| 1. |
- Malmström, Eva Maj, et al.
(författare)
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Co-morbidities to Vestibular Impairments—Some Concomitant Disorders in Young and Older Adults
- 2021
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Ingår i: Frontiers in Neurology. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 1664-2295. ; 11
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Dizziness and pain are common complaints that often appear concomitantly, with or without a causal relationship. However, these symptoms might maintain and exacerbate each other and other co-morbidities. Therefore, adequate rehabilitation may have to include an expanded focus on other deficits and preconditions, especially in older adults and in patients. Objective: To understand how frequently vestibular dysfunction coincided with medical conditions and aging, we studied two categories: Study 1: patients referred to a vestibular unit and Study 2: senior members in a fitness association. Method: Study 1: 49 patients [34 females/15 males; mean age 52 years (SEM 2.0)] seeking health care for balance disorders and vestibular deficits were asked in questionnaires about their perception of dizziness and pain, and emotional and functional strains. Study 2: 101 senior members in a fitness association [91 females/10 males; mean age 75 years (SEM 0.6)], were assessed for vestibular and balance deficits and for any co-morbidities. The participants were monitored for falls for 12 months after the initial assessments. Result: Study 1: Co-morbidity often existed between dizziness and pain (65%). The patients reported high emotional and functional strain related to their dizziness and pain. Patients older than 60 years reported longer durations of pain (p ≤ 0.028) but less emotional strain (p = 0.036), compared to younger patients. Study 2: 84% of the participants had a vestibular impairment, often without noticing any symptoms. Furthermore, 40% reported cardiovascular illnesses, 12% musculoskeletal disorders, and 63% reported other medical conditions. Forty-two percent experienced falls within 1 year after the initial assessments (thereof 42% in the group with vestibular deficits and 38% in the group without vestibular deficits). Conclusion: To enhance and preserve postural control, both in patients with vestibular deficits and in older adults, we suggest an expanded clinical perspective. Hence, we recommend detailed examinations of the vestibular system but simultaneously probing for possible co-morbidities. Since aging often entails deterioration of multimodal processes related to maintained mobility and postural stability, our results add focus on the importance of addressing balance disorders together with additional medical conditions.
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| 2. |
- Alexakis, Alexandros Efraim, et al.
(författare)
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2-Methoxy-4-Vinylphenol as a Biobased Monomer Precursor for Thermoplastics and Thermoset Polymers
- 2023
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Ingår i: Polymers. - : MDPI AG. - 2073-4360. ; 15:9
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- To address the increasing demand for biobased materials, lignin-derived ferulic acid (FA) is a promising candidate. In this study, an FA-derived styrene-like monomer, referred to as 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol (MVP), was used as the platform to prepare functional monomers for radical polymerizations. Hydrophobic biobased monomers derived from MVP were polymerized via solution and emulsion polymerization resulting in homo- and copolymers with a wide range of thermal properties, thus showcasing their potential in thermoplastic applications. Moreover, divinylbenzene (DVB)-like monomers were prepared from MVP by varying the aliphatic chain length between the MVP units. These biobased monomers were thermally crosslinked with thiol-bearing reagents to produce thermosets with different crosslinking densities in order to demonstrate their thermosetting applications. The results of this study expand the scope of MVP-derived monomers that can be used in free-radical polymerizations toward the preparation of new biobased and functional materials from lignin.
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| 3. |
- Alexakis, Alexandros Efraim, et al.
(författare)
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Bimodal nanolatexes prepared via polymerization-induced self-assembly : losing control in a controlled manner
- 2023
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Ingår i: Polymer Chemistry. - : Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). - 1759-9954 .- 1759-9962. ; 14:19, s. 2308-2316
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The combination of reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization with polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) is known to yield monodisperse nanolatexes. Interestingly, based on the results of the current study, reproducible bimodal nanolatexes were shown to be the result of chain extension of protonated poly(2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) with methyl methacrylate (MMA) in water when aiming for a longer hydrophobic block, for which we provide the first imaging data to our knowledge. The bimodality was found to be induced by the hydrophilic Z-group of the RAFT agent, which has been reported in the literature to be the cause of bimodal molecular weight distributions in RAFT-mediated PISA in emulsion polymerization. Moreover, the advantages of such reproducible bimodal size distribution nanolatexes in coating applications were investigated briefly, underlining the possibilities of their one-pot synthesis. It was found that when bimodal nanolatexes are adsorbed onto cellulose filter paper, the contact angle against water is higher compared to chemically similar monomodal nanolatexes. Also, the morphological arrangement was found to be dependent on the drying protocol. This study aims to expand our understanding on bimodality and the identification of parameters that could promote it on demand to target high-end applications.
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| 4. |
- Alexakis, Alexandros Efraim, et al.
(författare)
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Modification of cellulose through physisorption of cationic bio-based nanolatexes - comparing emulsion polymerization and RAFT-mediated polymerization-induced self-assembly
- 2021
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Ingår i: Green Chemistry. - : Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). - 1463-9262 .- 1463-9270. ; 23:5, s. 2113-2122
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The polymerization of a bio-based terpene-derived monomer, sobrerol methacrylate (SobMA), was evaluated in the design of polymeric nanoparticles (nanolatexes). Their synthesis was accomplished by using emulsion polymerization, either by free-radical polymerization in the presence of a cationic surfactant or a cationic macroRAFT agent by employing RAFT-mediated polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA). By tuning the length of the hydrophobic polymer, it was possible to control the nanoparticle size between 70 and 110 nm. The average size of the latexes in both wet and dry state were investigated by microscopy imaging and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Additionally, SobMA was successfully copolymerized with butyl methacrylate (BMA) targeting soft-core nanolatexes. The comparison of the kinetic profile of the cationically stabilized nanolatexes highlighted the differences of both processes. The SobMA-based nanolatexes yielded high T-g similar to 120 degrees C, while the copolymer sample exhibited a lower T-g similar to 50 degrees C, as assessed by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Thereafter, the nanolatexes were adsorbed onto cellulose (filter paper), where they were annealed at elevated temperatures to result in polymeric coatings. Their morphologies were analysed by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) and compared to a commercial sulfate polystyrene latex (PS latex). By microscopic investigation the film formation mechanism could be unravelled. Water contact angle (CA) measurements verified the transition from a hydrophilic to a hydrophobic surface after film formation had occured. The obtained results are promising for the toolbox of bio-based building blocks, focused on sobrerol-based monomers, to be used in emulsion polymerizations either for tailored PISA-latexes or facile conventional latex formation, in order to replace methyl methacrylate or other high T-g-monomers.
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| 5. |
- Alexakis, Alexandros Efraim, et al.
(författare)
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Modification of CNF‐Networks by the Addition of Small Amounts of Well‐Defined Rigid Cationic Nanolatexes
- 2022
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Ingår i: Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics. - : Wiley. - 1022-1352 .- 1521-3935. ; 224:1, s. 2200249-2200249
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Cellulose nanofibril (CNF)-networks are modified by the addition of small amounts (below 10 wt%) of well-defined cationic nanolatexes synthesized through reversible addition–fragmentation chain-transfer-mediated polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA). Minute amounts of nanolatex inclusions lead to increased tensile and shear moduli, indicating that nanolatexes can act as bridging-points between CNFs. At higher nanolatex content, this stiffening effect is lost, likely due to interactions between nanolatexes leading to plasticization. The influence of nanolatex content and size on interparticle distance is discussed and is used as a tool to understand the effects observed in macroscopic properties. Upon annealing, the stiffening effect is lost due to the softening of the nanolatexes, indicating that the core–shell morphology is a prerequisite for this effect. These systems form a versatile platform to develop fundamental insights into complex condensed colloidal systems, to ultimately aid in the development of new sustainable material concepts.
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| 6. |
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| 7. |
- Alexakis, Alexandros Efraim, 1994-
(författare)
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Nanolatexes: a versatile toolbox for cellulose modification
- 2023
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Cellulosic materials are widely used in our everyday lives, ranging from paperand packaging to biomedical applications. However, in most applications, cellulose must coexist with hydrophobic polymers which can be challenging due to its hydrophilic character. This has encouraged the exploration of chemical and physical modifications of cellulose.The projects included in this thesis focus on the physical modification of cellulosic materials with tailor-made, highly versatile colloidal nanoparticles synthesized in water, called nanolatexes. Their synthesis is based on the combination of the reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization with polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA). The bridging of these techniques results in the formation of amphiphilic diblock copolymers which self-assemble in water forming a variety of morphologies. Spheres, worms and vesicles with pH-responsive shell polymers were prepared to investigate the parameters that tune these morphological transitions. Less investigated parameters such as the chemical composition of the RAFT agent were studied which resulted in the formation of bimodal nanolatexes with opal-like characteristics in a reproducible manner. A fundamental investigation of the parameters that govern the adsorption of cationically charged nanolatexes onto silica and regenerated TEMPO-oxidized cellulose model surfaces was also performed. The combination of gravimetric and a reflectometric techniques revealed the complexity of that model surface. Both the size and the charge density of the nanolatexes were found to influence their adsorption. The information gained from this study was implemented in the preparation of cellulose nanofibril (CNF)-nanocomposites with low contents of nanolatexes. It was found that when the nanolatex content was below 1 wt% the mechanical profile of the CNF-nanocomposites was improved. Finally, wood-based components were used to replace fossil-based monomers in nanolatexes. They were readily adsorbed onto cellulose filter papers and annealed, thus demonstrating their film formation capacity. Nanolatexes comprised of a wood-based shell polymer have a promising high-end application profile, as showcased by their interactions with Cu(II) ions, where nanolatexes prevented the formation of Cu(II) ion aggregates. The results summarized in this thesis add to the understanding on physical modification of cellulose and are envisaged to further promote the utilization of wood-based monomers in the production of the polymers for high-end applications.
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| 8. |
- Asem, Heba
(författare)
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Design of Functional Polymeric Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications
- 2020
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Most of the devastating diseases such as cancer are relatively incurable and have high risks of relapse. Therefore, persistent endeavors have been devoted to improve patient survival rate and quality of life. Drug delivery systems (DDS) based on polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) have been demonstrated to increase the therapeutic index (efficacy/toxicity ratio) of chemotherapeutic agents. This thesis focuses on designing non-toxic and multifunctional biodegradable PNPs from preformed polymers for bioimaging and drug delivery applications. Multifunctional poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) NPs were simultaneously loaded with imaging probes, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) and manganese-doped zinc sulfide (Mn:ZnS) quantum dots (QDs), as well as an anti-cancer drug, busulfan (Bu), during the particle formation. The NPs were utilized to enhance magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in vivo and controlled drug release in vitro (Paper I). Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) was copolymerized with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) to achieve stealth property for in vivo purposes. Aluminum phthalocyanine, a photosensitizer and an anti-cancer drug, was encapsulated in the PEG-b-PCL NPs for photodynamic therapy during particle formation. The biodistribution of the prepared nanophotosensitizer showed targeted drug delivery toward lungs, liver and spleen as monitored by the intrinsic fluorescence of the photosensitizer (Paper II). The PEG-b-PCL NPs were loaded with SPION or surface functionalized with VivoTag 680XL fluorochrome and utilized for in vivo multimodal imaging, MRI and fluorescence imaging (Paper III). This thesis also presents stable and engineered PNPs obtained using reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) mediated polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA). Hydrophobic agents, nile red (NR) dye or doxorubicin (DOX) drug, were encapsulated in poly(N-[3- (dimethylamino) propyl] methacrylamide)-b-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PDMAPMA-b-PMMA) NPs via one-pot RAFT-mediated PISA in water (Paper IV). The PDMAPMA-b-PMMA NPs showed very monodisperse spheres and core-shell nanostructures. Stable and non-toxic poly(acrylic acid)-b-poly(butyl acrylate) (PAA-b-PBA) NPs, synthesized via RAFTmediated PISA in water, were surface engineered by allyl-functional groups prior to bio-conjugation for targeted drug delivery (Paper V). The engineered NPs retained their colloidal stability and size post-allyl functionalization. DOX was efficiently (90 %) encapsulated in the PAA-bPBA NPs during NPs formation. A controlled release pattern of DOX from PAA-b-PBA NPs was observed over 7 days.
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| 9. |
- Chrcanovic, Bruno Ramos, DDS, MSc, PhD, et al.
(författare)
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Exercise therapy for whiplash-associated disorders : a systematic review and meta-analysis.
- 2022
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Pain. - : Walter de Gruyter. - 1877-8860 .- 1877-8879. ; 22:2, s. 232-261
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVES: Acute as well as chronic pain syndromes are common after whiplash trauma and exercise therapy is proposed as one possible intervention strategy. The aim of the present systematic review was to evaluate the effect of exercise therapy in patients with Whiplash-Associated Disorders for the improvement of neck pain and neck disability, compared with other therapeutic interventions, placebo interventions, no treatment, or waiting list.CONTENT: The review was registered in Prospero (CRD42017060356) and conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. A literature search in PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane from inception until January 13, 2020 was combined with a hand search to identify eligible randomized controlled studies. Abstract screening, full text assessment and risk of bias assessment (Cochrane RoB 2.0) were conducted by two independent reviewers.SUMMARY: The search identified 4,103 articles. After removal of duplicates, screening of 2,921 abstracts and full text assessment of 100 articles, 27 articles that reported data for 2,127 patients were included. The included articles evaluated the effect of exercise therapy on neck pain, neck disability or other outcome measures and indicated some positive effects from exercise, but many studies lacked control groups not receiving active treatment. Studies on exercise that could be included in the random-effect meta-analysis showed significant short-term effects on neck pain and medium-term effects on neck disability.OUTLOOK: Despite a large number of articles published in the area of exercise therapy and Whiplash-Associated Disorders, the current evidence base is weak. The results from the present review with meta-analysis suggests that exercise therapy may provide additional effect for improvement of neck pain and disability in patients with Whiplash-Associated Disorders.
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| 10. |
- Drott, Jenny, et al.
(författare)
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Factors related to a successful professional development for specialist nurses in surgical care: a cross-sectional study
- 2023
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Ingår i: BMC Nursing. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1472-6955. ; 22:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BackgroundA high level of competence among staff is necessary for providing patient-safe surgical care. Knowledge regarding what factors contribute to the professional development of specialist nurses in surgical care and why they choose to remain in the workplace despite high work requirements is needed. To investigate and describe the organizational and social work environment of specialist nurses in surgical care as part of studying factors that impact on professional development.MethodThis was a cross-sectional study with a strategic convenience sampling procedure that recruited 73 specialist nurses in surgical care in Sweden between October to December 2021. The study was guided by STROBE Statement and checklist of cross-sectional studies. The validated Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire was used, and additional demographic data. Descriptive statistics were performed and the comparison to the population benchmarks was presented as the mean with a 95% confidence interval. To study potential differences among the demographic and professional characteristics, pairwise t tests were used with Bonferroni adjustment for multiple comparisons with a significance level of 5%.ResultsFive domains were identified as factors related to success, as they received higher scores in relation to population benchmarks: quality of leadership, variation of work, meaning of work and work engagement as well as job insecurity. There was also a significant association between a having a manager with low nursing education and job insecurity (p = 0.021).ConclusionsQuality of leadership is important for the professional development of specialist nurses in surgical care. Strategic work seems to include managers with a higher nursing education level to prevent insecure professional working conditions.
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