| 1. |
- Cornier, Marc-Andre, et al.
(author)
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Insulin sensitivity determines the effectiveness of dietary macronutrient composition on weight loss in obese women.
- 2005
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In: Obesity research. - 1071-7323. ; 13:4, s. 703-9
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To determine whether macronutrient composition of a hypocaloric diet can enhance its effectiveness and whether insulin sensitivity (Si) affects the response to hypocaloric diets. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Obese nondiabetic insulin-sensitive (fasting insulin < 10 microU/mL; n = 12) and obese nondiabetic insulin-resistant (fasting insulin > 15 microU/mL; n = 9) women (23 to 53 years old) were randomized to either a high carbohydrate (CHO) (HC)/low fat (LF) (60% CHO, 20% fat) or low CHO (LC)/high fat (HF) (40% CHO, 40% fat) hypocaloric diet. Primary outcome measures after a 16-week dietary intervention were: changes in body weight (BW), Si, resting metabolic rate, and fasting lipids. RESULTS: Insulin-sensitive women on the HC/LF diet lost 13.5 +/- 1.2% (p < 0.001) of their initial BW, whereas those on the LC/HF diet lost 6.8 +/- 1.2% (p < 0.001; p < 0.002 between the groups). In contrast, among the insulin-resistant women, those on the LC/HF diet lost 13.4 +/- 1.3% (p < 0.001) of their initial BW as compared with 8.5 +/- 1.4% (p < 0.001) lost by those on the HC/LF diet (p < 0.04 between two groups). These differences could not be explained by changes in resting metabolic rate, activity, or intake. Overall, changes in Si were associated with the degree of weight loss (r = -0.57, p < 0.05). DISCUSSION: The state of Si determines the effectiveness of macronutrient composition of hypocaloric diets in obese women. For maximal benefit, the macronutrient composition of a hypocaloric diet may need to be adjusted to correspond to the state of Si.
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| 2. |
- Londo, Marc, et al.
(author)
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Eyes on the track, mind on the horizon: The REFUEL EU Road Map for biofuels
- 2008
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In: Proceedings of the 16th European Biomass Conference & Exhibition - From research to industry and markets, Feria Valencia, Spain, 2-6 June 2008.
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Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The current hot debate on biofuels calls for a balanced and realistic long-term strategy for biofuels. The REFUEL project provides several ingredients for such a strategy. Analyses in this project indicate that domestically produced biofuels can cover a significant share of EU fuel demand in the coming decades, with the EU-12 new member states and Ukraine as most promising regions. This potential can be realised with residual streams and on existing agricultural land, without conversion of e.g. nature reserves. Second-generation biofuels are essential for the long-term success of biofuels due to their superior performance in many ways. But generally, the key challenge for the near future would be how to enhance the development of biofuels in a responsible way, i.e. stimulating the production chains with the best performance, and preventing negative impacts e.g., by paying careful attention to possible system impacts of biofuel production such as indirect land use changes and rising food prices. Finally, 2nd generation biofuels require specific policy: the precursor role of 1st generation is overrated, both in technical terms as well as in their role as market precursors. When it comes to synergies, 2nd generation biofuels might benefit more from other developments in the energy sector, such as initiatives in co-firing of biomass for (heat and) power, than from 1st generation biofuels, also because of the public resistance that the latter induce.
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| 3. |
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| 4. |
- Fortin, Marc-André, et al.
(author)
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Immuno-PET of undifferentiated thyroid carcinoma with radioiodine-labelled antibody cMAb U36 : application to antibody tumour uptake studies
- 2007
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In: European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1619-7070 .- 1619-7089. ; 34:9, s. 1376-1387
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- PURPOSE: We tested the suitability of the chimeric monoclonal anti-human CD44 splice version 6 antibody (cMAb U36) for targeting and visualising human anaplastic thyroid carcinoma with PET. We also performed experiments aimed at elucidating the relation between tumour interstitial fluid pressure (TIFP) and the tumour uptake of antibodies. METHODS: The affinity and specificity of the cMAb U36 for KAT-4 cells were evaluated in vitro, as was the Na+/I- symporter (NIS) expression. Biodistribution studies were performed on KAT-4 carcinoma-bearing mice injected with 124I-cMAb U36 or free iodine. Biodistribution studies were also performed in animals treated with the specific TGF-beta1 and -beta3 inhibitor Fc:TbetaRII, which lowers TIFP. Treated and non-treated animals were scanned by microPET. RESULTS: Cultured human undifferentiated/anaplastic thyroid carcinoma KAT-4 cells expressed low levels of NIS and uptake of free iodine was insignificant. The cMAb U36 expressed an affinity (KD) of 11+/-2 nM. Tumour radioactivity uptake reached maximum values 48 h after injection of 124I-cMAb U36 (approximately 22%IA/g). KAT-4 carcinomas were readily identified in all 124I-immuno-PET images. Radioactivity tumour uptake in Fc:TbetaRII-treated animals was significantly lower at 24 and 48 h after injection, and five times higher thyroid uptake was also noted. CONCLUSION: We successfully used 124I-cMAb U36 to visualise CD44v6-expressing human anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. Given the lack of NIS expression in KAT-4, tumour visualisation is not due to free iodine uptake. Lowering the TIFP in KAT-4 carcinomas did not increase the uptake of mAbs into tumour tissue.
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| 5. |
- Fortin, Marc-André, et al.
(author)
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Labelling chemistry and characterization of [90Y/177Lu]-DOTA-ZHER2:342-3 Affibody molecule, a candidate agent for locoregional treatment of urinary bladder carcinoma
- 2007
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In: International Journal of Molecular Medicine. - 1107-3756 .- 1791-244X. ; 19:2, s. 285-291
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The direct instillation of radiolabelled conjugates in the urinary bladder is a promising path for the treatment of bladder carcinoma. The targeting of HER2/neu receptors expressed on the surface of many bladder carcinoma cells shows potential to be developed as a therapeutic strategy, and patients identified with a high risk of progression may benefit from adjuvant targeted radionuclide therapy. A phage-display selected Affibody molecule (Z(HER2:342)) which binds to HER2/neu with picomolar affinity, can be used for targeting HER2/neu-expressing bladder carcinomas. A DOTA-derivative of Z(HER2:342), designated as DOTA-Z(HER2:342)-3, is considered as a suitable targeting agent for therapy. The DOTA chelator provides stable labelling with radiometals, and the low molecular weight (7.2 kDa) of the DOTA-Z(HER2:342)-3 compound is expected to enable efficient tumor penetration. DOTA-Z(HER2:342)-3 was radiolabelled with 90Y and 177Lu in 1 M ammonium acetate buffer, at pH 5.5, and in the presence of ascorbic acid. Nearly quantitative labelling yields were achieved for both nuclides after 15 min of incubation at 60 degrees C. After chelation, the conjugates retained their capacity to specifically bind to HER2/neu-expressing SKOV-3 cells. The radiolabelled affibody conjugate (DOTA-Z(HER2:342)-3) demonstrated high antigen-binding capacity and good cellular retention. Biodistribution in normal mice demonstrated low uptake in all organs and tissues except for kidneys.
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| 6. |
- Fortin, Marc-André, et al.
(author)
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Polyethylene glycol-cover ultra-small Gd2O3 nanoparticles for positive contras at 1.5 T magnetic resonance clinical scanning
- 2007
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In: Nanotechnology. - : IOP Publishing. - 0957-4484 .- 1361-6528. ; 18:39, s. 395501-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The size distribution and magnetic properties of ultra-small gadolinium oxide crystals (US-Gd2O3) were studied, and the impact of polyethylene glycol capping on the relaxivity constants (r1, r2) and signal intensity with this contrast agent was investigated. Size distribution and magnetic properties of US-Gd2O3 nanocrystals were measured with a TEM and PPMS magnetometer. For relaxation studies, diethylene glycol (DEG)-capped US-Gd2O3 nanocrystals were reacted with PEG-silane (MW 5000). Suspensions were adequately dialyzed in water to eliminate traces of Gd3+ and surfactants. The particle hydrodynamic radius was measured with dynamic light scattering (DLS) and the proton relaxation times were measured with a 1.5 T MRI scanner. Parallel studies were performed with DEG–Gd2O3 and PEG-silane–SPGO (Gd2O3,< 40 nm diameter). The small and narrow size distribution of US-Gd2O3 was confirmed with TEM (~3 nm) and DLS. PEG-silane–US-Gd2O3 relaxation parameters were twice as high as for Gd–DTPA and the r2/r1 ratio was 1.4. PEG-silane–SPGO gave low r1 relaxivities and high r2/r1 ratios, less compatible with positive contrast agent requirements. Higher r1 were obtained with PEG-silane in comparison to DEG–Gd2O3. Treatment of DEG–US-Gd2O3 with PEG-silane provides enhanced relaxivity while preventing aggregation of the oxide cores. This study confirms that PEG-covered Gd2O3 nanoparticles can be used for positively contrasted MR applications requiring stability, biocompatible coatings and nanocrystal functionalization.
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| 8. |
- Marksteiner, Tamara, et al.
(author)
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'Elasticity' in the processing of criminal evidence: The role of investigators' need for closure
- 2009
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In: 19th Conference of the European Association of Psychology and Law, 2-5 September, Sorrento, Italy.
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Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Criminal investigators have to balance the motivation to accurately examine their cases (accuracy goal), with the motivation to quickly achieve results and reach conclusions (closure goal). Previous research has shown that investigators are more skeptical towards evidence that disconfirms their prior belief about a case, and more so concerning witness evidence than technical evidence (i.e., an ‘elasticity’ effect; Ask, Rebelius & Granhag, 2008). We hypothesize that it is not the inconsistency with a prior belief, but rather with a closure goal, that makes investigators more skeptical towards exonerating evidence. Hence, investigators who initially believe a target person to be innocent, and subsequently receives a piece of evidence, should judge inconsistent (i.e., incriminating) evidence as more reliable than consistent (i.e., exonerating) evidence. The hypothesis was tested in an experiment following a 2 (Type of evidence: DNA vs. witness) × 2 (Consistency: consistent vs. inconsistent) × 2 (Need for closure: high vs. low) factorial design. Police trainees read background information about a homicide case and about a seemingly innocent person who was questioned by the police, and judged the probability of him being the offender. Later they received consistent or inconsistent evidence and were asked to assess the reliability of the additional evidence. Preliminary results show that, consistent with the hypothesis, participants who received inconsistent (vs. consistent) evidence rated the evidence as more reliable. The effect was stronger in the witness than in the DNA group, indicating a ‘reversed’ elasticity effect, and was more pronounced among persons high in need for closure.
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| 9. |
- Mocellin, Alexandra, et al.
(author)
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Site selective dissociation upon core ionization of ozone
- 2007
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In: Chemical Physics Letters. - : Elsevier BV. - 0009-2614 .- 1873-4448. ; 435:4-6, s. 214-218
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Ozone is found to exhibit substantial site-selective fragmentation when its fragment ions are collected in coincidence with energy selected electrons. We find a preferential production of the O-2(+)/O+(O+/O+) ion pair upon ionization of the terminal (central) oxygen Is electron. Depending on the hole localization, Auger rates are different towards the various final states of the dication, which would produce the observed different fragmentation pattern. We also observe however an increase O-2(+)/O+ production for when the terminal core-hole state is vibrationally excited. This shows the role of the nuclear motion before the Auger decay in the observed site-specific.
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