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| 2. |
- Jansson, T., et al.
(författare)
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Detection of magnetomotive ultrasound signals from human tissue
- 2023
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Ingår i: Nanomedicine-Nanotechnology Biology and Medicine. - : Elsevier BV. - 1549-9634. ; 47
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Rectal cancer is a common cancer, with presently a 5-year survival of 67 %. Treatment is based on tumor stage, but current staging methods, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound, are limited in the ability to correctly stage the disease. Magnetomotive ultrasound is a developing modality that has a potential to improve rectal cancer staging. Magnetic nanoparticles are set in motion by an external magnetic field, and the resulting motion signature is detected by ultrasound. Here, we report on magnetomotive images of magnetic nanoparticles in human tissue, using a prototype system where a rotating permanent magnet provides the varying magnetic field, and an ultrasound transducer array encircling the magnet, detects the induced motion. Prior to surgery, a patient with a low rectal tumor was injected at three sites close to the tumor with magnetic nanoparticles. Postsurgical magnetomotive ultrasound scanning revealed the three injection sites, with no obvious artefactual signals. A phantom study showed detection of nanoparticles beyond 40 mm, where 30 mm is the expected maximum distance to mesorectal lymph nodes.Magnetomotive ultrasound image of iron oxide nanoparticles in human tissue. Prior to surgery a patient was injected with nanoparticles, and the excised tissue specimen was imaged with a prototype magnetomotive ultrasound system. The three colored areas overlaid on the standard B-mode greyscale image, correspond to the three injection sites.
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| 3. |
- Alanärä, Anders, et al.
(författare)
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Utsättning av djur för jakt och fiske
- 2021
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Bok (populärvet., debatt m.m.)abstract
- SLUs vetenskapliga råd för djurskydd har fått i uppdrag av Jordbruksverket att sammanställa aktuell forskning kring utsättning av djur för jakt och fiske samt att belysa eventuella kunskapsluckor på området. Uppdraget omfattar gräsand, rapphöna, fasan och laxfiskar. Bruket att föda upp fåglar och fiskar för utsättning i syfte att gynna jakt och fiske ifrågasätts inte sällan av etiska skäl, men den diskussionen ligger utanför fokus för denna rapport. Utsättning av fågel och fisk är en antropogen verksamhet som, till skillnad från många andra typer av mänsklig påverkan, syftar till att gynna arterna i fråga. Det kan handla om naturvårdsinsatser, att återinföra försvunna arter eller att på andra sätt berika ekosystemet, inte sällan med ökade möjligheter till jakt eller fiske som slutändamål. Ofta förbereds och åtföljs utsättningar av habitatförbättrande åtgärder som inte endast gynnar de utsatta individerna och deras artfränder, utan även har positiva konsekvenser för biologisk mångfald och ekosystemet i stort. I utarbetandet av regelverket knutet till utsättning av fågel och fisk är det viktigt att även beakta de positiva föresatserna och de konsekvenser som verksamheten kan medföra. Annars riskerar man att engagemang och incitament förloras, till men för biologisk mångfald och en rik och levande landsbygd.
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| 4. |
- Alimpić, Filip, et al.
(författare)
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The status and role of genetic diversity of trees for the conservation and management of riparian ecosystems : A European experts' perspective
- 2022
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Ingår i: Journal of Applied Ecology. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 0021-8901 .- 1365-2664. ; 59:10, s. 2476-2485
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Riparian vegetation supports high biodiversity providing many services and is, therefore, an important landscape element. Riparian ecosystems are subject to numerous pressures leading to population decline and genetic erosion of riparian plants. This may have cascading effects at various ecosystem levels, including decreasing ecosystem services, so identifying the current status of genetic diversity of riparian tree species is vital to improve the effectiveness of restoration efforts.We aimed to elicit expert views on the status and importance of genetic diversity of tree species, and conservation needs across European riparian ecosystems. Sharing of such information among researchers, managers and policymakers has the potential to enhance ecological restoration and management of riparian ecosystems.We identified experts in riparian genetic resources conservation and management across Europe. These included stakeholders with different perspectives, ranging from researchers to practitioners. We designed a set of questionnaires where our identified experts were asked to answer questions related to the status and conservation of genetic diversity of riparian tree species in their respective countries. Specifically, we asked about societal awareness, legislative tools, good practices and conservation or restoration projects accounting for intraspecific genetic diversity and differentiation of tree species in riparian ecosystems. Questionnaire responses were analysed and discussed in light of the scientific literature to define needs and priorities related to the management and conservation of genetic diversity of riparian tree species.The experts recognized that a combination of in situ and ex situ measures and/or integrative conservation of riparian ecosystems is the most appropriate option for conserving the genetic diversity of riparian tree species. Simultaneous application of conservation measures at the level of priority species, identified by experts, and protection of riparian areas are required.Synthesis and applications. This study revealed the importance of recognizing the ecological processes that shape the genetic diversity of riparian tree species in hydrographic networks (dendritic spatial configuration, specific patterns of gene flow among riparian populations, fragmentation of river by dams) but also the need to overcome socio-economic barriers, such as lack of policy priority, deficiency in funding and weak legislation framework.
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| 5. |
- Arshad, Rameez, et al.
(författare)
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A kaleidoscope of photosynthetic antenna proteins and their emerging roles
- 2022
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Ingår i: Plant Physiology. - : Oxford University Press. - 0032-0889 .- 1532-2548. ; 189:3, s. 1204-1219
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Photosynthetic light-harvesting antennae are pigment-binding proteins that perform one of the most fundamental tasks on Earth, capturing light and transferring energy that enables life in our biosphere. Adaptation to different light environments led to the evolution of an astonishing diversity of light-harvesting systems. At the same time, several strategies have been developed to optimize the light energy input into photosynthetic membranes in response to fluctuating conditions. The basic feature of these prompt responses is the dynamic nature of antenna complexes, whose function readily adapts to the light available. High-resolution microscopy and spectroscopic studies on membrane dynamics demonstrate the crosstalk between antennae and other thylakoid membrane components. With the increased understanding of light-harvesting mechanisms and their regulation, efforts are focusing on the development of sustainable processes for effective conversion of sunlight into functional bio-products. The major challenge in this approach lies in the application of fundamental discoveries in light-harvesting systems for the improvement of plant or algal photosynthesis. Here, we underline some of the latest fundamental discoveries on the molecular mechanisms and regulation of light harvesting that can potentially be exploited for the optimization of photosynthesis.
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| 6. |
- Backman, Helena, et al.
(författare)
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Decreased COPD prevalence in Sweden after decades of decrease in smoking
- 2020
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Ingår i: Respiratory Research. - : Springer Nature. - 1465-9921 .- 1465-993X. ; 21
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BackgroundCOPD has increased in prevalence worldwide over several decades until the first decade after the millennium shift. Evidence from a few recent population studies indicate that the prevalence may be levelling or even decreasing in some areas in Europe. Since the 1970s, a substantial and ongoing decrease in smoking prevalence has been observed in several European countries including Sweden. The aim of the current study was to estimate the prevalence, characteristics and risk factors for COPD in the Swedish general population. A further aim was to estimate the prevalence trend of COPD in Northern Sweden from 1994 to 2009.MethodsTwo large random population samples were invited to spirometry with bronchodilator testing and structured interviews in 2009–2012, one in south-western and one in northern Sweden, n = 1839 participants in total. The results from northern Sweden were compared to a study performed 15 years earlier in the same area and age-span. The diagnosis of COPD required both chronic airway obstruction (CAO) and the presence of respiratory symptoms, in line with the GOLD documents since 2017. CAO was defined as post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC < 0.70, with sensitivity analyses based on the FEV1/FVC < lower limit of normal (LLN) criterion.ResultsBased on the fixed ratio definition, the prevalence of COPD was 7.0% (men 8.3%; women 5.8%) in 2009–2012. The prevalence of moderate to severe (GOLD ≥ 2) COPD was 3.5%. The LLN based results were about 30% lower. Smoking, occupational exposures, and older age were risk factors for COPD, whereof smoking was the most dominating risk factor. In northern Sweden the prevalence of COPD, particularly moderate to severe COPD, decreased significantly from 1994 to 2009, and the decrease followed a decrease in smoking.ConclusionsThe prevalence of COPD has decreased in Sweden, and the prevalence of moderate to severe COPD was particularly low. The decrease follows a major decrease in smoking prevalence over several decades, but smoking remained the dominating risk factor for COPD.
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| 7. |
- Backman, Helena, et al.
(författare)
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FEV1 decline in relation to blood eosinophils and neutrophils in a population-based asthma cohort
- 2020
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Ingår i: World Allergy Organization Journal. - : Elsevier. - 1939-4551. ; 13:3
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: The relationship between lung function decline and eosinophils and neutrophils has important therapeutic implications among asthmatics, but it has rarely been studied in large cohort studies.Objective: The aim is to study the relationship between blood eosinophils and neutrophils and FEV1 decline in a long-term follow-up of a population-based adult asthma cohort.Methods: In 2012-2014, an adult asthma cohort was invited to a follow-up including spirometry, blood sampling, and structured interviews, and n = 892 participated (55% women, mean age 59 y, 32-92 y). Blood eosinophils, neutrophils and FEV 1 decline were analyzed both as continuous variables and divided into categories with different cut-offs. Regression models adjusted for smoking, exposure to vapors, gas, dust, or fumes (VGDF), use of inhaled and oral corticosteroids, and other possible confounders were utilized to analyze the relationship between eosinophils and neutrophils at follow-up and FEV1 decline.Results: The mean follow-up time was 18 years, and the mean FEV 1 decline was 27 ml/year. The annual FEV1 decline was related to higher levels of both blood eosinophils and neutrophils at follow-up, but only the association with eosinophils remained when adjusted for confounders. Further, the association between FEV1 decline and eosinophils was stronger among those using ICS. With EOS <0.3 × 109/L as reference, a more rapid decline in FEV1 was independently related to EOS ≥0.4 × 109/L in adjusted analyses.Conclusions and clinical relevance: Besides emphasizing the importance of smoking cessation and reduction of other harmful exposures, our real-world results indicate that there is an independent relationship between blood eosinophils and FEV1 decline among adults with asthma.
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| 8. |
- Backman, Helena, et al.
(författare)
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Risk factors for severe asthma among adults with asthma
- 2020
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Ingår i: European Respiratory Journal. - : European Respiratory Society (ERS). - 0903-1936 .- 1399-3003. ; 56:Suppl 64
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Tidskriftsartikel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Background: Severe asthma is a considerable challenge for patients, health care professionals and society, but there are few long-term studies on risk factors for severe asthma.Aim: To identify baseline risk factors of severe asthma in a longitudinal adult asthma cohort study.Methods: An adult asthma cohort was identified in 1986-2001 by clinical examinations of population samples within the OLIN studies in northern Sweden. The examinations included structured interviews, spirometry with reversibility testing, skin prick testing and metacholine challenge. The cohort was followed up in 2012-2014 when n=1006 participated (mean age 59y). Adjusted Risk Ratios (RR) for baseline factors as risk factors for GINA defined severe asthma (SA) at follow-up (n=51) were estimated by Poisson regression.Results: Older age, impaired lung function, increased reversibility and hyperreactivity, asthmatic wheeze, persistent wheeze, nighttime awakenings due to respiratory symptoms, and dyspnea were significant baseline risk factors for SA. Allergic sensitization, smoking, occupational groups or BMI did not predict SA. When adjusted for age, sex and smoking, post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC<0.7, both present at baseline (RR 4.2, 95%CI 1.8-9.9) and developed during follow-up (2.9, 1.6-5.3), increased the risk. Also FEV1<80% at baseline associated with SA (2.9, 1.6-5.2). Triggers for respiratory symptoms at baseline such as tobacco smoke (2.1, 1.2-3.7) and physical activity (3.5, 1.5-81) associated with SA at follow-up, while pollen and furry animals did not.Conclusion: Among adults with asthma, impaired lung function, wheeze, dyspnea and nighttime awakenings due to respiratory symptoms are important long-term risk factors for severe asthma.
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| 9. |
- Björklund, Sofie, et al.
(författare)
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Distribution of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs ) in a waste-to-energy plant : tracking PFASs in internal residual streams
- 2024
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Ingår i: Environmental Science and Technology. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 0013-936X .- 1520-5851. ; 58:19, s. 8457-8463
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) constitute a diverse group of man-made chemicals characterized by their water- and oil-repellent properties and persistency. Given their widespread use in consumer products, PFASs will inevitably be present in waste streams sent to Waste-to-Energy (WtE) plants. We have previously observed a subset of PFASs in residual streams (ashes, treated process water, and flue gas) from a WtE plant. However, the transport and distribution of PFASs inside the WtE plant have remained unaddressed. This study is part of a comprehensive investigation to create a synoptic overview of the distribution of PFASs in WtE residues. PFASs were found in all sample types except for boiler ash. The total levels of 18 individual PFASs (Σ18PFASs) in untreated flue gas ranged from 5.2 to 9.5 ng m-3, decreasing with 35% ± 10% after wet flue gas treatment. Σ18PFASs in the condensate ranged from 46 to 50 ng L-1, of which perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) made up 90% on a ng L-1 basis. PFHxA was also dominant in filter ash, where Σ18PFASs ranged from 0.28 to 0.79 ng g-1. This study shows that flue gas treatment can capture some PFASs and transfer them into WtE residues.
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| 10. |
- Björklund, Sofie, et al.
(författare)
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Emission of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from a waste-to-energy plant-occurrence in ashes, treated process water, and first observation in flue gas
- 2023
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Ingår i: Environmental Science and Technology. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 0013-936X .- 1520-5851. ; 57:27, s. 10089-10095
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a large group of compounds commonly used as industrial chemicals and constituents of consumer products, e.g., as surfactants and surface protectors. When products containing PFASs reach their end of life, some end up in waste streams sent to waste-to-energy (WtE) plants. However, the fate of PFASs in WtE processes is largely unknown, as is their potential to enter the environment via ash, gypsum, treated process water, and flue gas. This study forms part of a comprehensive investigation of the occurrence and distribution of PFASs in WtE residues. Sampling was performed during incineration of two different waste mixes: normal municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) and incineration of a waste mix with 5-8 wt % sewage sludge added to the MSWI (referred to as Sludge:MSWI). PFASs were identified in all examined residues, with short-chain (C4-C7) perfluorocarboxylic acids being the most abundant. Total levels of extractable PFASs were higher during Sludge:MSWI than during MSWI, with the total annual release estimated to be 47 and 13 g, respectively. Furthermore, PFASs were detected in flue gas for the first time (4.0-5.6 ng m-3). Our results demonstrate that some PFASs are not fully degraded by the high temperatures during WtE conversion and can be emitted from the plant via ash, gypsum, treated process water, and flue gas.
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