| 1. |
- Bjerg, Anders, 1982, et al.
(författare)
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Increase in pollen sensitization in Swedish adults and protective effect of keeping animals in childhood
- 2016
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Ingår i: Clinical and Experimental Allergy. - : Wiley. - 0954-7894 .- 1365-2222. ; 46:10, s. 1328-1336
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: To date, most studies of the "allergy epidemic" have been based on self-reported data. There is still limited knowledge on time trends in allergic sensitization, especially among adults.OBJECTIVE: To study allergic sensitization, its risk factors, and time trends in prevalence.METHODS: Within West Sweden Asthma Study (WSAS) a population-based sample of 788 adults (17-60y) underwent skin prick tests (SPT) for 11 aeroallergens 2009-2012. Specific IgE was analyzed in 750 of the participants. Those aged 20-46y (n=379) were compared with the European Community Respiratory Health Survey sample aged 20-46y from the same area (n=591) in 1991-1992.RESULTS: Among those aged 20-46y the prevalence of positive SPT to pollen increased; timothy from 17.1% to 29.0% (p<0.001) and birch from 15.6% to 23.7% (p=0.002) between 1991-1992 and 2009-2012. Measurements of specific IgE confirmed these increases. Prevalence of sensitization to all other tested allergens was unchanged. In the full WSAS sample aged 17-60y any positive SPT was seen in 41.9%, and the dominating sensitizers were pollen (34.3%), animals (22.8%) and mites (12.6%). Pollen sensitization was strongly associated with rhinitis, whereas indoor allergens were more associated with asthma. Growing up with livestock or furred pets decreased the risk of sensitization, adjusted odds ratio 0.53 (0.28-0.995) and 0.68 (0.47-0.98) respectively.CONCLUSION: Pollen sensitization has increased in Swedish adults since the early 1990's, while the prevalence of sensitization to other allergens has remained unchanged. This is one plausible explanation for the increase in rhinitis 1990-2008 in Swedish adults, during which time the prevalence of asthma, which is more associated with perennial allergens, was stable. Contact with animals in childhood seems to reduce the risk of sensitization well into adulthood. One major factor contributing to the rise in pollen allergy is a significant increase in levels of birch and grass pollen over the past three decades.
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| 2. |
- Abugabbara, Marwan, et al.
(författare)
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How to develop fifth-generation district heating and cooling in Sweden? : Application review and best practices proposed by middle agents
- 2023
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Ingår i: Energy Reports. - : Elsevier Ltd. - 2352-4847. ; 9, s. 4971-4983
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Sweden has an ambitious plan to fully decarbonise district heating by 2030 and to contribute with negative emissions of greenhouse gases in 2050. The vagaries of the energy market associated with climate, political, and social changes entail cross-sectoral integration that can fulfill these national targets. Fifth-generation district heating and cooling (5GDHC) is a relatively new concept of district energy systems that features a simultaneous supply of heating and cooling using power-to-heat technologies. This paper presents best practices for developing 5GDHC systems in Sweden to reach a consensus view on these systems among all stakeholders. A mixed-method combining best practice and roadmapping workshops has been used to disseminate mixed knowledge and experience from middle agents representing industry professionals and practitioners. Four successful implementations of 5GDHC systems are demonstrated and the important learned lessons are shared. The best practices are outlined for system planning, system modeling and simulation, prevailing business models for energy communities, and system monitoring. A roadmap from the middle agents’ point of view is composed and can be utilised to establish industry standards and common regulatory frameworks. © 2023 The Author(s)
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| 3. |
- Baudin, Maria, 1982-, et al.
(författare)
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Association of Rift Valley fever virus infection with miscarriage in Sudanese women : a cross-sectional study
- 2016
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Ingår i: The Lancet Global Health. - 2214-109X. ; 4:11, s. e864-e871
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Rift Valley fever virus is an emerging mosquito-borne virus that causes infections in animals and human beings in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Outbreaks of Rift Valley fever lead to mass abortions in livestock, but such abortions have not been identified in human bezings. Our aim was to investigate the cause of miscarriages in febrile pregnant women in an area endemic for Rift Valley fever.METHODS: Pregnant women with fever of unknown origin who attended the governmental hospital of Port Sudan, Sudan, between June 30, 2011, and Nov 17, 2012, were sampled at admission and included in this cross-sectional study. Medical records were retrieved and haematological tests were done on patient samples. Presence of viral RNA as well as antibodies against a variety of viruses were analysed. Any association of viral infections, symptoms, and laboratory parameters to pregnancy outcome was investigated using Pearson's χ(2) test.FINDINGS: Of 130 pregnant women with febrile disease, 28 were infected with Rift Valley fever virus and 31 with chikungunya virus, with typical clinical and laboratory findings for the infection in question. 15 (54%) of 28 women with an acute Rift Valley fever virus infection had miscarriages compared with 12 (12%) of 102 women negative for Rift Valley fever virus (p<0·0001). In a multiple logistic regression analysis, adjusting for age, haemorrhagic disease, and chikungunya virus infection, an acute Rift Valley fever virus infection was an independent predictor of having a miscarriage (odds ratio 7·4, 95% CI 2·7-20·1; p<0·0001).INTERPRETATION: This study is the first to show an association between infection with Rift Valley fever virus and miscarriage in pregnant women. Further studies are warranted to investigate the possible mechanisms. Our findings have implications for implementation of preventive measures, and evidence-based information to the public in endemic countries should be strongly recommended during Rift Valley fever outbreaks.FUNDING: Schlumberger Faculty for the Future, CRDF Global (31141), the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, the County Council of Västerbotten, and the Faculty of Medicine, Umeå University.
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| 4. |
- Bergqvist, Joakim, et al.
(författare)
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Detection and Isolation of Sindbis Virus from Mosquitoes Captured During an Outbreak in Sweden, 2013
- 2015
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Ingår i: Vector Borne and Zoonotic Diseases. - : Mary Ann Liebert Inc. - 1530-3667 .- 1557-7759. ; 15:2, s. 133-140
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Mosquito-borne alphaviruses have the potential to cause large outbreaks throughout the world. Here we investigated the causative agent of an unexpected Sindbis virus (SINV) outbreak during August-September, 2013, in a previously nonendemic region of Sweden. Mosquitoes were collected using carbon dioxide-baited CDC traps at locations close to human cases. The mosquitoes were initially screened as large pools by SINV-specific quantitative RT-PCR, and the SINV-positive mosquitoes were species determined by single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis, followed by sequencing the barcoding region of the cytochrome oxidase I gene. The proportion of the collected mosquitoes was determined by a metabarcoding strategy. By using novel strategies for PCR screening and genetic typing, a new SINV strain, Lovanger, was isolated from a pool of 1600 mosquitoes composed of Culex, Culiseta, and Aedes mosquitoes as determined by metabarcoding. The SINV-positive mosquito Culiseta morsitans was identified by SNP analysis and sequencing. After whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, the SINV Lovanger isolate was shown to be most closely similar to recent Finnish SINV isolates. In conclusion, within a few weeks, we were able to detect and isolate a novel SINV strain and identify the mosquito vector during a sudden SINV outbreak.
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| 5. |
- Calles, Olle, et al.
(författare)
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Anordningar för upp- och nedströmspassage av fisk vid vattenanläggningar : Underlag till vägledning om lämpliga försiktighetsmått och bästa möjliga teknik för vattenkraft
- 2013
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Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Många kraftverksdammar saknar idag fiskvägar för uppströms vandrande fisk och de flesta för nedströmsvandrande fisk. Litteraturgenomgången visar att passage av fisk via turbinerna ofta ger omfattande skador och dödlighet och därmed inte är en tillfredsställande förvaltningsstrategi. Det bedöms vara tekniskt fullt möjligt att bygga väl fungerande fiskvägar för samtliga förekommande fiskarter i alla svenska vattensystem. I detta dokument ges rekommendationer om hur fiskvägar bör anläggas, designas och skötas för att nå god anlocknings- och passageeffektivitet för såväl uppströms- som nedströmsvandrande fisk. Att relativt många fiskvägar fungerar dåligt beror på att uppföljning, tillsyn och kontroll av deras effektivitet är eftersatt eller ofta helt saknas. Att etablera en fungerande fiskväg är en process som kan ta flera år då successiva justeringar behövs. Det går dock att få till bra passagelösningar, även förbi stora kraftverk med höga dammar.För uppströmsvandring rekommenderas i första hand naturlika fiskvägar, som omlöp, eftersom de passar de flesta arter och storlekar. Omlöpen kan även fungera som nya strömhabitat och därmed ersätta något av de strömhabitat som förlorats. Är det enbart laxfisk eller andra goda vandrare som skall passera kan en teknisk fiskväg vara en godtagbar lösning. Även i områden med branta dalsidor som gör det svårt att anlägga naturlika fiskvägar och i områden med kulturmiljöer kan tekniska fiskvägar vara ett alternativ. Fiskslussar och fiskhisssar har låg effektivitet och kan inte rekommenderas generellt.Väl fungerande fiskpassager bör föra vatten under en stor del av året såvida inte fiskvägen är inriktad på en enskild art med väl kända behov. Naturlika fiskvägar bör, i likhet med naturliga vattendrag, ha en fastställd minsta vattenföring som är tillräcklig för att bevara sträckans habitatvärden.Ett vanligt problem är att det används för lite vatten i fiskvägen för att locka fisken till mynningen i tillräckligt hög utsträckning. Ofta behöver extra lockvatten användas för att få fisken att hitta fiskvägen, eller fiskvägarna eftersom det i breda vatten kan vara nödvändigt att ha flera fiskvägar, och vid behov även flera ingångar till fiskvägarna. Lockvattnet bör minst utgöra 5 % av medelvattenföringen på platsen, men det kan i vissa situationer behövas ännu mer vatten, och vid högflöden bör även lockvattnet öka i paritet med detta. Extra lockvatten behöver inte gå i fiskvägen utan kan ledas till fiskvägens nedre öppning.Vid nedströmspassage skall anpassade låglutande galler, fiskgaller, användas som leder fisken till en eller flera passagemöjligheter. Spaltvidden mellan gallren ska vara sådan att fisken inte passerar, vilket för vissa arter innebär att spaltvidden inte tillåter fysisk passage av fisk, medan det för andra arter räcker att gallret är en beteendemässig barriär. Idealt skall fisken aldrig komma i direkt med gallret utan ledas rätt väg. I mycket stora älvar kan spjälgaller (louvers) vara ett alternativ, men referensexempel saknas i Sverige i dag, alternativet är låglutande fiskgaller. Beteendeavledning (ljus, ljud, el, bubblor) bör endast användas som åtgärd i kombination med en fysisk avledare, eller på de platser där en fysisk avledare av någon anledning bedöms vara omöjlig att uppföra.Utformningen av flyktöppningen är också essentiell för avledarens funktion. För att tillgodose olika arters djuppreferens, kan man antingen placera en flyktöppning i ytan och ytterligare en vid botten (ål). Den vanligaste rekommendationen är att flyktöppningen ska vara successivt avsmalnande, för att åstadkomma en gradvis acceleration utan turbulens. Flyktöppningens, och därmed hela åtgärdens, funktion är beroende av den mängd vatten som tappas i förbipassagen. Enkelt uttryckt, kan man säga att ju mer vatten som tappas genom förbipassagen, desto större sannolikhet att den funkar väl. Internationellt rekommenderas att 2–10 % av det totala flödet används för att säkerställa nedströmspassage, varför rekommendationen är att överdimensionera flyktöppningar för att under åtgärdens driftsättande undersöka vilket flöde som krävs för god funktionDet bör betonas att den rödlistade ålen kräver speciella anpassningar vid varje hinder för dess upp- och nedvandring. Rekommendationer på bra åtgärder ges i dokumentet. Kriterier för anlocknings- och passageeffektivitet (upp- och nedströms) i fiskvägar bör fastställas utgående från förekomst av långvandrare (lax, havsöring, ål, flodnejonöga, havsnejonöga), antalet hinder och den geografiska lokaliseringen av lämpliga habitat. Litteratursammanställningen visar att många befintliga fiskvägar inte fungerar som avsett och bör utvärderas om minsta osäkerhet råder om deras funktion. Utvärderingarna bör ligga till grund för förbättringar av passagerna till dess tillräcklig effektivitet erhålls och resultaten tillställs tillsynsmyndigheten.
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| 6. |
- Chen, H.Y., et al.
(författare)
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Dyslipidemia, inflammation, calcification, and adiposity in aortic stenosis: a genome-wide study
- 2023
-
Ingår i: European Heart Journal. - : Oxford University Press. - 0195-668X .- 1522-9645. ; 44:21, s. 1927-1939
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aims Although highly heritable, the genetic etiology of calcific aortic stenosis (AS) remains incompletely understood. The aim of this study was to discover novel genetic contributors to AS and to integrate functional, expression, and cross-phenotype data to identify mechanisms of AS. Methods and results A genome-wide meta-analysis of 11.6 million variants in 10 cohorts involving 653 867 European ancestry participants (13 765 cases) was performed. Seventeen loci were associated with AS at P ≤ 5 × 10−8, of which 15 replicated in an independent cohort of 90 828 participants (7111 cases), including CELSR2–SORT1, NLRP6, and SMC2. A genetic risk score comprised of the index variants was associated with AS [odds ratio (OR) per standard deviation, 1.31; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.26–1.35; P = 2.7 × 10−51] and aortic valve calcium (OR per standard deviation, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.08–1.37; P = 1.4 × 10−3), after adjustment for known risk factors. A phenome-wide association study indicated multiple associations with coronary artery disease, apolipoprotein B, and triglycerides. Mendelian randomization supported a causal role for apolipoprotein B-containing lipoprotein particles in AS (OR per g/L of apolipoprotein B, 3.85; 95% CI, 2.90–5.12; P = 2.1 × 10−20) and replicated previous findings of causality for lipoprotein(a) (OR per natural logarithm, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.17–1.23; P = 4.8 × 10−73) and body mass index (OR per kg/m2, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.05–1.9; P = 1.9 × 10−12). Colocalization analyses using the GTEx database identified a role for differential expression of the genes LPA, SORT1, ACTR2, NOTCH4, IL6R, and FADS. Conclusion Dyslipidemia, inflammation, calcification, and adiposity play important roles in the etiology of AS, implicating novel treatments and prevention strategies. © The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology.
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| 7. |
- Drobni, Peter, et al.
(författare)
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Lactoferrin inhibits human papillomavirus binding and uptake in vitro.
- 2004
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Ingår i: Antiviral Research. - : Elsevier BV. - 0166-3542 .- 1872-9096. ; 64:1, s. 63-68
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Lactoferrin (LF), a member of the transferrin family, is a bi-globular protein secreted in milk, saliva, tears, seminal fluid, endocervix and vaginal secretions. LF is an important player in the defence against pathogenic microorganisms and has also been shown to have activity against several viruses including herpesvirus, adenovirus, rotavirus and poliovirus. The antiviral activity of LF is directed against the early steps of viral infection and the LF antiviral effect against herpesvirus is mediated through LF binding to the herpesvirus receptor heparan sulfate. Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes genital warts and is a prerequisite for cervical cancer. HPV can also use heparan sulfate on the cell surface as a receptor. We studied the inhibition by LF on HPV entry by incubating HaCaT cells and HPV-16 virus-like particles (VLPs) with either human (HLF) or bovine lactoferrin (BLF). LF inhibited internalization of HPV-16 particles using CFDA-SE-labelled VLPs that only fluoresce after internalisation. By using a western blot assay we also found dose-dependent LF inhibition of HPV-16 VLP binding to the HaCaT cell surface. BLF was a more potent inhibitor of HPV entry than human LF. It was also clear that LF acted early in the HPV uptake process.
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| 8. |
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| 9. |
- Engdahl, Cecilia, et al.
(författare)
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The Rift Valley Fever virus protein NSm and putative cellular protein interactions
- 2012
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Ingår i: Virology Journal. - 1743-422X. ; 9, s. 139-
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Rift Valley Fever is an infectious viral disease and an emerging problem in many countries of Africa and on the Arabian Peninsula. The causative virus is predominantly transmitted by mosquitoes and high mortality and abortion rates characterize outbreaks in animals while symptoms ranging from mild to life-threatening encephalitis and hemorrhagic fever are noticed among infected humans. For a better prevention and treatment of the infection, an increased knowledge of the infectious process of the virus is required. The focus of this work was to identify protein-protein interactions between the non-structural protein (NSm), encoded by the M-segment of the virus, and host cell proteins. This study was initiated by screening approximately 26 million cDNA clones of a mouse embryonic cDNA library for interactions with the NSm protein using a yeast two-hybrid system. We have identified nine murine proteins that interact with NSm protein of Rift Valley Fever virus, and the putative protein-protein interactions were confirmed by growth selection procedures and beta-gal activity measurements. Our results suggest that the cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor subunit 2 (Cpsf2), the peptidyl-prolyl cistrans isomerase (cyclophilin)-like 2 protein (Ppil2), and the synaptosome-associated protein of 25 kDa (SNAP-25) are the most promising targets for the NSm protein of the virus during an infection.
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| 10. |
- Golovliov, Igor, 1958-, et al.
(författare)
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Long-Term Survival of Virulent Tularemia Pathogens outside a Host in Conditions That Mimic Natural Aquatic Environments
- 2021
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Ingår i: Applied and Environmental Microbiology. - : Elsevier. - 0099-2240 .- 1098-5336. ; 87:6, s. 1-11
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Francisella tularensis, the causative agent of the zoonotic disease tularemia, can cause seasonal outbreaks of acute febrile illness in humans with disease peaks in late summer to autumn. Interestingly, its mechanisms for environmental persistence between outbreaks are poorly understood. One hypothesis is that F. tularensis forms biofilms in aquatic environments. We utilized two fully virulent wild-type strains: FSC200 (Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica) and Schu S4 (Francisella tularensis subsp. tularensis) and three control strains, the attenuated live vaccine strain (LVS; F. tularensis subsp. holarctica), a Schu S4 DwbtI mutant that is documented to form biofilms, and the low-virulence strain U112 of the closely related species Francisella novicida. Strains were incubated in saline solution (0.9% NaCl) microcosms for 24 weeks at both 4°C and 20°C, whereupon viability and biofilm formation were measured. These temperatures were selected to approximate winter and summer temperatures of fresh water in Scandinavia, respectively. U112 and Schu S4 DwbtI formed biofilms, but F. tularensis strains FSC200 and Schu S4 and the LVS did not. All strains exhibited prolonged viability at 4°C compared to 20°C. U112 and FSC200 displayed remarkable long-term persistence at 4°C, with only 1- and 2-fold log reductions, respectively, of viable cells after 24weeks. Schu S4 exhibited lower survival, yielding no viable cells by week 20. At 24weeks, cells from FSC200, but not from Schu S4, were still fully virulent in mice. Taken together, these results demonstrate biofilm-independent, long-term survival of pathogenic F. tularensis subsp. holarctica in conditions that mimic overwinter survival in aquatic environments.
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| 11. |
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| 12. |
- Gullö, Jan-Olof, 1961-, et al.
(författare)
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Nobel Creations
- 2015
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Ingår i: <em></em>. - Aalborg : Aalborg universitet.
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)
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| 13. |
- Gullö, Jan-Olof, 1961-, et al.
(författare)
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Nobel Creations : Producing infinite music for an exhibition
- 2015
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Ingår i: Dansk Musikforskning Online. - Aalborg : Danish Musicology Online - DMO. - 1904-237X. ; :Special ed., s. 63-80
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In 2014 a collaborative artistic music production project gave rise to the development and use of new methods for composition and music production. With a specially de- signed software engine the music productions responded interactively to actions of the visitors at the Nobel Museum in Stockholm. The music was distributed by multi- ple loudspeakers in the museum hall, week after week without interruption through the four months the exhibition lasted. The results of the project show clear evidence, that the romantic ideal, that creativity and creative capacity primarily is individual, in- born and inherent, is not valid. Instead, by combining different art forms, using struc- tured project planning, aiming to develop creative actions, people can create artwork in collaboration, that far exceeds what they individually can achieve.
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| 14. |
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| 15. |
- Johansson, Kari, et al.
(författare)
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Risk of pre-eclampsia after gastric bypass : a matched cohort study
- 2022
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Ingår i: British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. - : Blackwell Publishing. - 1470-0328 .- 1471-0528. ; 129:3, s. 461-471
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether gastric bypass before pregnancy is associated with reduced risk of preeclampsia.DESIGN: Nationwide matched cohort study.SETTING: Swedish national health care.POPULATION: =2766:2766) on pre-surgery/early-pregnancy BMI, diabetes status (pre-surgery/pre-conception), maternal age, early-pregnancy smoking status, educational level, height, country of birth, delivery year and history of preeclampsia.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Preeclampsia categorised into any, preterm onset (<37+0 weeks), and term onset (≥37+0 weeks).RESULTS: (39kg). Post-gastric bypass pregnancies had lower risk of preeclampsia compared to pre-surgery BMI-matched controls (1.7 vs. 9.7 per 100 pregnancies; hazard ratio [HR] 0.21, 95%CI 0.15-0.28) and early-pregnancy BMI-matched controls (1.9 vs. 5.0 per 100 pregnancies; HR 0.44, 95%CI 0.33-0.60). Although relative risks for preeclampsia for post-gastric bypass pregnancies vs. pre-surgery matched controls was similar, absolute risk differences were significantly greater for nulliparous (RD -13.6 per 100 pregnancies, 95%CI -16.1 to -11.2) vs. parous women (RD -4.4 per 100 pregnancies, 95%CI -5.7 to -3.1).CONCLUSION: We found that gastric bypass was associated with lower risk of preeclampsia, with the largest absolute risk reduction among nulliparous women.
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| 16. |
- Lagerqvist, Nina, 1979-, et al.
(författare)
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Characterisation of immune responses and protective efficacy in mice after immunisation with Rift Valley Fever virus cDNA constructs
- 2009
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Ingår i: Virology Journal. - 1743-422X. ; 6, s. 6-
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Affecting both livestock and humans, Rift Valley Fever is considered as one of the most important viral zoonoses in Africa. However, no licensed vaccines or effective treatments are yet available for human use. Naked DNA vaccines are an interesting approach since the virus is highly infectious and existing attenuated Rift Valley Fever virus vaccine strains display adverse effects in animal trials. In this study, gene-gun immunisations with cDNA encoding structural proteins of the Rift Valley Fever virus were evaluated in mice. The induced immune responses were analysed for the ability to protect mice against virus challenge. RESULTS: Immunisation with cDNA encoding the nucleocapsid protein induced strong humoral and lymphocyte proliferative immune responses, and virus neutralising antibodies were acquired after vaccination with cDNA encoding the glycoproteins. Even though complete protection was not achieved by genetic immunisation, four out of eight, and five out of eight mice vaccinated with cDNA encoding the nucleocapsid protein or the glycoproteins, respectively, displayed no clinical signs of infection after challenge. In contrast, all fourteen control animals displayed clinical manifestations of Rift Valley Fever after challenge. CONCLUSION: The appearance of Rift Valley Fever associated clinical signs were significantly decreased among the DNA vaccinated mice and further adjustment of this strategy may result in full protection against Rift Valley Fever.
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| 17. |
- Lindkvist, Marie, et al.
(författare)
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Cross-reactive and serospecific epitopes of nucleocapsid proteins of three hantaviruses : prospects for new diagnostic tools.
- 2008
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Ingår i: Virus Research. - : Elsevier BV. - 0168-1702 .- 1872-7492. ; 137:1, s. 97-105
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The diagnosis of infectious diseases is sometimes difficult because of extensive immunological cross-reactivity between related viral antigens. On the path of constructing sero-specific antigens, we have identified residues involved in sero-specific and cross-reactive recognition of the nucleocapsid proteins (NPs) of Puumala virus (PUUV), Seoul virus (SEOV), and Sin Nombre virus (SNV) using serum samples from 17 Nephropathia epidemica patients. The mapping was performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot analysis on a panel of N protein derivatives and alanine-substitution mutants in the three different hantavirus backgrounds. Four regions with different serological profiles were identified encompassing the amino acids (aa) 14-17, 22-24, 26, and 35-38. One of the regions showed strong cross-reactivity and was important for the recognition of SEOV and SNV antigens, but not the PUUV antigen (aa 35-38). Two regions displayed perceivable SEOV characteristics (aa 14-17 and aa 22-24 and 26) and the combined result of the alanine replacements resulted in a synergetic effect against the PUUV antigen (aa 14-17, 22-24, 26).
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| 18. |
- Lwande, Olivia Wesula, et al.
(författare)
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Alphacoronavirus in a Daubenton’s Myotis Bat (Myotis daubentonii) in Sweden
- 2022
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Ingår i: Viruses. - : MDPI. - 1999-4915. ; 14:3
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has stimulated a search for reservoirs and species potentially involved in back and forth transmission. Studies have postulated bats as one of the key reservoirs of coronaviruses (CoVs), and different CoVs have been detected in bats. So far, CoVs have not been found in bats in Sweden and we therefore tested whether they carry CoVs. In summer 2020, we sampled a total of 77 adult bats comprising 74 Myotis daubentonii, 2 Pipistrellus pygmaeus, and 1 M. mystacinus bats in southern Sweden. Blood, saliva and feces were sampled, processed and subjected to a virus next-generation sequencing target enrichment protocol. An Alphacoronavirus was detected and sequenced from feces of a M. daubentonii adult female bat. Phylogenetic analysis of the almost complete virus genome revealed a close relationship with Finnish and Danish strains. This was the first finding of a CoV in bats in Sweden, and bats may play a role in the transmission cycle of CoVs in Sweden. Focused and targeted surveillance of CoVs in bats is warranted, with consideration of potential conflicts between public health and nature conservation required as many bat species in Europe are threatened and protected.
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| 19. |
- Lwande, Olivia Wesula, et al.
(författare)
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Experimental Infection and Transmission Competence of Sindbis Virus in Culex torrentium and Culex pipiens Mosquitoes from Northern Sweden
- 2019
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Ingår i: Vector Borne and Zoonotic Diseases. - : Mary Ann Liebert. - 1530-3667 .- 1557-7759. ; 19:2, s. 128-133
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction: Sindbis virus (SINV) is a mosquito-borne Alphavirus known to infect birds and cause intermittent outbreaks among humans in Fenno-Scandia. In Sweden, the endemic area has mainly been in central Sweden. Recently, SINV infections have emerged to northern Sweden, but the vectorial efficiency for SINV of mosquito species in this northern region has not yet been ascertained.Objective: Mosquito larvae were sampled from the Umea region in northern Sweden and propagated in a laboratory to adult stage to investigate the infection, dissemination, and transmission efficiency of SINV in mosquitoes.Materials and Methods: The mosquito species were identified by DNA barcoding of the cytochrome oxidase I gene. Culex torrentium was the most abundant (82.2%) followed by Culex pipiens (14.4%), Aedes annulipes (1.1%), Anopheles claviger (1.1%), Culiseta bergrothi (1.1%), or other unidentified species (1.1%). Mosquitoes were fed with SINV-infected blood and monitored for 29 days to determine the viral extrinsic incubation period. Infection and dissemination were determined by RT-qPCR screening of dissected body parts of individual mosquitoes. Viral transmission was determined from saliva collected from individual mosquitoes at 7, 14, and 29 days. SINV was detected by cell culture using BHK-21 cells, RT-qPCR, and sequencing.Results: Cx. torrentium was the only mosquito species in our study that was able to transmit SINV. The overall transmission efficiency of SINV in Cx. torrentium was 6.8%. The rates of SINV infection, dissemination, and transmission in Cx. torrentium were 11%, 75%, and 83%, respectively.Conclusions: Cx. torrentium may be the key vector involved in SINV transmission in northern Sweden.
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| 20. |
- Lwande, Olivia Wesula, 1986-, et al.
(författare)
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Globe-Trotting Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus : Risk Factors for Arbovirus Pandemics
- 2020
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Ingår i: Vector Borne and Zoonotic Diseases. - : Mary Ann Liebert Inc. - 1530-3667 .- 1557-7759. ; 20:2, s. 71-81
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction: Two species of Aedes (Ae.) mosquitoes (Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus) are primary vectors for emerging arboviruses that are a significant threat to public health and economic burden worldwide. Distribution of these vectors and the associated arboviruses, such as dengue virus, chikungunya virus, yellow fever virus, and Zika virus, was for a long time restricted by geographical, ecological, and biological factors. Presently, arbovirus emergence and dispersion are more rapid and geographically widespread, largely due to expansion of the range for these two mosquitoes that have exploited the global transportation network, land perturbation, and failure to contain the mosquito population coupled with enhanced vector competence. Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus may also sustain transmission between humans without having to depend on their natural reservoir forest cycles due to arthropod adaptation to urbanization. Currently, there is no single strategy that is adequate to control these vectors, especially when managing arbovirus outbreaks. Objective: This review aimed at presenting the characteristics and abilities of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus, which can drive a global public health risk, and suggests strategies for prevention and control. Methods: This review presents the geographic range, reproduction and ecology, vector competence, genetic evolution, and biological and chemical control of these two mosquito species and how they have changed and developed over time combined with factors that may drive pandemics and mitigation measures. Conclusion: We suggest that more efforts should be geared toward the development of a concerted multidisciplinary approach.
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| 21. |
- Lwande, Olivia Wesula, et al.
(författare)
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Mismatch amplification mutation assays of Chikungunya virus and O'Nyong-Nyong virus : a simple and reliable method for surveillance and identification of emerging alphaviruses
- 2022
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Ingår i: Frontiers in Virology. - : Frontiers Media S.A.. - 2673-818X. ; 2
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: The mosquito-borne alphaviruses chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and o'nyong-nyong virus (ONNV) are closely related Alphaviruses that belong to the Semliki forest virus serocomplex. The two viruses are associated with large outbreaks with significant morbidity. However, they are transmitted by different mosquito vectors and accordingly need different prevention strategies. The viruses are difficult to distinguish clinically and there is a lack of sensitive and specific assays that can discriminate between CHIKV and ONNV. Therefore, there is a need for new methods that may be able to determine the true burden of the diseases caused by these viruses, especially in resource-poor settings.Method: To distinguish between CHIKV and ONNV, we designed and optimized two genetic methods, melt analysis of mismatch amplification mutation assay (Melt-MAMA) and agarose gel-based mismatch amplification mutation assay (Agarose-MAMA). The identification was based on single nucleotide polymorphisms using two competing forward primers and a common reverse primer that targeted selected sites in the envelope genes (E1 and E2). A specific shift in the melting point and mobility on agarose gels was obtained by tailing one of the two competing primers with a G/C-rich stretch of nucleotides.Results: The melting point analyses by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR Melt-MAMA) or gel-shift assay (Agarose-MAMA assay) for CHIKV and ONNV were found to be reproducible and the sensitivity of the two assays was estimated at under 100 template copies/reaction. Furthermore, no cross-reactivity with related viruses of the same serocomplex such as Mayaro virus, Ross River virus or Semliki forest virus was detected, or with other viruses such as Sindbis virus (Alphavirus), West Nile virus, dengue virus (Flavivirus), Inkoo virus and Tahyna virus (Orthobunyavirus). The results from the two assays were comparable when the obtained amplicons were analyzed by Melt-MAMA or by Agarose-MAMA.Conclusion: Herein we present reliable and robust methods that can discriminate between CHIKV and ONNV. These methods can be used in well-equipped laboratories and basic clinical settings (e.g., in developing countries), as well as in field situations. The approach may also be applicable in the distinction of other closely-related mosquito-borne viruses that belong to the same serogroup.
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| 22. |
- Lwande, Olivia Wesula, et al.
(författare)
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Novel strains of Culex flavivirus and Hubei chryso-like virus 1 from the Anopheles mosquito in western Kenya
- 2024
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Ingår i: Virus Research. - : Elsevier. - 0168-1702 .- 1872-7492. ; 339
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Surveillance of mosquito vectors is critical for early detection, prevention and control of vector borne diseases. In this study we used advanced molecular tools, such as DNA barcoding in combination with novel sequencing technologies to discover new and already known viruses in genetically identified mosquito species. Mosquitoes were captured using BG sentinel traps in Western Kenya during May and July 2019, and homogenized individually before pooled into groups of ten mosquitoes. The pools and individual samples were then used for molecular analysis and to infect cell cultures. Of a total of fifty-four (54) 10-pools, thirteen (13) showed cytopathic effect (CPE) on VeroB4 cells, eighteen (18) showed CPE on C6/36 cells. Eight (8) 10-pools out of the 31 CPE positive pools showed CPE on both VeroB4 and C6/36 cells. When using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Sanger sequencing and Twist Comprehensive Viral Research Panel (CVRP) (Twist Biosciences), all pools were found negative by RT-PCR when using genus specific primers targeting alphaviruses, orthobunyaviruses and virus specific primers towards o'nyong-nyong virus, chikungunya virus and Sindbis virus (previously reported to circulate in the region). Interestingly, five pools were RT-PCR positive for flavivirus. Two of the RT-PCR positive pools showed CPE on both VeroB4 and C6/36 cells, two pools showed CPE on C6/36 cells alone and one pool on VeroB4 cells only. Fifty individual mosquito homogenates from the five RT-PCR positive 10-pools were analyzed further for flavivirus RNA. Of these, 19 out of the 50 individual mosquito homogenates indicated the presence of flavivirus RNA. Barcoding of the flavivirus positive mosquitoes revealed the mosquito species as Aedes aegypti (1), Mansonia uniformis (6), Anopheles spp (3), Culex pipiens (5), Culex spp (1), Coquilletidia metallica (2) and Culex quinquefasciatus (1). Of the 19 flavivirus positive individual mosquitoes, five (5) virus positive homogenates were sequenced. Genome sequences of two viruses were completed. One was identified as the single-stranded RNA Culex flavivirus and the other as the double-stranded RNA Hubei chryso-like virus 1. Both viruses were found in the same Anopheles spp. homogenate extracted from a sample that showed CPE on both VeroB4 and C6/36 cells. The detection of both viruses in a single mosquito homogenate indicated coinfection. Phylogenetic analyses suggested that the Culex flavivirus sequence detected was closely related to a Culex flavivirus isolated from Uganda in 2008. All four Hubei chryso-like virus 1 segments clusters closely to Hubei chryso-like virus 1 strains isolated in Australia, China and USA. Two novel strains of insect-specific viruses in Anopheles mosquitoes were detected and characterized.
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| 23. |
- Malmsten, Anna, et al.
(författare)
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Serological testing of Schmallenberg virus in Swedish wild cervids from 2012 to 2016
- 2017
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Ingår i: BMC Veterinary Research. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1746-6148. ; 13
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Schmallenberg virus (SBV) first emerged in Europe in 2011, and in Sweden in late 2012. The virus was still circulating in parts of Europe in 2015. In recent testing, the virus has not been detected in Swedish domestic animals, indicating that it is no longer circulating in Sweden. It is not known if the virus has circulated and is still circulating in Swedish wild cervid populations and whether wildlife can act as virus reservoirs. The aim of this study was to investigate whether SBV has circulated, and is still circulating among wild cervids in Sweden.Results: Ninety-two sera from moose (Alces alces, n = 22), red deer (Cervus elaphus, n = 15), fallow deer (Dama dama, n = 44), and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus, n = 11) were collected and analyzed for antibodies against SBV. The sampling occurred in the southern and middle part of Sweden during three time periods: 1) before the vector season in 2012, 2) after the vector season in 2012, and 3) after the vector season in 2015. Animals from periods 1 and 2 were of varying ages, whereas animals collected in period 3 were born after the vector season 2013. Animals from period 1 (n = 15) and 3 (n = 47) were seronegative, but, 53% (16 of 30) of animals from period 2 were seropositive, determined by SBV competitive ELISA. Samples from period 2 were additionally analyzed for SBV-neutralizing antibodies. Such antibodies were detected in 16/16 SBV-N-antibody-positive, 3/12 negative and 2/2 doubtful sera. The two tests were in accordance at SBV-neutralizing antibody titers of 1:32 or higher.Conclusion: Our results show that SBV circulated among wild cervids during the vector season of 2012. Three years later, no SBV-antibodies were detected in animals born after the vector season 2013. The likely absence of SBV circulation in Sweden, in contrast to other parts of Europe, might be explained by the annual occurrence of a vector-free season due to climate conditions. Interpretations are limited by the small sample-size, but the results suggest that the SBV competitive ELISA has high specificity but might have slightly lower sensitivity compared to a seroneutralization assay, when using samples from wild cervids.
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| 24. |
- Mistry, Nitesh, et al.
(författare)
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The anti-papillomavirus activity of human and bovine lactoferricin.
- 2007
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Ingår i: Antiviral Research. - : Elsevier BV. - 0166-3542 .- 1872-9096. ; 75:3, s. 258-265
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) cause common warts, laryngeal papilloma and genital condylomata and is necessary for the development of cervical cancer. We have previously found that lactoferrin has antiviral activity against HPV-16 and others have demonstrated that lactoferricin, an N-terminal fragment of lactoferrin, has inhibitory activities against several viruses. Two cell lines and two virus types, HPV-5 and HPV-16, were used to study if lactoferrin and lactoferricin could inhibit HPV pseudovirus (PsV) infection. We demonstrated that bovine lactoferrin (bLf) and human lactoferrin (hLf) were both potent inhibitors of HPV-5 and -16 PsV infections. Among the four lactoferricin derivatives we analyzed, a 15 amino acid peptide from bovine lactoferricin (bLfcin) 17-31 was the most potent inhibitor of both HPV-5 and HPV-16 PsV infection. Among the other derivatives, the human lactoferricin (hLfcin) 1-49 showed some antiviral activity against HPV PsV infection while bLfcin 17-42 inhibited only HPV-5 PsV infection in one of the cell lines. When we studied initial attachment of HPV-16, only bLfcin 17-42 and hLfcin 1-49 had an antiviral effect. This is the first time that lactoferricin was demonstrated to have an inhibitory effect on HPV infection and the antiviral activity differed depending on size, charge and structures of the lactoferricin.
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| 25. |
- Nordensten, Christina, et al.
(författare)
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Hanteringen av de omfattande naturkatastroferna i Queensland 2011 : Observatörsrapport
- 2012
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Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- En myndighetsgemensam observatörsresa genomfördes våren 2012 för att lära av erfarenheterna av den omfattande naturkatastrofen 2011 i Queensland, Australien. Observatörsresan organiserades av avdelningen för utvärdering och lärande vid Myndigheten för samhällsskydd och beredskap, MSB. Planerade möten hos myndigheter och organisationer ägde rum dels på federal nivå i Canberra, dels i delstaten Queensland med studiebesök i Brisbane och andra orter.Syftet med denna observatörsinsats var sålunda att:–– lära från de erfarenheter Australien gjort med anledning avde stora översvämningar, orsakade av extrema regn och cyklonenYasi, som drabbade delstaten Queensland under periodendecember 2010 - januari 2011.–– studera det australiensiska civila samhällets samlade förmågaatt hantera och återhämta sig efter dessa extrema händelseroch påfrestningar.Observatörsinsatsen initierades via MSB:s samverkansområden. En begäran och önskan riktades till MSB att organisera en observatörsinsats, i enlighet med MSB:s uppdrag att samordna och samverka inom området observatörsverksamhet
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