We present a locus-specific protocol suitable for the investigation, from extracted DNA, into natural inter- and intra-specific genetic variation in a group of nine innate immune genes, all belonging to the β-defensin gene family. The products of these genes encode peptides with antimicrobial properties and form part of the innate immune system. The protocol amplifies the exon coding for the pepti

As they fly or swim, many animals generate a wake of vortices with their flapping fins and wings that reveals the dynamics of their locomotion. Previous studies have shown that the dynamic interaction of vortices in the wake with fins and wings can increase propulsive force. Here, we explore whether the dynamics of the vortex interactions could affect the predictability of propulsive forces. We st

The rate of constitutive isoprenoid emissions from plants is driven by plant emission capacity under specified environmental conditions (E-S, the emission factor) and by responsiveness of the emissions to instantaneous variations in environment. In models of isoprenoid emission, E-S has been often considered as intrinsic species-specific constant invariable in time and space. Here we analyze the v

Background: The optimal timing of pharmacological treatment for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in extremely pre-term infants is unknown. Objective: To investigate whether timing of pharmacological PDA treatment is associated with a risk of secondary PDA surgery or death before 3 months of age, or bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in extremely preterm infants. Methods: In this population-based cohor

Objectives: To study anal sphincter morphology, anal sphincter pressure, and rectoanal inhibitory reflex (RAIR) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) complicated by anal incontinence (AI) and to investigate possible risk factors for AI in SSc. Method: Nineteen SSc patients with severe AI were investigated using anal endosonography, anal manometry, and rectal manovolumetry. To determine risk fa

Background: During atrial fibrillation (AF), conventional electrophysiological techniques for assessment of refractory period or conduction velocity of the atrioventricular (AV) node cannot be used. We aimed at evaluating changes in AV nodal properties during administration of tecadenoson and esmolol using a novel ECG-based method. Methods: Fourteen patients (age 58 +/- 8 years, 10 men) with AF we

Abstract in UndeterminedPurpose - The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyse ways of organizing integrated care for older persons in Sweden during the past decade. Design/methodology/approach - The data consist of 62 cases of development work, described in official reports. A meta-analysis of cases was performed, including content analysis of each case. A theoretical framework comprising

ABSTRACT: Excessive neutrophil infiltration is a major component in septic lung injury, although the signaling mechanisms behind pulmonary recruitment of neutrophils in polymicrobial sepsis remain elusive. Herein, we hypothesized that Rho-kinase activity may play a significant role in pulmonary neutrophil recruitment and tissue damage in abdominal sepsis. Male C57BL/6 mice were treated with the Rh

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: We tested whether gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with HLA-DQ genotypes. METHODS: A total of 764 mothers with non-autoimmune (GAD65, insulinoma-associated protein 2 [IA-2] and insulin autoantibody-negative) GDM were ascertained between September 2000 and August 2004 in the population-based Diabetes Prediction in Skåne (DiPiS) study. HLA-DQB1 genotypes were determ

The aim of this paper is to consider how the notion of analyticity can be dealt with in model-theoretical terms. Standard approaches to possible-world semantics allow us to define necessity and logical truth, but analyticity is considerably more difficult to account for. To explain this difficulty, we first provide a simplified sketch of possible-world semantics. After defining necessity and logic

In a series of 450 patients over 70 years of age with displaced fractures of the femoral neck sustained between 1995 and 1997 treatment was randomised either to internal fixation or replacement. Depending on age and level of activity the latter was either a total hip replacement or a hemiarthroplasty. Patients who were confused or bed-ridden were excluded, as were those with rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Studies investigating the importance of social network, empowerment and experiences of stigma on subjective quality of life among persons with mental illness are rare. AIM: This study aimed to investigate beliefs of devaluation/discrimination, actual rejection experiences, empowerment, social network and the relationship of these factors to subjective quality of life among subjects wit

Abstract in UndeterminedBackground: The current management guidelines for pediatric mild head injury (MHI) liberally recommend computed tomography (CT) and frequent admission. Serum protein S100B, currently used in management of adult head injury, has recently shown potential for reducing unnecessary CT scans after pediatric mild head injury. Capillary sampling in children is commonly used when ve

To our knowledge, the assessment of dural sac diameters in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is not reported in the literature. The aim of this study was to find out if, dural ectasia occurs more frequently among patients with AIS, to define cut-off values for dural sac ratio and test the validity of such values. A total of 126 spine MRIs (79 patients with AIS and 47 control subj

BACKGROUND: Depressive disorders are common and disabling. The Lundby Study is a prospective study of a community sample that started in 1947(N=2550). In 1957, 1013 newcomers were added. The latest field investigation was carried out in 1997. AIM: To identify risk factors for depressive disorders. METHOD: The Lundby database contains clinical assessments of the subjects made by psychiatrists. It a