Dynamic training and circulating neuropeptides in rheumatoid arthritis: a two-year follow-up study.

Previous research has suggested that a short-term (6 week) high-intensity and a subsequent long-term (1 year) low-intensity dynamic training programme in 8 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) increased circulating levels of beta-endorphin (beta-EP) during the high-intensity training and of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and beta-lipotropin (beta-LPH) levels during the low-intensity training, without an increase of pain experience. The present follow-up study of the patients, using the data obtained after an additional 1-year period of no standardized training as reference values, indicated that CRF levels decreased significantly (P less than 0.01) in relation to those obtained 1 year earlier.

Kinetic identification of a hydrogen bonding pair in the glucoamylase-maltose transition state complex.

Molecular recognition and site-directed mutagenesis are used in combination to identify kinetically, transition state interactions between glucoamylase (GA) and the substrate maltose. Earlier studies of mutant Glu180----Gln GA had indicated a role in substrate binding for Glu180 (Sierks, M.R.

Histopathology and evaluation of potentiation of morphine-induced antinociception by intrathecal droperidol in the rat.

Clinical studies have indicated that a low dose of the dopamine D2-receptor antagonist droperidol given epidurally potentiate the antinociceptive effect of epidural morphine. The present study was conducted in order to evaluate this drug interaction in a rat model. Rats were given morphine and droperidol intrathecally in several combinations of doses.

Low level laser therapy for myofascial pain in the neck and shoulder girdle. A double-blind, cross-over study.

In a controlled, cross-over study the effect of low level laser therapy (LLLT) was evaluated. During a five weeks period forty-seven female laboratory technicians received six laser and six placebo treatments to tender points in the neck and shoulder girdle. Subjects rated the placebo treatment significantly more beneficial than LLLT (p = .

Lead exposure in indoor firing ranges.

Higher air lead levels (time-weighted average 660, range 112-2238 micrograms/m3) were measured in firing ranges where powder charges were employed than in ranges where air guns were used (4.6, range 1.8-7.

Hormone status in occupational toluene exposure.

Twenty toluene-exposed rotogravure printers, without signs of solvent-induced toxic encephalopathy, had lower median plasma levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) (3.2 vs. 4.

Comparison of the domain-level organization of starch hydrolases and related enzymes.

Structure-prediction and hydrophobic-cluster analysis of several starch hydrolases and related enzymes indicated the organization of eleven domain types. Most enzymes possess a catalytic (beta/alpha)8-barrel and a smaller C-terminal domain as seen in crystal structures of alpha-amylase and cyclodextrin glucanotransferase. Some also have a starch-granule-binding domain.

Effect of limited proteolysis in the 8th loop of the barrel and of antibodies on porcine pancreas amylase activity.

The porcine pancreatic alpha-amylase is a (beta/alpha)8-barrel protein, containing domains A and B (peptide sequence 1-403) and a distinct C-domain (peptide sequence 404-496). Separation of the terminal C-domain from the A and B domains has been attempted by limited proteolysis in the hinge region. Subtilisin was found to hydrolyse amylase between residues 369 and 370 situated in the loop between the eighth beta-strand and alpha-helix.

C-terminal processing of barley alpha-amylase 1 in malt, aleurone protoplasts, and yeast.

C-terminal processing of low pI barley alpha-amylase (AMY1) results in multiple forms in malt, aleurone protoplasts, and transformed yeast. Expression of an AMY1 cDNA in yeast thus leads to four secreted forms with distinct pI values between 4.7 and 5.

Electrostatic interactions in protein solution--a comparison between Poisson-Boltzmann and Monte Carlo calculations.

The accuracy of the Poisson-Boltzmann (PB) approximation and its linearized version is investigated by comparison to results obtained from Monte Carlo simulations. The dependence of the calcium binding constant of the protein calbindin as a function of salt concentration and mutation is used as a test case. The protein is modeled as a collection of charged and neutral spheres immersed in the electrolyte solution.

Sequence analysis of the D1 and D2 reaction center proteins of photosystem II.

A compilation of 38 sequences for the D1 and 15 sequences for the D2 reaction center proteins of photosystem II is presented. The sequences have been compared and a similarity index that takes into account the degree of conservation and the quality of the changes in each position has been calculated. The similarity index is used to identify and describe functionally important domains in the D1/D2 heterodimer.

Serum enriched with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids inhibits procoagulant activity in endothelial cells.

Nine healthy male volunteers (mean age 24.3 years, range 21-27 years) ingested 25 ml cod liver oil (CLO) daily for 8 weeks. Blood samples were collected before and after the intervention period.

High incidence of polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis in a Swedish community.

The minimum incidence of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and giant cell arteritis (GCA) was studied during one year in a stable Caucasian population in southern Sweden. The data obtained show an incidence rate higher than that previously found in Sweden and almost as high as the rate recently found in Denmark. In addition, the finding of a low incidence of ocular complications during 3 years of follow-up suggests the positive influence of training primary health care physicians to identify and treat these patients early.

Ion-binding properties of calbindin D9k: a Monte Carlo simulation study.

Monte Carlo simulations are used to calculate the binding constant of two Ca2+ ions to the protein bovine calbindin D9k. The change in binding constant with respect to mutation of charged amino acids, presence of various electrolytes, protein concentration, solution pH, and competitive binding of monovalent ions is investigated. Each of these factors may have a large influence on the binding constant.

The effect of soil nutrient status on prey utilization in four carnivorous plants.

The hypothesis that carnivorous plants are less responsive to prey at high soil nutrient levels than at lower levels (Givnish et al. 1984) is tested on four plant species (Drosera rotundifolia, Pinguicula alpina, P. villosa and P.

Studies on the development of tolerance and potential spinal neurotoxicity after chronic intrathecal carbachol-antinociception in the rat.

The antinociceptive effect in rats produced by chronic intrathecal administration of carbachol was studied for 14 days by the tail immersion test and the paw compression test. Daily injection of 10 micrograms carbachol intrathecally (lumbar level) to 8 rats produced an increase in latency times lasting from day 1 to day 4. The effect was statistically significant during the first 4 days, but not thereafter in both the tail immersion test and the paw compression test as compared to the rats (n = 6) injected with saline.

Exposure to dioxins and dibenzofurans through the consumption of fish.

Background: In some regions, including the Baltic Sea, fatty fish such as salmon and herring contain high levels of polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans. We investigated human exposure to these potentially toxic substances in relation to the consumption of fish from the Baltic Sea.

Methods: Plasma levels of 10 different dibenzofurans and 7 dioxins were analyzed in three groups of Swedish men: one group with a high intake of fish (fish eaten almost daily; n = 11), one with a moderate intake of fish (about once per week; n = 9), and one with no consumption of fish (usually because of allergy; n = 9).

European EVA decompression sickness risks.

For the first manned flight of Hermes there will be a capability of performing EVA. The European EVA Space Suit will be an anthropomorphic system with an internal pressure of 500 hPa of pure oxygen. The pressure reduction from the Hermes cabin pressure of 1013 hPa will induce a risk for Decompression Sickness (DCS) for the EVA crewmember if no adequate protective procedures are implemented.

An experimental study of different ventilatory modes in piglets in severe respiratory distress induced by surfactant depletion.

In 19 anesthetized piglets 3 ventilatory modes were studied after inducing pulmonary insufficiency by bronchoalveolar lavage by the method of Lachmann. The lavage model was considered suitable for reproduction of severe respiratory distress. This model was reproducible and stable with respect to alveolar collapse, decrease in static chest-lung compliance and increase in extravascular lung water.

Biochemical and behavioural effects of isamoltane, a beta-adrenoceptor antagonist with affinity for the 5-HT1B receptor of rat brain.

The biochemical and behavioural effects of isamoltane, a beta-adrenoceptor and 5-HT1B receptor antagonist that has higher affinity for 5-HT1B receptors than for 5-HT1A receptors, on 5-HT neurotransmission in the rat brain were examined. In binding experiments isamoltane was found to be about five times more potent as a ligand for the 5-HT1B receptor than for the 5-HT1A receptor (Ki values 21 and 112 nmol/l, respectively). Isamoltane increased the K(+)-evoked overflow of 3H from 3H-5-HT loaded slices of rat occipital cortex at 0.