Background: A potential dual role of folate in colorectal cancer (CRC) is currently subject to debate. We investigate the associations between plasma folate, several relevant folate-related polymorphisms, and CRC risk within the large European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition cohort. Methods: In this nested case-control study, 1,367 incident CRC cases were matched to 2,325 contr

Background: The relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and pancreatic cancer has been investigated in three previous studies with contradictory results. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between H. pylori seropositivity and the risk for pancreatic cancer in a nested case-control study within a population based cohort. Methods: Selected birth- year cohorts

Background Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common gastrointestinal disorder, affecting more than 10% of the general population worldwide. Although a genetic component is suspected, unambiguous susceptibility genes have so far not been identified. This study tested the hypothesis that genes contributing to epithelial barrier integrity, control of mucosal immune responses and interactions

The herbaceous understory forms the richest stratum in temperate broadleaved forests in terms of plant diversity. Understanding the process of understory succession is thus of critical importance for the development of management guidelines for biodiversity restoration in post-agricultural plantation forests. We studied effects of stand age, forest fragmentation, and soil and canopy conditions on

Atherosclerosis, thickening of the major arteries, is a chronic disease leading to cardiovascular disease (CVD) such as myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke, both affecting millions worldwide. T-cells and antibodies have been implicated in atherosclerosis. This thesis contains studies on CD4+ helper subsets and studies on antibodies against methylglyoxal-modified apolipoprotein B100 (MGO-ApoB100)

Background and purpose Spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee (SPONK) is a painful lesion in the elderly, frequently leading to osteoarthritis and subsequent knee surgery. We evaluated the natural course and long-term consequences of SPONK in terms of need for major knee surgery. Methods Between 1982 and 1988, 40 consecutive patients were diagnosed with SPONK. The short-term outcome has been report

Biological applications of ion beams have recently become a new important research field using single ion hit facilities to study individual living cells and their response to the hit of a counted number of ions. One motivation is the search for a better understanding of the fundamental processes taking place in cells and organs as a result of irradiation. Another comes from the increasing interes

Intra--arterial thrombolysis has become the most important minimal--invasive treatment option to treat acute lower limb ischemia. Although hemorrhagic stroke is a dreaded complication, it is considered beneficial to many fragile and elderly patients where vascular surgery is not an option. This review outlines current results after intra--arterial thrombolysis with low dose recombinant tissue plas

BACKGROUND. Recombinant human PDGF-BB (rhPDGF-BB) reduces Parkinsonian symptoms and increases dopamine transporter (DAT) binding in several animal models of Parkinson's disease (PD). Effects of rhPDGF-BB are the result of proliferation of ventricular wall progenitor cells and reversed by blocking mitosis. Based on these restorative effects, we assessed the safety and tolerability of intracerebrove

Background and purpose The Scandinavian Sarcoma Group (SSG) XIV protocol is based on experience from previous SSG trials and other osteosarcoma intergroup trials, and has been considered the best standard of care for patients with extremity localized, non-metastatic osteosarcoma. We analyzed the outcome in 63 consecutive patients. Patients and methods From 2001 through 2005, 63 patients recruited