| 1. |
- Beal, Jacob, et al.
(författare)
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Robust estimation of bacterial cell count from optical density
- 2020
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Ingår i: Communications Biology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2399-3642. ; 3:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Optical density (OD) is widely used to estimate the density of cells in liquid culture, but cannot be compared between instruments without a standardized calibration protocol and is challenging to relate to actual cell count. We address this with an interlaboratory study comparing three simple, low-cost, and highly accessible OD calibration protocols across 244 laboratories, applied to eight strains of constitutive GFP-expressing E. coli. Based on our results, we recommend calibrating OD to estimated cell count using serial dilution of silica microspheres, which produces highly precise calibration (95.5% of residuals <1.2-fold), is easily assessed for quality control, also assesses instrument effective linear range, and can be combined with fluorescence calibration to obtain units of Molecules of Equivalent Fluorescein (MEFL) per cell, allowing direct comparison and data fusion with flow cytometry measurements: in our study, fluorescence per cell measurements showed only a 1.07-fold mean difference between plate reader and flow cytometry data.
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| 2. |
- Stockfelt, Marit, et al.
(författare)
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Plasma interferon-alpha protein levels during pregnancy are associated with lower birth weight in systemic lupus erythematosus.
- 2024
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Ingår i: Rheumatology (Oxford, England). - 1462-0332.
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Adverse pregnancy outcomes are more common in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) compared with healthy women, but we lack prognostic biomarkers. Plasma interferon alpha (IFNα) protein levels are elevated in a subgroup of pregnant women with SLE, but whether this is associated with pregnancy outcomes is unknown. We investigated the relationship between IFNα, adverse pregnancy outcomes and the presence of autoantibodies in SLE pregnancy.We followed 76 women with SLE prospectively. Protein levels of IFNα were quantified in plasma collected in the 2nd and 3rd trimester with single-molecule array. Positivity for antinuclear and antiphospholipid antibodies was assessed during late pregnancy with multiplexed bead assay. Clinical outcomes included the adverse pregnancy outcomes small for gestational age (SGA), preterm birth, and preeclampsia.During SLE pregnancy, women with SGA infants compared with those without had higher levels of plasma IFNα protein, and IFNα positivity was associated with lower birth weight of the infant. Preterm birth was associated with autoantibodies against chromatin. IFNα protein levels associated positively with autoantibodies against chromatin, Smith/ribonucleoprotein (SmRNP) and RNP, but negatively with phospholipid antibodies.Elevated IFNα protein in plasma of women with SLE is a potential risk factor for lower birth weight of their infants. The association between IFNα and lower birth weight warrants further investigation regarding the pathophysiological role of IFNα during SLE pregnancy.
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| 3. |
- Torell, Agnes, 1993, et al.
(författare)
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Low CD4+T cell count is related to specific anti-nuclear antibodies, IFNα protein positivity and disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus pregnancy.
- 2024
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Ingår i: Arthritis research & therapy. - : BioMed Central (BMC). - 1478-6362 .- 1478-6354. ; 26:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Lymphopenia, autoantibodies and activation of the type I interferon (IFN) system are common features in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We speculate whether lymphocyte subset counts are affected by pregnancy and if they relate to autoantibody profiles and/or IFNα protein in SLE pregnancy.Repeated blood samples were collected during pregnancy from 80 women with SLE and 51 healthy controls (HC). Late postpartum samples were obtained from 19 of the women with SLE. Counts of CD4+and CD8+T cells, B cells and NK cells were measured by flow cytometry. Positivity for anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) fine specificities (double-stranded DNA [dsDNA], Smith [Sm], ribonucleoprotein [RNP], chromatin, Sjögren's syndrome antigen A [SSA] and B [SSB]) and anti-phospholipid antibodies (cardiolipin [CL] and β2 glycoprotein I [β2GPI]) was assessed with multiplexed bead assay. IFNα protein concentration was quantified with Single molecule array (Simoa) immune assay. Clinical data were retrieved from medical records.Women with SLE had lower counts of all lymphocyte subsets compared to HC throughout pregnancy, but counts did not differ during pregnancy compared to postpartum. Principal component analysis revealed that low lymphocyte subset counts differentially related to autoantibody profiles, cluster one (anti-dsDNA/anti-Sm/anti-RNP/anti-Sm/RNP/anti-chromatin), cluster two (anti-SSA/anti-SSB) and cluster three (anti-CL/anti-β2GPI), IFNα protein levels and disease activity. CD4+T cell counts were lower in women positive to all ANA fine specificities in cluster one compared to those who were negative, and B cell numbers were lower in women positive for anti-dsDNA and anti-Sm compared to negative women. Moreover, CD4+T cell and B cell counts were lower in women with moderate/high compared to no/low disease activity, and CD4+T cell count was lower in IFNα protein positive relative to negative women. Finally, CD4+T cell count was unrelated to treatment.Lymphocyte subset counts are lower in SLE compared to healthy pregnancies, which seems to be a feature of the disease per se and not affected by pregnancy. Our results also indicate that low lymphocyte subset counts relate differentially to autoantibody profiles, IFNα protein levels and disease activity, which could be due to divergent disease pathways.
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| 4. |
- Torell, Agnes, 1993, et al.
(författare)
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Low-density granulocytes are related to shorter pregnancy duration but not to interferon alpha protein blood levels in systemic lupus erythematosus.
- 2023
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Ingår i: Arthritis research & therapy. - : BMC. - 1478-6362 .- 1478-6354. ; 25
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- An increased risk of pregnancy complications is seen in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but the specific immunopathological drivers are still unclear. Hallmarks of SLE are granulocyte activation, type I interferon (IFN) overproduction, and autoantibodies. Here we examined whether low-density granulocytes (LDG) and granulocyte activation increase during pregnancy, and related the results to IFNα protein levels, autoantibody profile, and gestational age at birth.Repeated blood samples were collected during pregnancy in trimesters one, two, and three from 69 women with SLE and 27 healthy pregnant women (HC). Nineteen of the SLE women were also sampled late postpartum. LDG proportions and granulocyte activation (CD62L shedding) were measured by flow cytometry. Plasma IFNα protein concentrations were quantified by single molecule array (Simoa) immune assay. Clinical data were obtained from medical records.Women with SLE had higher LDG proportions and increased IFNα protein levels compared to HC throughout pregnancy, but neither LDG fractions nor IFNα levels differed during pregnancy compared to postpartum in SLE. Granulocyte activation status was higher in SLE relative to HC pregnancies, and it was increased during pregnancy compared to after pregnancy in SLE. Higher LDG proportions in SLE were associated with antiphospholipid positivity but not to IFNα protein levels. Finally, higher LDG proportions in trimester three correlated independently with lower gestational age at birth in SLE.Our results suggest that SLE pregnancy results in increased peripheral granulocyte priming, and that higher LDG proportions late in pregnancy are related to shorter pregnancy duration but not to IFNα blood levels in SLE.
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| 5. |
- Andersson, Åsa, Professor, 1960-, et al.
(författare)
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Serum Protein Response To A Single High-Intensity Interval Training Bout – Comparison Between Individuals With Spondyloarthritis And Healthy Controls
- 2022
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Ingår i: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. - London : BMJ Publishing Group Ltd. - 0003-4967 .- 1468-2060. ; 81:Suppl 1, s. 780-781
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting mainly the axial skeleton. To decrease the risk of cardiovascular comorbidity, aerobic training is recommended as a part of disease management in patients with axSpA. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) interventions are, in addition to other recommended treatments, believed to positively affect the disease activity (1). However, the knowledge about the acute effects of HIIT on the inflammatory process at the molecular level is less studied. Understanding the acute HIIT effects on cytokines and additional serum proteins in axSpA is important for further long-term HIIT interventions and recording of the effect of HIIT on the axSpA disease profile.ObjectivesTo study the acute effects on serum proteins, such as cytokines, myokines, and inflammatory- and bone-related proteins, in response to a single bout of HIIT, and to compare the levels between baseline and post-HIIT in patients with axSpA and healthy controls (HC).MethodsThe pilot study included twenty-one participants (10 female, 11 male), mean (SD) age 40 (7) years, ten with axSpA, and eleven age and sex matched HC, who performed a single HIIT on a cycle ergometer consisting of 4x4 minutes interval (90% heart rate, HR-max) with three minutes active rest in between (70% of HR-max). Disease activity (BASDAI, 0-10) in patients with axSpA was 1.6 (0.8). Health status EuroQol (EQ5D, 0-1) were 0.87 (0.11) for axSpA, and 0.93 (0.10) for HC. The groups were well matched with no difference in baseline data for weight, BMI, EQ5D, blood pressure or aerobic capacity.Blood samples were taken before (baseline) and one hour after the single HIIT. The following serum proteins were analyzed on a Luminex MAGPIX System (Luminex corporation, Austin, TX USA): Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17, IL-18, TNFαAGPIX System (Luminex corporatiosteoprotegerin, osteocalcin, osteopontin, and FGF-23. A three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to detect differences between groups, between sexes, and before and after a HIIT bout in a 2(group)*2(sex)*2(time) design. For main effects or interactions significant at p≤0.05, simple effect t-tests were used to determine the specific effects.ResultsA group main effect (p=0.048) showed that the serum level of IL-6 was increased one hour after the HIIT session primarily in the HC, 0.4 pg/ml (SD±0.4) at baseline vs. post-HIIT 1.8 (2.0). The concentration of the cytokines/chemokine IL-17, IL-18, TNFα group main effect (p=0.048) showed that the serum level of IL-6 was increased one hour after the HIIT session primarily in30) in VEGF-A showed that the axSpA group had significantly lower VEGF-A at baseline, 159 pg/ml (138) vs 326 (184) in the control group (which might be due to anti-inflammatory medication). A sex main effect (p=0.029) was observed from baseline to post-HIIT for the bone hormone osteocalcin, with a more pronounced decrease of serum osteocalcin in women with axSpA, 14.0 ng/ml (8.3) vs. post HIIT 13.2 (6.9). Moreover, the level of the multifunctional protein osteopontin was significantly lower (sex main effect, p=0.021) in women, 10.7 ng/ml (7.0) vs. men 20.4 (10.1), post-HIIT.ConclusionThis pilot study shows that one bout of HIIT influences the expression of proteins involved in inflammation and metabolism, and that sex is an important factor in the response to HIIT. The results should be followed up in longer intervention studies including higher numbers of participants.References[1]Sveaas, S. H. et al. (2019). High intensity exercise for 3 months reduces disease activity in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA): a multicentre randomised trial of 100 patients. British journal of sports medicine, 54(5), 292-297.Disclosure of InterestsÅsa Andersson: None declared, Emma Haglund Consultant of: Novartis, Emma Berthold: None declared, Elisabeth Mogard Consultant of: Novartis, Anna Torell: None declared, M Charlotte Olsson: None declared
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| 6. |
- Dribe, Martin, et al.
(författare)
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Det rörliga livet på landet
- 2024
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Ingår i: Nordbor. Liv och rörelse under 500 år. - 9789170614705
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Bokkapitel (populärvet., debatt m.m.)
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| 7. |
- Hedenborg, Susanna, et al.
(författare)
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Pro-Environmental Transformation of the Equine Sector—Facilitators and Challenges
- 2024
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Ingår i: Animals. - : MDPI. - 2076-2615. ; 14:6
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- To improve horse welfare and ensure a sustainable equestrian future, we need to understand human behavior in relation to the challenges of the sector. The purpose of this paper is to map and analyze how individuals within the equine sector in Sweden and Norway define the environmental challenges they are faced with and how these are related to questions about horse welfare. A mixed-methods parallel design was used. The data consist of survey answers and semi-structured interviews. The survey, responded to by 697 Swedish and Norwegian participants, ensured statistical validity and power through a sample size calculation yielding approximately 385 participants. To deepen the understanding, 36 semi structured interviews with Swedish and Norwegian interviewees were conducted. An analysis of convergencies and divergencies between the data sets provided robust insights into the perceptions and behaviors within the equine sector in Sweden and Norway. The findings show that the equine sector has cultivated a stronger environmental commitment over the last 15 years (Svala, 2008). However, many participants express a perceived lack of influence on this transformation. The COM-B model (Michie, Van Stralen & West, 2011; Michie, Atkins & West, 2014) and previous research on ‘thinking structures on climate delay’ (Wormbs & Wolrath, 2023) are used to interpret the data. The analysis indicates that there is an overall capacity for change, and that skills and knowledge exist, but some individuals desire more information and a deeper understanding of the issues at hand. Higher barriers to change were found in the opportunity component, where physical constraints such as location, resources, and time seem challenging for individual actors to influence. Economic factors are also identified as impediments to transformation. Cultural norms related to orderliness within stables, although not directly addressing ecological nor ethical challenges, might serve as a foundation for promoting environmental initiatives that will also improve horse welfare.
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| 8. |
- Nordin, Jonas, et al.
(författare)
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Moderniserad maktdelning
- 2024
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Ingår i: Nordbor : Liv och rörelse under 500 år - Liv och rörelse under 500 år. - 9789170614705 ; , s. 244-249
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Bokkapitel (populärvet., debatt m.m.)abstract
- Frihetstiden driver fram ett unikt statsskick i Sverige, världens första tryckfrihetslag och en rad civila rättigheter. Tankar om att makten ska var lojal mot folket, snarare än mot Gud och kungen, är upptakten till genomgripande samhällsomvälvningar som tar fart med den europeiska upplysningen.
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| 9. |
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| 10. |
- Torell, Anna, 1967-, et al.
(författare)
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Effects of a digital-based high-intensity interval training (HIIT) intervention in individuals with axial spondyloarthritis – a randomized controlled pilot study (RCT)
- 2023
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Ingår i: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases - The EULAR journal 2023. ; , s. 1049-1049
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Physical exercise is an important treatment for individuals with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). Although high-intensity training (HIT) has been shown to reduce disease symptoms and risk of comorbidity without exacerbating disease activity (1), compliance tends to decrease over time. Increased knowledge is needed on how to optimize and tailor individual exercise programs for continued regular exercising and improved health.Objective: To study the effects of HIT on aerobic capacity, body composition, disease activity, physical function, health status and fatigue in individuals with axSpA after a 12-week intervention supported by digital coaching.Methods: Twenty-two individuals (women, n=12), recruited from two rheumatology clinics in southern Sweden, were randomized to a HIT intervention group (HG; n=11) or a control group (CG; n=11). The HG completed three HIT sessions/week, including two interval training sessions (4x4 min), in self-selected activities for 12 weeks. The individuals in the HG were individually coached and had regular support from a physical therapist primarily by digital coaching. The CG continued exercising as usual. Assessment of aerobic capacity (VO2max), body composition (BMI and visceral fat area [cm2]), disease activity (CRP [µg/ml], BASDAI, 0-10 best-worst), physical function (BASFI, 0-10 best-worst), health status (EQ5D, 0-1 worst-best, ASAS health index [ASAS-HI], 0-17 best-worst), and fatigue (fatigue severity scale [FFS], 0-7 best-worst) were sampled at baseline and after 12 weeks. Mean and standard deviation (SD) were used for descriptive statistics. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to investigate effect of group (HG*CG) and time (PRE*POST), with a post-hoc analysis using t-tests when ANOVA indicated a significant difference in main effects or interactions. A significance level of p≤0.05 was used. Fisher´s exact test was used to study the effects over time for CRP (as dichotomized variable, > or < 4 µg/ml).Results: Results presented are part of an ongoing RCT based on 19 individuals (women n=11) that have completed the 12-week follow-up analyses. The participants mean (SD) age was 48 (10) years, BMI 25 (4), VO2max 37 (6) mlO2/kg/min, and BASDAI 2.6 (0.3). No differences were present between the HG (n=9) and the CG group (n=10) at baseline for the studied variables. After 12 weeks of HIT an ANOVA interaction (p<0.05 showed that HG increased their VO2max (6.4 [3.6] mlO2/kg/min; p<0.001) but CG did not. For BMI, visceral fat area, disease activity (BASDAI), physical function (BASFI), fatigue (FFS) no differences in main effects or interactions were found (p>0.05). Health status (EQ5D) showed an ANOVA time main effect (p=0.007) where the HG increased their health status (0.10 [0.06] units; p=0.02) after 12-weeks, but CG did not. For health status measured with ASAS-HI no differences between groups were found. For dichotomized CRP-values no differences were found in either of the group’s pre-post. Conclusions: This pilot RCT shows that after 12 weeks of digital-based HIT intervention, the HG increased their aerobic capacity and EQ5D health status compared to CG, while body composition, disease activity, physical function, and fatigue did not show any significant differences between the groups. References(1) Sveaas SH, Bilberg a, Berg IJ, Provan SA, Rollefstad S, Semb AG, et al. high intensity exercise for 3 months reduces disease activity in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA): a multicentre randomised trial of 100 patients. Br J Sports med. 2019
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