| 1. |
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| 2. |
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| 3. |
- Schmidt, Henning, et al.
(author)
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DESIREE as a new tool for interstellar ion chemistry
- 2008
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In: International Journal of Astrobiology. - 1473-5504 .- 1475-3006. ; 7:3-4, s. 205-208
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A novel cryogenic electrostatic storage device consisting of two ion-beam storage rings with a common straight section for studies of interactions between oppositely charged ions at low and well-defined relative velocities is under construction at Stockholm University. Here we consider the prospect of using this new tool to measure cross-sections and rate coefficients for mutual neutralization reactions of importance in interstellar ion chemistry in general and specifically in cosmic pre-biotic ion chemistry.
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| 4. |
- Zettergren, Henning, et al.
(author)
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Fragmentation and ionization of C70 and C60 by slow ions of intermediate charge
- 2006
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In: European Physical Journal D. - : Springer. - 1434-6060 .- 1434-6079. ; 38:2, s. 299-306
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We have measured total and coincident (with outgoing charge-state analyzed projectiles) ionization and fragmentation spectra of C 60 and C70 following collisions with Xe4+ and Kr4+ at v = 0. 06 a.u. Intact positive fullerene ions in charge states up to five (C 5+ 60 and C 5+ 70 ) are produced with both projectiles and for Kr 4++C70 collisions we even observe a small C 6+ 70 peak. The C 3+ 60 /70−2m (m = 1–7) intensity distributions are predominantly associated with the stabilization of three electrons on the projectile ( s = 3) and are significantly different for Xe 4+- and Kr4+ -projectiles. On the other hand, we find remarkable similarities in the C + 3 -C + 11 multi-fragmentation pattern regardless of projectile species (mass) although they are associated with closer encounters in which the projectile is fully neutralized ( s = 4). Simple Monte Carlo calculations of nuclear and electronic loss processes show that both these contributions are very similar in glancing Xe 4++C60 and Kr4++C60 collisions, suggesting that frontal (and more violent) collisions are strongly suppressed under the present experimental conditions. Nevertheless it is surprising that the more distant collisions ( s = 3) are projectile mass dependent, while the closer collisions (s = 4) are not. This indicates that this simple approach (although it reproduces more advanced quantum mechanical calculations for slow collisions with singly charged atomic ions rather well) is not valid for a comprehensive description of the energy transfer processes in the present collision systems involving projectiles of higher charge states.
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| 5. |
- Bales, Chris, et al.
(author)
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Chapter 12: Sorption and Themo-Chemical Storage
- 2005
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In: Thermal energy storage for solar and low energy buildings - State of the art. - Lleida, Spain : Lleida University. - 848409877X
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Book chapter (other academic/artistic)
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| 6. |
- Bonde, Jens Peter, et al.
(author)
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Fertility and markers of male reproductive function in Inuit and European populations spanning large contrasts in blood levels of persistent organochlorines
- 2008
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In: Environmental Health Perspectives. - : Environmental Health Perspectives. - 1552-9924 .- 0091-6765. ; 116:3, s. 269-277
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: We synthesized the main findings from an international epidemiologic study on the impact of biopersistent organic pollutants (POPs) on human reproductive function. DATA SOURCES AND EXTRACTION: We used a database with interview and biological data from 2,269 women and their spouses, and 18 published core papers. DATA SYNTHESIS: The study did not provide direct evidence of hormone-like activity of the polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congener CB-153 and the main dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) metabolite, 1 1 1 -dichloro-2,2-bis (p-chlorophenyl) ethylene (p,p'-DDE), as serum concentrations of these compounds were not consistently related to either endogenous or exogenous hormone activity in serum. Nevertheless several links bewteen POP exposure and biomarkers of male reproductive function were identified. First, an association between high CB-153 serum levels and low sperm counts was detected within a subgroup of men with short androgen receptor CAG repeat length. Second, a relationship between increased CB-153 serum concentrations and decreased sperm motility was seen in all four studied regions, and indications of reduced neutral alpha-glucosidase activity in seminal plasma point to a post-testicular effect. Third, damage of sperm chromatin integrity was considerably less frequent in Greenlandic Inuits compared with that in European groups, and only in the latter was impairment of sperm chromatin integrity related to POPs. Despite these effects, fertility in terms of time taken to conceive was not related to POPs except in Inuits. A likely explanation of the latter was not identified. CONCLUSIONS: POPs may interfere with male reproductive function without major impact on fertility. The data do not provide direct evidence for endocrine disruption, hence other mechanisms should also be considered.
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| 7. |
- Cockell, C.S., et al.
(author)
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Darwin - an experimental astronomy mission to search for extrasolar planets
- 2009
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In: Experimental Astronomy. - 0922-6435 .- 1572-9508. ; 23:1, s. 435-461
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- As a response to ESA call for mission concepts for its Cosmic Vision 2015–2025 plan, we propose a mission called Darwin. Its primary goal is the study of terrestrial extrasolar planets and the search for life on them. In this paper, we describe different characteristics of the instrument.
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| 8. |
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| 9. |
- Franqueville, Laure, et al.
(author)
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Protein crystals in Adenovirus type 5-infected cells: requirements for intranuclear crystallogenesis, structural and functional analysis.
- 2008
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In: PLoS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 3:8
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Intranuclear crystalline inclusions have been observed in the nucleus of epithelial cells infected with Adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5) at late steps of the virus life cycle. Using immuno-electron microscopy and confocal microscopy of cells infected with various Ad5 recombinants modified in their penton base or fiber domains, we found that these inclusions represented crystals of penton capsomers, the heteromeric capsid protein formed of penton base and fiber subunits. The occurrence of protein crystals within the nucleus of infected cells required the integrity of the fiber knob and part of the shaft domain. In the knob domain, the region overlapping residues 489-492 in the FG loop was found to be essential for crystal formation. In the shaft, a large deletion of repeats 4 to 16 had no detrimental effect on crystal inclusions, whereas deletion of repeats 8 to 21 abolished crystal formation without altering the level of fiber protein expression. This suggested a crucial role of the five penultimate repeats in the crystallisation process. Chimeric pentons made of Ad5 penton base and fiber domains from different serotypes were analyzed with respect to crystal formation. No crystal was found when fiber consisted of shaft (S) from Ad5 and knob (K) from Ad3 (heterotypic S5-K3 fiber), but occurred with homotypic S3K3 fiber. However, less regular crystals were observed with homotypic S35-K35 fiber. TB5, a monoclonal antibody directed against the Ad5 fiber knob was found by immunofluorescence microscopy to react with high efficiency with the intranuclear protein crystals in situ. Data obtained with Ad fiber mutants indicated that the absence of crystalline inclusions correlated with a lower infectivity and/or lower yields of virus progeny, suggesting that the protein crystals might be involved in virion assembly. Thus, we propose that TB5 staining of Ad-infected 293 cells can be used as a prognostic assay for the viability and productivity of fiber-modified Ad5 vectors.
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| 10. |
- Giwercman, Aleksander, et al.
(author)
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Androgen receptor gene CAG repeat length as a modifier of the association between persistent organohalogen pollutant exposure markers and semen characteristics
- 2007
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In: Pharmacogenetics & Genomics. - : Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health). - 1744-6872. ; 17:6, s. 391-401
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives Exposure to persistent organohalogen pollutants was suggested to impair male reproductive function. A gene-environment interaction has been proposed. No genes modifying the effect of persistent organohalogen pollutants on reproductive organs have yet been identified. We aimed to investigate whether the CAG and GGN polymorphisms in the androgen receptor gene modify the effect of persistent organohalogen pollutant exposure on human sperm characteristics. Methods Semen and blood from 680 men [mean (SD) age 34 (10) years] from Greenland, Sweden, Warsaw (Poland) and Kharkiv (Ukraine) were collected. Persistent organohalogen pollutant exposure was assessed by measuring serum levels of 2,2,4,4,5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (CB-153) and dichlorodiphenyl dichloroethene (p,p'-DDE). Semen characteristics (volume, sperm concentration, total count proportion of progressively motile and morphology) and DNA fragmentation index (DFI) were determined. CAG and GGN repeat lengths were determined by direct sequencing of leukocyte DNA. Results A statistically significant interaction was found between the CB-153 group and CAG repeat category in relation to sperm concentration and total sperm count (P=0.03 and 0.01, respectively). For p,p'-DDE, in the European cohorts a significant interaction was found in relation to DFI (P=0.01). For CAG<20, sperm concentration and total sperm count were 35 and 42% lower, respectively, when the group with CB-153 exposure above median was compared with that below the median. DF1 was 40% higher in the high p,p'-DDE exposure group for CAG < 21. Conclusions This study indicated that the androgen receptor CAG repeat length might modify the susceptibility of an individual to the adverse effects of persistent organohalogen pollutant exposure on semen quality. Other studies regarding this matter are warranted.
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| 11. |
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| 12. |
- Henning, Petra, 1974, et al.
(author)
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Adenovirus type 5 fiber knob domain has a critical role in fiber protein synthesis and encapsidation
- 2006
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In: JOURNAL OF GENERAL VIROLOGY. - : Microbiology Society. - 0022-1317 .- 1465-2099. ; 87, s. 3151-3160
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5) vectors carrying knobless fibers designed to remove their natural tropism were found to have a lower fiber content than recombinant Ad5 with wild-type (WT) capsid, implying a role for the knob-coding sequence or/and the knob domain in fiber encapsidation. Experimental data using a variety of fiber gene constructs showed that the defect did not occur at the fiber mRNA level, but at the protein level. Knobless fiber proteins were found to be synthesized at a significant slower rate compared with knob-carrying fibers, and the trimerization process of knobless fibers paralleled their slow rate of synthesis. A recombinant Ad5 diploid for the fiber gene (referred to as Ad5/R7-ZZwt/E1 : WT-fiber) was constructed to analyse the possible rescue of the knobless low-fiber-content phenotype by co-expression of WT fiber. Ad5/R7-ZZwt/E1 : WT-fiber contained a knobless fiber gene in its natural location (L5) in the viral genome and an additional WT fiber gene in an ectopic position in E1. Knobless fiber was still synthesized at low levels compared with the co-expressed E1 : WT fiber and the recovery of the two fiber species in virus progeny reflected their respective amounts in the infected cells. Our results suggested that deletion of the fiber knob domain had a negative effect on the translation of the fiber mRNA and on the intracellular concentration of fiber protein. They also suggested that the knob control of fiber protein synthesis and encapsidation occurred as aciseffect, which was not modified by WT fiber protein providedin transby the same Ad5 genome.
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| 13. |
- Hoffmann, Thomas K, et al.
(author)
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A novel mechanism for anti-EGFR antibody action involves chemokine-mediated leukocyte infiltration.
- 2009
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In: International Journal of Cancer. - : Wiley. - 0020-7136 .- 1097-0215. ; 124:11, s. 2589-96
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Overexpression of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a hallmark of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against EGFR are currently used for therapy of recurrent or metastatic disease; however, their mode of action is not completely understood. To investigate the immunological effects of anti-EGFR mAb, we generated a three-dimensional spheroid model of EGFR-expressing SCCHN and used this model to study the effect of anti-EGFR mAb on leukocyte migration toward tumors. Pretreatment with the blocking anti-EGFR mAb EMD 72000, its F(ab')2 fragments or an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor led to substantially increased leukocyte infiltration into EGFR overexpressing tumor spheroids, but not into those with low EGFR expression. Nonblocking anti-EGFR mAb or fibroblast-specific mAb did not affect leukocyte infiltration, suggesting that the observed increase in leukocyte infiltration depends on interference with EGFR activation. Using a human cytokine macroarray, we demonstrated that the blockade of EGFR by anti-EGFR mAb in EGFR-overexpressing SCCHN cells leads to differential expression of several cytokines and chemokines, including the chemokine MCP-1/CCL-2. The significant upregulation of MCP-1/CCL2 on exposure to anti-EGFR mAb was confirmed by quantitative PCR and enzyme-linked immunospot analyses. Moreover, blocking anti-MCP-1 antibody inhibited leukocyte migration toward tumor cells induced by anti-EGFR mAb, pointing to an important role of MCP-1/CCL2 in anti-EGFR mAb-induced leukocyte migration. Our findings demonstrate that anti-EGFR mAb induces leukocyte infiltration to tumor spheroids by upregulating chemokine expression. This novel mechanism for anti-EGFR mAb action may contribute to the antitumor effects of anti-EGFR mAb in vivo.
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| 14. |
- Jarbo, Caroline, et al.
(author)
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Detailed assessment of chromosome 22 aberrations in sporadic pheochromocytoma using array-CGH.
- 2006
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In: International Journal of Cancer. - : Wiley. - 0020-7136 .- 1097-0215. ; 118:5, s. 1159-64
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Pheochromocytoma is a predominantly sporadic neuroendocrine tumor derived from the adrenal medulla. Previous low resolution LOH and metaphase-CGH studies reported the loss of chromosomes 1p, 3q, 17p and 22q at various frequencies. However, the molecular mechanism(s) behind development of sporadic pheochromocytoma remains largely unknown. We have applied high-resolution tiling-path microarray-CGH with the primary aim to characterize copy number imbalances affecting chromosome 22 in 66 sporadic pheochromocytomas. We detected copy number alterations on 22q at a frequency of 44%. The predominant finding was monosomy 22 (30%), followed by terminal deletions in 8 samples (12%) and a single interstitial deletion. We further applied a chromosome 1 tiling-path array in 7 tumors with terminal deletions of 22q and found deletions of 1p in all cases. Our overall results suggest that at least 2 distinct regions on both 22q and 1p are important in the tumorigenesis of sporadic pheochromocytoma. A large proportion of pheochromocytomas also displayed indications of cellular heterogeneity. Our study is to our knowledge the first array-CGH study of sporadic pheochromocytoma. Future analysis of this tumor type should preferably be performed in the context of the entire human genome using genome-wide array-CGH, which is a superior methodological approach. Supplemental material for this article can be found on the International Journal of Cancer website at http://www.interscience.wiley.com/jpages/0020-7136/suppmat/index.htm
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| 15. |
- Jönsson, Bo A, et al.
(author)
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Inter-population variations in concentrations, determinants of and correlations between 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (CB-153) and 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis (p-chlorophenyl)-ethylene (p,p'-DDE): a cross-sectional study of 3161 men and women from Inuit and European populations
- 2005
-
In: Environmental Health. - 1476-069X. ; 4:27
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: The study is part of a collaborative project (Inuendo), aiming to assess the impact of dietary persistent organochlorine pollutants (POPs) on human fertility. The aims with the present study are to analyze inter-population variations in serum concentrations of 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (CB-153) and 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis (p-chlorophenyl)-ethylene (p,p'-DDE), to assess inter-population variations in biomarker correlations, and to evaluate the relative impact of different determinants for the inter-individual variations in POP-biomarkers. METHOD: In study populations of 3161 adults, comprising Greenlandic Inuits, Swedish fishermen and their wives, and inhabitants from Warsaw, Poland and Kharkiv, Ukraine, serum concentrations of CB-153 and p,p'-DDE, were analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. RESULTS: The median serum concentrations of CB-153 were for male and female Inuits 200 and 110, for Swedish fishermen 190 and their wives 84, for Kharkiv men and women 44 and 27, and for Warsaw men and women 17 and 11 ng/g lipids, respectively. The median serum concentrations of p,p'-DDE were for Kharkiv men and women 930 and 650, for male and female Inuits 560 and 300, for Warsaw men and women 530 and 380, and for Swedish fishermen 240 and their wives 140 ng/g lipids, respectively. The correlation coefficients between CB-153 and p,p'-DDE varied between 0.19 and 0.92, with the highest correlation among Inuits and the lowest among men from Warsaw. Men had averagely higher serum concentrations of CB-153 and p,p'-DDE, and there were positive associations between age and the POP-biomarkers, whereas the associations with BMI and smoking were inconsistent. Dietary seafood was of importance only in the Inuit and Swedish populations. CONCLUSION: CB-153 concentrations were much higher in Inuits and Swedish fishermen's populations than in the populations from Eastern Europe, whereas the pattern was different for p,p'-DDE showing highest concentrations in the Kharkiv population. The correlations between the POP-biomarkers varied considerably between the populations, underlining that exposure sources differ and that the choice of representative biomarkers of overall POP exposure has to be based on an analysis of the specific exposure situation for each population. Age and gender were consistent determinants of serum POPs; seafood was of importance only in the Inuit and Swedish populations.
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| 16. |
- Lindholm, Leif, 1940, et al.
(author)
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Novel strategies in tailoring human adenovirus into therapeutic cencer gene therapy vectors
- 2008
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In: Future Virology. - : Future Medicine Ltd. - 1746-0794 .- 1746-0808. ; 3:1, s. 45-59
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Gene therapy is a novel approach for the treatment of cancer that has so far not been realized. The scope of this review is to try to define the remaining barriers to the successful use of adenovirus vectors for gene and viral therapy of human tumors and to suggest solutions whereby these barriers can be bypassed. It is the conviction of the authors that too many studies have been performed in animal models that are not sufficiently comprehensive to allow conclusions to be drawn for application in humans. For example, in the case of the murine experimental model, in which most studies have been performed, mice are devoid of circulating antibodies to adenovirus type 5 and adenovirus cannot replicate in mouse cells. While the problems are real enough, as witnessed by the quite limited success in human trials, some of the solutions that will be suggested here are hypothetical and have not as yet been tried, even in animals. The review has no ambition to be exhaustive but is intended as a contribution in order to forward the field of gene therapy vectors for systemic clinical application
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| 17. |
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| 18. |
- Magnusson, Maria K, 1972, et al.
(author)
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Adenovirus 5 vector genetically re-targeted by an Affibody molecule with specificity for tumor antigen HER2/neu.
- 2007
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In: Cancer gene therapy. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0929-1903 .- 1476-5500. ; 14:5, s. 468-79
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In order to use adenovirus (Ad) type 5 (Ad5) for cancer gene therapy, Ad needs to be de-targeted from its native receptors and re-targeted to a tumor antigen. A limiting factor for this has been to find a ligand that (i) binds a relevant target, (ii) is able to fold correctly in the reducing environment of the cytoplasm and (iii) when incorporated at an optimal position on the virion results in a virus with a low physical particle to plaque-forming units ratio to diminish the viral load to be administered to a future patient. Here, we present a solution to these problems by producing a genetically re-targeted Ad with a tandem repeat of the HER2/neu reactive Affibody molecule (ZH) in the HI-loop of a Coxsackie B virus and Ad receptor (CAR) binding ablated fiber genetically modified to contain sequences for flexible linkers between the ZH and the knob sequences. ZH is an Affibody molecule specific for the extracellular domain of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/neu) that is overexpressed in inter alia breast and ovarian carcinomas. The virus presented here exhibits near wild-type growth characteristics, infects cells via HER2/neu instead of CAR and represents an important step toward the development of genetically re-targeted adenoviruses with clinical relevance.
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| 19. |
- Myhre, Susanna, 1974, et al.
(author)
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Re-targeted adenovirus vectors with dual specificity; binding specificities conferred by two different Affibody molecules in the fiber.
- 2009
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In: Gene therapy. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1476-5462 .- 0969-7128. ; 16:2, s. 252-61
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Vectors based on Adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) are among the most common vectors in cancer gene therapy trials to date. However, for increased efficiency and safety, Ad5 should be de-targeted from its native receptors and re-targeted to a tumor antigen. We have described earlier an Ad5 vector genetically re-targeted to the tumor antigen HER2/neu by a dimeric version of the Affibody molecule ZH inserted in the HI-loop of the fiber knob of a coxsackie and adenovirus receptor-binding ablated fiber. This virus showed almost wild-type growth characteristics and infected cells through HER2/neu. Here we generate vectors with double specificity by incorporating two different Affibody molecules, ZH (HER2/neu-binding) and ZT (Taq polymerase-binding), at different positions relative to one another in the HI-loop. Receptor-binding studies together with viral production and gene transfer assays showed that the recombinant fiber with ZT in the first position and ZH in the second position (ZTZH) bound to both its targets, whereas surprisingly, the fiber with ZHZT was devoid of binding to HER2/neu. Hence, it is possible to construct a recombinant adenovirus with dual specificity after evaluating the best position for each ligand in the fiber knob.
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| 20. |
- Nicholls, Ian A., et al.
(author)
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Theoretical and Computational Strategies for Rational Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Design
- 2009
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In: Biosensors & bioelectronics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0956-5663 .- 1873-4235. ; 25:3, s. 543-552
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The further evolution of molecularly imprinted polymer science and technology necessitates the development of robust predictive tools capable of handling the complexity of molecular imprinting systems. A combination of the rapid growth in computer power over the past decade and significant software developments have opened new possibilities for simulating aspects of the complex molecular imprinting process. We present here a survey of the current status of the use of in silico-based approaches to aspects of molecular imprinting. Finally, we highlight areas where ongoing and future efforts should yield information critical to our understanding of the underlying mechanisms sufficient to permit the rational design of molecularly imprinted polymers.
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| 21. |
- Rockström, Johan, et al.
(author)
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A safe operating space for humanity
- 2009
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In: Nature. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0028-0836 .- 1476-4687. ; 461:7263, s. 472-475
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)
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| 22. |
- Rockström, Johan, et al.
(author)
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Planetary Boundaries : Exploring the Safe Operating Space for Humanity
- 2009
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In: Ecology and Society. - 1708-3087. ; 14:2, s. 32-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Anthropogenic pressures on the Earth System have reached a scale where abrupt global environmental change can no longer be excluded. We propose a new approach to global sustainability in which we define planetary boundaries within which we expect that humanity can operate safely. Transgressing one or more planetary boundaries may be deleterious or even catastrophic due to the risk of crossing thresholds that will trigger non-linear, abrupt environmental change within continental- to planetary-scale systems. We have identified nine planetary boundaries and, drawing upon current scientific understanding, we propose quantifications for seven of them. These seven are climate change (CO2 concentration in the atmosphere <350 ppm and/or a maximum change of +1 W m(-2) in radiative forcing); ocean acidification (mean surface seawater saturation state with respect to aragonite >= 80% of pre-industrial levels); stratospheric ozone (<5% reduction in O-3 concentration from pre-industrial level of 290 Dobson Units); biogeochemical nitrogen (N) cycle (limit industrial and agricultural fixation of N-2 to 35 Tg N yr(-1)) and phosphorus (P) cycle (annual P inflow to oceans not to exceed 10 times the natural background weathering of P); global freshwater use (<4000 km(3) yr(-1) of consumptive use of runoff resources); land system change (<15% of the ice-free land surface under cropland); and the rate at which biological diversity is lost (annual rate of <10 extinctions per million species). The two additional planetary boundaries for which we have not yet been able to determine a boundary level are chemical pollution and atmospheric aerosol loading. We estimate that humanity has already transgressed three planetary boundaries: for climate change, rate of biodiversity loss, and changes to the global nitrogen cycle. Planetary boundaries are interdependent, because transgressing one may both shift the position of other boundaries or cause them to be transgressed. The social impacts of transgressing boundaries will be a function of the social-ecological resilience of the affected societies. Our proposed boundaries are rough, first estimates only, surrounded by large uncertainties and knowledge gaps. Filling these gaps will require major advancements in Earth System and resilience science. The proposed concept of "planetary boundaries" lays the groundwork for shifting our approach to governance and management, away from the essentially sectoral analyses of limits to growth aimed at minimizing negative externalities, toward the estimation of the safe space for human development. Planetary boundaries define, as it were, the boundaries of the "planetary playing field" for humanity if we want to be sure of avoiding major human-induced environmental change on a global scale.
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| 23. |
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| 24. |
- Toft, Gunnar, et al.
(author)
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Fertility in four regions spanning large contrasts in serum levels of widespread persistent organochlorines: a cross-sectional study
- 2005
-
In: Environmental Health. - 1476-069X. ; 4:26
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Persistent organochlorine pollutants (POPs) may interfere with reproductive function but direct evidence in humans is very limited. METHODS: Fertility was examined in four regions with contrasting blood levels of POPs. Pregnant women and their partners in Warsaw (Poland), Kharkiv (Ukraine) and Greenland were consecutively enrolled during antenatal visits. Swedish fishermen and their spouses were recruited separately and independently of current pregnancy. Lipid adjusted serum concentrations of 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (CB-153) and 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis (p-chlorophenyl)-ethylene (DDE) were available for both partners. Time to pregnancy interviews were obtained among 2269 women and 798 men provided a semen sample. RESULTS: Inuits had high levels of both POP markers, Swedish fishermen were high in CB-153 but low in DDE, men from Kharkiv were high in DDE and low in CB-153 while men from Warsaw were low in CB-153 and had intermediate DDE levels. Compared to Warsaw couples, fecundability was reduced among couples from Kharkiv [adjusted fecundability ratio (FR) 0.64 (95% CI 0.5-0.8)] and elevated in Swedish fishermen families [FR 1.26 (95% CI 1.0-1.6)]. Adjusted geometric means of sperm counts and morphology did not differ between regions while sperm motility was higher in men living in Warsaw. CONCLUSION: We observed regional differences in time to pregnancy and sperm motility that may be related to regional differences in POP blood levels, but other interpretations are also plausible. In particular, differences in access to safe contraception and in the prevalence of contraceptive failures are most likely to bias comparisons of time to pregnancy.
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| 25. |
- Toft, Gunnar, et al.
(author)
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Semen quality in relation to xenohormone and dioxin-like serum activity among inuits and three european populations
- 2007
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In: Environmental Health Perspectives. - : Environmental Health Perspectives. - 0091-6765 .- 1552-9924. ; 115:SUPPL1, s. 15-20
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Semen quality in humans may be influenced by exposure to endocrine-disrupting compounds. OBJECTIVES: We analyzed associations between semen characteristics and serum xenoestrogen receptor (XER), xenoandrogen receptor (XAR), and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) transactivity. XER and XAR activity were measured in serum samples cleared for endogenous steroid hormones and AhR activity in raw lipophilic serum extracts free of proteins. RESULTS: All together, 319 men from Warsaw (Poland), Greenland, Kharkiv (Ukraine), and Sweden provided semen and blood samples. No strong and consistent associations between xenobiotic activity and semen quality measures were observed in the four populations. However, when the data were combined across populations sperm concentration increased 40% per unit increase in XER activity [95% confidence interval (CI), 1-79%] in the subgroup with XER activity below the reference level. Among subjects with XER activity above the reference level an increase of 14% (95% CI, 2-28%) was found. Furthermore, an increase of 10% motile sperm per unit increase in XER activity below reference level (95% CI, 0.2-20) was found. We are unable to exclude that the associations are chance findings. CONCLUSION: Alteration of XER, XAR, or AhR transactivity within the range found in serum from the general European and Inuit population seems not to markedly deteriorate sperm cell concentration, motility, or morphology in adult men.
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| 26. |
- Wilm, B. J., et al.
(author)
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Reduced field-of-view MRI using outer volume suppression for spinal cord diffusion imaging
- 2007
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In: Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. - : Wiley. - 1522-2594 .- 0740-3194. ; 57:3, s. 625-630
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A spin-echo single-shot echo-planar imaging (SS-EPI) technique with a reduced field of view (FOV) in the phase-encoding direction is presented that simultaneously reduces susceptibility effects and motion artifacts in diffusion-weighted (DW) imaging (DWI) of the spinal cord at a high field strength (3T). To minimize aliasing, an outer volume suppression (OVS) sequence was implemented. Effective fat suppression was achieved with the use of a slice-selection gradient-reversal technique. The OVS was optimized by numerical simulations with respect to T-1 relaxation times and B-1 variations. The optimized sequence was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. In simulations the optimized OVS showed suppression to < 0.25% and similar to 3% in an optimal and worst-case scenario, respectively. In vitro measurements showed a mean residual signal of < 0.95% +/- 0.42 for all suppressed areas. In vivo acquisition with 0.9 x 1.05 mm(2) in-plane resolution resulted in artifact-free images. The short imaging time of this technique makes it promising for clinical studies.
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