| 1. |
- Broström, Anders, 1963-, et al.
(author)
-
Symptom profile of undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnoea in hypertensive outpatients in primary care : a structural equation model analysis
- 2012
-
In: Quality in Primary Care. - London, United Kingdom : iMedPub Ltd.. - 1479-1072 .- 1479-1064. ; 20:4, s. 287-298
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BackgroundObstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) has been linked to hypertension in sleep clinic populations, but little is known about the symptom profile of undiagnosed OSA in hypertensive outpatients in primary care.AimTo explore characteristics associated with undiagnosed OSA in hypertensive primary care patients.MethodsCross-sectional design, including 411 consecutive patients (52% women), mean age 57.9 years (standard deviation [SD] 5.9 years), with diagnosed hypertension (blood pressure >140/90 mmHg) fromfour primary care centres. All subjects underwent a full-night, home-based, respiratory recording to establish the presence and severity of OSA. Clinical variables, medication and comorbidities, as well as data from self-rating scales regarding symptoms/characteristics, insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, depressive symptoms and health were collected during a clinical examination. Factor analyses and structural equation modelling (SEM) were used to explore the relationships between selfrated symptoms, clinical characteristics and objectively verified diagnosis of OSA.Main outcomeMeasures symptom profile of undiagnosed OSA (as measured by the Apnoea/ Hypopnoea Index [AHI]) in hypertensive outpatients in primary care.ResultsFifty-nine percent of the patients had an AHI _ 5/hour indicating OSA. An exploratory factor analysis based on 19 variables yielded a six-factor model (anthropometrics, blood pressure, OSA-related symptoms, comorbidity, health complaints and physical activity) explaining 58% of the variance. SEM analyses showed strong significant associations between anthropometrics (body mass index, neck circumference, waist circumference) (0.45), OSA-related symptoms (snoring, witnessed apnoeas, dry mouth) (0.47) and AHI. No direct effects of OSA on comorbidities, blood pressure, dyssomnia or self-rated health were observed.ConclusionOSA was highly prevalent and was directly associated with anthropometrics and OSArelated symptoms (snoring, witnessed apnoeas and dry mouth in the morning). When meeting patients with hypertension, these characteristics could be used by general practitioners to identify patients who are in need of referral to a sleep clinic for OSA evaluation.
|
|
| 2. |
- Pinto, Ines Fernandes, et al.
(author)
-
Microfluidic Cartridge for Bead-Based Affinity Assays
- 2024
-
In: Methods in Molecular Biology. - : Springer Nature. - 1064-3745 .- 1940-6029. ; 2804, s. 127-138
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Within the vast field of medical biotechnology, the biopharmaceutical industry is particularly fast-growing and highly competitive, so reducing time and costs associated to process optimization becomes instrumental to ensure speed to market and, consequently, profitability. The manufacturing of biopharmaceutical products, namely, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), relies mostly on mammalian cell culture processes, which are highly dynamic and, consequently, difficult to optimize. In this context, there is currently an unmet need of analytical methods that can be integrated at-line in a bioreactor, for systematic monitoring and quantification of key metabolites and proteins. Microfluidic-based assays have been extensively and successfully applied in the field of molecular diagnostics; however, this technology remains largely unexplored for Process Analytical Technology (PAT), despite holding great potential for the at-line measurement of different analytes in bioreactor processes, combining low reagent/molecule consumption with assay sensitivity and rapid turnaround times.Here, the fabrication and handling of a microfluidic cartridge for protein quantification using bead-based affinity assays is described. The device allows geometrical multiplexed immunodetection of specific protein analytes directly from bioreactor samples within 2.5 h and minimal hands-on time. As a proof-of-concept, quantification of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) host cell proteins (HCP) as key impurities, IgG as product of interest, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as cell viability marker was demonstrated with limits of detection (LoD) in the low ng/mL range. Negligible matrix interference and no cross-reactivity between the different immunoassays on chip were found. The results highlight the potential of the miniaturized analytical method for PAT at reduced cost and complexity in comparison with sophisticated instruments that are currently the state-of-the-art in this context.
|
|
| 3. |
- Shevela, Dmitriy, et al.
(author)
-
Liquid-phase measurements of photosynthetic oxygen evolution
- 2018
-
In: Methods in Molecular Biology. - New York, NY : Springer New York. - 1064-3745 .- 1940-6029. ; 1770, s. 197-211, s. 197-211
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This chapter compares two different techniques for monitoring photosynthetic O2 production: the widespread Clark-type O2 electrode and the more sophisticated membrane inlet mass spectrometry (MIMS) technique. We describe how a simple membrane inlet for MIMS can be made out of a commercial Clark-type cell, and outline the advantages and drawbacks of the two techniques to guide researchers in deciding which method to use. Protocols and examples are given for measuring O2 evolution rates and for determining the number of chlorophyll molecules per active photosystem II reaction center.
|
|
| 4. |
- Wahlgren, Jessica, 1975, et al.
(author)
-
Delivery of Small Interfering RNAs to Cells via Exosomes
- 2016
-
In: Methods in Molecular Biology. - New York, NY : Springer New York. - 1064-3745. ; 1364, s. 105-25
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Exosomes are small membrane bound vesicles between 30 and 100 nm in diameter of endocytic origin that are secreted into the extracellular environment by many different cell types. Exosomes play a role in intercellular communication by transferring proteins, lipids, and RNAs to recipient cells.Exosomes from human cells could be used as vectors to provide cells with therapeutic RNAs. Here we describe how exogenous small interfering RNAs may successfully be introduced into various kinds of human exosomes using electroporation and subsequently delivered to recipient cells. Methods used to confirm the presence of siRNA inside exosomes and cells are presented, such as flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, and Northern blot.
|
|
| 5. |
- Wiid, Ria, et al.
(author)
-
The Face of Nonbinary Beauty Communication on Instagram : A Content Analysis
- 2023
-
In: Journal of Current Issues and Research in Advertising. - : Taylor & Francis. - 1064-1734 .- 2164-7313. ; 44:1, s. 1-23
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Gender is a feature of beauty marketing, used in marketing segmentation and communication images, where binary images are predominant. Recently, the social identity of gender has become increasingly nuanced as a more complex set of identities, including genderqueer and nonbinary, influences marketing communications. As part of cultural expression, advertising reflects and impacts how consumers perceive themselves and others, with Generation Z consumers increasingly rejecting gender labels and stereotypes. Consequently, our study involves the visual meaning making of 222 Instagram images of beauty brands’ marketing communications with models other than “female” in traditional Western society’s conceptualization of gender. The findings reveal a group of models who are not female; while most of these images are genderqueer, a group that may be considered agender is evident. Both groups have distinctive although differing characteristics, suggesting the development of new stereotypes. This study contributes to understanding the changing representations of models: While beauty brands primarily use female models, the increased use of genderqueer and agender models can attract alternative target markets. It also highlights advertising’s place in cultural expressions that both reflect and impact how consumers perceive themselves and others.
|
|
| 6. |
- Alomari, Mahmoud A., et al.
(author)
-
Blood pressure and circulatory relationships with physical activity level in young normotensive individuals : IPAQ validity and reliability considerations
- 2011
-
In: Clinical and experimental hypertension (1993, Print). - : Informa Healthcare. - 1064-1963 .- 1525-6006. ; 33:5, s. 345-353
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Physical activity (PA) reduces risk of cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension. However, the international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ) relationships with blood pressure (BP) and flow (BF) and vascular resistance (VR) in healthy young individuals have not been studied. Therefore, BP, BF, and VR relationships with the IPAQ were evaluated in college normotensive students (18-23 yrs). Additionally, the IPAQ relationships with body fat (%BF), muscle mass (MM), body mass index (BMI), waist/hip (W/H) ratio, maximum walking distance in 6 min (6MWD), and handgrip strength (MHG) were examined to evaluate the questionnaire validity against fitness. Subsequently, the IPAQ was administered three times to examine its reliability. Walking, moderate, and total PAs correlated negatively with sysbolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) (range: r = -3 to -0.5, p < 0.05). Additionally, all BP measures were greater in least physically active individuals. In a subgroup of 42 students, IPAQ sitting time correlated with BF (r = -0.3) and VR (r = 0.4). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for walking, moderate, vigorous, and total PAs and sitting time/week were, 0.97, 0.96, 0.97, 0.97, and 0.96, respectively. The males scored greater vigorous PA (p = 0.001) than the females, while moderate, walking, and total PAs were the same (p > 0.05). Additionally, vigorous PA correlated with %BF (r = -0.2), MM (r = 0.3), MHG (r = 0.3), and 6MWD (r = 0.3) and total PA correlated with MM (r = 0.2), MHG (r =0.2), and 6MWD (r = 0.3). The IPAQ association with the circulatory measures demonstrates PA importance for controlling BP and adds clinical value to the IPAQ. Additionally, the IPAQ is reliable, can discriminate between populations, and reasonably valid against health-related fitness.
|
|
| 7. |
|
|
| 8. |
- Brismar, Hjalmar, et al.
(author)
-
Mechanisms by which intrarenal dopamine and ANP interact to regulate sodium metabolism
- 2000
-
In: Clinical and experimental hypertension (1993, Print). - 1064-1963 .- 1525-6006. ; 22:3, s. 303-307
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Maintenance of a normal blood pressure requires a precise and fine-tuned regulation of salt metabolism. This is accomplished by a bidirectional regulation of renal tubular sodium transporters by natriuretic and antinatriuretic hormones. Dopamine, produced in the renal proximal tubular cells, plays an important role in this interactive system. Dopamine inhibits the activity of Na+,K(+)ATPase as well as of many important sodium influx pathways in the nephron. These effects of dopamine are particularly pronounced in situation of sodium loading. There is an abundance of evidence suggesting that the natriuretic effects of ANP are to a large extent mediated via renal dopamine 1 like receptors. The renal tubular dopamine 1 like receptors are, under basal conditions, mainly located intracellularly. ANP and its second messenger, cGMP, cause a rapid translocation of the dopamine 1 like receptors to the plasma membrane. This phenomenon may explain how ANP and dopamine act in concert to regulate sodium metabolism Regulation of sodium metabolism and blood pressure is critically dependent on a normal function of the renal dopamine system. Hence, abnormalities in the interaction between dopamine and ANP may predispose to hypertension.
|
|
| 9. |
|
|
| 10. |
- Fung, Maple M., et al.
(author)
-
Direct Vasoactive Effects of the Chromogranin A (CHGA) Peptide Catestatin in Humans In Vivo
- 2010
-
In: Clinical and experimental hypertension (1993, Print). - : Informa UK Limited. - 1064-1963 .- 1525-6006. ; 32:5, s. 278-287
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Catestatin is a bioactive peptide of chromogranin A (CHGA) that is co-released with catecholamines from secretory vesicles. Catestatin may function as a vasodilator and is diminished in hypertension. To evaluate this potential vasodilator in vivo without systemic counterregulation, we infused catestatin to target concentrations of similar to 50, similar to 500, similar to 5000 nM into dorsal hand veins of 18 normotensive men and women, after pharmacologic venoconstriction with phenylephrine. Pancreastatin, another CHGA peptide, was infused as a negative control. After preconstriction to similar to 69%, increasing concentrations of catestatin resulted in dose-dependent vasodilation (P = 0.019), in female subjects (to similar to 44%) predominantly. The EC50 (similar to 30 nM) for vasodilation induced by catestatin was the same order of magnitude to circulating endogenous catestatin (4.4 nM). No vasodilation occurred during the control infusion with pancreastatin. Plasma CHGA, catestatin, and CHGA-to-catestatin processing were then determined in 622 healthy subjects without hypertension. Female subjects had higher plasma catestatin levels than males (P = 0.001), yet lower CHGA precursor concentrations (P = 0.006), reflecting increased processing of CHGA-to-catestatin (P < 0.001). Our results demonstrate that catestatin dilates human blood vessels in vivo, especially in females. Catestatin may contribute to sex differences in endogenous vascular tone, thereby influencing the complex predisposition to hypertension.
|
|
