Publikationer från Uppsala Universitet
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Biomarkers of environmental enteric dysfunction and neurodevelopmental outcomes among children in rural Bangladesh and Kenya : a prospective cohort study
No full textBackground: Environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) may worsen undernutrition, with potential adverse effects on the developmental trajectories of millions of children in low-resource settings. Objectives: This study aimed to assess associations between EED biomarkers and subsequent child development. Methods: In a prospective cohort of 2646 children nested within 2 randomized trials in rural Bangladesh (n = 1374) and Kenya (n = 1272), EED was measured by markers of intestinal permeability (fecal alpha-1 antitrypsin; urinary lactulose and mannitol assessed through the dual sugar absorption test), inflammation (fecal myeloperoxidase and neopterin), and repair (fecal regenerating gene 1β). In Bangladesh, EED biomarkers were measured at ages and 14 mo, whereas in Kenya, they were measured at 6 and 17 mo. Child development was measured by Communicative Development Inventories and World Health Organization (WHO) motor milestones at 1 y of age and by the Extended Ages and Stages Questionnaire at 2 y of age. We used generalized additive models to estimate associations between EED biomarkers and child development, adjusting for potential confounders and controlling for the false discovery rate (FDR). Results: In Bangladesh, higher concentrations of lactulose, mannitol, and alpha-1 antitrypsin were associated with worse subsequent child motor development outcomes. Elevated mannitol at 3 mo was associated with a lower WHO motor milestones sum score {-0.22 adjusted mean difference between the 25th and 75th percentile of mannitol distribution [(95% confidence interval (CI):- 0.36,- 0.08); FDR-corrected P value = 0.03]} and lower attainment of hands-and-knees crawling at year 1 [hazard ratio 0.74 (95% CI: 0.64, 0.86); FDR-corrected P value < 0.001]. In Kenya, we observed weak positive associations that were neither consistent nor significant after FDR correction. Conclusions: Higher concentrations of biomarkers of intestinal permeability were associated with poor child motor development in Bangladesh. These relationships were not replicated in the Kenyan cohort. The associations between EED and child neurodevelopment vary across geographic contexts, highlighting the need for further research to determine the generalizability of these fi ndings
Systemic inflammatory biomarkers in relation to lung function and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in adolescents
No full textIntroduction The forced oscillation technique (FOT) complements spirometry in assessing lung function, with higher sensitivity to small airway dysfunction. Systemic inflammation is thought to influence lung development and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), but its relationship to circulating inflammatory proteins in adolescents is unclear. Objective To investigate associations between systemic inflammatory biomarkers and baseline lung function and post-exercise airway responses in adolescents. Methods In 143 adolescents (13–15 years) from a population-based cohort, baseline spirometry, FOT, and baseline blood samples were obtained. Participants completed an exercise challenge to assess EIB via changes in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), resistance at 5 Hz (R5), and reactance at 5 Hz (X5). Plasma protein levels were measured using the proximity extension assay technique (Olink Target Inflammation and Immune Response panels). Associations with lung function (FEV1% predicted, R5, and X5 z-scores) and post-exercise responses (∆FEV1, ∆R5, ∆X5) were analyzed using linear regression with false discovery rate correction. Interaction with atopy was also examined. Results Higher plasma levels of C-C motif chemokine 19 (CCL19) were significantly associated with lower FEV1% predicted and lower X5 z-scores at baseline, indicating reduced lung function and impaired small airway function. No proteins were associated with post-exercise airway responses after correction. Five proteins showed significant interactions with atopy in relation to EIB. Conclusion Elevated CCL19 may reflect systemic inflammatory processes contributing to impaired lung function in early adolescence. The observed atopy-related interactions suggest the need to consider atopy in studies of systemic inflammation and airway physiology
Passive seismic imaging of the Lower Palaeozoic in the Sudret area of Gotland, Sweden
No full textPassive seismic data were acquired together with active seismic data along a 2.8 km long profile in the Sudret area of Gotland, Sweden, as part of a feasibility study for storage of CO2 below the Baltic Sea. Seismic interferometry using cross-correlation and cross-coherence was employed on the passive seismic data. Cross-correlation was used to retrieve virtual shot gathers containing mainly surface waves, while cross-coherence was used to retrieve mainly seismic reflections. Inversion for shear wave velocity and CDP processing of the passive data result in velocity profiles and images that correlate well with borehole data, synthetic seismograms and active seismic data acquired at the site. Interpretations of the passive surface wave and body wave results provide geological information which complement the active data results, the surface waves providing S-wave velocity information and the body waves providing an image that may have better signal quality at deeper levels. Results from the active seismic and passive seismic data correlate well and there is no indication of any large-scale faults in the area. Furthermore, analysis of the frequency and direction of the ambient noise using power spectral density and beam forming show that ocean waves and human activity around the island of Gotland make the Sudret area an ideal location for passive imaging through ambient noise interferometry. Our results illustrate that passive seismic imaging can be an important complement to active seismic data for structural studies of the subsurface with respect to CO2 storage and monitoring in the Gotland area, Sweden, and perhaps elsewhere
Development of Nickel Oxide Hole Transport Material for Perovskite Solar Cells Using Atomic Layer Deposition
No full textIn search of an effective hole transport material for perovskite solar cells, this project focused on producing NiOx films from Ni(AMD)2 and H2O using atom layer deposition (ALD). The substrate used was soda lime glass and the deposition temperature was 150°C. Two batches of the Ni precursor, referred to as batch A and batch B, was tested and eventually compared. The optimization process was separate for the two batches and considered settings such as vaporization temperature of Ni(AMD)2, pulse time of the reactants and purge times. As for characterization, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) showed that the batch A-films contained Ni. One of these films was matched to that of a NiOx reference sample, where the thickness was measured using X-ray reflectivity. The XRF data further demonstrated a thickness variation on the samples, with significantly more coating closer to the gas inlet. Quartz crystal microbalance was used to monitor the growth rate for both batches, primarily through saturation curves. The batches appeared to have slightly different optimal vaporization temperatures and co-reactant doses. However, the results of both batches suggest that the process required for saturation includes long Ni pulse times (>2 s) and long purges (>3 s). There were inconsistencies with many of the observed deposition trends, which complicated the optimization process. The revealed reproducibility issues could suggest a stability problem of the Ni precursor on the deployed sample surface. Alternatively, the issues could stem from reactivity problems related to the Ni precursor or the ALD system
The Indo-European Cognate Relationships dataset
No full textThe Indo-European Cognate Relationships (IE-CoR) dataset is an open-access relational dataset showing how related, inherited words ('cognates') pattern across 160 languages of the Indo-European family. IE-CoR is intended as a benchmark dataset for computational research into the evolution of the Indo-European languages. It is structured around 170 reference meanings in core lexicon, and contains 25731 lexeme entries, analysed into 4981 cognate sets. Novel, dedicated structures are used to code all known cases of horizontal transfer. All 13 main documented clades of Indo-European, and their main subclades, are well represented. Time calibration data for each language are also included, as are relevant geographical and social metadata. Data collection was performed by an expert consortium of 89 linguists drawing on 355 cited sources. The dataset is extendable to further languages and meanings and follows the Cross-Linguistic Data Format (CLDF) protocols for linguistic data. It is designed to be interoperable with other cross-linguistic datasets and catalogues, and provides a reference framework for similar initiatives for other language families
Methods for structure acquisition of small proteins : Cryogenic Electron Microscopy and Time Resolved Wide-Angle X-ray Crystallography
No full textSmall proteins (< 100 amino acids) and microproteins (< 50 amino acids) are common in the proteome of living organisms. They are translated from small open reading frames and can occur as single or modular domains in larger proteins. They play crucial roles in signal transduction, gene expression, metabolism, enzyme functioning and post-translational modification of larger proteins. Previously, these proteins were difficult to identify due to limitations of genome annotation methods. Improvement of gene sequencing and proteome profiling advances have led to identification of small open reading frames coding for these proteins and are curated in different databases. Despite these improvements, structure acquisition of small proteins lags behind, there are fewer 3D structures solved as compared to available annotated sequences. Traditionally structure acquisition has been limited to NMR and X-ray crystallography for small proteins. Development and technical advances in CryoEM provide a more affordable method for protein structure studies. In this thesis I discuss one applicable method that can be used to enable structure acquisition of small proteins and micropeptides in CryoEM. I also highlight a new method of using high energy X-ray repetition data acquisition scheme using TRWAXs, as an advanced method for identifying structure variation in a signalling event in small proteins. To achieve the objectives, the first manuscript describes methods used in the CryoEM study including selection of model proteins (E. coli fructose 6-phosphate aldolase, FSA, and the AsLOV2 domain), peptide linker design, molecular cloning, protein expression and purification, together with analyses of function (e.g. catalysis) and biophysical characteristics. The first paper discusses protein constructs, protein production and characterization, together with identified challenges in applying CryoEM for structure analysis. The structure analysis suggested a monomer of the protein to be compared to the decameric structure of the carrier protein FSA. The second paper discusses identification of transition states in the AsLOV2 domain during a signalling event. This was possible due to MHz data acquisition scheme applied at the XFEL during TRWAXS method. The high data volumes acquired and advanced processing highlight significantly reduced noise levels in the data compared to previous application of traditional acquisition methods. The method is recommended for future applications in reaction dynamic studies that involve small proteins. The methods discussed in this thesis are relevant in improvements of studies of structure and function of proteins. Recommendations drawn from various challenges are highlighted to overcome limitations of CryoEM to guide design and construction of suitable scaffolds that enable solving tertiary structures of small proteins
Vuxna personers upplevelser av att leva med en tarmstomi : En litteraturöversikt
No full textIntroduktion: En tarmstomi är en kirurgisk öppning på bukväggen som omdirigerar tarminnehållet. I Sverige år 2015 levde omkring 43 000 personer med någon typ av stomi: urostomi, kolostomi eller ileostomi, till följd av en grundsjukdom, som cancer eller inflammatorisk sjukdom. Sjuksköterskans roll för personer med stomi är betydande, framförallt genom utbildning och stöd. Syfte: Studiens syfte var att beskriva vuxna personers upplevelser av att leva med en tarmstomi. Metod: En kvalitativ litteraturöversikt med deskriptiv design baserad på tio vetenskapliga originalartiklar från PubMed och CINAHL. Samtliga artiklar kvalitetsgranskades utifrån en granskningsmall från Statens beredning för medicinsk och social utvärdering. Resultatet analyserades med analysmodellen beskriven av Popenoe et al. Resultat: Resultaten redovisades i tre huvudkategorier: kroppsliga förändringar, stöd och social påverkan samt känslomässiga aspekter med respektive subkategorier. Kroppsliga förändringar beskrevs med subkategorierna fysisk påverkan, anpassning till den förändrade kroppen och planering i vardagen utifrån stomins oförutsägbarhet. Stöd och social påverkan inkluderar subkategorierna familj och närstående, hälso- och sjukvården, samhörighet och sociala förändringar. Känslomässiga aspekter beskrevs med subkategorierna positiva och negativa känslor samt hanteringsstrategier. Slutsats: Upplevelsen av att ha en tarmstomi var individuell och kunde medföra både positiva och negativa känslor relaterade till den förändrade kroppen. Att ha stöd från familj, närstående samt hälso- och sjukvården hade ofta en positiv påverkan på anpassningen och hur personer hanterade att ha en stomi. Introduction: An enterostomy is a surgical opening in the abdominal wall that redirects intestinal contents. In Sweden in 2015, around 43 000 people lived with a type of stoma: urostomy, colostomy, or ileostomy, as a result of an underlying disease, such as cancer or inflammatory disease. Nurses play a significant role for people with a stoma, primarily through education and support. Aim: The aim of the study was to describe adult experiences of living with an enterostomy. Method: This qualitative literature overview utilized a descriptive design, drawing on ten original scientific articles from PubMed and CINAHL. Each article was quality reviewed using a template from the Swedish National Board for Medical and Social Evaluation. Results were analyzed using the analysis model described by Popenoe et al. Results: The results are reported in three main categories: physical changes, support and social impact, and emotional aspects, and further sorted into subcategories. Physical changes were categorized into physical impact, adaptation to the altered body, and planning in daily life based on the unpredictability of the stoma. Support and social impact include family and loved ones, healthcare, togetherness, and social changes. Emotional aspects contain positive and negative emotions and coping strategies. Conclusion: The experience of having a stoma was individual and could bring both positive and negative feelings related to the changed body. Having support from family, loved ones and healthcare providers often had a positive impact on the adjustment and how people cope with having a stoma.
Assessment of Preventive Maintenance and Ageing Management Strategies for Stationary Lead-Acid Batteries at the Forsmark Nuclear Power Plant
No full textThe reliable performance of stationary lead acid batteries is essential for maintaining safety functions and defence in depth at the Forsmark Nuclear Power Plant, where the batteries supply auxiliary power during loss of offsite power (LOOP) events. As Forsmark prepares for operation up to 80 years, effective preventive maintenance and ageing management are critical to ensure continued system reliability. This thesis evaluates whether Forsmark’s current preventive maintenance programme for stationary lead acid batteries is adequate to ensure long term reliability or if improvements are required. The study analyses how well the programme addresses known degradation mechanisms such as temperature, charging conditions and ripple currents, and compares it with established industry practice, supplier recommendations and the ageing management principles defined in IAEA SSG-48. The work is divided into two parts. The first part reviews and evaluates Forsmark’s preventive maintenance documentation and benchmarks it against industry practice and the technical attributes for ageing management defined by the IAEA. The evaluation identifies gaps related to the lack of standardised capacity test interpretation, unsystematic temperature monitoring and limited use of trend analysis. Based on these findings, the second part develops an Excel and VBA based calculation tool that uses manufacturer plate performance diagrams to estimate capacity and time to a defined end of discharge voltage (1.80 V per cell) from partial discharge tests, enabling temperature corrected trend analysis. The development of this tool directly addresses the weaknesses identified in the first part, providing a practical method for predictive assessment and improved test evaluation. The results show that Forsmark’s programme is generally well structured and consistent with supplier guidance and international best practice but remains mainly condition based rather than predictive. The proposed calculation tool, together with systematic temperature monitoring and standardised test interpretation, strengthens the predictive capability of Forsmark’s ageing management programme and supports the long-term reliable operation of its safety critical battery systems. These measures are expected to enhance early detection of degradation and contribute to improved reliability assurance during Forsmark’s extended operation.
Ember : Task Wakeup Sequence-Based Energy Optimization for Mobile Web Browsing
No full textExisting Android systems exhibit energy inefficiency during mobile web browsing due to the lack of awareness of application-level context. Inferring such context from system-level data alone is challenging, but one promising opportunity is using the sequence of task wakeup events, where one task activates another. These sequences show correlation with the type of webpage being used. In this article, we present Ember, a lightweight and responsive power management system for mobile web browsing using only task wakeup sequences. Ember introduces a neural network-based approach to predict optimal CPU clamping values by addressing three key challenges: (1) embedding task names, given as natural-language strings, into meaningful vectors using a Word2Vec-based embedding scheme tailored for task wakeup sequences; (2) minimizing inference overhead with a touch-driven hierarchical inference method that combines lightweight logistic regression with high-accuracy neural networks to balance responsiveness and efficiency; and (3) adapting to within-page interaction dynamics through an interaction-adaptive clamping mechanism that adjusts constraints across different user interaction phases. Implemented on commercial Android smartphones, Ember reduced power consumption by 6.2%-31.2% across a wide range of webpages while maintaining user-perceived quality of experience (QoE)
Authoritarian Sacralisation of Radical Order : Russia’s Occupation Regime in South-East Ukraine and It’s Evo-lution from the Lens of Political Religion and Authoritarian Conflict Management
No full textThis study aims to deepen understanding of Russia’s occupation regime’s evolution and consolidation in South-Eastern Ukraine after the full-scale military invasion of the country in February 2022. Following Emilio Gentile’s notion of political religion, the study examines Russia’s occupation regime as an entity that consists of systems of beliefs, myths, rituals and symbols which turn the Russian state into an object of devotion. By utilising theoretical framework of Authoritarian Conflict Management and recognising the importance of macro-sociological and macro-historical structures shaping the interactions between Russia and Ukraine, the study extracts insights from reports and analyses of international governmental and non-governmental organisations to illustrate the measures that Russian occupation regime used to implement its gradual and forced sacralisation in South-Eastern Ukraine.