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| 5. |
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| 6. |
- Bergström, L., et al.
(author)
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Signals of WIMP annihilation into electrons at the galactic center
- 2005
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In: Proceedings of the 29th International Cosmic Ray Conference, Vol 4: OG 2.1, 2.2 & 2.3. - : Tata Institute of Fundamental Research. ; , s. 57-60
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Photons from the annihilation of dark matter in the center of our Galaxy are expected to provide a promising way to find out the nature and distribution of the dark matter itself. These photons can be either produced directly and/or through successive decays of annihilation products, or radiated from electrons and positrons. This ends up in a multi-wavelength production of photons whose expected intensity can be compared to observational data. Assuming that the Lightest Supersymmetric Particle makes the dark matter, we derive the expected photon signal from a given dark matter model and compare it with present available data.
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| 7. |
- Jensen, I-B, et al.
(author)
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The AHA-study: Implementing evidence based measueres for retaining workability at work sites : Effects on lifestyle, workability and firm productivity. 9th International Congress of Behavioral Medicine. Bangkok, Thailand, Nov 29-Dec 2, 2006
- 2006
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Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Jensen IB, Bergstrom G, Bjorklund C, Fried I, Lisspers J, Nathell L, Hermansson U, Roos P, Bodin L, the AHAstudy group (2006). The AHA-study: Implementing evidence based measueres for retaining workability at work sites - Effcets on lifestyle, workability and firm productivity. Presented at the 9th International Congress of Behavioral Medicine. Bangkok, Thailand, Nov 29-Dec 2, 2006.
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| 8. |
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| 9. |
- Tatarenkov, Andrey, et al.
(author)
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Intriguing asexual life in marginal populations of the brown seaweed Fucus vesiculosus
- 2005
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In: Molecular Ecology. - Leicester : Blackwell Scientific Publications. - 0962-1083 .- 1365-294X. ; 14:2, s. 647-651
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Reproduction of attached large brown algae is known to occur only by sexual zygotes. Using microsatellites we show evolution of asexual reproduction in the bladder wrack promoting population persistence in the brackish water Baltic Sea (< 6 psu). Here a dwarf morph of Fucus vesiculosus is dominated by a single clone but clonal reproduction is also present in the common form of the species. We describe a possible mechanism for vegetative reproduction of attached algae, and conclude that clonality plays an important role in persistence and dispersal of these marginal populations, in which sexual reproduction is impaired by low salinity.
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| 10. |
- Vautard, R., et al.
(author)
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Skill and uncertainty of a regional air quality model ensemble
- 2009
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In: Atmospheric Environment. - : Elsevier BV. - 1352-2310. ; 43:31, s. 4822-4832
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Recently several regional air quality projects were carried out to support the negotiation under the Clean Air For Europe (CAFE) programme by predicting the impact of emission control policies with an ensemble of models. Within these projects, CITYDELTA and EURODELTA, the fate of air quality at the scale of European cities or that of the European continent was studied using several models. In this article we focus on the results of EURODELTA. The predictive skill of the ensemble of models is described for ozone, nitrogen dioxide and secondary inorganic compounds, and the uncertainty in air quality modelling is examined through the model ensemble spread of concentrations. For ozone daily maxima the ensemble spread origin differs from one region to another. In the neighbourhood of cities or in mountainous areas the spread of predicted values does not span the range of observed data, due to poorly resolved emissions or complex-terrain meteorology. By contrast in Atlantic and North Sea coastal areas the spread of predicted values is found to be larger than the observations. This is attributed to large differences in the boundary conditions used in the different models. For NO2 daily averages the ensemble spread is generally too small compared with observations. This is because models miss highest values occurring in stagnant meteorology in stable boundary layers near cities. For secondary particulate matter compounds the simulated concentration spread is more balanced, observations falling nearly equiprobably within the ensemble, and the spread originates both from meteorology and aerosol chemistry and thermodynamics. © 2008.
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| 11. |
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| 12. |
- Andersson, Irene, 1978, et al.
(author)
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Increased atherosclerotic lesion area in apoE deficient mice overexpressing bovine growth hormone
- 2006
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In: Atherosclerosis. - : Elsevier BV. - 0021-9150. ; 188:2, s. 331-40
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Human growth hormone (GH) excess is linked to increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, little is known about the effect of GH excess on atherosclerosis. We developed a new mouse model to assess the hypothesis that GH overexpression accelerates atherosclerotic lesion formation. apoE(-/-) mice were crossed with bovine GH (bGH) transgenic mice to yield apoE(-/-) mice overexpressing bGH (apoE(-/-)/bGH). The mice were fed either standard or Western diet. At 22 weeks, atherosclerotic lesion area of thoracic aorta was larger in apoE(-/-)/bGH mice compared with littermate apoE(-/-) mice fed either diet (standard: +161+/-50%, Western: +430+/-134%). Aortic sinus lesions were more severe in apoE(-/-)/bGH mice fed standard diet compared with littermate apoE(-/-) mice. apoE(-/-)/bGH mice had lower (VLDL+LDL)/HDL ratios compared with littermate apoE(-/-) mice, while systolic blood pressure was higher in apoE(-/-)/bGH mice, irrespective of diet. The levels of serum amyloid A and hepatic CRP mRNA were higher in apoE(-/-)/bGH mice than in littermate apoE(-/-) mice. In conclusion, this study shows that excess GH augments the development of atherosclerosis in apoE(-/-) mice. The mechanisms could be direct effects of GH on cellular processes in the vessel wall or the result of concomitant processes such as hypertension or a general inflammatory state.
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| 13. |
- Andersson, KM, et al.
(author)
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Density measurements of single granules using the atomic force microscope
- 2005
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In: Journal of The American Ceramic Society. - 0002-7820 .- 1551-2916. ; 88, s. 2322-2324
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The density of single spray-dried granules has been determined with a new method based on the atomic force microscopy (AFM). Spherical granules with a well-defined diameter are attached to the AFM cantilever, which acts as a beam type spring, and the mass of a granule is estimated from the shift in the resonant frequency. The error of the measurements associated with the method was estimated to vary between 1-5% depending on the size and shape of the granule. Density measurements of spray-dried WC-Co granules are presented and the effect of a polymeric binder and dispersant on the consolidation during drying is discussed
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| 14. |
- Andersson, KM, et al.
(author)
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Friction and adhesion of single spray-dried granules containing a hygroscopic polymeric binder
- 2005
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In: Powder Technology. - 0032-5910 .- 1873-328X. ; 155, s. 101-107
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The atomic force microscope has been used to study the friction and adhesion of single spray dried granules containing a mixture of fine tungsten carbide and cobalt powders and various amounts of a polymeric binder, polyethylene glycol (PEG). The adhesion or the pull-off force and the friction force between two single granules (representing intergranular friction) and between a granule and a hard metal substrate (representing die-wall friction) have been determined as a function of relative humidity. We found that the granule-wall friction increases with binder content and relative humidity. The small friction force at the lowest addition of PEG was related to a small contact area due to the high surface roughness of the granules. The substantial increase in the friction coefficient at PEG-addition>1wt% was related to the plasticity of the binder-rich granule surface where an increase in binder content or relative humidity increases the deformability. The granule-granule friction and adhesion is independent of the relative humidity and substantially lower than the granule-wall friction at all PEG contents, which has important implications for the handling of granular matter
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| 15. |
- Andersson, N, et al.
(author)
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Photochromic mesostructured silica pigments dispersed in latex films
- 2005
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In: Journal of Materials Chemistry. - 0959-9428 .- 1364-5501. ; 15:0149-2136, s. 3507-3513
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We have incorporated the photochromic dyes spiropyran and spirooxazine in surfactant templated mesostructured silica particles. Spherical inorganic–organic hybrid pigments with varying dye content were produced by a one-pot synthesis in an aerosol reactor where the internal mesostructure could be controlled. The mesostructured inorganic–organic hybrid pigments provide a mechanically and chemically rigid framework that protects the dyes and facilitate handling. We show that an organic latex binder can be used to prepare transparent photochromic films of varying thickness. Changing the dye loading in the pigments and the pigment content in the films provides a versatile route for tuning the photochromic response. The pigmented films show both fast and direct photochromism, where the decay time for thermal bleaching is very fast in the case of spirooxazine doped pigments (kSO= 0.094 s–1), being in the range of the best reported values for solid state composites.
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| 16. |
- Bergström, G, et al.
(author)
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Sickness Presenteeism Today, Sickness Absenteeism Tomorrow? : A Prospective Study on Sickness Presenteeism and Future Sickness Absenteeism.
- 2009
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In: Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. - 1076-2752 .- 1536-5948. ; 51:6, s. 629-638
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: To prospectively investigate whether sickness presenteeism (SP), ie, going to work despite illness, has an impact on future sickness absenteeism. Methods: Two study populations were used, one female dominated from the public sector that included 3757 employees, and one male dominated from the private sector comprising 2485 employees. Results: SP on more than five occasions during the baseline year (2000) was a statistically significant risk factor for future sick leave (2002 and 2003) of more than 30 days among both populations even after adjusting for previous sick leave, health status, demographics, lifestyle, and work-related variables (2002, public sector, relative risk = 1.40; private sector, relative risk = 1.51). Conclusions: SP may be an important phenomenon to consider when evaluating measures aimed at decreasing sickness absenteeism because more SP may lead to future sickness absence.
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| 17. |
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| 18. |
- Bergström, L., et al.
(author)
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GLAST sensitivity to cosmological dark matter annihilations into γ-rays
- 2007
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In: First GLAST Symposium. - : American Institute of Physics (AIP). - 9780735404311 ; , s. 504-505
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Pair annihilation of weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP) dark matter into high energy photons taking place in dark matter halos at all redshifts might contribute to the extragalactic diffuse gamma-ray radiation. The γ- annihilation channel would give rise to a distinct feature in the spectrum, a line which is distorted by the integration over all cosmological redshifts. We present a study of GLAST sensitivity to detect an extragalactic signal from a generic, thermal WIMP with a continuous spectrum part, modeled with annihilations into bb̄, and a γ-line, from the 2γ final state.
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| 19. |
- Bergström, L, et al.
(author)
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Is the dark matter interpretation of the EGRET gamma excess compatible with antiproton measurements?
- 2006
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In: Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics. ; 0605:006
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We investigate the internal consistency of the halo dark matter model which has been proposed by de Boer et al. to explain the excess of diffuse galactic gamma rays observed by the EGRET experiment. Any model based on dark matter annihilation into quark jets, such as the supersymmetric model proposed by de Boer et al., inevitably also predicts a primary flux of antiprotons from the same jets. Since propagation of the antiprotons in the unconventional, disk-dominated type of halo model used by de Boer et al. is strongly constrained by the measured ratio of boron to carbon nuclei in cosmic rays, we investigate the viability of the model using the DarkSUSY package to compute the gamma-ray and antiproton fluxes. We are able to show that their model is excluded by a wide margin from the measured flux of antiprotons. We therefore find that a model of the type suggested by Moskalenko et al., where the intensities of protons and electrons in the cosmic rays vary with galactic position, is far more plausible to explain the gamma excess.
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| 20. |
- Bergström, L. M., et al.
(author)
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A small-angle neutron and static light scattering study of micelles formed in aqueous mixtures of a nonionic alkylglucoside and an anionic surfactant
- 2005
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In: Journal of Physical Chemistry B. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 1520-6106 .- 1520-5207. ; 109:25, s. 12387-12393
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The size and shape of micelles formed in aqueous mixtures of the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and the nonionic sugar-based surfactant n-decyl beta-D-glucopyranoside (C(10)G) at different concentrations of added salt have been investigated with small-angle neutron and static light scattering. Rather small prolate ellipsoidal micelles form in the absence of added salt and at [NaCl] = 10 mM in D2O. The micelles grow considerably in length to large rods as the electrolyte concentration is raised to [NaCl] = 0.1 M. In excess of nonionic surfactant ([SDS]/[C(10)G] = 1:3) at [NaCl] = 0.1 M in D2O, several thousands of Angstroms long wormlike micelles are observed. Most interestingly, a conspicuously large isotope solvent effect was observed from static light scattering data according to which micelles formed at [SDS]/[C(10)G] = 1:3 and [NaCl] = 0.1 M in H2O are at least five times smaller than micelles formed in the corresponding samples in D2O.
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| 21. |
- Bergström, L. Magnus
(author)
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Influence of bending energetics on the size, shape and polydispersity of droplet microemulsions
- 2008
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In: Colloids and Surfaces A. - : Elsevier BV. - 0927-7757 .- 1873-4359. ; 316:1-3, s. 15-26
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A theory for ellipsoidal shape fluctuating droplet microemulsions in the presence of excess discrete phase (Winsor I and II) is expounded that combines bending energetics of the amphiphilic monolayer at the droplet interface with thermodynamics of self-assembling solute and amphiphilic molecules. The theory relates the three bending elasticity constants spontaneous curvature (H-0), bending rigidity (k(c)) and saddle-splay constant (k(c)) with interfacial tension, average size and shape and polydispersity of microemulsion droplets. It is demonstrated that the well-known conventional relations become modified as the entropy of self-assembling amphiphilic as well as solute molecules are taken into account, in particular at low values of the effective bending constant 2k(c) + (k) over bar (c). As a result, the average droplet radius (R) as well as the droplet polydispersity sigma(R)/< R > behave consistently in the limit 2k(c) + (k) over bar (c) -> 0 whereas the conventional expressions are recovered in the limit 2k(c) + (k) over bar (c) -> infinity. It is demonstrated that association entropy effects may be quantified by a parameter k(s) with same dimension and order of magnitude as k(c) and (k) over bar (c). k(s) is found to be always negative and tends to decrease (R) and to increase sigma(R)/< R. Moreover, the average axial ratio of an oblate/prolate fluctuating droplet is found to be a strong function of the bending rigidity (the droplets become increasingly non-spherical with decreasing k(c)) but is independent of (k) over bar (c), in contrast to previous investigations where association entropy effects were neglected.
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| 22. |
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| 23. |
- Egecioglu, Emil, 1977, et al.
(author)
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Growth hormone receptor deficiency results in blunted ghrelin feeding response, obesity, and hypolipidemia in mice.
- 2006
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In: American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism. - : American Physiological Society. - 0193-1849 .- 1522-1555. ; 290:2
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We have previously shown that growth hormone (GH) overexpression in the brain increased food intake, accompanied with increased hypothalamic agouti-related protein (AgRP) expression. Ghrelin, which stimulates both appetite and GH secretion, was injected intracerebroventricularly to GHR-/- and littermate control (+/+) mice to determine whether ghrelin's acute effects on appetite are dependent on GHR signaling. GHR-/- mice were also analyzed with respect to serum levels of lipoproteins, apolipoprotein (apo)B, leptin, glucose, and insulin as well as body composition. Central injection of ghrelin into the third dorsal ventricle increased food consumption in +/+ mice, whereas no change was observed in GHR-/- mice. After ghrelin injection, AgRP mRNA expression in the hypothalamus was higher in +/+ littermates than in GHR-/- mice, indicating a possible importance of AgRP in the GHR-mediated effect of ghrelin. Compared with controls, GHR-/- mice had increased food intake, leptin levels, and total and intra-abdominal fat mass per body weight and deceased lean mass. Moreover, serum levels of triglycerides, LDL and HDL cholesterol, and apoB, as well as glucose and insulin levels were lower in the GHR-/- mice. In summary, ghrelin's acute central action to increase food intake requires functionally intact GHR signaling. Long-term GHR deficiency in mice is associated with high plasma leptin levels, obesity, and increased food intake but a marked decrease in all lipoprotein fractions.
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| 24. |
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| 25. |
- Elser, JJ, et al.
(author)
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Shifts in lake N:P stoichiometry and nutrient limitation driven by atmospheric nitrogen deposition
- 2009
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In: Science. - : American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). - 0036-8075 .- 1095-9203. ; 326, s. 835-837
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Human activities have more than doubled the amount of nitrogen (N) circulating in the biosphere. One major pathway of this anthropogenic N input into ecosystems has been increased regional deposition from the atmosphere. Here we show that atmospheric N deposition increased the stoichiometric ratio of N and phosphorus (P) in lakes in Norway, Sweden, and Colorado, United States, and, as a result, patterns of ecological nutrient limitation were shifted. Under low N deposition, phytoplankton growth is generally N-limited; however, in high–N deposition lakes, phytoplankton growth is consistently P-limited. Continued anthropogenic amplification of the global N cycle will further alter ecological processes, such as biogeochemical cycling, trophic dynamics, and biological diversity, in the world’s lakes, even in lakes far from direct human disturbance.
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| 26. |
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| 27. |
- Feiler, AA, et al.
(author)
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Superlubricity using repulsive van der Waals forces
- 2008
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In: Langmuir. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 0743-7463 .- 1520-5827. ; 24:6, s. 2274-2276
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Using colloid probe atomic force microscopy, we show that if repulsive van der Waals forces exist between two surfaces prior to their contact then friction is essentially precluded and supersliding is achieved. The friction measurements presented here are of the same order as the lowest ever recorded friction coefficients in liquid, though they are achieved by a completely different approach. A gold sphere attached to an AFM cantilever is forced to interact with a smooth Teflon surface (templated on mica). In cyclohexane, a repulsive van der Waals force is observed that diverges at short separations. The friction coefficient associated with this system is on the order of 0.0003. When the refractive index of the liquid is changed, the force can be tuned from repulsive to attractive and adhesive. The friction coefficient increases as the Hamaker constant becomes more positive and the divergent repulsive force, which prevents solid-solid contact, gets switched off
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| 28. |
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| 29. |
- Häggström, Lennart, et al.
(author)
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Mössbauer and magnetisation studies of iron oxide nanocrystals
- 2008
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In: Hyperfine Interactions. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0304-3843 .- 1572-9540. ; 183:1-3, s. 49-53
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Monodisperse iron oxide nanocrystals have been produced following non-hydrolytic, thermal decomposition routes. Spherically shaped particles with diameter of 4 and 12 nm and cubic shaped particles with an edge length of 9 nm have been studied. The particles have been shown to consist of mainly maghemite. A reduction of the saturation magnetic hyperfine field is observed for the 4 nm particles as compared to the corresponding bulk value. The anisotropy energy determined from the temperature variation of the magnetic hyperfine field was strongly enhanced for the 4 nm particles.
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| 30. |
- Jacobsson, Lennart, et al.
(author)
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Rheumatoid arthritis: what does it cost and what factors are driving those costs? Results of a survey in a community-derived population in Malmo, Sweden
- 2007
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1502-7732 .- 0300-9742. ; 36:3, s. 179-183
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: We sought to investigate the cost of living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and evaluate the influence of both demographics and specific disease characteristics on these costs. Methods: We used a population-based questionnaire to survey 895 patients living in the city of Malmo, Sweden, during 2002. Data were obtained on direct resource consumption, investments, informal care and work capacity, as well as utility, function and patients' assessment of disease severity and pain. Results: The survey was completed by 613 patients (68%). Their mean age was 66 years, 74% were female and the mean duration of disease was 16.7 years. The total mean annual cost per patient was 108 370 SEK (12 020 EUR). Direct costs represented 41% of that amount and were predominantly for drugs [141% of the participants were receiving treatment with tumour necrosis factor (TNF) blockers], community services and hospitalisation. Function measured with the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) was the main statistical predictor for all types of costs except sick leave, which was most strongly associated with patients' perception of global health. Conclusion: This is the first study in Sweden to include all costs incurred by a group representative of RA in the community. In comparison with previous studies, total costs had increased by more than 40%. Furthermore, direct costs were higher and constituted a great proportion of total costs because of more intensive treatments (i.e. the use of TNF blockers). Future comparisons will enable health economic evaluations on a community level.
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| 31. |
- Jaenson, Thomas G.T. 1948-, et al.
(author)
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Risk indicators for the tick Ixodes ricinus and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in Sweden
- 2009
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In: Medical and Veterinary Entomology. - : Blackwell. - 0269-283X .- 1365-2915. ; 23:3, s. 226-237
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The distributional area of the tick Ixodes ricinus (L.), the primary European vector to humans of Lyme borreliosis spirochaetes (Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato) and tick-borne encephalitis virus, appears to be increasing in Sweden. It is therefore important to determine which environmental factors are most useful to assess risk of human exposure to this tick and its associated pathogens. The geographical distribution of I. ricinus in Sweden was analyzed with respect to vegetation zones and climate. The northern limit of I. ricinus and B. burgdorferi s.l. in Sweden corresponds roughly to the northern limit of the southern boreal vegetation zone, and is characterized climatically by a mean duration of 150 days with snow cover and a vegetation period averaging 170 days. The zoogeographical distribution of I. ricinus in Sweden can be classified as southerly-central, with the center of the distribution south Limes Norrlandicus. Ixodes ricinus nymphs from 13 localities in different parts of Sweden were examined for presence of B. burgdorferi s.l. and found to be infected with B. afzelii and B. garinii. Tick sampling localities were characterized on the basis of density of Borrelia-infected I. ricinus nymphs, presence of specific mammals, dominant vegetation and climate. Densities of I. ricinus nymphs and Borrelia-infected nymphs were significantly correlated, and nymphal density can thus serve as a general indicator of risk for exposure to Lyme borreliosis spirochaetes. Analysis of data from this and other studies suggest that high densities of Borrelia-infected nymphs typically occur in coastal, broad-leaf vegetation and in mixed deciduous/spruce vegetation in southern Sweden. Ixodes ricinus populations consistently infected with B. burgdorferi s.l. can occur in biotopes with (i) shrews, rodents, hares and birds, (ii) shrews, rodents, hares, deer and birds, (iii) and on islands where the varying hare (Lepus timidus) is the only mammalian tick host.
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| 32. |
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| 33. |
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| 34. |
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| 35. |
- Kauppi, A, et al.
(author)
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Probing the effect of superplasticizer adsorption on the surface forces using the colloidal probe AFM technique
- 2005
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In: Cement and Concrete Research. - 0008-8846 .- 1873-3948. ; 35, s. 133-140
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The interactions between adsorbed superplasticizer layers have been studied using direct force measurements, with an atomic force microscope. MgO was used as a nonreactive model system for cement, and a novel freeze granulation method for the production of spherical particles suitable for the colloidal probe atomic force microscope (AFM)-technique is reported. We found that the interactions induced by the adsorption of the anionic acrylic ester–ethylene oxide (AAE–EO) copolymers can be described as electrosteric, with an electrostatic and steric contribution. The range of the steric repulsion varied between 1.5 and 5 nm and could be related to the length of the grafted ethylene oxide chains. The lignosulfonate also induced a significant steric contribution that could be related to a dense coil conformation of the adsorbed superplasticizer
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| 36. |
- Lannerö, E, et al.
(author)
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Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke and sensitisation in children.
- 2008
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In: Thorax. - : BMJ. - 0040-6376 .- 1468-3296. ; 63:2, s. 172-176
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) increases the risk of respiratory illness in children but data are inconclusive regarding the risk of IgE sensitisation. Objective: To elucidate whether exposure to smoking prenatally and/or postnatally is related to IgE sensitisation in children at 4 years of age. Methods: As part of a prospective birth cohort study (BAMSE), a total of 4089 families with children answered questionnaires when the child was 2 months, 1, 2 and 4 years old on environmental factors and symptoms of allergic disease. Blood collected at age 4 years from 2614 children was analysed for IgE antibodies to common inhalant and food allergens. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using logistic regression with adjustments for potential confounders. Results: There was no evident association between maternal smoking during pregnancy and risk of IgE sensitisation. In contrast, a dose-response effect was found for exposure to ETS from parental smoking during the first few months of life and IgE sensitisation. There was an increased risk of sensitisation to inhalant and/or food allergens (ORadj 1.28 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.62)) among children exposed to ETS at 2 months of age. The risk appeared particularly elevated for indoor inhalant allergens, such as cat (ORadj 1.96 (95% CI 1.28 to 2.99)) and for food allergens (ORadj 1.46 (95% CI 1.11 to 1.93)). The IgE sensitising effect of ETS seemed to be confined to infants of parents without allergic diseases and to ETS exposure during early infancy. Conclusions: Our data indicate that exposure in early infancy to ETS increases the risk of IgE sensitisation to indoor inhalant and food allergens.
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| 37. |
- Lima, Estevao, et al.
(author)
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Endoscopic closure of transmural bladder wall perforations.
- 2009
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In: European urology. - : Elsevier BV. - 1873-7560 .- 0302-2838. ; 56:1, s. 151-7
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Traditionally, intraperitoneal bladder perforations caused by trauma or iatrogenic interventions have been treated by open or laparoscopic surgery. Additionally, transvesical access to the peritoneal cavity has been reported to be feasible and useful for natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) but would be enhanced by a reliable method of closing the vesicotomy. OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility and safety of an endoscopic closure method for vesical perforations using a flexible, small-diameter endoscopic suturing kit in a survival porcine model. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This pilot study was performed at the University of Minho, Braga, Portugal, using six anesthetized female pigs. INTERVENTIONS: Closure of a full-thickness longitudinal incision in the bladder dome (up to 10 mm in four animals and up to 20 mm in two animals) with the endoscopic suturing kit using one to three absorbable stitches. MEASUREMENTS: The acute quality of sealing was immediately tested by distending the bladder with methylene-blue dye under laparoscopic control (in two animals). Without a bladder catheter, the animals were monitored daily for 2 wk, and a necropsy examination was performed to check for the signs of peritonitis, wound dehiscence, and quality of healing. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Endoscopic closure of bladder perforation was carried out easily and quickly in all animals. The laparoscopic view revealed no acute leak of methylene-blue dye after distension of the bladder. After recovery from anaesthesia, the pigs began to void normally, and no adverse event occurred. Postmortem examination revealed complete healing of vesical incision with no signs of infection or adhesions in the peritoneal cavity. No limitations have yet been studied clinically. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the feasibility and the safety of endoscopic closure of vesical perforations with an endoscopic suturing kit in a survival porcine model. This study provides support for further studies using endoscopic closure of the bladder which may lead to a new era in management of bladder rupture and adoption of the transvesical port in NOTES procedures.
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| 38. |
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| 39. |
- Nyman, Jan, 1956, et al.
(author)
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How to improve loco-regional control in stages IIIa-b NSCLC? Results of a three-armed randomized trial from the Swedish Lung Cancer Study Group.
- 2009
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In: Lung cancer (Amsterdam, Netherlands). - : Elsevier BV. - 1872-8332 .- 0169-5002. ; 65:1, s. 62-7
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: A combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy is the treatment base for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, both loco-regional and distant failure is frequent. Attempts to improve the loco-regional control were made in three separate phase II studies in Swedish University Hospitals, where accelerated radiotherapy or concurrent daily or weekly chemotherapy with conventional radiotherapy were tested. Comparatively good results from these studies lead to this national randomized phase II study, the RAKET-study, where the different concepts were investigated on a wider basis for further phase III studies. METHODS: Inoperable stage III non-small cell lung cancer patients in good performance status (PS<2) were equally randomized to either of three arms in eight institutions. All arms started with two cycles of induction chemotherapy: paclitaxel 200 mg/m2 and carboplatin AUC6. Arm A: a third identical cycle was given concomitant with start of accelerated radiotherapy, 1.7 Gy BID to 64.6 Gy in 4.5 weeks. Arm B consisted of daily concomitant paclitaxel 12 mg/m2 with conventionally fractionated radiotherapy: 2 Gy to 60 Gy in 6 weeks. Arm C: weekly concomitant paclitaxel 60 mg/m2 and identical radiotherapy to 60 Gy. Primary endpoint: TTP. Secondary: OS, toxicity, QL and relapse pattern. RESULTS: Between June 2002 and May 2005 152 patients were randomized and of them 151 were evaluable: 78 men and 73 women, median age 62 years (43-78), 55% had performance status 0 and 45% PS 1. Thirty-four percent had stage IIIa and 66% IIIb. Histology: adenocarcinoma 48%, squamous cell carcinoma 32% and 20% non-small cell carcinoma. The three arms were well balanced. Toxicity was manageable with 12% grades 3-4 esophagitis, 1% grades 3-4 pneumonitis and there was no clear difference between the arms. The QL data did not differ either. Median time to progression was 9.8 (8.3-12.7) months (8.8, 10.3 and 9.3 months for arms A, B and C, respectively). Median survival was 17.8 (14.4-23.7) months (17.7, 17.7 and 20.6 months for A, B and C, respectively). The 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival was 63, 31 and 24%. Sixty-nine percent of the patients relapsed with distant metastases initially and 31% had loco-regional tumor progression, without significant differences between treatment arms. Thirty-four percent developed brain metastases. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment results are quite equal by intensifying the loco-regional treatment either by accelerated fractionated radiotherapy or daily or weekly concomitant chemo-radiotherapy both in terms of survival, toxicity and quality of life. The optimal treatment schedule for patients with locally advanced NSCLC is still to be decided and investigated in future clinical studies. Relapse pattern with distant metastases and especially brain metastases is a great problem and need further research for better therapy options and higher cure rate for this patient group.
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| 40. |
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| 41. |
- Schepis, D, et al.
(author)
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Herpes simplex virus infection downmodulates NKG2D ligand expression.
- 2009
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In: Scandinavian journal of immunology. - : Wiley. - 1365-3083 .- 0300-9475. ; 69:5, s. 429-36
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 infection may cause orofacial infections in humans. The virus resides in a latent form in neural ganglia and occasionally reactivates and infects epithelial cells. Natural killer (NK) cells have been implicated in immune control of herpes virus infections, possibly by downmodulating major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and by other, as yet unidentified, mechanisms. Upon HSV-1 infection of cell lines, surface levels of NKG2D ligands MHC class I related proteins (MIC) A and UL16 binding protein 2 were downmodulated due to late viral gene product(s). As also MHC class I levels were reduced by HSV-1, NK cell recognition of HeLa cells was not affected by infection. Total cellular MICA contents remained unchanged, suggesting masking, internalization or intracellular retention of MICA as possible mechanisms of viral downregualtion of MICA surface levels. Furthermore, NK cells from patients with active HSV-1 infection had a tendency towards increased expression level of the activating receptor NKG2D. These data support a role for NKG2D-MICA interactions in immune responses to HSV-1 reactivation.
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| 42. |
- Sellerholm, A., et al.
(author)
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Cosmological wimps, higgs dark matter and GLAST
- 2007
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In: Frascati Physics Series. ; , s. 87-94
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Measurement of the extragalactic background (EGBR) of diffuse gamma- rays is perhaps one of the most challenging tasks for future gamma- ray observatories, such as GLAST. This is because any determination will depend on accurate subtraction of the galactic diffuse and celestial foregrounds, as well as point sources. However, the EGBR is likely to contain very rich information about the high energy-gamma ray sources of the Universe at cosmological distances. We focus on the ability of GLAST to detect a signal from dark matter in the EGBR. We present sensitivities for generic thermal WIMPs and the Inert Higgs Doublet Model. Also we discuss the various aspects of astro- physics and particle physics that determines the shape and strength of the signal, such as dark matter halo properties and different dark matter candidates. Other possible sources to the EGBR are also discussed, such as unresolved AGNs, and viewed as backgrounds.
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| 43. |
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| 44. |
- Svensson, Britt-Marie, 1956-, et al.
(author)
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Artemia salina as test organism for assessment of acute toxicity of leachate water from landfills
- 2005
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In: Environmental Monitoring & Assessment. - : Springer. - 0167-6369 .- 1573-2959. ; 102:1-3, s. 309-321
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Artemia salina has, for the first time, been used as test organism for acute toxicity of leachate water from three landfills (the municipal landfills at Kristianstad, Sweden and Siauliai, Lithuania, and an industrial landfill at Stena Fragmenting AB, Halmstad, as well as for leachate from Kristianstad treated in different ways in a pilot plan). Artemia can tolerate the high concentrations of chloride ions found in such waters. Large differences in toxicities were found, the leachate from Siauliai being the most toxic one. To increase the selectivity in the measurements, a fractionation was done by using ion exchange to separate ammonium/ammonia and metal ions from the leachate, and activated carbon adsorbents for organic pollutants. The influence of some metals and phenol compounds on the toxicity was investigated separately. It was found that most of the toxicity emanated from the ammonium/ ammonia components in the leachate. However, there was also a significant contribution from organic pollutants, other than phenol compounds, since separate experiments had in this latter case indicated negligible impact. The concentrations of metals were at a level, shown by separate experiments, where only small contribution to the toxicity could be expected.
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| 45. |
- Svensson, Britt-Marie, et al.
(author)
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Artemia salina as test organism for assessment of acute toxicity of leachate water from landfills
- 2005
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In: Environmental Monitoring & Assessment. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1573-2959 .- 0167-6369. ; 102:1-3, s. 309-321
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Artemia salina has, for the first time, been used as test organism for acute toxicity of leachate water from three landfills (the municipal landfills at Kristianstad, Sweden and Siauliai, Lithuania, and an industrial landfill at Stena fragmenting AB, Halmstad, as well as for leachate from Kristianstad treated in different ways in a pilot plan). Artemia can tolerate the high concentrations of chloride ions found in such waters. Large differences in toxicities were found, the leachate from Siauliai being the most toxic one. To increase the selectivity in the measurements, a fractionation was done by using ion exchange to separate ammonium/ammonia and metal ions from the leachate, and activated carbon adsorbents for organic pollutants. The influence of some metals and phenol compounds on the toxicity was investigated separately. It was found that most of the toxicity emanated from the ammonium/ammonia components in the leachate. However, there was also a significant contribution from organic pollutants, other than phenol compounds, since separate experiments had in this latter case indicated negligible impact. The concentrations of metals were at a level, shown by separate experiments, where only small contribution to the toxicity could be expected.
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| 46. |
- Söderström, J., et al.
(author)
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X-ray yield and selectively excited X-ray emission spectra of atenolol and nadolol
- 2005
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In: Journal of Electron Spectroscopy and Related Phenomena. - : Elsevier BV. - 0368-2048 .- 1873-2526. ; 144, s. 283-285
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A pre-study in a project aimed at increasing the understanding of drug solubility by applying X-ray spectroscopy to substances in solid phases, in aqueous solution, and in gas-phase is presented. Influence of the molecular surrounding on the local electronic structure is reflected in X-ray yield fine structure, and in site-selectively excited X-ray emission spectra. Results for atenolol and nadolol in solid form are discussed.
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| 47. |
- Thunberg, Sarah, 1976-, et al.
(author)
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Prolonged antigen-exposure with carbohydrate particle based vaccination prevents allergic immune responses in sensitized mice
- 2009
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In: Allergy. European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. - : Wiley. - 0105-4538 .- 1398-9995. ; 64:6, s. 919-926
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Defined particles carrying tightly bound allergens at high density have been suggested as alternatives in allergy vaccination. Carbohydrate based particles (CBP), sized 2 microm, provide a platform for covalent coupling of allergens. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mechanisms of antigen presentation by CBP, as well as cellular and humoral responses after vaccination with the major cat allergen Fel d 1, covalently coupled to CBP. METHODS: Mice (n = 10/group) were subcutaneously vaccinated with CBP-rFel d 1, CBP or phosphate buffer saline (PBS) before sensitization with rFel d 1 and challenged with cat dander extract. Fluorescent and (75)Se-radiolabeled tracking of allergens and particles were performed with flow cytometry and whole-body autoradiography. Humoral, cellular and regulatory immune responses were analyzed by ELISA and flow cytometry. Cytokines were measured in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and splenocyte cultures. RESULTS: CBP-rFel d 1 prevented induction of airway inflammation and induced allergen-specific T-cell anergy. CBP-rFel d 1 also induced rapid IgM and IgG1-responses compared with soluble rFel d 1. Particles were phagocytosed by antigen-presenting cells and transported to draining lymph nodes and spleen. Moreover, antigen coupled to CBP remained longer at the injection site compared with alum. CONCLUSIONS: Covalent coupling of rFel d 1 to CBP induces rapid antibody production, prevents induction of allergic immune responses and systemic allergen spreading. Thus, CBP comprise several attractive adjuvant features for use in allergy vaccination. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Prolonged allergen exposure through covalent coupling to particles suitable for phagocytosis, provides an adjuvant for safer and efficient allergy vaccination.
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| 48. |
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| 49. |
- Wagner, C. S., et al.
(author)
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Increased expression of leukocyte Ig-like receptor-1 and activating role of UL18 in the response to cytomegalovirus infection
- 2007
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In: J Immunol. - : The American Association of Immunologists. - 0022-1767 .- 1550-6606. ; 178:6, s. 3536-43
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- NK and T cells are important for combating CMV infection. Some NK and T cells express leukocyte Ig-like receptor-1 (LIR-1), an inhibitory receptor recognizing MHC class I and the CMV-encoded homolog UL18. We previously demonstrated an early increase in LIR-1-expressing blood lymphocytes in lung-transplanted patients later developing CMV disease. We now show that NK and T cells account for the observed LIR-1 augmentation. Coincubation of PBMC from CMV-seropositive donors with virus-infected lung fibroblasts led to a T cell-dependent secretion of IFN-gamma, produced mainly by LIR-1(+) T cells and by NK cells. Cytokine production during coculture with fibroblasts infected with virus containing the UL18 gene was augmented compared with the UL18 deletion virus, suggesting a stimulatory role for UL18. However, purified UL18Fc proteins inhibited IFN-gamma production of LIR-1(+) T cells. We propose that cytokine production in the transplant induces NK and T cells to express LIR-1, which may predispose to CMV disease by MHC/LIR-1-mediated suppression. Although the UL18/LIR-1 interaction could inhibit T cell responses, this unlikely plays a role in response to infected cells. Instead, our data point to an activating role for viral UL18 during infection, where indirect intracellular effects cannot be excluded.
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| 50. |
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