A Bispecific, Tetravalent Antibody Targeting Inflammatory and Pruritogenic Pathways in Atopic Dermatitis

Inhibition of IL-4/IL-13 signaling has dramatically improved the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD). However, in many patients, clinical responses are slow to develop and remain modest. Indeed, some symptoms of AD are dependent on IL-31, which is only partially reduced by IL-4/IL-13 inhibition. Thus, there is an unmet need for AD treatments that concomitantly block IL-4/IL-13 and IL-31 pathways. We engineered NM26-2198, a bispecific tetravalent antibody designed to accomplish this task. In reporter cell lines, NM26-2198 concomitantly inhibited IL-4/IL-13 and IL-31 signaling with a potency comparable with that of the combination of an anti-IL-4Rα antibody (dupilumab) and an anti-IL-31 antibody (BMS-981164). In human PBMCs, NM26-2198 inhibited IL-4-induced upregulation of CD23, demonstrating functional binding to FcγRII (CD32). NM26-2198 also inhibited the secretion of the AD biomarker thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) in blood samples from healthy human donors. In male cynomolgus monkeys, NM26-2198 exhibited favorable pharmacokinetics and significantly inhibited IL-31-induced scratching at a dose of 30 mg/kg. In a repeat-dose, good laboratory practice toxicology study in cynomolgus monkeys, no adverse effects of NM26-2198 were observed at a weekly dose of 125 mg/kg. Together, these results justify the clinical investigation of NM26-2198 as a treatment for moderate-to-severe AD.

The use and application of intensive care unit diaries: An instrumental multiple case study

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The study aim was to explore the use of an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) diary within four different ICUs units in Sweden and thereby contribute to practice guidelines regarding the structure, content and use of an ICU diary.

BACKGROUND

ICU diaries are used to aid psychological recovery among critical care patients, but differences remain in diary writing both within and across countries. Few studies have focused on the combined views and experiences of ICU patients, family members and nursing staff about the use of ICU diaries.

DESIGN

An instrumental multiple case study design was employed.

METHODS

Three focus groups interviews were carried out with 8 former patients and their family members (n = 5) from the research settings. Individual interviews were carried out with 2 patients, a family member and a nurse respectively. Observations, field notes, documentary analysis and conversations with nursing staff were also conducted. Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) was followed.

RESULTS

The qualitative findings firstly consisted of a matrix and descriptive text of the four ICU contexts and current practices. This highlighted that there were similarities regarding the aims and objectives of the diaries. However, differences existed across the case study sites about how the ICU diary was developed and implemented. Namely, the use of photographs and when to commence a diary. Second, a thematic analysis of the qualitative data regarding patients' and family members' use of the ICU diary, resulted in four themes: i) the diary was used to take in and fully understand the situation; ii) the diary was an opportunity to assimilate warm, personalised and human care; iii) the diary was used to manage existential issues; and iv) the diary was a tool in daily activities.

CONCLUSIONS

Analysis of the instrumental case study data led to the identification of core areas for inclusion in ICU diary practice guidelines.

The impact of age on endothelial dysfunction measured by peripheral arterial tonometry in a healthy population-based cohort - the Malmö offspring study

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The reactive hyperaemia index (RHI) assesses endothelial function, with a proposed cut-off of <1.67 for prevalent endothelial dysfunction (ED). However, uncertainties remain about whether this cut-off is age-dependent and applicable in healthy individuals. We aimed to explore ED in relation to age within a large population-based cohort of young to middle-aged, healthy individuals.

METHODS

Within the Malmö Offspring Study, a total of 1812 subjects (50.9% women, mean age 48 ± 11 years) were included. Post-occlusion/pre-occlusion ratio of the pulsatile signal amplitudes in the non-dominant upper arm was used to calculate RHI by EndoPat®. ED was defined as RHI < 1.67. Multivariable regression models were used to explore associations between ED and age.

RESULTS

Prevalent ED was found in 534 (29.5%) participants. In subjects aged ≤30 years, ED was present in 47.4% compared to 27.6% in subjects ≥30 years (p < 0.001). In multivariable logistic regression analyses, ED was associated with younger age (p < 0.001), higher BMI (p < 0.001) and current smoking (p < 0.001). No sex differences were observed.

CONCLUSION

In a large healthy population, RHI < 1.67, an early marker of endothelial dysfunction, was more prevalent in younger individuals, implying that RHI might not be a suitable measure of endothelial function in individuals under 30 years of age. Our findings suggest that low RHI in young, healthy individuals may not necessarily indicate true ED but rather an artefact of the limited ability of young and healthy arteries to dilate post-occlusion. Therefore, the term "pseudo-ED" may be applicable to young individuals with low RHI values.

Safety culture development in the construction industry: The case of a safety park in Sweden

The problem of occupational accidents in the construction industry has necessitated a focus on proactive measures such as safety management programs. An example of this is safety parks, i.e. facilities where employees and managers from different construction companies can participate in site-specific activities and train in safety-related matters in a realistic context. Two specific focus areas are often present within these types of safety management programs: hands-on safety training and safety culture development as being within the purview of management. The purpose of this article is to investigate the developers' intentions with the park in relation to safety culture development. Twenty interviews were conducted with experts in the area of health and safety. Results indicate that the safety park can contribute as a mirror for the companies own operations, with new information and knowledge of how work can be performed with safety being prioritized, to developing communication regarding safety-related matters, and finally the stations at the park may initiate a translation process as to how the lessons learned at the park can be applied to the participants' own workplaces. All in all, the activities at the park can be said to be normative in nature, i.e. the developers seemingly have a desire to steer the safety culture development in a certain direction. There is a need for further research focusing on the concept of safety culture in these types of programs and, more broadly, in relation to its intended industry-wide effects.

An engineered T-cell engager with selectivity for high mesothelin-expressing cells and activity in the presence of soluble mesothelin

Mesothelin (MSLN) is an attractive immuno-oncology target, but the development of MSLN-targeting therapies has been impeded by tumor shedding of soluble MSLN (sMSLN), on-target off-tumor activity, and an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. We sought to engineer an antibody-based, MSLN-targeted T-cell engager (αMSLN/αCD3) with enhanced ability to discriminate high MSLN-expressing tumors from normal tissue, and activity in the presence of sMSLN. We also studied the in vivo antitumor efficacy of this molecule (NM28-2746) alone and in combination with the multifunctional checkpoint inhibitor/T-cell co-activator NM21-1480 (αPD-L1/α4-1BB). Cytotoxicity and T-cell activation induced by NM28-2746 were studied in co-cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and cell lines exhibiting different levels of MSLN expression, including in the presence of soluble MSLN. Xenotransplant models of human pancreatic cancer were used to study the inhibition of tumor growth and stimulation of T-cell infiltration into tumors induced by NM28-2746 alone and in combination with NM21-1480. The bivalent αMSLN T-cell engager NM28-2746 potently induced T-cell activation and T-cell mediated cytotoxicity of high MSLN-expressing cells but had much lower potency against low MSLN-expressing cells. A monovalent counterpart of NM28-2746 had much lower ability to discriminate high MSLN-expressing from low MSLN-expressing cells. The bivalent molecule retained this discriminant ability in the presence of high concentrations of sMSLN. In xenograft models, NM28-2746 exhibited significant tumor suppressing activity, which was significantly enhanced by combination therapy with NM21-1480. NM28-2746, alone or in combination with NM21-1480, may overcome shortcomings of previous MSLN-targeted immuno-oncology drugs, exhibiting enhanced discrimination of high MSLN-expressing cell activity in the presence of sMSLN.

Children's independent mobility during dark hours: a scoping review

Introduction

Independent mobility is every child's right and has implications for their health, wellbeing, and development. This scoping review addresses children's needs and experiences of light conditions in their everyday outdoor life. The review examines peer-reviewed scientific literature that analyses associations between different light conditions and children's independent mobility (CIM) during dark hours.

Methods

By formulating a Boolean search string, including terms related to children independent mobility, light and outdoor environment, five scientific databases were searched. The search resulted in 67 eligible papers that were analyzed through an inductive, thematic analysis.

Results

Four overarching themes representing the researched topics of the effects of light conditions with importance for CIM during dark hours were identified: (1) physical activity (PA) and active travel, (2) outdoor activities and place use, (3) safety perception, and (4) outdoor risks. The findings highlight that darkness constitutes a major obstacle for CIM, and that fear of darkness is common among children. It restricts the degree of CIM and influences children's safety perception as well as how they navigate through public places outdoors. The findings show that the type and design of outdoor settings during dark hours and children's familiarity with places during daytime could play a role in the degree of CIM after dark. The presence of outdoor lighting is related to children's increased PA and active travel, and outdoor lighting seems to also influence children's place use and interaction with the environment. The presence and extent of outdoor lighting and lighting quality may play a role in children's safety perception, which in turn can influence CIM.

Discussion

The findings suggest that promoting CIM during dark hours might not only contribute to the accumulation of children's PA, confidence, and skills, but also support mental health. The understanding of children's perspectives on the quality of outdoor lighting needs to be deepened to support CIM. Highlighting the child perspective would aid the development of current recommendations for outdoor lighting and the implementation of the Agenda 2030 of ensuring healthy lives and promoting wellbeing for all at all ages, and making cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable throughout the day and seasons.

The importance of structural, situational, and psychological factors for involving hunters in the adaptive flyway management of geese

Adaptive flyway management of superabundant geese is emerging as a strategy to reduce damage to agricultural crops and other ecosystem disservices, while also ensuring sustainable use and conservation objectives. Given the calls for intensified hunting as part of flyway management in Europe, we need to increase the understanding of structural, situational, and psychological factors important for goose hunting among hunters. Our survey data, retrieved in southern Sweden, showed a higher potential to intensify hunting among goose hunters than other hunters. In response to hypothetical policy instruments (including regulations, collaborative, and others), hunters declared a minor increase in their intention to hunt geese, with the greatest expected increase among goose hunters should the hunting season be extended. Situational factors (e.g., access to hunting grounds) were associated with goose hunting (frequency, bag size, and intention to increase hunting). In addition, controlled motivation (derived from external pressures or to avoid guilt) and more importantly autonomous motivation (due to hunting being enjoyable or valuable) were along with goose hunter identity positively associated with goose hunting. Hunters' involvement in flyway management may be encouraged by using policy instruments to remove situational barriers and facilitate their autonomous motivation.

Dietary fatty acids and endometrial cancer risk within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition

BACKGROUND

Diet may impact important risk factors for endometrial cancer such as obesity and inflammation. However, evidence on the role of specific dietary factors is limited. We investigated associations between dietary fatty acids and endometrial cancer risk in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC).

METHODS

This analysis includes 1,886 incident endometrial cancer cases and 297,432 non-cases. All participants were followed up for a mean of 8.8 years. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of endometrial cancer across quintiles of individual fatty acids estimated from various food sources quantified through food frequency questionnaires in the entire EPIC cohort. The false discovery rate (q-values) was computed to control for multiple comparisons.

RESULTS

Consumption of n-6 γ-linolenic acid was inversely associated with endometrial cancer risk (HR comparing 5th with 1st quintileQ5-Q1=0.77, 95% CI = 0.64; 0.92, ptrend=0.01, q-value = 0.15). This association was mainly driven by γ-linolenic acid derived from plant sources (HRper unit increment=0.94, 95%CI= (0.90;0.98), p = 0.01) but not from animal sources (HRper unit increment= 1.00, 95%CI = (0.92; 1.07), p = 0.92). In addition, an inverse association was found between consumption of n-3 α-linolenic acid from vegetable sources and endometrial cancer risk (HRper unit increment= 0.93, 95%CI = (0.87; 0.99), p = 0.04). No significant association was found between any other fatty acids (individual or grouped) and endometrial cancer risk.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that higher consumption of γ-linolenic acid and α-linoleic acid from plant sources may be associated with lower risk of endometrial cancer.

Understanding and overcoming obstacles in adaptive management

Adaptive management (AM) is widely promoted to improve management of natural resources, yet its implementation is challenging. We show that obstacles to the implementation of AM are related not only to the AM process per se but also to external factors such as ecosystem properties and governance systems. To overcome obstacles, there is a need to build capacities within the AM process by ensuring adequate resources, management tools, collaboration, and learning. Additionally, building capacities in the legal and institutional frames can enable the necessary flexibility in the governance system. Furthermore, in systems experiencing profound changes in wildlife populations, building such capacities may be even more critical as more flexibility will be needed to cope with increased uncertainty and changed environmental conditions.

Exploring safety culture research in the construction industry

BACKGROUND

Despite numerous regulatory initiatives to improve health and safety in the construction industry, it still ranks as one of the most accident-prone industries worldwide. A dedicated focus on safety culture has been suggested as a complement to laws, regulations and management systems.

OBJECTIVE

This article explores safety culture research conducted in the construction industry, with the aim to provide insight into the specific themes that tend to be in focus as well as what theoretical and methodological approaches that tend to be favored.

METHODS

Searches in scientific databases were conducted twice. In a first attempt, searches resulted in 54 hits but only two articles fit the scope of the study. A revision of the search phrase resulted in 124 hits. Ultimately, 17 articles fit the scope of the study and were included. The content of the articles was analyzed and sorted thematically.

RESULTS

The results show that four themes are prevalent in the existing literature: 1) unique challenges entail a need for situated applications, 2) models developed to operationalize safety culture, 3) measuring safety culture, and 4) safety management and leadership as key factors.

CONCLUSION

Although research focusing on the construction industry has come to favor certain study designs and definitions of safety culture, further research may be enriched by broadening the theoretical and methodological perspectives. Specifically, researchers should conduct more in-depth qualitative studies that take the complexity of the industry into account, including the interpersonal relations between the actors involved.

A goal-framing perspective on the important aspects of energy-efficient multifamily buildings

The growth of Sweden’s urban population necessitates new approaches for increasing the sustainability and energy efficiency of multifamily buildings. The development of such approaches will require a holistic and integrated understanding of the factors driving the decision making of both professionals who design buildings and end-users who live in them. This paper, therefore, uses the goal framing theory to determine which aspects of multifamily buildings are considered important by these two groups of actors. An empirical study based on semi-structured interviews with professionals involved in building design and development (project developers, housing company representatives, architects, and engineers; N = 15) was conducted to identify goals affecting the choices made during building design and development. In parallel, a questionnaire survey of building end-users (N = 61) was conducted to determine which factors guided their choice of dwelling. It was found that professionals’ design choices were primarily governed by normative goals relating to environmental benefits but were also influenced by the other goals. These included gain goals relating to budgetary constraints and keeping the building’s operational and maintenance costs low. Hedonic goals were also important; some design choices were made with the aim of providing pleasant, comfortable, and convenient living environments, or of giving the buildings a distinct aesthetic or some other special features. By comparing the professionals’ responses to the end-user surveys, it was found that the two groups had similar views concerning gain goals; both considered it important for apartments to be affordable and easy to maintain. However, their views on hedonic and normative goals differed markedly. The professionals sought to strike an optimal balance between different related aspects, whereas end-users placed greater importance on aspects relating to hedonic and gain goals when choosing dwellings. The findings provide a basis for constructive discussions on building design and development, and the scope for creating buildings that encourage end-users to adopt sustainable living practices while also satisfying their needs and preferences.

Engineering of a trispecific tumor-targeted immunotherapy incorporating 4-1BB co-stimulation and PD-L1 blockade

Co-stimulatory 4-1BB receptors on tumor-infiltrating T cells are a compelling target for overcoming resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors, but initial clinical studies of 4-1BB agonist mAbs were accompanied by liver toxicity. We sought to engineer a tri-specific antibody-based molecule that stimulates intratumoral 4-1BB and blocks PD-L1/PD-1 signaling without systemic toxicity and with clinically favorable pharmacokinetics. Recombinant fusion proteins were constructed using scMATCH3 technology and humanized antibody single-chain variable fragments against PD-L1, 4-1BB, and human serum albumin. Paratope affinities were optimized using single amino acid substitutions, leading to design of the drug candidate NM21-1480. Multiple in vitro experiments evaluated pharmacodynamic properties of NM21-1480, and syngeneic mouse tumor models assessed antitumor efficacy and safety of murine analogues. A GLP multiple-dose toxicology study evaluated its safety in non-human primates. NM21-1480 inhibited PD-L1/PD-1 signaling with a potency similar to avelumab, and it potently stimulated 4-1BB signaling only in the presence of PD-L1, while exhibiting an EC₅₀ that was largely independent of PD-L1 density. NM21-1480 exhibited high efficacy for co-activation of pre-stimulated T cells and dendritic cells. In xenograft models in syngeneic mice, NM21-1480 induced tumor regression and tumor infiltration of T cells without causing systemic T-cell activation. A GLP toxicology study revealed no evidence of liver toxicity at doses up to 140 mg/kg, and pharmacokinetic studies in non-human primates suggested a plasma half-life in humans of up to 2 weeks. NM21-1480 has the potential to overcome checkpoint resistance by co-activating tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes without liver toxicity.

Abstract 2871: NM28-2746, a reduced affinity bivalent mesothelin-binding MATCH4 T cell engager, with half-life extension, increases selectivity for killing of mesothelin-overexpressing cells

CD3-based T cell engagers are highly potent therapeutic molecules which enable T cell-mediated cytotoxic activity toward cells expressing selected tumor-associated antigens. Alongside a highly potent anti-tumor activity, is the risk of on-target off-tumor side effects due to low levels of expression of the target antigen in normal tissue. We have sought to overcome this issue with the design and generation of a target-density-dependent activation mechanism. We have generated reduced-affinity antibody fragments to the tumor associated antigen mesothelin and constructed a multi-domain MATCH4 molecule encompassing bivalent mesothelin binding domains, a CD3 binding domain, and a human serum albumin (HSA)-binding domain for half-life extension. Here we report the design of the MATCH4 molecule and the preclinical activity of the molecule in vitro and in vivo. We also report the biochemical characteristics of the therapeutic candidate molecule showing its highly favorable properties for clinical development. We demonstrate that the bivalent mesothelin T cell engager has increased in vitro potency in T cell activation and tumor cell killing in the presence of high mesothelin expressing cells, when compared to a higher-affinity monovalent counterpart. We also demonstrate that the activity on low mesothelin expressing cells, such as healthy mesothelial cells, is reduced for the bivalent molecule compared to the higher affinity monovalent molecule. Due to the shedding of mesothelin from the surface of cancer cells and the high circulating levels of soluble mesothelin in patient sera, we also demonstrate that the bivalent molecule is still highly potent in cytotoxic activity in the presence of concentrations of soluble mesothelin up to 500 ng/ml. We also demonstrate dose dependent anti-tumor activity in in vivo efficacy studies in PBMC-reconstituted mice, and combination therapeutic activity with an anti-PD-L1, anti-4-1BB bispecific molecule (NM21-1480). Collectively, these data demonstrate an increased selectivity to mesothelin-overexpressing cells by this novel MATCH4 reduced affinity bivalent T cell engager. These data indicate the potential of this molecule to increase the therapeutic window by reducing safety concerns on normal tissue where mesothelin expression is low, and yet promote cytotoxicity on mesothelin over-expressing cancer cells.

Citation Format: Bithi Chatterjee, Christian Hess, Daniel Snell, Tea Gunde, Stefan Warmuth, Alexandre Simonin, Matthias Brock, Fabio Spiga, Maria Johansson, Christopher Weinert, Julia Tietz, Niels Kirk, Nicole Bassler, Dana Mahler, Dania Diem, Alessandra Carrella, Noreen Giezendanner, Alessandra Alberti, Giorgio Gambino, Belinda Wickihalder, Bettina Bommer, Simone Muntwiler, Yasemin Yaman, Naomi Flueckiger, Robin Heiz, Sandro Wagen, David Urech. NM28-2746, a reduced affinity bivalent mesothelin-binding MATCH4 T cell engager, with half-life extension, increases selectivity for killing of mesothelin-overexpressing cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 2871.

Abstract 2870: Dose selection investigations and combination strategies of NM21-1480, a PD-L1/4-1BB/HSA trispecific MATCH3 therapeutic clinical candidate

Antagonistic molecules targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis have shown excellent activity in the clinic. However, the majority of patients do not respond to the therapy due to multifaceted reasons implicating a non-effective activation of the immune system in those patients. The co-stimulatory molecule 4-1BB has been shown to be a key signalling component of T cells and the combination of 4-1BB activation and PD-1/PD-L1 antagonism has been shown to be highly active in preclinical models. Systemic application of first-generation anti-4-1BB antibodies however have resulted in dose limiting hepatic toxicities. We have generated and are currently clinically investigating a novel 4-1BB/PD-L1/HSA trispecific MATCH3 immunomodulatory drug candidate (NM21-1480) that agonizes 4-1BB conditionally upon PD-L1 binding and concomitantly blocks the interaction between PD-1 and PD-L1. Here we investigate the impact of dose dependency in vitro and the translation of this to in vivo studies to aid the selection of optimal doses for our ongoing clinical study of NM21-1480 in cancer patients. In human PD-L1 tumor bearing mice, triple knock-in for human PD-1, human PD-L1 and human 4-1BB, we have investigated the impact of dose titrations of NM21-1480. We observe a dose dependent effect of NM21-1480 on tumor growth, systemic exposure, tumor exposure and pharmacodynamic biomarkers of immune cell activation. We also demonstrate the formation of a memory response in treated mice through rechallenge of the mice with tumor. We also investigate the effect of combination therapy of NM21-1480 with immune-oncology targeted therapeutics both in vitro and in vivo. In particular, we demonstrate that the combination of NM21-1480 with anti-CD3 T cell engagers is highly effective in T cell activation and tumor control. These data highlight the potential of NM21-1480 for the treatment of cancer patients and enable greater understanding of the relationship between dose, tumor exposure, immune activation and tumor growth inhibition.

Citation Format: Daniel Snell, Tea Gunde, Stefan Warmuth, Peter Lichtlen, Linlin Liu, Shu-wen Teng, Lan Zhang, ChaoHsuan Pan, Peiqi Li, Julia Tietz, Matthias Brock, Alexandre Simonim, Christian Hess, Christopher Weinert, Maria Johansson, Bithi Chatterjeee, Nicole Bassler, Niels Kirk, Catia Mendes, Robin Heiz, Naomi Flueckiger, Dania Diem, Dana Mahler, Belinda Wickihalder, Simone Muntwiler, Sandro Wagen, Elmar vom Baur, Archie N. Tse, David Urech. Dose selection investigations and combination strategies of NM21-1480, a PD-L1/4-1BB/HSA trispecific MATCH3 therapeutic clinical candidate [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 2870.

Merging Directed C-H Activations with High-Throughput Experimentation: Development of Iridium-Catalyzed C-H Aminations Applicable to Late-Stage Functionalization

Herein, we report an iridium-catalyzed directed C-H amination methodology developed using a high-throughput experimentation (HTE)-based strategy, applicable for the needs of automated modern drug discovery. The informer library approach for investigating the accessible directing group chemical space, in combination with functional group tolerance screening and substrate scope investigations, allowed for the generation of reaction application guidelines to aid future users. Applicability to late-stage functionalization of complex drugs and natural products, in combination with multiple deprotection protocols leading to the desirable aniline matched pairs, serve to demonstrate the utility of the method for drug discovery. Finally, reaction miniaturization to a nanomolar range highlights the opportunities for more sustainable screening with decreased material consumption.

“Landscape of Stress” for Sheep Owners in the Swedish Wolf Region

Farmers who keep livestock in large carnivore areas are exposed to threat of predation directly impacting on finances and workload as well as the associated psychological stress indirectly impacting on farmers well-being. So far, little is known about such stress responses. The concept of “stress” or “stress reaction” is often used as an undifferentiated umbrella concept for the experience of negative emotional episodes. However, the stress reactions could be divided into cognitive, physiological, and behavioural aspects. This study aimed to develop and apply a theory-based approach to identify stress responses among sheep farmers in the Swedish “wolf-region.” A thematic analysis of interviews conducted with sheep farmers showed ample support for stress responses among the informants in relation to large carnivores and their management, although the interviews were conducted with a different focal topic. The findings support the idea that stress responses could be categorised into cognitive, physiological, and behavioural aspects. This distinction would help to identify and fully understand the cumulative impact of stress from the presence of large carnivores on farmers’ well-being.

Feeding Problems Including Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder in Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder in a Multiethnic Population

We examined feeding problems, including Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), in preschool children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Data were collected from a prospective longitudinal study of 46 children with ASD in a multiethnic, low resource area in Gothenburg, Sweden. Feeding problems were found in 76% of the children with ASD, and in 28%, the criteria for ARFID were met. The study highlights early onset age, the heterogeneity of feeding problems, and the need for multidisciplinary assessments in ASD as well as in feeding problems, and also the need for further elaboration of feeding disorder classifications in children.

An off-target scale limits the utility of Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (SWEMWBS) as a measure of well-being in public health surveys

OBJECTIVES

To assess the utility and measurement properties for the well-being scale Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (SWEMWBS) in a Swedish general population survey.

STUDY DESIGN

A cross-sectional survey study.

METHODS

Data were retrieved from the 2018 public health survey in Stockholm County, containing a random sample of 22 856 persons stratified to be representative for the municipalities and districts within the region. The data were analyzed according to Rasch Measurement Theory.

RESULTS

Person attribute values are positively skewed (mean 2.32, SD 1.85), with wide gaps in the item threshold attribute values. Overall item fit statistics were acceptable, and person measurement separation reliability was 0.83, indicating three statistically distinct ranges in the estimated well-being values.

CONCLUSION

While the SWEMWBS items indicated acceptable fit to the Rasch measurement model, targeting of items to sample is skewed toward lower levels of well-being, and there is a ceiling effect. Thus, we suggest a careful reconsideration of SWEMWBS as a tool for use in general public health surveys, especially for assessing change over time and group differences, as there are large measurement uncertainties for the majority of cases when the population as a whole is sampled. We encourage revisions applying a coherent and comprehensive ordinal construct theory for well-being to fill the gaps in the upper end of the SWEMWBS scales' item thresholds. The addition of more challenging items would improve targeting for population-based surveys, increase reliability, and provide more actionable information that could be useful in improving individuals' well-being.

Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 Infections during Differentiation of Human Cortical Neurons

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and 2 (HSV-2) can infect the central nervous system (CNS) with dire consequences; in children and adults, HSV-1 may cause focal encephalitis, while HSV-2 causes meningitis. In neonates, both viruses can cause severe, disseminated CNS infections with high mortality rates. Here, we differentiated human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) towards cortical neurons for infection with clinical CNS strains of HSV-1 or HSV-2. Progenies from both viruses were produced at equal quantities in iPSCs, neuroprogenitors and cortical neurons. HSV-1 and HSV-2 decreased viability of neuroprogenitors by 36.0% and 57.6% (p < 0.0001), respectively, 48 h post-infection, while cortical neurons were resilient to infection by both viruses. However, in these functional neurons, both HSV-1 and HSV-2 decreased gene expression of two markers of synaptic activity, CAMK2B and ARC, and affected synaptic activity negatively in multielectrode array experiments. However, unaltered secretion levels of the neurodegeneration markers tau and NfL suggested intact axonal integrity. Viral replication of both viruses was found after six days, coinciding with 6-fold and 22-fold increase in gene expression of cellular RNA polymerase II by HSV-1 and HSV-2, respectively. Our results suggest a resilience of human cortical neurons relative to the replication of HSV-1 and HSV-2.

Control computerized tomography in neoadjuvant chemotherapy for muscle invasive urinary bladder cancer, has no value for treatment decisions and low correlation with nodal status

BACKGROUND

Control computerized tomography (cCT) is routinely used in many cystectomy centres before the final treatment cycle in patients with muscle-invasive urinary bladder cancer (MIBC) undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). This is for evaluating response or nonresponse to NAC treatment. In a real-world retrospective cohort, we intended to evaluate the frequency of changed individual treatment strategies following cCT and to investigate any discrepancies between cCT-results on nodal staging and final pN-stages.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective data-based, multicenter study of 242 MIBC-patients, staged cT2N0M0-cT4aN0M0, having undergone NAC and radical cystectomy (RC) between 2008 and 2019 at four Swedish cystectomy centres. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS statistics 26.

RESULTS

Overall, 139/242 patients were examined with cCT. Six patients were staged as progressive at cCT and 5/139 (3.6%) underwent a change of previously planned treatment strategy. 2/6 patients with suspected progression (33%) did not change strategy and underwent all preplanned NAC-cycles plus RC. Only 1/6 patients assigned as progressive at the cCT, showed progression in the postoperative pathology specimen. In total 133/139 patients were considered being without progress on cCT, yet 28/133 (21%) presented with nodal progression at postoperative pathology examinations. Only 1/29 patients with histopathologically verified nodal dissemination were detected with cCT, thus 28/29 (96.6%) with pN + were undetected. The sensitivity for cCT to predict pTNM was 17% CI [0%-64%] and the specificity was 78% CI [71%-86%].

CONCLUSIONS

CCT prior to the final treatment cycle of NAC in MIBC, leads to a low percentage of treatment strategy changes and cCT cannot accurately predict pN-status.

Ambivalence among staff regarding ageing with intellectual disabilities: Experiences and reflections

This study explores the experiences and reflections of staff in intellectual disability (ID) services concerning ageing with ID. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 24 staff members in group homes and daily activity centres. The findings showed that the staff were uncertain about the signs of ageing in people with intellectual disabilities; they compared the life conditions of these people with conditions in older people without intellectual disabilities. Their emphasis on an active lifestyle was very strong. The staff members also mentioned uncertainty about how to facilitate assistive devices and whether 'ageing in place' was the best solution. The overall theme was manifested as ambivalence where notions of older people with intellectual disabilities seemed incompatible with notions of old age in general and could be explained by the theoretical concept of age coding. The findings of this study indicate the need to provide education about ageing to staff working in ID services.

Association of incident fragility fractures in patients hospitalised due to unexplained syncope and orthostatic hypotension

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): The study was funded by The Swedish Heart-Lung Foundation, The Greta and Johan Kock Foundation, and an Agreement for Medical Education and Research (ALF) grant by Swedish Research Council funding for clinical research in medicine.

Background

Fragility fractures are caused by low-energy insults such as falls from standing height or less and pose a growing health challenge as their incidence rises with increasing age. Impaired orthostatic blood pressure response and a number of cardiovascular biomarkers have been previously identified as risk factors for fractures. It is likely that severe episodes of syncope and orthostatic hypotension increase the risk of subsequent fragility fractures, however this relationship has not been thoroughly examined.

Purpose

To investigate the relationship of hospital admissions due to unexplained syncope and OH with incident fragility fractures in a middle-aged population.

Methods

We analysed a large population-based prospective cohort of 30,446 middle-aged individuals (age, 57.5 ± 7.6; men, 39.8%). We included patients hospitalised due to unexplained syncope and OH. Cox regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, prevalent fractures, body mass index (BMI) were applied to assess the impact of unexplained syncope/OH hospitalisations on subsequent incident fragility fractures. Prevalent fractures occurring before syncope/OH hospitalisation were excluded (n = 39) as well as cases with no follow-up time after the event of syncope/OH (n= 8).

Results

The mean follow-up from baseline to first incident fracture or end of follow-up was 17.8 + 6.5 years, and 8201 (27%) suffered incident fracture. The mean age of patients with unexplained syncope (n = 493) and OH patients (n = 406) at baseline was 61.5 ± 7.1 years (50.1%, male) and 62.6 ± 6.6 years (49.8% male), respectively. The mean time between baseline and first admission for syncope and OH was 12.3 ± 4.5 years, and the mean age at first hospitalisation was 74.4 ± 7.6 years. In the multivariable-adjusted Cox regression, the risk of subsequent incident fractures was increased among patients hospitalised due to unexplained syncope (HR: 1.20; 95% CI 1.03–1.40; p &lt; 0.02) and OH (HR: 1.40; 95% CI 1.20–1.64; p &lt; 0.001), respectively (Kaplan-Meier curves; Figure 1).

Conclusions

Patients hospitalised due to unexplained syncope and OH demonstrate increased risk of subsequent fragility fractures. We suggest that patients who are hospitalised for unexplained syncope and OH should be clinically assessed for true syncope aetiology, systematically treated against fall risk, and evaluated for additional risk factors for fragility fractures. Abstract Figure 1. Kaplan-Meier curves

Effect of aging on cerebral tissue oxygenation in relation to reflex syncope

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): The Swedish Heart and Lung Foundation, The Swedish Heart and Lung Association, ALF funds, Skåne University Hospital Funds, The Crafoord Foundation.

Background

There is an increased susceptibility to syncope with aging attributed to age-related physiological impairments. Cerebral oximetry non-invasively measures cerebral tissue oxygenation (SctO2) and has been shown to be valuable in syncope evaluation. SctO2 has been found to decrease with aging but it is unknown whether the decrease in SctO2 is related to increased susceptibility to syncope during orthostatic provocation. By measuring SctO2 during head up tilt test (HUT) we can study age-related differences in SctO2 and their impact on developing reflex syncope.

Purpose

To investigate the effect of age on the cerebral tissue oxygenation threshold for syncope and presyncope among patients with vasovagal syncope.

Methods

Non-invasive haemodynamic monitoring and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) were applied during head-up tilt (HUT) in 139 vasovagal syncope patients (mean [SD] 45[17] years, 60% female), and 82 control patients with a normal response to HUT (45[18] years, 61% female). Group differences in SctO2 and systolic blood pressure (SBP) during HUT in supine position, after 3 and 10 min of HUT, 30 seconds prior to syncope ("presyncopal phase") and during syncope in different age groups (&lt;30, 30-60 and  &gt;60 years) were compared using one-way ANOVA and Tukey"s multiple comparison test. Associations between age and SctO2 were studied using linear regression models adjusted for sex and concurrent SBP.

Results

Lower SctO2 in supine position was associated with increasing age among controls (B=-0.085, p = 0.010) but not among VVS patients (B=-0.036, p = 0.114). No age-related differences in SctO2 were found after 3 and 10 minutes of HUT and during syncope.  Mean SctO2 (%) during the presyncopal phase decreased over the advancing age groups (&lt;30: 66.9 ± 6.2, 30-60: 64.5 ± 6.1, &gt;60: 62.2 ± 5.8; p = 0.009 for inter-group comparison). In contrast, mean SBP during the presyncopal phase did not differ by age groups (&lt;30: 85.6 ± 21.8, 30-60: 77.6 ± 19.7, &gt;60: 77.6 ± 20.8 mmHg, p = 0.133). Age was associated with lower SctO2 during the presyncopal phase after adjusting for sex and SBP (B = 0.096, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Older VVS patients have lower cerebral tissue oxygenation in the presyncopal phase compared with younger patients independently of systolic blood pressure. These results suggest either that with imminent reflex syncope cerebral tissue oxygenation diminishes more with advancing age or that cerebral deoxygenation is better tolerated by older reflex syncope patients. Abstract Figure.

Role of Aurora B and Haspin kinases in the metaphase Topoisomerase II checkpoint

DNA Topoisomerase II (TopoII) uses ATP hydrolysis to decatenate chromosomes so that sister chromatids can faithfully segregate in mitosis. When the TopoII enzyme cycle stalls due to failed ATP hydrolysis, the onset of anaphase is delayed, presumably to allow extra time for decatenation to be completed. Recent evidence revealed that, unlike the spindle assembly checkpoint, this TopoII checkpoint response requires Aurora B and Haspin kinases and is triggered by SUMOylation of the C-terminal domain of TopoII.

Gamma-radiation induced synthesis of freestanding nickel nanoparticles

A versatile method to produce metallic nickel nanoparticles is demonstrated. Metallic Ni nanoparticles have been synthesized from aqueous solution of NiCl₂ using γ-radiation induced reduction. To prevent Ni re-oxidation, post-irradiation treatment was elaborated. Structural and compositional analyses were executed using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. These studies reveal that the synthesized material consists of fcc Ni particles having size of 3.47 ± 0.71 nm. The nanoparticles have a tendency to agglomerate to the larger clusters. The latter are partially oxidized to form thin amorphous/poor-crystalline Ni(OH)₂/NiO layers at the surface. Magnetization measurements demonstrate that the nanomaterial exhibit ferromagnetic-like behaviour with magnetization 30% lower than that in bulk Ni. The large active surface area (ECSA, 39.2 m² g^-1) and good electrochemical reversibility, confirmed by the electrochemical studies, make the synthesized material a potential candidate as an active component for energy storage devices.

The changed relations between the construction industry and occupational health services

BACKGROUND: From the 1960s until the beginning of the 1990s, the construction industry in Sweden received support for health and safety issues from Bygghälsan, an Occupational Health Service (OHS) that targeted the construction industry. In the 1990s, a reorganization of the OHS changed the relations between the actors involved. OBJECTIVES: This study explores these changed relations between the construction industry and the “old” industry-specific Bygghälsan versus the relations with “new” external OHS. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 interviewees from the construction industry and individuals involved in OHS which were transcribed and analyzed. RESULTS: The results suggest that OHS have changed towards a more general character instead of tailor-made services which has had a negative effect on the relations. Further, Bygghälsan was perceived as being a part of the construction industry while contemporary OHS providers were perceived as outsiders which further complicates building trustful relations. CONCLUSIONS: The relation between the construction industry and Bygghälsan was perceived as better compared to the relations with the new companies providing external OHS. The main barrier to building better relations is the perception that contemporary OHS do not have the same knowledge about the construction industry as Bygghälsan.

Downregulation of growth hormone in postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome: insights from the SYSTEMA cohort

Background

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a variant of cardiovascular autonomic disorder occurring predominantly in young women. POTS is characterized by an excessive heart rate increase when assuming upright posture accompanied by symptoms of orthostatic intolerance. The pathophysiology of POTS has not been fully established and is believed to be multifactorial.

Purpose

We aimed to investigate the alterations in circulating growth hormone level in POTS.

Methods

We conducted an age-matched case-control study enrolling 42 patients with POTS (age 31±9 years; 36 women) verified by positive head-up tilt testing and cardiovascular autonomic tests, and 46 controls (32±9 years; 35 women) with negative active standing test and no history of syncope, orthostatic intolerance and endocrine disease. We measured plasma levels of growth hormone using a high-sensitivity chemiluminescence immunoassay in relation to presence of POTS diagnosis. All study participants completed the validated Orthostatic Hypotension Questionnaire (OHQ), consisting of two components: the symptoms assessment scale (OHSA) and daily activity scale (OHDAS) to evaluate the burden of symptoms. We applied standard statistical tests for group differences. Growth hormone values were log-transformed and standardized before the group comparison.

Results

POTS patients had significantly lower plasma levels of growth hormone (ng/mL) (median=0.53, IQR, 0.10–2.83 vs. median=2.33, IQR, 0.26–7.2, p=0.04) than controls. Levels of growth hormone were reversely related to OHDAS (p=0.049) among POTS patients. Supine heart rate was significantly higher in POTS patients (69.0±11.1 beats/min vs. 63.3±10.8 beats/min, p=0.02), as well as diastolic blood pressure (72.9±9.1 mmHg vs. 69.0±8.5 mmHg, p=0.04). We observed no significant difference in supine systolic blood pressure (116.6±13.3 mmHg vs. 115.2±10.0 mmHg, p=0.60). POTS patients had a significantly higher composite OHQ score than controls (60.0±18.6 vs. 4.2±7.5, p&lt;0.001), as well as OHSA (36.2±10.0 vs. 3.6±6.4, p&lt;0.001) and OHDAS (23.8±9.7 vs. 0.6±1.3, p&lt;0.001).

Conclusion(s)

Our study shows that patients with POTS have significantly reduced plasma levels of circulating growth hormone. Lower growth hormone levels among POTS patients are associated with increased impairment of daily life activities. Further studies are necessary to confirm our findings in the independent populations and explain the mechanisms behind this alteration.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Crafoord Foundation, Swedish Heart and Lung Foundation

Livestock owners' worry and fear of tick-borne diseases

Background

Recent global changes have led to an increase in distribution of ticks towards higher elevation and latitude in Europe and livestock are at increasing risk of contracting tick-borne diseases, but psychological aspects of how this affects human well-being are rarely assessed. Departing from the theory on emotional appraisal coming from psychology, this study investigates which factors that modulate worry and fear associated with the presence of ticks among livestock owners of sheep and/or cattle.

Methods

Survey data from 775 livestock owners in Norway were analysed by hierarchical multiple regression analysis with an index of fear of tick-borne diseases among livestock as the outcome variable.

Results

Twenty-nine per cent of the livestock owners reported worry and fear of tick-borne diseases among their livestock. The model explained 35% of the variance in worry and fear. There was a weak association between estimated incidences of tick-borne diseases in livestock and livestock owners’ worry and fear. Whereas previous personal experience of ticks and tick-borne diseases in livestock, and the livestock owners’ appraisals of the situation were more strongly associated with relatively stronger feelings of worry and fear.

Conclusions

Livestock owners’ worry and fear of tick-borne diseases in livestock can partly be understood as their appraisals of perceived personal relevance of the presence of ticks, its potential negative implications for their daily life at large, and what potential they have to cope by different strategies to adapt or adjust to the situation.

Staff experiences of a new tool for comprehensive geriatric assessment in primary care (PASTEL): a focus group study

Objective: Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is recommended for the management of frailty. Little is known about professionals' experiences of CGA; therefore we wanted to investigate the experiences of staff in primary care using a new CGA tool: the Primary care Assessment Tool for Elderly (PASTEL).Design: Focus group interviews. Manifest qualitative content analysis.Setting: Nine primary health care centres in Sweden that participated in a CGA intervention. These centres represent urban as well as rural areas.Subjects: Nine nurses, five GPs and one pharmacist were divided into three focus groups.Main outcome measures: Participants' experiences of conducting CGA with PASTEL.Results: The analysis resulted in four main categories. A valuable tool for selected patients: The participants considered the assessment tool to be feasible and valuable. They stated that having enough time for the assessment interview was essential but views about the ideal patient for assessment were divided. Creating conditions for dialogue: The process of adapting the assessment to the individual and create conditions for dialogue was recognised as important. Managing in-depth conversations: In-depth conversations turned out to be an important component of the assessment. Patients were eager to share their stories, but talking about the future or the end of life was demanding. The winding road of actions and teamwork: PASTEL was regarded as a good preparation tool for care planning and a means of support for identifying appropriate actions to manage frailty but there were challenges to implement these actions and to obtain good teamwork.Conclusion: The participants reported that PASTEL, a tool for CGA, gave a holistic picture of the older person and was helpful in care planning.Key pointsTo manage frailty using comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) in primary care, there is a need for tools that are efficient, user-friendly and which support patient involvement and teamwork•This study found that the Primary care Assessment tool for Elderly (PASTEL) is regarded as both valuable and feasible by primary care professionals•Use of carefully selected items in the tool and allowing enough time for dialogue may enhance patient-centeredness•The PASTEL tool supports the process of identifying actions to manage frailty in older adults. Teamwork related to the tool and CGA in primary care needs to be further investigated and developed.

Effect of hysterectomy on pain in women with endometriosis: a population-based registry study

OBJECTIVE

To assess pain symptoms before and after hysterectomy in women with endometriosis.

DESIGN

A population-based registry study.

SETTING

Sweden.

POPULATION

Women aged 18-45 years who underwent hysterectomy for endometriosis between 2010 and 2015.

METHODS

Pain symptoms before hysterectomy and 12 months after surgery were collected from the Swedish National Quality Register for Gynaecological Surgery (GynOp). Pain symptoms were also assessed by follow-up surveys after a median follow-up period of 63 months.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Pelvic or lower abdominal pain after hysterectomy.

RESULTS

The study included 137 women. The proportion of women experiencing pain of any severity decreased by 28% after hysterectomy (P < 0.001). The proportion of women with severe pain symptoms decreased by 76% after hysterectomy (P < 0.001). The majority of women (84%) were satisfied with the surgical result. Presence of severe pain symptoms after the hysterectomy was associated with less satisfaction (P < 0.001). Pain symptoms after surgery, patient satisfaction and the patient's perceived improvement were not significantly different between women whose ovarian tissue was preserved and women who underwent bilateral oophorectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed a significant, long-lasting reduction in pain symptoms after hysterectomy among women with endometriosis. Hysterectomy, with the possibility of ovarian preservation, may be a valuable option for women with endometriosis who suffer from severe pain symptoms.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Hysterectomy is a valuable option for women with endometriosis and severe pain symptoms.

Who needs to be “more equal” and why? Doing gender equality in male-dominated industries

Purpose

This study aims to deepen the understanding of inequality regimes in male-dominated industries, specifically in Swedish forestry and mining, by exploring how conceptions of gender, class and place are articulated and intertwined when doing gender equality in these organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The article draws on empirical material from four research and development projects inspired by a feminist action research methodology.

Findings

This paper shows how gender equality works in these male-dominated organizations simultaneously constructing gender, class and place. When men are at the focal point of gender equality, our empirical findings suggest that blue-collar workers in rural areas are described as “being the problem” for gender inequality in these organizations. Addressing specific groups such as women or blue-collar workers in rural areas is not enough to challenge the inequality regimes that exist in these organizations, since a unilateral focus on certain groups leads to skewed problem formulations.

Originality/value

Research on gender equality work and its relation to intersectionality in male-dominated industries is limited, and by focusing on men and masculinities, this paper contributes to knowledge concerning gender equality in male-dominated industrial organizations.

A Theoretical Model for Urban Walking Among People With Disabilities

This paper is an attempt to advance research on walking at a neighborhood level of analysis for people with disabilities by proposing a theoretical model that combines the knowledge of two disciplines: traffic planning and environmental psychology. The aim is to provide guidance for a discussion and a plan for future interdisciplinary investigations by proposing a model that accounts for the dynamic interaction between environmental characteristics, human processes, and walking experience among individuals with a disability. For this purpose, traffic planners, and environmental psychologists came together to discuss theories, concepts, and thematic relevance in a series of focus group meetings. These meetings led to the selection of the Human Environment Interaction (HEI) model, originally developed from the field of environmental psychology and operationalized to describe how walking experiences result from the interplay between individual abilities, emotional processes, and the physical and social characteristics of the environment (Küller, 1991). The proposed model aims to sustain interdisciplinary discussion and research planning around the topic of neighborhood walking for people with disabilities. By operationalizing each dimension in the model, a good fit between groups with disabilities and individual differences associated with walking experiences is assumed, which, in turn, will have the potential to provide a more conscious analysis of wellbeing-related outcomes, such as usability of the environment, frequency of mobility, and quality of life. However, to improve understanding of urban walking at a neighborhood level for people with disabilities, empirical studies must be carried out to test the proposed model.

Enzymatic Determination of Free Glutamic Acid in Dried Soups and in Minced Sausages: NMKL1 Collaborative Study

An enzymatic method for the determination of free glutamic acid in meat products and dried soups was collaboratively studied in 11 laboratories. In the presence of the enzyme glutamate dehydrogenase, L-giutamic acid is oxidatively deaminated by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) to 2-oxoglutarate. In a reaction catalyzed by diaphorase, the NADH thus formed converts 2-(p-iodophenyl)-3-(p-nitrophenyl)-5-phenyltetrazolium chloride to a formazan, which is measured in the visible range at 492 nm. Fourteen samples (7 samples of minced sausage and 7 samples of dried cauliflower soup) with glutamate contents varying between 0.4 and 16 g/kg were included In the study. Materials were distributed to participants as blind duplicates and as split level pairs. The mean relative standard deviation (RSDR) for reproducibility for the dried soup material containing glutamate between 7 and 16 g/kg was 4.6%. RSDR values for samples of minced sausage containing glutamate at lower levels (0.4-1.3 g/kg) were between 12 and 16%.

Integrated proteogenomic approach identifying a protein signature of COPD and a new splice variant of SORBS1

Translation of genomic alterations to protein changes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is largely unexplored. Using integrated proteomic and RNA sequencing analysis of COPD and control lung tissues, we identified a protein signature in COPD characterised by extracellular matrix changes and a potential regulatory role for SUMO2. Furthermore, we identified 61 differentially expressed novel, non-reference, peptides in COPD compared with control lungs. This included two peptides encoding for a new splice variant of SORBS1, of which the transcript usage was higher in COPD compared with control lungs. These explorative findings and integrative proteogenomic approach open new avenues to further unravel the pathology of COPD.

Large carnivores and zoos as catalysts for engaging the public in the protection of biodiversity

Addressing the biodiversity crisis requires renewed collaborative approaches. Large carnivores are ambassador species, and as such they can aid the protection of a wide range of species, including evolutionarily distinct and threatened ones, while being popular for conservation marketing. However, conflicts between carnivores and people present a considerable challenge to biodiversity conservation. Our cross disciplinary essay brings together original research to discuss key issues in the conservation of large carnivores as keystone species for biodiversity rich, healthy ecosystems. Our findings suggest the need to promote coexistence through challenging ‘wilderness’ myths; to consider coexistence/conflict as a continuum; to include varied interest groups in decision making; to address fear through positive mediated experiences, and to explore further partnerships with zoos. As wide-reaching institutions visited by over 700 million people/year worldwide, zoos combine knowledge, emotion and social context creating ideal conditions for the development of care towards nature, pro-environmental behaviors and long-term connections between visitors and carnivores. Based on current research, we provide evidence that large carnivores and zoos are both powerful catalysts for public engagement with biodiversity conservation, recognizing barriers and suggesting future ways to collaborate to address biodiversity loss.

Determination of Lead, Cadmium, Zinc, Copper, and Iron in Foods by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry after Microwave Digestion: NMKL1 Collaborative Study

A method for determination of lead, cadmium, zinc, copper, and iron by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) after microwave digestion was subjected to a collaborative study in which 16 laboratories participated [including users of inductively coupled plasma (ICP) and ICP–mass spectrometry (MS)]. The types of samples included in the study were minced fish, wheat bran, milk powder, bovine and pig liver, mushroom, 2 simulated diets, and bovine muscle; the last 4 were certified reference materials. These were analyzed as single (4 samples), double blind (1 sample), or split level (2 samples) samples. Before the collaborative study, a pretrial was conducted in which 4 ready-made solutions and one fish tissue sample were analyzed for Pb and Cu. The reproducibility relative standard deviation (RSDR) values, for results above the detection limit, ranged from 59% at 0.155 mg/kg to 16% at 1.62 mg/kg for Pb, from 28% at 0.0124 mg/kg to 11% at 0.482 mg/kg for Cd, from 9.3% at 35.3 mg/kg to 1.7% at 147 mg/kg for Zn, from 39% at 0.241 mg/kg to 3.0% at 63.4 mg/kg for Cu, and from 17% at 7.4 mg/kg to 5.9% at 303 mg/kg for Fe. The RSDR values agreed well with the norms described by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry. As a complement to the AAS determinations, a number of laboratories analyzed the samples either by ICP or by ICP–MS. The results of these analyses agreed well with the AAS results. On the basis of the results of the collaborative study, the method was adopted Official First Action by AOAC INTERNATIONAL.