| 31. |
- Ryndel, Mikael, 1982, et al.
(författare)
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The haptoglobin 2-2 genotype is associated with carotid atherosclerosis in 64-year old women with established diabetes.
- 2010
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Ingår i: Clinica chimica acta; international journal of clinical chemistry. - : Elsevier BV. - 1873-3492.
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Haptoglobin polymorphism generates three common human genotypes: Hp1-1, Hp2-1 and Hp2-2. Among subjects with diabetes, Hp2-2 is associated with an elevated risk to develop cardiovascular disease. The impact of haptoglobin genotype on subclinical carotid atherosclerosis is not known. We hypothesised that Hp2-2 was associated with increased occurrence of carotid atherosclerosis in subjects with diabetes. METHODS: We studied a population-based sample of 64-year old women with diabetes (n=226), either established diabetes known before study entry (n=116) or new diabetes detected at study screening. Haptoglobin genotype was determined by PCR. Carotid atherosclerosis was assessed by ultrasound imaging. RESULTS: In the entire diabetes cohort, no differences were observed in carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) or plaque prevalence between the genotype groups. However, among those with established diabetes, Hp2-2 was associated with higher plaque prevalence and larger carotid IMT compared with the Hp2-1 and Hp1-1 genotypes. Common cardiovascular risk factors did not differ between the genotype groups. CONCLUSIONS: The Hp2-2 genotype was associated with increased occurrence of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis in 64-year old women with established diabetes. This association was not explained by traditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease. These results extend previous observations that Hp2-2 is associated with clinical cardiovascular disease in diabetes.
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| 32. |
- Sahlsten, Jonas, et al.
(författare)
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Can supplementary feeding be used to redistribute moose Alces alces?
- 2010
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Ingår i: Wildlife Biology. - : Wiley. - 0909-6396 .- 1903-220X. ; 16, s. 85-92
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Foraging patterns, behaviour and the distribution of animals are affected by the availability and distribution of food in the landscape. Increasing numbers of ungulates may also be in conflict with agriculture, timber, infrastructure and conservation interests. Understanding foraging habits of ungulates and how these are affected by a change in forage availability or composition are, therefore, issues of major importance both from ecological and management perspectives. Supplementary feeding (i.e. artificial supply of food) is being used to improve local habitat, and thereby affecting ungulate movements, habitat choice and migration patterns. We experimentally tested the predictions that supplementary feeding redistributes moose Alces alces during two different migration phases (early, i.e. during the onset of migration and late, i.e. in the wintering areas). We used individually marked moose and pellet group counts to investigate the effect of supplementary feeding both at the individual and population level. We monitored 30 moose with GPS-collars before, during and after the supplementary feeding experiment, corresponding to 8-10% of the moose population in two different valleys in Northern Scandinavia. During early migration, moose ignored supplementary feeding sites even though migration routes were close to the sites. At the end of the migration route, supplementary feeding affected moose movement, distribution and behaviour. In conclusion, we suggest that there is a clear difference in response to supplementary feeding by moose due to the phase of migration. We conclude that supplementary feeding can be used under certain conditions to redistribute moose in relation to browsing, or to traffic, preferably at the end-point of migration.
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| 33. |
- Snickars, Martin, et al.
(författare)
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Habitat selectivity of substrate-spawning fish: modelling requirements for the Eurasian perch Perca fluviatilis
- 2010
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Ingår i: Marine Ecology Progress Series. - : Inter-Research Science Center. - 0171-8630 .- 1616-1599. ; 398, s. 235-243
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Substrate spawning fish are believed to be selective in their choice of spawning habitat,yet few studies have shown the relative importance of different characteristics in terms of habitatquality. We used an extensive and detailed dataset to identify the factors that govern both large-scale(1 000 to 100 000 m) and local-scale (10 to 100 m) selection by a substrate-spawning fish, the Eurasian perchPerca fluviatilis L. Distribution of spawning habitat was strongly dependent on habitat characteristicsdefined by substrate, wave exposure, temperature and depth. The most important predictor was thetype of spawning substrate, which generally consisted of different types of vegetation. Substratesproviding rigidity and structural complexity were preferred, despite abundant presence of other substratetypes. Shallow depth and sheltered areas were also selected habitat characteristics. Theresponse to temperature was scale-dependent, with a stronger selection expressed at the local scale.The specific selectivity suggests that spawning patterns can be successfully modelled with sufficientdetail using only a few fundamental environmental variables. Wave exposure and depth are readilyavailable for large-scale spatial predictions, while temperature and substrate require further developmentin most coastal areas. The high specificity of the characteristics determining habitat qualitysuggests that it should be possible to apply this modelling approach for identification and conservationof spawning habitats of Eurasian perch and other substrate-spawning fishes in coastal waters.
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| 34. |
- Sundblad, Göran, et al.
(författare)
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Ecological coherence of Marine Protected Area networks : A spatial assessment using species distribution models
- 2011
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Ingår i: Journal of Applied Ecology. - : Wiley. - 0021-8901 .- 1365-2664. ; 48:1, s. 112-120
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The juvenile stages of fish are often dependent on specific habitat types for their survival. Protecting these habitats may be crucial for maintaining strong adult stocks. The Natura 2000 network of the European Union offers protection of marine habitats that are essential for the recruitment of many fish species. By protecting these critical habitats the network may be important for maintaining the stocks of these fish species. 2.We present a spatially explicit, GIS-based, assessment of two important components of the ecological coherence of Marine Protected Area (MPA) networks: representativity and connectivity. Representativity can be measured as the proportion of each conservation feature that is protected, whereas connectivity assesses the spatial configuration of the network. We apply these analyses to study the ecological coherence of the Natura 2000 network in a 30 000-km2 archipelago in the Baltic Sea, with respect to a coastal fish assemblage and associated habitats. The analyses are based on fish distribution maps that have been constructed by statistically relating life stage specific occurrence to environmental variables, and thereafter making spatial predictions based on maps of the environmental variables. 3.The map-based analyses show that both the representativity and the connectivity of the network are poor with respect to the studied fish species. In total, 3.5% (11 km2) of the assemblage recruitment habitat was protected and 48% of the potentially connected habitats were included in the MPA network. 4.The assessment explicitly identified geographical areas, visually communicated using maps, where the network should be improved to ensure ecological coherence. 5.Synthesis and applications.Many MPA networks around the world, such as the Natura 2000 network in Europe, have recently come into effect. Establishment of the networks has often been governed by opportunity rather than by strict ecological analyses, primarily because distribution maps of species and habitats have been unavailable. Map-based assessments of the strengths and weaknesses of evolving MPA networks, such as the one presented here, are needed in adaptive management. They can provide an efficient tool for visualising and communicating the results to stakeholders and policy makers in the process of working towards ecological coherence.
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| 35. |
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| 36. |
- Sundblad, Göran
(författare)
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Spatial Modelling of Coastal Fish – Methods and Applications
- 2010
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Environmental factors influence species and habitats on multiple scales creating a mosaic of distribution patterns. Studying factors shaping these patterns are central to our understanding of population dynamics and ultimately ecosystem functioning. Information on the distribution of resources and conservation values are also highly needed in marine management as coastal areas are increasingly influenced by human activities. In this thesis, large-scale field data is used to explore how strong environmental gradients found on multiple scales in the coastal areas of the Baltic Sea influence fish habitats. The underlying concepts are based in the field of species distribution modelling, whereby habitat maps can be produced using environmental layers in a geographic information system. Distribution modelling is further used to address both ecological and applied questions by examining effects of habitat limitation on fish population sizes and to evaluate management actions aimed at habitat conservation. I show that specific habitat requirements for fish species of both freshwater and marine origin can be described using environmental variables and that species-environment relationships can be used to predict the distribution of early life-stages of fish in the Baltic Sea archipelagos. Further, predicted habitat availability of a specific life-stage was directly related to adult population size of Eurasian perch Perca fluviatilis, signifying that the abundance of large predatory fish can be limited by specific recruitment habitats. Lastly, by predicting the distribution of an assemblage of coastal fish species and their associated habitats, an assessment of a network of marine protected areas was performed. Results revealed large gaps in the current network and identified areas suitable for future protection. By demonstrating how current habitat protection can be improved by including critical habitats for coastal fish population sizes this thesis points to the benefits of integrating nature conservation and fisheries management. Based on these findings I conclude that species distribution modelling provides a suitable analytical framework for assessing the habitat requirements of organisms. An increased understanding of habitat-population relationships and an ability to accurately map ecologically important features will be of great value for an ecosystem-based marine management.
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| 37. |
- Tornhill, Sofie, 1974-
(författare)
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Capital Visions : The Politics of Transnational Production in Nicaragua
- 2010
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- In processes of economic integration, neoliberal discourse and corresponding notions of development comprise some of the most readily available imaginaries of political and social interaction and change. However, these processes are always also locally produced and negotiated. Engaging with discourse theory, Marxism and postcolonial feminist theory, this dissertation brings together “macro” and “micro” aspects of globalization. The aim is to interrogate discursive reinforcements of and challenges to global orders of production and divisions of labor. With a focus on representations of Free Trade Zones (FTZs), which are tax-exempted enclaves for export production, the study explores competing meanings attributed to the operation of transnational capital in Nicaragua. Based on policy documents, political speeches, promotional videotapes and interviews, the political rhetoric of two governments with competing agendas is analyzed: the neoliberal/conservative government of the Liberal Constitutionalist Party (2002–2007), which framed the FTZs in terms of national progress, and the leftist government of the Sandinista National Liberation Front (2007– ), which attempts to reconnect to the country’s revolutionary past. In this way efforts to formulate legitimate political agendas in the context of shifting relations between states and markets are detailed, together with constructions of citizens and workers along differentiations of class and gender. Relying on interviews with FTZ workers, the study examines ways to interpret, inhabit or resist imperative subject positions at the intersections of contending projects of nation-building and transnational orders of production, in conjunction with a discussion of the uneasy distinction between representation and appropriation that troubles transnational feminist research projects.
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| 38. |
- Turesson, Carl, et al.
(författare)
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Increased cartilage turnover and circulating autoantibodies in different subsets before the clinical onset of rheumatoid arthritis.
- 2011
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Ingår i: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. - : BMJ. - 1468-2060 .- 0003-4967. ; Dec, s. 520-522
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: /st> Previous studies have indicated that autoantibodies may be detected years before the clinical onset of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Cartilage biomarkers, such as cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), have not been studied previously in samples collected before the diagnosis of RA. METHODS: /st> Between 1991 and 1996, 30 447 subjects were included in the Malmö Diet Cancer Study (MDCS). People who developed RA after inclusion were identified by linking the MDCS database to different Swedish registers. One matched control for each validated case was selected from the MDCS. IgG antibodies against cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) and mutated citrullinated vimentin (anti-MCV) and IgM rheumatoid factor (IgM RF) were determined by ELISA. Serum COMP was measured with a sandwich ELISA. RESULTS: /st> 172 incident cases of RA (median time from inclusion to diagnosis 5 years; range 1-13) were identified. Pre-RA cases were significantly more likely than controls to be positive for anti-CCP (21.9% vs 0.6%), anti-MCV (29.6% vs 3.0%) and IgM RF (18.9% vs 2.4%) (all p<0.001). Overall, mean serum COMP levels did not differ between cases and controls. Among pre-RA cases included 1-3 years before diagnosis, raised COMP (>12 U/l) was seen in a greater proportion of anti-CCP-negative than anti-CCP-positive subjects (50% vs 15%; p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: /st> Increased cartilage turnover, measured by COMP, and circulating RA-specific antibodies may be distinct processes in the preclinical phase of RA.
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| 39. |
- Wallenius, Ville, 1970, et al.
(författare)
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The lipocalins retinol-binding protein-4, lipocalin-2 and lipocalin-type prostaglandin D2-synthase correlate with markers of inflammatory activity, alcohol intake and blood lipids, but not with insulin sensitivity in metabolically healthy 58-year-old Swedish men
- 2011
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Ingår i: Experimental and clinical endocrinology & diabetes. - : Georg Thieme Verlag KG. - 1439-3646 .- 0947-7349. ; 119:2, s. 75-80
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The lipocalins retinol-binding protein (RBP)-4, lipocalin-2 and lipocalin-type prostaglandin D-synthase (L-PGDS) have been suggested to mediate obesity-associated insulin resistance and other metabolic co-morbidities. The role of lipocalins is however controversial and it is unclear whether they have a physiological role in regulation of insulin sensitivity and metabolic function in clinically healthy humans. Therefore, we examined the correlations between serum levels of RBP-4, L-PGDS and lipocalin-2 and insulin sensitivity and other metabolic parameters in non-diabetic subjects selected to display variations in insulin sensitivity. 100 clinically healthy 58-year-old Swedish men were selected by stratified sampling among 818 screened subjects to represent quintiles of varying degrees of insulin sensitivity. Insulin sensitivity was measured by the euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp method. Serum levels of lipocalins and cytokines were determined using antibody-based techniques. Serum lipids were measured by standardized laboratory methods. None of the measured lipocalins showed any correlations with insulin sensitivity. However, we found that lipocalin-2 and L-PGDS were correlated with each other, but not with RBP-4. Lipocalin-2 and L-PGDS were positively correlated with soluble TNF- receptors 1 and 2 and negatively with alcohol consumption and serum HDL. Further, lipocalin-2 was correlated with interleukin-6 whereas RBP-4 was negatively correlated with TNF-α. □These results suggest that RBP-4, lipocalin-2 and L-PGDS do not regulate insulin sensitivity in healthy men. Rather the expression levels of lipocalin-2 and L-PGDS, but not RBP-4, seemed to reflect inflammatory activity and were inversely correlated with alcohol intake and serum HDL levels.
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