| 1. |
|
|
| 2. |
|
|
| 3. |
- Baliakas, Panagiotis, et al.
(author)
-
Clinical effect of stereotyped B-cell receptor immunoglobulins in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: a retrospective multicentre study
- 2014
-
In: The Lancet Haematology. - 2352-3026. ; 1:2, s. 74-84
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background About 30% of cases of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) carry quasi-identical B-cell receptor immunoglobulins and can be assigned to distinct stereotyped subsets. Although preliminary evidence suggests that B-cell receptor immunoglobulin stereotypy is relevant from a clinical viewpoint, this aspect has never been explored in a systematic manner or in a cohort of adequate size that would enable clinical conclusions to be drawn. Methods For this retrospective, multicentre study, we analysed 8593 patients with CLL for whom immunogenetic data were available. These patients were followed up in 15 academic institutions throughout Europe (in Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden, and the UK) and the USA, and data were collected between June 1, 2012, and June 7, 2013. We retrospectively assessed the clinical implications of CLL B-cell receptor immunoglobulin stereotypy, with a particular focus on 14 major stereotyped subsets comprising cases expressing unmutated (U-CLL) or mutated (M-CLL) immunoglobulin heavy chain variable genes. The primary outcome of our analysis was time to first treatment, defined as the time between diagnosis and date of first treatment. Findings 2878 patients were assigned to a stereotyped subset, of which 1122 patients belonged to one of 14 major subsets. Stereotyped subsets showed significant differences in terms of age, sex, disease burden at diagnosis, CD38 expression, and cytogenetic aberrations of prognostic significance. Patients within a specific subset generally followed the same clinical course, whereas patients in different stereotyped subsets-despite having the same immunoglobulin heavy variable gene and displaying similar immunoglobulin mutational status-showed substantially different times to first treatment. By integrating B-cell receptor immunoglobulin stereotypy (for subsets 1, 2, and 4) into the well established Dohner cytogenetic prognostic model, we showed these, which collectively account for around 7% of all cases of CLL and represent both U-CLL and M-CLL, constituted separate clinical entities, ranging from very indolent (subset 4) to aggressive disease (subsets 1 and 2). Interpretation The molecular classification of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia based on B-cell receptor immunoglobulin stereotypy improves the Dohner hierarchical model and refines prognostication beyond immunoglobulin mutational status, with potential implications for clinical decision making, especially within prospective clinical trials.
|
|
| 4. |
- Baliakas, Panagiotis, et al.
(author)
-
Not all IGHV3-21 chronic lymphocytic leukemias are equal: prognostic considerations.
- 2015
-
In: Blood. - : American Society of Hematology. - 1528-0020 .- 0006-4971. ; 125:5, s. 856-859
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- An unresolved issue in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is whether IGHV3-21 gene usage, in general, or the expression of stereotyped B-cell receptor immunoglobulin defining subset #2 (IGHV3-21/IGLV3-21), in particular, determines outcome for IGHV3-21-utilizing cases. We reappraised this issue in 8593 CLL patients of whom 437 (5%) used the IGHV3-21 gene with 254/437 (58%) classified as subset #2. Within subset #2, immunoglobulin heavy variable (IGHV)-mutated cases predominated, whereas non-subset #2/IGHV3-21 was enriched for IGHV-unmutated cases (P = .002). Subset #2 exhibited significantly shorter time-to-first-treatment (TTFT) compared with non-subset #2/IGHV3-21 (22 vs 60 months, P = .001). No such difference was observed between non-subset #2/IGHV3-21 vs the remaining CLL with similar IGHV mutational status. In conclusion, IGHV3-21 CLL should not be axiomatically considered a homogeneous entity with adverse prognosis, given that only subset #2 emerges as uniformly aggressive, contrasting non-subset #2/IGVH3-21 patients whose prognosis depends on IGHV mutational status as the remaining CLL.
|
|
| 5. |
- Barbu, Andreea, et al.
(author)
-
Blood flow in endogenous and transplanted pancreatic islets in anesthetized rats : Effects of lactate and pyruvate
- 2012
-
In: Pancreas. - 0885-3177 .- 1536-4828. ; 41:8, s. 1263-1271
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of exogenously administered lactate and pyruvate on blood perfusion in endogenous and transplanted islets. METHODS: Anesthetized Wistar-Furth rats were given lactate or pyruvate intravenously, and regional blood perfusion was studied 3 or 30 minutes later with a microsphere technique. Separate rats received a 30-minute infusion of pyruvate or lactate into the portal vein before blood flow measurements. We also administered these substances to islet-implanted rats 4 weeks after transplantation and measured graft blood flow with laser Doppler flowmetry. The expression of monocarboxylate transporter 1 and lactate dehydrogenase A was analyzed. RESULTS: The expression of monocarboxylate transporter 1 and lactate dehydrogenase A was markedly up-regulated in transplanted as compared with endogenous islets. Administration of pyruvate, but not lactate, increased mesenteric blood flow after 3 minutes. Pyruvate decreased mesenteric blood flow after 30 minutes, whereas lactate decreased only islet blood flow. These responses were absent in transplanted animals. A continuous intraportal infusion of lactate or pyruvate increased selectively islet blood flow but did not affect blood perfusion of transplanted islets. CONCLUSIONS: Lactate and pyruvate affect islet blood flow through effects mediated by interactions between the liver and the nervous system. Such a response can help adjust the release of islet hormones during excess substrate concentrations.
|
|
| 6. |
- Barbu, Andreea, et al.
(author)
-
The use of hydrogen gas clearance for blood flow measurements in single endogenous and transplanted pancreatic islets
- 2015
-
In: Microvascular Research. - : Elsevier BV. - 0026-2862 .- 1095-9319. ; 97, s. 124-129
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The blood perfusion of pancreatic islets is regulated independently from that of the exocrine pancreas, and is of importance for multiple aspects of normal islet function, and probably also during impaired glucose tolerance. Single islet blood flow has been difficult to evaluate due to technical limitations. We therefore adapted a hydrogen gas washout technique using microelectrodes to allow such measurements. Platinum micro-electrodes monitored hydrogen gas clearance from individual endogenous and transplanted islets in the pancreas of male Lewis rats and in human and mouse islets implanted under the renal capsule of male athymic mice. Both in the rat endogenous pancreatic islets as well as in the intra-pancreatically transplanted islets, the vascular conductance and blood flow values displayed a highly heterogeneous distribution, varying by factors 6-10 within the same pancreas. The blood flow of human and mouse islet grafts transplanted in athymic mice was approximately 30% lower than that in the surrounding renal parenchyma. The present technique provides unique opportunities to study the islet vascular dysfunction seen after transplantation, but also allows for investigating the effects of genetic and environmental perturbations on islet blood flow at the single islet level in vivo. (C) 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc.
|
|
| 7. |
- Barman, Malin, 1983, et al.
(author)
-
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in infants’ plasma and corresponding mother's milk and plasma in relation to subsequent sensitisation and atopic disease
- 2024
-
In: EBioMedicine. - 2352-3964. ; 101
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in intestinal contents may influence immune function, while less is known about SCFAs in blood plasma. The aims were to investigate the relation between infants’ and maternal plasma SCFAs, as well as SCFAs in mother's milk, and relate SCFA concentrations in infant plasma to subsequent sensitisation and atopic disease. Methods: Infant plasma (N = 148) and corresponding mother's milk and plasma were collected four months postpartum. Nine SCFA (formic, acetic, propionic, isobutyric, butyric, succinic, valeric, isovaleric, and caproic acid) were analysed by UPLC-MS. At 12 months of age, atopic disease was diagnosed by a pediatric allergologist, and sensitisation was measured by skin prick test. All families participated in the Swedish birth cohort NICE (Nutritional impact on Immunological maturation during Childhood in relation to the Environment). Findings: Infants with sensitisation, atopic eczema, or food allergy had significantly lower concentrations of five, three, and two SCFAs, respectively, in plasma at four months. Logistic regressions models showed significant negative associations between formic, succinic, and caproic acid and sensitisation [ORadj (95% CI) per SD: 0.41 (0.19–0.91); 0.19 (0.05–0.75); 0.25 (0.09–0.66)], and between acetic acid and atopic eczema [0.42 (0.18–0.95)], after adjusting for maternal allergy. Infants’ and maternal plasma SCFA concentrations correlated strongly, while milk SCFA concentrations were unrelated to both. Butyric and caproic acid concentrations were enriched around 100-fold, and iso-butyric and valeric acid around 3-5-fold in mother's milk, while other SCFAs were less prevalent in milk than in plasma. Interpretation: Butyric and caproic acid might be actively transported into breast milk to meet the needs of the infant, although mechanistic studies are needed to confirm this. The negative associations between certain SCFAs on sensitisation and atopic disease adds to prior evidence regarding their immunoregulatory potential. Funding: Swedish Research Council (Nr. 2013-3145 and 2019-0137 to A-S.S.), Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare FORTE, Nr 2018-00485 to A.W.), The Swedish Asthma and Allergy Association's Research Fund (2020-0020 to A.S.).
|
|
| 8. |
|
|
| 9. |
- Christoffersson, Gustaf, et al.
(author)
-
Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Is Essential for Physiological Beta Cell Function and Islet Vascularization in Adult Mice
- 2015
-
In: American Journal of Pathology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0002-9440 .- 1525-2191. ; 185:4, s. 1094-1103
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The availability of paracrine factors in the islets of Langerhans, and the constitution of the beta cell basement membrane can both be affected by proteolytic enzymes. This study aimed to investigate the effects of the extraceaular matrix-degrading enzyme gelatinase B/matrix metalloproteinase-9 (Mmp-9) on islet function in mice. Islet function of Mmp9-deficient (Mmp9(-/-)) mice and their wild-type Littermates was evaluated both in vivo and in vitro. The pancreata of Mmp9(-/-) mice did not differ from wild type in islet mass or distribution. However, Mmp9(-/-) mice had an impaired response to a glucose toad in vivo, with lower serum insulin levels. The glucose-stimulated insulin secretion was reduced also in vitro in isolated Mmp9(-/-) islets. The vascular density of Mmp9(-/-) islets was lower, and the capillaries had fewer fenestrations, whereas the islet blood flow was threefold higher. These alterations could partly be explained by compensatory changes in the expression of matrix-related proteins. This in-depth investigation of the effects of the loss of MMP9(-/-) function on pancreatic islets uncovers a deteriorated beta cell function that is primarily due to a shift in the beta cell phenotype, but also due to islet vascular aberrations. This likely reflects the importance of a normal islet matrix turnover exerted by MMP-9, and concomitant release of paracrine factors sequestered on the matrix.
|
|
| 10. |
- Daelman, Bo, et al.
(author)
-
Frailty and cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults with congenital heart disease
- 2024
-
In: Journal of the American College of Cardiology. - : Elsevier. - 0735-1097 .- 1558-3597. ; 83:12, s. 1149-1159
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Life expectancy of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) has increased rapidly, resulting in a growing and aging population. Recent studies have shown that older people with CHD have higher morbidity, health care use, and mortality. To maintain longevity and quality of life, understanding their evolving medical and psychosocial challenges is essential.Objectives: The authors describe the frailty and cognitive profile of middle-aged and older adults with CHD to identify predictor variables and to explore the relationship with hospital admissions and outpatient visits.Methods: Using a cross-sectional, multicentric design, we included 814 patients aged ≥40 years from 11 countries. Frailty phenotype was determined using the Fried method. Cognitive function was assessed by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment.Results: In this sample, 52.3% of patients were assessed as robust, 41.9% as prefrail, and 5.8% as frail; 38.8% had cognitive dysfunction. Multinomial regression showed that frailty was associated with older age, female sex, higher physiologic class, and comorbidities. Counterintuitively, patients with mild heart defects were more likely than those with complex lesions to be prefrail. Patients from middle-income countries displayed more prefrailty than those from higher-income countries. Logistic regression demonstrated that cognitive dysfunction was related to older age, comorbidities, and lower country-level income.Conclusions: Approximately one-half of included patients were (pre-)frail, and more than one-third experienced cognitive impairment. Frailty and cognitive dysfunction were identified in patients with mild CHD, indicating that these concerns extend beyond severe CHD. Assessing frailty and cognition routinely could offer valuable insights into this aging population.
|
|
| 11. |
- de-Wahl Granelli, Anne, 1970, et al.
(author)
-
Impact of pulse oximetry screening on the detection of duct dependent congenital heart disease: a Swedish prospective screening study in 39,821 newborns.
- 2009
-
In: BMJ (Clinical research ed.). - 1468-5833. ; 338
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of pulse oximetry to screen for early detection of life threatening congenital heart disease. DESIGN: Prospective screening study with a new generation pulse oximeter before discharge from well baby nurseries in West Götaland. Cohort study comparing the detection rate of duct dependent circulation in West Götaland with that in other regions not using pulse oximetry screening. Deaths at home with undetected duct dependent circulation were included. SETTING: All 5 maternity units in West Götaland and the supraregional referral centre for neonatal cardiac surgery. PARTICIPANTS: 39,821 screened babies born between 1 July 2004 and 31 March 2007. Total duct dependent circulation cohorts: West Götaland n=60, other referring regions n=100. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and likelihood ratio for pulse oximetry screening and for neonatal physical examination alone. RESULTS: In West Götaland 29 babies in well baby nurseries had duct dependent circulation undetected before neonatal discharge examination. In 13 cases, pulse oximetry showed oxygen saturations
|
|
| 12. |
- Dedic, Dina, et al.
(author)
-
Analysis of lignin and extractives in the oak wood of the 17th century warship Vasa
- 2014
-
In: Holzforschung. - : Walter de Gruyter GmbH. - 0018-3830 .- 1437-434X. ; 68:4, s. 419-425
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The wood in the 17th century Swedish warship Vasa is weak. A depolymerization of the wood's cellulose has been linked to the weakening, but the chemical mechanisms are yet unclear. The objective of this study was to analyze the lignin and tannin moieties of the wood to clarify whether the depolymerization of cellulose via ongoing oxidative mechanisms is indeed the main reason for weakening the wood in the Vasa. Lignin was analyzed by solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance [cross-polarization/magic-angle spinning (CP/MAS) C-13 NMR] and by means of wet chemical degradation (thioacidolysis) followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) of the products. No differences could be observed between the Vasa samples and the reference samples that could have been ascribed to extensive lignin degradation. Wood extracts (tannins) were analyzed by matrix- assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) combined with time-of-flight (TOF) MS and C-13 NMR spectroscopy. The wood of the Vasa contained no discernible amounts of tannins, whereas still-waterlogged Vasa wood contained ellagic acid and traces of castalagin/vescalagin and grandinin. The results indicate that the condition of lignin in the Vasa wood is similar to fresh oak and that potentially harmful tannins are not present in high amounts. Thus, oxidative degradation mechanisms are not supported as a primary route to cellulose depolymerization.
|
|
| 13. |
|
|
| 14. |
- Dedic, Dina, et al.
(author)
-
Chemical analysis of wood extractives and lignin in the oak wood of the 380 year old Swedish warship Vasa
- 2011
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In order to map the source of oxalic acid in the interior wood of the Vasa ship, an analysis of wood extractives (tannins) was conducted. Samples used for analysis were PEG-impregnated dry Vasa wood, waterlogged Vasa wood and a reference material (fresh oak). The wood material was ground and extracted with an acetone/water-mixture. In the reference sample, several types of tannins were found such as the isomers castalagin/vescalagin and grandinin and their dimmers roburin A/D and roburin B/C respectively. The results have been confirmed by NMR spectroscopy and MALDI-TOF. The interior of the waterlogged Vasa wood contained small amounts of monomers, whereas the dry, PEG treated Vasa revealed no discernible amounts of hydrolysable tannins or other easily soluble compounds. Furthermore, an analysis of lignin was made by means of chemical degradation (thioacidolysis). A decrease in the amount of β-O-4 bonds in the lignin structure would imply a formation of easily oxidized free phenolics. The products were analyzed by GC-MS, which revealed no dramatic differences between the Vasa samples and the reference. The results were confirmed by CP/MAS NMR by analyzing the differences in the aromatic region (150∼160 ppm) as well as the carbonyl region (190∼200 ppm).
|
|
| 15. |
- Ehrström, Monica, 1970-
(author)
-
Uppmärksamhet för bedömning : att följa varje barns lärprocesser för en likvärdig utbildning i förskolan
- 2023
-
Licentiate thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The purpose of this study was to contribute with knowledge about the tension between preschool teachers' mission to teach and support children's learning on the one hand and the mission to assess children's learning processes on the other hand, in relation to equality in education. In Swedish preschools, children with different experiences meet, all of whom should have the opportunity to develop and learn based on their varied circumstances and needs. According to the Education Act (SFS, 2010:800), preschool education must be equal, and all children must have the opportunity to learn and develop as far as possible based on their potential. However, previous research (Alasuutari, Vallberg Roth & Markström, 2014) indicates that assessment involves risks for children’s identity creation. This study examines how seven preschool teachers tackle the challenge of assessing and paying attention to individual children in their ongoing learning processes. A sociocultural perspective (Vygotskij, 1978) has been used to study preschool teachers' reasoning about assessment in relation to each child's possibilities for being supported in their proximal development zone. The sociocultural perspective stresses the importance of cultural tools for communication. Stimulated-recall interviews were conducted with seven preschool teachers in Sweden. Content analysis was used to reveal the views that emerged in preschool teachers’ descriptions.In the preschool teachers' reasoning, different strategies for assessment and methods for making the child's learning processes visible as well as approaches for following the progression in children's learning processes have emerged, which can create both opportunities and limitations for children to learn based on their potential. Findings indicate three areas significant for assessment in relation to an equivalent education in this study. Firstly, there is clarity regarding the approach to assessment, what is to be given attention and assessed and how the assessment should be carried out. Secondly, the preschool teachers in the study have knowledge about various methods to make children's learning processes visible and thus possible to follow over time. Thirdly, the preschool teachers in the study know how to draw attention to and make visible the child's learning from a holistic perspective. The Licentiate thesis highlights different strategies for assessment, methods for making the child's learning processes visible and approaches for following the progression in children's learning processes that emerged during the preschool teachers' reasoning. The study has shown that attentiveness (Elbaz, 1992) can be used as a concept to bridge the tension surrounding assessment.
|
|
| 16. |
|
|
| 17. |
- Fred, Rikard G., et al.
(author)
-
The human insulin mRNA is partly translated via a cap- and eIF4A-independent mechanism
- 2011
-
In: Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications - BBRC. - : Elsevier BV. - 0006-291X .- 1090-2104. ; 412:4, s. 693-698
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim of this study was to investigate whether cap-independent insulin mRNA translation occurs in human pancreatic islets at basal conditions, during stimulation at a high glucose concentration and at conditions of nitrosative stress. We also aimed at correlating cap-independent insulin mRNA translation with binding of the IRES trans-acting factor polypyrimidine tract binding protein (FTB) to the 5'-UTR of insulin mRNA. For this purpose, human islets were incubated for 2 h in the presence of low (1.67 mM) or high glucose (16.7 mM). Nitrosative stress was induced by addition of 1 mM DETA/NO and cap-dependent mRNA translation was inhibited with hippuristanol. Insulin biosynthesis rates were determined by radioactive labeling and immunoprecipitation. PTB affinity to insulin mRNA 5'-UTR was assessed by a magnetic micro bead pull-down procedure. We observed that in the presence of 1.67 mM glucose, approximately 70% of the insulin mRNA translation was inhibited by hippuristanol. Corresponding value from islets incubated at 16.7 mM glucose was 93%. DETA/NO treatment significantly decreased the translation of insulin by 85% in high glucose incubated islets, and by 50% at a low glucose concentration. The lowered insulin biosynthesis rates of DETA/NO-exposed islets were further suppressed by hippuristanol with 55% at 16.7 mM glucose but not at 1.67 mM glucose. Thus, hippuristanol-induced inhibition of insulin biosynthesis was less pronounced in DETA/NO-treated islets as compared to control islets. We observed also that PTB bound specifically to the insulin mRNA 5'-UTR in vitro, and that this binding corresponded well with rates of cap-independent insulin biosynthesis at the different conditions. In conclusion, our studies show that insulin biosynthesis is mainly cap-dependent at a high glucose concentration, but that the cap-independent biosynthesis of insulin can constitute as much as 40-100% of all insulin biosynthesis during conditions of nitrosative stress. These data suggest that the pancreatic beta-cell is able to uphold basal insulin synthesis at conditions of starvation and stress via a cap- and eIF4A-independent mechanism, possibly mediated by the binding of FIB to the 5'-UTR of the human insulin mRNA.
|
|
| 18. |
|
|
| 19. |
|
|
| 20. |
- Gao, Xiang, et al.
(author)
-
Effects of GIP on regional blood flow during normoglycemia and hyperglycemia in anesthetized rats
- 2018
-
In: Physiological Reports. - : Wiley. - 2051-817X. ; 6:8
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The incretin hormone glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) potentiates glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, and affects -cell turnover. This study aimed at evaluating if some of the beneficial effects of GIP on glucose homeostasis can be explained by modulation of islet blood flow. Anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats were infused intravenously with different doses of GIP (10, 20, or 60ng/kg*min) for 30min. Subsequent organ blood flow measurements were performed with microspheres. In separate animals, islets were perfused exvivo with GIP (10(-6)-10(-12)mol/L) during normo- and hyperglycemia and arteriolar responsiveness was recorded. The highest dose of GIP potentiated insulin secretion during hyperglycemia, but had no effect in normoglycemic rats. The highest GIP concentration decreased blood perfusion of whole pancreas, pancreatic islets, duodenum, colon, liver and kidneys. The decrease in blood flow was unaffected by ganglion blockade or adenosine receptor inhibition. In contrast to this, in single perfused islets GIP induced a dose-dependent arteriolar dilation. Thus, high doses of GIP exert a direct dilatory effect on islet arterioles in isolated islets, but induce a generalized vasoconstriction in splanchnic organs, including the whole pancreas and islets, invivo. The latter effect is unlikely to be mediated by adenosine, the autonomic nervous system, or endothelial mediators.
|
|
| 21. |
- Gao, Xiang, et al.
(author)
-
Effects of Mn-DPDP and manganese chloride on hemodynamics and glucose tolerance in anesthetized rats
- 2014
-
In: Acta Radiologica. - : SAGE Publications. - 0284-1851 .- 1600-0455. ; 55:3, s. 328-334
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Previous studies have demonstrated that magnetic resonance imaging may be a method of choice to visualize transplanted pancreatic islets. However, contrast agents may interfere with microcirculation and affect graft function. Purpose To evaluate the effects manganese-containing contrast media on regional blood flow and glucose tolerance. Material and Methods Anesthetized rats were injected intravenously with MnCl2 (10 mu M/kg body weight) or Mn-DPDP (Teslascan; 5 mu M/kg body weight). Blood flow measurements were made with a microsphere technique 10min later. In separate animals vascular arteriolar reactivity in isolated, perfused islets was examined. Furthermore, an intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test was performed in separate rats. Results Glucose tolerance was unaffected by both agents. No changes in regional blood flow were seen after administration of Mn-DPDP, except for an increase in arterial liver blood flow. MnCl2 increased all blood flow values except that of the kidney. MnCl2, but not Mn-DPDP, caused a vasoconstriction in isolated rat islet arterioles but only at very high doses. Conclusion Mn-DPDP administration does not affect glucose tolerance or regional blood flow, besides an increase in arterial hepatic blood flow, and may therefore be suitable for visualization of islets.
|
|
| 22. |
- Gao, Xiang, et al.
(author)
-
Important role of P2Y receptors for islet blood flow regulation in anesthetized rats during acute and chronic hyperglycemia
-
Other publication (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Pancreatic islet blood flow is regulated through a complex interplay between nervous, metabolic and local endothelial factors. We have previously shown that adenosine is an important vasodilator in the metabolic regulation of islet blood flow and now wanted to examine whether also ATP/ADP/AMP could affect islet blood perfusion through P2Y receptors. To achieve this we examined local blood flow values in normoglycemic and acutely hyperglycemic Sprague-Dawley rats as well as GK rats, a type 2 diabetes model. We inhibited P2Y receptors in general with suramine and, since P2Y13 receptors are known to inhibit insulin secretion, we also examined the effects of a selective P2Y13 receptor inhibitor, viz. MRS2211. We found that all GK rats were hyperglycemic and hypertensive when compared to SD rats. Basal islet blood flow in SD rats was decreased by MRS2211, and there was a trend for this to occur also after suramine administration. The glucose-induced islet blood flow increase in SD rats was impaired after suramine and MRS2211 treatment. GK rats had higher islet blood flow, but not islet vascular conductance, than SD rats, which did not react to acute hyperglycemia or the P2Y receptor inhibitors. Similar findings were made in an islet arteriole perfusion model, suggesting that local P2Y receptors are involved. A surprising finding was that especially suramine markedly increased colonic blood flow in SD rats, and decreased this blood flow in GK rats. We conclude that not only adenosine, but also also ATP and especially ADP stimulate both basal and glucose-stimulated islet blood flow in anesthetized SD rats, but this response is not seen in GK rats. Also colonic blood flow seems to be sensitive to P2Y receptors and increase its blood flow when these receptors are inhibited. The mechanisms behind this are unknown.
|
|
| 23. |
- Gao, Xiang, et al.
(author)
-
Short-term glucosamine infusion increases islet blood flow in anesthetized rats
- 2013
-
In: ISLETS. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1938-2014 .- 1938-2022. ; 5:5, s. 201-206
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes in rodents are associated with increased islet blood flow. If this is important for modulation of the endocrine function is at present unknown. We evaluated if glucosamine infusion, which induces peripheral insulin resistance and glucose intolerance, could be used to acutely increase islet blood flow. We infused anaesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats for 2 h with glucosamine (6 mg/kg body weight), in some cases followed by glucose administration. The former induced a 2-fold increase in serum insulin concentrations while plasma glucose remained unchanged. In vitro an augmented insulin response to hyperglycemia and decreased insulin content in batch type islet incubations with glucosamine for 24 h were seen. After 2 h glucosamine exposure in vitro, insulin release was decreased. In vivo glucosamine infusion increased islet blood flow, without affecting other regional blood flow values. Glucose increased islet blood flow to the same extent in control and glucosamine-infused rats. When exposed to 10 mmol/L glucosamine arterioles of isolated perfused islets showed a 10% dilation of their vascular smooth muscle. Thus, application of this model leads to acute hyperinsulinemia in vivo but a decreased insulin release in vitro, which suggests that effects not located to beta cells are responsible for the effects seen in vivo. An increased islet blood flow in previously healthy animals was also seen after glucose administration, which can be used to further dissect the importance of blood flow changes in islet function.
|
|
| 24. |
- Gio-Batta, Monica, et al.
(author)
-
Fecal short chain fatty acids in children living on farms and a link between valeric acid and protection from eczema.
- 2020
-
In: Scientific reports. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2045-2322. ; 10:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Children growing up on farms have low rates of allergy, but the mechanism for this protective effect has not been fully elucidated. Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by the gut microbiota may play a role in protection from allergy. We measured fecal SCFA levels in samples collected from 28 farming and 37 control children over the first 3years of life using gas chromatography. Data on diet and other host factors were recorded and allergy was diagnosed at 8years of age. Among all children, median propionic and butyric acid concentration increased over the first 3years, and longer SCFAs typically appeared by 1year of age. Farm children had higher levels of iso-butyric, iso-valeric and valeric acid at 3years of age than rural controls. In addition, children with elder siblings had higher levels of valeric acid at 3years of age, and dietary factors also affected SCFA pattern. High levels of valeric acid at 3years of age were associated with low rate of eczema at 8years of age. The fecal SCFA pattern in farm children suggests a more rapid maturation of the gut microbiota. Valeric acid or associated microbes may have protective potential against eczema.
|
|
| 25. |
|
|
| 26. |
- Haros, Monica, et al.
(author)
-
Phytate degradation by human gut isolated Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum ATCC27919 and its probiotic potential
- 2009
-
In: International Journal of Food Microbiology. - : Elsevier BV. - 1879-3460 .- 0168-1605. ; 135:1, s. 7-14
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The growing awareness of the relationship between diet and health has led to an increasing demand for food products that support health above and beyond providing basic nutrition. Probiotics are live organisms present in foods, which yield health benefits related to their interactions with the gastrointestinal tract. Phytases are a subgroup of phosphatases that catalyse the desphosphorylation of phytate, which reduces its negative impact on mineral bioavailability, and generates lower inositol phosphates. The aims of this investigation were to (i) study the ability of the probiotic candidate Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum to degrade phytate in synthetic medium, to (ii) identify the lower inositol phosphates generated, to (iii) study its survival under conditions mimicking gastrointestinal passage and finally to (iv) assess adhesion of the bacteria to Caco-2 cells. The first steps of InsP(6) degradation by B. pseudocatenulatum phytate-degrading enzyme/s were preferentially initiated at the DL-6-position and 5-position of the myo-inositol ring. It suggests that the main InsP(6) degradation pathway by B. pseudocatenulatum by sequential removal of phosphate groups was D/L-Ins(1,2,3,4,5)P(5) or D/L-Ins(1,2,3,4,6)P(5); D/L-Ins(1,2,3,4)P(4); to finally Ins(1,2,3)P(3) and D/L-Ins(1,2,4)P(3)/D/L-Ins(1,3,4)P(3). This human strain also showed a notable tolerance to bile as well as a selective adhesion capacity (adhesion to control surfaces was zero), to human intestinal Caco-2 cells comparable to the commercial probiotic B. lactis. The phytate-degrading activity constitutes a novel metabolic trait which could contribute to the improvement of mineral absorption in the intestine as a nutritional probiotic feature with potential trophic effect in human gut.
|
|
| 27. |
- Jansson, Leif, et al.
(author)
-
Pancreatic islet blood flow and its measurement
- 2016
-
In: Upsala Journal of Medical Sciences. - : Uppsala Medical Society. - 0300-9734 .- 2000-1967. ; 121:2, s. 81-95
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Pancreatic islets are richly vascularized, and islet blood vessels are uniquely adapted to maintain and support the internal milieu of the islets favoring normal endocrine function. Islet blood flow is normally very high compared with that to the exocrine pancreas and is autonomously regulated through complex interactions between the nervous system, metabolites from insulin secreting beta-cells, endothelium derived mediators, and hormones. The islet blood flow is normally coupled to the needs for insulin release and is usually disturbed during glucose intolerance and overt diabetes. The present review provides a brief background on islet vascular function and especially focuses on available techniques to measure islet blood perfusion. The gold standard for islet blood flow measurements in experimental animals is the microsphere technique, and its advantages and disadvantages will be discussed. In humans there are still no methods to measure islet blood flow selectively, but new developments in radiological techniques hold great hopes for the future.
|
|
| 28. |
- Johansson, Åsa, et al.
(author)
-
Endothelial cell signalling supports pancreatic beta cellfunction in the rat
- 2009
-
In: Diabetologia. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0012-186X .- 1432-0428. ; 52:11, s. 2385-2394
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aims/hypothesis The proximity of endothelial cells andbeta cells in islets by necessity means that they are exposedto each other’s products. Whereas islet endothelial cellsrequire signals from beta cells to function properly,endothelin-1, thrombospondin-1 and laminins, amongothers, have been identified as endothelial-derived molecules,although their full effects on beta cells have not beenexplored. We tested the hypothesis that islet endothelialderivedproducts affect beta cell function.Methods Endothelial cells from rat islets were proliferatedand purified. Endothelium-conditioned culture medium(ECCM) was obtained by maintaining the endothelial cellsin culture medium. Islet function was evaluated followingexposure of cultured islets to standard culture medium orECCM. Changes in mRNA levels for key beta cellmetabolic enzymes were also measured in islets afterECCM exposure.Results Glucose-stimulated insulin release and islet insulincontent were markedly enhanced by exposure to ECCM.This was at least partly explained by improved mitochondrialfunction, as assessed by glucose oxidation and anupregulation of the mitochondrial gene for glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (mGpdh [also known as Gpd2]),combined with upregulation of the rate-limiting enzyme inthe glycolysis, glucokinase, in the islets. The intracellulardegradation of insulin was also decreased in the islets. Isletendothelial cells produced laminins, and the positive effectsof islet endothelial cells were prevented by addition of aneutralising antibody to the β1-chain of laminin. Additionof exogenous laminin stimulated islet function.Conclusions/interpretation This study provides proof ofprinciple that endothelial cells can affect the function of betacells in their vicinity and that this is at least partially mediatedby laminins.
|
|
| 29. |
- Lai, Enyin, et al.
(author)
-
Blood lipids affect rat islet blood flow regulation through beta(3)-adrenoceptors
- 2014
-
In: American Journal of Physiology. Endocrinology and Metabolism. - : American Physiological Society. - 0193-1849 .- 1522-1555. ; 307:8, s. E653-E663
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Pancreatic islet blood perfusion varies according to the needs for insulin secretion. We examined the effects of blood lipids on pancreatic islet blood flow in anesthetized rats. Acute administration of Intralipid to anesthetized rats increased both triglycerides and free fatty acids, associated with a simultaneous increase in total pancreatic and islet blood flow. A preceding abdominal vagotomy markedly potentiated this and led acutely to a 10-fold increase in islet blood flow associated with a similar increase in serum insulin concentrations. The islet blood flow and serum insulin response could be largely prevented by pretreatment with propranolol and the selective beta(3)-adrenergic inhibitor SR-59230A. The nitric oxide synthase inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester prevented the blood flow increase but was less effective in reducing serum insulin. Increased islet blood flow after Intralipid administration was also seen in islet and whole pancreas transplanted rats, i.e., models with different degrees of chronic islet denervation, but the effect was not as pronounced. In isolated vascularly perfused single islets Intralipid dilated islet arterioles, but this was not affected by SR-59230A. Both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system are important for the coordination of islet blood flow and insulin release during hyperlipidemia, with a previously unknown role for beta(3)-adrenoceptors.
|
|
| 30. |
- Li, Wei, et al.
(author)
-
Non-lab and semi-lab algorithms for screening undiagnosed diabetes : A cross-sectional study
- 2018
-
In: EBioMedicine. - : ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV. - 2352-3964. ; 35, s. 307-316
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: The terrifying undiagnosed rate and high prevalence of diabetes have become a public emergency. A high efficiency and cost-effective early recognition method is urgently needed. We aimed to generate innovative, user-friendly nomograms that can be applied for diabetes screening in different ethnic groups in China using the non-lab or noninvasive semi-lab data. Methods: This multicenter, multi-ethnic, population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in eight sites in China by enrolling subjects aged 20-70. Sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics were collected. Blood and urine samples were obtained 2 h following a standard 75 g glucose solution. In the final analysis, 10,794 participants were included and randomized into model development (n - 8096) and model validation (n = 2698) group with a ratio of 3:1. Nomograms were developed by the stepwise binary logistic regression. The nomograms were validated internally by a bootstrap sampling method in the model development set and externally in the model validation set. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to assess the screening performance of the nomograms. Decision curve analysis was applied to calculate the net benefit of the screening model. Results: The overall prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes was 9.8% (1059/10794) according to ADA criteria. The non-lab model revealed that gender, age, body mass index, waist circumference, hypertension, ethnicities, vegetable daily consumption and family history of diabetes were independent risk factors for diabetes. By adding 2 h post meal glycosuria qualitative to the non-lab model, the semi-lab model showed an improved Akaike information criterion (AIC: 4506 to 3580). The AUC of the semi-lab model was statistically larger than the non-lab model (0.868 vs 0.763, P < 0.001). The optimal cutoff probability in semi-lab and non-lab nomograms were 0.088 and 0.098, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity were 76.3% and 81.6%, respectively in semi-lab nomogram, and 72.1% and 673% in non-lab nomogram at the optimal cut off point. The decision curve analysis also revealed a bigger decrease of avoidable OGTT test (52 per 100 subjects) in the semi-lab model compared to the non-lab model (36 per 100 subjects) and the existed New Chinese Diabetes Risk Score (NCDRS, 35 per 100 subjects). Conclusion: The non-lab and semi-lab nomograms appear to be reliable tools for diabetes screening, especially in developing countries. However, the semi-lab model outperformed the non-lab model and NCDRS prediction systems and might be worth being adopted as decision support in diabetes screening in China.
|
|
| 31. |
- Lindgren, Monica, 1958, et al.
(author)
-
Assessment and legitimation of entrance auditions to Swedish music teacher education
- 2019
-
In: RIME 2019. Research in Music Education Conference, 23-26 April, Bath Spa University.
-
Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- In Sweden, admission to higher education is gained primarily through either grade awarded in upper secondary school or SAT-tests. However, admittance to higher music education is restricted to those who pass specific tests of what is regarded as required musical knowledge and aptitude from the perspective of jurors at different universities. This can be seen as a challenge to democratic ideals of equal opportunities, especially since the Swedish government demands a broadened access to higher education. There are as yet only a few studies on the recruitment of prospective music teachers, and hence no firm ground for discussing neither their predictive value, reliability and validity of these tests, or the education and future profession of the applicants. In a three-year research project funded by the Swedish Research Council we are now studying entrance auditions to music teacher education in order to produce knowledge about assessment criteria, legitimacy claims, approaches to knowledge and quality as well as the tests’ relevance and reliability. Applicants’ performances during the tests have been video recorded, and these recordings have later been used as stimulus material to elicit assessments and reflections from the jurors, either in focus group discussions or through interviews. In the analysis, a multimodal social semiotic approach and the concept discourse is used in order to identify how the representations of quality and knowledge are articulated and legitimized. Although the design of the tests varies between institutions, music theory, ear training, ensemble playing and instrumental and vocal proficiency are customary content. Some tentative findings will be presented and discussed with regard to the study’s central questions of assessment and legitimization. The study generates new knowledge about admission to higher education, with special regard to procedure, transparency and relevance.
|
|
| 32. |
|
|
| 33. |
- Lindgren, Monica, 1958, et al.
(author)
-
Care as technology for exclusion : Power operating in jurors’ talk about admission tests to Swedish music teacher education
- 2021
-
In: Nordic Research in Music Education. - : Cappelen Damm Akademisk. - 2703-8041. ; 2:2, s. 58-73
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In this article, we explore and problematise admission tests to specialist music teacher education in Sweden from a governing perspective, where higher music education is considered a discursive practice. It illustrates how power operates in legitimating the tests. The study uses stimulated recall in jury members’ talk about assessing applicants for music teacher education programmes, and uses Foucault’s concept of governmentality to reveal entrance tests as something regarded as generally good for all. This operating discourse is built on governmental rationality and processes that make it possible to reach conclusions about the applicants’ personalities and prospects for learning and developing in the future. Through care as technology of power, failing applicants are excluded from becoming music teachers and at the same time they are rescued from struggling in the future. The results are discussed in relation to issues of democratic music education, ethics and requirements for widened access to higher music education.
|
|
| 34. |
- Lindgren, Monica, 1958, et al.
(author)
-
Design and assessment of entrance auditions to music teacher education. : The 23rd conference of Nordic Network for Research in Music Education. NNMPF. Oslo, Hurdal: Nowegian Academy of Music, 12-15 February, 2018.
- 2018
-
In: https://nnmpf.org/nb/konferanser.
-
Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The overall aim of the study is to produce knowledge about the principles of assessment design and criteria for student selection to music teacher education. Although the qualification require-ments and principles of selection based on entrance auditions are often decisive for admission to music teacher education programmes, the field has been scantily researched. In particular, there is a lack of studies of the design and usefulness and value of the tests, as well as of Swedish studies and studies of other genres than classical music. The prognostic value of the tests, as well as its value to music and other education programmes are called in question. When assess-ment in music education is used, there are problems with subjective interpretations and implicit criteria. With the increasing focus in education on issues of assessment, equality and broadened recruitment, it is important to study how entrance auditions are legitimated and assessed. The aim of the study is to investigate entrance auditions to music teacher education with regard to the assessment criteria applied, legitimacy claim, and approach to knowledge. A multimodal social semiotic approach is adopted to study how individuals use linguistic, mate-rial and bodily sign systems in order to represent and perform their understanding of, attitude to and interpretation of various phenomena in the world, and how these representations constantly transform. On a micro level the concept discourse is to study how applicants, through using sign systems such as notes, music instruments, singing and gestures, represent their ability and musical knowledge, and to identify the representations of quality and knowledge that the jury members construct in their assessments of the applicants’ performances. The concept discourse is also used to find out which versions of available constructions are used, and how these are used when the jury members justify their standpoints and selections. On a macro level the con-cept discourse is used to elucidate how assessment, legitimization and selection in the local prac-tice are related to dominant approaches to musical conventions, shaped by musical education institutions. Data will consist of video documented entrance auditions, and focus group conversations, in-cluding stimulated recall interviews with jury members. Together, these methods offer opportu-nities to talk about how qualitative aspects of musical performance can be assessed and legiti-mated. Data will be collected from four music teacher education institutions and consist of a total of eight days of video documented instrumental entrance auditions in various genres, and one recorded focus group conversation with each jury. After the entrance auditions, the teachers on the jury panel and one of the researchers will discuss the applicants’ performances on the basis of selected sequences from the video documented auditions as stimulus material. A pilot study with focus on entrance auditions in the genre folk music, classical music and rhythmical improvised music was carried out last year, with the aim to test the chosen theory and method. Both the theory and the method were considered to be enrichening and fruitful. The preliminary result of these analysis shows that the representations for and understandings of quality and knowledge constructed in the conversations can be seen as assessments of the appli-cants’ singing and playing skills; musical and bodily expression ability; singing and playing in accordance with the style of the period; and ensemble interaction. All of these aspects were as-sessed in relation to the traditions and idioms of the genres. According to the teachers’ stand points on assessments and how these are justified, micro-level discourses were displayed, high-lighting the importance of genre fidelity, genre cutting edge, and genre experience. In contrast to these discourses, other discourses on genre violation, genre breadth and genre unfamiliarity, for instance, are indicated to be acceptable, at least in some of the jury groups. These tensions in attitudes reflect a polemic between various assessments of musical quality and knowledge.
|
|
| 35. |
- Lindgren, Monica, 1958, et al.
(author)
-
Ideas of new directions for music teacher education. A discussion based on current Nordic Research in relation to challenges of the present and the future.
- 2022
-
In: Nordic Network for Research in Music Education conference 2022.
-
Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The purpose of this symposium is to stimulate discussion of new directions for generalist and specialist music teacher education in Finland, Norway and Sweden. The symposium incorporates research from the three Nordic countries and the discussion will be based on results from the research projects. This research has been going on for several years and has recently been completed or is in the final phase. Common to all projects are the critique of status quo in music teacher education and the call for changes and new directions in relation to the needs and challenges in our contemporary societies. By this, we join all those scholars who for decades have addressed democracy and social justice in relation to music education. However, because democracy is an open and socially constructed concept (Woodford, 2005), we make no claim to a specific common paradigm in this presentation. Rather, we will present three research initiatives by contextualizing the results within the respective Nordic countries as democratic societies. And from there, we will take the opportunity to raise and discuss some questions about how to set forth a music teacher education agenda for the future: How should music teacher education evolve to increase equity, inclusion and access in music education? Curriculum discourses indicate teacher education as a field of tension, marked by negotiations and struggles between competing policies, philosophies and views of music, culture and education. Can such tensions have potential for change? How can teacher education prepare student music teachers for a complex and diverse school life? How can we approach digital tools in educational spaces that can promote critical reflection about challenges of the present and the future? How can we rethink the selection principles for the music teacher programs?
|
|
| 36. |
- Lindgren, Monica, 1958, et al.
(author)
-
Representations and legitimations of quality and knowledge in entrance auditions to Swedish music teacher education
- 2019
-
In: NNMPF 2019: Futures of Music in Higher Education, February 26-28 2019.
-
Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- For entrance to Swedish higher education, special qualification requirements and selection principles are allowed if there are special reasons with regard to the content and orientation of the education or the field of education that the education is preparing for. In music education, special requirements and selection in the form of entrance auditions have since long been used. The Swedish government’s demands on higher education to act for increased equality in society and a broadened access to higher education, along with the increasing focus in education on issues of assessment and the fact that both design and assessment of entrance auditions can vary between providers of higher music education, raises questions about the relevance, validity and reliability of these auditions as selection instruments. Although the auditions’ qualification requirements and principles of selection generally build on long traditions, and generally are decisive for admission to music teacher education programmes, the field has been scantily researched. There are as yet only a few studies on the recruitment of prospective music teachers, and hence there is no firm ground for discussing the predictive value, reliability and validity of these tests, neither for the music teacher education as such nor for the applicants’ future profession. The aim of our three-year research project funded by the Swedish Research Council is to study entrance auditions to music teacher education in order to produce knowledge about assessment criteria, legitimacy claims, approaches to knowledge and quality as well as the tests’ relevance and reliability. The project started in January 2018. The data were produced in spring and autumn 2018 and consists of video recorded entrance auditions and audiorecorded focus group or single conversations with jurors from four Swedish music teacher education institutions. More than one hundred entrance auditions on i) instrumental musicianship; ii) ensemble and leadership skills and iii) ability to sing and accompany themselves were video documented. Furthermore, 29 group discussions or single conversations with jury members were conducted, in which selected sequences from the video documented auditions were used as stimulated recall. Apart from the jurors’ assessments of the applicants’ performances, the design of the entrance auditions and how qualitative aspects of musical performance could be assessed and legitimated was discussed in these interviews. Further, 6 jury groups have been interviewed about the design and assessment of music theory tests and ear training skills. Altogether, nearly 60 jury members have been interviewed. The data material has been transcribed during autumn 2018. The analyses have started late in the autumn 2018 and are still going on. In the analysis, a multimodal social semiotic approach and the concept discourse is used in order to study how the jurors interpret applicants’ musical performances and representations of ability and musical knowledge through their use of sign systems such as notes, music instruments, singing and gestures. We also analyse how the jury members construct representations of quality and knowledge in their assessments of applicants’ performances, and how these representations are articulated and legitimised. Concerning the interviews about music theory tests and ear training skills, the analyses deal with the jury members’ representations of quality and knowledge in the design of the tests, and how these representations are articulated and legitimised. Although the design of the tests varies between institutions, music theory, ear training, ensemble playing, and instrumental and vocal proficiency are customary content. In spite of the fact that almost all the institutions have developed explicit assessment criteria, the jury members frequently also assess other aspects in the applicants’ performances. In our presentation, some tentative findings will be presented and discussed with regard to the study’s central questions of assessment and legitimization.
|
|
| 37. |
- Olerud, Johan, et al.
(author)
-
Neural crest stem cells increase beta cell proliferation and improve islet function in co-transplanted murine pancreatic islets
- 2009
-
In: Diabetologia. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0012-186X .- 1432-0428. ; 52:12, s. 2594-2601
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Long-term graft survival after islet transplantation to patientswith type 1 diabetes is insufficient, necessitating the development of newstrategies to enhance transplant viability. Here we investigated whetherco-transplantation of neural crest stem cells (NCSCs) with islets improves islet survival and function in normoglycaemic and diabetic mice. METHODS: Islets alone or together with NCSCs were transplanted under the kidney capsule tonormoglycaemic or alloxan-induced diabetic mice. Grafts were analysed for size,proliferation, apoptosis and insulin release. In diabetic recipients bloodglucose levels were examined before and after graft removal. RESULTS: In mixedtransplants NCSCs actively migrated and extensively associated withco-transplanted pancreatic islets. Proliferation of beta cells was markedlyincreased and transplants displayed improved insulin release in normoglycaemicmice compared with those receiving islet-alone transplants. Mixed grafts survivedsuccessfully and partially restored normoglycaemia in alloxan-induced diabeticmice. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Co-grafting of NCSCs with pancreatic isletsimproved insulin release in mixed transplants and enhanced beta cellproliferation, resulting in increased beta cell mass. This co-transplantationmodel offers an opportunity to restore neural-islet interactions and improveislet functions after transplantation.
|
|
| 38. |
- Pettersson, Ulrika, et al.
(author)
-
Two-week treatment with the β3-adrenoceptor antagonist SR59230A normalizes the increased pancreatic islet blood flow in type 2 diabetic GK rats
- 2012
-
In: Diabetes, obesity and metabolism. - : Wiley. - 1462-8902 .- 1463-1326. ; 14:10, s. 960-962
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rat, a type 2 diabetes model, has increased pancreatic islet and white adipose tissue (WAT) blood flow, and this can be normalized by acute administration of SR59230A, a beta(3)-adrenoceptor antagonist. We now implanted osmotic pumps which allowed a constant release of saline or SR59230A (0.6 mg/kg x day) for 2 weeks. A decrease in islet blood flow was seen also after 2 weeks of continuous SR59230A treatment in the GK rat. However, no improvement in glucose tolerance was seen in the GK rats. Neither did SR59230A affect insulin secretion from isolated islets in vitro. WAT blood flow was not affected by the 2-week SR59230A treatment. Thus, the increased islet blood flow seen in the GK rat can be normalized for up to 2 weeks, which opens the possibilities for further studies on the long-term functional role on the islet blood flow increase in this type 2 diabetes model.
|
|
| 39. |
- Rydgren, Tobias, et al.
(author)
-
Administration of IL-1 Trap prolongs survival of transplanted pancreatic islets to type 1 diabetic NOD mice
- 2013
-
In: Cytokine. - : Elsevier BV. - 1043-4666 .- 1096-0023. ; 63:2, s. 123-129
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We previously reported that IL-1 Trap (a hybrid molecule consisting of the extracellular domain of IL-1 receptor accessory protein and IL-1 receptor type 1 arranged inline and fused to the Fc-portion of IgG1) can protect rat pancreatic islets in vitro against noxious effects induced by IL-1 beta. In this study we tested the effect of administration of a murine IL-1 Trap on the recurrence of disease (ROD) model in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice. Spontaneously diabetic female NOD mice received implantation of a curative number (600) of syngeneic pancreatic islets beneath their left kidney capsule from young healthy NOD mouse donors. Once a day, the mice were injected subcutaneously with IL-1 Trap (30 mg/kg bodyweight), or an equimolar dose Fc-control protein (8.4 mg/kg bodyweight) or saline. The treatments were maintained until ROD (i.e. a blood glucose value >= 11.1 mM for 2 consecutive days) or until 5 days after transplantation. 3 out of 11 mice treated with IL-1 Trap showed a significantly increased graft survival compared to all other mice, and analysis of relative cytokine mRNA levels in isolated spleen cells showed elevated IL-4 mRNA levels, but no differences in FoxP3 or iNOS staining of grafts, from mice treated with IL-1 Trap, at both endpoints, compared to both control groups. Administration of IL-1 Trap counteracts islet cell destruction in the NOD mouse model of type 1 diabetes. In part this could be due to a shift towards Th2 cytokine production seen in IL-1 Trap treated animals.
|
|
| 40. |
- Sandberg Jurström, Ragnhild, 1954-, et al.
(author)
-
A Mozart concert or three simple chords? : Limits for approval in admission tests for Swedish specialist music teacher education
- 2021. - 1
-
In: Higher Education as Context for Music Pedagogy Research. - Oslo : Cappelen Damm Akademisk. - 2703-7843. - 9788202696979 - 9788202706326 ; , s. 19-40
-
Book chapter (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Against the background of problems with unarticulated concepts of quality and assessment criteria when assessing music, this article concerns how the limit for approval is constructed and legitimised by jurors when assessing entrance auditions to Swedish specialist music teacher education. The data comprise video documented auditions, focus group conversations, and stimulated-recall based interviews, involving jury members at four music education departments. Social semiotic theory is used to study how jurors assess applicants’ knowledge representations in main instrument tests, what is considered decisive for an approval, and how this set limit is legitimised. Four approaches have been constructed:the demanding education and profession;the supposed capacity of the applicant; the flexible admission situation, and the care of the applicant.What is considered to be the minimum requirement for approval in these constructions differs markedly, which shows a striking difference between the views of jurors within and between institutions on how the applicants´ musical performances on a main instrument should be assessed. These findings are discussed in relation to two possible scenarios of revised admission tests.
|
|
| 41. |
|
|
| 42. |
- Sandberg Jurström, Ragnhild, 1954-, et al.
(author)
-
Assessment cultures and limits for approval in entrance tests for Swedish music teacher education
- 2021
-
In: Qualities in music education practice and research.
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper concerns assessment of main instrument entrance tests for Swedish specialist music teacher education. The two articles presented are part of a larger research project of admission tests financed by the Swedish Research Council. The background of the project is based on problems with transparency and unarticulated assessment criteria when assessing music (Harrison et al, 2013; Olsson & Nielsen, 2018; Zandén, 2010), as well as the Swedish governments demands on higher education to strive for strengthened societal democracy by promoting equality and broader recruitment. Four music education institutions with specialist music teacher educations participated in the project. Applicants who gave their written consent were video recorded during their entrance auditions during spring 2018. Almost every member in the jury groups, in which video recordings had been carried out, agreed to participate. The data in the two studies comprise 27 video documented auditions and 22 focus group conversations or individual interviews with use of stimulated-recall for comments on the auditions. A social semiotic theory (Kress, 2010) was used to capture how instrumental/vocal skills were represented by applicants in main instrument auditions, and verbally articulated and assessed by jurors. The aim was to study what was considered as acceptable skills in applicants’ knowledge representations, and how these statements were legitimised. In article one (Sandberg-Jurström et al., in press, a), with focus on how criteria are articulated and used by jurors when assessing main instrument entrance auditions, two assessment cultures is emerged showing a great discrepancy between assessing musical skills and assessing person-related skills. The music-centred assessment culture emphasises assessments of technical, communicative, and genre-anchored interpretation skills essential for meeting the demands of the education and profession. The person-centred assessment culture emphasises assessments of personal traits suitable for education and profession. In the discussion the reliability, credibility, and validity of assessing abilities in terms of being and behaving in a particular way is addressed. The second article (Sandberg-Jurström et al., in press, b), concerns jurors’ views of the limit for approval in main instrument auditions. Four approaches to what is considered decisive for an approved instrument test have been constructed: (a) the demanding education and profession that legitimises a high or very high level of competencies for approval, (b) the supposed capacity of the applicant that legitimises a low level of competencies for approval, (c) the flexible admission situation that legitimises a changeable level for approval, and (d) the care of the applicant that legitimises an insufficient level. What is considered to be the minimum requirement for approval in these constructions differs markedly. The findings are discussed in relation to transparency and broadened recruitment by highlighting two possible scenarios of revised admission tests. In the presentation, focus is on the criteria and the limits for approval used, the qualities and skills represented in these criteria, and the assessment cultures considered for the assessments. Some overlaps between the findings are also highlighted.
|
|
| 43. |
- Sandberg Jurström, Ragnhild, 1954-, et al.
(author)
-
Design och bedömning av färdighetsprov till musiklärarutbildningen
- 2018
-
In: The 23rd conference of Nordic Network for Research in Music Education Oslo, Norway February 12-15 2018.
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Design och bedömning av färdighetsprov till musiklärarutbildningenStudiens övergripande mål är att skapa kunskap om bedömningsgrunder och kriterier för urval av studenter till musiklärarutbildningar. Trots att behörighets- och/eller urvalsgrundande färdighetsprov ofta är avgörande för möjligheten att få tillträde till en musikutbildning är området tämligen svagt beforskat. Det saknas studier om provs utformning och värdet av dem, liksom det saknas svenska studier och studier inom andra musikgenrer än den konstmusikaliska. Provs prognostiska värden, både till musik- och andra utbildningar, ifrågasätts och vid bedömning inom musikundervisning finns en problematik med subjektiva tolkningar och outtalade kriterier. Med ett ökat skolfokus på frågor som rör bedömning, jämlikhet och breddad rekrytering blir det angeläget att studera hur färdighetsprov legitimeras och bedöms. Syfte med studien är att undersöka färdighetsprov med avseende på hur proven designas och bedöms. Den teoretiska utgångspunkten utgörs av ett multimodalt och socialsemiotiskt perspektiv med fokus på hur individer använder språkliga, materiella och kroppsliga teckensystem för att representera och gestalta sin förståelse för, förhållningssätt till och tolkning av olika företeelser i världen, och hur dessa representationer ständigt transformeras. På mikronivå används begreppet diskurs i syfte att studera hur sökande, med användning av teckensystem, såsom noter, musikinstrument, sång och gester, laddade med innebörder kopplade till musikstil, tidsskede och genrers praxis, representerar sitt kunnande och sin musikaliska förtrogenhet samt vilka representationer för kvalitet och kunnande som bedömande lärare lyfter fram i sina bedömningar av de sökandes prestationer. Diskursbegreppet används även för att utröna vilka versioner av tillgängliga förståelser som används och hur de används när lärarna legitimerar sina ställningstaganden och urval. På makronivå används begreppet även för att belysa hur bedömningskriterier, legitimeringar och urval i den lokala praktiken kan relateras till dominerande kunskapssyner formade i olika musikutbildningssystem.Som metod användes videodokumentationer och fokusgruppsamtal, med inslag av stimulated recall-intervjuer. Tillsammans kan dessa metoder ge möjlighet till samtal om hur kvalitativa aspekter i musikframföranden bedöms och legitimeras. Datamaterialet kommer att hämtas från fyra lärosäten med musiklärarutbildning och bestå av sammanlagt åtta dagars videoinspelade instrumentalprov inom skilda genrer samt ett ljudinspelat fokusgruppsamtal för varje bedömande jurygrupp. Lärarna i de bedömande jurygrupperna diskuterar de sökandes prestationer med utvalda sekvenser från proven som stimulusmaterial. En pilotstudie med fokus på färdighetsprov inom folkmusikgenren genomfördes förra året med syfte att bland annat pröva studiens valda teoretiska grund och metod. Både teori och metod sågs som berikande och fruktbara. Sedan dess har även färdighetsprov inom genrerna klassisk musik och rytmisk improviserad musik videodokumenterats och analyserats. I det preliminära resultatet av dessa analyser framkommer att de representationer för och förståelser av kvalitet och kunnande som konstruerades i samtalen handlar om värderingar av de sökandes sång- och spelskicklighet; musikaliska och kroppsliga uttrycksförmåga; stilkännedom samt samspel, allt relaterat till de olika genrernas traditioner och idiom. Vad gäller lärarnas ställningstaganden och hur dessa legitimeras har diskurser på mikronivå kunnat synliggöras, där vikten av genretrohet, genrespets och genrevana framhålls. I kontrast till dessa antyds diskurser där genrebrott, genrebredd och genreovana också kan ses som acceptabla, åtminstone inom vissa jurygrupper. Utifrån dessa spänningar kan förhållningssätt skönjas som visar på en polemik mellan olika värderingar av musikalisk kvalitet och kunnande.
|
|
| 44. |
|
|
| 45. |
- Sandberg Jurström, Ragnhild, 1954-, et al.
(author)
-
Mapping the applicants’ learnability : a discourse analysis of assessors’ talk of admission tests for Swedish specialist music teacher education
- 2022
-
In: Music Education Research. - : Taylor & Francis. - 1461-3808 .- 1469-9893. ; 24:5, s. 599-610
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This article concerns assessors’ use of predictions of applicants’ ability to learn when assessing admission tests for specialist music teacher education in Sweden. The data consist of stimulated-recall interviews with video-recorded admission tests as stimuli, and the analyses are based on discourse psychology with a focus on the variations, functions, and effects of the assessors’ statements about learning opportunities. The results highlight several ways of talking about applicants’ learnability, based on the view that learnability is a matter of teacher help, learning time, applicant age, and talent. Based on these results, learnability can be considered a selection tool, legitimised with reference to the assessors as experts able to foresee and make decisions about applicants’ future development opportunities. In this sense, the test contexts can be seen as permeated by educational traditions in which discourses about learnability govern the assessors’/masters’ decisions.
|
|
| 46. |
- Sandberg Jurström, Ragnhild, 1954-, et al.
(author)
-
Musical skills, or attitude and dress style? : Meaning-making when assessing admission tests for Swedish specialist music teacher education
- 2022
-
In: Research Studies in Music Education. - : Sage Publications. - 1321-103X .- 1834-5530. ; 44:1, s. 70-85
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Although entrance test criteria seem decisive for accessing higher music education programmes, and problems and challenges with the assessment process are reported, the area is largely unexplored. This article concerns how entrance auditions, specifically primary instrument auditions for Swedish specialist music teacher programmes, are examined and discussed. The data comprise video-documented auditions, focus group conversations, and stimulated-recall-based interviews involving assessor groups at four music education departments. Social-semiotic theory is used to study how assessors judge applicants' knowledge representations in audition performances. A music-centred assessment culture is constructed, emphasising assessments of technical, communicative, and genre-anchored interpretation skills essential for meeting the demands of the education and profession. Also, a person-centred assessment culture is revealed, emphasising the assessment of personal traits suitable for education and profession. The discussion addresses the reliability, credibility, and validity of assessing abilities in terms of being and behaving in a particular way.
|
|
| 47. |
|
|
| 48. |
- Sandberg, Lise Orduk, et al.
(author)
-
Emergent magnetic behavior in the frustrated Yb3Ga5O12 garnet
- 2021
-
In: Physical Review B. - : American Physical Society (APS). - 2469-9950 .- 2469-9969. ; 104:6
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report neutron scattering, magnetic susceptibility and Monte Carlo theoretical analysis to verify the short-range nature of the magnetic structure and spin-spin correlations in a Yb3Ga5O12 single crystal. The quantum spin state of Yb3+ in Yb3Ga5O12 is verified. The quantum spins organize into a short-ranged emergent director state for T < 0.6 K derived from anisotropy and near-neighbor exchange. We derive the magnitude of the nearneighbor exchange interactions 0.6 < J(1) < 0.7 K, J(2) = 0.12 K and the magnitude of the dipolar exchange interaction, D, in the range 0.18 < D < 0.21 K. Certain aspects of the broad experimental dataset can be modeled using a J(1)D model with ferromagnetic near-neighbor spin-spin correlations while other aspects of the data can be accurately reproduced using a J(1)J(2)D model with antiferromagnetic near-neighbor spin-spin correlation. As such, although we do not quantify all the relevant exchange interactions, we nevertheless provide a strong basis for the understanding of the complex Hamiltonian required to fully describe the magnetic state of Yb3Ga5O12.
|
|
| 49. |
|
|
| 50. |
- Sandberg, Monica, et al.
(author)
-
Effects of cyclooxygenase inhibition on insulin release and pancreatic islet blood flow in rats
- 2014
-
In: Upsala Journal of Medical Sciences. - : Uppsala Medical Society. - 0300-9734 .- 2000-1967. ; 119:4, s. 316-323
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives. To examine the effects of inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) on islet hormone secretion in vitro and on pancreatic islet blood flow in vivo. Methods. Insulin release was measured in a static incubation system of islets isolated from Wistar-F rats after inhibition of COX-1 and COX-2 with SC 560 (COX-1), FR 122047 (COX-1), rofecoxib (COX-2), or indomethacin (both COX-1 and COX-2). In other rats organ blood flow values were measured with a microsphere technique during both normo- and hyperglycemia after administration of these enzyme inhibitors. Results. Serum insulin values were lower after pretreatment with a COX-1 inhibitor or a non-selective COX inhibitor in both control and glucose-injected rats in vivo, whereas COX-2 inhibition had no such effects. However, inhibition of COX had only minor effects on insulin release in vitro. Inhibition of COX affected neither total pancreatic nor islet blood flow in normoglycemic rats. Hyperglycemia caused an increase in both these flow values and in the duodenum. The increase in total pancreatic and duodenal blood flow was prevented by inhibition of COX-2 or non-selective COX inhibition. However, no effects on islet blood flow were seen after COX inhibition. Conclusion. Inhibition of COX affects insulin release and blood glucose concentrations in vivo. However, COX inhibition has only minor effects on pancreatic islet blood flow, but prevents the glucose-induced increase in total pancreatic blood flow.
|
|
