| 1. |
- Biollaz, S., et al.
(författare)
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Gas analysis in gasification of biomass and waste : Guideline report: Document 1
- 2018
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Rapport (refereegranskat)abstract
- Gasification is generally acknowledged as one of the technologies that will enable the large-scale production of biofuels and chemicals from biomass and waste. One of the main technical challenges associated to the deployment of biomass gasification as a commercial technology is the cleaning and upgrading of the product gas. The contaminants of product gas from biomass/waste gasification include dust, tars, alkali metals, BTX, sulphur-, nitrogen- and chlorine compounds, and heavy metals. Proper measurement of the components and contaminants of the product gas is essential for the monitoring of gasification-based plants (efficiency, product quality, by-products), as well as for the proper design of the downstream gas cleaning train (for example, scrubbers, sorbents, etc.). In practice, a trade-off between reliability, accuracy and cost has to be reached when selecting the proper analysis technique for a specific application. The deployment and implementation of inexpensive yet accurate gas analysis techniques to monitor the fate of gas contaminants might play an important role in the commercialization of biomass and waste gasification processes.This special report commissioned by the IEA Bioenergy Task 33 group compiles a representative part of the extensive work developed in the last years by relevant actors in the field of gas analysis applied to(biomass and waste) gasification. The approach of this report has been based on the creation of a team of contributing partners who have supplied material to the report. This networking approach has been complemented with a literature review. The report is composed of a set of 2 documents. Document 1(the present report) describes the available analysis techniques (both commercial and underdevelopment) for the measurement of different compounds of interest present in gasification gas. The objective is to help the reader to properly select the analysis technique most suitable to the target compounds and the intended application. Document 1 also describes some examples of application of gas analysis at commercial-, pilot- and research gasification plants, as well as examples of recent and current joint research activities in the field. The information contained in Document 1 is complemented with a book of factsheets on gas analysis techniques in Document 2, and a collection of video blogs which illustrate some of the analysis techniques described in Documents 1 and 2.This guideline report would like to become a platform for the reinforcement of the network of partners working on the development and application of gas analysis, thus fostering collaboration and exchange of knowledge. As such, this report should become a living document which incorporates in future coming progress and developments in the field.
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| 2. |
- Biollaz, S., et al.
(författare)
-
Gas analysis in gasification of biomass and waste : Guideline report: Document 2 - Factsheets on gas analysis techniques
- 2018
-
Rapport (refereegranskat)abstract
- Gasification is generally acknowledged as one of the technologies that will enable the large-scale production of biofuels and chemicals from biomass and waste. One of the main technical challenges associated to the deployment of biomass gasification as a commercial technology is the cleaning and upgrading of the product gas. The contaminants of product gas from biomass/waste gasification include dust, tars, alkali metals, BTX, sulphur-, nitrogen- and chlorine compounds, and heavy metals. Proper measurement of the components and contaminants of the product gas is essential for the monitoring of gasification-based plants (efficiency, product quality, by-products), as well as for the proper design of the downstream gas cleaning train (for example, scrubbers, sorbents, etc.). The deployment and implementation of inexpensive yet accurate gas analysis techniques to monitor the fate of gas contaminants might play an important role in the commercialization of biomass and waste gasification processes.This special report commissioned by the IEA Bioenergy Task 33 group compiles a representative part of the extensive work developed in the last years by relevant actors in the field of gas analysis applied to (biomass and waste) gasification. The approach of this report has been based on the creation of a team of contributing partners who have supplied material to the report. This networking approach has been complemented with a literature review. This guideline report would like to become a platform for the reinforcement of the network of partners working on the development and application of gas analysis, thus fostering collaboration and exchange of knowledge. As such, this report should become a living document which incorporates in future coming progress and developments in the field.
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| 3. |
- Rieke, Johanna Magdalena, et al.
(författare)
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SLC20A1Is Involved in Urinary Tract and Urorectal Development
- 2020
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Ingår i: Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology. - : FRONTIERS MEDIA SA. - 2296-634X. ; 8
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Previous studies in developingXenopusand zebrafish reported that the phosphate transporterslc20a1ais expressed in pronephric kidneys. The recent identification ofSLC20A1as a monoallelic candidate gene for cloacal exstrophy further suggests its involvement in the urinary tract and urorectal development. However, little is known of the functional role ofSLC20A1in urinary tract development. Here, we investigated this using morpholino oligonucleotide knockdown of the zebrafish orthologslc20a1a. This caused kidney cysts and malformations of the cloaca. Moreover, in morphants we demonstrated dysfunctional voiding and hindgut opening defects mimicking imperforate anus in human cloacal exstrophy. Furthermore, we performed immunohistochemistry of an unaffected 6-week-old human embryo and detectedSLC20A1in the urinary tract and the abdominal midline, structures implicated in the pathogenesis of cloacal exstrophy. Additionally, we resequencedSLC20A1in 690 individuals with bladder exstrophy-epispadias complex (BEEC) including 84 individuals with cloacal exstrophy. We identified two additional monoallelicde novovariants. One was identified in a case-parent trio with classic bladder exstrophy, and one additional novelde novovariant was detected in an affected mother who transmitted this variant to her affected son. To study the potential cellular impact ofSLC20A1variants, we expressed them in HEK293 cells. Here, phosphate transport was not compromised, suggesting that it is not a disease mechanism. However, there was a tendency for lower levels of cleaved caspase-3, perhaps implicating apoptosis pathways in the disease. Our results suggestSLC20A1is involved in urinary tract and urorectal development and implicateSLC20A1as a disease-gene for BEEC.
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| 4. |
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| 5. |
- Jung, Christian, et al.
(författare)
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A comparison of very old patients admitted to intensive care unit after acute versus elective surgery or intervention
- 2019
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Ingår i: Journal of critical care. - : W B SAUNDERS CO-ELSEVIER INC. - 0883-9441 .- 1557-8615. ; 52, s. 141-148
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: We aimed to evaluate differences in outcome between patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) after elective versus acute surgery in a multinational cohort of very old patients (80 years; VIP). Predictors of mortality, with special emphasis on frailty, were assessed.Methods: In total, 5063 VIPs were induded in this analysis, 922 were admitted after elective surgery or intervention, 4141 acutely, with 402 after acute surgery. Differences were calculated using Mann-Whitney-U test and Wilcoxon test. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression were used to assess associations with mortality.Results: Compared patients admitted after acute surgery, patients admitted after elective surgery suffered less often from frailty as defined as CFS (28% vs 46%; p < 0.001), evidenced lower SOFA scores (4 +/- 5 vs 7 +/- 7; p < 0.001). Presence of frailty (CFS >4) was associated with significantly increased mortality both in elective surgery patients (7% vs 12%; p = 0.01), in acute surgery (7% vs 12%; p = 0.02).Conclusions: VIPs admitted to ICU after elective surgery evidenced favorable outcome over patients after acute surgery even after correction for relevant confounders. Frailty might be used to guide clinicians in risk stratification in both patients admitted after elective and acute surgery.
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| 6. |
- Marto, João Pedro, et al.
(författare)
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Safety and Outcome of Revascularization Treatment in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke and COVID-19: The Global COVID-19 Stroke Registry.
- 2023
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Ingår i: Neurology. - 1526-632X. ; 100:7
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- COVID-19-related inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and coagulopathy may increase the bleeding risk and lower the efficacy of revascularization treatments in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We aimed to evaluate the safety and outcomes of revascularization treatments in patients with AIS and COVID-19.This was a retrospective multicenter cohort study of consecutive patients with AIS receiving intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and/or endovascular treatment (EVT) between March 2020 and June 2021 tested for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. With a doubly robust model combining propensity score weighting and multivariate regression, we studied the association of COVID-19 with intracranial bleeding complications and clinical outcomes. Subgroup analyses were performed according to treatment groups (IVT-only and EVT).Of a total of 15,128 included patients from 105 centers, 853 (5.6%) were diagnosed with COVID-19; of those, 5,848 (38.7%) patients received IVT-only and 9,280 (61.3%) EVT (with or without IVT). Patients with COVID-19 had a higher rate of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH) (adjusted OR 1.53; 95% CI 1.16-2.01), symptomatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SSAH) (OR 1.80; 95% CI 1.20-2.69), SICH and/or SSAH combined (OR 1.56; 95% CI 1.23-1.99), 24-hour mortality (OR 2.47; 95% CI 1.58-3.86), and 3-month mortality (OR 1.88; 95% CI 1.52-2.33). Patients with COVID-19 also had an unfavorable shift in the distribution of the modified Rankin score at 3 months (OR 1.42; 95% CI 1.26-1.60).Patients with AIS and COVID-19 showed higher rates of intracranial bleeding complications and worse clinical outcomes after revascularization treatments than contemporaneous non-COVID-19 patients receiving treatment. Current available data do not allow direct conclusions to be drawn on the effectiveness of revascularization treatments in patients with COVID-19 or to establish different treatment recommendations in this subgroup of patients with ischemic stroke. Our findings can be taken into consideration for treatment decisions, patient monitoring, and establishing prognosis.The study was registered under ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT04895462.
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| 7. |
- Reutter, Heiko, et al.
(författare)
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Genome-wide association study and mouse expression data identify a highly conserved 32kb intergenic region between WNT3 and WNT9b as possible susceptibility locus for isolated classic exstrophy of the bladder.
- 2014
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Ingår i: Human Molecular Genetics. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0964-6906 .- 1460-2083. ; 23:20, s. 5536-5544
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Bladder Exstrophy-Epispadias Complex (BEEC), the severe end of the uro-rectal malformation spectrum, has a profound impact on continence as well as sexual and renal functions. It is widely accepted that for the majority of cases the genetic basis appears to be multifactorial. Here, we report the first study which utilizes genome-wide association methods to analyze a cohort comprising patients presenting the most common BEEC form, classic bladder exstrophy (CBE), to identify common variation associated with risk for isolated CBE. We employed discovery and follow-up samples comprising 218/865 cases/controls and 78 trios in total, all of European descent. Our discovery sample identified a marker near SALL1, showing genome-wide significant association with CBE. However, analyses performed on follow-up samples did not add further support to these findings. We were also able to identify an association with CBE across our study samples (discovery: P=8.88 x 10(-5); follow-up: P=0.0025; combined: 1.09 x 10(-6)) in a highly conserved 32kb intergenic region containing regulatory elements between WNT3 and WNT9B. Subsequent analyses in mice revealed expression for both genes in the genital region during stages relevant to the development of CBE in humans. Unfortunately, we were not able to replicate the suggestive signal for WNT3 and WNT9B in a sample that was enriched for non-CBE BEEC cases (P=0.51). Our suggestive findings support the hypothesis that larger samples are warranted to identify association of common variation with CBE.
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| 8. |
- Rotundi, Alessandra, et al.
(författare)
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Dust measurements in the coma of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko inbound to the Sun
- 2015
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Ingår i: Science. - : American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). - 0036-8075 .- 1095-9203. ; 347:6220
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Critical measurements for understanding accretion and the dust/gas ratio in the solar nebula, where planets were forming 4.5 billion years ago, are being obtained by the GIADA (Grain Impact Analyser and Dust Accumulator) experiment on the European Space Agency's Rosetta spacecraft orbiting comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. Between 3.6 and 3.4 astronomical units inbound, GIADA and OSIRIS (Optical, Spectroscopic, and Infrared Remote Imaging System) detected 35 outflowing grains of mass 10(-10) to 10(-7) kilograms, and 48 grains of mass 10(-5) to 10(-2) kilograms, respectively. Combined with gas data from the MIRO (Microwave Instrument for the Rosetta Orbiter) and ROSINA (Rosetta Orbiter Spectrometer for Ion and Neutral Analysis) instruments, we find a dust/gas mass ratio of 4 +/- 2 averaged over the sunlit nucleus surface. A cloud of larger grains also encircles the nucleus in bound orbits from the previous perihelion. The largest orbiting clumps are meter-sized, confirming the dust/gas ratio of 3 inferred at perihelion from models of dust comae and trails.
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| 9. |
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| 10. |
- Forsman, Anna K, et al.
(författare)
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Research priorities for public mental health in Europe: recommendations of the ROAMER project.
- 2015
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Ingår i: European Journal of Public Health. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1101-1262 .- 1464-360X. ; 25:2, s. 249-254
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The ROAdmap for MEntal health Research in Europe project aimed to create an integrated European roadmap for mental health research. Leading mental health research experts across Europe have formulated consensus-based recommendations for future research within the public mental health field.
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| 11. |
- Haghighi, Mona, et al.
(författare)
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A Comparison of Rule-based Analysis with Regression Methods in Understanding the Risk Factors for Study Withdrawal in a Pediatric Study
- 2016
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Ingår i: Scientific Reports. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2045-2322. ; 6
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Regression models are extensively used in many epidemiological studies to understand the linkage between specific outcomes of interest and their risk factors. However, regression models in general examine the average effects of the risk factors and ignore subgroups with different risk profiles. As a result, interventions are often geared towards the average member of the population, without consideration of the special health needs of different subgroups within the population. This paper demonstrates the value of using rule-based analysis methods that can identify subgroups with heterogeneous risk profiles in a population without imposing assumptions on the subgroups or method. The rules define the risk pattern of subsets of individuals by not only considering the interactions between the risk factors but also their ranges. We compared the rule-based analysis results with the results from a logistic regression model in The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young (TEDDY) study. Both methods detected a similar suite of risk factors, but the rule-based analysis was superior at detecting multiple interactions between the risk factors that characterize the subgroups. A further investigation of the particular characteristics of each subgroup may detect the special health needs of the subgroup and lead to tailored interventions.
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| 12. |
- Hoffmann, Sabine, et al.
(författare)
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A Research Agenda for the Future of Urban Water Management : Exploring the Potential of Nongrid, Small-Grid, and Hybrid Solutions
- 2020
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Ingår i: Environmental Science and Technology. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 0013-936X .- 1520-5851. ; 54:9, s. 5312-5322
-
Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Recent developments in high- and middle-income countries have exhibited a shift from conventional urban water systems to alternative solutions that are more diverse in source separation, decentralization, and modularization. These solutions include nongrid, small-grid, and hybrid systems to address such pressing global challenges as climate change, eutrophication, and rapid urbanization. They close loops, recover valuable resources, and adapt quickly to changing boundary conditions such as population size. Moving to such alternative solutions requires both technical and social innovations to coevolve over time into integrated socio-technical urban water systems. Current implementations of alternative systems in high- and middle-income countries are promising, but they also underline the need for research questions to be addressed from technical, social, and transformative perspectives. Future research should pursue a transdisciplinary research approach to generating evidence through socio-technical "lighthouse" projects that apply alternative urban water systems at scale. Such research should leverage experiences from these projects in diverse socio-economic contexts, identify their potentials and limitations from an integrated perspective, and share their successes and failures across the urban water sector.
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| 13. |
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| 14. |
- Lewin, Erik, et al.
(författare)
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On the origin of a third spectral component of C1s XPS-spectra for nc-TiC/a-C nanocomposite thin films
- 2008
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Ingår i: Surface & Coatings Technology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0257-8972 .- 1879-3347. ; 202:15, s. 3563-3570
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra of sputter-etched nc-TiC/a-C nanocomposite thin films published in literature show an extra feature of unknown origin in the C1s region. This feature is situated between the contributions of carbide and the carbon matrix. We have used high kinetic energy XPS (HIKE-XPS) on magnetron-sputtered nc-TiC/a-C thin films to show that this feature represents a third chemical environment in the nanocomposites, besides the carbide and the amorphous carbon. Our results show that component is present in as-deposited samples, and that the intensity is strongly enhanced by Ar+-ion etching. This third chemical environment may be due to interface or disorder effects. The implications of these observations on the XPS analysis of nanocomposites are discussed in the light of overlap problems for ternary carbon based systems.
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| 15. |
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| 16. |
- Lundgren, Markus, et al.
(författare)
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Analgesic antipyretic use among young children in the TEDDY study : No association with islet autoimmunity
- 2017
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Ingår i: BMC Pediatrics. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2431. ; 17:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: The use of analgesic antipyretics (ANAP) in children have long been a matter of controversy. Data on their practical use on an individual level has, however, been scarce. There are indications of possible effects on glucose homeostasis and immune function related to the use of ANAP. The aim of this study was to analyze patterns of analgesic antipyretic use across the clinical centers of The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young (TEDDY) prospective cohort study and test if ANAP use was a risk factor for islet autoimmunity. Methods: Data were collected for 8542 children in the first 2.5 years of life. Incidence was analyzed using logistic regression with country and first child status as independent variables. Holm's procedure was used to adjust for multiplicity of intercountry comparisons. Time to autoantibody seroconversion was analyzed using a Cox proportional hazards model with cumulative analgesic use as primary time dependent covariate of interest. For each categorization, a generalized estimating equation (GEE) approach was used. Results: Higher prevalence of ANAP use was found in the U.S. (95.7%) and Sweden (94.8%) compared to Finland (78.1%) and Germany (80.2%). First-born children were more commonly given acetaminophen (OR 1.26; 95% CI 1.07, 1.49; p = 0.007) but less commonly Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAID) (OR 0.86; 95% CI 0.78, 0.95; p = 0.002). Acetaminophen and NSAID use in the absence of fever and infection was more prevalent in the U.S. (40.4%; 26.3% of doses) compared to Sweden, Finland and Germany (p < 0.001). Acetaminophen or NSAID use before age 2.5 years did not predict development of islet autoimmunity by age 6 years (HR 1.02, 95% CI 0.99-1.09; p = 0.27). In a sub-analysis, acetaminophen use in children with fever weakly predicted development of islet autoimmunity by age 3 years (HR 1.05; 95% CI 1.01-1.09; p = 0.024). Conclusions: ANAP use in young children is not a risk factor for seroconversion by age 6 years. Use of ANAP is widespread in young children, and significantly higher in the U.S. compared to other study sites, where use is common also in absence of fever and infection.
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| 17. |
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| 18. |
- Nikkhah, G, et al.
(författare)
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A microtransplantation approach for cell suspension grafting in the rat Parkinson model : a detailed account of the methodology
- 1994
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Ingår i: Neuroscience. - : Elsevier BV. - 0306-4522. ; 63:1, s. 57-72
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Shortcomings of current techniques used for the intracerebral transplantation of ventral mesencephalic dopamine neurons include low graft survival, high variability, considerable implantation trauma and suboptimal graft integration. In order to overcome these limitations, we have adopted a microtransplantation approach which allows precise and reproducible implantation of ventral mesencephalon cell suspensions at single or multiple sites with minimal trauma and improved survival and integration of the grafted neurons [Nikkhah et al. (1994) Brain Res. 633, 133-143]. The present study was undertaken to determine the influence of different grafting parameters as well as the time-course of development of micrografted dopaminergic neurons and to devise an optimal microtransplantation procedure in the rat Parkinson model, Rats with unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesions of the nigrostriatal pathway received four graft deposits of either 0.25, 0.5, 1.0 or 2.0 microliters along four injection tracts (150,000 cells/microliters) using either a glass capillary (o.d. 50-70 microns) or a regular cannula (o.d. 0.50 mm, metal cannula grafts). At one, two and 12 weeks postgrafting (capillary grafts) and at 12 weeks postgrafting (metal cannula grafts) dopamine neuron survival and graft volumes were measured and the implantation trauma assessed by glial fibrillary acidic protein expression. The results demonstrate that single deposits of 50,000-75,000 cells in 0.5 microliter, implanted with a glass capillary, provide the best environment both for dopaminergic and non-dopaminergic neuron survival. Grafts implanted with the glass capillary showed much weaker long-term glial fibrillary acidic protein expression along the injection tract and around the implants than was the case in grafts implanted with the thicker metal cannula. Optimal graft integration and minimal disturbances of host brain structures can reliably be achieved by small-sized implants (20,000-35,000 cells/deposit). Tyrosine hydroxylase-positive fiber outgrowth from micrografted dopaminergic neurons was seen not only in the surrounding caudate-putamen, but also along white matter tracts into the nucleus accumbens and the overlying cerebral cortex. Spreading of dopaminergic micrografts over multiple small deposits rather than increasing the volume of single grafts gave more extensive reinnervation of the entire host striatum. The micrografting technique provides a useful tool to improve graft-host interactions in the rat Parkinson model, and it allows more precise and reproducible quantitative studies on dopamine neuron survival and growth in intrastriatal ventral mesencephalon transplants. This technique should also be highly useful for the intracerebral implantation of cells derived from primary cultures or cell lines [Gage and Fisher (1991) Neuron 6, 1-12].
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| 19. |
- Stattin, P., et al.
(författare)
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Geographical variation in incidence of prostate cancer in Sweden : Survey from the National Prostate Cancer Register
- 2005
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Urology and Nephrology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0036-5599 .- 1651-2065. ; 39:5, s. 372-379
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective. To investigate the geographical variation in prostate cancer incidence in Sweden, in particular the incidences of screening-detected tumours and curative treatment of prostate cancer. Material and methods. Data were retrieved from the National Prostate Cancer Register of Sweden for all cases of prostate cancer diagnosed in the year 2000-01. There were a total of 14376 cases of prostate cancer and the mean total annual age-adjusted incidence was 197/100000 men. There were 3318 cases in tumour category T1c, i.e. non-palpable tumours diagnosed during work-up for an elevated serum level of prostate-specific antigen, 1006 of which (30%) were asymptomatic and detected at a health check-up. Results. The difference between the counties with the lowest and highest age-adjusted incidences per 1OO 000 men of total prostate cancer was almost twofold (128 vs 217). The corresponding variation in incidence of category Tie tumours was more than fourfold (13 vs 60), the difference in incidence of Tie tumours detected in asymptomatic men was up to 10-fold (2 vs 20), and there was more than a fourfold variation in incidence of curative treatment between counties (13 vs 67). Measured incidences were mostly highest in urban regions and in counties with university hospitals. Conclusion. There are large geographical variations in prostate cancer incidence and in the frequency of curative treatment for prostate cancer in Sweden and there appear to be large geographical variations in the uptake of prostate cancer screening. © 2005 Taylor & Francis.
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| 20. |
- van der Steeg, Hendrik J.J., et al.
(författare)
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Bowel function and associated risk factors at preschool and early childhood age in children with anorectal malformation type rectovestibular fistula : An ARM-Net consortium study
- 2022
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Ingår i: Journal of Pediatric Surgery. - : Elsevier BV. - 0022-3468. ; 57:9, s. 89-96
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Outcome of patients operated for anorectal malformation (ARM) type rectovestibular fistula (RVF) is generally considered to be good. However, large multi-center studies are scarce, mostly describing pooled outcome of different ARM-types, in adult patients. Therefore, counseling parents concerning the bowel function at early age is challenging. Aim of this study was to evaluate bowel function of RVF-patients at preschool/early childhood age and determine risk factors for poor functional outcome. Methods: A multi-center cohort study was performed. Patient characteristics, associated anomalies, sacral ratio, surgical procedures, post-reconstructive complications, one-year constipation, and Bowel Function Score (BFS) at 4–7 years of follow-up were registered. Groups with below normal (BFS < 17; subgroups ‘poor’ ≤ 11, and ‘fair’ 11 < BFS < 17) and good outcome (BFS ≥ 17) were formed. Univariable analyses were performed to detect risk factors for outcome. Results: The study included 111 RVF-patients. Median BFS was 16 (range 6–20). The ‘below normal’ group consisted of 61 patients (55.0%). Overall, we reported soiling, fecal accidents, and constipation in 64.9%, 35.1% and 70.3%, respectively. Bowel management was performed in 23.4% of patients. Risk factors for poor outcome were tethered cord and low sacral ratio, while sacral anomalies, low sacral ratio, prior enterostomy, post-reconstructive complications, and one-year constipation were for being on bowel management. Conclusions: Although median BFS at 4–7 year follow-up is nearly normal, the majority of patients suffers from some degree of soiling and constipation, and almost 25% needs bowel management. Several factors were associated with poor bowel function outcome and bowel management. Level of Evidence: Level III.
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| 21. |
- Wang, Ying, et al.
(författare)
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Clonally expanding smooth muscle cells promote atherosclerosis by escaping efferocytosis and activating the complement cascade
- 2020
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Ingår i: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. - : NATL ACAD SCIENCES. - 0027-8424 .- 1091-6490. ; 117:27, s. 15818-15826
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Atherosclerosis is the process underlying heart attack and stroke. Despite decades of research, its pathogenesis remains unclear. Dogma suggests that atherosclerotic plaques expand primarily via the accumulation of cholesterol and inflammatory cells. However, recent evidence suggests that a substantial portion of the plaque may arise from a subset of "dedifferentiated" vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) which proliferate in a clonal fashion. Herein we use multicolor lineage-tracing models to confirm that the mature SMC can give rise to a hyperproliferative cell which appears to promote inflammation via elaboration of complement-dependent anaphylatoxins. Despite being extensively opsonized with prophagocytic complement fragments, we find that this cell also escapes immune surveillance by neighboring macrophages, thereby exacerbating its relative survival advantage. Mechanistic studies indicate this phenomenon results from a generalized opsoninsensing defect acquired by macrophages during polarization. This defect coincides with the noncanonical up-regulation of so-called don't eat me molecules on inflamed phagocytes, which reduces their capacity for programmed cell removal (PrCR). Knockdown or knockout of the key antiphagocytic molecule CD47 restores the ability of macrophages to sense and clear opsonized targets in vitro, allowing for potent and targeted suppression of clonal SMC expansion in the plaque in vivo. Because integrated clinical and genomic analyses indicate that similar pathways are active in humans with cardiovascular disease, these studies suggest that the clonally expanding SMC may represent a translational target for treating atherosclerosis.
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| 22. |
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| 23. |
- Abrahamczyk, Stefan, et al.
(författare)
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Evolution of brood-site mimicry in Madagascan Impatiens (Balsaminaceae)
- 2021
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Ingår i: Perspectives in plant ecology, evolution and systematics. - : Elsevier BV. - 1433-8319 .- 1618-0437. ; 49
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The species-rich flora of Madagascar is well known for a range of unusual floral ecologies. One example is Impatiens section Trimorphopetalum with its unique combination of floral traits: small, spur-less, cup-or lip shaped, greenish or brownish flowers. So far no hypotheses on floral function or pollination of this peculiar group have been proposed. We analysed six reproductive traits in relation to pollination syndromes for 34 Madagascan Impatiens species, including 18 species of section Trimorphopetalum plus six outgroup species, in a phylogenetic framework. Further, we present pollinator observations for one additional species of Trimophopetalum. All pollination syndromes occurring in the African species are also present in Madagascan Impatiens. In addition, species of Trimorphopetalum represent two unique floral types, possibly corresponding to two different types of fly pollination. The evolution of these flower types corresponds to a strong decrease in nectar production, flower display size, pollen grain and ovule number. Autogamy is found in one derived sub-clade of the otherwise largely pollinator-dependent Trimorphopetalum. We find evidence consistent with the evolution of brood-site deception and fungus mimicry in combination with fly pollination in one clade of Trimorphopetalum and the stepwise evolution of autogamy in the second clade. The evolution of these very different reproductive strategies may have been triggered by pollinator limitation in the dense, humid forest undergrowth of Madagascar.
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| 24. |
- Amerstorfer, Eva Elisa, et al.
(författare)
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What do pediatric surgeons think about sexual issues in dealing with patients with anorectal malformations? The ARM-Net consortium members’ opinion
- 2019
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Ingår i: Pediatric Surgery International. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0179-0358 .- 1437-9813. ; 35:9, s. 935-943
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose: Since pediatric surgeons aim to follow their patients with anorectal malformations (ARM) into adulthood the aim of this study was to investigate how pediatric surgeons deal with sexual issues related to ARM. Methods: In 2018, a questionnaire was developed by the working group “Follow-up and sexuality” of the ARM-Net consortium and sent to all consortium-linked pediatric surgeons from 31 European pediatric surgical centers. Obtained data were statistically analyzed. Results: Twenty-eight of 37 pediatric surgeons (18 males/10 females) answered the questionnaire. The majority of pediatric surgeons (82%) think they should talk about sexual issues with their patient. More than 50% of pediatric surgeons do not feel at all or only moderately confident discussing the topic of sexuality. Most pediatric surgeons require more support (96%) and wish to be trained in sexuality and sexual issues (78%) to feel confident towards their ARM-patients/parents. For optimal care, sexual issues with ARM-patients should be managed by a multidisciplinary team. Conclusions: Pediatric surgeons feel that sexuality is an important issue for their ARM-patients, which they are primarily responsible of but should be managed in concert with a multidisciplinary team. A training in sexuality is wished to feel more confident about this specific issue.
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| 25. |
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| 26. |
- Baruth, Joshua M., et al.
(författare)
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Distal radius fractures and risk of incident neurocognitive disorders in older adults : a retrospective cohort study
- 2022
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Ingår i: Osteoporosis International. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0937-941X .- 1433-2965. ; 33:11, s. 2307-2314
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction: Distal radius fractures (DRF) are associated with increased risk of subsequent fractures and physical decline in older adults. This study aims to evaluate the risk cognitive decline following DRF and potential for timely screening and intervention. Methods: A cohort of 1046 individuals 50–75 years of age with DRF were identified between 1995 and 2015 (81.5% female; mean age 62.5 [± 7.1] years). A control group (N = 1044) without history of DRF was matched by age, sex, and fracture date (i.e., index). The incidence of neurocognitive disorders (NCD) in relation to DRF/index was determined. Group comparisons were adjusted by age and comorbidity measured by the Elixhauser index. Results: The DRF group had a greater incidence of NCD compared to the control group (11.3% vs. 8.2%) with a 56% greater relative risk (HR = 1.56, 95% Cl: 1.18, 2.07; p = 0.002) after adjusting for age and comorbidity. For every 10-year age increase, the DRF group was over three times more likely to develop a NCD (HR = 3.23, 95% Cl: 2.57, 4.04; p < 0.001). Conclusion: DRF in adults ages 50 to 75 are associated with increased risk of developing neurocognitive disorders. DRF may represent a sentinel opportunity for cognitive screening and early intervention. Summary: Distal radius fractures (DRF) have been associated with greater risk of future fractures and physical decline. This study reports that DRF are also associated with greater risk of developing neurocognitive disorders in older adults. Timely intervention may improve early recognition and long-term outcomes for older adults at risk of cognitive decline.
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| 27. |
- Bjelland, E. K., et al.
(författare)
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Hormonal contraception and pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy : a population study of 91 721 pregnancies in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort
- 2013
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Ingår i: Human Reproduction. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0268-1161 .- 1460-2350. ; 28:11, s. 3134-3140
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Is pre-pregnancy hormonal contraception use associated with the development of pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy? In contrast to combined oral contraceptive pills, long lifetime exposure to progestin-only contraceptive pills or the use of a progestin intrauterine device during the final year before pregnancy were associated with pelvic girdle pain. Pelvic girdle pain severely affects many women during pregnancy. Smaller studies have suggested that hormonal contraceptive use is involved in the underlying mechanisms, but evidence is inconclusive. A population study during the years 19992008. A total of 91 721 pregnancies included in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study. Data were obtained by two self-administered questionnaires during pregnancy weeks 17 and 30. Pelvic girdle pain was present in 12.9 of women who had used combined oral contraceptive pills during the last pre-pregnancy year, 16.4 of women who had used progestin-only contraceptive pills, 16.7 of women who had progestin injections and 20.7 of women who had used progestin intrauterine devices, compared with 15.3 of women who did not report use of hormonal contraceptives. After adjustment for other study factors, the use of a progestin intrauterine device was the only factor based on the preceding year associated with pelvic girdle pain [adjusted odds ratios (OR) 1.20; 95 confidence interval (CI): 1.111.31]. Long lifetime exposure to progestin-only contraceptive pills was also associated with pelvic girdle pain (adjusted OR 1.49; 95 CI: 1.012.20). The participation rate was 38.5. However, a recent study on the potential biases of skewed selection in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study found the prevalence estimates but not the exposure-outcome associations to be influenced by the selection. The results suggest that combined oral contraceptives can be used without fear of developing pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy. However, the influence of progestin intrauterine devices and long-term exposure to progestin-only contraceptive pills requires further study. The present study was supported by the Norwegian Research Council. None of the authors has a conflict of interest.
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| 28. |
- Bogan, Michael J, et al.
(författare)
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Single particle X-ray diffractive imaging
- 2008
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Ingår i: Nano letters (Print). - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 1530-6984 .- 1530-6992. ; 8:1, s. 310-6
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In nanotechnology, strategies for the creation and manipulation of nanoparticles in the gas phase are critically important for surface modification and substrate-free characterization. Recent coherent diffractive imaging with intense femtosecond X-ray pulses has verified the capability of single-shot imaging of nanoscale objects at suboptical resolutions beyond the radiation-induced damage threshold. By intercepting electrospray-generated particles with a single 15 femtosecond soft-X-ray pulse, we demonstrate diffractive imaging of a nanoscale specimen in free flight for the first time, an important step toward imaging uncrystallized biomolecules.
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| 29. |
- Buse, Eberhard, et al.
(författare)
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The placenta in toxicology. Part I : Animal models in toxicology
- 2014
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Ingår i: Toxicologic pathology (Print). - : Sage Publications. - 0192-6233 .- 1533-1601. ; 42:2, s. 314-326
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- The immune system represents a key defense mechanism against potential pathogens and adverse non-self materials. During pregnancy, the placenta is the point of contact between the maternal organism and non-self proteins of the fetal allograft and hence undoubtedly fulfils immune functions. In the placenta bacteria, foreign (non-self) proteins and proteins that might be introduced in toxicological studies or by medication are barred from reaching the progeny, and the maternal immune system is primed for acceptance of non-maternal fetal protein. Both immunologic protection of the fetus and acceptance of the fetus by the mother require effective mechanisms to prevent an immunologic fetomaternal conflict and to keep both organisms in balance. This is why the placenta requires toxicological consideration in view of its immune organ function. The following articles deal with placenta immune-, control-, and tolerance mechanisms in view of both fetal and maternal aspects. Furthermore, models for experimental access to placental immune function are addressed and the pathological evaluation is elucidated. "The Placenta as an Immune Organ and Its Relevance in Toxicological Studies" was subject of a continuing education course at the 2012 Society of Toxicologic Pathology meeting held in Boston, MA.
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| 30. |
- Chapman, Henry N, et al.
(författare)
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Femtosecond time-delay X-ray holography
- 2007
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Ingår i: Nature. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0028-0836 .- 1476-4687. ; 448:7154, s. 676-679
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Extremely intense and ultrafast X-ray pulses from free-electron lasers offer unique opportunities to study fundamental aspects of complex transient phenomena in materials. Ultrafast time-resolved methods usually require highly synchronized pulses to initiate a transition and then probe it after a precisely defined time delay. In the X-ray regime, these methods are challenging because they require complex optical systems and diagnostics. Here we propose and apply a simple holographic measurement scheme, inspired by Newton's 'dusty mirror' experiment1, to monitor the X-ray-induced explosion of microscopic objects. The sample is placed near an X-ray mirror; after the pulse traverses the sample, triggering the reaction, it is reflected back onto the sample by the mirror to probe this reaction. The delay is encoded in the resulting diffraction pattern to an accuracy of one femtosecond, and the structural change is holographically recorded with high resolution. We apply the technique to monitor the dynamics of polystyrene spheres in intense free-electron-laser pulses, and observe an explosion occurring well after the initial pulse. Our results support the notion that X-ray flash imaging2, 3 can be used to achieve high resolution, beyond radiation damage limits for biological samples4. With upcoming ultrafast X-ray sources we will be able to explore the three-dimensional dynamics of materials at the timescale of atomic motion.
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| 31. |
- Cline, J Mark, et al.
(författare)
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The placenta in toxicology. Part III : Pathologic assessment of the placenta
- 2014
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Ingår i: Toxicologic pathology (Print). - : Sage Publications. - 0192-6233 .- 1533-1601. ; 42:2, s. 339-344
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This short review is derived from the peer-reviewed literature and the experience and case materials of the authors. Brief illustrated summaries are presented on the gross and histologic normal anatomy of rodent and macaque placentas, including typical organ weights, with comments on differences from the human placenta. Common incidental findings, background lesions, and induced toxic lesions are addressed, and a recommended strategy for pathologic evaluation of placentas is provided.
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| 32. |
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| 33. |
- Eberhard, Anna, et al.
(författare)
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Predictors of unacceptable pain with and without low inflammation over 5years in early rheumatoid arthritis-an inception cohort study
- 2021
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Ingår i: Arthritis Research & Therapy. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1478-6354 .- 1478-6362. ; 23:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- ObjectivesPain is a major symptom in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In early RA, pain is usually due to synovitis, but can also persist despite effective anti-inflammatory treatment. The objective of this study was to investigate the pain course over time and predictors of unacceptable pain and unacceptable pain with low inflammation, in patients with early RA.MethodsAn inception cohort of 232 patients with early RA, recruited in 1995-2005, was followed in a structured programme for 5years. Pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS; 0-100). Unacceptable pain was defined as VAS pain >40 based on the patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) and low inflammation as CRP <10mg/l. Baseline predictors of unacceptable pain were evaluated using logistic regression analysis.ResultsPain improved significantly during the first 6months, but then remained basically unchanged. Thirty-four per cent of the patients had unacceptable pain 5years after inclusion. Baseline predictors of unacceptable pain after 5years were lower swollen joint counts [odds ratio (OR) 0.71 per standard deviation (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.51-0.99)] and higher VAS for pain and global assessment of disease activity. Unacceptable pain with low inflammation after 5years was negatively associated with anti-CCP antibodies [OR 0.50 (95% CI 0.22-0.98)].ConclusionOver one third of the patients had unacceptable pain 5years after inclusion. Lower swollen joint count was associated with unacceptable pain at 5years. The results may be explained by the positive effects of treatment on pain related to inflammation. Non-inflammatory long-lasting pain appears to be a greater problem in anti-CCP-negative patients.
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| 34. |
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| 35. |
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| 36. |
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| 37. |
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| 38. |
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| 39. |
- Fisher, J. Chris, et al.
(författare)
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Circle incidence theorems
- 2015
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Ingår i: Forum Geometricorum: A Journal on Classical Euclidean Geometry. - 1534-1178. ; 15, s. 211-228
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Larry Hoehn discovered a remarkable concurrence theorem about pentagrams. Draw circles through two consecutive vertices and the intersection points of the sides in between. Then the radical axes of each pair of consecutive circles are concurrent or parallel. In this note we prove a generalization to n-gons.
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| 40. |
- Flores-Maldonado, Catalina, et al.
(författare)
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A Low Cost Antibody Signal Enhancer Improves Immunolabeling in Cell Culture, Primate Brain and Human Cancer Biopsy
- 2020
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Ingår i: Neuroscience. - : Elsevier. - 0306-4522 .- 1873-7544. ; 439, s. 275-286
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The use of antibodies to identify neuronal receptors, neurotransmitters, cytoskeletal elements or pathologic protein aggregates, ion channels, adhesion molecules or other cell-type specific markers, is common practice in neuroscience. Antibody detection systems are often based on confocal, epifluorescence or brightfield microscopy. Three types of technical issues can interfere with immunolabeling: low abundance of the target protein, low specific affinity of the antibody and/or signal background sometimes related to tissue fixation. Here, giving tribute to Professor Miledis mentorship, we propose the application of an antibody signal enhancer (ASE) solution based on glycine, hydrogen peroxide and a detergent mix as a simple, low cost, protocol variation that significantly and specifically improves the signal to noise ratio during immunostaining experiments. We describe three new settings in which ASE improves the detection of a variety of antibodies applied on long-time stored non-human primate brain sections, cell culture monolayers and on squamous carcinomas retrieved from cervical cancer patients. The significant improvement of ASE over optimized immunohistochemical protocols used in clinical practice (i.e. cancer detection) combined with its simplicity and low cost makes it an attractive method for biomedical applications. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Honoring Ricardo Miledi - outstanding neuroscientist of XX-XXI centuries. (C) 2020 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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| 41. |
- Gardner-Sood, P, et al.
(författare)
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Cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic syndrome in people with established psychotic illnesses : baseline data from the IMPaCT randomized controlled trial
- 2015
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Ingår i: Psychological Medicine. - 1469-8978. ; 45:12, s. 29-2619
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: The aims of the study were to determine the prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors and establish the proportion of people with psychosis meeting criteria for the metabolic syndrome (MetS). The study also aimed to identify the key lifestyle behaviours associated with increased risk of the MetS and to investigate whether the MetS is associated with illness severity and degree of functional impairment.METHOD: Baseline data were collected as part of a large randomized controlled trial (IMPaCT RCT). The study took place within community mental health teams in five Mental Health NHS Trusts in urban and rural locations across England. A total of 450 randomly selected out-patients, aged 18-65 years, with an established psychotic illness were recruited. We ascertained the prevalence rates of cardiometabolic risk factors, illness severity and functional impairment and calculated rates of the MetS, using International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and National Cholesterol Education Program Third Adult Treatment Panel criteria.RESULTS: High rates of cardiometabolic risk factors were found. Nearly all women and most men had waist circumference exceeding the IDF threshold for central obesity. Half the sample was obese (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2) and a fifth met the criteria for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Females were more likely to be obese than males (61% v. 42%, p < 0.001). Of the 308 patients with complete laboratory measures, 57% (n = 175) met the IDF criteria for the MetS.CONCLUSIONS: In the UK, the prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors in individuals with psychotic illnesses is much higher than that observed in national general population studies as well as in most international studies of patients with psychosis.
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| 42. |
- Hageman, Isabel C., et al.
(författare)
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A Quality Assessment of the ARM-Net Registry Design and Data Collection
- 2023
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Ingår i: Journal of Pediatric Surgery. - : Elsevier BV. - 0022-3468. ; 58:10, s. 1921-1928
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Registries are important in rare disease research. The Anorectal Malformation Network (ARM-Net) registry is a well-established European patient registry collecting demographic, clinical, and functional outcome data. We assessed the quality of this registry through review of the structure, data elements, collected data, and user experience. Material and methods: Design and data elements were assessed for completeness, consistency, usefulness, accuracy, validity, and comparability. An intra- and inter-user variability study was conducted through monitoring and re-registration of patients. User experience was assessed via a questionnaire on registration, design of registry, and satisfaction. Results: We evaluated 119 data elements, of which 107 were utilized and comprised 42 string and 65 numeric elements. A minority (37.0%) of the 2278 included records had complete data, though this improved to 83.5% when follow-up elements were excluded. Intra-observer variability demonstrated 11.7% incongruence, while inter-observer variability was 14.7%. Users were predominantly pediatric surgeons and typically registered patients within 11–30 min. Users did not experience any significant difficulties with data entry and were generally satisfied with the registry, but preferred more longitudinal data and patient-reported outcomes. Conclusions: The ARM-Net registry presents one of the largest ARM cohorts. Although its collected data are valuable, they are susceptible to error and user variability. Continuous evaluations are required to maintain relevant and high-quality data and to achieve long-term sustainability. With the recommendations resulting from this study, we call for rare disease patient registries to take example and aim to continuously improve their data quality to enhance the small, but impactful, field of rare disease research. Level of Evidence: V.
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| 43. |
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| 44. |
- Hobart, J, et al.
(författare)
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International consensus on quality standards for brain health-focused care in multiple sclerosis
- 2019
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Ingår i: Multiple sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England). - : SAGE Publications. - 1477-0970 .- 1352-4585. ; 25:13, s. 1809-1818
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Time matters in multiple sclerosis (MS). Irreversible neural damage and cell loss occur from disease onset. The MS community has endorsed a management strategy of prompt diagnosis, timely intervention and regular proactive monitoring of treatment effectiveness and disease activity to improve outcomes in people with MS. Objectives: We sought to develop internationally applicable quality standards for timely, brain health–focused MS care. Methods: A panel of MS specialist neurologists participated in an iterative, online, modified Delphi process to define ‘core’, ‘achievable’ and ‘aspirational’ time frames reflecting minimum, good and high care standards, respectively. A multidisciplinary Reviewing Group (MS nurses, people with MS, allied healthcare professionals) provided insights ensuring recommendations reflected perspectives from multiple stakeholders. Results: Twenty-one MS neurologists from 19 countries reached consensus on most core (25/27), achievable (25/27) and aspirational (22/27) time frames at the end of five rounds. Agreed standards cover six aspects of the care pathway: symptom onset, referral and diagnosis, treatment decisions, lifestyle, disease monitoring and managing new symptoms. Conclusion: These quality standards for core, achievable and aspirational care provide MS teams with a three-level framework for service evaluation, benchmarking and improvement. They have the potential to produce a profound change in the care of people with MS.
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| 45. |
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| 46. |
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| 47. |
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| 48. |
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| 49. |
- Levander, Sten, et al.
(författare)
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Costs of schizophrenia during five years
- 2007
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Ingår i: Schizophrenia Bulletin. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1745-1701 .- 0586-7614. ; 33:2, s. 485-485
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)
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| 50. |
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