Crystallization During Volume Reduction of Solutions with an Ion-Composition Corresponding to that in the Distal Tubuli

The effect of macromolecules on the crystallization in solutions with an ion-composition and a pH corresponding to that of urine in the distal part of the distal tubuli was examined by recording the number and volume of crystals in a Coulter Multisizer and by studying the crystal morphology with scanning electron microscopy at different degrees of evaporation. The experiments were carried out with 100 ml samples of salt solutions with and without different concentrations of dialysed urine (dU) from normal subjects. Addition of dU resulted in a greater number of crystals and a reduction in the mean crystal volume (MCV). Under the experimental conditions, the maximal effect of the macro-molecules appeared to be accomplished in solutions with an initial dU concentration of 10%. The precipitate was strongly suggestive of calcium phosphate (CaP) as shown by scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. This conclusion was further supported by the ion-activity products of calcium oxalate (CaOx) and different CaP salts in those samples in which crystal formation was recorded. The obtained results give support to the view that macromolecules might exert a promotive effect on the nucleation of CaP. The macromolecules also appear to counteract the development of large CaP crystals, but whether this is due to an inhibition of crystal growth, an inhibition of crystal aggregation or both could not be concluded from these experiments. The way in which CaP crystals initially form in the nephron might be of importance for the sub-sequent crystallization of CaOx and the formation of CaOx containing stones

Enhancing oil spill response capacities in the South Baltic Sea region via cross-border utilization of biodegradable oil binders

Occurrences of oil spills are responsible for very significant environmental degradation; they are more likely to happen in areas with dense shipping traffic, or in the close vicinity of transport pipelines and/or other infrastructures used for production and processing purposes. Without international co-operation, individual countries often lack sufficient resources and assets to successfully respond to largescale oil spill incidents. This can be related to the vast quantities of oil involved in those incidents, or the lack of necessary special equipment for dealing with the tasks at hand by the country under the need to respond. For the successful resolution of oil spill incidents, close and effective international co-operation- especially between neighbouring countries that usually “share the burden” of oil pollution- is a vital necessity. On this basis, the South Baltic Oil (SBOIL) project aims to strengthen the existing oil spill response capacities in the South Baltic region, introducing a cross-border spill response tool based on the new ‘green technology’ of biodegradable oil binders (BioBinders). In order for this new concept to be implemented, it is necessary to examine the international and national regulations and guidelines with reference to sorbent use and the exchange of oil spill equipment in the area of interest, and also analyze the national oil spill contingency plans of the different countries involved in the project. After investigating the legal requirements for the utilization of BioBinders in the South Baltic region, the analysis at hand presents the outcomes of a Table Top Exercise that was based on a realistic oil spill scenario in the wider region. This exercise tested the compatibility of international/national/regional plans regarding the use of BioBinders and examined the topics of recovery and waste management, including alternative techniques available for oil spill response. The results suggest that the use of BioBinders is promising, and represents a response option to improve the existing oil spill response capacities in the South Baltic region; the main challenge lies with the difficulty in dealing with waste management, mainly because of the current legislation in place within the participating countries

Crystallization of Calcium Oxalate and Calcium Phosphate at Supersaturation Levels Corresponding to Those in Different Parts of the Nephron

The risk of crystallization in solutions, with a composition corresponding to that of urine in various parts of the nephron, was assessed by studying urine samples containing standardized increments of calcium and oxalate concentrations. The experiments were carried out in salt solutions with and without dialysed urine and the appearance of crystals was detected and measured with a Coulter counter. With increased concentrations of calcium, crystals of calcium phosphate were predominantly formed in solutions with a composition corresponding to that in the proximal and distal tubuli, whereas, calcium oxalate was the primary crystallization product in solutions with a composition corresponding to the collecting duct. These conclusions were based on calculations of ion-activity products of calcium oxalate, hydroxyapatite, and calcium hydrogen phosphate, at the first appearance of crystals; studies on crystal morphology with scanning electron microscopy, and precipitation of [14C]-oxalate following addition of calcium. The ion-activity products of calcium oxalate at the first appearance of crystals following addition of oxalate to solutions with a composition corresponding to the collecting duct were significantly lower in the presence of dialysed urine. This might reflect a promoting effect of some macromolecules on the nucleation of calcium oxalate. Dialysed urine in these samples also had a pronounced influence on the development of the crystals by markedly reducing the mean crystal volume during the first hour following the formation of 100 crystals with a diameter between 3.5 and 5 μm. Such an effect was not observed in those solutions in which calcium phosphate crystals had formed

Interacting With a Visiting Dog Increases Fingertip Temperature in Elderly Residents of Nursing Homes

The aim of this study was to investigate whether interacting with a visiting dog influences fingertip temperature and cortisol levels in residents living in nursing homes for the elderly. The study included two groups, the dog group (n= 13) and the control group (n= 11-15) and lasted for 8 weeks for the dog group and 6 weeks for the control group. All participants were residents living at nursing homes for the elderly. The researchers visited small groups of the participants twice weekly during the entire study in both the dog and the control group. The visiting dog and the dog handler accompanied the researchers during weeks 3-6. Fingertip temperature was measured and saliva samples for cortisol determination were collected at 0, 20 and 60 min for the dog group and at 0 and 20 min for the control group. For analysis the study was divided into periods; Period 1 (week 1-2), Period 2 (week 3-4), Period 3 (week 5-6) and Period 4 (week 7-8, only the dog group). Mean values based on all data obtained at 0 and 20 min during period 1-3 were compared between groups. A second, separate analysis for the dog group also included data from 60 min and for period 4. For the dog group fingertip temperature increased significantly between period 1 and 2, 1 and 3 and 1 and 4 (p< 0.05). In addition, fingertip temperature rose significantly between 0 and 20 min and between 0 and 60 min within all periods. For the control group a significant decrease in fingertip temperature was observed between period 1 and 3 (p< 0.05). Fingertip temperature did not differ between the two groups during period 1, but was significantly higher for the dog group than for the control group during periods 2 and 3 (p< 0.05 andp< 0.001, respectively). Cortisol results are only presented descriptively due to that many samples had too low volume of saliva to be analyzed. In the present study interaction between elderly residents and a visiting dog resulted in increased fingertip temperature, probably reflecting a decrease in the activity of the sympathetic nervous system and therefore a decrease in stress levels

Nordic Seniors on the Move : Mobility and Migration in Later Life

"I believe that all people need to move about. Actually, some have difficulties in doing so. They stay in their home neighbourhoods, where theyve grown up and feel safe. I can understand that, but my wife and I, we didnt want that. We are more open to new ideas"."br /" "br /" This anthology is about seniors on the move. In seven chapters, Nordic researchers from various disciplines, by means of ethnographic methods, attempt to comprehend the phenomenon of Nordic seniors who move to leisure areas in their own or in other countries. "br /" \tThe number of seniors involved in this kind of migratory movement has grown considerably within the last 20 years. An increase in mass tourism is one explanation, but this may also be the result of generally stronger finances among the age group. Costa del Sol, along the Mediterranean coastline and Österlen in Southern Sweden are two examples of locations that have become attractive to lifestyle migrants. The warmer climate and the expectations of a certain quality of life are recurrent pull factors. The quote above gives voice to one of these seniors, stressing the necessity of moving. In his view, this signifies an open attitude to new ideas contrary to conventional images of old people as sedentary and disinclined to changes.\t"br /" \tIt is argued in this book that the fact that more people live longer, with better health, leads to a multiplicity of ways of growing old. As a result of this, paradoxes and polarities might arise; seniors cope with their lives all along the scale between fit and frail, weak and wealthy, poor and powerful, conservative, dynamic and unpredictable. This is valid for the Nordic seniors on the move as well. Moving may entail great economic dilemmas and challenges for individuals, social networks, and nation states. As shown here, mobility and migration have implications for identities, traditions, feelings of belonging, family relationships and friendships, health, images of old age, societal planning and policies, and even for religious attachment."br /" \tThe phenomenon of seniors on the move is accompanied by a growing academic interest and incorporates a variety of different perspectives and concepts, such as international retirement migration, rural retirement migration and health migration. This book contributes to the international body of literature about later life migration, specifically representing experiences made by Nordic seniors on the move. The incentive to place the Nordic countries in the limelight derives from the significant point that these countries largely share cultural and societal structures and - not least, the weather. The seven chapters representing experiences from a Nordic perspective are finalised by a chapter including an international perspective of retirement migration by the architect Deane Simpson who has studied and worked with gerotopias around the world."br /" \tThis anthology presents a joint statement, intended for international scholars in the field, but also for Nordic policymakers and practitioners involved in the daily life and needs of the many people who move in later life. If movers and migrants in later life wish for a good read you are most welcome."br /" "br /" "br /" The editors Anne Leonora Blaakilde and Gabriella Nilsson are both ethnologists affiliated with the Center for Healthy Ageing, University of Copenhagen, Denmark and the Department of Arts and Cultural Sciences, Lund University, Sweden, respectively. Document type: Boo

Introduction. Mobility and Migration in Later Life

Document type: Part of book or chapter of boo

Development of an in situ assay for simultaneous detection of the genomic and replicative form of PCV2 using padlock probes and rolling circle amplification

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In this study we utilized padlock probes and rolling circle amplification as a mean to detect and study the replication of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) in cultured cells and in infected tissue. Porcine circovirus type 2 is a single-stranded circular DNA virus associated with several severe diseases, porcine circovirus diseases (PCVD) in pigs, such as postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome. The exact reason and mechanisms behind the trigger of PCV2 replication that is associated with these diseases is not well-known. The virus replicates with rolling circle replication and thus also exists as a double-stranded replicative form.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>By applying padlock probes and rolling circle amplification we could not only visualise the viral genome but also discriminate between the genomic and the replicative strand in situ. The genomic strand existed in higher numbers than the replicative strand. The virus accumulated in certain nuclei but also spread into the cytoplasm of cells in the surrounding tissue. In cultured cells the average number of signals increased with time after infection.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>We have developed a method for detection of both strands of PCV2 in situ that can be useful for studies of replication and in situ detection of PCV2 as well as of DNA viruses in general.</p

E-bogen: Skandinaviske perspektiver på forskning og uddannelse

De skandinaviske lande har endnu ikke oplevet den samme udbredelse af e-bogen og påvirkning af de skandinaviske bogmarkeder som de engelsksprogede lande. Alligevel er der en voksende interesse i e-bøger, ikke mindst i forskning- og folkebibliotekerne. Denne artikel giver et overblik over de skandinaviske biblioteks- og informationsvidenskabelige skoler og deres forskning og undervisning i e-bøger. De respektive institutioner præsenterer deres aktuelle forskningsinteresser og -perspektiver på e-bøger og digital læsning, og hvorledes e-bøger er integreret i curriculum og uddannelser. Artiklen ender med at fremhæve fire områder, som artiklens forfattere mener, kalder på yderligere forskning: • Deep reading og læseoplevelser på digitale læseenheder • Den fysiske bogkulturs betydning for læsere • Aftalegrundlaget for udlån af e-bøger og ophavsret i biblioteker • E-bogens integration med andre teknologie