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PubMedDate not supplied

Monitoring udder health and milk quality using somatic cell counts.

In this article the use of somatic cell counts for monitoring udder health and milk quality is discussed. Somatic cell count dynamics at quarter, cow, herd and population level are discussed and illustrated with examples. Quarter and cow somatic cell counts directly represent the inflammatory status of the mammary gland. Herd and population somatic cell count are related to the inflammatory process in individual cows but much more reflect the udder health status of the herd and the quality of the raw milk in the herd and the population. Application of monitoring tools in herd health management are illustrated using a case study. Understanding infection dynamics requires precise longitudinal data. Monitoring tools are required to find the areas of risk in the herd. It is inevitable that more complete udder health programs and monitoring systems are to be developed and implemented. These programs are necessarily dynamic and complex. Implementation of complete udder health programs should be accompanied by research efforts to further fine-tune these complete udder health control and monitoring programs.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Autonomic neuropathy in somatization disorders].

AIM: We conducted a study to investigate whether patients with somatization disorder show abnormal values in autonomic testing, especially in the central baroreceptor sensitivity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventy-one patients were included. All had a diagnosis of somatization disorder (ICD-10, F45.0). Psychometric testing was performed by means of validated questionnaires (STAI, STAXI, FPI, GBB, ADS, SOMS, SCL-90-R). Autonomic regulation was analyzed by international standards using frequency spectral calculation by fast Fourier transformation. Thereby 3 different groups were detected: 12 patients with a baroreceptor sensitivity (BRS) of less than 3.0 ms/mm Hg, 20 patients with normal BRS (> 9.0 ms/mm Hg), and an in-between group (n = 39) with intermediate BRS. Controlling for age, a covariance analysis was calculated. RESULTS: The two extreme groups showed no difference in psychometric testing. However, significant differences were discernible in spectral values of mid-frequency-band (p < 0.05) in a covariance analysis with age as covariate. Equally the 24 h blood pressure determination showed significantly higher values for the group with BRS < 3.0 ms/mm Hg (p < 0.05 to 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In a high percentage (17 %) of patients diagnosed to have somatization disorder autonomic dysregulation becomes apparent and is accompanied by increased blood pressure. Therefore it doesn't seem accurate to overlook concomitant organic lesions in somatization disorders despite patients lacking overtly clinical signs but suffering from various unspecific symptoms.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

[Disturbances of body-experience in acute anxiety and depressive disorders - neuroticism or somatization?].

In view of the uncertain relationship between body related "Boundary loss" and anxiety as well as depression symptoms we carried out the following study. Our aim was to explore these symptoms in their diagnostic and clinical significance and to define body distortions and organic disturbances. We examined the body perception (via Image Marking Procedure), aspects of body image via Body Distortion Questionnaire and via Visual Analogue Scales on self-perception of body weight and size) and body cathexis/satisfaction (via Visual Analogue-Scale) and their changes during hospital treatment in 28 patients with anxiety disorders (ICD-10, F40 - F41) and 40 patients with depressive disorders (ICD-10, F32 - F34). The phenomena were assessed by following instruments: Hamilton Anxiety Scale, Hamilton Depression Scale, Clinical Anxiety Scale, State-Trait Anxiety-Scale, Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale. Functional somatic complaints were assessed by Zerssen Complaint list three days after admission and again two and four weeks after inpatient treatment. Body size estimation was also assessed longitudinally in a control group of 44 healthy individuals (ward staff). On average, both patient groups displayed body dissatisfaction and high scores in the somatic complaint list as well as somatic depersonalisation and boundary loss, but in comparison with the control group there were no relevant disturbances of body size estimation. The body related phenomena were all closely correlated among each other as well as with psychopathology scores of anxiety and depressive disorder. The symptoms decreased significantly together with reduction of the psychopathological phenomena. The results could be regarded as body related equivalent of these psychopathological disturbances or they could be interpreted as symbolic (somatized) bodily represented negative cognitions and emotions. The hypothesis that these body-related phenomena outlasting the acute phase of illness could be used as neuroticism markers was not confirmed.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2002

Homograft conduit failure in infants is not due to somatic outgrowth.

OBJECTIVE: It has been assumed that the need for homograft replacement is due to somatic outgrowth, but this has not been adequately studied. Our objective was to identify reasons for homograft conduit failure. METHODS: The records and imaging studies of 40 patients undergoing homograft conduit replacement of the right ventricular outflow tract from 1996 to 2000 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: The majority of patients had a diagnosis of tetralogy of Fallot (n = 20) and truncus arteriosus (n = 13). The median age at the initial operation was 8 months (0.25-108 months). The initial homograft sizes ranged from 9 to 22 mm, and 28 conduits were of pulmonary origin. When comparing size of the initial homograft with patients' expected pulmonary valve diameter (z = 0), oversizing was noted to be +3 (range, 0.83-5.4). Median interval to conduit failure was 5.3 years (0.83-11.3 years). At homograft replacement, only 12 patients had an existing conduit that was 1 SD below the homograft conduit size needed (z < or = -1). Most conduits had important regurgitation, but this was rarely a primary reason for reintervention (n = 1). Reoperation was usually required for stenosis, with a median gradient of 53 mm Hg (20-140 mm Hg). Stenosis was further categorized angiographically as follows: homograft valvular stenosis (shrinkage; 21/40 [53%]), distal anastomotic stenosis (4/40 [10%]), conduit kinking (3/40 [8%]), sternal compression (3/40 [8%]), posterior shelf impingement (2/40 [5%]), and somatic outgrowth (3/40 [8%]). Replacement in 2 patients was for proximal hood aneurysm. Several patients (7/40 [18%]) had stenosis at multiple levels. The average decrease in conduit diameter was 47% (28%-73%). CONCLUSIONS: Somatic outgrowth is seldom a primary reason for homograft conduit replacement of the right ventricular outflow tract. The most common cause for failure is conduit obstruction with thickening and shrinkage at the annular area. Conduit stenosis was responsible for failure in 53% of patients, technical issues were responsible for 30%, and only 8% failed as a result of somatic outgrowth. Placement of a smaller homograft (z = 0) at the initial operation may decrease the incidence of conduit kinking, sternal compression, and posterior shelf impingement.

Aortic Valve↗
PubMed2004

Nanos suppresses somatic cell fate in Drosophila germ line.

Nanos (Nos) is one of the evolutionarily conserved proteins known to direct germ-line development. In Drosophila, maternal Nos protein maintains transcriptional quiescence in the germ-line progenitors or pole cells to repress ectopic expression of somatic genes. Here we show that maternal Nos is required to establish and maintain germ-line identity by preventing apoptosis and somatic cell fate. The pole cells lacking maternal Nos were degraded by apoptosis during mid to late embryogenesis. When apoptosis was suppressed by Df(3L)H99, some pole cells lacking Nos adopted somatic cell fates. These pole cells expressed somatic markers ectopically and lost the germ-line marker Vasa. We further found that some Nos-negative pole cells were able to migrate into the gonads, but they failed to develop as functional germ cells during postembryonic stages. We propose a model in which Nos establishes germ-line/soma dichotomy and is also required to maintain germ-line fate.

Animals↗
PubMed1978

Somatic cell origin of teratocarcinomas.

Malignant teratocarcinomas arise from developmentally totipotent normal stem cells. Whether the targets are embryonal somatic cells or germinal cells has long been a matter of controversy. Past experiments on teratocarcinoma induction by ectopic grafting of early rodent embryos or fetal germinal ridges have remained ambiguous because embryos ordinarily soon form germ cells, and parthenogenetic germ cells form "embryos." In order to interrupt the developmental cycle at its most telling point, day 6 (egg-cylinder stage) mouse embryos of genetically sterile types were grafted; in such grafts, only a terminal residue of totipotent embryonal somatic ("ectoderm") cells is available, and subsequent germ cell development is severely impaired. One graft series, from S1(J)/+ matings, comprised 25% S1(J)/S1(J) presumptive sterile embryos; these grafts formed tumors containing embryonal carcinoma cells as often (47%) as did control +/+ grafts (41%) on the same genetic background. In another series, from W/+ matings, tumors of the sterile W/W genotype were individually identified by means of a closely linked marker, phosphoglucomutase (PGM, EC 2.7.5.1; Pgm-1 locus), coding for electrophoretic enzyme variants and incorporated into the stock. Four tumors were obtained (out of 16) that had the PGM-1D phenotype diagnostic for W/W, and that also contained embryonal carcinoma cells. Therefore, the malignancy arises here in susceptible somatic embryonal stem cells at the terminal stage of their capacity for totipotency. Other teratocarcinomas-whether induced or spontaneous-of ostensible germ-cell origin by parthenogenesis may also depend upon development of the same somatic target cells before neoplastic conversion can occur. A general model based on these experiments is proposed for all malignancies: Malignant transformation of a particular kind of normal stem cell may be possible only when that stem cell has progressed to the threshold of further differentiation.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Differential expression of opioid peptide genes by testicular germ cells and somatic cells.

Spermatogenic cells have been previously shown to be a major site of testicular proenkephalin gene expression. Using RNA gel-blot analysis of purified mouse and hamster germ cells and of testes from prepuberal and germ cell-deficient mutant mice, we now have demonstrated that, in addition to its previously described expression by somatic (Leydig) cells, the gene for a second opioid peptide precursor, pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), is also expressed by spermatogenic cells. Of particular significance is the finding that the RNAs for proenkephalin and POMC are differentially regulated during spermatogenesis. Two forms of POMC RNA were detected in mouse testis, a larger component 675- to 750-nucleotides (nt) in size common to somatic and spermatogenic cells and a smaller 625-nt RNA found only in pachytene spermatocytes. Two distinct, cell-specific proenkephalin RNAs were also shown to be present in mouse testis: a 1700-nt transcript previously shown to be expressed by spermatogenic cells and a 1450-nt form associated with somatic cells. These data suggest that proenkephalin- and POMC-derived peptides are produced by both somatic cells and germ cells in the testis and in germ cells these two families of opioid peptides may function at different stages of spermatogenesis.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Somatic mutation in constant regions of mouse lambda 1 light chains.

To study the distribution of somatic mutation, we determined nucleotide sequences of rearranged lambda 1-chain genomic DNA from four hybridomas obtained from C57BL/6 mice that had been immunized with (4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)acetyl-conjugated chicken gamma globulin. In total, 114 nucleotide substitutions were observed, with neither insertion nor deletion. Sixty-one mutations occurred in the variable-joining region genes (V lambda 1-J lambda 1) and 49 in joining-constant (J lambda 1-C lambda 1) introns. Although frequency decreased with distance from the V lambda 1-J lambda 1 coding region, somatic mutations occurred in the entire J lambda 1-C lambda 1 intron and even in the C lambda 1 region. We found four nucleotide substitutions in C lambda 1 genes, all of which were replacement mutations. Therefore, the mechanism responsible for somatic mutation is operative into the C lambda 1 exons. Nucleotide sequences of rearranged but inactive lambda 2-chain genes from two hybridomas were also examined and compared with those of lambda 1-chain genes. The clustering of replacement mutations in complementarity-determining regions in the inactive lambda 2-chain genes similar to the active lambda 1-chain genes suggested a mechanism that induces somatic mutation preferentially in this region even in the absence of antigenic selection.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA markers are superior to somatic incompatibility tests for discriminating genotypes in natural populations of the ectomycorrhizal fungus Suillus granulatus.

Assessing genetic variation within populations and genetic exchange between populations requires an understanding of the distribution and abundance of individual genotypes within the population. Previous workers have used somatic incompatibility testing to distinguish clones or individuals in natural populations of ectomycorrhizal fungi. However, somatic incompatibility tests performed with isolates of Suillus granulatus from a natural population revealed a lack of transitiveness, which brought into question the validity of this method. Subsequent studies of genetic identity of these isolates, using randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers, conclusively showed that somatically compatible isolates are not necessarily genetically identical. RAPD marker analysis is more reliable and provides higher resolution of genotype distribution in natural populations than does somatic incompatibility testing. This is of particular importance in populations of organisms such as ectomycorrhizal fungi in which the mating systems are incompletely known.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

Hormone status selects for spontaneous somatic androgen receptor variants that demonstrate specific ligand and cofactor dependent activities in autochthonous prostate cancer.

We have used the autochthonous transgenic adenocarcinoma of mouse prostate (TRAMP) model to investigate the relationship between somatic mutation in the androgen receptor (AR) and the emergence of androgen-independent prostate cancer. Here we report the identification, isolation, and characterization of distinct classes of AR variants from spontaneous prostate tumors in the TRAMP model. Using cDNA cloning, single stranded conformation polymorphism and sequencing strategies, 15 unique somatic mutations in the AR were identified in prostate tumors obtained from eight TRAMP mice between 24 and 29 weeks of age. At least one mutation was isolated from each mouse. All mutations were single base substitutions, 10 were missense and 5 were silent. Nine mutations in the AR were identified in tumors of four mice that were castrated at 12 weeks of age. Interestingly, the majority of mutations (seven out of nine, 78%) identified in the androgen-independent tumors colocalized in the AR transactivation domain. The remaining mutations colocalized in the AR ligand binding domain. In general, the AR variants demonstrated promoter-, cell-, and cofactor-specific activities in response to various hormones. All AR variants isolated in this study maintained strong sensitivity for androgens, and four AR variants isolated from castrated mice demonstrated increased activities in the absence of ligand. The K638M and F677S variants demonstrated increased activities in response to androgen, and K638M also demonstrated increased response to estradiol. In the presence of AR coactivator ARA70 the E231G variant demonstrated increased activity in response to both androgen and estradiol. However, in the presence of AR coactivator ARA160 the E231G variant was selectively responsive to androgen. Collectively these analyses not only indicate that somatic mutations in the AR gene occur spontaneously in TRAMP tumors but also how changes in the hormonal environment may drive the selection of spontaneous somatic mutations that provide a growth advantage.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Starch deposition and amylase accumulation during somatic embryogenesis in bamboo (Dendrocalamus hamiltonii).

In monocots, the zygotic embryo is protected and nourished by an endosperm. In the present study starch deposition and amylase accumulation was noticed during somatic embryogenesis in stem callus of a bamboo, Dendrocalamus hamiltonii. SEM studies revealed that starch grains were clearly visible in the scutellum during the maturation stage of the somatic embryo. As the somatic embryo developed further, the scutellum got reduced with corresponding increase in amylase. The amylase activity was tested periodically at different developmental stages of embryos. The role of scutellum in somatic embryos for starch deposition and amylase accumulation is discussed.

Amylases↗
PubMed1986

Functional somatic disorders. Key diagnostic features.

In diagnosis of functional somatic disorders, it is important to remember that the patient has no control over symptoms in somatization disorder, conversion disorder, psychogenic pain, and hypochondriasis. In addition, the environmental goals are recognizable only with careful history taking. Although voluntary symptom production is involved in both factitious disorder and malingering, environmental goals in the latter disorder are much more obvious. Depression can be an accompanying feature of all of these disorders; however, it is most closely linked with psychogenic pain. Atypical or masked depression should be included in differential diagnosis in elderly patients with somatic complaints. Referral to a consultation-liaison psychiatrist can help in evaluation and diagnosis of a somatic disorder. Joint consultation is the most effective way to plan treatment for this difficult group of patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

High somatic distress with high long-term stability in selected patients with chronic depression: a 3-year follow-up of ratings with Karolinska Scales of Personality (KSP).

The main aim of the present study was to investigate mean levels and long-term stability of three scales from the Karolinska Scales of Personality (KSP), assessing somatic components of anxiety proneness in selected patients with chronic depressive symptoms. The KSP was filled in by 84 patients (26 men and 58 women) with a history of or ongoing major depression and audiological, or other comorbid somatic, symptoms. Mean scores for the Somatic Anxiety, Muscular Tension and Psychasthenia scales were above two standard deviations compared to a normative group sampled from the population. The KSP was filled in at follow-up by 65 patients. The mean interval between the ratings was 3.5 years. Comparisons between the ratings of the three scales revealed no significant mean score differences, and quite high individual stability. The mean scores were significantly increased in comparisons with depressed patients in primary care suggesting that these patients with chronic depression may comprise a depressive sub-type characterized by high "somatic distress". A putative origin for the high and stable scores in the presented sub-group of depressed patients, and the concept of "personality trait" in use even for pronounced symptoms, are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Effects of gender and marital status on somatic symptoms of patients attending a mind/body medicine clinic.

To clarify the mechanisms of gender-related mind/body relationships, the authors analyzed the characteristics of 1,132 outpatients (848 women and 284 men) attending a mind/body medicine clinic. At entry in the program, the patients completed the Medical Symptom Checklist, Symptom Checklist-90 revised (SCL-90R), and Stress Perception Scale. Women reported 9 out of 12 symptoms (fatigue, insomnia, headache, back pain, joint or limb pain, palpitations, constipation, nausea, and dizziness) more frequently than the men did. Being a woman was a predictor of the total number of somatic symptoms endorsed. SCL-90R somatization scores were significantly higher in nonmarried women than in married women. Perceived stress ratings of family and health were higher in women than in men, despite the lower degree of perceived stress concerning work. Women, especially nonmarried women, were more likely to report somatic discomfort. Gender appears to be an important factor in relation to the report of somatic symptoms in stress-related conditions.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Somatization and symptom reduction through a behavioral medicine intervention in a mind/body medicine clinic.

The authors assessed data from 1,148 outpatients in a 10-week medical symptom reduction program to determine the effectiveness of a behavioral medicine intervention among somatizing patients. The program included instruction in the relaxation response, cognitive restructuring, nutrition, and exercise. Before and after the intervention, the patients were evaluated on the Symptom Checklist-90 Revised (SCL-90R), the Medical Symptom Checklist, and the Stress Perception Scale. They were divided into high- and low-somatizing groups on the basis of the pretreatment SCL-90R somatization scale. At the end of the program, physical and psychological symptoms on the Medical Symptom Checklist and the SCL-90R were significantly reduced in both groups, with the reductions greater in the high-somatizing group. Improvements in stress perception were about the same in both groups, but the absence of an untreated control group precluded estimates of how much the improvements resulted from the behavioral medicine intervention and how much from natural healing over time.

Ambulatory Care Facilities↗
PubMed2006

Somatoform disorders, somatization and abnormal illness behaviour.

Somatization and abnormal illness behaviour (AIB) often co-exist, and their inter-relationship appears to be complex. Patients with somatization are often observed to demonstrate abnormal illness behaviour. On the other hand, somatization has been explained in terms of abnormal illness behaviour. The exact cause-effect or any other relationship is not fully understood. This review examines the available evidence to understand these two clinically important, common and interrelated phenomena, their measurements and management. Many studies have confirmed that occurrence of multiple somatic symptoms as the chief or presenting complaints are highly suggestive of abnormal illness behaviour. Recognition of AIB in somatoform disorders is important in order to avoid unnecessary tests, inappropriate treatment, and to prevent encouragement and reinforcement of abnormal behaviours.

Humans↗
PubMed1999

The bifocal strategy. A new model for flexible liaison between departments of somatic medicine and psychiatrists or psychologists.

A discrepancy exists between what is known about those conditions which are termed today in the DSM-IV somatizations or somatoform disorders and the fact that only 1-10% of the patients classified in these categories are seen by a psychiatrist or psychologist. Much is however at stake, considering the discomfort of these conditions, their complications (e.g. acute attacks of bronchial asthma, myocardial infarction) and their high cost to society. The bifocal strategy, used experimentally for more than 16 years on a group of 180 patients, belongs to the ambit of liaison psychiatry. It is marked by a practical concern to defuse the process of somatization. This strategy has proved useful from several points of view, as it has enabled: the design of a simple but efficient model for close collaboration between the somatic practitioner and the liaison psychiatrist; the defusing, in an appreciable proportion of cases, of the somatization process; a significant contribution to be made to health-care policy in Belgium, with official recognition and renewed status being accorded to liaison psychiatry.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1981

Balb/c T cells have the potential to recognize the TEPC 15 prototype antibody and its somatic variants.

Immunization of BALB/c mice with phosphorylcholine-Limulus polyphemus hemocyanin (PC-Hy) induces a population of T cells that recognize the predominant PC-binding antibody, TEPC15 (T15). The splenic fragment culture system was used to examine the specificity of these T cells for a series of PC-binding myeloma and hybridoma antibodies representing the prototype variable region of the heavy chain (VH)T 15 sequence as well as somatic variants of the T15 germ line-encoded sequence. Included in this group of PC-binding proteins were both T15-positive and T15-negative antibodies, as defined by anti-idiotypic antibody. T cell help was identified by the ability to promote TNP-specific B cell responses to trinitrophenylated PC-binding proteins. It was found that T cells generated by immunization with PC-Hy recognize both antibodies with the T15 prototype sequence and the putative somatic variants of this sequence. A population of these T cells appear to recognize common determinants shared by these proteins because immunization with T15 itself also induces the recognition of the somatic variants. This suggests that idiotopes encoded in the T15 germ line gene expressed by the T15 prototype idiotype and the somatic variants can function as targets for T cell recognition and are thus regulatory idiotopes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗