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Biomedical subjects

T Andersen

Publications and source records attributed to T Andersen.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

Analysis of the p63 gene in classical EEC syndrome, related syndromes, and non-syndromic orofacial clefts.

EEC syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder with the cardinal signs of ectrodactyly, ectodermal dysplasia, and orofacial clefts. EEC syndrome has been linked to chromosome 3q27 and heterozygous p63 mutations were detected in unrelated EEC families. In addition, homozygous p63 null mice exhibit craniofacial abnormalities, limb truncations, and absence of epidermal appendages, such as hair follicles and tooth primordia. In this study, we screened 39 syndromic patients, including four with EEC syndrome, five with syndromes closely related to EEC syndrome, and 30 with other syndromic orofacial clefts and/or limb anomalies. We identified heterozygous p63 mutations in three unrelated cases of EEC syndrome, two Iowa white families and one sporadic case in a Filipino boy. One family is atypical for EEC and has features consistent with Hay-Wells syndrome. In this family, the mutation ablates a splice acceptor site and, in the other two, mutations produce amino acid substitutions, R280C and R304Q, which alter conserved DNA binding sites. Germline mosaicism was detected in the founder of the mutation in one case. These three cases show significant interfamilial and intrafamilial variability in expressivity. We also screened p63 in 62 patients with non-syndromic orofacial clefts, identifying an intronic single nucleotide polymorphism but finding no evidence of mutations that would explain even a subset of non-syndromic orofacial clefts. This study supports a common role for p63 in classical EEC syndrome, both familial and sporadic, but not in other related or non-syndromic forms of orofacial clefts.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗
PubMed2001

Smoking as a predictor of negative outcome in lumbar spinal fusion.

STUDY DESIGN: A review of the smoking habits in 426 patients who had been followed prospectively for 2 years after a lumbar spinal fusion procedure was conducted. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effect of pre- and postoperative smoking on clinical and functional outcome after lumbar spinal fusion. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Several animal models have shown a negative effect of nicotine on spinal fusion. At this writing, the clinical effect of nicotine on spinal fusion has not been fully clarified. METHODS: The study comprised 426 patients who underwent lumbar spinal fusion between 1993 and 1997. These patients received a mailed questionnaire regarding their tobacco consumption before and after their surgery. All other data, including preoperative clinical and functional status, were collected prospectively during a 2-year follow-up period. To assess functional outcome, the Dallas Pain Questionnaire was used. RESULTS: The questionnaire was answered by 396 patients (93%). Of these patients, 54.5% (20% more than the background population) were smokers before the operation. Smoking of more than 10 cigarettes daily before the operation and attempted fusion at two or more levels increased the risk of nonunion: odds ratio, 2.01 (P < 0.016) and odds ratio, 3.03 (P < 0.001), respectively. Smoking cessation increased fusion rates to near those of nonsmokers. Smoking had no influence on functional outcome, as assessed by the Dallas Pain Questionnaire, but preoperative smoking predicted a negative answer to the question "Would you undergo the same treatment again, now that you know the result?" (odds ratio, 1.65; P < 0.054). CONCLUSIONS: Smoking was shown to have a negative effect on fusion and overall patient satisfaction, but no measurable influence on the functional outcome as assessed by the Dallas Pain Questionnaire.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Separation of polyethylene glycol oligomers using inverse temperature programming in packed capillary liquid chromatography.

Inverse temperature programming in packed capillary liquid chromatography coupled to evaporative light-scattering detection has been used to resolve native polyethylene glycol (PEG) oligomers. The model compound, PEG 1000, was separated on a 300 mm x 0.32 mm I.D. capillary column packed with 3 microm Hypersil ODS particles with acetonitrile-water (30:70, v/v) as mobile phase. The retention of the PEG oligomers increased with increasing temperature, different from what is commonly observed in liquid chromatography. The retention times of the oligomers were approximately doubled for each 25 degrees C increment of the column temperature in the temperature range 30-80 degrees C. The oligomers were almost unretained and co-eluted at a column temperature of 30 degrees C. At 80 degrees C a baseline separation of more than 22 peaks was obtained, but the last eluting peaks were severely broadened and all oligomers did not elute. When a negatively sloped temperature ramp from 80 to 25 degrees C at -1.5 degrees C/min was applied, the peak shapes were improved, additional peaks were detected and the analysis time was reduced by 48%. In the temperature programming mode, the intra-day precision of the retention times ranged from 0.5 to 5.8% (n=5).

Chromatography, Liquid↗
PubMed2001

Influence of orlistat on bone turnover and body composition.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of the pancreas lipase inhibitor orlistat (OLS) on calcium metabolism, bone turnover, bone mass, bone density and body composition when given for obesity as adjuvant to an energy- and fat-restricted diet. DESIGN: Randomized controlled double-blinded trial of treatment with OLS 120 mg three times daily or placebo for 1 y. SUBJECTS: Thirty obese subjects with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 36.9+/-3.7 kg/m(2) and a mean age of 41+/-11 y. Sixteen patients were assigned to OLS and 14 to placebo. MEASUREMENTS: Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measurements of bone mineral and body composition included total bone mineral content (TBMC), total bone mineral density (TBMD), lumbar spine BMC and BMD, forearm BMC and BMD, fat mass (FM), fat free-mass (FFM), percentage fat mass (FM%) as well as a DXA estimate of the body weight. Body composition (FM, FFM and FM%) was estimated by total body potassium (TBK). Indices of calcium metabolism and bone turnover included serum values of ionized calcium (Ca(++)), iPTH (parathyroid hormone), alkaline phosphatase, 25(OH)-vitamin D, 1,25(OH)(2) vitamin D and osteocalcin as well as fasting urinary ratios of hydroxyproline/creatinine and Ca/creatinine (fU-OHpr/creat, fUCa/creat). RESULTS: There were no significant differences between OLS and placebo groups as to any of the body composition variables (FFM, FM, FM%) at baseline or after 1 y treatment. Weight loss was of 11.2+/-7.5 kg in the OLS group and 8.1+/-7.5 kg in the placebo group (NS). The changes in FM and FM% were significant in both groups determined by DXA as well as by TBK, but the group differences between these changes were not significant. The composition of the weight loss was approximately 80% fat in both groups. FFM only changed significantly by DXA in the OLS group (-1.3 kg), but the difference from the placebo group was not significant. Forearm BMD in both groups, forearm BMC in the OLS group and TBMD in the placebo group fell discretely but significantly, but there were no significant group differences between the OLS and the placebo-treated group. All biochemical variables except s-osteocalcin changed significantly after 1 y in the OLS group, disclosing a pattern of an incipient negative vitamin D balance, a secondary increase in PTH-secretion, and an increase in bone turnover with the emphasis on an increase in resorption parameters (fU-OHpr/creat, fUCa/creat). In the placebo group, only s-25(OH)vitamin D and fU-OHpr/creat changed significantly, but the pattern was also that of a deteriorated vitamin D status and an increase in PTH levels and bone turnover. The only biochemical variable which was significantly different between OLS and placebo groups after one year was the fU-OHpr/creat ratio, which increased from 12.0 to 20.1 in the OLS group but only from 10.9 to 1 3.2 in the placebo group. CONCLUSION: One year's treatment with OLS induces a lipid malabsorption which enhances a dietary weight loss without any significant deleterious effects on body composition. OLS induces a relative increase in bone turnover in favour of resorption, possibly due to malabsorption of vitamin D and/or calcium. However, no changes in bone mass or density are seen after 1 y of OLS treatment apart from those explained by the weight loss itself. Thus 1 y of OLS treatment seems safe from a 'bone preserving' point of view. A vitamin D and calcium supplement should be taken during the treatment.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMed2001

The Asn363Ser variant of the glucocorticoid receptor gene is not associated with obesity or weight gain in Danish men.

OBJECTIVE: Testing association of the Asn363Ser variant of the glucocorticoid gene with measures of obesity and weight gain. SUBJECTS: 741 obese subjects (BMI > or = 31 kg/m(2) at selection) and 854 random control subjects from the same population, examined at draft board examination and after on average 27.4+/- y. A lean control group (n=351) was further selected as the fraction from the cohort group having a BMI below 25.0 kg/m(2) at the latest examination. METHODS: Using PCR-RFLP subjects were genotyped for the Asn363Ser variant and grouped according to genotype. RESULTS: The prevalence of the Ser363 allele was 4.7% (95% Cl: 3.3-6.2%) among the obese, 4.1% (2.7-5.5%) among the random cohort subjects and 4.3% (2.1-6.5%) among lean control subjects, respectively, showing no significant differences between the groups (P > 0.1). Furthermore, no differences in BMI, waist-hip ratio or weight gain were seen within any of the groups when defined according to the glucocorticoid receptor genotype. CONCLUSION: In the examined population this marker is not a relevant predictor of obesity.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Weight loss and delayed gastric emptying following a South American herbal preparation in overweight patients.

BACKGROUND: Obesity and overweight may soon affect more than half of the population in some regions of the world and are associated with diabetes, hypertension and other diseases that cause morbidity, mortality and high health-care expenditure. No one approach, whether dietetic management, medication, or commercial weight loss programme, can alone solve the problem--all potential treatments need to be investigated and exploited. Among the herbal preparations known to non-western cultures are materials which may have applications in modulating physiological processes which influence gut motility, food intake and energy balance. One such mixed herbal preparation is 'YGD' containing Yerbe Maté (leaves of Ilex paraguayenis), Guarana (seeds of Paullinia cupana) and Damiana (leaves of Turnera diffusa var. aphrodisiaca). AIMS: This study had two distinct aims: to determine the effect of a herbal preparation 'YGD' containing Yerbe Maté, Guarana and Damiana on gastric emptying; to determine the effect of the same preparation on weight loss over 10 days and 45 days and weight maintenance over 12 months. METHODS: Gastric emptying was observed using ultrasound scanning in seven healthy volunteers following YGD and placebo capsules taken with 420 mL apple juice. Body weight was observed before and after 10 days of treatment with three YGD capsules or three placebo capsules before each meal for 10 days in 44 healthy overweight patients attending a primary health care centre. Forty-seven healthy overweight patients entered a double-blind placebo-controlled parallel trial of three capsules of YGD capsules before each main meal for 45 days compared with three placebo capsules on body weight. Body weight was monitored in 22 patients who continued active (YGD capsules) treatment for 12 months. RESULTS: The herb preparation YGD was followed by a prolonged gastric emptying time of 58 +/- 15 min compared to 38 +/- 7.6 min after placebo (P = 0.025). Body weight reductions were 0.8 +/- 0.05 kg after YGD capsules compared to 0.3 +/- 0.03 kg after placebo capsules over 10 days, and 5.1 +/- 0.5 kg after PGD capsules compared to 0.3 +/- 0.08 kg after placebo over 45 days. Active treatment with YGD capsules resulted in weight maintenance of the group (73 kg at the beginning and 72.5 kg at the end of 12 months). CONCLUSIONS: The herbal preparation, YGD capsules, significantly delayed gastric emptying, reduced the time to perceived gastric fullness and induced significant weight loss over 45 days in overweight patients treated in a primary health care context. Maintenance treatment given in an uncontrolled context resulted in no further weight loss, nor weight regain in the group as a whole. The herbal preparation is thus shown to be one that significantly modulates gastric emptying. Further clinical studies with dietetic monitoring of energy intake, dietary quality, satiety ratings, body weight and body composition are now indicated, and examination of the active principles contained in the three herbal components may prove rewarding.

Caffeine↗
PubMed2001

Spatial summation of heat pain in males and females.

Sex differences in pain sensitivity have been found to vary between considerable and negligible. It has appeared that the pain stimulation method is critical in this context. It was assumed this might be due to the different degrees of spatial summation associated with the different pain stimulus modalities. Hence, sex differences were investigated in spatial summation of heat pain in 20 healthy women and 20 healthy men of similar age. Pain thresholds were assessed by a tracking procedure and responses to supra-threshold pain stimulation by numerical ratings. Heat stimuli were administered by a thermode with contact areas of 1, 3, 6 and 10 cm2. Pain thresholds were significantly higher with smaller areas stimulated than with larger ones. No significant effect of area was found for the ratings of the supra-threshold stimuli, the intensities of which were tailored to the individual pain threshold. Consequently, spatial summation of heat pain appeared to result mainly in a shift of the pain threshold on the ordinate and not a change of slope of the stimulus-response function in the pain range. In neither of the two pain parameters were there any sex differences. Therefore, the present study demonstrated that sex differences in spatial summation of heat pain are unlikely.

Female↗
PubMed2001

A prevalent polymorphism in the promoter of the UCP3 gene and its relationship to body mass index and long term body weight change in the Danish population.

Variability of the uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3) promoter has been associated with increased body mass index (BMI) and altered lipid profiles. Here we tested the hypothesis that variation of the UCP3 promoter is associated with either juvenile or maturity-onset obesity or body weight change over a 26-yr follow-up among Danish subjects. Mutation screening of approximately 1 kb 5' upstream of the UCP3 gene revealed one previously described -55 C-->T variant. The frequency of the polymorphism was evaluated by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis in four groups of subjects: 1) a group of 744 obese Danish men who at the draft board examinations had a body mass index (BMI) of at least 31 kg/m(2), 2) a randomly selected control group consisting of 857 draftees, 3) 258 middle-aged subjects, and 4) 409 60-yr-old subjects. The frequency of the T allele was 26.0% (95% confidence interval, 23.8-28.2%) among the obese draftees and 26.9% (24.8-29.0%) in the control group (P = 0.6). The variant was not associated with BMI at a young age or with weight gain after a 26-yr follow-up. The frequency of the T allele was 29.5% (25.6-33.4%) in the middle-aged group and 25.8% (22.8-28.8%) among the 60-yr-old subjects. The polymorphism was not associated with increased BMI or percent body fat in these 2 groups. It is concluded that this variant does not play a major role in the development of common obesity among Danish subjects.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Heavy metal surveys in Nordic lakes; concentrations, geographic patterns and relation to critical limits.

In the autumn of 1995, coordinated national lake surveys were conducted in the Nordic countries, including Russian Kola. The 11 metals (Pb, Cd, As, Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Fe, Mn, Cr, V) investigated in nearly 3000 lakes have generally low concentrations and distinct geographical patterns. Direct and indirect influence of long-range transported air pollution is the major important factor for distribution of Pb, Cd, Zn and to a certain degree Co. Total organic carbon (TOC) concentrations in lakes are important for Fe and Mn but also to a certain degree for As, Cr and V. Bedrock geology is the major controlling factor for Cu and Ni, with the exception of areas around the smelters in the Kola peninsula, where the Cu and Ni concentrations in lakes are very high due to local airborne pollution. Bedrock and surficial geology is also an important factor for controlling the concentrations of As, Co, Cr and V. The results indicate that heavy metal pollution in lakes is a minor ecological problem on a regional scale in the Nordic countries.

Environmental Monitoring↗
PubMed2000

Hindered amine stabilizers investigated by the use of packed capillary temperature programmed liquid chromatography. II: Poly-(N-beta-hydroxyethyl-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-hydroxypiperidyl succinate).

Three different trademark products of a hindered amine stabilizer with the IUPAC name poly-(N-beta-hydroxyethyl-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-hydroxypiperidyl succinate), have been analyzed and compared to each other by the use of packed capillary temperature programmed liquid chromatography and light scattering detection. The analysis by this method has shown that the products contained approximately 50 different homologues and/or other components. The method also demonstrated its potential in purity control of products from different manufacturers.

Amines↗
PubMed2000

High-resolution vacuum-ultraviolet spectroscopy of an electron-cooled D- beam.

The shape parameters for the lowest-lying (1)P(o) resonance, (2)¿0¿-3, of D- have been measured using high-resolution vacuum-ultraviolet spectroscopy. The experiment was performed at the storage ring ASTRID, and the resonance was resolved by applying electron cooling to reduce the velocity spread of the ion beam. The resonance has a width of 37(3) microeV while the asymmetry parameter q of the Fano profile is -16(3). These values present the first critical test of a large number of theoretical calculations.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

[Intrathoracic lipoma].

A case of intrathoracic lipoma is presented. The radiographic signs of fatty tumours of the thorax are nonspecific. CT is helpful in the diagnosis and follow-up of this rare benign tumour. CT shows the exact location of the tumour and its characteristics. An attenuation coefficient of -140 to -70 HU is characteristic for the tumour and, if the tumor is asymptomatic, conservative management with careful follow-up is justified.

Female↗
PubMed2000

Hindered amine stabilizers investigated by the use of packed capillary temperature-programmed liquid chromatography. I. Poly((6-((1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)-amino)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4- diyl)(2,2 ,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)imino)-1,6-hexanediyl ((2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)imino)).

Three different trademarks of a hindered amine stabilizer with the IUPAC name poly((6-((1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)-amino)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-d iyl)(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)imino)-1,6-hexanediyl(( 2,2 ,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)imino)), have been analyzed and compared to each other by the use of non-aqueous packed capillary temperature-programmed liquid chromatography and light scattering detection. The analysis by this method has shown that the products contained almost 40 different homologues and other components. This is in contrast to what has been assumed earlier based on results achieved with size exclusion chromatography. The method demonstrated significant differences between the products from different manufacturers.

Amines↗
PubMed2000

Long-term efficacy of dietary treatment of obesity: a systematic review of studies published between 1931 and 1999.

METHODS: MEDLINE surveys were carried out and reference lists were cross-checked to identify publications on long-term outcome for dietary treatment of obesity. 898 papers were identified, 17 fulfilled our planned criteria for inclusion (dietary treatment; adults; follow-up period > or = 3 years; follow-up rate > or = 50% of original study group; information on one of the success criteria: maintenance of all weight initially lost (or further weight reduction) or maintenance of at least nine to 11 kg of initial weight loss; obesity complications of the patient group not over-represented; English, German or Scandinavian languages). RESULTS: The 17 included publications (here of three publications on randomized clinical trials with control group relevant for this review) reported on 21 study groups, comprising 3030 patients. Of these 2131 (70%) were followed-up for 3-14 years (median 5 years). Mean initial weight loss ranged from four to 28 kg (median 11 kg). Overall, 15% (median, range 0-49%) of followed-up patients fulfilled one of the criteria for success. Overall, success rates seemed stable for up to 14 years of observation. Diet combined with group therapy lead to better long-term success rates (median 27%) than did diet alone (median 15%) or diet combined with behaviour modification (median 14%). Active follow-up was generally associated with better success rates than was passive follow-up (19% vs. 10%). Conventional diet seemed to be most efficacious in addition with group therapy, whereas VLCD apparently was most efficacious if combined with behaviour modification and active follow-up. CONCLUSION: The literature on long-term follow-up of dietary treatment of obesity, although limited and inhomogeneous, points to an overall median success rate of 15% and a possible adjuvant effect of group therapy, behaviour modification and active follow-up.

Diet, Reducing↗
PubMed2000

[Randomized placebo-controlled trial of orlistat for weight loss and prevention of weight regain in obese patients].

BACKGROUND: We undertook a randomised controlled trial to assess the efficacy and tolerance of orlistat, a gastrointestinal lipase inhibitor, in promoting weight loss and preventing weight regain in obese patients over a 2-year period. METHODS: 743 patients (body-mass index 28-47 kg/m2), recruited at 15 European centres, entered a 4-week, single-blind, placebo lead-in period on a slightly hypocaloric diet (600 kcal/day deficit). 688 patients who completed the lead-in were assigned double-blind treatment with orlistat 120 mg (three times a day) or placebo for 1 year in conjunction with the hypocaloric diet. In a second 52-week double-blind period patients were reassigned orlistat or placebo with a weight maintenance (eucaloric) diet. FINDINGS: From the start of lead-in to the end of year 1, the orlistat group lost, on average, more bodyweight than the placebo group (10.2% [10.3 kg] vs 6.1% [6.1 kg]; LSM difference 3.9 kg [p < 0.001] from randomisation to the end of year 1). During year 2, patients who continued with orlistat regained, on average, half as much weight as those patients switched to placebo (p < 0.001). Patients switched from placebo to orlistat lost an additional 0.9 kg during year 2, compared with a mean regain of 2.5 kg in patients who continued on placebo (p < 0.001). Total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, LDL/high-density lipoprotein ratio, and concentrations of glucose and insulin decreased more in the orlistat group than in the placebo group. Gastrointestinal adverse events were more common in the orlistat group. Other adverse symptoms occurred at a similar frequency during both treatments. INTERPRETATION: Orlistat taken with an appropriate diet promotes clinically significant weight loss and reduces weight regain in obese patients over a 2-year period. The use of orlistat beyond 2 years needs careful monitoring with respect to efficacy and adverse events.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

[New documentation routines in psychiatry in Västerbotten: unified structure for better quality of care].

During recent decades psychiatric health care has become increasingly complex due to substantial clinical improvements and to the growing need of integrating psychiatric services with other health and welfare services in the community. The traditional psychiatric record format is incompatible both with these requirements and with the practical advantages and difficulties of modern computer technology. In a collaborative effort involving most professional categories at three psychiatric units in the county of Västerbotten in northern Sweden, a new structured format for medical records was developed. The basic feature is a structured summary of background factors, social situation, drug habits, and general health, which is reviewed and updated as necessary. The psychiatric condition is described in some detail, including onset and course, symptomatology, personality factors, diagnosis, treatment results, suicidality, etc. Day to day treatment is outlined in in- and out-patient treatment plans, which are evaluated and revised at regular intervals. The new record format, which is used by all categories of health care professionals, is intended to promote goal-directed treatment and professional collaboration, and is easily adapted to computer technology.

Humans↗
PubMed1999

Sequence variants in the human cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) gene in subjects with early onset obesity.

OBJECTIVE: The cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) is expressed in the brain of rodents and humans, and intracerebroventricular injection of the peptide in rats reduces food intake. The objective of the present study was to chromosomally map the CART gene and to examine the coding region of the gene for variability in obese subjects. METHODS: The coding region of the CART gene was analyzed by single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis in 84 subjects with early onset obesity. The prevalence of identified mutations was estimated in a cohort of 757 subjects with juvenile onset obesity [body mass index (BMI) = 35.7+/-5.7 kg/m2+/-standard deviation (S)] and in 890 random control subjects (BMI = 26.1+/-3.6 kg/m2+/-S). Furthermore, using radiation hybrid mapping we mapped the chromosomal localization of the human CART gene. RESULTS: Radiation hybrid mapping co-localized the CART gene with a recently published human obesity locus at chromosome 5q13-14 corresponding also to an obesity locus at the similar syntenic region in mice. We identified two silent polymorphisms in the 3'UTR region of the gene (position 1457 deletion of A and position 1475 A-->G substitution) and the prevalence of these was determined among obese and control subjects. However, none of the variants were associated with either obesity or weight gain during an average follow-up period of 27.4+/-8.4 years (S). CONCLUSION: Mutations in the coding region of the CART gene are unlikely to be involved in body weight control in Danish Caucasians with early onset obesity.

Adolescent↗