| 1. |
- Abdellah, Tebani, et al.
(författare)
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Integration of molecular profiles in a longitudinal wellness profiling cohort.
- 2020
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Ingår i: Nature communications. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2041-1723. ; 11:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- An important aspect of precision medicine is to probe the stability in molecular profiles among healthy individuals over time. Here, we sample a longitudinal wellness cohort with 100 healthy individuals and analyze blood molecular profiles including proteomics, transcriptomics, lipidomics, metabolomics, autoantibodies andimmune cell profiling, complementedwith gut microbiota composition and routine clinical chemistry. Overall, our results show high variation between individuals across different molecular readouts, while the intra-individual baseline variation is low. The analyses show that each individual has a unique and stable plasma protein profile throughout the study period and that many individuals also show distinct profiles with regards to the other omics datasets, with strong underlying connections between the blood proteome and the clinical chemistry parameters. In conclusion, the results support an individual-based definition of health and show that comprehensive omics profiling in a longitudinal manner is a path forward for precision medicine.
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| 2. |
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| 3. |
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| 4. |
- Egesten, Arne, et al.
(författare)
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The proinflammatory CXC-chemokines GRO-α/CXCL1 and MIG/CXCL9 are concomitantly expressed in ulcerative colitis and decrease during treatment with topical corticosteroids
- 2007
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Ingår i: International Journal of Colorectal Disease. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0179-1958 .- 1432-1262. ; 22:12, s. 1421-1427
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background Ulcerative colitis is characterized by relapsing mucosal inflammation where the lesions include tissue-damaging granulocytes. In addition, T cells and natural killer (NK) cells play important pathophysiologic roles. Chemokines are a large family of peptides that play key roles in the regulation of inflammation. The CXC-chemokines, growth-related oncogene (GRO)-α/CXCL1 and interleukin (IL)-8/CXCL8, both recruit neutrophils and possess mitogenic properties, whereas the interferon-dependent CXC-chemokines monokine induced by gamma-interferon (MIG)/CXCL9, interferon-γ inducible protein of 10 kD/CXCL10, and IFN-inducible T cell alpha chemoattractant/CXCL11 recruit and activate T cells and NK cells. Materials and methods The expression of CXC-chemokines was studied in eight controls and in 11 patients suffering from ulcerative colitis in the distal part of the colon, before and during topical treatment with corticosteroids. Perfusates (obtained before, after 7 days, and after 28 days of treatment) and pinch biopsies (obtained before and after 28 days of treatment) were collected by colonoscopy. The rectal release of GRO-α and MIG was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and tissue expression of the chemokines was detected in colonic tissue by immunohistochemistry. Results In perfusates, high levels of GRO-α, IL-8, and MIG were detected compared with controls (p = 0.02, 0.005, and p = 0.03, respectively). During treatment with corticosteroids, both GRO-α and MIG decreased. In clinical nonresponders, characterized by sustained inflammation, the levels of GRO-α and MIG remained elevated. Both epithelial cells and granulocytes, present in the submucosa, expressed GRO-α and MIG as detected by immunohistochemistry. Conclusions CXC-chemokines are likely to be important in the pathophysiology of ulcerative colitis and may become targets for novel treatment strategies. In addition, GRO-α may serve as a marker of disease activity.
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| 5. |
- Gustavsson, Anders, 1950-, et al.
(författare)
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Utrymme för att tänka nytt : En uppföljning av 89 projekt om autism och adhd
- 2010
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Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Den här rapporten är en uppföljning av sammanlagt 89 projekt, som under perioden 1993 till 2006, fått anslag genom Allmänna Arvsfonden. Till denna målgrupp brukar räknas autism och autismliknande tillstånd (Asperger och Tourettes syndrom) samt adhd (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity disorder) och damp (Decificits in Attention, Motor control and Perception). Totalt har cirka 150 miljoner kronor beviljats till de projekt som omfattas av uppföljningen. Syftet med uppföljningen har varit att undersöka vilka spår som lämnats av de projekt om autism och autismliknande tillstånd, samt adhd och damp, som Arvsfonden beviljat medel för under perioden, samt att ge en orientering om de tidigare viktigaste projekten, som Arvsfonden finansierat, inom området. Ett syfte har också varit att fördjupa förståelsen av hur Arvsfondens satsningar omsätts i verksamhetsutveckling och vilken betydelse detta har haft på utvecklingen inom området. Uppföljningen har gjorts med hjälp av flera undersökningsmetoder, av såväl kvalitativt som kvantitativt slag, i syfte att belysa projekten från olika perspektiv och att ge kunskap som kan ligga till grund för en diskussion om projektens betydelse för målgrupperna. Studien har genomförts i två steg –, dels som en kartläggning och översikt, och dels som en fördjupad fallstudie av två föreningar/organisationer samt av och fem enskilda projekt. Arbetet inleddes med en genomgång av det skriftliga material kring projekten, som fanns tillgängligt på Arvsfonden, främst ansökningshandlingar, redovisningar och slutrapporter. Materialet kategoriserades med utgångspunkt från att få en bred bild av projektens syfte och inriktning, men också för att hitta aspekter och intressanta projekt för de fördjupade fallbeskrivningarna. Den innehållsliga kategoriseringen resulterade i följande kategorier: metodutvecklingsprojekt, informations- och kunskapsspridningsprojekt, kunskapsutvecklingsprojekt, projekt inriktade på aktivitet och socialt gemenskapsinriktade projekt samt kultur- och demokratiprojekt. Mot bakgrund av den inledande kategoriseringen sammanställdes en enkät med frågor till ansvariga för samtliga 89 projekt. Efter flera påminnelser fick vi svar från 55 av 89 projektansvariga, några mer än ett halvår efter utsatt datum. Med utgångspunkt i enkäter och dokument kunde vi ge en översiktlig bild ges av projektens verksamhet och betydelse, vilka spår de lämnat och under vilka betingelser de verkat, även i de fall vi inte fick svar. Resultatet av översiktsstudien låg också till grund för urvalet av de projekt och organisationer som valdes ut för den fördjupade fallstudien. I ett andra steg studerades enskilda projekt och organisationer med hjälp av besök, intervjuer, observationer samt fördjupade studier av den skriftliga dokumentation som fanns samlad om projekten. Analyserna av de enskilda fallen har resulterat i en beskrivning och analys av projekten på olika nivåer. För det första har vi beskrivit, dels som en beskrivning av projektens verksamhet och mål, vilka spår projekten lämnat, vilka faktorer som underlättat respektive försvårat projektets genomförande. För det andra har vi analyserat projekten i relation till teoretiska perspektiv. Den sammanställning som gjorts visar att av de granskade 89 projekten har vi underlag för att kategorisera spår i 80 projekt, varav sex bedöms leva vidare med annan finansiering, där projektets erfarenheter fått en spridning, nationellt och/eller internationellt och i vissa fall utvecklats i nya former och inspirerat till andra verksamheter. Men i de flesta projekt lever dock erfarenheterna vidare, en del med annan finansiering och andra på annat sätt, även om de inte fått så stor spridning. Några projekt har runnit ut i sanden, där finns inga spår och man har av olika skäl, inte lyckats genomföra sin plan. Ett projekts framgång kan också ta sig väldigt olika uttryck; ibland blir framgången inte synlig i ett enskilt projekt utan först när man ser på hur det samverkar med andra. Ett intressant fynd i studien är att Allmänna arvsfondens innovationsmål tycks fungera i välfärdssamhällen av vår typ, där det ofta redan existerar en sorts stöd eller service till den målgrupp som projektet riktar sig till. En konsekvens blir att det innovativa ofta får karaktären av opposition mot något existerande, t.ex. en behandlingsform, en form av verksamheter som vänder sig till personer med en viss funktionsnedsättning eller en viss form av organisering av sådana verksamheter. Projekten blir ofta ett sorts motprojekt, i relation till etablerade perspektiv och synsätt De ideella föreningarna har med hjälp av projekten spritt en ny syn på såväl autism och autismliknande tillstånd som adhd. Här kan man se den ideella sektorn och det civila samhället som en frizon för nytänkande, som växer fram bland människor med egen erfarenhet Utrymme för att tänka nytt 6 av vad det innebär att leva med funktionsnedsättningen. I hög grad har projekten gett röst åt människor med egen erfarenhet av diagnoserna. Genom att projekten har fört människor med likartade erfarenheter samman har de också fått ett slags ökad, kollektiv makt över sina livssituationer. Allmänna arvsfondens projektstöd tycks vara ett viktigt bränsle för denna typ av nytänkande.
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| 6. |
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| 7. |
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| 8. |
- Lood, Christian, et al.
(författare)
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C1q inhibits immune complex-induced interferon-alpha production in plasmacytoid dendritic cells : a novel link between C1q deficiency and systemic lupus erythematosus pathogenesis
- 2009
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Ingår i: Arthritis and Rheumatism. - : Wiley. - 0004-3591 .- 1529-0131. ; 60:10, s. 3081-3090
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: C1q deficiency is the strongest risk factor known for the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), since almost all humans with a genetic deficiency of C1q develop this disease. Low C1q serum concentration is also a typical finding in SLE during flares, emphasizing the involvement of C1q in SLE pathogenesis. Recent studies have revealed that C1q has a regulatory effect on Toll-like receptor-induced cytokine production. Therefore, we undertook this study to investigate whether C1q could regulate production of interferon-alpha (IFNalpha). METHODS: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDCs) were stimulated with 3 known interferogenic stimuli and cultured with physiologic concentrations of C1q. IFNalpha production was determined by an immunoassay. RESULTS: C1q significantly inhibited PBMC IFNalpha production induced by RNA-containing immune complexes (ICs), herpes simplex virus (HSV), and CpG DNA. C1q also inhibited PDC IFNalpha production induced by ICs and CpG DNA but increased PDC IFNalpha production induced by HSV. The regulatory role of C1q was not specific for IFNalpha but was also seen for interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor alpha. We demonstrated binding of C1q to PDCs both by surface plasmon resonance interaction analysis and by flow cytometry, and we also demonstrated intracellular detection of 2 C1q binding proteins. CONCLUSION: Our findings contribute to the understanding of why C1q deficiency is such a strong risk factor for SLE and suggest an explanation for the up-regulation of the type I IFN system seen in SLE patients.
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| 9. |
- Lood, Christian, et al.
(författare)
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IgG glycan hydrolysis by endoglycosidase S diminishes the proinflammatory properties of immune complexes from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: A possible new treatment?
- 2012
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Ingår i: Arthritis and Rheumatism. - : Wiley. - 1529-0131 .- 0004-3591. ; 64:8, s. 2698-2706
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with chronic or episodic inflammation in several organ systems, related to the presence of circulating and tissue-deposited immune complexes (ICs) that stimulate leukocytes through Fc? receptors (Fc?R) with subsequent inflammation. Treatment with endoglycosidase S (EndoS), an IgG glycanhydrolyzing bacterial enzyme from Streptococcus pyogenes, has shown beneficial effects in several experimental animal models of chronic inflammatory disease. This study was undertaken to investigate whether EndoS affects the proinflammatory properties of ICs and has the potential to be developed as a therapy for SLE. Methods ICs purified from SLE patients or RNA-containing ICs formed in vitro were treated with EndoS and used in several assays reflecting different important features of SLE pathogenesis, such as phagocytosis by polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDCs), complement activation, and interferon-a (IFNa) production by PDCs. Results EndoS treatment abolished all proinflammatory properties of the ICs investigated. This included Fc?R-mediated phagocytosis by PDCs (P = 0.001) and subsequent production of IFNa (P = 0.002), IC-induced classical pathway of complement activation (P = 0.008), chemotaxis, and oxidative burst activity of PMNs (P = 0.002). EndoS treatment also had a direct effect on the molecular structure of ICs, causing decreased IC size and glycosylation. Conclusion Our findings indicate that EndoS treatment has prominent effects on several pathogenetically important IC-mediated events, and suggest that EndoS has the potential to be developed as a novel therapy for SLE.
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| 10. |
- Lood, Christian, et al.
(författare)
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IgG glycan hydrolysis by EndoS diminishes the pro-inflammatory properties of immune complexes from patients with SLE : a possible new treatment?
- 2012
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Ingår i: Arthritis and Rheumatism. - : Wiley. - 0004-3591 .- 1529-0131. ; 64:8, s. 2698-2706
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVESystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with chronic or episodic inflammation in several organ systems, related to the presence of circulating and tissue-deposited immune complexes (ICs) which stimulate leukocytes through FcγRs with subsequent inflammation. Treatment with EndoS, an IgG glycan hydrolyzing bacterial enzyme from Streptococcus pyogenes, has shown beneficial effects in several experimental animal models of chronic inflammatory disease. In the present study we asked if EndoS could affect pro-inflammatory properties of ICs and have the potential to be developed as a therapy in SLE.METHODSICs, purified from SLE patients or RNA-containing ICs formed in vitro, were treated with EndoS and used in several assays reflecting different important parts of SLE pathogenesis such as phagocytosis by polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), complement activation and IFNα production by pDCs.RESULTSOur results demonstrate that EndoS treatment could abolish all pro-inflammatory properties of ICs investigated. This includes FcγR-mediated phagocytosis by pDCs (p<0.0001) and subsequent production of IFNα (p<0.0001), IC-induced classical complement pathway activation (p<0.0001), chemotaxis and oxidative burst activity of PMNs (p=0.002). We could also demonstrate direct effects on the molecular structure of ICs after EndoS treatment with decreased size and glycosylation patterns.CONCLUSIONSProminent effects of EndoS treatment were seen in several pathogenetically important IC-mediated events and our data suggest that EndoS have the potential to be developed as a novel therapy in SLE.
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| 11. |
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| 12. |
- Ludvigsson, Jonas F, et al.
(författare)
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Missgynna inte forskande ST-läkare!
- 2003
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Ingår i: Läkartidningen. - Stockholm : Sveriges läkarförbund. - 0023-7205 .- 1652-7518. ; 100:40, s. 3162-3165
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)
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| 13. |
- Lundell, Anna, et al.
(författare)
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Structural basis for interactions between tenascins and lectican C-type lectin domains: evidence for a crosslinking role for tenascins.
- 2004
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Ingår i: Structure. - : Elsevier BV. - 0969-2126. ; 12:8, s. 1495-1506
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The C-terminal G3 domains of lecticans mediate crosslinking to diverse extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins during ECM assembly, through their C-type lectin (CLD) subdomains. The structure of the rat aggrecan CLD in a Ca(2+)-dependent complex with fibronectin type III repeats 3-5 of rat tenascin-R provides detailed support for such crosslinking. The CLD loops bind Ca2+ like other CLDs, but no carbohydrate binding is observed or possible. This is thus the first example of a direct Ca(2+)-dependent protein-protein interaction of a CLD. Surprisingly, tenascin-R does not coordinate the Ca2+ ions directly. Electron microscopy confirms that full-length tenascin-R and tenascin-C crosslink hyaluronan-aggrecan complexes. The results are significant for the binding of all lectican CLDs to tenascin-R and tenascin-C. Comparison of the protein interaction surface with that of P-selectin in complex with the PGSL-1 peptide suggests that direct protein-protein interactions of Ca(2+)-binding CLDs may be more widespread than previously appreciated.
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| 14. |
- Malinovschi, Andrei, 1978-, et al.
(författare)
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Consequences of Using Post- or Prebronchodilator Reference Values in Interpreting Spirometry
- 2023
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Ingår i: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. - : American Thoracic Society. - 1073-449X .- 1535-4970. ; 208:4, s. 461-471
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- RATIONALE: Post-bronchodilator (BD) spirometry is used for diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, pre-BD reference values are used for spirometry interpretation.OBJECTIVES: To compare the resulting prevalence rates of abnormal spirometry and study the consequences of using pre- or post-BD reference values generated within the Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study (SCAPIS) when interpreting post-BD spirometry in a general population.METHODS: SCAPIS reference values for post-BD and pre-BD spirometry were based on 10,156 and 1,498 never-smoking, healthy participants, respectively. We studied the associations of abnormal spirometry, defined by using pre- or post-BD reference values, with respiratory burden in the SCAPIS general population (28,851 individuals).MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Bronchodilation resulted in higher predicted median and lower limit of normal (LLN) for FEV1/FVC ratio. The prevalence of post-BD FEV1/FVC < pre-bronchodilator LLN was 4.8% and that of post-BD FEV1/FVC < post-bronchodilator LLN was 9.9% for the general population. An additional 5.1% was identified as having an abnormal post-BD FEV1/FVC ratio and this group had more respiratory symptoms, emphysema (13.5% vs. 4.1%, p<0.001) and self-reported physician-diagnosed COPD (2.8% vs. 0.5%, p<0.001) than subjects with post-BD FEV1/FVC ratio > LLN for both pre- and post-bronchodilation).CONCLUSIONS: Pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry reference values differ with regard to FEV1/FVC ratio. Use of post-bronchodilator reference values doubled the population prevalence of airflow obstruction; this was related to a higher respiratory burden. Using post-bronchodilator reference values when interpreting post-bronchodilator spirometry might enable identification of individuals with mild disease and be clinically relevant.
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| 15. |
- Nordin, Sara, et al.
(författare)
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High Expression of Midkine in the Airways of Patients with Cystic Fibrosis.
- 2013
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Ingår i: American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology. - 1535-4989. ; 49:6, s. 935-942
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Mutations in the CFTR gene result in impaired host defense during cystic fibrosis (CF), where Pseudomonas aeruginosa becomes a key pathogen. We investigated the expression pattern of the antibacterial growth factor midkine in CF and possible interference with its activity by the altered airway microenvironment. High midkine expression was found in CF lung tissue compared with controls, involving epithelium of the large and small airways, alveoli, and cells of the submucosa (i.e. neutrophils and mast cells). In CF sputum, midkine was present at 100-fold higher levels but was also subject to increased degradation, compared with midkine in sputum from healthy controls. Midkine had a bactericidal effect on P. aeruginosa but increasing salt concentrations and low pH impaired the activity. Molecular modeling suggested that the effects of salt and pH were due to electrostatic screening and a charge-neutralization of the membrane, respectively. Both neutrophil elastase and elastase of P. aeruginosa cleaved midkine to smaller fragments, resulting in impaired bactericidal activity. Thus, midkine is highly expressed in CF but its bactericidal properties may be impaired by the altered microenvironment as reflected by the in vitro conditions used in this study.
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| 16. |
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| 17. |
- Olin, Anders, et al.
(författare)
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The proteoglycans aggrecan and Versican form networks with fibulin-2 through their lectin domain binding
- 2001
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Ingår i: Journal of Biological Chemistry. - 1083-351X. ; 276:2, s. 1253-1261
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aggrecan, versican, neurocan, and brevican are important components of the extracellular matrix in various tissues. Their amino-terminal globular domains bind to hyaluronan, but the function of their carboxyl-terminal globular domains has long remained elusive. A picture is now emerging where the C-type lectin motif of this domain mediates binding to other extracellular matrix proteins. We here demonstrate that aggrecan, versican, and brevican lectin domains bind fibulin-2, whereas neurocan does not. As expected for a C-type lectin, the interactions are calcium-dependent, with K(D) values in the nanomolar range as measured by surface plasmon resonance. Solid phase competition assays with previously identified ligands demonstrated that fibulin-2 and tenascin-R bind the same site on the proteoglycan lectin domains. Fibulin-1 has affinity for the common site on versican but may bind to a different site on the aggrecan lectin domain. By using deletion mutants, the interaction sites for aggrecan and versican lectin domains were mapped to epidermal growth factor-like repeats in domain II of fibulin-2. Affinity chromatography and solid phase assays confirmed that also native full-length aggrecan and versican bind the lectin domain ligands. Electron microscopy confirmed the mapping and demonstrated that hyaluronan-aggrecan complexes can be cross-linked by the fibulins.
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| 18. |
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| 19. |
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| 20. |
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| 21. |
- Sjöwall, Christoffer, et al.
(författare)
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C-reactive protein, immunoglobulin G and complement co-localize in renal immune deposits of proliferative lupus nephritis
- 2013
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Ingår i: Autoimmunity. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0891-6934 .- 1607-842X. ; 46:3, s. 205-214
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The pattern recognition molecules C-reactive protein (CRP) and C1q are of big interest in relation to the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Circulating autoantibodies against CRP and C1q are frequently found in SLE patients with active disease, particularly in lupus nephritis (LN), and rising levels reportedly relate to disease activity and outcome. If CRP-, or dsDNA- and/or C1q-containing immune complexes (ICs) are pathogenic in LN, glomerular IgG-deposits would be expected to co-localize with these antigens. In search for proof of this concept, renal biospsies from patients with active LN (n = 5) were examined with high-resolution immunogold electron microscopy. Renal biopsies from patients with Henoch-Schonlein purpura, pauci-immune nephritis and renal cancer served as controls. IgG antibodies against CRP, C1q and nucleosomes were analyzed in pre-post flare sera. We could demonstrate that CRP, C1q, C3c and dsDNA were co-localized with IgG in electron dense deposits in the glomerular basement membrane/subendothelial space in all of the 5 LN patients. Deposits of IgG, CRP, complement and dsDNA were 10-fold higher in LN compared to controls. All SLE patients had circulating anti-nucleosome antibodies; 4/5 had serum antibodies against CRP, dsDNA, and C1q at biopsy/flare. Despite a limited number of cases, the results support the notion of a pathogenic role not only for anti-dsDNA antibodies, but also for anti-CRP and anti-C1q in LN. The glomerular ICs may have been generated by deposition of circulating ICs or by in situ IC formation.
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| 23. |
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| 24. |
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| 25. |
- Al-Shamkhi, Nasrin, et al.
(författare)
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Important non-disease-related determinants of exhaled nitric oxide levels in mild asthma – results from the Swedish GA2LEN study
- 2016
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Ingår i: Clinical and Experimental Allergy. - : Wiley. - 0954-7894 .- 1365-2222. ; 46:9, s. 1185-1193
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) has a potential clinical role in asthma management. Constitutive factors such as age, height and gender, as well as individual characteristics, such as IgE sensitization and smoking, affect the levels of FeNO in population-based studies. However, their effect on FeNO in subjects with asthma has been scarcely studied. Objective: To study the effects on FeNO of these commonly regarded determinants, as demonstrated in healthy subjects, as well as menarche age and parental smoking, in a population of asthmatics. Material and Methods: Fractional exhaled nitric oxide was measured in 557 subjects with asthma from the Swedish GA2LEN study. Allergic sensitization was assessed by skin prick tests to most common aeroallergens. Upper airway comorbidities, smoking habits, smoking exposure during childhood and hormonal status (for women) were questionnaire-assessed. Results: Male gender (P < 0.001), greater height (P < 0.001) and sensitization to both perennial allergens and pollen (P < 0.001) are related to higher FeNO levels. Current smoking (P < 0.001) and having both parents smoking during childhood, vs. having neither (P < 0.001) or only one parent smoking (P = 0.002), are related to lower FeNO. Women with menarche between 9 and 11 years of age had lower FeNO than those with menarche between 12 and 14 years of age (P = 0.03) or 15 and 17 years of age (P = 0.003). Conclusions and Clinical relevance: Interpreting FeNO levels in clinical practice is complex, and constitutional determinants, as well as smoking and IgE sensitisation, are of importance in asthmatic subjects and should be accounted for when interpreting FeNO levels. Furthermore, menarche age and parental smoking during childhood and their effects on lowering FeNO deserve further studies. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd
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| 26. |
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| 27. |
- Allhorn, Maria, et al.
(författare)
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Human IgG/FcgammaR Interactions Are Modulated by Streptococcal IgG Glycan Hydrolysis.
- 2008
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Ingår i: PLoS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 3:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: The human pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes produces an endoglycosidase, EndoS that hydrolyzes the chitobiose core of the asparagine-linked glycan on the heavy chain of human IgG. IgG-binding to Fc gamma receptors (FcgammaR) on leukocytes triggers effector functions including phagocytosis, oxidative burst and the release of inflammatory mediators. The interactions between FcgammaR and the Fc domain of IgG depend on the IgG glycosylation state. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Here we show for the first time that EndoS hydrolyzes the heavy chain glycan of all four human IgG subclasses (IgG1-4), in purified form and in a plasma environment. An inactive form of EndoS, obtained by site-directed mutagenesis, binds IgG with high affinity, in contrast to wild type EndoS that only transiently interacts with IgG, as shown by Slot-blotting and surface plasmon resonance technology. Furthermore, EndoS hydrolysis of the IgG glycan influences the binding of IgG to immobilized soluble FcgammaR and to an erythroleukemic cell line, K562, expressing FcgammaRIIa. Incubation of whole blood with EndoS results in a dramatic decrease of IgG binding to activated monocytes as analyzed by flow cytometry. Moreover, the IgG bound to K562 cells dissociates when cells are treated with EndoS. Likewise, IgG bound to immobilized FcgammaRIIa and subsequently treated with EndoS, dissociates from the receptor as analyzed by surface plasmon resonance and Western blot. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: We provide novel information about bacterial enzymatic modulation of the IgG/FcgammaR interaction that emphasizes the importance of glycosylation for antibody effector functions. Moreover, EndoS could be used as a biochemical tool for specific IgG N-glycan hydrolysis and IgG purification/detection, or as a potential immunosuppressing agent for treatment of antibody-mediated pathological processes.
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| 28. |
- Barath, Stefan, 1963-, et al.
(författare)
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Diesel exhaust but not ozone increases fraction of exhaled nitric oxide in a randomized controlled experimental exposure study of healthy human subjects
- 2013
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Ingår i: Environmental Health. - : BioMed Central (BMC). - 1476-069X. ; 12, s. 36-
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) is a promising non-invasive index of airway inflammation that may be used to assess respiratory effects of air pollution. We evaluated FENO as a measure of airway inflammation after controlled exposure to diesel exhaust or ozone. Methods: Healthy volunteers were exposed to either diesel exhaust (particle concentration 300 mu g/m(3)) and filtered air for one hour, or ozone (300 ppb) and filtered air for 75 minutes. FENO was measured in duplicate at expiratory flow rates of 10, 50, 100 and 270 mL/s before, 6 and 24 hours after each exposure. Results: Exposure to diesel exhaust increased FENO at 6 hours compared with air at expiratory flow rates of 10 mL/s (p = 0.01) and at 50 mL/s (p = 0.011), but FENO did not differ significantly at higher flow rates. Increases in FENO following diesel exhaust were attenuated at 24 hours. Ozone did not affect FENO at any flow rate or time point. Conclusions: Exposure to diesel exhaust, but not ozone, increased FENO concentrations in healthy subjects. Differences in the induction of airway inflammation may explain divergent responses to diesel exhaust and ozone, with implications for the use of FENO as an index of exposure to air pollution.
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| 29. |
- Barath, Stefan, 1963-, et al.
(författare)
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Fraction of exhaled nitric oxide after experimental exposure to diesel exhaust and ozone in man
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Annan publikation (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Background: Fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) is a promising non-invasive index of airways inflammation that may be used to assess the respiratory effects of air pollution, and when sampled at multiple expiratory flow rates can measure inflammation at different levels of the airway tract. We evaluate FENO as a measure of airways inflammation after controlled exposure to dilute diesel exhaust and ozone. Methods: Using a double blind randomised cross-over design, healthy volunteers (26±5 years) were exposed to either diesel exhaust (particle concentration 300 µg/m3) and filtered air for one hour (n=10), or ozone(300 ppb) and filtered air for 75 minutes (n=36). FENO was measured in duplicate at expiratory flow rates of 10, 50, 100 and 270 mL/s before, 6 and 24 hours after the end of each exposure. Results: Exposure to diesel exhaust increased FENO at 6 hours compared to filtered air at expiratory flow rates of 10 mL/s [mean±SEM 60.8 ± 6.0 ppb versus 50.2 ± 5.9 ppb; P=0.01] and at 50 mL/s [18.6 ± 1.6 ppb versus 15.9 ± 1.5 ppb; P=0.011], but concentrations did not differ at higher flow rates. Increases in FENO following diesel exhaust were attenuated at 24 hours and exposure to ozone did not affect FENO at any flow rate or time point. Conclusion: Exposure to diesel exhaust, but not ozone, increases the concentration of FENO in healthy subjects consistent with an inflammatory effect in the central airways. Differences in the induction of airway inflammation may explain divergent responses to diesel exhaust and ozone with implications for the use of FENO as an index of exposure to air pollution.
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| 30. |
- Behndig, Annelie F., 1963-, et al.
(författare)
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Surfactant Protein A in particles in exhaled air (PExA), bronchial lavage and bronchial wash - A methodological comparison
- 2019
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Ingår i: Respiratory Research. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1465-9921 .- 1465-993X. ; 20:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction: At present, there are few methods available for monitoring respiratory diseases affecting distal airways. Bronchoscopy is the golden standard for sampling the lower airways. The recently developed method for collecting non-volatile material from exhaled air - PExA (Particles in Exhaled air) is a promising new tool, but no direct comparison between the two methods has yet been performed. The aim of the present study was to compare sampling using PExA with bronchial wash (BW) representing the larger more proximal airways and broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) representing the distal airways. Methods: 15 healthy non-smoking subjects (7 female/8 male), age 28 ± 4 years, with normal lung function were included in the study. PExA-sampling (2 × 250 ng particles) and bronchoscopy with BW (2 × 20 ml) and BAL (3 × 60 ml sterile saline) was performed. Albumin and Surfactant Protein A (SP-A) were analyzed with ELISA, and analyses of correlation were performed. Results: A significant association was found between BAL-fluid albumin and PExA-albumin (rs:0.65 p = 0.01). There was also an association between SP-A in PExA and BAL, when corrected for albumin concentration (rs:0.61, p = 0.015). When correlating concentrations of albumin and SP-A in bronchial wash and PExA respectively, no associations were found. Conclusions: This is the first direct comparison between the bronchoscopy-based BW/BAL-fluids and material collected using the PExA methodology. Both albumin and albumin-corrected SP-A concentrations were significantly associated between BAL and PExA, however, no such association was found in either marker between BW and PExA. These results indicate that the PExA method samples the distal airways. PExA is thus considered a new promising non-invasive assessment for monitoring of the distal airways. © 2019 The Author(s).
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| 31. |
- Békássy, Zivile D., et al.
(författare)
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Aliskiren inhibits renin-mediated complement activation
- 2018
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Ingår i: Kidney International. - : Elsevier BV. - 0085-2538. ; 94:4, s. 689-700
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Certain kidney diseases are associated with complement activation although a renal triggering factor has not been identified. Here we demonstrated that renin, a kidney-specific enzyme, cleaves C3 into C3b and C3a, in a manner identical to the C3 convertase. Cleavage was specifically blocked by the renin inhibitor aliskiren. Renin-mediated C3 cleavage and its inhibition by aliskiren also occurred in serum. Generation of C3 cleavage products was demonstrated by immunoblotting, detecting the cleavage product C3b, by N-terminal sequencing of the cleavage product, and by ELISA for C3a release. Functional assays showed mast cell chemotaxis towards the cleavage product C3a and release of factor Ba when the cleavage product C3b was combined with factor B and factor D. The renin-mediated C3 cleavage product bound to factor B. In the presence of aliskiren this did not occur, and less C3 deposited on renin-producing cells. The effect of aliskiren was studied in three patients with dense deposit disease and this demonstrated decreased systemic and renal complement activation (increased C3, decreased C3a and C5a, decreased renal C3 and C5b-9 deposition and/or decreased glomerular basement membrane thickness) over a follow-up period of four to seven years. Thus, renin can trigger complement activation, an effect inhibited by aliskiren. Since renin concentrations are higher in renal tissue than systemically, this may explain the renal propensity of complement-mediated disease in the presence of complement mutations or auto-antibodies.
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| 32. |
- Bengtson, Sara, et al.
(författare)
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Activation of TAFI on the Surface of Streptococcus pyogenes Evokes Inflammatory Reactions by Modulating the Kallikrein/Kinin System
- 2009
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Ingår i: Journal of Innate Immunity. - : S. Karger AG. - 1662-811X .- 1662-8128. ; 1:1, s. 18-28
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Bacteria-controlled regulation of host responses to infection is an important virulence mechanism that has been demonstrated to contribute to disease progression. Here we report that the human pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes employs the procarboxypeptidase TAR (thrombin-activatablefibrinolysis inhibitor) to modulate the kallikrein/kinin system. To this end, bacteria initiate a chain of events starting with the recruitment and activation of TAFI. This is followed by the assembly and induction of the contact system at the streptococcal surface, eventually triggering the release of bradykinin (BK). BK is then carboxyterminally truncated by activated TAFI, which converts the peptide from a kinin B-2 receptor ligand to a kinin B-1 receptor (B1R) agonist. Finally, we show that streptococcal supernatants indirectly amplify the B1R response as they act on peripheral blood mononuclear cells to secrete inflammatory cytokines that in turn stimulate upregulation of the B1R on human fibroblasts. Taken together our findings implicate a critical and novel role for streptococci-bound TAR, as it processes BK to a B1R agonist at the bacterial surface and thereby may redirect inflammation from a transient to a chronic state. Copyright (C) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel
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| 33. |
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| 34. |
- Bergqvist, Joel, et al.
(författare)
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New evidence of increased risk of rhinitis in subjects with COPD: a longitudinal population study.
- 2016
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Ingår i: The International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. - 1176-9106 .- 1178-2005. ; 11:1, s. 2617-2623
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aim of this population-based study was to investigate the risk of developing noninfectious rhinitis (NIR) in subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).This is a longitudinal population-based study comprising 3,612 randomly selected subjects from Gothenburg, Sweden, aged 25-75 years. Lung function was measured at baseline with spirometry and the included subjects answered a questionnaire on respiratory symptoms. At follow-up, the subjects answered a questionnaire with a response rate of 87%. NIR was defined as symptoms of nasal obstruction, nasal secretion, and/or sneezing attacks without having a cold, during the last 5 years. COPD was defined as a spirometry ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second divided by forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) <0.7. Subjects who reported asthma and NIR at baseline were excluded from the study. The odds ratios for developing NIR (ie, new-onset NIR) in relation to age, gender, body mass index, COPD, smoking, and atopy were calculated.In subjects with COPD, the 5-year incidence of NIR was significantly increased (10.8% vs 7.4%, P=0.005) and was higher among subjects aged >40 years. Smoking, atopy, and occupational exposure to gas, fumes, or dust were also associated with new-onset NIR. COPD, smoking, and atopy remained individual risk factors for new-onset NIR in the logistic regression analysis.This longitudinal population-based study of a large cohort showed that COPD is a risk factor for developing NIR. Smoking and atopy are also risk factors for NIR. The results indicate that there is a link present between upper and lower respiratory inflammation in NIR and COPD.
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| 35. |
- Bjerg, Anders, et al.
(författare)
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Shorter time to clinical decision in work-related asthma using a digital tool
- 2020
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Ingår i: ERJ open research. - Lausanne, Switzerland : European Respiratory Society (ERS). - 2312-0541. ; 6:3
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Tidskriftsartikel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- PEF curves are a useful but cumbersome tool in diagnosing work-related asthma. Using a digital spirometer and smartphone app, time to clinical decision could be shortened by 6-7 weeks. Physician's time spent analysing PEF data is also shortened.
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| 36. |
- Bober, Marta, et al.
(författare)
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The membrane bound LRR lipoprotein Slr, and the cell wall-anchored M1 protein from Streptococcus pyogenes both interact with type I collagen.
- 2011
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Ingår i: PloS one. - : Public Library of Science. - 1932-6203. ; 6:5, s. e20345-
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Streptococcus pyogenes is an important human pathogen and surface structures allow it to adhere to, colonize and invade the human host. Proteins containing leucine rich repeats (LRR) have been identified in mammals, viruses, archaea and several bacterial species. The LRRs are often involved in protein-protein interaction, are typically 20-30 amino acids long and the defining feature of the LRR motif is an 11-residue sequence LxxLxLxxNxL (x being any amino acid). The streptococcal leucine rich (Slr) protein is a hypothetical lipoprotein that has been shown to be involved in virulence, but at present no ligands for Slr have been identified. We could establish that Slr is a membrane attached horseshoe shaped lipoprotein by homology modeling, signal peptidase II inhibition, electron microscopy (of bacteria and purified protein) and immunoblotting. Based on our previous knowledge of LRR proteins we hypothesized that Slr could mediate binding to collagen. We could show by surface plasmon resonance that recombinant Slr and purified M1 protein bind with high affinity to collagen I. Isogenic slr mutant strain (MB1) and emm1 mutant strain (MC25) had reduced binding to collagen type I as shown by slot blot and surface plasmon resonance. Electron microscopy using gold labeled Slr showed multiple binding sites to collagen I, both to the monomeric and the fibrillar structure, and most binding occurred in the overlap region of the collagen I fibril. In conclusion, we show that Slr is an abundant membrane bound lipoprotein that is co-expressed on the surface with M1, and that both these proteins are involved in recruiting collagen type I to the bacterial surface. This underlines the importance of S. pyogenes interaction with extracellular matrix molecules, especially since both Slr and M1 have been shown to be virulence factors.
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| 37. |
- Bréchignac, Francois, et al.
(författare)
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Addressing ecological effects of radiation on populations and ecosystems to improve protection of the environment against radiation : Agreed statements from a Consensus Symposium
- 2016
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Ingår i: Journal of Environmental Radioactivity. - : Elsevier BV. - 0265-931X .- 1879-1700. ; 158, s. 21-29
-
Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper reports the output of a consensus symposium organized by the International Union of Radioecology in November 2015. The symposium gathered an academically diverse group of 30 scientists to consider the still debated ecological impact of radiation on populations and ecosystems. Stimulated by the Chernobyl and Fukushima disasters' accidental contamination of the environment, there is increasing interest in developing environmental radiation protection frameworks. Scientific research conducted in a variety of laboratory and field settings has improved our knowledge of the effects of ionizing radiation on the environment. However, the results from such studies sometimes appear contradictory and there is disagreement about the implications for risk assessment. The Symposium discussions therefore focused on issues that might lead to different interpretations of the results, such as laboratory versus field approaches, organism versus population and ecosystemic inference strategies, dose estimation approaches and their significance under chronic exposure conditions. The participating scientists, from across the spectrum of disciplines and research areas, extending also beyond the traditional radioecology community, successfully developed a constructive spirit directed at understanding discrepancies. From the discussions, the group has derived seven consensus statements related to environmental protection against radiation, which are supplemented with some recommendations. Each of these statements is contextualized and discussed in view of contributing to the orientation and integration of future research, the results of which should yield better consensus on the ecological impact of radiation and consolidate suitable approaches for efficient radiological protection of the environment.
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| 38. |
- Bredberg, Anna, et al.
(författare)
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Analysis of manganese and iron in exhaled endogenous particles
- 2014
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Ingår i: Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry. - 0267-9477 .- 1364-5544. ; 29, s. 730-735
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Many full-time welders experience some sort of respiratory disorder e.g., asthma, bronchitis and metal fume fever. Thus, welding aerosols are thought to cause airway inflammation. There is a need for markers of welding aerosols in exposure assessments, and as most welding aerosols contain manganese and iron, these metals may possibly be used as an indicator. We have previously developed a novel non-invasive technique to collect endogenous particles in exhaled air (PEx). This study is designed to i) develop a method for analysis of manganese and iron in PEx and ii) investigate whether the manganese and/or iron content of PEx changes after exposure to welding aerosols. Methods: Nine individuals were experimentally exposed to welding fumes. PEx was collected at three time points for each individual; before, after and 24 hour after exposure. Analyses of PEx samples were performed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results: Four out of nine individuals showed an increase in manganese and iron levels after exposure to welding aerosols. The mean manganese and iron concentration increased from,
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| 39. |
- Egesten, Arne, et al.
(författare)
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Binding of albumin promotes bacterial survival at the epithelial surface.
- 2011
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Ingår i: Journal of Biological Chemistry. - 1083-351X. ; Dec, s. 2469-2476
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Albumin (HSA) is the dominating protein in human plasma. Many bacterial species, especially streptococci, express surface proteins that bind HSA with high specificity and affinity, but the biological consequences of these protein-protein interactions are poorly understood. Group G streptococci (GGS), carrying the HSA-binding protein G, colonize the skin and the mucosa of the upper respiratory tract, mostly without causing disease. In case of bacterial invasion, pro-inflammatory cytokines are released that activate the epithelium to produce antibacterial peptides, in particular the chemokine MIG/CXCL9. In addition, the inflammation causes capillary leakage and extravasation of HSA and other plasma proteins; environmental changes at the epithelial surface to which the bacteria need to respond. In this study, we find that GGS adsorb HSA from both saliva and plasma via binding to protein G, and that HSA bound to protein G binds and inactivates the antibacterial MIG/CXCL9 peptide. Another surface protein of GGS, FOG, was found to mediate adherence of the bacteria to pharyngeal epithelial cells through interaction with glycosaminoglycans. This adherence was not affected by the activation of the epithelium with a combination of IFN-γ and TNF-α, leading to the production of MIG/CXCL9. However, at the activated epithelial surface, adherent GGS were protected against killing by MIG/CXCL9 through protein G dependent HSA-coating. The findings identify a previously unknown bacterial survival strategy that help to explain the evolution of HSA-binding proteins among bacterial species of the normal human microbiota.
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| 40. |
- Egesten, Arne, et al.
(författare)
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SpeB of Streptococcus pyogenes differentially modulates antibacterial and receptor activating properties of human chemokines.
- 2009
-
Ingår i: PloS one. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 4:3
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: CXC chemokines are induced by inflammatory stimuli in epithelial cells and some, like MIG/CXCL9, IP-10/CXCL10 and I-TAC/CXCL11, are antibacterial for Streptococcus pyogenes. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: SpeB from S. pyogenes degrades a wide range of chemokines (i.e. IP10/CXCL10, I-TAC/CXCL11, PF4/CXCL4, GROalpha/CXCL1, GRObeta/CXCL2, GROgamma/CXCL3, ENA78/CXCL5, GCP-2/CXCL6, NAP-2/CXCL7, SDF-1/CXCL12, BCA-1/CXCL13, BRAK/CXCL14, SRPSOX/CXCL16, MIP-3alpha/CCL20, Lymphotactin/XCL1, and Fractalkine/CX3CL1), has no activity on IL-8/CXCL8 and RANTES/CCL5, partly degrades SRPSOX/CXCL16 and MIP-3alpha/CCL20, and releases a 6 kDa CXCL9 fragment. CXCL10 and CXCL11 loose receptor activating and antibacterial activities, while the CXCL9 fragment does not activate the receptor CXCR3 but retains its antibacterial activity. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: SpeB destroys most of the signaling and antibacterial properties of chemokines expressed by an inflamed epithelium. The exception is CXCL9 that preserves its antibacterial activity after hydrolysis, emphasizing its role as a major antimicrobial on inflamed epithelium.
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| 41. |
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| 42. |
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| 43. |
- Ekström, Magnus Pär, et al.
(författare)
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The association of body mass index, weight gain and central obesity with activity-related breathlessness : the Swedish Cardiopulmonary Bioimage Study
- 2019
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Ingår i: Thorax. - : BMJ Publishing Group Ltd. - 0040-6376 .- 1468-3296. ; 74:10, s. 958-964
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction: Breathlessness is common in the population, especially in women and associated with adverse health outcomes. Obesity (body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m(2)) is rapidly increasing globally and its impact on breathlessness is unclear.Methods: This population-based study aimed primarily to evaluate the association of current BMI and self-reported change in BMI since age 20 with breathlessness (modified Research Council score >= 1) in the middle-aged population. Secondary aims were to evaluate factors that contribute to breathlessness in obesity, including the interaction with spirometric lung volume and sex.Results: We included 13 437 individuals; mean age 57.5 years; 52.5% women; mean BMI 26.8 (SD 4.3); mean BMI increase since age 20 was 5.0 kg/m(2); and 1283 (9.6%) reported breathlessness. Obesity was strongly associated with increased breathlessness, OR 3.54 (95% CI, 3.03 to 4.13) independent of age, sex, smoking, airflow obstruction, exercise level and the presence of comorbidities. The association between BMI and breathlessness was modified by lung volume; the increase in breathlessness prevalence with higher BMI was steeper for individuals with lower forced vital capacity (FVC). The higher breathlessness prevalence in obese women than men (27.4% vs 12.5%; p<0.001) was related to their lower FVC. Irrespective of current BMI and confounders, individuals who had increased in BMI since age 20 had more breathlessness.Conclusion: Breathlessness is independently associated with obesity and with weight gain in adult life, and the association is stronger for individuals with lower lung volumes.
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| 44. |
- Eliasson, Mette, et al.
(författare)
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Characterization of Released Polypeptides During an Interferon-γ-Dependent Antibacterial Response in Airway Epithelial Cells.
- 2012
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Ingår i: Journal of Interferon and Cytokine Research. - : Mary Ann Liebert Inc. - 1557-7465 .- 1079-9907. ; 32:11, s. 524-533
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- When pathogenic bacteria breach the epithelial lining at mucosal surfaces, rapidly available innate immune mechanisms are critical to halt the infection. In the present study, we characterized the production of antibacterial polypeptides released by epithelial cells. IFN-γ, but neither TNF nor IL-1β alone, induced release of antibacterial activity to a cell culture medium, causing a lytic appearance of killed bacteria as revealed by electron microscopy. Addition of the protein streptococcal inhibitor of complement, derived from Streptococcus pyogenes, known for its ability to neutralize antimicrobial polypeptides (AMPs), reduced the antibacterial activity of the medium. Characterization of the antibacterial incubation medium using mass spectrometric approaches and ELISAs, displayed presence of several classical AMPs, antibacterial chemokines, as well as complement factors and proteases that may interfere with bacterial killing. Many were constitutively produced, that is, being released by cells incubated in a medium alone. While a combination of IFN-γ and TNF did not increase bacterial killing, the presence of TNF boosted the amounts and detectable number of AMPs, including antibacterial chemokines. However, the methods applied in the study failed to single out certain AMPs as critical mediators, but rather demonstrate the broad range of molecules involved. Since many AMPs are higly amphiphatic in nature (i.e., cationic and hydrophobic), it is possible that difficulties in optimizing recovery present limitations in the context investigated. The findings demonstrate that epithelial cells have a constitutive production of AMPs and that IFN-γ is an important inducer of an antibacterial response in which is likely to be a critical part of the innate host defense against pathogenic bacteria at mucosal surfaces.
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| 45. |
- Frick, Inga-Maria, et al.
(författare)
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Constitutive and Inflammation-Dependent Antimicrobial Peptides Produced by Epithelium Are Differentially Processed and Inactivated by the Commensal Finegoldia magna and the Pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes.
- 2011
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Ingår i: Journal of immunology. - : The American Association of Immunologists. - 1550-6606 .- 0022-1767. ; 187, s. 4300-4309
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Epithelial linings serve as physical barriers and produce antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) to maintain host integrity. Examples are the bactericidal proteins midkine (MK) and BRAK/CXCL14 that are constitutively produced in the skin epidermal layer, where the anaerobic Gram-positive coccoid commensal Finegoldia magna resides. Consequently, this bacterium is likely to encounter both MK and BRAK/CXCL14, making these molecules possible threats to its habitat. In this study, we show that MK expression is upregulated during inflammation, concomitant with a strong downregulation of BRAK/CXCL14, resulting in changed antibacterial conditions. MK, BRAK/CXCL14, and the inflammation-dependent antimicrobial β-defensins human β-defensin (hBD)-2 and hBD-3 all showed bactericidal activity against both F. magna and the virulent pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes at similar concentrations. SufA, a released protease of F. magna, degraded MK and BRAK/CXCL14 but not hBD-2 nor hBD-3. Cleavage was seen at lysine and arginine residues, amino acids characteristic of AMPs. Intermediate SufA-degraded fragments of MK and BRAK/CXCL14 showed stronger bactericidal activity against S. pyogenes than F. magna, thus promoting survival of the latter. In contrast, the cysteine-protease SpeB of S. pyogenes rapidly degraded all AMPs investigated. The proteins FAF and SIC, released by F. magna and S. pyogenes, respectively, neutralized the antibacterial activity of MK and BRAK/CXCL14, protein FAF being the most efficient. Quantitation and colocalization by immunoelectron microscopy demonstrated significant levels and interactions of the molecules in in vivo and ex vivo samples. The findings reflect strategies used by a permanently residing commensal and a virulent pathogen, the latter operating during the limited time course of invasive disease.
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| 46. |
- Frick, Inga-Maria, et al.
(författare)
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Identification of a novel protein promoting the colonization and survival of Finegoldia magna, a bacterial commensal and opportunistic pathogen.
- 2008
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Ingår i: Molecular Microbiology. - : Wiley. - 1365-2958 .- 0950-382X. ; 70, s. 695-708
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Anaerobic bacteria dominate the human normal microbiota but strikingly little is known about these commensals. Finegoldia magna is a Gram-positive anaerobe found in the skin and at other non-sterile body surfaces, but it is also an opportunistic pathogen. This study describes a novel protein designated FAF (F. magnaAdhesion Factor) and expressed by more than ninety percent of F. magna isolates. The protein is present in substantial quantities at the F.magna surface but is also released from the surface. FAF forms large protein aggregates in solution and surface-associated FAF causes bacterial clumping. In skin F. magna bacteria were localized to the epidermis, where they adhere to basement membranes. FAF was found to mediate this adhesion via interactions with BM-40, a basement membrane protein. The biological significance of FAF is further underlined by the observation that it blocks the activity of LL-37, a major human antibacterial peptide. Altogether, the data demonstrate that FAF plays an important role in colonization and survival of F. magna in the human host.
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| 47. |
- Frieler, Katja, et al.
(författare)
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Understanding the weather signal in national crop-yield variability
- 2017
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Ingår i: Earth's Future. - 2328-4277. ; 5:6, s. 605-616
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Year-to-year variations in crop yields can have major impacts on the livelihoods of subsistence farmers and may trigger significant global price fluctuations, with severe consequences for people in developing countries. Fluctuations can be induced by weather conditions, management decisions, weeds, diseases, and pests. Although an explicit quantification and deeper understanding of weather-induced crop-yield variability is essential for adaptation strategies, so far it has only been addressed by empirical models. Here, we provide conservative estimates of the fraction of reported national yield variabilities that can be attributed to weather by state-of-the-art, process-based crop model simulations. We find that observed weather variations can explain more than 50% of the variability in wheat yields in Australia, Canada, Spain, Hungary, and Romania. For maize, weather sensitivities exceed 50% in seven countries, including the United States. The explained variance exceeds 50% for rice in Japan and South Korea and for soy in Argentina. Avoiding water stress by simulating yields assuming full irrigation shows that water limitation is a major driver of the observed variations in most of these countries. Identifying the mechanisms leading to crop-yield fluctuations is not only fundamental for dampening fluctuations, but is also important in the context of the debate on the attribution of loss and damage to climate change. Since process-based crop models not only account for weather influences on crop yields, but also provide options to represent human-management measures, they could become essential tools for differentiating these drivers, and for exploring options to reduce future yield fluctuations.
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| 48. |
-
Främlingskap och tolkning : en vänbok till Charles Westin
- 2008
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Samlingsverk (redaktörskap) (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Boken är en vänbok till Charles Westin. Bokens syfte är att forskarkolleger presenterar aktuella studier om migration, pedagogik, skrivandets konst, tolkning och främlingskap – områden där Charles själv lämnat viktiga bidrag. Vår förhoppning är att boken ska ge inspiration, kunskap och glädje i den generösa och medmänskliga anda som präglat Charles eget arbete. Bokens titel lyfter fram två begrepp som framstår som särskilt centrala i Charles verk: främlingskap och tolkning. Det sistnämnda knyter an till Charles ursprungliga metodologiska hemvist i den hermeneutiska tolkningstraditionen inom gruppen för Invandrings- och minoritetsforskning på Pedagogiska institutionen vid Stockholms universitet. Begreppet främlingskap syftar på Charles särskilda intresse för människor som faller utanför det bekanta och välkända som vi tenderar att uppfatta som normalt. Det kan gälla immigranter från en annan kultur, människor som är främlingar i sitt eget samhälle därför att de kategoriseras som romer eller samer eller personer som är beredda att tortera andra och därmed framstår som omöjliga att förstå.
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| 49. |
- Garbe, Julia, et al.
(författare)
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EndoE from Enterococcus faecalis Hydrolyzes the Glycans of the Biofilm Inhibiting Protein Lactoferrin and Mediates Growth.
- 2014
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Ingår i: PLoS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 9:3
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Glycosidases are widespread among bacteria. The opportunistic human pathogen Enterococcus faecalis encodes several putative glycosidases but little is known about their functions. The identified endo-β-N-acetylglucosaminidase EndoE has activity on the N-linked glycans of the human immunoglobulin G (IgG). In this report we identified the human glycoprotein lactoferrin (hLF) as a new substrate for EndoE. Hydrolysis of the N-glycans from hLF was investigated using lectin blot, UHPLC and mass spectrometry, showing that EndoE releases major glycoforms from this protein. hLF was shown to inhibit biofilm formation of E. faecalis in vitro. Glycans of hLF influence the binding to E. faecalis, and EndoE-hydrolyzed hLF inhibits biofilm formation to lesser extent than intact hLF indicating that EndoE prevents the inhibition of biofilm. In addition, hLF binds to a surface-associated enolase of E. faecalis. Culture experiments showed that the activity of EndoE enables E. faecalis to use the glycans derived from lactoferrin as a carbon source indicating that they could be used as nutrients in vivo when no other preferred carbon source is available. This report adds important information about the enzymatic activity of EndoE from the commensal and opportunist E. faecalis. The activity on the human glycoprotein hLF, and the functional consequences with reduced inhibition of biofilm formation highlights both innate immunity functions of hLF and a bacterial mechanism to evade this innate immunity function. Taken together, our results underline the importance of glycans in the interplay between bacteria and the human host, with possible implications for both commensalism and opportunism.
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- Gustafsson, Anna, et al.
(författare)
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LPS interactions with immobilized and soluble antimicrobial peptides
- 2010
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation. - : Informa Healthcare. - 0036-5513 .- 1502-7686. ; 70:3, s. 194-200
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A promising approach in sepsis therapy is the use of peptides truncated from serum- and membrane-proteins with binding domains for LPS: antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). AMPs can be useful in combination with conventional antibiotics to increase killing and neutralize LPS. Although many AMPs show a high specifi city towards bacterial membranes, they can also exhibit toxicity, i.e. non-specifi c membrane lysis, of mammalian cells such as erythrocytes and therefore, unsuitable as systemic drugs. A way to overcome this problem may be an extracorporeal therapy with immobilized peptides. This study will compare neutralization of LPS using different AMPs in solution and when immobilized on to solid phases. The peptides ability to neutralize LPS-induced cytokine release in whole blood will also be tested. The peptides are truncated derivates from the known AMPs LL-37, SC4, BPI, S3Δ and CEME. Two different methods were used to immobilize peptides, biomolecular interaction analysis, and Pierce SulfoLink Coupling Gel. To investigate LPS binding in solution the LAL test was used. After whole blood incubation with LPS and AMPs ELISA was used to measure TNF α , IL-1 β and IL-6 production. The results suggest that immobilization of antimicrobial peptides does not inhibit their capacity to neutralize LPS, although there are differences between the peptides tested. Thus, peptides derived from LL-37 and CEME were more effi cient both in LPS binding and neutralizing LPS-induced cytokine production
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