| 1. |
- Karpman, Diana, et al.
(author)
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Platelet activation by Shiga toxin and circulatory factors as a pathogenetic mechanism in the hemolytic uremic syndrome
- 2001
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In: Blood. - 1528-0020. ; 97:10, s. 3100-3108
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Thrombocytopenia caused by platelet consumption in thrombi is a major manifestation of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) associated with Shiga toxin (Stx) producing Escherichia coli. Platelets have glycosphingolipid receptors capable of binding Stx, but a direct interaction between the toxin and platelets, leading to platelet activation, has not been reported. In this study, it is shown that Stx1 and its B (binding) subunit (Stx1B), at 10 pg/mL to 10 ng/mL, bound to platelets. Toxin was internalized in platelets within 2 hours. This led to increased platelet aggregation, as demonstrated by confocal microscopy. Preincubation of Stx1B with anti-Stx1 antibody inhibited this reaction. Stx1 induced morphologic changes in platelets seen on scanning electron microscopy. In the presence of platelets and tumor necrosis factor-pretreated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), Stx1 and Stx1B induced the binding of platelets to the endothelial cell membrane and were present at this binding site. Incubation of Stx1 and Stx1B with whole blood increased fibrinogen binding to platelets detected by flow cytometry. Fibrinogen binding was partially inhibited by preincubation with anti-Stx1. Stx1 increased platelet retention measured in a glass bead assay. In addition, plasma from 17 patients with HUS, taken during the acute phase of the disease, increased the retention of normal platelets and normalized after recovery. Taken together, the results of this investigation show that Stx1, Stx1B, and a factor or factors in the plasma of patients with HUS activate platelets. The presence of Stx1 at the binding site of platelets to HUVEC suggests that Stx may be directly involved in the prothrombotic state seen in HUS.
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| 2. |
- Larsson, Johan, 1979-
(author)
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Leadership for Quality, Effectiveness and Health
- 2010
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Leadership, quality, effectiveness and health are important factors in the achievement of organisational success. Three questions are addressed to study these elements: 1. How do leadership values relate to leadership behaviours, quality methodologies and health in organisations? 2. How do leadership behaviours relate to effectiveness and health in organisations? 3. How can leadership tools be designed and used to promote health in organisations? The research is based on five studies from three research projects. This research is reported in five papers. Study I concerned eight organisations in the middle of Sweden; the focus was on leadership values and behaviours. Study II concerned three successful organisations that received the award, ‘Sweden’s number one workplace’. Focus in this study was mainly on leadership behaviours. Study III combined results from Studies I and II with a focus on successful leadership behaviours. Study IV concerned the eight organisations in Study I. A leadership tool in the form of a Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) model was developed and evaluated. Study V was of two organisations in Sweden; the focus in that work was on the use of a leadership tool control chart designed to give managers statistically valid early warning signals about health in their organisations. Theory X and Y together with the three-dimensional leadership behaviour theory were used to assess leadership values and behaviours. The theory surrounding PDSA and control charts were used to develop leadership tools. The dimension of health is defined from a salutogenic humanistic perspective; which emphasizes individual well-being. The dimension of quality is defined as the ability to satisfy or exceed needs and expectations. Effectiveness is defined as the extent to which externally and internally defined objectives are fulfilled. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were used. Interviews, seminars with employees, collection of human resource and effectiveness figures, and questionnaires completed by managers and subordinates were used to collect data. Managers with more Theory Y-oriented leadership values were rated by subordinates as high concerning quality methodologies and leadership behaviour dimensions. The subordinates of these managers tended to be healthier. Two of the studies identified common groups of leadership behaviours in effective and healthy organisations: strategy and vision, communication and information, authority and responsibility, learning culture, worker conversations, plainness and simplicity, humanity and trust, walking around and reflective personal leadership. These leadership behaviours fit into a leadership profile where all three of the dimensions of structure, relation and change are present. Of the three, the relation dimension is strongest and concluded to be a universal dimension. The developed PDSA model seems to be a leadership tool that influences both leadership values and behaviour, particularly in the area of relation-oriented leadership behaviours. An early warning system built on CUSUM- and Shewhartcharts concerning the health indicators of self-assessed general health and new sickcases per employee was also found to be a powerful and usable leadership tool. For future research, the explorative research findings can be quantitatively tested using representative and preferably cross-national data, with a longitudinal design.
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| 3. |
- Mikaelsson, Stefan, 1957-, et al.
(author)
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Winds of Change : The Role and Potential of Sámi Parliamentarians
- 2014
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In: Re: Mindings. - Uppsala : Uppsala University. - 9789186531102 ; , s. 79-87
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Book chapter (other academic/artistic)abstract
- This chapter is based on a presentation by Stefan Mikaelsson held at RE-Mindings symposium, October 2012, his opening speech for the Sámi Plenary 62nd session in Vualtjere/Vilhelmina, Sweden, February 19, 2013, and his presentation for the panel “Decolonizing Sápmi: archeology, food security and struggles against mi- ning and militarization” at the annual meeting of NAISA, Native American and Indigenous Studies Association, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, June 13- 15, 2013. In this article Mikaelsson speaks of the threats against lands and waters, culture and food security, and ultimately the survival and continuance of the Sámi People. He speaks of the complex situation and monetary economy that makes it difficult to respond to these threats and challenges, and that the never-ending negotiations with the Swedish government and the Swedish membership within the European Union are ultimately undermining Sámi culture. Mikaelsson argues for a need for responding against threats and challenges through a collaboration within the Sámi Parliament and between Sámi people in general. The chapter has been developed in close collaboration with May-Britt Öhman.
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