| 1. |
- Abdurahman, Samir, et al.
(författare)
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Mutation in the loop C-terminal to the cyclophilin A binding site of HIV-1 capsid protein disrupts proper virus assembly and infectivity
- 2007
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Ingår i: Retrovirology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1742-4690. ; 4, s. 19-
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We have studied the effects associated with two single amino acid substitution mutations in HIV-1 capsid (CA), the E98A and E187G. Both amino acids are well conserved among all major HIV-1 subtypes. HIV-1 infectivity is critically dependent on proper CA cone formation and mutations in CA are lethal when they inhibit CA assembly by destabilizing the intra and/or inter molecular CA contacts, which ultimately abrogate viral replication. Glu98, which is located on a surface of a flexible cyclophilin A binding loop is not involved in any intra-molecular contacts with other CA residues. In contrast, Glu187 has extensive intra-molecular contacts with eight other CA residues. Additionally, Glu187 has been shown to form a salt-bridge with Arg18 of another N-terminal CA monomer in a N-C dimer. However, despite proper virus release, glycoprotein incorporation and Gag processing, electron microscopy analysis revealed that, in contrast to the E187G mutant, only the E98A particles had aberrant core morphology that resulted in loss of infectivity.
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| 2. |
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| 3. |
- Claesson, Rolf, et al.
(författare)
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Multilocus Sequence Typing of Non-JP2 Serotype b Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans Strains of Ghanaian and Swedish Origin
- 2021
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Ingår i: Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology. - : Frontiers Media S.A.. - 2235-2988. ; 11
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective and Methods: The Gram-negative bacterium, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is associated with periodontitis affecting young individuals. The geographic dissemination of the highly leukotoxic JP2 genotype of serotype b of this species was previously studied by multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Here, we have used MLST to genetically characterize non-JP2 genotype strains of serotype b, isolated from individuals living in Ghana (n=41), and in Sweden (n=13), respectively.Results: The MLST analysis revealed a total of nine sequence types (ST). Both Ghanaian and Swedish isolates were distributed in ST 1-3. ST 5 and 6 were only identified among the Ghanaian strains, whereas ST 4, 7, 8 and 9 were uniquely represented among the Swedish strains. Previously, we characterized these non-JP2 genotype strains of A. actinomycetemcomitans serotype b by arbitrarily-primed (AP)-PCR, which distributed them into three groups, AP-PCR type 1, 2, and 3, respectively. AP-PCR type 1 strains are generally highly leukotoxic, and are associated with progression of periodontal attachment loss. As AP-PCR type 1 includes both JP2 genotype strains and a proportion of non-JP2 genotype strains of serotype b, a straightforward diagnostic procedure has been sought. This has revealed a gene, cagE, which appears to be conserved only in this AP-PCR type. According to our results, MLST was not a highly discriminatory method to identify AP-PCR type 1, as strains of this AP-PCR type could be found within three different ST: ST 2, ST 3 and ST 8.Conclusion: According to MLST, a geographic dissemination of non-JP2 genotype A. actinomycetemcomitans serotype b appears to exist. However, aiming to identify carriers of AP-PCR type 1, non-JP2 genotype serotype b, PCR with cagE-specific primers is likely the most efficient diagnostic procedure known today.
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| 4. |
- Elowsson, Anders, et al.
(författare)
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Estimation of vocal duration in monaural mixtures
- 2014
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Ingår i: Proceedings - 40th International Computer Music Conference, ICMC 2014 and 11th Sound and Music Computing Conference, SMC 2014 - Music Technology Meets Philosophy. - : National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. - 9789604661374 ; , s. 1172-1177
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- In this study, the task of vocal duration estimation in monaural music mixtures is explored. We show how presently available algorithms for source separation and predominant f0 estimation can be used as a front end from which features can be extracted. A large set of features is presented, devised to connect different vocal cues to the presence of vocals. Two main cues are utilized; the voice is neither stable in pitch nor in timbre. We evaluate the performance of the model by estimating the length of the vocal regions of the mixtures. To facilitate this, a new set of annotations to a widely adopted data set is developed and made available to the community. The proposed model is able to explain about 78 % of the variance in vocal region length. In a classification task, where the excerpts are classified as either vocal or non-vocal, the model has an accuracy of about 0.94.
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| 5. |
- Holmqvist, Fredrik, et al.
(författare)
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A decade of catheter ablation of cardiac arrhythmias in Sweden : ablation practices and outcomes
- 2019
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Ingår i: European Heart Journal. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0195-668X .- 1522-9645. ; 40:10, s. 820-830
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aims: Catheter ablation is considered the treatment of choice for many tachyarrhythmias, but convincing 'real-world' data on efficacy and safety are lacking. Using Swedish national registry data, the ablation spectrum, procedural characteristics, as well as ablation efficacy and reported adverse events are reported.Methods and Results: Consecutive patients (≥18 years of age) undergoing catheter ablation in Sweden between 01 January 2006 and 31 December 2015 were included in the study. Follow-up (repeat ablation and vital status) was collected through 31 December 2016. A total of 26 642 patients (57 ± 15 years, 62% men), undergoing a total of 34 428 ablation procedures were included in the study. In total, 4034 accessory pathway/Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (12%), 7358 AV-nodal re-entrant tachycardia (21%), 1813 atrial tachycardia (5.2%), 5481 typical atrial flutter (16%), 11 916 atrial fibrillation (AF, 35%), 2415 AV-nodal (7.0%), 581 premature ventricular contraction (PVC, 1.7%), and 964 ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablations (2.8%) were performed. Median follow-up time was 4.7 years (interquartile range 2.7-7.0). The spectrum of treated arrhythmias changed over time, with a gradual increase in AF, VT, and PVC ablation (P < 0.001). Decreasing procedural times and utilization of fluoroscopy with time, were seen for all arrhythmia types. The rates of repeat ablation differed between ablation types, with the highest repeat ablation seen in AF (41% within 3 years). The rate of reported adverse events was low (n = 595, 1.7%). Death in the immediate period following ablation was rare (n = 116, 0.34%).Conclusion: Catheter ablations have shifted towards more complex procedures over the past decade. Fluoroscopy time has markedly decreased and the efficacy of catheter ablation seems to improve for AF.
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| 6. |
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| 7. |
- Jacobsson, Amanda, et al.
(författare)
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”Ambulanssjukvården behöver genomgripande förändringar”
- 2021
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Ingår i: Dagens Medicin. - : Dagens Medicin. - 1402-1943. ; :2021-06-23
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Tidskriftsartikel (populärvet., debatt m.m.)abstract
- Debattörer från Ambulance health research network vill se en nationell ledningsstruktur, ökad evidens för vården, akademisk kompetens i ledningsfunktioner samt en nationell utbildnings- och kompetensstandard.
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| 8. |
- Johansson, Anders, et al.
(författare)
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Cisplatin pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in patients with squamous-cell carcinoma of the head/neck or esophagus
- 1996
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Ingår i: Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0344-5704 .- 1432-0843. ; 39, s. 25-33
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The pharmacokinetics of total platinum (Pt) in plasma and cisplatin (CDDP)-DNA adducts in different cell types were described in ten patients with squamous-cell carcinoma of the head/neck or esophagus after their first cycle of chemotherapy containing a CDDP dose of 100 mg/m2. Nephrotoxicity was studied in terms of urinary excretion of marker proteins (protein HC, IgG, and albumin). Pharmacodynamic relationships between pharmacokinetic parameters and toxicity were investigated. A population-based model with limited sampling was found feasible for producing pharmacokinetic information, in accordance with literature data. The kinetics of two normal cell types with different turnover (lymphocytes and buccal cells) appeared to have different kinetic profiles of CDDP-DNA adducts. Analysis of urinary excretion of marker proteins (protein HC, albumin, and IgG) showed that the nephrotoxicity was displayed first as tubular damage and later as impaired glomerular barrier function. There were indications that tubular nephrotoxicity may be predicted by pharmacokinetic parameters of plasma Pt. We found older patients to have a lower Pt clearance and more extensive early tubular damage. There was no correlation between CDDP-DNA adducts in normal cells and nephrotoxicity. Larger studies are warranted to define the pharmacokinetic window of CDDP. Limited sampling for analysis of CDDP pharmacokinetics may then be a possible avenue for individualizing the dose and, thus, improving the clinical use of the drug.
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| 9. |
- Neimane, Aleksija, et al.
(författare)
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Emergence of the Zoonotic Biliary Trematode Pseudamphistomum truncatum in Grey Seals (Halichoerus grypus) in the Baltic Sea
- 2016
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Ingår i: PLOS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 11:10, s. e0164782-
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The biliary trematode Pseudamphistomum truncatum parasitizes a wide range of fish-eating mammals, including humans. Here we report the emergence of this parasite in grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) in the Baltic Sea. One hundred eighty-three of 1 554 grey seals (11.9%) examined from 2002–2013 had detectable hepatobiliary trematode infection. Parasite identification was confirmed as P. truncatum by sequencing the ITS2 region of a pool of five to 10 trematodes from each of ten seals collected off the coast of seven different Swedish counties. The proportion of seals parasitized by P. truncatum increased significantly over time and with increasing age of seals. Males were 3.1 times more likely to be parasitized than females and animals killed in fishery interactions were less likely to be parasitized than animals found dead or hunted. There was no significant difference in parasitism of seals examined from the Gulf of Bothnia versus those examined from the Baltic Proper. Although the majority of infections were mild, P. truncatum can cause severe hepatobiliary disease and resulted in liver failure in at least one seal. Because cyprinid fish are the second intermediate host for opisthorchiid trematodes, diets of grey seals from the Baltic Sea were analysed regarding presence of cyprinids. The proportion of gastrointestinal tracts containing cyprinid remains was ten times higher in seals examined from 2008 to 2013 (12.2%) than those examined from 2002 to 2007 (1.2%) and coincided with a general increase of trematode parasitism in the host population. The emergence and relatively common occurrence of P. truncatum in grey seals signals the presence of this parasite in the Baltic Sea ecosystem and demonstrates how aquatic mammals can serve as excellent sentinels of marine ecosystem change. Investigation of drivers behind P. truncatum emergence and infection risk for other mammals, including humans, is highly warranted.
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| 10. |
- Ulmert, David, et al.
(författare)
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A novel automated platform for quantifying the extent of skeletal tumour involvement in prostate cancer patients using the bone scan index
- 2012
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Ingår i: European Urology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0302-2838 .- 1873-7560. ; 62:1, s. 78-84
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: There is little consensus on a standard approach to analysing bone scan images. The Bone Scan Index (BSI) is predictive of survival in patients with progressive prostate cancer (PCa), but the popularity of this metric is hampered by the tedium of the manual calculation. Objective: Develop a fully automated method of quantifying the BSI and determining the clinical value of automated BSI measurements beyond conventional clinical and pathologic features. Design, setting, and participants: We conditioned a computer-assisted diagnosis system identifying metastatic lesions on a bone scan to automatically compute BSI measurements. A training group of 795 bone scans was used in the conditioning process. Independent validation of the method used bone scans obtained ≤3 mo from diagnosis of 384 PCa cases in two large population-based cohorts. An experienced analyser (blinded to case identity, prior BSI, and outcome) scored the BSI measurements twice. We measured prediction of outcome using pretreatment Gleason score, clinical stage, and prostate-specific antigen with models that also incorporated either manual or automated BSI measurements. Measurements: The agreement between methods was evaluated using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Discrimination between prognostic models was assessed using the concordance index (C-index). Results and limitations: Manual and automated BSI measurements were strongly correlated (ρ = 0.80), correlated more closely (ρ = 0.93) when excluding cases with BSI scores ≥10 (1.8%), and were independently associated with PCa death (p < 0.0001 for each) when added to the prediction model. Predictive accuracy of the base model (C-index: 0.768; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.702-0.837) increased to 0.794 (95% CI, 0.727-0.860) by adding manual BSI scoring, and increased to 0.825 (95% CI, 0.754-0.881) by adding automated BSI scoring to the base model. Conclusions: Automated BSI scoring, with its 100% reproducibility, reduces turnaround time, eliminates operator-dependent subjectivity, and provides important clinical information comparable to that of manual BSI scoring. © 2012 European Association of Urology.
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| 11. |
- Wahlin, Anders, et al.
(författare)
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Results of risk-adapted therapy in acute myeloid leukaemia. A long-term population-based follow-up study
- 2009
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Ingår i: European Journal of Haematology. - : Wiley. - 0902-4441 .- 1600-0609. ; 83:2, s. 99-107
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In 1997-2003, a protocol for treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) (except promyelocytic leukaemia) was activated in four Swedish health care regions covering 50% of the national population. Based on cytogenetics and clinical findings, patients aged 18-60 yr were assigned to one of three risk groups. In this report we account for the long-term clinical outcome of enrolled patients. Patients received idarubicin and cytarabine in standard doses as induction therapy and consolidation courses included high-dose cytarabine. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) from an human leucocyte antigen-identical sibling was recommended in standard and poor-risk patients, whereas unrelated donor transplant was reserved for poor-risk patients. Autologous (auto-SCT) was optional for standard or poor risk patients not eligible for allo-SCT. Two hundred seventy-nine patients with de novo or secondary (9%) AML, median age 51 (18-60) yr, corresponding to 77% of all patients in the population, were included. Twenty (7%) patients were assigned to the good risk group, whereas 150 (54%) and 109 patients (39%) were assigned to standard- and poor-risk groups, respectively. Induction failures accounted for 55 patients; 16 early deaths eight of whom had white blood cell (WBC) >100 at diagnosis, and 39 refractory disease. Thus, complete remission (CR) rate was 80%. At study closure, the median follow-up time of living patients was 90 months. Median survival time from diagnosis in the whole group was 27 months and 4-yr overall survival (OS) rate was 44%. In good, standard, and poor risk groups, 4-yr OS rates were 60, 57 and 24%, respectively. Median relapse-free survival (RFS) time in CR1 was 25 months and RFS at 4 yr was 44%. Four-year RFS rates were significantly (P < 0.001) different between the three risk groups; 64% in good risk, 51% in standard risk and 27% in poor risk patients. One hundred-ten transplantations were performed in CR1; 74 allo-SCT (50 sibling, 24 unrelated donor), and 36 auto-SCT. Non-relapse mortality was 16% for allo-SCT patients. Outcome after relapse was poor with median time to death 163 d and 4-yr survival rate 17%. Three conclusions were: (i) these data reflect treatment results in a minimally selected population-based cohort of adult AML patients <60 yr old; (ii) a risk-adapted therapy aiming at early allogeneic SCT in patients with a high risk of relapse is hampered by induction deaths, refractory disease, and early relapses; and (iii) high WBC count at diagnosis is confirmed as a strong risk factor for early death but not for relapse.
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| 12. |
- Abdurahman, Samir, 1965-, et al.
(författare)
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Activity of the small modified amino acid alpha-hydroxy glycineamide on in vitro and in vivo human immunodeficiency virus type 1 capsid assembly and infectivity
- 2008
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Ingår i: Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. - 0066-4804 .- 1098-6596. ; 52:10, s. 3737-3744
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Upon maturation of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) virion, proteolytic cleavage of the Gag precursor protein by the viral protease is followed by morphological changes of the capsid protein p24, which will ultimately transform the virus core from an immature spherical to a mature conical structure. Virion infectivity is critically dependent on the optimal semistability of the capsid cone structure. We have reported earlier that glycineamide (G-NH(2)), when added to the culture medium of infected cells, inhibits HIV-1 replication and that HIV-1 particles with aberrant core structures were formed. Here we show that it is not G-NH(2) itself but a metabolite thereof, alpha-hydroxy-glycineamide (alpha-HGA), that is responsible for the antiviral activity. We show that alpha-HGA inhibits the replication of clinical HIV-1 isolates with acquired resistance to reverse transcriptase and protease inhibitors but has no effect on the replication of any of 10 different RNA and DNA viruses. alpha-HGA affected the ability of the HIV-1 capsid protein to assemble into tubular or core structures in vitro and in vivo, probably by binding to the hinge region between the N- and C-terminal domains of the HIV-1 capsid protein as indicated by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-mass spectrometry results. As an antiviral compound, alpha-HGA has an unusually simple structure, a pronounced antiviral specificity, and a novel mechanism of antiviral action. As such, it might prove to be a lead compound for a new class of anti-HIV substances.
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| 13. |
- Abdurahman, Samir, et al.
(författare)
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Anti-HIV activity of the small modified amino acid {alpha}-hydroxy glycineamide on in vitro and in vivo HIV-1 capsid assembly and infectivity
- 2008
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Ingår i: Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. - 1098-6596. ; 52:10, s. 3737-3744
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Upon maturation of the HIV-1 virion, proteolytic cleavage of the Gag precursor protein by the viral protease is followed by morphological changes of the capsid protein p24 which will ultimately transform the virus core from an immature spherical to a mature conical structure. Virion infectivity is critically dependent on the just right semi-stability of the capsid cone structure. We have earlier reported that glycineamide (G-NH2) when added to the culture medium of infected cells inhibits HIV-1 replication and that HIV-1 particles with aberrant core structures were formed. Here we show that it is not G-NH2 itself but a metabolite thereof, alpha-hydroxy-glycineamide (alpha-HGA), that is responsible for the antiviral activity. We show that alpha-HGA inhibits the replication of clinical HIV-1 isolates with acquired resistance to reverse transcriptase and protease inhibitors but has no effect on the replication of any of ten different RNA and DNA viruses. alpha-HGA affected the ability of the HIV-1 capsid protein to assemble into tubular or core structures in vitro and in vivo, probably by binding to the hinge region between the N- and C-terminal domains of the HIV-1 capsid protein as indicated by MALDI-MS results. As an antiviral compound, alpha-HGA has an unusually simple structure, a pronounced antiviral specificity and a novel mechanism of antiviral action. As such, it might prove to be a lead compound for a new class of anti-HIV substances.
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| 14. |
- Abdurahman, Samir, et al.
(författare)
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Characterization of the invariable residue 51 mutations of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 capsid protein on in vitro CA assembly and infectivity
- 2007
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Ingår i: Retrovirology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1742-4690. ; 4, s. 69-
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: The mature HIV-1 conical core formation proceeds through highly regulated protease cleavage of the Gag precursor, which ultimately leads to substantial rearrangements of the capsid (CAp24) molecule involving both inter- and intra-molecular contacts of the CAp24 molecules. In this aspect, Asp51 which is located in the N-terminal domain of HIV-1 CAp24 plays an important role by forming a salt-bridge with the free imino terminus Pro1 following proteolytic cleavage and liberation of the CAp24 protein from the Pr55Gag precursor. Thus, previous substitution mutation of Asp51 to alanine (D51A) has shown to be lethal and that this invariable residue was found essential for tube formation in vitro, virus replication and virus capsid formation. RESULTS: We extended the above investigation by introducing three different D51 substitution mutations (D51N, D51E, and D51Q) into both prokaryotic and eukaryotic expression systems and studied their effects on in vitro capsid assembly and virus infectivity. Two substitution mutations (D51E and D51N) had no substantial effect on in vitro capsid assembly, yet they impaired viral infectivity and particle production. In contrast, the D51Q mutant was defective both for in vitro capsid assembly and for virus replication in cell culture. CONCLUSION: These results show that substitutions of D51 with glutamate, glutamine, or asparagine, three amino acid residues that are structurally related to aspartate, could partially rescue both in vitro capsid assembly and intra-cellular CAp24 production but not replication of the virus in cultured cells.
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| 15. |
- Abdurahman, Samir, 1965-, et al.
(författare)
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Isolation and characterization of a small antiretroviral molecule affecting HIV-1 capsid morphology
- 2009
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Ingår i: Retrovirology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1742-4690. ; 6, s. 34-
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Formation of an HIV-1 particle with a conical core structure is a prerequisite for the subsequent infectivity of the virus particle. We have previously described that glycineamide (G-NH2) when added to the culture medium of infected cells induces non-infectious HIV-1 particles with aberrant core structures. Results: Here we demonstrate that it is not G-NH2 itself but a metabolite thereof that displays antiviral activity. We show that conversion of G-NH2 to its antiviral metabolite is catalyzed by an enzyme present in bovine and porcine but surprisingly not in human serum. Structure determination by NMR suggested that the active G-NH2 metabolite was alpha-hydroxy-glycineamide (alpha-HGA). Chemically synthesized alpha-HGA inhibited HIV-1 replication to the same degree as G-NH2, unlike a number of other synthesized analogues of G-NH2 which had no effect on HIV-1 replication. Comparisons by capillary electrophoresis and HPLC of the metabolite with the chemically synthesized alpha-HGA further confirmed that the antiviral G-NH2-metabolite indeed was alpha-HGA. Conclusion: alpha-HGA has an unusually simple structure and a novel mechanism of antiviral action. Thus, alpha-HGA could be a lead for new antiviral substances belonging to a new class of anti-HIV drugs, i.e. capsid assembly inhibitors.
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| 16. |
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| 17. |
- Aberg, Carola Höglund, et al.
(författare)
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Presence of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in young individuals : a 16-year clinical and microbiological follow-up study.
- 2009
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Ingår i: Journal of clinical periodontology. - 1600-051X. ; 36:10, s. 815-22
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- AIM: To look for clinical signs of periodontal disease in young adults who exhibited radiographic bone loss and detectable numbers of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in their primary dentition. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Periodontal status and radiographic bone loss were examined in each of the subjects 16 years after the baseline observations. Techniques for anaerobic and selective culture, and checkerboard, were used to detect periodontitis-associated bacterial species. The isolated A. actinomycetemcomitans strains were characterized by polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Signs of localized attachment loss were found in three out of the 13 examined subjects. A. actinomycetemcomitans was recovered from six of these subjects and two of these samples were from sites with deepened probing depths and attachment loss. Among the isolated A. actinomycetemcomitans strains, serotypes a-c and e, but not d or f, were found. None of the isolated strains belonged to the highly leucotoxic JP2 clone, and one strain lacked genes for the cytolethal distending toxin. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that the presence of A. actinomycetemcomitans and early bone loss in the primary dentition does not necessarily predispose the individual to periodontal attachment loss in the permanent dentition.
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| 18. |
- Adamus, Grazyna, et al.
(författare)
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MALDI-TOF MS Reveals the Molecular Level Structures of Different Hydrophilic-Hydrophobic Polyether-esters
- 2009
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Ingår i: Biomacromolecules. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 1525-7797 .- 1526-4602. ; 10:6, s. 1540-1546
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Multi- and triblock copolymers based on 1,5-dioxepan-2-one/epsilon-caprolactone (DXO/CL) were investigated by MALDI-TOF MS to determine the influence of copolymer composition and architecture on the molecular structures at the individual chain level. The copolymer compositions, average block lengths, and molecular weights were determined by H-1 and C-13 NMR and by SEC, respectively. The structures of polyether-ester oligomers (linear, cyclic) as well as the chemical structures of their end groups were established on the basis of their MALDI-TOF mass spectra. The mass spectrum of PDXO homopolymer was relatively simple, however, complex mass spectra were obtained in the case of multi- and triblock copolymers and the mass spectra clearly discerned the molecular level effect of copolymer composition and copolymer type.
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| 19. |
- Al-Rashidi, Faleh, et al.
(författare)
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A new de-airing technique that reduces systemic microemboli during open surgery: a prospective controlled study.
- 2009
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Ingår i: The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery. - : Elsevier BV. - 1097-685X .- 0022-5223. ; 138:1, s. 157-162
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: We have evaluated a new technique of cardiac de-airing that is aimed at a) minimizing air from entering into the pulmonary veins by opening both pleurae and allowing lungs to collapse and b) flushing out residual air from the lungs by staged cardiac filling and lung ventilation. These air emboli are usually trapped in the pulmonary veins and may lead to ventricular dysfunction, life-threatening arrhythmias, and transient or permanent neurologic deficits. METHODS: Twenty patients undergoing elective true left open surgery were prospectively and alternately enrolled in the study to the conventional de-airing technique (pleural cavities unopened, dead space ventilation during cardiopulmonary bypass [control group]) and the new de-airing technique (pleural cavities open, ventilator disconnected during cardiopulmonary bypass, staged perfusion, and ventilation of lungs during de-airing [study group]). Transesophageal echocardiography and transcranial Doppler continually monitored the air emboli during the de-airing period and for 10 minutes after termination of the cardiopulmonary bypass. RESULTS: The amount of air embolism as observed on echocardiography and the number of microembolic signals as recorded by transcranial Doppler were significantly less in the study group during the de-airing time (P < .001) and the first 10 minutes after termination of cardiopulmonary bypass (P < .001). Further, the de-airing time was significantly shorter in the study group (10 vs 17 minutes, P < .001). CONCLUSION: The de-airing technique evaluated in this study is simple, reproducible, controlled, safe, and effective. Moreover, it is cost-effective because the de-airing time is short and no extra expenses are involved.
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| 20. |
- Al Rashidi, Faleh, et al.
(författare)
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The modified Ross operation using a Dacron prosthetic vascular jacket does prevent pulmonary autograft dilatation at 4.5-year follow-up.
- 2010
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Ingår i: European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1010-7940. ; 37, s. 928-933
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: Following the Ross operation, pulmonary autografts tend to dilate over time. This study researches the fate of the pulmonary autograft - at 4.5 years following the modified Ross operation - with special reference to the impact of the modification on (a) pulmonary autograft dilatation, (b) the neo-aortic root geometry, (c) neo-aortic valve function and (d) the coronary artery reserve. Methods: A total of 26 patients who underwent the Ross operation were included in this study; of these, 13 consecutive patients underwent a modified Ross operation in which the free-standing autograft root was supported externally by a Dacron vascular prosthetic jacket (DVPJ). These patients were compared to a cohort of 13 matched patients who were operated on using the conventional Ross technique; all patients were followed up prospectively by echocardiography studies. The patients who underwent the modified Ross operation were also subjected to bicycle ergometry. Results: At the 47-month median follow-up, there was no significant increase in the size of the entire neo-aortic root in the patients who underwent the modified Ross operation; in addition, the geometry of the neo-aortic root was also preserved and the left ventricular function had improved significantly, whilst the aortic valve function and excursion remained satisfactory. All patients, with one exception, in the modified Ross operation group exhibited normal exercise capacity. By contrast, there were significant differences in diameters of the aortic root - between the two surgical techniques in favour of the modified Ross technique - following a median follow-up of 23 months in the patients subjected to the conventional Ross operation. Conclusions: Provision of external support to the entire pulmonary autograft with a DVPJ prevents its dilatation following free-standing pulmonary autograft Ross operation when evaluated at the 4.5-year follow-up. The function and the geometry of the neo-aortic root are not affected negatively by this modification and the patients demonstrated normal exercise capacity.
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| 21. |
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| 22. |
- Almroth, Henrik, et al.
(författare)
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Atorvastatin and persistent atrial fibrillation following cardioversion : a randomized placebo-controlled multicentre study
- 2009
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Ingår i: European Heart Journal. - Philadelphia : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0195-668X .- 1522-9645. ; 30:7, s. 827-833
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- AIMS: To evaluate the effect of atorvastatin in achieving stable sinus rhythm (SR) 30 days after electrical cardioversion (CV) in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS AND RESULTS: The study included 234 patients. The patients were randomized to treatment with atorvastatin 80 mg daily (n = 118) or placebo (n = 116) in a prospective, double-blinded fashion. Treatment was initiated 14 days before CV and was continued 30 days after CV. The two groups were well-balanced with respect to baseline characteristics. Mean age was 65 +/- 10 years, 76% of the patients were male and 4% had ischaemic heart disease. Study medication was well-tolerated in all patients but one. Before primary endpoint 12 patients were excluded. In the atorvastatin group 99 patients (89%) converted to SR at electrical CV compared with 95 (86%) in the placebo group (P = 0.42). An intention-to-treat analysis with the available data, by randomization group, showed that 57 (51%) in the atorvastatin group and 47 (42%) in the placebo group were in SR 30 days after CV (OR 1.44, 95%CI 0.85-2.44, P = 0.18). CONCLUSION: Atorvastatin was not statistically superior to placebo with regards to maintaining SR 30 days after CV in patients with persistent AF.
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| 23. |
- Andersson, Elin, 1975, et al.
(författare)
-
Glycine-amide is an active metabolite of the antiretroviral tripeptide glycyl-prolyl-glycine-amide.
- 2005
-
Ingår i: Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy. - 0066-4804. ; 49:1, s. 40-4
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The chemically modified tripeptide glycyl-prolyl-glycine-amide (GPG-NH(2)) inhibits replication of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 (HIV-1) in vitro, probably by interfering with capsid formation. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the metabolites glycyl-proline (GP-OH), glycine (G-OH), prolyl-glycine-amide (PG-NH(2)), proline (P-OH), and glycine-amide (G-NH(2)) from proteolytic cleavage may inhibit the replication of HIV-1 in vitro. PG-NH(2) has previously been shown to have a modest effect on HIV-1 replication. In the present study we show that G-NH(2) exhibits a pronounced inhibitory effect on HIV-1. This effect was not due to a decrease in cell proliferation or viability and could not be shown for herpes simplex virus type 1. The G-NH(2) concentration that inhibited virus replication by 50% (IC(50)) was equimolar to that of GPG-NH(2) and ranged from 3 to 41 microM. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the effect of G-NH(2) on HIV-1 morphology was equivalent to that of GPG-NH(2) and showed disarranged capsid structures, indicating interference with capsid formation. Serial passage of HIV-infected cells with G-NH(2) for more than 20 subcultivations did not decrease the susceptibility to the compound. The results from this study suggest that GPG-NH(2) might act as a prodrug and that G-NH(2) is an active antiretroviral metabolite.
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| 24. |
- Andersson, Jonas, et al.
(författare)
-
Markers of fibrinolysis as predictors for maintenance of sinus rhythm after electrical cardioversion
- 2011
-
Ingår i: Thrombosis Research. - : Elsevier BV. - 0049-3848 .- 1879-2472. ; 127:3, s. 189-192
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- No fibrinolytic component alone was found to be a predictor of recurrence of atrial fibrillation. In multivariate models lower PAI-1 mass was associated with sinus rhythm even after adjusting for CRP, markers of the metabolic syndrome and treatment with atorvastatin. Our findings suggest a patophysiological link between AF and PAI-1 mass but the relation to inflammation remains unclear.
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| 25. |
- Andrén, Lennart, 1946, et al.
(författare)
-
Diltiazem in hypertensive patients with type II diabetes mellitus.
- 1988
-
Ingår i: The American journal of cardiology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0002-9149. ; 62:11
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Twenty-three patients with essential hypertension and diabetes mellitus type II were treated with the calcium antagonist diltiazem (120 to 180 mg twice daily). The mean dose was 307 mg/day. The study was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design. All measurements were performed 12 to 14 hours after drug intake. Blood pressure, heart rate and forearm blood flow were measured noninvasively. Platelet function was studied by measuring adenosine diphosphate-induced platelet aggregation and the platelet specific proteins, beta thromboglobulin and platelet factor 4. Thromboxane B2 formation in serum and the plasma concentration of diltiazem and its metabolites N-demethyldiltiazem, deacetyldiltiazem and N-demethyldeacetyldiltiazem were measured both during placebo and diltiazem treatment. Diabetic control was evaluated by following HbA1C, fasting blood glucose and urinary glucose. Diltiazem reduced both systolic and diastolic (supine and standing) blood pressure significantly. Forearm blood flow was significantly increased by 32%, p less than 0.05. Supine heart rate decreased significantly, while no such change was seen in the standing position. No significant changes were observed in platelet function during diltiazem treatment. There was no relation between the observed blood pressure reduction and the plasma concentration of diltiazem or its metabolites. A positive correlation between the change in heart rate and the metabolite N-demethyldeacetyldiltiazem was observed (r = 0.647, p = 0.005). Three patients were excluded during diltiazem treatment (skin exanthema, headache and atrial fibrillation) and 1 during placebo treatment (angina pectoris). No negative effect on diabetes control was observed. Thus, diltiazem could be used for treatment of hypertension in diabetic patients.
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| 26. |
- Arias, Veluska, et al.
(författare)
-
Forecasting linear aliphatic copolyester degradation through modular block design
- 2016
-
Ingår i: Polymer degradation and stability. - : Elsevier. - 0141-3910 .- 1873-2321. ; 130, s. 58-67
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The development of efficient methods to predict the degradation of renewable polymeric materials is continuously sought in the field of polymer science. Herein, we present a modular build-up approach to create polyester-based materials with forecasted degradation rates based on the hydrolysis of the constituent polymer blocks. This involved the strategic combination of critical factors affecting polyester hydrolysis, i.e. hydrophobicity and degree of crystallinity. The starting point of this method was a toolbox of polymers with different hydrophobicities and degrees of crystallinity, as well as an understanding of their inherent differences in hydrolysis rate. Knowledge of the hydrolysis of each polymer block module enabled the prediction of the overall degradation behavior of the constructed copolymers. Taking advantage of the primary factors that affect polymer degradation, block copolymers could be independently designed to incorporate soft or rigid and faster or slower degradation properties. This approach generated a shift for how molecular design can be used to predict the degradation behavior of intended materials for different applications.
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| 27. |
- Arias, Veluska, et al.
(författare)
-
Homocomposites of Polylactide (PLA) with Induced Interfacial Stereocomplex Crystallites
- 2015
-
Ingår i: ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 2168-0485. ; 3:9, s. 2220-2231
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The demand for “green” degradable composite materials increases with growing environmental awareness. The key challenge is achieving the preferred physical properties and maintaining their eco-attributes in terms of the degradability of the matrix and the filler. Herein, we have designed a series of “green” homocomposites materials based purely on polylactide (PLA) polymers with different structures. Film-extruded homocomposites were prepared by melt-blending PLA matrixes (which had different degrees of crystallinity) with PLLA and PLA stereocomplex (SC) particles. The PLLA and SC particles were spherical and with 300–500 nm size. Interfacial crystalline structures in the form of stereocomplexes were obtained for certain particulate-homocomposite formulations. These SC crystallites were found at the particle/matrix interface when adding PLLA particles to a PLA matrix with d-lactide units, as confirmed by XRD and DSC data analyses. For all homocomposites, the PLLA and SC particles acted as nucleating agents and enhanced the crystallization of the PLA matrixes. The SC particles were more rigid and had a higher Young’s modulus compared with the PLLA particles. The mechanical properties of the homocomposites varied with particle size, rigidity, and the interfacial adhesion between the particles and the matrix. An improved tensile strength in the homocomposites was achieved from the interfacial stereocomplex formation. Hereafter, homocomposites with tunable crystalline arrangements and subsequently physical properties, are promising alternatives in strive for eco-composites and by this, creating materials that are completely degradable and sustainable.
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| 28. |
- Arias, Veluska, et al.
(författare)
-
Polylactides with "green" plasticizers : Influence of isomer composition
- 2013
-
Ingår i: Journal of Applied Polymer Science. - : Wiley. - 0021-8995 .- 1097-4628. ; 130:4, s. 2962-2970
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Synthesized polylactides (PLA) with different D-isomer contents in the polymer chain were melt-blended with a series of green plasticizers by extrusion. Mechanical and thermal properties as well as the morphology of the plasticized materials were characterized to demonstrate how the combination of PLA with different D-contents and plasticizer controls the material properties. After addition of acetyl tributyl citrate (ATC), the elongation at break for PLA with a low D-isomer content was twice as high as that for PLAs with high D-isomer contents. Similar variations in the plasticization effect on the PLAs were also observed with the other plasticizers used, glyceryl triacetate (GTA), glycerol trihexanoate (GTH) and polyethylene glycol (PEG). In order to continue with the development of renewable polymers in packaging applications, the interrelation between a plasticizer and a specific polymer needs to be understood.
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| 29. |
- Arias, Veluska, et al.
(författare)
-
Selective degradation in aliphatic block copolyesters by controlling the heterogeneity of the amorphous phase
- 2015
-
Ingår i: Polymer Chemistry. - : Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). - 1759-9954 .- 1759-9962. ; 6:17, s. 3271-3282
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Controlling the course of the degradation of aliphatic polyesters is a key question when designing new degradable materials. It is shown herein that it is possible to predetermine the degradation path of aliphatic block copolyesters by controlling the heterogeneity of the amorphous phase, which in turn regulates the availability of the hydrolyzable groups in the polyester backbone. To demonstrate these processes, we synthesized a set of degradable materials based on poly(l-lactide) (PLLA), poly(ε-decalactone) (PεDL) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) with varying compositions. The materials were subjected to hydrolysis for a six months period. The materials composed of PLLA and PεDL exhibited a heterogeneous amorphous phase, whereas the materials composed of PCL and PεDL presented a more homogeneous phase. The kinetics of the degradation indicated that the slowest degradation rate was observed for the more homogeneous compositions. The degradation path of the heterogeneous amorphous phase materials was driven by a random chain scission process, whereas the more homogeneous composition presented a degradation path driven by a more selective chain scission. The confinement of the amorphous phase by the more hydrolytically stable PεDL permitted a selective degradation of the available hydrolyzable groups. The random and more selective chain scission processes were further verified by using previously determined molecular modeling based on Monte Carlo procedures. Topographical images and thermal analyses of the materials under different degradation periods correlated with the proposed degradation paths. Detailed insights and the ability to predetermine the degradation pathways of aliphatic polyesters will continue to expand the great potential of renewable materials and their use in specific applications for a future sustainable society.
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| 30. |
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| 31. |
- Arias, Veluska, et al.
(författare)
-
Tuning the Degradation Profiles of Poly(L-lactide)-Based Materials through Miscibility
- 2014
-
Ingår i: Biomacromolecules. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 1525-7797 .- 1526-4602. ; 15:1, s. 391-402
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The effective use of biodegradable polymers relies on the ability to control the onset of and time needed for degradation. Preferably, the material properties should be retained throughout the intended time frame, and the material should degrade in a rapid and controlled manner afterward. The degradation profiles of polyester materials were controlled through their miscibility. Systems composed of PLLA blended with poly[(R,S)-3-hydroxybutyrate] (a-PHB) and polypropylene adipate (PPA) with various molar masses were prepared through extrusion. Three different systems were used: miscible (PLLA/a-PHB5 and PLLA/a-PHB20), partially miscible (PLLA/PPA5/comp and PLLA/PPA20/comp), and immiscible (PLLA/PPA5 and PLLA/PPA20) blends. These blends and their respective homopolymers were hydrolytically degraded in water at 37 degrees C for up to I year. The blends exhibited entirely different degradation profiles but showed no diversity between the total degradation times of the materials. PLLA presented a two-stage degradation profile with a rapid decrease in molar mass during the early stages of degradation, similar to the profile of PLLA/a-PHB5. PLLA/a-PHB20 presented a single, constant linear degradation profile. PLLA/PPA5 and PLLA/PPA20 showed completely opposing degradation profiles relative to PLLA, exhibiting a slow initial phase and a rapid decrease after a prolonged degradation time. PLLA/PPA5/comp and PLLA/PPA20/comp had degradation profiles between those of the miscible and the immiscible blends. The molar masses of the materials were approximately the same after 1 year of degradation despite their different profiles. The blend composition and topographical images captured at the last degradation time point demonstrate that the blending component was not leached out during the period of study. The hydrolytic stability of degradable polyester materials can be tailored to obtain different and predetermined degradation profiles for future applications.
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| 32. |
- Bakovic, Vid, et al.
(författare)
-
The genomics of phenotypically differentiated Asellus aquaticus cave, surface stream and lake ecotypes
- 2021
-
Ingår i: Molecular Ecology. - : Wiley-Blackwell. - 0962-1083 .- 1365-294X. ; 30:14, s. 3530-3547
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Organisms well suited for the study of ecotype formation have wide distribution ranges, where they adapt to multiple drastically different habitats repeatedly over space and time. Here we study such ecotypes in a Crustacean model, Asellus aquaticus, a commonly occurring isopod found in freshwater habitats as diverse as streams, caves and lakes. Previous studies focusing on cave vs. surface ecotypes have attributed depigmentation, eye loss and prolonged antennae to several south European cave systems. Likewise, surveys across multiple Swedish lakes have identified the presence of dark-pigmented "reed" and light-pigmented "stonewort" ecotypes, which can be found within the same lake. In this study, we sequenced the first draft genome of A. aquaticus, and subsequently use this to map reads and call variants in surface stream, cave and two lake ecotypes. In addition, the draft genome was combined with a RADseq approach to perform a quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping study using a laboratory bred F-2 and F-4 cave x surface intercross. We identified genomic regions associated with body pigmentation, antennae length and body size. Furthermore, we compared genome-wide differentiation between natural populations and found several genes potentially associated with these habitats. The assessment of the cave QTL regions in the light-dark comparison of lake populations suggests that the regions associated with cave adaptation are also involved with genomic differentiation in the lake ecotypes. These demonstrate how troglomorphic adaptations can be used as a model for related ecotype formation.
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| 33. |
- Berge, Jonas, et al.
(författare)
-
Parental Awareness of Substance Use Among Adolescents in a Junior High School Sample
- 2015
-
Ingår i: Journal of Drug Issues. - : SAGE Publications. - 0022-0426 .- 1945-1369. ; 45:3, s. 263-278
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- There is a lack of studies assessing parental awareness of adolescent alcohol, cigarette, and drug use in the general adolescent population. A total of 1,426 adolescents aged 14 to 16, and their parents, answered questions about adolescent substance use annually during junior high school. Sensitivity for parental report of adolescent substance use was low: 5.6% to 26% for drunkenness, 14.3% to 20.6% for cigarettes, and 4.9% to 12% for illicit drugs. Higher age and higher frequency of use were positively associated with parental awareness of drunkenness and cigarette use. Female sex was associated with higher parental awareness of drunkenness. Higher school performance was negatively associated with parental awareness of drunkenness in Grade 9 and with cigarette use in Grades 8 to 9. Parental awareness of adolescent drunkenness, and cigarette and illicit drug use in the general population is low. Factors of importance for parental awareness are identified.
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| 34. |
- Berglund, Birgitta, et al.
(författare)
-
A bisensory method for odor and irritation detection of formaldehyde and pyridine
- 2012
-
Ingår i: CHEMOSENS PERCEPT. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1936-5802 .- 1936-5810. ; 5:2, s. 146-157
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A bisensory method was developed for determining the psychometric functions and absolute thresholds for odor and sensory irritation of two odorous irritants. Individual and group thresholds for formaldehyde or pyridine were measured for 31 age-matched subjects (18-35 years old). P (50) absolute thresholds were for formaldehyde odor 110 ppb (range 23-505), for pyridine odor 77 ppb (range 20-613), and for pyridine irritation 620 ppb (range 90-3,656); too few subjects' formaldehyde irritation thresholds were possible to determine (human exposures limited to 1 ppm). In spite of large interindividual differences, all thresholds for irritation were higher than for odor. The average slopes of the 62 psychometric functions for odor and the 32 possible for sensory irritation were highest for formaldehyde odor (83% per log ppb) and equal for pyridine odor and irritation (68% per log ppb). The bisensory method for measuring odor and sensory irritation jointly produced detection functions and absolute thresholds compatible with those earlier published; however, a steeper slope for sensory irritation than odor was expected for pyridine. The bisensory method is intended for measuring odor and sensory irritation to broadband mixtures and dynamic exposures, like indoor air.
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| 35. |
- Berglund, Birgitta, et al.
(författare)
-
Is there a measurement system for odour quality?
- 2012
-
Ingår i: Olfactory Cognition. - Amsterdam : John Benjamins Publishing Company. - 9789027274649 - 9789027213518 ; , s. 3-21
-
Bokkapitel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Although humans can discriminate a huge number of odours, the mechanisms behind the perception of odours are not well understood. The theory of the present essay and our experiments were developed with the view that odours are homogeneous perceptions (as opposed to visual objects that are heterogeneous percepts). Other typical examples of homogeneous perceptions are colours and some emotional states. Thus, through perceptual learning, which is a prerequisite for perceiving, we become aware of and may recognise odours in the environment. Typically, odours are detected at very low concentrations as compared to chemical instruments, the electronic nose inclusive. Four principles of investigating the human world of odour qualities are discussed: (i) classification and sorting according to odour-quality resemblance, (ii) using names and verbal attributes for odour sources, (iii) using odour qualities for a representative set of reference odorants, and (iv) measuring odour quality by similarity scaling of pairs of odorous stimuli. Although a huge number of odours can be discriminated, the quality of odour mixtures is intermediary among the odour qualities of their components. This applies to single chemical compounds or mixtures thereof and for very broadband mixtures like indoor air. Our perceptual world simply consists of a massive amount of odour qualities potentially attributable to sources in the environment. Their organisation is, however, still a mystery.
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| 36. |
- Berglund, Birgitta, et al.
(författare)
-
Psychophysics : Top-Down and Bottom-Up Enable 'Measuring the Impossible'
- 2010
-
Ingår i: Fechner Day 2010. - Padua, Italy : International Society for Psychophysics. ; , s. 327-332
-
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- 'Measuring the Impossible' (MtI) refers to recent innovative research activities related to the measurement of quantities and qualities that are dependent on human perception and/or interpretation. Its interdisciplinary nature interconnects various monodisciplinary research areas; physics, physiology, mental part of psychology, and (overt behavioral sciences. These four also depict the different aspects of inner and outer psychophysics. Outer psychophysics regards physiological and mental processing as a combined 'black box' within which no measurement is performed. A key question within MtI and in inner psychophysics is how to explicate the mental or psychophysiological processes taking place within the 'black box' and this is cardinal to developing new theories and methods of measurement. To accomplish this, we argue that the two traditional Bottom-Up and Top-Down approaches have to be integrated into a dual-directional Research Strategy Loop involving complex communication systems beyond the straight-forward psychophysical relationship.
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| 37. |
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| 38. |
- Blixt, Peter, et al.
(författare)
-
Eye tracking using a GPU
- 2009
-
Patent (populärvet., debatt m.m.)abstract
- Provided is a method of determining a gaze point of an eye watching a visual display controllable by a display signal. The method comprises generating a display signal using a graphics card in order for the visual display to produce a screen pattern receiving a signal encoding an image of the eye including a corneo scleral reflection of the screen pattern and determining based on in part the geometry of said reflection a gaze point of the eye wherein said determining a gaze point includes utilising the graphics card as a parallel processor. The image of the eye may be received directly at the graphics card The graphics card may extract image features in the eye images. Reference illuminators may be used and the screen pattern may be interlaced with a distinctive reference pattern. Further provided are a gaze tracking system and a personal computer system adapted to determine a gaze point of a viewer
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| 39. |
- Borg, Carola, 1973-
(författare)
-
Utbildning för hållbar utveckling ur ett lärarperspektiv : Ämnesbundna skillnader i gymnasieskolan
- 2011
-
Licentiatavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- This thesis investigates how teachers from different disciplines understand and implement education for sustainable development in their teaching. A nationwide questionnaire study was conducted with 3229 upper secondary school teachers representing 224 schools in Sweden. The concept of sustainable development is complex and research has shown that teachers exhibit uncertainties in their understanding of it, and that the way they conceptualize sustainable development can have consequences for how they incorporate it into their teaching. Previous research has emphasized that Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) should promote interdisciplinary and holistic learning rather than traditional subject-based learning. This is in accordance with the Swedish curriculum, which emphasizes that all teachers in all subjects should integrate education for sustainable development. The teachers in the study were grouped into four disciplines; science-, social science-, language-, and vocational/esthetical-practical teachers. The results showed that there were many subject-bound barriers to successful implementation of ESD. Teachers were influenced by their subject tradition in: 1) how they understand sustainable development, 2) which teaching methods they use, 3) which barriers they experience, and 4) which teaching tradition they work within. Because of these differences it is important to adjust any further training of teachers according to their discipline. This study highlights the need for improved teacher education and further training of in-service teachers; more than 70% of the teachers stated that they need such training. It also highlights the issue how strong subject-bound traditions make it difficult to implement general goals of the curricula such as sustainable development.
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| 40. |
- Bremer, Anders, 1957-
(författare)
-
Vid existensens gräns : Etiskt vårdande och professionellt ansvar vid hjärtstopp utanför sjukhus
- 2012
-
Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Aim: To describe and interpret patients’, family members’ and ambulance personnel’s experiences with regard to survival, attendance, and caring at cardiac arrests and deaths, and to analyze ethical conflicts that arise in relation to families and how the personnel’s ethical competence can affect caring and the ability to handle ethical problems.Method: The three interview studies were guided by a reflective lifeworld approach grounded in phenomenology and analyzed by searching for the essence of the phenomenon in two studies and by attaining a main interpretation in one study. In the fourth study, the general approach was supplemented by “reflective equilibrium” that guided the ethical analysis.Results: The survivors are striving towards a good life by means of efforts to reach meaning and coherence, facing existential fear and insecurity as well as gratitude and the joy of life. Family members lose everyday control through feelings of unreality, inadequacy and overwhelming responsibility. Ambulance personnel’s care mediates hope and despair until the announcement of survival or death. After the event, family members risk involuntary loneliness and anxiety about the future. For the ambulance personnel, caring for families involves a need for mobility in decision making, forcing the personnel to balance their own perceptions, feelings and reactions against interpretative reasoning. To base decision making on emotional reactions creates the risk of erroneous conclusions and a care relationship with elements of dishonesty, misdirected benevolence and false hopes. Identification with family members can promote recognition of and response to their existential needs, but also frustrate meeting family members emotions’ and handling one’s own vulnerability and inadequacy. It was found that futile cardiopulmonary resuscitation, administered to patients for the benefit of family members, is not an acceptable moral practice, due both to norms of not deliberately treating persons as mere means and to norms of taking care of families.Conclusions: Ethical conflicts exist when it comes to conveying realistic hope, relief from guilt, participation, responsibility for decision making, and fairness in the professional role. Ambulance personnel need support to enhance ethical caring competence and to deal with personal discomfort, as well as clear guidelines on family support.
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| 41. |
- Broberg Palmgren, Karin, et al.
(författare)
-
The tumor-associated gene HMGIC is expressed in normal and osteoarthritis-affected synovia
- 2001
-
Ingår i: Modern Pathology. - : Elsevier BV. - 1530-0285 .- 0893-3952. ; 14:4, s. 311-317
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Chromosomal rearrangements involving chromosome bands 12q13-15 are very frequent findings in benign solid tumors, and recently, the primary molecular target for these aberrations was identified as the gene HMGIC. However, mutations in this gene have also been observed in nonneoplastic tissues. In a previous study, we reported breakpoints within HMGIC of synovia affected by osteoarthritis (OA) in two cases with 12q15 aberrations. To analyze further the role of HMGIC in this disease, we have performed cytogenetic, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), RNA, and protein expression analyses on synovial samples from patients with OA and individuals without signs of the disorder. Cytogenetic analysis of short-term cultured cells revealed clonal 12q13-15 aberrations in 2/36 cases of OA synovia and no rearrangement in any of the five controls. With FISH analysis, it was shown that the chromosomal breakpoints in the two aberrant cases were located outside the HMGIC locus. In contrast, at RNA and protein expression analyses, OA-affected as well as normal synovia displayed transcription and translation of the gene. We also analyzed whether immunoreactivity for HMGIC was associated with the proliferation-specific antigen Ki-67, but no correlation between the staining patterns of these proteins was observed. From the results of the present study, it is evident that expression of HMGIC cannot simply be considered a sign of neoplasia or an effect of proliferation.
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| 42. |
- Brosché, Johan, 1978-
(författare)
-
Masters of War : The Role of Elites in Sudan’s Communal Conflicts
- 2014
-
Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Why do communal conflicts turn violent in some regions but not in others? Communal conflicts pose a severe threat to human security and kill thousands of people each year, but our understanding of this phenomenon is still limited. In particular, we lack knowledge about why some of these conflicts become violent while others are resolved peacefully. This study addresses this knowledge gap and has a novel approach by addressing subnational variations that are unexplained by previous research. The theoretical framework combines insights from three different perspectives focusing on the role of the state, elite interactions, and conditions for cooperation over common resources. Empirically, the research question is investigated by combining within- and between-region analyses of three Sudanese regions: Darfur, Eastern Sudan, and Greater Upper Nile. Despite sharing several similar characteristics, communal conflicts have killed thousands in Darfur and Greater Upper Nile but only a few dozen in Eastern Sudan. The empirical analysis builds on extensive material collected during fieldwork.This study generates several conclusions about the importance of government conduct and how state behavior contributes to the prevalence of violent communal conflicts. It finds that when governments act in a biased manner – favoring certain communities over others – interactions between central and local elites as well as among local elites are disrupted. Unconstructive elite interactions, in turn, have negative effects on three mechanisms that are crucial for communal cooperation. First, when the regime is biased, communal affiliation, rather than the severity and context of a violation, determines the sanctions that are imposed on the perpetrators. Second, government bias leads to unclear boundaries, which contribute to violent communal conflicts by creating disarray and by shifting power balances between the communities. Third, regime partiality distances rules from local conditions and restricts the influence of local actors who have an understanding of local circumstances. The study also reveals why a regime acts with partiality in some areas but not in others. The answer to this question is found in the complex interplay between the threats and opportunities that a region presents to the regime. Taken together, the findings have important implications for the prevention and management of communal conflict.
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| 43. |
- Brosché, Johan, 1978-, et al.
(författare)
-
Nio punkter för global fred (Nine Points for Global Peace)
- 2015
-
Annan publikation (populärvet., debatt m.m.)abstract
- Insatserna för global fred måste stärkas skriver tolv företrädare för institutionen för freds- och konfliktforskning apropå att världens ledare samlas i dag i New York för att anta 17 nya globala mål för en bättre värld och mer hållbar utveckling.
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| 44. |
- Bruun, Laila, et al.
(författare)
-
Rapid elimination by glomerular filtration of free prostate specific antigen and human kallikrein 2 after renal transplantation.
- 2004
-
Ingår i: Journal of Urology. - : Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health). - 1527-3792 .- 0022-5347. ; 171:4, s. 1432-1435
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- PURPOSE: The low molecular mass and short half-life of free (f) prostate specific antigen (PSA) implies elimination from blood by glomerular filtration. In addition, patients with terminal renal failure have increased fPSA in serum but there have been sparse data reported on the rates and pathways of elimination of PSA complexes and human kallikrein 2 (hK2). We studied glomerular filtration dependent elimination of fPSA and hK2 in patients with renal insufficiency undergoing successful renal transplantation.MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 14 patients with immediate onset of renal function after renal transplantation. Blood samples were obtained before and at regular intervals up to 160 hours after transplanted kidney reperfusion. Measurements of fPSA, total PSA and hK2 were performed with immunofluorometric assays and complexed PSA was determined by a chemiluminiscence assay. Glomerular filtration rates were monitored by analyzing serum creatinine and cystatin C. NONMEM, a multivariate pharmacokinetic approach, was used to determine the elimination rates of fPSA and hK2 after renal transplantation.RESULTS: Serum fPSA and hK2 but not PSA complexes, decreased rapidly after renal transplantation. Significant reductions in fPSA and hK2 were observed after only 16 and 8 hours, respectively. fPSA and hK2 showed similar elimination patterns, decreasing to 42% and 44% of their original levels compared to cystatin C, which was at 44% after 160 hours. The median half-lives of fPSA and hK2 were 17.4 and 11.5 hours, respectively.CONCLUSIONS: These results verify the hypothesis that fPSA and hK2 are eliminated from the blood circulation by glomerular filtration and severe renal failure influences the levels of the 2 proteins in serum.
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| 45. |
- Burman, Lina, et al.
(författare)
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Solid-Phase Microextraction for Qualitative and Quantitative Determination of Migrated Degradation Products of Antioxidants in an Organic Aqueous Solution
- 2005
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Ingår i: Journal of Chromatography A. - : Elsevier BV. - 0021-9673 .- 1873-3778. ; 1080:2, s. 107-116
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Low molecular weight aromatic substances may migrate out from plastic packaging to their contents, especially if they consist of organic aqueous solutions or oils. It is, therefore, extremely important to be able to identify and quantify any migrated substances in such solutions, even at very low concentrations. We have in this work investigated and evaluated the use of solid-phase microextraction for the specific task of extraction from an organic aqueous solution such as a simulated pharmaceutical solution consisting of 10 vol.% ethanol in water. The goal was furthermore to investigate the possibility of simultaneously identifying and quantifying the substances in spite of differences in their chemical structures. Methods were developed and evaluated for extraction both with direct sampling and with headspace sampling. Difficulties appeared due to the ethanol in the solution and the minute amounts of substances present. We have shown that a simultaneous quantification of migrated low molecular weight degradation products of antioxidants using only one fibre is possible if the extraction method and temperature are adjusted in relation to the concentration levels of the analytes. Comparions were made with solid-phase extraction.
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| 46. |
- Christenson, Nina, 1975-
(författare)
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Knowledge, Value and Personal experience : Upper secondary students' resources of supporting reasons when arguing socioscientific issues
- 2011
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Licentiatavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- This thesis focuses on upper secondary students’ use of resources in their supporting reasons when arguing socioscientific issues (SSIs). The skills of argumentation have been emphasized in science education during the past decades and SSIs are proven a good context for learners to enhance skills of argumentation and achieve the goal of scientific literacy. Research has shown that supporting reasons from various resources are embedded in students’ argumentation on SSIs, and also that multi-perspective involvement in reasoning is important for the quality of argumentation. To explore the reasons used by students in arguing about SSIs in this thesis, the SEE-SEP model was adopted as an analytical framework. The SEE-SEP model covers the six subject areas of sociology/culture, economy, environment/ecology, science, ethics/morality and policy, which are connected to the three aspects of knowledge, value and personal experience. Two studies covering four SSIs (global warming, GMO, nuclear power and consumption) explore how students construct arguments on one SSI topic chosen by them. In paper I, I investigated students’ use of resources in their informal argumentation and to what extent students made use of knowledge. The results showed that students used value to a larger extent (67%) than knowledge (27%). I also found that the distribution of supporting reasons generated by students varied from the different SSIs. In paper II, I explored students’ use of resources in relation to students’ study background (science majors and social-science majors) and gender. The results showed that social-science majors and females generated more numbers of reasons and also showed a larger amount of multi-disciplinary resources in their supporting reasons. From the findings of this thesis, the SEE-SEP model was established as a suitable model used to analyze students’ resources of supporting reasons while arguing about SSIs. Furthermore, the potential for applying the SEE-SEP model in teachers’ SSI-teaching and students’ SSI-learning is suggested. The implications to research and teaching are also discussed.
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| 47. |
- Claesson, Rolf, et al.
(författare)
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Age-related prevalence and characteristics of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in periodontitis patients living in Sweden
- 2017
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Ingår i: Journal of Oral Microbiology. - : Taylor & Francis. - 2000-2297. ; 9
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: The presence of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in patients with periodontitis has been extensively studied for decades. Objective: To study the prevalence of A. actinomycetemcomitans in younger and older periodontitis patients and to genetically characterize isolates of this bacterium. Design: Data from microbiological analyses of 3459 subgingival plaque samples collected from 1445 patients, 337 'younger' patients (<= 35 yrs) and 1108 'older' patients (>35 yrs) during 15 years (2000-2014), has been summerized. Isolates of A. actinomycetemcomitans were serotyped, leukotoxin promoter typed (JP2 and non JP2) and arbitrarily primed PCR (APPCR) genotyped. The origin of the JP2 genotype detected in the study population was determined. Results: The prevalence of A. actinomycetemcomitans was higher among younger than older patients and samples from the younger patients contained higher proportions of the bacterium. Serotype b was more prevalent among younger patients and the majorty of these isolates was from the same AP-PCR genotype. The JP2 genotype was detected in 1.2% of the patients, and the majority of these carriers were of non-African origin. Conslusions: For presence and charcteristics of A. actinomycetemcomitans in clinical samples the age of the carriers were a discriminating factor. Additional, apparently non- African carriers of the JP2 genotype of A. actinomycetemcomitans were identified.
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| 48. |
- Claesson, Rolf, et al.
(författare)
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Characterization of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans Serotype b Strains with Five Different, Including Two Novel, Leukotoxin Promoter Structures
- 2020
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Ingår i: Vaccines. - Basel, Switzerland : MDPI. - 2076-393X. ; 8:3
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The JP2 genotype of A. actinomycetemcomitans, serotype b has attracted much interest during the past three decades due to its close association with periodontitis in young individuals and the enhanced expression of a leukotoxin (LtxA). A typical feature of this genotype is a 530-base pair (bp) deletion in the ltxCABD promoter region controlling leukotoxin expression. In the present work, we have characterized serotype b strains with four additional promoter types. Two novel types have been recognized, that is, one with a 230-bp deletion and one with a 172-bp duplication. Moreover, a strain with a 640-bp deletion and three strains with a full-length promoter, including the type strain Y4, were included in the present study. The seven strains were characterized by multi locus sequence typing (MLST) and arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and assessed for LtxA production. MLST showed that the strains with the non-JP2-like deletions represented distinct monophyletic groups, whereas the JP2 strain, HK1651, represented a separate branch. LtxA production was high in all three strains with a promoter deletion, whereas the other four strains showed significantly lower levels. It can be concluded that the genetic characterization and determination of LtxA production of A. actinomycetemcomitans isolates from individuals with periodontitis can contribute to the identification of novel virulent genotypes of this bacterium.
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| 49. |
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| 50. |
- Claesson, Rolf, et al.
(författare)
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Detection of the highly leucotoxic JP2 clone of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in members of a Caucasian family living in Sweden
- 2011
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Ingår i: Journal of Clinical Periodontology. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 0303-6979 .- 1600-051X. ; 38:2, s. 115-121
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Carriers of the JP2 clone of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans exhibit an enhanced risk for developing aggressive periodontitis compared with individuals carrying non-JP2 clones. While the JP2 clone is almost exclusively detected among adolescents of African descent, reports on Caucasians colonized with the JP2 clone are remarkably few.Objective: The aim of this paper is to report on the history of periodontal disease and microbiological findings in a Caucasian family.Material and Methods: A. actinomycetemcomitans and other periodontitis-associated bacterial species in subgingival plaque samples were quantified by conventional culture technique. Leucotoxin promoter typing, serotyping and further characterizations of A. actinomycetemcomitans isolates were performed by PCR. DNA sequencing of the pseudogene, hbpA was performed to determine the origin of the detected JP2 clones. Further, genetically ancestry testing of family members was carried out.Results: The JP2 clone was detected in samples from two of the family members, a 33-year-old daughter and her 62-year-old mother. Relationship of their JP2 clones with JP2 clone strains from the Mediterranean area of Africa was indicated. Genotyping confirmed the Caucasian origin of all family members.Conclusions: Caucasian JP2 carriers exist and older subjects can carry the JP2 clone of A. actinomycetemcomitans.
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