| 1. |
- Ahlberg, M., et al.
(författare)
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Time without PSA recurrence after radical prostatectomy as a predictor of prostate cancer death
- 2022
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Ingår i: European Urology. - : Elsevier. - 0302-2838 .- 1873-7560. ; 81:Suppl. 1, s. S286-S286
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Tidskriftsartikel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Introduction & Objectives: Although surveillance after radical prostatectomy routinely includes repeated Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)-testing for many years, biochemical recurrence often occurs without further clinical progression. We therefore hypothesised that follow-up can be shortened for many patients without increasing the risk for prostate cancer death. We investigated the long-term probabilities of PSA recurrence, metastases and prostate cancer death in patients without biochemical recurrence 5 and 10 years after radical prostatectomy.Materials & Methods: Between 1989 and 1998, 14 urological centres in Scandinavia randomized patients to the Scandinavian Prostate Cancer Group study number 4 (SPCG-4) trial. Data was collected prospectively. All 306 patients from the SPCG-4 trial who underwent radical prostatectomy within 1 year from inclusion were eligible in our cohort. 4 patients were excluded due to surgery-related death (n=1) or salvage radiotherapy or hormonal treatment within 6 weeks from surgery (n=3). We stratified by Gleason score (≤3+4=7 or ≥4+3=7), pathological tumour stage (pT2 or ≥pT3), and negative or positive surgical margins. We analysed the cumulative incidences and absolute differences in metastatic disease and prostate cancer death.Results: We analysed 302 patients with complete follow-up during a median of 18 years. Median preoperative PSA was 9.8 ng/ml and median age at inclusion was 65 years. For patients without biochemical recurrence 5 years after radical prostatectomy the 20-year probability of biochemical recurrence was 25% among men with Gleason score ≤3+4=7 and 57% among men with Gleason score ≥4+3=7; the probabilities for metastases were 0.8% and 17%; and for prostate cancer death 0.8% and 12% respectively. The long-term probabilities were higher for pT≥3 vs. pT2 and for positive vs. negative surgical margins.Conclusions: Following radical prostatectomy, patients with Gleason score ≤3+4=7 without biochemical recurrence 5 years after radical prostatectomy had low risk of metastases and prostate cancer death independent of pT-stage and surgical margins. The risk of clinical progression decreased drastically the first 3 years after radical prostatectomy and after 10 years without biochemical recurrence, no patient was diagnosed with metastases or died from prostate cancer. Our study indicates that men with favourable histopathology without biochemical recurrence 5 years after radical prostatectomy can stop follow-up earlier than 10 years after radical prostatectomy while men with adverse pathology should continue with at least 10 years follow-up
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| 2. |
- Dahl, Martin, 1984-, et al.
(författare)
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A 2,000-Year Record of Eelgrass (Zostera marina L.) : Colonization Shows Substantial Gains in Blue Carbon Storage and Nutrient Retention
- 2024
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Ingår i: Global Biogeochemical Cycles. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 0886-6236 .- 1944-9224. ; 38:3
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Assessing historical environmental conditions linked to habitat colonization is important for understanding long-term resilience and improving conservation and restoration efforts. Such information is lacking for the seagrass Zostera marina, an important foundation species across cold-temperate coastal areas of the Northern Hemisphere. Here, we reconstructed environmental conditions during the last 14,000 years from sediment cores in two eelgrass (Z. marina) meadows along the Swedish west coast, with the main aims to identify the time frame of seagrass colonization and describe subsequent biogeochemical changes following establishment. Based on vegetation proxies (lipid biomarkers), eelgrass colonization occurred about 2,000 years ago after geomorphological changes that resulted in a shallow, sheltered environment favoring seagrass growth. Seagrass establishment led to up to 20- and 24-fold increases in sedimentary carbon and nitrogen accumulation rates, respectively. This demonstrates the capacity of seagrasses as efficient ecosystem engineers and their role in global change mitigation and adaptation through CO2 removal, and nutrient and sediment retention. By combining regional climate projections and landscape models, we assessed potential climate change effects on seagrass growth, productivity and distribution until 2100. These predictions showed that seagrass meadows are mostly at risk from increased sedimentation and hydrodynamic changes, while the impact from sea level rise alone might be of less importance in the studied area. This study showcases the positive feedback between seagrass colonization and environmental conditions, which holds promise for successful conservation and restoration efforts aimed at supporting climate change mitigation and adaptation, and the provision of several other crucial ecosystem services. © 2024. The Authors.
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| 3. |
- Hyttinen, O., et al.
(författare)
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Deglaciation dynamics of the Fennoscandian Ice Sheet in the Kattegat, the gateway between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea Basin
- 2021
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Ingår i: Boreas. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 0300-9483 .- 1502-3885. ; 50:2, s. 351-368
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper presents an age–depth model based on an ultra-high-resolution, 80-m-thick sedimentary succession from a marine continental shelf basin, the Kattegat. This is an area of dynamic deglaciation of the Fennoscandian Ice Sheet during the Late Pleistocene. The Kattegat is also a transitional area between the saline North Sea and the brackish Baltic Sea. As such, it records general development of currents and exchange between these two systems. Data for the succession were provided through the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Site M0060. The site indicates onset of deglaciation at c. 18 ka BP and relatively continuous sedimentation until 13 ka BP. At this point, sediments record a hiatus until c. 9–7 ka BP. The uppermost sedimentary unit contains redeposited material, but it is estimated to represent only the last c. 9–7 ka BP. The age–depth model is based on 17 select, radiocarbon-dated samples and is integrated with a set of physical and chemical proxies. The integrated records provide novel constraints on the timing of major palaeoenvironmental changes, such as the transition from glaciomarine proximal to glaciomarine distal and marine conditions, and their connections to known major events and processes in the region and the North Atlantic. Depositional evidence specifically documents connections between the Fennoscandian Ice Sheet behaviour and atmospheric and oceanic warming. Glacial retreat may have also depended on topographic factors such as changes in basin width and depth, linked to relative sea level changes and land uplift. The results indicate an early response of the Fennoscandian Ice Sheet to changing climate, and the ice sheet's possible influence on oceanic circulation during the Late Pleistocene deglaciation.
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| 4. |
- Shoja, S., et al.
(författare)
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Enhanced steel machining performance using texture-controlled CVD alpha-alumina coatings : Fundamental degradation mechanisms
- 2024
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Ingår i: International Journal of Machine Tools and Manufacture. - 0890-6955. ; 197
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Cemented carbide inserts coated with CVD α-alumina, particularly those exhibiting a (0001) texture, have proven highly effective in steel turning. Despite the established superior performance of (0001) textured alumina coatings, the underlying reasons remain unclear. This study explores the influence of the crystallographic texture of alumina on wear mechanisms in various chip-tool contact zones on the insert rake face. The objective is to establish a fundamental understanding of the active degradation mechanisms and machining performance by relating coating texture to the orientation and deformation of individual Al2O3 grains. Two multilayered coatings, Al2O3 on Ti(C,N), featuring (0001)- and (112‾0)-textured CVD α-alumina, were assessed in dry turning of a bearing steel. The wear rate of the (112‾0) coating was double that of the (0001) coating. Worn coatings exhibit nano-terrace formation at the insert edge, likely due to chemical etching. In the sticking zone, plastic deformation leads to larger facets for grains oriented with the chip flow direction, while rounded surfaces result if this condition is not met. In the transition zone, both (0001) and (112‾0) textured coatings undergo increased plastic deformation accompanied by sub-surface dislocations. (0001) texture deforms more by basal slip creating a wavy coating pattern with steps present at larger misalignments of the lattice planes in neighboring grains while (112‾0) texture deforms by several slip systems creating elongated ridges and ruptured-like areas resulting in rougher surface. This difference in surface morphology is then inherited by the abrasion of submicron coating fragments embedded in the chip (more in (112‾0) texture) in the sliding zone resulting in an even rougher surface. Chemical reaction with the hot chip may also contribute to wear acting as an additional mechanism. This fundamental understanding contributes to the potential enhancement of steel machining using texture-controlled CVD alumina coatings, ultimately improving coated cutting tool performance.
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| 5. |
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| 6. |
- Andrén, Anna, 1970-
(författare)
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Freezing Temperature Flows in Railway Tunnels and its Consequence on the Rock Supporting Structure, the Rock and the Reinforcing Elements
- 2023
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Water in the surrounding rock mass flows into the tunnel via naturally occurring joints and via cracks caused by the blasting used to excavate the tunnel. The most common method in Sweden to reduce or prevent leakage problems are first and foremost the use of grouting. However, experience shows that despite extensive pre-grouting and supplementary post-grouting, it is difficult to seal the rock mass so that drips and moisture are completely eliminated. Although the water itself causes degradation of the tunnel, the degradation process increases dramatically when the water is exposed to freezing temperatures. Water expands during freezing and due to water migration, which occurs in rock in a similar way as in soil, the ice causes frost shattering of the interface between rock and shotcrete and also to the shotcrete and the rock itself. This can damage the main load-bearing system. The ice formation itself is a maintenance problem, as the tunnels must be kept clear of icicles, ice pillars and ice layers in the tracks or on the roads. One of the main tasks in this research project has been to identify which problems cause the most maintenance work and where and when these problems occur in the tunnel.During the field observations carried out as part of this doctoral study, many problems with water and ice were discovered, all of which contribute to increased maintenance. Many ice problems are directly linked to frost insulated drain mats. Leakage and ice formations occur at the edge of the drains, in mat splices and when brackets for cable racks, handrails or other installations puncture a drain and it has not been properly sealed. In drains covered with shotcrete, frost shattering and cracking in the shotcrete can be a problem. Frost cycles in the tunnel cause the water to freeze and thaw alternately, allowing more water to reach the freezing area due to water migration, resulting in frost shattering of the rock and the shotcrete. If not anchored with bolts, the reinforcing effect and the stability of shotcrete in a tunnel is dependent on the adhesion to the rock surface. It is, therefore, important to take all available measures to ensure good adhesion. Poor adhesion in itself is not a degradation problem, but a void can form in the interface between rock and shotcrete as a result of poor adhesion. If this void is filled with water that cannot drain away, ice pressure can occur in the layer between rock and shotcrete. The ice pressure can cause cracking and degradation of the shotcrete if the pressure exceeds the tensile strength of the adjacent material. In some of the reported fall-outs of rock and shotcrete, an ice layer was discovered between the rock surface and the edges of the remaining shotcrete layer. Therefore, frost shattering is a likely cause of the fall-outs. Many frost cycles combined with water leakage can cause frost shattering. The field measurements conducted as a part of the doctoral study have shown that most frost cycles do not occur closest to the tunnel entrances, but instead about 100 to 200 m into the longer tunnels. The results from the laboratory tests performed as part of the doctoral study showed that the adhesive strength between rock and shotcrete decreased significantly when the test panels were subjected to freeze-thaw cycles. Furthermore, more of the micro seismic events (AE - acoustic emission monitoring) occurred in the test panels that had access to water during freezing. Therefor, maintenance personnel and inspectors should pay particular attention to water leakage in sections that have an increased number of frost cycles, to avoid future problems with frost shattering of rock or shotcrete. In the longer tunnels studied in this work, a greater number of ice formations occurred in the inner parts of the tunnel, than close to the entrances. The rock mass emits heat, which heats up the cold outside air that enters the tunnel. Due to the heat transfer from the rock mass, leakage points located further along the tunnels can remain unfrozen. A leak that is closer to the tunnel entrances in the longer tunnels or a leak in a shorter tunnel are exposed to higher freezing rates. The entire rock mass freezes and the leak ‘freezes dry’, that is, ice forms in the water-bearing fracture, preventing further water leakage.Where and when ice problems occur along a tunnel depends on many factors. Besides the obvious water leakage, the length of frost penetration into the tunnel is the main reason for where and when ice problems occur. The predominant cause of frost penetration in most of the tunnels is the thermally induced airflow. In the longer tunnels, the inclination of the tunnel affects frost penetration the most. The field observations showed that there was a difference in where and when leakage points appear during the year and also in terms of variation in the amount of leakage water. There was also a variation over different years. The conclusions of the field observations are that it is difficult to estimate where the insulated drain mats should be located along a tunnel. Based on experience from this survey, the location of the drains should be determined only after several inspections and especially after a winter period, when the main problems with ice formation occur. Previous perception regarding ice problems have been that ice formation only occurs at the tunnel entrances and in the outer parts of the tunnel. A proposed measure has, therefore, been to cover the first 300 m from each entrance with frost insulated drains to try to completely eliminate the ice problems. However, this is not an effective solution to the problem. The insulation not only prevents the cold from reaching the leakage point, but it also prevents the rock mass from emitting heat that warms up the cold outside air entering the tunnel. Thus, the frost can penetrate further into the tunnel and the problems with ice formation are only moved further into the tunnel. As the amount and location of the frost insulation affects frost penetration, the dimensioning of insulation must, therefore, be carried out in several iterations, where each new distribution of insulation along the tunnel is calculated separately.For the tunnels that have been studied as part of this doctoral study, the following has emerged. The central and southern parts of Sweden have shorter cooling periods and the tunnels are exposed to many temperature fluctuations around 0°C during the winter. The frost does not have time to penetrate as far here as in the tunnels in the northern parts of Sweden. Therefore, more ice problems arise around the entrances of the tunnels in the southern parts of Sweden than for those in the northern parts. For northern parts of Sweden, the problem of growing ice formations in sections near the tunnel entrance usually occurs only during the autumn and spring, but not in winter. The field observations showed that the problems with ice growth and temperature fluctuations around 0°C occur further along the longer tunnels in the northern parts of Sweden. This is because the temperature of the tunnel air is higher due to heat transfer from the rock mass. For shorter tunnels that adopt the same temperatures as the outside air, ice formations can occur along the entire length of the tunnel in the sections that have leakage problems. The Swedish Transport Administration’s regulations are currently being updated and the observations and measurements carried out in this doctoral work are now being used to evaluate new requirements regarding frost penetration in tunnels.
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| 7. |
- Josefsson, Andreas, 1979, et al.
(författare)
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Effect of docetaxel added to bicalutamide in Hormone-Naive non-metastatic prostate cancer with rising PSA, a randomized clinical trial (SPCG-14)
- 2023
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Ingår i: Acta Oncologica. - 0284-186X. ; 62:4, s. 372-380
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BackgroundHistorically, endocrine therapy was used in a range of scenarios in patients with rising PSA, both as a treatment for locally advanced non-metastatic prostate cancer and PSA recurrence following curative intended therapy. In the present study the objective was to investigate if chemotherapy added to endocrine therapy could improve progression-free survival (PFS).Materials and MethodsPatients with hormone-naive, non-metastatic prostate cancer and rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA), enrolled from Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Finland, were randomized to long-term bicalutamide (150 mg daily) or plus docetaxel (75 mg/m(2), q3w, 8-10 cycles) without prednisone, after stratification for the site, prior local therapy or not, and PSA doubling time. The primary endpoint was 5-year PFS analyzed with a stratified Cox proportional hazards regression model on intention to treat basis.ResultsBetween 2009 and 2018, a total of 348 patients were randomized; 315 patients had PSA relapse after radical treatment, 33 patients had no prior local therapy. Median follow-up was 4.9 years (IQR 4.0-5.1). Adding docetaxel improved PFS (HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.50-0.93; p = 0.015). Docetaxel showed an advantage for patients with PSA relapse after prior local therapy (HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.49-0.94; p = 0.019). One event of neutropenic infection/fever occurred in 27% of the patients receiving docetaxel. Limitations were slow recruitment, lack of enrolling patients without radical local treatment, and too short follow-up for evaluation of overall survival in patients with PSA relapse.ConclusionDocetaxel improved PFS in patients starting bicalutamide due to PSA relapse after local therapy or localized disease without local therapy. Confirmatory studies of the efficacy of docetaxel in the setting of PSA-only relapse in addition to endocrine therapies may be justified if longer follow-up will show increased metastatic-free survival.
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| 8. |
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| 9. |
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| 10. |
- Shoja, Siamak, 1980, et al.
(författare)
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Calculated and experimental Schmid factors for chip flow deformation of textured CVD α-alumina coatings
- 2021
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Ingår i: Surface and Coatings Technology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0257-8972. ; 412
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A thorough analysis of Schmid factors (m) for three different (basal and two prismatic) slip systems and three different coating textures, (0001), (011¯2) and (112¯0), was done in order to understand the influence of CVD α-alumina coating textures on the ability of the coatings to deform plastically at different locations on the rake face of a cutting tool insert during a metal machining operation. Schmid factor diagrams were constructed using MATLAB/MTEX in order to visualize the angular dependence of an external force relative to the α-Al O crystals (grains) on the Schmid factor. The diagrams were also used to extract m-value frequency distributions for different slip systems and textures. In addition, lateral m-value distribution maps were obtained from experimental textured coatings using electron backscatter diffraction. These maps show the ability for neighboring grains to deform plastically in the coatings. Cutting tool inserts with differently textured α-Al2O3 coatings were subjected to dry machining of a quench-tempered steel. Using scanning electron microscopy, the microstructure and surface topography of the worn alumina layers were investigated and it was found that a flatter surface morphology and higher probability of discrete plastic deformation are connected to less wear. This was observed in the (0001)-textured sample, which also exhibited the highest m-values in the wear zone with highest temperatures and external forces. It was observed that basal slip is most easily activated, followed by prismatic slip systems 1 and 2 in this case. For (011¯2) and (112¯0) textured coatings the differences in m-values for the three slip systems are not that big, and the distributions are relatively wide. It is clear that the Schmid factor analysis forms a basis that is important for understanding crater wear, especially when it is connected to local plastic deformation, of textured CVD α-Al2O3 coatings. The methodology of this work can be expanded to other coating systems and also more generally to applications where it is of interest to analyze the deformation behavior and local plastic anisotropy of textured materials.
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