| 1. |
- Alm, Anna-Karin, et al.
(author)
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Extrapancreatic trypsin-2 cleaves proteinase-activated receptor-2.
- 2000
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In: Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. - : Elsevier BV. - 1090-2104 .- 0006-291X. ; 275:1, s. 77-83
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Proteinase-activated receptors (PARs) are activated by proteolytic removal of a short amino terminal peptide, thus exposing a new amino terminus that functions as a tethered ligand that activates the receptor. With the aim to identify and study potential activators of PAR-2 we have developed a new method to measure proteolytic cleavage of PARs. PAR-2 was tagged with the insulin C-peptide that upon receptor cleavage is released and quantified using an ELISA. The modified receptor, shown to be functional in mouse 3T3 cells, was expressed in an insect cell line and the ability of different proteinases to cleave PAR-2 was studied. Two different mast cell tryptases cleaved PAR-2 in a concentration dependent manner, but were much less potent than pancreatic trypsin and trypsin-2 isolated from a carcinoma cell line. Pancreatic trypsin and trypsin-2 were almost equally effective at cleaving PAR-2 suggesting that extrapancreatic trypsins are potential in vivo activators of PAR-2.
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| 2. |
- Behrens, Jane W., et al.
(author)
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Personality- and size-related metabolic performance in invasive round goby (Neogobius melanostomus)
- 2020
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In: Physiology and Behavior. - : Elsevier. - 0031-9384 .- 1873-507X. ; 215, s. 1-6
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Differences between individuals in behavioral type (i.e. animal personality) are ecologically and evolutionarily important because they can have significant effects on fitness components such as growth and predation risk. In the present study we are used the invasive round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) from an established population in controlled experiments to examine the relationships among personality, metabolic performance, and growth rate (inferred as size-at-age). Boldness was measured as the time to return to normal behavior after a simulated predator attack, where fish with shorter freezing times were categorized as "bold" and fish with longer times were categorized as "shy." We show that bold fish have significantly higher standard metabolic rate (SMR) than their shy conspecifics, whereas there was no difference between personality types in their maximum metabolic rate (MMR) or aerobic scope (AS). Bold fish furthermore had a smaller size-at-age as compared to shy fish. Together this provides evidence of a metabolic underpinning of personality where the high-SMR bold fish require more resources to sustain basic life functions than their low-SMR shy conspecifics, indicating that bold round goby from established populations with high densities (and high competition for food) pay a price of reduced growth rate.
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| 3. |
- Brändström, Helge, et al.
(author)
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Risk for intracranial pressure increase related to enclosed air in post-craniotomy patients during air ambulance transport : a retrospective cohort study with simulation
- 2017
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine. - : BioMed Central. - 1757-7241. ; 25
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Post-craniotomy intracranial air can be present in patients scheduled for air ambulance transport to their home hospital. We aimed to assess risk for in-flight intracranial pressure (ICP) increases related to observed intracranial air volumes, hypothetical sea level pre-transport ICP, and different potential flight levels and cabin pressures. METHODS: A cohort of consecutive subdural hematoma evacuation patients from one University Medical Centre was assessed with post-operative intracranial air volume measurements by computed tomography. Intracranial pressure changes related to estimated intracranial air volume effects of changing atmospheric pressure (simulating flight and cabin pressure changes up to 8000 ft) were simulated using an established model for intracranial pressure and volume relations. RESULTS: Approximately one third of the cohort had post-operative intracranial air. Of these, approximately one third had intracranial air volumes less than 11 ml. The simulation estimated that the expected changes in intracranial pressure during 'flight' would not result in intracranial hypertension. For intracranial air volumes above 11 ml, the simulation suggested that it was possible that intracranial hypertension could develop 'inflight' related to cabin pressure drop. Depending on the pre-flight intracranial pressure and air volume, this could occur quite early during the assent phase in the flight profile. DISCUSSION: These findings support the idea that there should be radiographic verification of the presence or absence of intracranial air after craniotomy for patients planned for long distance air transport. CONCLUSIONS: Very small amounts of air are clinically inconsequential. Otherwise, air transport with maintained ground-level cabin pressure should be a priority for these patients.
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| 4. |
- Ericsson, Philip, et al.
(author)
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Personality-dependent inter- and intraspecific foraging competition in the invasive round goby, Neogobius melanostomus
- 2021
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In: Journal of Fish Biology. - : Wiley-Blackwell. - 0022-1112 .- 1095-8649. ; 98:5, s. 1234-1241
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This study examines the impact of boldness on foraging competition of the highly invasive round goby Neogobius melanostomus Pallas 1815. Individual risk tolerance, or boldness, was measured as the time to resume movement after a simulated predation strike. Fish that resumed movement faster were categorized as "bold," fish that took more time to resume movement were categorized as "shy" and those that fell in between these two categories were determined to have "intermediate" boldness. Competitive impacts of boldness in N. melanostomus were determined in a laboratory foraging experiment in which interspecific (juvenile Atlantic cod Gadus morhua Linnaeus 1758) and intraspecific (intermediate N. melanostomus) individuals were exposed to either bold or shy N. melanostomus competitors. G. morhua consumed fewer prey when competing with bold N. melanostomus than when competing with shy N. melanostomus, whereas intermediately bold N. melanostomus foraging was not affected by competitor boldness. Bold and shy N. melanostomus consumed similar amounts of prey, and the number of interactions between paired fish did not vary depending on the personality of N. melanostomus individuals. Therefore, intraspecific foraging competition was not found to be personality dependent. This study provides evidence that individual differences in boldness can mediate competitive interactions in N. melanostomus; nonetheless, results also show that competition is also governed by other mechanisms that require further study.
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| 5. |
- Hermansen, Anna
(author)
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Clinical and patient-reported outcomes after anterior cervical decompression and fusion surgery : A focus on functioning and daily life
- 2015
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF), with or without an intervertebral cage to add support to the fused segment, is an established surgical treatment of cervical radiculopathy due to cervical disc disease. High recovery rates and pain reductions after surgery have been reported, with similar results with or without a cage. A few small studies have evaluated neck-related physical function and patient-reported disability with less promising results. No previous studies have evaluated clinical and patientreported measures of functioning or compared the Cloward Procedure with the Cervical Intervertebral Fusion Cage (CIFC) more than 10 year after surgery. No studies have explored the patients’ perspective on surgical outcome Knowledge on long-term functioning may provide a base for improved postoperative care and rehabilitation. Combining the perspectives of clinicians and patients may provide a better understanding of outcome after ACDF surgery than has previously been reported.The overall aim of the thesis was to evaluate long-term functioning after anterior cervical decompression and fusion surgery due to cervical disc disease, and to provide new insights into patients’ experiences of daily life after surgery.The more than 10-year patient-reported outcomes of pain, disability and psychosocial factors (n=77), as well as clinical outcomes of neck-related physical function (n=51) were evaluated and compared between the Cloward Procedure and the CIFC. Preoperative and surgery-related factors of importance for a good outcome in neck-related pain and disability at 10-year follow-up were also identified. Fourteen women were interviewed at 1.5 to 3 years after ACDF to explore their experiences of daily life.There were no differences between the surgical techniques in long-term neck-related pain or patient-reported disability. Secondary outcomes were, with a few exceptions, similar between groups. Neck-related pain decreased after surgery and remained improved from the 2-year to the 10-year follow-up. However, disability ratings remained improved only in the CIFC group. Predictors of a successful outcome in neck-related pain intensity were high preoperative neck-related pain intensity (Odds Ratio 1.06) and nonsmoking (Odds Ratio 3.03). Male gender was the only predictive factor of a successful outcome in neck-related disability (Odds Ratio 4.33). Moderate to severe pain and patient-reported disability were seen in half of the participants at the 10-year follow-up, and neck-related physical impairments were seen in between 18% (cervical flexion) and 82% (neck-muscle endurance) of participants. Daily life was experienced as recovered or improved by women after ACDF surgery. However they were at the same time affected and limited by remaining symptoms. Behaviors and activities were altered to adjust to the symptoms. Social support provided by family, social and occupational networks, and by healthcare professionals were experienced as important in a good daily life.In conclusion: long-term pain, physical function and patient-reported disability were similar between the two ACDF techniques. High preoperative pain intensity, non-smoking and male gender predicted a good long-term outcome. Individuals after ACDF surgery experienced improvements in pain intensity and a good effect of surgery although they simultaneously reported residual or recurrent disability.
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| 6. |
- Johansson, Björn, et al.
(author)
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Visual and optical performance of the Akreos Adapt Advanced Optics and Tecnis Z9000 intraocular lenses. Swedish multicenter study
- 2007
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In: Journal of cataract and refractive surgery. - : Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health). - 0886-3350 .- 1873-4502. ; 33:9, s. 1565-1572
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- PURPOSE: To compare the subjective visual and objective optical performance of 2 aspherical intraocular lenses (lOLs), the Akreos Adapt Advanced Optics (AO) (Bausch & Lomb, Inc.) and the Tecnis Z9000 (Advanced Medical Optics, Inc.). SETTING: Four university hospitals in Sweden. METHODS: This study comprised 80 patients, 20 each from 4 university hospital centers in Sweden. All patients had bilateral clear corneal phacoemulsification with implantation of an Akreos Adapt AO IOL in 1 eye and Tecnis Z9000 IOL in the other eye according to a randomization protocol. Preoperatively, 90% contrast Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) visual acuity was measured and the mesopic pupil sizes were determined. Ten to 12 weeks postoperatively, 12.5% and 90% contrast ETDRS visual acuities and photopic and mesopic Functional Acuity Contrast Test chart contrast sensitivities were determined. Wavefront analysis was performed with the Zywave II aberrometer (Bausch & Lomb, Inc.), and a questionnaire on the subjective quality of vision was completed by each patient. RESULTS: The Akreos AO IOL and Tecnis Z9000 IOL produced similar high- and low-contrast visual acuities as well as photopic and mesopic contrast sensitivities. The Tecnis Z9000 IOL resulted in lower spherical aberrations of the eye (mean 0.05 ± 0.13 μm versus 0.35 ± 0.13 μm root mean square, 6.0 mm pupil) (P<.001); however, the Akreos AO IOL provided a larger depth of field (mean 1.22 diopter [D] ± 0.48 [SD] versus 0.86 ± 0.50 D, 6.0 mm pupil) (P<.001). Patient satisfaction was generally high, although 68.8% of the patients reported some type of visual disturbance postoperatively. Twenty-eight percent of patients reported better subjective visual quality in the Akreos AO eye and 14%, in the Tecnis Z9000 eye (P<.0001). Accordingly, 33% perceived more visual disturbances in the Tecnis Z9000 eye and 11%, in the Akreos AO eye (P<.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Maximum reduction of spherical aberration did not maximize subjective visual quality. The higher perceived quality of vision with the Akreos AO IOL could be because of differences in depth of field, lOL material, or IOL design.
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| 7. |
- Jörgensen, Sophie, et al.
(author)
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Global and domain-specific life satisfaction among older adults with long-term spinal cord injury
- 2021
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In: Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1079-0268 .- 2045-7723. ; 44:2, s. 322-330
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: Although life expectancy after spinal cord injury (SCI) has increased, knowledge of life satisfaction and associated factors among older adults with long-term SCI is still very limited. The objective of this study was, therefore, to assess global and domain-specific life satisfaction among older adults with long-term SCI and investigate the association with sociodemographics, injury characteristics and secondary health conditions. Design: Cross-sectional cohort study. Data from the Swedish Aging with Spinal Cord Injury Study (SASCIS). Setting: Community settings in southern Sweden. Participants: Seventy-eight individuals (32% women, injury levels C1-L3, American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) A-D) mean age 68 years, mean time since injury 31 years. Interventions: Not applicable. Outcome measures: The Life Satisfaction Questionnaire (LiSat-11). Results: The participants were at least rather satisfied with most of the 11 life domains. They rated the lowest satisfaction with sexual life, activities of daily living and somatic health. Having a partner and being vocationally active was associated with greater satisfaction with life as a whole and with several other life domains. Participants with AIS D injuries were less satisfied with their somatic health than those with tetraplegia AIS A-C and paraplegia AIS A-C injuries. More secondary health conditions were negatively associated with satisfaction in five life domains. Conclusion: Life satisfaction can be affected many years after SCI. The social context, participation in meaningful activities and minimizing secondary health conditions seem to be important for maintaining life satisfaction in older adults with a long-term injury.
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| 8. |
- Karlson, Agnes M. L., et al.
(author)
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Linking consumer physiological status to food-web structure and prey food value in the Baltic Sea
- 2020
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In: Ambio. - Stockholm : Springer Netherlands. - 0044-7447 .- 1654-7209. ; 49:2, s. 391-406
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Declining physiological status in marine top consumers has been observed worldwide. We investigate changes in the physiological status and population/community traits of six consumer species/groups in the Baltic Sea (1993-2014), spanning four trophic levels and using metrics currently operational or proposed as indicators of food-web status. We ask whether the physiological status of consumers can be explained by food-web structure and prey food value. This was tested using partial least square regressions with status metrics for gray seal, cod, herring, sprat and the benthic predatory isopod Saduria as response variables, and abundance and food value of their prey, abundance of competitors and predators as predictors. We find evidence that the physiological status of cod, herring and sprat is influenced by competition, predation, and prey availability; herring and sprat status also by prey size. Our study highlights the need for management approaches that account for species interactions across multiple trophic levels.
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| 9. |
- Klaminder, Jonatan, et al.
(author)
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Long-Term Persistence of an Anxiolytic Drug (Oxazepam) in a Large Freshwater Lake
- 2015
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In: Environmental Science and Technology. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 0013-936X .- 1520-5851. ; 49:17, s. 10406-10412
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Production and human consumption of pharmaceuticals result in contamination of surface waters worldwide. Little is known about the long-term (i.e., over decades) fate of pharmaceuticals in aquatic systems. Here, we show that the most prescribed anxiolytic in Sweden (oxazepam) persists in its therapeutic form for several decades after being deposited in a large freshwater lake. By comparing sediment cores collected in 1995 and 2013, we demonstrate that oxazepam inputs from the early 1970s remained in the sediments until sampling in 2013, despite in situ degradation processes and sediment diagenesis. In laboratory and pond experiments, we further reveal that therapeutic forms of oxazepam can persist over several months in cold (5 degrees C) lake water free from UV light. We conclude that oxazepam can persist in lakes over a time scale much longer than previously realized and that levels can build up in lakes due to both a legacy of past inputs and a growing urban population.
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| 10. |
- Klaminder, Jonatan, 1976-, et al.
(author)
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The conceptual imperfection of aquatic risk assessment tests : highlighting the need for tests designed to detect therapeutic effects of pharmaceutical contaminants
- 2014
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In: Environmental Research Letters. - : Institute of Physics Publishing (IOPP). - 1748-9326. ; 9:8, s. 084003-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Standardized ecotoxicological tests still constitute the fundamental tools when doing risk-assessment of aquatic contaminants. These protocols are managed towards minimal mortality in the controls, which is not representative for natural systems where mortality is often high. This methodological bias, generated from assays where mortality in the control group is systematically disregarded, makes it difficult to measure therapeutic effects of pharmaceutical contaminants leading to lower mortality. This is of concern considering that such effects on exposed organisms still may have substantial ecological consequences. In this paper, we illustrate this conceptual problem by presenting empirical data for how the therapeutic effect of Oxazepam-a common contaminant of surface waters-lower mortality rates among exposed Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis) from wild populations, at two different life stages. We found that fry hatched from roe that had been exposed to dilute concentrations (1.1 +/- 0.3 mu g l(-1)) of Oxazepam for 24 h 3-6 days prior to hatching showed lower mortality rates and increased activity 30 days after hatching. Similar effects, i.e. increased activity and lower mortality rates were also observed for 2-year old perch exposed to dilute Oxazepam concentrations (1.2 +/- 0.4 mu g l(-1)). We conclude that therapeutic effects from pharmaceutical contaminants need to be considered in risk assessment assays to avoid that important ecological effects from aquatic contaminants are systematically missed.
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