OBJECTIVE: Neutrophil infiltration is a key regulator in the pathophysiology of acute pancreatitis (AP), although the impact of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in AP remains elusive. The aim of this study was to define the role of TLR2 and TLR4 in leukocyte recruitment and tissue damage in severe AP. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: AP was induced by retrograde infusion of sodium taurocholate into the pancreatic d

Endemic diseases are caused by environmental and genetic factors. While in this special issue several chapters deal with environmental factors, including infections, the present focus is on genetic causes of disease clustering due to inbreeding and recessive disease mechanisms. Consanguinity is implying sharing of genetic heritage because of marriage between close relatives originating from a comm

Genetic variants in the gene encoding for transcription factor-7-like 2 (TCF7L2) have been associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and impaired beta cell function, but the mechanisms have remained unknown. We therefore studied prospectively the ability of common variants in TCF7L2 to predict future T2D and explored the mechanisms by which they would do this. Scandinavian subjects followed for up to

Assays detecting antigen (Ag)-specific T-cell responses in immune-mediated processes are increasingly employed to understand disease pathogenesis and "immune staging". The quantity and quality of starting peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) preparations are important factors in the performance of such assays. We therefore compared final PBMC yield and function by modifying parameters at the b

A large number of photovoltaic systems have been installed in developing countries around the world during numerous projects. The goal is often to improve the quality of life in rural areas often lacking electricity. Many of these installations provide important services such as lighting and charging of various devices. However, when the projects are finished, there is a large risk that maintenanc

Abstract/Results. The paper discusses the results of three different studies. A study of 717 ninth grade students in eight schools located in different socio-economic environments show that students have a low degree of trust in dispute settlement forms available at school. When involved in conflicts or degrading treatment at school they avoid turning to the school for help. Students give themselv

Background Plasma triglyceride levels are heritable and are correlated with the risk of coronary heart disease. Sequencing of the protein-coding regions of the human genome (the exome) has the potential to identify rare mutations that have a large effect on phenotype. Methods We sequenced the protein-coding regions of 18,666 genes in each of 3734 participants of European or African ancestry in the

Insulin secretion is coupled with changes in beta-cell metabolism. To define this process, 195 putative metabolites, mitochondrial respiration, NADP(+), NADPH and insulin secretion were measured within 15 mm of stimulation of clonal INS-1 832/13 beta-cells with glucose. Rapid responses in the major metabolic pathways of glucose occurred, involving several previously suggested metabolic coupling fa

ApolipoproteinA-I (ApoA-I) is the major protein component of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and is critical for maintenance of cholesterol homeostasis. During reverse cholesterol transport, HDL transitions between an array of subclasses, differing in size and composition. This process requires ApoA-I to adapt to changes in the shape of the HDL particle, transiting from an apolipoprotein to a myri

Popular Abstract in English Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a polygenic disorder characterized by impaired insulin secretion or insulin action in which genes interact with the environment to cause the disease. T2D represent 90% of all patients with diabetes. The disease is increasing globally, with an estimated prevalence of 592 million affected by 2035. According to World Health Organization records, apType 2 diabetes (T2D) is a polygenic disease caused by an interaction between genetic and environmental factors such as low physical activity, smoking, and obesity. The disease is associated with devastating chronic microvascular (nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy) and macrovascular (coronary heart disease and stroke) complications. Genome-wide associated studies (GWASs) have been an unbias

Both members of the diploid-tetraploid species pair Anthericum ramosum L. and Anthericum liliago L. occur as geographically disjunct isolates on the margins of their northern range in Scandinavia. Variation in floral morphology was studied in 33 populations of A. ramosum from four geographic regions and 25 populations of A. liliago from seven regions in Scandinavia. Tepal shape was characterized w

There is general consensus that children of women with pre-existing diabetes mellitus (PDM) have an increased risk of malformations and neurodevelopmental problems. Whether this is also true for children of women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a matter of debate. This study investigated inpatient hospital care up to 10 y of age of children born to GDM and PDM women as a rough estimate

When semi-natural pastures are abandoned, specialized grassland species are lost as a consequence of succession. As a counter-measure, previously abandoned grasslands may be restored by clearing shrubs and trees and re-introducing grazing livestock. In order to examine the effects of this type of habitat restoration, we compared species richness of plants and of specialized plants thought to be de

The research in the Department of Physical Chemistry 1 at Lund University includes topics such as surfactant self-assembly; polymers, solutions, gels and phase behavior, polymer-surfactant systems; protein and protein-amphiphile systems; adsorption and surface forces; experimental methodology in colloid science; and theory and modeling. (Annual Report (2004) Physical Chemistry 1; Lund University;

The determination of acidic pharmaceuticals, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs and clofibric acid (metabolite of clofibrate), at low ngL(-1) levels in wastewater requires highly selective and sensitive analytical procedures. The removal of matrix components during sample preparation results in significant benefits towards reducing the matrix effects during LC-MS analysis. Theref