| 1. |
- Gonçalves, Isabel, et al.
(author)
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Association between renin and atherosclerotic burden in subjects with and without type 2 diabetes
- 2016
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In: BMC Cardiovascular Disorders. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2261. ; 16:1, s. 1-10
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system (RAAS) has been proposed to contribute to development of vascular complications in type 2 diabetes (T2D). The aim of the present study was to determine if plasma renin levels are associated with the severity of vascular changes in subjects with and without T2D. Methods: Renin was analyzed by the Proximity Extension Assay in subjects with (n = 985) and without (n = 515) T2D participating in the SUMMIT (SUrrogate markers for Micro- and Macro-vascular hard endpoints for Innovative diabetes Tools) study and in 205 carotid endarterectomy patients. Vascular changes were assessed by determining ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI), carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), carotid plaque area, pulse wave velocity (PWV) and the reactivity hyperemia index (RHI). Results: Plasma renin was elevated in subjects with T2D and demonstrated risk factor-independent association with prevalent cardiovascular disease both in subjects with and without T2D. Renin levels increased with age, body mass index, HbA1c and correlated inversely with HDL. Subjects with T2D had more severe carotid disease, increased arterial stiffness, and impaired endothelial function. Risk factor-independent associations between renin and APBI, bulb IMT, carotid plaque area were observed in both T2D and non-T2D subjects. These associations were independent of treatment with RAAS inhibitors. Only weak associations existed between plasma renin and the expression of pro-inflammatory and fibrous components in plaques from 205 endarterectomy patients. Conclusions: Our findings provide clinical evidence for associations between systemic RAAS activation and atherosclerotic burden and suggest that this association is of particular importance in T2D.
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| 2. |
- Goncalves, Isabel, et al.
(author)
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Elevated Plasma Levels of MMP-12 Are Associated With Atherosclerotic Burden and Symptomatic Cardiovascular Disease in Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes.
- 2015
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In: Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology. - 1524-4636. ; 35:7, s. 1723-1731
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) degrade extracellular matrix proteins and play important roles in development and tissue repair. They have also been shown to have both protective and pathogenic effects in atherosclerosis, and experimental studies have suggested that MMP-12 contributes to plaque growth and destabilization. The objective of this study was to investigate the associations between circulating MMPs, atherosclerosis burden, and incidence of cardiovascular disease with a particular focus on type 2 diabetes mellitus.
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| 3. |
- Khan, Faisel, et al.
(author)
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Plaque characteristics and biomarkers predicting regression and progression of carotid atherosclerosis
- 2022
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In: Cell Reports Medicine. - : Elsevier BV. - 2666-3791. ; 3:7
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The factors that influence the atherosclerotic disease process in high-risk individuals remain poorly understood. Here, we used a combination of vascular imaging, risk factor assessment, and biomarkers to identify factors associated with 3-year change in carotid disease severity in a cohort of high-risk subjects treated with preventive therapy (n = 865). The results show that changes in intima-media thickness (IMT) are most pronounced in the carotid bulb. Progression of bulb IMT demonstrates independent associations with baseline bulb IMT, the plaque gray scale median (GSM), and the plasma level of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) (standardized β-coefficients and 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.14 [−0.06 to −0.02] p = 0.001, 0.15 [0.02–0.07] p = 0.001, and 0.20 [0.03–0.07] p < 0.001, respectively). Plasma PDGF correlates with the plaque GSM (0.23 [0.15–0.29] p < 0.001). These observations provide insight into the atherosclerotic process in high-risk subjects by showing that progression primarily occurs in fibrotic plaques and is associated with increased levels of PDGF.
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| 4. |
- Larsson, Jenny, 1974-, et al.
(author)
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Anti-inflammatory effects of a titanium-peroxy gel: role of oxygen metabolites and apoptosis.
- 2004
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In: Journal of biomedical materials research. Part A. - : Wiley. - 1549-3296 .- 0021-9304 .- 1097-4636. ; 68:3, s. 448-57
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) are among the first inflammatory cells to arrive at an implant interface, where they encounter with the foreign material and may produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). During the interaction between titanium and ROS, titanium-peroxy (Ti-peroxy) compounds may be formed. We used a Ti-peroxy gel, made from titanium and hydrogen peroxide, to study the effects of Ti-peroxy compounds on PMN. In the absence of serum, the Ti-peroxy gel decreased the oxidative response of PMN to yeast and PMA and reduced PMN apoptosis without inducing necrosis. These effects could not be ascribed to the release of hydrogen peroxide from the Ti-peroxy gel, because a steady-state hydrogen peroxide producing system failed to mimic the effects of the gel. The effects were similarly unaffected when PMN were preincubated with beta(2)-integrin antibodies, questioning the involvement of adhesion molecules. Nevertheless, when a filter was used to separate the Ti-peroxy gel from the cells, the gel effect on PMN life span was abolished, pointing to a contact-dependent mechanism. In the presence of serum, the Ti-peroxy gel had no effect on the PMN oxidative response and life span, but appeared rather inert. In summary, this study demonstrates that the Ti-peroxy gel has potentially anti-inflammatory properties through a combined peroxide and physical contact effect, supporting the notion that interactions between titanium and inflammatory cells are responsible for the good performance of titanium in vivo.
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| 5. |
- Semb, Gunvor, et al.
(author)
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A Scandcleft randomised trials of primary surgery for unilateral cleft lip and palate: 1. Planning and management.
- 2017
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In: Journal of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery. - : Taylor & Francis. - 2000-656X .- 2000-6764. ; 51:1, s. 2-13
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Longstanding uncertainty surrounds the selection of surgical protocols for the closure of unilateral cleft lip and palate, and randomised trials have only rarely been performed. This paper is an introduction to three randomised trials of primary surgery for children born with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). It presents the protocol developed for the trials in CONSORT format, and describes the management structure that was developed to achieve the long-term engagement and commitment required to complete the project.METHOD: Ten established national or regional cleft centres participated. Lip and soft palate closure at 3-4 months, and hard palate closure at 12 months served as a common method in each trial. Trial 1 compared this with hard palate closure at 36 months. Trial 2 compared it with lip closure at 3-4 months and hard and soft palate closure at 12 months. Trial 3 compared it with lip and hard palate closure at 3-4 months and soft palate closure at 12 months. The primary outcomes were speech and dentofacial development, with a series of perioperative and longer-term secondary outcomes.RESULTS: Recruitment of 448 infants took place over a 9-year period, with 99.8% subsequent retention at 5 years.CONCLUSION: The series of reports that follow this introductory paper include comparisons at age 5 of surgical outcomes, speech outcomes, measures of dentofacial development and appearance, and parental satisfaction. The outcomes recorded and the numbers analysed for each outcome and time point are described in the series.TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN29932826.
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| 6. |
- Shore, Angela C, et al.
(author)
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Use of Vascular Assessments and Novel Biomarkers to Predict Cardiovascular Events in Type 2 Diabetes : The SUMMIT VIP Study
- 2018
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In: Diabetes Care. - : American Diabetes Association. - 1935-5548 .- 0149-5992. ; 41:10, s. 2212-2219
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk prediction represents an increasing clinical challenge in the treatment of diabetes. We used a panel of vascular imaging, functional assessments, and biomarkers reflecting different disease mechanisms to identify clinically useful markers of risk for cardiovascular (CV) events in subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2D) with or without manifest CVD.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: The study cohort consisted of 936 subjects with T2D recruited at four European centers. Carotid intima-media thickness and plaque area, ankle-brachial pressure index, arterial stiffness, endothelial function, and circulating biomarkers were analyzed at baseline, and CV events were monitored during a 3-year follow-up period.RESULTS: The CV event rate in subjects with T2D was higher in those with (n = 440) than in those without (n = 496) manifest CVD at baseline (5.53 vs. 2.15/100 life-years, P < 0.0001). New CV events in subjects with T2D with manifest CVD were associated with higher baseline levels of inflammatory biomarkers (interleukin 6, chemokine ligand 3, pentraxin 3, and hs-CRP) and endothelial mitogens (hepatocyte growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor A), whereas CV events in subjects with T2D without manifest CVD were associated with more severe baseline atherosclerosis (median carotid plaque area 30.4 mm2 [16.1-92.2] vs. 19.5 mm2 [9.5-40.5], P = 0.01). Conventional risk factors, as well as measurements of arterial stiffness and endothelial reactivity, were not associated with CV events.CONCLUSIONS: Our observations demonstrate that markers of inflammation and endothelial stress reflect CV risk in subjects with T2D with manifest CVD, whereas the risk for CV events in subjects with T2D without manifest CVD is primarily related to the severity of atherosclerosis.
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| 7. |
- Alijagic, Andi, 1992-, et al.
(author)
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Particle Safety Assessment in Additive Manufacturing : From Exposure Risks to Advanced Toxicology Testing.
- 2022
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In: Frontiers in Toxicology. - : Frontiers Media S.A.. - 2673-3080. ; 4
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Additive manufacturing (AM) or industrial three-dimensional (3D) printing drives a new spectrum of design and production possibilities; pushing the boundaries both in the application by production of sophisticated products as well as the development of next-generation materials. AM technologies apply a diversity of feedstocks, including plastic, metallic, and ceramic particle powders with distinct size, shape, and surface chemistry. In addition, powders are often reused, which may change the particles' physicochemical properties and by that alter their toxic potential. The AM production technology commonly relies on a laser or electron beam to selectively melt or sinter particle powders. Large energy input on feedstock powders generates several byproducts, including varying amounts of virgin microparticles, nanoparticles, spatter, and volatile chemicals that are emitted in the working environment; throughout the production and processing phases. The micro and nanoscale size may enable particles to interact with and to cross biological barriers, which could, in turn, give rise to unexpected adverse outcomes, including inflammation, oxidative stress, activation of signaling pathways, genotoxicity, and carcinogenicity. Another important aspect of AM-associated risks is emission/leakage of mono- and oligomers due to polymer breakdown and high temperature transformation of chemicals from polymeric particles, both during production, use, and in vivo, including in target cells. These chemicals are potential inducers of direct toxicity, genotoxicity, and endocrine disruption. Nevertheless, understanding whether AM particle powders and their byproducts may exert adverse effects in humans is largely lacking and urges comprehensive safety assessment across the entire AM lifecycle-spanning from virgin and reused to airborne particles. Therefore, this review will detail: 1) brief overview of the AM feedstock powders, impact of reuse on particle physicochemical properties, main exposure pathways and protective measures in AM industry, 2) role of particle biological identity and key toxicological endpoints in the particle safety assessment, and 3) next-generation toxicology approaches in nanosafety for safety assessment in AM. Altogether, the proposed testing approach will enable a deeper understanding of existing and emerging particle and chemical safety challenges and provide a strategy for the development of cutting-edge methodologies for hazard identification and risk assessment in the AM industry.
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| 8. |
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| 9. |
- Asklund, Helen, 1975-, et al.
(author)
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Intersectional Perspectives on Horse Stories : Pia Hagmar’s Series on Millan
- 2021
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In: Book of Abstracts: Equine Cultures in Transition Conference. ; , s. 3-3
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper focuses on horse stories as depictions of identity formation withinequestrian cultures. The material used is Pia Hagmar’s three books on Millan,published 2012-2014. In these stories, the construction of girlhood interconnectswith the becoming of a person used to handle the large and potentially dangerousanimal, which is the horse. In Susanna Hedenborg´s study of the horse story genre(2013), she shows the image of a non-traditional girl, used to hard and dirty work,but also a classical fearful and shy girl outside of the interaction with horses. InHelen Asklund’s study, the investigation uncovers a construction of girlhood incontrast with antagonistic characters (Asklund 2013). This paper uses anintersectional perspective to explore how the main characters in Pia Hagmar’sseries about Millan and their identities are shaped by their interaction with bothhorses and fellow humans of both sexes within equine cultures, a milieu whichallows re-negotiations of what being a girl implies. Adults are positively portrayedas caring providers of knowledge about horses or as facilitators of the ridinginterest through financial support, or negatively as dysfunctional persons unable toact as adults. Boys of similar age and with an interest in horses are portrayed asgood friends, sometimes more, but the girls are, first and foremost, interested inhorses. Between girl characters, there are often conflicts and jealousy. The studyaims at mapping out the formation of identity by highlighting power asymmetriessuch as gender, age, species, class and sexuality.
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| 10. |
- Bergman, Ebba, et al.
(author)
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Pharmacokinetics of gefitinib in humans : the influence of gastrointestinal factors
- 2007
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In: International Journal of Pharmaceutics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0378-5173 .- 1873-3476. ; 341:1-2, s. 134-142
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose To investigate whether differences in plasma pharmacokinetic profiles of gefitinib between healthy subjects having normal (N; t1/2 > 20 h) and altered (A; t1/2 < 20 h) pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles might be explained by inter-individual variability in gastric emptying and/or precipitation/dissolution of gefitinib in the proximal small intestine. Methods One hundred healthy male subjects were screened to enable identification of subjects with the two PK profiles. Twenty five subjects from the screening were subsequently enrolled in an intubation study where a 250 mg gefitinib dispersion preparation (IRESSA®, AstraZeneca) was administered directly into the stomach. Intestinal fluid samples were withdrawn continuously for 180 min post-dose using the Loc-I-Gut catheter positioned in the jejunum. The crystalline form of gefitinib was determined using Raman microscopy. Results There were no differences between normal and altered subjects with regard to gastric emptying or the precipitation/dissolution of gefitinib in jejunal fluid. Due to difficulties in crystalline identification in the jejunal fluid samples, only the same crystalline form as the dosed form was identified. Conclusions There was no pronounced difference in gastric emptying, precipitation and re-dissolution of gefitinib in proximal human jejunum between normal and altered subjects. Other mechanism(s) are also likely to be important in explaining the inter-individual differences in plasma exposure to gefitinib, such as polymorphism in various metabolic enzymes and/or transport proteins. However, the difference between altered and normal subjects cannot be easily explained and it is likely a multifactorial explanation including low jejunal pH, increased expression of enzymatic and transporter activity and rapid small intestine transit.
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