| 1. |
- Ajalloueian, Fatemeh, et al.
(författare)
-
Emulsion Electrospinning as an Approach to Fabricate PLGA/Chitosan Nanofibers for Biomedical Applications
- 2014
-
Ingår i: BioMed Research International. - : Hindawi Publishing Corporation. - 2314-6133 .- 2314-6141. ; :475280
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Novel nanofibers from blends of polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) and chitosan have been produced through an emulsion electrospinning process. The spinning solution employed polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the emulsifier. PVA was extracted from the electrospun nanofibers, resulting in a final scaffold consisting of a blend of PLGA and chitosan. The fraction of chitosan in the final electrospun mat was adjusted from 0 to 33%. Analyses by scanning and transmission electron microscopy show uniform nanofibers with homogenous distribution of PLGA and chitosan in their cross section. Infrared spectroscopy verifies that electrospun mats contain both PLGA and chitosan. Moreover, contact angle measurements show that the electrospun PLGA/chitosanmats are more hydrophilic than electrospun mats of pure PLGA. Tensile strengths of 4.94 MPa and 4.21 MPa for PLGA/chitosan in dry and wet conditions, respectively, illustrate that the polyblend mats of PLGA/chitosan are strong enough for many biomedical applications. Cell culture studies suggest that PLGA/chitosan nanofibers promote fibroblast attachment and proliferation compared to PLGA membranes. It can be assumed that the nanofibrous composite scaffold of PLGA/chitosan could be potentially used for skin tissue reconstruction.
|
|
| 2. |
- Ajaxon, Ingrid, et al.
(författare)
-
Long-term in vitro degradation of a high-strength brushite cement in water, PBS, and serum solution
- 2015
-
Ingår i: BioMed Research International. - : Hindawi Publishing Corporation. - 2314-6133 .- 2314-6141.
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Bone loss and fractures may call for the use of bone substituting materials, such as calcium phosphate cements (CPCs). CPCs can be degradable, and, to determine their limitations in terms of applications, their mechanical as well as chemical properties need to be evaluated over longer periods of time, under physiological conditions. However, there is lack of data on how the in vitro degradation affects high-strength brushite CPCs over longer periods of time, that is, longer than it takes for a bone fracture to heal. This study aimed at evaluating the long-term in vitro degradation properties of a high-strength brushite CPC in three different solutions: water, phosphate buffered saline, and a serum solution. Microcomputed tomography was used to evaluate the degradation nondestructively, complemented with gravimetric analysis. The compressive strength, chemical composition, and microstructure were also evaluated. Major changes from 10 weeks onwards were seen, in terms of formation of a porous outer layer of octacalcium phosphate on the specimens with a concomitant change in phase composition, increased porosity, decrease in object volume, and mechanical properties. This study illustrates the importance of long-term evaluation of similar cement compositions to be able to predict the material’s physical changes over a relevant time frame.
|
|
| 3. |
- Alipoor, Mohammad, 1983, et al.
(författare)
-
K-Optimal Gradient Encoding Scheme for Fourth-Order Tensor-Based Diffusion Profile Imaging
- 2015
-
Ingår i: Biomed Research International. - : Hindawi Limited. - 2314-6133 .- 2314-6141.
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The design of an optimal gradient encoding scheme (GES) is a fundamental problem in diffusion MRI. It is well studied for the case of second-order tensor imaging (Gaussian diffusion). However, it has not been investigated for the wide range of non-Gaussian diffusion models. The optimal GES is the one that minimizes the variance of the estimated parameters. Such a GES can be realized by minimizing the condition number of the design matrix (K-optimal design). In this paper, we propose a new approach to solve the K-optimal GES design problem for fourth-order tensor-based diffusion profile imaging. The problem is a nonconvex experiment design problem. Using convex relaxation, we reformulate it as a tractable semidefinite programming problem. Solving this problem leads to several theoretical properties of K-optimal design: (i) the odd moments of the K-optimal design must be zero; (ii) the even moments of the K-optimal design are proportional to the total number of measurements; (iii) the K-optimal design is not unique, in general; and (iv) the proposed method can be used to compute the K-optimal design for an arbitrary number of measurements. Our Monte Carlo simulations support the theoretical results and show that, in comparison with existing designs, the K-optimal design leads to the minimum signal deviation.
|
|
| 4. |
- Alipoor, Mohammad, 1983, et al.
(författare)
-
Optimal Experiment Design for Mono-Exponential Model Fitting: Application to Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Imaging
- 2015
-
Ingår i: BioMed Research International. - : Hindawi Limited. - 2314-6133 .- 2314-6141. ; 2015
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The mono-exponential model is widely used in quantitative biomedical imaging. Notable applications include apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) imaging and pharmacokinetics.The application of ADC imaging to the detection of malignant tissue has in turn prompted several studies concerning optimal experiment design for mono-exponential model fitting. In this paper, we propose a new experiment design method that is based on minimizing the determinant of the covariance matrix of the estimated parameters (?-optimal design). In contrast to previous methods, ?-optimal design is independent of the imaged quantities. Applying this method to ADC imaging, we demonstrate its steady performance for the whole range of input variables (imaged parameters, number of measurements, range of ?-values). Using Monte Carlo simulations we show that the ?-optimal design outperforms existing experiment design methods in terms of accuracy and precision of the estimated parameters.
|
|
| 5. |
- Amri, Raja, et al.
(författare)
-
Significance of EGFR/HER2 Expression and PIK3CA Mutations in Giant Cell Tumour of Bone Development
- 2020
-
Ingår i: BioMed Research International. - : Hindawi Limited. - 2314-6133 .- 2314-6141. ; 2020
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Giant Cell Tumour of Bone (GCTB) is a rare bone tumour. Locally aggressive and recurrent, it might evolve into pulmonary metastases. Our present work is aimed at investigating the involvement of the epidermal growth factor receptor (ErbB) family and its downstream effectors in the development and recurrence of GCTB. For this purpose, we used a cohort of 32 GCTB patients and we evaluated the clinicohistological features and the expression of RANKL, EGFR, and HER2. The mutation status of KRAS, PI3KCA, and PTEN gene as potential oncogene involved in GCTB was also evaluated. We found a significant correlation between advanced histological stages, overexpression of EGFR/HER2, and tumour recurrence. Moreover, two mutations were found in the PIK3CA gene: a missense mutation, 1634A>C, detected for the first time in GCTB patients, without influencing the stability of the protein, and a frameshift mutation, c.1658_1659delGTinsC, causing the loss of the protein kinase domain. Altogether, these results suggest that overexpression of HER2/EGFR, Campanacci, and histological stages could be used as a novel prognostic marker for GCTB recurrence.
|
|
| 6. |
- Armoniené, Rita, et al.
(författare)
-
Affordable Imaging Lab for Noninvasive Analysis of Biomass and Early Vigour in Cereal Crops
- 2018
-
Ingår i: BioMed Research International. - : Hindawi Limited. - 2314-6133 .- 2314-6141.
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Plant phenotyping by imaging allows automated analysis of plants for various morphological and physiological traits. In this work, we developed a low-cost RGB imaging phenotyping lab (LCP lab) for low-throughput imaging and analysis using affordable imaging equipment and freely available software. LCP lab comprising RGB imaging and analysis pipeline is set up and demonstrated with early vigour analysis in wheat. Using this lab, a few hundred pots can be photographed in a day and the pots are tracked with QR codes. The software pipeline for both imaging and analysis is built from freely available software. The LCP lab was evaluated for early vigour analysis of five wheat cultivars. A high coefficient of determination (R-2 0.94) was obtained between the dry weight and the projected leaf area of 20-day-old wheat plants and R-2 of 0.9 for the relative growth rate between 10 and 20 days of plant growth. Detailed description for setting up such a lab is provided together with custom scripts built for imaging and analysis. The LCP lab is an affordable alternative for analysis of cereal crops when access to a high-throughput phenotyping facility is unavailable or when the experiments require growing plants in highly controlled climate chambers. The protocols described in this work are useful for building affordable imaging system for small-scale research projects and for education.
|
|
| 7. |
- Aronsson, Patrik, 1983, et al.
(författare)
-
Inhibition of Nitric Oxide Synthase Prevents Muscarinic and Purinergic Functional Changes and Development of Cyclophosphamide-Induced Cystitis in the Rat
- 2014
-
Ingår i: Biomed research international. - : Hindawi Limited. - 2314-6133 .- 2314-6141.
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Nitric oxide (NO) has pivotal roles in cyclophosphamide-(CYP-) induced cystitis during which mucosal nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and muscarinic M5 receptor expressions are upregulated. In cystitis, urothelial muscarinic NO-linked effects hamper contractility. Therefore we wondered if a blockade of this axis also affects the induction of cystitis in the rat. Rats were pretreated with saline, the muscarinic receptor antagonist 4-DAMP (1mg/kg ip), or the NOS inhibitor L-NAME (30mg/kg ip) for five days. 60 h before the experiments the rats were treated with saline or CYP. Methacholine-, ATP-, and adenosine-evoked responses were smaller in preparations from CYP-treated rats than from saline-treated ones. Pretreatment with 4-DAMP did not change this relation, while pretreatment with L-NAME normalized the responses in the CYP-treated animals. The functional results were strengthened by the morphological observations; 4-DAMP pretreatment did not affect the parameters studied, namely, expression of muscarinic M5 receptors, P1A1 purinoceptors, mast cell distribution, or bladder wall enlargement. However, pretreatment with L-NAME attenuated the differences. Thus, the current study provides new insights into the complex mechanisms behind CYP-induced cystitis. The NO effects coupled to urothelial muscarinic receptors have a minor role in the development of cystitis. Inhibition of NOS may prevent the progression of cystitis.
|
|
| 8. |
|
|
| 9. |
- Arosio, B, et al.
(författare)
-
Peripheral blood mononuclear cells as a laboratory to study dementia in the elderly
- 2014
-
Ingår i: BioMed research international. - : Hindawi Limited. - 2314-6141 .- 2314-6133. ; 2014, s. 169203-
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The steady and dramatic increase in the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and the lack of effective treatments have stimulated the search for strategies to prevent or delay its onset and/or progression. Since the diagnosis of dementia requires a number of established features that are present when the disease is fully developed, but not always in the early stages, the need for a biological marker has proven to be urgent, in terms of both diagnosis and monitoring of AD. AD has been shown to affect peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) that are a critical component of the immune system which provide defence against infection. Although studies are continuously supplying additional data that emphasize the central role of inflammation in AD, PBMCs have not been sufficiently investigated in this context. Delineating biochemical alterations in AD blood constituents may prove valuable in identifying accessible footprints that reflect degenerative processes within the Central Nervous System (CNS). In this review, we address the role of biomarkers in AD with a focus on the notion that PBMCs may serve as a peripheral laboratory to find molecular signatures that could aid in differential diagnosis with other forms of dementia and in monitoring of disease progression.
|
|
| 10. |
- Asif, Muhammad, et al.
(författare)
-
Diagnostic Performance and Appropriate Cut-Offs of Different Anthropometric Indicators for Detecting Children with Overweight and Obesity
- 2021
-
Ingår i: BioMed Research International. - : Hindawi Publishing Corporation. - 2314-6133 .- 2314-6141.
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In the clinical settings, different anthropometric indicators like neck circumference (NC), waist circumference (WC), midupper arm circumference (MUAC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and arm-to-height ratio (AHtR) have been suggested for evaluating overweight and obesity in children. The comparative ability of these indicators in Pakistan is yet unknown. This study is aimed at examining the validity of different anthropometric indicators of overweight and obesity simultaneously and at determining their superlative cut-off values that would correctly detect overweight and obesity in children. For this purpose, the dataset of anthropometric measurements height, weight, WC, MUAC, and NC of 5,964 Pakistani children, aged 5-12 years collected in a cross-sectional multiethnic anthropometric survey (MEAS), was used. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to assess the validity of different anthropometric indicators. The most sensitive and specific cut-off points, positive and negative predictive values of each indicator were also calculated. The results of the ROC curve indicated that all the studied indicators had a good performance but the indicators AHtR and WHtR had the highest value of the area under the curve (AUC) for the screening of children with overweight and obesity (AUC > 0.80). In the overall sample, AHtR, WHtR, MUAC, WC, and NC cut-off points indicative of overweight, in both boys and girls, were 0.14, 0.46, 18.41 cm, 62.86 cm, and 26.36 cm and 0.14, 0.47, 18.16 cm, 64.39 cm, and 26.54 cm, respectively; the corresponding values for obesity were 0.14, 0.47, 18.67 cm, 62.10 cm, and 26.36 cm and 0.14, 0.48, 20.19 cm, 64.39 cm, and 25.27 cm. We concluded that the sex-specific cut-off points for AHtR, WHtR, MUAC, WC, and NC can be used to diagnose overweight and obesity in Pakistani children.
|
|
| 11. |
- Bátori, Veronika, et al.
(författare)
-
Ethanol and Protein from Ethanol Plant By-Products Using Edible Fungi Neurospora intermedia and Aspergillus oryzae
- 2015
-
Ingår i: BioMed Research International. - : Hindawi Limited. - 2314-6133 .- 2314-6141. ; 2015:nov23
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Feasible biorefineries for production of second-generation ethanol are difficult to establish due to the process complexity. An alternative is to partially include the process in the first-generation plants. Whole stillage, a by-product from dry-mill ethanol processes from grains, is mostly composed of undegraded bran and lignocelluloses can be used as a potential substrate for production of ethanol and feed proteins. Ethanol production and the proteins from the stillage were investigated using the edible fungi Neurospora intermedia and Aspergillus oryzae, respectively. N. intermedia produced 4.7 g/L ethanol from the stillage and increased to 8.7 g/L by adding 1 FPU of cellulase/g suspended solids. Saccharomyces cerevisiae produced 0.4 and 5.1 g/L ethanol, respectively. Under a two-stage cultivation with both fungi, up to 7.6 g/L of ethanol and 5.8 g/L of biomass containing 42% (w/w) crude protein were obtained. Both fungi degraded complex substrates including arabinan, glucan, mannan, and xylan where reductions of 91, 73, 38, and 89% (w/v) were achieved, respectively. The inclusion of the current process can lead to the production of 44,000 m(3) of ethanol (22% improvement), around 12,000 tons of protein-rich biomass for animal feed, and energy savings considering a typical facility producing 200,000 m(3) ethanol/year.
|
|
| 12. |
- Bergsten, Eva L., et al.
(författare)
-
Psychosocial work factors and musculoskeletal pain : a cross-sectional study among Swedish flight baggage handlers
- 2015
-
Ingår i: BioMed Research International. - : Hindawi Limited. - 2314-6133 .- 2314-6141. ; 2015
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective. Flight baggage handlers sort and load luggage to airplanes. This study aimed at investigating associations between psychosocial exposures and low back and shoulder musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among Swedish flight baggage handlers.Methods. A questionnaire addressing MSDs (Standardized Nordic Questionnaire) and psychosocial factors (Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire, COPSOQ) was answered by 525 baggage handlers in six Swedish airports.Results. Low back (LBP) and shoulder pain (SP) was reported by 70% and 60%, respectively. Pain was reported to interfere with work (PIW) by 30% (low back) and 18% (shoulders), and intense pain (PINT) occurred in 34% and 28% of the population. Quality of leadership was the most dissatisfying psychosocial factor, while the most positive was social community at work. Low ratings in the combined domain Work organization and job content were significantly associated with PIW in both low back and shoulders (Adjusted Hazard Ratios 3.65 (95% CI 1.67-7.99) and 2.68 (1.09-6.61)) while lower ratings in the domain Interpersonal relations and leadership were associated with PIW LBP (HR 2.18 (1.06-4.49)) and PINT LBP and SP (HRs 1.95 (1.05-3.65) and 2.11 (1.08-4.12)).Conclusion. Severity of pain among flight baggage handlers was associated with psychosocial factors at work, suggesting that they may be a relevant target for intervention in this occupation.
|
|
| 13. |
- Block, Mattias, 1968, et al.
(författare)
-
Immunohistochemical Studies on Galectin Expression in Colectomised Patients with Ulcerative Colitis.
- 2016
-
Ingår i: BioMed research international. - : Hindawi Limited. - 2314-6141 .- 2314-6133. ; 2016
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction. The aetiology and pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC) are essentially unknown. Galectins are carbohydrate-binding lectins involved in a large number of physiological and pathophysiological processes. Little is known about the role of galectins in human UC. In this immunohistochemical exploratory study, both epithelial and inflammatory cell galectin expression were studied in patients with a thoroughly documented clinical history and were correlated with inflammatory activity. Material and Methods. Surgical whole intestinal wall colon specimens from UC patients (n = 22) and controls (n = 10) were studied. Clinical history, pharmacological treatment, and modified Mayo-score were recorded. Tissue inflammation was graded, and sections were stained with antibodies recognizing galectin-1, galectin-2, galectin-3, and galectin-4. Results. Galectin-1 was undetectable in normal and UC colonic epithelium, while galectin-2, galectin-3, and galectin-4 were strongly expressed. A tendency towards diminished epithelial expression with increased inflammatory grade for galectin-2, galectin-3, and galectin-4 was also found. In the inflammatory cells, a strong expression of galectin-2 and a weak expression of galectin-3 were seen. No clear-cut correlation between epithelial galectin expression and severity of the disease was found. Conclusion. Galectin expression in patients with UC seems to be more dependent on disease focality and individual variation than on degree of tissue inflammation.
|
|
| 14. |
- Blomberg, Marie
(författare)
-
Maternal Body Mass Index and Risk of Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury
- 2014
-
Ingår i: BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL. - : Hindawi Publishing Corporation. - 2314-6133 .- 2314-6141. ; 2014:395803
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective. To estimate the association between maternal obesity and risk of three different degrees of severity of obstetric anal sphincter injury. Methods. The study population consisted of 436,482 primiparous women with singleton term vaginal cephalic births between 1998 and 2011 identified in the Swedish Medical Birth Registry. Women were grouped into six categories of BMI. BMI 18.5-24.9 was set as reference. Primary outcome was third-degree perineal laceration, partial or total, and fourth-degree perineal laceration. Adjustments were made for year of delivery, maternal age, fetal head position at delivery, infant birth weight and instrumental delivery. Results. The overall prevalence of third-or four-degree anal sphincter injury was 6.6% (partial anal sphincter injury 4.6%, total anal sphincter injury 1.2%, unclassified as either partial and total 0.2%, or fourth degree lacerations 0.6%). The risk for a partial, total, or a fourth-degree anal sphincter injury decreased with increasing maternal BMI most pronounced for total anal sphincter injury where the risk among morbidly obese women was half that of normal weight women, OR 0.47 95% CI 0.28-0.78. Conclusion. Obese women had a favourable outcome compared to normal weight women concerning serious pelvic floor damages at birth.
|
|
| 15. |
- Bocskei, RM, et al.
(författare)
-
Oscillometrically Measured Aortic Pulse Wave Velocity Reveals Asymptomatic Carotid Atherosclerosis in a Middle-Aged, Apparently Healthy Population
- 2020
-
Ingår i: BioMed research international. - : Hindawi Limited. - 2314-6141 .- 2314-6133. ; 2020, s. 8571062-
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background. Asymptomatic atherosclerosis is a common entity even at young age. Studies have suggested a strong relationship between increased arterial stiffness and asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis (ACA) in general population, particularly in those with high cardiovascular risk, but no data exist from a younger population free from recognized cardiovascular disease. Hypothesis. We hypothesized there is an association between ACA and aortic pulse wave velocity (PWVao) in middle-aged, apparently healthy, normotensive population to reveal increased cardiovascular risk. Methods. We examined the relationship between ACA and PWVao in 236 apparently healthy, asymptomatic, normotensive, middle-aged subjects (age 47 ± 8 years; 52% women). PWVao was measured with the oscillometric method (Arteriograph). ACA was assessed by carotid artery ultrasonography. Results. ACA was present in 51 subjects. Subjects with ACA were older (p<0.009), more likely to be smokers (p<0.001), and had higher systolic blood pressure (SBP, 128 ± 9 vs. 125 ± 10 mmHg, p=0.048) and PWVao (9.3 ± 1.6 vs. 7.9 ± 1.3 m/s, p<0.001) than subjects without ACA. In a stepwise logistic regression analysis, only PWVao (odds ratio: 1.88, p<0.001), smoking habit (odds ratio 3.79, p=0.003), systolic blood pressure (odds ratio 1.05, p=0.046), and diastolic blood pressure (odds ratio: 0.94, p=0.038) were independently associated with ACA. PWVao >8.3 m/s identified ACA with a 71% sensitivity, 65% specificity, 36% positive and 89% negative predictive value, 2.04 relative risk, and 4.54 odds ratio, respectively. Conclusions. PWVao measured by the Arteriograph proved to be an independent marker of ACA. Our study may reveal high CV risk, detected as increased PWVao, which according to our study is related in a very high probability to asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis in apparently healthy, young, and middle-aged subjects.
|
|
| 16. |
- Bodin, Charlotte Rosenkrantz, et al.
(författare)
-
Ultrasound in Prenatal Diagnostics and Its Impact on the Epidemiology of Spina Bifida in a National Cohort from Denmark with a Comparison to Sweden
- 2018
-
Ingår i: BioMed Research International. - : Hindawi Limited. - 2314-6133 .- 2314-6141. ; 2018
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence, the prenatal detection rate by ultrasound, and the pregnancy outcome of spina bifida (SB) in Denmark (DK) in 2008-2015 and to compare results to national data from Sweden. Methods. Data were retrieved from the Danish Fetal Medicine Database, which includes International Classification of Diseases-(ICD-) 10 codes for pre-or postnatally diagnoses and pregnancy outcome. Missing data were obtained from the National Patient Register. Livebirth data with myelomeningocele (MMC) in Sweden were obtained from different databases. Results. There were 234 cases with SB in DK in 2008-2015. The incidence of SB was 4.9: 10,000; 89% were detected with ultrasound prior to week 22; 90% of these pregnancies were terminated (ToP); 91% were isolated malformations of which 11% showed abnormal karyotype. The incidence of newborns with MMC was 1.3: 10,000 in Sweden. Conclusions. Ultrasound screening has a major impact on the epidemiology of SB. The prenatal detection rate of SB was high, and most SB cases were isolated and had a normal karyotype. Among women with a prenatal fetal diagnosis of SB, 90% chose to have ToP. The incidence of newborns with SB was higher in Sweden than in DK.
|
|
| 17. |
- Bowtell, J. L., et al.
(författare)
-
Short Duration Small Sided Football and to a Lesser Extent Whole Body Vibration Exercise Induce Acute Changes in Markers of Bone Turnover
- 2016
-
Ingår i: Biomed Research International. - : Hindawi Limited. - 2314-6133 .- 2314-6141.
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We aimed to study whether short-duration vibration exercise or football sessions of two different durations acutely changed plasma markers of bone turnover and muscle strain. Inactive premenopausal women (n = 56) were randomized to complete a single bout of short (FG15) or long duration (FG60) small sided football or low magnitude whole body vibration training (VIB). Procollagen type 1 amino-terminal propeptide (P1NP) was increased during exercise for FG15 (51.6 +/- 23.0 to 56.5 +/- 22.5 mu g.L-1, mean +/- SD, P < 0.05) and FG60 (42.6 +/- 11.8 to 50.2 +/- 12.8 mu g.L-1, P < 0.05) but not for VIB (38.8 +/- 15.1 to 36.6 +/- 14.7 mu g.L-1, P > 0.05). An increase in osteocalcin was observed 48 h after exercise (P < 0.05), which did not differ between exercise groups. C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen was not affected by exercise. Blood lactate concentration increased during exercise for FG15 (0.6 +/- 0.2 to 3.4 +/- 1.2mM) and FG60 (0.6 +/- 0.2 to 3.3 +/- 2.0 mM), but not for VIB (0.6 +/- 0.2 to 0.8 +/- 0.4mM) (P < 0.05). Plasma creatine kinase increased by 55 +/- 63% and 137 +/- 119% 48 h after FG15 and FG60 (P < 0.05), but not after VIB (26 +/- 54%, NS). In contrast to the minor elevation in osteocalcin in response to a single session of vibration exercise, both short and longer durations of small sided football acutely increased plasma P1NP, osteocalcin, and creatine kinase. This may contribute to favorable effects of chronic training on musculoskeletal health.
|
|
| 18. |
- Brautaset, RL, et al.
(författare)
-
Comparison of Macular Thickness in Patients with Keratoconus and Control Subjects Using the Cirrus HD-OCT
- 2015
-
Ingår i: BioMed research international. - : Hindawi Limited. - 2314-6141 .- 2314-6133. ; 2015, s. 832863-
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose.The aim of the present study was to compare macular thickness in patients with keratoconus (KC) with macular thickness in healthy subjects.Subjects and Methods.Twenty-six patients with KC and 52 control subjects were included. The macular structure was evaluated using a Zeiss Cirrus HD-OCT. The scan pattern used was 512 × 128, which covers an area of approximately 6 × 6 mm of the retina. The cube volume was assessed as well as macular thickness in each of the 9 sectors defined by the software.Results.The mean signal strength was significantly lower in the KC group (mean 8.4, range 6–10) compared with the control group (mean 9.7, range 7–10),P<0.0001(unpairedt-test). There were no significant differences in cube volume (unpairedt-test), cube average thickness, or macular thickness between the KC group and the control subjects in any of the retinal locations (one-way ANOVA).Conclusion.Macular structure as measured by OCT in KC subjects should be expected to lie within the range of age and sex matched controls.
|
|
| 19. |
- Brodén, Cyrus, et al.
(författare)
-
Accuracy and Precision of Three-Dimensional Low Dose CT Compared to Standard RSA in Acetabular Cups : An Experimental Study
- 2016
-
Ingår i: BioMed Research International. - : Hindawi Publishing Corporation. - 2314-6133 .- 2314-6141.
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background and Purpose. The gold standard for detection of implant wear and migration is currently radiostereometry (RSA). The purpose of this study is to compare a three-dimensional computed tomography technique (3D CT) to standard RSA as an alternative technique for measuring migration of acetabular cups in total hip arthroplasty.Materials and Methods. With tantalum beads, we marked one cemented and one uncemented cup and mounted these on a similarly marked pelvic model. A comparison was made between 3D CT and standard RSA for measuring migration. Twelve repeated stereoradiographs and CT scans with double examinations in each position and gradual migration of the implants were made. Precision and accuracy of the 3D CT were calculated.Results. The accuracy of the 3D CT ranged between 0.07 and 0.32 mm for translations and 0.21 and 0.82° for rotation. The precision ranged between 0.01 and 0.09 mm for translations and 0.06 and 0.29° for rotations, respectively. For standard RSA, the precision ranged between 0.04 and 0.09 mm for translations and 0.08 and 0.32° for rotations, respectively. There was no significant difference in precision between 3D CT and standard RSA. The effective radiation dose of the 3D CT method, comparable to RSA, was estimated to be 0.33 mSv.Interpretation. Low dose 3D CT is a comparable method to standard RSA in an experimental setting.
|
|
| 20. |
- Busi, Micol, et al.
(författare)
-
Cochlear Implant Outcomes and Genetic Mutations in Children with Ear and Brain Anomalies
- 2015
-
Ingår i: Biomedical Research International. - : Hindawi Publishing Corporation. - 2314-6133 .- 2314-6141. ; 2015
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Specific clinical conditions could compromise cochlear implantation outcomes and drastically reduce the chance of an acceptable development of perceptual and linguistic capabilities. These conditions should certainly include the presence of inner ear malformations or brain abnormalities. The aims of this work were to study the diagnostic value of high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in children with sensorineural hearing loss who were candidates for cochlear implants and to analyse the anatomic abnormalities of the ear and brain in patients who underwent cochlear implantation. We also analysed the effects of ear malformations and brain anomalies on the CI outcomes, speculating on their potential role in the management of language developmental disorders.Methods: The present study is a retrospective observational review of cochlear implant outcomes among hearing-impaired children who presented ear and/or brain anomalies at neuroimaging investigations with MRI and HRCT. Furthermore, genetic results from molecular genetic investigations (GJB2/GJB6 and, additionally, in selected cases, SLC26A4 or mitochondrial-DNA mutations) on this study group were herein described. Longitudinal and cross-sectional analysis was conducted using statistical tests.Results: Between January 1, 1996 and April 1, 2012, at the ENT-Audiology Department of the University Hospital of Ferrara, 620 cochlear implantations were performed. There were 426 implanted children at the time of the present study (who were <18 years). Among these, 143 patients (64 females and 79 males) presented ear and/or brain anomalies/lesions/malformations at neuroimaging investigations with MRI and HRCT. The age of the main study group (143 implanted children) ranged from 9 months and 16 years (average = 4.4; median = 3.0).Conclusions: Good outcomes with cochlear implants are possible in patients who present with inner ear or brain abnormalities, even if central nervous system anomalies represent a negative prognostic factor that is made worse by the concomitant presence of cochlear malformations. Common cavity and stenosis of the internal auditory canal (less than 2 mm) are negative prognostic factors even if brain lesions are absent.
|
|
| 21. |
- Cable, N., et al.
(författare)
-
Identifying Frail-Related Biomarkers among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Japan : A Research Example from the Japanese Gerontological Evaluation Study
- 2018
-
Ingår i: BioMed Research International. - : Hindawi Publishing Corporation. - 2314-6133 .- 2314-6141.
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We examined correlating clinical biomarkers for the physical aspect of frailty among community-dwelling older adults in Japan, using Japanese Gerontological Evaluation Study (JAGES). We used information from the JAGES participants (N = 3,128) who also participated in the community health screening in 2010. We grouped participants' response to the Study of Osteoporotic Fracture (SOF) Frailty Index into robust (=0), intermediate frail (=1), and frail (=2+) ones to indicate physical aspect of frailty. Independent of sex and age, results from multinomial logistic regression showed above normal albumin and below normal HDL and haemoglobin levels were positively associated with intermediate frail (RRR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.22-3.23; RRR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.33-1.39; RRR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.23-1.51, resp.) and frail cases (RRR = 2.27, 95% CI = 1.91-2.70; RRR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.51-1.68; RRR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.28-1.52, resp.). Limited to women, above normal Hb1Ac level was similarly associated with intermediate frail and frail cases (RRR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.02, 1.38; RRR = 2.56, 95% CI = 2.23-2.95, resp.). Use of relevant clinical biomarkers can help in assessment of older adults' physical aspect of frailty.
|
|
| 22. |
- Carlberg, Michael, et al.
(författare)
-
Case-Control Study on Occupational Exposure to Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields and the Association with Meningioma
- 2018
-
Ingår i: BioMed Research International. - : Hindawi Limited. - 2314-6133 .- 2314-6141.
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective. Exposure to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) was in 2002 classified as a possible human carcinogen, Group 2B, by the International Agency for Research on Cancer at WHO based on an increased risk for childhood leukemia. In case-control studies on brain tumors during 1997-2003 and 2007-2009 we assessed lifetime occupations in addition to exposure to different agents. The INTEROCC ELF-EMF Job-ExposureMatrix was used for associating occupations with ELF-EMF exposure (mu T) with meningioma. Cumulative exposure (mu T-years), average exposure (mu T), and maximum exposed job (mu T) were calculated. Results. No increased risk for meningioma was found in any category. For cumulative exposure in the highest exposure category 8.52+ mu T years odds ratio (OR) = 0.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.7-1.2, and.. linear trend = 0.45 were calculated. No statistically significant risks were found in different time windows. Conclusion. In conclusion occupational ELF-EMF was not associated with an increased risk for meningioma.
|
|
| 23. |
- Carlberg, Michael, et al.
(författare)
-
Evaluation of Mobile Phone and Cordless Phone Use and Glioma Risk Using the Bradford Hill Viewpoints from 1965 on Association or Causation
- 2017
-
Ingår i: BioMed Research International. - : Hindawi Publishing Corporation. - 2314-6133 .- 2314-6141. ; 2017
-
Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: Bradford Hill's viewpoints from 1965 on association or causation were used on glioma risk and use of mobile or cordless phones.Methods: All nine viewpoints were evaluated based on epidemiology and laboratory studies.Results: Strength: meta-analysis of case-control studies gave odds ratio (OR) = 1.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.31-2.76 with highest cumulative exposure. Consistency: the risk increased with latency, meta-analysis gave in the 10+ years' latency group OR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.20-2.19. Specificity: increased risk for glioma was in the temporal lobe. Using meningioma cases as comparison group still increased the risk. Temporality: highest risk was in the 20+ years' latency group, OR = 2.01, 95% CI =1.41-2.88, for wireless phones. Biological gradient: cumulative use of wireless phones increased the risk. Plausibility: animal studies showed an increased incidence of glioma and malignant schwannoma in rats exposed to radiofrequency (RF) radiation. There is increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from RF radiation. Coherence: there is a change in the natural history of glioma and increasing incidence. Experiment: antioxidants reduced ROS production from RF radiation. Analogy: there is an increased risk in subjects exposed to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields.Conclusion: RF radiation should be regarded as a human carcinogen causing glioma.
|
|
| 24. |
- Carlsson, Elin, et al.
(författare)
-
In vitro and in vivo response to low-modulus PMMA-based bone cement
- 2015
-
Ingår i: BioMed Research International. - : Hindawi Limited. - 2314-6133 .- 2314-6141.
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The high stiffness of acrylic bone cements has been hypothesized to contribute to the increased number of fractures encountered after vertebroplasty, which has led to the development of low-modulus cements. However, there is no data available on the in vivo biocompatibility of any low-modulus cement. In this study, the in vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo biocompatibility of two types of low-modulus acrylic cements, one modified with castor oil and one with linoleic acid, were evaluated using human osteoblast-like cells and a rodent model, respectively. While the in vitro cytotoxicity appeared somewhat affected by the castor oil and linoleic acid additions, no difference could be found in the in vivo response to these cements in comparison to the base, commercially available cement, in terms of histology and flow cytometry analysis of the presence of immune cells. Furthermore, the in vivo radiopacity of the cements appeared unaltered. While these results are promising, the mechanical behavior of these cements in vivo remains to be investigated.
|
|
| 25. |
|
|
| 26. |
- Castiglione, Alessandro, 1976-, et al.
(författare)
-
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss and polymorphisms in iron homeostasis genes : new insights from a case-control study
- 2015
-
Ingår i: BioMed Research International. - London : Hindawi Limited. - 2314-6133 .- 2314-6141.
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Even if various pathophysiological events have been proposed as explanations, the putative cause of sudden hearing loss remains unclear.Objectives: To investigate and to reveal associations (if any) between the main iron-related gene variants and idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss.Study Design: Case-control study.Materials and Methods: A total of 200 sudden sensorineural hearing loss patients (median age 63.65 years; range 10–92) were compared with 400 healthy control subjects. The following genetic variants were investigated: the polymorphism c.−8CG in the promoter of the ferroportin gene (FPN1; SLC40A1), the two isoforms C1 and C2 (p.P570S) of the transferrin protein (TF), the amino acidic substitutions p.H63D and p.C282Y in the hereditary hemochromatosis protein (HFE), and the polymorphism c.–582AG in the promoter of the HEPC gene, which encodes the protein hepcidin (HAMP).Results: The homozygous genotype c.−8GG of the SLC40A1 gene revealed an OR for ISSNHL risk of 4.27 (CI 95%, 2.65–6.89; ), being overrepresented among cases.Conclusions: Our study indicates that the homozygous genotype FPN1 −8GG was significantly associated with increased risk of developing sudden hearing loss. These findings suggest new research should be conducted in the field of iron homeostasis in the inner ear.
|
|
| 27. |
- Catia, FC, et al.
(författare)
-
Calcitriol Prevents Cardiovascular Repercussions in Puromycin Aminonucleoside-Induced Nephrotic Syndrome
- 2018
-
Ingår i: BioMed research international. - : Hindawi Limited. - 2314-6141 .- 2314-6133. ; 2018, s. 3609645-
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Puromycin aminonucleoside-induced nephrotic syndrome (PAN-NS) is characterized by cardiac remodeling and increased local inflammatory activity. Patients with NS and animal models of NS have vitamin D3 deficiency. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of calcitriol on cardiac remodeling and local inflammatory state in PAN-NS rat model. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with PAN or vehicle on day 0. PAN and control rats were divided into two subgroups for the administration of calcitriol (PAN-D and Ct-D groups) or the vehicle (PAN-V and Ct-V groups) during 21 days. On day 21, the renal function, metabolic balance, calcitriol and FGF-23 plasma levels, prohypertrophy and proinflammatory markers (ET-1, TGF-β1, TNF-α, and IL-1β), and calcium signaling molecules (PLB and SERCA-2a) were evaluated. Twenty-one days after injection, PAN-V group presented cardiac hypertrophy and a modulation of proinflammatory markers local expression. Calcitriol treatment of PAN rats prevented cardiac hypertrophy and was associated with marked reduction in the cardiac expression levels of proinflammatory markers. Our results suggest that vitamin D3 deficiency in PAN-NS may contribute to cardiac remodeling and to the increase in local inflammatory activity. Calcitriol treatment prevents both cardiac repercussions and local inflammatory processes in PAN-NS.
|
|
| 28. |
- Chen, Fengnong, et al.
(författare)
-
Intravoxel Incoherent Motion Diffusion for Identification of Breast Malignant and Benign Tumors Using Chemometrics
- 2017
-
Ingår i: BioMed Research International. - : Hindawi Limited. - 2314-6133 .- 2314-6141.
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Theaim of the paper is to identify the breast malignant and benign lesions using the features of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), perfusion fraction f, pseudodiffusion coefficient D*, and true diffusion coefficient D from intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM). There are 69 malignant cases (including 9 early malignant cases) and 35 benign breast cases who underwent diffusion-weighted MRI at 3.0 T with 8 b-values (0 similar to 1000 s/mm(2)). ADC and IVIM parameters were determined in lesions. The early malignant cases are used as advanced malignant and benign tumors, respectively, so as to assess the effectiveness on the result. A predictive model was constructed using Support VectorMachine Binary Classification (SVMBC, also known Support VectorMachine Discriminant Analysis (SVMDA)) and Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLSDA) and compared the difference between them both. The.. value and ADC provide accurate identification of malignant lesions with.. = 300, if early malignant tumor was considered as advanced malignant (cancer). The classification accuracy is 93.5% for cross-validation using SVMBC with ADC and tissue diffusivity only. The sensitivity and specificity are 100% and 87.0%, respectively, r(2) (cv) = 0.8163, and root mean square error of cross-validation (RMSECV) is 0.043. ADC and IVIM provide quantitative measurement of tissue diffusivity for cellularity and are helpful with the method of SVMBC, getting comprehensive and complementary information for differentiation between benign and malignant breast lesions.
|
|
| 29. |
|
|
| 30. |
- Cinici, Emine, et al.
(författare)
-
Targeted Gene Candidates for Treatment and Early Diagnosis of Age-Related Macular Degeneration
- 2021
-
Ingår i: BioMed Research International. - : Hindawi Limited. - 2314-6133 .- 2314-6141. ; 2021
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that impairs the sharp and central vision need for daily activities. Recent advances in molecular biology research not only lead to a better understanding of the genetics and pathophysiology of AMD but also to the development of applications based on targeted gene expressions to treat the disease. Clarification of molecular pathways that causing to development and progression in dry and wet types of AMD needs comprehensive and comparative investigations in particular precious biopsies involving peripheral blood samples from the patients. Therefore, in this investigation, dry and wet types of AMD patients and healthy individuals were aimed at investigating in regard to targeted gene candidates by using gene expression analysis for the first time. 13 most potent candidate genes involved in neurodegeneration were selected via in silico approach and investigated through gene expression analysis to suggest new targets for disease therapy. For the analyses, 30 individuals (10 dry and 10 wet types AMD patients and 10 healthy people) were involved in the study. SYBR-Green based Real-Time PCR analysis was performed on isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to analyze differentially expressed genes related to these cases. According to the investigations, only the CRP gene was found to be upregulated for both dry and wet disease types. When the downregulated genes were analyzed, it was found that 11 genes were commonly decreased for both dry and wet types in the aspect of expression pattern. From these genes, CFH, CX3CR1, FLT1, and TIMP3 were found to have the most downregulated gene expression properties for both diseases. From these results, it might be concluded that these common upregulated and downregulated genes could be used as targets for early diagnosis and treatment for AMD.
|
|
| 31. |
- Cuddihy, Laury, et al.
(författare)
-
Vertebral Body Stapling versus Bracing for Patients with High-Risk Moderate Idiopathic Scoliosis.
- 2015
-
Ingår i: BioMed research international. - : Hindawi Limited. - 2314-6141 .- 2314-6133. ; 2015
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We report a comparison study of vertebral body stapling (VBS) versus a matched bracing cohort for immature patients with moderate (25 to 44°) idiopathic scoliosis (IS).42 of 49 consecutive patients (86%) with IS were treated with VBS and followed for a minimum of 2 years. They were compared to 121 braced patients meeting identical inclusion criteria. 52 patients (66 curves) were matched according to age at start of treatment (10.6 years versus 11.1 years, resp. [P = 0.07]) and gender.For thoracic curves 25-34°, VBS had a success rate (defined as curve progression <10°) of 81% versus 61% for bracing (P = 0.16). In thoracic curves 35-44°, VBS and bracing both had a poor success rate. For lumbar curves, success rates were similar in both groups for curves measuring 25-34°.In this comparison of two cohorts of patients with high-risk (Risser 0-1) moderate IS (25-44°), in smaller thoracic curves (25-34°) VBS provided better results as a clinical trend as compared to bracing. VBS was found not to be effective for thoracic curves ≥35°. For lumbar curves measuring 25-34°, results appear to be similar for both VBS and bracing, at 80% success.
|
|
| 32. |
- Dasa, Kris, 1989, et al.
(författare)
-
Inhibitory Effect of Long-Chain Fatty Acids on Biogas Production and the Protective Effect of Membrane Bioreactor
- 2016
-
Ingår i: BioMed Research International. - : Hindawi Limited. - 2314-6133 .- 2314-6141. ; 2016:ID:7263974, s. 9 pages-
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Anaerobic digestion of lipid-containing wastes for biogas production is often hampered by the inhibitory effect of long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs). In this study, the inhibitory effects of LCFAs (palmitic, stearic, and oleic acid) on biogas production as well as the protective effect of a membrane bioreactor (MBR) against LCFAs were examined in thermophilic batch digesters. The results showed that palmitic and oleic acid with concentrations of 3.0 and 4.5 g/L resulted in >50% inhibition on the biogas production, while stearic acid had an even stronger inhibitory effect. The encased cells in the MBR system were able to perform better in the presence of LCFAs. This system exhibited a significantly lower percentage of inhibition than the free cell system, not reaching over 50% at any LCFA concentration tested.
|
|
| 33. |
- Del Chiaro, M, et al.
(författare)
-
The state of the art of robotic pancreatectomy
- 2014
-
Ingår i: BioMed research international. - : Hindawi Limited. - 2314-6141 .- 2314-6133. ; 2014, s. 920492-
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- During the last decades an increasing number of minimally invasive pancreatic resections have been reported in the literature. With the development of robotic surgery a new enthusiasm has not only increased the number of centers approaching minimally invasive pancreatic surgery in general but also enabled the use of this technique for major pancreatic procedures, in particular in minimally invasive pancreatoduodenectomy. The aim of this review was to define the state of the art of pancreatic robotic surgery. No prospective randomized trials have been performed comparing robotic, laparoscopic, and open pancreatic procedures. From the literature one may conclude that robotic pancreatectomies seem to be as feasible and safe as open procedures. The general idea that the overall perioperative costs of robotic surgery would be higher than traditional procedures is not supported. With the current lack of evidence of any oncologic advantages, the cosmetic benefits offered by robotic surgery are not enough to justify extensive use in cancer patients. In contrast, the safety of these procedure can justify the use of the robotic technique in patient with benign/low grade malignant tumors of the pancreas.
|
|
| 34. |
- Delaney, BC, et al.
(författare)
-
Translational Medicine and Patient Safety in Europe: TRANSFoRm--Architecture for the Learning Health System in Europe
- 2015
-
Ingår i: BioMed research international. - : Hindawi Limited. - 2314-6141 .- 2314-6133. ; 2015, s. 961526-
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The Learning Health System (LHS) describes linking routine healthcare systems directly with both research translation and knowledge translation as an extension of the evidence-based medicine paradigm, taking advantage of the ubiquitous use of electronic health record (EHR) systems. TRANSFoRm is an EU FP7 project that seeks to develop an infrastructure for the LHS in European primary care.Methods. The project is based on three clinical use cases, a genotype-phenotype study in diabetes, a randomised controlled trial with gastroesophageal reflux disease, and a diagnostic decision support system for chest pain, abdominal pain, and shortness of breath.Results. Four models were developed (clinical research, clinical data, provenance, and diagnosis) that form the basis of the projects approach to interoperability. These models are maintained as ontologies with binding of terms to define precise data elements. CDISC ODM and SDM standards are extended using an archetype approach to enable a two-level model of individual data elements, representing both research content and clinical content. Separate configurations of the TRANSFoRm tools serve each use case.Conclusions.The project has been successful in using ontologies and archetypes to develop a highly flexible solution to the problem of heterogeneity of data sources presented by the LHS.
|
|
| 35. |
- Dlugosz, A, et al.
(författare)
-
Increased Expression of Toll-Like Receptors 4, 5, and 9 in Small Bowel Mucosa from Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- 2017
-
Ingår i: BioMed research international. - : Hindawi Limited. - 2314-6141 .- 2314-6133. ; 2017, s. 9624702-
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aim of our study was to compare patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and healthy controls regarding the expression of toll-like receptors 2, 4, 5, and 9 (TLR2, TLR4, TLR5, and TLR9), the primary mucosal receptors of bacterial components, in small and large bowel mucosa.Methods.We analysed biopsies from jejunum and sigmoid colon of 22 patients (17 females) with IBS aged 18–66 (median: 39) years and 14 healthy volunteers (12 females) aged 22–61 (median: 42) years. Eight patients had constipation-predominant IBS (C-IBS), 7 had diarrhoea-predominant IBS (D-IBS), and 7 had IBS without predominance of constipation or diarrhoea. We analysed mRNA levels for TLRs using quantitative PCR and distribution of TLRs in mucosa using immunohistochemistry.Results.We found increased mRNA expression of TLR4 (mean fold change1.85±0.31versus1.0±0.20;p<0.05), TLR5 (1.96±0.36versus1.0±0.20;p<0.05) and TLR9 (2.00±0.24versus1.0±0.25;p<0.01) but not of TLR2 in the small bowel mucosa from patients with IBS compared to the controls. There was no significant difference in mRNA levels for TLRs in colon mucosa between patients and controls.Conclusion.Upregulation of TLR4, TLR5, and TLR9 suggests the involvement of bacteria or dysregulation of the immune response to commensal flora in small bowel mucosa in IBS patients.
|
|
| 36. |
- Dmitriev, AA, et al.
(författare)
-
Epigenetic alterations of chromosome 3 revealed by NotI-microarrays in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
- 2014
-
Ingår i: BioMed research international. - : Hindawi Limited. - 2314-6141 .- 2314-6133. ; 2014, s. 735292-
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This study aimed to clarify epigenetic and genetic alterations that occur during renal carcinogenesis. The original method includes chromosome 3 specific NotI-microarrays containing 180 NotI-clones associated with 188 genes for hybridization with 23 paired normal/tumor DNA samples of primary clear cell renal cell carcinomas (ccRCC). Twenty-two genes showed methylation and/or deletion in 17–57% of tumors. These genes include tumor suppressors or candidates (VHL, CTDSPL, LRRC3B, ALDH1L1, andEPHB1) and genes that were not previously considered as cancer-associated (e.g.,LRRN1, GORASP1, FGD5, andPLCL2). Bisulfite sequencing analysis confirmed methylation as a frequent event in ccRCC. A set of six markers (NKIRAS1/RPL15, LRRN1, LRRC3B, CTDSPL, GORASP1/TTC21A, andVHL) was suggested for ccRCC detection in renal biopsies. The mRNA level decrease was shown for 6 NotI-associated genes in ccRCC using quantitative PCR:LRRN1, GORASP1, FOXP1, FGD5, PLCL2,andALDH1L1. The majority of examined genes showed distinct expression profiles in ccRCC and papillary RCC. The strongest extent and frequency of downregulation were shown forALDH1L1gene both in ccRCC and papillary RCC. Moreover, the extent ofALDH1L1mRNA level decrease was more pronounced in both histological types of RCC stage III compared with stages I and II (P=0.03). The same was observed forFGD5gene in ccRCC (P<0.06).
|
|
| 37. |
- Dongiovanni, P., et al.
(författare)
-
Genetic Factors in the Pathogenesis of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver and Steatohepatitis
- 2015
-
Ingår i: Biomed Research International. - : Hindawi Limited. - 2314-6133 .- 2314-6141.
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Liver fat accumulation generally related to systemic insulin resistance characterizes nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which in the presence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) can progress towards cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Due to the epidemic of obesity, NAFLD is now the most frequent liver disease in Western countries. Epidemiological, familial, and twin studies provide evidence for a strong genetic component of NAFLD susceptibility. Recently, genome-wide association studies led to the identification of the major inherited determinants of hepatic fat accumulation: patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing 3 (PNPLA3) I148M gene and transmembrane 6 superfamily member 2 (TM6SF2) E167K gene variants, involved in lipid droplets remodelling and very low-density lipoproteins secretion, are the major determinants of interindividual differences in liver steatosis, and susceptibility to progressive NASH. In this review, we aimed to provide an overview of recent insights into the genetics of hepatic fat accumulation and steatohepatitis.
|
|
| 38. |
- Draper, Catherine E., et al.
(författare)
-
Developing Intervention Strategies to Optimise Body Composition in Early Childhood in South Africa
- 2017
-
Ingår i: BioMed Research International. - : HINDAWI LTD. - 2314-6133 .- 2314-6141.
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose. The purpose of this research was to collect data to inform intervention strategies to optimise body composition in South African preschool children. Methods. Data were collected in urban and rural settings. Weight status, physical activity, and gross motor skill assessmentswere conducted with 341 3-6-year-old children, and 55 teachers and parents/caregivers participated in focus groups. Results. Overweight and obesity were a concern in low-income urban settings (14%), but levels of physical activity and gross motor skills were adequate across all settings. Focus group findings from urban and rural settings indicated that teachers would welcome input on leading activities to promote physical activity and gross motor skill development. Teachers and parents/caregivers were also positive about young children being physically active. Recommendations for potential intervention strategies include a teacher-training component, parent/child activitymornings, and a home-based component for parents/caregivers. Conclusion. The findings suggest that an intervention focussed on increasing physical activity and improving gross motor skills per se is largely not required but that contextually relevant physical activity and gross motor skills may still be useful for promoting healthy weight and a vehicle for engaging with teachers and parents/caregivers for promoting other child outcomes, such as cognitive development.
|
|
| 39. |
- Edvinsson, Marie, et al.
(författare)
-
Iron Homeostasis in Tissues Is Affected during Persistent Chlamydia pneumoniae Infection in Mice
- 2017
-
Ingår i: BioMed Research International. - : Hindawi Publishing Corporation. - 2314-6133 .- 2314-6141.
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Chlamydia pneumoniae (C. pneumoniae) may be a mediator in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. For its growth C. pneumoniae depends on iron (Fe), but how Fe changes in tissues during persistent infection or affects bacterial replication in tissues is unknown. C. pneumoniae-infected C57BL/6J mice were sacrificed on days 4, 8, 20, and 40. Mice had bacteria in the lungs and liver on all days. Inflammatory markers, chemokine Cxcl2 and interferon-gamma, were not affected in the liver on day 40. The copper (Cu)/zinc (Zn) ratio in serum, another marker of infection/inflammation, increased on day 4 and tended to increase again on day 40. The Fe markers, transferrin receptor (TfR), Hepcidin (Hamp1), and ferroportin 1 (Fpn1), increased in the liver on day 4 and then normalized except for TfR that tended to decrease. TfR responses were similar to Fe in serum that increased on day 4 but tended to decrease thereafter. In the liver, Fe was increased on day 4 and also on day 40. The reappearing increases in Cu/Zn on day 40 concomitant with the increase in liver Fe on day 40, even though TfR tended to decrease, and the fact that viable C. pneumoniae was present in the lungs and liver may indicate the early phase of activation of recurrent infection.
|
|
| 40. |
- Engberg, GR, et al.
(författare)
-
Expansion of Submucosal Bladder Wall Tissue In Vitro and In Vivo
- 2016
-
Ingår i: BioMed research international. - : Hindawi Limited. - 2314-6141 .- 2314-6133. ; 2016, s. 5415012-
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In order to develop autologous tissue engineering of the whole wall in the urinary excretory system, we studied the regenerative capacity of the muscular bladder wall. Smooth muscle cell expansion on minced detrusor musclein vitroandin vivowith or without urothelial tissue was studied. Porcine minced detrusor muscle and urothelium were culturedin vitrounder standard culture conditions for evaluation of the explant technique and in collagen for tissue sectioning and histology. Autografts of minced detrusor muscle with or without minced urothelium were expanded on 3D cylinder moulds by grafting into the subcutaneous fat of the pig abdominal wall. Moulds without autografts were used as controls. Tissue harvesting, mincing, and transplantation were performed as a one-step procedure. Cells from minced detrusor muscle specimens migrated and expandedin vitroon culture plastic and in collagen.In vivostudies with minced detrusor autografts demonstrated expansion and regeneration in all specimens. Minced urothelium autografts showed multilayered transitional urothelium when transplanted alone but not in cotransplantation with detrusor muscle; thus, minced bladder mucosa was not favored by cografting with minced detrusor. No regeneration of smooth muscle or epithelium was seen in controls.
|
|
| 41. |
- Engberg, GR, et al.
(författare)
-
Transplantation of autologous minced bladder mucosa for a one-step reconstruction of a tissue engineered bladder conduit
- 2013
-
Ingår i: BioMed research international. - : Hindawi Limited. - 2314-6141 .- 2314-6133. ; 2013, s. 212734-
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Surgical intervention is sometimes needed to create a conduit from the abdominal wall to the bladder for self-catheterization. We developed a method for tissue engineering a conduit for bladder emptying withoutin vitrocell culturing as a one-step procedure. In a porcine animal model bladder, wall tissue was excised and the mucosa was minced to small particles. The particles were attached to a tube in a 1 : 3 expansion rate with fibrin glue and transplanted back by attaching the tube to the bladder and through the abdominal wall. Sham served as controls. After 4-5 weeks, conduits were assessed in respect to macroscopic and microscopic appearance in 6 pigs. Two pigs underwent radiology before termination. Gross examination revealed a patent conduit with an opening to the bladder. Histology and immunostaining showed a multilayered transitional uroepithelium in all cases. Up to 89% of the luminal surface area was neoepithelialized but with a loose attachment to the submucosa. No epithelium was found in control animals. CT imaging revealed a patent channel that could be used for filling and emptying the bladder. Animals that experienced surgical complications did not form conduits. Minced autologous bladder mucosa can be transplanted around a tubular mold to create a conduit to the urinary bladder withoutin vitroculturing.
|
|
| 42. |
- Etehad Tavakol, Mahnaz, et al.
(författare)
-
Nailfold Capillaroscopy in Rheumatic Diseases : Which Parameters Should Be Evaluated?
- 2015
-
Ingår i: BioMed Research International. - : Hindawi Publishing Corporation. - 2314-6133 .- 2314-6141. ; 2015
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Video nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC), considered as an extension of the widefield technique, allows a more accurate measuring andstoring of capillary data and a better defining, analyzing, and quantifying of capillary abnormalities. Capillaroscopic study is oftenperformed on the patients suspected of having microcirculation problems such as Raynaud’s phenomenon as the main indicationfor nailfold capillaroscopy. Capillaroscopic findings based on microcirculation studies can provide useful information in the fieldsof pathophysiology, differential diagnosis, and monitoring therapy. Nailfold capillaroscopy provides a vital assessment in clinicalpractices and research; for example, its reputation in the early diagnosis of systemic sclerosis is well established and it is also usedas a classification criterion in this regard. This review focuses on the manner of performing video nailfold capillaroscopy and on acommon approach for measuring capillary dimensions in fingers and toes.
|
|
| 43. |
- Flotum, L. A., et al.
(författare)
-
Evaluating a Nationwide Recreational Football Intervention: Recruitment, Attendance, Adherence, Exercise Intensity, and Health Effects
- 2016
-
Ingår i: Biomed Research International. - : Hindawi Limited. - 2314-6133 .- 2314-6141. ; 2016
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The present study evaluated a nationwide exercise intervention with Football Fitness in a small-scale society. In all, 741 adult participants (20-72 yrs) were successfully recruited for Football Fitness training in local football clubs, corresponding to 2.1% of the adult population. A preintervention test battery including resting heart rate (RHR), blood pressure, and body mass measurements along with performance tests (Yo-Yo Intermittent Endurance level 1 (Yo-Yo IE1), the Arrowhead Agility Test, and the Flamingo Balance Test) were performed (n = 502). Training attendance (n = 310) was 1.6 +/- 0.2 sessions per week (range: 0.6-2.9), corresponding to 28.8 +/- 1.0 sessions during the 18 wk intervention period. After 18 wks mean arterial pressure (MAP) was -2.7 +/- 0.7 mmHg lower (p < 0.05; n = 151) with even greater (p < 0.05) reductions for those with baseline MAP values >99 mmHg (-5.6 +/- 1.5 mmHg; n = 50). RHR was lowered (p < 0.05) by 6 bpm after intervention (77 +/- 1 to 71 +/- 1 bpm). Yo-Yo IE1 performance increased by 41% (540 +/- 27 to 752 +/- 45 m), while agility and postural balance were improved (p < 0.05) by similar to 6 and similar to 45%, respectively. In conclusion, Football Fitness was shown to be a successful health-promoting nationwide training intervention for adult participants with an extraordinary recruitment, a high attendance rate, moderate adherence, high exercise intensity, and marked benefits in cardiovascular health profile and fitness.
|
|
| 44. |
- Fluck, Martin, et al.
(författare)
-
Early Changes in Costameric and Mitochondrial Protein Expression with Unloading Are Muscle Specific
- 2014
-
Ingår i: BioMed Research International. - : Hindawi Limited. - 2314-6133 .- 2314-6141.
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We hypothesised that load-sensitive expression of costameric proteins, which hold the sarcomere in place and position the mitochondria, contributes to the early adaptations of antigravity muscle to unloading and would depend on muscle fibre composition and chymotrypsin activity of the proteasome. Biopsies were obtained from vastus lateralis (VL) and soleus (SOL) muscles of eight men before and after 3 days of unilateral lower limb suspension (ULLS) and subjected to fibre typing and measures for costameric (FAK and FRNK), mitochondrial (NDUFA9, SDHA, UQCRC1, UCP3, and ATP5A1), and MHCI protein and RNA content. Mean cross-sectional area (MCSA) of types I and II muscle fibres in VL and type I fibres in SOL demonstrated a trend for a reduction after ULLS (0.05 <= P < 0.10). FAK phosphorylation at tyrosine 397 showed a 20% reduction in VL muscle (P = 0.029). SOL muscle demonstrated a specific reduction in UCP3 content (-23%; P = 0.012). Muscle-specific effects of ULLS were identified for linear relationships between measured proteins, chymotrypsin activity and fibre MCSA. The molecular modifications in costamere turnover and energy homoeostasis identify that aspects of atrophy and fibre transformation are detectable at the protein level in weight-bearing muscles within 3 days of unloading.
|
|
| 45. |
- Fransson, Eleonor I., et al.
(författare)
-
The Association between Job Strain and Atrial Fibrillation : Results from the Swedish WOLF Study
- 2015
-
Ingår i: BioMed Research International. - : Hindawi Publishing Corporation. - 2314-6133 .- 2314-6141.
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common heart rhythmdisorder. Several life-style factors have been identified as risk factors for AF, but less is known about the impact of work-related stress. This study aims to evaluate the association between work-related stress, defined as job strain, and risk of AF. Methods: Data from the Swedish WOLF study was used, comprising 10,121 working men and women. Job strain was measured by the demand-control model. Information on incident AF was derived from national registers. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between job strain and AF risk. Results: In total, 253 incident AF cases were identified during a total follow-up time of 132,387 person-years. Job strain was associated with AF risk in a time-dependent manner, with stronger association after 10.7 years of follow-up (HR 1.93, 95% CI 1.10-3.36 after 10.7 years, versus HR 1.11, 95% CI 0.67-1.83 before 10.7 years). The results pointed towards a dose-response relationship when taking accumulated exposure to job strain over time into account. Conclusion: This study provides support to the hypothesis that work-related stress defined as job strain is linked to an increased risk of AF.
|
|
| 46. |
- Gao, Y, et al.
(författare)
-
Serum Folate Correlates with Severity of Guillain-Barré Syndrome and Predicts Disease Progression
- 2018
-
Ingår i: BioMed research international. - : Hindawi Limited. - 2314-6141 .- 2314-6133. ; 2018, s. 5703279-
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aim of this study was to determine the associations between serum folate level and the clinical course and severity of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). We retrospectively enrolled 112 pairs of GBS patients and age- and sex-matched healthy controls with measured serum folate levels. On admission, 21 (18.9%) GBS patients had folate deficiency, of which only two were female patients. Patients with normal folate levels had a shorter disease progression than those with folate deficiency (median progression duration: 6 versus 13 days, p < 0.001). Serum folate levels on admission were correlated with progression duration and Medical Research Council (MRC) sum score in the upper limbs at nadir (r = -0.261, p = 0.005; r = -0.208, p = 0.03) but not with the duration of hospital stay or GBS disability score (p > 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that normal folate levels on admission were an independent predictor of faster GBS progression, along with younger age, intact deep sensation, and a lower MRC sum score on admission. These results show that serum folate levels are correlated with the progression duration and severity of GBS. Further studies are required to confirm the potential of folate level as a biomarker for GBS prognosis.
|
|
| 47. |
- Garcia-Sosa, Alfonso T., et al.
(författare)
-
Peptide-Ligand Binding Modeling of siRNA with Cell-Penetrating Peptides
- 2014
-
Ingår i: BioMed Research International. - : Hindawi Limited. - 2314-6133 .- 2314-6141. ; , s. 257040-
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The binding affinity of a series of cell-penetrating peptides (CPP) was modeled through docking and making use of the number of intermolecular hydrogen bonds, lipophilic contacts, and the number of sp3 molecular orbital hybridization carbons. The new ranking of the peptides is consistent with the experimentally determined efficiency in the downregulation of luciferase activity, which includes the peptides' ability to bind and deliver the siRNA into the cell. The predicted structures of the complexes of peptides to siRNA were stable throughout 10 ns long, explicit water molecular dynamics simulations. The stability and binding affinity of peptide-siRNA complexes was related to the sidechains and modifications of the CPPs, with the stearyl and quinoline groups improving affinity and stability. The reranking of the peptides docked to siRNA, together with explicit water molecular dynamics simulations, appears to be well suited to describe and predict the interaction of CPPs with siRNA.
|
|
| 48. |
- Gedefaw, A, et al.
(författare)
-
Magnitude of Neural Tube Defects and Associated Risk Factors at Three Teaching Hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- 2018
-
Ingår i: BioMed research international. - : Hindawi Limited. - 2314-6141 .- 2314-6133. ; 2018, s. 4829023-
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- There is scarcity of data on prevalence of neural tube defects (NTDs) in lower-income countries. Local data are important to understand the real burden of the problem and explore risk factors to design and implement preventive approaches. This study aimed to determine prevalence and risk factors of NTDs. A hospital-based cross-sectional and unmatched case-control study was conducted at three teaching hospitals of Addis Ababa University. NTDs were defined as cases of anencephaly, spina bifida, and encephalocele based on ICD-10 criteria. The prevalence of NTDs was calculated per 10,000 births for both birth and total prevalence. During seven months, we observed 55 cases of NTDs out of 8677 births after 28 weeks of gestation—birth prevalence of 63.4 per 10,000 births (95% confidence interval (CI), 51–77). A total of 115 cases were medically terminated after 12 weeks of gestation. Fifty-six of these terminations (48.7%) were due to NTDs. Thus, total prevalence of NTDs after 12 weeks’ gestation is 126 per 10,000 births (95% CI, 100–150). Planned pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 0.47; 95% CI, 0.24–0.92), male sex (aOR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.33–0.94), normal or underweight body mass index (aOR, 0.49; 95%, 0.29–0.95), and taking folic acid or multivitamins during first trimester (aOR, 0.47; 95%, 0.23–0.95) were protective of NTDs. However, annual cash family income less than $1,300 USD (aOR, 2.5; 95%, 1.2–5.5), $1,300–1,800 USD (aOR, 2.8; 95%, 1.3–5.8), and $1,801–2,700 USD (aOR, 2.6; 95%, 1.2–5.8) was found to be risk factors compared to income greater than $2,700 USD. The prevalence of NTDs was found to be high in this setting. Comprehensive preventive strategies focused on identified risk factors should be urgently established. More studies on prevention strategies, including folic acid supplementations, should be conducted in the setting.
|
|
| 49. |
|
|
| 50. |
- Giöstad, Alice, et al.
(författare)
-
Patient Characteristics in Ulnar Nerve Compression at the Elbow at a Tertiary Referral Hospital and Predictive Factors for Outcomes of Simple Decompression versus Subcutaneous Transposition of the Ulnar Nerve
- 2019
-
Ingår i: BioMed Research International. - : Hindawi Publishing Corporation. - 2314-6133 .- 2314-6141. ; 2019
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Patient characteristics and predictive factors for outcomes were analysed in 202 cases undergoing simple decompression, primary subcutaneous transposition, or secondary subcutaneous transposition for ulnar nerve compression at the elbow at a tertiary referral hospital. Data from medical charts and a survey were evaluated. The mean patient age was 49 years with revision surgery cases being significantly younger. Sixty-one percent of cases were female, and 31% were smokers. The comorbidity was extensive, including other nerve compression lesions as well as neck and shoulder problems. Overall, 53% reported being pleased with the result of surgery and 57% of the cases rated function as better or completely recovered after surgery. The median postoperative DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) score was 26 (IQR 11-49), which is in accordance with unpublished national data. No significant differences in DASH scores were found between surgical groups, but a higher preoperative McGowan grade was significantly associated with a poorer postoperative DASH score. Women scored greater disability postoperatively than men. There was a significantly increased risk of complications, which was doubled for smokers, following primary and secondary transposition compared to simple decompression. Surgical cases with ulnar nerve compression treated at a tertiary referral hospital constitute a heterogeneous group with great comorbidity and frequent concomitant nerve compression lesions. We suggest simple decompression as the procedure of first choice. Transposition can be used in selected cases or when simple decompression fails. All patients should be strongly recommended to stop smoking considering the remarkably increased risk for complications among smokers.
|
|
