| 1. |
- Larsson, Karin, et al.
(författare)
-
Increased levels of the cardiovascular disease risk biomarkers GDF15 and myostatin in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia
- 2021
-
Ingår i: Growth Factors. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0897-7194 .- 1029-2292. ; 38:3-4, s. 189-196
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Individuals suffering from cancer, including hematological malignancies, are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Elevated levels of several biomarkers in blood are associated with an increased risk of CVD. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a subset of such CVD risk biomarkers was elevated in patients with untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Blood plasma and serum from 139 CLL patients and 71 healthy age-matched controls were analyzed for 11 proposed CVD risk biomarkers. The CLL cohort displayed a more heterogeneous pattern of biomarker expression compared to controls. The majority, eight out of 11, analyzed CVD risk biomarkers differed significantly in concentrations between CLL patients and controls. Increased levels of the biomarkers GDF15 and myostatin have not previously been reported in CLL. Further prospective studies are warranted to investigate whether these biomarkers predict future cardiovascular events in patients with CLL.
|
|
| 2. |
- Amirpour, Sepideh, 1980, et al.
(författare)
-
Highly thermal conductive graphene-based heatsink tailored for electric propulsion SiC-based inverter
- 2024
-
Ingår i: Applied Thermal Engineering. - 1359-4311. ; 243
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This study introduces an innovative multidisciplinary design approach for highly conductive and lightweight pin-fin-based heatsinks leveraging the advantages of graphene technology. The primary objective is to optimize the thermal management of silicon carbide (SiC) based inverters within electric vehicles (EVs). To closely emulate the real SiC power module, comprehensive analyses, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), are performed on the module. A detailed fluid dynamics model utilizing a 3D-conjugate heat transfer (CHT) methodology is employed to evaluate the thermal behavior of SiC power switches in contact with the coolant. The multidisciplinary analysis is initially implemented on an aluminum-based heatsink, validated experimentally, and subsequently compared to graphene. The integration of graphene in the heatsink design demonstrates notable improvements, including a 24.4 % increase in the heat transfer coefficient (HTC) and a 19.6 % reduction in thermal resistance (sink to fluid) at a 6 l/min fluid flow rate compared to its aluminum counterpart. Consequently, the SiC chips within the graphene-based heatsink exhibit an 11.5 % lower temperature rise compared to the aluminum version. The improvements in the cooling solution for SiC inverters in EVs, achieved through the adoption of graphene instead of traditional metals, serve as a proof of concept. This signifies a step forward in prioritizing the crucial balance between performance and power density.
|
|
| 3. |
- Bacchetti, Tiziana, et al.
(författare)
-
Effects of Seven Weeks of Combined Physical Training on High-Density Lipoprotein Functionality in Overweight/Obese Subjects
- 2023
-
Ingår i: Metabolites. - : MDPI. - 2218-1989 .- 2218-1989. ; 13:10, s. 1068-1068
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Our study aimed to investigate the effects of exercise on HDL composition and functional properties in overweight/obese subjects. Eighteen overweight/obese subjects (nine F and nine M, BMI = 30.3 ± 3 kg/m2) attended supervised training for 7 weeks. The protocol included combined resistance and conditioning training four to five times each week. The activity of the antioxidant enzyme paraoxonase-1 (PON1) associated with HDL was evaluated in all subjects before and after the training intervention. Moreover, myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels and oxidative stress markers (ox-LDLs and total antioxidant capacity) were studied in the serums of the subjects. At the end of the intervention, the activity of PON1 was increased (p < 0.0001), and MPO levels and the MPO/PON1 ratio were decreased (p < 0.0001). In addition, a significant improvement in muscle strength and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) (p < 0.0001) and a significant reduction in total and visceral adipose tissue mass (p < 0.001) and waist circumference (p < 0.008), without any significant decrease in body weight, were observed. A significant correlation was established between serum MPO/PON ratios, HDL redox activity and ox-LDLs. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that exercise training, without modifications of dietary habits, improved HDL functionality in overweight/obese adults, without any significant reduction in BMI or modifications of glucose and lipid biochemical parameters.
|
|
| 4. |
- Bigdeli, Sedigheh, 1984, et al.
(författare)
-
Strategies for High-Temperature Corrosion Simulations of Fe-Based Alloys Using the Calphad Approach : Part I
- 2021
-
Ingår i: Journal of Phase Equilibria and Diffusion. - : Springer Nature. - 1547-7037 .- 1863-7345. ; 42:3, s. 403-418
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The environmental degradation of materials at high temperatures limits the useful life of different industrial components and hinders the development of more economical and environmentally friendly processes for the energy production. Despite the importance of this phenomena, a model to predict lifetime of materials that degrade due to high-temperature corrosion has up till now been lacking due to limitations of the computational possibilities and the complex nature of oxidation. In the present work we develop some strategies to model high-temperature corrosion in Fe-based alloys using the Calphad (Calculation of Phase Diagrams) approach. It is proposed that kinetic-based simulations for oxidation of Al and Cr can accurately represent the lifetime of the protective layers in FeCrAl and FeCr alloys at different temperatures in air. The oxide systems are in addition investigated by equilibrium calculations. The corrosion mechanisms of FeCr and FeCrAl alloys are discussed based on theoretical and experimental knowledge.
|
|
| 5. |
- Boethius, Adam, et al.
(författare)
-
Assessing laser ablation multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry as a tool to study archaeological and modern human mobility through strontium isotope analyses of tooth enamel
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1866-9557 .- 1866-9565. ; 14:5
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- To evaluate the possibility of obtaining detailed individual mobility data from archaeological teeth, the strontium isotope ratios on 28 human teeth from three separate Early-Mid Holocene, Swedish, foraging contexts (Norje Sunnansund, Skateholm and Västerbjers) were analysed through laser ablation. The teeth/individuals have previously been analysed using traditional bulk sampled thermal ionisation mass spectrometry. To validate the conclusions regarding the archaeological teeth, a tooth from a modern man with a known background was also analysed. The result shows that all of the teeth display less than 0.4% discrepancy between the mean values of the laser ablation profiles and the previously published bulk data and 25 (89%) of the teeth display less than a 0.2% discrepancy. By calculating linear and polynomial trendlines for each ablated tooth, it was possible to illustrate a strong correlation for the transition pattern between the measurements when following a chronological sequence from the tip to the cervix. Such correlations were not reproduced when the data sequence was randomized. The analyses show that the chronologically sequenced ablation data fit with a transition between local bioavailable strontium regions, that the measurements do not fluctuate between extremes and that their values are not caused by end-member mixing. This indicates an increasing data resolution when reducing strontium isotope ratio averaging time by minimizing the sampling area. The results suggest strontium incorporation in human teeth can be measured on an ordinal scale, with a traceable chronological order to enamel mineralization when sampled from tip to cervix at an equal distance from the surface. Micro-sampling enamel is considered a valid method to assess prehistoric, but not modern, human mobility; laser ablation technology increases the amount of information obtained from a single tooth while rendering minimal damage to the studied specimen.
|
|
| 6. |
- Boethius, Adam, et al.
(författare)
-
Diachronic forager mobility : untangling the Stone Age movement patterns at the sites Norje Sunnansund, Skateholm and Västerbjers through strontium isotope ratio analysis by laser ablation
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1866-9557 .- 1866-9565. ; 14:9
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Strontium isotope ratios in human teeth from the three Swedish prehistoric Stone Age hunter-fisher-gathering societies Norje Sunnansund (Maglemose), Skateholm (Ertebølle) and Västerbjers (Pitted Ware Culture) were analysed with laser ablation to produce data on both individual movement patterns and societal mobility trends. The analyses of teeth from both Skateholm and Västerbjers displayed homogeneous ratios and corresponding mobility patterns, while the data from Norje Sunnansund showed larger variances with heterogenous strontium ratios and varied inter-individual mobility patterns. Correlation with the bioavailable baseline suggests that the size of the geographical areas, where human strontium ratios could have originated, was roughly comparable for all three sites. The teeth measurements were reflected within a 50-km radius of the surrounding landscape and the 25–75% data quartile matched with distances between 3 and 30 km from the sites, suggesting limited mobility ranges among aquatically dependent foragers from southernmost Sweden. By applying ethnographic analogies and site-specific contextual inferences, the results suggest that mobility ranges at Norje Sunnansund were likely not delimited by neighbouring group territories. This changed over time and an increasing territorialisation of the landscape may have influenced movement patterns and caused restrictions to the foraging activities at both Skateholm and Västerbjers.
|
|
| 7. |
- Boethius, Adam, et al.
(författare)
-
Early Holocene Scandinavian foragers on a journey to affluence: Mesolithic fish exploitation, seasonal abundance and storage investigated through strontium isotope ratios by laser ablation (LA‐MC-ICP‐MS)
- 2021
-
Ingår i: PLOS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 16:1, s. e0245222-e0245222
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- At Norje Sunnansund, an Early Holocene settlement in southern Sweden, the world’s earliest evidence of fermentation has been interpreted as a method of managing long-term and large-scale food surplus. While an advanced fishery is suggested by the number of recovered fish bones, until now it has not been possible to identify the origin of the fish, or whether and how their seasonal migration was exploited. We analysed strontium isotope ratios (87Sr/86Sr) in 16 cyprinid and 8 pike teeth, which were recovered at the site, both from within the fermentation pit and from different areas outside of it, by using laser ablation multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Our investigation indicates three different regions of origin for the fish at the site. We find that the most commonly fermented fish, cyprinids (roach), were caught in the autumn during their seasonal migration from the Baltic Sea to the sheltered stream and lake next to the site. This is in contrast to the cyprinids from other areas of the site, which were caught when migrating from nearby estuaries and the Baltic Sea coast during late spring. The pikes from the fermentation pit were caught in the autumn as by-catch to the mainly targeted roach while moving from the nearby Baltic Sea coast. Lastly, the pikes from outside the fermentation pit were likely caught as they migrated from nearby waters in sedimentary bedrock areas to the south of the site, to spawn in early spring. Combined, these data suggest an advanced fishery with the ability to combine optimal use of seasonal fish abundance at different times of the year. Our results offer insights into the practice of delayed-return consumption patterns, provide a more complete view of the storage system used, and increase our understanding of Early Holocene sedentism among northern hunter-fisher-gatherers. By applying advanced strontium isotope analyses to archaeological material integrated into an ecological setting, we present a methodology that can be used elsewhere to enhance our understanding of the otherwise elusive indications of storage practices and fish exploitation patterns among ancient foraging societies.
|
|
| 8. |
- Dohlmar, Frida, et al.
(författare)
-
An audit of high dose-rate prostate brachytherapy treatment planning at six Swedish clinics
- 2021
-
Ingår i: Journal of Contemporary Brachytherapy. - : TERMEDIA PUBLISHING HOUSE LTD. - 1689-832X .- 2081-2841. ; 13:1, s. 59-71
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose: High dose-rate prostate brachytherapy has been implemented in Sweden in the late 1980s and early 1990s in six clinics using the same schedule: 20 Gy in two fractions combined with 50 Gy in 25 fractions with external beam radiation therapy. Thirty years have passed and during these years, various aspects of the treatment process have developed, such as ultrasound-guided imaging and treatment planning system. An audit was conducted, including a questionnaire and treatment planning, which aimed to gather knowledge about treatment planning methods in Swedish clinics. Material and methods: A questionnaire and a treatment planning case (non-anatomical images) were sent to six Swedish clinics, in which high-dose-rate prostate brachytherapy is performed. Treatment plans were compared using dosimetric indices and equivalent 2 Gy doses (EQD(2)). Treatment planning system report was used to compare dwell positions and dwell times. Results: For all the clinics, the planning aim for the target was 10.0 Gy, but the volume to receive the dose differed from 95% to 100%. Dose constraints for organs at risk varied with up to 2 Gy. The dose to 90% of target volume ranged from 10.0 Gy to 11.1 Gy, equivalent to 26.0 Gy EQD(2) and 31.3 Gy EQD(2), respectively. Dose non-homogeneity ratio differed from 0.18 to 0.32 for clinical target volume (CTV) in treatment plans and conformity index ranged from 0.52 to 0.59 for CTV. Conclusions: Dose constraints for the organs at risk are showing a larger variation than that reflected in compared treatments plans. In all treatment plans in our audit, at least 10 Gy was administered giving a total treatment of 102 Gy EQD(2), which is in the upper part of the prescription doses published in the GEC/ESTRO recommendations.
|
|
| 9. |
- Dohlmar, Frida, et al.
(författare)
-
Validation of automated post-adjustments of HDR prostate brachytherapy treatment plans by quantitative measures and oncologist observer study
- 2023
-
Ingår i: Brachytherapy. - : Elsevier BV. - 1538-4721 .- 1873-1449. ; 22:3, s. 407-415
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- PURPOSE: The aim was to evaluate a postprocessing optimization algorithm's ability to improve the spatial properties of a clinical treatment plan while preserving the target coverage and the dose to the organs at risk. The goal was to obtain a more homogenous treatment plan, minimizing the need for manual adjustments after inverse treatment planning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 25 previously treated prostate cancer pa-tients. The treatment plans were evaluated on dose-volume histogram parameters established clin-ical and quantitative measures of the high dose volumes. The volumes of the four largest hot spots were compared and complemented with a human observer study with visual grading by eight oncologists. Statistical analysis was done using ordinal logistic regression. Weighted kappa and Fleiss' kappa were used to evaluate intra-and interobserver reliability. RESULTS: The quantitative analysis showed that there was no change in planning target volume (PTV) coverage and dose to the rectum. There were significant improvements for the adjusted treatment plan in: V150% and V200% for PTV, dose to urethra, conformal index, and dose nonhomogeneity ratio. The three largest hot spots for the adjusted treatment plan were significantly smaller compared to the clinical treatment plan. The observers preferred the adjusted treatment plan in 132 cases and the clinical in 83 cases. The observers preferred the adjusted treatment plan on homogeneity and organs at risk but preferred the clinical plan on PTV coverage. CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative analysis showed that the postadjustment optimization tool could improve the spatial properties of the treatment plans while maintaining the target coverage.
|
|
| 10. |
- Engelkes, Torbjörn, et al.
(författare)
-
Loyal to the end : Examining the meaning of loyalty among high-ranking military officers
- 2023
-
Ingår i: Res Militaris. - 2265-6294. ; 13:3, s. 936-953
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Organizations need co-workers who are committed to common goals and that are loyal to the core values of the organization.[1] The conscious fostering of organizational core values is seen as an important tool in creating loyal co-workers and hence an effective organization.[2] Professions with a strong vocational calling such as medicine (Kallin, 2010), the police (Ewin, 1990 ; Foust, 2018) or the military[3] have particular demands on loyalty to certain core values, and individuals are expected to adopt these as their own. However, organizational core values can be contradictive (Billig, 1988) and sometimes in conflict with the individual´s own core values which – when incompatible – can in turn cause severe moral stress and mental illness.[4] This implies a need for clarification about what is expected from members of an organization concerning the objectives and manifestations of core values. In terms of loyalty, the military profession is possibly one of the most demanding, expecting individuals to risk their own lives and to kill other human beings for the benefit of the organizational goals. However, since misplaced loyalty can cause destructive,[5] and unethical behaviour[6] with enormous consequences – especially in the military (Winslow, 1998) – there is a need to be clear about what kind of loyalty behaviour is constructive and vice versa. Although loyalty is a concept that seems to be defined in many different ways, the number of studies of loyalty and its meaning are quite limited - especially in military research.[7] The overall purpose of this study is to broaden understanding of the meaning of loyalty within the military. Because important core values of an organization are set – or strongly influenced[8] – by its leaders,[9] the aim of this study was to explore how high-ranking officers in the Swedish Armed Forces (SAF) give meaning to their own personal experiences of loyalty and to describe possible common patterns within the participant group. [1] Wieseke, Alavi & Habel, 2014.[2] Berghaus & Cartagena, 2013.[3] Huntington, 1985 ; Moskos & Wood, 1988 ; Kirkhaug, 2009 ; Olsthoorn, 2011 ; Beard, 2014.[4] Molendijk, Kramer & Verweij, 2018.[5] Gabriel, 1982 ; Connor, 2010.)[6] Umphress & Bingham, 2011.[7] Olsthoorn, 2011 ; Connor, Andrews, Noack-Lundberg & Wadham, 2019.[8] Larsson, Haerem, Sjöberg, Alvinius & Bakken, 2007.[9] Fergusson & Milliman, 2008 ; Oh, Cho & Lim, 2018.
|
|
