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Association between urinary heavy metal concentrations, thyroid hormones, and birth outcomes among pregnant women in Isfahan City
No full textHeavy metals are toxic elements that can have significant adverse effects on human health, particularly during vulnerable periods such as pregnancy. The presence of heavy metals in the environment can lead to increased exposure in pregnant women, which may adversely affect both maternal and neonatal health. This study investigates the relationship between heavy metal concentrations, thyroid hormones, and birth outcomes in pregnant women in Isfahan city. Measuring heavy metal concentrations in urine is considered a non-invasive and accurate method for assessing exposure to these harmful substances. The primary aim of this research is to identify the potential impacts of these factors on birth weight and other growth parameters of infants. Results are indicating that 11.4% of the mothers were less than 25 years of age, and 57.1% of the mothers are overweight. Moreover, 19.2% of pregnant women had less than 37 weeks of gestation, and 82.8% of mothers were university-educated. Significant difference in heavy metal levels was observed across residential areas for arsenic (p = 0.007), chromium (p < 0.001), nickel (p = 0.005), lead (p = 0.003), selenium (p = 0.034), and T4 (p = 0.045). Notably, only lead exposure was directly and significantly associated with decreased infant birth weight (β = − 120.99, p = 0.008). All heavy metals showed a positive association with maternal TSH levels (p < 0.05), and except for selenium, they were also positively associated with the maternal T3/T4 ratio (p < 0.05). Both birth weight and head circumference were negatively associated with maternal TSH levels (β = − 209.25, p = 0.001) and the T3/T4 ratio (β = − 203, p = 0.041), especially among female infants. Therefore, careful monitoring of environmental heavy metal exposure and thyroid hormone regulation during pregnancy is essential to optimize birth outcomes and infant health
Deposition and 14C-based source apportionment of black carbon in a small lake in southern Sweden since 1450 CE
No full textBlack carbon (BC) is produced by incomplete combustion of biomass and fossil fuels and is released as aerosols to the atmosphere with effects on the climate, environment, and human health. Current BC emissions are well monitored in many parts of the world. However, the geographical coverage is limited, and historical records of BC accumulation are still scarce. Here we present a quantification of soot BC (SBC) concentrations in sediments deposited in a small lake in southern Sweden during recent centuries. The SBC was quantified using chemical and thermal oxidation at 375°C (CTO375). The SBC concentrations are low (c. 3 mg/g) in the preindustrial sediments older than 1650 CE and reached maximum concentrations (c. 8.5 mg/g) after 1900 CE. The increase in SBC accumulation started before the major phase of industrialisation of Sweden in the 19th century, probably related to local emission sources from increased biomass burning or coal extraction in the region that expanded from the second half of the 17th century. The effect of industrialisation is seen as an increase in SBC concentration and accumulation from around 1875 CE. The maximum accumulation of SBC was observed between 1950 CE and 2005 CE. The fraction of the SBC derived from fossil fuels was estimated using radiocarbon-based source apportionment. Biomass was the main source of SBC throughout the studied period. The maximum contribution from fossil fuel was observed between 1970 CE and 1990 CE, amounting to 26 −28 % of the total SBC. From 2000 CE the SBC deposition was dominated by biomass sources, probably because of a transition from fossil fuels to biomass as the dominant source of heating in Sweden
Revisiting Value Configurations : A Multi-Dimensional Framework for Hybrid Forms and Transition Analysis
No full textStabell and Fjeldstad (1998) proposed three value configurations; the value shop, the value chain and the value network based on Thompson’s (1967) three technologies as a typology. However, that Thompson’s technologies constitute a typology has been criticized (cf Barbini and Neri, 2017). Also, research has highlighted increased shifts in value configurations and hybrid forms. Thus, the question arises: how can value configurations be classified and along what dimensions, in order to facilitate analysis of hybrid forms and changes between value configurations? This paper expands on the current literature on value configurations to provide a deeper understanding of how they can be classified, particularly in the context of contemporary organizations that utilize hybrid forms of value configurations and transition between them. A value configuration map is proposed where the value configurations are positioned along three key dimensions facilitating hybrid position and transition analysis
Impact of Shell Crystal Structure on the Thermal Stability and Photophysical Behavior of Blue Quantum dots
No full textEpitaxial shell is vital for enhancing the optoelectronic performance of semiconductor quantum dots (QDs), especially for the wide bandgap blue QDs, yet the shell crystal structure's impact on thermal stability and photophysical behavior remains unexplored. It is reported that the ligand-directed synthesis of ZnS shells with zinc blende (ZB) or wurtzite (WZ) structure on blue WZ CdZnS cores, where sulfur precursor (Trioctylphosphine-S/octanethiol) dictates crystal phase through their thermal stability and coordination effects. WZ ZnS exhibits a lower Cd2⁺ diffusion barrier than ZB ZnS due to reduced cation density in octahedral vacancies, lowering electrostatic repulsion. Consequently, ZB-shell QDs maintain sharp core-shell boundary and energy band alignment, improving anti-thermal quenching and structural stability: fluorescence decreased by only 8% versus 17% for WZ-shell QDs with increasing temperature from 200 to 300 K, and retained 81% fluorescence intensity (vs. 36%) after 15 days at 100 °C. The rigid ZB lattice also weakens exciton-phonon coupling (simulated γLO = 39 meV vs. 67 meV for WZ). Conversely, WZ-shell QDs form alloyed interfaces enabling smooth energy band alignment, enhancing carrier delocalization. This suppresses Auger recombination, yielding a biexciton lifetime of 126 ps—nearly double that of ZB-shell QDs (69 ps)—and slower decay kinetics (τav = 16.7 ns vs. 55 ns)
Perioperative management of patients undergoing major reconstructive head and neck surgery
No full textAbstract: For patients with locally advanced head and neck tumours or other defects, the preferred curative treatment is extensive reconstructive surgery using free microvascular flap(s), oftentimes followed by postoperative radiotherapy. The procedure offers superior functional and aesthetic advantages, but the treatment course is long and complex and burdened with a significant risk of complications. The aim of this thesis is to address certain key perioperative aspects, with the extended objective of reducing complicationsand improving the quality of care for head and neck reconstructive surgery patients.Paper I evaluated the use of a continuous popliteal nerve block for patients undergoing head and neck surgery with reconstruction using a fibular graft. This prospective, double-blind trial included 24 patients randomised to receive an infusion of local anaesthetic or placebo during the first postoperative week. Results showed that patients in the local anaesthetic group had significantly fewer episodes of severe pain and a nearly halved opioid consumption during the study period, compared to patients in the placebo group. These results have led to the incorporation of popliteal nerve blocks into the local treatment protocol for this patient group. In paper II focus was on preoperative risk prediction of perioperative complications. A retrospective review of medical records was conducted, including 388 patients. Uni- and multivariable regression analyses wereperformed to establish associations between biochemical and physiological parameters and serious medical and flap-related complications. In addition, several risk prediction instruments were evaluated. Results showed that longer duration of surgery and perioperative red blood cell transfusion were factors associated with flap compromise. For medical complications, several of the risk prediction instruments showed a strong association, as did lower preoperative albumin levels. Paper III was a prospective observational study of haemostasis during surgery and the first postoperative week in 39 patients undergoing head and neck reconstructive surgery. Conventional routine coagulation tests, such as prothrombin time (PT-INR), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and platelet count, showed tendencies toward impaired haemostasis, while more advanced tests, such as rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) and anticoagulant factor activity, indicated an enhanced haemostatic capacity. From these inconsistent results, the conclusion was drawn that conventional analyses are insufficient to monitor haemostasis during the complex perioperative course for this patient group.In paper IV the same patient cohort was studied as in paper III, but with focus on vitamin K, which, in addition to haemostasis, is involved in several other physiological processes. Vitamin K-dependent proteins (VKDPs), formed as a result of vitamin K deficiency, are implicated in, among others, vascular calcification, inflammation and carcinogenesis. However, very little is known about the profile and functions of VKDPs in head and neck cancer patients and free flap surgery. The results from this prospective, descriptive study showed increased protein induced by vitamin K absence/antagonist-II (PIVKA-II), as a sign of subclinical vitamin K deficiency, and a rise in growth-arrest specific gene 6 (Gas6), potentially as an acute-phase reaction to the surgical trauma.Limitations of the studies in the thesis include a limited number of patients, and an, in some respects, heterogeneous study population. The retrospective design in paper II also limits the ability to establish causal relationships. However, the results contribute to a broader knowledge in several key areas of perioperativemanagement of patients undergoing major reconstructive head and neck surgery. Paper I establishes safety and efficacy of popliteal blocks for fibular graft harvest, and paper II highlights important aspects of preoperative risk assessment. The exploratory nature of papers III and IV can aid further studies on haemostasis and vitamin K physiology
Deterministic protocols for Voronoi diagrams and triangulations of planar point sets on the congested clique
No full textWe study the problems of computing the Voronoi diagram and a triangulation of a set of n2 points with O(logn)-bit coordinates in the Euclidean plane in a substantially sublinear in n number of rounds in the congested clique model with n nodes. First, we observe that if the points are uniformly at random distributed in a unit square then their Voronoi diagram within the square can be computed in O(1) rounds with high probability (w.h.p.). Next, we show that if a very weak smoothness condition is satisfied by an input set of n2 points with O(logn)-bit coordinates in the unit square then the Voronoi diagram of the point set within the unit square can be deterministically computed in O(logn) rounds in this model. Finally, we present a deterministic O(logn)-round protocol for a triangulation of n2 points with O(logn)-bit coordinates in the Euclidean plane. It relies on our novel method for extending triangulations of two planar point sets separated by a straight line to a complete triangulation of the union of the sets in O(1) rounds
Overcoming Immune Evasion in Staphylococcus aureus : Strategies for Rational Vaccine Design.
No full textStaphylococcus aureus remains one of the most elusive targets in bacterial vaccinology, primarily due to its complex immune evasion strategies and the phenomenon of immune imprinting. Despite decades of research and numerous clinical trials, no vaccine has demonstrated protective efficacy in humans. This review examines the underlying reasons for these failures and proposes a rational, integrative framework for next-generation vaccine development. Recent advances in reverse vaccinology, omics-driven antigen discovery, immunoinformatics, and artificial intelligence are highlighted as tools to identify conserved, immunogenic, and subdominant antigens. The review also discusses approaches for neutralizing virulence factors, disrupting biofilm-associated mechanisms, and circumventing dysfunctional immune memory. Particular emphasis is placed on the design of multivalent vaccine formulations capable of addressing the antigenic redundancy and immune modulation employed by S. aureus. By aligning systems biology with precision vaccinology, this review outlines a translational strategy to overcome the long-standing obstacles in the development of a safe and effective S. aureus vaccine
Older caregivers’ responsibilities and strategies for their cohabiting partners living at home—a qualitative systematic literature review
No full textBackground: Ageing-in-place policies have increasingly shifted elder care responsibilities onto family members. Among older cohabiting couples, one’s partner’s illness significantly impacts the other’s daily life and well-being.Aim: To explore the responsibilities and strategies of caregiving partners in older cohabiting couples from the perspectives of cohabiting caregivers.Methods: A qualitative systematic literature review was conducted across seven databases, following PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42025632103). Sixty-five studies were included based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria using Covidence. Quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist for qualitative studies. Data were synthesised through descriptive numerical summaries and thematic analysis.Results: The studies, conducted in 20 countries, primarily used individual interviews for data collection. Three overarching themes emerged: (1) strategies directed towards the partner, (2) strategies to maintain personal identity and space, and (3) strategies for navigating formal care systems. Cohabiting caregivers often assumed daily responsibilities despite emotional and physical strain. They relied on both informal and formal support to care for their partner and preserve time for themselves. However, formal care involvement led to issues such as broken agreements and inadequate services.Conclusion: Older cohabiting caregivers constantly balance and adapt their caregiving roles in relation to their partner, themselves, and formal care providers. This shift in responsibility results in an often invisible, morally-driven labour that remains under-recognised in Ageing-in-place policies. The study highlights the need for policy frameworks and interventions that acknowledge caregivers’ moral labour, enhance the quality of formal care, and support caregiver autonomy.Clinical trial registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42025632103, identifier (CRD42025632103)
Phosphorus stress-induced root exudates mediated plant-microbe interactions of Melilotus officinalis
No full textPhosphorus deficiency exacerbates the challenges of phytoremediation in mining areas, particularly for herbaceous species. Although Melilotus officinalis L. Pall. (Melilotus) serves as a pioneer species in mine reclamation, its response mechanisms to phosphorus deficiency stress (PDS)—particularly regarding root exudates composition, plant growth, soil properties, and key microbial functional groups—remain systematically underexplored. This study employed a multi-method approach, implementing concurrent hydroponic, pot-based, and field validation experiments to investigate these mechanisms in Melilotus. The results showed that: (1) Under PDS, peptides and nucleic acids predominated in Melilotus root exudates, with citric acid as the dominant organic acid. Meanwhile, lignan such as Clemaphenol A and Citrusin A increased with the severity of PDS.(2) PDS resulted in reduced root development in Melilotus without significant morphological alterations. (3)Under prolonged PDS, the greater the extent of phosphorus limitation, the higher the concentration of bioavailable phosphorus fractions in the soil planted with Melilotus.(4)Soil bacteria under PDS were dominated by Actinobacteria and Ascomycetes. Dominant soil fungi included environmentally tolerant fungi and cellulose enzyme-producing fungi at varying PDS levels. These findings provide important insights for managing mining area soil nutrition considering plant growth and ecological cycling functions
Long-term exposure to air pollution and validated cases of Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia in the Malmö diet and cancer cohort
No full textBackground: Dementia is a global public health challenge, with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD) being the most prevalent subtypes. Air pollution is a potential risk factor for dementia, but few studies separate AD and VaD. Objective: This study aims to investigate whether exposure to air pollution is associated with the incidence of AD and VaD. Methods: This study involved 30,247 participants from the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study (1991–2014), with 1216 AD cases (including mixed type) and 531 VaD cases, clinically validated. Long-term exposure to PM2.5and NOxwas modeled using the past 5-years or 10-year mean concentration with 50m × 50 m spatial resolution at residential addresses. The association between AD and VaD and air pollution was assessed using adjusted Cox-proportional hazards. Results: For AD the hazard ratios (HRs (95% CIs) were 1.06 (0.89–1.27) for PM2.5and 1.08 (0.96–1.22) for NOxper interquartile range (IQR) increase in past 10-year mean pollution-levels. Nonsignificant associations were observed in two-pollutant models. For past 5-year exposure, we observed a statistically significant association between NOxand AD 1.14 (1.00–1.30). For VaD, we found no evidence for associations in any models. Conclusions: We found that while both PM2.5and NOxseemed linked to increased AD risk in single-pollutant models, only the associations with NOxremained in two-pollutant models, particularly for exposures in the past five years. No associations were observed for VaD. The results underscore the importance of distinguishing dementia subtypes, identifying critical exposure windows, and applying multi-pollutant models in future studies