Showing papers by "University of Southern Denmark published in 1989"

In situ hybridization localizes the human putative oncogene GLI to chromosome subbands 12q13.3–14.1

Abstract: Using in situ hybridization, we have localized the human putative oncogene GLI to chromosome subbands 12q13.3–14.1. The precise genomic site is of interest since the region 12q13–15 has been found to be consistently rearranged in neoplasia-associated chromosome abnormalities in lipomas, myxoid liposarcomas, uterine leiomyomas, and pleomorphic adenomas of the salivary gland.

Efficacy of the cytobrush versus the cotton swab in the collection of endocervical cells.

Abstract: Cervical smears should contain endocervical cells to be accepted as adequate for a cytologic diagnosis. Before this study was undertaken, one-third of the smears received in the Cytology Laboratory of Odense University Hospital were inadequate. In an attempt to increase the rate of adequate smears, a randomized study was undertaken to compare the efficacy of the combined spatula-Cytobrush method to that of the spatula-cotton swab method traditionally used by doctors in Denmark. The incidence of smears containing cylindrical and/or metaplastic cells was 89% by the spatula-Cytobrush method as compared to 62% by the spatula-cotton swab method (P less than .001). There were large differences between the rates of adequate smears from the various doctors when using the spatula-cotton swab method (range, 14% to 82%); these differences were far less when using the spatula-Cytobrush method (range, 75% to 100%). A large-scale application of the spatula-Cytobrush method should result in fewer repeat smears required and fewer false-negative smears.

Dementia in hereditary cystatin C amyloidosis

Abstract: Nineteen cases with verified Hereditary Cystatin C Amyloid Angiopathy are presented. All of the cases had one or more cerebrovascular insults starting at the age of 20-41 years and survived from 10 days to 23 years after the first insult. Progressive dementia was a prominent clinical feature in seventeen cases of whom two presented with dementia. At the last examination the majority had severe dementia and severely abnormal EEG. Anti-cystatin C positive amyloid vascular and perivascular infiltrates were found. The resulting damage to the microvasculature of the brain and secondary hemorrhages and infarctions were considered to be an adequate explanation for the dementia in these cases. Skin biopsies can now probably be used to demonstrate cystatin C positive amyloid deposits conclusively in the tissues of these patients.

Influence of psyllium seed husk on azotemia, electrolytes, and bowel regulation in patients on CAPD

Abstract: Sir : Rampton et al. (1) have shown a reduction in plasma urea and potassium and an increase in the excretion of nitrogen in feces in 9 patients with slowly deteriorating chronic renal failure when their diet was supplemented with ispaghula, a traditional bulk laxa tive which forms a mucilage in the intestine. The mechanism of action was probably due to changes in the bacterial metabolism in the colon. To evaluate the clinical significance of this observation, we performed a prospective and randomized crossover study. Thirty-six patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) were included and randomized, 17 of which did not complete the study, 2 because of transplantation, 9 due to complications of CAPD, 4 due to poor compliance, and 2 because of obstipation. These 17 patients did not differ from the whole group concerning sex, age, and distribution of diagnoses. Nineteen patients (median age 54.0, range 19-74 years) completed treatment with granulated Psyllium seed husk (Semen isphagula from Plantaga avata, Biolax®) 15 mL (ca. 3.5 g) twice a day for 4 weeks. As shown in Table 1, we were unable to demonstrate any change in laboratory parameters used routinely to monitor the level of uremia for therapeutic guidance. No change was demonstrated on uremic symptoms (itching, nausea, flatulence, appetite) or in the daily number of defecations during period of treatment, compared to the control period. The patients were not on a fixed protein intake, because we did not want to alter the normal habits of the patients. Psyllium seed husk could substitute the usuallaxa tive (Dianthone, a purgative) in 3 of the 6 patients using another laxative prior to entering the study, while 3 other patients had to supplement the Psyllium seed husk with Dianthone in much lower doses. The 2 patients who discontinued because of obstipation did not (as instructed) supplement with their usuallaxative. It was not possib le to show the adsorbent effect on urea and potassium demonstrated by others in the present clinical setting. It seems that Psyllium seed husk can be used as a laxative in some CAPD patients. Further investigation is needed to evaluate the long-term efficacy.