry wt-1 . 30 min-1 glucose was phosphorylated during contraction, whereas only 2.0 +/- 0.3 mmol . kg dry wt-1 . 30 min-1 was phosphorylated during insulin stimulation (P < 0.01), despite a similar glucose 6-phosphate concentration. Comparable results were obtained in soleus. In conclusion, our data suggest that epinephrine inhibits glucose phosphorylation much less during contraction than during insulin stimulation.

Animals↗

Primary structure, distribution, and effects on motility of CGRP in the intestine of the cod Gadus morhua.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) was isolated from an extract of the intestine of the cod Gadus morhua. The primary structure of this 37-amino acid peptide was established as follows: ACNTA TCVTH RLADF LSRSG GIGNS NFVPT NVGSK AF-NH2. The peptide shows close structural similarities to other nonmammalian (3-4 amino acid substitutions) and mammalian (5-8 amino acid substitutions) CGRPs, and it contains the two residues Asp14 and Phe15 that seem to be characteristic for CGRP in nonmammalian vertebrates. Cod CGRP (10(-9)-10(-7) M) inhibited the motility of spontaneously active ring preparations from the cod intestine and was significantly (P < 0.05) more potent than rat alpha-CGRP. Neither prostaglandins nor nitric oxide is involved in the inhibitory response produced by cod CGRP, and the lack of effect of tetrodotoxin suggests an action of CGRP on receptors on the intestinal smooth muscle cells. The competitive CGRP antagonist human alpha-CGRP-(8-37) significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the response to cod CGRP. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated CGRP-immunoreactive neurons intrinsic to the intestine, and a dense innervation with immunoreactive nerve fibers was observed in the myenteric plexus and the circular muscle layer. Myotomy studies show that CGRP-containing nerves project orally and anally in the myenteric plexus, whereas nerve fibers in the circular muscle layer project mainly anally, indicating a role for CGRP in descending inhibitory pathways of the cod intestine.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Rat endocrine pancreatic development in relation to two homeobox gene products (Pdx-1 and Nkx 6.1).

We studied the distribution of the homeodomain proteins Pdx-1 and Nkx 6.1 in the developing rat pancreas. During early development, nuclear staining for both Pdx-1 and Nkx 6.1 occurred in most epithelial cells of the pancreatic anlage. Subsequently, Nkx 6.1 became more beta-cell-restricted, and Pdx-1 also occurred in other islet cell types and in the duodenal epithelium. During early pancreatic development, cells co-storing insulin and glucagon were regularly detected. The vast majority of these did not possess nuclear staining for either Pdx-1 or Nkx 6.1. Subsequently, cells storing insulin only appeared. Such cells displayed strongly Pdx-1- and Nkx 6.1-positive nuclei. Therefore, Nkx 6.1, like Pdx-1, may be an important factor in pancreatic development and in mature insulin cell function.

Animals↗

Homeobox gene product Nkx 6.1 immunoreactivity in nuclei of endocrine cells of rat and mouse stomach.

The homeobox gene product Nkx 6.1 is of unknown function but is expressed in the pancreas and the antropyloric mucosa of the stomach. In the adult pancreas, Nkx 6.1 possesses an insulin cell-restricted distribution, whereas its localization in the stomach is unknown. We now show that the vast majority of serotonin-producing enterochromaffin cells of the antropyloric mucosa contain Nkx 6. 1-immunoreactive nuclei. In addition, a subpopulation of cells co-storing serotonin and gastrin display Nkx 6.1-positive nuclei. Such cells have been postulated to represent precursors of mature gastrin and serotonin cells. The nuclei of the co-storing cells have previously also been found to be positive for another homeodomain protein, Pdx-1. Pdx-1-deficient animals were therefore investigated and were found to be devoid of Nkx 6.1-positive nuclei. Our data show that Pdx-1 is needed for Nkx 6.1 expression and suggest a role for Nkx 6.1 in the maturation of gastrin- and serotonin-positive precursor cells.

Aging↗

WIC-based interventions to promote breastfeeding among African-American Women in Baltimore: effects on breastfeeding initiation and continuation.

We evaluated the single and combined effects of introducing a motivational video and peer counseling into four matched WIC clinics on breastfeeding initiation and continuation at 7-10 days among African-American WIC participants. Of the 242 women with complete data, 48% initiated breastfeeding, but only 31% were still breastfeeding at 7-10 days. Initiation was associated with cesarean delivery, infant feeding instruction, no artificial milk discharge pack, attending the peer counselor only-intervention site, and intention to breastfeed. Continuation was influenced by infant feeding instruction, no artificial milk discharge pack, and intention to breastfeed. Overall, trends toward a positive impact of the breastfeeding promotion activities were evident but weak, and largely gone by 7-10 days postpartum.

Adolescent↗

Chemical restraint of the Nile hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) in captivity.

This retrospective study describes 16 immobilizations performed on nine adult captive Nile hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius). Animals were immobilized using intramuscular etorphine alone (1.0-5.0 micrograms/kg; n = 9) or in combination with xylazine (67-83 micrograms/kg; n = 6) or acepromazine (20 micrograms/kg; n = 1). Exact weights for the animals were unknown so drug dosages were based on estimated weights. Seven animals either were in good health or had minor or localized medical problems. Following etorphine and xylazine induction, one animal undergoing castration was anesthetized with isoflurane in oxygen delivered by endotracheal tube. Ten immobilizations occurred without complications, and eight of those procedures were rated as good or excellent. Complications, including bradypnea, cyanosis, and apnea, occurred during six immobilizations. One animal died following prolonged apnea, and the necropsy failed to find a specific cause of death. Immobilizations were reversed with diprenorphine alone (4.4-10.0 micrograms/kg; n = 13), diprenorphine (2.9 micrograms/kg) and naloxone (14.6 mu k/kg; n = 1), or naltrexone (146-180 micrograms/kg; n = 2). Mean time to reversal of immobilization for those animals given etorphine alone and reversed with diprenorphine alone was 21.6 min (n = 5). Time to reversal for the two immobilizations reversed with only naltrexone was 4 min. No renarcotizations were observed. Total doses of 2.0-6.0 mg etorphine i.m. should produce heavy sedation to surgical anesthesia in calm adult captive Nile hippopotamuses. Insufflation with oxygen during immobilization seems warranted.

Acepromazine↗

Recurrent malignant melanoma presenting with zosteriform metastases.

A 63-year-old man with recurrent metastatic malignant melanoma presented with a painful right twelfth thoracic dermatomal eruption initially thought to be herpes zoster. However, 3 weeks later, the patient clearly had melanoma skin metastases confined exclusively to this dermatome. Radiotherapy and opiate analgesics provided effective pain relief. We propose that in this patient, no herpes zoster infection occurred, but rather that skin metastases presented in a zosteriform pattern due to lymphatic spread from a previously excised paravertebral skin metastasis. This is the second reported case of malignant melanoma presenting as zosteriform metastases, and we suggest physicians consider this possibility in patients with melanoma presenting with dermatomal skin changes.

Herpes Zoster↗

Potentially predictive and manipulable blood serum correlates of aging in the healthy human male: progressive decreases in bioavailable testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, and the ratio of insulin-like growth factor 1 to growth hormone.

A cross-sectional survey was made in 56 exceptionally healthy males, ranging in age from 20 to 84 years. Measurements were made of selected steroidal components and peptidic hormones in blood serum, and cognitive and physical tests were performed. Of those blood serum variables that gave highly significant negative correlations with age (r > -0.6), bioavailable testosterone (BT), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), and the ratio of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) to growth hormone (GH) showed a stepwise pattern of age-related changes most closely resembling those of the age steps themselves. Of these, BT correlated best with significantly age-correlated cognitive and physical measures. Because DHEAS correlated well with BT and considerably less well than BT with the cognitive and physical measures, it seems likely that BT and/or substances to which BT gives rise in tissues play a more direct role in whatever processes are rate-limiting in the functions measured and that DHEAS relates more indirectly to these functions. The high correlation of IGF-1/GH with age, its relatively low correlation with BT, and the patterns of correlations of IGF-1/GH and BT with significantly age-correlated cognitive and physical measures suggest that the GH-IGF-1 axis and BT play independent roles in affecting these functions. Serial determinations made after oral ingestion of pregnenolone and data from the literature suggest there is interdependence of steroid metabolic systems with those operational in control of interrelations in the GH-IGF-1 axis. Longitudinal concurrent measurements of serum levels of BT, DHEAS, and IGF-1/GH together with detailed studies of their correlations with age-correlated functional measures may be useful in detecting early age-related dysregulations and may be helpful in devising ameliorative approaches.

Adult↗

[Hip fractures].

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Femoral Fractures↗

Breast and cutaneous mycobacteriosis: diagnosis by fine-needle aspiration biopsy.

The breast and skin are considered to be rare sites of extrapulmonary mycobacterial infection, comprising 0.1% to 0.5% of all tuberculosis cases, respectively. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is a rapid and minimally invasive approach to diagnose extrapulmonary tuberculosis, and has been used successfully in identifying tuberculous lesions in the lymph nodes, thyroid, kidney, pancreas, vertebrae, and testis. Two cases of extrapulmonary mycobacteriosis diagnosed by FNAB are described: a 59-year-old Hispanic male with cutaneous mycobacterial infection of the head and neck region, and a 58-year-old white male with a unilateral tuberculous mastitis. In both instances, the FNAB material demonstrated acute neutrophilic exudate, few isolated aggregates of epithelioid histiocytes and lymphocytes, and on Fite-Farraco stain mycobacteria. Reported cases of tuberculosis diagnosed by FNAB have been few; this is the first case of cutaneous tuberculosis diagnosed by FNAB.

Biopsy, Needle↗

Effects of maximal effort strength training with different loads on dynamic strength, cross-sectional area, load-power and load-velocity relationships.

The effects of maximal effort strength training with different loads on maximal strength, muscle cross-sectional area, the load-power and load-velocity relationship were investigated in the elbow flexors. Physical education students were matched into three groups; G90 (n = 9) trained with a load of 90%. G35 (n = 11) with 35%, and G15 (n = 10) with 15% of IRM (1 repetition maximum). Training consisted of three to five sets, performed three times a week for 9 weeks. Each set consisted of two, seven and ten repetitions in G90. G35 and G15, respectively. Training was performed with the nondominant arm, and the dominant arm served as control. The IRM increased 15.2 (SD 4.5)% (P < 0.001) in G90, 10.1 (SD 5.9)% (P < 0.001) in G35 and 6.6 (SD 7.9)% (P < 0.05) in G15. The increase in G90 was significantly larger than for G15 (P < 0.05). In the untrained arm, IRM also increased for G90 and G15. In contrast to G90. G15 showed a similar increase in IRM in both arms. Cross-sectional area of the elbow, flexors did not change for G90 and G15. while G35 increased 2.8% (P < 0.05). Maximal power and velocity were tested at 2.5 kg and at 15%, 25%, 35%, 50%, 70% and 90% of pretraining IRM. Power increased for all tested loads in G90 and G35, and G15 showed an increase in power at 15%, 25% and 50% of IRM. No significant differences in increase in power could be found among the three groups at loads equal to or less than 50%, but at 70% and 90% of IRM the increase was larger for G90 and G35 than for G15 (P < 0.05). The G35 showed a similar increase in power at all loads tested whereas G90 showed load specificity in the effect of the training. There was a correlation between IRM and maximal power (r = 0.93, P < 0.0001), and between IRM and power at load 2.5 kg (r = 0.73, P < 0.0001). In conclusion, training with loads of 15% and 35% of IRM resulted in an increase in IRM. Although the increase in maximal power after training at 90% of IRM showed some load specificity. It also increased maximal power at 15% of IRM. Training at loads near maximal power output would seem to increase power efficiently over a wide load range. The high correlation between IRM and maximal power at load 2.5 kg also would indicate that maximal strength is important for performance at light loads.

Adult↗

Co-release of substance P and neurokinin A from the Atlantic cod stomach.

The function of tachykinins in the control of gastric motility in the cod, Gadus morhua, was studied using native cod substance P ([Lys1, Arg3, Ile3]SP) and cod neurokinin A ([Ile3, Asn4]NKA). Both cod SP and NKA produced contractions of the vascularly perfused cod stomach, SP being almost 6 times more potent than NKA (pD2-values 7.05 +/- 0.06 and 6.28 +/- 0.09, respectively). The release of tachykinins from the cod stomach was measured in radioimmunoassay, using specific antibodies for the two cod tachykinins. Stimulation of the stomach motility by electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve or infusion of acetylcholine increased the amounts of SP and NKA released into the vascular perfusate. The results suggest that both tachykinins are involved in the excitatory response of the cod stomach produced by vagal and cholinergic stimulation.

Animals↗

Human Krüppel-related 3 (HKR3): a candidate for the 1p36 neuroblastoma tumour suppressor gene?

Human Krüppel-related 3 (HKR3) is a zinc finger gene that maps within chromosome subbands 1p36.2-.3, a region postulated to contain a tumour suppressor gene associated with advanced neuroblastomas. Genomic clones of HKR3 were isolated from a P1 library and physically mapped to within 40 kb of D1S214 at 1p36.3. The gene is ubiquitously expressed in human tissues, but especially high levels are present in human fetal and adult nervous tissues. Hemizygous deletion of HKR3 in a lymphoblastoid cell line derived from a neuroblastoma patient with a constitutional 1p36 interstitial deletion and in the neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-AS, which also has a small interstitial 1p36 deletion, has been observed. Allelic loss at D1S214 in 15/15 informative primary neuroblastoma specimens with 1p36 deletions has also been observed. In a panel of 16 neuroblastoma cell lines, no gross genomic DNA rearrangements were noted, the gene was always expressed (albeit at variable levels) and there was no evidence for truncating mutations. Furthermore, there were no mutations detected in the zinc finger coding region in four neuroblastoma cell lines with 1p deletions analysed by direct sequence analysis. We conclude that HKR3 is a novel zinc finger gene that maps to a region of the genome commonly rearranged or deleted in neuroblastoma and other human cancers.

Adult↗

Effects of trout bradykinin on the motility of the trout stomach and intestine: evidence for a receptor distinct from mammalian B1 and B2 subtypes.

1. Trout bradykinin ([Arg0, Trp5, Leu8]-bradykinin; trout BK), recently isolated from kallikrein-treated trout plasma, produced sustained and concentration-dependent contractions of isolated longitudinal muscle from rainbow trout stomach (pD2 = 7.01 +/- 0.03) and proximal small intestine (pD2 = 7.37 +/- 0.07). The maximum responses were 85 +/- 2% (stomach) and 101 +/- 35% (intestine) of the corresponding responses to 10(-5) M acetylcholine. Strips of circular smooth muscle from trout stomach and intestine did not contract in response to trout BK. 2. The potency of trout BK on gastric smooth muscle motility was significantly (5 fold; P < 0.01) reduced in the presence of the cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor, indomethacin (10(-5) M) and by 4 fold (P < 0.05) in the presence of the lipoxygenase inhibitor, MK-886 (10(-6) M), but there was no effect on the maximum response. Potency was also significantly reduced in the presence of 10(-6) M methysergide (3 fold; P < 0.02) and 10(-6) M tetrodotoxin (2 fold, P < 0.05) but atropine was without effect. 3. [Tyr0, Trp5, Leu8]-BK was a full agonist but was approximately 50 fold less potent (pD2 = 5.35 +/- 0.08) than trout BK, [Arg0, Trp5, Leu8]des-Arg9-BK was a partial) agonist (pD2 = 6.80 +/- 0.03; 56 +/- 7% of the maximum response to trout BK) but [Trp5, Leu8]-BK, [Trp5,Leu8]-des-Arg9-BK and mammalian BK produced no, or only very weak, contractions of the trout stomach. 4. The mammalian B1 receptor antagonist, [Leu8]des-Arg9-BK was without effect on the response of the trout stomach to trout BK. The potent mammalian B2 receptor antagonist Hoe 140 was a partial agonist (pD2 = 7.44 +/- 0.12; 57 +/- 15% of the maximum response to trout BK). 5. We conclude that the effects of trout BK on the motility of rainbow trout gastric smooth muscle are mediated through interaction with a receptor that has appreciably different ligand-binding properties than the mammalian B1 and B2 receptor subtypes. An involvement of arachidonic acid metabolites and 5-hydroxytryptaminergic nerves in the mechanism of action of the peptide is suggested.

Animals↗

Reproducibility of on-line vectorcardiography measurements in patients with and without acute ischaemic heart disease.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to determine inter and intraobserver variations of measurements with on-line vectorcardiography (VCG). DESIGN: The VCG registrations were evaluated by two independent observers. One observer also evaluated the VCG registrations on two separate occasions. Monitored VCG variables were: ST vector magnitude (ST-VM), ST vector lead X (ST-X), ST change vector magnitude (STC-VM) and QRS vector difference (QRS-VD). SUBJECTS: On-line VCG was performed for 24 hours in 60 patients (10 with low probability of ischaemic heart disease, 25 with unstable angina pectoris and 25 with acute myocardial infarction). RESULTS: A close correlation between the two observers and small coefficients of variation were found regarding the ST-VM initial value (r = 0.99, 4.7), the ST-X maximum depression (r = 0.99, 3.2) and the QRS-VD end value (r = 0.98, 5.6). A less close correlation and higher coefficients of variation were found regarding the number of QRS-VD episodes (r = 0.94, 41.5), ST-VM episodes (r = 0.89, 37.8) and STC-VM episodes (r = 0.87, 35.1). Correlation coefficients and coefficients of variations for VCG measurements performed on two separate occasions by one observer ranged from 0.97 to 0.99 and from 18.1 to 1.8 respectively. Three (12%) of 25 patients with acute myocardial infarction did not meet the VCG infarction criterion (QRS-VD > or = 15 microVs) by both observers. In addition, five (20%) of the 25 patients with unstable angina pectoris met the VCG infarction criterion by both observers. CONCLUSION: The inter and intraobserver variation for VCG interpretations was low, but the number of QRS-VD, ST-VM and STC-VM episodes varied between the two observers. This finding suggests that additional training may improve the results. Caution is also recommended in using VCG to rule out or establish the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction.

Acute Disease↗

Blood sampling in doping control. First experiences from regular testing in athletics.

We report the results from blood sampling taken for the first time during doping control in athletics. The study includes samples from 99 athletes tested during IAAF-meetings in 1993-94. Blood doping with allogenic blood was not detected. The distribution of haemoglobin levels in athletes did not differ markedly from that found in controls. Erythropoietin (EPO) values were markedly lower in athletes than in controls, and 58% had EPO lower than the detection limit for the assay. This may be due to high-altitude residence prior to testing. Measurements of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 did not suggest GH-misuse in any athlete tested. One third of the male athletes had testosterone levels that were lower than the normal reference interval. This may at least partly be due to the combination of sampling at night and after strenuous exercise. One female athlete was found to have a grossly elevated testosterone level. In conclusion, the present results show the importance of taking into account the special circumstances during sampling when interpreting results from blood testing in athletes. Future research should focus on developing more sensitive and specific tests to detect doping with endogenous substances such as GH and EPO.

Bilirubin↗