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Glucokinase (GK) plays a key role in maintaining glucose homeostasis by promoting insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells and increasing hepatic glucose uptake. Here we investigate the effects of acute and chronic GK activation on glucose tolerance and insulin secretion in mice with diet-induced insulin resistance. In the acute study, a small molecule GK activator (GKA71) was administered to

Mice genetically deficient in the glucagon receptor (Gcgr(-/-)) show improved glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity and α-cell hyperplasia. In addition, Gcgr(-/-) mice do not develop diabetes after chemical destruction of β-cells. Since fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) has insulin independent glucose lowering properties we investigated whether FGF21 was contributing to diabetes resistance in i

Urban areas adjacent to surface water are exposed to soil movements such as erosion and slope failures (landslides). A landslide is a potential mechanism for mobilisation and spreading of pollutants. This mechanism is in general not included in environmental risk assessments for contaminated sites, and the consequences associated with contamination in the soil are typically not considered in lands

ORAI and stromal interaction molecule (STIM) are storeoperated channel molecules that play essential roles in human physiology through a coupling mechanism of internal Ca2+ store to Ca2+ influx. However, the roles of ORAI and STIMin vascular endothelial cells under diabetic conditions remain unknown. Here, we investigated expression and signalling pathways of ORAI and STIM regulated by high glucos

Genome wide association studies (GWAS) identify susceptibility loci for complex traits, but do not identify particular genes of interest. Integration of functional and network information may help in overcoming this limitation and identifying new susceptibility loci. Using GWAS and comorbidity data, we present a network-based approach to predict candidate genes for lipid and lipoprotein traits. We

Until recently, the study of nutrient patterns was hampered at an international level by a lack of standardization of both dietary methods and nutrient databases. We aimed to describe the diversity of nutrient patterns in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study at population level as a starting point for future nutrient pattern analyses and their associations

Although previously disputed, it is now clear that the demands from avian incubation put parents under considerable energetic stress, sometimes to an extent where the costs of incubation constrain clutch size evolution. However, the behavioural mechanisms involved in manifesting such costs remain largely unknown. We manipulated the demands of incubation by enlarging and reducing clutch size during

The aim of this study is to identify loci associated with circulating levels of Interleukin 8 (IL8). We investigated the associations of 121,445 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from the Illumina 200K CardioMetabochip with IL8 levels in 1077 controls from the Stockholm Heart Epidemiology Program (SHEEP) study, using linear regression under an additive model of inheritance. Five SNPs (rs12075

The study explores whether small-scale species diversity, species evenness and species richness in semi-natural grassland communities are similarly associated with present management regime and/or present and historical landscape context (percentage of different land-cover types in the surroundings). Species diversity, evenness and richness were recorded within 44150 x 50 cm grassland plots in a 4

Objectives: Familial Clustering of a disease is an indicator of a possible heritable Cause. provided that environmental sharing can be excluded. Thus. data on familial risks are important For genetic Studies and for clinical genetic counseling. Design: We carried Out a nationwide family study on nontoxic and toxic nodular goiters, and Graves' disease in order to search for familial clustering of t

Background: Much effort has been made to study first-ever stroke patients. However, recurrent stroke has not been investigated as extensively. It is unclear which risk factors dominate, and whether adequate secondary prevention has been provided to patients who suffer from recurrent stroke. Also, the different types of recurrent stroke need further evaluation. Methods: The study included patients

Retirement from active life often leads to decreased finances and reduced social contact, which may increase ischaemic heart disease (IHD) risk in individuals. We examined whether income evolution during the decade before retirement has an impact on subsequent IHD, and explored the mediating effect of common risk factors and social support from different sources (marriage/cohabitation, support fro

Species composition affects the carbon turnover and the formation and emission of the greenhouse gas methane (CH4) in wetlands. Here we investigate the individual effects of vascular plant species on the carbon cycling in a wetland ecosystem. We used a novel combination of laboratory methods and controlled environment facilities and studied three different vascular plant species (Eriophorum vagina

Background: The co-morbidity of cystic fibrosis (CF) and celiac disease (CD) has been reported sporadically since the 1960s. To our knowledge, this is the first time a systematic screening is performed in a large cohort of CF patients. Methods: Transglutaminase-IgA (TGA), endomysium-IgA (EMA) and total IgA in serum were measured in 790 CF patients (48% females, 86% with pancreatic insufficiency).