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Background: Dried blood spots (DBS) are a convenient and inexpensive method for biobanking. Although many countries have established population-based DBS biobanks from neonatal screening programs, the quality and usefulness of DNA from DBS have not been extensively assessed. Methods: We compared 4 common DNA extraction methods (Qiagen, EZNA, Chelex 100, and alkaline lysis) in a pilot study using

A parasite's ability to be a specialist vs. a generalist may have consequences for its prevalence within one or more if its host species. In this study we investigated the relationship between host specialization and prevalence in the highly species diverse avian blood parasites of the genera Plasmodium and Haemoproteus. Contrary to trade-off hypotheses that may explain host specialization, within

Historical demography, which is the study of human population dynamics in the past, is central for understanding human behaviours and traits, such as fertility, mortality and migration. An important factor in demographic research is the geographic context. Where people lived often determined their social ties, exposure to diseases and economic development. Such information is essential not only fo

Inflammatory responses play a vital role at different stages of colorectal carcinogenesis. C-type lectins mediate inflammatory/immune responses and participate in immune escape of pathogens and tumors. Our study aimed to evaluate the correlation between polymorphisms in three C-type lectin genes, CD209, MBL2 and REG4, and colorectal cancer (CRC) risk and clinical outcome. We genotyped 15 potential

Purpose. To develop a model of the dynamics of functioning, disability and contextual factors which harmonises with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Method. Model parts based on ICF were identified and a model drawing from engineering concepts was developed. The conceptual and practical applicability of the model was discussed. Results. The so called Fr

Introduction: Testing for airway hyperresponsiveness with indirect stimuli as exercise or mannitol has been proposed to better reflect underlying airway inflammation, as compared with methacholine (MCh), believed to act directly on airway smooth muscle cells. Objective: To investigate whether different direct and indirect stimuli induces different patterns of obstruction, recorded as central and p

Mouse CD8 alpha(+) dendritic cells (DCs) in lymphoid organs and CD103(+) CD11b(-) DCs in nonlymphoid tissues share phenotypic and functional similarities, as well as a unique shared developmental dependence on the transcription factor Batf3. Human DCs resembling mouse CD8 alpha(+) DCs in phenotype and function have been identified in human blood, spleen, and tonsil. However, it is not clear whethe

The etiology of leukemias cannot entirely be explained by known risk factors, including ionizing radiation, benzene exposure, and infection with human T cell leukemia virus. A number of studies suggested that diet influences the risk of adult leukemias. However, results have been largely inconsistent. We examined the potential association between dietary factors and risk of leukemias among partici

BACKGROUND: Total heart volume variation (THVV) and center of volume variation (COVV) likely affects the efficiency of cardiac pumping, but no study has determined COVV of the heart throughout the cardiac cycle or the effect of surgery on THVV in adults. Therefore, the purposes of this study were to determine COVV in healthy adults and patients with cardiac failure due to ischemic heart disease (I

Objectives. Only a little research has focused on the evaluation of female sexual function. With sexual stimulation, the clitoris becomes engorged with blood and tumescent. Nevertheless, only little is known about the significance of the cyclic nucleotide-mediated signal transduction in the control of this process. We sought to elucidate the presence of the phosphodiesterase (PDE) isoenzymes 3, 4,

Dendritic cells (DCIs) possess a potent ability to modulate and activate specific T-cell responses to allergens, which play a pivotal role in allergic inflammation by secreting cytokines and other mediators. However, the molecular mechanisms by which allergen-challenged DCs regulate specific T-cell responses are still not well characterized. This study aims at elucidating the molecular mechanisms

The measurement and the investigation of the errors in a Couette rheometer have been a topic of considerable interest in many rheometric studies. In the present study, a more accurate predictor-corrector method based on CFD and the analytical solution of the problem is described. Comparing to the previous CFD-based method, in addition to considering the effect of the end parts, the presented corre

Background: Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) are involved in the reproductive cycle and regulate the secretion of sex steroids from the gonads. In mammals, GnRH1 is secreted as a hormone from the hypothalamus, whereas both GnRH1 and GnRH2 are present as neuropeptides in a variety of tissues. This review describes the role of Gn

The LUCAS 2 device stores technical data that documents the chest compression process. We analyzed chest wall dimensions and mechanics stored during chest compressions on humans using data gathered with the LUCAS 2 device.

The Self-reported Foot and Ankle Score (SEFAS) is a patient-reported outcome measure, while the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Score (AOFAS) is a clinician-based score, both used for evaluation of foot and ankle disorders. The purpose of this study was to compare the psychometric properties of these 2 scoring systems.

Context. The discovery of hot Jupiters, giant gas exoplanets on tight orbits close to their host star, has proven instrumental in the study of exoplanet atmospheres through transit spectroscopy. Just as a temperature increase with height manifests in Earth’s atmosphere due to ozone absorbing ultraviolet radiation, transit spectra of some hot Jupiters has yielded evidence that suggests the presence

This thesis aims to investigate the dynamics of the so-called “leverage-effect”. This asymmetry in volatility after negative shocks, relative to positive shocks has been documented extensively before. However, except for findings that it is not due to leverage, the underlying or enhancing factors that cause it have not been investigated. This thesis aims to do so, by testing for the influence of f