Publikationer från Uppsala Universitet
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Childhood exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and cardiometabolic indicators in childhood and adolescence : findings from a cohort study in rural Bangladesh
No full textBackground: Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) has been associated with cardiovascular diseases in adulthood, but studies examining childhood origins are scarce. Objective: To examine associations of childhood PAH exposure with cardiometabolic risk indicators in childhood and adolescence along with differences by sex. Methods: Urinary PAH metabolites [E1,2,3-hydroxyphenanthrene (E1,2,3-OH Phe), 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OH Pyr), and E2,3-hydroxyfluorene (E2,3-OH Flu)] were measured in 9-year-olds from the MINIMat cohort in Bangladesh (n = 196), using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Cardiometabolic indicators [lipids, Creactive protein (CRP), insulin resistance (HOMA2 IR), blood pressure, anthropometry, and a composite cardiometabolic risk score (CMRS)] were assessed at 9 and 15 years. Associations of PAH metabolites (log2-trans-formed) with cardiometabolic indicators were assessed using multivariable-adjusted linear and logistic regression models. Results: In all children, urinary 1-OH Pyr (median: 1.6 ng/mL) was positively associated with body mass index zscore at 9 and 15 years, and with triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein (HDL), cholesterol/HDL ratios, waist circumference, CMRS, and CRP at 15 years. After sex stratification, consistent associations were mainly observed in girls, especially with outcomes at age 15, where both urinary 1-OH Pyr and E1,2,3-OH Phe concentrations were inversely associated with HDL, and positively associated with the cholesterol/HDL ratio and CMRS. Urinary 1-OH Pyr was also positively associated with girls' triglyceride/HDL ratio, HOMA2 IR, waist circumference, and CRP. Conclusions: Our associations of childhood PAH exposure with cardiometabolic indicators in childhood and adolescence differed by sex. In girls, increased adiposity, indications of altered lipid profile and metabolic function were detected while boys seemed incongruently affected
From Cannabis to Schizophrenia: The Role of Substance-Induced Psychosis – A Systematic literary review
No full textCannabis use increases each year, according to the WHO, the global prevalence of cannabis uses 2022 was 4.41%. In Sweden the substance use among the younger population is turning away from alcohol to the illicit drugs, cannabis foremost. The cause of this is much due to the common misconception of cannabis as being a safe drug, with little to no side effects. But contrary to popular beliefs, it proven to potentially be quite harmful. Cannabis is getting more and more potent, meaning more of the active substance in cannabis, THC, will reach CNS and cause frequent fire of dopamine. An excessive amount of dopamine in the mesolimbic system may in time cause symptoms associated with psychosis, hallucinations and delusions. While the cause of schizophrenia isn’t fully understood, having psychosis, substance-induced or not, is one of the risk factors, along with genetic vulnerability. In this paper, the conversion rate from a cannabis-induced psychosis (CIP) to a schizophrenia/ schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SCZ/SSD) diagnosis was examined through a systematic literary review, where seven studies were included. The results showed that about 30-50% of those diagnosed with a CIP had their diagnosis converted to either an SCZ or SSD, with a time to conversion at 3-5 years post-CIP diagnosis. In conclusion, there is an association to have a CIP and later be diagnosed with SCZ/SSD which the studies analyzed clearly show. It is however unknown if and how much cannabis these participants have been using prior to and after receiving the CIP diagnoses. Bigger efforts must be made to inform the population, particularly the younger generations, about the possible consequences of using cannabis, especially seeing as it is to this date, impossible to screen for schizophrenia.
Prepare for takeoff : Assessing the impact of electricity price variations on electric aviation potential at Visby airport
No full textThe electrification of the transport sector is an ongoing process that is aimed to reduce the global emissions of greenhouse gases. Electric aviation is one branch that is emerging by implementation of battery electric aircrafts. Due to weight issues, electric aircrafts are smaller than traditional aircrafts which leads to an opportunity for more regional aviation. One area where this is especially interesting is the island of Gotland. Electric aircrafts also experience challenges at the airport. The aircrafts require high power to keep the charging time minimal which leads to a large strain on the grid. Therefore, it is interesting to examine how the energy system at Visby airport can be designed regarding production and storage and how different charging strategies can be implemented. Another important aspect is the cost of charging as the electricity price becomes central for electric aircrafts competitiveness. To examine how the electricity price in the future, 2030, affects the cost of operation at Visby airport with different setups for the energy system, a Simulink model of the grid was created alongside a linear prediction model for the future electricity price. The results show that a charging strategy with overnight charging gives the lowest net energy use from the overhead grid at 3,72 MWh per day. The electricity price in 2030 was predicted based on three estimation years with different characters: 2017, 2022 and 2024. The cost for the 24-hour operation is heavily dependent on charging strategy and estimation year which makes the total cost to vary from 3840 EURO at max down to 71 EURO as min. The fuel price per passenger is also dependent on charging strategy and estimation year and the results are ranging from 2,64 down to 0,57 EURO. Comparing with jet fuel, the price per passenger is 1,36 EURO. To conclude, the choice of charging strategy has a big impact on the strain on the grid and the total cost of operation. The future electricity price will also play a part in what choice of energy system at Visby airport that is suitable. Lastly, regarding ticket prices, electric aviation can be competitive depending on charging strategy and price development in the future within this context
Paramedics' attitudes toward elderly patients' self-determination in emergency assignments : a US context
No full textPurpose: With aging, the risk of requiring emergency care increases. Elderly patients who need Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are often vulnerable and dependent, especially when their decision-making ability is reduced, which may intensify the risk of important ethical values being violated. Studies about paramedics’ views on elderly people’s self-determination within EMS settings are scarce. The aim of this study was to explore the attitudes and perceptions of paramedics in a US context regarding self-determination in elderly patients who need emergency care provided by EMS. Design/methodology/approach: The study had an exploratory design, and data were collected using a Delphi technique. A panel of experts consisting of US paramedics was recruited to answer a questionnaire sent out in three rounds. The questionnaire comprised 108 items, derived from a Swedish study on the same topic, rated with a five-point Likert scale ranging from agree to disagree with a predetermined consensus level of 70%. Findings: In total 21 experts agreed to participate, 15 completed all three rounds, leaving a total response rate of 71%. Finally, 87 out of 108 items reached consensus, of which 60 were “agree” and 27 were “disagree.” Originality/value: The paramedic–patient relationship is a core in assessing and handling ethical challenges within an advanced practice influenced by the paramedics’ educational level and/or the patient’s physical/mental status. Within a “find it fix it” modus operandi, there is a need to increase paramedics’ competence in understanding and handling advanced ethical challenges in relation to ethical values such as autonomy and self-determination in elderly patients
Faculty Inclusion of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Populations in Health Curriculum
No full textBackground: LGBTQ+ people have widely described harmful experiences in healthcare settings. To address this deficit in care, previous studies have focused on improving the education of nursing and allied health students to care for LGBTQ+ people, yet few evaluate faculty preparedness. Aim: This study aimed to assess faculty's LGBTQ+-related health knowledge, self-efficacy, and inclusion related to curriculum. Methods: A Qualtrics survey was developed to assess faculty's knowledge, self-efficacy, and inclusion of LGBTQ+ curriculum at a university in the United States between March 4 and April 13, 2022. Paired t-tests and correlation matrices were used to evaluate constructs. Results: Among 38 participants, LGB health content knowledge was greater than T+ knowledge. LGBTQ+ self-efficacy and inclusion were moderate, with no difference between subscales. LGBTQ+ health self-efficacy and inclusion were positively correlated. Conclusions: These findings highlight gaps in faculty knowledge and inclusion of health content, particularly related to T+ health. This study's findings form a foundation for continued efforts to improve nursing and other allied health faculty's preparedness to educate students to provide inclusive and affirming care to LGBTQ+ patients
Astrocytic lipid droplets contain MHCII and may act as cogs in the antigen presentation machinery
No full textLipid droplets (LDs) are crucial for energy homeostasis, but are also involved in a wide spectrum of other cellular processes. Accumulating data identifies LDs as an important player in inflammation. However, the underlying mechanisms and the impact of LDs on neuroinflammation remain unclear. Here, we describe a novel function of LDs in human astrocytes, in the context of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although, the overall lipid profile was unchanged in astrocytes with AD pathology, our data show a clear effect on LD metabolism and specific fatty acids involved in neuroinflammation. Importantly, we found astrocytes to be in close contact with infiltrating CD4 + T cells in the AD brain. Moreover, PLIN3 + LDs in astrocytes co-localize with major histocompatibility complex II (MHCII), indicating a role of LDs in adaptive immunity. Comprehensive analysis of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived astrocytes revealed that MHCII is in fact loaded within PLIN3 + LDs and forwarded to neighboring cells via tunneling nanotubes and secretion. Notably, the MHCII molecules are cleaved into its active form prior to packing, indicating an alternative route of MHCII shuttling through LDs, transporting functional immune complexes between cells. Quantification of PLIN3 + LDs in astrocytic cultures, human brain tissue and cerebral organoids indicates that AD pathology initially stimulates PLIN3 + LD formation, but in the long-run results in PLIN3 + LD consumption, which may have consequences on the astrocytes' MHCII distribution capacity. Taken together, our findings present a novel function of PLIN3 + LDs that can be of relevance for AD and other inflammatory conditions
"Soft Girl Lifestyle" på TikTok : En diskursanalys av femininitet och könsnormer
No full textThis study explores the representation of the "Soft Girl Lifestyle" trend on TikTok, focusing on discourses around femininity and gender roles. Using critical discourse analysis (CDA) and Fairclough’s three-dimensional model, the study examines how linguistic and visual elements in TikTok videos construct and negotiate ideals of femininity. The theoretical framework incorporates Judith Butler’s concept of performativity, Erving Goffman’s dramaturgical analysis, and Arlie Hochschild’s theory of emotional labor to analyze how gender norms are expressed and reinforced within the trend. The analysis reveals that the Soft Girl trend represents femininity as an aesthetic and emotional ideal, emphasizing harmony, self-care, and gratitude. While some creators highlight autonomy and emotional well-being, others focus on traditional gender ideals, framing women as emotional caregivers and men as providers. This duality illustrates how the trend both reinforces and challenges established gender norms. Moreover, the trend’s emphasis on consumption and aesthetics reflects broader capitalist structures, while paradoxically critiquing the pressures of a performance-driven society. The study identifies the potential of the Soft Girl trend to provide a platform for self-expression and redefinition of femininity. However, it also highlights risks associated with reproducing traditional gender expectations, particularly through the invisible demands of emotional labor. By examining how femininity and gender roles are constructed and negotiated in a digital context, the study contributes to understanding contemporary discourses on gender and identity within social media environments
BioStruct-Africa’s capacity building workshops as a model for advancing the emerging community of structural biologists in Africa
No full textStructural biology is crucial in understanding disease mechanisms and in driving drug and vaccine development—applications that are particularly relevant to Africa’s challenges—yet Africa faces significant barriers to advancing structural biology. Here, the authors outline a recent capacity building workshop run by BioStruct-Africa, focused on training of artificial intelligence tools such as AlphaFold, designed to foster a highly skilled community of structural biologists in Africa
Biblical Hebrew Verbs, Poetry and Clause Combining : Exploring the Dynamics of Gram-Switching in the Psalms
No full textThis dissertation investigates switches in verbal grams between the Biblical Hebrew (BH) suffix- and prefix-conjugation in the book of Psalms. The study of the BH verbal system has a long history, but since most studies pre-date modern findings within the fields of language typology and comparative Semitic studies, a survey is first made of the inventory of the BH verbal grams and their development. Support is found for the three distinct inherited finite grams Vsuff, VprefS (short) and VprefL (long), as well as the contingent grams waC-Vpref and we-Vsuff. There is clearly an aspectual opposition between perfective Vsuff and imperfective Vpref, but since the TAM-categories are non-discrete and interwoven, verbal grams are better described in terms of TAM-ranges, rather than as having a ‘basic’ semantic meaning. Clause combining is more than the sum of combined clauses and so the semantics of clause combining is considered from a typological perspective. It is found that syntactic representation as dependent or independent is largely a choice of rhetorical presentation, not one of semantic necessity. The switching of verbal grams is found to effect dependency linking in BH, both on a clause level and on the discourse level of grounding. Both VprefL and Vsuff serve as digressions from the mainline. The concept of ‘parallelism’ and the use of diverse discourse types are distinguishing features of poetry, yet the notion of text-progression through a mainline with digressions holds across both prose and poetry. These digressions can be seen as clause dependency linking, referred to as hypotactic clause combining (HCC). Most commonly Vpref is seen to provide non-mainline circumstantial information to a Vsuff mainline. Switches between Vpref and Vsuff in corresponding ‘synonymous’ lines of poetry are shown to have a close resemblance to circumstantial clause combining, with both types having in common a single event communicated with two clauses
High school students´ awareness of and attitude towards the BScPharm and MScPharm.
No full textBachelor of Science Programme in Pharmacy (BScPharm) and Master of Science Programme in Pharmacy (MScPharm) educate society's pharmaceutical drug experts. These programs prepare students to become knowledgeable in pharmaceutical sciences and pharmacy practice, making them essential resources for managing and optimizing the use of medications in society. Job duties can vary from providing individual drug advice to developing new pharmaceuticals. The job market is broad and includes positions in a pharmacy, healthcare, and the pharmaceutical industry. Despite a good job market, the number of applicants to the programs mentioned above has decreased at all Swedish universities. The purpose of this study was to investigate high school students' knowledge of and attitudes towards the BScPharm and MScPharm programs. What do high school students know about these professions? How do students access or seek information about tertiary education? What factors influence the choice of post-secondary education? Focus groups were used to obtain information about high school students' thoughts on the professions, factors influencing educational choices, and information seeking behavior for further education. Audio recordings from the focus groups were transcribed and a thematic analysis was conducted. The high school students demonstrated little to low knowledge about the professions and educational programs. Personal interest emerged as the most important factor influencing the choice of further education. Information about various educations is mainly obtained from family, relatives and friends, as well as from fairs and study visits. Efforts to increase the dissemination of information about these professions are necessary. Universities can use fairs and conduct visits to upper secondary schools to engage in dialogue, enable a forum for questions and raise awareness about these professions