Serum concentration of interleukin-18 is up-regulated in patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis.

We investigated circulating interleukin-18 concentrations in patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis (ASV) and healthy control subjects, and included a group of hemodialysis patients, a patient group previously reported to show high IL-18 plasma levels. Anti-proteinase 3 (PR3) and anti-myeloperoxidase (MPO) serum levels were also measured. Interestingly we found significantly increased serum IL-18 concentrations in ASV patients as compared to healthy controls, 437 vs.

Elevated cerebrospinal fluid F2-isoprostane levels indicating oxidative stress in healthy siblings of multiple sclerosis patients.

Lipid peroxidation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Isoprostanes, isomers of prostaglandins, are produced by free radical-mediated peroxidation of fatty acids in vivo and can be quantified in biological fluids. This study examines the levels of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) F2-isoprostanes (F2-iPs) in MS patients (n=46), their healthy siblings (n=46) and unrelated controls (n=50).

Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. Research advances have enabled detailed understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of the hallmarks of the disease--ie, plaques, composed of amyloid beta (Abeta), and tangles, composed of hyperphosphorylated tau. However, as our knowledge increases so does our appreciation for the pathogenic complexity of the disorder.

Diabetes: one of few remarkable differences in clinicopathologic features between cirrhotic and noncirrhotic Swedes with hepatocellular carcinoma.

The prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is usually very poor, so increased knowledge of clinicopathologic characteristics and etiologic factors may improve the clinical handling. Because HCC in many patients is unrecognized before death, it is of particular interest to study cases from a period with a high autopsy frequency. The records and liver biopsies from all patients with a diagnosis of primary liver cancer in Göteborg, Sweden, during a 22-year period were scrutinized.

Quantitative trait loci in ABCA1 modify cerebrospinal fluid amyloid-beta 1-42 and plasma apolipoprotein levels.

The ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 encoded by ABCA1 plays an integral role in the efflux of cellular cholesterol and phospholipids, but may also be a central mediator of beta-amyloid (Abeta) processing. Here, genetic association of the common R219K variant of ABCA1 is shown with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Abeta 1-42 levels, reinforcing emerging evidence of a connection between lipid and Abeta metabolism. In support of this finding we demonstrate for the first time that CSF cholesterol and Abeta 1-42 are correlated.

Effects of cholera toxin on the potential difference and motor responses induced by distension in the rat proximal small intestine in vivo.

Cholera toxin (CT) may induce uncontrolled firing in recurrent networks of secretomotor neurons in the submucous plexus. This hypothesis was tested in chloralose-anesthetized rats in vivo. The secretory reflex response to graded intestinal distension was measured with or without prior exposure to luminal CT.

Clinical features in hepatocellular carcinoma and the impact of autopsy on diagnosis. A study of 530 cases from a low-endemicity area.

Background/aims: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) had been one of the malignancies with the highest reported increase of incidence in Sweden, but during the late 20-year period the incidence has been decreasing. The aims of our study were to state the impact of autopsy on diagnosis and to identify clinical characteristics in HCC.

Methodology: This retrospective study was performed in Göteborg, Sweden and included all cases with a diagnosis of liver cancer from a period with a high autopsy frequency (1958-1979).

Experiences and concerns among patients being treated for atypical chest pain.

Background: Many patients who are discharged from the hospital without receiving a clear-cut diagnosis of their chest pain continue to consume health care because of disabling physical and psychological symptoms. By identifying their experiences and concerns following hospitalization, an empirical basis for discussions on ways of improving the care of these particular patients will be obtained.

Methods: A qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews with 38 patients with a diagnosis of unspecified chest pain was carried out.

Early disturbance of microvascular function precedes chemotherapy-induced intestinal injury.

Intestinal injury 4-48 hr after cytotoxic therapy (etoposide phosphate, 100 mg/kg body weight [bw], intravenously [i.v.]) was studied in rats using ligated intestinal loops.

Familial hypercholesterolemia: ethical, practical and psychological problems from the perspective of patients.

The main aim of the study was to explore the extent to which familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) influences the life of the patients affected. The study employed a qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews with 23 outpatients who were being treated following a diagnosis of heterozygous FH at a tertiary hospital in Göteborg, Sweden. Some interviewees reported concerns related to their medication and feelings of guilt when not complying with treatment recommendations.

Clonal growth of human articular cartilage and the functional role of the periosteum in chondrogenesis.

Objective: Clinical cartilage repair with transplantation of cultured chondrocytes, the first described technique introduced in 1994, includes a periosteal membrane but today cells are also implanted without the periosteal combination. The aim of this study was to see if the periosteum had more than a biomechanical function and if the periosteum had a biological effect on the seeded cells tested in an agarose system in which the clonal growth in agarose and the external growth stimulation could be analysed.

Methods: Four different experiments were used to study the growth of human chondrocytes in agarose and the periosteal influence.

When is a patient with heart failure adequately informed? A study of patients' knowledge of and attitudes toward medical information.

Objective: The primary aim was to explore patients' knowledge of heart failure and their attitudes toward medical information (prognostic information in particular) and to assess different patient-related factors that might hamper the improvement of patients' knowledge. Moreover, taking the data obtained into account, we analyzed ethical aspects of information disclosure to patients with heart failure.

Setting: The study was performed at Sahlgren's University Hospital in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Escitalopram: superior to citalopram or a chiral chimera?

Background: Escitalopram is the active isomer of the antidepressant citalopram. In theory single-isomer drugs may be superior but few have been found to have clinically significant advantages. The manufacturer claims that escitalopram has more efficacy and a faster onset of effect than citalopram.

Effect of antisecretory factor in ulcerative colitis on histological and laborative outcome: a short period clinical trial.

Background: The antisecretory factor (AF) is a 41 kD endogenously produced protein capable of mediating protection against diarrhoea diseases and intestinal inflammation. High concentrations of AF-like proteins are present in egg yolk, and AF can consequently be administrated in the form of egg yolk drinks. In this study, performed in patients suffering from acute onset of ulcerative colitis (UC), we evaluate the influence of orally administrated AF on the histological and clinical laboratory outcome.

Low dose hormone replacement therapy: clinical efficacy.

The frequency of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) users has increased during the last 2 decades. A majority of women taking HRT prefer to use formulations that will not induce bleeding disturbances. Accordingly many women prefer continuous combined HRT to obtain amenorrhoea.

Safety and tolerability of pulsed estrogen therapy: key factors for an improved compliance.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is recognized as the 'gold standard' for the treatment of the short- and long-term consequences of estrogen deprivation. Compliance with HRT is poor, mainly due to side-effects and fear of cancer. Many women discontinue the treatment prematurely and will not derive its full benefit.

Cerebrospinal fluid markers for Alzheimer's disease evaluated after acute ischemic stroke.

Potential cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) markers for Alzheimer's disease (AD) include tau protein, the 42 amino-acid form of amyloid beta (amyloid beta(1-42)) and apolipoprotein E (apoE). To study new aspects of these protein markers, we examined consecutive CSF samples from 26 patients with acute ischemic stroke. CSF samples were taken on day 0-1, day 2-3, day 7-9, 3 weeks and 3-5 months after the stroke.

Body composition, as assessed by bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, in a healthy paediatric population.

Unlabelled: The aim of this study was to determine the level of agreement between body composition measurements by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), single-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and multifrequency bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy (BIS). Fat-free mass (FFM), body fat mass and body fatness (percentage fat) were measured by DXA, BIA and BIS in 61 healthy children (37M, 24F, aged 10.9-13.

Sleep of primary enuretic children and controls.

Study Objectives: To look for differences between the sleep of enuretic children and controls.

Design: In addition to standard polysomnographic features, body movement data and nocturnal micturitions were recorded.

Setting: The children's homes.

Diagnosis of nutcracker esophagus, segmental or diffuse hypertensive patterns, and clinical characteristics.

Different criteria have been used for the diagnosis of nutcracker esophagus, but the clinical importance of this is largely unknown. To this end, 45 patients with hypertensive esophageal peristalsis were identified from 572 esophageal investigations, and thereafter explored with regard to diagnostic criteria and clinical background data. The numbers of patients classified as having nutcracker esophagus with different criteria were 25 (by Richter criteria), 39 (by Achem criteria), and 45 (by Gothenburg criteria).

Asymptomatic visual loss in multiple sclerosis.

Visual disturbances are common in multiple sclerosis (MS) and often a result of acute demyelinating optic neuropathy. Careful examination of MS patients, who have never suffered optic neuritis, may also reveal asymptomatic visual loss. This type of silent disease activity was investigated by computerised resolution perimetry, which has the potential to reflect the percentage of functional retino-cortical neural channels.

Allopurinol as prophylaxis against pouchitis following ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis. A randomized placebo-controlled double-blind study.

Background: Pouchitis is the major long-term complication of restorative proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis (UC). Allopurinol is a scavenger of oxygen-derived free radicals, which it is suggested play a role in the development of UC and pouchitis. The first aim was to test the hypothesis that the incidence of pouchitis can be reduced by prophylactic Allopurinol, and secondly to evaluate if Allopurinol influences the overall pouch function.

Gender and referral to cataract surgery in Sweden.

Purpose: To investigate how cataract surgery was initiated and analyse possible gender difference in referral to surgery.

Methods: Consecutive patients scheduled for first eye cataract surgery at three Swedish community-run eye departments were interviewed concerning how surgery was initiated.

Results: 649 patients were interviewed and 63.

Body movement during sleep in subjects with long-standing bruxing behavior.

Purpose: This study aimed to determine whether patients with long-standing nocturnal bruxing behavior present different body movement activity during sleep compared with healthy subjects.

Materials And Methods: Eleven bruxers and 8 nonbruxers were studied in the sleep laboratory, and motor activity was detected with sensor pads placed under the mattress. Movements simultaneously recorded on videotapes were classified according to their duration and grouped in different types according to their characteristics.