A central hurdle in developing small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) as therapeutics is the inefficiency of their delivery across the plasma and endosomal membranes to the cytosol, where they interact with the RNA interference machinery. With the aim of improving endosomal release, a poorly understood and inefficient process, we studied the uptake and cytosolic release of siRNAs, formulated in lipoplexe

Exposure to cadmium (Cd) has long been recognized as a health hazard, both in industry and in general populations with high exposure. Under the currently prevailing health risk assessment, the relationship between urinary Cd concentrations (U-Cd) and tubular proteinuria is used. However, doubts have recently been raised regarding the justification of basing the risk assessment on this relationship

The enforcement and implementation of separate aspects of sustainable development and environmental sustainability can be challenging and innovative due to the complexity of this task. Appropriate policy and legal approaches and tools can be needed for this purpose. In this article, the EU experience of developing the framework for sustainable transport biofuels and special structural elements for

Emphysema and liver cirrhosis can be caused by the Z mutation (Glu342Lys) in the serine protease inhibitor alpha 1-antitrypsin (alpha 1AT), which is found in more than 4% of the Northern European population. Homozygotes experience deficiency in the lung concomitantly with a massive accumulation of polymers within hepatocytes, causing their destruction. Recently, it was proposed that Z-alpha 1AT po

In birds the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) organization differs both among and within orders; chickens Gallus gallus of the order Galliformes have a simple arrangement, while many songbirds of the order Passeriformes have a more complex arrangement with larger numbers of MHC class I and II genes. Chicken MHC genes are found at two independent loci, classical MHC-B and non-classical MHC-Y,

The 2s photoionization and subsequent Auger transition cascade in atomic Si were studied by means of synchrotron-radiation-induced electron spectroscopy. After the 2s photoionization, the core hole states decay predominantly by a two-step Auger transition cascade into the triply ionized [Ne]nl states. The ionization channels of the 2s core-ionized Si+ atoms to Si3+ ions were observed by measuring

Hydration free energy calculations are often used to validate molecular simulation methodologies and molecular mechanics force fields. We use the free-energy perturbation method together with the AMOEBA polarizable force field and the Poltype parametrization protocol to predict the hydration free energies of 52 molecules as part of the SAMPL4 blind challenge. For comparison, similar calculations a

The aim of the present study was to compare the frequency of readmissions due to small bowel obstruction (SBO) after open versus laparoscopic surgery performed for suspected acute appendicitis.

Human pigmentation is a complex phenomenon commonly believed to serve a photoprotective function through the generation and strategic localization of black insoluble eumelanin biopolymers in sun exposed areas of the body. Despite compelling biomedical relevance to skin cancer and melanoma, eumelanin photoprotection is still an enigma: What makes this pigment so efficient in dissipating the excess

A high energy supply and appropriate amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids is crucial for proper growth and development in neonates. The capacity for fatty acid absorption in newborns is however hampered due to an undeveloped pancreatic function combined with a low bile output. This seems in particular to limit fatty acid absorption in babies given infant formulas. Since interaction between the li

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have a predesigned molecular recognition capability that can be used to build robust chemical sensors. MIP-based chemical sensors allow label-free detection and are particularly interesting due to their simple operation. In this work we report the use of thiol-terminated MIP microspheres to construct surfaces for detection of a model organic analyte, nicotine,

Objective-Disturbances in mineral metabolism define an increased cardiovascular risk in patients with chronic kidney disease. Fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23) is a circulating regulator of phosphate and vitamin D metabolism and has recently been implicated as a putative pathogenic factor in cardiovascular disease. Because other members of the FGF family play a role in lipid and glucose metaboli

Introduction. Berries contain high amounts of dietary fibre and flavonoids and have been associated with improved metabolic health. The mechanisms are not clear but the formation of SCFAs, especially propionic and butyric acids, could be important. The potent antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of flavonoids could also be a factor, but little is known about their fate in the gastrointestinal

Review of Hans Krongaard Kristensen, "Klostre i det middelalderlige Danmark" (2013)

Patients with multiple myeloma (MM) have an increased risk of venous thrombosis. Interestingly, excess risk of venous thromboembolism has been observed among patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). Using population-based data from Sweden, we assessed the risks of venous and arterial thrombosis in 18 627 MM and 5326 MGUS patients diagnosed from 1958 to 2006, compare

Therapeutic antibodies have transformed cancer therapy, unlocking mechanisms of action by engaging the immune system. Unfortunately, cures rarely occur and patients display intrinsic or acquired resistance. Here, we demonstrate the therapeutic potential of targeting human (h) FcγRIIB (CD32B), a receptor implicated in immune cell desensitization and tumor cell resistance. FcγRIIB-blocking antibodie

We report on the design and operation of a novel sample stage, used to simultaneously measure X-ray scattering profiles and conductivity of a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) surrounded by humid air as a function of temperature and relative humidity. We present data obtained at the Advanced Light Source and Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory. We demonstrate precise humidity control and ac

Using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy we studied the coadsorption of the amino acid l-cysteine and gold on a rutile TiO(2)(110) surface under ultrahigh vacuum conditions. Irrespective of the deposition order, i.e., irrespective of whether l-cysteine or gold is deposited first, the primary interaction between l-cysteine and the gold clusters formed at the surface takes place through the deprotonat