| 1. |
- Hudson, Lawrence N, et al.
(författare)
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The database of the PREDICTS (Projecting Responses of Ecological Diversity In Changing Terrestrial Systems) project
- 2017
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Ingår i: Ecology and Evolution. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 2045-7758. ; 7:1, s. 145-188
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The PREDICTS project-Projecting Responses of Ecological Diversity In Changing Terrestrial Systems (www.predicts.org.uk)-has collated from published studies a large, reasonably representative database of comparable samples of biodiversity from multiple sites that differ in the nature or intensity of human impacts relating to land use. We have used this evidence base to develop global and regional statistical models of how local biodiversity responds to these measures. We describe and make freely available this 2016 release of the database, containing more than 3.2 million records sampled at over 26,000 locations and representing over 47,000 species. We outline how the database can help in answering a range of questions in ecology and conservation biology. To our knowledge, this is the largest and most geographically and taxonomically representative database of spatial comparisons of biodiversity that has been collated to date; it will be useful to researchers and international efforts wishing to model and understand the global status of biodiversity.
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| 2. |
- Hamad, Osama A., 1978-, et al.
(författare)
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Contribution of chondroitin sulfate A to the binding of complement proteins to activated platelets
- 2010
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Ingår i: PLoS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 5:9, s. e12889-
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Exposure of chondroitin sulfate A (CS-A) on the surface of activated platelets is well established. The aim of the present study was to investigate to what extent CS-A contributes to the binding of C1q and the complement regulators C1 inhibitor (C1INH), C4b-binding protein (C4BP), and factor H to platelets. Human serum was passed over Sepharose conjugated with CS-A, and bound proteins were identified by Western blotting, and mass spectrometric analysis. C1q was identified as the main protein that specifically bound to CS-A, but C4BP and factor H were also shown to interact. Binding of C1INH was dependent of the presence of C1q and not bound to CS-A from C1q-depleted serum. The specific interactions observed of these proteins with CS-A were subsequently confirmed by surface plasmon resonance analysis using purified proteins. Importantly, C1q, C4BP, and factor H were shown to bind also to activated platelets and this interaction was inhibited by a CS-A-specific monoclonal antibody, thereby linking the binding of C1q, C4BP, and factor H to exposure of CS-A on platelets. CS-A-bound C1q was also shown to amplify the binding of model immune complexes to both microtiter plate-bound CS-A and to activated platelets. In conclusion, this study supports the concept that CS-A contributes to the binding of C1q, C4BP, and factor H to platelets, thereby adding CS-A to the previously reported binding sites for these proteins on the platelet surface. CS-A-bound C1q seems to amplify the binding of immune complexes to activated platelets, suggesting a role for this molecule in immune complex diseases.
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| 3. |
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| 4. |
- Drobysheva, Arina V., et al.
(författare)
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Structure and function of virion RNA polymerase of a crAss-like phage
- 2021
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Ingår i: Nature. - : Nature Publishing Group. - 0028-0836 .- 1476-4687. ; 589:7841, s. 306-309
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The RNA polymerase from the crAss-like bacteriophage phi14:2, which is translocated into the host cell with phage DNA and transcribes early phage genes, is structurally most similar to eukaryotic RNA interference polymerases, suggesting that the latter have a phage origin. CrAss-like phages are a recently described expansive group of viruses that includes the most abundant virus in the human gut(1-3). The genomes of all crAss-like phages encode a large virion-packaged protein(2,4) that contains a DFDxD sequence motif, which forms the catalytic site in cellular multisubunit RNA polymerases (RNAPs)(5). Here, using Cellulophaga baltica crAss-like phage phi14:2 as a model system, we show that this protein is a DNA-dependent RNAP that is translocated into the host cell along with the phage DNA and transcribes early phage genes. We determined the crystal structure of this 2,180-residue enzyme in a self-inhibited state, which probably occurs before virion packaging. This conformation is attained with the help of a cleft-blocking domain that interacts with the active site and occupies the cavity in which the RNA-DNA hybrid binds. Structurally, phi14:2 RNAP is most similar to eukaryotic RNAPs that are involved in RNA interference(6,7), although most of the phi14:2 RNAP structure (nearly 1,600 residues) maps to a new region of the protein fold space. Considering this structural similarity, we propose that eukaryal RNA interference polymerases have their origins in phage, which parallels the emergence of the mitochondrial transcription apparatus(8).
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| 5. |
- Grosso, Giorgia, et al.
(författare)
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The Complex Relationship between C4b-Binding Protein, Warfarin, and Antiphospholipid Antibodies
- 2021
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Ingår i: Thrombosis and Haemostasis. - : Georg Thieme Verlag KG. - 0340-6245 .- 2567-689X. ; 121:10, s. 1299-1309
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background Low levels of total C4b-binding protein (C4BPt), a circulating inhibitor of the classical/lectin complement pathways, were observed in patients with antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) and during warfarin treatment. Objectives To investigate the associations between aPL and C4BPt in patients with persistently positive (++) aPL, with/without clinical manifestations and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and in controls. Furthermore, we explored the impact of anticoagulation on C4BPt and in relation to complement activation. Methods In a cross-sectional design we investigated defined subgroups: primary (p) antiphospholipid syndrome (APS, N =67), aPL++ individuals without clinical manifestations (aPL carriers, N =15), SLE-aPL++ ( N =118, among them, secondary [s] APS, N =56), aPL negative (-) SLE (SLE-aPL-, N =291), and 322 controls. Clinical characteristics, including treatment, were tabulated. C4BPt was determined with a magnetic bead method. Complement proteins (C1q, C2, C3, C4, C3a, C3dg, sC5b-9, factor I [FI]) were measured. A mediation analysis was performed to decompose the total effect of aPL++ on C4BPt into the direct and indirect effects of aPL++ through warfarin. Results Overall, C4BPt is 20% decreased in aPL++ patients, regardless of SLE, APS, clinical manifestations, and aPL profile. C4BPt levels associate positively with complement proteins C1q, C2, C3, and C4, and negatively with complement activation product C3dg. In the SLE group, warfarin treatment contributes to approximately half of the C4BPt reduction (9%) Conclusion Both aPLs and warfarin are associated with C4BPt reduction. Complement activation in aPL++ patients may partly be explained by impaired inhibition through depressed C4BPt levels. Further studies are needed to understand the clinical implications.
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| 6. |
- Kirvalidze, Mariam, et al.
(författare)
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Effectiveness of integrated person-centered interventions for older people's care: Review of Swedish experiences and experts’ perspective
- 2024
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Ingår i: Journal of Internal Medicine. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1365-2796 .- 0954-6820. ; 295:6, s. 804-824
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Older adults have multiple medical and social care needs, requiring a shift toward an integrated person-centered model of care. Our objective was to describe and summarize Swedish experiences of integrated person-centered care by reviewing studies published between 2000 and 2023, and to identify the main challenges and scientific gaps through expert discussions. Seventy-three publications were identified by searching MEDLINE and contacting experts. Interventions were categorized using two World Health Organization frameworks: (1) Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE), and (2) Integrated People-Centered Health Services (IPCHS). The included 73 publications were derived from 31 unique and heterogeneous interventions pertaining mainly to the micro- and meso-levels. Among publications measuring mortality, 15% were effective. Subjective health outcomes showed improvement in 24% of publications, morbidity outcomes in 42%, disability outcomes in 48%, and service utilization outcomes in 58%. Workshop discussions in Stockholm (Sweden), March 2023, were recorded, transcribed, and summarized. Experts emphasized: (1) lack of rigorous evaluation methods, (2) need for participatory designs, (3) scarcity of macro-level interventions, and (4) importance of transitioning from person- to people-centered integrated care. These challenges could explain the unexpected weak beneficial effects of the interventions on health outcomes, whereas service utilization outcomes were more positively impacted. Finally, we derived a list of recommendations, including the need to engage care organizations in interventions from their inception and to leverage researchers’ scientific expertise. Although this review provides a comprehensive snapshot of interventions in the context of Sweden, the findings offer transferable perspectives on the real-world challenges encountered in this field.
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| 7. |
- Qvarfordt, Maria, 1982-, et al.
(författare)
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Health Care Professionals' Experiences in Telerehabilitation : Qualitative Content Analysis
- 2023
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Ingår i: JMIR Human Factors. - : JMIR Publications. - 2292-9495. ; 10
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: The use of digital communication in Swedish health care has increased in an effort to make health care more accessible. At the organizational level, trust in digitalization has stabilized, but a certain degree of skepticism regarding technology appears to exist among health care employees.Objective: This study aimed to explore health care professionals' (HCPs) experiences of digital communication with patients and colleagues in a habilitation context.Methods: Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze data derived from individual interviews.Results: The results revealed that there were mixed feelings regarding the digital format used at the habilitation center. Although some skepticism remained regarding the digital format, there seemed to be a parallel understanding of the motives and benefits of digitalization. Hence, positive aspects, such as increased health care accessibility, were identified. However, emphasis was placed on the considerations required to make digital consultations appropriate for each patient.Conclusions: Managing a workday influenced by the balance between digital and physical demands forces HCPs to adjust to the digital format and new ways of working. This requires HCPs to consider whether digital means are appropriate for communication in individual patient-specific cases.
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| 8. |
- Acciari, V. A., et al.
(författare)
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Radio Imaging of the Very-High-Energy gamma-Ray Emission Region in the Central Engine of a Radio Galaxy
- 2009
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Ingår i: Science. - : American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). - 0036-8075 .- 1095-9203. ; 325:5939, s. 444-448
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The accretion of matter onto a massive black hole is believed to feed the relativistic plasma jets found in many active galactic nuclei (AGN). Although some AGN accelerate particles to energies exceeding 10(12) electron volts and are bright sources of very-high-energy (VHE) gamma-ray emission, it is not yet known where the VHE emission originates. Here we report on radio and VHE observations of the radio galaxy Messier 87, revealing a period of extremely strong VHE gamma-ray flares accompanied by a strong increase of the radio flux from its nucleus. These results imply that charged particles are accelerated to very high energies in the immediate vicinity of the black hole.
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| 9. |
- Adelsjö, Igor, et al.
(författare)
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The impact of discharge letter content on unplanned hospital readmissions within 30 and 90 days in older adults with chronic illness - a mixed methods study
- 2024
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Ingår i: BMC Geriatrics. - : BioMed Central (BMC). - 1471-2318. ; 24:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BackgroundCare transitions are high-risk processes, especially for people with complex or chronic illness. Discharge letters are an opportunity to provide written information to improve patients' self-management after discharge. The aim of this study is to determine the impact of discharge letter content on unplanned hospital readmissions and self-rated quality of care transitions among patients 60 years of age or older with chronic illness.MethodsThe study had a convergent mixed methods design. Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or congestive heart failure were recruited from two hospitals in Region Stockholm if they were living at home and Swedish-speaking. Patients with dementia or cognitive impairment, or a "do not resuscitate" statement in their medical record were excluded. Discharge letters from 136 patients recruited to a randomised controlled trial were coded using an assessment matrix and deductive content analysis. The assessment matrix was based on a literature review performed to identify key elements in discharge letters that facilitate a safe care transition to home. The coded key elements were transformed into a quantitative variable of "SAFE-D score". Bivariate correlations between SAFE-D score and quality of care transition as well as unplanned readmissions within 30 and 90 days were calculated. Lastly, a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model was used to investigate associations between SAFE-D score and time to readmission.ResultsAll discharge letters contained at least five of eleven key elements. In less than two per cent of the discharge letters, all eleven key elements were present. Neither SAFE-D score, nor single key elements correlated with 30-day or 90-day readmission rate. SAFE-D score was not associated with time to readmission when adjusted for a range of patient characteristics and self-rated quality of care transitions.ConclusionsWhile written summaries play a role, they may not be sufficient on their own to ensure safe care transitions and effective self-care management post-discharge.Trial registrationClinical Trials. giv, NCT02823795, 01/09/2016.
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| 10. |
- Adelsjö, Igor, et al.
(författare)
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The impact of discharge letter content on unplanned hospital readmissions within 30 and 90 days in patients with chronic illness
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Annan publikation (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Aim: To determine the impact of discharge letter content on unplanned hospital readmissions within 30 and 90 days, and to identify correlations between discharge letter content and quality of care transitions among patients with chronic illness.Design: A convergent mixed methods design.Methods: Discharge letters from 154 patients recruited to a randomised controlled trial were coded using an assessment matrix and deductive content analysis. The assessment matrix was based on a literature review performed to identify key elements in discharge letters that facilitate a safe care transition to home. The coded key elements were transformed into a quantitative variable of 'discharge letter score'. Bivariate correlations between discharge letter score and quality of care transition as well as unplanned readmissions within 30 and 90 days were calculated. Lastly, a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model was used to investigate associations between discharge letter score and time to readmission.Results: All discharge letters contained at least five of eleven key elements. In less than four percent, all eleven key elements were present. Neither discharge letter score nor single key elements correlated with 30-day or 90-day readmission rate. Discharge letter score was not associated with time to readmission when adjusted for a range of patient characteristics and self-rated quality of care transitions.Conclusion: Discharge letter score is not correlated with either 30-day or 90-day readmission rate or with time to readmission at 90 days, when patient characteristics are adjusted for.Implications for the profession and patient care: Written discharge summaries are not enough to facilitate safe care transitions and self-management after discharge. A person-centred approach, providing written and verbal information to patients, encouraging patient involvement soon after discharge, may be needed to avoid readmission.
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