| 1. |
- Abelev, Betty, et al.
(author)
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Long-range angular correlations on the near and away side in p-Pb collisions at root S-NN=5.02 TeV
- 2013
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In: Physics Letters. Section B: Nuclear, Elementary Particle and High-Energy Physics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0370-2693. ; 719:1-3, s. 29-41
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Angular correlations between charged trigger and associated particles are measured by the ALICE detector in p-Pb collisions at a nucleon-nucleon centre-of-mass energy of 5.02 TeV for transverse momentum ranges within 0.5 < P-T,P-assoc < P-T,P-trig < 4 GeV/c. The correlations are measured over two units of pseudorapidity and full azimuthal angle in different intervals of event multiplicity, and expressed as associated yield per trigger particle. Two long-range ridge-like structures, one on the near side and one on the away side, are observed when the per-trigger yield obtained in low-multiplicity events is subtracted from the one in high-multiplicity events. The excess on the near-side is qualitatively similar to that recently reported by the CMS Collaboration, while the excess on the away-side is reported for the first time. The two-ridge structure projected onto azimuthal angle is quantified with the second and third Fourier coefficients as well as by near-side and away-side yields and widths. The yields on the near side and on the away side are equal within the uncertainties for all studied event multiplicity and p(T) bins, and the widths show no significant evolution with event multiplicity or p(T). These findings suggest that the near-side ridge is accompanied by an essentially identical away-side ridge. (c) 2013 CERN. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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| 2. |
- Abelev, Betty, et al.
(author)
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Measurement of prompt J/psi and beauty hadron production cross sections at mid-rapidity in pp collisions at root s=7 TeV
- 2012
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In: Journal of High Energy Physics. - 1029-8479. ; :11
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The ALICE experiment at the LHC has studied J/psi production at mid-rapidity in pp collisions at root s = 7 TeV through its electron pair decay on a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity L-int = 5.6 nb(-1). The fraction of J/psi from the decay of long-lived beauty hadrons was determined for J/psi candidates with transverse momentum p(t) > 1,3 GeV/c and rapidity vertical bar y vertical bar < 0.9. The cross section for prompt J/psi mesons, i.e. directly produced J/psi and prompt decays of heavier charmonium states such as the psi(2S) and chi(c) resonances, is sigma(prompt J/psi) (p(t) > 1.3 GeV/c, vertical bar y vertical bar < 0.9) = 8.3 +/- 0.8(stat.) +/- 1.1 (syst.)(-1.4)(+1.5) (syst. pol.) mu b. The cross section for the production of b-hadrons decaying to J/psi with p(t) > 1.3 GeV/c and vertical bar y vertical bar < 0.9 is a sigma(J/psi <- hB) (p(t) > 1.3 GeV/c, vertical bar y vertical bar < 0.9) = 1.46 +/- 0.38 (stat.)(-0.32)(+0.26) (syst.) mu b. The results are compared to QCD model predictions. The shape of the p(t) and y distributions of b-quarks predicted by perturbative QCD model calculations are used to extrapolate the measured cross section to derive the b (b) over bar pair total cross section and d sigma/dy at mid-rapidity.
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| 3. |
- Abelev, Betty, et al.
(author)
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Underlying Event measurements in pp collisions at root s=0.9 and 7 TeV with the ALICE experiment at the LHC
- 2012
-
In: Journal of High Energy Physics. - 1029-8479. ; :7
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We present measurements of Underlying Event observables in pp collisions at root s = 0 : 9 and 7 TeV. The analysis is performed as a function of the highest charged-particle transverse momentum p(T),L-T in the event. Different regions are defined with respect to the azimuthal direction of the leading (highest transverse momentum) track: Toward, Transverse and Away. The Toward and Away regions collect the fragmentation products of the hardest partonic interaction. The Transverse region is expected to be most sensitive to the Underlying Event activity. The study is performed with charged particles above three different p(T) thresholds: 0.15, 0.5 and 1.0 GeV/c. In the Transverse region we observe an increase in the multiplicity of a factor 2-3 between the lower and higher collision energies, depending on the track p(T) threshold considered. Data are compared to PYTHIA 6.4, PYTHIA 8.1 and PHOJET. On average, all models considered underestimate the multiplicity and summed p(T) in the Transverse region by about 10-30%.
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| 4. |
- Brownstein, Catherine A., et al.
(author)
-
An international effort towards developing standards for best practices in analysis, interpretation and reporting of clinical genome sequencing results in the CLARITY Challenge
- 2014
-
In: Genome Biology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1465-6906 .- 1474-760X. ; 15:3, s. R53-
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: There is tremendous potential for genome sequencing to improve clinical diagnosis and care once it becomes routinely accessible, but this will require formalizing research methods into clinical best practices in the areas of sequence data generation, analysis, interpretation and reporting. The CLARITY Challenge was designed to spur convergence in methods for diagnosing genetic disease starting from clinical case history and genome sequencing data. DNA samples were obtained from three families with heritable genetic disorders and genomic sequence data were donated by sequencing platform vendors. The challenge was to analyze and interpret these data with the goals of identifying disease-causing variants and reporting the findings in a clinically useful format. Participating contestant groups were solicited broadly, and an independent panel of judges evaluated their performance. Results: A total of 30 international groups were engaged. The entries reveal a general convergence of practices on most elements of the analysis and interpretation process. However, even given this commonality of approach, only two groups identified the consensus candidate variants in all disease cases, demonstrating a need for consistent fine-tuning of the generally accepted methods. There was greater diversity of the final clinical report content and in the patient consenting process, demonstrating that these areas require additional exploration and standardization. Conclusions: The CLARITY Challenge provides a comprehensive assessment of current practices for using genome sequencing to diagnose and report genetic diseases. There is remarkable convergence in bioinformatic techniques, but medical interpretation and reporting are areas that require further development by many groups.
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| 5. |
- Ecke, Frauke, et al.
(author)
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Sublethal Lead Exposure Alters Movement Behavior in Free-Ranging Golden Eagles
- 2017
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In: Environmental Science and Technology. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 0013-936X .- 1520-5851. ; 51:10, s. 5729-5736
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Lead poisoning of animals due to ingestion of fragments from lead-based ammunition in carcasses and offal of shot wildlife is acknowledged globally and raises great concerns about potential behavioral effects leading to increased mortality risks. Lead levels in blood were correlated with progress of the moose hunting season. Based on analyses of tracking data, we found that even sublethal lead concentrations in blood (25 ppb, wet weight), can likely negatively affect movement behavior (flight height and movement rate) of free ranging scavenging Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos). Lead levels in liver of recovered post-mortem analyzed eagles suggested that sublethal exposure increases the risk of mortality in eagles. Such adverse effects on animals are probably common worldwide and across species, where game hunting with lead-based ammunition is widespread. Our study highlights lead exposure as a considerably more serious threat to wildlife conservation than previously realized and suggests implementation of bans of lead ammunition for hunting.
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| 6. |
- Evang, J Arild, et al.
(author)
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HDAC2 expression and variable number of repeats in exon 1 of the HDAC2 gene in corticotroph adenomas
- 2010
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In: Clinical Endocrinology. - : Wiley. - 0300-0664 .- 1365-2265. ; 73:2, s. 229-235
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVES: Alterations in protein expression of histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) have been demonstrated in various neoplasms, and lack of nuclear expression of HDAC2 has previously been shown in some human and canine corticotroph adenomas. This study aimed to examine HDAC2 expression in a Norwegian cohort of corticotroph adenomas, screen for exonic HDAC2 gene variants in the adenomas and correlate the results with clinical data.PATIENTS AND DESIGN: Forty-four patients with verified Cushing's disease or Nelson's syndrome, positive ACTH staining and tissue available for immunohistochemistry and/or DNA sequencing were included. Ninety-four controls were chosen from the Norwegian Bone Marrow Registry.RESULTS: Histone deacetylase 2 expression examined by immunohistochemistry was strongly reduced in 3/30 adenomas. There were no association between HDAC2 expression and clinical variables. A previously unidentified insertion of three bases in a region coding for a polyserine cluster in exon 1 of the HDAC2 gene was identified in 6/32 adenomas. No other mutations in HDAC2 exons were found. Examination of DNA extracted from peripheral blood confirmed germ-line origin of the exon 1 insertion. The same insertion was also found in 28/94 of the controls (i.e., not significantly different from the patients).CONCLUSIONS: Strongly reduced HDAC2 protein expression was confirmed in a small portion of corticotroph tumours. Mutations in HDAC2 exons are unlikely to play an important role in the development of corticotroph adenomas.
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| 7. |
- Fox, Anthony D., et al.
(author)
-
Current and potential threats to Nordic duck populations - a horizon scanning exercise
- 2015
-
In: Annales Zoologici Fennici. - 0003-455X .- 1797-2450. ; 52:4, s. 193-220
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We review the current and future threats to duck populations that breed, stage, moult and/or winter in the Nordic countries. Migratory duck species are sensitive indicators of their changing environment, and their societal value confirms the need to translate signals from changes in their distribution, status and abundance into a better understanding of changes occurring in their wetland environments. We used expert opinion to highlight 25 major areas of anthropogenic change (and touch briefly on potential mitigation measures through nature restoration and reserve management projects) that we consider key issues likely to influence Nordic duck populations now and in the near future to stimulate debate, discussion and further research. We believe such reviews are essential in contributing to development of successful management policy as well as stimulating specific research to support the maintenance of duck species in favourable future conservation status in the face of multiple population pressures and drivers.
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| 8. |
- Fox, Anthony D., et al.
(author)
-
Current and potential threats to Nordic duck populations - a horizon scanning exercise
- 2015
-
In: Annales Zoologici Fennici. - : Finnish Zoological and Botanical Publishing Board. - 0003-455X. ; 52:4, s. 193-220
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We review the current and future threats to duck populations that breed, stage, moult and/or winter in the Nordic countries. Migratory duck species are sensitive indicators of their changing environment, and their societal value confirms the need to translate signals from changes in their distribution, status and abundance into a better understanding of changes occurring in their wetland environments. We used expert opinion to highlight 25 major areas of anthropogenic change (and touch briefly on potential mitigation measures through nature restoration and reserve management projects) that we consider key issues likely to influence Nordic duck populations now and in the near future to stimulate debate, discussion and further research. We believe such reviews are essential in contributing to development of successful management policy as well as stimulating specific research to support the maintenance of duck species in favourable future conservation status in the face of multiple population pressures and drivers.
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| 9. |
- Grövdal, Michael, et al.
(author)
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Maintenance treatment with azacytidine for patients with high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) or acute myeloid leukaemia following MDS in complete remission after induction chemotherapy
- 2010
-
In: British Journal of Haematology. - : Wiley. - 0007-1048 .- 1365-2141. ; 150:3, s. 293-302
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This prospective Phase II study is the first to assess the feasibility and efficacy of maintenance 5-azacytidine for older patients with high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia and MDS-acute myeloid leukaemia syndromes in complete remission (CR) after induction chemotherapy. Sixty patients were enrolled and treated by standard induction chemotherapy. Patients that reached CR started maintenance therapy with subcutaneous azacytidine, 5/28 d until relapse. Promoter-methylation status of CDKN2B (P15 ink4b), CDH1 and HIC1 was examined pre-induction, in CR and 6, 12 and 24 months post CR. Twenty-four (40%) patients achieved CR after induction chemotherapy and 23 started maintenance treatment with azacytidine. Median CR duration was 13.5 months, >24 months in 17% of the patients, and 18-30.5 months in the four patients with trisomy 8. CR duration was not associated with CDKN2B methylation status or karyotype. Median overall survival was 20 months. Hypermethylation of CDH1 was significantly associated with low CR rate, early relapse, and short overall survival (P = 0.003). 5-azacytidine treatment, at a dose of 60 mg/m(2) was well tolerated. Grade III-IV thrombocytopenia and neutropenia occurred after 9.5 and 30% of the cycles, respectively, while haemoglobin levels increased during treatment. 5-azacytidine treatment is safe, feasible and may be of benefit in a subset of patients.
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| 10. |
- Heiskanen, Janne, et al.
(author)
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Aerial photo interpretation for change detection of treeline ecotones in the Swedish mountains
- 2008
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Reports (other academic/artistic)abstract
- It is expected that the ongoing climate change will have a strong influence on the Earth’s vegetation and cause the advancement of treelines towards the poles and up to higher elevations. In the Swedish mountains, changes in the positions of alpine treelines have already been reported, and major changes due to changing climate are predicted for the near future. Remote sensing techniques have considerable potential to improve the monitoring of spatially complex treeline ecotones, which are likely to show site dependent responses to changing climate. Aerial photos provide the longest temporal record of remote sensing data for studying the historical treeline changes. High spatial resolution and the possibility of interpreting photos in three-dimensions are the main strengths of aerial photos. The National Inventory of Landscapes in Sweden (NILS) is a nationwide environmental monitoring program, which provides sampling infrastructure for monitoring treelines over the Swedish mountains using high spatial resolution remote sensing data.
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| 11. |
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| 12. |
- Holm, Jon, et al.
(author)
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Low tube voltage CT for improved detection of pancreatic cancer : detection threshold for small, simulated lesions
- 2012
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In: BMC Medical Imaging. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2342. ; 12, s. 20-
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND:Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is associated with dismal prognosis. The detection of small pancreatic tumors which are still resectable is still a challenging problem.The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of decreasing the tube voltage from 120 to 80 kV on the detection of pancreatic tumors.METHODS:Three scanning protocols was used; one using the standard tube voltage (120 kV) and current (160 mA) and two using 80 kV but with different tube currents (500 and 675 mA) to achieve equivalent dose (15 mGy) and noise (15 HU) as that of the standard protocol.Tumors were simulated into collected CT phantom images. The attenuation in normal parenchyma at 120 kV was set at 130 HU, as measured previously in clinical examinations, and the tumor attenuation was assumed to differ 20 HU and was set at 110HU. By scanning and measuring of iodine solution with different concentrations the corresponding tumor and parenchyma attenuation at 80 kV was found to be 185 and 219 HU, respectively.To objectively evaluate the differences between the three protocols, a multi-reader multi-case receiver operating characteristic study was conducted, using three readers and 100 cases, each containing 0-3 lesions.RESULTS:The highest reader averaged figure-of-merit (FOM) was achieved for 80 kV and 675 mA (FOM=0,850), and the lowest for 120 kV (FOM=0,709). There was a significant difference between the three protocols (p<0,0001), when making an analysis of variance (ANOVA). Post-hoc analysis (students t-test) shows that there was a significant difference between 120 and 80 kV, but not between the two levels of tube currents at 80 kV.CONCLUSION:We conclude that when decreasing the tube voltage there is a significant improvement in tumor conspicuity.
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| 13. |
- Holm, Karl
(author)
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Studies on Natural Variation and Evolution of Photoperiodism in Plants
- 2010
-
Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Photoperiodism refers to the organism’s ability to detect and respond to seasonal changes in the daily duration of light and dark and thus constitutes one of the most significant and complex examples of the interaction between the organism and its environment. This thesis attempts to describe the prevalence of variation in a photoperiodic response, its adaptive value, and its putative genetic basis in a common cruciferous weed, Capsella bursa-pastoris (Brassicaceae). Furthermore, the thesis presents a first comprehensive comparative overview of the circadian clock mechanism in an early land plant, Physcomitrella patens (Bryophyta), thus providing insights into the evolution of the plant circadian system. In an introductory survey of global gene expression changes among early- and late flowering accessions of C. bursa-pastoris we found an enrichment of genes involved in photoperiodic response and regulation of the circadian clock. Secondly, by phenotyping circadian rhythm variation in a worldwide sample of accessions with known flowering time, we detected robust latitudinal clines in flowering time and circadian period length, which constitute strong indications of local adaptation to photoperiod in the shaping of flowering time variation in this species. In an attempt to elucidate putative genetic causes for the correlated variation between circadian rhythm and flowering time, we found that sequence variation and diverged expression in components regulating light input to the clock, PHYTOCHROME B (PHYB) and DE-ETIOLATED 1 (DET1) make them strong candidate genes. Finally, we present a comparative study of circadian network topology in the moss P. patens. Phylogenetic analyses and time series expression studies of putative clock homologues indicated that several core clock genes present in vascular plants appeared to be lacking in the moss. Consequently, while the clock mechanism in higher plants constitutes at least a three-loop system of interacting components, the moss clock appears to comprise only a single loop. We conclude that C. bursa-pastoris is a highly suitable model system for the further elucidation of the molecular variation that influences adaptive change in natural plant populations. Furthermore, we believe that the continuing study of the seemingly less complex circadian network of P. patens not only can provide insights into the evolution of the plant circadian system, but also may help to clarify some of the remaining issues of the circadian clock mechanism in higher plants.
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| 14. |
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| 15. |
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| 16. |
- Jansson, Emmelie A, et al.
(author)
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Protection from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced gastric ulcers by dietary nitrate
- 2007
-
In: Free Radical Biology & Medicine. - : Elsevier BV. - 0891-5849 .- 1873-4596. ; 42:4, s. 510-518
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Nitrate is abundant in our diet with particularly high levels in many vegetables. Ingested nitrate is concentrated in saliva and reduced to nitrite by bacteria in the oral cavity. We recently reported that application of nitrite-containing saliva to the gastric mucosa increases superficial blood flow and mucus generation via acid-catalyzed formation of bioactive nitrogen oxides including nitric oxide. Here we studied if dietary supplementation with nitrate would protect against gastric damage caused by a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Rats received sodium nitrate in the drinking water for 1 week in daily doses of 0.1 or 1 mmol kg− 1. Control rats received 1 mmol kg− 1 sodium chloride. Diclofenac (30 mg kg− 1) was then given orally and the animals were examined 4 h later. In separate experiments we studied the effects of dietary nitrate on intragastric NO levels and mucus formation. Luminal levels of NO gas were greatly increased in nitrate-fed animals. The thickness of the mucus layer increased after nitrate supplementation and gene expression of MUC6 was upregulated in the gastric mucosa. Nitrate pretreatment dose dependently and potently reduced diclofenac-induced gastric lesions. Inflammatory activity was reduced in the rats receiving nitrate as indicated by lower mucosal myeloperoxidase activity and expression of inducible NO synthase. We conclude that dietary nitrate protects against diclofenac-induced gastric ulcers likely via enhanced nitrite-dependent intragastric NO formation and concomitant stimulation of mucus formation. Future studies will reveal if a diet rich in nitrate can offer an additional nutritional approach to preventing and treating peptic ulcer disease.
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| 17. |
- Jansson, Emmelie Å, et al.
(author)
-
A mammalian functional nitrate reductase that regulates nitrite and nitric oxide homeostasis
- 2008
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In: Nature Chemical Biology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1552-4450 .- 1552-4469. ; 4:7, s. 411-417
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Inorganic nitrite (NO(2)(-)) is emerging as a regulator of physiological functions and tissue responses to ischemia, whereas the more stable nitrate anion (NO(3)(-)) is generally considered to be biologically inert. Bacteria express nitrate reductases that produce nitrite, but mammals lack these specific enzymes. Here we report on nitrate reductase activity in rodent and human tissues that results in formation of nitrite and nitric oxide (NO) and is attenuated by the xanthine oxidoreductase inhibitor allopurinol. Nitrate administration to normoxic rats resulted in elevated levels of circulating nitrite that were again attenuated by allopurinol. Similar effects of nitrate were seen in endothelial NO synthase-deficient and germ-free mice, thereby excluding vascular NO synthase activation and bacteria as the source of nitrite. Nitrate pretreatment attenuated the increase in systemic blood pressure caused by NO synthase inhibition and enhanced blood flow during post-ischemic reperfusion. Our findings suggest a role for mammalian nitrate reduction in regulation of nitrite and NO homeostasis.
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| 18. |
- Jädert, Cecilia, et al.
(author)
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Decreased leukocyte recruitment by inorganic nitrate and nitrite in microvascular inflammation and NSAID-induced intestinal injury
- 2012
-
In: Free Radical Biology & Medicine. - : Elsevier BV. - 0891-5849 .- 1873-4596. ; 52:3, s. 683-692
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Nitric oxide (NO) generated by vascular NO synthases can exert anti-inflammatory effects, partly through its ability to decrease leukocyte recruitment. Inorganic nitrate and nitrite, from endogenous or dietary sources, have emerged as alternative substrates for NO formation in mammals. Bioactivation of nitrate is believed to require initial reduction to nitrite by oral commensal bacteria. Here we investigated the effects of inorganic nitrate and nitrite on leukocyte recruitment in microvascular inflammation and in NSAID-induced small-intestinal injury. We show that leukocyte emigration in response to the proinflammatory chemokine MIP-2 is reduced by 70% after 7 days of dietary nitrate supplementation as well as by acute intravenous nitrite administration. Nitrite also reduced leukocyte adhesion to a similar extent and this effect was inhibited by the soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor ODQ whereas the effect on emigrated leukocytes was not altered by this treatment. Further studies in INF-alpha-stimulated endothelial cells revealed that nitrite dose-dependently reduced the expression of ICAM-1. In rats and mice subjected to a challenge with diclofenac, dietary nitrate prevented the increase in myeloperoxidase and P-selectin levels in small-intestinal tissue. Antiseptic mouthwash, which eliminates oral nitrate reduction, markedly blunted the protective effect of dietary nitrate on P-selectin levels. Despite attenuation of the acute immune response, the overall ability to clear an infection with Staphylococcus aureus was not suppressed by dietary nitrate as revealed by noninvasive IVIS imaging. We conclude that dietary nitrate markedly reduces leukocyte recruitment to inflammation in a process involving attenuation of P-selectin and ICAM-1 upregulation. Bioactivation of dietary nitrate requires intermediate formation of nitrite by oral nitrate-reducing bacteria and then probably further reduction to NO and other bioactive nitrogen oxides in the tissues.
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| 19. |
- Jädert, Cecilia, et al.
(author)
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Preventive and therapeutic effects of nitrite supplementation in experimental inflammatory bowel disease
- 2014
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In: Redox Biology. - : Elsevier BV. - 2213-2317. ; 2, s. 73-81
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Inorganic nitrate and nitrite have emerged as alternative substrates for nitric oxide (NO) generation in the gastrointestinal tract, and have shown to be protective against drug-induced gastric injury. The aim of this study was to investigate the preventive and therapeutic effects of nitrate and nitrite in a model of experimental colitis.METHODS: Colitis was induced in mice by administrating dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) with concurrent administration of nitrite (1 mM) or nitrate (10 mM) in the drinking water for 7 days. A therapeutic approach was also investigated by initiating nitrite treatment 3 days after DSS-induced colitis. Clinical and inflammatory markers were assessed and the colonic mucus thickness was measured in vivo. The effect of nitrite on wound healing was evaluated using colon epithelial cells.RESULTS: Concurrent administration of DSS and nitrite (1 mM) alleviated inflammation as determined by reduced disease activity index score (DAI) and increased colon length, while nitrate (10 mM) only reduced the DAI-score. Nitrite also displayed therapeutic effects by ameliorating established colonic inflammation with reduced colonic expression of iNOS and improving histopathology. DSS-induced decrease in colonic mucus thickness was completely prevented by nitrite administration. In addition, goblet cell abundance was lower by DSS treatment, but was increased by addition of nitrite. Further studies using colon epithelial cells revealed an NO-dependent improvement in wound healing with nitrite administration.CONCLUSION: Nitrite exerts both preventive and therapeutic effects in colonic inflammation. The protective effects involve preservation of an intact adherent mucus layer and regulation of epithelial cell restitution.
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| 20. |
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| 21. |
- Nilsson, Niklas, et al.
(author)
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The economic cost and patient-reported outcomes of chronic Achilles tendon ruptures.
- 2020
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In: Journal of experimental orthopaedics. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2197-1153. ; 7
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- While most Achilles tendon ruptures are dramatic and diagnosed quickly, some are missed, with a risk of becoming chronic. A chronic Achilles tendon rupture is defined as a rupture that has been left untreated for more than 4 weeks. By mapping the health economic cost of chronic Achilles tendon ruptures the health-care system might be able to better distribute resources to detect these ruptures at an earlier time.All patients with a chronic Achilles tendon rupture who were treated surgically at Sahlgrenska University Hospital or Kungsbacka Hospital between 2013 and 2018 were invited to participate in the study. The patients were evaluated postoperatively using the validated Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS). The health-care costs were assessed using clinical records. The production-loss costs were extracted from the Swedish Social Insurance Agency. The cost of chronic Achilles tendon ruptures was then compared with the cost of acute ruptures in a previous study by Westin et.al.Forty patients with a median (range) age of 66 (28-86) were included in the study. The mean total cost (± SD) for the patients with a chronic Achilles tendon rupture was 6494 EUR±6508, which is 1276 EUR higher than the mean total cost of acute ruptures. Patients with chronic Achilles tendon ruptures reported a mean (min-max) postoperative ATRS of 73 (14-100).Missing an Achilles tendon rupture will entail higher health-care costs compared with acute ruptures. Health-care resources can be saved if Achilles tendon ruptures are detected at an early stage.
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| 22. |
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| 23. |
- Nyberg, Elisabeth, et al.
(author)
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Övervakning av metaller och organiska miljögifter i limnisk biota, 2015
- 2015
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Reports (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The report summarises the monitoring activities within the National Swedish Contaminant Programme for freshwater biota. Each monitored contaminant has been examined in pike, perch or Arctic char from 32 lakes from the north to the south in Sweden.No general trend could be seen for mercury, and all samples, except Arctic char from Abiskojaure, were above the EU target level. Lead was generally decreasing. Nickel showed a general upward trend in perch. An increase, or indication of an increase, was seen for chromium during the last ten years. Zinc concentrations were decreasing in a majority of the perch samples and in pike from Lake Storvindeln.No general trend was observed for copper, arsenic, silver, aluminum, tin, bismuth, and cadmium.In general, downward trends were seen for; PCBs, HCHs, DDT, DDE and PCDD/Fs in all species (with a few exceptions). The chlorinated compounds generally show a somewhat higher concentration in the southern parts of Sweden. Most chlorinated compounds were below the suggested target levels.No general trend was seen during the monitoring period for PBDEs. Concentrations of PBDEs in Lake Bolmen increased from the 60s and peaked in the late 80s to mid-90s and have subsequently decreased. The concentration of HBCDD was under LOQ in a majority of the samples.Several of the perfluorinated carboxylate compounds showed an increase in concentration in perch, while PFOS and FOSA decreased. Higher concentrations of perfluorinated compounds can in general be seen in the southern part of Sweden. In all lakes, PFOS is below the target level for all species.
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| 24. |
- Petersson, Joel, et al.
(author)
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Dietary nitrate increases gastric mucosal blood flow and mucosal defense
- 2007
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In: American Journal of Physiology - Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology. - : American Physiological Society. - 0193-1857 .- 1522-1547. ; 292:3, s. G718-G724
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Salivary nitrate from dietary or endogenous sources is reduced to nitrite by oral bacteria. In the acidic stomach, nitrite is further reduced to bioactive nitrogen oxides, including nitric oxide (NO). In this study, we investigated the gastroprotective role of nitrate intake and of luminally applied nitrite against provocation with diclofenac and taurocholate. Mucosal permeability (51Cr-EDTA clearance) and gastric mucosal blood flow (laser-Doppler flowmetry) were measured in anesthetized rats, either pretreated with nitrate in the drinking water or given acidified nitrite luminally. Diclofenac was given intravenously and taurocholate luminally to challenge the gastric mucosa. Luminal NO content and nitrite content in the gastric mucus were determined by chemiluminescence. The effect of luminal administration of acidified nitrite on the mucosal blood flow was also investigated in endothelial nitric oxide synthase-deficient mice. Rats pretreated with nitrate or given nitrite luminally had higher gastric mucosal blood flow than controls. Permeability increased more during the provocation in the controls than in the nitrate- and nitrite-treated animals. Dietary nitrate increased luminal NO levels 50 times compared with controls. Nitrate intake also resulted in nitrite accumulation in the loosely adherent mucous layer; after removal of this mucous layer, blood flow was reduced. Nitrite administrated luminally in endothelial nitric oxide synthase-deficient mice increased mucosal blood flow. We conclude that dietary nitrate and direct luminal application of acidified nitrite decrease diclofenac- and taurocholate-induced mucosal damage. The gastroprotective effect likely involves a higher mucosal blood flow caused by nonenzymatic NO production. These data suggest an important physiological role of nitrate in the diet.
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| 25. |
- Petersson, Joel, et al.
(author)
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Gastroprotective and blood pressure lowering effects of dietary nitrate are abolished by an antiseptic mouthwash
- 2009
-
In: Free Radical Biology & Medicine. - : Elsevier BV. - 0891-5849 .- 1873-4596. ; 46:8, s. 1068-1075
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Recently, it has been suggested that the supposedly inert nitrite anion is reduced in vivo to form bioactive nitric oxide with physiological and therapeutic implications in the gastrointestinal and cardiovascular systems. Intake of nitrate-rich food such as vegetables results in increased levels of circulating nitrite in a process suggested to involve nitrate-reducing bacteria in the oral cavity. Here we investigated the importance of the oral microflora and dietary nitrate in regulation of gastric mucosal defense and blood pressure. Rats were treated twice daily with a commercial antiseptic mouthwash while they were given nitrate-supplemented drinking water. The mouthwash greatly reduced the number of nitrate-reducing oral bacteria and as a consequence, nitrate-induced increases in gastric NO and circulating nitrite levels were markedly reduced. With the mouthwash the observed nitrate-induced increase in gastric mucus thickness was attenuated and the gastroprotective effect against an ulcerogenic compound was lost. Furthermore, the decrease in systemic blood pressure seen during nitrate supplementation was now absent. These results suggest that oral symbiotic bacteria modulate gastrointestinal and cardiovascular function via bioactivation of salivary nitrate. Excessive use of antiseptic mouthwashes may attenuate the bioactivity of dietary nitrate.
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| 26. |
- Petersson, Joel, 1977-
(author)
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Nitrate, Nitrite and Nitric Oxide in Gastric Mucosal Defense
- 2008
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The human stomach normally contains high levels of bioactive nitric oxide (NO). This NO derives from salivary nitrate (NO3-) that is converted to nitrite (NO2-) by oral bacteria and thereafter non-enzymatically reduced in the acidic gastric lumen to NO. Nitrate is a common component in vegetables, and after ingestion it is absorbed in the small intestine. Interestingly, circulating nitrate is then concentrated by the salivary glands. Hence, intake of nitrate-rich vegetables results in high levels of NO in the stomach. The physiological effects of the high concentration of NO gas normally present in the gastric lumen have been hitherto unknown, and the present investigations were therefore conducted to address this issue.NO produced in the gastric lumen after nitrate ingestion increased gastric mucosal blood flow and the thickness of the firmly adherent mucus layer in the stomach. The blood flow and mucus layer are essential defense mechanisms that protect the mucosa from luminal acid and noxious agents. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAID) are commonly prescribed and effective drugs for treating pain and inflammation, but are associated with severe gastrointestinal side effects. We demonstrated that a nitrate-rich diet protects against NSAID-induced gastric damage, as a result of the increased formation of NO in the stomach. We also showed that the gastroprotective effect attributed to nitrate depended completely on conversion of nitrate to nitrite by the bacterial flora colonizing the tongue, and that the oral microflora is therefore important in regulating physiological conditions in the stomach.In summary, this thesis challenges the current dogma that nitrate intake is hazardous, and on the contrary suggests that dietary nitrate plays a direct role in regulating gastric homeostasis. It is likely that a sufficient supply of nitrate in the diet together with the oral microflora is essential for preventing pathological conditions in the gastrointestinal tract.
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| 27. |
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| 28. |
- Petersson, Joel, et al.
(author)
-
Physiological recycling of endogenous nitrate by oral bacteria regulates gastric mucus thickness
- 2015
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In: Free Radical Biology & Medicine. - : Elsevier BV. - 0891-5849 .- 1873-4596. ; 89, s. 241-247
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Inorganic nitrate from exogenous and endogenous sources is accumulated in saliva, reduced to nitrite by oral bacteria and further converted to nitric oxide (NO) and other bioactive nitrogen oxides in the acidic gastric lumen. To further explore the role of oral microbiota in this process we examined the gastric mucus layer in germ free (GF) and conventional mice given different doses of nitrate and nitrite. Methods: Mice were given either nitrate (100 mg/kg/d) or nitrite (0.55-11 mg/kg/d) in the drinking water for 7 days, with the lowest nitrite dose resembling the levels provided by swallowing of fasting saliva. The gastric mucus layer was measured in vivo. Results: GF animals were almost devoid of the firmly adherent mucus layer compared to conventional mice. Dietary nitrate increased the mucus thickness in conventional animals but had no effect in GF mice. In contrast, nitrite at all doses, restored the mucus thickness in GF mice to the same levels as in conventional animals. The nitrite-mediated increase in gastric mucus thickness was not inhibited by the soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor ODQ. Mice treated with antibiotics had significantly thinner mucus than controls. Additional studies on mucin gene expression demonstrated down regulation of Muc5ac and Much in germ free mice after nitrite treatment. Conclusion: Oral bacteria remotely modulate gastric mucus generation via bioactivation of salivary nitrate. In the absence of a dietary nitrate intake, salivary nitrate originates mainly from NO synthase. Thus, oxidized NO from the endothelium and elsewhere is recycled to regulate gastric mucus homeostasis.
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| 29. |
- Pihl, Joron, et al.
(author)
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Nordic discourses on marginalisation through education.
- 2018
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In: Education Inquiry. - : Informa UK Limited. - 2000-4508. ; 9:1, s. 22-39
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The purpose of this article is analysis of discursive marginalisation through education in Nordic welfare states. What knowledge do Nordic research discourses produce about marginalisation through education in Nordic welfare states? What are the Nordic contribu- tions to research discourses on marginalisation through educa- tion? We apply a discourse theoretical approach and analyse 109 peer-reviewed publications on marginalisation by the Nordic Centre of Excellence “Justice through education in the Nordic countries” (NCoE JustEd) between 2013 and 2017. The publications are from Finland, Sweden, Norway and Iceland. Four critical Nordic research discourses reconceptualise marginalisation in relation to dominant educational discourses on marketisation, Eurocentrism, gender equity and ableism. These Nordic research discourses document discursive effects of the dominant, normalising dis- courses in terms of stigma, segregation and exclusion of poor, working-class students, non-white and immigrant students and descendants of immigrants, as well as sexual minorities and dis- abled students. Based on ethical, epistemological and methodolo- gical considerations, the critical Nordic research discourses produce knowledge about marginalisation as a relational, intersec- tional and interdiscursive phenomenon. The critical Nordic research discourses de- and reconstruct knowledge about margin- alisation in Nordic welfare states.
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| 30. |
- Ripsweden, Jonaz, et al.
(author)
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Impact on image quality and radiation exposure in coronary CT angiography: 100 kVp versus 120 kVp
- 2010
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In: Acta Radiologica. - : SAGE Publications. - 1600-0455 .- 0284-1851. ; 51:8, s. 903-909
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: The risk of radiation-induced cancer has become a major concern with the increasing use of computed tomography (CT). Purpose: To compare image quality and radiation doses when decreasing X-ray tube peak kilovoltage (kVp) from 120 to 100 kVp in patients undergoing coronary CT angiography (CCTA). Material and Methods: Patients referred for evaluation of suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) underwent 64-channel detector CCTA using a tube voltage of either 120 kVp (n = 46) or 100 kVp (n = 82). The individual volume CT dose index (CTDIvol) and dose length product (DLP) were recorded and effective radiation dose was estimated on the basis of DLP. Subjective image quality was assessed by two radiologists on per-patient based consensus. Vascular density and image noise were quantified in the left main coronary artery (LMCA) and proximal ascending aorta (AA). Mean density in the adjacent perivascular tissue was also quantified. Contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) was calculated. Corresponding invasive coronary angiography (ICA) was performed, which constituted the gold standard. Results: Mean values in the 100120 kVp cohorts regarding CNR in the LMCA were 12.716.0 (P < 0.0001)) and in the AA 13.217.2 (P < 0.0001), CTDIvol 34.457.4 mGy (a 40% reduction, P < 0.0001), DLP 5781125 mGy X cm (P < 0.0001), and estimated effective dose 9.620.2 mSv (P < 0.0001). There was no statistically significant difference in subjective image quality between the two cohorts. The sensitivity to detect significant coronary stenoses was 88% (120 kVp) and 84% (100 kVp) and the specificity was 71% (120 kVp) and 74% (100 kVp), respectively. Conclusion: By reduction of tube voltage from 120 to 100 kVp at CCTA, while keeping all other scanning parameters unchanged, the radiation dose to the patient can be almost halved while keeping the diagnostic image quality at a clinically acceptable level.
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| 31. |
- Schreiber, Olof, 1980-, et al.
(author)
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iNOS-dependent increase in colonic mucus thickness in DSS-colitic rats
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Other publication (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Aim: To investigate colonic mucus thickness in vivo in health and during experimental inflammatory bowel disease. Methods: Colitis was induced with 5% DSS for 9 days. The colon of anesthetized rats was mounted mucosal side up and studied with intravital microscopy. Using a micropipette, attached to a micromanipulator and a digimatic indicator, mucus thickness was measured. The unselective NOS inhibitor L-NNA, the selective iNOS inhibitor L-NIL and the unselective COX inhibitor diclofenac were used to assess the contributions of NOS and prostaglandins in the regulation of mucus thickness. C57Bl/6 and iNOS -/- mice were used to further investigate the role of iNOS in mucus regulation. Results: Colitic rats had a thicker firmly adherent mucus layer than untreated control rats 9 days after the start of the experiment (88 ± 2 µm vs 76 ± 1 µm). During the course of the colitis-induction the thickness of the mucus layer first decreased, but from day 4 the mucus thickness was significantly thicker than in untreated rats. Diclofenac (5 mg/kg i.v.) reduced the mucus thickness comparably in colitic and untreated rats (-17 ± 6 µm vs -14 ± 2 µm). While L-NNA had no effect on mucus thickness in either DSS or untreated controls (+3 ± 2 µm vs +3 ± 1 µm), L-NIL reduced the mucus thickness significantly more in colitic rats than in untreated controls (-33 ± 4 µm vs -12 ± 1 µm). The importance of iNOS in maintaining mucus thickness was confirmed in iNOS -/- mice which had a thinner mucus thickness than control mice (35 ± 3 µm vs 50 ± 2 µm). Conclusion: Colitic rats have a thicker firmly adherent colonic mucus layer and this effect is mediated by iNOS. Prostaglandins are involved in the regulation of base line mucus secretion.
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| 32. |
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| 33. |
- Aad, G., et al.
(author)
-
- 2012
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swepub:Mat__t (peer-reviewed)
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