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Sediments polluted by historical emissions from anthropogenic point sources are common in industrialized parts of the world and pose a potential threat to the function of aquatic ecosystems. Gradient studies using fish as a bioindicator are an option to assess the ecological impact of locally polluted areas. This study investigates the remaining effects of historical emissions on sediments outside ten Swedish pulp and paper mills using perch (Perca fluviatilis). The aim has been to obtain a general picture of the impact area of local deposits of cellulose fiber-rich sediments containing elevated levels of trace metals, e.g., Hg, and organochlorines, e.g., dioxins. In addition to analyzing contaminant levels in muscle and liver tissue, morphological measures in the fish that constitute biomarkers for health and reproductivity were measured. Another aim was to augment existing historical data sets to observe possible signs of environmental recovery. Overall, the results indicate only a minor elevation in contaminant levels and a minor impact on the fish health status in the polluted areas, which in several cases is an improvement from historical conditions. However, exceptions exist. Differences in the ecosystems' responses to pollution loads are primarily explained by abiotic factors such as water turnover rate, bottom dynamic conditions, and water chemistry. Weaknesses in the sampling methodology and processing of data were identified. After minor modifications, the applied survey strategy has the potential to be a management tool for decision-makers working on the remediation of contaminated areas.

Summary In elderly men included in MrOS-Sweden, subclinical hyperthyroidism (SHyper) was markedly associated with increased risk of vertebral fractures. Introduction Overt hyperthyroidism is associated with increased risk of fractures. However, only a few studies have investigated whether SHyper is associated with fracture risk in elderly men. We therefore investigated if SHyper was a risk factor for fractures in Swedish men. Methods We followed (median 9.8 years) elderly men (n = 1856; mean age 75, range 69–81 years) participating in the Gothenburg and Malmö subcohorts of the prospective, population-based MrOS-Sweden study. The statistical analyses included Cox proportional hazards regression. SHyper was defined as serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) < 0.45 mIU/L (n = 38). Results SHyper was associated with increased risk of all fractures [n = 456; hazard ratio (HR) adjusted for age, study center, and levothyroxine treatment = 1.99, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.20–3.32], major osteoporotic fractures (MOF, n = 338; HR 2.44, 95% CI: 1.42–4.21), and vertebral fractures (n = 176; HR 3.79, 95% CI: 2.02–7.11). These associations remained after full adjustment for covariates including total hip bone mineral density and in subanalyses including only men with serum free thyroxine ≤ the upper normal limit. However, after exclusion of men receiving levothyroxine treatment, the associations with all fractures and MOF lost significance. Conclusions In elderly Swedish men, there was a strong association between SHyper and increased risk of vertebral fractures, whereas the associations with all incident fractures and MOF need to be confirmed in further studies.

Plant pathogens encounter pre-existing and induced defense compounds when they invade the host. Pathogen ATP-binding cassette (ABC) and major facilitator superfamily (MFS) transporters can provide protection during infection through efflux removal of plant defense compounds from the cell. In the current work, we identified a total of 973 transporter genes, including 232 MFS and 39 ABC transporters, in the genome of the southern corn leaf blight pathogen Cochliobolus heterostrophus. We compared these genes with a recently published transcriptomic data set from C. heterostrophus exposed to the phenolic maize defense compound ferulic acid (FA) and identified four transporter gene families that were significantly (P

Biological control, or biocontrol, is the exploitation of living agents (incl. viruses) to combat pestilential organisms (incl. pathogens, pests, and weeds) for diverse purposes to provide human benefits. Thus, during the last century the practices and concepts involved have evolved in separate streams associated with distinct scientific and taxonomic disciplines. In parallel developments, there have been increasing references to biological control in industrial contexts and legislation, resulting in conceptual and terminological disintegration. The aim of this paper is to provide a global conceptual and terminological platform that facilitates future development of the field. We review use of previously suggested terms in key fields (e.g., phytopathology, entomology, and weed science), eliminate redundant terminology, identify three principles that should underpin the concept, and then present a new framework for biological control, rooted in seminal publications. The three principles establish that (1) only living agents can mediate biological control, (2) biological control always targets a pest, directly or indirectly, and (3) all biocontrol methods can be classified in four main categories depending on whether resident agents are utilized, with or without targeted human intervention (conservation biological control and natural biological control, respectively) or agents are added for permanent or temporary establishment (classical biological control and augmentative biological control, respectively). Correct identification of what is, and is not, biological control can help efforts to understand and optimize biological pest control for human and environmental benefits. The new conceptual framework may contribute to more uniform and appropriate regulatory approaches to biological control, and more efficient authorization and application of biocontrol products.

Summary This study includes 1005 men from the Gothenburg part of the Osteoporotic Fracture in Men Study (MrOS). Included are 66 men with anemia (hemoglobin Introduction Anemia and osteoporotic fractures are conditions that are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Clinical studies have suggested that anemia can be used as a predictor of future osteoporotic fractures. Method Men from the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study (MrOS) Sweden, Gothenburg, with available hemoglobin (Hb) values (n = 1005, median age 75.3 years (SD 3.2)), were included in the current analyses. Of these, 66 suffered from anemia, defined as Hb Results Men with anemia had, at baseline, experienced more falls and had a higher prevalence of diabetes, cancer, prostate cancer, hypertension, and stroke. Anemia was not statistically significantly associated with bone mineral density (BMD). Men with anemia had higher serum levels of fibroblast growth factor 23 (iFGF23) (p p = 0.001) and lower serum levels of testosterone (p p Conclusions Anemia is associated with an increased risk for any fracture and non-vertebral osteoporotic fracture in elderly men with a long follow-up time. The cause is probably multifactorial and our results support that anemia can be used as a predictor for future fracture.

Aegerolysins are small secreted pore-forming proteins that are found in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The role of aegerolysins in sporulation, fruit body formation, and in lysis of cellular membrane is suggested in fungi. The aim of the present study was to characterize the biological function of the aegerolysin gene agl1 in the mycoparasitic fungus Trichoderma atroviride, used for biological control of plant diseases. Gene expression analysis showed higher expression of agl1 during conidiation and during growth in medium supplemented with cell wall material from the plant pathogenic fungus Rhizoctonia solani as the sole carbon source. Expression of agl1 was supressed under iron-limiting condition, while agl1 transcript was not detected during T. atroviride interactions with the prey fungi Botrytis cinerea or R. solani. Phenotypic analysis of agl1 deletion strains (Δagl1) showed reduced conidiation compared to T. atroviride wild type, thus suggesting the involvement of AGL1 in conidiation. Furthermore, the Δagl1 strains display reduced antagonism towards B. cinerea and R. solani based on a secretion assay, although no difference was detected during direct interactions. These data demonstrate the role of AGL1 in conidiation and antagonism in the mycoparasitic fungus T. atroviride.

Purpose of review The main goal of this narrative review is to assess whether physical activity (PA) influences peak bone mass and fracture risk. Recent findings Several randomized controlled trials (RCT) show that short-term PA intervention programs in childhood improve the accrual of bone mineral. There are now also long-term controlled PA intervention studies demonstrating that both boys and girls with daily school PA through puberty gain higher bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) and greater bone size than boys and girls with school PA 1–2 times/week. These benefits seem to be followed by a gradual reduction in expected fracture rates, so that in children with daily school PA, the incidence rate ratio (IRR) after 8 years is less than half that expected by age. Summary Daily school PA from before to after puberty is associated with beneficial gains in bone traits and gradually lower relative fracture risk.

Summary Death of a spouse is associated with poorer physical and mental health. We followed all married individuals, born from 1902 to 1942, during the period from 1987 to 2002, and found that widows and widowers had higher risk for hip fracture, compared with still married women and men. Introduction Spousal bereavement can lead to poorer physical and mental health. We aimed to determine whether married women and men had an elevated risk of hip fracture after death of a spouse. Methods In a retrospective cohort study, we followed all Swedish married individuals aged 60 to 100 years (n = 1,783,035), from 1987 to 2002. Data are presented as mean with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results During the follow-up period, 21,305 hip fractures among widows and 6538 hip fractures among widowers were noted. The hazard ratio (HR) for hip fracture in widows compared with married women was 1.34 (95% CI 1.31 to 1.37) and for widowers compared with married men 1.32 (95% CI 1.29 to 1.35). The HR for hip fracture in the first 6 months after death of a spouse was in widows compared with married women 1.62 (95% CI 1.53 to 1.71) and in widowers compared with married men 1.84 (95% CI 1.68 to 2.03). The elevated risk was especially prominent in young widowers in the age range 60–69 years. During the first 6 months they showed a HR of 2.76 (95% CI 1.66 to 4.58) for a hip fractvure compared with age matched married men. Widows aged 60–69 years showed a HR of 1.59 (95% CI 1.26 to 1.99) compared with age matched married women. Conclusion Our observation of a higher hip fracture risk in both genders in connection with the death of a spouse indicates a possible effect of bereavement on frailty. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00198-019-05242-w) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Background Radiographic damage in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) includes erosions and joint space narrowing (JSN). Different mechanisms may underlie their development. The objective of this study was to evaluate predictors of these entities separately. Methods Consecutive early RA patients (symptom duration ≤12 months) from a defined area (Malmö, Sweden) recruited during 1995–2005 were investigated. Radiographs of hands and feet were scored by a trained reader according to the modified Sharp-van der Heijde score. Fat mass and lean mass distribution were measured at baseline using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Potential predictors of erosion and JSN progression from inclusion to the 5-year follow-up were evaluated. Results Two hundred and thirty-three patients were included. Radiographs at baseline and 5 years were available for 162 patients. The median (interquartile) progression of erosion and JSN scores were 4 (0–8) and 8 (1–16), respectively. Rheumatoid factor (RF) was a robust significant predictor of both erosion and JSN score progression. In adjusted analyses, anti-CCP antibodies predicted erosions while the erythrocyte sedimentation rate was predictive of both outcomes. Smoking and high baseline disease activity (DAS28 > 5.1) predicted progression of erosions. Baseline erosion score was associated with progression of both erosion and JSN progression, while baseline JSN score was predictive only of the progression of JSN. Overweight/obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) was a significant negative predictor of JSN score progression (β = − 0.14, p = 0.018, adjusted for RF, age, baseline JSN score) also when additionally adjusting for ever smoking (p = 0.041). Among female patients, this effect was observed in those of estimated post-menopausal age (> 51 years), but not in younger women. The truncal to peripheral fat ratio was associated with less JSN score progression in women, but not in men. Conclusions Overweight RA patients had less JSN progression, independent of smoking status. This effect was seen in particular among older women (mainly post-menopausal), but not younger. Truncal fat was associated with less JSN progression in female patients. Smoking predicted erosion progression, and erosions may precede JSN. BMI and fat distribution may influence cartilage damage in early RA and might be related to hormonal factors.

Physical Performance Or Function, But Not Appendicular Lean Mass, Predict Incident Fractures Independently Of FRAX Probability And BMD : Results From The Osteoporotic Fractures In Men (MROS) Cohort

The emergence of new types and new levels of poverty in Sweden has spurred civil society organizations to take a more active role in domestic relief work. Their work is not least directed toward groups of poor with limited access to public welfare in Sweden, in most cases because they are not Swedish citizens. The arrival of groups like the vulnerable EU citizens and undocumented refugees has created a situation where civil society provides emergency relief for groups not eligible for long-term relief from the public sector. A new division of responsibility between civil society and the public sector is therefore being formed, and this division can be explained in terms of rights; the aid organizations are guided by the principles of human rights, while the public sector functions primarily according to social citizenship rights. This article documents the work of the Swedish City Missions, a large aid organization that has become an important actor in poverty relief work in Sweden. A never before conducted survey of 137,000 interventions performed by the Swedish City Missions gives an entirely new insight into the significance of civil society organizations in combating new and old types of poverty in Sweden. Which groups receive which types of aid and what does that tell us about the roles of civil society and the public sector in a rights perspective? The findings show that civil society organizations like the City Missions play a far from marginal role in the Swedish welfare state.

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate satisfaction and factors associated with satisfaction in elderly undergoing lumbar disc herniation surgery. Methods In the national Swedish register for spinal surgery (SweSpine) we identified 2095 patients aged > 65 years (WHO definition of elderly) whom during 2000–2016 had undergone LDH surgery and had pre- and one-year postoperative data (age, gender, preoperative duration and degree of back- and leg pain, quality of life (SF-36) and one-year satisfaction (dissatisfied, uncertain, satisfied). We utilized a logistic regression model to examine preoperative factors that were independently associated with low and high satisfaction and after LDH surgery. Results One year after surgery, 71% of the patients were satisfied, 18% uncertain and 11% dissatisfied. Patients who were satisfied were in comparison to others, younger, had shorter preoperative duration of leg pain, higher SF-36 mental component summary and more leg than back pain (all p p 2 years (p Conclusion Only one out of ten elderly, is dissatisfied with the outcome of LDH surgery. Age, preoperative duration of leg pain, preoperative SF 36 score, and for satisfaction also dominance of back over leg pain, are in elderly factors associated to good and poor subjective outcome after LDH surgery.

Background Detection of high-risk individuals for fractures are needed. This study assessed whether level of physical activity (PA) and a musculoskeletal composite score could be used as fracture predictive tools, and if the score could predict fractures better than areal bone mineral density (aBMD). Methods MrOs Sweden is a prospective population-based observational study that at baseline included 3014 men aged 69–81 years. We assessed femoral neck bone mineral content (BMC), bone area, aBMD and total body lean mass by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, calcaneal speed of sound by quantitative ultrasound and hand grip strength by a handheld dynamometer. PA was assessed by the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) questionnaire. We followed the participants until the date of first fracture, death or relocation (median 9.6 years). A musculoskeletal composite score was calculated as mean Z-score of the five measured traits. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze the association between the musculoskeletal traits, the composite score and incident fractures (yes/no) during the follow-up period. Data are presented as hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for fracture for a + 1 standard deviation (SD) change (+ 1 Z-score) in the various musculoskeletal traits as well as the composite score. We used a linear regression model to estimate the association between level of PA, measured as PASE-score and the different musculoskeletal traits as well as the composite score. Results A + 1 SD higher composite score was associated with an incident fracture HR of 0.61 (0.54, 0.69), however not being superior to aBMD in fracture prediction. A + 1 SD higher PASE-score was associated with both a higher composite score and lower fracture incidence (HR 0.83 (0.76, 0.90)). Conclusions The composite score was similar to femoral neck aBMD in predicting fractures, and also low PA predicted fractures. This highlights the need of randomized controlled trials to evaluate if PA could be used as a fracture preventive strategy.

Cortical bone mass and density varies across a bones length and cross section, and may be influenced by physical activity. This study evaluated the long-term effects of a pediatric school-based physical activity intervention on tibial cortical bone mass distribution. A total of 170 children (72 girls and 98 boys) from one school were provided with 200 min of physical education per week. Three other schools (44 girls and 47 boys) continued with the standard 60 min per week. Tibial total and cortical area, cortical density, polar stress–strain index (SSI), and the mass and density distribution around the center of mass (polar distribution, mg) and through the bones cortex (radial distribution subdivided into endo-, mid-, and pericortical volumetric BMD: mg/cm3) at three sites (14, 38, and 66 %) were assessed using peripheral quantitative computed tomography after 7 years. Girls in the intervention group had 2.5 % greater cortical thickness and 6.9 % greater SSI at the 66 % tibia, which was accompanied by significantly greater pericortical volumetric BMD compared to controls (all P

Outcome after lumbar disc herniation (LDH) surgery in middle-aged patient is usually reported to fulfill the criteria for successful outcome. It is also known that women in these years have an inferior outcome compared to men. This study evaluates whether the same gender differences exist in elderly. In the national Swedish register for spine surgery (SweSpine) we identified 1668 patients ≥65 years. 1250 of these patients had both pre- and 1-year postoperative data registered, 53 % males with mean age 70.6 ± 5.0 (mean ± SD) and 47 % females with mean age 71.3 ± 5.2. All were surgically treated due to LDH between 2000 and 2012. Before surgery both men and women had severe impairment, compared to normative data, in all patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), with women having inferior status to men. Improvement by surgery was similar in both genders but neither of them reached normative values in quality of life as compared to normative age-matched individuals. As a consequence of this women 1 year after surgery had more back and leg pain, higher consumption of analgesics, greater impairment in walking distance and inferior scoring in virtually all registered PROMs compared to men (all p

To evaluate correlations between physical activity, VO2PEAK and body fat versus autonomic function in children. Children (n = 98) between 10 and 12 years underwent a maximal exercise test (VO2PEAK) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry measured body fat. General physical activity, moderate to vigorous physical activity and vigorous physical activity were assessed by accelerometers. Deep breath test with E/I-ratio calculation and a head-up tilt test were performed. The sum of z-scores represented an index score for autonomic function profile and included E/I-ratio plus difference in blood pressure and heart rate between supine and tilted position. Correlation analyses were performed between physical activity parameters, body fat and VO2PEAK versus autonomic function profile. No significant correlations were found between autonomic function profile and physical activity or body fat (p > 0.05). VO2PEAK was correlated with autonomic function profile in boys (r = 0.30, p

MicroRNAs are short non-coding RNAs that play key roles in regulating biological processes. In this study, we explored effects of chronological and photoageing on the miRNome of human skin. To this end, biopsies were collected from sun-exposed (outer arm, n = 45) and sun-protected (inner arm, n = 45) skin from fair-skinned (phototype II/III) healthy female volunteers of three age groups: young, 18–25 years, middle age, 40–50 years and aged, > 70 years. Strict inclusion criteria were used for photoageing scoring and for chronological ageing. Microarray analysis revealed that chronological ageing had minor effect on the human skin miRNome. In contrast, photoageing had a robust impact on miRNAs, and a set of miRNAs differentially expressed between sun-protected and sun-exposed skin of the young and aged groups was identified. Upregulation of miR-383, miR-145 and miR-34a and downregulation of miR-6879, miR-3648 and miR-663b were confirmed using qRT-PCR in sun-exposed skin compared with sun-protected skin. qRT-PCR analysis revealed that miR-383, miR-34a and miR-134 were differentially expressed in all three age groups both in chronological and photoageing, suggesting a synergetic effect of intrinsic and extrinsic ageing on their expression. In conclusion, our study identifies a unique miRNA signature which may contribute to skin ageing.

Summary Falls and fractures share several common risk factors. Although past falls is not included as an input variable in the FRAX calculator, we demonstrate that FRAX probability predicts risk of incident falls in the MrOs Sweden cohort. Introduction Although not included in the FRAX® algorithm, it is possible that increased falls risk is partly dependent on other risk factors that are incorporated into FRAX. The aim of the present study was to determine whether fracture probability generated by FRAX might also predict risk of incident falls and the extent that a falls history would add value to FRAX. Methods We studied the relationship between FRAX probabilities and risk of falls in 1836 elderly men recruited to the MrOS study, a population-based prospective cohort of men from Sweden. Baseline data included falls history, clinical risk factors, bone mineral density (BMD) at femoral neck, and calculated FRAX probabilities. Incident falls were captured during an average of 1.8 years of follow-up. An extension of Poisson regression was used to investigate the relationship between FRAX, other risk variables, and the time-to-event hazard function of falls. All associations were adjusted for age and time since baseline. Results At enrolment, 15.5 % of the men had fallen during the preceding 12 months (past falls) and 39 % experienced one or more falls during follow-up (incident falls). The risk of incident falls increased with increasing FRAX probabilities at baseline (hazard ratio (HR) per standard deviation (SD), 1.16; 95 % confidence interval (95%CI), 1.06 to 1.26). The association between incident falls and FRAX probability remained after adjustment for past falls (HR per SD, 1.12; 95%CI, 1.03 to 1.22). High compared with low baseline FRAX score ( > 15 vs < 15 % probability of major osteoporotic fracture) was strongly predictive of increased falls risk (HR, 1.64; 95%CI, 1.36 to 1.97) and remained stable with time. Whereas past falls were a significant predictor of incident falls (HR, 2.75; 95%CI, 2.32 to 3.25), even after adjustment for FRAX, the hazard ratio decreased markedly with increasing follow-up time. Conclusions Although falls are not included as an input variable, FRAX captures a component of risk for future falls and outperforms falls history with an extended follow-up time.

This is the first study indicating an association between gradually diminished risk of fractures and years of increased physical activity. Our results could imply great benefits not only for the individual but also for the healthcare burden and cost of society. Physical activity (PA) in childhood is associated with high bone mass and beneficial neuromuscular function. We investigate if increased PA also is associated with fracture risk. We registered fractures in 3534 children aged 6 to 8 years at study start for up to 7 years; 1339 with 40 min of moderate PA every school day (intervention) and 2195 with the Swedish standard curriculum of 60 min of PA per school week (controls). In a subsample of 264 children, we measured areal bone mineral density (aBMD; g/cm2) with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (femoral neck and total spine) and muscle strength (peak torque for knee extension and flexion; Nm) with computerized dynamometer at baseline and after 7 years. We estimated annual fracture incidence rate ratios (IRR) in the intervention group compared to the control group as well as changes in bone mass and muscle strength. Data is given as mean (95 % CI). The IRR of fractures decreased with each year of the PA intervention (r = −0.79; p = 0.04). During the seventh year, IRR was almost halved [IRR 0.52 (0.27, 1.01)]. The intervention group had a statistically significant greater gain in total spine aBMD with a mean group difference of 0.03 (0.00, 0.05) g/cm2 and peak flexion torque 180° with a mean group difference of 5.0 (1.5, 8.6) Nm. Increased PA is associated with decreased fracture risk, probably in part due to beneficial gains in aBMD and muscle strength.

Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) in children is rare. Few studies have evaluated the outcome of surgery and none in a prospective study design.To evaluate preoperative disability and postoperative outcome in children operated on for LDH.Through a 10-year period, 74 children aged18 years were included in SweSpine register for LDH with pre- and perioperative data registered, 48 with 1-year follow-up data. Demographics and outcome measurements were described according to the SweSpine protocol.All patients reported preoperatively severe impairment in terms of pain, quality of life and function, girls to a higher extent. Significant postoperative improvement was seen in all patients, leaving no patients dissatisfied with outcome. The PROMS were 1 year after surgery within normal ranges, but remained slightly lower for girls.Operative treatment of LDH in growing individuals leads to very good outcome with high degree of patient satisfaction.

Previous studies have shown gender differences in preoperative status and outcome of spine surgery. This study explores whether gender differences in preoperative demographics exist in patients scheduled for lumbar disc herniation (LDH) surgery. This study includes the preoperative data of the 15,631 patients operated for LDH between years 2000 and 2010, registered in the national Swedish spine register (SweSpine). We analysed preoperative gender differences in age, smoking habits, walking distance, consumption of analgesics, back and leg pain (Visual Analogue Scale; VAS), quality of life (EuroQol; EQ 5D and Short Form-36 Questionnaire; SF-36) and disability (Oswestry Disability Index; ODI). 44 % of the patients were women (mean age 45 ± 13) and 56 % men (mean age 44 ± 13). More women than men were smokers (26 versus 21 %, p

Summary In a population-based study on cobalamin status and incident fractures in elderly men (n = 790) with an average follow-up of 5.9 years, we found that low levels of metabolically active and total cobalamins predict incident fractures, independently of body mass index (BMI), bone mineral density (BMD), plasma total homocysteine (tHcy), and cystatin C. Introduction Cobalamin deficiency in elderlies may affect bone metabolism. This study aims to determine whether serum cobalamins or holotranscobalamin (holoTC; the metabolic active cobalamin) predict incident fractures in old men. Methods Men participating in the Gothenburg part of the population-based Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) Sweden cohort and without ongoing vitamin B medication were included in the present study (n = 790; age range, 70–81 years). Results During an average follow-up of 5.9 years, 110 men sustained X-ray-verified fractures including 45 men with clinical vertebral fractures. The risk of fracture (adjusted for age, smoking, BMI, BMD, falls, prevalent fracture, tHcy, cystatin C, 25-OH-vitamin D, intake of calcium, and physical activity (fully adjusted)), increased per each standard deviation decrease in cobalamins (hazard ratio (HR), 1.38; 95 % confidence intervals (CI), 1.11–1.72) and holoTC (HR, 1.26; 95 % CI, 1.03–1.54), respectively. Men in the lowest quartile of cobalamins and holoTC (fully adjusted) had an increased risk of all fracture (cobalamins, HR = 1.67 (95 % CI, 1.06–2.62); holoTC, HR = 1.74 (95 % CI, 1.12–2.69)) compared with quartiles 2–4. No associations between folate or tHcy and incident fractures were seen. Conclusions We present novel data showing that low levels of holoTC and cobalamins predicting incident fracture in elderly men. This association remained after adjustment for BMI, BMD, tHcy, and cystatin C. However, any causal relationship between low cobalamin status and fractures should be explored in a prospective treatment study.

In this study, we show that two splice variants of the pheromone receptor gene (pre-1) transcript coexist in vegetative and reproductive tissues of the filamentous ascomycete fungus Neurospora crassa. The two splice variants differ by intron retention of the last intron, which is predicted to result in a premature stop codon and loss of 322 amino acids in the C-terminal cytosolic region of PRE-1. Using quantitative PCR, we show that expression of the variants is influenced by mating type (mat), with a higher proportion of intron-spliced transcripts in a mat A strain and a higher proportion of the intron-retained variant in a mat a strain. The intron-retained PRE-1 variant is predicted to lack 6 ubiquitination sites that may influence receptor function. In conclusion, N. crassa produce two pre-1 splice variants that display different transcription profiles.

We studied the effect in children of an exercise intervention program on fracture rates and skeletal traits. Fractures were registered for 5 years in a population-based prospective controlled exercise intervention study that included children aged 6–9 years at study start, 446 boys and 362 girls in the intervention group and 807 boys and 780 girls in the control group. Intervention subjects received 40 min/school day of physical education and controls, 60 min/week. In 73 boys and 48 girls in the intervention group and 52 boys and 48 girls in the control group, bone mineral density (BMD, g/cm2) and bone area (mm2) were followed annually by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, after which annual changes were calculated. At follow-up we also assessed trabecular and cortical volumetric BMD (g/cm3) and bone structure by peripheral computed tomography in the tibia and radius. There were 20.0 fractures/1,000 person-years in the intervention group and 18.5 fractures/1,000 person-years in the control group, resulting in a rate ratio of 1.08 (0.79–1.47) (mean and 95 % CI). The gain in spine BMD was higher in both girls (difference 0.01 g/cm2, 0.005–0.019) and boys (difference 0.01 g/cm2, 0.001–0.008) in the intervention group. Intervention girls also had higher gain in femoral neck area (difference 0.04 mm2, 0.005–0.083) and at follow-up larger tibial bone mineral content (difference 0.18 g, 0.015–0.35), larger tibial cortical area (difference 17 mm2, 2.4–31.3), and larger radial cross-sectional area (difference 11.0 mm2, 0.63–21.40). As increased exercise improves bone mass and in girls bone size without affecting fracture risk, society ought to encourage exercise during growth.

Dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) provides a broadly applicable and rather simple means of developing probes for the real-time molecular imaging of cellular functions in vivo. The development of novel dissolution DNP substrate formulations is only rewarding for substrates that yield detectable metabolism within few minutes. In addition, in vivo preparations usually require amorphous samples at molar substrate concentrations for an efficient and reproducible DNP step with sufficient material. The composition ranges of novel substrate preparations need to be established experimentally owing to the solute’s impact on vitrification behavior. Here, we describe simple rationales employed in the development of novel substrate preparations for dissolution DNP-magnetic resonance. Solution state substrate polarizations between 10 and 40 % have been obtained for ~40 metabolic substrates in highly concentrated preparations that yield physiologically tolerable solutions with sufficient T 1 for in vivo nuclear magnetic resonance. Substrate metabolism is observed for novel in vivo substrates such as 3-hydroxybutyrate and aspartate.

In many parts of the Western world, interventions for people with mental illness have radically changed in recent decades. In the deinstitutionalized system of today, the role for non-profit organizations is generally characterized by dual goals: political advocacy and service provision. Here, the role and function of the user movement in the Swedish mental health system is examined through a case study of all local branches of the largest non-profit organization within the Swedish mental health field. The empirical material consisted of annual reports from all local branches, and was analysed through two analytical schemes, concerning voice/service and conflict/consensus. The analysis pointed to a user movement that still retained the basic ideas of peer support and mutual aid, but were also increasingly being asked by formal service providers to represent the need of users. A hybrid organization category, a ‘Social Movement Peer Organization’, was identified that where social recreational activities are combined with local political advocacy.

Phytophthora pisi is a novel species of Phytophthora that causes root rot in pea and is a potentially devastating pathogen for the cultivation of pea in many parts of the world. The focus of the current study was to: (a) develop an in planta infection system of pea seedling roots; (b) develop a quantitative PCR method to measure P. pisi and pea DNA; and (c) test for differential gene expression of selected putative pathogenicity factors in P. pisi during infection of pea. P. pisi zoospores were attracted to the tips of the pea seedling roots and encysted within 30 min. After 6 h the pathogen had reached about five cortical cell layers using both inter- and intracellular growth, and water-soaked lesions were observed visually after 20 h. DNA-based detection of P. pisi and pea showed a gradual accumulation of P. pisi DNA in pea root tips up to 48 h post infection. Quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR showed induction of genes encoding putative enzyme inhibitors during the early phase of infection, between 2 h and 6 h post infection. Genes encoding putative cysteine protease, glucanase, pleiotropic drug transporter and crinkler proteins were induced during the late phase of infection. The induced P. pisi cysteine protease belonged to a cathepsin-L-like group from the C1A subfamily of peptidases and displayed a unique modular structure that included a MD-2-related lipid-recognition domain.

Summary In elderly man, low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) was associated with a substantial excess risk of death compared to 25(OH)D values greater than 50–70 nmol/l, but the association attenuated with time. Introduction The aim of the present study was to determine whether poor vitamin D status was associated with an increase in the risk of death in elderly men. Methods We studied the relationship between serum 25(OH)D and the risk of death in 2,878 elderly men drawn from the population and recruited to the MrOS study in Sweden. Baseline data included general health and lifestyle measures and serum 25(OH)D measured by competitive RIA. Men were followed for up to 8.2 years (average 6.0 years). Results Mortality adjusted for comorbidities decreased by 5% for each SD increase in 25(OH)D overall (gradient of risk 1.05; 95% confidence interval 0.96–1.14). The predictive value of 25(OH)D for death was greatest below a threshold value of 50–70 nmol/l, was greatest at approximately 3 years after baseline and thereafter decreased with time. Conclusions Low serum 25(OH)D is associated with a substantial excess risk of death compared to 25(OH)D values greater than 50–70 nmol/l, but the association attenuates with time. These findings, if causally related, have important implications for intervention in elderly men.

Non-profit organizations (NPO) for mental health are becoming significant actors. Here, their roles in welfare society as understood in research are identified and analyzed. Results from recent research publications on the mental health field are synthesized and categorized in order to find out their origin, theoretical orientation, and view on mental health NPO’s in relation to the public welfare systems. Relevant publications are primarily from the US, empirically oriented, and addressing surveys on both individual and organizational level. NPOs were most often seen as consensus-oriented service organizations, while very few (4%) were seen as conflict-oriented advocates (i.e., anti-professional). It is concluded that these NPOs are most often studied as complements or alternatives to existing public welfare services rather than on their own terms, and that research on the topic lacks more complex theoretical attempts.

Optical phase-sensitive amplifiers (PSAs) are known to be capable, in principle, of realizing noiseless amplification and improving the signal-to-noise-ratio of optical links by 3 dB compared to conventional, phase-insensitively amplified links. However, current state-of-the-art PSAs are still far from being practical, lacking e.g. significant noise performance improvement, broadband gain and modulation-format transparency. Here we demonstrate experimentally, for the first time, an optical-fiber-based non-degenerate PSA link consisting of a phase-insensitive parametric copier followed by a PSA that provides broadband amplification, signal modulation-format independence, and nearly 6-dB link noise-figure (NF) improvement over conventional, erbium-doped fiber amplifier based links. The PSA has a record-low 1.1-dB NF, and can be extended to work with multiple wavelength channels with modest system complexity. This concept can also be realized in other materials with third-order nonlinearities, and is useful in any attenuation-limited optical link.

Age and sex are of importance in the development of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), and the disease is most common in postmenopausal women. Skeletal complications are well known at an advanced stage of PHPT, although the impact on bone mineral density (BMD) is evident in patients with mild disease. This study examines the prevalence of PHPT in elderly men and its impact on BMD. Calcium homeostasis and BMD, measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry, were evaluated in 3014 men ages 69 to 81 years in the MrOS-Sweden cohort. Individuals with a low glomerular filtration rate (

Improved benthic conditions compared to the 1990s were found during benthic investigations, including sediment and benthic macrofauna in the inner Stockholm archipelago during 2008. In the 1990s, these areas were dominated by black and laminated surface sediments and very sparse fauna. A clear relationship was found when comparing sediment status with the benthic macrofauna. Reduced surface sediment and impoverished macroinvertebrate community was only found at one sampling station representing an enclosed part of the inner archipelago, whereas the other seven stations, with depths ranging from 20 to 50 m, had oxidized surface sediments and considerable biomasses of benthic macrofauna (6-65 g m(-2)) dominated by the invading polychaete Marenzelleria neglecta. An extrapolation of the results shows that, within the investigated area, the coverage of reduced surface sediments had decreased from approximately 17% in the late 1990s to 4% in 2008.

Color polymorphisms in animals may result from plasticity of the developmental system in response to genetic cues in the form of allelic variation at polymorphic loci, environmental cues, or a combination of genetic and environmental cues. An increased understanding of the evolution of color polymorphisms requires better knowledge of when we should expect genetic and environmental cues respectively to influence phenotype determination. Theory posits that the developmental systems of organisms should evolve sensitivity to such cues that most accurately predict coming selective conditions. Pygmy grasshoppers (Orthoptera, Tetrigidae) vary in color pattern within and among populations and show fire melanism, i.e., an increased frequency of black and dark colored phenotypes in high density populations inhabiting fire-ravaged areas. We examined if the population density experienced by individuals during development influenced the phenotypic expression of color pattern in Tetrix subulata. Individuals were experimentally reared either in solitude, at intermediate density or under crowded conditions. We found that color patterns of experimental individuals were independent of rearing density but strongly influenced by maternal color pattern. High population density and crowding may not constitute reliable predictors of the selective regime that characterizes post-fire environments.

Context:Immune functions seem to have connections to variations in body fat mass. Studies of knockout mice indicate that endogenous interleukin (IL)-1 can suppress mature-onset obesity.Objective:To systematically investigate our hypotheses that single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and/or haplotypes variants in the IL-1 gene system are associated with fat mass.Subjects:The Gothenburg osteoporosis and obesity determinants (GOOD) study is a population-based cross-sectional study of 18-20 year-old men (n=1068), from Gothenburg, Sweden. Major findings were confirmed in elderly men (n=3014) from the Swedish part of the osteoporotic fractures in men (MrOS) multicenter population-based study.Main Outcome Measure:The genotype distributions and their association with body fat mass in different compartments, measured with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).Results:Out of 15 investigated SNPs in the IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL1RN) gene, a recently identified 3' untranslated region C>T (rs4252041, minor allele frequency=4%) SNP was associated with the primary outcome total fat mass (P=0.003) and regional fat masses, but not with lean body mass or serum IL-1 receptor 1 (IL1RN) levels. This SNP was also associated with body fat when correcting the earlier reported IL1RN+2018 T>C (rs419598) SNP (in linkage disequilibrium with a well-studied variable number tandem repeat of 86 bp). The association between rs4252041 SNP and body fat was confirmed in the older MrOS population (P=0.03). The rs4252041 SNP was part of three haplotypes consisting of five adjacent SNPs that were identified by a sliding window approach. These haplotypes had a highly significant global association with total body fat (P

We evaluated the relation between serum FGF23 and bone mineral density (BMD) in a community-based cohort of elderly men. There was a weak correlation between FGF23 and BMD, which was primarily dependent on body weight.FGF23 is a hormonal factor produced in bone and regulates serum levels of phosphate (Pi) and vitamin D. FGF23 over-expression is associated with skeletal abnormalities, including rickets/osteomalacia. The relation between FGF23 and Bone Mineral Density (BMD) in the community remains unexplored.We employed a large, population-based cohort of 3014 Swedish men aged 69-80 years, without known renal disease. BMD was measured with dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in the hip and lumbar spine. Serum intact FGF23 was analyzed with a two-site monoclonal ELISA.There was a weak but significant correlation between FGF23 and BMD in femoral neck (r = 0.04, p0.05), femoral trochanter (r = 0.05, p = 0.004), total hip (r = 0.06, p = 0.0015) and lumbar spine (r = 0.07, p = 0.0004). The correlations remained significant when adjusting for biochemical covariates (Pi, calcium, PTH, 25(OH)D and renal function). However, the association became insignificant in all regions when adjusting for established confounding variables including age, height, weight and smoking. Further analysis confirmed a significant correlation between FGF23 and body weight (r = 0.13, p0.0001).The weak correlation between FGF23 and BMD in elderly male subjects is mainly due to an association between FGF23 and body weight. Therefore, FGF23 may not play a significant role in the hormonal regulation of BMD.

The aetiology of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) remains unclear. The objective of the present study was to test the insulin, oestradiol and metabolic syndrome hypotheses as promoters of BPH. The design was a risk factor analysis of BPH in which the total prostate gland volume was related to endocrine and anthropometric factors. The participants studied were 184 representative men, aged 72-76 years, residing in Göteborg, Sweden. Using a multivariate analysis, BPH as measured by the total prostate gland volume correlated statistically significantly with fasting serum insulin (beta=0.200, P=0.028), free oestradiol (beta=0.233, P=0.008) and lean body mass (beta=0.257, P=0.034). Insulin and free oestradiol appear to be independent risk factors for BPH, confirming both the insulin and the oestradiol hypotheses. Our findings also seem to confirm the metabolic syndrome hypothesis. The metabolic syndrome and its major endocrine aberration, hyperinsulinaemia, are possible primary events in BPH.

As alterations in tissue pH underlie many pathological processes, the capability to image tissue pH in the clinic could offer new ways of detecting disease and response to treatment. Dynamic nuclear polarization is an emerging technique for substantially increasing the sensitivity of magnetic resonance imaging experiments. Here we show that tissue pH can be imaged in vivo from the ratio of the signal intensities of hyperpolarized bicarbonate (H(13)CO(3)(-)) and (13)CO(2) following intravenous injection of hyperpolarized H(13)CO(3)(-). The technique was demonstrated in a mouse tumour model, which showed that the average tumour interstitial pH was significantly lower than the surrounding tissue. Given that bicarbonate is an endogenous molecule that can be infused in relatively high concentrations into patients, we propose that this technique could be used clinically to image pathological processes that are associated with alterations in tissue pH, such as cancer, ischaemia and inflammation.

Herein we investigated the association between polymorphisms in the LRP5 gene and bone phenotypes and fractures in three large male cohorts based on the rationale that mutations in LRP5 cause severe bone phenotypes. Results showed an association of the Val667Met SNP with spine BMD in 3,800 young and elderly men. The low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5)-Wnt signalling system is of importance for regulating osteoblastic activity, which became clear after findings that inactivating mutations in LRP5 cause osteoporosis. The overall aim of this study was to investigate the association between polymorphisms in the LRP5 gene and bone mineral density (BMD) in three large cohorts of young and elderly men. The cohorts used were MrOS Sweden (n = 3014, aged 69–81 years) and MrOs Hong Kong (n = 2000, aged > 65 years) and the Swedish GOOD study (n = 1068, aged 18–20 years). The polymorphisms Val667Met and Ala1330Val were genotyped using a TaqMan assay. When combining the data from the Swedish cohorts in a meta-analysis (n = 3,800), men carrying the 667Met-allele had 3% lower BMD at lumbar spine compared with non-carriers (p

Studies of whether disturbance events are associated with the changing genetic compositions of natural populations may provide insights into the importance of local selection events in maintaining diversity, and might inform plans for the conservation and protection of that diversity. We examined the dynamics of a colour pattern polymorphism in a natural population of pygmy grasshoppers Tetrix subulata (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae) inhabiting a previously burnt clear-cut area. Data on morph frequencies for wild-caught and captive-reared individuals indicated that the initial dominance of black phenotypes following the fire event was followed by an increased diversity of the polymorphism. This was manifested as the appearance of a novel morph, a decreased incidence of the black morph, and a more even distribution of individuals across alternative morphs following the recurrence of vegetation. We also found that the colour patterns of captive-reared individuals resembled those of their parents and that the degree of within-clutch diversity increased between generations. Our comparisons of morph frequencies across generations and between environments within generations point to a genetic determination of colour pattern, and indicate that the polymorphism is influenced more strongly by selection than by plasticity or migration.

We discuss the influence of polarization mode dispersion (PMD) on optical communication channels by putting special emphasis on PMD-induced pulse broadening. We present the analytical theory for PMD-induced pulse broadening, first in the deterministic and then for the random case. We then apply this theory to a comparison between a few different simple PMD-compensators. We also discuss the systems implications and outage probabilities that arise for different compensating techniques, including active optical compensation, alternative modulation formats and error correcting codes. Then we consider wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) systems, and present the unique aspects of PMD and PMD compensation that distinguish WDM transmission from the single-channel case. Finally the temporal drift is discussed, and the associated autocorrelation function is presented.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical utility of a multi-shot spin-echo echo-planar (SE-EPI) diffusion-weighted sequence in the diagnostic work-up of soft tissue tumours. There were 29 patients, 16 with a benign lesion and 13 with a sarcoma. Four of the sarcomas were examined both before and after radiation therapy. Diffusion-weighted imaging was performed with a multi-shot SE-EPI sequence. The b values were 0 and 600 s/mm(2). Phase navigation and pulse trigging were applied. The apparent diffusion constant (ADC) value of a large region of interest (ROI) representing the lesion was measured and compared to diagnosis and treatment. The ADC values of the benign lesions (mean 1.8 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s) overlapped with non-treated sarcomas (mean 1.7 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s). The ADC value increased in all radiated sarcomas. A multi-shot SE-EPI diffusion imaging sequence of less than 2-min duration is technically feasible in soft tissue tumours of the extremities and the trunk. The ADC values of benign soft tissue tumours and sarcomas overlapped and could not be used to differentiate between the bulk of benign and malignant tumours. However, the increase in ADC values of soft tissue sarcomas after radiotherapy warrants further studies of diffusion imaging for evaluating therapy response.

The influence of pregnancy on bone mineral density (BMD) was evaluated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in 73 women (mean age 29 years, range 20-44 years) postpartum. Fifty-five age-matched women served as controls. The influence of lactation was evaluated in 65 of the delivered women who were followed with repeated measurements, a mean of 4.5 +/- 0.1 and 11.5 +/- 0.1 months after the delivery. The influence of multiple pregnancies was evaluated in 39 premenopausal women (mean age 38 years, range 31-54 years) with a minimum of four pregnancies (range 4-7). Fifty-eight age-matched healthy premenopausal women with a maximum of two pregnancies (range 0-2) served as controls. Data are presented as mean +/- SEM. BMD data are adjusted for differences in total fat mass and total lean mass. Lumbar spine BMD was 7.6 +/- 0.1% and total body BMD 3.9 +/- 0.1% lower in women postpartum compared with controls (both p

On the basis of cross-sectional studies in elite athletes and longitudinal studies, physical activity in growing children has been suggested to enhance bone mineral acquisition and prevent osteoporosis later in life. The level of exercise in most of these studies is not applicable in a population on a day-to-day basis. The aim of this study was to determine whether moderate increased exercise within the school curriculum from age 12 to 16 years would have anabolic bone effects. In a population-based setting of 40 boys and 40 girls the school curriculum was enhanced to physical education 4 times per week for 3-4 years. Controls were 82 boys and 66 girls who had had physical education twice a week over a corresponding period. Both cases and controls were measured at age 16 years. Bone mineral content (BMC), areal bone mineral density (aBMD), bone size (femoral neck width) and volumetric BMD (vBMD) were measured in total body, spine and femoral neck (FN) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Data are presented as mean +/- SD. BMC (8 +/- 15%, p = 0.04), aBMD (9 +/- 13%, p = 0.002) and vBMD (9 +/- 15%, p = 0.001) were all higher in FN in the male intervention group compared with controls. FN bone size was no higher in the intervention group than in the controls. In girls, no differences were found when comparing the intervention group with controls. The results remained after adjusting for confounding factors such as weight, height, milk intake and activity after school. In summary, we report that increased bone mass can be achieved in a population-based cohort of boys (but not in girls) by moderate increased physical activity within the school curriculum from age 12 to 16 years. We speculate that the same results can be seen in girls if intervention starts at an earlier age. We conclude that increasing the physical education content of the Swedish school curriculum may improve bone mass in at least peripubertal boys.

The empirical rate laws formulated to describe the dissolution rates of oxide minerals include the surface charge concentration that results from the protonation and deprotonation of surface functional groups. Previous experiments on quartz and silica have shown that dissolution rates vary as a function of different background electrolyte solutions, however, such experiments are often conducted at elevated temperatures where it is difficult to estimate surface charge along with the dissolution rates. In the present study we measure surface charge concentrations for silica in different electrolyte solutions at 298 K in order to quantify the extent to which the different counterions could affect the dissolution rates through their influence on the surface charge concentrations. The experimental solutions in the electrolyte series: LiCl, NaCl, KCl, RbCl, CaCl 2, SrCl2 and BaCl2 were prepared to maintain a constant metal concentration of 1.0 M. For the alkali-metal chlorides, the surface charge concentrations correlate with the size of the hydrated alkali metal, consistent with the idea that these counterions affect charge via outer-sphere coordination that shield proton surface complexes from one another. The reactivity trend for alkaline-earth cations is less clear, but the data demonstrate distinct differences in the acid-base properties of the silica surface in these different electrolytes. We then discuss how these trends are manifested in the rate equations used to interpret dissolution experiments.

Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured in the upper part of the skull, the femoral neck, and the total body by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry in 56 male and 33 female active athletes, 18-40 years of age, together with 64 male ex-weight lifters, 35-79 years of age. The active athletes were compared with 41 male and 54 female controls, the ex-weight lifters with 133 male controls. The purpose of the study was to see if BMD in the upper part of the skull, a region virtually unaffected by physical load, is different in athletes and controls. The male athletes had a 3% higher BMD for the total body and 12% for the hip, whereas the BMD for the upper part of the skull was 10% lower than controls. Corresponding BMD values for the female athletes were 4% higher for total body and 10% for the femoral neck, and the upper part of the skull was 7% lower than in controls. After 65 years of age there was no difference in BMD comparing ex-weightlifters and controls. Using a constructed ratio BMD total body to BMD upper part of the skull, the ex-weight lifters had 10% higher values also after age 65. It appears that bone mass is higher in weight-loaded areas and lower in an unloaded region, such as the upper part of the skull, in exercising athletes. After cessation of the active career, the bone mass approaches that of the controls and after 65 years of age, no difference was found comparing ex-weight lifters and controls. Due to the apparent bone mass shift from unloaded skeletal regions to loaded skeletal regions that seems to take place in active athletes, the constructed ratio, BMD total body to BMD upper part of the skull, seems to discriminate the influence on the skeleton in a more sensitive way than measuring the BMD in defined skeletal regions on their own. By using this constructed ratio, the influence on bone mass of physical exercise early in life is also detectable at older ages.