1. |
- Smith, Jennifer A, et al.
(författare)
-
Genome-wide association study identifies 74 loci associated with educational attainment
- 2016
-
Ingår i: Nature (London). - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1476-4687 .- 0028-0836. ; 533:7604, s. 539-542
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Educational attainment is strongly influenced by social and other environmental factors, but genetic factors are estimated to account for at least 20% of the variation across individuals. Here we report the results of a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for educational attainment that extends our earlier discovery sample of 101,069 individuals to 293,723 individuals, and a replication study in an independent sample of 111,349 individuals from the UK Biobank. We identify 74 genome-wide significant loci associated with the number of years of schooling completed. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with educational attainment are disproportionately found in genomic regions regulating gene expression in the fetal brain. Candidate genes are preferentially expressed in neural tissue, especially during the prenatal period, and enriched for biological pathways involved in neural development. Our findings demonstrate that, even for a behavioural phenotype that is mostly environmentally determined, a well-powered GWAS identifies replicable associated genetic variants that suggest biologically relevant pathways. Because educational attainment is measured in large numbers of individuals, it will continue to be useful as a proxy phenotype in efforts to characterize the genetic influences of related phenotypes, including cognition and neuropsychiatric diseases.
|
|
2. |
- Frazier-Wood, Alexis C., et al.
(författare)
-
Genetic variants associated with subjective well-being, depressive symptoms, and neuroticism identified through genome-wide analyses
- 2016
-
Ingår i: Nature Genetics. - : Nature Research (part of Springer Nature). - 1061-4036 .- 1546-1718. ; 48, s. 624-
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Very few genetic variants have been associated with depression and neuroticism, likely because of limitations on sample size in previous studies. Subjective well-being, a phenotype that is genetically correlated with both of these traits, has not yet been studied with genome-wide data. We conducted genome-wide association studies of three phenotypes: subjective well-being (n = 298,420), depressive symptoms (n = 161,460), and neuroticism (n = 170,911). We identify 3 variants associated with subjective well-being, 2 variants associated with depressive symptoms, and 11 variants associated with neuroticism, including 2 inversion polymorphisms. The two loci associated with depressive symptoms replicate in an independent depression sample. Joint analyses that exploit the high genetic correlations between the phenotypes (vertical bar(p) over cap vertical bar approximate to 0.8) strengthen the overall credibility of the findings and allow us to identify additional variants. Across our phenotypes, loci regulating expression in central nervous system and adrenal or pancreas tissues are strongly enriched for association.
|
|
3. |
|
|
4. |
- Andersson, Jan, 1965-, et al.
(författare)
-
Regeringsuppdrag synfält : utredning om förutsättningar för undantag från de medicinska kraven för individer med synfältsbortfall
- 2022
-
Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- I regeringsuppdraget (I2021/ 02412) framgår att VTI, i samarbete med Trafikverket och Transportstyrelsen, ska utreda förutsättningarna för undantagshantering från de medicinska föreskrifterna med avseende på synfältsbortfall (B-körkort). Vidare ska tre aspekter beaktas: hur andra länder gör, konsekvenser för den enskilde samt samhällsekonomiska konsekvenser. Slutrapporten påvisar att Sverige med gällande rättsligt ramverk inte kan genomföra de förslag som slutrapporten föreslår. Det innebär att det kommer att krävas juridiska förändringar. Givet att dessa förändringar genomförs och att ett nytt förfaringssätt nyttjas visar slutrapporten på att a) positiva effekter för den enskilde individen uppstår, b) samhällsekonomiska vinster uppstår och c) en rättssäker och rättvis prövning är möjlig. Slutrapporten redovisar dessutom hur ett urval av andra länder har hanterat handläggningen av individer med synfältsbortfall givet samma EU-direktiv som Sverige regleras av. Det framgår också av undersökningen att samtliga länder, som en förutsättning för undantag från de föreskrivna kraven avseende synfält, tillämpar krav eller rekommendationer om att ett praktiskt körprov ska utgöra del i underlaget för bedömning av körförmågan. Kunskapsläget med avseende på körförmågebedömningar för individer med synfältsbortfall redovisas och där framgår med tydlighet att perimetrin som Sverige utnyttjar som underlag för återkallelse av körkort inte kan predicera individers körförmåga. Perimetrin är dock viktig eftersom individer med synfältsbortfall som grupp kan vara olämpliga förare. Slutsatsen som forskningslitteraturen enstämmigt lyfter är att det behövs förarprov (på väg eller i en simulator) för att kunna genomföra en valid bedömning. Slutligen innehåller slutrapporten vilka problem (aktiviteter) som kvarstår för att skapa en lämplig och kvalitetssäkrad process. Dessutom presenteras den kronologiska ordning på aktiviteter som behöver genomföras. Kronologin krävs eftersom resultatet av lämplig metod och aktör påverkar det vidare arbetet med avseende på utformning av körprov och rättsligt ramverk. Slutrapportens slutsats är att Sverige har möjligheten att genomföra en förändring med avsevärda nyttor. Detta eftersom de valda aktörerna och de valda metoderna existerar idag och därför endast behöver utvecklas i viss mån för att säkerställa att individer med synfältsbortfall erbjuds en kvalitetssäkrad, rättssäker och rättvis process som dessutom bedöms vara samhällsekonomiskt lönsam.
|
|
5. |
- Dupont, Daniel M, et al.
(författare)
-
Protein-binding RNA aptamers affect molecular interactions distantly from their binding sites.
- 2015
-
Ingår i: PLoS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 10:3
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Nucleic acid aptamer selection is a powerful strategy for the development of regulatory agents for molecular intervention. Accordingly, aptamers have proven their diligence in the intervention with serine protease activities, which play important roles in physiology and pathophysiology. Nonetheless, there are only a few studies on the molecular basis underlying aptamer-protease interactions and the associated mechanisms of inhibition. In the present study, we use site-directed mutagenesis to delineate the binding sites of two 2´-fluoropyrimidine RNA aptamers (upanap-12 and upanap-126) with therapeutic potential, both binding to the serine protease urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA). We determine the subsequent impact of aptamer binding on the well-established molecular interactions (plasmin, PAI-1, uPAR, and LRP-1A) controlling uPA activities. One of the aptamers (upanap-126) binds to the area around the C-terminal α-helix in pro-uPA, while the other aptamer (upanap-12) binds to both the β-hairpin of the growth factor domain and the kringle domain of uPA. Based on the mapping studies, combined with data from small-angle X-ray scattering analysis, we construct a model for the upanap-12:pro-uPA complex. The results suggest and highlight that the size and shape of an aptamer as well as the domain organization of a multi-domain protein such as uPA, may provide the basis for extensive sterical interference with protein ligand interactions considered distant from the aptamer binding site.
|
|
6. |
- Kalso, Eija, et al.
(författare)
-
Do strong opioids have a role in the early management of back pain? Recommendations from a European expert panel
- 2005
-
Ingår i: Current Medical Research and Opinion. - : Taylor & Francis. - 0300-7995 .- 1473-4877. ; 21:11, s. 1819-1828
-
Tidskriftsartikel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Background: Since chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a complex biopsychosocial problem the ideal treatment is multimodal and multidisciplinary. However, in many countries, primary-care physicians care for many people with CLBP and have a pivotal role in selecting patients for more intensive treatments when these are available. Guidelines on the general use of strong opioids in chronic non-cancer pain have been published but, until now, no specific guidelines were available on their use in chronic low back pain. Given the prevalence of CLBP, and the complex nature of this multifactorial condition, it was felt that specific, evidence-based recommendations, with a focus on primary-care treatment, would be helpful. Methods: An expert panel drawn from across Europe including pain specialists, anaesthetists, neurologists, rheumatologists, a general practitioner, an epidemiologist and the chairman of a pain charity was therefore convened. The aim of the group was to develop evidence-based recommendations that could be used as a framework for more specific guidelines to reflect local differences in the availability of specialist pain services and in the legal status and availability of strong opioids. Statements were based on published evidence (identified by a literature search) wherever possible, and supported by clinical experience when suitable evidence was lacking. Recommendations: Strong opioids have a role in the treatment of low back pain when other treatments have failed. They should be prescribed as part of a multimodal, and ideally interdisciplinary, treatment plan. The aim of treatment should be to relieve pain and facilitate rehabilitation.
|
|
7. |
|
|
8. |
- Lilja, Mirjam, 1981-, et al.
(författare)
-
Impact of Biomechanical Forces on Antibiotics Release Kinetics from Hydroxyapatite Coated Surgical Fixation Pins
- 2013
-
Ingår i: Journal of Biomaterials and Nanobiotechnology. - : Scientific Research Publishing, Inc.. - 2158-7027 .- 2158-7043. ; 4:4, s. 343-350
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This work investigates the impact of biomechanical wear and abrasion on the antibiotic release profiles of hydroxyapa-tite (HA) coated fixation pins during their insertion into synthetic bone. Stainless steel fixation pins are coated with crystalline TiO2 by cathodic arc evaporation forming the bioactive layer for biomimetic deposition of Tobramycin con-taining HA. Tobramycin is either introduced by co-precipitation during HA formation or by adsorption-loading after HA deposition. The samples containing antibiotics are inserted into bone mimicking polyethylene foam after which the drug release is monitored using high performance liquid chromatography. This analysis shows that HA coating wear and delamination significantly decrease the amount of drug released during initial burst, but only marginally influence the sustained release period. Spalled coating fragments are found to remain within the synthetic bone material structure. The presence of HA within this structure supports the assumption that the local release of Tobramycin is not only ex-pected to eliminate bacteria growth directly at the pin interface but as well at some distance from the implant. Further-more, no negative effect of gamma sterilization could be observed on the drug release profile. Overall, the observed results demonstrate the feasibility of a multifunctional implant coating that is simultaneously able to locally deliver clinically relevant doses of antibiotics and an HA coating capable of promoting osteoconduction. This is a potentially promising step toward orthopaedic devices that combine good fixation with the ability to treat and prevent post-surgical infections.
|
|
9. |
- Nielsen, Steffen, et al.
(författare)
-
Comparison of Coding Transcriptomes in Fibroblasts Irradiated With Low and High LET Proton Beams and Cobalt-60 Photons
- 2019
-
Ingår i: International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0360-3016 .- 1879-355X. ; 103:5, s. 1203-1211
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose: To identify differential cellular responses after proton and photon irradiation by comparing transcriptomes of primary fibroblasts irradiated with either radiation type. Methods and Materials: A panel of primary dermal fibroblast cultures was irradiated with low and higher linear energy transfer (LET) proton beams. Cobalt-60 photon irradiation was used as reference. Dose was delivered in 3 fractions of 3.5 Gy (relative biological effectiveness) using a relative biological effectiveness of 1.1 for proton doses. Cells were harvested 2 hours after the final fraction was delivered, and RNA was purified. RNA sequencing was performed using Illumina NextSeq 500 with high-output kit. The edgeR package in R was used for differential gene expression analysis. Results: Pairwise comparisons of the transcriptomes in the 3 treatment groups showed that there were 84 and 56 differentially expressed genes in the low LET group compared with the Cobalt-60 group and the higher LET group, respectively. The higher LET proton group and the Cobalt-60 group had the most distinct transcriptome profiles, with 725 differentially regulated genes. Differentially regulated canonical pathways and various regulatory factors involved in regulation of biological mechanisms such as inflammation, carcinogenesis, and cell cycle control were identified. Conclusions: Inflammatory regulators associated with the development of normal tissue complications and malignant transformation factors seem to be differentially regulated by higher LET proton and Cobalt-60 photon irradiation. The reported transcriptome differences could therefore influence the progression of adverse effects and the risk of developing secondary cancers.
|
|
10. |
- Nielsen, Steffen, et al.
(författare)
-
Differential gene expression in primary fibroblasts induced by proton and cobalt-60 beam irradiation
- 2017
-
Ingår i: Acta Oncologica. - 0284-186X .- 1651-226X. ; 56:11, s. 1406-1412
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction: Proton beam therapy delivers a more conformal dose distribution than conventional radiotherapy, thus improving normal tissue sparring. Increasing linear energy transfer (LET) along the proton track increases the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) near the distal edge of the Spread-out Bragg peak (SOBP). The severity of normal tissue side effects following photon beam radiotherapy vary considerably between patients.Aim: The dual study aim was to identify gene expression patterns specific to radiation type and proton beam position, and to assess whether individual radiation sensitivity influences gene expression levels in fibroblast cultures irradiated in vitro.Methods: The study includes 30 primary fibroblast cell cultures from patients previously classified as either radiosensitive or radioresistant. Cells were irradiated at three different positions in the proton beam profile: entrance, mid-SOBP and at the SOBP distal edge. Dose was delivered in three fractions × 3.5 Gy(RBE) (RBE 1.1). Cobalt-60 (Co-60) irradiation was used as reference. Real-time qPCR was performed to determine gene expression levels for 17 genes associated with inflammation response, fibrosis and angiogenesis.Results: Differences in median gene expression levels were observed for multiple genes such as IL6, IL8 and CXCL12. Median IL6 expression was 30%, 24% and 47% lower in entrance, mid-SOBP and SOBP distal edge groups than in Co-60 irradiated cells. No genes were found to be oppositely regulated by different radiation qualities. Radiosensitive patient samples had the strongest regulation of gene expression; irrespective of radiation type.Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the increased LET at the SOBP distal edge position did not generally lead to increased transcriptive response in primary fibroblast cultures. Inflammatory factors were generally less extensively upregulated by proton irradiation compared with Co-60 photon irradiation. These effects may possibly influence the development of normal tissue damage in patients treated with proton beam therapy.
|
|
11. |
- Nielsen, Steffen, et al.
(författare)
-
Optimal reference genes for normalization of qPCR gene expression data from proton and photon irradiated dermal fibroblasts
- 2018
-
Ingår i: Scientific Reports. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2045-2322. ; 8
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The transcriptional response of cells exposed to proton radiation is not equivalent to the response induced by traditional photon beams. Changes in cellular signalling is most commonly studied using the method Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Stable reference genes must be used to accurately quantify target transcript expression. The study aim was to identify suitable reference genes for normalisation of gene expression levels in normal dermal fibroblasts irradiated with either proton or photon beams. The online tool RefFinder was used to analyse and identify the most stably expressed genes from a panel of 22 gene candidates. To assess the reliability of the identified reference genes, a selection of the most and least stable reference genes was used to normalise target transcripts of interest. Fold change levels varied considerably depending on the used reference gene. The top ranked genes IPO8, PUM1, MRPL19 and PSMC4 produced highly similar target gene expression, while expression using the worst ranked genes, TFRC and HPRT1, was clearly modified due to reference gene instability.
|
|
12. |
- Ried, Janina S., et al.
(författare)
-
A principal component meta-analysis on multiple anthropometric traits identifies novel loci for body shape
- 2016
-
Ingår i: Nature Communications. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2041-1723. ; 7
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Large consortia have revealed hundreds of genetic loci associated with anthropometric traits, one trait at a time. We examined whether genetic variants affect body shape as a composite phenotype that is represented by a combination of anthropometric traits. We developed an approach that calculates averaged PCs (AvPCs) representing body shape derived from six anthropometric traits (body mass index, height, weight, waist and hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio). The first four AvPCs explain >99% of the variability, are heritable, and associate with cardiometabolic outcomes. We performed genome-wide association analyses for each body shape composite phenotype across 65 studies and meta-analysed summary statistics. We identify six novel loci: LEMD2 and CD47 for AvPC1, RPS6KA5/C14orf159 and GANAB for AvPC3, and ARL15 and ANP32 for AvPC4. Our findings highlight the value of using multiple traits to define complex phenotypes for discovery, which are not captured by single-trait analyses, and may shed light onto new pathways.
|
|
13. |
- Sørensen, Charlotte, 1970-
(författare)
-
Annektering og identitetsforsterkning : En casestudie om internasjonalisering av høyere utdanning
- 2023
-
Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The purpose of this thesis is to investigate what happens when the management idea of internationalisation becomes a management strategy for organisational change. Academic operations are a key driving force and concern colleges imitating universities and wanting to become universities. This is the case because a university provides more benefits and is perceived as more attractive in society. Internationalisation is thus being used as a tool to change the status of the institution from college to university. The starting point of applying the management idea of internationalisation as a management strategy for organisational change is that academia has inherent international features. To develop on those, the academics in this study propose that internationalisation must fit with current practice and that international activities must be enjoyable to engage in. Instead, if the management rolls out a strategy aimed at altering the international practice of the academics, a strategy infused with specific content aimed at changing the academics’ identity, then the academics perceive this as the annexation of their work. There are two reactions, loyalty and resistance, both driven by identity reinforcement, which involves emphasising that one’s identity is rational, appropriate and correct within the context in which the work is performed. As a result of identity reinforcement, identity as part of the work is given more emphasis than before. The initial reaction of loyalty from academics involves staying employed at the organisation, despite dissatisfaction. Loyalty thus fosters various forms of resistance, that is, actively antagonising the management, with a focus on its strategy of identity work. Academics may employ five forms of resistance: distancing and dissent, discursive resistance, pseudo-loyalty, humour, and professional reinforcement. These resistance forms are aimed at safeguarding the academics’ integrity and autonomy.
|
|
14. |
- Sörensen, Jan Henrik, et al.
(författare)
-
Biomechanical and Antibacterial Properties of Tobramycin Loaded Hydroxyapatite Coated Fixation Pins
- 2014
-
Ingår i: Journal of Biomedical Materials Research. Part B - Applied biomaterials. - : Wiley. - 1552-4973 .- 1552-4981. ; 102:7, s. 1381-1392
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The present study investigates the use of nanoporous, biomimetic hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings deposited on TiO2 coated fixation pins as functional implant surfaces for the local release of Tobramycin in order to prevent bacterial colonization. The impact of HA-coating thickness, coating morphology and biomechanical forces during insertion into synthetic bone on the drug loading and release properties are analyzed. The coatings are shown to exhibit bactericidal effects against Staphylococcus aureus in agar medium for a duration of 6 days after loading by adsorption with Tobramycin for only 5 min at elevated temperature and pressure. Furthermore, high performance liquid chromatography analysis shows a drug release in phosphate buffered saline for 8 days with antibiotic concentration remaining above the minimal inhibitory concentration for S. aureus during the entire release period. Biomechanical insertion tests into synthetic bone and conventional scratch testing demonstrate adhesive strength at the HA/TiO2 interface. Biocompatibility is verified by cell viability tests. Outgrowth endothelial cells, as well as primary osteoblasts, are viable and firmly attached to both HA and TiO2 surfaces. The results presented are encouraging and support the concept of functional HA coatings as local drug delivery vehicles for biomedical applications to treat as well as to prevent post-surgical infections.
|
|
15. |
- Sörensen, Jan Henrik, et al.
(författare)
-
Biomimetic Hydroxyapatite Coated Titanium Screws Demonstrate Rapid Implant Stabilization and Safe Removal In-Vivo
- 2015
-
Ingår i: Journal of Biomaterials and Nanobiotechnology. - : Scientific Research Publishing, Inc.. - 2158-7027 .- 2158-7043. ; 6, s. 20-35
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The early fixation of bone screws after surgical implantation still remains a challenge in the fieldof traumatology. Whilst hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings are known to enhance the fixation of implants;their removal at a later time-point may be problematic. An HA coating has been developedto demonstrate that both implant fixation and safe removal are feasible in the same design. Accordinglythe aim of this study was to compare the in-vivo performance of thin biomimetic HA coatedtitanium screws to uncoated counterparts used as control after bilateral implantation in the femoralcondyle of 36 New Zealand White Rabbits. The screws were analysed macroscopically, byhistology, micro-CT and biomechanically at both two and six weeks post-implantation. The HAcoated screws demonstrated excellent biocompatibility. At two weeks the HA coated screws demonstrateda significant increase in removal torque values as well as a strong trend towards higherpull-out forces. In addition histology confirmed a higher degree of osseointegration and directbone to implant contact. At six weeks no difference in pull-out force and removal torque could bedetected. SEM images confirmed the absence of any residual HA coating indicating a fast coatingdegradation in-vivo. The low level of removal torque after full osseointegration at 6 weeks supportsthe feasibility of safe and easy removal of the implant. The HA coating under study appearsto offer a unique characteristic of enhanced fixation with a minimal increase in removal torqueafter full osseointegration. This may be of value in clinical applications where it is necessary toassure both screw fixation and later removal.
|
|
16. |
- Sörensen, Jan H, et al.
(författare)
-
Co-precipitation of Tobramycin into Biomimetically Coated Orthopedic Fixation Pins Employing Submicron-Thin Seed Layers of Hydroxyapatite
- 2014
-
Ingår i: Current Drug Delivery. - : Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.. - 1567-2018 .- 1875-5704. ; 11:4, s. 501-510
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Implant migration, loosening and cut-out as well as nosocomial infections are current problems during surgery. New innovative strategies to overcome these issues are emphasized in today's research. The currentwork presents a novel strategy involving co-precipitation ofTobramycin with biomimetic hydroxyapatite (HA) formation to produce implant coatings that may ensure controlled local drug delivery to prevent early bacterial colonization of the implant. A sub-micron thin HA layer served as seed layer for the co-precipitation process and allowed for incorporation of Tobramycin in the coating from a stock solution of antibiotic concentrations as high as 20 mg/ml. Concentrations from 0.5 to 20 mg/ml Tobramycin and process temperatures of 37 °C and 60 °C were tested to assess the optimal parameters resulting in a thin Tobramycin delivering HA coating on discs and orthopedic fixation pins. The coating morphology and thickness as well as drugrelease profile were evaluated via scanning electron microscopy and high performanceliquid chromatography. The coatings were found to deliver pharmaceutically relevant amounts of Tobramycinover a period as of12 days. To the best of our knowledge, this is the longest release period ever observed for a fast-loaded biomimetic implant coating. The presented approach may form thefoundation for development of combination device/antibiotic delivery vehicles tailored to meet well-defined clinical needs combatting infections and ensuring fast implant in-growth.
|
|
17. |
|
|
18. |
|
|
19. |
- Antoni, Gunnar, et al.
(författare)
-
In Vivo Visualization of Amyloid Deposits in the Heart with C-11-PIB and PET
- 2013
-
Ingår i: Journal of Nuclear Medicine. - : Society of Nuclear Medicine. - 0161-5505 .- 1535-5667 .- 2159-662X. ; 54:2, s. 213-220
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Cardiac amyloidosis is a differential diagnosis in heart failure and is associated with high mortality. There is currently no noninvasive imaging test available for specific diagnosis. N-[methyl-C-11]2-(4'-methylamino-phenyl)-6-hydroxybenzothiazole (C-11-PIB) PET is used in the evaluation of brain amyloidosis. We evaluated the potential use of C-11-PIB PET in systemic amyloidosis affecting the heart. Methods: Patients (n = 10) diagnosed with systemic amyloidosis-including heart involvement of either monoclonal immunoglobulin light-chain (AL) or transthyretin (ATTR) type- and healthy volunteers (n = 5) were investigated with PET/CT using C-11-PIB to study cardiac amyloid deposits and with C-11-acetate to measure myocardial blood flow to study the impact of global and regional perfusion on PIB retention. Results: Myocardial C-11-PIB uptake was visually evident in all patients 15-25 min after injection and was not seen in any volunteer. A significant difference in C-11-PIB retention in the heart between patients and healthy controls was found. The data indicate that myocardial amyloid deposits in patients diagnosed with systemic amyloidosis could be visualized with C-11-PIB. No correlation between C-11-PIB retention index and myocardial blood flow as measured with C-11-acetate was found on the global level, whereas a positive correlation on the segmental level was seen in a single patient. Conclusion: C-11-PIB and PET could be a method to study systemic amyloidosis of type AL and ATTR affecting the heart and should be investigated further both as a diagnostic tool and as a noninvasive method for treatment follow-up.
|
|
20. |
- Anund, Anna, et al.
(författare)
-
Child safety in cars : Literature review
- 2003
-
Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- In order to study child safety in cars, international literature was reviewed with respect to road vehicle transportation for children, with the focus being on the age up to 12 years. The review included literature in English and Swedish. Furthermore, the review was limited to focus on results from Australia, the U.K., the USA and Sweden. To ensure that all children are protected as passengers in cars, several aspects needed to be considered.Within this study, the focus was, hence, on legal aspects and recommendations, traffic fatalities and serious injuries, the safety consequences for children due to the car development (airbags (SRS) and installation systems), use and misuse of child restraint systems (CRS) regarding medical, technical and user aspects, measurements for improvements, e.g. campaigns and, finally, children with disabilities. The review focused mainly on literature from 1990 until today. The main conclusions were that:Available statistics show that rearward facing CRS is a good preventive measure to take for enhancement of traffic safety.Impacts from the in-safety development of cars on choosing and mounting safety devices for children were found to be a crucial issue.Children exposed to an airbag deployment can be fatally injured, despite being seated in an approved child restraint system.In Sweden and the U.K. the level of child restraint usage among infants and small children was found to be at least 95% in the front seat and approximately at the same level in the rear seat. Even though the levels of usage in several countries were high, the level of misuse was alarmingly high (90%).The road transportation of children with disabilities was found to be complex and insufficiently described in the literature.
|
|
21. |
- Axelsson, Jan, 1966-, et al.
(författare)
-
The 2D Hotelling filter : a quantitativenoise-reducing principal-component filter fordynamic PET data, with applications in patientdose reduction
- 2013
-
Ingår i: BMC Medical Physics. - : BioMed Central (BMC). - 1756-6649. ; 13:1
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: In this paper we apply the principal-component analysis filter (Hotelling filter) to reduce noise fromdynamic positron-emission tomography (PET) patient data, for a number of different radio-tracer molecules. Wefurthermore show how preprocessing images with this filter improves parametric images created from suchdynamic sequence.We use zero-mean unit variance normalization, prior to performing a Hotelling filter on the slices of a dynamictime-series. The Scree-plot technique was used to determine which principal components to be rejected in thefilter process. This filter was applied to [11C]-acetate on heart and head-neck tumors, [18F]-FDG on liver tumors andbrain, and [11C]-Raclopride on brain. Simulations of blood and tissue regions with noise properties matched to realPET data, was used to analyze how quantitation and resolution is affected by the Hotelling filter. Summing varyingparts of a 90-frame [18F]-FDG brain scan, we created 9-frame dynamic scans with image statistics comparable to 20MBq, 60 MBq and 200 MBq injected activity. Hotelling filter performed on slices (2D) and on volumes (3D) werecompared.Results: The 2D Hotelling filter reduces noise in the tissue uptake drastically, so that it becomes simple to manuallypick out regions-of-interest from noisy data. 2D Hotelling filter introduces less bias than 3D Hotelling filter in focalRaclopride uptake. Simulations show that the Hotelling filter is sensitive to typical blood peak in PET prior to tissueuptake have commenced, introducing a negative bias in early tissue uptake. Quantitation on real dynamic data isreliable. Two examples clearly show that pre-filtering the dynamic sequence with the Hotelling filter prior toPatlak-slope calculations gives clearly improved parametric image quality. We also show that a dramatic dosereduction can be achieved for Patlak slope images without changing image quality or quantitation.Conclusions: The 2D Hotelling-filtering of dynamic PET data is a computer-efficient method that gives visuallyimproved differentiation of different tissues, which we have observed improve manual or automated regionof-interest delineation of dynamic data. Parametric Patlak images on Hotelling-filtered data display improved clarity,compared to non-filtered Patlak slope images without measurable loss of quantitation, and allow a dramaticdecrease in patient injected dose.
|
|
22. |
- Beaumont, Robin N, et al.
(författare)
-
Genome-wide association study of offspring birth weight in 86,577 women identifies five novel loci and highlights maternal genetic effects that are independent of fetal genetics.
- 2018
-
Ingår i: Human molecular genetics. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1460-2083 .- 1460-2083 .- 0964-6906. ; 27:4, s. 742-756
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of birth weight have focused on fetal genetics, while relatively little is known about the role of maternal genetic variation. We aimed to identify maternal genetic variants associated with birth weight that could highlight potentially relevant maternal determinants of fetal growth. We meta-analysed data on up to 8.7 million SNPs in up to 86,577 women of European descent from the Early Growth Genetics (EGG) Consortium and the UK Biobank. We used structural equation modelling (SEM) and analyses of mother-child pairs to quantify the separate maternal and fetal genetic effects. Maternal SNPs at 10 loci (MTNR1B, HMGA2, SH2B3, KCNAB1, L3MBTL3, GCK, EBF1, TCF7L2, ACTL9, CYP3A7) were associated with offspring birth weight at P<5x10-8. In SEM analyses, at least 7 of the 10 associations were consistent with effects of the maternal genotype acting via the intrauterine environment, rather than via effects of shared alleles with the fetus. Variants, or correlated proxies, at many of the loci had been previously associated with adult traits, including fasting glucose (MTNR1B, GCK and TCF7L2) and sex hormone levels (CYP3A7), and one (EBF1) with gestational duration. The identified associations indicate genetic effects on maternal glucose, cytochrome P450 activity and gestational duration, and potentially on maternal blood pressure and immune function, are relevant for fetal growth. Further characterization of these associations in mechanistic and causal analyses will enhance understanding of the potentially modifiable maternal determinants of fetal growth, with the goal of reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with low and high birth weights.
|
|
23. |
- Bentham, James, et al.
(författare)
-
A century of trends in adult human height
- 2016
-
Ingår i: eLIFE. - : eLife Sciences Publications Ltd. - 2050-084X. ; 5
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Being taller is associated with enhanced longevity, and higher education and earnings. We reanalysed 1472 population-based studies, with measurement of height on more than 18.6 million participants to estimate mean height for people born between 1896 and 1996 in 200 countries. The largest gain in adult height over the past century has occurred in South Korean women and Iranian men, who became 20.2 cm (95% credible interval 17.5–22.7) and 16.5 cm (13.3– 19.7) taller, respectively. In contrast, there was little change in adult height in some sub-Saharan African countries and in South Asia over the century of analysis. The tallest people over these 100 years are men born in the Netherlands in the last quarter of 20th century, whose average heights surpassed 182.5 cm, and the shortest were women born in Guatemala in 1896 (140.3 cm; 135.8– 144.8). The height differential between the tallest and shortest populations was 19-20 cm a century ago, and has remained the same for women and increased for men a century later despite substantial changes in the ranking of countries.
|
|
24. |
- Biering-Sørensen, F, et al.
(författare)
-
International Spinal Cord Injury Upper Extremity Basic Data Set.
- 2014
-
Ingår i: Spinal cord. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1476-5624 .- 1362-4393. ; 52:9, s. 652-657
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective:To develop an International Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Upper Extremity Basic Data Set as part of the International SCI Data Sets, which facilitates consistent collection and reporting of basic upper extremity findings in the SCI population.Setting:International.Methods:A first draft of a SCI Upper Extremity Data Set was developed by an international working group. This was reviewed by many different organisations, societies and individuals over several months. A final version was created.Variables:The final version of the International SCI Upper Extremity Data Set contains variables related to basic hand-upper extremity function, use of assistive devices, SCI-related complications to upper extremity function and upper extremity/hand reconstructive surgery. Instructions for data collection and the data collection form are freely available on the ISCoS website (www.iscos.org.uk).Conclusion:The International SCI Upper Extremity Basic Data Set will facilitate consistent collection and reporting of basic upper extremity findings in the SCI population.
|
|
25. |
|
|
26. |
- Birgegård, Gunnar, 1944-, et al.
(författare)
-
Inflammatory functional iron deficiency common in myelofibrosis, contributes to anaemia and impairs quality of life. From the Nordic MPN study Group
- 2019
-
Ingår i: European Journal of Haematology. - : Munksgaard Forlag. - 0902-4441 .- 1600-0609. ; 102:3, s. 235-240
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVES: The study investigates the hypothesis that inflammation in myelofibrosis (MF) like in myeloma and lymphoma, may disturb iron distribution and contribute to anaemia.METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 80 MF and 23 ET patients was performed.RESULTS: About 35% of anaemic MF patients had functional iron deficiency (FID) with transferrin saturation <20 and normal or elevated S-ferritin (<500 µg/L). In ET, FID was rare. In MF patients with FID, 70.6% were anaemic, vs 29.4% in patients without FID (P = 0.03). Hepcidin was significantly higher in MF patients with anaemia, including transfusion-dependent patients, 50.6 vs 24.4 µg/L (P = 0.01). There was a significant negative correlation between Hb and inflammatory markers in all MF patients: IL-2, IL-6 and TNF-α, (P < 0.01-0.03), LD (P = 0.004) and hepcidin (P = 0.03). These correlations were also seen in the subgroup of anaemic MF patients (Table ). Tsat correlated negatively with CRP (P < 0.001). Symptom burden was heavier in MF patients with FID, and MPN-SAF quality of life scores correlated with IL-6 and CRP.CONCLUSIONS: The inflammatory state of MF disturbs iron turnover, FID is common and contributes to anaemia development and impairment of QoL. Anaemic MF patients should be screened for FID.
|
|
27. |
- Biurrun Manresa, Jose A., et al.
(författare)
-
Dynamic Changes in Nociception and Pain Perception After Spinal Cord Stimulation in Chronic Neuropathic Pain Patients
- 2015
-
Ingår i: The Clinical Journal of Pain. - : LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS and WILKINS. - 0749-8047 .- 1536-5409. ; 31:12, s. 1046-1053
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives: Patients with an implanted spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system for pain management present an opportunity to study dynamic changes in the pain system in a situation where patients are not stimulated (ie, experiencing severe pain) compared with a situation in which patients have just been stimulated (ie, pain free or greatly reduced pain). The aims of this study were (1) to determine if there are differences in nociceptive withdrawal reflex thresholds (NWR-T) and electrical pain thresholds (EP-T) before and after SCS; and (2) to establish if these differences are related to psychological factors associated with chronic pain. Methods: Seventeen volunteers with chronic neuropathic pain participated in the experiment. Electrical stimuli were applied to assess the NWR-T and the EP-T. In addition, psychological factors (ie, pain characteristics, depression, anxiety, and disability indexes) were also recorded. The NWR-T and EP-T were assessed with the SCS system off (at least 8 h before the experiment), and then reassessed 1 hour after the SCS system was turned on. Results: Ongoing pain intensity ratings decreased (P=0.018), whereas the NWR-T increased (P=0.028) after the SCS was turned on, whereas no significant difference was found for EP-T (P=0.324). Psychological factors were significant predictors for EP-T but not for NWR-T. Discussion: The results of this study suggest that pain relief after SCS is partially mediated by a decrease in the excitability of dorsal horn neurons in the spinal cord.
|
|
28. |
- Bredewold, Obbo W, et al.
(författare)
-
Cardiovascular Risk Following Conversion to Belatacept From a Calcineurin Inhibitor in Kidney Transplant Recipients : A Randomized Clinical Trial
- 2023
-
Ingår i: Kidney Medicine. - : Elsevier. - 2590-0595. ; 5:1
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE: In kidney transplant recipients (KTRs), a belatacept-based immunosuppressive regimen is associated with beneficial effects on cardiovascular (CV) risk factors compared with calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)-based regimens. Our objective was to compare the calculated CV risk between belatacept and CNI (predominantly tacrolimus) treatments using a validated model developed for KTRs.STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, open-label, parallel-group, investigator-initiated, international multicenter trial.SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: KTRs aged 18-80 years with a stable graft function (estimated glomerular filtration rate > 20 mL/min/1.73 m2), 3-60 months after transplantation, treated with tacrolimus or cyclosporine A, were eligible for inclusion.INTERVENTION: Continuation with a CNI-based regimen or switch to belatacept for 12 months.OUTCOMES: Comparison of the change in the estimated 7-year risk of major adverse CV events and all-cause mortality, changes in traditional markers of CV health, as well as measures of arterial stiffness.RESULTS: Among the 105 KTRs randomized, we found no differences between the treatment groups in the predicted risk for major adverse CV events or mortality. Diastolic blood pressure, measured both centrally by using a SphygmoCor device and peripherally, was lower after the belatacept treatment than after the CNI treatment. The mean changes in traditional cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, including kidney transplant function, were otherwise similar in both the treatment groups. The belatacept group had 4 acute rejection episodes; 2 were severe rejections, of which 1 led to graft loss.LIMITATIONS: The heterogeneous baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate and time from transplantation to trial enrollment in the participants. A limited study duration of 1 year.CONCLUSIONS: We found no effects on the calculated CV risk by switching to the belatacept treatment. Participants in the belatacept group had not only lower central and peripheral diastolic blood pressure but also a higher rejection rate.FUNDING: The trial has received a financial grant from Bristol-Myers Squibb.TRIAL REGISTRATION: EudraCT no. 2013-001178-20.
|
|
29. |
- Byström, Martin, et al.
(författare)
-
Five-Year Results of a Randomized, Controlled Trial of Collagenase Treatment Compared With Needle Fasciotomy for Dupuytren Contracture
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Journal of Hand Surgery. - : Elsevier BV. - 0363-5023. ; 47:3, s. 211-217
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose: Over the past decade, collagenase treatment and needle fasciotomy (NF) have gained widespread popularity in the treatment of Dupuytren contracture. This prospective study was designed to compare the results of these treatments in terms of clinical and patient-reported outcomes. Methods: A prospective, randomized, controlled trial included patients with a contracture of 20° or more in a single metacarpophalangeal joint. Patients were allocated to treatment with either NF or collagenase Clostridium histolyticum. The primary outcome was a reduction in the metacarpophalangeal joint contracture to less than 5°. Secondary outcomes included recurrence, the presence of Dupuytren cords, and changes in patient-reported outcomes. The participants were examined 5 years after the intervention. Results: The study cohort comprised 156 patients divided into 2 equally sized groups. After 5 years, data were collected from 143 (92 %) of the initially enrolled participants. The mean time for the clinical follow-up was 5.1 years. In the remaining cohort without a second procedure, 51% (23 patients) in the collagenase Clostridium histolyticum group and 47% (27 patients) in the NF group still had extension deficits of less than 5°. Among the participants with a successful initial procedure, the recurrence rate was 56% (36 patients) in the collagenase Clostridium histolyticum group and 45% (30 patients) in the NF group. There were no differences between the 2 treatments in regard to passive joint extension, reduction of contracture, range of motion, or patient-reported outcomes. Conclusions: The 5-year outcomes for NF are similar to those for collagenase in terms of sustained correction, recurrence, presence of Dupuytren cords, and patient-reported outcomes for the treatment of metacarpophalangeal joint contractures. Type of study/level of evidence: Therapeutic I. © 2021 American Society for Surgery of the Hand
|
|
30. |
- Bäckryd, Emmanuel, et al.
(författare)
-
Nerve block as analgesia forneoplastic brachial plexopathy
- 2010
-
Ingår i: European Journal of Palliative Care. - 1352-2779 .- 1479-0793. ; 17:5, s. 218-220
-
Tidskriftsartikel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Brachial plexus nerve blocks are performed to treat patients with chronic pain referable to the brachial plexus. The needle insertion and trajectory are based on palpation of surface landmarks. Occasionally, the surface landmarks are difficult to identify owing to body habitus or anatomic alterations secondary to surgery or radiation therapy. The intent of this manuscript is to describe a technique for brachial plexus block guided with computed tomography and to report our initial results for regional pain management.
|
|
31. |
- Bäckryd, Emmanuel, 1974-
(författare)
-
The Cerebrospinal Fluid in Severe Pain Conditions : Clinical, Pharmacological and Proteomic Aspects
- 2015
-
Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The treatment of both cancer pain and non-cancer chronic pain is still suboptimal. The overall aim of this PhD thesis was to conduct translational pain research at the interface between clinical pain medicine and the field of human proteomics, using the practice of intrathecal analgesia at our institution as a starting point. Hence, the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is at the centre of the present dissertation, both as a target for infusing analgesics (Papers I and II – clinical and pharmacological aspects) and as an important biofluid for human biomarker studies (Papers III and IV – proteomic aspects). In Paper I, 28 cases of intrathecal analgesia in cancer patients were prospectively followed. Movement-evoked breakthrough pain remained a major clinical problem throughout the study month despite otherwise successful intrathecal analgesia (defined as good control of spontaneous resting pain paralleled by a marked decrease of concomitant systemic opioid doses). This study therefore illustrates the importance of considering not only spontaneous resting pain but also movement-evoked breakthrough pain.In Paper II, an expert-based algorithm for trialing the intrathecal analgesic ziconotide by bolus injections was evaluated in an open-label study of 23 patients with chronic neuropathic pain. We found few responders (13%) according to the strict criteria of the algorithm, but ziconotide bolus injection trialing seems feasible. The predictive power of ziconotide bolus trialing remains unclear, and the pharmacological profile of ziconotide (with very slow tissue penetration due to high hydrophilicity) calls the rationale for ziconotide bolus trialing into question.In Paper III, we found low levels of beta-endorphin in the CSF of chronic neuropathic pain patients (n=15) compared to healthy controls (n=19). We speculate that this might indicate dysfunctional top-down control of nociception. Substance P levels in the CSF did not differ by univariate statistics. In Paper IV, the CSF proteome of 11 patients with chronic neuropathic pain and 11 healthy controls was exploratively studied, combining gel-based proteomics with multivariate data analysis. After eliminating four proteins associated with age, 32 proteins were found to highly discriminate between groups. Among these, the seven proteins having the highest discriminatory power between patients and controls were: one isoform of angiotensinogen, two isoforms of alpha-1-antitrypsin, three isoforms of haptoglobin, and one isoform of pigment epithelium-derived factor.In conclusion, this PhD thesis demonstrates the fruitfulness of studying the CSF, both as a target for infusing analgesics and as a potential mirror of the neurobiological processes involved in pathological pain conditions. The thesis points to the need for more research into the mechanisms of different pain conditions, in order to hopefully achieve the vision of mechanism-based pain diagnoses.
|
|
32. |
- Bäckryd, Emmanuel, et al.
(författare)
-
Ziconotide Trialing by Intrathecal Bolus Injections: An Open-Label Non-Randomized Clinical Trial in Postoperative/Posttraumatic Neuropathic Pain Patients Refractory to Conventional Treatment
- 2015
-
Ingår i: Neuromodulation. - : Wiley. - 1094-7159 .- 1525-1403. ; 18:5, s. 404-413
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives: The aim of this open-label, non-randomized, clinical trial was to evaluate the feasibility of trialing ziconotide by intrathecal bolus injections. Material and Methods: Twenty-three patients, who had peripheral neuropathic pain refractory to pharmacological treatment and were under consideration for Spinal Cord Stimulation, received up to three ziconotide bolus injections according to a comprehensive algorithm. After a first injection of 2.5g, the patients progressed in the algorithm depending on the presence or absence of pain reduction and significant adverse events. A patient was considered a "responder" if experiencing pain reduction and no significant adverse event on two consecutive occasions at the same dosage. Results: We found a low proportion of responders (13%). However 30% of patients experienced greater than= 30% pain reduction on a least one injection, yielding a number needed to treat of similar to 3 for clinically significant pain relief. Pain intensity changed significantly over time (0-6h) (p = 0.047) after a mean ziconotide dose of 2.75 mu g. Adverse events were as expected, and no serious adverse event occurred. We did not find any statistical association between response to Spinal Cord Stimulation and response to ziconotide. Conclusions: Ziconotide bolus injection trialing seems feasible, but the proportion of responders in the present study was low. Adverse events were as expected, and no serious adverse event occurred. The predictive power of ziconotide bolus trialing remains unclear, and the pharmacological profile of ziconotide (slow tissue penetration due to high hydrophilicity) calls the rationale for bolus trialing into question.
|
|
33. |
- Cagigi, Alberto, et al.
(författare)
-
Airway antibodies emerge according to COVID-19 severity and wane rapidly but reappear after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination
- 2021
-
Ingår i: JCI Insight. - : American Society for Clinical Investigation. - 2379-3708. ; 6:22
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Understanding the presence and durability of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in the airways is required to provide insights into the ability of individuals to neutralize the virus locally and prevent viral spread. Here, we longitudinally assessed both systemic and airway immune responses upon SARS-CoV-2 infection in a clinically well-characterized cohort of 147 infected individuals representing the full spectrum of COVID-19 severity, from asymptomatic infection to fatal disease. In addition, we evaluated how SARS-CoV-2 vaccination influenced the antibody responses in a subset of these individuals during convalescence as compared with naive individuals. Not only systemic but also airway antibody responses correlated with the degree of COVID-19 disease severity. However, although systemic IgG levels were durable for up to 8 months, airway IgG and IgA declined significantly within 3 months. After vaccination, there was an increase in both systemic and airway antibodies, in particular IgG, often exceeding the levels found during acute disease. In contrast, naive individuals showed low airway antibodies after vaccination. In the former COVID-19 patients, airway antibody levels were significantly elevated after the boost vaccination, highlighting the importance of prime and boost vaccinations for previously infected individuals to obtain optimal mucosal protection.
|
|
34. |
- Cederlund, Martin, et al.
(författare)
-
A1M/α1-microglobulin is proteolytically activated by myeloperoxidase, binds its heme group and inhibits low density lipoprotein oxidation.
- 2015
-
Ingår i: Frontiers in Physiology. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 1664-042X. ; 6
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- α1-microglobulin (A1M) is a 26 kDa plasma and tissue protein with reductase activity and radical- and heme-binding anti-oxidative functions. In addition, exposure of A1M to hemoglobin has been shown to induce proteolytic elimination of a C-terminal tetrapeptide yielding a heme-degrading form, truncated A1M (t-A1M). Myeloperoxidase (MPO), a heme-containing enzyme that catalyzes the production of free radicals and hypochlorite, is released by neutrophils during the inflammatory response to bacterial infections. MPO-induced low density lipoprotein (LDL)-oxidation in blood has been suggested as a causative factor in atherosclerosis. In this study we have hypothesized that A1M interacts with MPO in a similar mode as with hemoglobin, and is a regulator of its activity. The results show that A1M is proteolytically cleaved, with formation of t-A1M, after exposure to MPO, and that t-A1M contains iron and heme-degradation products. The reaction is dependent of pH, time and concentration of substrates and a pH-value around 7 is shown to be optimal for cleavage. Furthermore, A1M inhibits MPO- and hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidation of LDL. The results suggest that A1M may have a role as an inhibitor of the damaging effects of the neutrophil respiratory burst on bystander tissue components.
|
|
35. |
- Dam, Jan S, et al.
(författare)
-
Real-time absorption and scattering characterization of slab-shaped turbid samples obtained by a combination of angular and spatially resolved measurements
- 2005
-
Ingår i: Applied Optics. - 2155-3165. ; 44:20, s. 4281-4290
-
Tidskriftsartikel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- We present a fast and accurate method for real-time determination of the absorption coefficient, the scattering coefficient, and the anisotropy factor of thin turbid samples by using simple continuous-wave noncoherent light sources. The three optical properties are extracted from recordings of angularly resolved transmittance in addition to spatially resolved diffuse reflectance and transmittance. The applied multivariate calibration and prediction techniques are based on multiple polynomial regression in combination with a Newton-Raphson algorithm. The numerical test results based on Monte Carlo simulations showed mean prediction errors of approximately 0.5% for all three optical properties within ranges typical for biological media. Preliminary experimental results are also presented yielding errors of approximately 5%. Thus the presented methods show a substantial potential for simultaneous absorption and scattering characterization of turbid media.
|
|
36. |
|
|
37. |
- Eriksson, Olof, et al.
(författare)
-
Quantitative Imaging of Serotonergic Biosynthesis and Degradation in the Endocrine Pancreas
- 2014
-
Ingår i: Journal of Nuclear Medicine. - : Society of Nuclear Medicine. - 0161-5505 .- 1535-5667 .- 2159-662X. ; 55:3, s. 460-465
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Serotonergic biosynthesis in the endocrine pancreas, of which the islets of Langerhans is the major constituent, has been implicated in insulin release and β cell proliferation. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of quantitative noninvasive imaging of the serotonergic metabolism in the pancreas using the PET tracer (11)C-5-hydroxy-l-tryptophan ((11)C-5-HTP).METHODS: Uptake of (11)C-5-HTP, and its specificity for key enzymes in the serotonergic metabolic pathway, was assessed in vitro (INS-1 and PANC1 cells and human islet and exocrine preparations) and in vivo (nonhuman primates and healthy and diabetic rats).RESULTS: In vitro tracer uptake in endocrine cells (INS-1 and human islets), but not PANC1 and exocrine cells, was mediated specifically by intracellular conversion into serotonin. Pancreatic uptake of (11)C-5-HTP in nonhuman primates was markedly decreased by inhibition of the enzyme dopa decarboxylase, which converts (11)C-5-HTP to (11)C-serotonin and increased after inhibition of monoamine oxidase-A, the main enzyme responsible for serotonin degradation. Uptake in the rat pancreas was similarly modulated by inhibition of monoamine oxidase-A and was reduced in animals with induced diabetes.CONCLUSION: The PET tracer (11)C-5-HTP can be used for quantitative imaging of the serotonergic system in the endocrine pancreas.
|
|
38. |
- Eriksson, Olof, et al.
(författare)
-
The Positron Emission Tomography ligand [11C]5-Hydroxy-Tryptophan can be used as a surrogate marker for the human endocrine pancreas
- 2014
-
Ingår i: Diabetes. - : American Diabetes Association. - 0012-1797 .- 1939-327X. ; 63:10, s. 3428-3437
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In humans a well-developed serotonin system is localized to the pancreatic islets while being absent in exocrine pancreas. Assessment of pancreatic serotonin biosynthesis could therefore be used to estimate the human endocrine pancreas. Proof of concept was tested in a prospective clinical trial by comparisons of type 1 diabetic (T1D) patients, with extensive reduction of beta cells, with healthy volunteers (HV).C-peptide negative (i.e. insulin-deficient) T1D subjects (n=10) and HV (n=9) underwent dynamic Positron Emission Tomography with the radiolabeled serotonin precursor [(11)C]5-Hydroxy-Tryptophan ([(11)C]5-HTP).A significant accumulation of [(11)C]5-HTP was obtained in the pancreas of the HV, with large inter-individual variation. A substantial and highly significant reduction (66%) in the pancreatic uptake of [(11)C]5-HTP in T1D subjects was observed, and this was most evident in the corpus and caudal regions of the pancreas where beta-cells normally are the major constituent of the islets.[(11)C]5-HTP retention in the pancreas was reduced in T1D compared to non-diabetic subjects. Accumulation of [(11)C]5-HTP in the pancreas of both HV and subjects with T1D were in agreement with previously reported morphological observations on the beta cell volume implying that [(11)C]5-HTP retention is a useful non-invasive surrogate marker for the human endocrine pancreas.
|
|
39. |
- Ervasti, Jenni, et al.
(författare)
-
Long working hours and risk of 50 health conditions and mortality outcomes : a multicohort study in four European countries
- 2021
-
Ingår i: The Lancet Regional Health. - : Elsevier BV. - 2666-7762. ; 11
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Studies on the association between long working hours and health have captured only a narrow range of outcomes (mainly cardiometabolic diseases and depression) and no outcome-wide studies on this topic are available. To achieve wider scope of potential harm, we examined long working hours as a risk factor for a wide range of disease and mortality endpoints.Methods: The data of this multicohort study were from two population cohorts from Finland (primary analysis, n=59 599) and nine cohorts (replication analysis, n=44 262) from Sweden, Denmark, and the UK, all part of the Individual-participant Meta-analysis in Working Populations (IPD-Work) consortium. Baseline-assessed long working hours (≥55 hours per week) were compared to standard working hours (35-40 h). Outcome measures with follow-up until age 65 years were 46 diseases that required hospital treatment or continuous pharmacotherapy, all-cause, and three cause-specific mortality endpoints, ascertained via linkage to national health and mortality registers.Findings: 2747 (4·6%) participants in the primary cohorts and 3027 (6·8%) in the replication cohorts worked long hours. After adjustment for age, sex, and socioeconomic status, working long hours was associated with increased risk of cardiovascular death (hazard ratio 1·68; 95% confidence interval 1·08-2·61 in primary analysis and 1·52; 0·90-2·58 in replication analysis), infections (1·37; 1·13-1·67 and 1·45; 1·13-1·87), diabetes (1·18; 1·01-1·38 and 1·41; 0·98-2·02), injuries (1·22; 1·00-1·50 and 1·18; 0·98-1·18) and musculoskeletal disorders (1·15; 1·06-1·26 and 1·13; 1·00-1·27). Working long hours was not associated with all-cause mortality.Interpretation: Follow-up of 50 health outcomes in four European countries suggests that working long hours is associated with an elevated risk of early cardiovascular death and hospital-treated infections before age 65. Associations, albeit weak, were also observed with diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders and injuries. In these data working long hours was not related to elevated overall mortality.
|
|
40. |
- Felix, Janine F, et al.
(författare)
-
Genome-wide association analysis identifies three new susceptibility loci for childhood body mass index.
- 2016
-
Ingår i: Human molecular genetics. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1460-2083 .- 0964-6906. ; 25:2, s. 389-403
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A large number of genetic loci are associated with adult body mass index. However, the genetics of childhood body mass index are largely unknown. We performed a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies of childhood body mass index, using sex- and age-adjusted standard deviation scores. We included 35 668 children from 20 studies in the discovery phase and 11 873 children from 13 studies in the replication phase. In total, 15 loci reached genome-wide significance (P-value < 5 × 10(-8)) in the joint discovery and replication analysis, of which 12 are previously identified loci in or close to ADCY3, GNPDA2, TMEM18, SEC16B, FAIM2, FTO, TFAP2B, TNNI3K, MC4R, GPR61, LMX1B and OLFM4 associated with adult body mass index or childhood obesity. We identified three novel loci: rs13253111 near ELP3, rs8092503 near RAB27B and rs13387838 near ADAM23. Per additional risk allele, body mass index increased 0.04 Standard Deviation Score (SDS) [Standard Error (SE) 0.007], 0.05 SDS (SE 0.008) and 0.14 SDS (SE 0.025), for rs13253111, rs8092503 and rs13387838, respectively. A genetic risk score combining all 15 SNPs showed that each additional average risk allele was associated with a 0.073 SDS (SE 0.011, P-value = 3.12 × 10(-10)) increase in childhood body mass index in a population of 1955 children. This risk score explained 2% of the variance in childhood body mass index. This study highlights the shared genetic background between childhood and adult body mass index and adds three novel loci. These loci likely represent age-related differences in strength of the associations with body mass index.
|
|
41. |
- Gerdle, Björn, 1953-, et al.
(författare)
-
Radiofrekvensbehandling
- 2006
-
Ingår i: Metoder för behandling av långvarig smärta. - Stockholm : Statens beredning för medicinsk utvärdering (SBU). - 9185413089 ; , s. 339-343
-
Bokkapitel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- I denna rapport sammanfattas det vetenskapliga underlaget för behandling av långvariga smärttillstånd. Smärta vid cancer innefattas inte. Smärtlindrande effekter, liksom biverkningar och andra negativa konsekvenser av behandling berörs samt hälsoekonomiska aspekter.
|
|
42. |
- Graven-Nielsen, T., et al.
(författare)
-
Central hyperexcitability in fibromyalgia
- 1999
-
Ingår i: Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain. - 1058-2452 .- 1540-7012. ; 7, s. 261-267
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)
|
|
43. |
- Graven-Nilsen, T, et al.
(författare)
-
Ketamine reduces muscle pain, temporal summation, and referred pain in fibromyalgia patients
- 2000
-
Ingår i: Pain. - 0304-3959 .- 1872-6623. ; 85:3, s. 483-491
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Central mechanisms related to referred muscle pain and temporal summation of muscular nociceptive activity are facilitated in fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) patients. The present study assessed the effects of an NMDA-antagonist (ketamine) on these central mechanisms. FMS patients received either i.v. placebo or ketamine (0.3 mg/kg, Ketalar(«)) given over 30 min on two separate occasions. Habitual pain intensity was assessed on a visual analogue scale (VAS). Initially, 29 FMS patients received ketamine or isotonic saline to determine which patients were ketamine responders (>50% decrease in pain intensity at rest by active drug on two consecutive VAS assessments). Fifteen out of 17 ketamine-responders were included in the second part of the study. Before and after ketamine or placebo, experimental local and referred pain was induced by intramuscular (i.m.) infusion of hypertonic saline (0.7 ml, 5%) into the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle. The saline-induced pain intensity was assessed on an electronic VAS, and the distribution of pain drawn by the subject. In addition, the pain threshold (PT) to i.m. electrical stimulation was determined for single stimulus and five repeated (2 Hz, temporal summation) stimuli. The pressure PT of the TA muscle was determined, and the pressure PT and pressure pain tolerance threshold were determined at three bilaterally located tenderpoints (knee, epicondyle, and mid upper trapezius). VAS scores of pain at rest were progressively reduced during ketamine infusion compared with placebo infusion. Pain intensity (area under the VAS curve) to the post-drug infusion of hypertonic saline was reduced by ketamine (-18.4▒0.3% of pre-drug VAS area) compared with placebo (29.9▒18.8%, P<0.02). Local and referred pain areas were reduced by ketamine (-12.0▒14.6% of pre-drug pain areas) compared with placebo (126.3▒83.2%, P<0.03). Ketamine had no significant effect on the PT to single i.m. electrical stimulation. However, the span between the PT to single and repeated i.m. stimuli was significantly decreased by the ketamine (-42.3▒15.0% of pre-drug PT) compared with placebo (50.5▒49.2%, P<0.03) indicating a predominant effect on temporal summation. Mean pressure pain tolerance from the three paired tenderpoints was increased by ketamine (16.6▒6.2% of pre-drug thresholds) compared with placebo (-2.3▒4.9%, P<0.009). The pressure PT at the TA muscle was increased after ketamine (42.4▒9.2% of pre-drug PT) compared with placebo (7.0▒6.6%, P<0.011). The present study showed that mechanisms involved in referred pain, temporal summation, muscular hyperalgesia, and muscle pain at rest were attenuated by the NMDA-antagonist in FMS patients. It suggested a link between central hyperexcitability and the mechanisms for facilitated referred pain and temporal summation in a sub-group of the fibromyalgia syndrome patients. Whether this is specific for FMS patients or a general phenomena in painful musculoskeletal disorders is not known. Copyright (C) 2000 International Association for the Study of Pain. Published by Elsevier Science B.V.
|
|
44. |
- Gray, L J, et al.
(författare)
-
Significant variation in mortality and functional outcome after acute ischaemic stroke between western countries : Data from the tinzaparin in acute ischaemic stroke trial (TAIST)
- 2006
-
Ingår i: Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry. - : BMJ. - 0022-3050 .- 1468-330X. ; 77:3, s. 327-333
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: The medical care of patients with acute stroke varies considerably between countries. This could lead to measurable differences in mortality and functional outcome. Objective: To compare case mix, clinical management, and functional outcome in stroke between 11 countries. Methods: All 1484 patients from 11 countries who were enrolled into the tinzaparin in acute ischaemic stroke trial (TAIST) were included in this substudy. Information collected prospectively on demographics, risk factors, clinical features, measures of service quality (for example, admission to a stroke unit), and outcome were assessed. Outcomes were adjusted for treatment assignment, case mix, and service relative to the British Isles. Results: Differences in case mix (mostly minor) and clinical service (many of prognostic relevance) were present between the countries. Significant differences in outcome were present between the countries. When assessed by geographical region, death or dependency were lower in North America (odds ratio (OR) adjusted for treatment group only = 0.52 (95% confidence interval, 0.39 to 0.71) and north west Europe (OR = 0.54 (0.37 to 0.78)) relative to the British Isles, similar reductions were found when adjustments were made for 11 case mix variables and five service quality measures. Similarly, case fatality rates were lower in North America (OR = 0.44 (0.30 to 0.66)) and Scandinavia (OR = 0.50 (0.33 to 0.74)) relative to the British Isles, whether crude or adjusted for case mix and service quality. Conclusions: Both functional outcome and case fatality vary considerably between countries, even when adjusted for prognostic case mix variables and measures of good stroke care. Differing health care systems and the management of patients with acute stroke may contribute to these findings.
|
|
45. |
- Grujic, Mirjana, et al.
(författare)
-
Delayed contraction of the CD8+ T cell response toward lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection in mice lacking serglycin
- 2008
-
Ingår i: Journal of Immunology. - 0022-1767 .- 1550-6606. ; 181:2, s. 1043-1051
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We previously reported that the lack of serglycin proteoglycan affects secretory granule morphology and granzyme B (GrB) storage in in vitro generated CTLs. In this study, the role of serglycin during viral infection was studied by infecting wild-type (wt) mice and serglycin-deficient (SG(-/-)) mice with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). Wt and SG(-/-) mice cleared 10(3) PFU of highly invasive LCMV with the same kinetics, and the CD8(+) T lymphocytes from wt and SG(-/-) animals did not differ in GrB, perforin, IFN-gamma, or TNF-alpha content. However, when a less invasive LCMV strain was used, SG(-/-) GrB(+) CD8(+) T cells contained approximately 30% less GrB than wt GrB(+) CD8(+) T cells. Interestingly, the contraction of the antiviral CD8(+) T cell response to highly invasive LCMV was markedly delayed in SG(-/-) mice, and a delayed contraction of the virus-specific CD8(+) T cell response was also seen after infection with vesicular stomatitis virus. BrdU labeling of cells in vivo revealed that the delayed contraction was associated with sustained proliferation of Ag-specific CD8(+) T cells in SG(-/-) mice. Moreover, wt LCMV-specific CD8(+) T cells from TCR318 transgenic mice expanded much more extensively in virus-infected SG(-/-) mice than in matched wt mice, indicating that the delayed contraction represents a T cell extrinsic phenomenon. In summary, the present report points to a novel, previously unrecognized role for serglycin proteoglycan in regulating the kinetics of antiviral CD8(+) T cell responses.
|
|
46. |
- Heaf, James, et al.
(författare)
-
Choice of dialysis modality among patients initiating dialysis : results of the Peridialysis study
- 2021
-
Ingår i: Clinical Kidney Journal. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 2048-8505 .- 2048-8513. ; 14:9, s. 2064-2074
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: In patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), home dialysis offers socio-economic and health benefits compared with in-centre dialysis but is generally underutilized. We hypothesized that the pre-dialysis course and institutional factors affect the choice of dialysis modality after dialysis initiation (DI).Methods: The Peridialysis study is a multinational, multicentre prospective observational study assessing the causes and timing of DI and consequences of suboptimal DI. Clinical and biochemical data, details of the pre-dialytic course, reasons for DI and causes of the choice of dialysis modality were registered.Results: Among 1587 included patients, 516 (32.5%) were judged unsuitable for home dialysis due to contraindications [384 ( 24.2%)] or no assessment [106 (6.7%); mainly due to late referral and/or suboptimal DI] or death [26 (1.6%)]. Older age, comorbidity, late referral, suboptimal DI, acute illness and rapid loss of renal function associated with unsuitability. Of the remaining 1071 patients, 700 (65.4%) chose peritoneal dialysis (61.7%) or home haemodialysis (HD; 3.6%), while 371 (34.6%) chose in-centre HD. Somatic differences between patients choosing home dialysis and in-centre dialysis were minor; factors linked to the choice of in-centre dialysis were late referral, suboptimal DI, acute illness and absence of a 'home dialysis first' institutional policy.Conclusions: Given a personal choice with shared decision making, 65.4% of ESKD patients choose home dialysis. Our data indicate that the incidence of home dialysis potentially could be further increased to reduce the incidence of late referral and unplanned DI and, in acutely ill patients, by implementing an educational programme after improvement of their clinical condition.
|
|
47. |
- Heaf, James, et al.
(författare)
-
First-year mortality in incident dialysis patients : results of the Peridialysis study
- 2022
-
Ingår i: BMC Nephrology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2369. ; 23:1
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Controversy surrounds which factors are important for predicting early mortality after dialysis initiation (DI). We investigated associations of predialysis course and circumstances affecting planning and execution of DI with mortality following DI.METHODS: Among 1580 patients participating in the Peridialysis study, a study of causes and timing of DI, we registered features of predialysis course, clinical and biochemical data at DI, incidence of unplanned suboptimal DI, contraindications to peritoneal dialysis (PD) or hemodialysis (HD), and modality preference, actual choice, and cause of modality choice. Patients were followed for 12 months or until transplantation. A flexible parametric model was used to identify independent factors associated with all-cause mortality.RESULTS: First-year mortality was 19.33%. Independent factors predicting death were high age, comorbidity, clinical contraindications to PD or HD, suboptimal DI, high eGFR, low serum albumin, hyperphosphatemia, high C-reactive protein, signs of overhydration and cerebral symptoms at DI. Among 1061 (67.2%) patients who could select dialysis modality based on personal choice, 654 (61.6%) chose PD, 368 (34.7%) center HD and 39 (3.7%) home HD. The 12-months survival did not differ significantly between patients receiving PD and in-center HD.CONCLUSIONS: First-year mortality in incident dialysis patients was in addition to high age and comorbidity, associated with clinical contraindications to PD or HD, clinical symptoms, hyperphosphatemia, inflammation, and suboptimal DI. In patients with a "free" choice of dialysis modality based on their personal preferences, PD and in-center HD led to broadly similar short-term outcomes.
|
|
48. |
- Heaf, James, et al.
(författare)
-
Suboptimal dialysis initiation is associated with comorbidities and uraemia progression rate but not with estimated glomerular filtration rate
- 2021
-
Ingår i: Clinical Kidney Journal. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 2048-8505 .- 2048-8513. ; 14:3, s. 933-942
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Despite early referral of uraemic patients to nephrological care, suboptimal dialysis initiation (SDI) remains a common problem associated with increased morbimortality. We hypothesized that SDI is related to pre-dialysis care.Methods: In the 'Peridialysis' study, time and reasons for dialysis initiation (DI), clinical and biochemical data and centre characteristics were registered during the pre- and peri-dialytic period for 1583 end-stage kidney disease patients starting dialysis over a 3-year period at 15 nephrology departments in the Nordic and Baltic countries to identify factors associated with SDI.Results: SDI occurred in 42%. Risk factors for SDI were late referral, cachexia, comorbidity (particularly cardiovascular), hypoalbuminaemia and rapid uraemia progression. Patients with polycystic renal disease had a lower incidence of SDI. High urea and C-reactive protein levels, acidosis and other electrolyte disorders were markers of SDI, independently of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). SDI patients had higher eGFR than non-SDI patients during the pre-dialysis period, but lower eGFR at DI. eGFR as such did not predict SDI. Patients with comorbidities had higher eGFR at DI. Centre practice and policy did not associate with the incidence of SDI.Conclusions: SDI occurred in 42% of all DIs. SDI was associated with hypoalbuminaemia, comorbidity and rate of eGFR loss, but not with the degree of renal failure as assessed by eGFR.
|
|
49. |
- Heaf, James, et al.
(författare)
-
Why do physicians prescribe dialysis? A prospective questionnaire study
- 2017
-
Ingår i: PLoS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 12:12
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction The incidence of unplanned dialysis initiation (DI) with consequent increased comorbidity, mortality and reduced modality choice remains high, but the optimal timing of dialysis initiation (DI) remains controversial, and there is a lack of studies of specific reasons for DI. We investigated why and when physicians prescribe dialysis and hypothesized that physician motivation for DI is an independent factor which may have clinical consequences. Methods In the Peridialysis study, an ongoing multicenter prospective study assessing the causes and timing of DI and consequences of unplanned dialysis, physicians in 11 hospitals were asked to describe their primary, secondary and further reasons for prescribing DI. The stated reasons for DI were analyzed in relation to clinical and biochemical data at DI, and characteristics of physicians. Results In 446 patients (median age 67 years; 38% females; diabetes 25.6%), DI was prescribed by 84 doctors who stated 23 different primary reasons for DI. The primary indication was clinical in 63% and biochemical in 37%; 23% started for life-threatening conditions. Reduced renal function accounted for only 19% of primary reasons for DI but was a primary or contributing reason in 69%. The eGFR at DI was 7.2 ±3.4 ml/min/1.73 m2, but varied according to comorbidity and cause of DI. Patients with cachexia, anorexia and pulmonary stasis (34% with heart failure) had the highest eGFR (8.2–9.8 ml/min/1.73 m2), and those with edema, “low GFR”, and acidosis, the lowest (4.6–6.1 ml/min/1.73 m2). Patients with multiple comorbidity including diabetes started at a high eGFR (8.7 ml/min/1.73 m2). Physician experience played a role in dialysis prescription. Non-specialists were more likely to prescribe dialysis for life-threatening conditions, while older and more experienced physicians were more likely to start dialysis for clinical reasons, and at a lower eGFR. Female doctors started dialysis at a higher eGFR than males (8.0 vs. 7.1 ml/min/1.73 m2). Conclusions DI was prescribed mainly based on clinical reasons in accordance with current recommendations while low renal function accounted for only 19% of primary reasons for DI. There are considerable differences in physicians´ stated motivations for DI, related to their age, clinical experience and interpretation of biochemical variables. These differences may be an independent factor in the clinical treatment of patients, with consequences for the risk of unplanned DI.
|
|
50. |
- Henriksson, Karl-Gösta, 1928-, et al.
(författare)
-
The promise of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists in fibromyalgia
- 2002
-
Ingår i: Rheumatic Disease Clinics of North America. - 0889-857X .- 1558-3163. ; 28:2, s. 343-351
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- There is strong evidence that intravenous administration of ketamine following a standardized protocol could be used as a diagnostic test for a central sensitization in the central nervous system in patients with FM. The combination of a weak opioid and an NMDA-receptor antagonist with few side effects is presently a promise for treatment of pain in a subgroup of patients with FM. The response to intravenously administered ketamine may help select patients for this treatment modality.
|
|