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Immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) combined with post-mastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) is associated with an increased risk for complications. Here, we analyse whether IBR combined with PMRT is ethically acceptable. We employ normative analysis following reflective equilibrium and the principles of Beauchamp and Childress: non-maleficence, beneficence, autonomy, and justice. From the perspective

EndoS from Streptococcus pyogenes efficiently hydrolyzes the functionally important and conserved N-linked glycan of IgG in human blood. Repeated i.v. administration of EndoS in rabbits completely hydrolyzes the glycans of the whole IgG pool, despite the generation of anti-EndoS antibodies. EndoS administration had no apparent effects on the health of the animals. EndoS hydrolysis of the IgG glyca

We have characterized 2 distinct mechanisms through which infectious agents may promote platelet adhesion and thrombus formation in flowing blood, thus contributing to the progression of disease. In one case, the process initiates when the integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3) mediates platelet arrest onto immobilized bacterial constituents that have bound plasma fibrinogen. If blood contains antibodies agai

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a leading cause of invasive bacterial infections in human newborns. A key GBS virulence factor is its capsular polysaccharide (CPS), displaying terminal sialic acid (Sia) residues which block deposition and activation of complement on the bacterial surface. We recently demonstrated that GBS Sia can bind human CD33-related Sia-recognizing immunoglobulin (Ig) superfami

Protein ADP-ribosylation is a reversible post-translational modification that regulates important cellular functions. The identification of modified proteins has proven challenging and has mainly been achieved via enrichment methodologies. Random mutagenesis was used here to develop an engineered Af1521 ADP-ribose binding macro domain protein with 1000-fold increased affinity towards ADP-ribose. T

Angiogenesis is a hallmark of cancer and is now a validated therapeutic target in the clinical setting. Despite the initial success, anti-angiogenic compounds impinging on the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway display limited survival benefits in patients and resistance often develops due to activation of alternative pathways. Thus, finding and validating new targets is highly warr

Regular prophylactic treatment with factor VIII (FVIII) and factor IX (FIX) concentrates in hemophilia A and B, respectively, is introduced in early infancy and has resulted in dramatic improvement of the conditions. Recombinant FVIII and FIX concentrates have been available for > 25 years and have been modified and refined through the years; however, unfortunately frequent intravenous administrat

Lymphocytes from human peripheral blood were separated by Countercurrent distribution (CCD) in a charged aqueous two-phase system composed of Dextran T 500 and polyethylene glycol 6000. Maximal responses to the T-cell mitogens phytohemagglutinin and concanavalin A were detected in a part of the distribution corresponding to the area where the highest percentage of E rosetting cells were seen. Anti

Sponsorship is currently a concept to be reckoned with. The development has been rapid in recent decades and the law has still not brought complete clarity whether sponsorship should be seen as promotion or gift. There is evidence that sponsorship cannot be seen in black or white. The right to deduct that exists for the promotion does not apply to gifts, which can have a major impact on the sponso

Background: Glioblastoma is the most common primary malignant brain tumor in adults. Previous studies have suggested that CRP (C-reactive protein) could serve as a biomarker candidate as well as a prognostic factor in glioblastoma patients, and we here further investigate its potential role. Materials and methods: Publicly available datasets were used to compare gene expression between brain sampl

Big Science is costly and complex, and historical evidence seems to suggest that projects often get delayed and more expensive than planned. On the basis of several studies of large infrastructures such as railroads and bridges, the Danish geographer Bent Flyvbjerg has proposed that there is an “iron law” of megaprojects, meaning that they almost without exception turn out more expensive and more

The incidences of both type 1 diabetes (T1D) and T2D are increasing worldwide. T2D is associated with many cancers. However, no data are available on cancer of unknown primary (CUP), a relatively common, fatal cancer for which tobacco smoking is the only known risk factor. At diagnosis, CUP metastases are found in various organs, which has implications for prognosis. We carried out a nationwide st

Occupations that are highly cognitive, non-physical, and low in social interaction - typically higher-skill white-collar roles such as data analysts, software developers, and translators - turn out to be highly AI-exposed • Occupations requiring manual dexterity or intensive interpersonal contact - such as construction labourers or nursing aides - remain among the least exposed to current AI techn