| 11. |
- Eriksson, Mathilda, et al.
(författare)
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Utilization of a right-handed coiled-coil protein from archaebacterium Staphylothermus marinus as a carrier for cisplatin
- 2009
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Ingår i: Anticancer Research. - 0250-7005 .- 1791-7530. ; 29:1, s. 11-18
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: The nano-sized right-handed coiled-coil (RHCC) protein, originating from the archaebacterium Staphylothermus marinus, is stable at high salt concentrations, high temperatures, high pressures and extremes of pH. Its crystal structure reveals four hydrophobic cavities which can incorporate heavy metals. Nano-sized compounds have been used to carry cytotoxic drugs to tumours, avoiding delivery to healthy tissue, in part due to enhanced permeability in tumour blood vessels (enhanced permeability and retention effect). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ability of RHCC to carry the platinum-containing chemotherapeutic drug cisplatin to cells, while retaining the cytotoxic potential was tested both in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS: RHCC was able to bind and enter cells in vitro and was not severely toxic or immunogenic in mice. Moreover, RHCC incorporated cisplatin, without inhibiting the cytotoxic potential of the drug against tumour cell lines in vitro or in vivo. CONCLUSION: RHCC can be used as a carrier of cisplatin without abrogating the effect of the drug.
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| 12. |
- Grandahl, Maria, et al.
(författare)
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A school-based educational intervention can increase adolescents’ knowledge and awareness about HPV
- 2016
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background / ObjectivesBackground: In Sweden HPV vaccination is offered to girls aged 10-12 years within the school-based vaccination program, while older girls (13-26 years) are offered the vaccine through the primary care. The vaccination rates are substantially lower (59%) among the catch-up group compared to the younger age group (82%). Adolescents have low awareness and knowledge about HPV, especially regarding cancer risks. The providers - school nurses - play a key role in providing such information. Upper secondary school students, aged 16 years, are by the school nurse offered a health interview, which includes a dialogue regarding their health, including sexual health. The health interview does however not include systematic information about HPV.Objectives: To improve adolescents’ knowledge and awareness about primary prevention of high risk HPV infection.MethodsMethods: A cluster-randomised controlled trial among upper secondary schools (n=18) was performed. Schools were first randomised to an intervention or control group, after which individual classes were randomised. In total, 832 students, boys and girls aged 16 years attending theoretical or vocational programs were invited to participate. In the end, 741 (89.1%) students completed the256study. The intervention was based on the Health Belief Model (HBM). School nurses delivered 30 minutes of face-to-face structured information about HPV, including cancer risks and HPV prevention (i.e. condom use and HPV vaccination) to the intervention group. Students in both groups completed questionnaires at baseline and at follow-up after three months. The control group received standard treatment, i.e. the regular health interview with the school nurse. Generalized estimating equation analyses were used for examining the results of the intervention.ResultsResults: The intervention had positive effects on the adolescents’ knowledge (p<0.001), with a 0.582 higher score for the intervention group compared to the control group. There were no differences in knowledge due to sex (p=0.093) or immigrant background (p=0.592). The intervention also increased awareness (p<0.001), with a 0.590 higher score for the intervention compared to the control. Again, there were no differences in awareness due to sex (p=0.183) or immigrant background (p=0.319).ConclusionConclusions: The school-based intervention delivered by school nurses, had favourable effects on knowledge and awareness about primary prevention of HPV among adolescents aged 16 years.
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| 13. |
- Grandahl, Maria, et al.
(författare)
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Catch-up HPV vaccination status of adolescents in relation to socioeconomic factors, individual beliefs and sexual behaviour
- 2017
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Ingår i: PLOS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 12:11
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In 2012, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination was introduced free of charge in the Swedish national school-based vaccination programme for 10-12-year-old girls, and as catch-up vaccination for young women. In Sweden, there is an ongoing discussion about including boys in the national vaccination programme. Few studies are undertaken about adolescents' knowledge, beliefs and HPV vaccination status in relation to socioeconomic status and sexual experience. Thus, the aim was to examine HPV catch-up vaccination status in adolescents in relation to 1) socioeconomic factors, 2) beliefs and knowledge about HPV prevention, and 3) sexual behaviour. The Health Belief Model was used as a theoretical framework. Upper secondary school students (n = 832) aged 16, randomly chosen from a larger sample, were invited to participate in conjunction with the general health interview with the school nurse. A total of 751/832 (90.3%), girls (n = 391, 52%) and boys (n = 360, 48%) completed the questionnaire. HPV vaccination was associated with ethnicity and the mothers' education level; i.e. girls with a non-European background and girls with a less educated mother were less likely to have received the vaccine (p<0.01 and p = 0.04 respectively). Vaccinated girls perceived HPV infection as more severe (p = 0.01), had more insight into women's susceptibility to the infection (p = 0.02), perceived more benefits of the vaccine as protection against cervical cancer (p<0.01) and had a higher intention to engage in HPV-preventive behaviour (p = 0.01). Furthermore, boys and girls were almost equally sexually experienced, although fewer girls had used condom during first intercourse with their latest partner (p = 0.03). Finally, HPV vaccinated girls were less likely to have unprotected sex (p<0.01). In summary, catch-up HPV vaccination among young girls was associated with a European background and high maternal education level, as well as more favourable beliefs towards HPV prevention and less sexual risk-taking. Further preventive measures should therefore be directed at the migrant population.
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| 14. |
- Grandahl, Maria, et al.
(författare)
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‘I also want to be vaccinated!’ – adolescent boys’ awareness and thoughts, perceived benefits, information sources, and intention to be vaccinated against Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- 2019
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Ingår i: Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics. - : Informa UK Limited. - 2164-5515 .- 2164-554X. ; 15:7-8, s. 1794-1802
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This study investigates boys’ awareness and thoughts about human papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV vaccination, perceived benefits of vaccinating men, information sources and intention to be vaccinated against HPV. We used a qualitative approach and interviews were conducted with 31 upper secondary school male students. Two main themes 1) Promotion of equal health and 2) Increased knowledge facilitates the decision about HPV vaccination emerged from the analysis. The informants believed that it was important and fair to protect boys and girls equally against HPV. If HPV vaccination could prevent both girls and boys against an HPV-related disease, there was nothing to question or to discuss. It was not a matter of sex; it was a matter of equal rights. Moreover, an important reason for vaccinating boys was to prevent the transmission of the virus. However, the boys felt unsure and stated that they needed to know more. The school nurse and the school health were considered suitable both for distributing information and for providing the vaccinations.In conclusion, the participants were in favor of introducing HPV vaccination also for boys in the national vaccination program. Sex-neutral HPV vaccinations were viewed both as a way to stop the virus transmission and a means to promote equal health for the entire population.
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| 15. |
- Grandahl, Maria, et al.
(författare)
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School-based intervention for the prevention of HPV among adolescents : a randomised controlled study
- 2016
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) is one important factor for preconception health and care. In Sweden a national vaccination programme for girls was implemented in 2012.Aim: To improve primary prevention of HPV infection by promoting vaccination and increased condom use among upper secondary school students at time for the general health interview with the school nurse.Methods: Randomised controlled trial among upper secondary schools (n=18). Participant schools were first randomised to the intervention or the control group, after which individual classes were randomised to be included or not. 832 students, both boys and girls aged 16 were invited to participate and in the end, 741 (89.1%) students completed the study. The intervention was based on the Health Belief Model (HBM). According to HBM a person’s health behaviour can be explained by individual beliefs regarding health actions. School nurses delivered 30 minute face-to-face structured information about HPV, including cancer risks and HPV prevention, i.e. condom use and HPV vaccination. Students in both groups completed questionnaires at baseline and after three months.Results: The intervention had positive effect on behaviour: girls in the intervention group chose to have themselves vaccinated to a significantly higher degree than the controls (p=0.02). There was also a significant effect on HBM total score (p=0.003), students in the intervention group had more favourable beliefs compared to the controls. The influence on the HBM parameters susceptibility and severity were also significant (p<0.001 for both variables). In addition, the intervention had significant effect on the intention to use condom (p=0.004).Conclusion: The school-based intervention increased HPV vaccination rates and had favourable effects on beliefs towards primary prevention of HPV in a diverse population of adolescents. These resultss provide the scientific support for the implication of nation-wide educational interventions with the potential to improve preconception health.
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| 16. |
- Grandahl, Maria, et al.
(författare)
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School-based intervention for the prevention of HPV among adolescents : a cluster randomised controlled study
- 2016
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Ingår i: BMJ Open. - : BMJ. - 2044-6055. ; 6:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: To improve primary prevention of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection by promoting vaccination and increased condom use among upper secondary school students. Design: Cluster randomised controlled trial. Setting: 18 upper secondary schools in Sweden. Participants: Schools were first randomised to the intervention or the control group, after which individual classes were randomised so as to be included or not. Of the 832 students aged 16 years invited to participate during the regular individual health interview with the school nurse, 751 (90.2%) agreed to participate and 741 (89.1%) students completed the study. Interventions: The intervention was based on the Health Belief Model (HBM). According to HBM, a person's health behaviour can be explained by individual beliefs regarding health actions. School nurses delivered 30 min face-to-face structured information about HPV, including cancer risks and HPV prevention, by propagating condom use and HPV vaccination. Students in the intervention and the control groups completed questionnaires at baseline and after 3 months. Main outcome measures: Intention to use condom with a new partner and beliefs about primary prevention of HPV, and also specifically vaccination status and increased condom use. Results: All statistical analyses were performed at the individual level. The intervention had a significant effect on the intention to use condom (p=0.004). There was also a significant effect on HBM total score (p=0.003), with a 2.559 points higher score for the intervention group compared to the controls. The influence on the HBM parameters susceptibility and severity was also significant (p<0.001 for both variables). The intervention also influenced behaviour: girls in the intervention group chose to have themselves vaccinated to a significantly higher degree than the controls (p=0.02). No harms were reported. Conclusions: The school-based intervention had favourable effects on the beliefs about primary prevention of HPV, and increased the HPV vaccination rates in a diverse population of adolescents.
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| 17. |
- Green, Caroline, et al.
(författare)
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Combined treatment with radiotherapy, chemotherapy and avelumab results in regression of metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma and improvement of associated Lambert‑Eaton myasthenic syndrome : a case report
- 2022
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Ingår i: Oncology Letters. - : Spandidos Publications. - 1792-1074 .- 1792-1082. ; 24:5
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and highly aggressive neuroendocrine malignancy arising from mecha‑ noreceptors in the basal epidermis. Due to a pronounced risk of spread and a high propensity for recurrence after treatment, immediate treatment is of utmost importance. Lambert‑Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) is a paraneoplastic phenom‑ enon affecting the muscles with autoimmune pathophysiology, and >50% of known cases are associated with an underlying malignancy. In the present report, the case of a 67‑year‑old man presenting with progressive proximal muscle weakness, auto‑ nomic dysfunction and involuntary weight loss is described. Symptoms and detection of voltage‑gated calcium channel antibodies were consistent with LEMS. Distant metastases were found in the inguinal and iliac lymph nodes, and these were immunohistochemically confirmed to be of epithelial and neuroendocrine origin, consistent with MCC. Local radio‑ therapy and chemotherapy improved the symptoms; however, a change of treatment was required due to the side effects of the chemotherapy. Avelumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor, was therefore introduced, and within a year the patient did not only experience tumor remission but also exhibited marked improvements in muscle strength and mobility. At present, 2 years later, the MCC is still in remission. To the best of our knowledge, the present report is the first to describe MCC with associated LEMS, which was successfully treated with avelumab after previous radiotherapy and chemotherapy, with both improved functional motor recovery and tumor reduc‑ tion. In conclusion, the present case report demonstrated that the present treatment strategy is a potential treatment option and could thus be considered in similar cases.
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| 18. |
- Grün, Nathalie, et al.
(författare)
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Human papillomavirus prevalence in mouthwashes of patients undergoing tonsillectomy shows dominance of HPV69, without the corresponding finding in the tonsils.
- 2017
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Ingår i: Infectious diseases (London, England). - : Informa UK Limited. - 2374-4243 .- 2374-4235. ; 49:8, s. 588-593
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: The role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in tonsillar squamous cell carcinomas (TSCC) is of interest, since a considerable proportion of TSCC in Sweden and other Western countries is HPV positive. Nevertheless, the natural history of HPV in normal tonsils, and the progression from localized infection to pre-malignant lesion to cancer are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate whether HPV types found in mouthwash samples correlated to those in tonsillar tissue from the same individuals undergoing tonsillectomy.METHODS: Mouthwash samples from 232 patients, aged 3-56 years, undergoing tonsillectomy, the majority with chronic tonsillitis, were collected at the time of surgery and analysed for the presence of 27 HPV types by a bead based multiplex assay.RESULTS: An HPV prevalence of 10.3% (24/232) was observed in mouthwash samples, with HPV 69 being the dominant type (10/24). Ten patients were positive for high risk HPV (HPV 16, 33, 35, 45, 56, 59). None of the tonsils resected from patients with HPV-positive mouthwash samples were positive for HPV.CONCLUSIONS: Despite an oral HPV prevalence of 10.3% in mouthwash samples from tonsillectomized patients, with dominance of HPV 69, none of the corresponding tonsillar samples exhibited the presence of HPV.
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| 19. |
- Gustafsson, Britt, et al.
(författare)
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KI, WU, and Merkel Cell Polyomavirus DNA was not Detected in Guthrie Cards of Children who Later Developed Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
- 2012
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Ingår i: Journal of pediatric hematology/oncology (Print). - 1077-4114 .- 1536-3678. ; 34:5, s. 364-367
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Neonatal dried blood spots (Guthrie cards) have been used to demonstrate a prenatal origin of clonal leukemia-specific genetic aberrations in several subgroups of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). One hypothesis suggests that an infectious agent could initiate genetic transformation already in utero. In search for a possible viral agent, Guthrie cards were analyzed for the presence of 3 newly discovered polyomavirus Karolinska Institutet polymavirus (KIPyV), Washington University polyomavirus (WUPyV), and Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). Methods: Guthrie cards from 50 children who later developed ALL and 100 matched controls were collected and analyzed by standard or real-time polymerase chain reaction for the presence of the VP1 region of KIPyV, WUPyV, and MCPyV, and the LT region for MCPyV. Results and Conclusions: DNA from KIPyV, WUPyV, and MCPyV was not detected in neonatal blood samples from children with ALL or controls. Prenatal infections with these viruses are not likely to be etiological drivers for childhood leukemogenesis.
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| 20. |
- Hammarstedt, Lalle, et al.
(författare)
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The incidence of tonsillar cancer in Sweden is increasing.
- 2007
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Ingår i: Acta Oto-Laryngologica. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0001-6489 .- 1651-2251. ; 127:9, s. 988-92
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of tonsillar cancer in Sweden is increasing, particularly among men. Risk factors other than smoking may have contributed to the observed secular trend in men. In women, however, smoking can be a part of the explanation. Further studies to look at changes in other environmental factors, such as human papilloma virus (HPV) infection, are clearly warranted. OBJECTIVES: Head and neck cancer is related to smoking habits and smoking has decreased substantially during the last 30 years in Sweden. However, there is suspicion that the incidence of tonsillar cancer has increased in the last 30 years as it has in the USA and Finland, in spite of reduced prevalence of known risk factors. The time trends of oral and oropharygeal cancer have been studied in Sweden, but not tonsillar cancer specifically. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We used the Swedish Cancer Registry to assess the secular trend of incidence of tonsillar cancer in Sweden since 1960. For comparison we investigated the incidence of other oral cancers and lung cancer, which are also smoking-related. The prevalence of smoking was investigated for reference. Age-standardized incidence rates were calculated and linear regression was used to evaluate secular trends. RESULTS: The incidence of tonsillar cancer increased by 2.6% per year in men and 1.1% in women. No similar increase was seen in the other oral cancers. For lung cancer there was a decrease in the incidence in men, but in women the incidence is still increasing.
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