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3. |
- Felton, Adam, et al.
(author)
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Replacing monocultures with mixed-species : Ecosystem service implications of two production forest alternatives in Sweden
- 2016
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In: Ambio. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0044-7447 .- 1654-7209. ; 45:Suppl. 2, s. 124-139
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Whereas there is evidence that mixed-species approaches to production forestry in general can provide positive outcomes relative to monocultures, it is less clear to what extent multiple benefits can be derived from specific mixed-species alternatives. To provide such insights requires evaluations of an encompassing suite of ecosystem services, biodiversity, and forest management considerations provided by specific mixtures and monocultures within a region. Here, we conduct such an assessment in Sweden by contrasting even-aged Norway spruce (Picea abies)-dominated stands, with mixed-species stands of spruce and birch (Betula pendula or B. pubescens), or spruce and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris). By synthesizing the available evidence, we identify positive outcomes from mixtures including increased biodiversity, water quality, esthetic and recreational values, as well as reduced stand vulnerability to pest and pathogen damage. However, some uncertainties and risks were projected to increase, highlighting the importance of conducting comprehensive interdisciplinary evaluations when assessing the pros and cons of mixtures.
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4. |
- Felton, Adam, et al.
(author)
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Replacing monocultures with mixed-species stands : Ecosystem service implications of two production forest alternatives in Sweden
- 2016
-
In: Ambio. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0044-7447 .- 1654-7209. ; 45, s. 124-139
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Whereas there is evidence that mixed-species approaches to production forestry in general can provide positive outcomes relative to monocultures, it is less clear to what extent multiple benefits can be derived from specific mixed-species alternatives. To provide such insights requires evaluations of an encompassing suite of ecosystem services, biodiversity, and forest management considerations provided by specific mixtures and monocultures within a region. Here, we conduct such an assessment in Sweden by contrasting even-aged Norway spruce (Picea abies)-dominated stands, with mixed-species stands of spruce and birch (Betula pendula or B. pubescens), or spruce and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris). By synthesizing the available evidence, we identify positive outcomes from mixtures including increased biodiversity, water quality, esthetic and recreational values, as well as reduced stand vulnerability to pest and pathogen damage. However, some uncertainties and risks were projected to increase, highlighting the importance of conducting comprehensive interdisciplinary evaluations when assessing the pros and cons of mixtures.
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7. |
- Persson, Magnus, et al.
(author)
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Precision thinning : a comparison of optimal stand-level and pixel-level thinning
- 2022
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Forest Research. - : Taylor & Francis Group. - 0282-7581 .- 1651-1891. ; 37:2, s. 99-108
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Precision forestry allows decision-making on tree level or pixel level, as compared to stand-level data. However, little is known about the importance of precision in thinning decisions and its long-term effects on within-stand variation, stand economy and growth. In this study, silviculture was optimized for Net Present Value (NPV) in 20 conifer-dominated forest stands in hemi-boreal southern Sweden. The precision-thinning approach, Precision Thinning (PT), is compared with a stand-level approach, Stand Level Thinning (SLT) that is optimized for the same criteria but based on stand-level data. The results suggest no substantial long-term benefit or drawback in implementing thinning decisions based on pixel-level data as compared to stand-level data when optimizing stand economy. The result variables NPV and Mean annual increment of living stem volume (MAI(net)) were not higher for PT than for SLT. The within-stand variation in basal area (m(2)/ha(-1)) was lower at the end of the rotation compared to the start of the simulation for both SLT and PT. At the end of the rotation, SLT had higher variation in basal area compared to PT. However, pixel-level information enables adapting the silviculture to the within-stand variation which may favour other forest management goals than strictly financial goals.
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8. |
- Rantalainen, Mattias, et al.
(author)
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Sequencing-based breast cancer diagnostics as an alternative to routine biomarkers
- 2016
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In: Scientific Reports. - Stockholm : Karolinska Institutet, Dept of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics. - 2045-2322.
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Sequencing-based breast cancer diagnostics have the potential to replace routine biomarkers and provide molecular characterization that enable personalized precision medicine. Here we investigate the concordance between sequencing-based and routine diagnostic biomarkers and to what extent tumor sequencing contributes clinically actionable information. We applied DNA- and RNA-sequencing to characterize tumors from 307 breast cancer patients with replication in up to 739 patients. We developed models to predict status of routine biomarkers (ER, HER2,Ki-67, histological grade) from sequencing data. Non-routine biomarkers, including mutations in BRCA1, BRCA2 and ERBB2(HER2), and additional clinically actionable somatic alterations were also investigated. Concordance with routine diagnostic biomarkers was high for ER status (AUC = 0.95;AUC(replication) = 0.97) and HER2 status (AUC = 0.97;AUC(replication) = 0.92). The transcriptomic grade model enabled classification of histological grade 1 and histological grade 3 tumors with high accuracy (AUC = 0.98;AUC(replication) = 0.94). Clinically actionable mutations in BRCA1, BRCA2 and ERBB2(HER2) were detected in 5.5% of patients, while 53% had genomic alterations matching ongoing or concluded breast cancer studies. Sequencing-based molecular profiling can be applied as an alternative to histopathology to determine ER and HER2 status, in addition to providing improved tumor grading and clinically actionable mutations and molecular subtypes. Our results suggest that sequencing-based breast cancer diagnostics in a near future can replace routine biomarkers
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9. |
- Riise, Rebecca E, 1987, et al.
(author)
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TLR-Stimulated Neutrophils Instruct NK Cells To Trigger Dendritic Cell Maturation and Promote Adaptive T Cell Responses
- 2015
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In: Journal of Immunology. - : The American Association of Immunologists. - 0022-1767 .- 1550-6606. ; 195:3, s. 1121-1128
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) are innate effector cells with pivotal roles in pathogen recognition, phagocytosis, and eradication. However, their role in the development of subsequent immune responses is incompletely understood. This study aimed to identify mechanisms of relevance to the cross talk between human neutrophils and NK cells and its potential role in promoting adaptive immunity. TLR-stimulated PMNs were found to release soluble mediators to attract and activate NK cells in vitro. PMN-conditioned NK cells displayed enhanced cytotoxicity and cytokine production, and responded vigorously to ensuing stimulation with exogenous and endogenous IL-12. The neutrophil-induced activation of NK cells was prevented by caspase-1 inhibitors and by natural antagonists to IL-1 and IL-18, suggesting a role for the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing-3 inflammasome. In addition, PMN-conditioned NK cells triggered the maturation of monocyte-derived dendritic cells, which promoted T cell proliferation and IFN-gamma production. These data imply that neutrophils attract NK cells to sites of infection to convert these cells into an active state, which drives adaptive immune responses via maturation of dendritic cells. Our results add to a growing body of evidence that suggests a sophisticated role for neutrophils in orchestrating the immune response to pathogens.
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10. |
- Roberge, Jean-Michel, et al.
(author)
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Socio-ecological implications of modifying rotation lengths in forestry
- 2016
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In: Ambio. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0044-7447 .- 1654-7209. ; 45, s. 109-123
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The rotation length is a key component of even-aged forest management systems. Using Fennoscandian forestry as a case, we review the socioecological implications of modifying rotation lengths relative to current practice by evaluating effects on a range of ecosystem services and on biodiversity conservation. The effects of shortening rotations on provisioning services are expected to be mostly negative to neutral (e.g. production of wood, bilberries, reindeer forage), while those of extending rotations would be more varied. Shortening rotations may help limit damage by some of today's major damaging agents (e.g. root rot, cambium-feeding insects), but may also increase other damage types (e.g. regeneration pests) and impede climate mitigation. Supporting (water, soil nutrients) and cultural (aesthetics, cultural heritage) ecosystem services would generally be affected negatively by shortened rotations and positively by extended rotations, as would most biodiversity indicators. Several effect modifiers, such as changes to thinning regimes, could alter these patterns.
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11. |
- Acs, Balazs, et al.
(author)
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Variability in Breast Cancer Biomarker Assessment and the Effect on Oncological Treatment Decisions: A Nationwide 5-Year Population-Based Study
- 2021
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In: Cancers. - : MDPI AG. - 2072-6694. ; 13:5
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We compared estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), human epidermal growth-factor receptor 2 (HER2), Ki67, and grade scores among the pathology departments in Sweden. We investigated how ER and HER2 positivity rates affect the distribution of endocrine and HER2-targeted treatments among oncology departments. All breast cancer patients diagnosed between 2013 and 2018 in Sweden were identified in the National Quality Register for Breast Cancer. Cases with data on ER, PR, HER2, Ki67, grade, and treatment were selected (43,261 cases from 29 departments following the guidelines for biomarker testing). The ER positivity rates ranged from 84.2% to 97.6% with 6/29 labs out of the overall confidence intervals (CIs), while PR rates varied between 64.8% and 86.6% with 7/29 labs out of the CIs. HER2 positivity rates ranged from 9.4% to 16.3%, with 3/29 labs out of the overall CIs. Median Ki67 varied between 15% and 30%, where 19/29 labs showed significant intra-laboratory variability. The proportion of grade-II cases varied between 42.9% and 57.1%, and 13/29 labs were outside of the CI. Adjusting for patient characteristics, the proportion of endocrine and anti-HER2 treatments followed the rate of ER and HER2 positivity, illustrating the clinical effect of inter- and intra-laboratory variability. There was limited variability among departments in ER, PR, and HER2 testing. However, even a few outlier pathology labs affected endocrine and HER2-targeted treatment rates in a clinically relevant proportion, suggesting the need for improvement. High variability was found in grading and Ki67 assessment, illustrating the need for the adoption of new technologies in practice.
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12. |
- Akhiani, Aliasghar, 1957, et al.
(author)
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Idelalisib Rescues Natural Killer Cells from Monocyte-Induced Immunosuppression by Inhibiting NOX2-Derived Reactive Oxygen Species.
- 2020
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In: Cancer immunology research. - 2326-6074. ; 8:12, s. 1532-1541
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate-3 kinase-δ (PI3Kδ) inhibitor idelalisib, used alone or in combination with anti-CD20, is clinically efficacious in B-cell lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) by promoting apoptosis of malignant B cells. PI3K regulates the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by the myeloid NADPH oxidase NOX2, but the role of PI3Kδ in myeloid cell-induced immunosuppression is unexplored. We assessed the effects of idelalisib on the spontaneous and IgG antibody-induced ROS production by human monocytes, on ROS-induced cell death of human natural killer (NK) cells, and on tumor cell clearance in an NK cell-dependent mouse model of metastasis. Idelalisib potently and efficiently inhibited the formation of NOX2-derived ROS from monocytes and rescued NK cells from ROS-induced cell death. Idelalisib also promoted NK cell cytotoxicity against anti-CD20-coated primary human CLL cells and cultured malignant B cells. Experiments using multiple PI3K inhibitors implicated the PI3Kδ isoform in regulating NOX2-induced ROS formation and immunosuppression. In B6 mice, systemic treatment with idelalisib significantly reduced the formation of lung metastases from intravenously injected melanoma cells but did not affect metastasis in B6.129S6-Cybbtm1Din (Nox2-/-) mice or in NK cell-deficient mice. Our results imply that idelalisib rescues NK cells from NOX2/ROS-dependent immunosuppression and thus exerts antineoplastic efficacy beyond B-cell inhibition.
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13. |
- Akhiani, Aliasghar, 1957, et al.
(author)
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Role of the ERK Pathway for Oxidant-Induced Parthanatos in Human Lymphocytes
- 2014
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In: Plos One. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 9:2
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are formed by myeloid cells as a defense strategy against microorganisms. ROS however also trigger poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1- (PARP-1) dependent cell death (parthanatos) in adjacent lymphocytes, which has been forwarded as a mechanism of immune escape in several forms of cancer. The present study assessed the role of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), in particular the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), in ROS-induced signal transduction leading to lymphocyte parthanatos. We report that inhibitors of ERK1/2 phosphorylation upheld natural killer (NK) cell-mediated cytotoxicity under conditions of oxidative stress and rescued NK cells and CD8(+)T lymphocytes from cell death induced by ROS-producing monocytes. ERK1/2 phosphorylation inhibition also protected lymphocytes from cell death induced by exogenous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and from ROS generated by xanthine oxidase or glucose oxidase. Phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was observed in lymphocytes shortly after exposure to ROS. ROS-generating myeloid cells and exogenous H2O2 triggered PARP 1-dependent accumulation of poly ADP-ribose (PAR), which was prevented by ERK pathway inhibitors. ERK1/2 phosphorylation was induced by ROS independently of PARP-1. Our findings are suggestive of a role for ERK1/2 in ROS-induced lymphocyte parthanatos, and that the ERK axis may provide a therapeutic target for the protection of lymphocytes against oxidative stress.
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14. |
- Albaugh, Timothy J, et al.
(author)
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Do biological expansion factors adequately estimate stand-scale aboveground component biomass for Norway spruce?
- 2009
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In: Forest Ecology and Management. - : Elsevier BV. - 0378-1127 .- 1872-7042. ; 258:12, s. 2628-2637
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We developed site specific component (stem, branch, and foliage) biomass functions for two sites in Sweden (64° and 57° North latitude) where four treatments (control, irrigated, fertilized, irrigated plus fertilized) were applied in the existing Norway spruce stands (Picea abies L. Karst.) for 17 years. We tested for site effects in the component biomass equations and compared site specific biomass estimates to those generated using published functions ( Lehtonen et al., 2004 and Wirth et al., 2004). Site effects were significant for all components and indicated it would be unlikely to generate equations that well estimate biomass across the Norway spruce range as implicitly indicated in our efforts to generate species biomass expansion factors. We rejected our hypothesis that the published functions would well estimate component biomass for control plots. The published functions did not compare well with site specific component biomass estimates for the other treatments; both published functions well estimated stem mass up to stem mass of 25 Mg ha−1, beyond which stem mass was overestimated, and both functions over and under estimated foliage and branch mass. Nor did the published functions compare well with each other, with stem, foliage and branch mass estimate differences of 12, 55, −8% and 11, 77, and 59% for the southern and northern sites, respectively, when averaged over all treatments and years. Adding limiting resources through fertilization increased stem, foliage and branch mass 57, 11, 18% and 120, 37, and 69% at the southern and northern sites, respectively, which would increase carbon sequestration and available stemwood and bioenergy materials. We recommend that more effort is spent in process-based modeling to better predict mass at a given site and ultimately provide better estimates of carbon sequestration and bioenergy material production changes.
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15. |
- Almeida, Juan Pablo, et al.
(author)
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Ectomycorrhizal community composition and function in a spruce forest transitioning between nitrogen and phosphorus limitation
- 2019
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In: Fungal ecology. - : Elsevier. - 1754-5048 .- 1878-0083. ; 40, s. 20-31
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Nitrogen is the main limiting nutrient in boreal ecosystems, but studies in southwest Sweden suggest that certain forests approach phosphorus (P) limitation driven by nitrogen (N) deposition. We added N, P or N + P to a Norway spruce forest in this region, to push the system to N or P limitation. Tree growth and needle nutrient concentrations indicated that the trees are P limited. EMF biomass was reduced only by N + P additions. Soil EMF communities responded more strongly to P than to N. Addition of apatite to ingrowth meshbags altered EMF community composition and enhanced the abundance of Imleria badia in the control and N plots, but not when P was added. The ecological significance of this species is discussed. Effects on tree growth, needle chemistry, and EMF communities indicate a dynamic interaction between EMF fungi and the nutrient status of trees and soils. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd and British Mycological Society. All rights reserved.
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16. |
- Altena, Renske, et al.
(author)
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Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) PET Imaging of HER2-Low Breast Cancer with [ 68 Ga]Ga-ABY-025 : Results from a Pilot Study
- 2024
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In: Journal of Nuclear Medicine. - : Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging. - 0161-5505 .- 1535-5667. ; 65:5, s. 700-707
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Patients with HER2-low metastatic breast cancer (mBC), defined as an immunohistochemistry (IHC) score of 1+ or 2+ without HER2 gene amplification, may benefit from HER2 antibody-drug conjugates. Identifying suitable candidates is a clinical challenge because of spatial and temporal heterogeneity in HER2 expression and discrepancies in pathologic reporting. We aimed to investigate the feasibility and safety of HER2-specific PET imaging with [ 68 Ga]Ga-ABY-025 for visualization of HER2-low mBC.Methods: A prospective pilot study was done with 10 patients who had HER2-low mBC, as part of a phase 2 basket imaging study with [ 68 Ga]Ga-ABY-025 in HER2-expressing solid tumors. Patients were recruited at the Breast Clinic at the Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. PET/CT images were acquired 3 h after injection of 200 MBq of [ 68 Ga]Ga-ABY-025. The SUV max was used to quantify tracer uptake. Ultrasound-guided tumor biopsies were guided by results from the HER2 PET. The main outcome-the safety and feasibility of HER2 PET in patients with HER2low mBC, measured the occurrence of possible procedure -related adverse events.Results: Ten patients with HER2-low mBC underwent [ 68 Ga]Ga-ABY-025 PET/CT with paired tumor biopsies. No adverse events occurred. In all patients, [ 68 Ga]Ga-ABY-025-avid lesions with substantial intra- and interindividual heterogeneity in tracer uptake were noted. In 8 of 10 patients with ABY-025-avid lesions, the HER2low status of the corresponding lesions was confirmed by IHC or in situ hybridization. Two patients had an IHC score of 0 in the tumor biopsies:1 in a cutaneous lesion with a low SUV max and 1 in a liver metastasis with a high SUV max but a "cold" core.Conclusion: The visualization of HER2-low mBC with [ 68 Ga]Ga-ABY-025 PET/CT was feasible and safe. Areas of tracer uptake showed varying levels of HER2 expression on IHC. The observed intra- and interindividual heterogeneity in [ 68 Ga]Ga-ABY-025 uptake suggested that HER2 PET might be used as a tool for the noninvasive assessment of disease heterogeneity and has the potential to identify patients in whom HER2-targeted drugs can have a clinical benefit.
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17. |
- Aurelius, Johan, 1980, et al.
(author)
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Anthracycline-based consolidation may determine outcome of post-consolidation immunotherapy in AML
- 2019
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In: Leukemia & Lymphoma. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1042-8194 .- 1029-2403. ; 60:11, s. 2771-2778
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Consolidation chemotherapy in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) aims at eradicating residual leukemic cells and mostly comprises high-dose cytarabine with or without the addition of anthracyclines, including daunorubicin. Immunogenic cell death (ICD) may contribute to the efficacy of anthracyclines in solid cancer, but the impact of ICD in AML is only partly explored. We assessed aspects of ICD, as reflected by calreticulin expression, in primary human AML blasts and observed induction of surface calreticulin upon exposure to daunorubicin but not to cytarabine. We next assessed immune phenotypes in AML patients in complete remission (CR), following consolidation chemotherapy with or without anthracyclines. These patients subsequently received immunotherapy with histamine dihydrochloride (HDC) and IL-2. Patients who had received anthracyclines for consolidation showed enhanced frequencies of CD8(+) T-EM cells in blood along with improved survival. We propose that the choice of consolidation therapy prior to AML immunotherapy may determine clinical outcome.
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18. |
- Aurelius, Johan, 1980, et al.
(author)
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Chronic myeloid leukemic cells trigger poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-dependent inactivation and cell death in lymphocytes.
- 2013
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In: Journal of leukocyte biology. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1938-3673 .- 0741-5400. ; 93:1, s. 155-160
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- NK cells and T cells are commonly dysfunctional in CML, and their status may determine the course of disease. We aimed to define the molecular mechanisms of leukemia-induced immunosuppression with focus on the role of ROS and the PARP-1 pathway of cell death. Malignant granulocytes from patients with BCR-ABL-positive CML expressed the oxygen radical-producing enzyme NOX, produced large amounts of ROS, and triggered extensive cell death in NK cells. Inhibition of PARP-1 maintained NK cell viability in cocultures with suppressive leukemic cells. Under conditions of oxidative stress, PARP-1 inhibition upheld the capacity of NK cells to kill myeloid leukemic cells, in addition to restoring the proliferation and cytokine production of NK cells and cytotoxic T cells. Our findings are suggestive of a novel pathway of relevance to immunosuppression in CML.
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19. |
- Aurelius, Johan, 1980, et al.
(author)
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Monocytic AML cells inactivate antileukemic lymphocytes: role of NADPH oxidase/gp91(phox) expression and the PARP-1/PAR pathway of apoptosis.
- 2012
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In: Blood. - : American Society of Hematology. - 1528-0020 .- 0006-4971. ; 119:24, s. 5832-7
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Dysfunction of T cells and natural killer (NK) cells has been proposed to determine the course of disease in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), but only limited information is available on the mechanisms of lymphocyte inhibition. We aimed to evaluate to what extent human malignant AML cells use NADPH oxidase-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) as an immune evasion strategy. We report that a subset of malignant myelomonocytic and monocytic AML cells (French-American-British [FAB] classes M4 and M5, respectively), recovered from blood or BM of untreated AML patients at diagnosis, expressed the NADPH oxidase component gp91(phox). Highly purified FAB M4/M5 AML cells produced large amounts of ROS on activation and triggered poly-[ADP-ribose] polymerase-1-dependent apoptosis in adjacent NK cells, CD4(+) T cells, and CD8(+) T cells. In contrast, immature (FAB class M1) and myeloblastic (FAB class M2) AML cells rarely expressed gp91(phox), did not produce ROS, and did not trigger NK or T-cell apoptosis. Microarray data from 207 AML patients confirmed a greater expression of gp91(phox) mRNA by FAB-M4/M5 AML cells than FAB-M1 cells (P < 10(-11)) or FAB-M2 cells (P < 10(-9)). Our data are suggestive of a novel mechanism by which monocytic AML cells evade cell-mediated immunity.
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20. |
- Aurelius, Johan, 1980, et al.
(author)
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NOX2-dependent immunosuppression in chronic myelomonocytic leukemia
- 2017
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In: Journal of Leukocyte Biology. - 0741-5400 .- 1938-3673. ; 102:2, s. 459-466
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) is a myeloproliferative and myelodysplastic neoplasm with few treatment options and dismal prognosis. The role of natural killer (NK) cells and other antileukemic lymphocytes in CMML is largely unknown. We aimed to provide insight into the mechanisms of immune evasion in CMML with a focus on immunosuppressive reactive oxygen species (ROS) formed by the myeloid cell NADPH oxidase-2 (NOX2). The dominant population of primary human CMML cells was found to express membrane-bound NOX2 and to release ROS, which, in turn, triggered extensive PARP-1-dependent cell death in cocultured NK cells, CD8(+) T effector memory cells, and CD8(+) T effector cells. Inhibitors of ROS formation and scavengers of extracellular ROS prevented CMML cell-induced lymphocyte death and facilitated NK cell degranulation toward Ab-coated, primary CMML cells. In patients with CMML, elevation of immature cell counts (CD34(+)) in blood was associated with reduced expression of several NK cell-activating receptors. We propose that CMML cells may use extracellular ROS as a targetable mechanism of immune escape.
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21. |
- Aurelius, Johan, 1980, et al.
(author)
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Remission maintenance in acute myeloid leukemia: impact of functional histamine H-2 receptors expressed by leukemic cells
- 2012
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In: Haematologica. - : Ferrata Storti Foundation (Haematologica). - 1592-8721 .- 0390-6078. ; 97:12, s. 1904-1908
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Post-consolidation immunotherapy with histamine dihydrochloride and interleukin-2 has been shown to improve leukemia-free survival in acute myeloid leukemia in a phase III trial. For this study, treatment efficacy was determined among 145 trial patients with morphological forms of acute myeloid leukemia as defined by the French-American-British classification. Leukemia-free survival was strongly improved in M4/M5 (myelomonocytic/monocytic) leukemia but not in M2 (myeloblastic) leukemia. We also analyzed histamine H-2 receptor expression by leukemic cells recovered from 26 newly diagnosed patients. H-2 receptors were typically absent from M2 cells but frequently expressed by M4/M5 cells. M4/M5 cells, but not M2 cells, produced reactive oxygen species that triggered apoptosis in adjacent natural killer cells. These events were significantly inhibited by histamine dihydrochloride. Our data demonstrate the presence of functional histamine H2 receptors on human AML cells and suggest that expression of these receptors by leukemic cells may impact on the effectiveness of histamine-based immunotherapy.
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22. |
- Bahr, Adam, et al.
(author)
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Nitrogen leaching and ectomycorrhizal nitrogen retention capacity in a Norway spruce forest fertilized with nitrogen and phosphorus
- 2015
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In: Plant and Soil. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0032-079X .- 1573-5036. ; 390:1-2, s. 323-335
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To estimate the production of external ectomycorrhizal mycelia (EMM) in Norway spruce forests with varying nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) levels, and to relate this to the N retention capacity of ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) and N leaching. Seasonal changes in EMF production (in ingrowth mesh bags) and soil water N (in suction lysimeters) were analyzed after fertilization with N or N combined with P. The EMF N retention capacity was estimated by the addition of isotopically labeled N to the mesh bags. No relationship was found between the seasonal variation in EMF growth and N leakage from the soil. However, in the mesh bags, the total assimilation of N-15 by EMF was almost halved by N fertilization, while twice as much N-15 leached through. We found a high specific N assimilation capacity per unit weight of EMF mycelia. This was unaffected by N fertilization, but the total assimilation of N by EMF was drastically reduced due to reduced production of EMM. However, N-retaining processes other than N assimilation by EMF must be taken into account to explain the losses of N after fertilization.
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23. |
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24. |
- Bergh, Andreas, et al.
(author)
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Deliberative communication : Stimulating collective learning?
- 2020
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In: Leading higher education as and for public good. - Abingdon : Routledge. - 9780367205102 - 9780367205126 - 9780429261947 ; , s. 92-106
-
Book chapter (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Chapter 6 reports on a study of how an academic developer (AD) plans and leads a seminar in university pedagogy on constructive alignment by the means of deliberative communication. The overriding purpose is to deepen our understanding of the promises and challenges of deliberative communication as a means of leading and teaching as, and for, public good. To fulfil this aim, we use a combination of self-reflection, deliberative communication and insider–outsider perspectives to examine if, and how, such an approach opens up and stimulates collective learning between the AD and the two critical friends. The chapter concludes by emphasising how fruitful it is to reflect and collaborate among colleagues in a structured way. Raising awareness of the limitation of all models, tools or approaches, like constructive alignment, may help academics to acknowledge that the improvement of leadership and teaching needs be far more of a collective endeavour than at present. An important issue for further exploration, therefore, is how creative meetings between individual professional and inter-professional skills, through communication, can contribute to raising awareness of what teaching as, and for, public good might mean, and how it can be enacted.
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25. |
- Bergh, Cecilia, 1972-, et al.
(author)
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Effects of Bilberry and Oat intake on lipids, inflammation and exercise capacity after Acute Myocardial Infarction (BIOAMI): study protocol for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
- 2021
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In: Trials. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1745-6215 .- 1745-6215. ; 22:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Bilberries from Sweden, rich in polyphenols, have shown cholesterol-lowering effects in small studies, and the cholesterol-lowering properties of oats, with abundant beta-glucans and potentially bioactive phytochemicals, are well established. Both may provide cardiometabolic benefits following acute myocardial infarction (AMI), but large studies of adequate statistical power and appropriate duration are needed to confirm clinically relevant treatment effects. No previous study has evaluated the potential additive or synergistic effects of bilberry combined with oats on cardiometabolic risk factors. Our primary objective is to assess cardioprotective effects of diet supplementation with dried bilberry or with bioprocessed oat bran, with a secondary explorative objective of assessing their combination, compared with a neutral isocaloric reference supplement, initiated within 5 days following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for AMI. Methods: The effects of Bilberry and Oat intake on lipids, inflammation and exercise capacity after Acute Myocardial Infarction (BIOAMI) trial is a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. A total of 900 patients will be randomized post-PCI to one of four dietary intervention arms. After randomization, subjects will receive beverages with bilberry powder (active), beverages with high-fiber bioprocessed oat bran (active), beverages with bilberry and oats combined (active), or reference beverages containing no active bilberry or active oats, for consumption twice daily during a 3-month intervention. The primary endpoint is the difference in LDL cholesterol change between the intervention groups after 3 months. The major secondary endpoint is exercise capacity at 3 months. Other secondary endpoints include plasma concentrations of biochemical markers of inflammation, metabolomics, and gut microbiota composition after 3 months. Discussion: Controlling hyperlipidemia and inflammation is critical to preventing new cardiovascular events, but novel pharmacological treatments for these conditions are expensive and associated with negative side effects. If bilberry and/or oat, in addition to standard medical therapy, can lower LDL cholesterol and inflammation more than standard therapy alone, this could be a cost-effective and safe dietary strategy for secondary prevention after AMI. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03620266. Registered on August 8, 2018.
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