Search results

Objective. To investigate 1 functional (rs17266594) and 2 potentially functional (rs10516487 and rs3733197) BANK1 variants, which were previously identified as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) susceptibility markers, to test whether they are associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods. Four different cohorts were included in the study: 1,080 RA patients and 1,368 healthy controls from Spa

Background Treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis with interferon beta is only partly effective, and new more effective and safe strategies are needed. Our aim was to assess the efficacy of oral methylprednisolone as an add-on therapy to subcutaneous interferon beta-1a to reduce the yearly relapse rate in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Methods NORMIMS (NORdic tr

Objective: Fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23) is a circulating factor involved in phosphate (Pi) and vitamin D metabolism. Serum FGF23 is increased at later stages of chronic kidney disease due to chronic hyperphosphatemia and decreased renal clearance. Recent studies also indicate that FGF23 may directly regulate the expression of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in vitro. Therefore, the objective of t

Prophylaxis is defined as the regular administration of clotting factor concentrates to prevent bleeding. Extensive data from observational studies and a recent randomized controlled trial (have established that early prophylactic treatment prevents bleeds and arthropathy in boys with severe haemophilia. The initiation of prophylaxis in young children remains challenging. To prevent arthropathy, p

Background In order to better understand the role of work environment in the earlier stages of the cardiovascular disease process, we wanted to investigate the influence of work-related psychosocial factors on preclinical atherosclerosis. Methods Cross-sectional data was used to examine the association between psychological job demands, job decision latitude, and carotid atherosclerosis in 2658 v

Many countries in Europe have experienced growing migration since World War II. It is estimated that more than one in five Swedes living today has roots in other countries and cultures. Segregation in terms of ethnic origin in housing areas makes it easier to maintain the language and cultural traditions of the home country when it comes to cooking and eating. In extremely segregated housing areas

Background-Epidemiological studies indicate a genetic contribution to ischemic stroke risk, but specific genetic variants remain unknown, with the exception of a few rare variants. Recent genome-wide association studies identified and replicated common genetic variants on chromosome 9p21 to confer risk of coronary heart disease. We examined whether these variants are associated with ischemic strok

Background The cholinesterase inhibitor donepezil is used to treat mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease. Its efficacy in severe dementia has not been assessed and is controversial. Our aim was to ascertain the effectiveness of donepezil in patients with severe Alzheimer's disease, by focusing primarily on cognition and activities of daily living. Methods We did a 6-month, double-blind, parallel-gr

This study compares the CH4 fluxes from two arctic wetland sites of different annual temperatures during 2004 to 2006. The PEATLAND-VU model was used to simulate the emissions. The CH4 module of PEATLAND-VU is based on the Walter-Heimann model. The first site is located in northeast Siberia, Indigirka lowlands, Kytalyk reserve (70 degrees N, 147 degrees E) in a continuous permafrost region with me

Deciduous forests may respond differently from coniferous forests to the anthropogenic deposition of nitrogen (N). Since fungi, especially ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungi, are known to be negatively affected by N deposition, the effects of N deposition on the soil microbial community, total fungal biomass and mycelial growth of EM fungi were studied in oak-dominated deciduous forests along a nitrogen d

Objective. We recently showed that plasma concentration of N-terminal atrial natriuretic peptide (Nt-proANP) is strongly directly related to salt sensitivity. The aims of the present study were to test (i) whether plasma concentration of N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide (Nt-proBNP) is related to salt sensitivity and (ii) whether Nt-proANP, as a marker of salt sensitivity, differs between type

GenoMEL, comprising major familial melanoma research groups from North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia has created the largest familial melanoma sample yet available to characterize mutations in the high-risk melanoma susceptibility genes CDKN2A/alternate reading frames (ARF), which encodes p16 and p14ARF, and CDK4 and to evaluate their relationship with pancreatic cancer (PC), neural system

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Several studies report declining early stroke case fatality, but the findings are not consistent across geographic areas. Corresponding changes in long-term survival are less well documented. We recently reported increased stroke incidence among patients aged <75 years and stable incidence among older persons. We now report temporal trends for early and late case fatality a

We recorded and reviewed densities and basal areas of large living and dead trees in old-growth forest in Europe. Recorded densities were similar to those reported from old-growth forests in eastern North America, but lower than in northwestem North America. Based on our results we suggest that, 10-20 living trees per ha with dbh > 70 cm may have been typical values for many central European and s

Aims and objectives. The aim was to study the association between gender, extent and content of care, satisfaction, coping and difficulties in the caregiving situation among older (75+) caregivers and to identify clusters of caregivers. The aim was also to explore psychometrically two instruments assessing satisfaction and difficulties in family caregivers. Background. Caregiving is a complicated