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Early-Life Body Mass Index and Inflammatory Bowel Disease Risk: A Scandinavian Birth Cohort Study
No full textIntroduction Childhood overweight and obesity are emerging global health issues with potential implications for immune function. We aimed to investigate childhood body mass index (BMI) as a risk factor for later inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).Methods ABIS (Sweden) and MoBa (Norway) are population-based cohorts following participants prospectively from birth (1997-2009) until 2023. We retrieved anthropometric data at birth, 1, 3, and 7-8 years to examine the association of age-specific standardized BMI percentiles and categories (underweight, normal [reference), overweight, obesity) with later IBD. We also analyzed IBD risk according to BMI trajectories across ages. IBD diagnosis was identified in national health registries. Cohort-specific hazard ratios (aHRs) were adjusted for sociodemographics, parental BMI, IBD, and smoking and pooled using a random-effects model.Results Overall, among 54 890 children with 803 444 person-years of follow-up, we identified 246 IBD events. Eight-year-olds living with obesity had a 5-fold increased risk of ulcerative colitis (pooled aHR = 5.10; 95% CI , 1.51-17.27), but not a significantly increased risk of Crohn's disease (pooled aHR = 1.38; 95% CI , 0.24-7.98) and IBD overall (pooled aHR = 1.89; 95% CI , 0.71-5.04). Children with overweight or obesity at age 3 had no increased risk of IBD compared to normal-weight children (pooled aHR = 1.15, 95% CI , 0.74-1.77; and 1.05, 95% CI , 0.43-2.58, respectively). Early-life BMI trajectories were not consistently associated with IBD.Conclusion In this Scandinavian birth cohort, 7-8 year-old children with obesity had an increased risk of developing ulcerative colitis later in life. Given the high prevalence of childhood obesity, this observation should be corroborated and possible mechanisms behind the association clarified.Funding Agencies|K.M. Birgitta och Gran Karlssons Stiftelse; Norwegian Ministry of Health and Care Services; Ministry of Education and Research</p
Exploring Associations of Different Types of Childhood Trauma With Symptomatology in Irritable Bowel Syndrome
No full textBackground The connection between childhood trauma and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is well documented. However, knowledge regarding distinct associations between different subtypes of childhood trauma and both intestinal and extraintestinal symptoms is widely lacking. The current cross-sectional study aimed to elucidate the impact of different types of childhood trauma on IBS symptomatology.Methods In 169 women with moderate to severe IBS and 39 healthy women (HCs), childhood trauma was assessed using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. Gastrointestinal, extraintestinal, and psychological symptoms were evaluated via symptom diaries and questionnaires.Key Results The overall prevalence of childhood trauma was significantly higher in women with IBS compared to HCs, with odds ratio (OR) 3.41 (95% CI, 1.35-8.60, p = 0.009) and with the highest rates observed for emotional and sexual abuse. Overall childhood trauma was positively associated with symptom severity (r = 0.305, p = 0.016). Among trauma types, emotional abuse was the strongest predictor of IBS, with a 6-fold increased odds of disorder, OR 6.69 (95% CI, 1.97-22.68, p = 0.002). Women with IBS and a history of emotional abuse reported longer episodes of abdominal pain, more defecation urgency, and higher levels of anxiety and depression.Conclusions Our findings support the significant role of childhood trauma in IBS pathology and increased symptom burden. They further indicate the specific relevance of emotional abuse influencing not only gastrointestinal symptoms but also extraintestinal and psychological complaints. These findings may help contribute to the identification of a distinct phenotype of IBS patients with a history of traumatic emotional abuse during childhood.Funding Agencies|The Kamprad Family Foundation for Entrepreneurship Research Charity</p
Meeting utopia halfway: A hauntological approach to resonant conversations with utopian futures in times of climate crisis
No full textThe climate crisis calls for political conversations that go beyond what is currently accepted within capitalist discourse. In this article, I outline theoretical orientations that may underpin more constructive dialogues, using Derrida's term hauntology, Rosa's concept resonance, and Willener's imaginaction, discussed in relation to the performative function of future imaginaries in the present. By engaging resonantly and hauntologically with utopias, we may enter into conversations that inspire the use of imaginaries to promote action. This requires meeting utopias halfway, with openness to transformation of both ourselves and the utopian ideas. Two examples are used: The European Green Deal is discussed as lacking the necessary openness, while the degrowth movement to a larger extent approach utopias hauntologically. By establishing dramaturgies of change, arenas can be created where utopian ideas are related to familiar symbols, such as progress. Through resonant conversations, such symbols can be reinterpreted in relation to future imaginaries.Funding Agencies|Forte [2023-00044]</p
Generalised joint hypermobility and excess knee hyperextension are associated with an increased risk for second ACL injury, but not primary ACL injury, in female football players: A 5-year follow-up
No full textPurpose This study aimed to investigate the association between generalised joint hypermobility, knee hyperextension, knee laxity, and static standing alignment with the risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in a cohort of female football players with an ACL-reconstructed (ACLR) knee and in knee-healthy controls. Methods We prospectively followed 117 female football players with ACLR (age, mean +/- standard deviation, 20 +/- 2 years; average 19 +/- 9 months after ACLR) and 119 knee-healthy players (age, 19 +/- 3 years) for 5 years. At baseline, all players were assessed for generalised joint hypermobility (Beighton score), knee extension range of motion, knee laxity (KT-1000, Lachman and pivot shift tests), and static standing alignment (visual assessment graded as varus, valgus or neutral). Log-binomial regression with risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for new ACL injury were calculated. Point biserial and Spearman's rank correlations were used for correlation analysis of baseline anatomical variables. Results During the 5-year follow-up, 43 ACLR players sustained a second ACL injury (30 re-ruptures and 13 contralateral ruptures) and 11 knee-healthy players had an index ACL injury. ACLR players with Beighton score &gt;= 5 (RR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.04-2.70; p = 0.035) and knee hyperextension &gt;5 degrees in the non-ACL-reconstructed knee (RR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.02-2.73; p = 0.042) had higher risk of a second ACL injury; knee laxity and static standing alignment were not associated with a second ACL injury (n.s.). No significant associations were seen between baseline variables and index ACL injury in knee-healthy players (n.s.). There was moderate correlation between KT-1000 and the Lachman test (r = 0.594-0.673), and negligible to moderate correlations between other baseline variables. Conclusions Generalised joint hypermobility and knee hyperextension were associated with an increased risk of second ACL injury in female football players with ACLR. Screening for generalised joint hypermobility and knee hyperextension may inform prevention strategies for female football players after ACL injury.Funding Agencies|Swedish Research Council for Sport Science</p
Genetic Variation Associated with Leaf Phenology in Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur L.) Implicates Pathogens, Herbivores, and Heat Stress as Selective Drivers
No full textLeaf phenology of trees responds to temperature and photoperiod cues, mediated by underlying genes and plasticity. However, uncertainties remain regarding how smaller-scale phenological variation in cold-limited regions has been affected by modified selection pressures from herbivores, pathogens, and climate conditions, and whether this leaves genetic signatures allowing for projections of future responses. We investigated environmental correlates and genetic variation putatively associated with spring and autumn leaf phenology in northern range margin oak (Quercus robur L.) populations in Sweden (55.6 degrees N-60.8 degrees N). Results suggested that budburst occurred later at higher latitudes and in locations with colder spring (April) temperatures, whereas leaf senescence occurred earlier at higher latitudes. Several candidate loci associated with phenology were identified (n = 40 for budburst and 47 for leaf senescence), and significant associations between these loci and latitude were detected. Functions associated with some of the candidate loci, as identified in previous studies, included host defence and heat stress tolerance. The proportion of polymorphic candidate loci associated with budburst decreased with increasing latitude, towards the range margin. Overall, the Swedish oak population seems to comprise genetic diversity in phenology-related traits that may provide resilience to a rapidly changing climate.Funding Agencies|Stiftelsen Seydlitz MP bolagen; Erik and Ebba Larssons Foundation; Thure Rignells Foundation; Carl Tryggers Stiftelse [22-02225]; Magnus Bergvalls Stiftelse [2022-438]; Kalmar and Vaexjoe municipalities' Linnaeus Scholarship for research in sustainable development; Swedish Research Council, Formas; Swedish National Research Programme on Climate [2021-02142]</p
Towards consensus: The need for standardised definitions in Long (post) COVID care in 34 European countries
No full textBackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted global healthcare systems, leading to challenges in managing Long COVID. Variations in definitions and diagnostic criteria across Europe hinder recognition and treatment efforts. This study aims to analyse and compare the definitions of Long COVID used in 34 European countries.MethodsA retrospective descriptive study was conducted involving key informants from 34 European countries, utilising an online questionnaire to gather data on Long COVID definitions. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were employed to assess the variability of definitions and challenges in managing Long COVID.ResultsThe study found significant variation in Long COVID definitions among the participating countries; the most frequent definition was the other definition (n: 17, 50.0%), followed by the World Health Organisation's definition (n: 16, 47.0%) and the CDC definition (n: 11, 32.3%). Half of the countries reported using multiple definitions simultaneously, indicating a lack of standardisation. Qualitative analyses highlighted challenges such as difficulties in standardising terminology, variability in clinical criteria, and issues with implementing diagnostic codes.ConclusionThe findings underscore the need for a unified, yet adaptable, definition of Long COVID. Such a definition would support general practitioners (GPs) by simplifying diagnostic processes, improving continuity of care, and facilitating equitable patient access to multidisciplinary resources. The current lack of consensus complicates patient care, data collection, and resource allocation, impacting health policy development. Future efforts should focus on achieving agreement on definitions to ensure equitable treatment and effective healthcare responses to Long COVID
Sb-segregated GaInNAs/GaAs(Sb) triple quantum well core-multishell nanowires grown by molecular beam epitaxy
No full textThe effects of Sb incorporation on the molecular beam epitaxial growth of GaInNAs triple quantum well (QW) core-multishell nanowires on Si(111) substrates were investigated. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the presence of a well-defined triple QW structure, where the QWs consist of GaInNAs with a group III composition of 84% Ga and 16% In, and a group V alloy containing 2%-3% N, with the remainder being As. Sb was not directly incorporated into the QWs but was predominantly localized at the interface between the QWs and the adjacent GaAs(Sb) barrier, indicating significant Sb segregation with the concentration reaching approximately 1%, which was independently confirmed by optical measurements. In spite of Sb being present only in trace amounts within the QWs, room-temperature photoluminescence measurements reveal a significant red shift of the QW emission peak from 1100 nm in Sb-free nanowires to 1250 nm in the Sb-containing structures, accompanied by an increase in its intensity. These findings suggest that Sb acts as an efficient surfactant during the QWs growth, improving their optical quality while facilitating N incorporation. Our results, therefore, demonstrate that using Sb during the NW growth facilitates precise band structure engineering required for the fabrication of efficient telecom-wavelength nanoscale light sources from dilute nitride NWs.Funding Agencies|Japan Society of Promotion of Science [24K21601, 23H00250, 21KK0068, 19H00855, 16H05970]; Swedish Research Council [2019-04312]; Swedish Government Strategic Research Area in Materials Science on Functional Materials at Linkoeping University [2009 00971]</p
Cost-effectiveness of atrial fibrillation screening programmes across European nations
No full textAims Due to the ageing population in Europe, a significant increase in the incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is anticipated. This is predicted to have a detrimental impact on public health costs, particularly among the elderly, because of an increased number of stroke cases. Early detection of AF is crucial for initiating treatment with oral anticoagulants (OACs) to reduce the risk of stroke. This study aims to assess the cost-effectiveness of implementing AF screening programmes in eight European countries: Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Serbia, Spain, and Sweden.Methods and results The analysis concerned invitation to AF population screening for 75-year-olds. A Markov cohort model was used, considering the prevalence of AF, screening yield, the use of different OACs, estimated clinical events, mortality, quality of life and costs. The model used country-specific parameters to produce specific cost-effectiveness estimates. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the impact of parametric uncertainties on the results. Inviting 75-year-olds to AF screening proved to be cost-effective across all eight countries analysed. In all countries, the strategy was dominant, meaning that quality-adjusted life-years were gained at lower costs. The time to financial break-even ranged from 6 to 14 years.Conclusion This study indicates that population-based AF screening of 75-year-olds is a cost-effective strategy across eight European countries, meaning that adoption of such a strategy has the potential to make healthcare systems in these countries more efficient. The heterogeneity among European countries suggests that AF screening programmes may need to be tailored to the specific healthcare systems and conditions of each nation.Funding Agencies|European Union [847770, 101095480]; Innovation Fund Denmark [12-1352259]; Research Foundation for the Capital Region of Denmark; Danish Heart Foundation [11-04-R83-A3363-22625]; Aalborg University Talent Management Programme; Arvid Nilssons Fond; Skibsreder Per Henriksen; R og Hustrus Fond; Laege Sophus Carl Emil Friis og hustru Olga Doris Friis' Legat; Medtronic; European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union [648131]; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK e.V.) [81Z1710103, 81Z0710114]; German Ministry of Research and Education [BMBF 01ZX1408A]; ERACoSysMed3 [031L0239]; German Heart Foundation</p
Is tumor shape associated with molecular diagnosis, extent of resection, or postoperative focal deficits in diffuse low-grade gliomas?
No full textBackground This study aimed to explore the potential association between tumor shape, 1p/19q codeletion, EOR, and new postoperative focal deficits in patients with diffuse low-grade glioma. Methods We analyzed data from 225 WHO grade 2 glioma surgeries performed in nine centers in Norway and Sweden. The tumor measurements were based on automatic segmentations of preoperative T2/FLAIR MRI scans by Raidionics. Contact surface area (CSA) was defined as the area between the tumor and brain parenchyma and was estimated by subtracting the surface area covered by the dura from the total surface area. The sphericity index (SI) was defined as the quotient of the tumor surface area and the surface area of a sphere with equal volume. Focal deficits were defined as any new motor, language, or visual deficits postoperatively. Results The univariable analyses showed that a larger CSA was associated with higher age (P = .02), lower EOR (P &lt; .0001), and more focal deficits (P = .005) but not with 1p/19q codeletion (P = .54). A higher SI was associated with higher age (P = .02) and lower EOR (P &lt; .0001) but not with focal deficits (P = .08) or 1p/19q codeletion (P = .90). The multivariable linear regression model supported the univariable associations between EOR and CSA (P = .0003) and SI (P = .0013), respectively. Contrarily, the logistic regression model showed that focal deficits were associated with SI (P = .014) but not with CSA (P = .056) Conclusion The tumor shape appears to be independently associated with EOR and new focal deficits but not with molecular diagnosis in patients with low-grade glioma.Funding Agencies|Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway [980004515]; Swedish government council [ALFGBG-965622]; Swedish county council [ALFGBG-965622]</p
Distinct neural mechanisms underlying cognitive difficulties in preterm children born at different stages of prematurity
No full textObjectives: To examine associations between low cognitive-performance and regional-and network-level brain changes at ages 9-10 in very-preterm, moderately-preterm, and full-term children, and explore whether these alterations predict ASD/ADHD symptoms at age 12. Methods: This longitudinal population-based study included 9-10-year-old U.S. children from ABCD Study. Children underwent brain imaging and cognitive assessment using NIH Toolbox. Cortical thickness and subcortical volumes of preterm-children with low cognitive-performance (NIH composite score &lt; -1SD and &gt; -2SD) were compared with preterm and full-term peers with typical performance (&gt;=-1SD). Structural covariance networks were also examined. Results: Among 7281 children (mean age 9.9 +/- 0.6 years; 52.2 % boys), 71 were very-preterm, 151 moderatelypreterm, and 7056 full-term. Low cognitive-performance was most prevalent in very-preterm children (29.6 %), followed by moderately-preterm (24.0 %) and full-term children (16.2 %). Very-preterm children with low cognitive-performance had thinner inferior temporal cortex ((3 = -0.58; p = 0.03), thinner fusiform gyrus ((3 = -0.62; p = 0.02), and larger amygdala volumes ((3 = 0.41; p = 0.05) compared to very-preterm children with typical performance. Moderately-preterm children with low cognitiveperformance had smaller hippocampal volumes ((3 = -0.32; p = 0.01). Similar patterns were observed when comparing preterm children with low cognitive-performance to full-term peers with typical performance. Structural covariance network analysis revealed stronger covariance between the precuneus-postcentral gyrus pair among moderately-preterm children with low cognitive-performance. Individualized Differential Structural Covariance Network values extracted from this pair were positively associated with ASD/ADHD symptoms, though not statistically significance. Conclusion: Low cognitive performance in preterm children is associated with distinct regional and network-level brain differences, differing by prematurity. Stronger hub covariance may reflect compensatory mechanisms, highlighting the need for prematurity-tailored interventions.Funding Agencies|Stiftelsen Frimurare Barnhuset, Stockholm; TORE NILSONS STIFTELSE FOR MEDICINSK FOR-SKNING [C41160433, K62408423]; Swedish Brain Foundation [FO2023-0178]; Swedish Medical Research Council [2023-02451]</p