| 1. |
- Virhammar, Johan, et al.
(författare)
-
Acute necrotizing encephalopathy with SARS-CoV-2 RNA confirmed in cerebrospinal fluid
- 2020
-
Ingår i: Neurology. - 0028-3878 .- 1526-632X. ; 95:10, s. 445-449
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Here, we report a case of COVID-19–related acute necrotizing encephalopathy where SARS-CoV-2 RNA was found in CSF 19 days after symptom onset after testing negative twice. Although monocytes and protein levels in CSF were only marginally increased, and our patient never experienced a hyperinflammatory state, her neurologic function deteriorated into coma. MRI of the brain showed pathologic signal symmetrically in central thalami, subinsular regions, medial temporal lobes, and brain stem. Extremely high concentrations of the neuronal injury markers neurofilament light and tau, as well as an astrocytic activation marker, glial fibrillary acidic protein, were measured in CSF. Neuronal rescue proteins and other pathways were elevated in the in-depth proteomics analysis. The patient received IV immunoglobulins and plasma exchange. Her neurologic status improved, and she was extubated 4 weeks after symptom onset. This case report highlights the neurotropism of SARS-CoV-2 in selected patients and emphasizes the importance of repeated lumbar punctures and CSF analyses in patients with suspected COVID-19 and neurologic symptoms.
|
|
| 2. |
- Agmon-Levin, Nancy, et al.
(författare)
-
Antitreponemal Antibodies Leading to Autoantibody Production and Protection from Atherosclerosis in Kitavans from Papua New Guinea
- 2009
-
Ingår i: Contemporary Challenges in Autoimmunity. - : Wiley. - 0077-8923 .- 1749-6632. ; 1173, s. 675-682
-
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- The objective of our study was to determine the prevalence of anti-infectious agent antibodies and autoantibodies in a unique non-Westernized population from Kitava, Papua New Guinea (PNG), compared to Western populations. We matched 120 serum samples from Kitavans with 437 samples from four healthy control groups. Sera were tested for the presence of anti-infectious agent antibodies (treponema, toxoplsmosis, Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, rubella) and autoantiobodies [anti-double-stranded (ds)DNA, anti-chromatin, anti-ribonucleoprotein (RNP), anti-SSB, anti-SSA, anti-Scl-70, anti-Smith, anti-centromer, anti-SmRNP, anti-Jo-1, and anti-ribosomal-P] using the Bio-Rad BioPlex 2200. Antitreponemal antibodies were detected in 87% of PNG sera versus 0-6% of controls (P < 0.0001). Anti-dsDNA antibodies were detected in 31% of PNG samples, which was significantly higher than in three of the control groups (<10%). The outstanding high rate of antitreponemal antibodies detected in Kitavans possibly represents prior yaws disease. A low prevalence of cardiovascular disease was previously documented in Kitavans and has been attributed, in addition to their diet, to the high prevalence of natural cardioprotective autoantibodies (the IgM-antiphosphorylcholine antibodies) in this population. Treponemal infection has been shown to induce the appearance of antiphosphorylcholine antibodies. These protective autoantibodies may cross-react with the pathogenic anti-dsDNA antibodies. Thus, it is suggested that infection with treponema is associated with the presence of protective as well as pathogenic autoantibodies.
|
|
| 3. |
- Bergsten, U, et al.
(författare)
-
Batch measurements of wood density on intact or prepared drill cores using x-ray microdensitometry
- 2001
-
Ingår i: Wood Science and Technology. - 0043-7719 .- 1432-5225. ; 35, s. 435-452
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The performance of a batch scanning x-ray densitometer for measuring wood density without sample preparation, i.e., on intact drill cores, or on rectangular samples prepared from drill cores, was analysed. Effects of x-ray intensity, sample thickness and fiber direction, as well as extractives content, were evaluated for young (mainly sapwood) and old (mainly heartwood) wood from Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.). The x-ray power level used as standard (1.4 kW; 40 kV and 35 mA) seemed appropriate for the tested species and specimen thickness. The density of intact drill cores could be determined with a mean standard deviation of 1.6% for each sample, with a single machine run, if the cores were mounted with a fixed fiber direction and calibrations were made for each wood type. The corresponding precision for rectangular samples was 1.0%. Further improvements are attainable by using standard reference samples in each machine run and batch-wise analysis. For the chosen wood types and measurement technique, a sample thickness of 5 mm should give the best precision. However, for species with very narrow rings, thinner samples would improve the spatial resolution when ring boundaries are angled or curved. Extractives should be removed, especially for pine, but possibly also for spruce, if high precision in density determination is required.
|
|
| 4. |
- Björnberg, Dag, 1993-, et al.
(författare)
-
Image generation of log ends and patches of log ends with controlled properties using generative adversarial networks
- 2024
-
Ingår i: Signal, Image and Video Processing. - 1863-1703 .- 1863-1711.
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The appearance of the log cross-section provides important information when assessing the quality of the log, where properties to consider include pith location and density of annual rings. This makes tasks like estimation of pith location and annual ring detection of great interest. However, creating labeled training data for these tasks can be time-consuming and subject to misjudgments. For this reason, we aim to create generated training data with controlled properties of pith location and amount of annual rings. We propose a two-step generator based on generative adversarial networks in which we can completely avoid manual labeling, not only when generating training data but also during training of the generator itself. This opens up the possibility to train the generator on other types of log end data without the need to manually label new training data. The same method is used to create two generated training datasets; one of entire log ends and one of patches of log ends. To evaluate how the generated data compares to real data, we train two deep learning models to perform estimation of pith location and ring counting, respectively. The models are trained separately on real and generated data and evaluated on real data only. The results show that the performance of both estimation of pith location and ring counting can be improved by replacing real training data with larger sets of generated training data.
|
|
| 5. |
|
|
| 6. |
- Frostegard, Johan, et al.
(författare)
-
Atheroprotective natural anti-phosphorylcholine antibodies of IgM subclass are decreased in Swedish controls as compared to non-westernized individuals from New Guinea
- 2007
-
Ingår i: Nutrition & Metabolism. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1743-7075. ; 4
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: To determine the importance of IgM antibodies against phosphorylcholine ( aPC), a novel protective factor for cardiovascular disease ( CVD), in a population with a non-western life style as compared with a Swedish control group. Methods and results: Risk factors for cardiovascular disease were determined in a group of 108 individuals aged 40-86 years from New Guinea and 108 age-and sex-matched individuals from a population based study in Sweden. Antibodies were tested by ELISA. aPC IgM levels were significantly higher among New Guineans than among Swedish controls ( p < 0.0001). This difference remained significant among both men and women when controlled for LDL and blood pressure which were lower and smoking which was more prevalent in New Guineans as compared to Swedish controls ( p < 0.0001). aPC IgM was significantly and negatively associated with age and systolic blood pressure among Swedish controls and with waist circumference among New Guineans. aPC IgM levels were significantly higher among women than men in both groups. The proportion of the saturated fatty acid ( FA) myristic acid in serum cholesterol esters was negatively but polyunsaturated eicosapentaenoic acid and also lipoprotein ( a) were positively associated with aPC IgM levels. Conclusion: IgM-antibodies against PC, which have atheroprotective properties, are higher in a population from Kitava, New Guinea with a traditional lifestyle, than in Swedish Controls, and higher among women than men in both populations tested. Such antibodies could contribute to the low incidence of cardiovascular disease reported from Kitava and could also provide an explanation as to why women have a later onset of CVD than men.
|
|
| 7. |
- Frostegård, Johan, et al.
(författare)
-
Antibodies against Phosphorylcholine among New Guineans Compared to Swedes: An Aspect of the Hygiene/Missing Old Friends Hypothesis.
- 2017
-
Ingår i: Immunological investigations. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1532-4311 .- 0882-0139. ; 46:1, s. 59-69
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We here study antibodies against phosphorylcholine (anti-PC) which we reported to be inversely associated with atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and autoimmune conditions. In previous studies, we determined that this inverse association is more pronounced at low levels with high risk and at high levels, with decreased risk. We compare individuals from Kitava, New Guinea (with low risk of these conditions), with Swedish controls.We studied a group of 178 individuals from Kitava (age 20-86), and compared those above age 40 (n = 108) with a group of age- and sex-matched individuals from a population based cohort in Sweden (n = 108). Traditional risk factors for CVD and fatty acids were determined. IgM, IgG, and IgA anti-PC were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).All anti-PC measures were significantly lower among Swedish controls as compared to Kitavans (p < 0.001), independent of traditional risk factors. Having low levels of anti-PC, defined as below 25th percentile of values among Swedish controls, was associated with this cohort after adjustment for other risk factors (OR 5.7, 95% CI 2.2-14.7 for IgM; OR 31.7, 95% CI 3.9-252 for IgA; and OR 11.1, 95% CI 2.4-51 for IgG).PC is highly exposed on microorganisms and helminths (common on Kitava) exposing much PC which humans and hominids may have been exposed to for millions of years. We propose that low anti-PC levels in the developed world could be a new aspect of the hygiene hypothesis, generating a pro-inflammatory and pro-atherosclerotic state.
|
|
| 8. |
- Guldbrand, Hans, 1950-
(författare)
-
Trials of Diets for Treatment of Diabetes : A comparison of diets for treatment of type 2 diabetes, aspects on long and short term effects
- 2015
-
Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- BackgroundType 2 diabetes is a common disease and the prevalence has increased in large parts of the world. In treatment of diabetes the type of diet is of great importance considering metabolic factors such as glucose level and blood lipids. Which diet that is most beneficial to avoid diabetic complications has been heavily debated in recent decades. This thesis is based on two clinical studies designed to compare the effects of different macronutrients.MethodsA clinical trial was designed to compare a low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) to a low-fat diet (LFD) in treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes. Sixty-one patients at two health care centres were included and randomized to get advice to eat a LCD or a LFD. The LCD had an energy content where 50 energy percent (E%) where from fat, 20 E% from carbohydrates and 30 E% from protein. For the LFD the nutrient composition was similar to what is traditionally recommended for treatment of type 2 diabetes in Sweden. Metabolic factors, anthropometrics and questionnaires were analysed.To study postprandial effects a trial was designed to compare three different diets. Twentyone patients with type 2 diabetes were included to in randomized order test the three types of diets on separate test days. On each test day the patients were served breakfast and lunch and blood samples were taken at six times these days. Glucose, lipids and hormones were analysed.ResultsThere were equal weight reduction in the two groups in the first trial during the two-year study period. At six month when compliance was good according to diet-records, the glucose level (HbA1c) was lowered and the HDL-cholesterol was increased in the LCD group. The inflammatory markers IL-6 and IL-1Ra were significantly lower in the LCD group than in the LFD group. At 12 months the physical function, bodily pain and general health scores improved within the LCD group only.In the second trial the postprandial glucose and insulin levels were lower on the LCD compared to the LFD. However, the LCD resulted in a tendency to higher postprandial triglyceride levels. The Mediterranean type of diet with all energy intake at lunch resulted in a more pronounced insulin response and a glucose level at lunch similar to that of the low-fat diet. The increase-ratio of insulin correlated to the elevation of the incretin glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP).ConclusionsIn the two-year study we found benefits for the LCD group regarding glucose control and insulin doses. Furthermore, only the LCD was found to improve the subclinical inflammatory state and there were some aspects of improved well-being in this group. Aiming for 20% of energy intake from carbohydrates is safe with respect to cardiovascular risk factors compared with the traditional LFD and this approach could constitute a treatment alternative.In the postprandial state, the LCD induced lower insulin and glucose excursions than the LFD but at the same time a tendency of higher triglycerides. The long-term significance needs to be further examined. The accumulation of caloric intake from breakfast to lunch to a single large Mediterranean-style lunch-meal in type 2 diabetes might be advantageous from a metabolic perspective.
|
|
| 9. |
- Hallingbäck, Henrik, et al.
(författare)
-
Optimal timing of early genetic selection for sawn timber traits in Picea abies
- 2018
-
Ingår i: European Journal of Forest Research. - : Springer. - 1612-4669 .- 1612-4677. ; 137:4, s. 553-564
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In breeding Norway spruce, selection for improved growth and survival is performed at age 10-15 years in order to optimize genetic gain per year. We investigated whether a selection based on wood traits such as density and grain angle, measured under bark in the field at the same age would be informative enough with respect to structural quality traits of sawn boards. To achieve this objective, a sawing study was conducted on the butt logs of 401 trees from a 34-year-old Norway spruce progeny trial situated in southern Sweden. Stem discs were excised from the top of the logs and radial profile data of grain angle, and wood density was recorded for specific annual rings. The sawn and dried boards were assessed for structural traits such as twist, board density, bending stiffness (static modulus of elasticity, sMoE) and bending strength (modulus of rupture, MoR). Additive genetic correlations (r (a)) between single annual ring density measurements and board density, sMoE and MoR were consistently strong (r (a)> 0.7) for annual rings 5-13. Genetic correlations of similar magnitude between grain angle and board twist were estimated for all investigated annual rings (from 2 to around 26 under bark). Consequently, it was found that indirect selection for wood density and grain angle at the tree age 10-16 years would result in more genetic gain per year than selection at later ages. This makes it feasible to perform simultaneous selection of progeny in the field for both growth and wood traits at similar ages.
|
|
| 10. |
- Jones, Grace, et al.
(författare)
-
Genetic Parameters of Stem and Wood Traits in Full-Sib Silver Birch Families
- 2021
-
Ingår i: Forests. - : MDPI. - 1999-4907. ; 12:2, s. 1-17
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This study investigated heritability of stem and wood traits to improve Swedish silver birch (Betula pendula Roth.) through breeding. Birch is 12% of Sweden’s forest area but mainly used for low value pulp or firewood. This paper applied non-destructive test (NDT) methods, and estimated traits’ heritability (h2), to help breed birch for high value solid wood products. Two trials of 22 families were assessed at age 19 for stem diameter (DBH), stem straightness, rough brown bark height (BH), grain angle (GA), Pilodyn penetration depth (Pilo) and acoustic velocity (AV). X-ray densitometry was performed on a subsample of radial cores taken at 1.3 m from the ground to get an average benchmark density. The h2 values were moderate for GA (0.20 and 0.21) and Pilo (0.53 and 0.48) at the two sites, but the h2 values for AV were low (0.05 and 0.30). There were moderate genotypic correlations between BH and DBH (0.51–0.54). There were low genotypic and phenotypic correlations between NDT measurements and other traits so including NDT in birch breeding efforts should not inadvertently reduce size, stem or wood quality. The high genetic correlations between sites suggest that GA, Pilo and AV values were determined more by genotype than by environment.
|
|
| 11. |
- Jones, Grace, et al.
(författare)
-
Non-Destructive Evaluation of Downy and Silver Birch Wood Quality and Stem Features from a Progeny Trial in Southern Sweden
- 2023
-
Ingår i: Forests. - : MDPI. - 1999-4907. ; 14:10
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This study investigated whether improved downy birch could perform as well as improved silver birch, and whether there was sufficient genetic variation and control for non-destructive testing (NDT) values to include them as selection traits in breeding programs. NDT tools were applied to a 15-year-old downy birch family trial intermixed with improved silver birch. Average diameters, fissured bark height, and grain angle were higher for silver than downy birch. The genetic analysis for downy birch provided estimates of narrow-sense heritability (h2) for acoustic velocity and Pilodyn penetration depth that were above 0.3 but had low genetic variation. Grain angle had relatively high genetic variability (18%) and an h2 of 0.20. A subsample of 49 trees had 4 mm cores x-rayed for wood density estimates, and 34 stems had 12 mm cores macerated for cell measurements. t-tests revealed that average wood density and cell measurements were not significantly different between species. For silver and downy birch, fiber length and vessel length increased between inner and outer measurement positions, and fiber length was reasonably correlated with acoustic velocity. Silver birch tended to have denser and stiffer wood, while downy birch had less rough bark and straighter grain, and these results are in agreement with existing knowledge. The h2 values were similar to those observed in other birch species and indicate there is potential to breed for improved wood density and grain angle in downy birch.
|
|
| 12. |
- Jones, Grace, et al.
(författare)
-
Nondestructive wood density testing in downy birch and silver birch genetics field trial, southern Sweden
- 2019
-
Ingår i: 21st International Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation of Wood Symposium. - : U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). ; , s. 79-86
-
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Non-destructive testing of wood density, as is already done for Eucalyptus, can allow for earlyselection of birch trees for breeding programmes and stands for harvesting. In this work, external stemquality traits were visually assessed in a family trial of downy (Betula pendula) and silver (B.pubescens) birch in southern Sweden. A subsample of trees was measured for wood density using thePilodyn resistometer portable NDT tool. An X-ray microdensitometric analysis of the subsample oftrees was completed using the Itrax X-ray machine for increment cores taken from the south face,through the pith to the north bark at 1.3 m stem height. The Pearson’s r value for Itrax density andPilodyn density was high (0.580 for downy birch and 0.795 for silver birch), and this correlationmeans Pilodyn should provide a good estimate of average birch wood density. Neither species hadstable wood density values at age 13 and both species’ density increased over time from pith to bark.Ring width influence on stem density was minor or non-existant, and may vary between birch species
|
|
| 13. |
- Jones, Grace, et al.
(författare)
-
Relating estimates of wood properties of birch to stem form, age and species
- 2024
-
Ingår i: Journal of Forestry Research. - : Springer. - 1007-662X .- 1993-0607. ; 35:1
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Birch has long suffered from a lack of active forest management, leading many researchers to use material without a detailed management history. Data collected from three birch (Betula pendula Roth, B. pubescens Ehrh.) sites in southern Sweden were analyzed using regression analysis to detect any trends or differences in wood properties that could be explained by stand history, tree age and stem form. All sites were genetics trials established in the same way. Estimates of acoustic velocity (AV) from non-destructive testing (NDT) and predicted AV had a higher correlation if data was pooled across sites and other stem form factors were considered. A subsample of stems had radial profiles of X-ray wood density and ring width by year created, and wood density was related to ring number from the pith and ring width. It seemed likely that wood density was negatively related to ring width for both birch species. Linear models had slight improvements if site and species were included, but only the youngest site with trees at age 15 had both birch species. This paper indicated that NDT values need to be considered separately, and any predictive models will likely be improved if they are specific to the site and birch species measured.
|
|
| 14. |
- Jonsson, Maria, 1966-, et al.
(författare)
-
Neonatal encephalopathy and the association to asphyxia in labor
- 2014
-
Ingår i: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. - : Elsevier. - 0002-9378 .- 1097-6868. ; 211:6, s. 667.e1-667.e8
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: In cases with moderate and severe neonatal encephalopathy, we aimed to determine the proportion that was attributable to asphyxia during labor and to investigate the association between cardiotocographic (CTG) patterns and neonatal outcome.STUDY DESIGN: In a study population of 71,189 births from 2 Swedish university hospitals, 80 cases of neonatal encephalopathy were identified. Cases were categorized by admission CTG patterns (normal or abnormal) and by the presence of asphyxia (cord pH, <7.00; base deficit, ≥12 mmol/L). Cases with normal admission CTG patterns and asphyxia at birth were considered to experience asphyxia related to labor. CTG patterns were assessed for the 2 hours preceding delivery.RESULTS: Admission CTG patterns were normal in 51 cases (64%) and abnormal in 29 cases (36%). The rate of cases attributable to asphyxia (ie, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy) was 48 of 80 cases (60%), most of which evolved during labor (43/80 cases; 54%). Both severe neonatal encephalopathy and neonatal death were more frequent with an abnormal, rather than with a normal, admission CTG pattern (13 [45%] vs 11 [22%]; P = .03), and 6 [21%] vs 3 [6%]; P = .04), respectively. Comparison of cases with an abnormal and a normal admission CTG pattern also revealed more frequently observed decreased variability (12 [60%] and 8 [22%], respectively) and more late decelerations (8 [40%] and 1 [3%], respectively).CONCLUSION: Moderate and severe encephalopathy is attributable to asphyxia in 60% of cases, most of which evolve during labor. An abnormal admission CTG pattern indicates a poorer neonatal outcome and more often is associated with pathologic CTG patterns preceding delivery.
|
|
| 15. |
|
|
| 16. |
- Jonsson, Maria, et al.
(författare)
-
Suboptimal care and metabolic acidemia is associated with neonatal encephalopathy but not with neonatal seizures alone : a population-based clinical audit
- 2014
-
Ingår i: Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica. - : Wiley-Blackwell. - 0001-6349 .- 1600-0412. ; 93:5, s. 477-482
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: To determine the incidence of moderate to severe neonatal encephalopathy (NE) and neonatal seizures without encephalopathy, and the association with metabolic acidemia. Secondly, to investigate the occurrence of suboptimal intrapartum care and its impact on neonatal outcome.Design: Clinical audit.Setting: Two university hospitals in Sweden.Population: Neonates 34weeks with moderate or severe NE and neonatal seizures alone, i.e. without encephalopathy, from a population of 71189 births, where umbilical blood gases were routinely analyzed.Methods: Neonates were categorized depending on the presence of metabolic acidemia at birth by umbilical artery pH<7.00, base deficit 12mmol/L. Records were audited for suboptimal care and a decision was made on whether management was assessed to have impacted neonatal outcome.Main outcome measures: Encephalopathy and seizures alone.Results: We identified 80 neonates with NE and 30 with seizures alone, of which 48 (60%) and none, respectively, had metabolic acidemia. Suboptimal care could be assessed in 77 and occurred in 28 (36%) NE cases and in one neonate with seizures alone (p<0.001). In 47 NE cases with metabolic acidemia, suboptimal care occurred in 22 (47%) vs. 6/30 (20%) without metabolic acidemia (p=0.02). Suboptimal care had an impact on outcome in 18/77 (23%) NE cases but in no cases with seizures alone.Conclusion: Suboptimal care was commonly seen with NE, particularly in neonates with metabolic acidemia, and also affected neonatal outcome. No such associations were found in neonates with seizures alone.
|
|
| 17. |
- Jönsson, Tommy, et al.
(författare)
-
A Paleolithic diet confers higher insulin sensitivity, lower C-reactive protein and lower blood pressure than a cereal-based diet in domestic pigs.
- 2006
-
Ingår i: Nutrition & Metabolism. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1743-7075. ; 3:Article nr. 39
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A Paleolithic diet has been suggested to be more in concordance with human evolutionary legacy than a cereal based diet. This might explain the lower incidence among hunter-gatherers of diseases of affluence such as type 2 diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to experimentally study the long-term effect of a Paleolithic diet on risk factors for these diseases in domestic pigs. We examined glucose tolerance, post-challenge insulin response, plasma C-reactive protein and blood pressure after 15 months on Paleolithic diet in comparison with a cereal based swine feed.
|
|
| 18. |
- Lestander, Torbjörn A., et al.
(författare)
-
Prediction of Pinus sylvestris clear-wood properties using NIR spectroscopy and biorthogonal partial least squares regression
- 2008
-
Ingår i: Canadian Journal of Forest Research. - 0045-5067 .- 1208-6037. ; 38, s. 2052-2062
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Thirteen wood parameters were predicted using near infrared (NIR) spectra in the range 780-2380 nm modelled by biorthogonal partial least squares regression. The analysis of parameters and NIR measurements was done on clear-wood samples from the base and midstem of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) from trees at two sites. Calibrations based oil the measured parameters at seven growth rings (cambial age ranging between 6 and 42 years) could be divided into three groups: (i) the best accuracy was found for longitudinal modulus of elasticity (r > 0.9) followed by bending, compression, and cell length (0.8 < r < 0.9); (ii) microfibril angle, longitudinal hardness, proportion of latewood, and creep with correlations in the range of 0.7-0.8; and (iii) tangential hardness, cell diameter, and cell wall thickness with 0.4 < r < 0.7. It was also shown that juvenile (cambial age : 20 years) and mature wood can be classified using NIR techniques.
|
|
| 19. |
|
|
| 20. |
- Lindeberg, Johan
(författare)
-
X-ray based tree ring analyses
- 2004
-
Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- In this thesis, two x-ray based dendro-analyses (batch-wise microdensitometry and energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence (EDXRF)) and the conditions under which these methods could be used on the two typical boreal conifers Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) were evaluated. For density measurements using batch scanning x-ray densitometry, sample preparation and density calibration are vital to acquire high resolution and precision in densitometric measurements. Thickness and alignment should be adapted to give optimal resolution without loss of precision. Samples should be extracted to remove resins before wood density measurements. Ca, Mn, Fe, and Sr and in most cases K and Zn could thus be measured in an efficient way using EDXRF. Significant differences in concentrations between tree rings were found for all of these elements except Sr, indicating that tree ring concentrations of these elements could be correlated to changes in the tree environment. For Mn a correlation between soil pH and Mn concentration in tree rings was found. Other correlations between tree ring element concentration and tree environmental factors were also found. For most elements in tree-rings of Scots pine and Norway spruce it seems that the concentration is due to environmental conditions during the year the tree-ring was developed and several years afterwards. It is concluded that microdensitometry and EDXRF analyses on increment cores are cost-efficient and nondestructive analyses of wood properties. Batch-wise, x-ray based dendrochemical analysis provides opportunities for more property-based use of wood raw material and for environmental monitoring.
|
|
| 21. |
- Quist, E, et al.
(författare)
-
Responses of a nitrogen-saturated forest to a sharp decrease in nitrogen input
- 1999
-
Ingår i: Journal of Environmental Quality. - 0047-2425 .- 1537-2537. ; 28, s. 1970-1977
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The reversibility of induced N saturation was investigated in a 46- yr-old pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) forest in northern Sweden Ammonium nitrate has been applied annually since 1971 to plots (30 by 30 m) at average dosages of 36 (N1), 72 (N2), and 108 (N3) kg N ha(-1) yr(-1): with or without P and K addition (background N deposition is <4 kg ha(-1) yr(-1)). In 1990, after two decades of treatment, the largest N application (N3) was suspended, while N1 and N2 still received ammonium nitrate applications. Seven gears after the last application in N3, the N availability measured as N concentration in plants spine roots and needles and in leaves of the grass Deschampsia flexuosa (L.) Trin.] and activity of the enzyme nitrate reductase in leaves of D. flexuosa, and N-15 uptake by excised pine roots, was at the same levels as in N1, although more than twice the amount of N has been applied in total to N3. The arginine concentrations in pine needles, concentrations of exchangeable mineral N in the organic layer and the uppermost 20 cm of the mineral soil were at the same levels as in the control plots. Thus, an experimentally induced N excess was, according to these measurements, to a high degree reversed 7 yr after the last N application. However, the composition of the understory vegetation still differed markedly from the untreated control 8 yr after the last N3 application.
|
|
| 22. |
- Shapira, Yinon, et al.
(författare)
-
Geographical Differences in Autoantibodies and Anti-infectious Agents Antibodies Among Healthy Adults
- 2012
-
Ingår i: Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1080-0549 .- 1559-0267. ; 42:2, s. 154-163
-
Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Much is known about the geoepidemiology of defined autoimmune diseases (AD); however, there is currently limited data regarding the prevalence of autoantibodies among healthy populations of different geographical areas. The aim of this study was to evaluate a large profile of autoantibodies in healthy adults from distinct global regions as well as the prevalence of anti-infectious agents antibodies in those regions. Sera samples from 557 healthy donors were obtained at six centers located in different countries (i.e., Italy, Netherlands, Israel, Mexico, Columbia, Papua New Guinea (Kitavans)). Sera were tested for the presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and autoantibodies associated with thrombophilia, vasculitis, and gastrointestinal (GI) disease. Sera samples were also screened for antibodies against infectious agents (i.e., EBV, CMV, HBV, Helicobacter pylori, Treponema pallidum, and Toxoplasma gondii). Tests were performed using the BioPlex 2200 or ELISA kits (Bio-Rad Laboratories, USA). We found a significant gradient of ANA positivity among the groups: 45% of Columbians, 38% of Kitavans, 26% of Mexicans, 12% of Italians, 12% of Dutch, and 11% of Israelis were ANA positive. Geographical differences were also observed regarding the prevalence of specific autoantibodies, namely ANA: anti-dsDNA, chromatin, SmRNP, Ro/SSA, La/SSB, Scl70; GI associated: antigliadin; and thrombophilia-associated: anti-beta 2GP1 and prothrombin. Additionally, significant differences were observed regarding serological markers of all infectious agents screened. The observed variance between healthy ethno-geographical distinct populations in prevalence of autoantibodies may represent different genetic or environmental (e.g., prior exposure to infection) influences. Thus may illuminate possible causes of geoepidemiological differences in AD.
|
|
| 23. |
|
|
| 24. |
- Svenningsson, Anders, et al.
(författare)
-
Safety and efficacy of rituximab versus dimethyl fumarate in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis or clinically isolated syndrome in Sweden: a rater-blinded, phase 3, randomised controlled trial
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Lancet Neurology. - : ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC. - 1474-4422 .- 1474-4465. ; 21:8, s. 693-703
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background B-cell depleting therapies are highly efficacious in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis but one such therapy, rituximab, is not approved for multiple sclerosis and no phase 3 trial data are available. We therefore examined the safety and efficacy of rituximab compared with dimethyl fumarate in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis to obtain data that might allow inclusion of rituximab in treatment guidelines. Methods RIFUND-MS was a multicentre, rater-blinded, active-comparator, phase 3, randomised controlled trial done at 17 Swedish university and community hospitals. Key inclusion criteria for participants were: age 18-50 years; relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis or clinically isolated syndrome according to prevailing McDonald criteria; 10 years or less since diagnosis; untreated or only exposed to interferons or glatiramer acetate; and with clinical or neuroradiological disease activity in the past year. Patients were automatically randomly assigned (1:1) by the treating physician using a randomisation module in the Swedish multiple sclerosis registry, without stratification, to oral dimethyl fumarate 240 mg twice daily or to intravenous rituximab 1000 mg followed by 500 mg every 6 months. Relapse evaluation, Expanded Disability Status Scale rating, and assessment of MRI scans were done by examining physicians and radiologists masked to treatment allocation. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with at least one relapse (defined as subacute onset of new or worsening neurological symptoms compatible with multiple sclerosis with a duration of more than 24 h and preceded by at least 30 days of clinical stability), assessed in an intention-to-treat analysis using log-binomial regression with robust standard errors. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02746744. Findings Between July 1, 2016, and Dec 18, 2018, 322 patients were screened for eligibility, 200 of whom were randomly assigned to a treatment group (100 assigned to rituximab and 100 assigned to dimethyl fumarate). The last patient completed 24-month follow-up on April 21, 2021. 98 patients in the rituximab group and 97 patients in the dimethyl fumarate group were eligible for the primary outcome analysis. Three (3%) patients in the rituximab group and 16 (16%) patients in the dimethyl fumarate group had a protocol-defined relapse during the trial, corresponding to a risk ratio of 0.19 (95% CI 0.06-0.62; p=0.0060). Infusion reactions (105 events [40.9 per 100 patient-years]) in the rituximab group and gastrointestinal reactions (65 events [47.4 per 100 patient-years]) and flush (65 events [47.4 per 100 patient-years]) in the dimethyl fumarate group were the most prevalent adverse events. There were no safety concerns. Interpretation RIFUND-MS provides evidence that rituximab given as 1000 mg followed by 500 mg every 6 months is superior to dimethyl fumarate in preventing relapses over 24 months in patients with early relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Health economic and long-term safety studies of rituximab in patients with multiple sclerosis are needed.
|
|
