| 1. |
- Logue, Jürg Brendan, et al.
(författare)
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Freshwater bacterioplankton richness in oligotrophic lakes depends on nutrient availability rather than on species-area relationships
- 2012
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Ingår i: The ISME Journal. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1751-7362 .- 1751-7370. ; 6:6, s. 1127-1136
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A central goal in ecology is to grasp the mechanisms that underlie and maintain biodiversity and patterns in its spatial distribution can provide clues about those mechanisms. Here, we investigated what might determine bacterioplankton richness (BR) in lakes by means of 454 pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. We further provide a BR estimate based upon a sampling depth and accuracy, which, to our knowledge, are unsurpassed for freshwater bacterioplankton communities. Our examination of 22 669 sequences per lake showed that freshwater BR in fourteen nutrient-poor lakes was positively influenced by nutrient availability. Our study is, thus, consistent with the finding that the supply of available nutrients is a major driver of species richness; a pattern that may well be universally valid to the world of both micro- and macro-organisms. We, furthermore, observed that BR increased with elevated landscape position, most likely as a consequence of differences in nutrient availability. Finally, BR decreased with increasing lake and catchment area that is negative species-area relationships (SARs) were recorded; a finding that re-opens the debate about whether positive SARs can indeed be found in the microbial world and whether positive SARs can in fact be pronounced as one of the few “laws” in ecology.
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| 2. |
- Anders, Silke, et al.
(författare)
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When seeing outweighs feeling : a role for prefrontal cortex in passive control of negative affect in blindsight
- 2009
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Ingår i: Brain. - Oxford : Oxford University Press. - 0006-8950 .- 1460-2156. ; 132:11, s. 3021-3031
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Affective neuroscience has been strongly influenced by the viewthat a ‘feeling’ is the perception of somatic changesand has consequently often neglected the neural mechanisms thatunderlie the integration of somatic and other information inaffective experience. Here, we investigate affective processingby means of functional magnetic resonance imaging in nine corticallyblind patients. In these patients, unilateral postgeniculatelesions prevent primary cortical visual processing in part ofthe visual field which, as a result, becomes subjectively blind.Residual subcortical processing of visual information, however,is assumed to occur in the entire visual field. As we have reportedearlier, these patients show significant startle reflex potentiationwhen a threat-related visual stimulus is shown in their blindvisual field. Critically, this was associated with an increaseof brain activity in somatosensory-related areas, and an increasein experienced negative affect. Here, we investigated the patients’response when the visual stimulus was shown in the sighted visualfield, that is, when it was visible and cortically processed.Despite the fact that startle reflex potentiation was similarin the blind and sighted visual field, patients reported significantlyless negative affect during stimulation of the sighted visualfield. In other words, when the visual stimulus was visibleand received full cortical processing, the patients’ phenomenalexperience of affect did not closely reflect somatic changes.This decoupling of phenomenal affective experience and somaticchanges was associated with an increase of activity in the leftventrolateral prefrontal cortex and a decrease of affect-relatedsomatosensory activity. Moreover, patients who showed strongerleft ventrolateral prefrontal cortex activity tended to showa stronger decrease of affect-related somatosensory activity.Our findings show that similar affective somatic changes canbe associated with different phenomenal experiences of affect,depending on the depth of cortical processing. They are in linewith a model in which the left ventrolateral prefrontal cortexis a relay station that integrates information about subcorticallytriggered somatic responses and information resulting from in-depthcortical stimulus processing. Tentatively, we suggest that theobserved decoupling of somatic responses and experienced affect,and the reduction of negative phenomenal experience, can beexplained by a left ventrolateral prefrontal cortex-mediatedinhibition of affect-related somatosensory activity.
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| 3. |
- Artiach, Gonzalo, et al.
(författare)
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Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Decrease Aortic Valve Disease through the Resolvin E1 and ChemR23 Axis.
- 2020
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Ingår i: Circulation. - 0009-7322 .- 1524-4539. ; 142, s. 776-789
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Aortic valve stenosis (AVS), which is the most common valvular heart disease, causes a progressive narrowing of the aortic valve as a consequence of thickening and calcification of the aortic valve leaflets. The beneficial effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) in cardiovascular prevention have been recently demonstrated in a large randomized controlled trial. In addition, n-3 PUFA serve as the substrate for the synthesis of specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), which are known by their potent beneficial anti-inflammatory, pro-resolving and tissue-modifying properties in cardiovascular disease. However, the effects of n-3 PUFA and SPMs on AVS have not yet been determined. The aim of this study was to identify the role of n-3 PUFA-derived SPMs in relation to the development of AVS. Methods: Lipidomic and transcriptomic analyses were performed in human tricuspid aortic valves. Apoe-/- mice and wire injury in C57BL/6J mice were used as models for mechanistic studies. Results: We found that n-3 PUFA incorporation into human stenotic aortic valves was higher in non-calcified regions compared with calcified regions. LC-MS-MS based lipid mediator lipidomics identified that the n-3 PUFA-derived SPM resolvin E1 (RvE1) was dysregulated in calcified regions and acted as a calcification inhibitor. Apoe-/- mice expressing the Caenorhabditis elegans Fat-1 transgene (Fat-1tgxApoe-/-), which enables the endogenous synthesis of n-3 PUFA, increased valvular n-3 PUFA content, exhibited reduced valve calcification, lower aortic valve leaflet area, increased M2 macrophage polarization and improved echocardiographic parameters. Finally, abrogation of the RvE1 receptor ChemR23 enhanced disease progression, and the beneficial effects of Fat-1tg were abolished in the absence of ChemR23. Conclusions: n-3 PUFA-derived RvE1 and its receptor ChemR23 emerge as a key axis in the inhibition of AVS progression, and may represent a novel potential therapeutic opportunity to be evaluated in patients with AVS.
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| 4. |
- Fanti, Stefano, et al.
(författare)
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EAU-EANM Consensus Statements on the Role of Prostate-specific Membrane Antigen Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography in Patients with Prostate Cancer and with Respect to [177Lu]Lu-PSMA Radioligand Therapy
- 2022
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Ingår i: European Urology Oncology. - : Elsevier BV. - 2588-9311. ; 5:5, s. 530-536
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) is useful for selected clinical indications in patients with prostate cancer (PCa) but it may have broader clinical utility owing to the emergence of lutetium-177-PSMA-617 ([177Lu]Lu-PSMA) therapy. However, robust data regarding the impact of PSMA PET/CT on patient management and treatment are lacking, and in many areas, the role of next-generation imaging has not been defined. OBJECTIVE: To assess expert opinion on the use of PSMA-based imaging and therapy to develop interim guidance. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A panel of 21 PCa experts from various disciplines received thematic topics and relevant literature. A questionnaire to assess proposed guidance statements regarding PSMA PET/CT and [177Lu]Lu-PSMA therapy was developed for completion remotely in a first e-Delphi round. A subsequent panel discussion was conducted during a 1-d meeting, which included a second Delphi round. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Panellists voted anonymously on statements using a nine-point Likert scale from 1 = strongly disagree to 9 = strongly agree. Median scores were calculated and consensus was assessed using methods proposed by the Research and Development (RAND) corporation. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Statements were developed to cover the following topics: PSMA PET/CT utility, clinical use, and choice of tracer; patient selection; and management of patients receiving [177Lu]Lu-PSMA for metastatic PCa. Consensus was reached for 33/36 statements. In-group bias is a potential limitation, as some statements were rephrased during discussions at the 1-d meeting. CONCLUSIONS: Adoption of PSMA PET/CT as an imaging tool to guide [177Lu]Lu-PSMA therapy should be supported by indications for appropriate use. PATIENT SUMMARY: A panel of experts in prostate cancer reached a consensus for the majority of statements proposed regarding the role of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-based imaging and therapy, particularly the use of PSMA-based imaging in patients suitable for [177Lu]Lu-PSMA therapy and the need to perform PSMA-based imaging before considering patients as candidates for this therapy.
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| 5. |
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| 6. |
- Jackowski, Christian, et al.
(författare)
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Post-Mortem Cardiac 3-T Magnetic Resonance Imaging Visualization of Sudden Cardiac Death?
- 2013
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Ingår i: Journal of the American College of Cardiology. - : Elsevier. - 0735-1097 .- 1558-3597. ; 62:7, s. 617-629
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives This study aimed to investigate post-mortem magnetic resonance imaging (pmMRI) for the assessment of myocardial infarction and hypointensities on post-mortem T-2-weighted images as a possible method for visualizing the myocardial origin of arrhythmic sudden cardiac death. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanBackground Sudden cardiac death has challenged clinical and forensic pathologists for decades because verification on post-mortem autopsy is not possible. pmMRI as an autopsy-supporting examination technique has been shown to visualize different stages of myocardial infarction. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanMethods In 136 human forensic corpses, a post-mortem cardiac MR examination was carried out prior to forensic autopsy. Short-axis and horizontal long-axis images were acquired in situ on a 3-T system. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanResults In 76 cases, myocardial findings could be documented and correlated to the autopsy findings. Within these 76 study cases, a total of 124 myocardial lesions were detected on pmMRI (chronic: 25; subacute: 16; acute: 30; and peracute: 53). Chronic, subacute, and acute infarction cases correlated excellently to the myocardial findings on autopsy. Peracute infarctions (age range: minutes to approximately 1 h) were not visible on macroscopic autopsy or histological examination. Peracute infarction areas detected on pmMRI could be verified in targeted histological investigations in 62.3% of cases and could be related to a matching coronary finding in 84.9%. A total of 15.1% of peracute lesions on pmMRI lacked a matching coronary finding but presented with severe myocardial hypertrophy or cocaine intoxication facilitating a cardiac death without verifiable coronary stenosis. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanConclusions 3-T pmMRI visualizes chronic, subacute, and acute myocardial infarction in situ. In peracute infarction as a possible cause of sudden cardiac death, it demonstrates affected myocardial areas not visible on autopsy. pmMRI should be considered as a feasible post-mortem investigation technique for the deceased patient if no consent for a clinical autopsy is obtained.
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| 7. |
- Miethke, Marcus, et al.
(författare)
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Towards the sustainable discovery and development of new antibiotics
- 2021
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Ingår i: Nature Reviews Chemistry. - : Springer Nature. - 2397-3358. ; 5:10, s. 726-749
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- An ever-increasing demand for novel antimicrobials to treat life-threatening infections caused by the global spread of multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens stands in stark contrast to the current level of investment in their development, particularly in the fields of natural-product-derived and synthetic small molecules. New agents displaying innovative chemistry and modes of action are desperately needed worldwide to tackle the public health menace posed by antimicrobial resistance. Here, our consortium presents a strategic blueprint to substantially improve our ability to discover and develop new antibiotics. We propose both short-term and long-term solutions to overcome the most urgent limitations in the various sectors of research and funding, aiming to bridge the gap between academic, industrial and political stakeholders, and to unite interdisciplinary expertise in order to efficiently fuel the translational pipeline for the benefit of future generations.
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| 8. |
- Oprea-Lager, Daniela Elena, et al.
(författare)
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European Association of Nuclear Medicine Focus 5 : Consensus on Molecular Imaging and Theranostics in Prostate Cancer
- 2024
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Ingår i: European Urology. - 0302-2838. ; 85:1, s. 49-60
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: In prostate cancer (PCa), questions remain on indications for prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and PSMA radioligand therapy, integration of advanced imaging in nomogram-based decision-making, dosimetry, and development of new theranostic applications. Objective: We aimed to critically review developments in molecular hybrid imaging and systemic radioligand therapy, to reach a multidisciplinary consensus on the current state of the art in PCa. Design, setting, and participants: The results of a systematic literature search informed a two-round Delphi process with a panel of 28 PCa experts in medical or radiation oncology, urology, radiology, medical physics, and nuclear medicine. The results were discussed and ratified in a consensus meeting. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis: Forty-eight statements were scored on a Likert agreement scale and six as ranking options. Agreement statements were analysed using the RAND appropriateness method. Ranking statements were analysed using weighted summed scores. Results and limitations: After two Delphi rounds, there was consensus on 42/48 (87.5%) of the statements. The expert panel recommends PSMA PET to be used for staging the majority of patients with unfavourable intermediate and high risk, and for restaging of suspected recurrent PCa. There was consensus that oligometastatic disease should be defined as up to five metastases, even using advanced imaging modalities. The group agreed that [177Lu]Lu-PSMA should not be administered only after progression to cabazitaxel and that [223Ra]RaCl2 remains a valid therapeutic option in bone-only metastatic castration-resistant PCa. Uncertainty remains on various topics, including the need for concordant findings on both [18F]FDG and PSMA PET prior to [177Lu]Lu-PSMA therapy. Conclusions: There was a high proportion of agreement among a panel of experts on the use of molecular imaging and theranostics in PCa. Although consensus statements cannot replace high-certainty evidence, these can aid in the interpretation and dissemination of best practice from centres of excellence to the wider clinical community. Patient summary: There are situations when dealing with prostate cancer (PCa) where both the doctors who diagnose and track the disease development and response to treatment, and those who give treatments are unsure about what the best course of action is. Examples include what methods they should use to obtain images of the cancer and what to do when the cancer has returned or spread. We reviewed published research studies and provided a summary to a panel of experts in imaging and treating PCa. We also used the research summary to develop a questionnaire whereby we asked the experts to state whether or not they agreed with a list of statements. We used these results to provide guidance to other health care professionals on how best to image men with PCa and what treatments to give, when, and in what order, based on the information the images provide.
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| 9. |
- Peira, Nathalie, et al.
(författare)
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Emotional responses in spider fear are closely related to picture awareness :
- 2012
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Ingår i: Cognition & Emotion. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0269-9931 .- 1464-0600. ; 26:2, s. 252-260
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Theories of emotion propose that responses to emotional pictures can occur independently of whether or not people are aware of the picture content. Because evidence from dissociation paradigms is inconclusive, we manipulated picture awareness gradually and studied whether emotional responses varied with degree of awareness. Spider fearful and non-fearful participants viewed pictures of spiders and flowers at four levels of backward masking while electrodermal activity and heart rate were measured continuously. Recognition ratings confirmed that participants’ picture awareness decreased with masking. Critically, effects of spider fear on emotion ratings and heart rate also decreased with masking. These findings suggest that effects of spider fear on emotion ratings and heart rate are closely related to picture awareness.
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| 10. |
- Perakis, Fivos, et al.
(författare)
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Coherent X-rays reveal the influence of cage effects on ultrafast water dynamics
- 2018
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Ingår i: Nature Communications. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2041-1723. ; 9
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The dynamics of liquid water feature a variety of time scales, ranging from extremely fast ballistic-like thermal motion, to slower molecular diffusion and hydrogen-bond rearrangements. Here, we utilize coherent X-ray pulses to investigate the sub-100 fs equilibrium dynamics of water from ambient conditions down to supercooled temperatures. This novel approach utilizes the inherent capability of X-ray speckle visibility spectroscopy to measure equilibrium intermolecular dynamics with lengthscale selectivity, by measuring oxygen motion in momentum space. The observed decay of the speckle contrast at the first diffraction peak, which reflects tetrahedral coordination, is attributed to motion on a molecular scale within the first 120 fs. Through comparison with molecular dynamics simulations, we conclude that the slowing down upon cooling from 328 K down to 253 K is not due to simple thermal ballistic-like motion, but that cage effects play an important role even on timescales over 25 fs due to hydrogen-bonding.
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