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The gut microbiome of animals is emerging as an important factor influencing ecological and evolutionary processes. A major bottleneck in obtaining microbiome data from large numbers of samples is the time-consuming laboratory procedures required, specifically the isolation of DNA and generation of amplicon libraries. Recently, direct PCR kits have been developed that circumvent conventional DNA e
Background: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease encompassing a wide range of symptoms that can emanate from pathology in virtually any organ system. Severe SLE includes involvement of the central nervous system and kidneys. One of the hallmarks of the disease is a multitude of autoantibodies, indicating a breakdown in self tolerance. The corresponding antigens have been fou
One way to extend the lean-burn limit of a natural gas engine is by addition of hydrogen to the primary fuel. This paper presents measurements made on a one-cylinder, 1.6- liter natural gas engine. Two combustion chambers, one slow and one fast burning, were tested with various amounts of hydrogen (0, 5, 10 and 15%-vol) added to natural gas. Three operating points were investigated for each combus
Objective. Ultrasound can detect individual motor unit (MU) activity during voluntary isometric contractions based on their subtle axial displacements. The detection pipeline, currently performed offline, is based on displacement velocity images and identifying the subtle axial displacements. This identification can preferably be made through a blind source separation (BSS) algorithm with the feas
Pyranose 2-oxidase (P20x) has several proposed biotechnological applications such as a bio-component in biofuel cells or for carbohydrate transformations. To improve some of the catalytic properties of P20x from Trametes multicolor, we selected a semi-rational approach of enzyme engineering, saturation mutagenesis of active-site residues and subsequent screening of mutant libraries for improved ac
The aim of the study was to evaluate the anatomic suitability for endovascular abdominal aneurysm repair (EVAR) according to instructions for use (IFUs) of three commercially available bifurcated stent graft devices and explore the possible benefits of low-profile delivery systems. Computed tomography scans of 241 patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) were evaluated for suitability of Zeni
BACKGROUND: Altered microbial composition of the intestine, commonly referred to as dysbiosis, has been associated with several autoimmune diseases including primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). The aims of the current study were to study the intestinal microbial balance in pSS and to identify clinical features associated with dysbiosis.METHODS: Forty-two consecutive pSS patients and 35 age-matched aAltered microbial composition of the intestine, commonly referred to as dysbiosis, has been associated with several autoimmune diseases including primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS). The aims of the current study were to study the intestinal microbial balance in pSS and to identify clinical features associated with dysbiosis.
The development of formulation concepts for improved skin tissue oxygenation, including methods for measuring oxygen (O2) transport across biological barriers, are important research topics with respect to all processes that are affected by the O2 concentration, such as radiation therapy in oncology treatments, wound healing, and the general health status of skin. In this work we approach this top
Streptococcus pyogenes infects over 700 million people worldwide annually. Immune evasion strategies employed by the bacteria include binding of the complement inhibitors, C4b-binding protein (C4BP) and Factor H in a human-specific manner. We recently showed that human IgG increased C4BP binding to the bacterial surface, which promoted streptococcal immune evasion and increased mortality in mice.
Fracture nonunions are common in orthopedics and their treatment often involves multiple surgical interventions. The aim of this study was to fabricate and characterize a gelatin-nano-hydroxyapatite membrane (GM)-based bone bandage for controlled delivery of bio-active molecules; recombinant human bone morphogenic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) and zoledronic acid (ZA) to promote osteoinduction and prevent c
Ethylcellulose thickened oil (EC oleogels) has a significant retarding effect on lipolysis and may be used for controlled-release formulations. However, the high temperature (above 150 °C) used during the gel-forming process becomes an obvious limitation that hinders the application of EC oleogels to temperature-sensitive active ingredients. A cold-mixing procedure that could allow for an encapsul
Ulva rigida is a widely available marine algae representing a valuable biomass from which natural photosensitizers (chlorophylls) can be obtained in an environmentally friendly manner using a green microwave-assisted extraction technique. If properly loaded in biocompatible nanoformulations, such highly hydrophobic chlorophylls with photosensitizing activity may constitute effective drugs useful i
This study explores the extent to which decentralization has affected farmers’ access to agricultural advisory services in the Sunyani Municipality of Ghana. Specifically, it focuses on how political and organizational factors, which are intermediate outcomes of decentralization, affect the availability and relevance of advisory services. The study follows a qualitative research design employing q
Background. Flattening filter-free (FFF) beams are an emerging technology that has not yet been widely implemented as standard practice in radiotherapy centers. To facilitate the clinical implementation of FFF, we attempted to elucidate the difference in plan quality and treatment delivery time compared to flattening filter beams (i.e. standard, STD) for several patient groups. We hypothesize that
Presented here is an engineered protein domain, based on Protein A, that displays a calcium-dependent binding to antibodies. This protein, ZCa, is shown to efficiently function as an affinity ligand for mild purification of antibodies through elution with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. Antibodies are commonly used tools in the area of biological sciences and as therapeutics, and the most commonl
This 8-year controlled, follow-up study in 66 Swedish soccer women evaluated the effect of training and reduced training on BMD. The players who retired during the follow-up lost BMD in the femoral neck, whereas the controls did not. Introduction: Physical activity during adolescence increases BMD, but whether the benefits are retained with reduced activity is controversial. Materials and Method
