Solid-state and diffusion NMR spectroscopy are versatile tools that allow for studies of both structure and dynamics of complex solid and semisolid materials. We have developed a suit of pulse sequences based on polarization transfer that is readily applied to studies of formulations and their interactions with biological systems. In the present paper, we illustrate its applicability by using an i

The signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) was introduced to Sweden in 1960, and it has a high commercial and recreational value, but it may also have negative effects on native ecosystems. To better predict how climate warming will affect population dynamics of this cool-water crayfish, we explored the role of temperature and density dependence as explanatory factors of the subsequent years’

Background: Asthmatic patients have higher microbiome diversity and an altered composition, with more Proteobacteria and less Bacteroidetes compared with healthy control subjects. Studies comparing airway inflammation and the airway microbiome are sparse, especially in subjects not receiving anti-inflammatory treatment. Objective: We sought to describe the relationship between the airway microbiom

A paradigm shift is needed to improve and personalize the diagnosis of infectious disease and to select appropriate therapies. For many years, only the most severe and complicated bacterial infections received more detailed diagnostic and therapeutic attention as the efficiency of antibiotic therapy has guaranteed efficient treatment of patients suffering from the most common infections. Indeed, t

Type 2 diabetic patients suffer from insulin resistance and reduced insulin secretion. Osteopontin (OPN), a versatile protein expressed in several tissues throughout the body including the islets of Langerhans, has previously been implicated in the development of insulin resistance. Here we have investigated the role of OPN in insulin secretion using an OPN knock out mouse model (OPN-/-). Ultra-st

Patients and methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted. We measured pooled rate of lesion visualization improvement and improvement in lesion detection comparing FICE settings 1 – 3 and WLE, for angioectasias and ulcers/erosions. Pooled results were derived using the random-effects model because of high heterogeneity as measured by I 2. Repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA)

Background: Cannulation of the internal jugular vein may be associated with inadvertent puncture of the common carotid artery. Systematic use of ultrasound guidance has improved clinical success rates and reduced complications, but better knowledge of topographic relationships of the internal jugular vein and common carotid artery is desirable. This preclinical study was designed to determine by u

Aim: It is well known that nutritional intervention has positive effects on the secondary prevention of coronary heart disease. Different fat compositions of meals may alter postprandial plasma lipid patterns, which can further influence lipid metabolism in vivo. Methods: In the present study, we investigated postprandial plasma lipid parameters in twenty healthy volunteers after eating fat meals

The human-environment connection in the mostly rural drylands of sub-Saharan Africa forms a complex, interlinked system that provides ecosystem services. This system is susceptible to climatic variability that impacts the supply of its products, and high population growth, which impacts the demand for these products. When plants remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through the process of phot

There are many challenges associated with the construction processes of planning and scheduling. These challenges are relevant to all project parties or stakeholders and therefore management roles or organisational behaviours of those parties have to be properly considered and assessed. With this in mind, this study is aimed at assessing practitioners' perspectives on the current significance and

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) detection in ischemic stroke patients triggers initiation of oral anticoagulant therapy (OAC). However, little is known regarding whether the persistency of AF affects long-term prognosis after ischemic stroke. We aimed to assess the impact of AF types and OAC on the outcome during a 10-year follow-up (FU) after first-ever ischemic stroke. Material and methods:

In 2009 the Democratic Party of Japan came to power with a new foreign policy tailored to the regional and global power shift from the United States to China: a more equal relationship with the United States and improved relations with Japan’s Asian neighbours. Within nine months the new Prime Minister Hatoyama Yukio resigned and the foreign policy shift was jettisoned by his successors. Conventio