| 11. |
- Kjörling, Andreas, et al.
(author)
-
Excluded or included–structural preconditions for occupational well-being among blue-collar temporary agency workers within the Swedish manufacturing industry
- 2024
-
In: Journal of Critical Realism. - : Taylor and Francis Ltd.. - 1476-7430 .- 1572-5138.
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.The purpose of this article is to explore structural preconditions for occupational well-being among blue-collar temporary agency workers within the Swedish manufacturing industry based on managers’ views and expectations of the worker. Through 25 interviews, we investigate how blue-collar temporary agency workers are seen by management using critical realism and the concept of ‘norm circles’ to analyse spatial, relational, sociotechnical and normative structures. We show how structures and norm circles possess alienating or dealienating mechanisms that precondition blue-collar temporary agency workers’ occupational well-being. The findings indicate management’s role as an important gatekeeper in determining structural preconditions for blue-collar temporary agency workers’ occupational well-being. By introducing aspects of skill and acquired skill, along with social aspects changing over time, this article contributes to the existing literature on blue-collar temporary agency workers’ occupational well-being.
|
|
| 12. |
- Lopez, Job, et al.
(author)
-
Pathogenesis of relapsing fever
- 2022
-
In: Current Issues in Molecular Biology. - : Caister Academic Press. - 1467-3037 .- 1467-3045. ; 42, s. 519-550
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Relapsing fever (RF) is caused by several species of Borrelia; all, except two species, are transmitted to humans by soft (argasid) ticks. The species B. recurrentis is transmitted from one human to another by the body louse, while B. miyamotoi is vectored by hard-bodied ixodid tick species. RF Borrelia have several pathogenic features that facilitate invasion and dissemination in the infected host. In this article we discuss the dynamics of vector acquisition and subsequent transmission of RF Borrelia to their vertebrate hosts. We also review taxonomic challenges for RF Borrelia as new species have been isolated throughout the globe. Moreover, aspects of pathogenesis including symptomology, neurotropism, erythrocyte and platelet adhesion are discussed. We expound on RF Borrelia evasion strategies for innate and adaptive immunity, focusing on the most fundamental pathogenetic attributes, multiphasic antigenic variation. Lastly, we review new and emerging species of RF Borrelia and discuss future directions for this global disease.
|
|
| 13. |
- Meier, Karsten, 1991-
(author)
-
Identifying, characterizing, and targeting chlamydial virulence factors to unleash the power of host cell-autonomous immunity
- 2024
-
Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common infectious cause of blindness and a prevalent bacterial agent of sexually transmitted infections, with an annual incidence exceeding 130 million cases. The current therapeutic approach to Chlamydia infections relies on broad-spectrum antibiotics. However, while generally effective, these antibiotics carry the risk of substantial collateral damage, for instance by promoting resistance in bystander pathogens and by adversely affecting commensal microbes. Hence, the development of a more sustainable, narrow-spectrum treatment would be advantageous. In this context, the bacterium’s highly specialized obligate intracellular lifestyle could offer a wealth of unique targets for intervention. This thesis specifically investigates the potential of harnessing the protective power of cell-autonomous immunity in our battle against Chlamydia.It is envisaged that the therapeutic exploitation of cell-autonomous immunity will initially necessitate three pivotal steps. Firstly, it will require identifying protective host cellular defense programs and counteracting virulence factors, which could serve as potential molecular targets. Secondly, it will be crucial to determine the molecular mechanisms by which the pathogen’s virulence factors suppress the host cellular defenses. Thirdly, pharmacological means to target the identified virulence factors or host cellular defense programs will need to be identified. This thesis outlines three independent projects, executed concurrently, to advance our knowledge at these three steps.The first project involved the implementation of an innovative molecular genetic screening approach, which was devised to reveal host cellular defense mechanisms that could effectively restrict the growth of C. trachomatis provided they were not actively suppressed by the pathogen. This investigation culminated in the discovery of a mutant C. trachomatis strain that lacks the ability to effectively evade xenophagy. Overall, this finding highlighted Chlamydia’s ability to evade this defense mechanism as a potential novel target for therapeutic intervention.The second project encompassed the molecular characterization of CpoS, a C. trachomatis virulence factor previously identified to counteract cell-autonomous immunity by inhibiting induction of type-I interferon responses and premature host cell death. The analyses revealed that CpoS manipulates host cellular membrane trafficking and suppresses host cellular type-Iinterferon responses through its interactions with the host factor Rab35.The third project involved a compound screening campaign that identified several novel selective anti-chlamydial compounds. Interestingly, one molecule exhibited reduced activity in xenophagy-deficient cells, implying a potential involvement of xenophagy in its mechanism of action.In summary, this research pinpointed xenophagy as a potential defensive mechanism against C. trachomatis, offered in-depth understanding of the operational mode of the virulence factor CpoS, and discovered new selective therapeutic alternatives, which in part utilize xenophagyin their mechanism of action. Consequently, this thesis provides a comprehensive overview of the transition from fundamental research to the more application-oriented domain of drug discovery and may inspire the development of more sustainable therapeutic strategies for the clinical handling of Chlamydia infections.
|
|
| 14. |
- Mutiganda, Jean Claude, Universitetslektor, 1974-, et al.
(author)
-
A systematic review of the research on telework and organizational economic performance indicators
- 2022
-
In: Frontiers in Psychology. - : Frontiers. - 1664-1078. ; 13
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction: A systematic review is conducted in the study to investigate the relationship between telework and organizational economic performance indicators such as self-reported employee performance, organizational performance, actual employee turnover rates, or intentions.Methods: The databases Scopus, Business Source Premier, and Web of Science were used to conduct a literature search. Original articles published from 2000 and up to May 2021 were selected. Studies were screened for inclusion independently by review pairs and data were extracted. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was used to evaluate the quality of the studies included.Results: Forty-three studies were included with some addressing multiple outcomes. Self-reported performance was higher for teleworking employees compared to those working in the ordinary workplace. The extent of the change in performance was dependent on individual characteristics and the extent of the teleworking practice in the organization. Telework was also associated with increased organizational performance, particularly in homogenous samples with unique work tasks. When telework is voluntary, it appears that both actual employee turnover rates and intentions to leave the organization are lower.Discussion: Further research with high-quality prospective designs is necessary to properly understand the contribution of telework to organizational economic performance indicators.
|
|
| 15. |
- Núñez-Otero, Carlos, et al.
(author)
-
A 2-pyridone amide inhibitor of transcriptional activity in Chlamydia trachomatis
- 2021
-
In: Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. - : American Society for Microbiology. - 0066-4804 .- 1098-6596. ; 65:5
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Chlamydia trachomatis is a strict intracellular bacterium that causes sexually transmitted infections and eye infections that can lead to lifelong sequelae. Treatment options are limited to broad-spectrum antibiotics that disturb the commensal flora and contribute to selection of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Hence, development of novel drugs that specifically target C. trachomatis would be beneficial. 2-Pyridone amides are potent and specific inhibitors of Chlamydia infectivity. The first-generation compound KSK120 inhibits the developmental cycle of Chlamydia, resulting in reduced infectivity of progeny bacteria. Here, we show that the improved, highly potent second-generation 2-pyridone amide KSK213 allowed normal growth and development of C. trachomatis, and the effect was only observable upon reinfection of new cells. Progeny elementary bodies (EBs) produced in the presence of KSK213 were unable to activate transcription of essential genes in early development and did not differentiate into the replicative form, the reticulate body (RB). The effect was specific to C. trachomatis since KSK213 was inactive in the closely related animal pathogen Chlamydia muridarum and in Chlamydia caviae. The molecular target of KSK213 may thus be different in C. trachomatis or nonessential in C. muridarum and C. caviae. Resistance to KSK213 was mediated by a combination of amino acid substitutions in both DEAD/DEAH RNA helicase and RNase III, which may indicate inhibition of the transcriptional machinery as the mode of action. 2-Pyridone amides provide a novel antibacterial strategy and starting points for development of highly specific drugs for C. trachomatis infections.
|
|
| 16. |
- Nunez-Otero, Carlos, 1992-
(author)
-
Novel inhibitors of Chlamydia trachomatis virulence
- 2020
-
Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Chlamydia trachomatis is an obligate intracellular bacterium that infects over 100 million people globally every year. Chlamydia infections can be persistent, cause infertility and blindness, adding an economical burden in the healthcare systems. Moreover, Chlamydia infections are treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics that contribute to the selection of antibiotic resistant bacteria in the commensal flora. For this reason, novel compounds with specificity against C. trachomatis would be important for treatment of Chlamydia infections.We have developed a new class of substituted 2-pyridone amides that inhibited development of C. trachomatis. While bacterial growth was only affected to a limited extent, the produced progeny bacteria had impaired capacity to infect new cells. The compounds presented no toxicity in human or mouse cell lines and they did not inhibit growth of bacteria from the normal flora. Structure activity relationship (SAR) development of 2-pyridones lead to compounds with effect at nanomolar concentrations. Further modifications of the C3 part of the molecules resulted in isostere compounds with even a higher potency. By exploring the C8 position, we observed that methylsulfonamide substituents improved the pharmacokinetic properties and enabled oral uptake in mice. This discovery opens the door for oral treatment.Among 2-pyridone amides, KSK213 was one of the most potent and we investigated the mode of action on the life cycle of C. trachomatis. KSK213 reduced transcription by the end of the developmental cycle and upon infection of new host cells. Mutations in RNA helicase and RNAse III genes, involved in transcription, mediated resistance to KSK213. It also attenuated the infectivity in a mouse vaginal infection model. To further explore the molecular target for 2-pyridone amides in Chlamydia, we used a custom synthesized probe for affinity chromatography approaches.Here we show that 2-pyridones are potent non-toxic inhibitors of C. trachomatis that can be chemically modified to increase potency and enable oral bioavailability. These molecules have the potential to treat and prevent Chlamydia infections without affecting the normal flora.
|
|
| 17. |
- Pettersson, John H.-O. 1981-, et al.
(author)
-
Circumpolar diversification of the Ixodes uriae tick virome
- 2020
-
In: PLoS Pathogens. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1553-7366 .- 1553-7374. ; 16:8
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Ticks (order: Ixodida) are a highly diverse and ecologically important group of ectoparasitic blood-feeding organisms. One such species, the seabird tick (Ixodes uriae), is widely distributed around the circumpolar regions of the northern and southern hemispheres. It has been suggested thatIx.uriaespread from the southern to the northern circumpolar region millions of years ago and has remained isolated in these regions ever since. Such a profound biographic subdivision provides a unique opportunity to determine whether viruses associated with ticks exhibit the same evolutionary patterns as their hosts. To test this, we collectedIx.uriaespecimens near a Gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua) colony at Neko harbour, Antarctica, and from migratory birds-the Razorbill (Alca torda) and the Common murre (Uria aalge)-on Bonden island, northern Sweden. Through meta-transcriptomic next-generation sequencing we identified 16 RNA viruses, seven of which were novel. Notably, we detected the same species, Ronne virus, and two closely related species, Bonden virus and Piguzov virus, in both hemispheres indicating that there have been at least two cross-circumpolar dispersal events. Similarly, we identified viruses discovered previously in other locations several decades ago, including Gadgets Gully virus, Taggert virus and Okhotskiy virus. By identifying the same or closely related viruses in geographically disjunct sampling locations we provide evidence for virus dispersal within and between the circumpolar regions. In marked contrast, our phylogenetic analysis revealed no movement of theIx.uriaetick hosts between the same locations. Combined, these data suggest that migratory birds are responsible for the movement of viruses at both local and global scales. Author summary As host populations diverge, so may those microorganisms, including viruses, that are dependent on those hosts. To examine this key issue in host-microbe evolution we compared the co-phylogenies of the seabird tick,Ixodes uriae, and their RNA viruses sampled from the far northern and southern hemispheres. Despite the huge geographic distance between them, phylogeographic analysis reveals that the same and closely related viruses were found both within and between the northern and southern circumpolar regions, most likely reflecting transfer by virus-infected migratory birds. In contrast, genomic data suggested that theIx.uriaepopulations were phylogenetically distinct between the northern and southern hemispheres. This work emphasises the importance of migratory birds and ticks as vectors and sources of virus dispersal and introduction at both the local and global scales.
|
|
| 18. |
- Puts, Isolde, et al.
(author)
-
An ecological and methodological assessment of benthic gross primary production in northern lakes
- 2022
-
In: Ecosphere. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 2150-8925 .- 2150-8925. ; 13:3
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Benthic gross primary production (GPP) is often the most important part of aquatic food webs in northern lakes, which are gradually warming and receiving increased terrestrial colored dissolved organic carbon loadings due to global change. Yet, measurements of benthic GPP are fairly uncommon, and methods and unit dimensions of benthic GPP are unstandardized and rarely compared. In this study, we measured benthic GPP in 27 headwater lakes from three regions in northern Sweden and analyzed potential constraining drivers of benthic GPPz rates at discrete depths and estimates of benthic GPP averages across the whole lake, as well as across the littoral zone. We also compared in situ measurements of benthic GPP averages across the whole lake with modeled values using the “autotrophic structuring model.” We found that benthic GPPz rates were best explained by, and positively related to, available light (i.e., a function of depth and water color) and temperature. Benthic GPP averages across the whole lake, on the contrary, were best explained by the relative size of the littoral area, which is a measure that combines lake bathymetry and water color. The comparison between in situ measured and modeled estimates of benthic GPP averages across the whole lake revealed that (1) the autotrophic structuring model underestimates GPP at low values and overestimates GPP at high values compared with measured data, and that (2) measured values were related to temperature, which is not included as a variable in the autotrophic structuring model. Considering future predicted changes impacting northern latitude lakes, our results suggest that increased lake water temperatures can to some extent mitigate the negative impacts of reduced light availability from lake browning on benthic GPPz rates. The combined impact of these changes on benthic GPP averages across the whole lake will depend on, and be moderated by, lake bathymetry determining the relative size of the littoral area.
|
|
| 19. |
- Svensson, Sven, 1979-, et al.
(author)
-
Associations between telework experience and psychosocial working conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional analysis among white-collar workers in Sweden
- 2023
-
In: Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. - : WoltersKluwer. - 1076-2752 .- 1536-5948. ; 65:2, s. e74-e82
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: To determine to what extent pre-COVID-19 experience of telework was associated with perceived psychosocial working conditions (PWC; job demands, social support and influence at work) during the COVID-19 pandemic among white-collar workers in Sweden, and to determine to what extent the association depends on demographic factors, organizational tenure, and amount of computer use.Methods: Cross-sectional questionnaire data from 603 white-collar workers were collected October-December 2020 in an industrial company.Results: In general, telework experience was not significantly associated with PWC. Women who began teleworking due to COVID-19 reported more job demands than women not teleworking. For those who began teleworking due to COVID-19, managerial support increased with age.Conclusion: In general, telework experience was not associated with PWC, but telework due to COVID-19 may have influenced PWC differently depending on gender and age.
|
|
