| 1. |
- Choquet, Remi, et al.
(författare)
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Estimating demographic parameters from capturerecapture data with dependence among individuals within clusters
- 2013
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Ingår i: Methods in Ecology and Evolution. - 2041-210X. ; 4:5, s. 474-482
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Two-level data, in which level-1 units or individuals are nested within level-2 units or clusters, are very common in natural populations. However, very few multilevel analyses are conducted for data with imperfect detection of individuals. Multilevel analyses are important to quantify the variability at each level of the data. In this study, we present two-level analyses for estimating demographic parameters from data with imperfect detection of individuals and with a source of individual variability that is nested within a source of cluster variability. This method allows separating and quantifying the phenotypic plasticity or facultative behavioural responses from the evolutionary responses. We illustrate our approach using data from studies of a long-lived perennially monogamous seabird, the Cory's shearwater (Calonectris diomedea) and a patchy population of collared flycatchers (Ficedula albicollis). We demonstrate the existence of dependence in recapture probability between paired individuals in the Cory's shearwater. In addition, we show that family structure has no influence on parentoffspring resemblance in collared flycatchers dispersal. The new method is implemented in program e-surge which is freely available from the internet.
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| 2. |
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| 3. |
- Gustafsson, Erika, et al.
(författare)
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Directed evolution of chemotaxis inhibitory protein of Staphylococcus aureus generates biologically functional variants with reduced interaction with human antibodies
- 2010
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Ingår i: Protein Engineering Design & Selection. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1741-0126 .- 1741-0134. ; 23:2, s. 91-101
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Chemotaxis inhibitory protein of Staphylococcus aureus (CHIPS) is a protein that binds and blocks the C5a receptor (C5aR) and formylated peptide receptor, thereby inhibiting the immune cell recruitment associated with inflammation. If CHIPS was less reactive with existing human antibodies, it would be a promising anti-inflammatory drug candidate. Therefore, we applied directed evolution and computational/rational design to the CHIPS gene in order to generate new CHIPS variants displaying lower interaction with human IgG, yet retaining biological function. The optimization was performed in four rounds: one round of random mutagenesis to add diversity into the CHIPS gene and three rounds of DNA recombination by Fragment INduced Diversity (FIND((R))). Every round was screened by phage selection and/or ELISA for decreased interaction with human IgG and retained C5aR binding. The mean binding of human anti-CHIPS IgG decreased with every round of evolution. For further optimization, new amino acid substitutions were introduced by rational design, based on the mutations identified during directed evolution. Finally, seven CHIPS variants with low interaction with human IgG and retained C5aR blocking capacity could be identified.
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| 4. |
- Gustafsson, Erika, et al.
(författare)
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Perlecan maintains microvessel integrity in vivo and modulates their formation in vitro.
- 2013
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Ingår i: PLoS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 8:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Perlecan is a heparan sulfate proteoglycan assembled into the vascular basement membranes (BMs) during vasculogenesis. In the present study we have investigated vessel formation in mice, teratomas and embryoid bodies (EBs) in the absence of perlecan. We found that perlecan was dispensable for blood vessel formation and maturation until embryonic day (E) 12.5. At later stages of development 40% of mutant embryos showed dilated microvessels in brain and skin, which ruptured and led to severe bleedings. Surprisingly, teratomas derived from perlecan-null ES cells showed efficient contribution of perlecan-deficient endothelial cells to an apparently normal tumor vasculature. However, in perlecan-deficient EBs the area occupied by an endothelial network and the number of vessel branches were significantly diminished. Addition of FGF-2 but not VEGF(165) rescued the in vitro deficiency of the mutant ES cells. Furthermore, in the absence of perlecan in the EB matrix lower levels of FGFs are bound, stored and available for cell surface presentation. Altogether these findings suggest that perlecan supports the maintenance of brain and skin subendothelial BMs and promotes vasculo- and angiogenesis by modulating FGF-2 function.
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| 5. |
- Gustafsson, Erika, et al.
(författare)
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Rehabilitation between institutional and non-institutional forensic psychiatric care : important influences on the transition process.
- 2012
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Ingår i: Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing. - : Wiley. - 1351-0126 .- 1365-2850. ; 19, s. 729-737
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- ACCESSIBLE SUMMARY: • All patients cared for in Forensic Psychiatric Care (FPC) have some kind of psychiatric disorder and most of them have committed one or more criminal acts. In addition, several of the patients have alcohol and drug problems. • During the stay in institutional FPC, one part of the rehabilitation program is to prepare the patient for non-institutional FPC. However, several patients fail with the rehabilitation. • This study focuses important aspects that influence the patients' ability to manage their rehabilitation through admission to non-institutional FPC, viewed from different caregivers' perspective. • The transition is influenced by a well-planned care plan, together with a suitable non-institutional dwelling and a tailored occupation. A major barrier for successful admission was whether the patients managed their own finances or not. Other important areas were having a well-functioning and trusting social network and a good relationship with a contact person. ABSTRACT: All patients cared for in forensic psychiatric care (FPC) have some kind of psychiatric disorder and most of them have committed one or more criminal acts. One part of the patient's rehabilitation is the transition from institutional to non-institutional FPC, but a number of patients do not succeed. The aim of this study was to elucidate different caregivers' experiences of aspects that influence the patients' ability to manage this rehabilitation. A qualitative approach was chosen. Data were collected by interviews in two focus groups, each group comprising of six caregivers representing both institutional and non-institutional FPC. The transcribed interviews were analysed using a qualitative content analysis. Important aspects influencing the patients' transition described were a well-planned care plan, together with a suitable non-institutional dwelling and a tailored occupation. Other important areas were having a well-functioning and trusting social network and a good relationship with a contact person/advocate. A major barrier to a successful transition was whether the patients managed their own finances or not. It was stated that it is important that the patients participate in the care and that different authorities create individual conditions and flexible solutions. All of these factors are important to focus on when caring for patients during their stay in the institutional FPC.
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| 6. |
- Knutsson, Erika, 1975-
(författare)
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Bundling for consumers? : Understanding complementarity and its effect on consumers' preferences and satisfaction
- 2011
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- It is a common market practice to offer two products in a package, so called bundling. While much research investigate how companies can use bundling to increase sales and profit, less is known about how bundling can be beneficial for consumers. There are many advantages with bundling for consumers, as bundles often are offered at a reduced price and provide convenience and reduced risk. But there are also major drawbacks, for example reduced freedom of choice and increased risk of over-consumption. In the present study, the general aim is to increase the understanding of how consumers’ perceive bundle value. To achieve this, focus is turned to bundle composition, more specifically the complementarity between bundle products, as a source of value for consumers. By exploring what complementarity is, how it influences consumer preferences for and satisfaction with bundles and how it interacts with bundle discount insights about the overall value of bundles for consumers is gained. In five scenario-based experiments, the influence of different kinds and different degrees of complementarity on consumers’ perceptions of bundle value is studied and compared to evaluations of separate products. The results show that bundles generally are not preferred over separate products and that they only exceptionally provide more satisfaction. However, the results also highlight the influence of bundle composition on consumer evaluations. Generally, bundle complementarity has a positive effect on preferences and satisfaction, especially when combined with a discount. The results also illustrates that complementarity is a multifaceted concept. Many kinds of relations between bundle products are considered complementary and the degree of complementarity may vary within and between different types of complementarity. Based on the results it is suggested that the notion of complementarity is closely related to consumers’ everyday practices and the value bundles provides in use. When consumers understand the value that bundle products provide in use, the perceived complementarity increases and preferences and satisfaction is positively influenced. It is suggested that bundling can be used as a strategic tool by companies to increase value for customers. By considering their customers’ needs and practices companies can compose bundles that are perceived as complementary and offer value-in-use.
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| 7. |
- Lundberg, Martin, et al.
(författare)
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Multiplexed Homogeneous Proximity Ligation Assays for High-throughput Protein Biomarker Research in Serological Material
- 2011
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Ingår i: Molecular & Cellular Proteomics. - 1535-9476 .- 1535-9484. ; 10:4, s. M110.004978-
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A high throughput protein biomarker discovery tool has been developed based on multiplexed proximity ligation assays in a homogeneous format in the sense of no washing steps. The platform consists of four 24-plex panels profiling 74 putative biomarkers with sub-pM sensitivity each consuming only 1 mu l of human plasma sample. The system uses either matched monoclonal antibody pairs or the more readily available single batches of affinity purified polyclonal antibodies to generate the target specific reagents by covalently linking with unique nucleic acid sequences. These paired sequences are united by DNA ligation upon simultaneous target binding forming a PCR amplicon. Multiplex proximity ligation assays thereby converts multiple target analytes into real-time PCR amplicons that are individually quantified using microfluidic high capacity qPCR in nano liter volumes. The assay shows excellent specificity, even in multiplex, by its dual recognition feature, its proximity requirement, and most importantly by using unique sequence specific reporter fragments on both antibody-based probes. To illustrate the potential of this protein detection technology, a pilot biomarker research project was performed using biobanked plasma samples for the detection of colorectal cancer using a multivariate signature.
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| 8. |
- Lundby, Erika
(författare)
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Consuming for friendship : Children´s perceptions of relational consumption
- 2014
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Swedish children have, from a historical perspective and compared with many other countries, greater economic resources and a higher material living standard. However, there is a widening gap between affluent and vulnerable households in Sweden. At the same time, children are targets for significant pressure to consume in order to gain inclusion among peers. This thesis aims to investigate how children, between the ages of 9 and 12, perceive consumption, as part of their social life among peers. Children’s own perspectives are central throughout the thesis. Therefore, an additional aim is to make a contribution to the debate concerning how to interpret children in their roles as consumers. A research overview of Nordic consumer research relating to tweens was carried out. Thereafter, empirical data was collected through projective focus group interviews and drawings. In total, 101 children, from four different schools, participated in the study. The location and prestige of the schools confirms that the selected children were mixed in terms of class and ethnicity. The results are presented in four articles that provide different segments in the understanding of how children perceive consumption in their social life among peers. In the summary chapters, a synthesized analysis shows, among other things, that most children perceived consumption as a useful tool to enhance social relationships with peers. However, some children expressed moral values concerning consumption, where they emphasised that it felt “wrong to buy friends”. Moreover, the children’s perceptions of consumption varied depending on age, gender and neighbourhood. The analysis suggests that we need to address children both as competent and dependent individuals, in order to gain a more nuanced understanding of children as consumers. Additionally, a new concept, relational consumption, is developed from the children’s perceptions of consumption, principally referring to consumption used to create, strengthen and maintain social relationships. In summary: the work presented in this thesis contributes to increase the knowledge about 9 to 12 year old children’s perceptions of consumption in today’s Swedish society and demonstrates the importance for social work to address the aspect of relational consumption.
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| 9. |
- Sandin, Linda, et al.
(författare)
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Locally delivered CD40 agonist antibody accumulates in secondary lymphoid organs and eradicates experimental disseminated bladder cancer
- 2014
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Ingår i: Cancer Immunology Research. - 2326-6066 .- 2326-6074. ; 2:1, s. 80-90
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Immunotherapy with intratumoral injection of adenoviral vectors expressing CD40L has yielded positive results in experimental and clinical bladder cancer. We therefore hypothesized that anti-CD40 antibody would be effective in this setting. Agonistic CD40 antibodies were developed as vaccine adjuvants but have later been used as treatment for advanced solid tumors and hematological cancers. Systemic anti-CD40 therapy has been associated with immune-related adverse events such as cytokine release syndrome and liver toxicity and local delivery is an attractive approach that could reduce toxicity. Herein, we compared local and systemic anti-CD40 antibody delivery to evaluate efficacy, toxicity and biodistribution in the experimental MB49 bladder cancer model. Anti-tumor effects were confirmed in the B16 model. In terms of anti-tumor efficacy, local anti-CD40 antibody stimulation was superior to systemic therapy at an equivalent dose and CD8 T-cells were crucial for tumor growth inhibition. Both administration routes were dependent on host CD40 expression for therapeutic efficacy. In vivo biodistribution studies revealed CD40-specific antibody accumulation in tumor-draining lymph nodes and spleen, most likely reflecting organs with frequent target antigen-expressing immune cells. Systemic administration led to higher antibody concentrations in liver and blood compared to local delivery, and was associated with elevated levels of serum haptoglobin. Despite the lack of a slow-release system, local anti-CD40 therapy was dependent on tumor antigen at the injection site for clearance of distant tumors. To summarize, local low-dose administration of anti-CD40 antibody mediates anti-tumor effects in murine models with reduced toxicity and may represent an attractive treatment alternative in the clinic.
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| 10. |
- Sjögren, Per, et al.
(författare)
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Mediterranean and carbohydrate-restricted diets and mortality among elderly men : a cohort study in Sweden
- 2010
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Ingår i: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. - Bethesda, USA : American Society for Nutrition. - 0002-9165 .- 1938-3207. ; 92:4, s. 967-974
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Comparative studies on dietary patterns and long-term mortality are sparse.Objective: The objective was to examine the relations between 10-y mortality and adherence to the World Health Organization dietary guidelines [Healthy Diet Indicator (HDI)], a Mediterranean-like diet, and a carbohydrate-restricted (CR) diet in elderly Swedish men.Design: Dietary habits were determined by 7-d dietary records in a population-based longitudinal study of 924 Swedish men (age: 71 ± 1 y). The HDI score (–1 to 8 points), the Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS; 0–8 points), and the CR score (2–20 points) were calculated for each participant. Nonadequate reporters of energy intake were identified (n = 413). Mortality was registered during a median follow-up of 10.2 y. Cox proportional hazards regression, with multivariable adjustments, was used to determine the effects of adherence to each dietary pattern.Results: Two hundred fifteen and 88 subjects died of all-cause and cardiovascular disease, respectively. In all individuals, risk relations to mortality for each SD increment in the scores were observed for only MDS, with an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 0.83 (95% CI: 0.70, 0.99). Among adequate dietary reporters (n = 511), adjusted HRs for each SD increment in scores were enhanced for MDS (ie, 0.71; 95% CI: 0.55, 0.92) for all-cause mortality and 0.63 (95% CI: 0.42, 0.96) for cardiovascular mortality. Corresponding HRs for CR diet score were 1.19 (95% CI: 0.97, 1.45) for all-cause mortality and 1.44 (95% CI: 1.03, 2.02) for cardiovascular mortality.Conclusion: Adherence to a Mediterranean-like dietary pattern reduced mortality, whereas adherence to a CR dietary pattern appeared to increase mortality in elderly Swedish men, especially when only adequate dietary reporters were considered.
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| 11. |
- Stalhandske, Per, et al.
(författare)
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Homogeneous assay for real-time and simultaneous detection of thymidine kinase 1 and deoxycytidine kinase activities
- 2013
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Ingår i: Analytical Biochemistry. - : Elsevier BV. - 0003-2697 .- 1096-0309. ; 432:2, s. 155-164
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Measurement of thymidine kinase-1 (TK1) and deoxycytidine kinase (dCK) activity may be useful in cancer disease management. Therefore, a one-step homogeneous assay for real-time determination of TK1 and dCK was developed by combining enzyme complementation with fluorescent signal generation using primer extension and a quenched probe oligodeoxyribonucleotide system at 37 degrees C. Complementation, for producing dCTP and TIP from nucleoside substrates, was carried out by dTMP kinase and/or UMP/CMP kinase and nucleoside diphosphate kinase. dNTP was continuously incorporated into a fixed oligodeoxyribonucleotide primer, template, and probe system, and the fluorescent signal was generated by using the combined actions of primer extension and 5' exonuclease activity of Thermophilus aquaticus (Taq) DNA polymerase for specific relief of fluorescent quenching. Fluorescence was captured at 1-min intervals using a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) instrument. A horizontal threshold line, crossing all sample relative fluorescent units (RFU) values at the level of the RFU of the blank sample at the end of the assay (i.e., 90 min), was drawn, obtaining RFU measurement data in minutes for each sample. Duplex proof of principle was demonstrated by the independent determination of different amounts of dCK and TK1 in combination. R-2 values of 0.90 were demonstrated with Prolifigen TK-REA U/L reference values obtained from pathological canine and human serum samples.
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