| 1. |
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| 2. |
- Blomberg, Anders, et al.
(author)
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Chronic Airflow Limitation, Emphysema and Impaired Diffusing Capacity in Relation to Smoking Habits in a Swedish Middle-Aged Population.
- 2024
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In: Annals of the American Thoracic Society. - 2329-6933 .- 2325-6621.
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- RATIONALE: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) includes respiratory symptoms and chronic airflow limitation (CAL). In some cases, emphysema and impaired diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) are present, but characteristics and symptoms vary with smoking exposure.OBJECTIVES: To study the prevalence of CAL, emphysema and impaired DLCO in relation to smoking and respiratory symptoms in a middle-aged population.METHODS: We investigated 28,746 randomly invited individuals (52% women) aged 50-64 years across six Swedish sites. We performed spirometry, DLCO, high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and asked for smoking habits and respiratory symptoms. CAL was defined as post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second divided by forced expiratory volume (FEV1/FVC)<0.7.RESULTS: The overall prevalence was for CAL 8.8%, for impaired DLCO (DLCOCONCLUSIONS: In this large population-based study of middle-aged people, CAL and impaired DLCO were associated with common respiratory symptoms. Self-reported asthma was not associated with CAL in never-smokers. Our findings suggest that CAL in never-smokers signifies a separate clinical phenotype that may be monitored and, possibly, treated differently from smoking-related COPD. This article is open access and distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
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| 3. |
- Torén, Kjell, et al.
(author)
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Restrictive Spirometric Pattern and Preserved Ratio Impaired Spirometry in a Population 50-64 Years.
- 2024
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In: Annals of the American Thoracic Society. - 2329-6933 .- 2325-6621.
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- RATIONALE: Knowledge regarding prevalence and shared and unique characteristics of Restrictive spirometric pattern (RSP) and Preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm) is lacking for a general population investigated with post-bronchodilator spirometry and computed tomography of the lungs.OBJECTIVES: To investigate shared and unique features for RSP and PRISm.METHODS: In the Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study (SCAPIS), a general population sample of 28,555 people aged 50 - 64 years (including 14,558 never-smokers) was assessed. The participants answered a questionnaire and underwent computed tomography of the lungs, post-bronchodilator spirometry, and coronary artery calcification score (CACS). Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using adjusted logistic regression. RSP was defined as FEV1/FVC≥0.70 and FVC<80%. PRISm was defined as FEV1/FVC≥0.70 and FEV1<80%. A local reference equation was applied.MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: The prevalence of RSP and PRISm were 5.1% (95% CI 4.9 - 5.4) and 5.1% (95% CI 4.8 - 5.3), respectively, with similar values seen in never-smokers. For RSP and PRISm, shared features were current smoking, dyspnea, chronic bronchitis, rheumatic disease, diabetes, ischemic heart disease (IHD), bronchial wall thickening, interstitial lung abnormalities (ILA), and bronchiectasis. Emphysema was uniquely linked to PRISm (OR 1.69, 1.36-2.10) vs 1.10 (0.84-1.43) for RSP. CACS≥300 was related to PRISm, but not among among never-smokers.CONCLUSIONS: PRISm and RSP have respiratory, cardiovascular, and metabolic conditions as shared features. Emphysema is only associated with PRISm. Coronary atherosclerosis may be associated with PRISm. Our results indicate that RSP and PRISm may share more features than not. This article is open access and distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
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| 4. |
- Holland, Anne E., et al.
(author)
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Ambulatory oxygen for treatment of exertional hypoxaemia in pulmonary fibrosis (PFOX trial) : A randomised controlled trial
- 2020
-
In: BMJ Open. - : BMJ. - 2044-6055. ; 10:12
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction Interstitial lung diseases are characterised by scarring of lung tissue that leads to reduced transfer of oxygen into the blood, decreased exercise capacity and premature death. Ambulatory oxygen therapy may be used to treat exertional oxyhaemoglobin desaturation, but there is little evidence to support its efficacy and there is wide variation in clinical practice. This study aims to compare the clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness of ambulatory oxygen versus ambulatory air in people with fibrotic interstitial lung disease and exertional desaturation. Methods and analysis A randomised, controlled trial with blinding of participants, clinicians and researchers will be conducted at trial sites in Australia and Sweden. Eligible participants will be randomised 1:1 into two groups. Intervention participants will receive ambulatory oxygen therapy using a portable oxygen concentrator (POC) during daily activities and control participants will use an identical POC modified to deliver air. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 3 months and 6 months. The primary outcome is change in physical activity measured by number of steps per day using a physical activity monitor (StepWatch). Secondary outcomes are functional capacity (6-minute walk distance), health-related quality of life (St George Respiratory Questionnaire, EQ-5D-5L and King's Brief Interstitial Lung Disease Questionnaire), breathlessness (Dyspnoea-12), fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), physical activity level (GENEActive), oxygen saturation in daily life, POC usage, and plasma markers of skeletal muscle metabolism, systematic inflammation and oxidative stress. A cost-effectiveness evaluation will also be undertaken. Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval has been granted in Australia by Alfred Hospital Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC/18/Alfred/42) with governance approval at all Australian sites, and in Sweden (Lund Dnr: 2019-02963). The results will be published in peer-reviewed scientific journals, presented at conferences and disseminated to consumers in publications for lay audiences. Trial registration number ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT03737409).
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| 5. |
- Olsson, Max, et al.
(author)
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Factors important for health-related quality of life in men and women : The population based SCAPIS study
- 2023
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In: PLOS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 18:11
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- IntroductionHealth-related quality of life (HRQoL) is essential for human wellbeing, influenced by a complex interplay of factors, and is reported lower in women than men. We aimed to evaluate which factors were the most important for HRQoL in a middle-aged general population.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional, multi-centre study of 29,212 men (48%) and women (52%) aged 50-64 in the general population in Sweden. Physical and mental HRQoL (0-100) was assessed using the Short Form 12 questionnaire, and association was evaluated for 356 variables including demographics, lifestyle, symptoms, physiological measurements, and health conditions. Using machine learning, each variable ' s importance for HRQoL was measured by an importance score, comparable to effect size, and summarised in 54 factors, in men and women separately.ResultsMen and women had similar mean and standard deviation (SD) scores for physical HRQoL (53.4 [SD 8.1] vs 51.4 [9.7]) and mental HRQoL (37.1 [5.0] vs 37.3 [5.4]). The most important factors for physical HRQoL were (importance score) physical activity (40), employment (36), pain (33), sleep (33), and sense of control (26). The most important factors for mental HRQoL were sense of control (18), physical activity (12), depression (12), pain (6), and employment (5).ConclusionsThe factors important for HRQoL identified by this study are likely to be amenable to interventions, and our findings can support prioritising interventions. The identified factors need to be a target even before middle-age to lay the foundation for long and happy lives.
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| 6. |
- Olsson, Max, et al.
(author)
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Factors most strongly associated with breathlessness in a population aged 50-64 years
- 2024
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In: ERJ Open Research. - : European Respiratory Society. - 2312-0541. ; 10:2
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Breathlessness is a troublesome and prevalent symptom in the population, but knowledge of related factors is scarce. The aim of this study was to identify the factors most strongly associated with breathlessness in the general population and to describe the shapes of the associations between the main factors and breathlessness.METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was carried out of the multicentre population-based Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study (SCAPIS) of adults aged 50 to 64 years. Breathlessness was defined as a modified Medical Research Council breathlessness rating ≥2. The machine learning algorithm extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) was used to classify participants as either breathless or nonbreathless using 449 factors, including physiological measurements, blood samples, computed tomography cardiac and lung measurements, lifestyle, health conditions and socioeconomics. The strength of the associations between the factors and breathlessness were measured by SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP), with higher scores reflecting stronger associations.RESULTS: A total of 28 730 participants (52% women) were included in the study. The strongest associated factors for breathlessness were (in order of magnitude): body mass index ( SHAP score 0.39), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (0.32), physical activity measured by accelerometery (0.27), sleep apnoea (0.22), diffusing lung capacity for carbon monoxide (0.21), self-reported physical activity (0.17), chest pain when hurrying (0.17), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (0.17), recent weight change (0.14) and cough (0.13).CONCLUSION: This large population-based study of men and women aged 50-64 years identified the main factors related to breathlessness that may be prevented or amenable to public health interventions.
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| 7. |
- Ahuja, Sat pal, et al.
(author)
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Glutathione S-transferase µ(GST) modifies activities of proteases and levels of cystatin C secreted by mouse retinal explants
- 2004
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In: Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. - 1552-5783. ; 45, s. 352-352
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose: In one form of human autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa and in retinal degeneration (rd1) mouse, mutation occurs in the genes encoding ß subunit of rod photoreceptor cGMP phosphodiesterase. Therefore, rd1 mutant mouse is an appropriate model for human inherited retinal degeneration studies. Retinal explants are successfully cultured in serum free chemically defined R16 medium to evaluate effects of various rescue factors and retinal conditioned medium (RCM) for secreted molecules like proteases and their inhibitors. Cysteine protease inhibitor cystatin C has recently been identified in rodent neuroretina and RPE. RCM of explants treated with GST were analyzed for proteases and cystatin C to explain, in part, mode of action of GST in protection of degenerating retina. Methods: Postnatal day 2 (PN2) and PN7 control (wt) and rd1 were cultured with (10 ng / ml GST) and without GST in R16 medium, respectively, for 26 and 21 days in vitro (div). Retinal extracts (RE) and RCM were analyzed by fluorometry using casein green fluorescent labeled with BODIPY–FL (Molecular Probes) for total proteases; Z–Phe–Arg–NMec or Z–Arg–Arg–NMec for cysteine proteases and by ELISA for cystatin C, respectively, for levels and secretion of proteases and cystatin C. The protein content of RE was measured. Results: Protein content (µg) of RE from wt and rd1 retinal extracts respectively increased and decreased with age. Cystatin C (ng/ml RCM) content in wt and rd1 RE increased with age (was always higher in wt) up to PN14 and then decreased but was higher than that at PN2. Progressive secretion of cystatin C by PN2 explants was lower than that by PN7 explants; and that by rd1 PN2 and PN7 explants was initially lower up to in vitro age of PN19 and subsequently it was higher than that by wt explants. Secretion of total cystatin C by PN2 and PN7 wt and rd1 explants was similar and was increased by GST. During initial stage of culture total protease activity ({Delta} F / 100 µl RCM) in RCM of rd1 PN2 and PN7 explants was higher and was decreased in GST treated explants. Conclusions: Cystatin C content and secretion by wt RE is always higher and that of proteases is lower than that of rd1. Treatment with GST increases content of cystatin C and consequently decreases that of proteases especially cysteine proteases.
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| 8. |
- Ahuja, Sat pal, et al.
(author)
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Physiopathology of retinal degeneration in rd1 mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa : TGF-Β1, proteinases and oxidative stress mechanisms
- 2009
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In: Retinal Degeneration: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment. - 9781607410072 ; , s. 1-41
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Book chapter (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The rd1 (retinal degeneration) mouse retina shows degeneration homologous to a form of retinitis pigmentosa with a rapid loss of rod photoreceptors and deficiency of retinal blood vessels. Due to Pde6brd1 gene mutation, β subunit of phosphodiesterase (PDE) of rd1 retina has an inactive PDE which elevates cGMP and Ca2+ ions level. In vitro retinal explants provide a system close to the in vivo situation, so both approaches were used to compare the status of oxidative stress, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), sialylation, galactosylation of proteoglycans, and different proteinases-endogenous inhibitors systems participating in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling/degeneration and programmed cell death (PCD)/apoptosis in wt and rd1 mouse retinas. Proteins and desialylated sulfated glucosaminoglycan parts of proteoglycans in ECM of rd1 retina were, respectively, decreased and increased due to enhanced activities of proteinases. Desialylation increases the susceptibility of cells to phoagocytosis/apoptosis, decreased neurogenesis and faulty guidance cues for synaptogenesis. In vivo activities of total proteinases, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and cathepsin B were increased in rd1 retina on postnatal day 14 (PN14), -21 and -28, due to relatively lower levels of tissue inhibitor of MMPs (TIMP-1) and cystatin C, respectively. This corresponded with increased in vitro secretion of these proteinases by rd1 retina. Cells including end-feet of Mueller cells in degenerating rd1 retina showed intense immunolabeling for MMP-9, MMP-2/TIMP-1, TIMP-2 and cathepsin B/cystatin C, and proteinases pool was increased by Mueller cells. Intense immunolabeling of ganglion cell (RGC) layer for cathepsin B and of inner-plexiform layer of both PN2/PN7 rd1 and wt retinas indicated importance of cathepsin B in synaptogenesis and PCD of RGC. Increased levels of TGF-β1 in vitro transiently increased the secretion of MMPs and cathepsins activities by wt explants which activate TGF-β1 and remodel the ECM for angiogenesis and ontogenetic PCD. Whereas, lower level of TGF-β1 and persistently higher activities of MMPs and cathepsins in rd1 retinas and conditioned medium, suggested that proteinases degraded TGF-β1 and ECM and caused retinal degeneration. Lower activities of glutathione-S-transferase and glutathione-peroxidase in rd1 retina contribute to oxidative stress which damages membranes and increased the expression, release/secretion of proteinases relative to their endogenous inhibitors. Participation of oxidative stress in rd1 retinal degeneration was further confirmed from the partial protection of rd1 photoreceptors by in vitro and/or in vivo supplementation with glutathione-S-transferase or a combination of antioxidants namely lutein, zeaxanthin, α-lipoic acid and reduced-L-glutathione. Treatment with combination(s) of broad spectrum proteinase inhibitor(s) and antioxidants needs investigation.
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| 9. |
- Ahuja, Sat pal, et al.
(author)
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rd1 Mouse retina shows an imbalance in the activity of cysteine protease cathepsins and their endogenous inhibitor cystatin C.
- 2008
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In: Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. - : Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO). - 1552-5783. ; 49:3, s. 1089-1096
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- PURPOSE: To compare in vivo levels, spatial localization, and in vitro secretion of cysteine protease cathepsins and cystatin C (cysC) in the retinal degeneration 1 (rd1) mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa and control (wt) mouse retinas. METHODS: The spatial localization, protein contents, cysC levels and cathepsin-B, -S, and -L activities in wt and rd1 retinas at postnatal (PN) days 2, 7, 14, 21, and 28 were analyzed by immunostaining, spectrophotometry, ELISA, and fluorescence spectrophotometry. The in vitro secretion of cysC and cysteine proteases by PN7 retinal explants into the conditioned medium (RCM) was quantified. RESULTS: The pigment epithelium, photoreceptors, and inner retinal and ganglion cell layers of both wt and rd1 retinas showed cysC and cathepsin-B labeling. CysC immunostaining was extensive in the optic nerve head fibers. The rd1 explants secreted higher amounts of cysteine protease into the RCM. The protein content in wt and rd1 retinal extracts increased up to PN14, then decreased in rd1 but not in wt. In rd1 extracts at PN14 to -28, cathepsin activity was higher and increased with age, but the cysC level was higher and constant. The ratios of cathepsin activity to cysC (cathepsin-L at PN2 and total, -B, and -L at PN14 to -28) were higher in rd1 extracts. CONCLUSIONS: Similar localization of both cathepsin-B and cysC in wt and rd1 retinas along with lower proteins and higher cathepsin activity in rd1 retinal extracts and RCM are consistent with their localization in extracellular matrix and a role in physiopathologic remodeling in wt and rd1 retinas.
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| 10. |
- Ahuja, Sat pal, et al.
(author)
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rd1 Mouse Retina Shows Imbalance in Cellular Distribution and Levels of TIMP-1/MMP-9, TIMP-2/MMP-2 and Sulfated Glycosaminoglycans.
- 2006
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In: Ophthalmic Research. - : S. Karger AG. - 1423-0259 .- 0030-3747. ; 38:3, s. 125-136
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: The rd1 mouse retina displays fast degeneration of photoreceptors resulting in a depletion of almost all rod photoreceptors by postnatal day 21 (PN21). To evaluate the role of proteinases in the pathophysiology of this animal model of retinitis pigmentosa, C3H rd1 and congenic wild-type (wt) mice retinas were analyzed. Material and Methods: The cellular localization and levels of proteins, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), their endogenous inhibitors (TIMPs), total sulfated glycosaminoglycans (sGAG) and nature of saccharides in roll and wt retinal extracts were compared. Results: MMP-2/TIMP-2 and MMP-9/TIMP-1 were predominantly localized in the interphotoreceptor matrix (IPM) of both genotypes, but MMP-2/TIMP-2 also appeared in the Muller cell fibers of rd1 retina. In rd1 retinal extracts the levels of total proteins were lower and those of active MMP-9, MMP-2, TIMP-1 and total sGAG were higher than those of wt extracts. Despite an increase in TIMP-1, active MMP-9/MMP-2 were disproportionately elevated in rd1 compared to wt retina. With increasing age, MMPs in wt retinas were decreased but were increased in rd1. The sialylation of proteoglycans in PN2 and PN7 rd1 retinas was lower, and galactosylation was higher than that in wt retinas. Conclusions: MMP-9/ MMP-2 and TIMP-1/TIMP-2 are associated with IPM, possibly after secretion by retinal pigmented epithelial cells. In degenerating rd1 retina, MMP-2/TIMP-2 are associated with the Muller cell fibers, which apparently play a central role in modifying the balance between MMPs and TIMPs. Elevated sGAG and proteolysis due to an imbalance in the levels of TIMPs and active MMP-9/MMP-2 in rd1 retina possibly contribute to retinal degeneration in the rd1 mouse.
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| 11. |
- Angelov, Angel G., 1983-
(author)
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Methods for interval-censored data and testing for stochastic dominance
- 2018
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- This thesis includes four papers: the first three of them are concerned with methods for interval-censored data, while the forth paper is devoted to testing for stochastic dominance.In many studies, the variable of interest is observed to lie within an interval instead of being observed exactly, i.e., each observation is an interval and not a single value. This type of data is known as interval-censored. It may arise in questionnaire-based studies when the respondent gives an answer in the form of an interval without having pre-specified ranges. Such data are called self-selected interval data. In this context, the assumption of noninformative censoring is not fulfilled, and therefore the existing methods for interval-censored data are not necessarily applicable.A problem of interest is to estimate the underlying distribution function. There are two main approaches to this problem: (i) parametric estimation, which assumes a particular functional form of the distribution, and (ii) nonparametric estimation, which does not rely on any distributional assumptions. In Paper A, a nonparametric maximum likelihood estimator for self-selected interval data is proposed and its consistency is shown. Paper B suggests a parametric maximum likelihood estimator. The consistency and asymptotic normality of the estimator are proven.Another interesting problem is to infer whether two samples arise from identical distributions. In Paper C, nonparametric two-sample tests suitable for self-selected interval data are suggested and their properties are investigated through simulations.Paper D concerns testing for stochastic dominance with uncensored data. The paper explores a testing problem which involves four hypotheses, that is, based on observations of two random variables X and Y, one wants to discriminate between four possibilities: identical survival functions, stochastic dominance of X over Y, stochastic dominance of Y over X, or crossing survival functions. Permutation-based tests suitable for two independent samples and for paired samples are proposed. The tests are applied to data from an experiment concerning the individual's willingness to pay for a given environmental improvement.
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| 12. |
- Axelsson, Robert, et al.
(author)
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The Challenge of Transdisciplinary Research : A Case Study of Learning by Evaluation for Sustainable Transport Infrastructures
- 2020
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In: Sustainability. - : MDPI. - 2071-1050. ; 12:17, s. 1-24
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- While transdisciplinary (TD) research is desired in order to solve real world sustainability issues, this may be challenging for both academic and non-academic participants. Supporting learning through evaluation, we analyzed a project aiming at sustainable transport infrastructures. After developing a TD research framework as a benchmark, two external independent evaluators interviewed all project researchers, representatives for end-users, and donors. The evaluators compared results with the framework, and evaluators and participants critically reflected on the results together. There were three inconsistencies relative to the framework: (1) limited understanding of TD research among project management, end-users, and most of the researchers; (2) no structured learning process among end-users; instead, they expressed very diverse opinions about what they expected from the project; (3) project leaders had limited understanding of the special challenges of TD research, did not fully understand the status of the project's social system, and thus did not act as facilitators of the required collaborative learning process. Non-academic participants saw themselves as customers and not as partners in the knowledge production process. We conclude that TD problem-solving research requires much time and needs facilitation and training. A preparatory phase with a lower level of funding would be helpful in preparing for TD processes.
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| 13. |
- Bargholtz, Chr., et al.
(author)
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Measurement of the eta -> pi(+)pi(-)e(+)e(-) decay branching ratio
- 2007
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In: Physics Letters B. - : Elsevier BV. - 0370-2693 .- 1873-2445. ; 644:5-6, s. 299-303
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The reaction pd -> He-3 eta at threshold was used to provide a clean source of eta mesons for decay studies with the WASA detector at CELSIUS. The branching ratio of the decay eta -> pi(+)pi(-)e(+)e(-) is measured to be (4.3 +/- 1.3 +/- 0.4) x 10(-4).
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| 14. |
- Currow, David C., et al.
(author)
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Chronic breathlessness and sleep problems : A population-based survey
- 2021
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In: BMJ Open. - : BMJ. - 2044-6055. ; 11:8
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives This study aimed to explore the relationship (presence and severity) between chronic breathlessness and sleep problems, independently of diagnoses and health service contact by surveying a large, representative sample of the general population. Setting Analysis of the 2017 South Australian Health Omnibus Survey, an annual, cross-sectional, face-to-face, multistage, clustered area systematic sampling survey carried out in Spring 2017. Chronic breathlessness was self-reported using the ordinal modified Medical Research Council (mMRC; scores 0 (none) to 4 (housebound)) where breathlessness has been present for more than 3 of the previous 6 months. a € Sleep problems - ever' and a € sleep problem - current' were assessed dichotomously. Regression models were adjusted for age; sex and body mass index (BMI). Results 2900 responses were available (mean age 48.2 years (SD=18.6); 51% were female; mean BMI 27. 1 (SD=5.9)). Prevalence was: 2.7% (n=78) sleep problems - past; 6.8% (n=198) sleep problems - current and breathlessness (mMRC 1-4) was 8.8% (n=254). Respondents with sleep problemspast were more likely to be breathless, older with a higher BMI and sleep problems - present also included a higher likelihood of being female. After adjusting for age, sex and BMI, respondents with chronic breathlessness had 1.9 (95% CI=1.0 to 3.5) times the odds of sleep problems - past and sleep problems - current (adjusted OR=2.3; 95% CI=1.6 to 3.3). Conclusions There is a strong association between the two prevalent conditions. Future work will seek to understand if there is a causal relationship using validated sleep assessment tools and whether better managing one condition improves the other.
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| 15. |
- Edbladh, Magnus, et al.
(author)
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Early regeneration in vitro of adult mouse sciatic axons is dependent on local protein synthesis but may not involve neurotrophins
- 1994
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In: Neuroscience Letters. - : Elsevier BV. - 0304-3940. ; 168:1-2, s. 37-40
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The sensory axons of the adult mouse sciatic nerve were shown to regenerate after a local test crush lesion in vitro in a serum-free medium. The average outgrowth distance of the leading axons after culturing for 3 days was 2.8 ± 0.1 mm, which was shorter than in vivo (3.8 ± 0.2 mm). With the use of a compartmentalised culture system we could show that regeneration was partially dependent on local protein synthesis in the injury region. The initial stages of regeneration did not seem to involve neurotrophins since both K252a and K252b, selective and nontoxic inhibitors of the neurotrophin actions, failed to inhibit axonal growth. The present in vitro model system offers favourable conditions to investigate the early events of the regeneration process in an adult mammalian peripheral nerve.
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| 16. |
- Edström, Anders, et al.
(author)
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Adenosine inhibition of the regeneration in vitro of adult frog sciatic sensory axons
- 1992
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In: Brain Research. - 0006-8993. ; 570:1-2, s. 35-41
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The sensory axons of the adult frog sciatic nerve have earlier been shown to regenerate in vitro. If a local test crush is made at the initiation of culturing, regeneration starts after 3.4 days and proceeds at a rate of about 0.8-0.9 mm/day for several days. In the present experiments regeneration was inhibited by adenosine in a reversible and dose-dependent fashion. Similarly, both an adenosine analogue, 2-chloroadenosine (2-CA), and a non-hydrolyzable ATP analogue, AMP-PNP, reduced the outgrowth of sensory axons. The effect of adenosine was partially antagonized by theophylline at a critical concentration. Using a compartmental system, it could clearly be shown that adenosine exerted its effects at the outgrowth region. Adenosine, 2-CA, and AMP-PNP were also found to inhibit the proliferation of Schwann cells in the regenerating nerve. Various experiments showed that the latter can not explain the outgrowth inhibitory effects, which could be mediated by adenosine receptors associated with the elongating axons.
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| 17. |
- Edström, Anders, et al.
(author)
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Regeneration in vitro of the adult frog sciatic sensory axons
- 1990
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In: Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience. - 0922-6028. ; 1:3-4, s. 261-266
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The adult frog sciatic nerve offers several advantages as an in vitro model to study nerve regeneration. The nerve with the attached dorsal root ganglia can easily be isolated and incubated in a culture medium for several days. If the nerve is subjected to a crush immediately after dissection there is a delay of 3.4 days after which the sensory axons start to regenerate into the distal nerve stump at a constant rate of about 1.1 mm · day−1 in serum-containing and 1.0 mm · day−1 in serum-free medium. Serum-free cultures may be used in future studies to examine the effect of various neurotrophic factors. The existence of an accurate method for examining the outgrowth distance, based on axonal transport of labelled proteins, contributes to the attractiveness of the model. A compartmental culture system permits separate exposure of the ganglia and the nerve to different agents. Taking advantage of this, pharmacological studies suggest that Schwann cells produce signals, dependent on newly transcribed RNA, which transform the preparation into a growth state. The present model system offers favourable conditions to learn more about the early events and also the subsequent steps of the regeneration process.
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| 18. |
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| 19. |
- Ekström, Magnus, 1966-, et al.
(author)
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Estimating density from presence/absence data in clustered populations
- 2020
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In: Methods in Ecology and Evolution. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 2041-210X. ; 11:3, s. 390-402
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Inventories of plant populations are fundamental in ecological research and monitoring, but such surveys are often prone to field assessment errors. Presence/absence (P/A) sampling may have advantages over plant cover assessments for reducing such errors. However, the linking between P/A data and plant density depends on model assumptions for plant spatial distributions. Previous studies have shown, for example, how that plant density can be estimated under Poisson model assumptions on the plant locations. In this study, new methods are developed and evaluated for linking P/A data with plant density assuming that plants occur in clustered spatial patterns. New theory was derived for estimating plant density under Neyman-Scott-type cluster models such as the Matern and Thomas cluster processes. Suggested estimators, corresponding confidence intervals and a proposed goodness-of-fit test were evaluated in a Monte Carlo simulation study assuming a Matern cluster process. Furthermore, the estimators were applied to plant data from environmental monitoring in Sweden to demonstrate their empirical application. The simulation study showed that our methods work well for large enough sample sizes. The judgment of what is' large enough' is often difficult, but simulations indicate that a sample size is large enough when the sampling distributions of the parameter estimators are symmetric or mildly skewed. Bootstrap may be used to check whether this is true. The empirical results suggest that the derived methodology may be useful for estimating density of plants such as Leucanthemum vulgare and Scorzonera humilis. By developing estimators of plant density from P/A data under realistic model assumptions about plants' spatial distributions, P/A sampling will become a more useful tool for inventories of plant populations. Our new theory is an important step in this direction.
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| 20. |
- Ekström, Magnus, 1966-, et al.
(author)
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Estimating density from presence/absence data in clustered populations
- 2021
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Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- 1. Inventories of plant populations are fundamental in ecological research and monitoring, butsuch surveys are often prone to field assessment errors. Presence/ absence (P/A) samplingmay have advantages over plant cover assessments for reducing such errors. However, thelinking between P/A data and plant density depends on model assumptions for plant spatialdistributions. Previous studies have shown, for example, how that plant density can beestimated under Poisson model assumptions on the plant locations. In this study, newmethods are developed and evaluated for linking P/A data with plant density assuming thatplants occur in clustered spatial patterns.2. New theory was derived for estimating plant density under Neyman–Scott-type cluster models such as the Matérn and Thomas cluster processes. Suggested estimators, correspondingconfidence intervals and a proposed goodness-of-fit test were evaluated in a Monte Carlosimulation study assuming a Matérn cluster process. Furthermore, the estimators were applied to plant data from environmental monitoring in Sweden to demonstrate their empiricalapplication.3. The simulation study showed that our methods work well for large enough sample sizes.The judgment of what is ’large enough’ is often difficult, but simulations indicate that asample size is large enough when the sampling distributions of the parameter estimators aresymmetric or mildly skewed. Bootstrap may be used to check whether this is true. Theempirical results suggest that the derived methodology may be useful for estimating densityof plants such as Leucanthemum vulgare and Scorzonera humilis.4. By developing estimators of plant density from P/A data under realistic model assumptions about plants’ spatial distributions, P/A sampling will become a more useful tool forinventories of plant populations. Our new theory is an important step in this direction.
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| 21. |
- Ekström, Magnus, et al.
(author)
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Logistic regression for clustered data from environmental monitoring programs
- 2018
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In: Ecological Informatics. - : Elsevier. - 1574-9541 .- 1878-0512. ; 43, s. 165-173
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Large-scale surveys, such as national forest inventories and vegetation monitoring programs, usually have complex sampling designs that include geographical stratification and units organized in clusters. When models are developed using data from such programs, a key question is whether or not to utilize design information when analyzing the relationship between a response variable and a set of covariates. Standard statistical regression methods often fail to account for complex sampling designs, which may lead to severely biased estimators of model coefficients. Furthermore, ignoring that data are spatially correlated within clusters may underestimate the standard errors of regression coefficient estimates, with a risk for drawing wrong conclusions. We first review general approaches that account for complex sampling designs, e.g. methods using probability weighting, and stress the need to explore the effects of the sampling design when applying logistic regression models. We then use Monte Carlo simulation to compare the performance of the standard logistic regression model with two approaches to model correlated binary responses, i.e. cluster-specific and population-averaged logistic regression models. As an example, we analyze the occurrence of epiphytic hair lichens in the genus Bryoria; an indicator of forest ecosystem integrity. Based on data from the National Forest Inventory (NFI) for the period 1993-2014 we generated a data set on hair lichen occurrence on > 100,000 Picea abies trees distributed throughout Sweden. The NFI data included ten covariates representing forest structure and climate variables potentially affecting lichen occurrence. Our analyses show the importance of taking complex sampling designs and correlated binary responses into account in logistic regression modeling to avoid the risk of obtaining notably biased parameter estimators and standard errors, and erroneous interpretations about factors affecting e.g. hair lichen occurrence. We recommend comparisons of unweighted and weighted logistic regression analyses as an essential step in development of models based on data from large-scale surveys.
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| 22. |
- Ekström, Magnus P., et al.
(author)
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Mild to Moderate Cognitive Impairment Does Not Affect the Ability to Self-Report Important Symptoms in Patients With Cancer : A Prospective Longitudinal Multinational Study (EPCCS)
- 2020
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In: Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. - : Elsevier BV. - 0885-3924. ; 60:2, s. 2-354
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Context: Patients with advanced cancer commonly suffer from both distressing symptoms and cognitive impairment, but the effect of cognitive impairment on the reliability and validity of symptom self-report is unknown. Objectives: To evaluate the reliability and validity of symptom self-report in cancer outpatients with and without mild to moderate cognitive impairment. Methods: This was an analysis of the longitudinal European Palliative Care Cancer Symptom study of adults with incurable cancer in specialized palliative care (30 centers across 12 countries). Patients who could not comply with the study because of severe cognitive impairment were excluded. Cognitive status on the Mini-Mental State Examination short version and nine symptoms (pain, tiredness, drowsiness, nausea, appetite, breathlessness, depression, anxiety, and well-being) using the revised Edmonton Symptom Assessment System were self-reported at baseline and one-month follow-up. Reliability was analyzed using intraclass correlation coefficients and validity using regression of each symptom with health-related quality of life (HrQoL) measured with European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 15 for Palliative Care. Results: A total of 1047 patients were included: mean age of 62.9 years; 54.4% women; main cancer types were of digestive organs (26.6%), breast (21.6%), and lungs (21.2%). Cognitive impairment was present in 181 (17.3%) at baseline and associated with worse self-reported tiredness, drowsiness, appetite, and depression. Reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient) and validity (associations with HrQoL) were similar between people with/without cognitive impairment across the nine symptoms, except breathlessness, which showed a weaker relation to HrQoL in patients with cognitive impairment. Findings were robust in sensitivity analyses and after controlling for potential confounders. Conclusion: In advanced cancer, self-report of nine major symptoms was reliable and valid also in people with mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment.
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| 23. |
- Eriksson, Amanda, et al.
(author)
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Morphology drives water storage traits in the globally widespreadlichen genus Usnea
- 2018
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In: Fungal ecology. - : Elsevier. - 1754-5048 .- 1878-0083. ; 35, s. 51-61
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Links between lichen morphology, internal/external water storage and distribution patterns are poorly known. We compared mass- (WC, % H2O) and area-based (WHC, mg H2O cm−2) hydration traits in seven pendent or shrubby Usnea species from oceanic to continental climates. All species held more external than internal water. Internal WHC and WC increased with specific thallus mass (STM, mg cm−2), while external WC decreased. Shrubby species had higher STM and total WHC than pendent ones. The continental Usnea hirta (shrubby) had the highest total and external storage; the suboceanic Usnea longissima (pendent) had the lowest internal storage. Morphology drives hydration traits and explains distributions of some Usnea species, but such traits did not distinguish oceanic from widespread species. Shrubby species maximize water storage and thus prolong hydration after rainfall events and/or hydration by dew. The low internal WHC in pendent species is likely an adaptation to frequent hydration in humid air.
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| 24. |
- Esseen, Per-Anders, et al.
(author)
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Broad-scale distribution of epiphytic hair lichens correlates more with climate and nitrogen deposition than with forest structure
- 2016
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In: Canadian Journal of Forest Research. - : Canadian Science Publishing. - 0045-5067 .- 1208-6037. ; 46:11, s. 1348-1358
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Hair lichens are strongly influenced by forest structure at local scales, but their broad-scale distributions are less understood. We compared the occurrence and length of Alectoria sarmentosa (Ach.) Ach., Bryoria spp., and Usnea spp. in the lower canopy of > 5000 Picea abies (L.) Karst. trees within the National Forest Inventory across all productive forest in Sweden. We used logistic regression to analyse how climate, nitrogen deposition, and forest variables influence lichen occurrence. Distributions overlapped, but the distribution of Bryoria was more northern and that of Usnea was more southern, with Alectoria's distribution being intermediate. Lichen length increased towards northern regions, indicating better conditions for biomass accumulation. Logistic regression models had the highest pseudo R2 value for Bryoria, followed by Alectoria. Temperature and nitrogen deposition had higher explanatory power than precipitation and forest variables. Multiple logistic regressions suggest that lichen genera respond differently to increases in several variables. Warmingdecreased the odds for Bryoria occurrence at all temperatures. Corresponding odds for Alectoria and Usnea decreased in warmer climates, but in colder climates, they increased. Nitrogen addition decreased the odds for Alectoria and Usnea occurrence under high deposition, but under low deposition, the odds increased. Our analyses suggest major shifts in the broad-scale distribution of hair lichens with changes in climate, nitrogen deposition, and forest management.
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| 25. |
- Esseen, Per-Anders, et al.
(author)
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Influence of canopy structure and light on the three-dimensional distribution of the iconic lichen Usnea longissima
- 2023
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In: Forest Ecology and Management. - : Elsevier. - 0378-1127 .- 1872-7042. ; 529
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Forest canopies modify microclimates and create habitats for nonvascular epiphytes, but we need to better understand the mechanisms regulating their vertical and horizontal distributions. Here we examine how canopy structure and light environment influence the 3D distribution of Usnea longissima, the world's longest lichen, and associated with old-growth forests. We quantified forest structure, vertical profile of light (PPFD transmittance fraction), and horizontal as well as vertical distribution of the lichen in a 1 ha plot dominated by Picea abies. The forest had a multi-layered canopy with mortality driven by small-scale gap dynamics. The population size of the lichen had an approximate log-normal distribution with host trees showing strong clustering. The lichen extended up to mid-canopy and had a rather sharp upper limit. Population size increased with DBH and upper limit but did not correlate with basal area. The vertical profile of light was steeper in dead than in live trees, with the lichen occurring in a zone with low-intermediate light. The horizontal distribution was linked to the vertical distribution through short-distance asexual dispersal. The lichen's 3D distribution was shaped by various interacting functional mechanisms. Its absence from the upper canopy was mainly explained by sensitivity to high light when desiccated and limited capacity for upward migration. The population dynamics was driven by source trees hosting large populations in mid-canopy. The lichen's strong association with humid, old-growth forests is explained by narrow niche preferences and dispersal limitation, and not by slow growth. Protection of multi-layered forests with long continuity of tree cover is needed to secure substrates and suitable microclimates for development of viable lichen populations. Our study highlights that the 3D distribution of lichens in forest canopies is driven by forest dynamics, canopy structure, microclimate, and lichen functional traits.
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| 26. |
- Esseen, Per-Anders, et al.
(author)
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Multiple drivers of large-scale lichen decline in boreal forest canopies
- 2022
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In: Global Change Biology. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1354-1013 .- 1365-2486. ; 28:10, s. 3293-3309
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Thin, hair-like lichens (Alectoria, Bryoria, Usnea) form conspicuous epiphyte communities across the boreal biome. These poikilohydric organisms provide important ecosystem functions and are useful indicators of global change. We analyse how environmental drivers influence changes in occurrence and length of these lichens on Norway spruce (Picea abies) over 10 years in managed forests in Sweden using data from >6000 trees. Alectoria and Usnea showed strong declines in southern-central regions, whereas Bryoria declined in northern regions. Overall, relative loss rates across the country ranged from 1.7% per year in Alectoria to 0.5% in Bryoria. These losses contrasted with increased length of Bryoria and Usnea in some regions. Occurrence trajectories (extinction, colonization, presence, absence) on remeasured trees correlated best with temperature, rain, nitrogen deposition, and stand age in multinomial logistic regression models. Our analysis strongly suggests that industrial forestry, in combination with nitrogen, is the main driver of lichen declines. Logging of forests with long continuity of tree cover, short rotation cycles, substrate limitation and low light in dense forests are harmful for lichens. Nitrogen deposition has decreased but is apparently still sufficiently high to prevent recovery. Warming correlated with occurrence trajectories of Alectoria and Bryoria, likely by altering hydration regimes and increasing respiration during autumn/winter. The large-scale lichen decline on an important host has cascading effects on biodiversity and function of boreal forest canopies. Forest management must apply a broad spectrum of methods, including uneven-aged continuous cover forestry and retention of large patches, to secure the ecosystem functions of these important canopy components under future climates. Our findings highlight interactions among drivers of lichen decline (forestry, nitrogen, climate), functional traits (dispersal, lichen colour, sensitivity to nitrogen, water storage), and population processes (extinction/colonization).
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| 27. |
- Grafström, Anton, et al.
(author)
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Combinaison d’échantillons probabilistes indépendants
- 2019
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In: Survey Methodology. - : Statistics Canada. - 0714-0045 .- 1492-0921. ; 45:2, s. 371-387
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Dans divers domaines, il est de plus en plus important de fusionner les sources d’information disponibles pouraméliorer les estimations des caractéristiques de la population. En présence de plusieurs échantillonsprobabilistes indépendants d’une population finie, nous examinons plusieurs solutions d’estimateur combiné dutotal de la population, basé soit sur une combinaison linéaire d’estimateurs distincts, soit sur une méthode paréchantillon combiné. L’estimateur en combinaison linéaire fondé sur des variances estimées est susceptible d’êtrebiaisé, car les estimateurs distincts du total de la population peuvent être fortement corrélés à leurs estimateursde la variance respectifs. Nous illustrons la possibilité d’utiliser un échantillon combiné pour estimer les variancesdes estimateurs distincts, ce qui donne des estimateurs de la variance groupés généraux. Ces estimateurs de lavariance groupés utilisent tous les renseignements disponibles et peuvent réduire considérablement le biais d’unecombinaison linéaire d’estimateurs distincts.
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| 28. |
- Grafström, Anton, et al.
(author)
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On combining independent probability samples
- 2019
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In: Survey Methodology. - : Statistics Canada. - 0714-0045 .- 1492-0921. ; 45:2, s. 349-364
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Merging available sources of information is becoming increasingly important for improving estimates of population characteristics in a variety of fields. In presence of several independent probability samples from a finite population we investigate options for a combined estimator of the population total, based on either a linear combination of the separate estimators or on the combined sample approach. A linear combination estimator based on estimated variances can be biased as the separate estimators of the population total can be highly correlated to their respective variance estimators. We illustrate the possibility to use the combined sample to estimate the variances of the separate estimators, which results in general pooled variance estimators. These pooled variance estimators use all available information and have potential to significantly reduce bias of a linear combination of separate estimators.
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| 29. |
- Holmgren, Kristina, 1977-, et al.
(author)
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KNOGA. Fossilfri framdrift för tunga långväga godstransporter på väg : kostnadsfördelning och risker för olika aktörer (Executive summary)
- 2021
-
Reports (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Användningen av förnybar energi i transportsektorn behöver öka för att vi ska nå de svenska klimatmålen om minskade växthusgasutsläpp från inrikes transporterna med 70 procent till 2030, och nettonollutsläpp från samtliga sektorer till 2045. Ökningen av förnybara drivmedel behöver ske i alla segment och över hela fordonsflottan.Idag används främst diesel som drivmedel för tunga långväga godstransporter på väg men det finns alternativ för fossilfri framdrift. Denna studie har kvantifierat kostnadsstrukturer och analyserat riskfördelning mellan olika aktörer för fossilfria framdriftstekniker för tunga långväga godstransporter på väg och jämfört dem med alternativet att fortsätta använda diesel som drivmedel. Följande tekniker är inkluderade i studien: biobränslen (flytande och gasformiga), batterielektriska fordon (BEV), elvägar (tre olika tekniker), vätgasdrivna bränslecellsfordon (H2-FCEV) samt elektrobränslen. Beräkningar görs för år 2030 och 2045. Från de fem huvudkategorierna för fossilfri framdrift har ett antal representativa motortekniker, bränsleproduktionstekniker och råvaror valts ut för att analyseras i detalj. Detta har resulterat i ett trettiotal olika fossilfria alternativ till dagens användning av fossil diesel
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| 30. |
- Holmgren, Kristina, 1977-, et al.
(author)
-
KNOGA. Fossilfri framdrift för tunga långväga transporter på väg : Kostnadsfördelning och risker för olika aktörer
- 2021
-
Reports (other academic/artistic)abstract
- För att nå de svenska klimatmålen om att minska växthusgasutsläppen från inrikes transporter (undantaget flyget) med 70% till 2030 och om att nå nettonollutsläpp för samtliga sektorer till 2045behöver användningen av förnybar energi i transportsektorn öka. Denna studie kvantifierar kostnadsstrukturer och analyserar riskfördelning mellan olika aktörer förfossilfria framdriftstekniker för tunga långväga godstransporter på väg. Följande tekniker är inkluderade i studien: biobränslen (flytande och gasformiga), elfordon med batterier (BEV), elvägar (tre olika tekniker), vätgasdrivna bränslecellsfordon samt elektrobränslen.I denna studie görs också en jämförelse avseende de olika framdrivningsteknikernas växthusgasutsläpp där bränsle/energianvändning, batteriproduktion (för tekniker med elektrisk framdrivning) och elvägsinfrastruktur inkluderas.Analyserna görs för två typer av lastbilar: HGV40 och HGV60. HGV40 är en tung lastbil med en tillåten bruttovikt om max 40 ton som används inom hela Europa. HGV60 är en lastbil med en tillåten bruttovikt om max 60 ton som står för merparten av transportarbetet med lastbil i Sverige, men som bara är tillåten i ett fåtal andra europeiska länder. Beräkningar görs för år 2030 och 2045.Kostnader för de olika teknikalternativen redovisas i vad vi i denna studie har valt att kalla relativ mobilitetskostnad. Den relativa mobilitetskostnaden inkluderar: fordonens investeringskostnader, service och reparationer av fordon samt drivmedelskostnader. Drivmedelskostnaderna består av produktions-och distributionskostnader för drivmedel, där distributionskostnaderna inkluderar bådedirekta kostnader för distribution av drivmedel från produktionsanläggning till pump, samt investeringskostnader och underhåll för distributionsinfrastruktur (d.v.s. underhåll för elväg, ladd-infrastruktur eller tankstation). Genom att tydligt presentera de olika delarnas bidrag till den relativa mobilitetskostnaden erhålls en bild av hur kostnaderna för de olika framdrivningsteknikerna fördelar sig mellan fordonsinvestering, service och reparation av fordon, drivmedelsproduktions-kostnader och distributionsinfrastruktur. Alla kostnader beräknas utan skatter och avgifter. En analys som visar påverkan på den relativa mobilitetskostnaden då man belastar alternativen med en CO2-kostnad för bränsle/energianvändningen inkluderas också i studien
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| 31. |
- Jonsson, Bengt-Gunnar, et al.
(author)
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Dead wood availability in managed Swedish forests - Policy outcomes and implications for biodiversity
- 2016
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In: Forest Ecology and Management. - : Elsevier BV. - 0378-1127 .- 1872-7042. ; 376, s. 174-182
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Dead wood is a critical resource for forest biodiversity and widely used as an indicator for sustainable forest management. Based on data from the Swedish National Forest Inventory we provide baseline information and analyze trends in volume and distribution of dead wood in Swedish managed forests during 15 years. The data are based on ≈30,000 sample plots inventoried during three periods (1994-1998; 2003-2007 and 2008-2012). The forest policy has since 1994 emphasized the need to increase the amount of dead wood in Swedish forests. The average volume of dead wood in Sweden has increased by 25% (from 6.1 to 7.6 m3 ha-1) since the mid-1990s, but patterns differed among regions and tree species. The volume of conifer dead wood (mainly from Picea abies) has increased in the southern part of the country, but remained stable or decreased in the northern part. Heterogeneity of dead wood types was low in terms of species, diameter and decay classes, potentially negatively impacting on biodiversity. Overall, we found only minor effects of the current forest policy since most of the increase can be attributed to storm events creating a pulse of hard dead wood. Therefore, the implementation of established policy instruments (e.g. legislation and voluntary certification schemes) need to be revisited. In addition to the retention of dead trees during forestry operations, policy makers should consider calling for more large-scale targeted creation of dead trees and management methods with longer rotation cycles. © 2016 The Authors.
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| 32. |
- Jonsson, Bengt-Gunnar, 1963-, et al.
(author)
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Rapid changes in ground vegetation of mature boreal forests : an analysis of Swedish national forest inventory data
- 2021
-
In: Forests. - : MDPI. - 1999-4907. ; 12:4
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The boreal forest floor vegetation is critical for ecosystem functioning and an important part of forest biodiversity. Given the ongoing global change, knowledge on broad-scale changes in the composition and abundance of different plant species and species groups is hence important for both forest conservation and management. Here, we analyse permanent plot data from the National Forest Inventory (NFI) on changes in the vegetation over a 10-year period in four regions of Sweden. To limit the direct and relatively well-known effects of forest management and associated succession, we only included mature forest stands not influenced by forestry during the 10 years between inventories, and focused on vegetation change mainly related to other factors. Results show strong decrease among many species and species groups. This includes dominant species such as Vaccinimum myrtillus and Deschampsia flexuosa as well as several forest herbs. The only species increasing are some mosses in the southern regions. Our data do not allow for a causal interpretation of the observed patterns. However, the changes probably result from latent succession in combination with climate change and nitrogen deposition, and with time lags complicating the interpretation of their relative importance. Regardless of the cause, the observed changes are on a magnitude that suggest impacts on ecosystem functioning and hence highlight the need for more experimental work.
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| 33. |
- Lindgren, Johan, et al.
(author)
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Microspectroscopic evidence of cretaceous bone proteins.
- 2011
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In: PLoS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 6:4
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Low concentrations of the structural protein collagen have recently been reported in dinosaur fossils based primarily on mass spectrometric analyses of whole bone extracts. However, direct spectroscopic characterization of isolated fibrous bone tissues, a crucial test of hypotheses of biomolecular preservation over deep time, has not been performed. Here, we demonstrate that endogenous proteinaceous molecules are retained in a humerus from a Late Cretaceous mosasaur (an extinct giant marine lizard). In situ immunofluorescence of demineralized bone extracts shows reactivity to antibodies raised against type I collagen, and amino acid analyses of soluble proteins extracted from the bone exhibit a composition indicative of structural proteins or their breakdown products. These data are corroborated by synchrotron radiation-based infrared microspectroscopic studies demonstrating that amino acid containing matter is located in bone matrix fibrils that express imprints of the characteristic 67 nm D-periodicity typical of collagen. Moreover, the fibrils differ significantly in spectral signature from those of potential modern bacterial contaminants, such as biofilms and collagen-like proteins. Thus, the preservation of primary soft tissues and biomolecules is not limited to large-sized bones buried in fluvial sandstone environments, but also occurs in relatively small-sized skeletal elements deposited in marine sediments.
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| 34. |
- Mezheyeuski, Artur, et al.
(author)
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The Immune Landscape of Colorectal Cancer
- 2021
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In: Cancers. - : MDPI. - 2072-6694. ; 13:21
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We sought to provide a detailed overview of the immune landscape of colorectal cancer in the largest study to date in terms of patient numbers and analyzed immune cell types. We applied a multiplex in situ staining method in combination with an advanced scanning and image analysis pipeline akin to flow cytometry, and analyzed 5968 individual multi-layer images of tissue defining in a total of 39,078,450 cells. We considered the location of immune cells with respect to the stroma, and tumor cell compartment and tumor regions in the central part or the invasive margin. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first comprehensive spatial description of the immune landscape in colorectal cancer using a large population-based cohort and a multiplex immune cell identification.While the clinical importance of CD8+ and CD3+ cells in colorectal cancer (CRC) is well established, the impact of other immune cell subsets is less well described. We sought to provide a detailed overview of the immune landscape of CRC in the largest study to date in terms of patient numbers and in situ analyzed immune cell types. Tissue microarrays from 536 patients were stained using multiplexed immunofluorescence panels, and fifteen immune cell subclasses, representing adaptive and innate immunity, were analyzed. Overall, therapy-naive CRC patients clustered into an 'inflamed' and a 'desert' group. Most T cell subsets and M2 macrophages were enriched in the right colon (p-values 0.046-0.004), while pDC cells were in the rectum (p = 0.008). Elderly patients had higher infiltration of M2 macrophages (p = 0.024). CD8+ cells were linked to improved survival in colon cancer stages I-III (q = 0.014), while CD4+ cells had the strongest impact on overall survival in metastatic CRC (q = 0.031). Finally, we demonstrated repopulation of the immune infiltrate in rectal tumors post radiation, following an initial radiation-induced depletion. This study provides a detailed analysis of the in situ immune landscape of CRC paving the way for better diagnostics and providing hints to better target the immune microenvironment.
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| 35. |
- Olsson, Max, et al.
(author)
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Exploring the most important factors related to self-perceived health among older men in Sweden: a cross-sectional study using machine learning
- 2022
-
In: BMJ Open. - : BMJ. - 2044-6055. ; 12:6
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective To evaluate which factors are the most strongly related to self-perceived health among older men and describe the shape of the association between the related factors and self-perceived health using machine learning.Design and setting This is a cross-sectional study within the population-based VAScular and Chronic Obstructive Lung disease study (VASCOL) conducted in southern Sweden in 2019.Participants A total of 475 older men aged 73 years from the VASCOL dataset.Measures Self-perceived health was measured using the first item of the Short Form 12. An extreme gradient-boosting model was trained to classify self-perceived health as better (rated: excellent or very good) or worse (rated: fair or poor) using self-reported data on 19 prevalent physician-diagnosed health conditions, intensity of 9 symptoms and 9 demographic and lifestyle factors. Importance of factors was measured in SHapley Additive exPlanations absolute mean and higher scores correspond to greater importance.Results The most important factors for classifying self-perceived health were: pain (0.629), sleep quality (0.595), breathlessness (0.549), fatigue (0.542) and depression (0.526). Health conditions ranked well below symptoms and lifestyle variables. Low levels of symptoms, good sleep quality, regular exercise, alcohol consumption and a body mass index between 22 and 28 were associated with better self-perceived health.Conclusions Symptoms are more strongly related to self-perceived health than health conditions, which suggests that the impacts of health conditions are mediated through symptoms, which could be important targets to improve self-perceived health. Machine learning offers a new way to assess composite constructs such as well-being or quality of life.
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| 36. |
- Olsson, Max, et al.
(author)
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VAScular and Chronic Obstructive Lung disease (VASCOL) : A longitudinal study on morbidity, symptoms and quality of life among older men in Blekinge county, Sweden
- 2021
-
In: BMJ Open. - : BMJ. - 2044-6055. ; 11:7
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose Despite data showing breathlessness to be more prevalent in older adults, we have little detail about the severity or multidimensional characteristics of breathlessness and other self-reported measures (such as quality of life and other cardiorespiratory-related symptoms) in this group at the population level. We also know little about the relationship between multidimensional breathlessness, other symptoms, comorbidities and future clinical outcomes such as quality of life, hospitalisation and mortality. This paper reports the design and descriptive findings from the first two waves of a longitudinal prospective cohort study in older adults. Participants Between 2010 and 2011, 1900 men in a region in southern Sweden aged 65 years were invited to attend for VAScular and Chronic Obstructive Lung disease (VASCOL) baseline (Wave 1) assessments which included physiological measurements, blood sampling and a self-report survey of lifestyle and previous medical conditions. In 2019, follow-up postal survey data (Wave 2) were collected with additional self-report measures for breathlessness, other symptoms and quality of life. At each wave, data are cross-linked with nationwide Swedish registry data of diseases, treatment, hospitalisation and cause of death. Findings to date 1302/1900 (68%) of invited men participated in Wave 1, which include 56% of all 65-year-old men in the region. 5% reported asthma, 2% chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 56% hypertension, 10% diabetes and 19% had airflow limitation. The VASCOL cohort had comparable characteristics to those of similarly aged men in Sweden. By 2019, 109/1302 (8.4%) had died. 907/1193 (76%) of the remainder participated in Wave 2. Internal data completeness of 95% or more was achieved for most Wave 2 measures. Future plans A third wave will be conducted within 4 years, and the cohort will be followed through repeated follow-ups planned every fourth year, as well as national registry data of diagnosis, treatments and cause of death.
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| 37. |
- Palm, Andreas, 1971-, et al.
(author)
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Association between obstructive sleep apnoea and cancer : a cross-sectional, population-based study of the DISCOVERY cohort
- 2023
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In: BMJ Open. - : BMJ Publishing Group Ltd. - 2044-6055. ; 13:3
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVES: Nocturnal hypoxia in obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a potential risk factor for cancer. We aimed to investigate the association between OSA measures and cancer prevalence in a large national patient cohort.DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTINGS: 44 sleep centres in Sweden.PARTICIPANTS: 62 811 patients from the Swedish registry for positive airway pressure (PAP) treatment in OSA, linked to the national cancer registry and national socioeconomic data (the course of DIsease in patients reported to Swedish CPAP, Oxygen and VEntilator RegistrY cohort).OUTCOME MEASURES: After propensity score matching for relevant confounders (anthropometric data, comorbidities, socioeconomic status, smoking prevalence), sleep apnoea severity, measured as Apnoea-Hypopnoea Index (AHI) or Oxygen Desaturation Index (ODI), were compared between those with and without cancer diagnosis up to 5 years prior to PAP initiation. Subgroup analysis for cancer subtype was performed.RESULTS: OSA patients with cancer (n=2093) (29.8% females, age 65.3 (SD 10.1) years, body mass index 30 (IQR 27-34) kg/m2) had higher median AHI (n/hour) (32 (IQR 20-50) vs 30 (IQR 19-45), n/hour, p=0.002) and median ODI (n/hour) (28 (IQR 17-46) vs 26 (IQR 16-41), p<0.001) when compared with matched OSA patients without cancer. In subgroup analysis, ODI was significantly higher in OSA patients with lung cancer (N=57; 38 (21-61) vs 27 (16-43), p=0.012)), prostate cancer (N=617; 28 (17-46) vs 24, (16-39)p=0.005) and malignant melanoma (N=170; 32 (17-46) vs 25 (14-41),p=0.015).CONCLUSIONS: OSA mediated intermittent hypoxia was independently associated with cancer prevalence in this large, national cohort. Future longitudinal studies are warranted to study the potential protective influence of OSA treatment on cancer incidence.
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| 38. |
- Petrén, Henrik, et al.
(author)
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eta-meson production in proton-proton collisions at excess energies of 40 and 72 MeV
- 2010
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In: Physical Review C. Nuclear Physics. - 0556-2813 .- 1089-490X. ; 82:5, s. 055206-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The production of eta mesons in proton-proton collisions has been studied using the WASA detector at the CELSIUS storage ring at excess energies of Q = 40 MeV and Q = 72 MeV. The eta was detected through its 2 gamma decay in a near-4 pi electromagnetic calorimeter, whereas the protons were measured by a combination of straw chambers and plastic scintillator planes in the forward hemisphere. About 6.9 x 10(4) and 9.3 x 10(4) events were found at Q = 40 MeV and Q = 72 MeV, respectively, with background contributions of less than 5%. A simple parametrization of the production cross section in terms of low partial waves was used to evaluate the acceptance corrections. Strong evidence was found for the influence of higher partial waves. The Dalitz plots show the presence of p waves in both the pp and the eta {pp} systems and the angular distributions of the eta in the center-of-mass frame suggest the influence of d-wave eta mesons.
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| 39. |
- Remgård, Pär, et al.
(author)
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Growth cones of regenerating adult sciatic sensory axons release axonally transported proteins
- 1992
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In: Brain Research. - 0006-8993. ; 572:1-2, s. 139-145
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Labelled, rapidly transported axonal proteins were shown to be released frog adult frog sciatic sensory neurons, regenerating in vitro after a crush injury. The spatial distribution of the transported, released proteins could accurately be resolved by culturing the nerve on nitrocellulose paper, which trapped the released proteins. The release was located to the crush and to the entire outgrowth region. When regeneration was inhibited by adenosine, the release was limited to the crush site, implying that the release was linked to the growing axons. Other experiments suggested that the release emanated from growth cones. Furthermore, two-dimensional electrophoretical analysis of both fast axonally transported and of released proteins showed that the represented a selection of the transported protein species.
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| 40. |
- Ståhl, Göran, et al.
(author)
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Informative plot sizes in presence-absence sampling of forest floor vegetation
- 2017
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In: Methods in Ecology and Evolution. - Hoboken : British Ecological Society. - 2041-210X. ; 8:10, s. 1284-1291
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- 1. Plant communities are attracting increased interest in connection with forest and landscape inventories due to society’s interest in ecosystem services. However, the acquisition of accurate information about plant communities poses several methodological challenges. Here, we investigate the use of presence-absence sampling with the aim to monitor state and change in plant density. We study what plot sizes are informative, i.e. the estimators should have as high precision as possible.2. Plant occurrences were modelled through different Poisson processes and tests were developed for assessing the plausibility of the model assumptions. Optimum plot sizes were determined by minimizing the variance of the estimators. While state estimators of similar kind as ours have been proposed in previous studies, our tests and change estimation procedures are new.3. We found that the most informative plot size for state estimation is 1.6 divided by the plant density, i.e. if the true density is 1 plant per square metre the optimum plot size is 1.6 square metres. This is in accordance with previous findings. More importantly, the most informative plot size for change estimation was smaller and depended on the change patterns. We provide theoretical results as well as some empirical results based on data from the Swedish National Forest Inventory.4. Use of too small or too large plots resulted in poor precision of the density (and density change) estimators. As a consequence, a range of different plot sizes would be required for jointly monitoring both common and rareplants using presence-absence sampling in monitoring programmes.
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| 41. |
- Ståhl, Göran, et al.
(author)
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Presence-absence sampling for estimating plant density using survey data with variable plot size
- 2020
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In: Methods in Ecology and Evolution. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 2041-210X. ; 11:4, s. 580-590
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Presence–absence sampling is an important method for monitoring state and change of both individual plant species and communities. With this method, only the presence or absence of the target species is recorded on plots and thus the method is straightforward to apply and less prone to surveyor judgement compared to other vegetation monitoring methods. However, in the basic setting, all plots must be equally large or otherwise it is unclear how data should be analysed. In this study, we propose and evaluate five different methods for estimating plant density based on presence–absence registrations from surveys with variable plot sizes.Using artificial plant population data as well as empirical data from the Swedish National Forest Inventory, we evaluated the performance of the proposed methods. The main analysis was conducted through sampling simulation in artificial populations, whereby bias and variance of density estimators for the different methods were quantified and compared.Both for state and change estimation of plant density, we found that the best method to handle variable plot size was to perform generalized least squares regression, using plot size as an independent variable. Methods where plots smaller than a certain threshold were excluded or their registrations recalculated were, however, almost as good. Using all registrations as if they were obtained from plots with the nominal plot size resulted in substantial bias.Our findings are important for plant population studies in a wide range of environmental monitoring programmes. In these programmes, plots are typically randomly laid out and may be located across boundaries between different land‐use or land‐cover classes, resulting in subplots of variable size. Such splitting of plots is common when large plots are used, for example, with the 100 m2 plots used in the Swedish National Forest Inventory. Our methods overcome problems to estimate plant density from presence–absence data observed in plots that vary in size.
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| 42. |
- Wiklund, Peter, et al.
(author)
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Protein kinase C and mouse sciatic nerve regeneration
- 1996
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In: Brain Research. - : Elsevier BV. - 0006-8993. ; 715:1-2, s. 145-154
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We have studied the role of protein kinase C (PKC) in peripheral nerve regeneration by using the cultured adult mouse sciatic nerve, which displays regrowth of sensory axons under serum-free conditions. By the use of immunohistochemistry we show that one of the isoforms of PKC, PKCβ, is present in the nerve cell bodies of normal nerves and is upregulated after injury. In spite of this, the specific PKC inhibitor chelerythrine at 5 μM, a concentration well above its IC50 value for PKC, failed to reduce the outgrowth distance of new axons. This was not due to impermeability of the drug, since the same concentration caused a clear reduction of the injury-induced proliferation of Schwann cells in the crush region. Likewise, HA-1004, an inhibitor of cyclic nucleotide-dependent protein kinases, also lacked effect on outgrowth when used on its own, even at very high concentrations (100 μM). In contrast, outgrowth was significantly reduced when 5 μM chelerythrine and 5 μM HA-1004 were used in combination. In conclusion, the present results suggest that PKC-activity is important but not indispensable for the regeneration process. Successful completion of the latter could be achieved by several, perhaps redundant, phosphorylation systems.
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