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- Santangelo, James S., et al.
(author)
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Global urban environmental change drives adaptation in white clover
- 2022
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In: Science. - : American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). - 0036-8075 .- 1095-9203. ; 375
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Urbanization transforms environments in ways that alter biological evolution. We examined whether urban environmental change drives parallel evolution by sampling 110,019 white clover plants from 6169 populations in 160 cities globally. Plants were assayed for a Mendelian antiherbivore defense that also affects tolerance to abiotic stressors. Urban-rural gradients were associated with the evolution of clines in defense in 47% of cities throughout the world. Variation in the strength of clines was explained by environmental changes in drought stress and vegetation cover that varied among cities. Sequencing 2074 genomes from 26 cities revealed that the evolution of urban-rural dines was best explained by adaptive evolution, but the degree of parallel adaptation varied among cities. Our results demonstrate that urbanization leads to adaptation at a global scale.
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2. |
- Josephson, C. B., et al.
(author)
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Predicting postoperative epilepsy surgery satisfaction in adults using the 19-item Epilepsy Surgery Satisfaction Questionnaire and machine learning
- 2021
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In: Epilepsia. - : Wiley. - 0013-9580 .- 1528-1167. ; 62:9, s. 2103-2112
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: The 19-item Epilepsy Surgery Satisfaction Questionnaire (ESSQ-19) is a validated and reliable post hoc means of assessing patient satisfaction with epilepsy surgery. Prediction models building on these data can be used to counsel patients. Methods: The ESSQ-19 was derived and validated on 229 patients recruited from Canada and Sweden. We isolated 201 (88%) patients with complete clinical data for this analysis. These patients were adults (≥18years old) who underwent epilepsy surgery 1year or more prior to answering the questionnaire. We extracted each patient’s ESSQ-19 score (scale is 0–100; 100 represents complete satisfaction) and relevant clinical variables that were standardized prior to the analysis. We used machine learning (linear kernel support vector regression [SVR]) to predict satisfaction and assessed performance using the R2 calculated following threefold cross-validation. Model parameters were ranked to infer the importance of each clinical variable to overall satisfaction with epilepsy surgery. Results: Median age was 41 years (interquartile range [IQR] = 32–53), and 116 (57%) were female. Median ESSQ-19 global score was 68 (IQR = 59–75), and median time from surgery was 5.4years (IQR = 2.0–8.9). Linear kernel SVR performed well following threefold cross-validation, with an R2 of.44 (95% confidence interval =.36–.52). Increasing satisfaction was associated with postoperative self-perceived quality of life, seizure freedom, and reductions in antiseizure medications. Self-perceived epilepsy disability, age, and increasing frequency of seizures that impair awareness were associated with reduced satisfaction. Significance: Machine learning applied postoperatively to the ESSQ-19 can be used to predict surgical satisfaction. This algorithm, once externally validated, can be used in clinical settings by fixing immutable clinical characteristics and adjusting hypothesized postoperative variables, to counsel patients at an individual level on how satisfied they will be with differing surgical outcomes. © 2021 International League Against Epilepsy
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4. |
- Sajobi, T. T., et al.
(author)
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Quality of Life in Epilepsy: Same questions, but different meaning to different people
- 2021
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In: Epilepsia. - : Wiley. - 0013-9580 .- 1528-1167. ; 62:9, s. 2094-2102
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are used widely to elicit patient's self-appraisal of their health status and quality of life. One fundamental assumption when measuring PROMs is that all individuals interpret questions about their health status in a consistent manner. However, subgroups of patients with a similar health condition may respond differently to PROM questions (ie, differential item functioning [DIF]), leading to biased estimates of group differences on PROM scores. Understanding these differences can help inform the clinical interpretation of PROMs. This study examined whether DIF affects 10-item Quality of Life in Epilepsy (QOLIE10) scores reported by patients with epilepsy in outpatient clinics. Methods Data were from the Calgary Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, a prospective registry of patients with epilepsy in Calgary, Alberta. Latent variable mixture models (LVMMs) based on standard two-parameter graded response models with increasing numbers of latent classes were applied to QOLIE10 item data. Model fit was assessed using the Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) and latent class model entropy. Ordinal logistic regression was used to identify QOLIE10 items that exhibited DIF. Results In this cohort of 1143 patients, 567 (49.6%) were female and the median age was 37.0 (interquartile range [IQR] 27.0) years. A two-class LVMM, which provided the best fit to the data, identified two subgroups of patients with different response patterns to QOLIE10 items, with class proportions of 0.62 and 0.38. The two subgroups differed with respect to antiseizure polytherapy, reported medication side effects, frequency of seizures, and psychiatric comorbidities. QOLIE10 items on the physical and psychological side effects of medication exhibited large DIF effects. Significance Our study revealed two different response patterns to quality-of-life instruments, suggesting heterogeneity in how patients interpret some of the questions. Researchers and users of PROMs in epilepsy need to consider the differential interpretation of items for various instruments to ensure valid understanding and comparisons of PROM scores.
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5. |
- Wahby, S., et al.
(author)
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Validity and reliability of global ratings of satisfaction with epilepsy surgery
- 2022
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In: Epilepsia. - : Wiley. - 0013-9580 .- 1528-1167. ; 63:4, s. 777-788
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: We aimed to assess the reliability and validity of single-item global ratings (GR) of satisfaction with epilepsy surgery. Methods: We recruited 240 patients from four centers in Canada and Sweden who underwent epilepsy surgery ≥1year earlier. Participants completed a validated questionnaire on satisfaction with epilepsy surgery (the ESSQ-19), plus a single-item GR of satisfaction with epilepsy surgery twice, 4–6weeks apart. They also completed validated questionnaires on quality of life, depression, health state utilities, epilepsy severity and disability, medical treatment satisfaction and social desirability. Test-retest reliability of the GR was assessed with the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Construct and criterion validity were examined with polyserial correlations between the GR measure of satisfaction and validated questionnaires and with the ESSQ-19summary score. Non-parametric rank tests evaluated levels of satisfaction, and ROC analysis assessed the ability of GRs to distinguish among clinically different patient groups. Results: Median age and time since surgery were 42years (IQR 32–54) and 5years (IQR 2–8), respectively. The GR demonstrated good to excellent test-retest reliability (ICC=0.76; 95% CI 0.67–0.84) and criterion validity (0.85; 95% CI 0.81–0.89), and moderate correlations in the expected direction with instruments assessing quality of life (0.59; 95% CI 0.51–0.63), health utilities (0.55; 95% CI 0.45–0.65), disability (−0.51; 95% CI −0.41, −0.61), depression (−0.48; 95% CI −0.38, −0.58), and epilepsy severity (−0.48; 95% CI −0.38, −0.58). As expected, correlations were lower for social desirability (0.40; 95% CI 0.28–0.52) and medical treatment satisfaction (0.33; 95% CI 0.21–0.45). The GR distinguished participants who were seizure-free (AUC 0.75; 95% CI 0.67–0.82), depressed (AUC 0.75; 95% CI 0.67–0.83), and self-rated as having more severe epilepsy (AUC 0.78; 95% CI 0.71–0.85) and being more disabled (AUC 0.82; 95% CI 0.74–0.90). Significance: The GR of epilepsy surgery satisfaction showed good measurement properties, distinguished among clinically different patient groups, and appears well-suited for use in clinical practice and research. © 2022 International League Against Epilepsy
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6. |
- Wiebe, S., et al.
(author)
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Development and validation of the Epilepsy Satisfaction Questionnaire: ESSQ-19
- 2020
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In: Epilepsia. - : Wiley. - 0013-9580 .- 1528-1167. ; 61:12, s. 2729-2738
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective No validated tools exist to assess satisfaction with epilepsy surgery. We aimed to develop and validate a new measure of patient satisfaction with epilepsy surgery, the 19-item Epilepsy Surgery Satisfaction Questionnaire (ESSQ-19). Methods An initial 31-item measure was developed based on literature review, patient focus groups, thematic analysis, and Delphi panels. The questionnaire was administered twice, 4-6 weeks apart, to 229 adults (>= 18 years old) who underwent epilepsy surgery >= 1 year earlier, at three centers in Canada and one in Sweden. Participants also completed seven validated questionnaires to assess construct validity. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) assessed the factorial structure of the questionnaire. Cronbach alpha and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) assessed the internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the ESSQ-19. Spearman and polyserial correlations assessed construct validity. Results Median age of participants and time since surgery were 42 years (interquartile range [IQR] = 32-54) and 5 years (IQR = 2-8.75), respectively. EFA and CFA yielded 18 items that segregated into four domains (mean score [SD]), namely, seizure control (76.4 [25]), psychosocial functioning (67.3 [26]), surgical complications (84 [22]), and recovery from surgery (73 [24]), one global satisfaction item, and a summary global score (74 [21]). The domain and summary scores demonstrated good to excellent internal reliability (Cronbach range = .84-.95) and test-retest reliability (ICC range = 0.71-0.85). Construct validity was supported by predicted correlations with other instruments. Significance The ESSQ-19 is a new, valid, and reliable measure of patient satisfaction with epilepsy surgery that can be used in clinical and research settings.
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7. |
- Zhang, M. -D, et al.
(author)
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Comparative anatomical distribution of neuronal calcium-binding protein (NECAB) 1 and -2 in rodent and human spinal cord
- 2016
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In: Brain Structure and Function. - : Springer. - 1863-2653 .- 1863-2661. ; , s. 1-21
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Neuronal calcium-binding protein 1 and -2 (NECAB1/2) localize to multiple excitatory neuron populations in the mouse spinal cord. Here, we analyzed rat and human spinal cord, combining in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, complementing newly collated data on mouse spinal cord for direct comparisons. Necab1/2 mRNA transcripts showed complementary distribution in rodent’s spinal cord. Multiple-labeling fluorescence histochemistry with neuronal phenotypic markers localized NECAB1 to a dense fiber plexus in the dorsal horn, to neurons mainly in superficial layers and to commissural interneurons in both rodent species. NECAB1-positive (+) motor neurons were only found in mice. NECAB1 distribution in the human spinal cord was similar with the addition of NECAB1-like immunoreactivity surrounding myelinated axons. NECAB2 was mainly present in excitatory synaptic boutons in the dorsal horn of all three species, and often in calbindin-D28k+ neuronal somata. Rodent ependymal cells expressed calbindin-D28k. In humans, they instead were NECAB2+ and/or calretinin+. Our results reveal that the association of NECAB2 to excitatory neuronal circuits in the spinal cord is evolutionarily conserved across the mammalian species investigated so far. In contrast, NECAB1 expression is more heterogeneous. Thus, our study suggests that the phenotypic segregation of NECAB1 and -2 to respective excitatory and inhibitory spinal systems can underpin functional modalities in determining the fidelity of synaptic neurotransmission and neuronal responsiveness, and might bear translational relevance to humans.
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9. |
- Abraham-Nordling, M, et al.
(author)
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The value of preoperative computed tomography combined with ultrasound in the investigation of small indeterminate liver lesions in patients with colorectal cancer
- 2017
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In: Acta radiologica (Stockholm, Sweden : 1987). - : SAGE Publications. - 1600-0455 .- 0284-1851. ; 58:11, s. 1288-1293
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Computed tomography (CT) is used routinely for the preoperative detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) metastases. When small indeterminate focal liver lesions are detected that are too small to characterize (TSTC) on CT, additional imaging is usually needed, resulting in a potential delay in obtaining a complete diagnostic work-up. Purpose To determine the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound (US) of the liver performed in direct conjunction to CT in the preoperative investigation among patients with newly diagnosed CRC when indeterminate liver lesions were found on CT. Material and Methods Preoperative investigations with CT and consecutive US where CT had shown at least one focal liver lesion in 74 patients diagnosed with CRC between June 2009 and February 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Either histopathological findings or a combination of imaging and clinical follow-up one to three years after surgery was used as the reference. Results Liver metastases were diagnosed with CT/US in 13 out of 74 patients (17.6%). In one patient, a liver cyst was preoperatively regarded as liver metastasis by a combined CT/US. The sensitivity and specificity for the CT with consecutive US procedure was 100% (13/13) and 98.4% (60/61). Conclusion US performed in conjunction with CT in patients with indeterminate focal liver lesions on CT is an accurate work-up for detection of liver metastases in patients with newly diagnosed CRC. Although our results are promising, they cannot be considered safely generalizable to all hospitals.
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10. |
- Albert, J., et al.
(author)
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Risk of HIV transmission from patients on antiretroviral therapy: A position statement from the Public Health Agency of Sweden and the Swedish Reference Group for Antiviral Therapy
- 2014
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0036-5548 .- 1651-1980. ; 46:10, s. 673-677
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The modern medical treatment of HIV with antiretroviral therapy (ART) has drastically reduced the morbidity and mortality in patients infected with this virus. ART has also been shown to reduce the transmission risk from individual patients as well as the spread of the infection at the population level. This position statement from the Public Health Agency of Sweden and the Swedish Reference Group for Antiviral Therapy is based on a workshop organized in the fall of 2012. It summarizes the latest research and knowledge on the risk of HIV transmission from patients on ART, with a focus on the risk of sexual transmission. The risk of transmission via shared injection equipment among intravenous drug users is also examined, as is the risk of mother-to-child transmission. Based on current knowledge, the risk of transmission through vaginal or anal intercourse involving the use of a condom has been judged to be minimal, provided that the person infected with HIV fulfils the criteria for effective ART. This probably also applies to unprotected intercourse, provided that no other sexually transmitted infections are present, although it is not currently possible to fully support this conclusion with direct scientific evidence. ART is judged to markedly reduce the risk of blood-borne transmission between people who share injection equipment. Finally, the risk of transmission from mother to child is very low, provided that ART is started well in advance of delivery.
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