A high level of exhaled nitric oxide (NO) is a marker for inflammation in the airways of asthmatic subjects. However, little is known about how NO and inducible nitric oxides synthase (iNOS) activity may affect remodelling in the distal lung. We hypothesized that there is a link between iNOS and ongoing remodelling processes in the distal lung of mild asthmatics.

Using the large N-C approximation we have constructed the most general chiral resonance Lagrangian in the odd-intrinsic parity sector that can generate low-energy chiral constants up to O(p(6)). Integrating out the resonance fields these O(p(6)) constants are expressed in terms of resonance couplings and masses. The role of eta' is discussed and its contribution is explicitly factorized. Using the

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are ligand-mediated transcription factors, which control both lipid and energy metabolism and inflammation pathways. PPAR agonists are effective in the treatment of metabolic diseases and, more recently, neurodegenerative diseases, in which they show promising neuroprotective effects. We studied the effects of the pan-PPAR agonist bezafibrate on

Genetic and non-genetic factors probably act together to initiate and accelerate development of type 1 diabetes [T1D]. One suggested risk factor contributing to development of T1D is air pollution.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze whether there is an association between neighborhood deprivation and cervical cancer morbidity and mortality, beyond individual level characteristics. DESIGN: The entire Swedish population aged 25 to 74, a total of 1.9million women, were followed from January 1, 1990, until hospital admission due to cervical cancer during the study period, or the end of the study on Dece

In this paper we present new relative sea-level data from southern Greenland, a key area for understanding the Greenland Ice Sheet (GIS) response to climate change. Within fourteen lakes and marine lagoons from the inner part of Bredefjord (Nordre Sermilik) in southern Greenland, isolations revealed by stratigraphic and palaeoecological analyses are dated and relative sea levels reconstructed. Due

Hybridisation is increasingly recognised as an important cause of diversification and adaptation. Here, we show how divergence in male secondary sexual characters between two lineages of the common wall lizard (Podarcis muralis) gives rise to strong asymmetries in male competitive ability and mating success, resulting in asymmetric hybridisation upon secondary contact. Combined with no negative ef

What is the efficiency potential of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in haulier operations? Previous literature has focused on the aggregated level benefits that could be achieved once a large proportion of hauliers have introduced ICT in their trucks. In reality, hauliers are only ready to invest in technologies that generate business benefits, yet there is a gap in the literature regar

Minimal residual disease (MRD) assessment is a powerful prognostic factor for determining the risk of relapse in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). In this Swedish multi-centre study of childhood ALL diagnosed between 2002 and 2006, the MRD levels were analysed in 726 follow-up samples in 228 children using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RQ-PCR) of rearranged immunog

The authors illustrate the difficulties involved in obtaining a valid statistical significance in clinical studies especially when the prior probability of the hypothesis under scrutiny is low. Since the prior probability of a research hypothesis is directly related to its scientific plausibility, the commonly used frequentist statistics, which does not take into account this probability, is parti

Further characterization of the post-cardiac arrest syndrome (PCAS) is essential to better understand the mechanisms resulting in injury and death. We investigated serial serum concentrations of the stress hormone c-terminal provasopressin (CT-proAVP or copeptin), the cardiac biomarker MR-proANP and a biomarker of oxidation injury, Peroxiredoxin 4 (Prx4) in patients treated with mild hypothermia (

This article introduces a special issue on the expanding research agenda on institutional fragmentation. The term refers to the growing diversity and challenges to coordination among private and public norms, treaties, and organizations that address a given issue area of international politics. International relations scholars increasingly address this phenomenon, framing it with alternative conce

Full-scale experiments have been carried out to adapt the activated sludge model ASM2d to include the influence of metal dosage (Fe3+ and Al3+) for phosphorus removal. Phosphorus removal rates, nitrification rates, as well as pH and sludge settling performance, were evaluated as functions of the metal dosages. Furthermore, models relating certain parameters to the dosage of chemicals have been der

This pilot study evaluated the effect of computer animated relaxation therapy in children between 7 and 13 years with tension-type headache and the children's experiences with the therapy. The therapy consisted of an uncontrolled nine-session course in modified progressive relaxation therapy assisted by computer animated surface EMG provided from the trapezius muscles and with the physiotherapist

Background. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease where thickening of the skin can lead to reduced body function and limitations in activities. Severe forms can also affect and seriously damage inner organs. Patient-centred rehabilitation emphasises considerations of patients' background, experience and behavior which highlights the need to know if patient-reported outcome measures (PR

The aim of this study is to present the technique and outcome of the management of a newborn child with rectal atresia. A girl born with rectal atresia was diagnosed during physical examination and confirmed with X-ray. The anatomic appearance of the external anus, and lower pelvis was normal. The rectal ending was located 2 cm cranial from the anus and the distance between the rectal endings was

Psoriasis (Ps) and psoriasis arthritis (PsA) are poorly understood common diseases, induced by unknown environmental factors, affecting skin and articular joints. A single i.p. exposure to mannan from Saccharomyces cerevisiae induced an acute inflammation in inbred mouse strains resembling human Ps and PsA-like disease, whereas multiple injections induced a relapsing disease. Exacerbation of disea

There is a growing interest within the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) modelling community to correctly describe physico-chemical processes after many years of mainly focusing on biokinetics. Indeed, future modelling needs, such as a plant-wide phosphorus (P) description, require a major, but unavoidable, additional degree of complexity when representing cationic/anionic behaviour in Activated S

Background: The increase in medical ethical regulations and bureaucracy handled by institutional review boards and healthcare institutions puts the researchers using qualitative methods in a challenging position. Method: Based on three different cases from three different research studies, the article explores and discusses research ethical dilemmas. Objectives and ethical considerations: First, a

This paper discusses how we are to understand claims to the effect that something is good relative to a person. It is argued that goodness relative to should not be equated with good for as the latter is a relational value notion and the former is a value theoretical notion. It is argued further that good relative to a person should be understood as good from the perspective or the point of view o