| 1. |
- Aizawa, Kunihiko, et al.
(författare)
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Type 2 diabetes exacerbates changes in blood pressure-independent arterial stiffness : cross-sectional and longitudinal evidence from the SUMMIT study
- 2024
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Ingår i: Journal of Applied Physiology. - 8750-7587. ; 136:1, s. 13-22
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Greater central artery stiffness is observed in people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Elevated blood pressure (BP) and altered arterial wall structure/composition in T2DM are generally considered as main drivers for this alteration. However, because conventional arterial stiffness measures are BP-dependent and as such an influence of BP remains in a measure, it is unclear if greater central artery stiffness is a function of greater BP, or due to changes in the structure and composition of the arterial wall. We aimed to measure BP-independent arterial stiffness (b0) cross-sectionally and longitudinally in T2DM. We studied 753 adults with T2DM (DM þ) and 436 adults without (DM-) at baseline (Phase 1), and 310 DM þ and 210 DM- adults at 3-yr follow-up (Phase 2). We measured carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity and used it to calculate b0. In Phase 1, b0 was significantly greater in DM þ than DM- after adjusting for age and sex [27.5 (26.6–28.3) vs. 23.6 (22.4–24.8) au, P < 0.001]. Partial correlation analyses after controlling for age and sex showed that b0 was significantly associated with hemoglobin A1c (r ¼ 0.15 P < 0.001) and heart rate [(HR): r ¼ 0.23 P < 0.001)] in DM þ . In Phase 2, percentage-change in b0 was significantly greater in DM þ than DM-[19.5 (14.9–24.0) vs. 5.0 (-0.6 to 10.6) %, P < 0.001] after adjusting for age, sex, and baseline b0. b0 was greater in DM þ than DM- and increased much more in DM þ than in DM- over 3 yr. This suggests that T2DM exacerbates BP-independent arterial stiffness and may have a complemental utility to existing arterial stiffness indices. NEW & NOTEWORTHY We demonstrate in this study a greater BP-independent arterial stiffness b0 in people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) compared to those without, and also a greater change in b0 over 3 yr in people with T2DM than those without. These findings suggest that the intrinsic properties of the arterial wall may change in a different and more detrimental way in people with T2DM and likely represents accumulation of cardiovascular risk.
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| 2. |
- Baltazar-Soares, Miguel, et al.
(författare)
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Genomic basis of melanin-associated phenotypes suggests colour-specific environmental adaptations in tawny owls
- 2024
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Ingår i: Molecular Ecology. - : WILEY. - 0962-1083 .- 1365-294X.
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Feathers comprise a series of evolutionary innovations but also harbour colour, a key biological trait known to co-vary with life history or complex traits. Those relationships are particularly true in melanin-based pigmentation species due to known pleiotropic effects of the melanocortin pathway - originating from melanin-associated phenotypes. Here, we explore the molecular basis of melanin colouration and expected co-variation at the molecular level in the melanin-based, colour polymorphic system of the tawny owl (Strix aluco). An extensive body of literature has revealed that grey and brown tawny owl colour morphs differ in a series of life history and behavioural traits. Thus, it is plausible to expect co-variation also at molecular level between colour morphs. To investigate this possibility, we assembled the first draft genome of the species against which we mapped ddRADseq reads from 220 grey and 150 brown morphs - representing 10 years of pedigree data from a population in Southern Finland - and explored genome-wide associations with colour phenotype. Our results revealed putative molecular signatures of cold adaptation strongly associated with the grey phenotype, namely, a non-synonymous substitution in MCHR1, plus 2 substitutions in non-coding regions of FTCD and FAM135A whose genotype combinations obtained a predictive power of up to 100% (predicting grey colour). These suggest a molecular basis of cold environment adaptations predicted to be grey-morph specific. Our results potentially reveal part of the molecular machinery of melanin-associated phenotypes and provide novel insights towards understanding the functional genomics of colour polymorphism in melanin-based pigmented species.
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| 3. |
- Elbagir, Sahwa, et al.
(författare)
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Anti-histone and anti-nucleosome rather than anti-dsDNA antibodies associate with IFN-induced biomarkers in Sudanese and Swedish Systemic Lupus Erythematosus patients.
- 2024
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Ingår i: Rheumatology. - : OXFORD UNIV PRESS. - 1462-0324 .- 1462-0332.
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVES: In SLE, anti-dsDNA can co-occur with autoantibodies against other chromatin components, like histones and nucleosomes. These antibodies induce type-1 interferon production, a hallmark of SLE. We measured antinuclear antibody (ANA) sub-specificities and investigated their associations to inflammatory biomarkers including interferon-regulated chemokines.METHODS: We included 93 Sudanese and 480 Swedish SLE patients and matched controls (N = 104 + 192). Autoantibodies targeting ANA-subspecificites: dsDNA, Sm, Sm/U1RNPcomplex, U1RNP, SSA/Ro52, SSA/Ro60, SSB/La, ribosomal P, PCNA and histones were quantified in all subjects, anti-nucleosome only in the Swedish patients, with a bead-based multiplex immunoassay. Levels of 72 plasma biomarkers were determined with Proximity Extension Assay technique or ELISA.RESULTS: Among Sudanese patients, the investigated antibodies significantly associated with 9/72 biomarkers. Anti-histone antibodies showed the strongest positive correlations with MCP-3 and S100A12 as well as with interferon I-inducible factors MCP-1 and CXCL10. Anti-dsDNA antibodies associated with CXCL10 and S100A12, but in multivariate analyses, unlike anti-histone, associations lost significance.Among Swedish patients, MCP-1, CXCL10, SA100A12 also demonstrated stronger associations to anti-histone and anti-nucleosome antibodies, compared with anti-dsDNA and other ANA sub-specificities. In multiple regression models, anti-histone/nucleosome retained the strongest associations. When excluding anti-histone or anti-nucleosome positive patients, the associations between MCP-1/CXCL10 and anti-dsDNA were lost. In contrast, when excluding anti-dsDNA positive patients, associations with anti-histone and anti-nucleosome remained significant.CONCLUSION: In two cohorts of different ethnical origin, autoantibodies targeting chromatin correlate stronger with IFN-induced inflammatory biomarkers than anti-dsDNA or other ANA sub-specificities. Our results suggest that anti-histone/nucleosome autoantibodies may be main drivers of type-1 interferon activity in SLE.
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| 4. |
- Genovese, Federica, et al.
(författare)
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Plasma levels of PRO-C3, a type III collagen synthesis marker, are associated with arterial stiffness and increased risk of cardiovascular death
- 2024
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Ingår i: Atherosclerosis. - 0021-9150. ; 388
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background and aims: The N-terminal propeptide of type III collagen (PRO-C3) assay measures a pro-peptide released during type III collagen synthesis, an important feature of arterial stiffening and atherogenesis. There is a clinical need for improved non-invasive, cheap and easily accessible methods for evaluating individuals at risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). In this study, we investigate the potential of using circulating levels of PRO-C3 to mark the degree of vascular stenosis and risk of cardiovascular events. Methods: Baseline plasma levels of PRO-C3 were measured by ELISA in subjects belonging to the SUrrogate markers for Micro- and Macro-vascular hard endpoints for Innovative diabetes Tools (SUMMIT) cohort (N = 1354). Associations between PRO-C3 levels with vascular characteristics, namely stiffness and stenosis, and risk of future cardiovascular events were explored. Subjects were followed up after a median of 35 months (interquartile range 34–36 months), with recorded outcomes cardiovascular death and all-cause mortality. Results: We found a correlation between PRO-C3 levels and pulse wave velocity (rho 0.13, p = 0.000009), a measurement of arterial stiffness. Higher PRO-C3 levels were also associated with elevated blood pressure (rho 0.07, p = 0.014), as well as risk of cardiovascular mortality over a three-year follow-up period (OR 1.56, confidence interval 1.008–2.43, p = 0.046). Conclusions: Elevated circulating PRO-C3 levels are associated with arterial stiffness and future cardiovascular death, in the SUMMIT cohort, suggesting a potential value of PRO-C3 as a novel marker for declining vascular health.
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| 5. |
- Glawing, Carina, et al.
(författare)
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Work-related stress, stress reactions and coping strategies in ambulance nurses : A qualitative interview study
- 2024
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Ingår i: Journal of Advanced Nursing. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 0309-2402 .- 1365-2648. ; 80:2, s. 538-549
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aim: To describe experiences of work-related stress, stress reactions and coping strategies among registered nurses (RNs) in the ambulance service (AS).Design: A descriptive and qualitative design.Methods: Participants were recruited from eight different ambulance stations from different geographical locations in central Sweden. Data were collected from 14 RNs during the period from January 2022 to May 2022 using a semi-structured interview guide. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse data using an abductive approach.Results: Three categories describe the RNs' experiences; (1) Situations that cause work-related stress, (2) Reactions and feelings that occur and (3) Management of work-related stress. These three main categories included a total of 12 subcategories. Work-related stress was experienced when participants were a part of traumatic events or experienced insufficient cooperation or a disturbing event in the work environment. The different causes lead to different kinds of reactions with feelings of frustration, fear and loneliness being prominent. To manage the work-related stress, RNs used different kinds of strategies and support from colleagues or lack thereof seemed to have a major impact.Conclusions: Findings revealed the importance of having competent colleagues in the AS. Working with a competent colleague can reduce experiences of stress and prevent feelings of loneliness. It is important for the AS to provide stress-reduction support, to promote cooperation and to maintain and develop RNs' professional competence to ensure quality care and patient safety in the AS.
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| 6. |
- Huang, Kun, et al.
(författare)
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Effect of acidosis on adipose-derived stem cell impairment and gene expression
- 2024
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Ingår i: Regenerative Therapy. - 2352-3204. ; 25, s. 331-343
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Based on disappointing results of stem cell-based application in clinical trials for patients with critical limb ischemia, we hypothesized that the acidic environment might be the key factor limiting cell survival and function. In the present study, we used microdialysis to determine presence of acidosis and metabolic imbalance in critical ischemia. Moreover, we explored the effect of extracellular acidosis on adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) at molecular and transcriptional level. Our data demonstrate that low pH negatively regulates cell proliferation and survival, also, it results in cell cycle arrest, mitochondrial dynamics disorder, DNA damage as well as the impairment of proangiogenic function in a pH-dependent manner. Further transcriptome profiling identified the pivotal signaling pathways and hub genes in response to acidosis. Collectively, these findings provide strong evidences for a critical role of acidosis in ADSCs impairment with ischemic condition and suggest treatments focus on tissue pH balance and acidosis-mediated hub genes may have therapeutic potential in stem cell-based application.
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| 7. |
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| 8. |
- Aastrup, Christian, et al.
(författare)
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Size and immune function as predictors of predation risk in nestling and newly fledged jackdaws
- 2023
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Ingår i: Animal Behaviour. - : Elsevier BV. - 0003-3472. ; 198, s. 73-84
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Prey choice by predators may be based on the potential prey's condition, for example resulting in substandard individuals running a higher risk of being predated. Over 5 years, we studied young jackdaws, Corvus monedula, to determine whether size and innate baseline immune function may predict predation risk by goshawks, Accipiter gentilis, during the nestling and early fledging phases. We measured body mass, wing length, tarsus length and four innate immune indices two to four times when nestlings were 12–29 days old. To determine which individuals had been predated during the nestling phase and shortly after fledging, we searched for metal rings of the jackdaws in the only goshawk territory close to the jackdaw colony. Nestling mortality before 12 days of age was entirely due to starvation, whereas between 12 days of age and fledging, mortality was mainly due to predation. Nestlings with smaller size (mass, wing, tarsus) and low lysis titre and haptoglobin concentrations were at a higher risk of being predated before fledging. Directly after fledging, individuals with short wings were preferentially predated, with no effects of body mass, tarsus length or any of the four immune indices measured at day 29 (i.e. shortly before fledging). That lower immune function and smaller size predict predation risk in nestlings may reflect that these individuals are of poor quality and/or lag behind in development. We hypothesize that hunger makes these nestlings sit closest to the entrance hole and hence become the first to be predated. For fledglings, our results suggest that poor flight ability makes individuals with short wings the easiest targets for avian predators.
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| 9. |
- Andersson, Ingrid, et al.
(författare)
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Validation of the Basel Extent of Rationing of Nursing Care for Nursing Homes and Home Care, a Swedish version
- 2023
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Ingår i: Nursing Open. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 2054-1058. ; 10:7, s. 4504-4514
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- AimThe aim of the study was to translate, adapt and validate the instrument Basel Extent of Rationing of Nursing Care for Nursing Homes and Home Care for use in the Swedish community health care context. DesignA cross-sectional study. Data were collected from October 2019 to January 2020, and the questionnaire was sent to Registered Nurses, Enrolled Nurses and assistant nurses. MethodsThe study was performed in four phases: (1) translation, (2) adaptation of the Basel Extent of Rationing of Nursing Care for Nursing Homes and Home Care to the Swedish context, (3) content validity testing, and (4) evaluation of psychometric properties. The collected data resulted in 611 responses. Explorative factor analysis was performed to explore the interrelationship, and Cronbach's alpha was used to evaluate the internal consistency. ResultsExplorative factor analysis presented six factors/subscales: (1) fundamental care, (2) timely needed-based care, (3) dignity and support, (4) ensuring respectful treatment, (5) social activities, and (6) documentation, planning and reporting. The Cronbach's alpha for the components showed values between 0.7 and 0.9. ConclusionThe analyses indicate an instrument to be usable for Enrolled Nurses and nurse assistants in community health care. Additional tests, can contribute to refining the content of the items and further test reliability and validity of the instrument. No patient or public contributionAs this is a study of translation and validation of the instrument Basel Extent of Rationing of Nursing Care for Nursing Homes and Home Care.
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| 10. |
- Andersson, Ingrid
(författare)
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Vård som inte blivit utförd : Uppfattningar från vårdpersonal och enhetschefer inom kommunal vård och omsorg för äldre
- 2023
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Övergripande syfte – Att undersöka samt öka och fördjupa kunskapen om vård som inte blivit utförd, inom kommunal vård och omsorg för äldre, utifrån vårdpersonals och enhetschefers uppfattningar och erfarenheter.Metod – Forskningsområdet vård som inte blivit utförd inom kommunal vård och omsorg för äldre kartlades med en scoping review, 16 artiklar inkluderades (I). Kvantitativ och kvalitativ metod användes för att samla in och analysera data (II-IV). Det genomfördes en tvärsnittsstudie med 624 sjuksköterskor, undersköterskor och vårdbiträden som besvarade ett frågeformulär med flervalsfrågor och en öppen fråga. Instrumentet Basel Extent of Rationing of Nursing Care for Nursing Homes (BERNCA-NH) samt studiespecifika frågor, för svensk kommunal kontext om vård som inte blivit utförd användes. Beskrivande och analytisk statistik användes samt kvalitativ innehållsanalys (II). En översättning, anpassning och validering av BERNCA-NH gjordes med explorativ faktoranalys (III). En intervjustudie genomfördes med 24 enhetschefer inom kommunal vård och omsorg för äldre, där deras uppfattningar av vård som inte blivit utförd efterfrågades. Analysen utfördes med fenomenografisk ansats (IV).Resultat – Det förekommer att vård inte blivit utförd inom kommunal vård och omsorg för äldre, orsakat av tidsbrist eller på grund av organisatoriska förhållanden (I, II). Instrumentet BERNCA-NH/HC, SWE indikerade en god reliabilitet och validitet, men ytterligare tester behövs (III). Enhetschefer som är medvetna om förekomsten av att vård inte alltid blir utförd, försöker följa upp händelserna för att förebygga att det ska hända igen. Vård som inte blivit utförd kan innebära negativa konsekvenser för både vårdpersonal och de äldre (IV).Konklusion – Det är av vikt att få kännedom om vård som inte blivit utförd samt att det går att mäta. Utifrån det kan orsaker diskuteras och förbättringsarbete ske. Vård som inte blivit utförd är relaterat till patientsäkerhet och behöver lyftas upp på agendan.
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