| 1. |
- Sjöde, A., et al.
(author)
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Enzyme-based control of oxalic acid in the pulp and paper industry
- 2008
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In: Enzyme and microbial technology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0141-0229 .- 1879-0909. ; 43:2, s. 78-83
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Enzymatically catalyzed decomposition of oxalic acid in bleaching filtrates from the pulp and paper industry offers a possibility to enduringly prevent oxalate scaling problems by specific removal of the oxalic acid in the system rather than by attempting to avoid calcium oxalate precipitation by countermeasures aiming at improved solubility. To achieve a broad evaluation of various oxalate-degrading enzymes and to cover conditions encountered in various types of processes, 16 different bleaching filtrates were collected from pulp mills engaged in mechanical pulping of softwood, mechanical pulping of aspen, and kraft pulping of softwood. A novel oxalate-degrading enzyme provided by Novozymes was compared with commercially available oxalate oxidase from barley and oxalate decarboxylase from Aspergillus niger. The activity of the enzymes in the filtrates was investigated using kinetic analysis and multivariate data analysis. Kinetic analysis indicated that the degradation rates were governed more by inhibitors in the filtrates than by the concentration of oxalic acid. Multivariate data analysis suggested links between high concentrations of certain compounds in the filtrates and high or low enzyme activity, as exemplified by the link between high concentrations of chelators in filtrates from mechanical pulping and low activity of oxalate oxidase from barley. All three enzymes could degrade oxalic acid in all filtrates, despite the fact that very high concentrations of residual hydrogen peroxide were found in several of the filtrates.
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| 2. |
- Erlandsson, Ann, 1968-, et al.
(author)
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High inducible nitric oxide synthase in prostate tumor epithelium is associated with lethal prostate cancer
- 2018
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In: Scandinavian journal of urology. - : Informa Healthcare. - 2168-1805 .- 2168-1813. ; 52:2, s. 129-133
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in lethal prostate cancer (PCa) by studying the iNOS immunoreactivity in tumor tissue from men diagnosed with localized PCa.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is nested within a cohort of men diagnosed with incidental PCa undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate (the Swedish Watchful Waiting Cohort). To investigate molecular determinants of lethal PCa, men who died from PCa (n = 132) were selected as cases; controls (n = 168) comprised men with PCa who survived for at least 10 years without dying from PCa during follow-up. The immunoreactivity of iNOS in prostate tumor epithelial cells and in cells of the surrounding stroma was scored as low/negative, moderate or high. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for lethal PCa according to iNOS category.RESULTS: There was no association between iNOS immunoreactivity in stroma and lethal disease. However, when comparing high versus low/negative iNOS immunoreactivity in epithelial cells, the OR for lethal PCa was 3.80 (95% CI 1.45-9.97).CONCLUSION: Patients with localized PCa have variable outcomes, especially those with moderately differentiated tumors. Identifying factors associated with long-term PCa outcomes can elucidate PCa tumor biology and identify new candidate prognostic markers. These findings support the hypothesis that high iNOS in tumor epithelium of the prostate is associated with lethal disease.
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| 3. |
- Karlsson, Sofia, et al.
(author)
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Ellagic acid inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced expression of enzymes involved in the synthesis of prostaglandin E2 in human monocytes
- 2010
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In: British Journal of Nutrition. - : Cambridge University Press. - 0007-1145 .- 1475-2662. ; 103:8, s. 1102-1109
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Ellagic acid, a natural polyphenol found in certain fruits, nuts and vegetables, has in recent years been the subject of intense research within the fields of cancer and inflammation. Pain, fever and swelling, all typical symptoms of inflammation, are ascribed to elevated levels of PGE(2). In the present study, we have investigated the effects of ellagic acid on PGE(2) release and on prostaglandin-synthesising enzymes in human monocytes. Ellagic acid was found to inhibit Ca ionophore A23187-, phorbol myristate acetate- and opsonised zymosan-induced release of PGE(2) from monocytes pre-treated with the inflammatory agent lipopolysaccharide. Ellagic acid suppressed the lipopolysaccharide-induced increase in protein expression of cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2), microsomal PGE synthase-1 (mPGEs-1) and cytosolic phospholipase A(2)alpha (cPLA(2)alpha), while it had no effect on the constitutively expressed COX-1 protein. Ellagic acid had no apparent inhibitory effect on these enzymes when the activities were determined in cell-free assays. We conclude that the inhibitory effect of ellagic acid on PGE(2) release from monocytes is due to a suppressed expression of COX-2, mPGEs-1 and cPLA(2)alpha, rather than a direct effect on the activities of these enzymes.
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| 4. |
- Novotny, Ann, 1982, et al.
(author)
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Is acetylcholine a signaling molecule for human colon cancer progression?
- 2011
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0036-5521 .- 1502-7708. ; 46:4, s. 446-455
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective. Non-neuronal acetylcholine (ACh) has been suggested to be a mediator for the development of various types of cancer. We analyzed a possible role for this molecule in carcinogenesis and/or progression of human colon cancer, in patient biopsies harvested from the colon during surgery. We addressed whether ACh synthesis (by choline acetyltransferase) and/or degradation (by ACh esterase), as well as the expression of the alpha alpha 7-subtype of the nicotinic ACh receptors, and the peptide ligand at the alpha alpha 7 receptors, secreted mammalian Ly6/urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor-related protein-1, respectively, are deranged in tumor tissue as compared with macroscopically tumor-free colon tissue. Methods. A total of 38 patients were grouped for analysis based on their respective Dukes stage (either Dukes A ++ B or C ++ D). A mucosal tissue sample was harvested from macroscopically tumor-free colon tissue (i.e. control tissue), as well as from the tumor, and protein lysates were prepared for quantitative Western blotting. Full-thickness specimens were taken for immunohistochemistry. Results. For all the above named markers, there was a significant difference between control and tumor tissue with regard to protein levels, and there was, in addition, a significant difference in protein levels between the Dukes A ++ B and C ++ D groups. Conclusion. The current findings may suggest a role for ACh in colon carcinogenesis/cancer progression; the data obtained could have prognostic and/or therapeutic significance for this disease.
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| 5. |
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| 6. |
- Kortenkamp, Andreas, et al.
(author)
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Removing Critical Gaps in Chemical Test Methods by Developing New Assays for the Identification of Thyroid Hormone System-Disrupting Chemicals-The ATHENA Project
- 2020
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In: International Journal of Molecular Sciences. - : MDPI. - 1661-6596 .- 1422-0067. ; 21:9
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The test methods that currently exist for the identification of thyroid hormone system-disrupting chemicals are woefully inadequate. There are currently no internationally validated in vitro assays, and test methods that can capture the consequences of diminished or enhanced thyroid hormone action on the developing brain are missing entirely. These gaps put the public at risk and risk assessors in a difficult position. Decisions about the status of chemicals as thyroid hormone system disruptors currently are based on inadequate toxicity data. The ATHENA project (Assays for the identification of Thyroid Hormone axis-disrupting chemicals: Elaborating Novel Assessment strategies) has been conceived to address these gaps. The project will develop new test methods for the disruption of thyroid hormone transport across biological barriers such as the blood-brain and blood-placenta barriers. It will also devise methods for the disruption of the downstream effects on the brain. ATHENA will deliver a testing strategy based on those elements of the thyroid hormone system that, when disrupted, could have the greatest impact on diminished or enhanced thyroid hormone action and therefore should be targeted through effective testing. To further enhance the impact of the ATHENA test method developments, the project will develop concepts for better international collaboration and development in the area of thyroid hormone system disruptor identification and regulation.
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| 7. |
- Cavallini, Nicola, 1978, et al.
(author)
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Neuropeptide release augments serum albumin loss and reduces ultrafiltration in peritoneal dialysis
- 2012
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In: Peritoneal Dialysis International. - : SAGE Publications. - 0896-8608 .- 1718-4304. ; 32:2, s. 168-176
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: The triggers of the acute local inflammatory response to peritoneal dialysis (PD) fluid exposure remain unknown. In the present study, we investigated the effects of neurogenic inflammation and mast cell degranulation on water and solute transport in experimental PD. Methods: Single 2-hour dwells in rats with PD catheters were studied. Histamine and the neuropeptides substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) were measured in PD fluid samples by ELISA. Radiolabeled albumin (I-125 and I-131 respectively) was used as an intraperitoneal (IP) and intravascular tracer. Glucose and urea concentrations were measured in plasma and PD fluid. The effects of varying the volume and osmolarity of a lactate-buffered PD fluid were compared and related to the effects of pharmacologic intervention. Results: Application of 20 mL 3.9% glucose PD fluid induced an IP histamine release during the first 30 minutes, blockable by the mast cell stabilizer doxantrazole and the substance P neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R)-blocker spantide. Histamine release was also inhibited at a reduced PD volume (14 mL), but was not affected by normalizing the PD fluid osmolarity. Blockade of NK1R also reduced plasma albumin leakage to the peritoneal cavity. Inhibition of CGRP receptors by CGRP8-37 improved osmotic (transcapillary) and net ultrafiltration and reduced the dialysate urea concentration. Neuropeptide release was not clearly related to activation of the TrpV1 receptor, the classic trigger of neurogenic inflammation. Conclusions: Neuropeptide release exaggerated albumin loss and reduced ultrafiltration in this rat PD model. Intervention aimed at the neuropeptide action substantially improved PD efficiency.
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| 8. |
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| 9. |
- Esguerra, Maricris, 1981, et al.
(author)
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Intravital fluorescent microscopic evaluation of bacterial cellulose as scaffold for vascular grafts.
- 2010
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In: Journal of biomedical materials research. Part A. - : Wiley. - 1552-4965 .- 1549-3296. ; 93:1, s. 140-9
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Although commonly used synthetic vascular grafts perform satisfactorily in large caliber blood vessels, they are prone to thrombosis in small diameter vessels. Therefore, small vessels might benefit from tissue engineered vascular grafts. This study evaluated bacterial cellulose (BC) as a potential biomaterial for biosynthetic blood vessels. We implanted the dorsal skinfold chambers in three groups of Syrian golden hamsters with BC (experimental group), polyglycolic acid, or expanded polytetrafluorethylene (control groups). Following implantation, we used intravital fluorescence microscopy, histology, and immunohistochemistry to analyze the biocompatibility, neovascularization, and incorporation of each material over a time period of 2 weeks. Biocompatibility was good in all groups, as indicated by the absence of leukocyte activation upon implantation. All groups displayed angiogenic response in the host tissue, but that response was highest in the polyglycolic acid group. Histology revealed vascularized granulation tissue surrounding all three biomaterials, with many proliferating cells and a lack of apoptotic cell death 2 weeks after implantation. In conclusion, BC offers good biocompatibility and material incorporation compared with commonly used materials in vascular surgery. Thus, BC represents a promising new biomaterial for tissue engineering of vascular grafts.
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| 10. |
- Kane, Bridget
(author)
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Facilitating participation by patients and family into hospital based multidisciplinary team decision-making
- 2016
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In: NordiCHI workshop on Designing E-Health Services For Patients & Relatives – Critical Incidents and Lessons to Learn.
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Hospital based multidisciplinary team (MDT) structures typically exclude non-hospital based professionals and carers, including the patient for whom decisions are being made. Here the MDT meeting process is summarised. Although staff present, especially nurses, advocate for patients, there is an acknowledged weakness in not involving patients in the discussion around their disease, prognosis and care. There is also a view that having the patient present would allow members of the team to directly assess (i.e. touch) the patient, which is not possible within the current practice. Difficulties anticipated around having patients attend include logistical, but the anticipated extra time it would take because of the need to change language is the most cited reason. Research on methods by which patients and their carers might be integrated include the use of video recordings and interviews taken pre-meeting, and replayed at the meeting.
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