| 1. |
- Poulikidou, Sofia, 1984, et al.
(författare)
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Impacts on fuel producers and customers of conflicting rules for life cycle assessment
- 2022
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Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The use of life cycle assessment (LCA) as a tool for estimating the environmental performance of a product or service in a holistic and systematic manner is increasing. Fuel producers may need to apply different methodological frameworks to be used in different contexts; internally for product development activities as well as externally for communication with customers or authorities. Different LCA frameworks may vary in scope, system boundaries (i.e. life cycle stages to be considered) or modelling requirements (such as data demands but also more detailed methodological features). They may also vary in terms of information they can provide in relation to the environmental performance of the product. Those variations could lead to conflicting outcomes and conclusions and may also increase complexity for the LCA practitioner leading to high competence and resource requirements. Within the research project: Impacts on fuel producers and customers of conflicting rules for LCA , the requirements of different LCA frameworks and their implications to fuel producers are investigated. Focus has been given on three specific frameworks that are identified as relevant or potentially relevant for fuel producers, namely: the recast of the EU Renewable Energy Directive (referred to here as RED II), the EU framework for Product Environmental Footprint (PEF), and the framework of Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). The aim of the project is to increase understanding on the different LCA frameworks available and identify whether the multitude of such frameworks gives conflicting recommendations for environmental improvements and fuel choices. The three LCA frameworks listed above were applied in case studies. To illustrate the potential differences that the different frameworks may lead to, a variation of production pathways and feedstocks were selected including first generation as well as advanced biofuels. Based on the results obtained it can be concluded that applying all three frameworks is not a straightforward task. The methods contain fundamental differences and are at different levels of development, maturity, and adoption. In certain situations, they can lead to diverging conclusions as a result of different quantitative outcomes for a specific production pathway, thus influencing decision making processes in different directions. Understanding those differences and underlying assumptions is important for understanding the variations in outcome. The result for a specific fuel could differ substantially depending on the framework applied and the assumptions and interpretations made when applying this framework. Certain methodological parameters were identified to have a greater impact on the results than others: • The three frameworks diverge in the methods applied for modelling waste management, which can be very important for the results when the biofuel is produced from waste. • The frameworks diverge in what approaches are allowed for modelling processes with multiple products. This can be very important for the results when the fuel is co-produced with other products. • The frameworks also diverge in how the electricity supply is modelled. This is not very important for the results in most of our case studies, because the production of these biofuels does not require a lot of electricity. The study confirms that applying a framework like EPD or PEF in addition to RED II would require significant supplementary efforts. Not only because of different rules which were often contradicting or difficult to interpret but also because of additional data and reporting requirements. The need for expertise and resources is increasing for fuel producers to be able to provide EPD and PEF compliant assessments. To enhance the development and harmonization of LCA approaches this project stresses the need for product specific rules (in the form of Product Environmental Category Rules (PEFCR) and Product Category Rules (PCR)) for renewable fuels. Future versions of all three studied frameworks should be clearer on how specific methodological choices are to be applied (e.g., when it comes to allocation and multifunctional processes) as well as when it comes to model electricity supply. RED for example shall be clearer on how to define the electricity region while EPD guidelines on how to define the electricity market. Although it is not realistic to aim for a single unified LCA framework, the biofuel PCR and PEFCR can be developed with RED in mind. Some aspects of the PEF methodology can perhaps also be integrated into RED III that is currently under development. This would enhance the broader adoption of the frameworks among fuel producers. Finally, the involvement and engagement of the industry, and fuel producers themselves is very important. Industry initiatives are essential for the development of biofuel PCR and PEFCR while the general development of the three frameworks can also be influenced. In this study, we also investigated the relationship between the LCA frameworks and schemes for chain of custody certification (CoCC), in particular schemes for mass balance certifications (MBC) to investigate to what extent these schemes complement or overlap with LCA. The purpose of MBC schemes and LCA are different, in the sense that the first aim at verifying the sources and sustainability of total amounts of raw materials used by tracking them throughout the value chain, while the second at quantifying specific environmental impact. The system boundaries are similar, since both cover the entire value chain, but may be applied differently depending on the detailed frameworks applied and choices made in applying the MBC schemes. By identifying and clearly illustrating the variations among the studied frameworks the study enhances application, development, and harmonization of LCA, in a broader perspective, informs LCA practitioners but also decision makers and provides insights on how the identified challenges can be addressed.
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| 2. |
- Herlin, Anders Henrik, et al.
(författare)
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Animal welfare implications of digital tools for monitoring and management of cattle and sheep on pasture
- 2021
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Ingår i: Animals. - : MDPI AG. - 2076-2615. ; 11:3
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The opportunities for natural animal behaviours in pastures imply animal welfare benefits. Nevertheless, monitoring the animals can be challenging. The use of sensors, cameras, positioning equipment and unmanned aerial vehicles in large pastures has the potential to improve animal welfare surveillance. Directly or indirectly, sensors measure environmental factors together with the behaviour and physiological state of the animal, and deviations can trigger alarms for, e.g., disease, heat stress and imminent calving. Electronic positioning includes Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) for the recording of animals at fixed points. Positioning units (GPS) mounted on collars can determine animal movements over large areas, determine their habitat and, somewhat, health and welfare. In combination with other sensors, such units can give information that helps to evaluate the welfare of free-ranging animals. Drones equipped with cameras can also locate and count the animals, as well as herd them. Digitally defined virtual fences can keep animals within a predefined area without the use of physical barriers, relying on acoustic signals and weak electric shocks. Due to individual variations in learning ability, some individuals may be exposed to numerous electric shocks, which might compromise their welfare. More research and development are required, especially regarding the use of drones and virtual fences. © 2021 by the authors.
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| 3. |
- Marseglia, Anna, et al.
(författare)
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Metabolic Syndrome Is Associated With Poor Cognition : A Population-Based Study of 70-Year-Old Adults Without Dementia
- 2021
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Ingår i: The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1079-5006 .- 1758-535X. ; 76:12, s. 2275-2283
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Individual conditions of metabolic syndrome (MetS) have been related to dementia; however, their combined impact on the preclinical stage is unknown. We investigated the associations between MetS and domain-specific cognitive function as well as the role of sociodemographic, cardiovascular, and genetic factors.Methods: Within the Gothenburg H70 Birth Cohort Study-Birth cohort 1944, 1131 dementia-free participants (aged 70 years) were examined during 2014-2016. MetS (central obesity plus at least 2 factors [reduced HD11.-cholesterol, elevated triglycerides, blood pressure, or blood glucose]) was identified according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria. Five cognitive domains (memory, attention/perceptual speed, executive function, verbal fluency, visuospatial abilities) were generated after z-standardizing raw scores from 10 neuropsychological tests. Education, heart disease, claudication (indicating peripheral atherosclerosis), and apolipoprotein genotype were ascertained by trained staff. Data were analyzed with linear regression models.Results: Overall, 618 participants (55%) had MetS. In multiadjusted linear regressions, MetS was related to poorer performance in attention/ perceptual speed (beta -0.14 [95% CI -0.25, -0.02]), executive function (beta -0.12 [95% CI -0.23, -0.01]), and verbal fluency (beta -0.19 [95% CI -0.30, -0.08]). These associations were present only among individuals who did not carry any APOE-epsilon 4 allele or were highly educated. However, among those with MetS, high education was related to better cognitive performance. MetS together with comorbid heart disease or claudication was associated with even worse cognitive performance than each alone.Conclusions: MetS is associated with poor attention/perceptual speed, executive function, and verbal fluency performance. Education, apolipoprotein E-epsilon 4 allele, and comorbid cardiovascular disease influenced the observed associations.
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| 4. |
- Abbasi, Abdul G, et al.
(författare)
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Towards a verifiable and secure data sharing platform for livestock supply chain
- 2022
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Ingår i: Proceedings of the 2022 IEEE International Conference on Dependable, Autonomic and Secure Computing, International Conference on Pervasive Intelligence and Computing, International Conference on Cloud and Big Data Computing, International Conference on Cyber Science and Technology Congress, DASC/PiCom/CBDCom/CyberSciTech 2022. - : Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.. - 9781665462976
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- The digitization of a supply chain involves satisfying several functional and non-functional context specific requirements. The work presented herein builds on efforts to elicit trust and profit requirements from actors in the Swedish livestock supply chain, specifically the beef supply chain. Interviewees identified several benefits related to data sharing and traceability but also emphasized that these benefits could only be realized if concerns around data security and data privacy were adequately addressed. We developed a data sharing platform as a response to these requirements. Requirements around verifiability, traceability, secure data sharing of potentially large data objects, fine grained access control, and the ability to link together data objects was realized using distributed ledger technology and a distributed file system. This paper presents this data sharing platform together with an evaluation of its usefulness in the context of beef supply chain traceability.
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| 5. |
- Ahlner, Felicia, 1987, et al.
(författare)
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Patterns of Alcohol Consumption and Associated Factors in a Population-Based Sample of 70-Year-Olds: Data from the Gothenburg H70 Birth Cohort Study 2014-16
- 2022
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Ingår i: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. - : MDPI AG. - 1660-4601 .- 1661-7827. ; 19:14
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Older adults of today consume more alcohol, yet knowledge about the factors associated with different consumption levels is limited in this age group. Based on the data from a population-based sample (n = 1156, 539 men and 617 women) in The Gothenburg H70 Birth Cohort Study 2014-16, we examined sociodemographic, social, and health-related factors associated with alcohol consumption levels in 70-year-olds, using logistic regression. Total weekly alcohol intake was calculated based on the self-reported amount of alcohol consumed. Alcohol consumption was categorized as lifetime abstention, former drinking, moderate consumption (<= 98 g/week), and at-risk consumption (>98 g/week). At-risk consumption was further categorized into lower at-risk (98-196 g/week), medium at-risk (196-350 g/week), and higher at-risk (>= 350 g/week). We found that among the 1156 participants, 3% were lifetime abstainers, 3% were former drinkers, 64% were moderate drinkers, and 30% were at-risk drinkers (20% lower, 8% medium, 2% higher). Among several factors, former drinking was associated with worse general self-rated health (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.08-2.51) and lower health-related quality of life (measured by physical component score) (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.91-0.97), higher illness burden (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.07-1.27), and weaker grip strength (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94-0.98). Higher at-risk drinkers more often had liver disease (OR 11.41, 95% CI 3.48-37.37) and minor depression (OR 4.57, 95% CI 1.40-14.95), but less contacts with health care (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.11-0.92). Our findings demonstrate the importance of classifications beyond abstinence and at-risk consumption, with implications for both the prevention and clinical management of unhealthy consumption patterns in older adults.
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| 6. |
- Andersson, Karin, et al.
(författare)
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Lean-inspired development work in agriculture : Implications for the work environment
- 2020
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Ingår i: Agronomy Research. - : Eesti Pollumajandusulikool. - 1406-894X .- 2228-4907. ; 18:2, s. 324-345
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Farmers operate in a turbulent environment that includes international competition, weather conditions and animal behaviour, for example, and is difficult for them to control. However, economy and productivity always have a high priority. As a consequence, farms have started to implement lean-inspired work systems. At the same time, health and safety are of urgent concern in the sector. This article explores how famers apply lean-inspired work processes. It identifies work environment changes during and after a lean implementation, as well as possible developments in the work environment following implementation of the lean philosophy. Data were collected from three groups: lean, lean-light and development-inclined reference farms (in total 54 farms), using a questionnaire and interviews. The results indicate that a majority of the lean farms were applying several lean principles and tools, and the lean philosophy. The lean-light farms applied parts of the lean concept, while the reference farms applied some of the more general tools, used in lean and elsewhere, such as visualisation in various forms and to various extents. The results showed positive effects of lean on the psychosocial work environment, better work structure and improved information, communication and co-operation. The physical work environment was improved to some extent by lean, where advantages such as a more structured and practical work environment with less physical movements and locomotion could be noticed. The lean concept provided a more structured and systematic approach to dealing with work and production environmental issues, for managers as well as for employees.
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| 7. |
- Andréasson, Sven, et al.
(författare)
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Behandling av alkohol- och narkotikaproblem : En evidensbaserad kunskapssammanställning
- 2001
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Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Utvärderingens syfteMissbruk och beroende av alkohol är ett av de största folkhälsoproblemen. Narkotikamissbruk är mindre vanligt men har stora medicinska konsekvenser för de berörda. De sociala och juridiska aspekterna är betydande. En kritisk genomgång av litteraturen vad avser behandling av abstinens, protraherad abstinens, behandling i syfte att förhindra återfall, psykologiska och sociala behandlingar för att minska återfallsrisken, behandlingsprogram och institutionsvårdens roll, samt behandling av missbruk under graviditet. Dessutom en granskning av mini-intervention i primärvård och annan vård vars syfte är att minska konsumtionen hos högkonsumenter av alkohol. Nyligen gjorda meta-analyser inom området värderas och särskild vikt fästs vid interventioner som finns eller lätt kan introduceras i den svenska vårdorganisationen. Behandlingsprogram för patienter med samtidig annan psykisk störning värderas.Så kallat lågdosberoende av bensodiazepiner och andra lugnande medel eller sömnmedel behandlas inte. Inte heller belyses effekten av behandlingar vars primära mål är kroppsliga komplikationer av missbruket, och inte heller granskas metoder att minska tillgänglighet.TillvägagångssättStrukturerad översikt, kostnadsanalyser.Insamling av primärdataSystematisk sökning i relevanta databaser, litteraturlistor i påträffade studier samt i aktuella monografier. Ingen bakre tidsbegränsning och sökning i databaser till och med februari 1999.Utgångspunkt för urval av dataHuvudsakligen randomiserade, kontrollerade, dubbelblinda studier, samt metaanalyser som baseras på sådana studier. Vad gäller långtidsförlopp och ekonomiska analyser även kohortstudier och andra naturalistiska studier.Genomgång av publikationenSamtliga studier värderas med hjälp av en i gruppen utarbetad, och med övriga psykiatriprojekt gemensam, kvalitetsmall. Alla centrala studier läses av minst två i gruppen.Färdiga manuskript värderas av styrelse, expertgrupp samt externa granskare.
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| 8. |
- Arvidsson Rådestig, Maya, et al.
(författare)
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Subtle Differences in Cognition in 70-Year-Olds with Elevated Cerebrospinal Fluid Neurofilament Light and Neurogranin: A H70 Cross-Sectional Study
- 2023
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Ingår i: Journal of Alzheimers Disease. - : IOS Press. - 1387-2877 .- 1875-8908. ; 91:1, s. 291-303
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Most research on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) neurofilament light protein (NfL) as a marker for neurodegeneration and neurogranin (Ng) for synaptic dysfunction has largely focused on clinical cohorts rather than population-based samples. Objective: We hypothesized that increased CSF levels of NfL and Ng are associated with subtle cognitive deficits in cognitively unimpaired (CU) older adults. Methods: The sample was derived from the Gothenburg H70 Birth Cohort Studies and comprised 258 CU 70-year-olds, with a Clinical Dementia Rating score of zero. All participants underwent extensive cognitive testing. CSF levels of NfL and Ng, as well as amyloid beta(1-42), total tau, and phosphorylated tau, were measured. Results: Participants with high CSF NfL performed worse in one memory-based test (Immediate recall, p = 0.013) and a language test (FAS, p = 0.016). Individuals with high CSF Ng performed worse on the memory-based test Supra Span (p = 0.035). When stratified according to CSF tau and A beta(42) concentrations, participants with high NfL and increased tau performed worse on a memory test than participants normal tau concentrations (Delayed recall, p = 0.003). In participants with high NfL, those with pathologic A beta(42) concentrations performed worse on the Delayed recall memory (p = 0.044). In the high Ng group, participants with pathological A beta(42) concentrations had lower MMSE scores (p = 0.027). However, in regression analysis we found no linear correlations between CSF NfL or CSF Ng in relation to cognitive tests when controlled for important co-variates. Conclusion: Markers of neurodegeneration and synaptic pathology might be associated with subtle signs of cognitive decline in a population-based sample of 70-year-olds.
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| 9. |
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| 10. |
- Bengtsson, Karin, 1980, et al.
(författare)
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Comparisons between comorbid conditions and health care consumption in rheumatoid arthritis patients with or without biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs : a register-based study
- 2016
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Ingår i: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2474. ; 17:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Symptoms and prognosis of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have improved with more intensive therapy, including the biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs). Real life data concerning how comorbidities are distributed among patients treated or not treated with bDMARDs are scarce. Our objective was to investigate differences in comorbidity and health care consumption in RA patients, with and without bDMARDs.METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed in the Southwestern part of Sweden. Patients, aged ≥ 18 years and diagnosed with RA in secondary health care during 2009-2010, were identified in the regional health care database. Aggregated data of comorbidity and health care consumption were retrieved between 2006 and 2010. RA patients treated with bDMARDs on 31st December 2010 were identified in the Swedish Rheumatology Quality Register (SRQ), which includes the biologics register Anti-Rheumatic Therapy in Sweden (ARTIS). Descriptive, comparative, univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with bDMARDs.RESULTS: Seven thousand seven hundred and twelve (7712) RA patients were identified (age 64.8 ± 14.9 years, women 74.3%), of whom 1137 (14.7%) were treated with bDMARDs. Overall, the most common comorbidities were infections (69.2%), hypertension (41.1%), chronic respiratory disease (15.3%), ischemic heart disease (14.0%) and malignancy (13.7%). Patients without bDMARDs were older and had more comorbidity. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, older age, cerebrovascular and chronic respiratory disease, heart failure, depression and malignancy were all associated with no present bDMARDs. Infections were associated with bDMARDs. Patients treated with bDMARDs consumed more secondary outpatient care but less visits in primary health care compared to patients without bDMARDs.CONCLUSIONS: Patients treated with bDMARDs versus no bDMARDs were younger and had significantly lower period prevalence for most common comorbidities, with the exception of infections. Differences in comorbidities between RA patients with or without bDMARDs should be taken into consideration when evaluating effectiveness and safety of bDMARDs in ordinary care.
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| 11. |
- Billstein, Tova, et al.
(författare)
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Life Cycle Assessment of Network Traffic: A Review of Challenges and Possible Solutions
- 2021
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Ingår i: Sustainability. - : MDPI. - 2071-1050. ; 13:20, s. 11155-11155
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The climate impacts of data traffic have historically been the least studied part of the information and communication technology sector, and there is currently no consensus on how to correctly assess it. Results show that eight key challenges exist.
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| 12. |
- Birkeland, Anna-Lena, 1955-, et al.
(författare)
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Breaking bad news : an interview study of paediatric cardiologists
- 2011
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Ingår i: Cardiology in the Young. - 1047-9511 .- 1467-1107. ; 21:3, s. 286-291
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Technical developments in paediatric cardiology over the last few decades have increased expectations on professionals, demanding of them more emotional competence and communicative ability. The aim of this study was to examine the approach of paediatric cardiologists in informing and communicating with the family of the patient.Method: A qualitative interview method was first tested in a pilot study with two paediatric cardiologists. There were nine subsequent semi-structured interviews that were carried out with paediatric cardiologists. A researcher performed all the interviews, which were taped, transcribed, decoded, and analysed.Results: Among paediatric cardiologists, how to break bad news to the family is an important concern, evident in findings regarding the significance of trust and confidence, the use of different emotional positions, and a common ambition to achieve skills to handle the situation. There is a need for reflection, education, and sharing of experiences. The cardiologists desire further development of teamwork and of skills in medical students and residents for delivering bad news.Conclusions: Doctors are expected to cope with the complexities of diagnoses and decisions, while simultaneously being sensitive to the feelings of the parents, aware of their own emotions, and able to keep it all under control in the context of breaking the bad news to the parents and keeping them informed. These conflicting demands create a need to expand the professional role of the doctor by including more training in emotional competence and communicative ability, beginning in medical school and continuing through consultancy.
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| 13. |
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| 14. |
- Birkeland, Anna-Lena, et al.
(författare)
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Interprofessional teamwork in Swedish pediatric cardiology : a national exploratory study
- 2013
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Ingår i: Journal of Interprofessional Care. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1356-1820 .- 1469-9567. ; 27:4, s. 320-325
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper aims to describe the nature of pediatric cardiology teams (PCTs) based in Sweden through the use of a mixed methods approach. Questionnaires examining issues about the organization/ways of working, functions/tasks and attitudes were answered by 30 PCTs. Focus group interviews were conducted with six PCTs, selected purposefully by size and location, and information on experiences and attitudes on interprofessional teamwork was explored in depth. Results from the quantitative indicated that in 17 of the teams, where the nurse acted as the central coordinator, there was a positive attitude to the value of teamwork. In the interviews, different problems and needs of improvements were mentioned regarding structure, leadership, presence of physicians in the team as well as the team's mandate. All of the participants, however, agreed that interprofessional teams were required to manage the complexity of the children's care. In conclusion, this study suggests that PCTs need further support to develop structure, leadership and coordination of resources to function in a more effective manner. National plans or recommendations that mandate the organization and working methods of PCTs would be helpful for the ongoing development of PCTs in Sweden.
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| 15. |
- Birkeland, Anna-Lena, 1955-
(författare)
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Psychosocial aspects of living with congenital heart disease : child, family, and professional perspectives
- 2012
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Background: The vast majority of infants born with congenital heart disease (CHD) reach adulthood because of the developments in cardiology in recent decades. This thesis aims to describe the psychosocial situation of child/adolescent cardiac patients and their families, investigate the situation faced by parents and siblings initially and over time, investigate the approaches paediatric cardiologists use in encountering the family, and describe the teamwork occurring in paediatric cardiology teams (PCTs) in Sweden.Theoretical framework: The theoretical framework was based on a quality of life model applied to children, a stress-coping model, and a psychosocial approach including support, profession, and teamwork.Methods: The research combines quantitative data collection/analysis and qualitative research interviews/content analysis.Results: Complexity: The three grades of medical complexity differed regarding the number and severity of psychosocial symptoms, the children with the most complex CHD having the most severe symptoms. The most frequent symptoms in the whole patient group regarding various spheres were: healthcare and treatment-related needs in the external sphere, family symptoms in the interpersonal sphere, and mental/psychosomatic symptoms in the personal sphere.Coping: Being informed of a child’s/sibling’s heart disease has emotional consequences, so information, communication, and support are essential. Breaking the news of a child’s disease can be described as a turning point still significant after ten years. The professionalism of the doctor’s approach in breaking the news is crucial.Profession: Among paediatric cardiologists, how to break bad news to a family is an important concern, evident in findings regarding the significance of trust and confidence and the use of various emotional positions. Paediatric cardiologists commonly wish to be skilled at handling this situation, and attaining the needed skills calls for reflection, education, and sharing experience.Team: PCTs in Sweden aim and try to work in a structured way. In PCTs, there is a need for leadership, resource coordination, coaching, and a forum for joint reflection. Dependence on the physician on the team was identified in all PCTs. The challenge of managing increasing complexity at both the family and system levels requires interprofessional teams.Conclusions: These studies illustrate the psychosocial complexity and the need of psychosocial support. Emotional consequences, communication, information and support are essential both for the children, parents/families and for the professionals. To manage this complexity organizational alteration action plans are required. There is a need for a forum to stimulate dialogue and common reflection in the local PCT and at the regional and national centres.
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| 16. |
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| 17. |
- Birkeland, Anna-Lena, 1955-, et al.
(författare)
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The complexity of the psychosocial situation in children and adolescents with heart disease
- 2005
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Ingår i: Acta Paediatrica. - : Wiley. - 0803-5253 .- 1651-2227. ; 94:10, s. 1495-1501
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aim: To describe the psychosocial situation of children/adolescents with heart disease and their families, an inventory method was worked out.Methods: Ninety-seven children/adolescents with congenital heart disease (CHD) were graded into three categories with respect to complexity of CHD. Group I included 42 patients with malformations requiring standardized operations. Group II included 20 patients with more complicated malformations, and group III included 35 patients with very complex malformations. The patients were compared with controls without heart disease, matched for age and gender. The psychosocial impact of CHD was measured by the inventory.Results: The most frequent problems in the patient group were healthcare and treatment-related needs (71/97) in the external sphere, family symptoms (68/97) in the interpersonal sphere, and somatic symptoms (19/97) in the personal sphere. Corresponding numbers in the controls were treatment-related needs (15/97), family (9/97) and somatic symptoms (25/97). Fifty per cent of the symptoms in the patient groups were mild, 30% moderate and 20% severe. The most severe symptoms were found in the interpersonal sphere, where family symptoms constituted the most severe variable. The frequency of severe problems in the personal sphere was 11% in the patients and 1% in the controls. This inventory method differentiates the grades of medical complexity both regarding number and severity of psychosocial symptoms. It indicates severe personal problems in the most complex group and shows that they have severe personal problems independent of family problems.Conclusion: This study elucidates the psychosocial complexity in children/adolescents with CHD, which has clinical implications in developing a psychosocial care programme.
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| 18. |
- Brandao, Miguel, et al.
(författare)
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RED, PEF, and EPD: Conflicting rules for determining the carbon footprint of biofuels give unclear signals to fuel producers and customers
- 2022
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Ingår i: Frontiers in Climate. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 2624-9553. ; 4
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Biofuel producers and other commodity suppliers are increasingly affected by conflicting rules for life cycle assessment (LCA). They may get multiple requests for LCAs to be used in various contexts, which require the application of different methodological approaches that vary in scope, system boundaries, data demand, and more. This results in increased cost and competence requirements for producers, as well as confusion among other actors including their customers. Differences in methodologies might also lead to various outcomes, conclusions and conflicting guidance regarding which fuels to prioritize or develop. We have analyzed the actual differences when applying three different frameworks: the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED), the EU framework for Product Environmental Footprints (PEF), and the framework of Environmental Product Declarations (EPD), which have different modeling requirements. We analyzed the methods from a conceptual point of view and also applied the methods to estimate the carbon footprint on a wide range of biofuel production pathways: (i) ethanol from corn, (ii) fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) from rapeseed oil, (iii) biogas from food waste, (iv) hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) from rapeseed oil, and (v) HVO from used cooking oil. Results obtained for a specific fuel could differ substantially depending on the framework applied and the assumptions and interpretations made when applying the different frameworks. Particularly, the results are very sensitive to the modeling of waste management when biofuel is produced from waste. Our results indicate a much higher climate impact for, e.g., biogas and HVO produced from used cooking oil when assessed with the PEF framework compared to the other frameworks. This is because PEF assigns at least part of the production of primary materials and energy to the use of recycled material and recovered energy. Developing Category Rules for biofuels for PEF and EPD ought to help clarifying remaining ambiguities.
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| 19. |
- Cnattingius, Sven, et al.
(författare)
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The Swedish medical birth register during five decades : documentation of the content and quality of the register
- 2023
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Ingår i: European Journal of Epidemiology. - : Springer. - 0393-2990 .- 1573-7284. ; 38:1, s. 109-120
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Pregnancy-related factors are important for short- and long-term health in mothers and offspring. The nationwide population-based Swedish Medical Birth Register (MBR) was established in 1973. The present study describes the content and quality of the MBR, using original MBR data, Swedish-language and international publications based on the MBR. The MBR includes around 98% of all births in Sweden. From 1982 onwards, the MBR is based on prospectively recorded information in standardized antenatal, obstetric, and neonatal records. When the mother and infant are discharged from hospital, this information is forwarded to the MBR, which is updated annually. Maternal data include information from first antenatal visit on self-reported obstetric history, infertility, diseases, medication use, cohabitation status, smoking and snuff use, self-reported height and measured weight, allowing calculation of body mass index. Birth and neonatal data include date and time of birth, mode of delivery, singleton or multiple birth, gestational age, stillbirth, birth weight, birth length, head circumference, infant sex, Apgar scores, and maternal and infant diagnoses/procedures, including neonatal care. The overall quality of the MBR is very high, owing to the semi-automated data extraction from the standardized regional electronic health records, Sweden's universal access to antenatal care, and the possibility to compare mothers and offspring to the Total Population Register in order to identify missing records. Through the unique personal identity numbers of mothers and live-born offspring, the MBR can be linked to other health registers. The Swedish MBR contains high-quality pregnancy-related information on more than 5 million births during five decades.
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| 20. |
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| 21. |
- Ekman, Anna-Karin, et al.
(författare)
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Nasal Challenge with LPS Stimulates the Release of Macrophage Inflammatory Protein 1 alpha
- 2009
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Ingår i: International Archives of Allergy and Immunology. - : S. Karger AG. - 1423-0097 .- 1018-2438. ; 149:2, s. 154-160
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Bacterial infections can cause a variety of airway diseases. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) directly respond to the presence of microbes and partake in the innate immune defense. TLR4 is activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and has been detected in sinonasal tissue, epithelial cells and various inflammatory cells. Macrophage inflammatory protein 1 alpha (MIP-1 alpha) is a chemokine released during the inflammatory process. The present study investigated the potential role and regulation of MIP-1 alpha in LPS-induced nasal inflammation. Methods: Thirty-two healthy individuals were intranasally challenged with LPS or vehicle. Nasal lavage was performed, followed by a nasal biopsy. Inflammatory cells were counted, MIP-1 alpha levels analyzed and expression of MIP-1 alpha mRNA in biopsies quantified. Neutrophils isolated from peripheral blood were treated with LPS and effects on MIP1 alpha release, cell survival, and the involved signal pathways, were investigated. Results: LPS challenge caused an increase of MIP-1 alpha in nasal lavage. No corresponding change in mRNA expression was seen in nasal biopsies, suggesting the increase was not due to epithelial synthesis. Neutrophil numbers increased after LPS provocation. Treatment of isolated neutrophils with LPS delayed neutrophil apoptosis and resulted in a time-and concentration-dependent release of MIP-1 alpha, which was reduced by inhibitors of transcription and of nuclear factor (NF)-kappa B, protein kinase C (PKC) and p38 MAPK pathways. Conclusions: Nasal LPS challenge results in release of MIP-1 alpha. The release most likely originates from recruited neutrophils, via NF-kappa B-, PKC-and p38 MAPK-dependent pathways. LPS stimulation delayed neutrophil apop tosis. MIP-1 alpha may constitute an important mediator in neutrophilic airway disease. Copyright (C) 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel
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| 22. |
- Fagerberg, Linn, et al.
(författare)
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Contribution of antibody-based protein profiling to the human chromosome-centric proteome project (C-HPP)
- 2013
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Ingår i: Journal of Proteome Research. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 1535-3893 .- 1535-3907. ; 12:6, s. 2439-2448
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A gene-centric Human Proteome Project has been proposed to characterize the human protein-coding genes in a chromosome-centered manner to understand human biology and disease. Here, we report on the protein evidence for all genes predicted from the genome sequence based on manual annotation from literature (UniProt), antibody-based profiling in cells, tissues and organs and analysis of the transcript profiles using next generation sequencing in human cell lines of different origins. We estimate that there is good evidence for protein existence for 69% (n = 13985) of the human protein-coding genes, while 23% have only evidence on the RNA level and 7% still lack experimental evidence. Analysis of the expression patterns shows few tissue-specific proteins and approximately half of the genes expressed in all the analyzed cells. The status for each gene with regards to protein evidence is visualized in a chromosome-centric manner as part of a new version of the Human Protein Atlas (www.proteinatlas.org).
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| 23. |
- Göthberg, Hanna, 1973, et al.
(författare)
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Cross-sectional assessment of hearing acuity of an unscreened 85-year-old cohort - Including a 10-year longitudinal study of a sub-sample.
- 2019
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Ingår i: Hearing research. - : Elsevier BV. - 1878-5891 .- 0378-5955. ; 382
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- As the proportion of older people increases, it is important to investigate hearing acuity in older individuals and to calculate hearing decline for older ages, using standardised test protocols. The main aim of this study was to determine pure-tone hearing thresholds in an unscreened birth cohort of 85-year-olds born in 1930, living in an industrial Swedish city. A further aim was to describe hearing decline in men and women from 75 to 85 years of age with the aid of longitudinal data. The study was part of the Gothenburg H70 Birth Cohort Studies in Sweden. Hearing thresholds (0.25-8kHz) were measured using automated pure-tone audiometry for 286 85-year-old participants. A subsample (n=182) was hearing examined at 75 years of age and studied longitudinally from 75 to 85 years. At age 85 years, men had better hearing at low frequencies but poorer hearing at high frequencies than women. The longitudinal study showed a considerable decline between 75 and 85yearsat mid-high frequencies (>1kHz) and the amount of decline was similar between sexes. The results contribute to the estimation of the future need for hearing health services.
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| 24. |
- Henriksson, Anna, et al.
(författare)
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Failed and successful intentional introductions of fish species into 821 Swedish lakes
- 2016
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Ingår i: Ecology. - : Wiley. - 0012-9658 .- 1939-9170. ; 97:5, s. 1364-1364
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introductions of fish into lakes can be viewed as whole system experiments, which can be used to study the principles of community assembly and factors determining the outcome of species invasions. Freshwater fish species have been translocated by humans for centuries in Sweden, and this activity has been documented by national and regional authorities starting at the end of the 19th century. Based on this documentation and additional interviews with local fishermen, we have compiled a data set that includes 1157 intentional introductions of 26 freshwater fish species into 821 Swedish lakes. The data include both successful and failed introductions; where a successful introduction means that the introduced fish species was present in the lake for ≥20 yr or that reproduction was observed earlier than that. The oldest introduction is from 1658 and the latest from 2002. Additionally, the data set includes species composition, water temperature sum, maximum water temperature, lake area, elevation, longitude, and latitude for all lakes. These data have been used to test hypotheses about biotic resistance and invasion success in three papers. We found the presence or absence of specific species predicted invasion success better than the species richness of the lakes. We also found that species with high invasion success tend to make a large contribution to biotic resistance, which will make communities more resistant in the future as they are invaded by additional species.
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| 25. |
- Henriksson, Anna, et al.
(författare)
-
Failed and successful introductions of fish species into 821 Swedish lakes
-
Annan publikation (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Introductions of fish into lakes can be viewed as whole system experiments, which can be used to study the principles of community assembly and factors determining the outcome of species invasions. Freshwater fish species have been translocated by humans for centuries in Sweden and this activity has been documented by national and regional authorities starting at the end of the 19th century. Based on this documentation and additional interviews with local fishermen we have compiled a dataset that includes 1158 introductions of 26 freshwater fish species into 821 Swedish lakes. The data includes both successful and failed introductions; where a successful introduction means that the introduced fish species was present in the lake for ≥20 years or that reproduction was observed earlier than that. The oldest introduction is from 1658 and the latest from 2002. Additionally, the dataset includes species composition, temperature sum, maximum temperature, lake area, elevation, longitude and latitude for all lakes. This data has been used to test hypotheses about biotic resistance and invasion success in three papers. We found the presence or absence of specific species predicted invasion success better than the species richness of the lakes. We also found that species with high invasion success tend to make a large contribution to biotic resistance, which will make communities more resistant in the future as they are invaded by additional species.
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| 26. |
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| 27. |
- Kylander, Malin E., et al.
(författare)
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New insights from XRF core scanning data into boreal lake ontogeny during the Eemian (Marine Isotope Stage 5e) at Sokli, northeast Finland
- 2018
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Ingår i: Quaternary Research. - : Cambridge University Press (CUP). - 0033-5894 .- 1096-0287. ; 89:1, s. 352-364
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Biological proxies from the Sokli Eemian (Marine Isotope Stage 5e) paleolake sequence from northeast Finland have previously shown that, unlike many postglacial records from boreal sites, the lake becomes increasingly eutrophic over time. Here, principal components (PC) were extracted from a high resolution multi-element XRF core scanning dataset to describe minerogenic input from the wider catchment (PC1), the input of S, Fe, Mn, and Ca-rich detrital material from the surrounding Sokli Carbonatite Massif (PC2), and chemical weathering (PC3). Minerogenic inputs to the lake were elevated early in the record and during two abrupt cooling events when soils and vegetation in the catchment were poor. Chemical weathering in the catchment generally increased over time, coinciding with higher air temperatures, catchment productivity, and the presence of acidic conifer species. Abiotic edaphic processes play a key role in lake ontogeny at this site stemming from the base cation- and nutrient-rich bedrock, which supports lake alkalinity and productivity. The climate history at this site, and its integrated effects on the lake system, appear to override development processes and alters its long-term trajectory.
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| 28. |
- Lage, Sandra, et al.
(författare)
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BMAA extraction of cyanobacteria samples : which method to choose?
- 2016
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Ingår i: Environmental Science and Pollution Research. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0944-1344 .- 1614-7499. ; 23:1, s. 338-350
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- beta-N-Methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA), a neurotoxin reportedly produced by cyanobacteria, diatoms and dinoflagellates, is proposed to be linked to the development of neurological diseases. BMAA has been found in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems worldwide, both in its phytoplankton producers and in several invertebrate and vertebrate organisms that bioaccumulate it. LC-MS/MS is the most frequently used analytical technique in BMAA research due to its high selectivity, though consensus is lacking as to the best extraction method to apply. This study accordingly surveys the efficiency of three extraction methods regularly used in BMAA research to extract BMAA from cyanobacteria samples. The results obtained provide insights into possible reasons for the BMAA concentration discrepancies in previous publications. In addition and according to the method validation guidelines for analysing cyanotoxins, the TCA protein precipitation method, followed by AQC derivatization and LC-MS/MS analysis, is now validated for extracting protein-bound (after protein hydrolysis) and free BMAA from cyanobacteria matrix. BMAA biological variability was also tested through the extraction of diatom and cyanobacteria species, revealing a high variance in BMAA levels (0.0080-2.5797 mu g g(-1) DW).
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| 29. |
- Lage, Sandra, et al.
(författare)
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Kinetics of beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) and 2, 4-diaminobutyric acid (DAB) production by diatoms: the effect of nitrogen
- 2019
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Ingår i: European Journal of Phycology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0967-0262 .- 1469-4433. ; 54:1, s. 115-125
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The neurotoxins beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) and 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (DAB) are produced by cyanobacteria, diatoms and dinoflagellates and have been detected in seafood worldwide. Our present knowledge of their metabolism or biosynthesis is limited. In this study, the production of BMAA and DAB as a function of time was monitored in five strains representing four species of diatoms, i.e. Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Thalassiosira weissflogii, Thalassiosira pseudonana and Navicula pelliculosa, previously identified as BMAA and DAB producers. Subsequently, three strains were selected and exposed to three nitrogen treatments - starvation, control (the standard concentration in f/2 medium) and enrichment, because BMAA metabolism has been suggested to be closely associated with cellular nitrogen metabolism in both cyanobacteria and diatoms. Chlorophyll a and total protein concentrations were also determined. Our results indicate that BMAA and DAB production in diatoms is species- and strain-specific. However, production might also be affected by stress, particularly as related to nitrogen starvation and cell density. Furthermore, this study shows a significant correlation between the production of the two neurotoxins which might further suggest common steps in the metabolic pathways.
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| 30. |
- Lage, Sandra, et al.
(författare)
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The effect of exogenous β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) on the diatoms Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Thalassiosira weissflogii
- 2016
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Ingår i: Harmful Algae. - : Elsevier BV. - 1568-9883 .- 1878-1470. ; 58, s. 85-92
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA), a non-protein amino acid with neurodegenerative features, is known to be produced by cyanobacteria, diatoms and a dinoflagellate. BMAA research has intensified over the last decade, and knowledge has been gained about its bioaccumulation in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, toxic effects in model organisms and neurotoxicity in vivo and in vitro. Nevertheless, knowledge of the actual physiological role of BMAA in the producing species or of the ecological factors that regulate BMAA production is still lacking. A few studies propose that BMAA functions to signal nitrogen depletion in cyanobacteria. To investigate whether BMAA might have a similar role in diatoms, two diatom species – Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Thalassiosira weissflogii – were exposed to exogenous BMAA at environmental relevant concentrations, i.e. 0.005, 0.05 and 0.5 μM. BMAA was taken up in a concentration dependent manner in both species in the BMAA free fraction and in the protein fraction of T. weissflogii. As a result of the treatments, the diatom cells at some of the time points and at some of the BMAA concentrations exhibited lower concentrations of chlorophyll a and protein, in comparison to controls. At the highest (0.5 μM) concentration of BMAA, extracellular ammonia was found in the media of both species at all time points. These results suggest that BMAA interferes with nitrogen metabolism in diatoms, possibly by inhibiting ammonium assimilation via the GS/GOGAT pathway.
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| 31. |
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| 32. |
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| 33. |
- Lindström, Annika, et al.
(författare)
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Få ett gott djuröga med hjälp av eyetracking : en pilotstudie
- 2020
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Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Can eyetracking as a tool be used to educate new staff at a farm?This pilot project evaluates the potential of eyetracking as a tool for training new staff on a farm in practical knowledge about animal welfare.A basic prerequisite for economically profitable animal production is healthy animals with good growth. Detecting animals in need of extra care during rounds is a challenge when there are many animals that need to be checked in a short time. The experience of the staff is an important component, but access to qualified staff is a scarce commodity. The experience of the skilled staff is rarely written down but constitutes a tacit knowledge that is very sensitive to whether staff quit or fall ill. Hiring foreign labor is becoming more common, in which case the potential to take part in the workforce's overall competence will determine how well the new workers will succeed in their tasks.By using technical tools such as eyetracking, you can record what a person is looking at in a certain environment. With this technology one could easily show and educate, e.g. staff, new employees, and students, what it is an experienced caretaker looks at when minding the animals. The technology makes it possible to visualize what an experienced caretaker is observing. In that way eyetracking has the potential to improve the working environment by streamlining the work of training new staff and getting everyone in the work team (experienced or not) to perform the tasks at the same high level as the most experienced.
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| 34. |
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| 35. |
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| 36. |
- Lundström, Anna, et al.
(författare)
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Aberrant autonomic pattern during the post-exercise recovery phase in long QT syndrome patients
- 2021
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Ingår i: Autonomic Neuroscience. - : Elsevier. - 1566-0702 .- 1872-7484. ; 236
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives: It is well-established that the autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays a central role in arrhythmogenesis. During and after exercise the ANS is particularly active, and since long QT syndrome (LQTS) patients have an increased risk of lethal arrhythmias during physical activity, it is important to investigate the autonomic function in these patients. In this study we investigate the ANS response during and after exercise in LQTS patients and healthy age and sex matched controls.Methods: Forty-four genotype-verified adult LQTS patients and forty-four healthy age- and sex-matched controls performed a submaximal bicycle exercise stress test. Heart rate recovery (HRR) and heart rate variability (HRV) were analyzed from registered electrocardiogram (ECG) and vector electrocardiogram (VCG) recordings collected throughout rest, exercise and in the post-exercise phase.Results: LQTS patients had a slower HRR than controls at 1- and 4-min post-exercise (p < 0.001). During the post-exercise phase, LQTS patients had a lower total power (p < 0.001), low frequency power (p < 0.001) and high frequency power (p < 0.001) than controls. In the same phase, LQTS patients off betablocker (BB) treatment showed a lower high frequency power (p = 0.01) and different low frequency/high frequency ratio (p = 0.003) when comparing with LQTS patients on BB treatment.Conclusions: The parasympathetic effect on both HRR and HRV after exercise appears depressed in this LQTS patient cohort compared to healthy controls. This indicates an aberrant ANS response during the post-exercise phase which might be compensated by BB treatment. Our findings emphasize the importance of performing further investigations to identify the role of the ANS in LQTS arrhythmogenesis.
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| 37. |
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| 38. |
- Lundström, Anna, 1984-
(författare)
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Autonomic cardiac control in long QT syndrome : clinical studies of arrhythmogenic triggers
- 2024
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Background: Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is an inherited cardiac disease characterized by prolonged cardiac repolarization and an increased risk for life-threatening arrhythmias. These arrhythmias are typically triggered by adrenergic stimuli, such as physical activity and intense emotions, implicating that the sympathetic part of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is involved in arrhythmogenesis. However, symptoms also commonly occur swimming and diving, situations associated with dual activation of both branches of the ANS. This observation suggests that both sympathetic and parasympathetic physiological responses may contribute to the initiation of arrhythmias in individuals with LQTS.Aim: The overall aim of this thesis was to describe the cardiac autonomic response in LQTS patients during daily activities, exercise, and swimming, as well as to assess the presence of arrhythmias during activities in water. Methods: In all 4 studies electrocardiograms (ECGs) were recorded. In study I and II, a 24-hour ECG (Holter) system was used. In study III and IV, a waterproof 2-lead ECG device (Actiwave-Cardio) was used. In study I, ECGs were collected from adult LQTS patients (n = 44) and healthy controls (n = 44) during a submaximal bicycle exercise stress test. In study II, annual 24-hour ECG recordings (n = 575) during ordinary daily living was retrospectively collected in children with LQTS (n = 116). In study III, children with LQTS type 1 (LQT1) (n = 15) and age and sex matched healthy controls (n = 15) performed face immersion (FI), swimming, diving, and whole-body submersion (WBS). In study IV, healthy adolescents aged 15 years performed FI (n = 54) and ice-water immersion (IWI) of the body (n = 20).Heart rate responses and spectral analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) were assessed. HRV measures the beat-to-beat variation of the RR intervals of the heart, making it possible to non-invasively analyze the cardiac autonomic influence on the heart. The total power (PTOT) reflects all the variation during the recorded period. The high frequency (HF) component reflects parasympathetic activity, while the low frequency (LF) is influenced by both the sympathetic and parasympathetic activity.Results: In study I, LQTS patients had a decreased heart rate reduction and a lower PTOT, LF and HF than controls during the post-exercise phase. LQTS patients off beta-blocker (BB) treatment showed a lower HF and higher LF/HF ratio compared to LQTS patients on BB treatment. In study II, a correlation between heart rate and changes in HRV parameters was observed. At higher heart rates, the whole cohort of LQTS patients, as well as the subgroup of LQTS patients off BB, had lower HRV values than controls. A pattern was observed indicating that LQT1 patients had lower HF in the age group of 1-10 years, with this trend shifting as age increased, resulting in lower HF in the LQT2 patients aged 15-18 years. LQT1 girls aged 10-18 years had lower PTOT than LQT1 boys. Study III showed that LQT1 patients had a smaller reduction in heart rate during FI and WBS than controls. LQT1 patients had a lower HRV before, during and after FI and WBS than controls. In study IV, in healthy adolescents, supraventricular extrasystoles were relatively common during both FI and IWI, and 2 of 54 had ventricular bigeminy during FI. FI resulted in a more pronounced heart rate reduction compared to IWI.Conclusions: The results of these studies indicate that individuals with LQTS have an aberrant cardiac response to activities that affects the ANS. After exercise and in response to water activities, the parasympathetic effect on both the heart rate and HRV appears depressed in LQTS patients. Additionally, during everyday activities, LQTS patients generally have lower HRV values at higher heart rates compared to controls. These findings suggest that both branches of the ANS might be involved in arrhythmogenesis in this patient group, and that an increased understanding of the ANS role could improve patient management and treatment. The results from the ice-water study indicate that the ventricular arrhythmia risk is likely higher during whole-body submersion with apnea. The absence of arrhythmias in beta-blocked LQT1 patients indicates effective protection by their current treatment.
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| 39. |
- Lundström, Anna, et al.
(författare)
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Cardiac response to water activities in children with Long QT syndrome type 1
- 2023
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Ingår i: PLOS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 18:12
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Swimming is a genotype-specific trigger in long QT syndrome type 1 (LQT1).OBJECTIVE: To examine the autonomic response to water activities in children and adolescents with LQT1.METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, LQT1 patients were age and sex matched to one healthy control subject. Electrocardiograms (ECGs) were recorded during face immersion (FI), swimming, diving, and whole-body submersion (WBS). Heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) was measured. The high frequency (HF) component of HRV was interpreted to reflect parasympathetic activity, while the low frequency (LF) component was interpreted as reflecting the combined influence of sympathetic and parasympathetic activity on autonomic nervous modulation of the heart.RESULTS: Fifteen LQT1 patients (aged 7-19 years, all on beta-blocker therapy) and fifteen age and sex matched non-medicated controls were included. No significant ventricular arrhythmias were observed in the LQT1 population during the water activities. Out of these 15 matched pairs, 12 pairs managed to complete FI and WBS for more than 10 seconds and were subsequently included in HR and HRV analyses. In response to FI, the LQT1 group experienced a drop in HR of 48 bpm, compared to 67 bpm in the control group (p = 0.006). In response to WBS, HR decreased by 48 bpm in the LQT1 group and 70 bpm in the control group (p = 0.007). A significantly lower PTOT (p < 0.001) and HF (p = 0.011) component was observed before, during and after FI in LQT1 patients compared with the controls. Before, during and after WBS, a significantly lower total power (p < 0.001), LF (p = 0.002) and HF (p = 0.006) component was observed in the LQT1 patients.CONCLUSION: A significantly lower HR decrease in response to water activities was observed in LQT1 subjects on beta-blocker therapy, compared to matched non-medicated controls. The data suggests an impaired parasympathetic response in LQT1 children and adolescents. An aberrant autonomic nervous system (ANS) response may cause an autonomic imbalance in this patient group.
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| 40. |
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| 41. |
- Lundström, Anna, et al.
(författare)
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Holter study of heart rate variability in children and adolescents with long QT syndrome
- 2024
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Ingår i: Annals of Noninvasive Electrocardiology. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1082-720X .- 1542-474X. ; 29:4
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives: This study aimed to retrospectively assess cardiac autonomic activity in children with LQTS, considering genotype, symptoms, sex, age, and beta-blocker therapy (BB) and compare it to healthy controls.Methods: Heart rate variability (HRV), using power spectrum analysis, was analyzed in 575 Holter recordings from 116 children with LQTS and in 69 healthy children. The data were categorized into four age-groups and four heart rate (HR) ranges.Results: In LQT1 and LQT2, increasing HR corresponded to significantly lower low (LF) and high frequency (HF) compared to controls. Total power (PTOT) was lower in all LQT1 age-groups compared to controls at HR 120–140 bpm (1–15 years: p <.01; 15–18 years: p =.03). At HR 80–100, LQT1 patients aged 1–10 years had lower HF than LQT2 patients (1–5 years: p =.05; 5–10 years: p =.02), and LQT2 patients aged 15–18 years had lower HF than LQT1 patients (p <.01). Symptomatic patients aged 10–15 years had lower PTOT at HR 100–120 bpm than asymptomatic patients (p =.04). LQT1 girls aged 10–15 and 15–18 years had a lower PTOT (10–15 years: p =.04; 15–18 years: p =.02) than boys.Conclusion: This study shows a correlation between HR and changes in HRV parameters. At higher HRs, LQTS patients generally had lower HRV values than controls, suggesting an abnormal autonomic response. These results may strengthen the link between physical activity and arrhythmias in LQTS.
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| 42. |
- Matison, Annabel P., et al.
(författare)
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Associations between fruit and vegetable intakes and incident depression in middle-aged and older adults from 10 diverse international longitudinal cohorts
- 2024
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Ingår i: JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS. - 0165-0327 .- 1573-2517. ; 359, s. 373-381
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Emerging observational evidence supports a role for higher fruit and vegetable intake in protecting against the development of depression. However, there is a scarcity of research in older adults or in low- to middle -income countries (LMICs). Methods: Participants were 7801 community -based adults (mean age 68.6 +/- 8.0 years, 55.8 % female) without depression, from 10 diverse cohorts, including four cohorts from LMICs. Fruit and vegetable intake was selfreported via comprehensive food frequency questionnaire, short food questionnaire or diet history. Depressive symptoms were assessed using validated measures, and depression defined applying validated cut-offs. The associations between baseline fruit and vegetable intakes and incident depression over a follow-up period of three to nine years were examined using Cox regression. Analyses were performed by cohort with results metaanalysed. Results: There were 1630 cases of incident depression (21 % of participants) over 40,258 person -years of followup. Higher intake of fruit was associated with a lower risk of incident depression (HR 0.87, 95%CI [0.77, 0.99], I 2 = 4 %). No association was found between vegetable intake and incident depression (HR 0.93, 95%CI [0.84, 1.04], I 2 = 0 %).
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| 43. |
- Mehmeti-Ajradini, Meliha, et al.
(författare)
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Human G-MDSCs are neutrophils at distinct maturation stages promoting tumor growth in breast cancer
- 2020
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Ingår i: Life Science Alliance. - 2575-1077. ; 3:11
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are known to contribute to immune evasion in cancer. However, the function of the human granulocytic (G)-MDSC subset during tumor progression is largely unknown, and there are no established markers for their identification in human tumor specimens. Using gene expression profiling, mass cytometry, and tumor microarrays, we here demonstrate that human G-MDSCs occur as neutrophils at distinct maturation stages, with a disease-specific profile. G-MDSCs derived from patients with metastatic breast cancer and malignant melanoma display a unique immature neutrophil profile, that is more similar to healthy donor neutrophils than to G-MDSCs from sepsis patients. Finally, we show that primary G-MDSCs from metastatic breast cancer patients cotransplanted with breast cancer cells, promote tumor growth, and affect vessel formation, leading to myeloid immune cell exclusion. Our findings reveal a role for human G-MDSC in tumor progression and have clinical implications also for targeted immunotherapy.
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| 44. |
- Mehmeti-Ajradini, Meliha, et al.
(författare)
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Human G-MDSCs are neutrophils at distinct maturation stages promoting tumor growth in breast cancer
- 2020
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Ingår i: Life Science Alliance. - : LIFE SCIENCE ALLIANCE LLC. - 2575-1077. ; 3:11
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are known to contribute to immune evasion in cancer. However, the function of the human granulocytic (G)-MDSC subset during tumor progression is largely unknown, and there are no established markers for their identification in human tumor specimens. Using gene expression profiling, mass cytometry, and tumor microarrays, we here demonstrate that human G-MDSCs occur as neutrophils at distinct maturation stages, with a disease-specific profile. G-MDSCs derived from patients with metastatic breast cancer and malignant melanoma display a unique immature neutrophil profile, that is more similar to healthy donor neutrophils than to G-MDSCs from sepsis patients. Finally, we show that primary G-MDSCs from metastatic breast cancer patients co-transplanted with breast cancer cells, promote tumor growth, and affect vessel formation, leading to myeloid immune cell exclusion. Our findings reveal a role for human G-MDSC in tumor progression and have clinical implications also for targeted immunotherapy.
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| 45. |
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| 46. |
- Mellqvist Fässberg, Madeleine, et al.
(författare)
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Epidemiology of suicidal feelings in an ageing Swedish population: From old to very old age in the Gothenburg H70 Birth Cohort Studies
- 2020
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Ingår i: Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences. - 2045-7960. ; 29
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- AimsThe first aim of this study was to provide prevalence suicidal feelings over time (past week, past month, past year and lifetime) in a population-based sample of old to very old adults without dementia. Does prevalence change with rising age? The second aim was to examine the fluctuation of suicidal feelings over time. How does this coincide with depression status?MethodsData were derived from the Gothenburg H70 Birth Cohort Studies (the H70 studies) which are multidisciplinary longitudinal studies on ageing. A representative sample of adults in Gothenburg, Sweden with birth years 1901-1944 were invited to take part in a longitudinal health study on ageing and participated at one or more occasions during 1986-2014. The sample consisted of 6668 observations originating from 3972 participants without dementia between the ages of 70 and 108, including 1604 participants with multiple examination times. Suicidal feelings were examined during a psychiatric interview using the Paykel questions (life not worth living, death wishes, thoughts of taking own life, seriously considered taking life, attempted suicide).ResultsPrevalence figures for suicidal feelings of any severity were as follows: past week 4.8%, past month 6.7%, past year 11.2% and lifetime 25.2%. Prevalence rates increased with age in the total group and in women but not in men. Suicidal feelings were common in participants with concurrent major or minor depression, but over a third of the participants who reported suicidal feelings did not fulfil criteria for these diagnoses nor did they present elevated mean depressive symptom scores. The majority of participants consistently reported no experience of suicidal feelings over multiple examination times, but fluctuation was more common in women compared with men.ConclusionSuicidal feelings in late-life are uncommon in individuals without depression indicating that such behaviour is not a widespread, normative phenomenon. However, such feelings may occur outside the context of depression. © Cambridge University Press 2019.
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| 47. |
- Merlo, Domenico Franco, et al.
(författare)
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Micronuclei in Cord Blood Lymphocytes and Associations with Biomarkers of Exposure to Carcinogens and Hormonally Active Factors, Gene Polymorphisms, and Gene Expression : The NewGeneris Cohort
- 2014
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Ingår i: Journal of Environmental Health Perspectives. - : Environmental Health Perspectives. - 0091-6765 .- 1552-9924. ; 122:2, s. 193-200
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Leukemia incidence has increased in recent decades among European children, -suggesting that early-life environmental exposures play an important role in disease development. Objectives: We investigated the hypothesis that childhood susceptibility may increase as a result of in utero exposure to carcinogens and hormonally acting factors. Using cord blood samples from the NewGeneris cohort, we examined associations between a range of biomarkers of carcinogen exposure and hormonally acting factors with micronuclei (MN) frequency as a proxy measure of cancer risk. Associations with gene expression and genotype were also explored. Methods: DNA and protein adducts, gene expression profiles, circulating hormonally acting factors, and GWAS (genome-wide association study) data were investigated in relation to genomic damage measured by MN frequency in lymphocytes from 623 newborns enrolled between 2006 and 2010 across Europe. Results: Malondialdehyde DNA adducts (M(1)dG) were associated with increased MN frequency in binucleated lymphocytes (MNBN), and exposure to androgenic, estrogenic, and dioxin-like compounds was associated with MN frequency in mononucleated lymphocytes (MNMONO), although no monotonic exposure-outcome relationship was observed. Lower frequencies of MNBN were associated with a 1-unit increase expression of PDCD11, LATS2, TRIM13, CD28, SMC1A, IL7R, and NIPBL genes. Gene expression was significantly higher in association with the highest versus lowest category of bulky and M(1)dG-DNA adducts for five and six genes, respectively. Gene expression levels were significantly lower for 11 genes in association with the highest versus lowest category of plasma AR CALUX (R) (chemically activated luciferase expression for androgens) (8 genes), ER alpha CALUX (R) (for estrogens) (2 genes), and DR CALUX (R) (for dioxins). Several SNPs (single-nucleotide polymorphisms) on chromosome 11 near FOLH1 significantly modified associations between androgen activity and MNBN frequency. Polymorphisms in EPHX1/ 2 and CYP2E1 were associated with MNBN. Conclusion: We measured in utero exposure to selected environmental carcinogens and circulating hormonally acting factors and detected associations with MN frequency in newborns circulating T lymphocytes. The results highlight mechanisms that may contribute to carcinogen-induced leukemia and require further research.
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| 48. |
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| 49. |
- Mörner, Stellan, et al.
(författare)
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Ärftliga hjärt–kärlsjukdomar – ett multidisciplinärt arbetssätt krävs : [Experiences from a multidisciplinary cardiogenetic clinic]
- 2021
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Ingår i: Läkartidningen. - : Läkartidningen Förlag AB. - 0023-7205 .- 1652-7518. ; 118:40
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Comprehensive genetic and clinical care of families with monogenic cardiovascular diseases requires competences from different medical specialties. Genetic assessment, cascade screening, risk estimation, treatment and follow-up is difficult to cover. Fourteen years ago, a center for cardiovascular diseases was created in our hospital, to improve the care of families with monogenic cardiovascular diseases. At our center, clinical geneticists, cardiologists, angiologists, pediatric cardiologists and genetic counselors work together in a seamless organization, while still having different clinic affiliations. A key feature of this organization are the family outpatient clinics, where the proband and his/her relatives at genetic risk are invited to take part. When the family or relatives live in other parts of the country, they are invited to participate through video conference. In this paper we report our experiences and working routines from more than 300 families and 2000 individuals.
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| 50. |
- Novak, Masuma, 1969, et al.
(författare)
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Six-year mortality associated with living alone and loneliness in Swedish men and women born in 1930
- 2023
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Ingår i: BMC Geriatrics. - 1471-2318. ; 23:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: This study examined how living alone and loneliness associate with all-cause mortality in older men and women. Methods: Baseline data from the Gothenburg H70 Birth Cohort Studies, including 70-year-olds interviewed in 2000 and 75-year-olds (new recruits) interviewed in 2005were used for analyses (N = 778, 353 men, 425 women). Six-year mortality was based on national register data. Results: At baseline, 36.6% lived alone and 31.9% reported feelings of loneliness. A total of 72 (9.3%) participants died during the 6-year follow-up period. Cumulative mortality rates per 1000 person-years were 23.9 for men and 9.6 for women. Mortality was increased more than twofold among men who lived alone compared to men living with someone (HR 2.40, 95% CI 1.34–4.30). Elevated risk remained after multivariable adjustment including loneliness and depression (HR 2.56, 95% CI 1.27–5.16). Stratification revealed that mortality risk in the group of men who lived alone and felt lonely was twice that of their peers who lived with someone and did not experience loneliness (HR 2.52, 95% CI 1.26–5.05). In women, a more than fourfold increased risk of mortality was observed in those who experienced loneliness despite living with others (HR 4.52, 95% CI 1.43–14.23). Conclusions: Living alone was an independent risk factor for death in men but not in women. Mortality was doubled in men who lived alone and felt lonely. In contrast, mortality was particularly elevated in women who felt lonely despite living with others. In the multivariable adjusted models these associations were attenuated and were no longer significant after adjusting for mainly depression in men and physical inactivity in women. Gender needs to be taken into account when considering the health consequences of living situation and loneliness.
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