| 1. |
- Albert, Frank W., et al.
(författare)
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Genetic architecture of tameness in a rat model of animal domestication
- 2009
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Ingår i: Genetics. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0016-6731 .- 1943-2631. ; 182:2, s. 541-554
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A common feature of domestic animals is tameness - i.e., they tolerate and are unafraid of human presence and handling. To gain insight into the genetic basis of tameness and aggression, we studied an intercross between two lines of rats (Rattus norvegicus) selected over >60 generations for increased tameness and increased aggression against humans, respectively. We measured 45 traits, including tameness and aggression, anxiety-related traits, organ weights, and levels of serum components in >700 rats from an intercross population. Using 201 genetic markers, we identified two significant quantitative trait loci (QTL) for tameness. These loci overlap with QTL for adrenal gland weight and for anxiety-related traits and are part of a five-locus epistatic network influencing tameness. An additional QTL influences the occurrence of white coat spots, but shows no significant effect on tameness. The loci described here are important starting points for finding the genes that cause tameness in these rats and potentially in domestic animals in general.
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| 2. |
- Andersson, Anna, et al.
(författare)
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Lactate contributes to ammonia-mediated astroglial dysfunction during hyperammonemia.
- 2009
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Ingår i: Neurochemical research. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1573-6903 .- 0364-3190. ; 34:3, s. 556-65
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Even though ammonia is considered to underlie nervous system symptoms of dysfunction during hyperammonemia, lactate, which increases as a metabolic consequence of high ammonia levels, might also be a contributing factor. The data presented here show that NH4Cl (5 mM) mediates astroglial cell swelling, and that treatment with NH4Cl or lactate (25 mM) causes rearrangements of actin filaments and reduces astroglial glutamate uptake capacity. Co-application with BaCl2, which blocks astroglial uptake of NH4+, prevents NH4Cl-mediated cell swelling and rearrangement of actin filaments, but does not reduce NH4Cl-induced glutamate uptake capacity inhibition. Neither NH4Cl nor lactate affected glutamate uptake or protein expression in microglial cultures, indicating that astroglial cells are more susceptible to the neurotoxic affects of ammonia. Our results suggest that ammonium underlies brain edema, but that lactate can contribute to some of the cellular dysfunctions associated with elevated cerebral levels of ammonia.
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| 3. |
- Andersson, Ragnar, et al.
(författare)
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Ta till vara kritiken
- 2006
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Ingår i: Värmlands Folkblad (06-09-08).
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Tidskriftsartikel (populärvet., debatt m.m.)
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| 4. |
- Berg, Anna-Karin, 1976-
(författare)
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Enterovirus Infections of β-Cells : A Mechanism of Induction of Type 1 Diabetes?
- 2005
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The process of β-cell destruction that leads to type 1 diabetes (T1D) is incompletely understood and it is believed to be a result of both genetic and environmental factors. Enterovirus (EV) infections of the β-cells have been proposed to be involved, however, the effects of EV infections on human β-cells have been little investigated. This thesis summarises studies of three different Coxsackie B4 virus strains that have previously been shown to infect human islets. The effects of infections with these EV were studied in vitro in human islets and in a rat insulin-producing cell line. In addition, a pilot study was performed on isolated human islets to investigate the ability to treat such infections with an antiviral compound.It was found that one of the virus strains replicated in human β-cells without affecting their main function for at least seven days, which in vivo may increase a virus’s ability to persist in islets.Nitric oxide was induced by synthetic dsRNA, poly(IC), but not by viral dsRNA in rat insulinoma cells in the presence of IFN-γ, suggesting that this mediator is not induced by EV infection in β-cells and that poly(IC) does not mimic an EV infection in this respect.All three virus strains were able to induce production of the T-cell chemoattractant interferon-γ-inducible protein 10 (IP-10) during infection of human islets, suggesting that an EV infection of the islets might trigger insulitis in vivo.Antiviral treatment was feasible in human islets, but one strain was resistant to the antiviral compound used in this study.To conclude, a potential mechanism is suggested for the involvement of EV infections in T1D. If EV infections induce IP-10 production in human islet cells in vivo, they might recruit immune cells to the islets. Together with viral persistence and/or virus-induced β-cell damage, this might trigger further immune-mediated β-cell destruction in vivo.
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| 5. |
- Eriksson, Olof, et al.
(författare)
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Positron emission tomography in clinical islet transplantation
- 2009
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Ingår i: American Journal of Transplantation. - : Elsevier BV. - 1600-6135 .- 1600-6143. ; 9:12, s. 2816-2824
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The fate of islets in clinical transplantation is unclear. To elude on this positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (PET/CT) was performed for 60 min during islet transplantation in five patients receiving six transplants. A fraction of the islets (23%) were labeled with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose ([(18)F]FDG) and carefully mixed with unlabeled islets just prior to intraportal transplantation. The peak radioactivity concentration in the liver was found at 19 min after start of islet infusion and corresponded to only 75% of what was expected, indicating that islets are lost during the transplantation procedure. No accumulation of radioactivity was found in the lungs. A nonphysiological peak of C-peptide was found in plasma during and immediately after transplantation in all subjects. Distribution in the liver was heterogeneous with wide variations in location and concentration. Islets found in areas with concentrations of >400 IEQ/cc liver tissue varied between 1% and 32% of the graft in different subjects. No side effects attributed to the PET/CT procedure were found. Clinical outcome in all patients was comparable to that previously observed indicating that the [(18)F]FDG labeling procedure did not harm the islets. The technique has potential to be used to assess approaches to enhance islet survival and engraftment in clinical transplantation.
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| 6. |
- Fridh, Jens, et al.
(författare)
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REDUNDANT ROTATING MEASUREMENTS IN AN AXIAL COLD FLOW TEST TURBINE : Development and Procedure
- 2006
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Konferensbidrag (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- A rotating measurement system has been designed and commissioned for a cold flow test turbine and tested under the influence of partial admission. A shrouded turbine rotor of impulse design is equipped with miniature pressure transducers and strain gauges. This paper discusses the selected experimental design and procedure. Overall, the first test runs went well and necessary data were collected and could be evaluated accordingly. Encountered specific measurement technique problems are addressed where the importance of high redundancy is stressed. Results demonstrate one effect that imbedded sensor technology may encounter as regards of dynamic measurements and calibrations.
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| 7. |
- Hallikas, Outi K, et al.
(författare)
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Identification of Antibodies against HAI-1 and Integrin {alpha}6{beta}4 as
- 2006
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Ingår i: Journal of Histochemistry and Cytochemistry. - 0022-1554 .- 1551-5044. ; 54:7, s. 754-752
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Syncytiotrophoblast and invasive extravillous trophoblast arise from a common stem cell, namely villous cytotrophoblast, but have very different characteristics. The study of the differentiation process relies on the availability of suitable markers for these different cell types of developing placenta. In this work, we have produced monoclonal antibodies that are specific to human villous cytotrophoblast. Monoclonal antibody (MAb) MG2 was specific to villous cytotrophoblast across gestation, and recognizes hepatocyte growth factor activator inhibitor type 1. MAb MD10 stained villous cytotrophoblast across gestation and also some endothelial cells, particularly in the second or third trimester. MAb MD10 recognizes human integrin α6β4. As a test for specificity, the novel MAbs were also used for staining of frozen tissue from human colon carcinoma. The results show that the two antibodies can be used as tools to study human villous cytotrophoblasts and also human tumors. The MG2 antibody seems most specific and promising for the study of various aspects of human villous cytotrophoblast.
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| 8. |
- Lindgren, Torsten, et al.
(författare)
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Perception of cockpit environment among pilots on commercial aircraft
- 2006
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Ingår i: Aviation, Space and Environmental Medicine. - 0095-6562 .- 1943-4448. ; 77:8, s. 832-837
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Impaired cockpit environment may influence both well-being and performance of pilots. Objective: To study the perception of cockpit environment among pilots, in relation to demographic factors, and type of air craft (B767-300, B737-600, DC9/21-41, MD 81/90 series). Methods: A standardized questionnaire was mailed to all pilots in one airline company; 81% participated (n = 622). All flights were non-smoking flights and the B767 was the only aircraft operated on intercontinental flights. The DC9 was the only aircraft without air recirculation. Multiple logistic regression analysis was applied, controlling for age, gender, smoking, perceived psychosocial work environment, and type of aircraft. Results: Younger age and a history of atopy and stress due to excess work were the main predictors of symptom and environmental perceptions. The most common symptoms were fatigue (14%), facial dermal (10%), and nasal symptoms (9%). Common complaints on cockpit environment were dry air (53%), dust and dirt (48%), noise (46%), and inadequate illumination (34%). Using the DC9 as a reference category, Boeing 767 pilots had more fatigue (OR 19.5; p < 0.001), throat symptoms (OR = 4.40; p < 0.05), complaints on dry air (OR = 2.93; p < 0.01), stuffy air (OR = 4.60; p < 0.01), static electricity (OR = 6.39; < 0.05), and dust (OR = 2.01; p < 0.05). Boeing 737 pilots had more complaints on noise (OR = 4.01; p < 0.001) and dust (OR = 1.81; p < 0.05). MD 81/90 pilots had more complaints on dry air (OR = 1.76; p < 0.05), dust (OR = 1.92; p < 0.05), and inadequate illumination (OR = 2.08; p < 0.05). Conclusion: Complaints on the cockpit environment were common and differed between different types of aircraft. This indicates a need to optimize the cockpit environment, e.g., increase the cleaning and relative air humidity.
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| 9. |
- Plazaola Prado, José Leonel
(författare)
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Strategic Business and IT Alignment Assessment : A Modeling Approach Associated with Enterprise Architecture
- 2009
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Information Technology (IT) systems are pervasive tools for contemporary enterprises to achieve their mission and goals. A key issue for a well-functioning enterprise is to keep business and IT strategies aligned as they continuously evolve. Although many practitioners and researchers offer business and IT alignment theories and approaches there is no silver bullet solution for all the issues involved in Strategic Business and IT Alignment (SBITA), which is still ranked amongst the five top enterprise executives? concerns year after year. In this thesis two SBITA assessment methods are presented. The first is the Organization-wide Approach for Assessing SBITA, developed as an enhancement of Jerry N. Luftman's SBITA assessment approach in terms of measurability, traceability and organizational involvement. The second is the Alignment Metamodel Assessment Method (AMAM). Both methods are based on well established references and approaches and they are presented with systematic documentation for their application and reusability as shown in the included papers and reported case studies. This is a composite thesis that, besides the introduction, includes five papers (papers A-E). Paper A describes Luftman's SBITA assessment approach and its enhancement in terms of measurability, traceability and organizational involvement, the proposed Organization-wide Approach for Assessing SBITA. Results from applying this approach in two case studies in companies in Sweden and Nicaragua are also included. Paper B describes the AMAM. It explains how a metamodel is deduced and how the SBITA assessment will be performed. This paper argues that the AMAM can be affiliated to the EA discipline as a guide or reference for identifying the relevant EA?s representations for the SBITA concern, mitigating the expenses and drawbacks of the often larger modeling required in applying EA frameworks. Paper C shows a weighting of the importance of the SBITA topics, taking as reference the Henderson & Venkatraman Strategic Alignment Model (SAM) - the basis of Luftman?s SBITA assessment approach -by relating it to the relevant and highly cited references in the field of SBITA. Paper D explains the criteria and the process for associating the AMAM artifacts with the Zachman´s Enterprise Architecture Framework and reports the pattern of association into the EA dominion. Paper E reports the details of the processes and results of applying the developed AMAM in a case study conducted in an intensive IT services enterprise in Nicaragua.
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| 10. |
- Schepull, Torsten, et al.
(författare)
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Mechanical properties during healing of Achilles tendon ruptures to predict final outcome : A pilot Roentgen stereophotogrammetric analysis in 10 patients
- 2007
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Ingår i: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2474. ; 8
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background. There are presently few methods described for in vivo monitoring of the mechanics of healing human tendon ruptures, and no methods for prediction of clinical outcome. We tested if Roentgen stereophotogrammetric analysis (RSA) can be used to follow the restoration of mechanical properties during healing of ruptured Achilles tendons, and if early measurements can predict clinical results. Methods. Achilles tendon repair was studied with RSA in 10 patients with a total rupture. Tantalum beads were implanted in conjunction with surgical repair. The patients were evaluated at 6, 12 and 18 weeks, and after 1 year. RSA was performed with two different mechanical loadings, and the strain induced by increasing load was measured. The transverse area was determined by ultrasound. CT scan at 12 weeks confirmed that the tantalum beads were located within the tendons. Functional testing was done after 1 year. A heel raise index was chosen as primary clinical outcome variable. Results. The strain was median 0.90, 0.32 and 0.14 percent per 100 N tendon force at 6 weeks, 18 weeks and one year respectively. The error of measurement was 0.04 percent units at 18 weeks. There was a large variation between patients, which appears to reflect biological variation. From 6 to 18 weeks, there was a negative correlation between increase in transverse area and increase in material properties, suggesting that healing is regulated at the organ level, to maximize stiffness. Modulus of elasticity during this time correlated with a heel raise index at one year (Rho = 0.76, p = 0.02). Conclusion. We conclude that the RSA method might have potential for comparing different treatments of Achilles tendon ruptures. © 2007 Schepull et al, licensee BioMed Central Ltd.
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