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MRI in musculoskeletal inflammatory disease in children, with a focus on technique, standardisation and findings
Get PDFInflammatory musculoskeletal (MSK) diseases are common among children and adolescents, with early diagnosis and treatment crucial for long-term outcomes.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become a key tool in guiding treatment due to the challenges of clinical assessment of disease activity. However, there is a lack of validated, child-specific MRI tools for monitoring these diseases.
This thesis aims to improve diagnostics and management of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) by exploring various aspects of MR-imaging.
The research is based on three cohorts: 75 children with CNO, most of whom underwent whole-body MRI; 60 patients with JIA who had targeted MRI of the hips; and 196 healthy children who had whole-body MRI for research.
Findings showed that 80% of CNO patients experienced pain, often in the lower limbs, with a median of six affected sites on whole-body MRI. Raised inflammatory markers significantly predicted the number of involved sites.
For JIA patients, a set of MRI markers for hips involvement was developed and validated, showing good intra- and interobserver agreement for grading inflammation and acetabular erosions.
T2 Dixon fat-only images showed high agreement with T1-weighted images for bone marrow assessment in healthy children, suggesting that T2 Dixon fat-only could replace T1-weighted sequences, thereby reducing scan time
Storylines from Newcomers’ Perspectives: The Complexities of Learning Mathematics in a Norwegian Introductory Class
Get PDFThis paper investigates storylines from newcomers’ perspectives on their experiences of learning mathematics in an introductory mathematics classroom setting in Norway. We engaged in participatory research at a school over time. The data in this article come from observations and conversational interviews. Positioning theory guided our analysis in identifying storylines and related positionings. Our analysis provided us with the following four storylines: (1) newcomers find mathematics easy because they are also learning a new language; (2) newcomers experience tensions when learning mathematics in a new language; (3) newcomers find math teachers extra kind and find that they extend their help to them more than usual; (4) newcomers seek alternative resources for learning advanced mathematics. The identified storylines serve as a valuable resource to understand the newcomers’ wishes and desires for their mathematics education in a context of not yet knowing the language of instruction and educational culture. We recommend listening to newcomers’ perspectives of their experiences and recognizing the strengths they bring to the classroom to understand how they navigate their situation while learning mathematics in multilingual mathematics learning settings
Energy Storage and the Green Transition: An Exploration of the Technology Selection Decision in the Arctic Region
Get PDFPoster presentation at the international conference Arctic Frontiers Science, 27.01.2025, Tromsø, Norway
https://arcticfrontiers.com/.The Arctic region faces both challenges and opportunities in the green transition. Grid and electricity price stability, renewable adoption, and electric vehicle infrastructure highlight the need for resilient energy networks. Energy Storage emerges as a solution to ensure reliability and enable decentralization. This study aims to explore energy storage-related technology selection decisions, which are currently dominated by financial and technical perspectives. Incorporating the social, environmental, resilience, and arctic-specific considerations (i.e., harsh climate conditions, remote rural areas with sparse population), a decision analysis model will be developed to refresh the managers' and policymakers' perceptions of the infrastructure development in the region. The scope includes decisions at the strategic level with a medium- to long-range impact
Folkesongen frå private rom til scena: Endringar i norske folkesongpraksisar frå 1950-talet og fram til i dag
Get PDFUtviklinga av folkesongen i Noreg dei siste seksti til sytti åra har vore formidabel. Mellom anna i Noreg og i Sverige er det påvist ei vokal bølge innan folkesong i tiåra før siste hundreårsskiftet (Gjertsen, 1996, s. 2; Åkesson, 2007). Ein kan omtale denne utviklinga i folkesongen som ei endring frå kvardagssong og allemannseige til nærast ein elitekultur (Espeland, 2002). Der visebølga på 1960- og 70-talet gjorde folkesongen til eit middel til samfunnsendring, vart han i den vokale bølga objektivert som kunstverk (Klafki, 2018; Nielsen, 1998).3 I den vokale bølga finn me endringar i form av auka profesjonalisering, institusjonalisering og medialisering av folkesongen.
Denne artikkelen handlar om korleis sentrale aktørar i det norske folkesongfeltet skildrar sine erfaringar med endringar i norsk folkesong. Seks intervju gjev eit innblikk i korleis pionerar innan norsk folkesong som var aktørar i visebølga opplevde dette, og i ei personleg forteljing skriv folkesongar og artikkelforfattar Opheim om korleis ho som folkesongar i dag skapar sin profesjonelle songpraksis. Intervjua gjev grunnlag for ei større forteljing om endringar identifisert i ulike spenningsfelt i den norske folkesongen. Artikkelen handlar om å forstå praksisar der musikk tar form, om utviklingstrekk innafor fagtradisjonar og om å trekke historiske linjer og å analysere og kontekstualisere utvikling i musikalske praksisar over tid
Preliminary characterization and evaluation of local concrete sludges for use as supplementary cementitious materials
Get PDFConcrete sludge (CS) is an emerging supplementary cementitious material (SCMs). However, the diverse range of SCMs and their various sources for each necessitate initial characterization and evaluate the potential of CS as a SCM. In this study, CS were collected from seven different concrete producers (designated as CS1 to CS7) in the Northern Norway region. This preliminary characterization aims to provide valuable insights into the feasibility of using CS in cement or concrete production. It was determined that the chemical composition of CS was found to meet the EN 450–1 requirements, while most of the CS evaluated, exhibited hydraulic characteristics. The Rankin Classification of analyzed CS indicates a prevalent hydraulic nature, with most CS exhibiting CaO/SiO2 ratios greater than 2.0, thus suggesting potential for hydraulic applications. It was also observed that with 30 minutes of pulverizing, the particle size of the CS samples exhibited an average decrease ranging from 6.8 % to 78 %. This variation is likely due to differences in initial particle size and composition. Larger particles are generally more susceptible to breakdown during pulverization, which explains the higher reduction observed in some samples. Conversely, samples with higher coarse sand content and the resistance of specific aggregates to grinding exhibited the smallest reduction. These differences highlight the impact of material composition on the effectiveness of the pulverization process. An increase in the specific surface area and a decrease in the particle size of CS were observed after grinding, showing the potential for mechanical activation of CS as a potential SCM. However, prolonged pulverization beyond 30 minutes is not recommended, as only marginal improvement beyond 30 minutes of pulverization were observed. The XRD analysis revealed that the CS samples contained 2.29–28.47 %, with an average of 8.3 % amorphous content, reflecting the variation of cement paste in the CS. The findings suggest that CS can be categorized into two SCMs based on their operation: precast CS, characterized by siliceous and alkali-rich properties, and ready-mix CS, which is lime-rich and exhibits hydraulic properties, enabling tailored applications in cement and concrete production
Short-term evolutionary implications of an introgressed size-determining supergene in a vulnerable population
Get PDFThe Thorny Skate (Amblyraja radiata) is a vulnerable species displaying a
discrete size-polymorphism in the northwest Atlantic Ocean (NWA). We conducted whole genome sequencing of samples collected across its range.
Genetic diversity was similar at all sampled sites, but we discovered a ~ 31
megabase bi-allelic supergene associated with the size polymorphism, with the
larger size allele having introgressed in the last ~160,000 years B.P. While both
Gulf of Maine (GoM) and Canadian (CAN) populations exhibit the size polymorphism, we detected a significant deficit of heterozygotes at the supergene
and longer stretches of homozygosity in GoM population. This suggests
inbreeding driven by assortative mating for size in GoM but not in CAN.
Coalescent-based demographic modelling reveals strong migration between
regions maintaining genetic variability in the recombining genome, preventing
speciation between morphs. This study highlights short-term context-dependent evolutionary consequences of a size-determining supergene providing
new insights for the management of vulnerable species
Allochrony in Atlantic Lumpfish: Genomic and Otolith Shape Divergence Between Spring and Autumn Spawners
Get PDFAllochrony is a form of reproductive isolation characterized by differences in the timing of spawning and may play a crucial role
in the genetic and phenotypic divergence within species. The Atlantic lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) is known to spawn in spring
and autumn. However, the role of allochrony on the genomic structure of this species has not been addressed. Here, by combining
whole genome sequencing data and otolith shape of 64 specimens, we explore the evolutionary drivers of divergence in Atlantic
lumpfish, focusing on spring and autumn spawners sampled at two well-separated spawning grounds along the Norwegian
coast. Overall, we identified pronounced genomic and morphologic differences between the two spawning groups. Genomic
differences between the two groups were concentrated in three chromosomes, with a region of chromosome 1 encompassing
the same single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) driving differential season spawning for both localities, suggesting parallel
responses. The functional analysis of the SNPs in this region revealed genes associated with responses to environmental stressors, possibly adaptations to seasonal variations at high latitudes. The morphological analysis of otoliths supported these findings,
showing differences compatible with adaptations to seasonal light availability. The presence of genomic islands of divergence,
alongside a general lack of differentiation across the mitochondrial genome, suggest recent and rapid selection processes potentially modulated by ongoing gene flow. This study underscores the importance of considering temporal genetic structures,
particularly for species with bimodal spawning time, in conservation and management strategies to prevent overexploitation and
optimize breeding programs
A virtual dive into ocean conservation and protection
Get PDFWhale watching provides an opportunity to educate the public about marine conservation and protection, yet it often falls short of this potential and poses an ongoing dilemma as it inherently disturbs the animals. This note discusses Us: The Sea of Sounds, a project that we designed to address challenges by raising awareness about underwater noise pollution and its harmful effects on marine life, especially cetaceans. We adopted immersive and interpretative methods to foster emotional engagement and learning. The project was tested in the form of an interactive exhibition in August 2024 in Bodø, Norway, near prominent whale-watching sites. In this note, we describe the project's development, the key partners, and the practical implementation of the exhibition. It also reflects on the lessons learned about the possible limited knowledge of the natural environment by residents and the potentials of combining science with art and technology and considers how similar initiatives could promote respectful and responsible marine tourism
Forvaltning av samlet påvirkning på natur i nord: Krav, føringer, praksis og utfordringer
Get PDFSource at https://nofima.no/.Det er mange menneskelige aktiviteter i Nord-Norge som kan påvirke tilstanden for miljø og natur i landsdelen, i
tillegg til både klimaendringer og menneskelige aktiviteter utenfor landsdelen. For å beskytte og forbedre miljøet
bør den samlede påvirkningen vurderes når ulike myndigheter skal treffe sine beslutninger, inkludert i ulike typer
sektorforvaltning. Denne rapporten presenterer 1) en kartlegging av krav og føringer i lovverk og
forvaltningsplaner om å gjøre slike vurderinger, og 2) overordnede resultater fra en spørreundersøkelse til
personer i forvaltning om og hvordan slike vurderinger gjøres, og hindringer for å kunne gjøre dem. Vi
identifiserer stor variasjon i sektorregelverkene sine krav om vurderinger av samlet vurdering, og varierende
praksis og kunnskap om veiledere og metoder, og bruk av skjønnsmessige vurderinger
Targeting virulence: Activity-Based Protein Profiling (ABPP) for Discovery of Potential Therapeutic Targets in Enterococcus faecium
Get PDFEnterococcus faecium, a gut commensal bacterium, has become a significant nosocomial and opportunistic pathogen, linked to infections like urinary tract infections, bacteraemia, and endocarditis. Its success as a pathogen is partly due to its high level of resistance to antibacterial agents. These resistance mechanisms are complicating treatment, especially in strains resistant to vancomycin, a last-resort drug. This has prompted this study to identify novel drug targets in E. faecium. Using activity-based protein profiling (ABPP), a chemoproteomic technique with activity-based probes (ABPs), this research has profiled and identified serine hydrolases (SHs), ATP-binding proteins, and the dynamic activities of penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). SH-deficient transposon mutants were analysed in various in vitro assays and in an in vivo infection model for functional validation. Two SHs were biochemically characterised. The study identified eleven druggable, largely uncharacterized SHs with consistent activity profiles across hospital-adapted strains and under different growth conditions. Further cellular and biochemical characterization revealed ESH9, a carboxylesterase with broad substrate specificity, as a potential virulence factor. Additionally, the activity of ATP-binding proteins suggested condition-specific regulation in E. faecium, with a histidine kinase and an ABC transporter showing increased activity in human serum, indicating potential involvement in virulence. This research has elucidated enzymatic activities revealing potential virulence factors in E. faecium, contributing new insights into its virulence and facilitating the progress towards development of new treatment strategies for infections caused by this bacterium.Enterococcus faecium, en kommensal tarmbakterie, har utviklet seg til å bli en stadig mer fremtredende sykehusbakterie, knyttet til infeksjoner som urinveisinfeksjoner, bakteriemi og endokarditt. E. faecium har mange resistensmekanismer mot antibakterielle midler, noe som kompliserer behandling av infeksjoner, spesielt i stammer som er resistente mot vankomycin, et antibiotikum som kun brukes mot infeksjoner med svært resistente stammer. Målet til dette forskningsprosjektet har vært å identifisere nye potensielle legemiddelmål i E. faecium. Ved å bruke aktivitetsbasert proteinprofilering (ABPP), en kjemoproteomisk teknikk som bruker aktivitetsbaserte prober (ABPer) har denne forskningen profilert og identifisert serin hydrolaser (SHer), ATP-bindende proteiner og de dynamiske aktivitetene til penicililn-bindene proteiner (PBPer). For å validere noen av SHene ble mutanter uten SH-aktivitet analysert i forskjellige in vitro tester og i en in vivo infeksjonsmodell. I tillegg ble to SHer biokjemisk karakterisert. Studien identifiserte elleve ukarakteriserte SHer med konsistente aktivitetsprofiler på tvers av sykehustilpassede (A1) stammer og under forskjellige vekstforhold. Videre karakterisering på cellulært og biokjemisk nivå avslørte ESH9, en kaarboksylesterase med bred substratspesifisitet, som en mulig virulensfaktor. Aktiviteten til ATP-bindende proteiner i respons til vekstforholdene i organoidekstrakt og i humant serum tyder på spesifikke reguleringer av proteinaktivitet. En histidin kinase og en ABC transporter, potensielt involvert i virulens, var betydelig mer aktiv etter vekst i HS. Gjennom denne forskningen har enzymaktivitet til SHer og ATP-bindende proteiner blitt undersøkt, og potensielle virulensfaktorer i E. faecium ble avdekket. Samlet sett har denne studien bidratt til ny kunnskap om virulensen til E. faecium, og fremmer utviklingen av nye behandlingsstrategier for infeksjoner med disse bakteriene