Fermentation of dietary fibers by colonic microbiota generates short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), e.g., propionic acid and butyric acid, which have been described to have "anti-obesity properties" by ameliorating fasting glycaemia, body weight and insulin tolerance in animal models. In the present study, we therefore investigate if propionic acid and butyric acid have effects on lipolysis, de novo l

Thioredoxin (Trx)-1 is a small, ubiquitously expressed redox-active protein with known important cytosolic functions. However, Trx1 is also upregulated in response to various stress stimuli, is found both at the cell surface and secreted into plasma, and has known anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic properties. Previous animal studies have demonstrated that exogenous Trx1 delivery can have therape

Type 1 diabetes involves the specific destruction of the pancreatic islet β-cells, eventually resulting in a complete dependency of exogenous insulin. The clinical onset of diabetes is preceded by the appearance of autoantibodies against β-cell antigens. The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region is the single most important genetic determinant of Type 1 diabetes susceptibility, yet variability in t

Rationale:The innate immune system and in particular the pattern-recognition receptors Toll-like receptors have recently been linked to atherosclerosis. Consequently, inhibition of various signaling molecules downstream of the Toll-like receptors has been tested as a strategy to prevent progression of atherosclerosis. Receptor-interacting protein 2 (Rip2) is a serine/threonine kinase that is invol

Aim: To determine whether or not an intrauterine transmission of hepatitis A virus (HAV) occurred from an infected mother to her premature infant delivered by caesarean section. Methods: The mother and her child were tested for HAV by serology and reverse transcription PCR. Results: An outbreak of HAV infection was seen among children and a 33-year-old day-care teacher, pregnant in third trimester

BACKGROUND: Persistent organochlorine pollutants ( POP), such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE), are widely found in the environment and considered potential endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDC). Their impact on male fertility is still unknown. METHODS: To explore the hypothesis that POP is associated with altered sperm chromatin integrity, a cross-

OBJECTIVE:: To describe the characteristics of patients undergoing multiple groin hernia repairs and to identify strategies that prevent further recurrence. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA:: Although relatively infrequent, recurrent groin hernias where several repairs have previously been undertaken constitutes a major problem in hernia surgery. Low numbers and heterogeneity have made it difficult to perf

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate people’s experiences of living with dysphagia after stroke, and their experiences of dysphagia management. Methods: The study design was qualitative, and an open-ended approach to data collection was used, with follow-up probing questions to gain more information as needed. Personal interviews were conducted with five persons who had persisting mod

Objectives: Regarding the recent attention to develop policies regarding the provision of clinical genetic testing services, access to, acceptance, utilisation and regulation of genetic services was investigated in selected European countries as well as one non-European country. Methods: Data were collected on the basis of relevant international reports and sources accessible via the internet, fro