| 1. |
- Strandberg, Louise, 1981, et al.
(författare)
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Mice chronically fed high-fat diet have increased mortality and disturbed immune response in sepsis.
- 2009
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Ingår i: PloS one. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 4:10
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Sepsis is a potentially deadly disease that often is caused by gram-positive bacteria, in particular Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). As there are few effective therapies for sepsis, increased basic knowledge about factors predisposing is needed. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The purpose of this study was to study the effect of Western diet on mortality induced by intravenous S. aureus inoculation and the immune functions before and after bacterial inoculation. Here we show that C57Bl/6 mice on high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks, like genetically obese Ob/Ob mice on low-fat diet (LFD), have increased mortality during S. aureus-induced sepsis compared with LFD-fed C57Bl/6 controls. Bacterial load in the kidneys 5-7 days after inoculation was increased 10-fold in HFD-fed compared with LFD-fed mice. At that time, HFD-fed mice had increased serum levels and fat mRNA expression of the immune suppressing cytokines interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) and IL-10 compared with LFD-fed mice. In addition, HFD-fed mice had increased serum levels of the pro-inflammatory IL-1beta. Also, HFD-fed mice with and without infection had increased levels of macrophages in fat. The proportion and function of phagocytosing granulocytes, and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by peritoneal lavage cells were decreased in HFD-fed compared with LFD-fed mice. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings imply that chronic HFD disturb several innate immune functions in mice, and impairs the ability to clear S. aureus and survive sepsis.
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| 2. |
- Andersson, Maria, 1975, et al.
(författare)
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Differential global gene expression response patterns of human endothelium exposed to shear stress and intraluminal pressure
- 2005
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Ingår i: J Vasc Res. - : S. Karger AG. - 1018-1172. ; 42:5, s. 441-52
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We investigated the global gene expression response of endothelium exposed to shear stress and intraluminal pressure and tested the hypothesis that the two biomechanical forces induce a differential gene expression response pattern. Intact living human conduit vessels (umbilical veins) were exposed to normal or high intraluminal pressure, or to low or high shear stress in combination with a physiological level of the other force in a unique vascular ex vivo perfusion system. Gene expression profiling was performed by the Affymetrix microarray technology on endothelial cells isolated from stimulated vessels. Biomechanical forces were found to regulate a very large number of genes in the vascular endothelium. In this study, 1,825 genes were responsive to mechanical forces, which corresponds to 17% of the expressed genes. Among pressure-responsive genes, 647 genes were upregulated and 519 genes were down regulated, and of shear stress-responsive genes, 133 genes were upregulated and 771 down regulated. The fraction of genes that responded to both pressure and shear stimulation was surprisingly low, only 13% of the regulated genes. Our results indicate that the two different stimuli induce distinct gene expression response patterns, which can also be observed when studying functional groups. Considering the low number of overlapping genes, we suggest that the endothelial cells can distinguish between shear stress and pressure stimulation.
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| 3. |
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| 4. |
- Berg, Frida, 1975-
(författare)
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Genetic Analysis of Fat Metabolism in Domestic Pigs and their Wild Ancestor
- 2006
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The domestication of the pig began about 9 000 years ago and many of the existing domestic breeds have been selected for phenotypic traits like lean meat and fast growth. Domestic pigs are phenotypically very different from the ancestral wild boar that has adapted to survive in their natural environment. Because of their divergence, crosses between domestic pigs and wild boars are suitable for constructing genetic maps and Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analyses. A cross between the Large White and the European wild boar was thus initiated in the late 1980s. A major QTL for fat deposition and growth, denoted FAT1, was found on chromosome 4. The aim of this thesis was to further characterise the FAT1 locus and to identify the causative gene(s) and mutation(s). We have identified new markers and constructed a high-resolution linkage and RH map of the FAT1 QTL interval. We also performed comparative mapping to the human genome and showed that the pig chromosome 4 is homologous to human chromosomes 1 and 8. The gene order is very well conserved between the two species. In parallel we have narrowed down the FAT1 QTL interval by repeated backcrossing to the domestic Large White breed for six generations. The QTL could be confirmed for fatness but not for growth. Furthermore, the data strongly suggested that there might be more than one gene underlying the FAT1 QTL. Depending on which hypothesis to consider, the one- or two-loci model, the FAT1 interval can be reduced to 3,3 or 20 centiMorgan (cM), respectively, based on the backcross experiments. In the last study we confirm the two-loci model with one locus primarily effecting abdominal fat and another locus primarily effecting subcutaneous fat. We have identified a missense mutation in the RXRG gene which is in strong association with the abdominal fat QTL and the mutation is a potential candidate for that locus.Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a specific type of fat essential for non-shivering thermogenesis in mammals. Piglets appear to lack BAT and rely on shivering as the main mechanism for thermoregulation. Uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) gene is exclusively expressed in BAT and its physiological role is to generate heat by uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation. We show that the UCP1 gene has been disrupted in the pig lineage about 20 years ago. The inactivation of UCP1 provides a genetic explanation for the poor thermoregulation in piglets.
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| 5. |
- Bergh, Niklas, 1979, et al.
(författare)
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A new biomechanical perfusion system for ex vivo study of small biological intact vessels
- 2005
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Ingår i: Ann Biomed Eng. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0090-6964. ; 33:12, s. 1808-18
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The vascular endothelium transduces physical stimuli within the circulation into physiological responses, which influence vascular remodelling and tissue homeostasis. Therefore, a new computerized biomechanical ex vivo perfusion system was developed, in which small intact vessels can be perfused under well-defined biomechanical forces. The system enables monitoring and regulation of vessel lumen diameter, shear stress, mean pressure, variable pulsatile pressure and flow profile, and diastolic reversal flow. Vessel lumen measuring technique is based on detection of the amount of flourescein over a vessel segment. A combination of flow resistances, on/off switches, and capacitances creates a wide range of pulsatile pressures and flow profiles. Accuracy of the diameter measurement was evaluated. The diameters of umbilical arteries were measured and compared with direct ultrasonographic measurement of the vessel diameter. As part of the validation the pulsatile pressure waveform was altered, e.g., in terms of pulse pressure, frequency, diastolic shape, and diastolic reversal flow. In a series of simulation experiments, the hemodynamic homeostasis functions of the system were successfully challenged by generating a wide range of vascular diameters in artificial and intact human vessels. We conclude that the system presented may serve as a methodological and technical platform when performing advanced hemodynamic stimulation protocols.
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| 6. |
- Doroudi, Roya, 1967, et al.
(författare)
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Methodological studies of multiple reference genes as endogenous controls in vascular gene expression studies
- 2005
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Ingår i: Endothelium. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1062-3329 .- 1029-2373. ; 12:5-6, s. 215-23
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Detection and quantification of differentially expressed genes requires valid and reliable references to control for error variability introduced by preparatory procedures or efficiency of reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification conditions. So-called housekeeping genes are frequently used as endogenous standards, based on the assumption that they are constitutively expressed and independent of experimental conditions. However, if the influence of experimental stimuli is to be analyzed, it cannot a priori be assumed that their expression is unaffected by stimulation. In the present study, the authors studied the expression of different housekeeping genes in the vascular endothelium of intact conduit vessels perfused in a unique biomechanical perfusion model. Ten control gene candidates were investigated by microarray expression analysis. Further, five of these genes were systematically analyzed by real-time reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR gene quantification and their suitability as reference genes were evaluated. On the basis of these findings, the authors suggest criteria for evaluation of endogenous control genes in vascular perfusion studies.
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| 7. |
- Fridén-Saxin, Maria, 1979, et al.
(författare)
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Synthesis of 2-alkyl-substituted chromone derivatives using microwave irradiation.
- 2009
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Ingår i: The Journal of organic chemistry. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 1520-6904 .- 0022-3263. ; 74:7, s. 2755-9
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A base-promoted condensation between 2-hydroxyacetophenones and aliphatic aldehydes has been studied. The reaction has been optimized to afford 2-alkyl-substituted 4-chromanones in an efficient manner using microwave heating. Performing the reaction using diisopropylamine in EtOH at 170 degrees C for 1 h gave moderate to high yields (43-88%). The 4-chromanones could be further converted into highly functionalized 2,3,6,8-tetrasubstituted chromones in which a 3-substituent (acetate, amine, or bromine) was introduced via straightforward chemical transformations.
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| 8. |
- Hansen, Anna, 1975-
(författare)
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Ordnade hushåll : Genus och kontroll i Jämtland under 1600-talet
- 2006
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The aim of this study is to investigate how households acted in order to create and uphold different norms, and the effect these norms had on the construction of gender. Throughout the thesis it is argued that control was an important way to enforce certain norms, and thus make daily life work. In this context control means to have the right knowledge and to act in the right way. If you had knowledge about the norms, you could act in accordance with them, and you could also draw attention to those who did not act as they were supposed to. The main focus is on the master and the mistress of the house, who were the key figures within the household. The investigated area is Jamtland, with some examples from surrounding areas.The control executed and displayed by different people concerned formal norms, such as legislation, semi-formal norms, such as certain religious texts, and informal norms and practices in the local community. The household’s ability to control these norms is analysed in connection to three main areas: control over resources, such as property and labour, control over the household, which often meant ability to obtain knowledge of what was going on, and finally, self-control. Furthermore this investigation deals with those exposed to control, how they reacted and at times tried to evade the control carried out by others.According to the theory of Tomas Laqueur, the similarities between men and women were strongly emphasised during the 17th century. This thesis shows that the power or authority of men and women was equal in many areas, but it differed in others. The small differences in the capacity of men and women to run the household, were important in the creation of gender.
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| 9. |
- Jood, Katarina, 1966, et al.
(författare)
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Fibrinolytic gene polymorphism and ischemic stroke
- 2005
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Ingår i: Stroke. - 0039-2499 .- 1524-4628. ; 36:10, s. 2077-81
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) -7351C>T and the plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) -675 4G>5G polymorphisms influence transcriptional activity. Both variants have been associated with myocardial infarction, with increased risk for the T and 4G allele, respectively. In this study we investigated the possible association between these polymorphisms, the respective plasma protein levels, and ischemic stroke. METHODS: In the Sahlgrenska Academy Study on Ischemic Stroke (SAHLSIS), 600 patients with acute ischemic stroke aged 18 to 69 years and 600 matched community controls were recruited. Stroke subtype was determined using Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Treatment criteria. RESULTS: There were no associations between individual genetic variants and ischemic stroke. The multivariate-adjusted odds ratio for overall ischemic stroke was 1.11 (95% CI 0.87 to 1.43) for tPA T allele carriers, and 0.84 (95% CI, 0.64 to 1.11) for subjects homozygous for the PAI-1 4G allele. When genotypes were combined, a protective effect for the tPA CC/PAI-1 4G4G genotype combination was observed (odds ratio 0.65, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.98; P<0.05). Plasma levels of tPA and PAI-1 antigen at follow-up were independently associated with overall ischemic stroke. tPA-antigen differed by stroke subtype and was highest among those with large-vessel disease and cardioembolic stroke. CONCLUSIONS: Neither the tPA -7351C>T nor the PAI-1 to 675 4G>5G polymorphism showed significant association with ischemic stroke. For the tPA CC/PAI-1 4G4G genotype combination, a protective effect was observed. Collectively, these results are consistent with a more complex role for tPA and PAI-1 in the brain as compared with the heart.
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| 10. |
- Stjerndahl, Maria, 1975, et al.
(författare)
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Studies on the Formation of Organosilica Nanoparticles and Their Ability To Host Hydrophobic Substances
- 2008
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Ingår i: Journal of Physical Chemistry C. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 1932-7447 .- 1932-7455. ; 112:44, s. 17063-17070
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Water-dispersible organosilica nanoparticles were synthesized using microemulsions and micellar solutions. Octadecyltrimethoxysilane (OTMS) was used as the silica source resulting in particles having a hydrophobic interior with the ability to host oil. The diameters of the formed particles could be varied between 60 and 200 nm, depending on the amount of added oil and OTMS. The size of the particles was determined using dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. Exchange-coupled diffusion nuclear magnetic resonance experiments were performed to study the exchange rates between the particles and the surrounding media. Triethylamine and tributylamine were used as probe molecules, and it was shown that they had longer mean residence times in the particles compared with in the bulk. Moreover, it was found that the mean residence time of the probe molecules increased significantly when the particles contained oil. The results also showed that the mean residence time of tributylamine was longer than that of triethylamine. Furthermore, by the use of UV-vis spectrophotometry, it was shown that the particles were able to take up benzophenone from water solutions.
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| 11. |
- Ulfhammer, Erik, 1974, et al.
(författare)
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Prolonged cyclic strain impairs the fibrinolytic system in cultured vascular endothelial cells
- 2005
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Ingår i: J Hypertens. - 0263-6352. ; 23:8, s. 1551-7
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: We previously reported that patients with primary hypertension have an impaired ability to release tissue-type plasminogen activator acutely from the vascular endothelium, and recently found that lowering blood pressure can restore this capacity. We hypothesized that the suppression of the fibrinolytic system is caused by the chronic pressure-induced increased haemodynamic load on the endothelium. DESIGN AND METHODS: This study investigated the effect of the tensile force component of blood pressure by exposing cultured human aortic endothelial cells to 10% cyclic strain for 6-72 h. Messenger RNA levels of tissue-type plasminogen activator, urokinase-type plasminogen activator, and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 were analysed using Taqman real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and protein release by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Tensile stimulation resulted in a transient initial upregulation of tissue-type plasminogen activator mRNA at 6 h (53%), which declined with time, and at 48 h had switched to a 28% downregulation. The reduction was sustained after 72 h. Tissue-type plasminogen activator protein secretion showed a similar but somewhat delayed response, with a transient increase in release at 6 h (60%), declining to a final 12% reduction at 72 h. A similar pattern was observed for urokinase-type plasminogen activator mRNA. By contrast, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 mRNA expression and protein secretion increased at all timepoints (16-47%). CONCLUSION: Prolonged tensile stimulation impairs fibrinolytic activity in human aortic endothelial cells by a dual action, with suppression of plasminogen activator expression and increased inhibitor production. This effect of tensile stress may contribute to the reduced fibrinolytic capacity observed in patients with hypertension.
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