| 1. |
- Asplund, Gunilla, et al.
(author)
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Soil Peroxidase-Mediated Chlorination of Fulvic Acid
- 1991
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In: Humic substances in the aquatic and terrestrial environment : proceedings of an international symposium, Linköping, Sweden, August 21-23, 1989. - Berlin Heidelberg New York : Springer. - 3540537023 ; , s. 474-483
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Book chapter (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Humic matter has recently been shown to contain considerable quantities of naturally produced organohalogens. The present study investigated the possibility of a non-specific, enzymatically mediated halogenation of organic matter in soil. The results showed that, in the presence of chloride and hydrogen peroxide, the enzyme chloroperox1dase (CPO) from the fungus Caldariomyces fumago catalyzes chlorination of fulvic acid. At pH 2.5 - 6.0, the chlorine to fulvic acid ratio in the tested sample was elevated from 12 mg/g to approximately 40-50 mg/g. It was also shown that this reaction can take place at chloride and hydrogen peroxide concentrations found in the environment. An extract from spruce forest soil was shown to have a measurable chlorinating capacity. The activity of an extract of 0.5 kg soil corresponded to approximately 0.3 enzyme units, measured as CPO activity. Enzymatically mediated halogenation of humic substances may be one of the mechanisms explaining the w1despread occurrence of adsorbable organic halogens (AOX) in soil and water.
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| 2. |
- Asplund, Maria, 1978-, et al.
(author)
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Biocompatibility of PEDOT/biomolecular composites intended for neural communication electrodes
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Other publication (pop. science, debate, etc.)abstract
- Electrodes of the conjugated polymer poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) (PEDOT) have been shown to possess very attractive electrochemical properties for functional electrical stimulation (FES) or recording in the nervous system. Biomolecules already present in nervous tissue, added as counter ions in PEDOT electropolymerisation, could be a route to further improve the biomaterial properties of PEDOT, eliminating the need of surfactant counter ions like docedyl benzene sulphonate (DBS) or polystyrene sulphonate (PSS) in the polymerisation process. Such PEDOT/biomolecular composites using heparin, or hyaluronic acid, have been electrochemically investigated in a previous study and have been shown to retain the attractive electrochemical properties already proven for PEDOT:PSS. The aim of the present study is to evaluate biocompatibility of these PEDOT/biomolecular composites in vitro and also evaluate PEDOT:heparin biocompatibility in cortical tissue in vivo. Hereby, we also aim to identify a suitable test protocol, that can be used in future evaluations when further material developments are made. Material toxicity was first tested on cell lines, both through a standardised agarose overlay assay on L929 fibroblasts, and through elution tests on human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Subsequently, a biocompatibility in vivo test was performed using PEDOT:heparin coated platinum probes implanted in the cerebral cortex of Sprague-Dawley rats. Tissue was collected at three weeks and six weeks of implantation and evaluated by immunohistochemistry. No cytotoxic response was seen to any of the PEDOT:biomolecular composites tested here. Furthermore, elution tests were found to be a practical and effective way of screening materials for toxicity and had a clear advantage over the agarose overlay assay, which was difficult to apply on other cell types than fibroblasts. Elution tests would therefore be recommendable as a screening method, at all stages of material development. In the in vivo tests, the stiffness of the platinum substrate was a significant problem, and extensive glial scarring was seen in most cases irrespective of implant material. However, quantification of immunological response through distance measurements from implant site to closest neuron, and counting of macrophage densities in proximity to polymer surface, was comparable to those of platinum controls. These results indicate that PEDOT:heparin surfaces were as compatible with cortical tissue as pure platinum controls.
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| 3. |
- Asplund, Maria, 1978-, et al.
(author)
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Composite biomolecule/PEDOT materials for neural electrodes
- 2008
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In: Biointerphases. - NY : American Institute of Physics. - 1559-4106 .- 1934-8630. ; 3:3, s. 83-93
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Electrodes intended for neural communication must be designed to meet boththe electrochemical and biological requirements essential for long term functionality. Metallic electrode materials have been found inadequate to meet theserequirements and therefore conducting polymers for neural electrodes have emergedas a field of interest. One clear advantage with polymerelectrodes is the possibility to tailor the material to haveoptimal biomechanical and chemical properties for certain applications. To identifyand evaluate new materials for neural communication electrodes, three chargedbiomolecules, fibrinogen, hyaluronic acid (HA), and heparin are used ascounterions in the electrochemical polymerization of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT). The resultingmaterial is evaluated electrochemically and the amount of exposed biomoleculeon the surface is quantified. PEDOT:biomolecule surfaces are also studiedwith static contact angle measurements as well as scanning electronmicroscopy and compared to surfaces of PEDOT electrochemically deposited withsurfactant counterion polystyrene sulphonate (PSS). Electrochemical measurements show that PEDOT:heparinand PEDOT:HA, both have the electrochemical properties required for neuralelectrodes, and PEDOT:heparin also compares well to PEDOT:PSS. PEDOT:fibrinogen isfound less suitable as neural electrode material.
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| 4. |
- Asplund, Maria, 1978-
(author)
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Conjugated Polymers for Neural Interfaces : Prospects, possibilities and future challenges
- 2009
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Within the field of neuroprosthetics the possibility to use implanted electrodes for communication with the nervous system is explored. Much effort is put into the material aspects of the electrode implant to increase charge injection capacity, suppress foreign body response and build micro sized electrode arrays allowing close contact with neurons. Conducting polymers, in particular poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) (PEDOT), have been suggested as materials highly interesting for such neural communication electrodes. The possibility to tailor the material both mechanically and biochemically to suit specific applications, is a substantial benefit with polymers when compared to metals. PEDOT also have hybrid charge transfer properties, including both electronic and ionic conduction, which allow for highly efficient charge injection. Part of this thesis describes a method of tailoring PEDOT through exchanging the counter ion used in electropolymerisation process. Commonly used surfactants can thereby be excluded and instead, different biomolecules can be incorporated into the polymer. The electrochemical characteristics of the polymer film depend on the ion. PEDOT electropolymerised with heparin was here determined to have the most advantageous properties. In vitro methods were applied to confirm non-cytotoxicity of the formed PEDOT:biomolecular composites. In addition, biocompatibility was affirmed for PEDOT:heparin by evaluation of inflammatory response and neuron density when implanted in rodent cortex. One advantage with PEDOT often stated, is its high stability compared to other conducting polymers. A battery of tests simulating the biological environment was therefore applied to investigate this stability, and especially the influence of the incorporated heparin. These tests showed that there was a decline in the electroactivity of PEDOT over time. This also applied in phosphate buffered saline at body temperature and in the absence of other stressors. The time course of degradation also differed depending on whether the counter ion was the surfactant polystyrene sulphonate or heparin, with a slightly better stability for the former. One possibility with PEDOT, often overlooked for biological applications, is the use of its semi conducting properties in order to include logic functions in the implant. This thesis presents the concept of using PEDOT electrochemical transistors to construct textile electrode arrays with in-built multiplexing. Using the electrolyte mediated interaction between adjacent PEDOT coated fibres to switch the polymer coat between conducting and non conducting states, then transistor function can be included in the conducting textile. Analogue circuit simulations based on experimentally found transistor characteristics proved the feasibility of these textile arrays. Developments of better polymer coatings, electrolytes and encapsulation techniques for this technology, were also identified to be essential steps in order to make these devices truly useful. In summary, this work shows the potential of PEDOT to improve neural interfaces in several ways. Some weaknesses of the polymer and the polymer electronics are presented and this, together with the epidemiological data, should point in the direction for future studies within this field.
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| 5. |
- Asplund, Maria, et al.
(author)
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Construction of wire electrodesand 3D woven logicas a potential technology forneuroprosthetic implants
- 2008
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In: IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering. - 0018-9294 .- 1558-2531.
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Journal article (other academic/artistic)abstract
- New strategies to improve neuron coupling to neuroelectronic implants are needed. In particular, tomaintain functional coupling between implant and neurons, foreign body response like encapsulation must meminimized. Apart from modifying materials to mitigate encapsulation it has been shown that with extremely thinstructures, encapsulation will be less pronounced. We here utilize wire electrochemical transistors (WECTs) usingconducting polymer coated fibers. Monofilaments down to 10 μm can be successfully coated and weaved intocomplex networks with built in logic functions, so called textile logic. Such systems can control signal patterns at alarge number of electrode terminals from a few addressing fibres. Not only is fibre size in the range where lessencapsulation is expected but textiles are known to make successful implants because of their soft and flexiblemechanical properties. Further, textile fabrication provides versatility and even three dimensional networks arepossible. Three possible architectures for neuroelectronic systems are discussed. WECTs are sensitive to dehydrationand materials for better durability or improved encapsulation is needed for stable performance in biologicalenvironments.
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| 6. |
- Asplund, Maria. E., 1970, et al.
(author)
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Dynamics and fate of blue carbon in a mangrove-seagrass seascape : influence of landscape configuration and land-use change
- 2021
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In: Landscape Ecology. - : Springer. - 0921-2973 .- 1572-9761. ; 36, s. 1489-1509
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Context Seagrass meadows act as efficient natural carbon sinks by sequestering atmospheric CO2 and through trapping of allochthonous organic material, thereby preserving organic carbon (C-org) in their sediments. Less understood is the influence of landscape configuration and transformation (land-use change) on carbon sequestration dynamics in coastal seascapes across the land-sea interface. Objectives We explored the influence of landscape configuration and degradation of adjacent mangroves on the dynamics and fate of C-org in seagrass habitats. Methods Through predictive modelling, we assessed sedimentary C-org content, stocks and source composition in multiple seascapes (km-wide buffer zones) dominated by different seagrass communities in northwest Madagascar. The study area encompassed seagrass meadows adjacent to intact and deforested mangroves. Results The sedimentary C-org content was influenced by a combination of landscape metrics and inherent habitat plant- and sediment-properties. We found a strong land-to-sea gradient, likely driven by hydrodynamic forces, generating distinct patterns in sedimentary C-org levels in seagrass seascapes. There was higher C-org content and a mangrove signal in seagrass surface sediments closer to the deforested mangrove area, possibly due to an escalated export of C-org from deforested mangrove soils. Seascapes comprising large continuous seagrass meadows had higher sedimentary C-org levels in comparison to more diverse and patchy seascapes. Conclusion Our results emphasize the benefit to consider the influence of seascape configuration and connectivity to accurately assess C-org content in coastal habitats. Understanding spatial patterns of variability and what is driving the observed patterns is useful for identifying carbon sink hotspots and develop management prioritizations.
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| 7. |
- Asplund, Maria, 1978-, et al.
(author)
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Incidence of traumatic peripheral nerve injuries and amputations in Sweden between 1998 and 2006
- 2008
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In: Neuroepidemiology. - Basel : Kargel, AG. - 0251-5350 .- 1423-0208.
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: To define the epidemiological pattern of nerve injuries and traumatic amputations in Sweden, 1998-2006, and investigate possible targets for emerging neural engineering and neuroprosthetic technologies. Methods: The Swedish Hospital Discharge Register was used as basis of information, including data from all public in-patient care, excluding out-patient data. ICD-10 codes were screened for nerve injuries and traumatic amputations of high incidence or in-patient care time. Selected codes, causing factors, age and gender distribution were discussed in detail, and potential targets for tailored solutions were identified. Results: Incidence rate was determined to 13.9 for nerve injuries and 5.21 for amputations per 100 000 person-yrs. The majority of injuries occurred at wrist and hand level although it could be concluded that these are often minor injuries requiring less than a week of hospitalization. The single most care consuming nerve injury was brachial plexus injury constituting, in average, 68 injuries and 960 hospital days annually. When minor amputations of fingers and toes were disregarded, most frequent site of amputation was between knee and ankle (24 patients / year). Conclusions: Based on analysis of incidence and care time, we find that brachial plexus injuries and lower leg amputations should be primary targets of these new technologies.
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| 8. |
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| 9. |
- Asplund, Monika Stenkvist, et al.
(author)
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Chemotherapy in severe nasal polyposis - a possible beneficial effect? : A report of three cases
- 2010
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In: Rhinology. - 0300-0729 .- 1996-8604. ; 48:3, s. 374-376
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Nasal polyposis is an inflammatory process of the nasal mucosa. Treatment has changed from surgery to an anti-inflammatory approach, but neither of these treatments addresses the underlying cause. Topical steroids and occasional use of systemic steroids in patients with nasal polyposis can frequently control the polypoid disease. In a few cases, when the disease is more aggressive, the repeated application of systemic steroids together with sinus surgery is required. Material and Methods: We present our experience with one case of rheumatoid arthritis and two cases with malignant diseases, all of which were treated with chemotherapy and were also accompanied by severe nasal polyposis. All of our patients had eosinophilic polypoid disease. Various chemotherapeutic treatment schemes were utilized. Results: During chemotherapy all three patients were markedly improved symptomatically including olfaction along with a significant reduction in their nasal polyposis. Duration of remission lasted for a few months in two cases and for three years, in a third case. Conclusion: This is the first report describing the successful treatment of severe nasal polyposis with chemotherapy. Based on this experience, we suggest a phase II trial with chemotherapy, preferably "low dose" methotrexate, in patients with severe nasal polyposis.
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| 10. |
- Asplund, Maria, 1978-, et al.
(author)
-
Wire electronics and woven logic, as a potential technology for neuroelectronic implants
-
Other publication (pop. science, debate, etc.)abstract
- New strategies to improve neuron coupling to neuroelectronic implants are needed. In particular, to maintain functional coupling between implant and neurons, foreign body response like encapsulation must me minimized. Apart from modifying materials to mitigate encapsulation it has been shown that with extremely thin structures, encapsulation will be less pronounced. We here utilize wire electrochemical transistors (WECTs) using conducting polymer coated fibers. Monofilaments down to 10 μm can be successfully coated and weaved into complex networks with built in logic functions, so called textile logic. Such systems can control signal patterns at a large number of electrode terminals from a few addressing fibres. Not only is fibre size in the range where less encapsulation is expected but textiles are known to make successful implants because of their soft and flexible mechanical properties. Further, textile fabrication provides versatility and even three dimensional networks are possible. Three possible architectures for neuroelectronic systems are discussed. WECTs are sensitive to dehydration and materials for better durability or improved encapsulation is needed for stable performance in biological environments.
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