| 1. |
- Beral, V, et al.
(author)
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Alcohol, tobacco and breast cancer - collaborative reanalysis of individual data from 53 epidemiological studies, including 58515 women with breast cancer and 95067 women without the disease
- 2002
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In: British Journal of Cancer. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1532-1827 .- 0007-0920. ; 87, s. 1234-45
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Alcohol and tobacco consumption are closely correlated and published results on their association with breast cancer have not always allowed adequately for confounding between these exposures. Over 80% of the relevant information worldwide on alcohol and tobacco consumption and breast cancer were collated, checked and analysed centrally. Analyses included 58515 women with invasive breast cancer and 95067 controls from 53 studies. Relative risks of breast cancer were estimated, after stratifying by study, age, parity and, where appropriate, women's age when their first child was born and consumption of alcohol and tobacco. The average consumption of alcohol reported by controls from developed countries was 6.0 g per day, i.e. about half a unit/drink of alcohol per day, and was greater in ever-smokers than never-smokers, (8.4 g per day and 5.0 g per day, respectively). Compared with women who reported drinking no alcohol, the relative risk of breast cancer was 1.32 (1.19 - 1.45, P < 0.00001) for an intake of 35 - 44 g per day alcohol, and 1.46 (1.33 - 1.61, P < 0.00001) for greater than or equal to 45 g per day alcohol. The relative risk of breast cancer increased by 7.1% (95% CI 5.5-8.7%; P<0.00001) for each additional 10 g per day intake of alcohol, i.e. for each extra unit or drink of alcohol consumed on a daily basis. This increase was the same in ever-smokers and never-smokers (7.1 % per 10 g per day, P < 0.00001, in each group). By contrast, the relationship between smoking and breast cancer was substantially confounded by the effect of alcohol. When analyses were restricted to 22 255 women with breast cancer and 40 832 controls who reported drinking no alcohol, smoking was not associated with breast cancer (compared to never-smokers, relative risk for ever-smokers= 1.03, 95% CI 0.98 - 1.07, and for current smokers=0.99, 0.92 - 1.05). The results for alcohol and for tobacco did not vary substantially across studies, study designs, or according to 15 personal characteristics of the women; nor were the findings materially confounded by any of these factors. If the observed relationship for alcohol is causal, these results suggest that about 4% of the breast cancers in developed countries are attributable to alcohol. In developing countries, where alcohol consumption among controls averaged only 0.4 g per day, alcohol would have a negligible effect on the incidence of breast cancer. In conclusion, smoking has little or no independent effect on the risk of developing breast cancer; the effect of alcohol on breast cancer needs to be interpreted in the context of its beneficial effects, in moderation, on cardiovascular disease and its harmful effects on cirrhosis and cancers of the mouth, larynx, oesophagus and liver. (C) 2002 Cancer Research UK.
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| 2. |
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| 3. |
- Ballantyne, C., et al.
(author)
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Collaborative meta-analysis of individual participant data from observational studies of Lp-PLA(2) and cardiovascular diseases
- 2007
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In: European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention & Rehabilitation. - 1741-8275. ; 14:1, s. 41344-41344
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background A large number of observational epidemiological studies have reported generally positive associations' between circulating mass and activity levels of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2) (Lp-PLA(2)) and the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Few studies have been large enough to provide reliable estimates in different circumstances, such as in different subgroups (e.g., by age group, sex, or smoking status) or at different Lp-PLA2 levels. Moreover, most published studies have related disease risk only to baseline values of Lp-PLA(2) markers (which can lead to substantial underestimation of any risk relationships because of within-person variability over time) and have used different approaches to adjustment for possible confounding factors. Objectives By combination of data from individual participants from all relevant observational studies in a systematic,meta-analysis, with correction for regression dilution (using available data on serial measurements of Lp-PLA(2)), the Lp-PLA(2) Studies Collaboration will aim to characterize more precisely than has previously been possible the strength and shape of the age and sex-specific associations of plasma Lp-PLA(2) with coronary heart disease (and, where data are sufficient with other vascular diseases, such as ischaemic stroke). It will also help to determine to what extent such associations are independent of possible confounding factors and to explore potential sources of heterogeneity among studies, such as those related to assay methods and study design. It is anticipated that the present collaboration will serve as a framework to investigate related questions on Lp-PLA(2) and cardiovascular outcomes. Methods A central database is being established containing data on circulating Lp-PLA(2) values, sex and other potential confounding factors, age at baseline Lp-PLA(2) Measurement, age at event or at last follow-up, major vascular morbidity and cause-specific mortality. Information about any repeat measurements of Lp-PLA2 and potential confounding factors has been sought to allow adjustment for possible confounding and correction for regression dilution. The analyses will involve age-specific regression models. Synthesis of the available observational studies of Lp-PLA(2) will yield information on a total of about 15 000 cardiovascular disease endpoints.
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| 4. |
- Baqui, Abdullah H., et al.
(author)
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Effectiveness of Haemophilus influenzae type B conjugate vaccine on prevention of pneumonia and meningitis in Bangladeshi children : A case-control study
- 2007
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In: The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal. - 0891-3668 .- 1532-0987. ; 26:7, s. 565-571
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Few Asian countries have introduced Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) conjugate vaccine because of its cost and uncertainty regarding disease burden. Methods: To estimate the effectiveness of Hib conjugate vaccine in preventing pneumonia and meningitis in children age <2 years, an incident case-control study was conducted in a birth cohort of about 68,000 infants in Dhaka city, Bangladesh. DPT vaccine was systematically replaced, by a combined Hib-DPT vaccine in selected immunization centers of the study area. Four matched community- and 2 hospital-controls were randomly selected for each confirmed case of pneumonia and meningitis from the study area. Results: About 35% of the infants received each of the 3 doses of Hib-DPT vaccine. There were 2679 children who had a chest roentgenogram. For 475 children, a radiologist and a pediatrician independently identified substantial alveolar consolidation. Following at least 2 doses of Hib vaccine, the preventable fractions [95% confidence intervals (CI)] using community and hospital controls were 17% (- 10% to 38%) and 35% (13% to 52%) respectively. Of these 475 cases, 2 radiologists with the World Health Organization concurred with the findings for 343 patients, yielding preventable fractions of 34% (6% to 53%) and 44% (20% to 61%). Fifteen confirmed Hib meningitis cases were identified; the preventable fractions (95% CI) using community and hospital controls, respectively, were 89% (28% to 100%) and 93% (53% to 100%). Conclusions: The study documented that significant fractions of pneumonia and meningitis in Bangladeshi children age <2 years can be prevented by the Hib conjugate vaccine.
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| 5. |
- Boschkova, K, et al.
(author)
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Lubrication in aqueous solutions using cationic surfactants – a study of static and dynamic forces
- 2002
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In: Langmuir. - 0743-7463 .- 1520-5827. ; 18, s. 1680-1687
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper concerns lubrication in aqueous surfactant systems where the surfactants adsorb at surfaces, in relative motion, forming either a surfactant monolayer or a multi- (liquid crystalline) layer. The surfactants were of two kinds, viz., a double chain cationic surfactant, didodecyldimethylammonium bromide, DDAB, and a single chain cationic surfactant, dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide, DTAB. Excellent film forming capability was shown for DDAB and interpreted as the result of good packing of the surfactant molecules at the surfaces, i.e., the inherent ability of the surfactant molecules to form liquid crystalline structures at the surface, resulting in good load-carrying capability. This is also reflected in the bulk properties of the surfactants, where DDAB show lamellar liquid crystalline phases at concentrations much lower than DTAB, which does not show good lubrication properties. The results are discussed in terms of film stability of a surfactant layer adsorbed at the surface, which in turn is correlated to the critical packing parameter of the surfactant, in analogy with the Kabalnov-Wennerström theory of emulsion droplet coalescence (Kabalnov, A.; Wennerström, H. Langmuir 1996, 12, 276). The systems were characterized using (i) the surface force apparatus determining the interaction forces between the adsorbed layers at the surfaces and (ii) the EHD rig (elastohydrodynamic rig) determining film formation under shear. The adsorption kinetics and composition at the surface were determined by a quartz crystal microbalance and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
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| 6. |
- Boström, Curt-Åke, et al.
(author)
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Luftkvalitetsmätningar i ett antal tätorter i sydöstra Sverige vintern 1999/00
- 2000
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Reports (other academic/artistic)abstract
- På uppdrag av Vägverket Region Sydöst har IVL i samarbete med ett antal kommuner inom regionen utfört mätningar av trafikrelaterade luftföroreningar i 10 tätorter under vinterhalvåret 1999/00. Mätningarna har skett veckovis med diffusionsprovtagare. Totalt mättes i åtta veckor fördelade över vintersäsongen. De ämnen som ingick i studien var kväveoxider, flyktiga organiska föreningar (VOC inkl bensen) och ozon. I varje tätort har mätningar skett i två olika miljöer, trafikbelastad respektive urban bakgrundsmiljö. Mätningarna har visat att man med diffusionsprovtagare och en samordnad strategi kan erhålla ett jämförelsematerial användbart för bedömning av luftföroreningssituationen i många tätorter och trafikmiljöer. Mätningarna har även visat på vilken skillnad som kan förväntas i föroreningshalt mellan förmodat hårt belastade miljöer och den urbana bakgrunden. Även i mindre tätorter kan halterna av trafikrelaterade luftföroreningar bli relativt höga i förhållande till gräns-/riktvärden och miljökvalitetsnormer.
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| 7. |
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| 13. |
- Engstrom, P.E., et al.
(author)
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Electrically mediated drug delivery for treatment of an adenocarcinoma transplanted into rat liver
- 2001
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In: Anticancer research. - 1791-7530. ; 21:3B, s. 1817-1822
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: In this study, electrochemotherapy (ECT), i.e. tumour treatment based on local augmentation of intracellular drug delivery from short, intense electric pulses, was evaluated in rats with an adenocarcinoma implanted into the liver. Tumour response and concentrations of macrophages and T-lymphocytes (CD4 and CD8) in and around the tumour were measured.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats were treated with permeabilizing electric pulses, bleomycin, or both, eight days after implantation of the tumour, while one group received sham treatment.RESULTS: Treatment with electric pulses and bleomycin resulted in a significantly reduced lesion volume and 92% cure rate (12 out of 13, p<0.0002 compared to the other treatment groups). The highest concentration of CD8 lymphocytes was found in tumours treated with electric pulses and bleomycin. Macrophages were found mainly in tumours treated with electric pulses, with or without bleomycin.CONCLUSION: Electrochemotherapy using millisecond exponential pulses and bleomycin is efficient in a rat liver tumour model and appears to stimulate the host's immune system.
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| 14. |
- Garte, S, et al.
(author)
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Metabolic gene polymorphism frequencies in control populations
- 2001
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In: Cancer epidemiology, biomarkers & prevention : a publication of the American Association for Cancer Research, cosponsored by the American Society of Preventive Oncology. - 1055-9965. ; 10:12, s. 1239-1248
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)
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| 15. |
- Giraldi, A, et al.
(author)
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Effects of diabetes on neurotransmission in rat vaginal smooth muscle
- 2001
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In: International Journal of Impotence Research. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1476-5489 .- 0955-9930. ; 13:2, s. 58-66
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim of this work was to characterize the effect of experimental diabetes on neurotransmission in rat vagina. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups: non-diabetic controls (NDM, n=38) and diabetics (DM, n=38). DM was produced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. Eight weeks later the animals were killed, the distal part of the vagina was removed, and smooth muscle strips were prepared for functional organ bath experiments and for measurement of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity. In DM preparations, the EC(50) value for noradrenaline (NA) was significantly increased (P<0.05) and the maximal contractile response decreased (P=0.001). In preparations precontracted with NA, the NO donor SNAP and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) caused concentration-dependent relaxations, which were significantly decreased (P<0.001) in the DM group. Electrical stimulation of nerves (EFS) caused frequency-dependent contractions, which were significantly lower in DM than in NDM strips (P<0.001). SNAP and CGRP concentration-dependently inhibited EFS evoked contractions in both NDM and DM preparations. The inhibition was significantly lower (P<0.05) in the DM group. In NDM preparations precontracted with NA, EFS evoked frequency-dependent relaxations; such relaxations were inhibited or reduced in DM. Treatment with the NOS inhibitor, L-NOARG 0.1 mM, abolished relaxations in all preparations or produced contraction in DM preparations. Calcium-dependent NOS activity was not significantly different in the DM and NDM groups. However, the DM animals showed a small but significant increase in calcium-independent NOS-activity (P<0.05). Diabetes interferes with adrenergic-, cholinergic- and NANC-neurotransmitter mechanisms in the smooth muscle of the rat vagina. The changes in the nitrergic neurotransmission are not due to reduction in NOS-activity, but seem to be due to interference with later steps in the L-arginine/NO/guanylate cyclase/cGMP system.
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| 16. |
- Gottsäter, Anders, et al.
(author)
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Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist is detectable in human carotid artery plaques and is related to triglyceride levels and Chlamydia pneumoniae IgA antibodies.
- 2002
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In: Journal of Internal Medicine. - : Wiley. - 1365-2796 .- 0954-6820. ; 251:1, s. 61-68
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (Il-1ra) and interleukin-1beta (Il-1beta) can be detected in human carotid artery tissue, and whether their presence is related to evidence of Chlamydia pneumoniae infection, risk factors for atherosclerosis, and clinical data. SETTING: Departments of Vascular Diseases and Surgical Pathophysiology, University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden. SUBJECTS: A total of 66 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (median age 74, range 53-89 years, 26 women). Il-1beta and Il-1ra were studied in carotid artery plaques and in Il-1ra in serum. RESULTS: Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist was detected in mononuclear cells in plaques from 37/66 (56%) patients. Patients with Il-1ra in plaques showed higher [2.04 (1.70-3.14) mmol x L(-1) vs. 1.69 (1.09-1.99) mmol x L(-1); P < 0.05] serum(s-)triglyceride(tg) levels, and a higher frequency of IgA seropositivity for C. pneumoniae (76% vs. 52%; P < 0.05) than those without. S-Il-1ra levels correlated with s-tg levels (r=0.38; P=0.047). There were no differences between patients with and without Il-1ra in plaques concerning s-Il-1ra, blood(b-)haemoglobin or leucocyte count, s-cholesterol, b-glucose, blood pressure, IgG seropositivity for C. pneumoniae, prevalence of neurological symptoms preceding operation, smoking, or diabetes mellitus. There were no differences in frequency of Il-1ra in plaques or in s-Il-1ra levels between patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic stenosis, between smokers and nonsmokers, or between diabetic and nondiabetic patients. Il-1beta was not detected in plaques in the current study. CONCLUSION: Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist can be detected in human atherosclerotic carotid artery plaques, and is related to s-triglyceride levels and IgA seropositivity for C. pneumoniae, but not to prevalence of neurological symptoms related to embolization.
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| 17. |
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Highlights from the first year of Odin observations
- 2003
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In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 402, s. L39-L46
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Key Odin operational and instrumental features and highlights from our sub-millimetre and millimetre wave observations of H2O, H218O, NH3, 15NH3 and O2 are presented, with some insights into accompanying Odin Letters in this A&A issue. We focus on new results where Odin's high angular resolution, high frequency resolution, large spectrometer bandwidths, high sensitivity or/and frequency tuning capability are crucial: H2O mapping of the Orion KL, W3, DR21, S140 regions, and four comets; H2O observations of Galactic Centre sources, of shock enhanced H2O towards the SNR IC443, and of the candidate infall source IRAS 16293-2422; H218O detections in Orion KL and in comet Ikeya-Zhang; sub-mm detections of NH3 in Orion KL (outflow, ambient cloud and bar) and ρ Oph, and very recently, of 15NH3 in~Orion KL. Simultaneous sensitive searches for the 119 GHz line of O2 have resulted in very low abundance limits, which are difficult to accomodate in chemical models. We also demonstrate, by means of a quantitative comparison of Orion KL H2O results, that the Odin and SWAS observational data sets are very consistently calibrated. Odin is a Swedish-led satellite project funded jointly by the Swedish National Space Board (SNSB), the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), the National Technology Agency of Finland (Tekes), and the Centre National d'études Spatiales (CNES, France). The Swedish Space Corporation (SSC) has been the prime industrial contractor, and is also responsible for the satellite operation from its Odin Mission Control Centre at SSC in Solna and its Odin Control Centre at ESRANGE near Kiruna in northern Sweden. See also the SNSB Odin web page: http://www.snsb.se/eng_odin_intro.shtml
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| 18. |
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| 19. |
- Håkanson, Ulf, et al.
(author)
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Nano-aperture fabrication for single quantum dot spectroscopy
- 2003
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In: Nanotechnology. - : IOP Publishing. - 0957-4484 .- 1361-6528. ; 14:6, s. 675-679
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We present a simple and controllable method for fabricating nano-apertures in a metal film using polystyrene nano-spheres as masks during the metal evaporation. We show how the processing conditions used during deposition of the spheres such as spin velocity, nano-sphere concentration and a reduction of the surface tension interplay and control the distribution of spheres. The fabrication method is ideal for luminescence studies by isolating individual nanometre-sized objects, which is exemplified by photoluminescence spectroscopy of single self-assembled Stranski-Krastanow quantum dots.
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| 20. |
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| 21. |
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| 23. |
- Jais, JP, et al.
(author)
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X-linked Alport syndrome: Natural history and genotype-phenotype correlations in girls and women belonging to 195 families: A "European community Alport syndrome concerted action" study
- 2003
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In: Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. - 1046-6673. ; 14:10, s. 2603-2610
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Alport syndrome (AS) is a type IV collagen hereditary disease characterized by progressive hematuric nephritis, hearing loss, and ocular changes. Mutations in the COL4A5 collagen gene are responsible for the more common X-linked dominant form of the disease characterized by much less severe disease in girls and women. A "European Community Alport Syndrome Concerted Action" (ECASCA) group was established to delineate the Alport syndrome phenotype in each gender and to determine genotype-phenotype correlations in a large number of families. Data concerning 329 families, 250 of them with an X-linked transmission, were collected. Characteristics of heterozygous girls and women belonging to the 195 families with proven COL4A5 mutation are compared with those of hemizygous boys and men. Hematuria was observed in 95% of carriers and consistently absent in the others. Proteinuria, hearing loss, and ocular defects developed in 75%, 28%, and 15%, respectively. The probability of developing end-stage renal disease or deafness before the age of 40 yr was 12% and 10%, respectively, in girls and women versus 90 and 80%, respectively, in boys and men. The risk of progression to end-stage renal disease appears to increase after the age of 60 yr in women. Because of the absence of genotype-phenotype correlation and the large intrafamilial phenotypic heterogeneity, early prognosis of the disease in X-linked Alport syndrome carriers remains moot. Risk factors for developing renal failure have been identified: the occurrence and progressive increase in proteinuria, and the development of a hearing defect.
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| 24. |
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| 26. |
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| 27. |
- Lundell, M, et al.
(author)
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Low incidence of brain death and organ donation in Sweden. Analyses of a six-year prospective registration of all deceased patients in intensive units in Southern Sweden
- 2006
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In: Organs, Tissues and Cells. - 1828-0595. ; 9:1, s. 23-27
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Sweden is among those countries in Europe that have the lowest number of organ donors per million population (PMP). Because of the low numbers of actual donors, it is important to identify the total number of potential donors. Thus, a prospective registration of all deceased patients at all intensive care units was introduced in the Southern Healthcare Region of Sweden, which has a population of 1.6 million. During the six years from 1999 to 2004, 3,760 deaths were recorded. Only 251 patients (7%) of all ages were diagnosed with brain death, corresponding to 26 patients PMP and year. Of these, 194 cases (20 PMP) were classified as potential organ donors, defined as brain death without medical contraindications against organ donation. Consent for organ donation was given in slightly more than half of these cases (54%) thus, there were only around 11 organ donors PMP and year. The continuous registration in Southern Sweden has been a very important tool for evaluation of what forms of action should be taken to promote organ donation. As part of a computerised system for quality assurance in intensive care now being introduced in many parts of Sweden, registration may become an instrument of quality assurance for organ donation nationwide.
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| 28. |
- Lundgren, Sarah M., et al.
(author)
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Effects of unsaturation on film structure and friction of fatty acids in a model base oil
- 2008
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In: Journal of Colloid and Interface Science. - : Elsevier BV. - 0021-9797 .- 1095-7103. ; 326:2, s. 530-536
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The normal and friction forces between layers of three fatty acids (stearic, oleic, and linoleic acid) and a rosin acid (dehydroabietic acid) have been measured in n-hexadecane with a surface forces apparatus. Stearic, oleic, and dehydroabietic acid form loose-packed monolayers on mica surfaces when adsorbed from dry n-hexadecane. Linoleic acid forms an additional dimer layer between monolayer-covered surfaces, where it is stabilized by interactions between the double-bond-rich regions of the molecules. The monolayers formed by linoleic and dehydroabietic acid are thinner than the ones formed by stearic and oleic acid, but are not as easily removed from between the mica surfaces when the load or pressure is increased. The friction force increased linearly with load in all systems, and the friction coefficient increased with increasing unsaturation. Linoleic acid showed two regimes of linear friction with increasing load, corresponding to two different film thicknesses. its friction was sensitive to sliding speed and adsorption time, and the thinner film observed at higher load had a lower friction coefficient. Such features were not observed for stearic and oleic acid, where the monolayers were removed and the friction coefficient changed to that of pure n-hexadecane at a pressure of 3.5 MPa.
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| 29. |
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| 33. |
- Persson, K., et al.
(author)
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Preparation of alumina-supported palladium catalysts for complete oxidation of methane
- 2003
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In: Applied Catalysis A. - : Elsevier BV. - 0926-860X .- 1873-3875. ; 249:1, s. 165-174
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Alumina-supported palladium catalysts (Pd/Al2O3) have been prepared by incipient wetness (IW), grafting (G) and microemulsion techniques (ME). Two slightly different microemulsion methods have been used (ME1) and (ME2). The catalysts have been calcined at 1000 degreesC for 4 h. The catalysts have then been examined with respect to their activity for the combustion of methane, during heating and cooling ramps. Pd/Al2O3-IW and Pd/Al2O3-ME2 exhibit the highest activity whereas Pd/Al2O3-ME1 and Pd/Al2O3-G are the less active. There is not much of a difference in activity between Pd/Al2O3-IW and Pd/Al2O3-ME2, despite strong differences in palladium particle size observed by TEM analysis. TPO experiments show that Pd/Al2O3-IW and Pd/Al2O3-ME2 present a higher PdO/Pd ratio than the other samples exhibit. The preparation technique affects the reoxidation ability of palladium during cooling, hence the combustion activity of the fresh catalyst, as PdO is more active than Pd for the complete oxidation of methane under lean conditions.
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| 34. |
- Persson, Linda, 1971, et al.
(author)
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Lack of complement factor C3, but not factor B, increases hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-/- low-density lipoprotein receptor-/- mice
- 2004
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In: Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. - 1079-5642. ; 24:6, s. 1062-1067
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of complement deficiency on atherogenesis and lipidemia, we used mice deficient in the third complement component (C3-/-) or factor B (FB-/-). METHODS AND RESULTS: Complement-deficient mice were crossed with mice deficient in both apolipoprotein E and the low-density lipoprotein receptor (Apoe-/- LDLR-/-). The percent lesion area in the aorta at 16 weeks, determined by en face analysis, was 84% higher in C3-/- mice than in controls (11.8%+/-0.4% versus 6.4%+/-0.8%, mean+/-SEM, P<0.00005). The C3-/- mice also had 58% higher serum triglyceride levels (P<0.05) and a more proatherogenic lipoprotein profile, with significantly more low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and very-low-density lipoprotein triglycerides than control mice. The C3-/- mice weighed 13% less (P<0.01) and had a lower body fat content (3.5%+/-1.0% versus 13.1%+/-3.0%, P<0.01). There were no differences between FB-/- mice and controls. CONCLUSIONS: Complement activation by the classical or lectin pathway exerts atheroprotective effects, possibly through the regulation of lipid metabolism.
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| 35. |
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| 36. |
- Rusanova, Daniela, et al.
(author)
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Copper(I) O,O '-dialkyldithiophosphate clusters : EXAFS, NMR and X-ray diffraction studies
- 2007
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In: Journal of coordination chemistry (Print). - : Informa UK Limited. - 0095-8972 .- 1029-0389. ; 60:5, s. 517-525
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Copper K- edge EXAFS data for six polycrystalline cubic cluster compounds, {Cu-8[ S2P(OR)(2)](6)(mu(8)- S)} with R= Et, Pr-n, Pr-i, Bu-n, Bu-i and Am-i, show that the architecture of their Cu-8(S2P)(2)S cores is fairly rigid and independent of both length and branching of the alkyl chain, and that the structure of the cluster is maintained in acetone solution. Solid- state P-31 CP-MAS and static Cu-65 NMR data for {Cu-8[S2P(O-n Pr)(2)] 6(mu(8)- S)} and {Cu-8[S2P(OEt)(2)](6) mu(8)- S)} show similarities in the icosahedral O,O'- dialkyldithiophosphate shells and in the `cubic' copper cores in these cluster compounds. The crystal structure of {Cu-8[S2P(O-n Pr)(2)](6) (mu(8)- S)} was resolved using single- crystal X- ray diffraction.
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| 37. |
- Ruths, M., et al.
(author)
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Friction of fatty acids in nanometer-sized contacts of different adhesive strength
- 2008
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In: Langmuir. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 0743-7463 .- 1520-5827. ; 24:4, s. 1509-1516
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The effects of adhesion, contact area, and pressure on the lubricating properties of self-assembled monolayers on steel have been investigated with friction force microscopy. The adsorbed molecules were fatty acids with varying degrees of unsaturation (0-2 double bonds; stearic, oleic, and linoleic acid) and a rosin acid (dehydroabietic acid), adsorbed from n-hexadecane solution. The friction of these loose-packed monolayers was studied in dry N-2 gas and in ethanol. Low adhesion (in ethanol) resulted in a linear increase in friction force at low loads, that is, F = mu L, whereas higher adhesion (in N-2 gas) gave an apparent area-dependence at low loads of the form F = S(c)A, where S-c is the critical shear stress. A recent model for the contact mechanics of a compliant elastic film confined between stiffer substrates was applied to the data obtained in dry N-2. Using this approach, we obtained interfacial energies of the compliant monolayers in good agreement with van der Waals-Lifshitz theory. With a low monolayer elastic modulus of E-1' = 0.2 GPa, we obtained a slightly higher value of S, for stearic acid than that established for more close-packed stearic acid monolayers. An increase of p and Sc was found with increasing degree of unsaturation of the fatty acid.
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| 38. |
- Ruths, M, et al.
(author)
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Friction of fatty acids in nanometer-sized contacts of different adhesive strength
- 2008
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In: Langmuir. - 0743-7463 .- 1520-5827. ; 24, s. 1509-1516
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The effects of adhesion, contact area, and pressure on the lubricating properties of self-assembled monolayers on steel have been investigated with friction force microscopy. The adsorbed molecules were fatty acids with varying degrees of unsaturation (0-2 double bonds; stearic, oleic, and linoleic acid) and a rosin acid (dehydroabietic acid), adsorbed from n-hexadecane solution. The friction of these loose-packed monolayers was studied in dry N2 gas and in ethanol. Low adhesion (in ethanol) resulted in a linear increase in friction force at low loads, that is, F = L, whereas higher adhesion (in N2 gas) gave an apparent area-dependence at low loads of the form F = ScA, where Sc is the critical shear stress. A recent model for the contact mechanics of a compliant elastic film confined between stiffer substrates was applied to the data obtained in dry N2. Using this approach, we obtained interfacial energies of the compliant monolayers in good agreement with van der Waals-Lifshitz theory. With a low monolayer elastic modulus of = 0.2 GPa, we obtained a slightly higher value of Sc for stearic acid than that established for more close-packed stearic acid monolayers. An increase of and Sc was found with increasing degree of unsaturation of the fatty acid.
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| 39. |
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| 40. |
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| 41. |
- Swoboda, Jessica, et al.
(author)
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Predictors of oral health quality of life in older adults.
- 2006
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In: Special care in dentistry : official publication of the American Association of Hospital Dentists, the Academy of Dentistry for the Handicapped, and the American Society for Geriatric Dentistry. - 0275-1879. ; 26:4, s. 137-144
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- There is limited information regarding oral health status and other predictors of oral health-related quality of life. An association between oral health status and perceived oral health-related quality of life (OHQOL) might help clinicians motivate patients to prevent oral diseases and improve the outcome of some dental public health programs. This study evaluated the relationship between older persons' OHQOL and their functional dentition, caries, periodontal status, chronic diseases, and some demographic characteristics. A group of 733 low-income elders (mean age 72.7 [SD = 4.71, 55.6% women, 55.1% members of ethnic minority groups in the U.S. and Canada) enrolled in the TEETH clinical trial were interviewed and examined as part of their fifth annual visit for the trial. OHQOL was measured by the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI); oral health and occlusal status by clinical exams and the Eichner Index; and demographics via interviews. Elders who completed the four-year assessment had an average of 21.5 teeth (SD = 6.9), with 8.5 occluding pairs (SD = 4.6), and 32% with occlusal contacts in all four occluding zones. Stepwise multiple regressions were conducted to predict total GOHAI and its subscores (Physical, Social, and Worry). Functional dentition was a less significant predictor than ethnicity and being foreign-born. These variables, together with gender, years since immigrating, number of carious roots, and periodontal status, could predict 32% of the variance in total GOHAI, 24% in Physical, 27% in Social, and 21% in the Worry subscales. These findings suggest that functional dentition and caries influence older adults' OHQOL, but that ethnicity and immigrant status play a larger role.
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| 42. |
- Ye, L, et al.
(author)
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Thyroid receptor ligands. 1. Agonist ligands selective for the thyroid receptor beta1.
- 2003
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In: Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. ; 24;46:9, s. 1580-8
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Endogenous thyroid receptor hormones 3,5,3',5'-tetraiodo-l-thyronine (T(4), 1) and 3,5,3'-triiodo-l-thyronine (T(3), 2) exert a significant effects on growth, development, and homeostasis in mammals. They regulate important genes in intestinal, skeletal, and cardiac muscles, the liver, and the central nervous system, influence overall metabolic rate, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and heart rate, and affect mood and overall sense of well being. The literature suggests many or most effects of thyroid hormones on the heart, in particular on the heart rate and rhythm, are mediated through the TRalpha(1) isoform, while most actions of the hormones on the liver and other tissues are mediated more through the TRbeta(1) isoform of the receptor. Some effects of thyroid hormones may be therapeutically useful in nonthyroid disorders if adverse effects can be minimized or eliminated. These potentially useful features include weight reduction for the treatment of obesity, cholesterol lowering for treating hyperlipidemia, amelioration of depression, and stimulation of bone formation in osteoporosis. Prior attempts to utilize thyroid hormones pharmacologically to treat these disorders have been limited by manifestations of hyperthyroidism and, in particular, cardiovascular toxicity. Consequently, development of thyroid hormone receptor agonists that are selective for the beta-isoform could lead to safe therapies for these common disorders while avoiding cardiotoxicity. We describe here the synthesis and evaluation of a series of novel TR ligands, which are selective for TRbeta(1) over TRalpha(1). These ligands could potentially be useful for treatment of various disorders as outlined above. From a series of homologous R(1)-substituted carboxylic acid derivatives, increasing chain length was found to have a profound effect on affinity and selectivity in a radioreceptor binding assay for the human thyroid hormone receptors alpha(1) and beta(1) (TRalpha(1) and TRbeta(2)) as well as a reporter cell assay employing CHOK1-cells (Chinese hamster ovary cells) stably transfected with hTRalpha(1) or hTRbeta(1) and an alkaline phosphatase reporter-gene downstream thyroid response element (TRAFalpha(1) and TRAFbeta(1)). Affinity increases in the order formic, acetic, and propionic acid, while beta-selectivity is highest when the R(1) position is substituted with acetic acid. Within this series 3,5-dibromo-4-[(4-hydroxy-3-isopropylphenoxy)phenyl]acetic acid (11a) and 3,5-dichloro-4-[(4-hydroxy-3-isopropylphenoxy)phenyl]acetic acid (15) were found to reveal the most promising in vitro data based on isoform selectivity and were selected for further in vivo studies. The effect of 2, 11a, and 15 in a cholesterol-fed rat model was monitored including potencies for heart rate (ED(15)), cholesterol (ED(50)), and TSH (ED(50)). Potency for tachycardia was significantly reduced for the TRbeta selective compounds 11a and 15 compared with 2, while both 11a and 15 retained the cholesterol-lowering potency of 2. This left an approximately 10-fold therapeutic window between heart rate and cholesterol, which is consistent with the action of ligands that are approximately 10-fold more selective for TRbeta(1). We also report the X-ray crystallographic structures of the ligand binding domains of TRalpha and TRbeta in complex with 15. These structures reveal that the single amino acid difference in the ligand binding pocket (Ser277 in TRalpha or Asn331 in TRbeta) results in a slightly different hydrogen bonding pattern that may explain the increased beta-selectivity of 15.
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| 43. |
- Aarum, J, et al.
(author)
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Migration and differentiation of neural precursor cells can be directed by microglia
- 2003
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In: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. - : Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. - 0027-8424. ; 100:26, s. 15983-15988
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Recent reports have supported the existence of neural stem cells in the adult mammalian CNS. Important features of such cells are self-renewal and multipotency, i.e., they can give rise to neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes and thus in principle replace lost cells in the CNS. Observations in several animal models of CNS diseases have shown that by unknown mechanisms endogenous as well as exogenous precursor cells preferentially migrate to damaged areas. Microglia are immunoreactive cells of nonneural lineage resident in the CNS. After injury to the CNS, microglia are rapidly activated and found concentrated at the sites of injury. In the present article we show, in two different assays, that soluble factors released from mouse microglial cells direct the migration of neural CNS precursor cells. We also provide evidence that microglia have the capacity to influence the differentiation of both adult and embryonic neural precursor cells toward a neuronal phenotype. Given that an invariant feature of pathological processes in CNS is the activation of microglia, these results indicate an important and unique role for microglia in directing the replacement of damaged or lost cells in the CNS.
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| 44. |
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| 45. |
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| 46. |
- Allander, T, et al.
(author)
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Recombinant human monoclonal antibodies against different conformational epitopes of the E2 envelope glycoprotein of hepatitis C virus that inhibit its interaction with CD81
- 2000
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In: Journal of General Virology. - : Microbiology Society. - 1465-2099 .- 0022-1317. ; 81:10, s. 2451-2459
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The antibody response to the envelope proteins of hepatitis C virus (HCV) may play an important role in controlling the infection. To allow molecular analyses of protective antibodies, we isolated human monoclonal antibodies to the E2 envelope glycoprotein of HCV from a combinatorial Fab library established from bone marrow of a chronically HCV-infected patient. Anti-E2 reactive clones were selected using recombinant E2 protein. The bone marrow donor carried HCV genotype 2b, and E2 used for selection was of genotype 1a. The antibody clones were expressed as Fab fragments in E. coli, and as Fab fragments and IgG1 in CHO cells. Seven different antibody clones were characterized, and shown to have high affinity for E2, genotype 1a. Three clones also had high affinity for E2 of genotype 1b. They all bind to conformation-dependent epitopes. Five clones compete for the same or overlapping binding sites, while two bind to one or two other epitopes of E2. Four clones corresponding to the different epitopes were tested as purified IgG1 for blocking the CD81-E2 interaction in vitro; all four were positive at 0.3-0.5 microg/ml. Thus, the present results suggest the existence of at least two conserved epitopes in E2 that mediate inhibition of the E2-CD81 interaction, of which one appeared immunodominant in this donor.
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| 47. |
- Alsanius, Beatrix, et al.
(author)
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Prospects of dialogue-inspired methods as tools for knowledge transfer : Technology for sustainable horticulture meets experiential knowledge communities
- 2009
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In: Acta Horticulturae. - : International Society for Horticultural Science. - 9789066054486 ; 832, s. 27-31
-
Book chapter (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Horticultural production systems have a large environmental impact. Legislation, ordinances and quality assurance systems provide guidelines for implementing sustainable production technologies in horticulture at a higher level. Horticultural research has compiled solutions to improve sustainable production. Despite of regulations, hands-on information, solid scientific data on sustainable strategies for horticulture and a general environmental awareness, there is reluctance in considering sustainable technology and reorganizing horticultural production lines. Knowledge within commercial horticulture is situated knowledge; this means experience consolidated within the branch is a precondition for application. However, knowledge on sustainable technology follows the tradition of natural sciences and technology. Another crucial aspect concerns the path from understanding sustainable technology to putting it into action. Reflection on reflection in action as an activity aims at producing a good verbal description of reflection in action, which can be shared with other people. While reflection in or on action is primarily private the notion of reflection on reflection in action is tied to the fact that learning and experience exchange are social activities that proceed in different communities of practice. Dialogue-inspired methods may act as a tool. In the present paper we discuss the dialogue seminar and Socratic dialog methods to bridge the gap between scientific and technological progress in horticulture and horticultural practice to be employed in horticultural extension.
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| 48. |
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| 49. |
- Alyahya, G. A., et al.
(author)
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Pleomorphic adenoma arising in an accessory lacrimal gland of Wolfring
- 2006
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In: Ophthalmology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0161-6420. ; 113:5, s. 879-82
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- PURPOSE: To describe a patient with pleomorphic adenoma arising in an accessory lacrimal gland of Wolfring in the lower lid and to illustrate the immunohistochemical and molecular cytogenetics. DESIGN: Single interventional case report. METHODS: A 62-year-old man presented with a 20-year history of a painless slowly growing mass at the temporal part of the right lower eyelid. Histological, immunohistochemical, and fluorescence in situ hybridization studies of the excised tumor were performed. RESULTS: Histological evaluation showed many glandular elements embedded in a myxoid stroma. The tumor was situated beneath an area of a normal accessory lacrimal gland of Wolfring and in close association with normal meibomian glands. Myoepithelial tumor cells in the myxoid stroma reacted strongly with an antibody against glial fibrillary acidic protein, which did not bind to normal lacrimal gland tissue. Tumor cells with both epithelial and myoepithelial morphologies reacted positively for both pleomorphic adenoma gene-1 and high-mobility group A2 proteins. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis showed no evidence of clonal translocations or numerical abnormalities involving chromosome 8 or 12. CONCLUSIONS: Pleomorphic adenoma of the accessory lacrimal gland is an exceedingly rare tumor of the ocular adnexa. Glial fibrillary acidic protein seems to be a tumor-associated antigen. Genetically, this case of pleomorphic adenoma arising from an accessory lacrimal gland of Wolfring is identical with those originating from salivary glands.
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