| 1. |
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| 2. |
- Asif, Sana, et al.
(författare)
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Heparinization of cell surfaces with short peptide-conjugated PEG-lipid regulates thromboinflammation in transplantation of human MSCs and hepatocytes
- 2016
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Ingår i: Acta Biomaterialia. - : Elsevier BV. - 1742-7061 .- 1878-7568. ; 35, s. 194-205
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Infusion of therapeutic cells into humans is associated with immune responses, including thromboinflammation, which result in a large loss of transplanted cells\ To address these problems, heparinization of the cell surfaces was achieved by a cell-surface modification technique using polyethylene glycol conjugated phospholipid (PEG-lipid) derivatives. A short heparin-binding peptide was conjugated to the PEG-lipid for immobilization of heparin conjugates on the surface of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and human hepatocytes. Here three kinds of heparin-binding peptides were used for immobilizing heparin conjugates and examined for the antithrombogenic effects on the cell surface. The heparinized cells were incubated in human whole blood to evaluate their hemocompatibility by measuring blood parameters such as platelet count, coagulation markers, complement markers, and Factor Xa activity. We found that one of the heparin-binding peptides did not show cytotoxicity after the immobilization with heparin conjugates. The degree of binding of the heparin conjugates on the cell surface (analyzed by flow cytometer) depended on the ratio of the active peptide to control peptide. For both human MSCs and hepatocytes in whole-blood experiments, no platelet aggregation was seen in the heparin conjugate-immobilized cell group vs. the controls (non-coated cells or control peptide). Also, the levels of thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT), C3a, and sC5b-9 were significantly lower than those of the controls, indicating a lower activation of coagulation and complement. Factor Xa analysis indicated that the heparin conjugate was still active on the cell surface at 24 h post-coating. It is possible to immobilize heparin conjugates onto hMSC and human hepatocyte surfaces and thereby protect the cell surfaces from damaging thromboinflammation. Statement of Signigficance We present a promising approach to enhance the biocompatibility of therapeutic cells. Here we used short peptide-conjugated PEG-lipid for cell surface modification and heparin conjugates for the coating of human hepatocytes and MSCs. We screened the short peptides to find higher affinity for heparinization of cell surface and performed hemocompatibility assay of heparinized human hepatocytes and human MSCs in human whole blood. Using heparin-binding peptide with higher affinity, not only coagulation activation but also complement activation was significantly suppressed. Thus, it was possible to protect human hepatocytes and human MSCs from the attack of thromboinflammatory activation, which can contribute to the improvement graft survival. (C) 2016 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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| 3. |
- Asif, Sana, M.D, PhD student, et al.
(författare)
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Immuno-Modulatory Effects of Dexamethasone in Severe COVID-19 : A Swedish Cohort Study
- 2023
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Ingår i: Biomedicines. - : MDPI. - 2227-9059. ; 11:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Dexamethasone (Dex) has been shown to decrease mortality in severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but the mechanism is not fully elucidated. We aimed to investigate the physiological and immunological effects associated with Dex administration in patients admitted to intensive care with severe COVID-19. A total of 216 adult COVID-19 patients were included-102 (47%) received Dex, 6 mg/day for 10 days, and 114 (53%) did not. Standard laboratory parameters, plasma expression of cytokines, endothelial markers, immunoglobulin (Ig) IgA, IgM, and IgG against SARS-CoV-2 were analyzed post-admission to intensive care. Patients treated with Dex had higher blood glucose but lower blood lactate, plasma cortisol, IgA, IgM, IgG, D-dimer, cytokines, syndecan-1, and E-selectin and received less organ support than those who did not receive Dex (Without-Dex). There was an association between Dex treatment and IL-17A, macrophage inflammatory protein 1 alpha, syndecan-1 as well as E-selectin in predicting 30-day mortality. Among a subgroup of patients who received Dex early, within 14 days of COVID-19 debut, the adjusted mortality risk was 0.4 (95% CI 0.2-0.8), i.e., 40% compared with Without-Dex. Dex administration in a cohort of critically ill COVID-19 patients resulted in altered immunological and physiologic responses, some of which were associated with mortality.
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| 4. |
- Asif, Sana, et al.
(författare)
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Oxygen-charged HTK-F6H8 emulsion reduces ischemia : reperfusion injury in kidneys from brain-dead pigs
- 2012
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Ingår i: Journal of Surgical Research. - : Elsevier BV. - 0022-4804 .- 1095-8673. ; 178:2, s. 959-967
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background:Prolonged cold ischemia is frequently associated with a greater risk of delayed graft function and enhanced graft failure. We hypothesized that media, combining a high oxygen-dissolving capacity with specific qualities of organ preservation solutions, would be more efficient in reducing immediate ischemia-reperfusion injury from organs stored long term compared with standard preservation media.Methods:Kidneys retrieved from brain-dead pigs were flushed using either cold histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK) or oxygen-precharged emulsion composed of 75% HTK and 25% perfluorohexyloctane. After 18 h of cold ischemia the kidneys were transplanted into allogeneic recipients and assessed for adenosine triphosphate content, morphology, and expression of genes related to hypoxia, environmental stress, inflammation, and apoptosis.Results:Compared with HTK-flushed kidneys, organs preserved using oxygen-precharged HTK-perfluorohexyloctane emulsion had increased elevated adenosine triphosphate content and a significantly lower gene expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha, vascular endothelial growth factor, interleukin-1 alpha, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interferon-alpha, JNK-1, p38, cytochrome-c, Bax, caspase-8, and caspase-3 at all time points assessed. In contrast, the mRNA expression of Bcl-2 was significantly increased.Conclusions:The present study has demonstrated that in brain-dead pigs the perfusion of kidneys with oxygen-precharged HTK-perfluorohexyloctane emulsion results in significantly reduced inflammation, hypoxic injury, and apoptosis and cellular integrity and energy content are well maintained. Histologic examination revealed less tubular, vascular, and glomerular changes in the emulsion-perfused tissue compared with the HTK-perfused counterparts. The concept of perfusing organs with oxygen-precharged emulsion based on organ preservation media represents an efficient alternative for improved organ preservation.
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| 5. |
- Asif, Sana, M.D, PhD student, et al.
(författare)
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Plasma endostatin correlates with hypoxia and mortality in COVID-19-associated acute respiratory failure
- 2021
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Ingår i: Biomarkers in Medicine. - : Future Medicine. - 1752-0363 .- 1752-0371. ; 15:16, s. 1509-1517
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: The contribution of endothelial injury in the pathogenesis of COVID-19-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and resulting respiratory failure remains unclear. Plasma endostatin, an endogenous inhibitor of angiogenesis and endothelial dysfunction is upregulated during hypoxia, inflammation and progress of pulmonary disease.Aim: To investigate if plasma endostatin is associated to hypoxia, inflammation and 30-day mortality in patients with severe COVID-19 infection.Method: Samples for blood analysis and plasma endostatin quantification were collected from adult patients with ongoing COVID-19 (n = 109) on admission to intensive care unit (day 1). Demographic characteristics and 30-day mortality data were extracted from medical records. The ability of endostatin to predict mortality was analyzed using receiving operating characteristics and Kaplan-Meier analysis with a cutoff at 46.2 ng/ml was used to analyze the association to survival.Results: Plasma endostatin levels correlated with; PaO2/FiO2 (r = -0.3, p < 0.001), arterial oxygen tension (r = -0.2, p = 0.01), lactate (r = 0.2, p = 0.04), C-reactive protein (r = 0.2, p = 0.04), ferritin (r = 0.2, p = 0.09), D-dimer (r = 0.2, p = 0.08) and IL-6 (r = 0.4, p < 0.001). Nonsurvivors at 30 days had higher plasma endostatin levels than survivors (72 ± 26 vs 56 ± 16 ng/ml, p = 0.01). Receiving operating characteristic curve (area under the curve 0.7) showed that plasma endostatin >46.2 ng/ml predicts mortality with a sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 71%. In patients with plasma endostatin >46.2 ng/ml probability of survival was lower (p = 0.02) in comparison to those with endostatin <46.2 ng/ml.Conclusion: Our results suggest that plasma endostatin is an early biomarker for disease severity in COVID-19.
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| 6. |
- Asif, Sana, M.D, PhD student
(författare)
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Regulation of thromboinflammation in therapeutic medicine : Special focus on surface coating strategies
- 2019
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Biomaterials are an integral part of modern health care and offer potential treatment modalities to diseases and conditions otherwise intractable. However, the critical issue herein is incompatibility reactions.Our innate immune system is fundamental in protection against pathogens and foreign intruders and controls the discrimination between self and non-self. Biomaterials come in contact with blood upon implantation where they are sensed by innate immune mediators which through a cascade of complex, multifaceted reactions induce inflammation as well as thrombosis which may induce biomaterial dysfunction and rejection. This explains why patients undergoing haemodialysis therapy exhibit an increased incidence of whole-body inflammation and other thrombotic events. Similarly, therapeutic cells such as hepatocytes upon implantation initiate an instant blood mediated inflammatory reaction, responsible for cell damage and death via apoptosis.In order to achieve safer and more efficient therapeutic interventions, engineering of materials and cells that can avoid these adverse reactions is essential. Fabrication of biomaterials consisting of coating of bioinert polymers to avoid immune recognition and activation is a promising approach to modulate immune reactions.In this thesis, we have employed a PEG-lipid polymer coating, which intercalates in to biomembranes via hydrophobic interactions and thus shields from immune rejection. Treatment with PEG-lipid not only makes the surface “invisible” to immune cells but it also acts as a filter which prevents entry of immune cells without inducing cytotoxicity. Results from this thesis illustrate that fabrication of bio-surfaces by bio-inert PEG-lipid polymer is a harmless procedure which not only attenuates thrombo-inflammation but also assist in design of self-tailored materials for a wide range of biomedical applications.
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| 7. |
- Asif, Sana, M.D, PhD student, et al.
(författare)
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Severe obstetric lacerations associated with postpartum depression among women with low resilience : a Swedish birth cohort study
- 2020
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Ingår i: British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. - : Wiley. - 1470-0328 .- 1471-0528. ; 127:11, s. 1382-1390
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: Women's levels of resilience and attitudes towards perineal lacerations vary greatly. Some women see them as part of the birthing process, while others react with anger, depressed mood or even self-harm thoughts. A previous study has reported increased risk of postpartum depressive (PPD) symptoms in women with severe perineal lacerations. The aim of this study was to assess the association between severe obstetric perineal lacerations and PPD. A secondary objective was to assess this association among women with low resilience.DESIGN: Nested cohort study.SETTING: Uppsala, Sweden.SAMPLE: Vaginally delivered women with singleton pregnancies (n = 2,990).METHODS: The main exposure was obstetric perineal lacerations. Resilience was assessed in gestational week 32 using the Swedish version of the Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC-29). A digital acyclic graph (DAG) was used to identify possible confounders and mediators. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. A sub-analysis was run after excluding women with normal or high resilience.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Postpartum depression, assessed with the Depression Self-Reporting Scale (DSRS), completed at six weeks postpartum.RESULTS: There was no significant association between severe obstetric perineal lacerations and PPD at six weeks postpartum. However, a significant association was found between severe lacerations and PPD in women with low resilience (OR =4.8 95% CI = 1.2-20), persisting even after adjusting for confounding factors.CONCLUSION: Health care professionals might need to identify women with low resilience, as they are at increased risk for PPD after a severe perineal laceration.
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| 8. |
- Asif, Sana, M.D, PhD student, et al.
(författare)
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Validation of an MPC polymer coating to attenuate surface- induced cross-talk between the complement and coagulation systems in whole blood in in vitro and in vivo models
- 2019
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Ingår i: Macromolecular Bioscience. - : Wiley-VCH Verlagsgesellschaft. - 1616-5187 .- 1616-5195. ; 19:5
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Artificial surfaces that come into contact with blood induce an immediate activation of the cascade systems of the blood, leading to a thrombotic and/or inflammatory response that can eventually cause damage to the biomaterial or the patient, or to both. Heparin coating has been used to improve hemocompatibility, and another approach is 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC)-based polymer coatings. Here, the aim is to evaluate the hemocompatibility of MPC polymer coating by studying the interactions with coagulation and complement systems using human blood in vitro model and pig in vivo model. The stability of the coatings is investigated in vitro and MPC polymer-coated catheters are tested in vivo by insertion into the external jugular vein of pigs to monitor the catheters' antithrombotic properties. There is no significant activation of platelets or of the coagulation and complement systems in the MPC polymer-coated one, which was superior in hemocompatibility to non-coated matrix surfaces. The protective effect of the MPC polymer coat does not decline after incubation in human plasma for up to 2 weeks. With MPC polymer-coated catheters, it is possible to easily draw blood from pig for 4 days in contrast to the case for non-coated catheters, in which substantial clotting is seen.
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| 9. |
- Asif, Sana, M.D, PhD student, et al.
(författare)
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Validation of an MPC polymer coating to reduce surface-induced cascade system activation in whole blood in in vitroand in vivo models
-
Annan publikation (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- ABSTRACTBackground: Artificial surfaces that come into contact with blood (e.g., when used in various forms of biomedical device) induce an immediate activation of the cascade systems of the blood, the coagulation and complement systems. These reactions may lead to a thrombotic and/or inflammatory response that can eventually cause damage to the biomaterial or the patient, or to both. Multiple strategies to dampen these reactions have been employed, with heparin conjugation to the material surface being the most successfulthus far. Another approach to improving hemocompatibility is to use 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC)-based polymer coatings.Experimental: In the present study, we evaluated the effectiveness of MPC polymer coating and compared it to a commercially available heparin coating in various in vitromodels using fresh human blood with the aim to replace the costly heparin-coated equipment with the more economic MPC. We then investigated the stability of the various coatings in human plasma in vitrofor 2 weeks. Finally, we inserted MPC polymer-coated catheters into the external jugular vein of pigs and monitored the catheters’ antithrombotic properties for 4 days.Results: 1) There was no significant activation of platelets and of the coagulation and complement systems on the MPC polymer-coated or the commercially available heparin surface. 2) Both coats were superior in hemocompatibility to non-coated matrix surfaces. 3) The protective effect of the MPC polymer coat did not decline after incubation in plasma for up to 2 weeks. 4) With MPC polymer-coated catheters, it was possible to easily draw blood from experimental animals for 4 days, in contrast to the case for heparin-flushed commercially available non-coated catheters, in which substantial clotting was seen.
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| 10. |
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| 11. |
- Batool, Sana, et al.
(författare)
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Effects of visual scanning exercises in addition to task specific approach on balance and activities of daily livings in post stroke patients with eye movement disorders : a randomized controlled trial
- 2022
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Ingår i: BMC Neurology. - : BioMed Central. - 1471-2377. ; 22:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Impaired vision is one of the commonest and most disabling consequence following stroke. Among all visual impairments, eye movement disorders are found in 70% of stroke patients which include nystagmus, strabismus, gaze palsies, disconjugate eye movements and cranial nerve palsies. They have a wide ranging impact on balance and activities of daily livings by creating difficulties in maintaining normal alignment and appropriate movement of eyes. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of visual scanning exercises in addition to task specific approach on balance and activities of daily livings in post stroke patients with eye movement disorders.METHODS: This study is a randomized controlled trial and was conducted in the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital from May 2019 to October 2020. A sample of 64 patients was recruited and randomly allocated into experimental and control group. 32 patients in experimental group were treated with visual scanning exercises along with task specific approach and 32 patients in control group were treated with task specific approach alone. Pre and post assessment of balance and activities of daily livings was assessed on BERG BALANCE SCALE and BARTHEL INDEX SCALE at baseline and at 4th week.RESULTS: Intra-group analysis of BERG BALANCE SCALE in experimental group showed statistically significant result (p < 0.05) in all items except in items 4, 13 and 14 respectively. Intra-group analysis of BERG BALANCE SCALE in control group showed statistically significant result (p < 0.05) in items 3, 5, 8 and 12 respectively, whereas remaining all items showed statistically insignificant result. Intra-group analysis of BARTHEL INDEX SCALE in experimental group showed statistically significant result in all items (p < 0.05) except in items 9 and 10 respectively. Intra-group analysis of BARTHEL INDEX in control group showed statistically significant result (p < 0.05) in items 1, 3, 4 and 8 respectively whereas remaining all items showed statistically insignificant result. Inter-group analysis showed statistically significant result in total scores of BERG BALANCE SCALE (p = 0.000) and BARTHEL INEX SCALE (p = 0.033).CONCLUSION: Visual scanning exercises along with task specific approach were found to be more effective in comparison to task specific approach alone.TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial registration number: [IRCT20190717044237N1], trial registration date: 10/11/2019.
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| 12. |
- Batool, Sana, et al.
(författare)
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Intrarater and interrater reliability of the dynamic gait index in post stroke patients with eye movement disorders
- 2023
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Ingår i: Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies. - : Elsevier. - 1360-8592 .- 1532-9283. ; 35, s. 38-42
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: The Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) is a useful tool that has been evaluated for its reliability in patients with vestibular disorders, elderly people and, in chronic stroke population. Present study was aimed to evaluate the intrarater and interrater reliability of the DGI to measure dynamic balance and gait performance in stroke patients with eye movement disorders. Methods: A sample of 30 stroke patients suffering from eye movement disorders were recruited. Two Physical therapists assessed the intrarater and interrater reliability of the DGI in two testing sessions three days apart. In the later session, two raters assessed the patients' performance simultaneously on the DGI. The reliability was calculated using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC2, 1). Standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC95) at 95% confidence interval were also calculated. A significance level was set at p-value <0.05. Results: The (ICC2, 1) for intrarater and interrater reliability of total DGI scores was 0.86 and 0.91 respectively. While (ICC2, 1) for intrarater and interrater reliability of individual items ranged from 0.73 to 0.91 to 0.73–0.93, respectively. The (SEM) and (MDC95) for intrarater reliability of total DGI scores were 0.76 and 2.10, respectively. Corresponding values for interrater reliability were 0.62 and 1.71, respectively. Conclusions: The DGI is a reliable tool for evaluating the dynamic balance and gait performance in stroke patients with eye movement disorders. This tool showed good to excellent intrarater and interrater reliability of total DGI scores and moderate to good intrarater and interrater reliability of individual items of the DGI.
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| 13. |
- Brandhorst, Heide, 1962-, et al.
(författare)
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A new oxygen carrier for improved long-term storage of human pancreata before islet isolation
- 2010
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Ingår i: Transplantation. - 0041-1337 .- 1534-6080. ; 89:2, s. 155-60
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Pancreas oxygenation during cold storage has been established in islet isolation and transplantation to prevent ischemic tissue damage using perfluorodecalin (PFD) as hyperoxygen carrier. However, studies in humans and pigs provided conflicting results about the efficiency of PFD for pancreas oxygenation. The aim of this study was to compare PFD with a newly developed oxygen carrier composed of perfluorohexyloctane and polydimethylsiloxane 5 (F6H8S5) for long-term storage of human pancreata.METHODS: After 24-hr storage in preoxygenated PFD or F6H8S5, pancreata were processed using Liberase HI for pancreas dissociation and a Ficoll gradient for islet purification. Islet quality assessment was performed measuring glucose-stimulated insulin release, viability, islet ATP content, and posttransplant function in diabetic nude mice.RESULTS: Compared with PFD, F6H8S5 significantly increased the intrapancreatic partial oxygen pressure and islet ATP content. This corresponded to an increase of islet yield, recovery after culture, glucose stimulation index, viability, and improved graft function in diabetic nude mice.CONCLUSIONS: The present findings indicate clearly that F6H8S5 improves isolation outcome after prolonged ischemia compared with PFD. This observation seems to be related to the significant lipophilicity and almost pancreas-specific density of F6H8S5. Moreover, these characteristics facilitate pancreas shipment without using custom-made transport vessels as required for PFD.
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| 14. |
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| 15. |
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| 16. |
- Gustafson, Elisabet, et al.
(författare)
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Control of IBMIR Induced by Fresh and Cryopreserved Hepatocytes by Low Molecular Weight Dextran Sulfate Versus Heparin
- 2017
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Ingår i: Cell Transplantation. - : Sage Publications. - 0963-6897 .- 1555-3892. ; 26:1, s. 71-81
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Rapid destruction of hepatocytes after hepatocyte transplantation has hampered the application of this procedure clinically. The instant blood-mediated inflammatory reaction (IBMIR) is a plausible underlying cause for this cell loss. The present study was designed to evaluate the capacity of low molecular weight dextran sulfate (LMW-DS) to control these initial reactions from the innate immune system. Fresh and cryopreserved hepatocytes were tested in an in vitro whole-blood model using ABO-compatible blood. The ability to elicit IBMIR and the capacity of LMW-DS (100 mu g/ml) to attenuate the degree of activation of the cascade systems were monitored. The effect was also compared to conventional anticoagulant therapy using unfractionated heparin (1 IU/ml). Both fresh and freeze thawed hepatocytes elicited IBMIR to the same extent. LMW-DS reduced the platelet loss and maintained the cell counts at the same degree as unfractionated heparin, but controlled the coagulation and complement systems significantly more efficiently than heparin. LMW-DS also attenuated the IBMIR elicited by freeze thawed cells. Therefore, LMW-DS inhibits the cascade systems and maintains the cell counts in blood triggered by both fresh and cryopreserved hepatocytes in direct contact with ABO-matched blood. LMW-DS at a previously used and clinically applicable concentration (100 mu g/ml) inhibits IBMIR in vitro and is therefore a potential IBMIR inhibitor in hepatocyte transplantation.
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| 17. |
- Javed, Sana, et al.
(författare)
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Biophysics and the nonlinear dynamics instigated by a special hormone
- 2020
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Ingår i: Progress in Biophysics and Molecular Biology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0079-6107 .- 1873-1732. ; 150, s. 62-66
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Calcitonin, a potent hypocalcemic hormone, plays a vital role in inhibiting osteoclastic activities and suppressing bone removal. The physiological characteristics of calcitonin have long been discussed, along a few recommending calcitonin as a vestigial hormone. The basis for this article is to discuss the role of low and high levels of calcitonin in normal and osteoprotic bone turnover. The effect of calcitonin on the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-ligand and osteoclasts has been demonstrated using numerical simulations. This behavior recommends that treatment of osteoporosis via calcitonin does not provide the required upshots. For effectiveness calcitonin must be advised along with a combined therapy like aspirin which agrees with the experimental results available in the literature.
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| 18. |
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| 19. |
- Khan, Arslan, et al.
(författare)
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Comprehensive investigation of almond shells pyrolysis using advance predictive models
- 2024
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Ingår i: Renewable energy. - : Elsevier. - 0960-1481 .- 1879-0682. ; 227
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This research focused on comprehensive characterization and assessment of almond shells pyrolysis for bioenergy potential through thermogravimetric analysis from ambient temperature to 900 °C at different heating rates of 10, 15, and 20 °C/min in inert environment. Iso-conversional model-free methods like Friedman, Ozawa-Flynn-Wall (OFW), and Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS) were used for kinetic analysis. Average activation energies (Ea) evaluated using Friedman, OFW, and KAS methods were 198.45 kJ mol−1, 204.43 kJ mol−1, and 204.97 kJ mol−1, respectively. The evaluation of thermodynamic parameters, including ΔH‡, ΔG‡, and ΔS‡, was also assessed. The average values of ΔH‡, ΔG‡, and ΔS‡, were found to be 199.4 kJ mol−1, 172.17 kJ mol−1 and 42.60 kJ mol−1 respectively. The reaction mechanism was obtained from combined kinetics. A high R2 value of 0.9933 demonstrates strong agreement between the combined kinetic analysis results and the experimental data. The distribution activation energy model was assessed employing four pseudo elements identified as PC1, PC2, PC3, and PC4. Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Boosting regression trees (BRT) were used for the prediction of Ea of almond shells pyrolysis. The detailed understanding of thermokinetics and creating customized predictive and innovative modelling techniques like ANN and BRT sets a new benchmark for developing customized models for thermochemical conversion of varieties of almond shells.
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| 20. |
- Micah, Angela E., et al.
(författare)
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Tracking development assistance for health and for COVID-19 : a review of development assistance, government, out-of-pocket, and other private spending on health for 204 countries and territories, 1990-2050
- 2021
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Ingår i: The Lancet. - : Elsevier. - 0140-6736 .- 1474-547X. ; 398:10308, s. 1317-1343
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background The rapid spread of COVID-19 renewed the focus on how health systems across the globe are financed, especially during public health emergencies. Development assistance is an important source of health financing in many low-income countries, yet little is known about how much of this funding was disbursed for COVID-19. We aimed to put development assistance for health for COVID-19 in the context of broader trends in global health financing, and to estimate total health spending from 1995 to 2050 and development assistance for COVID-19 in 2020. Methods We estimated domestic health spending and development assistance for health to generate total health-sector spending estimates for 204 countries and territories. We leveraged data from the WHO Global Health Expenditure Database to produce estimates of domestic health spending. To generate estimates for development assistance for health, we relied on project-level disbursement data from the major international development agencies' online databases and annual financial statements and reports for information on income sources. To adjust our estimates for 2020 to include disbursements related to COVID-19, we extracted project data on commitments and disbursements from a broader set of databases (because not all of the data sources used to estimate the historical series extend to 2020), including the UN Office of Humanitarian Assistance Financial Tracking Service and the International Aid Transparency Initiative. We reported all the historic and future spending estimates in inflation-adjusted 2020 US$, 2020 US$ per capita, purchasing-power parity-adjusted US$ per capita, and as a proportion of gross domestic product. We used various models to generate future health spending to 2050. Findings In 2019, health spending globally reached $8. 8 trillion (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 8.7-8.8) or $1132 (1119-1143) per person. Spending on health varied within and across income groups and geographical regions. Of this total, $40.4 billion (0.5%, 95% UI 0.5-0.5) was development assistance for health provided to low-income and middle-income countries, which made up 24.6% (UI 24.0-25.1) of total spending in low-income countries. We estimate that $54.8 billion in development assistance for health was disbursed in 2020. Of this, $13.7 billion was targeted toward the COVID-19 health response. $12.3 billion was newly committed and $1.4 billion was repurposed from existing health projects. $3.1 billion (22.4%) of the funds focused on country-level coordination and $2.4 billion (17.9%) was for supply chain and logistics. Only $714.4 million (7.7%) of COVID-19 development assistance for health went to Latin America, despite this region reporting 34.3% of total recorded COVID-19 deaths in low-income or middle-income countries in 2020. Spending on health is expected to rise to $1519 (1448-1591) per person in 2050, although spending across countries is expected to remain varied. Interpretation Global health spending is expected to continue to grow, but remain unequally distributed between countries. We estimate that development organisations substantially increased the amount of development assistance for health provided in 2020. Continued efforts are needed to raise sufficient resources to mitigate the pandemic for the most vulnerable, and to help curtail the pandemic for all. Copyright (C) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.
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| 21. |
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| 22. |
- Nilsson Ekdahl, Kristina, et al.
(författare)
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Dangerous liaisons : complement, coagulation, and kallikrein/kinin cross-talk act as a linchpin in the events leading to thromboinflammation
- 2016
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Ingår i: Immunological Reviews. - : Wiley. - 0105-2896 .- 1600-065X. ; 274:1, s. 245-269
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Innate immunity is fundamental to our defense against microorganisms. Physiologically, the intravascular innate immune system acts as a purging system that identifies and removes foreign substances leading to thromboinflammatory responses, tissue remodeling, and repair. It is also a key contributor to the adverse effects observed in many diseases and therapies involving biomaterials and therapeutic cells/organs. The intravascular innate immune system consists of the cascade systems of the blood (the complement, contact, coagulation, and fibrinolytic systems), the blood cells (polymorphonuclear cells, monocytes, platelets), and the endothelial cell lining of the vessels. Activation of the intravascular innate immune system in vivo leads to thromboinflammation that can be activated by several of the system's pathways and that initiates repair after tissue damage and leads to adverse reactions in several disorders and treatment modalities. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge in the field and discuss the obstacles that exist in order to study the cross-talk between the components of the intravascular innate immune system. These include the use of purified in vitro systems, animal models and various types of anticoagulants. In order to avoid some of these obstacles we have developed specialized human whole blood models that allow investigation of the cross-talk between the various cascade systems and the blood cells. We in particular stress that platelets are involved in these interactions and that the lectin pathway of the complement system is an emerging part of innate immunity that interacts with the contact/coagulation system. Understanding the resulting thromboinflammation will allow development of new therapeutic modalities.
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| 23. |
- Nilsson Ekdahl, Kristina, et al.
(författare)
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Thromboinflammation in Therapeutic Medicine
- 2015
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Ingår i: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology. - Cham : Springer International Publishing. - 0065-2598 .- 2214-8019. - 9783319186023 - 9783319186030 ; 865, s. 3-17
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Thromboinflammation is primarily triggered by the humoral innate immune system, which mainly consists of the cascade systems of the blood, i.e., the complement, contact/coagulation and fibrinolytic systems. Activation of these systems subsequently induces activation of endothelial cells, leukocytes and platelets, finally resulting in thrombotic and inflammatory reactions. Such reactions are triggered by a number of medical procedures, e.g., treatment with biomaterials or drug delivery devices as well as in transplantation with cells, cell clusters or whole vascularized organs. Here, we (1) describe basic mechanisms for thromboinflammation; (2) review thromboinflammatory reactions in therapeutic medicine; and (3) discuss emerging strategies to dampen thromboinflammation.
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| 24. |
- Teramura, Yuji, et al.
(författare)
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A cell glue : Inducing cell adhesion using surface modification with cell-penetrating peptide-peg-lipid for 3d cell structures
- 2019
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Ingår i: The Pinnacle of Biomaterials Innovationand Excellence. - : Society for Biomaterials. - 9781510883901 ; , s. 678-
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Statement of Purpose: The ultimate goal of regenerative therapy is the transplantation of functional stem cells-derived tissues and organs to replace those lost as the result of pathology or tissue damage. Since tissues and organs are complicated 3D structures, 3D scaffolds such as decellularized organs and tissues, are required to properly orient living functional cells of different types. 3D scaffolds offer an environment for cell adhesion that differs from that of conventional 2D culture. Therefore, the induction and control of cell attachment, not only to 2D substrate surfaces but also to 3D scaffolds, is of great importance. Here, we propose new type of cell glue made of cell-penetrating peptides (CPP) and PEG-conjugated lipid, which are used for cell-surface modification. PEG-lipid derivatives are incorporated into the lipid bilayer membranes of cells via hydrophobic interactions, and the CPP anchored onto the cell membrane could work as an adhesive domain. In our study, various floating cells, (i.e., T cells, B cells) were used to examine the adhesive efficacy by cell surface modification with CPP-PEG-lipid onto material surface as well as PS microfiber-based 3D scaffolds.
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| 25. |
- Teramura, Yuji, et al.
(författare)
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Cell Adhesion Induced Using Surface Modification with Cell-Penetrating Peptide-Conjugated Poly(ethylene glycol)-Lipid : A New Cell Glue for 3D Cell-Based Structures
- 2017
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Ingår i: ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 1944-8244 .- 1944-8252. ; 9:1, s. 244-254
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We synthesized a novel material, cell-penetrating peptide conjugated poly(ethylene glycol)-lipid (CPP-PEG-lipid), that can induce the adhesion of floating cells. Firm cell adhesion with spreading could be induced by cell surface modification with the CPP-PEG-lipids. Cell adhesion was induced by CPPs but not by any other cationic short peptides we tested. Here, we demonstrated adherence using the floating cell line CCRF-CEM as well as primary human T cells, B cells, erythrocytes, and hepatocytes. As compared to cells grown in suspension, adherent cells were more rapidly induced to attach to substrates with the cell-surface modification. The critical factor for attachment was localization of CPPs at the cell membrane by PEG-lipids with PEG > 20 kDa. These cationic CPPs on PEG chains were able to interact with substrate surfaces such as polystyrene (PS) surfaces, glass surfaces, and PS microfibers that are negatively charged, inducing firm cell adhesion and cell spreading. Also, as opposed to normal cationic peptides that interact strongly with cell membranes, CPPs were less interactive with the cell surfaces because of their cell-penetrating property, making them more available for adhering cells to the substrate surface. No effects on cell viability or cell proliferation were observed after the induction of cell adhesion. With this technique, cells could be easily immobilized onto PS microfibers, an important step in fabricating 3D cell-based structures. Cells immobilized onto 3D PS microfibers were alive, and human hepatocytes showed normal production of urea and albumin on the microfibers. This method is novel in inducing firm cell adhesion-via a one-step treatment.
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| 26. |
- Teramura, Yuji, et al.
(författare)
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Cell surface engineering for regulation of immune reactions in cell therapy
- 2015
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Ingår i: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology. - Cham : Springer. - 0065-2598 .- 2214-8019. - 9783319186023 - 9783319186030 ; 865, s. 189-209
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Transplantation of the pancreatic islets of Langerhans (islets) is a promising cell therapy for treating insulin-dependent type 1 diabetes mellitus. Islet transplantation is a minimally-invasive technique involving relatively simple surgery. However, after intraportal transplantation, the transplanted islets are attacked by the recipient’s immune system, because they activate a number of systems, including coagulation, complement response, inflammation, immune rejection, and recurrence of autoimmune disease. We have developed a surface modification and microencapsulation technique that protects cells and islets with biomaterials and bioactive substances, which may be useful in clinical settings. This approach employs amphiphilic polymers, which can interact with lipid bilayer membranes, without increasing cell volume. Molecules attached to these polymers can protect transplanted cells and islets from attack by the host immune system. We expect that this surface modification technique will improve graft survival in clinical islet transplantation.
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| 27. |
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| 28. |
- Welander, Nike Zoe, et al.
(författare)
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Migraine as a risk factor for mixed symptoms of peripartum depression and anxiety in late pregnancy : A prospective cohort study.
- 2021
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Ingår i: Journal of Affective Disorders. - : Elsevier. - 0165-0327 .- 1573-2517. ; 295, s. 733-739
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Migraine has been identified as a risk factor for peripartum depression. However, little is known about the contribution of anxiety to this association or potential changes throughout the peripartum period.METHODS: In a sample of 4,831 women from the Biology, Affect, Stress, Imaging and Cognition cohort in Sweden, participants were asked about history of migraine prior to pregnancy. The participants completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at gestational weeks 17 and 32 and postpartum week 6. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were used to assess associations between migraine and symptoms of depression, anxiety or mixed depression and anxiety, while adjusting for potential confounders.RESULTS: In crude estimates, migraine was associated with separate and mixed symptoms of depression and anxiety at most time points. After adjustments, migraine was associated with anxiety at week 17 (adjusted odds ratio: 1.69; 95% confidence interval: 1.11-2.54) and with mixed depression and anxiety at week 32 (adjusted odds ratio: 1.45; 95% confidence interval: 1.06-1.99). None of the other associations remained statistically significant after adjustments.LIMITATIONS: Migraine history was self-reported. Symptoms of depression and anxiety were based on the screening tool EPDS and not on clinical diagnoses.CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate that migraine may be a risk factor for anxiety in mid- pregnancy and mixed symptoms of peripartum depression and anxiety in late pregnancy. Inflammatory and hormonal factors may underlie the association between migraine, depression and anxiety across the peripartum period.
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