1. |
- Callaghan, Terry V., et al.
(author)
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Changing snow cover and its impacts
- 2011
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In: Snow, Water, Ice and Permafrost in the Arctic (SWIPA). - Oslo : Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme. - 9788279710714 ; , s. 4:1-4:58
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Book chapter (peer-reviewed)
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2. |
- Cortesi, F., et al.
(author)
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Phenotypic Plasticity Confers Multiple Fitness Benefits to a Mimic
- 2015
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In: Current Biology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0960-9822. ; 25:7, s. 949-954
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Animal communication is often deceptive; however, such dishonesty can become ineffective if it is used too often, is used out of context, or is too easy to detect [1-3]. Mimicry is a common form of deception, and most mimics gain the greatest fitness benefits when they are rare compared to their models [3, 4]. If mimics are encountered too frequently or if their model is absent, avoidance learning of noxious models is disrupted (Batesian mimicry [3]), or receivers become more vigilant and learn to avoid perilous mimics (aggressive mimicry [4]). Mimics can moderate this selective constraint by imperfectly resembling multiple models [5], through polymorphisms [6], or by opportunistically deploying mimetic signals [1, 7]. Here we uncover a novel mechanism to escape the constraints of deceptive signaling: phenotypic plasticity allows mimics to deceive targets using multiple guises. Using a combination of behavioral, cell histological, and molecular methods, we show that a coral reef fish, the dusky dottyback (Pseudochromis fuscus), flexibly adapts its body coloration to mimic differently colored reef fishes and in doing so gains multiple fitness benefits. We find that by matching the color of other reef fish, dottybacks increase their success of predation upon juvenile fish prey and are therefore able to deceive their victims by resembling multiple models. Furthermore, we demonstrate that changing color also increases habitat-associated crypsis that decreases the risk of being detected by predators. Hence, when mimics and models share common selective pressures, flexible imitation of models might inherently confer secondary benefits to mimics. Our results show that phenotypic plasticity can act as a mechanism to ease constraints that are typically associated with deception.
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3. |
- Danielsson, C, et al.
(author)
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Is Cardiac Arrhythmia in the Human Embryo a Possible Mechanism for Cardiovascular Defects by I-Kr Blocking Antidepressants? in BIRTH DEFECTS RESEARCH PART A-CLINICAL AND MOLECULAR TERATOLOGY, vol 91, issue 5, pp 345-345
- 2011
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In: BIRTH DEFECTS RESEARCH PART A-CLINICAL AND MOLECULAR TERATOLOGY. - : WILEY-BLACKWELL, COMMERCE PLACE, 350 MAIN ST, MALDEN 02148, MA USA. ; , s. 345-345
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
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4. |
- Callaghan, Terry V., et al.
(author)
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Multiple Effects of Changes in Arctic Snow Cover
- 2011
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In: Ambio: a Journal of Human Environment. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0044-7447 .- 1654-7209. ; 40, s. 32-45
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Snow cover plays a major role in the climate, hydrological and ecological systems of the Arctic and other regions through its influence on the surface energy balance (e.g. reflectivity), water balance (e.g. water storage and release), thermal regimes (e.g. insulation), vegetation and trace gas fluxes. Feedbacks to the climate system have global consequences. The livelihoods and well-being of Arctic residents and many services for the wider population depend on snow conditions so changes have important consequences. Already, changing snow conditions, particularly reduced summer soil moisture, winter thaw events and rain-on-snow conditions have negatively affected commercial forestry, reindeer herding, some wild animal populations and vegetation. Reductions in snow cover are also adversely impacting indigenous peoples' access to traditional foods with negative impacts on human health and well-being. However, there are likely to be some benefits from a changing Arctic snow regime such as more even run-off from melting snow that favours hydropower operations.
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5. |
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6. |
- Nilsson, Mats F., et al.
(author)
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Improved methodology for identifying the teratogenic potential in early drug development of hERG channel blocking drugs
- 2010
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In: Reproductive Toxicology. - : Elsevier. - 0890-6238 .- 1873-1708. ; 29:2, s. 156-163
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Drugs blocking the potassium current IKr of the heart (via hERG channel-inhibition) have the potential to cause hypoxia-related teratogenic effects. However, this activity may be missed in conventional teratology studies because repeat dosing may cause resorptions. The aim of the present study was to investigate an alternative protocol to reveal the teratogenic potential of IKr-blocking drugs. The IKr blocker astemizole, given as a single dose (80mg/kg) on gestation day (GD) 13 to pregnant rats caused digital defects. In whole rat embryo culture (2h) on GD 13, astemizole caused a decrease in embryonic heart rate at 20nM, and arrhythmias at 200-400nM. Cetirizine, without IKr-blocking properties, did not affect the rat embryonic heart in vitro. The present study shows that single dose testing on sensitive days of development, together with whole embryo culture, can be a useful methodology to better characterize the teratogenic potential of IKr-blocking drugs.
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7. |
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8. |
- Bergen, K., et al.
(author)
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Neurite Growth and Polarization on Vitronectin Substrate after in Vitro Trauma is not Enhanced after IGF Treatment
- 2018
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In: Brain Sciences. - : MDPI. - 2076-3425. ; 8:8
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Following traumatic brain injuries (TBI), insulin-like growth factor (IGF) is cortically widely upregulated. This upregulation has a potential role in the recovery of neuronal tissue, plasticity, and neurotrophic activity, though the molecular mechanisms involved in IGF regulation and the exact role of IGF after TBI remain unclear. Vitronectin (VN), an extracellular matrix (ECM) molecule, has recently been shown to be of importance for IGF-mediated cellular growth and migration. Since VN is downregulated after TBI, we hypothesized that insufficient VN levels after TBI impairs the potential beneficial activity of IGF. To test if vitronectin and IGF-1/IGFBP-2 could contribute to neurite growth, we cultured hippocampal neurons on +/- vitronectin-coated coverslips and them treated with +/- IGF-1/IGF binding protein 2 (IGFBP-2). Under same conditions, cell cultures were also subjected to in vitro trauma to investigate differences in the posttraumatic regenerative capacity with +/- vitronectin-coated coverslips and with +/- IGF-1/IGFBP-2 treatment. In both the control and trauma situations, hippocampal neurons showed a stronger growth pattern on vitronectin than on the control substrate. Surprisingly, the addition of IGF-1/IGFBP-2 showed a decrease in neurite growth. Since neurite growth was measured as the number of neurites per area, we hypothesized that IGF-1/IGFBP-2 contributes to the polarization of neurons and thus induced a less dense neurite network after IGF-1/IGFBP-2 treatment. This hypothesis could not be confirmed and we therefore conclude that vitronectin has a positive effect on neurite growth in vitro both under normal conditions and after trauma, but that addition of IGF-1/IGFBP-2 does not have a positive additive effect.
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9. |
- Cottin, V, et al.
(author)
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Long-term safety of pirfenidone: results of the prospective, observational PASSPORT study
- 2018
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In: ERJ open research. - : European Respiratory Society (ERS). - 2312-0541. ; 4:4
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Real-world studies include a broader patient population for a longer duration than randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and can provide relevant insights for clinical practice.PASSPORT was a multicentre, prospective, post-authorisation study of patients who were newly prescribed pirfenidone and followed for 2 years after initiating treatment. Physicians collected data on adverse drug reactions (ADRs), serious ADRs (SADRs) and ADRs of special interest (ADRSI) at baseline and then every 3 months. Post hoc stepwise logistic regression models were used to identify baseline characteristics associated with discontinuing treatment due to an ADR.Patients (n=1009, 99.7% with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis) had a median pirfenidone exposure of 442.0 days. Overall, 741 (73.4%) patients experienced ADRs, most commonly nausea (20.6%) and fatigue (18.5%). ADRs led to treatment discontinuation in 290 (28.7%) patients after a median of 99.5 days. Overall, 55 (5.5%) patients experienced SADRs, with a fatal outcome in six patients. ADRSI were reported in 693 patients, most commonly gastrointestinal symptoms (38.3%) and photosensitivity reactions/skin rashes (29.0%). Older age and female sex were associated with early treatment discontinuation due to an ADR.Findings were consistent with the known safety profile of pirfenidone, based on RCT data and other post-marketing experience, with no new safety signals observed.
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10. |
- Heslop, James A., et al.
(author)
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Concise Review : Workshop Review: Understanding and Assessing the Risks of Stem Cell-Based Therapies
- 2015
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In: Stem Cells Translational Medicine. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 2157-6564 .- 2157-6580. ; 4:4, s. 389-400
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The field of stem cell therapeutics is moving ever closer to widespread application in the clinic. However, despite the undoubted potential held by these therapies, the balance between risk and benefit remains difficult to predict. As in any new field, a lack of previous application in man and gaps in the underlying science mean that regulators and investigators continue to look for a balance between minimizing potential risk and ensuring therapies are not needlessly kept from patients. Here, we attempt to identify the important safety issues, assessing the current advances in scientific knowledge and how they may translate to clinical therapeutic strategies in the identification and management of these risks. We also investigate the tools and techniques currently available to researchers during preclinical and clinical development of stem cell products, their utility and limitations, and how these tools may be strategically used in the development of these therapies. We conclude that ensuring safety through cutting-edge science and robust assays, coupled with regular and open discussions between regulators and academic/industrial investigators, is likely to prove the most fruitful route to ensuring the safest possible development of new products.
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