| 1. |
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| 2. |
- Steptoe, A, et al.
(author)
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Socioeconomic status, pathogen burden and cardiovascular disease risk.
- 2007
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In: Heart. - 1468-201X. ; 93:12, s. 1567-70
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: Socioeconomic status (SES) is inversely associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) risk. Cumulative pathogen burden may also predict future CHD. The hypothesis was tested that lower SES is associated with a greater pathogen burden, and that pathogen burden accounts in part for SES differences in cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional observational study involving the clinical examination of 451 men and women aged 51-72 without CHD, recruited from the Whitehall II epidemiological cohort. SES was defined by grade of employment, and pathogen burden by summing positive serostatus for Chlamydia pneumoniae, cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex virus 1. Cardiovascular risk factors were also assessed. RESULTS: Pathogen burden averaged 1.94 (SD) 0.93 in the lower grade group, compared with 1.64 (0.97) and 1.64 (0.93) in the intermediate and higher grade groups (p = 0.011). Pathogen burden was associated with a higher body mass index, waist/hip ratio, blood pressure and incidence of diabetes. There were SES differences in waist/hip ratio, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, fasting glucose, glycated haemoglobin, lung function, smoking and diabetes. The SES gradient in these cardiovascular risk factors was unchanged when pathogen burden was taken into account statistically. CONCLUSIONS: Although serological signs of infection with common pathogens are more frequent in lower SES groups, their distribution across the social gradient does not match the linear increases in CHD risk present across higher, intermediate and lower SES groups. Additionally, pathogen burden does not appear to mediate SES differences in cardiovascular risk profiles.
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| 3. |
- Bonow, Johan M., et al.
(author)
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A multi-disciplinary study of Phanerozoic landscape development in West Greenland
- 2007
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In: Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland Bulletin: Review of Survey activities 2006. - 1604-8156. ; :13, s. 33-36
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The western margin of the Greenland craton has been muchless stable in the Phanerozoic than previously thought. Thisnew insight has come from close integration of independentdata sets: geomorphological analysis of large-scale landscapes,apatite fission track analysis (AFTA), onshore and offshorestratigraphy and analysis of onshore fault and fracture sys -tems. Each data set records specific and unique parts of theevent chronology and is equally important to establish a con-sistent model. A key area for understanding the Mesozoic-Cenozoic landscape evolution and into the present is theuplifted part of the Nuussuaq Basin, where remnants of pla-nation surfaces cut across the Cretaceous to Eocene sedimen-tary and volcanic rocks. Our integrated analysis concludedthat the West Greenland mountains were formed by lateNeogene tectonic uplift (Fig. 1) and also provided newinsight into early Phanerozoic development. To understandour model, we present the different methods and the resultsthat can be deduced from them.
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| 4. |
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| 5. |
- Greving, J. P., et al.
(author)
-
Alcoholic beverages and risk of renal cell cancer
- 2007
-
In: British Journal of Cancer. - London, United Kingdom : Nature Publishing Group. - 0007-0920 .- 1532-1827. ; 97:3, s. 429-433
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Using a mailed questionnaire, we investigated the risk of renal cell cancer in relation to different types of alcoholic beverages, and to total ethanol in a large population-based case-control study among Swedish adults, including 855 cases and 1204 controls. Compared to non-drinkers, a total ethanol intake of >620 g month(-1) was significantly related to a decreased risk of renal cell cancer (odds ratio (OR) 0.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.4-0.9; P-value for trend=0.03). The risk decreased 30-40% with drinking more than two glasses per week of red wine (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.4-0.9), white wine (OR 0.7, 95% CI 0.4-1.0), or strong beer (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.4-1.0); there was a clear linear trend of decreasing risk with increasing consumption of these beverages (P-values for trends <0.05).
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| 6. |
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| 7. |
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| 8. |
- Steptoe, A, et al.
(author)
-
Pathogen burden and cortisol profiles over the day
- 2009
-
In: Epidemiology and Infection. - New York : Cambridge University Press. - 0950-2688 .- 1469-4409. ; 137:12, s. 1816-1824
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) regulation in adults is influenced by early psychosocial adversity, but the role of infectious disease history is poorly understood. We studied the association between cumulative pathogen burden and cortisol profile over the day in a sample of 317 healthy men and women aged 51-72 years. Cumulative pathogen burden was defined as positive serostatus for Chlamydia pneumoniae, cytomegalovirus (CMV) and herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1). Salivary cortisol was sampled repeatedly over the day. The cortisol slope was defined as the decrease across the day and evening. Age, gender, grade of employment, body mass index, smoking status, self-rated health, cardiovascular medication, depressed mood and time of waking were included as covariates. The pathogen burden averaged 1.76 (S.D. = 0.92). The cortisol slope was inversely associated with pathogen burden after controlling for covariates. When individual pathogens were studied, only CMV was associated with flatter cortisol rhythms in isolation. We conclude that pathogen burden is independently associated with flatter cortisol slopes over the day, and may contribute to disturbed neuroendocrine regulation.
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| 9. |
- Vautard, R., et al.
(author)
-
Skill and uncertainty of a regional air quality model ensemble
- 2009
-
In: Atmospheric Environment. - : Elsevier BV. - 1352-2310. ; 43:31, s. 4822-4832
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Recently several regional air quality projects were carried out to support the negotiation under the Clean Air For Europe (CAFE) programme by predicting the impact of emission control policies with an ensemble of models. Within these projects, CITYDELTA and EURODELTA, the fate of air quality at the scale of European cities or that of the European continent was studied using several models. In this article we focus on the results of EURODELTA. The predictive skill of the ensemble of models is described for ozone, nitrogen dioxide and secondary inorganic compounds, and the uncertainty in air quality modelling is examined through the model ensemble spread of concentrations. For ozone daily maxima the ensemble spread origin differs from one region to another. In the neighbourhood of cities or in mountainous areas the spread of predicted values does not span the range of observed data, due to poorly resolved emissions or complex-terrain meteorology. By contrast in Atlantic and North Sea coastal areas the spread of predicted values is found to be larger than the observations. This is attributed to large differences in the boundary conditions used in the different models. For NO2 daily averages the ensemble spread is generally too small compared with observations. This is because models miss highest values occurring in stagnant meteorology in stable boundary layers near cities. For secondary particulate matter compounds the simulated concentration spread is more balanced, observations falling nearly equiprobably within the ensemble, and the spread originates both from meteorology and aerosol chemistry and thermodynamics. © 2008.
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| 10. |
- Wallgren, Märtha, et al.
(author)
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Influence of land use on the abundance of wildlife and livestock in the Kalahari, Botswana
- 2009
-
In: Journal of Arid Environments. - : Elsevier BV. - 0140-1963 .- 1095-922X. ; 73:3, s. 314-321
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Human land use such as pastoralism may be a key determinant of wildlife populations. We studied the influence of land use on wildlife and livestock in south-western Kalahari, Botswana, during the wet and dry seasons. We included two types of livestock areas and two types of wildlife protection areas. Wild and domestic mammals >0.2 kg were sampled by distance technique. Small mammals <0.2 kg were trapped and a vegetation survey was performed. Livestock and some medium-sized wildlife species were most abundant in livestock areas, while large-sized wildlife species were mainly restricted to wildlife areas. Most red-listed species were confined to the national park. The influence of land use on abundances changed moderately between seasons. However, cattle moved into wildlife areas during the wet season. Differences in species richness and diversity were most pronounced during the dry season. The trapping frequency of small mammals was highest in the national park. Differences in vegetation structure included sparser field layer and higher cover of an invasive shrub in livestock areas. Our study shows the importance of protected areas for many wildlife species in the Kalahari. It also shows the value of a multi-species approach for investigating the effects of land use on wildlife communities.
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| 11. |
- Ahlin, Gustav, et al.
(author)
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Structural requirements for drug inhibition of the liver specific human organic cation transport protein 1
- 2008
-
In: Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 0022-2623 .- 1520-4804. ; 51:19, s. 5932-5942
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The liver-specific organic cation transport protein (OCT1; SLC22A1) transports several cationic drugs including the antidiabetic drug metformin and the anticancer agents oxaliplatin and imatinib. In this study, we explored the chemical space of registered oral drugs with the aim of studying the inhibition pattern of OCT1 and of developing predictive computational models of OCT1 inhibition. In total, 191 structurally diverse compounds were examined in HEK293-OCT1 cells. The assay identified 47 novel inhibitors and confirmed 15 previously known inhibitors. The enrichment of OCT1 inhibitors was seen in several drug classes including antidepressants. High lipophilicity and a positive net charge were found to be the key physicochemical properties for OCT1 inhibition, whereas a high molecular dipole moment and many hydrogen bonds were negatively correlated to OCT1 inhibition. The data were used to generate OPLS-DA models for OCT1 inhibitors; the final model correctly predicted 82% of the inhibitors and 88% of the noninhibitors of the test set.
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| 12. |
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| 13. |
- Ahniyaz, Anwar, et al.
(author)
-
Preparation of iron oxide nanocrystals by surfactant-free or oleic acid-assisted thermal decomposition of a Fe(III) alkoxide
- 2008
-
In: Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials. - : Elsevier BV. - 0304-8853 .- 1873-4766. ; 320:6, s. 781-787
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A new non-hydrolytic, alkoxide-based route was developed to synthesize iron oxide nanocrystals. Surfactant-free thermal decomposition of the iron 2-methoxy-ethoxide precursors results in the formation of uniform iron oxide nanocrystals with an average size of 5.6 nm. Transmission electron microscope study shows that the nanocrystals are protected against aggregation by a repulsive surface layer, probably originating from the alkoxy-alkoxide ligands. Addition of oleic acid resulted in monodisperse nanocrystals with an average size of 4 nm. Mössbauer analysis confirmed that the nanocrystals mainly consisted of maghemite. Analysis of the magnetic hysteresis loop measurements and the zero field and field cooled measurements displayed an excellent fit to established theories for single-domain superparamagnetic nanocrystals and the size of the magnetic domains correlated well to the crystallite size obtained from transmission electron microscope.
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| 14. |
- Anderbrant, Olle, et al.
(author)
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Release of sex pheromone and its precursors in the pine sawfly Diprion pini (Hym., Diprionidae)
- 2005
-
In: Chemoecology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0937-7409 .- 1423-0445. ; 15:3, s. 147-151
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The first identification of a sex pheromone of a pine sawfly (Hymenoptera, Diprionidae) dates back almost thirty years. Since then, female-produced pheromones of over twenty diprionid species have been investigated by solvent extraction followed by separation and identification. However, no study has shown what the females actually release. Collection of airborne compounds using absorbtion on charcoal filter as well as solid phase microextraction (SPME) followed by analysis employing gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry (GC-MS), revealed an unusual system in Diprion pini, in which the pheromone precursor alcohol, 3,7-dimethyl-2-tridecanol, is released together with acetic, propionic, butyric and isobutyric acids. The corresponding acetate, propionate and butyrate esters of 3,7-dimethyl-2-tridecanol were also found in the samples. All esters were electrophysiologically active, and the propionate and isobutyrate were attractive in trapping experiments. Based on these and earlier reported results, it seems that at least in part of its range, the pheromone response of D. pini is not very specific with regard to the functional group, as long as this is an ester.
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| 15. |
- Andresen Bergström, Moa, 1978, et al.
(author)
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A skin-like cytochrome P450 cocktail activates prohaptens to contact allergenic metabolites.
- 2007
-
In: The Journal of investigative dermatology. - : Elsevier BV. - 1523-1747 .- 0022-202X. ; 127:5, s. 1145-53
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Allergic contact dermatitis is a complex syndrome representing immunological responses to cutaneous exposure to protein-reactive chemicals. Although many contact sensitizers directly can elicit this disorder, others (prohaptens) require activation. Knowledge regarding the activating mechanisms remains limited, but one possibility is metabolic activation by cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes in the skin. We have, after quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR studies of the CYP content in 18 human skin samples, developed an enriched skin-like recombinant human (rh) CYP cocktail using CYP1A1, 1B1, 2B6, 2E1, and 3A5. To validate the rhCYP cocktail, a prohaptenic conjugated diene ((5R)-5-isopropenyl-2-methyl-1-methylene-2-cyclohexene) was investigated using: the skin-like rhCYP cocktail, a liver-like rhCYP cocktail, single rhCYP enzymes, liver microsomes, keratinocytes, and a dendritic cell (DC) assay. The diene was activated to sensitizing epoxides in all non-cell-based incubations including the skin-like rhCYP cocktail. An exocyclic epoxide metabolite ((7R)-7-isopropenyl-4-methyl-1-oxaspiro[2.5]oct-4-ene) was found to be mainly responsible for the allergenic activity of the diene. This epoxide also induced pronounced DC activation indicated by upregulation of IL-8. The skin-like rhCYP cocktail provides a simplified alternative to using skin tissue preparations in mechanistic studies of CYP-mediated skin metabolism of prohaptens and offers the future possibility of designing in vitro predictive assays for assessment of allergenic activity of prohaptens.
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| 16. |
- Asp, Vendela, et al.
(author)
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Cytotoxicity and decreased corticosterone production in adrenocortical Y-1 cells by 3-methylsulfonyl-DDE and structurally related molecules
- 2009
-
In: Archives of Toxicology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0340-5761 .- 1432-0738. ; 83:4, s. 389-396
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The persistent environmental pollutant 3-methylsulfonyl-DDE (3-MeSO2-DDE) undergoes bioactivation by cytochrome P450 11B1 (CYP11B1) in the adrenal cortex of several animal species in vivo and causes decreased glucocorticoid production and cell death in the zona fasciculata. This study presents extended investigations of the cytotoxic and endocrine disrupting effects of 3-MeSO2-DDE and some structurally related molecules in the mouse adrenocortical cell line Y-1. Both 3-MeSO2-DDE and, to a lesser extent, 3,3'(bis)-MeSO2-DDE decreased corticosterone production and produced CYP11B1-dependent cytotoxicity in Y-1 cells. Neither 2-MeSO2-DDE nor p,p'-DDE had any significant effect on either cell viability or corticosterone production, indicating that the presence and position of the methylsulfonyl moiety of 3-MeSO2-DDE is crucial for its biological activity. The adrenocortical toxicant o,p'-DDD decreased corticosterone production but was not cytotoxic in this cell line. None of the compounds altered Cyp11b1 gene expression, indicating that 3-MeSO2-DDE inhibits CYP11B1 activity on the protein level.
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| 17. |
- Baltz, Edward A., et al.
(author)
-
Pre-launch estimates for GLAST sensitivity to Dark Matter annihilation signals
- 2008
-
In: Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics. - : IOP Publishing. - 1475-7516. ; 0807:013
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We investigate the sensitivity of the Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope (GLAST) for indirectly detecting weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) through the γ-ray signal that their pair annihilation produces. WIMPs are among the favorite candidates for explaining the compelling evidence that about 80% of the mass in the Universe is non-baryonic dark matter (DM). They are serendipitously motivated by various extensions of the standard model of particle physics such as supersymmetry and universal extra dimensions (UED). With its unprecedented sensitivity and its very large energy range (20 MeV to more than 300 GeV) the main instrument on board the GLAST satellite, the Large Area Telescope (LAT), will open a new window of discovery. As our estimates show, the LAT will be able to detect an indirect DM signature for a large class of WIMP models given a cuspy profile for the DM distribution. Using the current state of the art Monte Carlo and event reconstruction software developed within the LAT collaboration, we present preliminary sensitivity studies for several possible sources inside and outside the Galaxy. We also discuss the potential of the LAT to detect UED via the electron/positron channel. Diffuse background modeling and other background issues that will be important in setting limits or seeing a signal are presented
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| 18. |
- Barri, Thaer, et al.
(author)
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Extracting Syringe for determination of organochlorine pesticides in leachate water and soil-water slurry: A novel technology for environmental analysis
- 2006
-
In: Journal of Chromatography A. - : Elsevier BV. - 0021-9673. ; 1111:1, s. 11-20
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Extracting Syringe (ESy), a novel membrane-based sample preparation technique directly coupled as an autosampler to gas chromatography, has been employed for the analysis of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in raw leachate water. The ESy has also been applied for extraction of OCPs from contaminated soil samples and its performance has been compared to liquid-solid extraction (LSE) and accelerated solvent extraction (ASE). Extraction of 3-mL leachate sample at the optimised conditions resulted in enrichment factors from 32 (Endrin aldehyde) to 242 (Endrin) and detection limits from 1 to 20 ng/L. The inter-day and intra-day repeatability (% RSD) at 100 and 500 ng/L were < 6% and < 24%, respectively. The relative recovery at 100 and 500 ng/L ranged from 68% (Aldrin) to 116% (Endrin aldehyde); except Heptachlor that showed 51 and 60%, respectively. The ESy extraction of the slurry-made soil samples revealed occurrence of Endosulfan I (18.2 mu g/g soil), 4,4'-DDE (2.6 ng/g soil), Endosulfan 11 (8.7 mu g/g soil) and Endosulfan sulfate (1.1 mu g/g soil); showing good agreement with LSE results. The total ESy consumption of organic solvents was 4.2 mL from which only 0.6 mL n-undecane was used during the extraction step (7 mu L for the extraction per se), while in the LSE and ASE, it was 420 and 18.1 mL, respectively. The ESy extraction time (0.5 h) was comparable to the ASE time (0.6 h); and the time required for the LSE was 3.75 h. To sum up, the ESy has shown its competency to LSE and ASE technologies, demonstrating its applicability for environmental analysis of organic pollutants, towards green techniques for green environment. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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| 19. |
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| 20. |
- Bergström, Anders, 1969-
(author)
-
Oviposition strategies in butterflies and consequences for conservation
- 2005
-
Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Oviposition strategies are an important component of life history evolution in insects. Oviposition is a complex behaviour, where females must locate suitable habitat patches, locate oviposition sites, evaluate the quality, and finally decide how many eggs to lay. In this thesis, I explore some factors that may influence oviposition strategies in female butterflies. It discusses oviposition strategies from large to fine scales and ends with a discussion on implications for conservation. In paper I we tested for local adaptations in oviposition preference and larval performance in Polyommatus icarus. The result suggests that this species is evolutionary conservative in its utilization of the tested host plants. In the second paper we investigated frequency-dependent host plant choice in Polygonia c-album and showed that females spent significantly more time, and laid more eggs, in patches with high frequency of the preferred host. The influence of nectar sources on host plant choice in P. icarus was tested in paper III, females preferred ovipositing on host plants with flowers and after feeding. In paper IV we investigated oviposition “mistakes” in P. c-album and found differences in discrimination of hosts and non-hosts. Further, we showed that P. c-album butterflies are capable of responding to host quality by increasing clutch sizes on a high ranked host (paper V). Finally, in paper VI I explored how female oviposition behaviour can influence habitat management for a threatened butterfly species, Parnassius mnemosyne, by doing an observational field study on oviposition site preferences. This thesis highlights oviposition as a stepwise process and show that female discrimination is important at a multitude of levels with implications for oviposition strategies.
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| 21. |
- Bergström, Christel A S, et al.
(author)
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Hepatitis C virus NS3 protease inhibitors : large, flexible molecules of peptide origin show satisfactory permeability across Caco-2 cells
- 2009
-
In: European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. - : Elsevier BV. - 0928-0987 .- 1879-0720. ; 38:5, s. 556-563
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The purpose of this study was to investigate the intestinal absorption of tripeptide-based compounds intended for treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The intestinal permeability of 11 HCV NS3 protease inhibitors (Mw 687-841, ClogD(pH 7.4) 1.2-7.3 and 10-13 hydrogen bond donors/acceptors) was measured using Caco-2 cells. Each compound was investigated in the apical to basolateral (a-b) and basolateral to apical (b-a) direction at pH 7.4. For compounds displaying efflux the experiment was repeated in the presence of 1 microM GF120918 to investigate possible involvement of P-glycoprotein (Pgp; ABCB1). All compounds displayed intermediate to high permeability. Seven of them showed extensive efflux, with 31-114-fold higher permeability in the b-a direction than the a-b direction. Addition of the Pgp inhibitor GF120918 reduced the b-a transport rate for the effluxed compounds. However, for inhibitors with a C-terminal carboxylic acid and the acidic bioisosteres thereof the efflux was still significant. Hence, the negative charge resulted in efflux by other ABC-transporters than Pgp. From this study it can be concluded that small changes in the overall structure can lead to a large variation in permeability and efflux as shown by the inhibitors herein, properties that also may influence the resulting inhibition potency of the compounds when performing cell-based pharmacological assays.
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| 22. |
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| 23. |
- Bergström, David, et al.
(author)
-
Nd:YAG laser absorptance by rough metal surfaces
- 2007
-
In: 26th International Congress on Applications of Lasers and Electro-Optics, ICALEO 2007 - Congress Proceedings. - 9780912035888
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Nd:YLF/Nd:YAG laser absorptance of rough metal surfaces has been investigated using 3D ray tracing simulations on computer-generated Gaussian random rough metal surfaces. The impact of multiple scattering, shadowing and Fresnel-equation based angle dependence on the overall absorption is discussed.
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| 24. |
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| 25. |
- Bergström, J., et al.
(author)
-
In memoriam: Leif Carserud
- 2008
-
In: Geologiskt Forum. - 1104-4721. ; 57, s. 56-56
-
Journal article (pop. science, debate, etc.)
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| 26. |
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| 27. |
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| 28. |
- Bergström, L., et al.
(author)
-
GLAST sensitivity to cosmological dark matter annihilations into γ-rays
- 2007
-
In: First GLAST Symposium. - : American Institute of Physics (AIP). - 9780735404311 ; , s. 504-505
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Pair annihilation of weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP) dark matter into high energy photons taking place in dark matter halos at all redshifts might contribute to the extragalactic diffuse gamma-ray radiation. The γ- annihilation channel would give rise to a distinct feature in the spectrum, a line which is distorted by the integration over all cosmological redshifts. We present a study of GLAST sensitivity to detect an extragalactic signal from a generic, thermal WIMP with a continuous spectrum part, modeled with annihilations into bb̄, and a γ-line, from the 2γ final state.
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| 29. |
- Bergström, Lena, 1973-
(author)
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Macroalgae in the Baltic Sea : responses to low salinity and nutrient enrichment in Ceramium and Fucus
- 2005
-
Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The brackish Baltic Sea is a marginal environment for both marine and freshwater species. The rate of ecological differentiation is presumably high due to strong selection pressure from a gradient of decreasing salinity that has been present in its current state for only about 3 000 years. Even more recently, increased nutrient loading due to human activities has affected the growth rate of species, with potential effects on their competitive interactions and responses to other regulating factors. I have investigated the potential effects of low salinity and nutrient enrichment on the distributional ranges of two marine macroalgae with a wide distribution in the Baltic Sea, the red alga Ceramium tenuicorne (Kütz.) Wærn and the brown alga Fucus vesiculosus L. A field study in the northern Baltic Sea indicated a strong relationship between the community structure of macroalgae and abiotic factors even on a small, local scale. The abiotic factors are potentially modulated by eutrophication, which may have a strong effect on the depth distribution and abundance of macroalgae. On a regional scale, laboratory experiments suggested that nutrient enrichment is unlikely to affect the distribution of Ceramium and Fucus along the salinity gradient. Growth in Ceramium from the Baltic Proper was enhanced by nitrate and phosphate, but the response did not override growth constraints due to low salinity. Ceramium from the Gulf of Bothnia had an inherently lower growth rate that was not positively affected by nitrate and phosphate increase. In Fucus vesiculosus, reproductive performance was impaired by nitrate and phosphate levels corresponding to ambient levels in eutrophicated areas of the Baltic Sea, when measured by their effect on zygote attachment, germination, and rhizoid development.The wide distribution of Ceramium in the inner Baltic Sea is probably related to local adaptation, rather than a generalized tolerance of different salinity levels. Ecotypic differences were observed when comparing strains from the Baltic Proper (salinity 7 psu) and the Gulf of Bothnia (4 psu). A high rate of vegetative reproduction was evident, although sexual reproduction was occasionally observed in salinity 4. In Fucus vesiculosus, genetic and morphological analyses of sympatric and allopatric populations of the common, vesicular, morphotype and a dwarf morphotype, characteristic for the Gulf of Bothnia, showed that the dwarf morphotype represents a separate evolutionary lineage. Also, vegetative reproduction was observed in Fucus for the first time, as supported by genetic and experimental data. The results show that the biota of the inner Baltic Sea may have unique adaptive and genetic properties, and that it is highly relevant to consider subspecies diversity in Baltic Sea management.
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| 30. |
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| 31. |
- Bergström, Ulrika, et al.
(author)
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Differential gene expression in the olfactory bulb following exposure to the olfactory toxicant 2,6-dichlorophenyl methylsulphone and its 2,5-dichlorinated isomer in mice
- 2007
-
In: Neurotoxicology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0161-813X .- 1872-9711. ; 28:6, s. 1120-1128
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- 2,6-Dichlorophenyl methylsulphone and a number of structurally related chemicals are CYP-activated toxicants in the olfactory mucosa in mice and rats. This toxicity involves both the olfactory neuroepithelium and its subepithelial nerves. In addition, 2,6-dichlorophenyl methylsulphone, induces glial acidic fibrillary protein expression (Gfap, a biomarker for gliosis) in the olfactory bulb, as well as long-lasting learning deficits and changes in spontaneous behavior in mice and rats. So far the 2,5-dichlorinated isomer has not been reported to cause toxicity in the olfactory system, although it gives rise to transient changes in spontaneous behavior. In the present study we used 15k cDNA gene arrays and real-time RTPCR to determine 2,6-dichlorophenyl methylsulphone-induced effects on gene expression in the olfactory bulb in mice. Seven days following a single ip dose of 2,6-dichlorophenyl methylsulphone, 56 genes were found to be differentially expressed in the olfactory bulb. Forty-one of these genes clustered into specific processes regulating, for instance, cell differentiation, cell migration and apoptosis. The genes selected for real-time RT-PCR were chosen to cover the range of B-values in the cDNA array analysis. Altered expression of Gfap, mt-Rnr2, Ncor1 and Olfml3 was confirmed. The expression of these genes was measured also in mice dosed with 2,5-dichlorophenyl methylsulphone, and mt-Rnr2 and Olfml3 were found to be altered also by this isomer. Combined with previous data, the results support the possibility that the persistent neurotoxicity induced by 2,6-dichlorophenyl methylsulphone in mice represents both an indirect and a direct effect on the brain. The 2,5-dichlorinated isomer, negative with regard to CYP-catalyzed toxicity in the olfactory mucosa, may prove useful to resolve this issue.
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| 32. |
- Bonow, Johan M., et al.
(author)
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Cenozoic uplift of Nuussuaq and Disko, West Greenland : elevated erosion surfaces as uplift markers of a passive margin
- 2006
-
In: Geomorphology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0169-555X .- 1872-695X. ; 80:3-4, s. 325-337
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Remnants of a high plateau have been identified on Nuussuaq and Disko, central West Greenland. We interpret the plateau as an erosion surface (the summit erosion surface) formed mainly by a fluvial system and graded close to its former base level and subsequently uplifted to its present elevation. It extends over 150 km east–west, being of low relative relief, broken along faults, tilted westwards in the west and eastwards in the east, and having a maximum elevation of ca. 2 km in central Nuussuaq and Disko. The summit erosion surface cuts across Precambrian basement rocks and Paleocene–Eocene lavas, constraining its age to being substantially younger than the last rift event in the Nuussuaq Basin, which took place during the late Maastrichtian and Danian. The geological record shows that the Nuussuaq Basin was subjected to subsidence of several kilometres during Paleocene–Eocene volcanism and was transgressed by the sea later during the Eocene. By comparing with results from apatite fission track analysis and vitrinite reflectance maturity data, it is suggested that formation of the erosion surface was probably triggered by an uplift and erosion event starting between 40 and 30 Ma. Surface formation was completed prior to an uplift event that started between 11 and 10 Ma and caused valley incision. This generation of valleys graded to the new base level and formed a lower erosion surface, at most 1 km below the summit erosion surface, thus indicating the magnitude of its uplift. Formation of this generation of valleys was interrupted by a third uplift event also with a magnitude of 1 km that lifted the landscape to near its present position. Correlation with the fission-track record suggests that this uplift event started between 7 and 2 Ma. Uplift must have been caused initially by tectonism. Isostatic compensation due to erosion and loading and unloading of ice sheets has added to the magnitude of uplift but have not significantly altered the configuration of the surface. It is concluded that the elevations of palaeosurfaces (surfaces not in accordance with present climate or tectonic conditions) on West Greenland's passive margin can be used to define the magnitude and lateral variations of Neogene uplift events. The striking similarity between the landforms in West Greenland and those on many other passive margins is also noted.
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| 33. |
- Bonow, Johan M., et al.
(author)
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Elevated erosion surfaces in central West Greenland and southern Norway: their significance in integrated studies of passive margin development
- 2007
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In: Norwegian Journal of Geology. - 0029-196X. ; 87, s. 197-206
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Elevated erosion surfaces were used as an independant data set in an integrated study of the landscape development in central West Greenland. The study resulted in a time-constrained model describing multiple episodes of post-rift uplift, erosion and burial on a passive margin. The model is based on full integration of three data sets: analysis of large-scale landforms, apatite fission track analysis (AFTA) of samples from outcrops and deep boreholes, and the geological record. These data are equally important as they record specific an unique parts of the landscape history. The relative chronology obtained from the landform record is constrained by geology, which gives the maximum age of an erosin surface, and AFTA that records the cooling history of the subsurface rock. This combined approach validates the interpretation of erosion surface as having been goverened by different base levels in the past, and shows that erosion surfaces can be used to reconstruct tectonic events. Geomorphological key observations for the landscapes of southern Norway are presented and the similarities with landscapes in central West Greenland emphasised, especially the elevated plateaux and the Mesozoic etch surfaces. This similarity suggests that it may be possible to construct a time-constrained model for the landscape development of southern Norway based on our West Greenland approach.
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| 34. |
- Brokelman, Walter J A, et al.
(author)
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Decreased peritoneal tissue plasminogen activator during prolonged laparoscopic surgery.
- 2009
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In: The Journal of surgical research. - : Elsevier BV. - 1095-8673 .- 0022-4804. ; 151:1, s. 89-93
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Peritoneal fibrinolysis is crucial in the peritoneal healing processes and subsequent adhesion formation. During conventional surgery, the peritoneal fibrinolytic system is rapidly disturbed. Short-term laparoscopy does not seem to affect peritoneal fibrinolysis. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of prolonged laparoscopic surgery on peritoneal fibrinolysis. METHODS: Twelve consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery for morbid obesity were included in the study. During the procedure, biopsies of the parietal peritoneum were taken at the start of the procedure and each 45 min afterward. Tissue samples were homogenized and tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) antigen, tPA activity, urokinase-type PA antigen, and plasminogen activating inhibitors type 1 antigen were measured using commercial assay techniques. RESULTS: Both tPA antigen and its activity progressively decreased during the procedure, reaching significant levels after 90 min of surgery. The levels of uPA antigen and plasminogen activating inhibitors antigen did not significantly change throughout the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: As for conventional surgery, prolonged laparoscopic surgery causes a decreased fibrinolytic activity in the peritoneum due to decreased tPA levels.
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| 35. |
- Brokelman, Walter J A, et al.
(author)
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Peritoneal fibrinolytic response to various aspects of laparoscopic surgery: a randomized trial.
- 2006
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In: The Journal of surgical research. - : Elsevier BV. - 0022-4804. ; 136:2, s. 309-13
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Peritoneal fibrinolysis is important in peritoneal wound healing processes and adhesion formation. The peritoneal fibrinolytic response to laparoscopy is merely unknown. In the present study we investigate the effect of short-term laparoscopy on the peritoneal fibrinolytic response and the influence of intra-abdominal pressure, light intensity and choice of dissection device on this response. METHODS: There were 50 patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy randomized in five groups operated with various pressures, light intensities, and dissection devices. Peritoneal biopsies were taken at the beginning and the end of the procedure. Tissue concentrations of tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA), urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1), and the tPA-activity were measured using ELISA techniques. RESULTS: There were no differences in tPA antigen, tPA-activity, uPA antigen, or PAI-1 antigen concentrations in biopsies taken at the beginning compared to samples taken at the end of the operation. Different intra-abdominal pressures, light intensities and the choice dissection device did not affect any of the measured parameters. CONCLUSION: Short-term laparoscopy does not affect the peritoneal fibrinolytic activity. The used intra-abdominal pressure, light intensity and choice of dissection device do not affect peritoneal activity during short-term laparoscopy.
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| 36. |
- Brokelman, Walter J A, et al.
(author)
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Peritoneal transforming growth factor beta-1 expression during laparoscopic surgery: a clinical trial.
- 2007
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In: Surgical endoscopy. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1432-2218 .- 0930-2794. ; 21:9, s. 1537-41
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta1) is a growth factor involved in various biologic processes, including peritoneal wound healing and dissemination of malignancies. Laparoscopic surgery is evolving rapidly, and indications are increasing. The peritoneal TGF-beta1 expression during laparoscopic surgery is unknown. METHODS: For this study, 50 patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomized into five groups, then surgically treated with various pressures, light intensities, and dissection devices. Peritoneal biopsies were taken at the beginning and end of surgery. Tissue concentrations of total and active TGF-beta1 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in either total or active TGF-beta1 concentration between peritoneal biopsies taken at the start of surgery and samples taken at the end of the procedure. Patients who underwent surgery with the ultrasonic scalpel had significant lower levels of both active (p < 0.005) and total (p < 0.01) TGF-beta1 at the end of surgery than patients treated with electrocautery. Patients who had surgery with a high light intensity had significantly lower levels of total TGF-beta1 levels (p < 0.005) with an unchanged active part than patients who had surgery with low light intensity. CONCLUSION: The choice of dissection device and the light intensity used in laparoscopic surgery affect peritoneal TGF-beta1 concentrations, indicating that peritoneal biology can be affected by laparoscopic surgery. Because TGF-beta1 is involved in various biologic processes in the peritoneal cavity, this observation may have important clinical consequences.
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| 37. |
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| 38. |
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| 39. |
- Elser, JJ, et al.
(author)
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Shifts in lake N:P stoichiometry and nutrient limitation driven by atmospheric nitrogen deposition
- 2009
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In: Science. - : American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). - 0036-8075 .- 1095-9203. ; 326, s. 835-837
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Human activities have more than doubled the amount of nitrogen (N) circulating in the biosphere. One major pathway of this anthropogenic N input into ecosystems has been increased regional deposition from the atmosphere. Here we show that atmospheric N deposition increased the stoichiometric ratio of N and phosphorus (P) in lakes in Norway, Sweden, and Colorado, United States, and, as a result, patterns of ecological nutrient limitation were shifted. Under low N deposition, phytoplankton growth is generally N-limited; however, in high–N deposition lakes, phytoplankton growth is consistently P-limited. Continued anthropogenic amplification of the global N cycle will further alter ecological processes, such as biogeochemical cycling, trophic dynamics, and biological diversity, in the world’s lakes, even in lakes far from direct human disturbance.
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| 40. |
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| 41. |
- Henriksson, Roger, et al.
(author)
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High-grade astrocytoma treated concomitantly with estramustine and radiotherapy.
- 2006
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In: Journal of neuro-oncology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0167-594X .- 1573-7373. ; 78:3, s. 321-6
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Experimental and early clinical investigations have demonstrated encouraging results for estramustine in the treatment of malignant glioma. The present study is an open randomized clinical trial comparing estramustine phosphate (Estracyt) in addition to radiotherapy with radiotherapy alone as first line treatment of astrocytoma grade III and IV. The 140 patients included were in a good clinical condition with a median age of 55 years (range 22-87). Estramustine was given orally, 280 mg twice daily, as soon as the diagnosis was established, during and after the radiotherapy for a period of in total 3 months. Radiotherapy was delivered on weekdays 2 Gy daily up to 56 Gy. Eighteen patients were excluded due to misclassification, leaving 122 patients eligible for evaluation. Overall the treatment was well tolerated. Mild or moderate nausea was the most common side effect of estramustine. The minimum follow-up time was 5.2 years for the surviving patients. For astrocytoma grade III the median survival time was 10.6 (1.3-92.7) months for the radiotherapy only group and 17.3 (0.4-96.9+) months for the estramustine + radiotherapy group. In grade IV the corresponding median survival time was 12.3 (2.1-89.2) and 10.3 (0.3-91.7+) months, respectively. Median time to progress for radiotherapy only and radiotherapy and estramustin group in grade III tumours was 6.5 and 10.1 months, respectively. In grade IV tumours the corresponding figures were 5.1 and 3.3 months, respectively. Although there was a tendency for improved survival in grade III, no statistical significant differences were found between the treatment groups. No differences between the two treatment groups were evident with respect to quality of life according to the EORTC QLQ-protocol. In conclusion, this first randomized study did not demonstrate any significant improvement of using estramustine in addition to conventional radiotherapy, however, a trend for a positive response for the estramustine group was found in patients with grade III glioma.
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| 42. |
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| 43. |
- Japsen, Peter, et al.
(author)
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Formation, uplift and dissection of planation surfaces at passive continental margins - a new approach
- 2009
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In: Earth Surface Processes and Landforms. - : John wiley & sons Ltd. - 0197-9337 .- 1096-9837. ; 34:5, s. 683-699
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The usefulness of large-scale, low-relief, high-level landscapes as markers of uplift events has become a subject of disagreement among geomorphologists. We argue that the formation of low-relief surfaces over areas of large extent and cutting across bedrock of different age and resistance must have been guided by distinct base levels. In the absence of other options the most likely base level is sea level. We have analysed West Greenland landscapes in a recent study by combining the cooling history from apatite fission-track analysis (AFTA) data with the denudation history from landscape analysis and the stratigraphic record. An important difference between our approach and that of classical geomorphology is that we now have the ability to document when thick sections of rocks have been deposited and then removed. The present-day high-level plateau in West Greenland is the remnant of a planation surface that was formed by denudation that lasted 1 km of cover was removed after maximum burial at the Eocene–Oligocene transition. Here we present additional AFTA data to show that the planation surface is the end-product of Cenozoic denudation even in basement areas and argue that Phanerozoic sediments – most likely of Cretaceous–Palaeogene age – must have been present prior to denudation. The planation surface was offset by reactivated faults and uplifted to present-day altitudes of up to 2 km. The uplift occurred in two late Neogene phases that caused incision of valleys below the planation surface and their subsequent uplift. We therefore find that the elevated and deeply dissected plateau is evidence of episodic post-rift uplift that took place millions of years after cessation of sea-floor spreading west of Greenland. We suggest that other margins with similar morphology may also be characterized by episodic post-rift uplift unrelated to the processes of rifting and continental separation, rather than being permanently uplifted since the time of rifting, as is commonly assumed.
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| 44. |
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| 45. |
- Kauppi, A, et al.
(author)
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Probing the effect of superplasticizer adsorption on the surface forces using the colloidal probe AFM technique
- 2005
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In: Cement and Concrete Research. - 0008-8846 .- 1873-3948. ; 35, s. 133-140
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The interactions between adsorbed superplasticizer layers have been studied using direct force measurements, with an atomic force microscope. MgO was used as a nonreactive model system for cement, and a novel freeze granulation method for the production of spherical particles suitable for the colloidal probe atomic force microscope (AFM)-technique is reported. We found that the interactions induced by the adsorption of the anionic acrylic ester–ethylene oxide (AAE–EO) copolymers can be described as electrosteric, with an electrostatic and steric contribution. The range of the steric repulsion varied between 1.5 and 5 nm and could be related to the length of the grafted ethylene oxide chains. The lignosulfonate also induced a significant steric contribution that could be related to a dense coil conformation of the adsorbed superplasticizer
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| 46. |
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| 47. |
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| 48. |
- Lai, Enyin, 1965-
(author)
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Interaction between Adenosine and Angiotensin II in Renal Afferent Arterioles of Mice
- 2007
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Renal arterioles represent the most important effecter site in the control of renal perfusion and filtration. Adenosine (Ado), angiotensin II (Ang II) and nitric oxide (NO) interact in modulating arteriolar tone. The present work investigates the mechanism of this interaction. We tested the hypothesis that AT1 receptor (AT1AR) mediated NO release in isolated perfused afferent arterioles. Further, special attention was given to mechanisms of Ado-Ang II -interactions. We found (I) that Ang II specifically induces NO release via AT1AR in arterioles. The effect is important in view of high renin and Ang II concentrations in these vessels. (II) Ado modulates the Ang II response by acting on vasoconstrictor A1AR and vasodilator A2AR. Vice versa, Ang II critically enhances the constriction to Ado, which supports the assumption of its modulating action in the tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF). (III) The synergistic effect of Ang II and Ado on arteriolar contraction is concurrent with an increase in the cytosolic calcium. Further, (IV) Ado increases the calcium sensitivity of the contractile machinery in arteriolar smooth muscle cells most probably by enhancement of the phosphorylation of the myosin light chain regulatory unit. RhoA kinase, protein kinase C and p38 MAP are involved in the Ado effect, which is not receptor mediated and depends on the Ado uptake into vascular cells. Remarkably, the enhancing action of Ado is most likely limited to Ang II; since Ado does not influence endothelin-1 and norepinephrine induced contractions. These novel results extend our knowledge about the synergistic action of Ang II and Ado in the control of renal filtration. Ado, the key factor in mediation of the TGF, develops a significant vasoconstrictor action only in the presence of Ang II. On the other hand, the Ang II induced vasoconstriction is modulated by Ado via receptor and non-receptor mediated intracellular signaling pathways.
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| 49. |
- Lannerö, E, et al.
(author)
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Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke and sensitisation in children.
- 2008
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In: Thorax. - : BMJ. - 0040-6376 .- 1468-3296. ; 63:2, s. 172-176
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) increases the risk of respiratory illness in children but data are inconclusive regarding the risk of IgE sensitisation. Objective: To elucidate whether exposure to smoking prenatally and/or postnatally is related to IgE sensitisation in children at 4 years of age. Methods: As part of a prospective birth cohort study (BAMSE), a total of 4089 families with children answered questionnaires when the child was 2 months, 1, 2 and 4 years old on environmental factors and symptoms of allergic disease. Blood collected at age 4 years from 2614 children was analysed for IgE antibodies to common inhalant and food allergens. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using logistic regression with adjustments for potential confounders. Results: There was no evident association between maternal smoking during pregnancy and risk of IgE sensitisation. In contrast, a dose-response effect was found for exposure to ETS from parental smoking during the first few months of life and IgE sensitisation. There was an increased risk of sensitisation to inhalant and/or food allergens (ORadj 1.28 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.62)) among children exposed to ETS at 2 months of age. The risk appeared particularly elevated for indoor inhalant allergens, such as cat (ORadj 1.96 (95% CI 1.28 to 2.99)) and for food allergens (ORadj 1.46 (95% CI 1.11 to 1.93)). The IgE sensitising effect of ETS seemed to be confined to infants of parents without allergic diseases and to ETS exposure during early infancy. Conclusions: Our data indicate that exposure in early infancy to ETS increases the risk of IgE sensitisation to indoor inhalant and food allergens.
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| 50. |
- Lima, Estevao, et al.
(author)
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Endoscopic closure of transmural bladder wall perforations.
- 2009
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In: European urology. - : Elsevier BV. - 1873-7560 .- 0302-2838. ; 56:1, s. 151-7
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Traditionally, intraperitoneal bladder perforations caused by trauma or iatrogenic interventions have been treated by open or laparoscopic surgery. Additionally, transvesical access to the peritoneal cavity has been reported to be feasible and useful for natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) but would be enhanced by a reliable method of closing the vesicotomy. OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility and safety of an endoscopic closure method for vesical perforations using a flexible, small-diameter endoscopic suturing kit in a survival porcine model. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This pilot study was performed at the University of Minho, Braga, Portugal, using six anesthetized female pigs. INTERVENTIONS: Closure of a full-thickness longitudinal incision in the bladder dome (up to 10 mm in four animals and up to 20 mm in two animals) with the endoscopic suturing kit using one to three absorbable stitches. MEASUREMENTS: The acute quality of sealing was immediately tested by distending the bladder with methylene-blue dye under laparoscopic control (in two animals). Without a bladder catheter, the animals were monitored daily for 2 wk, and a necropsy examination was performed to check for the signs of peritonitis, wound dehiscence, and quality of healing. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Endoscopic closure of bladder perforation was carried out easily and quickly in all animals. The laparoscopic view revealed no acute leak of methylene-blue dye after distension of the bladder. After recovery from anaesthesia, the pigs began to void normally, and no adverse event occurred. Postmortem examination revealed complete healing of vesical incision with no signs of infection or adhesions in the peritoneal cavity. No limitations have yet been studied clinically. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the feasibility and the safety of endoscopic closure of vesical perforations with an endoscopic suturing kit in a survival porcine model. This study provides support for further studies using endoscopic closure of the bladder which may lead to a new era in management of bladder rupture and adoption of the transvesical port in NOTES procedures.
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