Objective To investigate whether the risk allele for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in the signal transducer and activator of transcription factor 4 (STAT4) gene, defined by the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs10181656(G), is associated with vascular events and/or presence of prothrombotic anti-phospholipid antibodies (aPL) in patients with SLE. Methods Two independent groups of unrelat

Although no common genetic defect has been described in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), recurrent genomic aberrations (i.e. deletions of chromosome 11q, 13q, 17p and trisomy 12) are important for prognostication. Deletion of 13q as single aberration is associated with the best prognosis, whereas del(11q) and del(17p) predict a poor outcome. Recent development of high-resolution genomic techniq

For vehicles using grid power to charge the battery, traction circuit components are not engaged during the charging time, so there is a possibility to use them in the charger circuit to have an onboard integrated charger. The battery charger can be galvanically isolated or nonisolated from the grid. Different examples of isolated or nonisolated integrated chargers are reviewed and explained. More

Normally dye molecules are adsorbed onto the nanocrystal (NC) surface in dye-NC mixed solution, but it is very unlikely that all dye molecules present in the solution will be attached to NCs. The distribution of dye molecules on the NC surface is an important factor to take into account while investigating the quenching of NC emission via energy transfer to adsorbed dye molecules. Here, we analyse

The human host-defense peptide LL-37 not only displays antimicrobial activity but also immune modulating properties that trigger intracellular signaling events in host cells. Since the cytolytic activity of high LL-37 concentrations affects cell viability, the function of LL-37 requires tight regulation. Eukaryotic cells therefore benefit from protective measures to prevent harmful effects of LL-3

Background: The aim of this study is to analyze longitudinally, based on four measurements at intervals of eight years, the annual effect of age group and birth cohort on regular exercise in the Swedish population from 1980-1981 to 2004-2005. Methods: We followed a randomly drawn subsample of individuals aged 16-63 years, interviewed by professional interviewers, from the Swedish Annual Level of L

Several zooplankton species are susceptible to ultraviolet radiation (UV), suggesting that UV may shape zooplankton community composition. Little is known, however, about the quantitative effects of long-term UV exposure in relation to biological processes. Therefore, we studied effects of UV on behaviour, population dynamics and reproduction of several zooplankton taxa. We identified different st

BACKGROUND: For a 1-day myocardial perfusion SPECT (MPS) the recommendations for administered activity stated in the EANM guidelines results in an effective dose of up to 16 mSv per patient. Recently, a gamma camera system, based on cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) technology, was introduced. This technique has the potential to reduce the effective dose and scan time compared to the conventional NaI g

Biophysical models that describe the outcome of white matter diffusion MRI experiments have various degrees of complexity. While the simplest models assume equal-sized and parallel axons, more elaborate ones may include distributions of axon diameters and axonal orientation dispersions. These microstructural features can be inferred from diffusion-weighted signal attenuation curves by solving an i

Purpose Hip dislocation after arthroplasty for femoral neck fractures (FNF) remains a serious complication. The aim of our study was to investigate FNF patients treated with THA, with a special focus of comparing the effect of surgical approach and femoral head size on the risk of revision for dislocation. Methods Data were derived from the Lithuanian Arthroplasty Register, and we calculated the c

The discipline of epidemiology, which holds major influence on public health policy as well as on clinical medical practice, has in recent decades to a large extent been concerned with the identification of factors and markers of risk for disease. Much health information and intervention is thus informed by a wealth of studies on a variety of risk factors, of which the individual is encouraged to

Many developing countries would like to increase employment in the formal sectors. One way to accomplish this goal may be to encourage the entrance of foreign firms. We examine employment growth in Indonesian plants taken over by foreign owners from domestic ones. We also examine the effect of FDI during different trade regimes and the timing of employment effects following an acquisition. For pla

Application of C-rich plant residues can change the soil system from C-limitation for microbial growth to limitation by other nutrients. However, the initial nutrient status of the soil may interact with the added amount of residues in determining limitation. We studied this interactive effect in soils from the Harvard Forest LTER, where annual addition of N since 1988 has resulted in soils with d

Background: Screening for bacterial colonization and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among a defined population could aid in the identification of at-risk populations and provide targets for antibiotic stewardship and infection control programmes. Methods: Two hundred and sixty-eight participants at 11 Swedish nursing homes underwent serial screening for colonization with Escherichia coli between M

Internal erosion is one of the major reasons for embankment dam failures. Despite this, the knowledge of the temporal development of internal erosion in full scale structures is limited. Detection of internal erosion is complicated using conventional methods, and new or improved methods are appreciated. Hallby was the first Swedish embankment to get a permanently installed monitoring system intend