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- 2019
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)
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- Berntsen, Peter, 1974, et al.
(författare)
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Biomechanical effects of environmental and engineered particles on human airway smooth muscle cells
- 2010
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Ingår i: Journal of the Royal Society Interface. - : The Royal Society. - 1742-5689 .- 1742-5662. ; 7:Suppl 3
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The past decade has seen significant increases in combustion-generated ambient particles, which contain a nanosized fraction (less than 100 nm), and even greater increases have occurred in engineered nanoparticles (NPs) propelled by the booming nanotechnology industry. Although inhalation of these particulates has become a public health concern, human health effects and mechanisms of action for NPs are not well understood. Focusing on the human airway smooth muscle cell, here we show that the cellular mechanical function is altered by particulate exposure in a manner that is dependent upon particle material, size and dose. We used Alamar Blue assay to measure cell viability and optical magnetic twisting cytometry to measure cell stiffness and agonist-induced contractility. The eight particle species fell into four categories, based on their respective effect on cell viability and on mechanical function. Cell viability was impaired and cell contractility was decreased by (i) zinc oxide (40-100 nm and less than 44 mu m) and copper(II) oxide (less than 50 nm); cell contractility was decreased by (ii) fluorescent polystyrene spheres (40 nm), increased by (iii) welding fumes and unchanged by (iv) diesel exhaust particles, titanium dioxide (25 nm) and copper(II) oxide (less than 5 mu m), although in none of these cases was cell viability impaired. Treatment with hydrogen peroxide up to 500 mu M did not alter viability or cell mechanics, suggesting that the particle effects are unlikely to be mediated by particle-generated reactive oxygen species. Our results highlight the susceptibility of cellular mechanical function to particulate exposures and suggest that direct exposure of the airway smooth muscle cells to particulates may initiate or aggravate respiratory diseases.
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- Cunningham, LK, et al.
(författare)
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Reconstructions of surface ocean conditions from the North East Atlantic and Nordic Seas during the last Millennium
- 2013
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Ingår i: The Holocene. - : SAGE Publications. - 0959-6836 .- 1477-0911. ; 23:7, s. 921-935
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We undertake the first comprehensive effort to integrate North Atlantic marine climate records for the last millennium, highlighting some key components common within this system at a range of temporal and spatial scales. In such an approach, careful consideration needs to be given to the complexities inherent to the marine system. Composites therefore need to be hydrographically constrained and sensitive to both surface water mass variability and three-dimensional ocean dynamics. This study focuses on the northeast (NE) North Atlantic Ocean, particularly sites influenced by the North Atlantic Current. A composite plus regression approach is used to create an inter-regional NE North Atlantic reconstruction of sea surface temperature (SST) for the last 1000 years. We highlight the loss of spatial information associated with large-scale composite reconstructions of the marine environment. Regional reconstructions of SSTs off the Norwegian and Icelandic margins are presented, along with a larger-scale reconstruction spanning the NE North Atlantic. The latter indicates that the ‘Medieval Climate Anomaly’ warming was most pronounced before ad 1200, with a long-term cooling trend apparent after ad 1250. This trend persisted until the early 20th century, while in recent decades temperatures have been similar to those inferred for the ‘Medieval Climate Anomaly’. The reconstructions are consistent with other independent records of sea-surface and surface air temperatures from the region, indicating that they are adequately capturing the climate dynamics of the last millennium. Consequently, this method could potentially be used to develop large-scale reconstructions of SSTs for other hydrographically constrained regions.
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- Gazzina, S, et al.
(författare)
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Education modulates brain maintenance in presymptomatic frontotemporal dementia
- 2019
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Ingår i: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry. - : BMJ. - 1468-330X .- 0022-3050. ; 90:10, s. 1124-1130
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Cognitively engaging lifestyles have been associated with reduced risk of conversion to dementia. Multiple mechanisms have been advocated, including increased brain volumes (ie, brain reserve) and reduced disease progression (ie, brain maintenance). In cross-sectional studies of presymptomatic frontotemporal dementia (FTD), higher education has been related to increased grey matter volume. Here, we examine the effect of education on grey matter loss over time.MethodsTwo-hundred twenty-nine subjects at-risk of carrying a pathogenic mutation leading to FTD underwent longitudinal cognitive assessment and T1-weighted MRI at baseline and at 1 year follow-up. The first principal component score of the graph-Laplacian Principal Component Analysis on 112 grey matter region-of-interest volumes was used to summarise the grey matter volume (GMV). The effects of education on cognitive performances and GMV at baseline and on the change between 1 year follow-up and baseline (slope) were tested by Structural Equation Modelling.ResultsHighly educated at-risk subjects had better cognition and higher grey matter volume at baseline; moreover, higher educational attainment was associated with slower loss of grey matter over time in mutation carriers.ConclusionsThis longitudinal study demonstrates that even in presence of ongoing pathological processes, education may facilitate both brain reserve and brain maintenance in the presymptomatic phase of genetic FTD.
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- Georgian, Samuel E., et al.
(författare)
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Biogeographic variability in the physiological response of the cold-water coral Lophelia pertusa to ocean acidification
- 2016
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Ingår i: Marine Ecology. - : Wiley. - 0173-9565 .- 1439-0485. ; 37:6, s. 1345-1359
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- While ocean acidification is a global issue, the severity of ecosystem effects is likely to vary considerably at regional scales. The lack of understanding of how biogeographically separated populations will respond to acidification hampers our ability to predict the future of vital ecosystems. Cold-water corals are important drivers of biodiversity in ocean basins across the world and are considered one of the most vulnerable ecosystems to ocean acidification. We tested the short-term physiological response of the cold-water coral Lophelia pertusa to three pH treatments (pH = 7.9, 7.75 and 7.6) for Gulf of Mexico (USA) and Tisler Reef (Norway) populations, and found that reductions in seawater pH elicited contrasting responses. Gulf of Mexico corals exhibited reductions in net calcification, respiration and prey capture rates with decreasing pH. In contrast, Tisler Reef corals showed only slight reductions in net calcification rates under decreased pH conditions while significantly elevating respiration and capture rates. These differences are likely the result of environmental differences (depth, pH, food supply) between the two regions, invoking the potential for local adaptation or acclimatization to alter their response to global change. However, it is also possible that variations in the methodology used in the experiments contributed to the observed differences. Regardless, these results provide insights into the resilience of L. pertusa to ocean acidification as well as the potential influence of regional differences on the viability of species in future oceans.
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- Greene, S. J., et al.
(författare)
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The Prognostic Significance of Heart Rate in Patients Hospitalized for Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction in Sinus Rhythm. Insights From the EVEREST (Efficacy of Vasopressin Antagonism in Heart Failure: Outcome Study With Tolvaptan) Trial
- 2013
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Ingår i: JACC: Heart Failure. - : Elsevier BV. - 2213-1779. ; 1:6, s. 488-496
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives: The purpose of this study was to characterize the relationship between heart rate and post-discharge outcomes in patients with hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) with reduced ejection fraction (EF) in sinus rhythm. Background: A reduction in heart rate improves clinical outcomes in patients with chronic heart failure and in sinus rhythm, but the association between heart rate and post-discharge outcomes in patients with HHF is presently unclear. Methods: This post-hoc analysis of the EVEREST (Efficacy of Vasopressin Antagonism in Heart Failure: Outcome Study With Tolvaptan) trial examined 1,947 patients with HHF and EF≤40% not in atrial fibrillation/flutter or pacemaker dependent. Results: The median follow-up period was 9.9 months. At baseline, patients with a higher heart rate tended to be younger with lower EF and were more likely to have worse New York Heart Association functional class and higher natriuretic peptide levels. After adjustment for clinical risk factors, baseline heart rate was not predictive of all-cause mortality (p≥ 0.066). However, at≥70 beats/min, every 5-beat increase in 1-week post-discharge heart rate was independently associated with increased all-cause mortality (hazard ratio: 1.13 [95% confidence interval: 1.05 to 1.22]; p= 0.002). Similarly, every 5-beat increase≥70 beats/min in 4-week post-discharge heart rate was predictive of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio: 1.12 [95% confidence interval: 1.05 to 1.19]; p= 0.001). Conclusions: In this large cohort of patients with HHF with reduced EF and in sinus rhythm, baseline heart rate did not correlate with all-cause mortality. In contrast, at≥70 beats/min, higher heart rate in the early post-discharge period was independently predictive of death during subsequent follow-up. Further study of post-discharge heart rate as a potential therapeutic target in this high-risk population is encouraged. © 2013 American College of Cardiology Foundation.
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| 8. |
- Klassen, A. F., et al.
(författare)
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FACE-Q craniofacial module: Part 2 Psychometric properties of newly developed scales for children and young adults with facial conditions
- 2021
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Ingår i: Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. - : Elsevier BV. - 1748-6815. ; 74:9, s. 2330-2340
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: The FACE-Q Craniofacial Module is a patient-reported outcome measure designed for patients aged 8 to 29 years with conditions associated with a facial difference. In part 1, we describe the psychometric findings for the original CLEFT-Q scales tested in patients with cleft and noncleft facial conditions. The aim of this study was to examine psychometric performance of new FACE-Q Craniofacial Module scales. Methods: Data were collected between December 2016 and December 2019 from patients aged 8 to 29 years with conditions associated with a visible or functional facial difference. Rasch measurement theory (RMT) analysis was used to examine psychometric properties of each scale. Scores were transformed from 0 (worst) to 100 (best) for tests of construct validity. Results: 1495 participants were recruited with a broad range of conditions (e.g., birthmarks, facial paralysis, craniosynostosis, craniofacial microsomia, etc.) RMT analysis resulted in the refinement of 7 appearance scales (Birthmark, Cheeks, Chin, Eyes, Forehead, Head Shape, Smile), two function scales (Breathing, Facial), and an Appearance Distress scale. Person separation index and Cronbach alpha values met criteria. Three checklists were also formed (Eye Function, and Eye and Face Adverse Effects). Significantly lower scores on eight of nine scales were reported by participants whose appearance or functional difference was rated as a major rather than minor or no difference. Higher appearance distress correlated with lower appearance scale scores. Conclusion: The FACE-Q Craniofacial Module scales can be used to collect and compare patient reported outcomes data in children and young adults with a facial condition. © 2021
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| 10. |
- O'Connor, C. M., et al.
(författare)
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Effect of nesiritide in patients with acute decompensated heart failure
- 2011
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Ingår i: The New England journal of medicine. - : Massachusetts Medical Society. - 0028-4793 .- 1533-4406. ; 365:1, s. 32-43
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Nesiritide is approved in the United States for early relief of dyspnea in patients with acute heart failure. Previous meta-analyses have raised questions regarding renal toxicity and the mortality associated with this agent. METHODS: We randomly assigned 7141 patients who were hospitalized with acute heart failure to receive either nesiritide or placebo for 24 to 168 hours in addition to standard care. Coprimary end points were the change in dyspnea at 6 and 24 hours, as measured on a 7-point Likert scale, and the composite end point of rehospitalization for heart failure or death within 30 days. RESULTS: Patients randomly assigned to nesiritide, as compared with those assigned to placebo, more frequently reported markedly or moderately improved dyspnea at 6 hours (44.5% vs. 42.1%, P=0.03) and 24 hours (68.2% vs. 66.1%, P=0.007), but the prespecified level for significance (P
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