| 1. |
- Alafuzoff, Irina, et al.
(author)
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The need to unify neuropathological assessments of vascular alterations in the ageing brain : Multicentre survey by the BrainNet Europe consortium
- 2012
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In: Experimental Gerontology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0531-5565 .- 1873-6815. ; 47:11, s. 825-833
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Here, we summarise the results after carrying out a large survey regarding the assessment of vascular alterations, both vessel changes and vascular lesions in an inter-laboratory setting. In total, 32 neuropathologists from 22 centres, most being members of BrainNet Europe (BNE), participated by filling out a questionnaire with emphasis on assessment of common vascular alterations seen in the brains of aged subjects. A certain level of harmonisation has been reached among BNE members regarding sectioning of the brain, harvesting of brain tissue for histology and staining used when compared to the survey carried out in 2006 by Pantoni and colleagues. The most significant variability was seen regarding the assessment of severity and of clinical significance of vascular alterations. Two strategies have recently been recommended regarding the assessment of vascular alterations in aged and demented subjects. The National Institute on Aging - Alzheimer's Association (NIA-AA) recommends the assessment of hippocampal sclerosis, vascular brain injury and microvascular lesions in 12 regions. Although this strategy will be easy to follow, the recommendations do not inform how the load of observed alterations should be assessed and when the observed lesions are of significance. Deramecourt and his colleagues recommend an assessment and semiquantitative grading of various pathologies in 4 brain regions. This strategy yielded a total score of 0 to 20 as an estimate of pathology load. It is, however, not clear which score is considered to be of clinical significance. Furthermore, in several BNE trials the semiquantitative assessment has yielded poor agreement rates; an observation that might negatively influence the strategy proposed by Deramecourt and his colleagues. In line with NIA-AA, a dichotomised approach of easily recognisable lesions in a standardised set of brain regions harvested for neuropathological assessment and applying reproducible sampling and staining strategies is recommended by BNE. However, a simple strategy regarding assessment of load of alteration is urgently needed to yield reproducible, and at the same time, comparable results between centres.
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| 2. |
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| 3. |
- Brantsæter, A. L., et al.
(author)
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Diet matters, particularly in pregnancy – Results from MoBa studies of maternal diet and pregnancy outcomes
- 2014
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In: Norsk Epidemiologi. - 0803-2491. ; 24:1-2, s. 63-77
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Awareness that maternal diet may influence the outcome of pregnancy as well as the long-term health of mother and child has increased in recent years. A new food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was developed and validated specifically for the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa). The MoBa FFQ is a semi-quantitative tool which covers the average intake of food, beverages and dietary supplements during the first 4 to 5 months of pregnancy. It includes questions about intakes of 255 foods and dishes and was used from 2002 onwards. Data assessed by the MoBa FFQ is available for 87,700 pregnancies. Numerous sub-studies have examined associations between dietary factors and health outcomes in MoBa. The aim of this paper is to summarize the results from 19 studies of maternal diet and pregnancy outcomes, which is the complete collection of studies based on the MoBa FFQ and published before September 2014. The overall research question is whether maternal diet – from single substances to dietary patterns – matters for pregnancy outcome. The pregnancy outcomes studied till now include birth size measures, infants being small and large for gestational age, pregnancy duration, preterm delivery, preeclampsia, as well as maternal gestational weight gain and postpartum weight retention. As a whole, the results from these studies corroborate that the current dietary recommendations to pregnant women are sound and that maternal diet during pregnancy is likely to contribute to reduce the risk of pregnancy complications including preterm birth, preeclampsia, and reduced foetal growth. The results provide supporting evidence for recommending pregnant women to consume vegetables, fruit, whole grain, fish, dairy, and water regularly and lower the intake of sugar sweetened beverages, processed meat products and salty snacks. The results showing negative impact of even low levels of environmental contaminants support the precautionary advice on consumption of foods containing these. New findings are that particularly lean fish explained the positive association between seafood intake and foetal growth, and the indications of a protective effect of probiotic and antimicrobial foods on pregnancy outcomes. This points to the importance of diet composition for a healthy gut flora and the body’s immune response. Although these studies are observational and cannot infer causality, the results identify diet as an important modifiable lifestyle factor, suggesting that healthy eating, defined as following the official recommendations, is particularly important in pregnancy.
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| 4. |
- Börjesson, Stefan, 1979-, et al.
(author)
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Characterization of plasmid-mediated AmpC-producing E. coli from Swedish broilers and association with human clinical isolates
- 2013
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In: Clinical Microbiology and Infection. - : European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID). - 1198-743X .- 1469-0691. ; 19:7, s. E309-E311
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A selection of plasmid-mediated AmpC-producing Escherichia coli isolates carrying blaCMY-2 from Swedish broilers were characterized to establish their relatedness to and a possible overlap with human clinical E. coli isolates. The results showed diversity among the E. coli isolated from broilers, indicating that the spread in the population was not due to one strain. However, only one type of plasmid belonging to replicon type incK was identified. Furthermore, there were no indications of spread of blaCMY-2 E. coli isolates from broilers to human clinical settings, although Swedish broilers may be a source of blaCMY-2 and/or the plasmid carrying blaCMY-2 .
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| 5. |
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| 6. |
- Flysjö, A., et al.
(author)
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The impact of various parameters on the carbon footprint of milk production in New Zealand and Sweden
- 2011
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In: Agricultural Systems. - : Elsevier BV. - 1873-2267 .- 0308-521X. ; 104:6, s. 459-469
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The carbon footprint (CF) of milk production was analysed at the farm gate for two contrasting production systems; an outdoor pasture grazing system in New Zealand (NZ) and a mainly indoor housing system with pronounced use of concentrate feed in Sweden (SE). The method used is based on the conceptual framework of lifecycle assessment (LCA), but only for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. National average data were used to model the dairy system in each country. Collection of inventory data and calculations of emissions were harmonised to the greatest extent possible for the two systems. The calculated CF for 1kg of energy corrected milk (ECM), including related by-products (surplus calves and culled cows), was 1.00kg carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e) for NZ and 1.16kg CO2e for SE. Methane from enteric fermentation and nitrous oxide emissions from application of nitrogen (as fertiliser and as excreta dropped directly on the field) were the main contributors to the CF in both countries. The most important parameters to consider when calculating the GHG emissions were dry matter intake (DMI), emission factor (EF) for methane from enteric fermentation, amount of nitrogen applied and EF for direct nitrous oxide emissions from soils. By changing one parameter at a time within 'reasonable' limits (i.e. no extreme values assumed), the impact on the total CF was assessed and showed changes of up to 15%. In addition, the uncertainty in CF estimates due to uncertainty in EF for methane from enteric fermentation and nitrous oxide emissions (from soil and due to ammonia volatilisation) were analysed through Monte Carlo simulation. This resulted in an uncertainty distribution corresponding to 0.60-1.52kg CO2e kg-1 ECM for NZ and 0.83-1.56kg CO2e kg-1 ECM for SE (in the prediction interval 2.5-97.5%). Hence, the variation within the systems based on the main EF is relatively large compared with the difference in CF between the countries. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd.
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| 10. |
- Hellsing, Maja S., et al.
(author)
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Scattering from Dilute and Lamellar Phase Solutions of Aerosol-OT Simultaneous Probe of Surface Structures and Bulk
- 2011
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In: Trends in colloid andinterface science XXIV. - Berlin, Heidelberg : Springer Berlin Heidelberg. - 9783642190377 ; , s. 139-142
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The benefits of simultaneous studies of adsorbed layers and bulk structures are shown for solutions of the surfactant Aerosol-OT. Above the critical micelle concentration, Aerosol-OT forms an aligned lamellar phase at the sapphire/solution interface which is in equilibrium with a bulk phase that consists of coexisting micellar solution and dispersed lamellar phase. Measurements of the aligned surface layers and the bulk scattering from a 2% wt solution by grazing incidence and small-angle neutron scattering show that the bulk consist of lamellar structures with the same d-spacing as seen at the surface but without the surface induced alignment. The surface lamellar structure corresponds to a 10% volume fraction for a 2% wt bulk which implies that there must be coexistence of regions of different concentration. Scattering patterns measured in grazing incidence geometry clearly show the relative contributions from small-angle scattering and specular reflectivity.
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| 11. |
- Hunsicker, Mary E., et al.
(author)
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Functional responses and scaling in predator-prey interactions of marine fishes : contemporary issues and emerging concepts
- 2011
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In: Ecology Letters. - : Wiley-Blackwell. - 1461-023X .- 1461-0248. ; 14:12, s. 1288-1299
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Predatorprey interactions are a primary structuring force vital to the resilience of marine communities and sustainability of the worlds oceans. Human influences on marine ecosystems mediate changes in species interactions. This generality is evinced by the cascading effects of overharvesting top predators on the structure and function of marine ecosystems. It follows that ecological forecasting, ecosystem management, and marine spatial planning require a better understanding of food web relationships. Characterising and scaling predatorprey interactions for use in tactical and strategic tools (i.e. multi-species management and ecosystem models) are paramount in this effort. Here, we explore what issues are involved and must be considered to advance the use of predatorprey theory in the context of marine fisheries science. We address pertinent contemporary ecological issues including (1) the approaches and complexities of evaluating predator responses in marine systems; (2) the scaling up of predatorprey interactions to the population, community, and ecosystem level; (3) the role of predatorprey theory in contemporary fisheries and ecosystem modelling approaches; and (4) directions for the future. Our intent is to point out needed research directions that will improve our understanding of predatorprey interactions in the context of the sustainable marine fisheries and ecosystem management.
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| 12. |
- Kianfar, Roozbeh, 1984, et al.
(author)
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Design and Experimental Validation of a Cooperative Driving System in the Grand Cooperative Driving Challenge
- 2012
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In: IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems. - 1524-9050 .- 1558-0016. ; 13:3, s. 994-1007
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In this paper, we present the Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control (CACC) architecture, which was proposed and implemented by the team from Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden, that joined the Grand Cooperative Driving Challenge (GCDC) in 2011. The proposed CACC architecture consists of the following three main components, which are described in detail: 1) communication; 2) sensor fusion; and 3) control. Both simulation and experimental results are provided, demonstrating that the proposed CACC system can drive within a vehicle platoon while minimizing the inter-vehicle spacing within the allowed range of safety distances, tracking a desired speed profile, and attenuating acceleration shockwaves.
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| 13. |
- Kjellberg, Martin, et al.
(author)
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Measurement of leg length discrepancy after total hip arthroplasty : the reliability of a plain radiographic method compared to CT-scanogram
- 2012
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In: Skeletal Radiology. - : Springer London. - 0364-2348 .- 1432-2161. ; 41:2, s. 187-191
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To measure the interobserver reliability and intraobserver reproducibility of post total hip arthroplasty (THA) leg length discrepancy (LLD) measurement on radiographs as well as to evaluate its accuracy by comparing it with LLD measurement on computed tomographic scanogram (CT-scanogram). In this prospective study, postoperative LLD measurements in ten THA patients were made by four observers on anteroposterior radiographs of the pelvis (inter-teardrop line to the tip of lesser trochanter) and compared to LLD measurements made on CT-scanogram scout views of the lower limb. Two observers repeated the LLD measurements on radiographs 8 weeks after the first measurements. The interobserver reliability of the LLD measurement on plain radiographs was evaluated by comparing the measurements of the four observers and the intraobserver reproducibility by comparing the two repeated measurements made by the two observers. We found excellent interobserver reliability (mean ICC 0.83) and intraobserver reproducibility (ICC 0.90 and 0.88) of the LLD measurements on plain radiographs. There was a moderate to excellent agreement, but with wide variation of measurements among the four observers, when plain radiographic measurement was compared with CT-scanogram (ICC 0.58, 0.60, 0.71, and 0.82). Despite the excellent interobserver reliability and intraobserver reproducibility of LLD measurement on radiographs, clinicians should be aware of its limited accuracy when compared to CT-scanogram.
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| 14. |
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| 15. |
- Pelkmans, L., et al.
(author)
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Monitoring the Impact of Sustainability Certification in Relation to Biomass Use for Energy
- 2012
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In: EUBCE 2012 proceedings. - 9788889407547 ; , s. 2013-2018
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Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Since the public has expressed concern about unintended consequences associated with potentially unsustainable biomass production and use for energy (or biofuels), producers of biomass feedstocks in the private sector as well as governmental and non-governmental organisations have initiated many generally unlinked efforts to define 'sustainable' bioenergy production and supply chains. These 'sustainability' standards may be implemented through certification systems involving 3rd party audit, and influence production systems and trade of bioenergy products from producers to consumers of ‘green' energy. At present numerous biomass and biofuel sustainability certification systems are being developed or implemented by a variety of private and public organisations. Systems are applicable to different feedstock production sectors (forests, agricultural crops), different bioenergy products (relatively unprocessed forest residues, ethanol, biodiesel, electricity), and whole or segments of supply chains (production system, chain of custody from growers to energy consumers). It is expected that such a wide range of systems, developed largely without coordination among the organisations involved, could be problematic for all stakeholders along the supply chain in individual sectors and for those involved in deployment of bioenergy systems globally. These are individual feedstock producers, companies and commodity sectors that must comply with these systems either to maintain market access and share or to comply with legislative mandates, and also consumers who prefer to purchase certified green energy, and regulatory agencies and local to national governments that may be involved in enforcing sustainability standards. The potential for confusion among the actors, depression of markets, and unnecessary restrictions on sustainable trade seems high. Within IEA Bioenergy a strategic study was initiated between Task 40, Task 43 and Task 38 to monitor the actual implementation process of sustainability certification of bioenergy, evaluate how stakeholders are affected by certification initiatives, quantify the anticipated impact on worldwide bioenergy trade, assess the level of coordination among schemes, and make recommendations to remove barriers which may depress markets and reduce sustainable trade. Interaction with different stakeholder groups is one of the main objectives of this study, so we anticipate the recommendations being representative of the whole bioenergy certification sector and therefore having high potential to improve an otherwise uncoordinated interest in ensuring bioenergy trade is sustainable.
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| 16. |
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| 17. |
- Pelkmans, Luc, et al.
(author)
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The role of sustainability requirements in international bioenergy markets
- 2013
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In: International Bioenergy Trade. - : Springer. - 9789400769816 ; , s. 125-149
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Book chapter (peer-reviewed)abstract
- As the main driver for bioenergy is to enable society to transform to more sustainable fuel and energy production systems, it is important to safeguard that bioenergy deployment happens within certain sustainability constraints. There is currently a high number of initiatives, including binding regulations and several voluntary sustainability standards for biomass, bioenergy and/or biofuels. Within IEA Bioenergy studies were performed to monitor the actual implementation process of sustainability regulations and certification, evaluate how stakeholders are affected and envisage the anticipated impact on worldwide markets and trade. On the basis of these studies, recommendations were made on how sustainability requirements could actually support further bioenergy deployment. Markets would gain from more harmonization and cross-compliance. A common language is needed as ‘sustainability’ of biomass involves different policy arenas and legal settings. Policy pathways should be clear and predictable, and future revisions of sustainability requirements should be open and transparent. Sustainability assurance systems (both through binding regulations and voluntary certification) should take into account how markets work, in relation to different biomass applications (avoiding discrimination among end-uses and users). It should also take into account the way investment decisions are taken, administrative requirements for smallholders, and the position of developing countries.
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| 18. |
- Pelkmans, Luc, et al.
(author)
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The role of sustainability requirements in international bioenergy markets
- 2014
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In: Lecture Notes in Energy. - Dordrecht : Springer Netherlands. - 2195-1292 .- 2195-1284. ; 17:1, s. 125-149
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- As the main driver for bioenergy is to enable society to transform to more sustainable fuel and energy production systems, it is important to safeguard that bioenergy deployment happens within certain sustainability constraints. There is currently a high number of initiatives, including binding regulations and several voluntary sustainability standards for biomass, bioenergy and/or biofuels. Within IEA Bioenergy studies were performed to monitor the actual implementation process of sustainability regulations and certification, evaluate how stakeholders are affected and envisage the anticipated impact on worldwide markets and trade. On the basis of these studies, recommendations were made on how sustainability requirements could actually support further bioenergy deployment. Markets would gain from more harmonization and cross-compliance. A common language is needed as 'sustainability' of biomass involves different policy arenas and legal settings. Policy pathways should be clear and predictable, and future revisions of sustainability requirements should be open and transparent. Sustainability assurance systems (both through binding regulations and voluntary certification) should take into account how markets work, in relation to different biomass applications (avoiding discrimination among end-uses and users). It should also take into account the way investment decisions are taken, administrative requirements for smallholders, and the position of developing countries.
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| 19. |
- Pixton, Tonya S., et al.
(author)
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Perceived degree of facial happiness and the role of the particular stimuli
- 2010
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In: Fechner Day 10. - Padua, Italy : International Society for Psychophysics. ; , s. 501-504
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The purpose of the present study was to elucidate further Pixton’s and colleagues (2007, 2008, 2009) results with a between-group study. Two groups (happy, angry) viewed pictures of facial expressions (Tottenham et al., 2009) with three presentation times (12.50, 18.75, 25.00 ms) and completed a detection (Part 1) and a rating (Part 2) task. In Part 1, participants answered “yes” if they thought the face was happy (happy-group) or angry (angry-group and “no” if not. In Part 2, they rated each face stimulus on each of three scales (angriness, happiness, emotionality). The d′ values were higher for the happy-face group than for the angry-face group for the two longest times. “Neutral” faces were not rated equally neutral by the different groups. Together with Pixton and colleagues’ results, when investigating the detectability of emotions, account must be taken of the particular stimuli used, which has now been demonstrated in a between-groups and a within-participants study.
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| 21. |
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| 22. |
- Wadsten, Mats A, et al.
(author)
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Cortical comminution in distal radial fractures can predict the radiological outcome : a cohort multicentre study
- 2014
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In: The Bone & Joint Journal. - : British Editorial Society of Bone and Joint Surgery. - 2049-4394 .- 2049-4408. ; 96B:7, s. 978-983
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper investigates whether cortical comminution and intra-articular involvement can predict displacement in distal radius fractures by using a classification that includes volar comminution as a separate parameter. A prospective multicentre study involving non-operative treatment of distal radius fractures in 387 patients aged between 15 and 74 years (398 fractures) was conducted. The presence of cortical comminution and intra-articular involvement according to the Buttazzoni classification is described. Minimally displaced fractures were treated with immobilisation in a cast while displaced fractures underwent closed reduction with subsequent immobilisation. Radiographs were obtained after reduction, at 10 to 14 days and after union. The outcome measure was re-displacement or union. In fractures with volar comminution (Buttazzoni type 4), 96% (53 of 55) displaced. In intra-articular fractures without volar comminution (Buttazzoni 3), 72% (84 of 117) displaced. In extra-articular fractures with isolated dorsal comminution (Buttazzoni 2), 73% (106 of 145) displaced while in non-comminuted fractures (Buttazzoni 1), 16 % (13 of 81) displaced. A total of 32% (53 of 165) of initially minimally displaced fractures later displaced. All of the initially displaced volarly comminuted fractures re-displaced. Displacement occurred in 31% (63 of 205) of fractures that were still in good alignment after 10 to 14 days. Regression analysis showed that volar and dorsal comminution predicted later displacement, while intra-articular involvement did not predict displacement. Volar comminution was the strongest predictor of displacement.
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