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Biomedical subjects

M Olsson

Publications and source records attributed to M Olsson.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

Expression of HLA-DR antigen and smooth muscle cell differentiation markers by valvular fibroblasts in degenerative aortic stenosis.

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to analyze the functional characteristics of fibroblasts present in aortic valves with degenerative stenosis. BACKGROUND: Morphologic analysis of degenerative stenosis of tricuspid aortic valves has revealed an extensive interstitial fibrosis. METHODS: Stenotic aortic valves collected during aortic valve replacement and control valves collected at autopsy were fixed in formaldehyde, cryosectioned and stained with antibodies against leukocyte markers, HLA-DR and intracellular filaments. Fibroblasts isolated from stenotic valve and skin explants were grown in cell culture, and their proliferative activity was analyzed by cell counting and uptake of tritiated thymidine. RESULTS: In the stenotic valves nearly all interstitial cells expressed vimentin, and approximately 60% of the cells also expressed alpha-actin and desmin. HLA-DR was present on inflammatory cells as well as on one-third of the fibroblast-like cells in the interstitium. Macrophages were found in the interstitium and T lymphocytes close to calcium deposits and in subendothelial areas. In control valves, fibroblasts expressed vimentin but not alpha-actin or desmin. Few inflammatory cells were present in these valves, and HLA-DR expression was restricted to the endothelial surface. In culture, stenotic valve fibroblasts had a reduced ability to proliferate in serum and to activate DNA synthesis in response to growth factors compared with skin fibroblasts from the same patient. CONCLUSIONS: The observation that fibroblasts present in aortic valves with degenerative stenosis express smooth muscle cell characteristics and HLA-DR antigen and show signs of cellular senescence in vitro suggests that they are in a state of chronic activation similar to that observed in fibromatosis and scleroderma lesions.

Actins↗

Accumulation of T lymphocytes and expression of interleukin-2 receptors in nonrheumatic stenotic aortic valves.

OBJECTIVES: Cell-specific antibodies were used to identify immunocompetent cells in a comparison of valves from patients who had symptomatic tricuspid aortic stenosis with subjects who had no evidence of valvular heart disease. BACKGROUND: Nonrheumatic valvular aortic stenosis is the most common valvular heart disease among adults. The biologic processes involved in the development of this disease are poorly understood. METHODS: Tricuspid stenotic aortic valves were obtained from 19 patients undergoing surgery for nonrheumatic valvular aortic stenosis, and 10 control valves were collected at autopsy. The valves were fixed in formaldehyde, cryosectioned and stained with antibodies against fibroblasts, endothelial cells, macrophages, T lymphocytes and interleukin-2 receptors. A subset of valves were also analyzed with antibodies against T-helper cells and cytotoxic T cells. RESULTS: Stenotic valves were characterized by a basal accumulation of calcium deposits and a cell-rich subendothelial thickening. The immunohistologic analysis indicated that the cells in the subendothelial connective tissue were fibroblasts. T lymphocytes appeared to be the most common cell type in the vicinity of the calcium deposits and were also found close to the endothelial lining of the valves. T-helper cells were more frequent than cytotoxic T cells. Expression of interleukin-2 receptors occurred at the same location as T lymphocytes. Control valves lacked subendothelial thickening and contained only few cells reacting with antibodies against lymphocytes and macrophages. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of activated T lymphocytes in tricuspid stenotic valves suggests that immunologic mechanisms may be involved in the etiology of nonrheumatic aortic stenosis.

Aged↗

Peripartum cardiomyopathy--three cases.

Three cases of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) are presented, each illustrating a clinically important aspect of the disorder. One patient survived despite extreme haemodynamic deterioration, one died suddenly 2 months post partum although clinically recovered, and one died during a subsequent pregnancy. The cases demonstrate the severity and the unpredictable course of PPCM, which remains a challenge both to scientists and to clinicians.

Adult↗

GTPase activity of a bacterial SRP-like complex.

We have recently identified a protein (SRPM54) in Mycoplasma mycoides homologous to SRP54, a subunit of the mammalian signal recognition particle (SRP). This protein forms a complex with a mycoplasma RNA related to the RNA component of SRP. We have now demonstrated that the protein has an intrinsic GTPase activity in vitro and kinetic parameters for the enzymatic reaction have been determined. The GTPase activity was not significantly affected by the presence of the mycoplasma SRP RNA. Different regions of the SRPM54 protein were expressed as recombinant proteins in E. coli and were purified to near homogeneity. On the basis of the properties of these SRPM54 fragments two different functional domains of the protein could be distinguished. An N-terminal part was found to contain the GTPase activity and this domain had approximately the same kinetic properties as the full-length protein. Another domain corresponding to a C-terminal fragment contained the RNA binding activity as shown using an assay based on the retention of RNA-protein complexes to nitrocellulose filters.

Bacterial Proteins↗

On the relationship between crown form and clinical features of the gingiva in adolescents.

The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between the form of the crowns in the maxillary front tooth segment and (1) a group of morphological characteristics and (2) the thickness of the gingiva. 108 subjects devoid of symptoms of destructive periodontal disease were examined regarding, e.g., probing depth, thickness of the free gingiva, width of the keratinized gingiva and the contour of the marginal gingiva. From clinical photographs of the maxillary front tooth region, the width (at the apical third--CW) and the length (CL) of the crowns of the 6 front teeth were determined. A CW/CL-ratio was calculated for each tooth and averaged for each tooth region. The individual mean CW/CL-ratio values for the central incisors were ranked. After correction for incisal attrition, the 10 subjects ranked highest and the 10 ranked lowest were selected as having either a long-narrow (group N) or a short-wide (group W) form of the crown of the tooth. The data for each of the examined parameters were averaged for each tooth region in each subject and mean values for subjects in groups W and N were compared using the Student t-test. Stepwise multiple regression analysis, including data from the whole sample, was performed for each tooth region with the thickness of the free gingiva as the dependent variable.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗

Detection of Pneumocystis carinii DNA in sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage samples by polymerase chain reaction.

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay was developed for the detection of Pneumocystis carinii DNA in induced sputum and bronchoscopic alveolar lavage samples. The primer pair was selected from the published sequence of the thymidylate synthase gene of P. carinii derived from infected rats. The amplified DNA fragment of 403 bp was detected by agarose gel electrophoresis and by Southern and slot blot hybridization. No positive reaction was seen with DNA from different microorganisms typically found in the respiratory tract. P. carinii DNA was demonstrated in 30 of 42 sputum samples from immunosuppressed patients, whereas 21 of 42 sputum samples were positive by indirect immunofluorescence (IFL). Among the 42 patients, 14 were receiving prophylactic chemotherapy. In that group, PCR detected P. carinii in nine sputum samples, whereas IFL detected P. carinii in only four sputum samples. A positive PCR result was also seen in 5 of 43 IFL-negative bronchoscopic alveolar lavage samples from patients with respiratory symptoms. The PCR assay detected 10 copies of the target DNA, which corresponds to 10(-18) g of the specific P. carinii sequence. The results indicate that PCR amplification in combination with DNA hybridization is specific and is a more sensitive diagnostic method than IFL for the detection of P. carinii.

Base Sequence↗

Radiocesium in muscle tissue of reindeer and pike from northern Sweden before and after the Chernobyl accident. A retrospective study on tissue samples from the Swedish Environmental Specimen Bank.

After the Chernobyl accident in April 1986, considerable deposition of radionuclides occurred regionally in eastern, central and northwestern Sweden. Locally, the fallout of radiocesium exceeded the remainder from atmospheric nuclear weapons tests by several magnitudes. Since the end of the 1960s samples of organs from various plant and animal species, annually collected at different localities, have been preserved in the Swedish Environmental Specimen Bank (ESB). In this work samples from the ESB have been used for retrospective studies of radioactive pollution. The activities of Cs-134 and Cs-137 in muscle tissues from reindeer, Rangifer tarandus, and pike, Esox lucius, preserved in the ESB, were measured. The samples were collected annually; the reindeer at three localities in northern Sweden and the pike at one of them. In material collected prior to the Chernobyl accident, the levels of Cs-137 were 57-180 Bq/kg in reindeer and 14-24 Bq/kg in pike, fresh weight basis. These levels relate to earlier nuclear bomb tests. A significant decrease was found in pike during the pre-Chernobyl period (1971-86). In post-Chernobyl samples the burden of Cs-137 varied from amounts equal to the former levels in the northernmost locality and up to 80 times higher for the maximum values in the southernmost locality. The highest value recorded was 18,425 Bq/kg in reindeer. The geographic variations in reindeer from Chernobyl fallout were in accordance with the pattern of deposition estimated by aircraft surveys performed in May 1986. The ratio between 'new' and 'old' radiocesium burdens in pike, caught in 1987, approached the corresponding ratio for reindeer grazing in the precipitation area of the lake; 33 and 19, respectively.

Accidents↗

Aortic valve replacement in octogenarians with aortic stenosis: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to compare the results of aortic valve replacement in patients greater than or equal to 80 years old with those in patients 65 to 75 years old. BACKGROUND: Aortic valve replacement may be potentially more complicated and require the use of more resources when performed in octogenarians rather than in younger patients. Few hard data on this possibility are available. METHODS: The study group comprises all 44 patients greater than or equal to 80 years old (mean age 82 years) who underwent aortic valve replacement at our institution between January 1981 and July 1989. A control group of 83 patients with a mean age of 70 years was matched with the study group for gender and approximate date of valve replacement. Before operation, 86% of the older patients versus 36% of the younger patients were in New York Heart Association functional class III or IV (p less than 0.001). Data were retrospectively collected from hospital records and a self-assessment telephone interview was conducted. RESULTS: The early mortality rate was 14% in the older group versus 4% in the younger group (p = 0.045). The duration of respirator support, intensive care and the total duration of the hospital stay did not differ significantly between groups. The incidence of postoperative low cardiac output syndrome was higher in the older group (p = 0.049), but the incidence of late valve-related complications was similar in the two groups. The 2-year survival rate (including data on patients who died early) was 73% in the older group and 90% in the younger group (p = NS). Six months postoperatively all patients but one were in functional class I or II. CONCLUSIONS: Although the patients greater than or equal to 80 years old had a poorer preoperative status than that of younger patients, aortic valve replacement in this group did not require more use of hospital resources and resulted in a clinical improvement comparable to that of younger patients.

Age Factors↗

Implants in partially edentulous patients. A longitudinal study of bridges supported by both implants and natural teeth.

The aim of the study was to compare the outcome of bridges supported by implants with bridges supported by a combination of implants and natural teeth abutments. The study comprised 23 patients with Applegate Kennedy Class I dentition in the mandible and a full upper denture. Implants ad modum Brånemark were inserted in the posterior areas of both mandibular quadrants. On one side, a bridge supported by 2 implants was constructed (Type I) and on the other side, a bridge supported by 1 tooth (mostly the canine or first premolar) and 1 implant was made (Type II). A total of 46 bridges were made and during the 3-year follow-up period, 4 Type I and 2 Type II bridges were lost. 8 out of 69 implants were lost during the 3-year follow-up, resulting in an implant survival rate of 88.4%. Marginal bone loss, one of several parameters, was evaluated on standardized intraoral radiographs. This was performed during the 1st and 2nd year of function and the total mean bone loss from loading was 0.46 mm and 0.56 mm, respectively. The bone loss during the 2nd year of function was significantly less, adjacent to implants supporting Type II bridges, than adjacent to implants supporting Type I bridges. Summarily, no disadvantages of combining of teeth and implants in the same bridge were found in this study. On the contrary, the slightly lower marginal bone loss adjacent to implants in Type II bridges may indicate that the bone reactions could be more favorable when bridges are connected to both implants and teeth.

Alveolar Bone Loss↗

Mandibular function before orthodontic treatment.

Two-hundred-and-forty-five consecutive prospective orthodontic patients and 245 controls matched for age, sex, and residence, but with minor need of orthodontic treatment, were examined. The functional examination of the masticatory system was made according to Carlsson and Helkimo (1972), and Helkimo (1974). According to dysfunction index (Helkimo, 1974), 33.5 per cent of the patients and 21.6 per cent of the controls had a moderate, and 18.9 and 7.8 per cent respectively, a severe dysfunction. The corresponding figures for symptoms were 16.7 and 4.9 per cent respectively. In the patient group the frequency of signs and symptoms was higher in the older age group and in the girls. Orthodontic patients appeared to be at greater risk of craniomandibular disorders (CMD) than individuals with minor need of treatment.

Adolescent↗

DNA haplotype analysis suggests linkage disequilibrium in the human insulin receptor gene.

Haplotypes of the insulin receptor gene were resolved in parents from Scandinavian nuclear families by studying the segregation of seven restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs). Of 97 unrelated parents, 41 had non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Considerable linkage disequilibrium in the region of the insulin receptor gene was found. Pairwise non-random associations were found between proximate RFLP sites, indicating the absence of recombinational hot spots between these sites. Thus, association studies between DNA polymorphisms at this locus and disease susceptibility genes could well be feasible in this population. Differences in the distribution of insulin receptor haplotypes were examined between NIDDM patients and healthy subjects. However, the differences observed were not statistically significant.

Adult↗

Digoxin-verapamil interaction: reduction of biliary but not renal digoxin clearance in humans.

The interaction between digoxin and verapamil was studied in six patients (mean age +/- SD, 61 +/- 5 years) with chronic atrial fibrillation. The effects of adding verapamil (240 mg/day) on steady-state plasma concentrations and renal and biliary clearances of digoxin were studied in a crossover manner. The biliary clearance of digoxin was determined by a duodenal perfusion technique. Verapamil induced a 44% increase in steady-state plasma concentrations of digoxin, from 0.80 +/- 0.24 to 1.15 +/- 0.40 nmol/L (p less than 0.01). The biliary clearance of digoxin decreased by 43%, from 187 +/- 89 to 101 +/- 55 ml/min (p less than 0.05), in the presence of verapamil, whereas the renal clearance was unaffected (153 +/- 31 versus 173 +/- 51 ml/min; difference not significant). Our results indicate that the main inhibitory effect of verapamil on digoxin elimination is on the biliary route.

Bile↗

Tryptase in nasal lavage fluid after local allergen challenge. Relationship to histamine levels and TAME-esterase activity.

The activation of mast cells is generally considered to be an important trigger mechanism in the immediate allergic response. This study focused on the determination of three markers of mast cell activation after an allergen challenge. Nasal allergen challenges were performed in 25 subjects with seasonal allergic rhinitis using three allergen doses increasing in 10-fold steps in a standardised nasal lavage model for the subsequent recovery of the markers of mast cell activation. The levels of histamine and tryptase in the nasal lavage fluid were determined using radioimmunoassays, while the TAME-esterase activity was determined using a radiochemical technique. The nasal symptoms obtained on challenge were assessed using a scoring technique. The allergen challenge resulted in significant increases in the levels of all three markers, tryptase, histamine and TAME-esterase. In the individual measurements after the challenges there was a highly significant correlation between the TAME-esterase levels and the tryptase levels (r = 0.71; P less than 0.001), while the generation of histamine and tryptase was not significantly correlated. When comparing the cumulative generation of the three markers, significant correlations were found between all three. Allergen challenges in six non-allergic controls using the same technique did not result in any increase in tryptase levels. The findings suggest that the determination of tryptase in nasal lavage fluid may be a valuable indicator of mast cell activation in the upper airways.

Adult↗

Periodontal characteristics in individuals with varying form of the upper central incisors.

It has been suggested that the variation in the morphology of the human periodontium may be related to the shape and form of the teeth. Furthermore, the severity of symptoms of periodontal disease have been proposed to differ among these various morphologic entities or "biotypes". The aim of the present study was (i) to identify individuals with markedly different crown forms and (ii) to determine probing pocket depth, probing attachment level and amount of gingival recession that had occurred at different teeth and tooth surfaces in such individuals. Clinical photographs of the maxillary incisor tooth region of 113 subjects who had been recruited for a long-term study on periodontal disease were available. The length (CL) and width (CW) of the crowns were determined and the CW/CL ratio was calculated for each tooth. 10% in each tail, 11 subjects in each group, were arbitrarily chosen as having either a long-narrow (N) or a short-wide (W) form of the central incisors. The probing pocket depth, probing attachment level and gingival recession data available from all subjects and subjects in groups W and N were compared and analyzed using the Student t-test and multiple regression analysis. The result from the analyses demonstrated that: (1) subjects with a long-narrow form of the upper central incisors had experienced more recession of the gingival margin at buccal surfaces than subjects who had a short-wide tooth form; (2) there was a significant influence of the CW/CL-ratio on the probing attachment level (p less than 0.05) and the amount of gingival recession (p less than 0.01) on buccal tooth surfaces.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Bicuspid↗

Identification of Salmonellae with the 4-methylumbelliferyl caprilate fluorescence test.

We have tested 750 Salmonella strains and 130 strains of other species of the family Enterbacteriaceae with the 4-methylumbelliferyl caprilate reagent (MUCAP) test. The MUCAP test is a fluorescence test for rapid identification of Salmonella strains. The non-Salmonella strains were strains sent for identification as suspected Salmonella strains and thus have phenotypes similar to those of Salmonella strains. All 748 tested Salmonella strains of subgroups I, II, III, and IV were positive in the MUCAP test. Of the two tested rare Salmonella subgroup V strains, one was positive and the other was negative. In the selected material containing strains with phenotypes similar to those of Salmonella strains, only one Hafnia alvei strain of 130 Enterbacteriaceae bacteria tested was positive. The fluorescence of the H. alvei strain, the six tested Salmonella dublin strains, and the positive Salmonella subgroup V strain was weaker than that of the other salmonellae. The MUCAP assay is simple and is performed within 5 min. With an almost 100% sensitivity for Salmonella strains, apart from a single Salmonella subgroup V strain, we found the MUCAP test to be a convenient complement to traditional biochemical identification methods, especially for atypical and unusual Salmonella strains.

Bacteriological Techniques↗

Combination of natural teeth and osseointegrated implants as prosthesis abutments: a 2-year longitudinal study.

Twenty-three patients with Kennedy Class I mandibular dentition were supplied with prostheses in the posterior parts of the mandible. On one side they were given a prosthesis supported by two implants (prosthesis Type I) and on the other side they received a prosthesis supported by one implant and one natural tooth (prosthesis Type II). Sixty-nine fixtures were inserted and 46 prostheses constructed. Eight of the fixtures were lost during the observation period. The failure rate of the implants was about the same in the two types of prostheses; five fixtures belonged to prostheses Type I (10.9%) and two fixtures belonged to prostheses Type II (8.7%), while one fixture was lost prior to loading. From a theoretical point of view, the combination of a tooth and an osseointegrated implant should encounter problems with regard to the difference in bone anchorage and there should be a risk of biomechanical complications. However, the results of this study did not indicate any disadvantages in connecting teeth and implants in the same restoration.

Adult↗

[PCB methyl sulphone: comparison of tissue levels in Baltic grey seals and a Yusho patient].

Methyl sulphone metabolites of PCB and DDE were isolated from different tissues of a Baltic grey seal (Halichoerus grypus). Main components in the seal blubber were identified as 3-MeSO2-2,2',4',5,5'-pentaCB, 4-MeSO2-2,2',4',5,5'-pentaCB, 3-MeSO2-p,p'-DDE, 4-MeSO2-2,2',3',4',5-pentaCB and 4-MeSO2-2,2',3,4',5',6-hexaCB. Liver and lung in the seal contained different MeSO2-PCB pattern compared to all other tissues. These levels in the both tissues were estimated to be 28 and 15 ppm (lipid basis) which corresponded to the same level as the PCB. Concentrations of MeSO2-PCB in any tissues of a Yusho patient were low compared to those in the seal.

Animals↗