| 1. |
- Arnlund, David, et al.
(author)
-
Visualizing a protein quake with time-resolved X-ray scattering at a free-electron laser
- 2014
-
In: Nature Methods. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1548-7091 .- 1548-7105. ; 11:9, s. 923-926
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We describe a method to measure ultrafast protein structural changes using time-resolved wide-angle X-ray scattering at an X-ray free-electron laser. We demonstrated this approach using multiphoton excitation of the Blastochloris viridis photosynthetic reaction center, observing an ultrafast global conformational change that arises within picoseconds and precedes the propagation of heat through the protein. This provides direct structural evidence for a 'protein quake': the hypothesis that proteins rapidly dissipate energy through quake-like structural motions.
|
|
| 2. |
- Skrtic, Stanko, 1970, et al.
(author)
-
Exploring the insulin secretory properties of the PGD(2)-GPR44/DP2 axis in vitro and in a randomized phase-1 trial of type 2 diabetes patients
- 2018
-
In: PLoS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 13:12
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aims/Hypothesis GPR44 (DP2, PTGDR2, CRTh2) is the receptor for the pro-inflammatory mediator prosta-glandin D-2 (PGD(2)) and it is enriched in human islets. In rodent islets, PGD(2) is produced in response to glucose, suggesting that the PGD(2)-GPR44/DP2 axis may play a role in human islet function during hyperglycemia. Consequently, the aim of this work was to elucidate the insulinotropic role of GPR44 antagonism in vitro in human beta-cells and in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients. We determined the drive on PGD(2) secretion by glucose and IL-1 beta, as well as, the impact on insulin secretion by pharmacological GPR44/DP2 antagonism (AZD1981) in human islets and beta-cells in vitro. To test if metabolic control would be improved by antagonizing a hyperglycemia-driven increased PGD(2) tone, we performed a proof-of-mechanism study in 20 T2DM patients (average 54 years, HbA1c 9.4%, BMI 31.6 kg/m(2)). The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study consisted of two three-day treatment periods (AZD1981 or placebo) separated by a three-day wash-out period. Mixed meal tolerance test (MMTT) and intravenous graded glucose infusion (GGI) was performed at start and end of each treatment period. Assessment of AZD1981 pharmacokinetics, glucose, insulin, C-peptide, glucagon, GLP-1, and PGD(2) pathway biomarkers were performed. We found (1) that PGD(2) is produced in human islet in response to high glucose or IL-1 beta, but likely by stellate cells rather than endocrine cells; (2) that PGD(2) suppresses both glucose and GLP-1 induced insulin secretion in vitro; and (3) that the GPR44/DP2 antagonist (AZD1981) in human beta-cells normalizes insulin secretion. However, AZD1981 had no impact on neither glucose nor incretin dependent insulin secretion in humans (GGI AUC (C-peptide 1-2h) and MMTT AUC (Glucose 0-4h) LS mean ratios vs placebo of 0.94 (80% CI of 0.90-0.98, p = 0.12) and 0.99 (90% CI of 0.94-1.05, p = 0.45), despite reaching the expected antagonist exposure. Pharmacological inhibition of the PGD(2)-GPR44/DP2 axis has no major impact on the modulation of acute insulin secretion in T2DM patients.
|
|
| 3. |
- Ericsson, H., et al.
(author)
-
Phase 1 Pharmacokinetic Study of AZD5718 in Healthy Volunteers: Effects of Coadministration With Rosuvastatin, Formulation and Food on Oral Bioavailability
- 2020
-
In: Clinical Pharmacology in Drug Development. - : Wiley. - 2160-7648 .- 2160-763X. ; 9:3, s. 411-421
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- AZD5718 is a first-in-class small-molecule anti-inflammatory drug with the potential to reduce the residual risk of cardiovascular events after myocardial infarction in patients receiving lipid-lowering statin therapy. Leukotrienes are potent proinflammatory and vasoactive mediators synthesized in leukocytes via 5-lipoxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein (FLAP). AZD5718 is a FLAP inhibitor that dose-dependently reduced leukotriene biosynthesis in a first-in-human study. We enrolled 12 healthy men in a randomized, open-label, crossover, single-dose phase 1 pharmacokinetic study of AZD5718 to investigate a potential drug-drug interaction with rosuvastatin, and the effects of formulation and food intake (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02963116). Rosuvastatin (10 mg) were absorbed more rapidly when coadministered with AZD5718 (200 mg), probably owing to weak inhibition of hepatic statin uptake, but relative bioavailability was unaffected (geometric least-squares mean ratio [GMR], 100%; 90% confidence interval [CI], 86%-116%). AZD5718 pharmacokinetics were unaffected by coadministration of rosuvastatin. AZD5718 (200 mg) was absorbed less rapidly when formulated as tablets than oral suspension, with reduced relative bioavailability (GMR, 72%; 90%CI, 64%-80%). AZD5718 absorption was slower when 200-mg tablets were taken after a high-fat breakfast than after fasting, but relative bioavailability was unaffected (GMR, 96%; 90%CI, 87%-106%). In post hoc pharmacodynamic simulations, plasma leukotriene B-4 levels were inhibited by >90% throughout the day following once-daily AZD5718, regardless of formulation or administration with food. AZD5718 was well tolerated, with no severe or serious adverse events. These data supported the design of a phase 2a efficacy study of AZD5718 in patients with coronary artery disease.
|
|
| 4. |
- Zettergren, Henning, et al.
(author)
-
Roadmap on dynamics of molecules and clusters in the gas phase
- 2021
-
In: European Physical Journal D. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1434-6060 .- 1434-6079. ; 75:5
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This roadmap article highlights recent advances, challenges and future prospects in studies of the dynamics of molecules and clusters in the gas phase. It comprises nineteen contributions by scientists with leading expertise in complementary experimental and theoretical techniques to probe the dynamics on timescales spanning twenty order of magnitudes, from attoseconds to minutes and beyond, and for systems ranging in complexity from the smallest (diatomic) molecules to clusters and nanoparticles. Combining some of these techniques opens up new avenues to unravel hitherto unexplored reaction pathways and mechanisms, and to establish their significance in, e.g. radiotherapy and radiation damage on the nanoscale, astrophysics, astrochemistry and atmospheric science.
|
|
| 5. |
- Anttila, V., et al.
(author)
-
Synthetic mRNA Encoding VEGF-A in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: Design of a Phase 2a Clinical Trial
- 2020
-
In: Molecular Therapy-Methods & Clinical Development. - : Elsevier BV. - 2329-0501. ; 18, s. 464-472
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Therapeutic angiogenesis may improve outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease undergoing surgical revascularization. Angiogenic factors may promote blood vessel growth and regenerate regions of ischemic but viable myocardium. Previous clinical trials of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) gene therapy with DNA or viral vectors demonstrated safety but not efficacy. AZD8601 is VEGF-A(165) mRNA formulated in biocompatible citrate-buffered saline and optimized for high-efficiency VEGF-A expression with minimal innate immune response. EPICCURE is an ongoing randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the safety of AZD8601 in patients with moderately decreased left ventricular function (ejection fraction 30% 50%) undergoing elective coronary artery bypass surgery. AZD8601 3 mg, 30 mg, or placebo is administered as 30 epicardial injections in a 10-min extension of cardioplegia. Injections are targeted to ischemic but viable myocardial regions in each patient using quantitative O-15-water positron emission tomography (PET) imaging (stress myocardial blood flow < 2.3 mL/g/min; resting myocardial blood flow > 0.6 mL/g/min). Improvement in regional and global myocardial blood flow quantified with O-15-water PET is an exploratory efficacy outcome, together with echocardiographic, clinical, functional, and biomarker measures. EPICCURE combines high-efficiency delivery with quantitative targeting and follow-up for robust assessment of the safety and exploratory efficacy of VEGF-A mRNA angiogenesis (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03370887).
|
|
| 6. |
- Gan, Li-Ming, 1969, et al.
(author)
-
Safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and effect on serum uric acid of the myeloperoxidase inhibitor AZD4831 in a randomized, placebo-controlled, phase I study in healthy volunteers
- 2019
-
In: British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. - : Wiley. - 0306-5251 .- 1365-2125. ; 85:4, s. 762-770
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aims: Myeloperoxidase activity can contribute to impaired vascular endothelial function and fibrosis in chronic inflammation-related cardiovascular disease. Here, we investigated the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of the myeloperoxidase inhibitor, AZD4831. Methods: In this randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled, phase I, first-in-human study, healthy men in five sequential cohorts were randomized 3:1 to receive a single oral dose of AZD4831 (5, 15, 45, 135 or 405 mg) or placebo, after overnight fasting. After at least 7 days' washout, one cohort additionally received AZD4831 45 mg after a high-calorie meal. Results: Forty men participated in the study (eight per cohort: AZD4831, n = 6; placebo, n = 2). AZD4831 distributed rapidly into plasma, with a half-life of 38.2–50.0 hours. The area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) increased proportionally with dose (AUC 0–∝ slope estimate 1.060; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.9943, 1.127). Increases in maximum plasma concentration were slightly more than dose proportional (slope estimate 1.201; 95% CI 1.071, 1.332). Food intake reduced AZD4831 absorption rate but did not substantially affect overall exposure or plasma half-life (n = 4). Serum uric acid concentrations decreased by 71.77 (95% CI 29.15, 114.39) and 84.42 (58.90, 109.94) μmol L −1 with AZD4831 135 mg and 405 mg, respectively. Maculopapular rash (moderate intensity) occurred in 4/30 participants receiving AZD4831 (13.3%). No other safety concerns were identified. Conclusions: AZD4831 was generally well tolerated, rapidly absorbed, had a long plasma half-life and lowered uric acid concentrations after single oral doses in healthy men. These findings support the further clinical development of AZD4831. © 2019 AstraZeneca. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Pharmacological Society.
|
|
| 7. |
- Spolaor, A., et al.
(author)
-
Seasonality of halogen deposition in polar snow and ice
- 2014
-
In: Atmospheric Chemistry And Physics. - : Copernicus GmbH. - 1680-7316 .- 1680-7324. ; 14
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The atmospheric chemistry of iodine and bromine in Polar regions is of interest due to the key role of halogens in many atmospheric processes, particularly tropospheric ozone destruction. Bromine is emitted from the open ocean but is enriched above first-year sea ice during springtime bromine explosion events, whereas iodine emission is at- tributed to biological communities in the open ocean and hosted by sea ice. It has been previously demonstrated that bromine and iodine are present in Antarctic ice over glacial– interglacial cycles. Here we investigate seasonal variability of bromine and iodine in polar snow and ice, to evaluate their emission, transport and deposition in Antarctica and the Arc- tic and better understand potential links to sea ice. We find that bromine and iodine concentrations and Br enrichment (relative to sea salt content) in polar ice do vary seasonally in Arctic snow and Antarctic ice. Although seasonal vari- ability in halogen emission sources is recorded by satellite- based observations of tropospheric halogen concentrations, seasonal patterns observed in snowpack are likely also in- fluenced by photolysis-driven processes. Peaks of bromine concentration and Br enrichment in Arctic snow and Antarc- tic ice occur in spring and summer, when sunlight is present. A secondary bromine peak, observed at the end of summer, is attributed to bromine deposition at the end of the polar day. Iodine concentrations are largest in winter Antarctic ice strata, contrary to contemporary observations of summer maxima in iodine emissions. These findings support previous observations of iodine peaks in winter snow strata attributed to the absence of sunlight-driven photolytic re-mobilisation of iodine from surface snow. Further investigation is required to confirm these proposed mechanisms explaining observa- tions of halogens in polar snow and ice, and to evaluate the extent to which halogens may be applied as sea ice proxies.
|
|
| 8. |
- Sporer, E., et al.
(author)
-
Covalent core-radiolabeling of polymeric micelles with125I/211At for theranostic radiotherapy
- 2022
-
In: Nanotheranostics. - : Ivyspring International Publisher. - 2206-7418. ; 6:4, s. 388-399
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Astatine-211 (211At) is one of the most promising α-emitters for targeted alpha therapy, especially of cancer metastases. However, the lack of a stable isotope, frequent in vivo deastatination, and limited radiochemical knowledge makes it challenging to apply. Here, we report a new strategy for radiolabeling the lipophilic core of polymeric micelles (PMs) with covalently bound211At. The PMs were radiolabeled via either an indirect synthon-based method or directly on the amphipathic block copolymer. The radiochemistry was optimized with iodine-125 (125I) and then adapted for211At, enabling the use of both elements as a potential theranostic pair. PMs that were core-radiolabeled with both125I or211At were prepared and characterized, based on a PEG(5k)-PLGA(10k) co-polymer. The stability of the radiolabeled PMs was evaluated in mouse serum for 21 h, showing radiochemical stability above 85%. After in vivo evaluation of the211At-labeled PMs, 4-5 % ID/g of the211At could still be detected in the blood, showing a promising in vivo stability of the PMs. Further,211At-labeled PMs accumulated in the spleen (20-30 %ID/g) and the liver (2.5-5.5 %ID/g), along with some detection of211At in the thyroid (3.5-9 %ID/g). This led to the hypothesis that deastatination takes place in the liver, whereas good stability of the211At core-radiolabel was observed in the blood. © The author(s).
|
|
| 9. |
- Collet, M. O., et al.
(author)
-
Functional and cognitive rehabilitation interventions during intensive care admission: A protocol for a systematic integrative review
- 2023
-
In: Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica. - : Wiley. - 0001-5172 .- 1399-6576. ; 67:5, s. 670-4
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BackgroundLong-term cognitive impairment occurs in up to 60% of intensive care unit (ICU) survivors. Early use of functional and cognitive rehabilitation interventions, while patients are still in ICU, may reduce cognitive decline. We aim to describe the functional and cognitive interventions used during the ICU stay, the healthcare professionals providing interventions, and the potential impact on functional and cognitive rehabilitation. MethodIn this integrative systematic review, we will include empirical qualitative, quantitative, mixed- and multiple-methods studies assessing the use of functional and cognitive rehabilitation provided in ICU. We will identify studies in relevant electronic databases from 2012 to 2022, which will be screened for eligibility by at least two reviewers. Literature reported as narrative reviews and editorials will be excluded. We will assess the impact of interventions evaluating a cognitive and functional function, quality of life, and all-cause mortality at 6-12 months after ICU discharge. The Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias Tool will be used for assessing risk of bias in clinical trials. For observational studies, we will use the National Institutes of Health Quality Assessment tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies. Furthermore, we will use the critical appraisal skills programme for qualitative studies and the mixed methods appraisal tool for mixed methods studies. We will construct four matrices, including results describing which ICU patients and healthcare professionals were engaged in rehabilitation, which interventions were included in early rehabilitation in ICU, the potential impact on patient outcomes of rehabilitation interventions provided in ICU and a narrative synthesis of themes. A summary of the main results will be reported using modified GRADE methodology. ImpactThis integrative review will inform the feasibility randomised clinical trial testing the development of a complex intervention targeting functional and cognitive rehabilitation for patients in ICU.
|
|
| 10. |
- Dalgard, O., et al.
(author)
-
Sofosbuvir based treatment of chronic hepatitis C genotype 3 infections-A Scandinavian real-life study
- 2017
-
In: Plos One. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 12:7
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background and aims Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 3 infection with advanced liver disease has emerged as the most challenging to treat. We retrospectively assessed the treatment outcome of sofosbuvir (SOF) based regimes for treatment of HCV genotype 3 infections in a real life setting in Scandinavia. Methods Consecutive patients with chronic HCV genotype 3 infection were enrolled at 16 treatment centers in Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland. Patients who had received a SOF containing regimen were included. The fibrosis stage was evaluated by liver biopsy or transient liver elastography. The following treatments were given according availability and local guidelines: 1) SOF + ribavirin (RBV) for 24 weeks, 2) SOF + daclatasvir (DCV) +/-RBV for 12-24 weeks, 3) SOF + pegylated interferon alpha (peg-IFN-a) + RBV for 12 weeks or 4) SOF/ledipasvir (LDV) + RBV for 12-16 weeks. The primary endpoint was sustained virological response (SVR) assessed at week 12 (SVR12) after end of treatment. Results We included 316 patients with a mean age of 55 years (range 24-79), 70% men, 49% treatment experienced, 58% with compensated cirrhosis and 12% with decompensated cirrhosis. In the modified intention to treat (mITT) population SVR12 was achieved in 284/311 91%) patients. Among 26 treatment failures, five had non-response, 3 breakthrough and 18 relapse. Five patients were not included in the mITT population. Three patients died from reasons unrelated to treatment and two were lost to follow-up. The SVR12 rate was similar for all treatment regimens, but lower in men (p = 0.042), and in patients with decompensated liver disease (p = 0.004). Conclusion We found that sofosbuvir based treatment in a real-life setting could offer SVR rates exceeding 90% in patients with HCV genotype 3 infection and advanced liver disease.
|
|
