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P Ekman

Publications and source records attributed to P Ekman.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Salmonella-triggered reactive arthritis: use of polymerase chain reaction, immunocytochemical staining, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in the detection of bacterial components from synovial fluid.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether microbial components are present in the cells of synovial fluid or peripheral blood from patients with Salmonella-triggered reactive arthritis (ReA). METHODS: Synovial fluid cells and/or peripheral blood cells from 23 patients with Salmonella-triggered ReA and from 19 control patients with newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis were studied using 3 different polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques and immunocytochemical staining. Muramic acid from the synovial fluid was studied by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Salmonella chromosomal DNA was not detectable in the synovial fluid cells and peripheral blood leukocytes of patients with Salmonella ReA. Initially, positive reactions were observed in the synovial fluid cells and peripheral blood leukocytes of 3 of 17 and 3 of 18 patients with ReA, respectively, but in the subsequent PCR studies, these findings were not reproducible. Salmonella-specific antigen was detectable by immunofluorescence in the synovial fluid cells and peripheral blood leukocytes of 4 of 11 and 2 of 7 patients with ReA, respectively. Muramic acid was present in 2 of 15 synovial fluid samples from patients with ReA, but the bacterial cultures from synovial fluid were negative. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate the presence of bacterial degradation products, but not bacterial DNA, in the inflamed joints of patients with Salmonella-triggered ReA.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Measuring facial expressions by computer image analysis.

Facial expressions provide an important behavioral measure for the study of emotion, cognitive processes, and social interaction. The Facial Action Coding System (Ekman & Friesen, 1978) is an objective method for quantifying facial movement in terms of component actions. We applied computer image analysis to the problem of automatically detecting facial actions in sequences of images. Three approaches were compared: holistic spatial analysis, explicit measurement of features such as wrinkles, and estimation of motion flow fields. The three methods were combined in a hybrid system that classified six upper facial actions with 91% accuracy. The hybrid system outperformed human nonexperts on this task and performed as well as highly trained experts. An automated system would make facial expression measurement more widely accessible as a research tool in behavioral science and investigations of the neural substrates of emotion.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Finasteride in the treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy: an update. New indications for finasteride therapy.

A phenomenon of the prostate gland, which is also shared by hair follicles, is that it is little influenced by testosterone (T) for androgenic stimulation, but instead by its metabolite 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). By blocking the conversion of T to DHT, the circulating level of DHT is reduced by 80%, the size of the prostate gland is reduced by about 20% and the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) by about 50%. Treatment of patients with obstructive benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) with the drug Finasteride leads to a moderately improved urinary flow, symptomatic improvement and halts the natural progress of the disease. Since DHT potentiates the effect of testosterone on erectile function, the side-effects are impotence in 3% of patients, decreased ejaculatory volume, and gynaecomastia in 0.4% of patients. The drug could be regarded as a safe way to treat moderately symptomatic BPH. The efficacy of the drug is long-lasting (more than 7 years). It has also been tried in prostate cancer, but is less effective. It reduces PSA levels by 50% and, in combination therapy, therefore, PSA levels remain low for longer when Finasteride is added. An important finding is the efficacy of Finasteride treatment in haematuria from BPH. The drug interacts with vascular endothelium growth factor and efficiently prevents new bleeding. It could be regarded as a first-line therapy for this type of haematuria. Finasteride can also be used to stop male baldness. It seems particularly effective in men aged 20-40 years; 85% of patients stopped losing hair when given Finasteride. When the treatment was stopped hair loss continued, thus therapy may have to be "lifelong".

Enzyme Inhibitors↗
PubMed1999

Human monocytic U937 cells kill Salmonella in vitro by NO-independent mechanisms.

Nitric oxide (NO) has a central role in host defense against intracellular microbes. HLA-B27 has been shown to directly modulate host-microbe interaction in vitro, leading to the impaired elimination of Salmonella in human monocytic U937 cells. Here, we studied whether impaired elimination of Salmonella would result from differences in NO production between HLA-B27- and HLA-A2-transfected U937 cells. Both human monocytic transfectants produced NO equally well and killed Salmonella via NO-independent mechanisms.

HLA-A2 Antigen↗
PubMed1999

Genetic and environmental factors in prostate cancer genesis: identifying high-risk cohorts.

Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy found in males; however, little is as yet known regarding what initiates the disease. The incidence is highest among American Blacks and lowest in the East Asian population. Subtypes of the disease include familial clustering and a hereditary form (9%) supporting genetic events to be involved in prostate cancer pathogenesis. Chromosomal abberations so far identified as being frequently occurring in this disease seem to be related to later phases of disease progression. However, research finding the responsible promoting genetic alteration is rapidly progressing. To explain the varied geographical distribution of the disease, the environment also has to be taken into account. Risk factors identified so far include obesity, animal fat, red meat consumption and certain toxins containing cadmium, while vegetables, cereals and vitamin D seem to be protective. It is reasonable to believe that, in the near future, we will be able to identify persons at risk of acquiring the disease and then inform them how to adjust their lifestyle to avoid early progression of the malignancy.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Distinct deleted regions on chromosome segment 16q23-24 associated with metastases in prostate cancer.

Cadherins (CDH) are cell adhesion molecules and their dysfunctions have been implicated in the development of cancer metastases. Several cadherin genes are tandemly located on 16q, which is frequently deleted in prostate cancer. We therefore used 22 markers on 16q to localize important deleted regions in metastases of this tumor. We found 16q deletions in 24/32 (75%) tumors. All lymph node and brain metastases showed extensive deletions, while 52% of primary tumors displayed limited deletions. Commonly deleted regions (CDRs) on 16q23-24, CDR2 (D16S515-D16S516) and CDR4 (D16S520-D13S3028), were strongly associated with metastases and increased Gleason score. Reduced CDH1 (E-cadherin) expression was seen in 16/32 (50%) tumors, but the CDH1 gene is not within either of these two regions. Sequencing analysis for all 16 exons of the CDH1 gene did not reveal any mutations in 10 tumors, including three brain metastases with both 16q22.1 deletion and absent E-cadherin expression. Our results implicate other, yet unidentified genes on 16q23-24 to be the frequent targets of mutations and deletions in prostate cancer metastases.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Detection of Salmonella infantis in synovial fluid cells of a patient with reactive arthritis.

We investigated a patient with Salmonella infantis triggered reactive arthritis (ReA) for a possible occurrence of S. infantis-specific antigens and DNA in the synovial fluid (SF) cells. S. infantis-specific antigens were abundantly observed by immunofluorescence in SF cells of the patient during acute joint inflammation. Salmonella-specific DNA was detected by Southern blotting of the amplified polymerase chain reaction product once, but the result could not be repeated. It seems that if bacterial DNA exists in inflamed joints in Salmonella triggered ReA, its amount is extremely low. This is the first report of intraarticular S. infantis antigens and potentially of Salmonella DNA in Salmonella triggered ReA.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Chromosome 16q24 deletion and decreased E-cadherin expression: possible association with metastatic potential in prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Deletion of chromosome 16q is a frequent aberration in prostatic carcinoma, indicating the existence of candidate tumor suppressor genes involved in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer. METHODS: Chromosome 16 numerical aberration and loss of 16q were studied by fluorescence in situ hybridization in 31 primary and 22 metastatic tumors from 53 patients. The results were compared with E-cadherin expression, tumor grade and stage, and DNA ploidy. RESULTS: Numerical chromosome 16 aberrations, 16q deletion, and loss of E-cadherin expression were found in 29%, 35%, and 29% of the primary tumors, respectively, and in 73%, 73%, and 73% of the metastases, respectively. High tumor grade and DNA aneuploidy were also found to have significant correlation with metastases. CONCLUSIONS: Deletion of chromosome 16q24 and/or loss of the E-cadherin function appears in a high frequency in metastases of prostate cancer. The strong correlations suggest that they may be important risk factors, contributing to the metastatic potential of the tumor.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1998

Identification of two distinct deleted regions on chromosome 13 in prostate cancer.

Aberrations of 13q occur frequently in prostate cancer and this chromosome contains two known tumor suppressor genes, BRCA2 and Rb1. This study analysed 13q LOH, DNA ploidy, BRCA2 mutation and pRb expression in prostate cancers. In total, 13q deletions were found in 18 of 36 tumors but did not correlate with histological grade, stage or DNA ploidy. Two smallest regions of overlapping deletions were defined: one flanked by D13S218 and D13S153; the other flanked by D13S31 and D13S137. BRCA2 was less frequently deleted whereas Rb1 did have a high frequency of deletion. None of the two genes was located in any of these two regions. Furthermore, BRCA2 mutation was not found in the five tumors where deletions had involved the BRCA2 locus. Neither did the Rb1 deletion correlate with absent pRb expression. In addition, tetraploidy was found in 14 out of 25 tumors analysed and correlated with aberrant pRb expression. Our results indicate that 13q deletion is an early non-random event. Tumor suppressor genes other than BRCA2 or Rb1 may be the target of 13q deletions. Aberrant pRb expression may not reflect the two-hit Rb1 inactivation but may be involved in the tetraploidization of prostate cancer cells.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

Facial expression and the affective component of cynical hostility in male coronary heart disease patients.

This study describes the affective component of hostility as measured by the Cook-Medley Hostility Scale (Ho; W. Cook & D. Medley, 1954) by examining the relationship between facial expressions of emotion and Ho scores in 116 male coronary heart disease patients. Patients underwent the videotaped Type A Structured Interview, from which facial expressions were later coded using the Facial Action Coding System. They also completed the Cook-Medley Ho scale. Facial expression of the emotion of contempt was significantly related to Ho scores; anger expression was not. Also, there was a significant interaction between hostility and defensiveness, wherein low-defensive, highly hostile people showed substantially more contempt expression than others. The implications of these findings for the construct validity of Ho and for identifying clinically important subtypes of hostility are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Maximum efficacy of finasteride is obtained within 6 months and maintained over 6 years. Follow-up of the Scandinavian Open-Extension Study. The Scandinavian Finasteride Study Group.

OBJECTIVES: To study the long-term efficacy and safety of the drug finasteride (Proscar) for benign prostatic hyperplasia and to evaluate whether an improved effect beyond 1 year was due to continuous selection of 'responders'. We also wanted to investigate whether drop-outs differed in short-term responses to those completing the trial. METHODS: A total of 182 patients were enrolled in a double-blind randomized multicenter study with the drug finasteride. After 6 months, all patients were treated with active drug for up to 6 years. Ninety-nine of the patients (54.5%) were still in the trial at its closure. RESULTS: Patients treated with active drug had a decrease in prostate size of around 27% at 6 months, a figure reached by the ex-placebo group at 12 months. At 6 years, both groups had a reduction in prostate size of 21% as measured from baseline. At 6 months, urinary flow had improved by a mean of 2.4 ml/s in the finasteride group and reached an improvement of 2.8 ml/s in the ex-placebo group at 12 months. At 6 years, the flow had improved by 2.2 ml/s in both groups combined as compared to baseline data. The symptom score was improved by 3.4 points in the finasteride group at 6 months and by 2.6 points in the ex-placebo group at 12 months; both values were then maintained over 6 years. CONCLUSION: In responders (those completing the 6-year trial), finasteride appeared to be a safe drug which reduced the prostate size by 20-25% within 6 months, with a simultaneous 30% improvement of objective and subjective symptoms and a 2.2 ml/s improvement in urinary flow rate. The improvements were maintained for at least 6 years; however, further improvement beyond 6 months of therapy was not likely to occur.

5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors↗
PubMed1998

A risk-benefit assessment of treatment with finasteride in benign prostatic hyperplasia.

As an androgen target organ, the prostate gland has the almost unique characteristic of being less sensitive to testosterone than to its metabolite 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (5 alpha-DHT). The conversion of testosterone to 5 alpha-DHT is induced by the enzyme 5 alpha-reductase. By blocking the activity of 5 alpha-reductase, the androgenic stimulation of the prostate gland can be significantly reduced. The first drug with such capacity to be introduced on the market was finasteride. Following the administration of this drug to men, serum 5 alpha-DHT levels were reduced by approximately 80%. Large phase III trials have demonstrated the efficacy of finasteride in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). While in some patients the drug was poorly effective, other patients showed significant improvements. The mean reduction in size of the prostate gland was 20 to 25% after 6 months of therapy, and this effect was maintained as long as the patient was on the drug, at least up to the end of a 6-year follow-up period. Prostatic symptom scores were improved by a mean of 30%, while urinary flow was only improved by a mean of 1.5 ml/sec (15%). In a recent double-blind, placebo-controlled study comparing the alpha-blocker terazosin with finasteride, significant improvement was demonstrated for the alpha-blocker, while finasteride produced little improvement overall and was not significantly more effective than placebo in treating moderately symptomatic BPH. However, a subanalysis of this study showed that while finasteride was poorly effective in patients with small prostate glands, a significant improvement was apparent in those with glands larger than 40 ml. There is some evidence that early intervention with finasteride can reduce the number of surgical procedures that are required, at least over a 2-year period. Finasteride is very well tolerated. However, since 5 alpha-DHT potentiates erectile capacity, a 3 to 4% incidence of impotence has been reported, as well as a decreased ejaculatory volume. Gynaecomastia has been noted in a few patients (0.4%). In conclusion, finasteride appears to be a very well tolerated drug to treat outflow obstruction in patients with moderately symptomatic BPH caused by large prostate glands.

Enzyme Inhibitors↗
PubMed1997

How is quality of life in prostate cancer patients influenced by modern treatment? The Wallenberg Symposium.

OBJECTIVES: To identify complications of various forms of treatments for prostate cancer and their influence on patients' quality of life with the ultimate goal of suggesting a Quality of Life Questionnaire specific for prostate cancer for further validation. METHODS: The literature was screened for reports on the more common complications following various forms of therapy for prostate cancer. Frequencies were summarized. The scarce literature reporting on quality of life in prostate cancer was reviewed and conflicting data were discussed and reassessed. Suggested questionnaires used in other studies were critically scrutinized and the various questions recorded. RESULTS: Following radical surgery, impotence and incontinence were the most common complications reducing patients' quality of life. The literature was not uniform with regard to whether loss of sexual function was regarded as a worse complication than loss of urinary control. Following radiotherapy, intestinal problems and sexual dysfunction were the dominating side effects. Quality of life was best preserved in surveillance-only series. Following endocrine therapy, not only impotence and hot flushes were focused upon, but also mental dysfunction and intestinal dysfunction from nonsteroidal antiandrogens, additionally, the importance of effective palliation was highlighted. A Quality of Life Questionnaire should contain general domains relevant to cancer patients, cancer-specific questions, and prostate-cancer-specific questions. The latter group includes: worry for prostate cancer and its prognosis, bone/pelvic pain, lower urinary tract symptoms, urinary incontinence, urinary diversion, bowel function, sexual function, endocrine effects, and satisfaction with medical care for prostate cancer. CONCLUSIONS: A modern trial of prostate cancer treatment should be regarded as insufficient without including a validated Quality of Life Questionnaire.

Costs and Cost Analysis↗
PubMed1997

The ability to detect deceit generalizes across different types of high-stake lies.

The authors investigated whether accuracy in identifying deception from demeanor in high-stake lies is specific to those lies or generalizes to other high-stake lies. In Experiment 1, 48 observers judged whether 2 different groups of men were telling lies about a mock theft (crime scenario) or about their opinion (opinion scenario). The authors found that observers' accuracy in judging deception in the crime scenario was positively correlated with their accuracy in judging deception in the opinion scenario. Experiment 2 replicated the results of Experiment 1, as well as P. Ekman and M. O'Sullivan's (1991) finding of a positive correlation between the ability to detect deceit and the ability to identify micromomentary facial expressions of emotion. These results show that the ability to detect high-stake lies generalizes across high-stake situations and is most likely due to the presence of emotional clues that betray deception in high-stake lies.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Transurethral needle ablation of the prostate for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a collaborative multicentre study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of transurethral needle ablation of the prostate (TUNA) for patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in a multicentre trial. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventy-six patients were recruited from five centres; all were treated with the TUNA system consisting of a powered radiofrequency generator and a TUNA catheter. The patients were evaluated prospectively using the international prostate symptom score (IPSS), uroflowmetry, quality-of-life score, and other variables, and followed for a mean of 12 months after treatment. RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients were available for follow-up: TUNA produced significant improvements in the IPSS (median 22 before, to 7.5 after treatment). urinary flow rate (mean 8.7 before, to 11.6 mL/s after treatment) and quality-of-life score (median 5 before, to 2 after treatment) at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: If these early promising results are maintained. In the medium to long term, TUNA therapy will be a useful low-morbidity alternative for patients with symptomatic BPH.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

Rare association of unilateral renal oncocytoma and angiomyolipoma.

A 65-year-old woman presented to the hospital with left loin pain and haematuria, radiological diagnostic studies demonstrated left renal mass suggestive of renal cell carcinoma and radical nephrectomy was performed. Pathological examination demonstrated the very rare association of renal angiomyolipoma and oncocytoma.

Adenoma, Oxyphilic↗