Publikationer från Uppsala Universitet
Not a member yet
127603 research outputs found
Sort by
Strong volcanic-induced climatic shocks on historical Moselle wine production
No full textIn central and southern Europe, grapevine is a climate-sensitive agricultural product of great economic importance, both in historical times and today. We systematically investigated the climatic impact, focusing on volcanic-forced abrupt cooling, on two long annual records of wine production quantity (spanning 1444–1786) from the Moselle Valley in present-day Luxembourg, close to the northern limit of viticulture in Europe. We present a consistent picture of the impact of volcanic eruptions on wine production through climate. To this end, we applied superposed epoch analysis – an appropriate method for detecting episodic signals in non-stationary time series – in combination with a bootstrap procedure to estimate the statistical significance. We also assessed the long-term relationship between different annual and seasonal climate parameters and wine production in the Moselle Valley. Robust and highly significant wine production declines occurred in the years immediately following major volcanic events. Warmer and, to a lesser extent, drier climate conditions had a moderately strong, but persistent, positive effect on wine production. We also find a volcanic cooling signature in spring and summer in temperature reconstructions. However, the detected volcanic signature in the Moselle Valley wine production is considerably stronger than the one found for central Europe in tree-ring-based reconstructions and is instead more akin to the strong volcanic signature present in Fennoscandian tree-ring series. On the basis of our findings, we encourage further compilation, publication, and analyses of additional wine production series containing unique biological and climatic information
A threat to protest as a winning strategy for the labour movement : long-term experience from Sweden
No full textThis article examines the strategic role of strike threats in advancing labour movement objectives, using a novel dataset of union-employer disputes in Sweden from 1980 to 2023. While strikes have long been central to labour mobilisation, we focus on the underexplored power of strike threats – instances where industrial action is announced but not executed. We theorise that their effectiveness depends on three factors: union characteristics that shape both the perceived credibility of the threat and the anticipated costs of conflict, target characteristics, and institutional context, which shapes both disruption costs and the target vulnerability. Using notices of industrial action – formal announcements of strikes – as proxies for protest threats, and treating non-execution as a marker of union success, we analyse how union capacity (measured through union density), inter-union coalitions, and employers’ vulnerability to work stoppages shape outcomes. Our findings show that only one-third of disputes involving strike threats result in actual strikes; in the remainder, unions secure concessions without resorting to industrial action. The effectiveness of strike threats has increased over time, particularly following institutional reforms that incentivise negotiated settlements. Surprisingly, higher union density correlates with a lower likelihood of winning through threats alone. Our findings highlight the strategic potential of non-executed protest threats and call for greater attention to their role within labour and social movement research. By examining how institutional and organisational contexts condition protest outcomes, the study contributes to broader debates on contentious politics and the evolving repertoire of labour mobilisation
X-Linked Gene Dosage and SOX2 Act as Key Roadblocks for Human Germ Cell Specification in Klinefelter Syndrome
No full textKlinefelter syndrome (KS), characterized by the presence of at least one extra X-chromosome, is a common cause of male infertility. However, the mechanism underlying the failure of germline specification is not well studied. Intriguingly, the differentiation efficiency of female human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) is often lower than that of male. This study investigates how X-linked gene dosage affects human primordial germ cell-like cells (hPGCLCs) specification in both healthy and diseased conditions. This work reveals that X-linked genes play a multifaceted role against the fate competency to hPGCLCs, with escape genes IGSF1 and CHRDL1 inhibiting the TGF-beta/Activin A and BMP pathways, respectively. Notably, this work identifies a previously unrecognized role of SOX2, upregulated by the escape gene USP9X, elucidating a species-specific function in the mammalian germline. The USP9X-SOX2 regulatory axis profoundly influenced cellular metabolism, mitochondrial morphology, and progenitor competence in hPGCLCs specification. Furthermore, the inability to downregulate SOX2 and upregulate SOX17 in response to BMP signaling impedes downstream gene activation due to motif binding competition. These findings shed novel insights into the human germline specification by elucidating the divergent roles of SOX2 versus SOX17 in mammals, influenced by X-linked gene dosage effects. These results offer potential applications for improving the induction efficiency of hPGCLCs, facilitating disease mechanistic studies
Telmisartan reverses hepatic steatosis via PCK1 upregulation : A novel PPAR-independent mechanism in experimental models of MASLD
No full textDrug combination and repurposing are potential therapeutic strategies for the treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Here, we have demonstrated that, in rats, both pemafibrate and telmisartan reverse hepatic steatosis induced by a high-fat, high-fructose diet. Pemafibrate attenuated liver steatosis via a PPAR alpha-mediated increase in fatty acid catabolism, while the antisteatotic response to telmisartan did not rely on PPAR modulation. Our results in rats and in a zebrafish larva model of liver lipid accumulation suggest that part of telmisartan's antisteatotic effects are driven through the blockade of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor, along with a reduction in the expression of several lipogenic genes, which also contributes to some extent. Telmisartan's response is mediated by the upregulation of hepatic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (PCK1) expression. Liver metabolomic analysis revealed that by increasing PCK1, telmisartan diverted the metabolic flux of fructose from lipid towards glucose synthesis, which was subsequently fueled to the polyol pathway, thereby preserving glucose homeostasis. Moreover, telmisartan increased the hepatic levels of spermine and spermidine, which may counteract the putative detrimental effects caused by the accumulation of metabolites of the polyol route. Targeting different intrahepatic pathways, both PPARdependent and independent, the combination of pemafibrate and telmisartan, each at half the individual dose, was equally effective as the full dose of either drug alone to reduce liver lipid accumulation in the rat model. Our findings support the repurposing potential of these drugs, with the additional advantage of addressing both hepatic and cardiometabolic MASLD-associated complications
Sutezolid in combination with bedaquiline, delamanid, and moxifloxacin for pulmonary tuberculosis (PanACEA-SUDOCU-01) : a prospective, open-label, randomised, phase 2b dose-finding trial
No full textBackground: Linezolid is a key component globally in first-line therapy for drug-resistant tuberculosis but has considerable toxicity. New and safer alternative oxazolidinones are needed. Sutezolid is one such promising alternative. We aimed to evaluate preliminary efficacy and safety of sutezolid and to identify an optimal dose. Methods: PanACEA-SUDOCU-01 was a prospective, open-label, randomised, phase 2b dose-finding study in four tuberculosis trial sites in Tanzania and South Africa. Adults aged 18-65 years with newly diagnosed, drug-sensitive, smear-positive tuberculosis were enrolled and randomly assigned (1:1:1:1:1) by a probabilistic minimisation algorithm using a web-based interface, stratified by site, sex, and HIV status, to receive no sutezolid (U0), sutezolid 600 mg once daily (U600), sutezolid 1200 mg once daily (U1200), sutezolid 600 mg twice daily (U600BD), or sutezolid 800 mg twice daily (U800BD), all administered orally for 12 weeks followed by standard therapy for 6 months. All participants received oral bedaquiline (400 mg once daily for 14 days followed by 200 mg thrice weekly), oral delamanid (100 mg twice daily), and oral moxifloxacin (400 mg once daily). For the primary endpoint, measured in the modified intention-to-treat population, sputum samples were taken weekly to measure the change in bacterial load measured by time to positivity using the mycobacterial growth indicator tube system. Safety was assessed through weekly electrocardiography, safety blood tests, vision testing, and physical and neurological examinations. Intensive pharmacokinetic measurements were done on day 14 to determine exposure to sutezolid, bedaquiline, delamanid, and moxifloxacin. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03959566). Findings: Between May 20, 2021, and Feb 17, 2022, 186 individuals were screened for eligibility, 75 of whom were enrolled and randomly assigned to U0 (n=16), U600 (n=15), U1200 (n=14), U600BD (n=15), or U800BD (n=15). 56 (75%) participants were male and 19 (25%) were female. The final pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model showed a benefit of sutezolid, with an increase in time to positivity slope steepness of 16·7% (95% CI 0·7-35·0) at the maximum concentration typical for the 1200 mg dose, compared with no sutezolid exposure. A maximum effect of sutezolid exposure was not observed within the investigated dose range. Six (8%) participants (one in the U600 group, two in the U600BD group, one in the U800BD group, and two retrospectively identified in the U600 group) had an increase in a QT interval using Fridericia correction greater than 60 ms from baseline. Two (3%) participants in the U600BD group had grade 4 adverse events, one each of neutropenia and hepatotoxicity, but they were not deemed associated with the use of sutezolid by the investigators. No neuropathy was reported. Interpretation: Sutezolid, combined with bedaquiline, delamanid, and moxifloxacin, was shown to be efficacious and added activity to the background drug combination, although we cannot make a final dose recommendation yet. This study provides valuable information for the selection of sutezolid doses for future studies, and described no oxazolidinone class toxicities at the doses used.
Determination of inelastic mean free path for solid polymer electrolytes : PTMC:LiBOB and PCL:LiBOB
No full textX-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (PES) has been widely applied in the field of battery studies. However, the lack of knowledge regarding the inelastic mean free path (IMFP) for studied systems limits the interpretation of spectroscopic results. In this work, the IMFP of poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC), poly( epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL), and the solid polymer electrolytes consisting of lithium bis(oxalate)borate (LiBOB) together with PTMC or PCL has been determined using PES at a photoelectron kinetic energy of 8.7 keV. Additionally, the surface roughness of these films was investigated by atomic force microscopy and correlated with calculated IMFP values. Our studies reveal that the IMFP of solid polymer electrolytes is higher than that of pure polymers. The presented IMFPs provide references for future spectroscopic studies involving these materials
A safe bridge - parents' and staff's experiences of an antenatal visit introducing a home visiting program in disadvantaged areas
No full textAim To explore parents' and staff's experiences regarding a novel visit in late pregnancy, involving the midwife, child health nurse, and social services, that had been added to a postpartum extended home visiting program. Design Qualitative interview study. Methods Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were carried out with twelve parents, ten nurses, eight social workers and nine midwifes. Nine of the participating parents were foreign-born; four of them required a translator. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim and the data was analyzed with thematic network analysis. Results The experiences are summarized in the Global Theme: 'Overcoming challenges and creating a feeling of trust and care for the whole family' and derived from the Organizing Themes: 1) Fear, stigma and unclear role of social services, 2) Challenges with logistics and roles, 3) Providing/having access to information and emotional support, 4) Getting a head start on the relationship. Both parents and staff noted that the antenatal visit facilitated trust transfer from the midwife to the child health nurse and social worker. Logistics were sometimes challenging without designated coordinators. The visit helped staff identify families' specific needs and tailor the support accordingly. Getting a head start on the relationship was benefiting future home visits. Conclusions Building trust and creating a sense of security are central aspects of introducing a home visiting program and the staff who will provide it during an antenatal visit, led by a midwife. Implications for the profession and patient care A novel visit in late pregnancy, introducing the nurse and social worker who will carry out the home visits to the parents before childbirth, is an effective way of initiating a home visiting program, building trust between parents and staff. Adequate resources for logistics and administration are a prerequisite for implementing a common visit between agencies
Kvinnors upplevelser av att leva med bröstcancer : En litteraturöversikt
No full textBakgrund: Bröstcancer är en av de vanligaste formerna av cancer och står för 8700 av cancerfallen hos kvinnor i Sverige. Sjukdomsförloppet är påfrestande för kvinnan och medför en mängd olika upplevelser. Syfte: Syftet var att beskriva kvinnors upplevelser av att leva med bröstcancer. Metod: Kvalitativ litteraturöversikt med beskrivande design. Totalt inkluderades tio kvalitativa artiklar som insamlats från databaserna PubMed och CINAHL. Artiklarna kvalitetsgranskades med hjälp av granskningsmallen “Bedömning av studier med kvalitativ metodik" framtagen av Statens beredning för medicinsk och social utvärdering (SBU) och innehållet analyserades i enlighet med Popenoes analysmetod. Resultat: Resultatet delades in i de tre huvudkategorierna kommunikation, förändring och relationer som sedan delades in i sju subkategorier. En genomgående upplevelse var att det var få som var nöjda med informationen de fick vid diagnos och under behandling. Vidare beskrev flera hur sjukdomen och dess behandling påverkade deras identitet, familj, arbetskarriär och kärleksliv. Att ha bröstcancer upplevdes psykiskt påfrestande, således kände många behov av psykosocialt stöd från sin omgivning. Slutsats: Bröstcancer har stor påverkan på kvinnors liv. Sjukdomen påverkade deras syn på sig själv, relationer och vardagliga liv. Behandlingen och dess biverkningar medförde upplevd förlorad identitet och femininitet. Stöd från familj, vänner och sjukvårdspersonal ansågs vara viktigt för att hantera sjukdomen och dess konsekvenser. Att få korrekt och anpassad information uppskattades av kvinnorna. Sammanfattningsvis var alla kvinnors upplevelse av att leva med bröstcancer individuell och därav bör sjuksköterskan bedriva personcentrerad vård i största möjliga omfattning. Detta uppnås genom att vara lyhörd, stöttande och förstående.Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer and represents 8700 of cancer cases in women in Sweden. Disease progression is stressful for women and brings a variety of experiences. Aim: The aim was to explore women' s experiences of living with breast cancer. Method: Qualitative literature review with a descriptive design. In total, ten qualitative articles were included via the databases PubMed and CINAHL. The articles were then quality-checked with the review template “Bedömning av studier med kvalitativ metodik" made by “Bedömning av studier med kvalitativ metodik" and the content was then analyzed in unity with Popenoes analyzing method. Result: The result was divided into the three main categories Communication, Change and relationships and after that divided into seven sub categories. A constant experience throughout was that few of the women were satisfied with the information they received upon being diagnosed and during treatment. Many also described how the disease and the treatment affected their identity, family, work and lovelife. To have breast cancer was described as being mentally stressful, therefore many people expressed the need for psychosocial need from their surroundings. Conclusion: Breast cancer has a big impact on the life of women. The disease affected women' s self-image, relations, and everyday life. The treatment and its side effects led women to experience a loss of identity and femininity. Support from family, friends and healthcare personnel was considered important for managing the disease and its consequences. To receive correct and personalised information was appreciated by women. In conclusion, every woman's experience of breast cancer was different, therefore nurses should provide person-centered care to the fullest extent possible. This is achieved by being attentive, supportive and understanding
Svensk diskrimineringsantisemitism 1860–1945 : Kontinuitet eller diskontinuitet?
No full textIn this study I investigate whether there was state-administered discriminatory antisemitism in Swedish naturalisation applications in 1921–1945, in comparison to the preceding period, 1860–1920. The focus is on governmental decisions rather than attitudes, placing Jewish applicants alongside other minorities. I have analysed 16,000 applications – some 10 per cent from Jewish applicants – using both quantitative and qualitative methods, coding the applications by outcome, nationality, gender, religion, ethnicity, and occupation. Rejections fall into five categories: failure to meet the formal criteria; failure to meet the criteria established in practice; lack of good conduct; reasons pertaining to the collective; and no reason given. I find there was a turning point around 1922: systematic discrimination against Eastern European Jews ended, and nearly all who met the criteria were approved. The antisemitic discourse persisted, but, unlike refugee policy between 1933 and 1942, it did not significantly influence naturalisation outcomes. Approval of Jewish applications (57 per cent) lagged behind the average (73 per cent), mainly due to ‘good conduct’ rejections linked to peddling, a livelihood barred to foreigners; if such cases are excluded, Jewish approval rates rose to 92 per cent, compared to 99 per cent overall. Lessening discrimination reflected the shift after 1917 to visas and resi-dence permits as the means of immigration control; professionalised, formalised decision-making; and the disappearance of peddling as a Jewish occupation. I conclude that the antisemitic discourse was not institutionalised in the naturalisation process after 1922, refining our understanding of Swedish antisemitism in the interwar years and the Second World War