Intracellular structures containing vaccinia DNA: isolation and characterization.
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Carbon Isotopes↗
Biomedical subjects
R Dahl
Publications and source records attributed to R Dahl.
Synthesis of vaccinia virus "early" and "late" messenger RNA in vitro with nucleoprotein structures isolated from infected cells.
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Cell-Free System↗
Synthesis and intracellular localization of vaccinia virus deoxyribonucleic acid-dependent ribonucleic acid polymerase.
The time course of vaccinia deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-dependent ribonucleic acid (RNA) polymerase synthesis and its intracellular localization were studied with virus-infected HeLa cells. Viral RNA polymerase activity could be meassured shortly after viral infection in the cytoplasmic fraction of infected cells in vitro. However, unless the cells were broken in the presence of the nonionic detergent Triton-X-100, no significant synthesis of new RNA polymerase was detected during the viral growth cycle. When cells were broken in the presence of this detergent, extensive increases in viral RNA polymerase activity were observed late in the infection cycle. The onset of new RNA polymerase synthesis was dependent on prior viral DNA replication. Fluorodeoxyuridine (5 x 10(-5)m) prevented the onset of viral polymerase synthesis. Streptovitacin A, a specific and complete inhibitor of protein synthesis in HeLa cells, prevented the synthesis of RNA polymerase. Thus, the synthesis of RNA polymerase is a "late" function of the virus. The newly synthesized RNA polymerase activity was primarily bound to particles which sedimented during high-speed centrifugation. These particles have been characterized by sucrose gradient centrifugation. A major class of active RNA polymerase particles were considerably "lighter" than whole virus in sucrose gradients. These particles were entirely resistant to the action of added pancreatic deoxyribonuclease, and they were not stimulated by added calf thymus primer DNA. It is concluded that these particles are not active in RNA synthesis in vivo, and that activation occurs as a result of detergent treatment in vitro.
Animals↗
[Experiences with sordinol in hospital patients].
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Aged↗
Feasibility and validity of three computer-assisted neurobehavioral tests in 7-year-old children.
Three tests from the computerized Neurobehavioral Examination System (NES) were administered to a group of 917 Faroese children at approximately 7 years of age. The NES Continuous Performance Test (CPT) was modified to use animal silhouettes as stimuli instead of letters. Almost all children completed Finger Tapping (FT), the modified CPT, and Hand-Eye Coordination (HE). However, 18% of the children missed at least 25% of the stimuli on the CPT (full test period), and 37% of the children did not improve their HE performance by at least 10%, as compared to the first trial. Boys obtained better results than girls, and older children performed better than younger ones. However, both factors were confounded by acquaintance with computer games. Children who used glasses, who had strabismus, or who had decreased contrast sensitivity obtained less satisfactory scores, especially on CPT and HE. The NES performance was significantly associated with functional neurological performance, including catching a ball, diadochokinesia, and finger agnosia. Slight, though statistically significant, decrements were seen with increased levels of prenatal exposure to neurotoxicants, as indicated by the mercury concentrations in cord blood obtained at the time of birth. In conclusion, the tests were feasible in this age group after slight modifications, and the test results showed meaningful associations with major predictors, thus supporting the validity of the data.
Adolescent↗
Health-economic analyses of subcutaneous specific immunotherapy for grass pollen and mite allergy.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the health and monetary consequences of treating allergy with specific immunotherapy (SIT) compared with symptomatic treatment/standard care among patients with grass pollen or mite allergy. METHODS: We performed an economic analysis based on 253 grass- and/or mite allergic patients who started SIT from 1.1.1996 to 1.1.2002 at the Allergy Unit, Aarhus University Hospital and at a specialist practice in Aarhus. Relevant data were collected before, during and after SIT treatment from the national health service based on each patient's personal identification number and medical records and from a specifically designed questionnaire. A cost-benefit analysis including direct and indirect costs before, during and after SIT was performed. In addition direct costs were related to the clinical effect (improvement in well-being) in the form of a cost-effectiveness analysis. RESULTS: The direct cost per patient/year before SIT (equivalent to standard care) was DKK 2,580. The investment in SIT was DKK 27,545 (in present values) per patient over a 4-year period. After SIT the cost was reduced to DKK 1,072 per patient/year. In the long term, prospective introduction of SIT incurred additional present-value direct costs of DKK 13,676 per patient treated and DKK 2,784 per patient/year of improved well-being. However, when indirect costs were included in the economic evaluation SIT was shown to be net beneficial. CONCLUSION: This study reveals that SIT is associated with initial resource investments and subsequent resource savings in the long term compared with standard care. When all consequences are measured in monetary terms, and assuming that sick days are associated with a loss of productivity, this analysis suggests that SIT increases societal welfare. This conclusion also holds if there is no loss of productivity.
Absenteeism↗
Cognitive deficit in 7-year-old children with prenatal exposure to methylmercury.
A cohort of 1022 consecutive singleton births was generated during 1986-1987 in the Faroe Islands. Increased methylmercury exposure from maternal consumption of pilot whale meat was indicated by mercury concentrations in cord blood and maternal hair. At approximately 7 years of age, 917 of the children underwent detailed neurobehavioral examination. Neuropsychological tests included Finger Tapping; Hand-Eye Coordination; reaction time on a Continuous Performance Test; Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised Digit Spans, Similarities, and Block Designs; Bender Visual Motor Gestalt Test; Boston Naming Test; and California Verbal Learning Test (Children). Clinical examination and neurophysiological testing did not reveal any clear-cut mercury-related abnormalities. However, mercury-related neuropsychological dysfunctions were most pronounced in the domains of language, attention, and memory, and to a lesser extent in visuospatial and motor functions. These associations remained after adjustment for covariates and after exclusion of children with maternal hair mercury concentrations above 10 microgram(s) (50 nmol/g). The effects on brain function associated with prenatal methylmercury exposure therefore appear widespread, and early dysfunction is detectable at exposure levels currently considered safe.
Adult↗
A microwave-powered sterilizable interface for aseptic access to bioreactors that are vulnerable to microbial contamination.
Novel methods and apparatus that employ the rapid heating characteristics of microwave irradiation to facilitate the aseptic transfer of nutrients, products, and other materials between microbially sensitive systems and the external environment are described. The microwave-sterilizable access port (MSAP) consists of a 600-W magnetron emitting at a frequency of 2.45 GHz, a sterilization chamber with inlet and outlet flow lines, and a specimen transfer interface. Energy is routed to the sterilization chamber via a coaxial transmission line where small quantities of water couple strongly with the incident radiation to produce a superheated vapor phase. The efficiency of energy transfer is enhanced through the use of microwave susceptors within the sterilization chamber. Mating surfaces are thermally sterilized through direct contact with the hot gas. Efficacy has been demonstrated using the thermophile Bacillus stearothermophilus.
Bioreactors↗
Development and operation of a program to obtain volunteer bone marrow donors unrelated to the patient.
Because of recent increases in bone marrow transplantation, the lack of available matched sibling donors has become a problem. This study investigated the feasibility of obtaining volunteer bone marrow donors unrelated to the patient. A program was developed to inform potential donors and obtain their consent for listing in a bone marrow donor registry. Sixty-six percent of whole blood or apheresis donors agreed to participate in the program. There were no demographic differences between those who accepted or declined to participate. Religion, experiences with medical practices, and the attitude of the potential donor's spouse were important factors in the decision to participate. A search for donors was initiated for 127 patients. Thirty searches were not completed, primarily because of patient-related problems. A total of 713 HLA-A and -B antigen-identical donors was located for 63 of the 97 (65%) patients. A total of 40 HLA-A, -B, and -DR antigen-identical donors was located for 18 of these 63 patients. Six of these 18 patients then had one or more donors (total, 9) whose lymphocytes did not react in mixed lymphocyte culture. Thus, using the file of 2147 donors, an HLA-identical donor was located for 6 percent of the 97 patients. None of these patients has yet received a transplant; in four cases this was due to patient-related and in two cases donor-related reasons. The cost to establish the donor program averaged $33.46 (1984) per donor for donors already typed for HLA-A and -B antigens. This experience indicated that, given thorough information about bone marrow donation and transplantation, a majority of blood and apheresis donors will volunteer to donate bone marrow, without feeling pressure to do so. A relatively small donor file provided donors for 6 percent of patients. The long-term value of bone marrow transplantation using unrelated donors and the optimum size of the donor file remain to be established.
Adult↗
Clinical and patient based evaluation of immunotherapy for grass pollen and mite allergy.
BACKGROUND: Treatment of allergic disease can be done by pharmacological intervention by allergen avoidance--in the following called standard care (SC), or by specific treatment with allergy vaccination; Specific Immunotherapy (SIT). The aim of this study were to evaluate the effects of subcutaneously administrated SIT compared to SC by objective (clinical/medical records) and subjective parameters (patient's opinion) in a before/after SIT study. METHODS: The study included retrospectively all grass- and mite allergic 16-60 year old patients (N = 253) who had started SIT for grass pollen or mite allergy during the period 1.1.1996-1.1.2002 at The Allergy Unit, Aarhus University Hospital, or at a specialist practice in Aarhus. Relevant data were collected before/after treatment from medical records and from a specific designed questionnaire. The following indicators for effect were applied: Success of immunotherapy expressed as completion of up dosing phase, change in symptoms, a comparison of overall rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms, number of symptom free days per year, effect of pharmaceuticals, change in physical and psychological wellbeing and number of lost days from work/education and leisure activities. RESULTS: Compliance for completed up dosing for SIT was 94 % (95 % CI 90-97). The questionnaire revealed that after SIT there were a significant reduction in degree of symptoms, 84 % (95 % CI 79-89) of the respondents achieved a reduction in over all rhinoconjunctivitis score, there were an increase in symptom free days per year, a decrease in days off/incapacity from work/education and leisure activities, an improved effect of the pharmaceuticals used for allergic symptoms and an improvement in physical and psychological wellbeing. The study also showed that SIT was more effective treating rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms than lung symptoms. CONCLUSION: The study revealed great advantages of SIT compared to SC and a high compliance for SIT during the up dosing period.
Adolescent↗
Regulation of FcepsilonARI synthesis in human eosinophils.
FcepsilonRI, the high-affinity receptor for IgE, and eosinophils are thought to be key components of the allergic reaction underlying asthma and rhinitis. We provide evidence at the protein level that FcepsilonRI is expressed in human blood eosinophils, and that the synthesis of FcepsilonRI in purified human blood eosinophils is regulated by fibronectin in combination with IgE, IL-4, both involved in allergic reactions, and by RANTES, a strong chemotactic agent for eosinophils. This provides further evidence for a regulatory effect of IgE on human eosinophils in allergic disease.
Cells, Cultured↗
[The measurement of voice quality and voice capacity to penetrate background noise and multidimensional voice program].
The paper presents a method of measuring the vocal penetrating capacity under conditions of masking voice. The noise consists of a frequency mixture of vowels in combination with voiced and unvoiced consonants. The comprehensibility of the test matrix is measured with respect to the capacity of the voice to penetrate background noise. The results of the measurement, which are based on more than 1,000 patients, show a significant correlation between the vocal inset phase of the voice status and the patient's subjective assessment of his ability to increase loudness of the duration of vocal use and vocal well-being. This method is therefore suitable for vocal diagnostic purposes, for evaluating the success of therapy, and testing the aptitude for voice-related professions.
Humans↗
Comparable efficacy and tolerability of formoterol (Foradil) administered via a novel multi-dose dry powder inhaler (Certihaler) or the Aerolizer dry powder inhaler in patients with persistent asthma.
BACKGROUND: For maximum treatment compliance there is a need to provide asthma patients with devices that suit their particular preferences. The Foradil Certihaler is a novel multi-dose dry powder inhaler developed to increase the choice of devices available. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of formoterol administered via the Foradil Certihaler, or via the single-dose inhaler Foradil Aerolizer. METHODS: This was a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-dummy, incomplete block crossover, dose-ranging and pharmacokinetic study in patients with persistent asthma. Sixty-seven patients (mean 48.0 years) were randomized to formoterol 5, 10, 15 and 30 microg twice daily via the Certihaler, 12 microg formoterol b.i.d. via the Aerolizer, or placebo in four 1-week double-blind treatment periods separated by 1-week single-blind washouts. RESULTS All formoterol doses delivered via the Certihaler or the Aerolizer significantly increased FEV(1) compared with placebo (p < 0.0001). Formoterol demonstrated an onset of action of <3 min. All active treatments were well tolerated. Tremor was the most common adverse event and was more pronounced at high doses. At lower doses the incidence of tremor with the Certihaler was similar to that observed with placebo or the Aerolizer. The pharmacokinetic evaluation comprised 41 patients (mean 45.9 years). Urinary excretion of unchanged formoterol and total formoterol increased with dose delivered via the Certihaler. The optimum dose of formoterol via the Certihaler was 10 microg. CONCLUSION: Delivery of formoterol via the Certihaler or Aerolizer combines rapid relief with enduring control and provides convenient bronchodilation in patients with persistent asthma.
Administration, Inhalation↗
A comparison of aqueous suspensions of budesonide nasal spray (128 micrograms and 256 micrograms once daily) and fluticasone propionate nasal spray (200 micrograms once daily) in the treatment of adult patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis.
The efficacy of aqueous suspensions of budesonide nasal spray and fluticasone propionate nasal spray, in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis, was compared in a large, placebo-controlled, two-center study. A 1-week baseline period was followed by a 4- to 6-week treatment period during which 635 adult patients, aged 18-72 years, were randomized to receive either placebo, budesonide 128 micrograms, or 256 micrograms once daily, or fluticasone propionate, 200 micrograms once daily. Nasal and eye symptoms, overall treatment efficacy and safety assessments were made during the study period. Combined, as well as individual, nasal symptoms were significantly improved in all three active treatment groups compared with placebo therapy. Treatment with 256 micrograms/day of budesonide was found to be significantly more effective in reducing the sneezing score compared with 200 micrograms/day of fluticasone propionate. Analysis of symptom scores on days when the pollen count was greater than 10 grains/m3 revealed 256 micrograms/day of budesonide therapy to be significantly more effective in reducing combined symptom scores as well as the individual scores for sneezing and runny nose, compared with 200 micrograms/day fluticasone propionate. The higher dose of budesonide (256 micrograms/day) was also more effective than the lower dose (128 micrograms/day) in reducing sneezing scores and statistical significance was almost reached for the reduction in combined symptom and runny nose scores. Substantial or total control of symptoms was achieved by 31.4%, 85.3%, 88.4%, and 81.9% of patients receiving placebo, 128 micrograms/day of budesonide, 256 micrograms/day of budesonide, and 200 micrograms/day of fluticasone propionate, respectively. The incidence of adverse events was low in all treatment groups. In conclusion, both budesonide and fluticasone propionate treatments were effective and well-tolerated in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis. However, 256 micrograms/day of budesonide tended to be more effective than 200 micrograms/day of fluticasone propionate and 128 micrograms/day of budesonide, especially when patients were exposed to a higher pollen load.
Administration, Intranasal↗
A one-year case study of farmers with storage mite allergy.
Four farmers with a positive bronchial challenge test to either L. destructor or T. putrescentiae had bronchial histamine challenge every second month during a year. In the same year, monthly samples of house dust, grain, straw and hay were analyzed for their content of house dust mites and storage mites. The exposure to house dust mites and storage mites differed between farmers. Significant changes in histamine reactivity were found, but no association with time of year or mite counts was observed.
Agriculture↗
Storage mites as a cause of bronchial asthma in Denmark.
From October 1982 to July 1983, 133 consecutive patients complaining of allergic symptoms were prick-tested with three storage mites (Acarus siro, Lepidoglyphus destructor, Tyrophagus putrescentiae) and two housedust mites (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae). A total of 60 patients (45%) had a positive prick-test for one or more of the storage mites. A mutual positive correlation was found between the prick-test results for the two house-dust mites as well as for the three storage mites. No significant correlation was found between house-dust mites and storage mites. Four cases of allergy to storage mites are presented. The diagnosis of storage mite allergy was based on the clinical history, prick-test, bronchial provocation test and the finding of storage mites in the environment of the patient. Our study suggests that allergies to storage mites could be rather frequent in the Danish population.
Adult↗
A technique to examine phasic thermoregulation during human sleep.
A technique for inducing cyclic skin temperature changes during sleep is described. Stimulation of the facial area induces relatively localized skin temperature responses in the fingers. This centrally mediated response can be used to efficiently probe thermal regulation during sleep. Sleep and skin temperature results from three volunteers support the validity and feasibility of the technique.
Adult↗