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Biomedical subjects

K Holm

Publications and source records attributed to K Holm.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Radiological evaluation of bone status in the jaw and in the vertebral column in a group of women.

Vertebral bone mineral content was determined in a group of 56 women, ages 30-62. These measurements were compared with the status of supporting bone in the jaws (alveolar, molar and bicuspid) and with gingival health. There was a significant decline in vertebral bone mineral content from the pre- to post-menopausal group. Molar and bicuspid measurements were highly correlated. There was some association between lumbar bone mineral content and molar bone status for postmenopausal women. For postmenopausal women, the cases of greatest percent bone loss in alveolar crest were associated with lower lumbar bone mineral content. Gingival health did not confound the bone status measurements. The 56 subjects did not exhibit the degree of reduction in bone density that is observed in the general population. Further investigation using these radiographic techniques may reveal a link between substantial bone loss in the jaw and moderate to severe bone loss in the lumbar vertebrae.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Immunohistochemical changes in the jejunum in first degree relatives of patients with coeliac disease and the coeliac disease marker DQ genes. HLA class II antigen expression, interleukin-2 receptor positive cells and dividing crypt cells.

The staining of HLA class II antigens, the presence of cells positive for interleukin-2 receptors, the proportion of crypt cells in mitosis in the jejunal biopsy specimens, and the dose of coeliac disease marker HLA-DQ genes were studied in 75 healthy family members of coeliac disease patients. Eleven had silent coeliac disease; in the rest the morphology of the jejunum was normal. In the specimens from family members, staining of epithelial cells with HLA-DP and -DR antibodies was more widely distributed and stronger than in those from 19 controls. Interleukin-2 receptor+ cells were seen in the epithelium of all eight specimens from subjects with silent coeliac disease, and also in 24 morphologically normal specimens from family members, but not in the 19 control specimens. The proportion of crypt cells in mitosis was increased only in the specimens from the subjects with silent coeliac disease. The staining intensity of the epithelial cells with HLA-DP and -DR antibodies, the presence of interleukin-2 receptor+ cells and the percentage of crypt cells in mitosis were significantly associated with the number of coeliac disease marker DQB genes. Many family members of patients with coeliac disease have signs of inflammation even in morphologically normal jejunum; these inflammatory changes together with coeliac disease marker DQ genes may point to latent disease in these subjects.

Adult↗

Neural network processing of cervical smears can lead to a decrease in diagnostic variability and an increase in screening efficacy: a study of 63 false-negative smears.

A realistic approach for decreasing the number of erroneous diagnoses plaguing cervical cytology screening is to try to reduce the amount of nondiagnostic visual information. The neural network of PAPNET selects 128 cytological views from the routinely prepared smear which in digitized form can be displayed on a high-resolution videoscreen. From these 128 videotiles the abnormal ones can be selected by the diagnostician and brought together on the "summarizing videoscreen" containing 16 tiles. Thus, the diagnostic information can be further condensed. This facilitates the proper interpretation of the diagnostic cell material dispersed over the smear. A series of 63 false-negative smears were rescreened twice conventionally and twice using the PAPNET-assisted method. We found that, using PAPNET, the screening efficacy increased and the diagnostic variability decreased. The PAPNET in particular proved to be superior for smears containing few abnormal cells and cases of malignancies of the reserve cell lineage.

Adult↗

The measurement of physical activity in bone density research.

Physical activity is often recommended as a method to prevent or treat osteoporosis. Nevertheless, it is difficult to interpret the research findings upon which this recommendation is made because of problems measuring physical activity. Studies investigating the bone density-physical activity association were reviewed. Physical activity was measured by participation in a specific form of exercise, questionnaire and interview, mechanical devices, and physiological markers of activity. In about half of the exercise participation studies, grouping criteria were problematic for the nonexercise or control group. Many discrepancies were found in the questionnaire and interview studies. Overall, little information was reported with respect to reliability or validity of measures, thereby hampering comparisons across studies. These measurement issues can provide nurses with a new perspective for evaluating studies that report the impact of physical activity on bone mass and other health outcomes as well.

Bone Density↗

Different features of coeliac disease in two neighbouring countries.

Against the background of reported different trends of incidence and presentation of coeliac disease in Sweden and Finland, a joint study was done to explore potential causes. The clinical study confirmed that classical symptoms and diagnosis before 2 years of age dominated in Sweden. In Finland, the symptoms were more diffuse and diagnosis in most cases was made after the age of 8 years. A significantly lower weight score attained at diagnosis was seen in Swedish patients compared with Finnish. No significant difference in HLA expression was found. Infant feeding was investigated by studying food records of healthy infants. Swedish infants ingested three times more wheat protein at 9 months and twice as much at 12 months compared with Finnish children. It is concluded that the intake of infant cereal protein might influence when and how clinical coeliac disease appears. The question whether or not it is important for if coeliac disease will be acquired still remains to be answered.

Adolescent↗

Measurement of functional ability in patients with coronary artery disease.

The purpose of this study was to examine measures of functional ability in a group (n = 60) of cardiac patients undergoing treadmill exercise tests. Functional ability was defined as the degree to which the individual is able to perform physical activity in the absence of symptoms. Instruments used were the Modified Harvard Alumni Scale (MHAS), the Symptom Scale (SS) comprised of the following subscales: angina (AS), shortness of breath (SOBS), and fatigue (FS); the overall Health Rating Index (OHRI); and the Goldman Specific Activity Scale (SAS). Concurrent validity was supported by the fact that the instruments were correlated with metabolic equivalents achieved on the treadmill. Correlations were: MHAS (r = .34, P < .01), SS (r = .67, p < .01), AS (r = .54, p < .01), SOBS (r = -.41, p < .05), FS (r = -.56, P < .001) and the OHRI (r = .45, p < .001). Reliability was determined using Cronbachs, alpha and were: SS = .92, AS = .87, SOBS = .86, FS = .85 and OHRI = .88. Findings support the need for testing and evaluation of instruments measuring functional ability in diverse cardiovascular populations.

Activities of Daily Living↗

A quantitative survey to measure energy expenditure in midlife women.

The Taylor Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Tecumseh Occupational Physical Activity Questionnaire were modified to measure energy expenditure in midlife women. A three-dimensional measure of female physical activity resulted which reflected leisure, occupational, and household activities. Total daily energy expenditure for the specific activities was calculated using established metabolic units and reported time spent performing the activities. Test-retest reliability was evaluated at two weeks for 15% (n = 59) of the sample of 375 midlife women. There was high agreement on participation in the various activities, but low agreement on the time spent doing the activities. Cardiorespiratory fitness, established with a Monarch bicycle ergometer, was used to test the validity of the energy expenditure measure. Correlations were significant between cardiorespiratory fitness and both leisure activity and household activity, but not between cardiorespiratory fitness and occupational activity.

Adult↗

Coronary artery disease in women: assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and strategies for life style change.

Coronary heart disease is reaching epidemic proportions in women. With increased longevity, more women are living many years beyond menopause, the time when heart disease peaks in women. For midlife women, it is important to determine a personal profile of unmodifiable (family history, age, and race) and modifiable risk factors. The goal for every woman must be to control coronary risk factors such as smoking, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, sedentary life style/weight control and stress, which have been proven to be amenable to modification strategies. Many women also may consider hormonal replacement but must be counseled to make informed choices concerning the benefits and risks. Finally, as nurses and as leaders in the health care of women, we must model heart healthy behaviors to encourage each other and to increase our effectiveness with the clients we serve.

Coronary Disease↗

Intraepithelial gamma delta T-cell-receptor lymphocytes and genetic susceptibility to coeliac disease.

Although the proportion of gamma delta T-cell-receptor (TCR)-bearing intraepithelial lymphocytes is increased in the jejunum of patients with active coeliac disease, an abnormality thought to be specific among those with gluten-sensitive enteropathy, the factors influencing gamma delta TCR expression remain uncertain. We examined the relation between genetic factors associated with coeliac disease and intraepithelial gamma delta T lymphocyte distribution in both coeliac patients and their healthy first-degree relatives. 41% (45/109) of healthy relatives had an increased density of gamma delta T cells in their mucosa and 66% had an increased density of alpha beta T cells. By contrast with alpha beta T cells, the density of gamma delta cells was significantly associated with genetic markers for coeliac disease susceptibility (DR3, DQA, and DQB). We also found a dose effect of DQA and DQB genes on the number of intraepithelial gamma delta T cells. An increased density of gamma delta T cells in normal jejunal mucosa of a healthy individual with appropriate genetic determinants might be necessary for the development of the typical lesions of coeliac disease. Routine jejunal histological studies should include gamma delta T-cell counts, thus allowing early detection of coeliac disease latency.

Alleles↗

Serological markers and HLA genes among healthy first-degree relatives of patients with coeliac disease.

Coeliac disease may remain undiagnosed because of the non-specific nature of the presenting symptoms. Several antibody tests are claimed as markers for this condition but a direct comparison of the available tests has not been reported. The probands and healthy first-degree relatives of 42 families with coeliac disease were studied. Histological examination of biopsy specimens revealed jejunal mucosal villous atrophy compatible with coeliac disease in 13 of 122 relatives. Reticulin-antibody-positive relatives with or without jejunal mucosal atrophy were genetically similar to the probands of the families (DR3 gene frequencies 55.3%-60.0%). Gliadin-antibody-positive relatives with normal mucosa were genetically different from the probands (DR3 gene frequency 16.7% versus 55.3%). IgA reticulin and endomysium antibodies detected 92.3% of subjects with silent coeliac disease. The only case that was missed had selective IgA deficiency and was positive for IgG-class reticulin antibodies. By contrast, gliadin antibodies detected only half of the cases. Follow-up of the 7 reticulin-antibody-positive relatives with normal mucosa revealed 2 further cases of coeliac disease and 1 of dermatitis herpetiformis during the next three years. Our family study shows that healthy reticulin-antibody-positive first-degree relatives of coeliac disease patients, irrespective of the state of the jejunal mucosa, are genetically similar to known coeliac disease patients. Reticulin-antibody positivity is an indicator of both silent and latent coeliac disease.

Antibodies↗

Cloning and characterization of two mouse heat shock factors with distinct inducible and constitutive DNA-binding ability.

We have cloned two distinct mouse heat shock transcription factor genes, mHSF1 and mHSF2. The mHSF1 and mHSF2 open reading frames are similar in size, containing 503 and 517 amino acids, respectively. Although mHSF1 and mHSF2 are quite divergent overall (only 38% identity), they display extensive homology in the DNA-binding and oligomerization domains that are conserved in the heat shock factors of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Kluyveromyces lactis, Drosophila, tomato, and human. The ability of these two mouse heat shock factors to bind to the heat shock element (HSE) is regulated by heat. mHSF1 is expressed in an in vitro translation system in an inactive form that is activated to DNA binding by incubation at temperatures greater than 41 degrees C, the same temperatures that activate heat shock factor DNA binding and the stress response in mouse cells in vivo. mHSF2, on the other hand, is expressed in a form that binds DNA constitutively but loses DNA binding by incubation at greater than 41 degrees C. Both mHSF1 and mHSF2 are encoded by single-copy genes, and neither is transcriptionally regulated by heat shock. However, there is a striking difference in the levels of mHSF1 mRNA in different tissues of the mouse.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Alterations in splanchnic blood flow after low and high doses of ethanol.

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of various acute doses of ethanol (1.0, 3.0, 4.0 g/kg) on the distribution of cardiac output (%CO) and blood flow to the splanchnic vascular bed in conscious male Wistar rats. Regional blood flow and cardiac output (CO) were measured by the reference microsphere technique. Mean arterial pressure and CO were significantly reduced 60 min after 3.0 g/kg and 4.0 g/kg of ethanol, while no changes occurred over time in total peripheral vascular resistance or heart rate. Acute ethanol administration produced an early non-sustained increase in portal vein blood flow, that was most pronounced after a low dose of ethanol, and was attenuated after the 3.0 g/kg and 4.0 g/kg doses of ethanol. The early increase in portal vein blood flow produced a corresponding increase in total liver blood flow. Additionally, we found increases in hepatic arterial blood flow after the higher doses. The combined increase in portal vein and hepatic arterial supply to the liver may serve to increase oxygen delivery, more than the singular increase in portal vein blood flow. This early increase in total liver blood flow after high doses of ethanol may be important for protecting hepatocyte function in the presence of high blood ethanol levels.

Animals↗

Increase in gamma/delta T cell receptor bearing lymphocytes in normal small bowel mucosa in latent coeliac disease.

A jejunal biopsy specimen from an asymptomatic 35 year old man was studied because of a low serum titre of reticulin antibody and the finding of coeliac disease in his son. In this specimen villous structure was quite normal as was the total number of intraepithelial lymphocytes, but the number of gamma/delta T cell receptor bearing lymphocytes was 10 times higher than the mean in control subjects. Two years later a further biopsy specimen was obtained because of clinical symptoms and an increased titre of reticulin antibody. This specimen showed villous atrophy with crypt hyperplasia and increased infiltration of intraepithelial lymphocytes compatible with coeliac disease. A control biopsy specimen taken during gluten free diet showed normalisation of the villous architecture. Latent coeliac disease may be characterised by an increase in gamma/delta positive cells similar to that seen in established coeliac disease.

Adult↗

Quality of life of patients with sarcoma postchemotherapy.

This study was designed to describe the effects of a 96-hour doxorubicin hydrochloride/dacarbazine chemotherapy protocol for soft-tissue sarcoma on patients' functioning, life-style, and quality of life (QOL). Patients from the surgical oncology clinic of a large, midwestern university completed the Quality of Life Index--Cancer Version (QLI) and Functional Living Index: Cancer (FLIC). Additional information obtained regarded response to chemotherapy and demographic data. Patients were most satisfied with faith in God, family health, health care, long life, and their spouse. Patients were least satisfied with sex life, stress or worries, unemployment, financial independence, and government influence. QOL in the family domain was found to be significantly higher than QOL in the health, functioning, and socioeconomic domains (p less than 0.05). Functional living assessment indicated that patients were confident in their prescribed course of treatment, optimistic about the future, generally felt well, and felt that their QOL had improved since treatment. Aspects of chemotherapy that most interfered with patients' lives were the length of treatment and the financial burden. The patients reported a high confidence level in the medical and nursing care that they received.

Activities of Daily Living↗

Middle nurse manager effectiveness.

In a nationwide survey of academic health center chief nurse executives (CNEs) and middle nurse managers (MNMs), human management skill was ranked as the most important criterion of effectiveness. The characteristic of flexibility/negotiation/compromise was second. Neither group reported fiscal management skills as a top priority for MNM effectiveness. The authors compare the results with earlier studies of the effectiveness criteria of CNEs, for whom human management skills were ranked second and general management skills first.

Academic Medical Centers↗

[Juvenile chronic arthritis. A clinical and radiographic study of the chewing apparatus].

The present investigation of a relatively large Danish sample of patients with Juvenile Chronic Arthritis (JCA) revealed high frequencies of symptoms from the masticatory apparatus. 63% of the patients had destructive changes in the region of the mandibular condyles caused by arthritis. In one third of these cases the destructions were severe. Three fourth of the patients with TMJ-affection showed bilateral affection, and one fourth had unilateral affection. TMJ-affection was positively correlated to the duration and the severity of the general disease at the time of examination. Fifty per cent of the patients with TMJ-affection had reduced mouth opening capacity and most of these patients were aware of the problem themselves. The frequency of other symptoms from the TMJ and the jaw musculature was relatively high in the patient group. However, there were no significant differences between these frequencies when the group with TMJ-affection was compared to the group without TMJ-affection except for mouth opening capacity. The patients with TMJ-affection had significantly higher frequencies of frontal and lateral open bite and midline devition when compared to the patients without TMJ-affection. Furthermore, the patients with TMJ-affection had a significantly higher frequency of crowding in the mandibular incisor region than the patients without TMJ-affection. Thus, the study showed that TMJ-affection is common among children with juvenile chronic arthritis, and that the TMJ-affection may result in both functional problems and malocclusion.

Arthritis, Juvenile↗