Porcine viruses in Uganda

Uganda has the largest pig population in east Africa, and most of the animals are owned by smallholders. Infectious diseases among pigs have a devastating impact on the livelihood of these farmers, which are dependent on the proceeds from pig rearing. In a metagenomics study of the wild pig species bushpig (Potamochoerus larvatus), the porcine viruses Torque teno sus virus (TTSuV) 1and 2 and Porcine parvovirus 4 (PPV4) were detected. TTSuV1 and 2 are ubiquitous in the world’s swine population, and PPV4 has been found in USA and China, but neither of them has been studied in Africa previously. The pathogenic properties of these viruses are unknown. The aim of this project was to do a first estimate of the prevalence of these viruses in pigs in Uganda, and to genetically characterize viruses detected in samples from bushpigs. The prevalence studies were made on serum samples from domestic pigs using PCR with genotype specific primers for TTSuV and PPV4 primers designed from the bushpig PPV4 sequence. Positive samples were sequenced, and phylogenetic analyses were performed in order to compare the Ugandan sequences with others already published. The prevalence of TTSuV1 and 2 in the studied domestic pigs was estimated at 16.7% and 47.9% respectively, with a co-infection of 14.6%. PPV4 was not found in domestic pigs with the bushpig primers. The bushpig TTSuV2 genome was characterized to 55% and was found to be 66-74% identical with other TTSuV2 sequences. The bushpig PPV4 genome was characterized to 70% and was 58% identical with available PPV4 sequences. Further studies must be performed to characterize the entire virus genomes from bushpig, and to evaluate the magnitude and significance of viral exchange between bushpigs and domestic pigs in Uganda.Uganda har östra Afrikas största grispopulation, och de flesta djuren ägs av småbrukare. Infektionssjukdomar bland grisar har en förödande effekt på försörjningen för dessa lantbrukare, som är i stort behov av avkastningen från grisnäringen. I en metagenomikstudie av den vilda grisarten bushpig (Potamochoerus larvatus), påvisades grisvirusen Torque teno sus virus (TTSuV) 1 och 2 och Porcint parvovirus 4 (PPV4). TTSuV1 och 2 är allmänt utbredda i världens grispopulation, och PPV4 har hittats i USA och Kina, men inget av dem har studerats i Afrika tidigare. Om virusen har förmåga att orsaka sjukdom är okänt. Syftet med detta projekt var att göra en första uppskattning av prevalensen av dessa virus hos grisar i Uganda, och att genetiskt karaktärisera virus påvisade i blod från bushpigs. Prevalensstudien gjordes på serumprov från tamsvin med PCR, med genotypspecifika primers för TTSuV och PPV4-primers som utformats från en PPV4-sekvens från bushpig. Positiva prover sekvenserades och fylogenetiska analyser utfördes i syftet att jämföra de ugandiska sekvenserna med andra redan publicerade sekvenser. Prevalensen av TTSuV1 och 2 i tamsvinen i denna studie var 16,7% respektive 47,9% med en co-infektion i 14,6% av grisarna. PPV4 hittades inte hos tamsvin genom användandet av bushpig-primrar. Genomet för TTSuV2 från bushpig karaktäriserades till 55% och befanns vara 66-74% identiskt med andra TTSuV2-sekvenser. Genomet för PPV4 från bushpig karaktäriserades till 70% och var 58% identiskt med tillgängliga PPV4-sekvenser. Ytterligare studier måste utföras för att karaktärisera hela virusgenomen från bushpig, och för att utvärdera omfattningen och betydelsen av virusutbyte mellan bushpigs och tamsvin i Uganda

First time molecular detection and phylogenetic relationships of torque teno sus virus 1 and 2 in domestic pigs in Uganda: further evidence for a global distribution

Background: Torque teno sus virus 1 (TTSuV1) and 2 (TTSuV2) are small, single-stranded circular DNA viruses belonging to the Anelloviridae family. Available studies clearly show that both viruses are widely distributed in the pig populations in America, Europe and Asia, although the impact of the infection is still unclear. Currently, the situation in domestic pig populations on the African continent is not known. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the possible presence of the two viruses in domestic pigs in Uganda, and describe the phylogenetic relationships to those in the rest of the world. Results: Ninety-five serum samples from six districts in Uganda were used, and PCR using TTSuV1 and 2 specific primers for the UTR region was run for viral nucleic acid detection. The positive samples were sequenced, and phylogenetic analyses performed in order to compare the Ugandan sequences with sequences from other parts of the world. The prevalence of TTSuV1 and 2 in the selected domestic pigs were estimated at 16.8% and 48.4% respectively, with co-infection found in 13.7%. The sequence identity was 90-100% between the Ugandan TTSuV1; and 63-100% between the Ugandan TTSuV2 sequences. Conclusion: This is the first report on the presence of TTSuV1 and 2 in domestic pigs in Uganda. These results highlight the importance of screening for emerging viruses given the globalisation of human activities

Kritiska blickar från marginalen: Reflektioner i spåren av Jens Rydström

I tre decennier har professor Jens Rydström varit med och format historieforskningen om marginaliserade grupper. Han har varit central i etablerandet av homo- och queerhistoria som forskningsfält i Sverige. Han har aldrig tvekat för att de mest tabubelagda ämnen, och har varit med och lagt grunden för forskningsfältet sexualitet och funktionshinder i Skandinavien. Jens har även bidragit med banbrytande forskning om sexarbetares historia i Skandinavien. Denna bok presenterar en brokig samling bidrag av forskare som alla har inspirerats av Jens Rydströms vetenskapliga gärning.I tre decennier har professor Jens Rydström varit med och format historieforskningen om marginaliserade grupper. Han har varit central i etablerandet av homo- och queerhistoria som forskningsfält i Sverige. Han har aldrig tvekat för att de mest tabubelagda ämnen, och har varit med och lagt grunden för forskningsfältet sexualitet och funktionshinder i Skandinavien. Jens har även bidragit med banbrytande forskning om sexarbetares historia i Skandinavien. Denna bok presenterar en brokig samling bidrag av forskare som alla har inspirerats av Jens Rydströms vetenskapliga gärning

Robust estimation of bacterial cell count from optical density

Optical density (OD) is widely used to estimate the density of cells in liquid culture, but cannot be compared between instruments without a standardized calibration protocol and is challenging to relate to actual cell count. We address this with an interlaboratory study comparing three simple, low-cost, and highly accessible OD calibration protocols across 244 laboratories, applied to eight strains of constitutive GFP-expressing E. coli. Based on our results, we recommend calibrating OD to estimated cell count using serial dilution of silica microspheres, which produces highly precise calibration (95.5% of residuals <1.2-fold), is easily assessed for quality control, also assesses instrument effective linear range, and can be combined with fluorescence calibration to obtain units of Molecules of Equivalent Fluorescein (MEFL) per cell, allowing direct comparison and data fusion with flow cytometry measurements: in our study, fluorescence per cell measurements showed only a 1.07-fold mean difference between plate reader and flow cytometry data

Mellan Raderna: Grammatikundervisning i Svensk Gymnasieskola i Engelska som Främmande Språk : En Kvalitativ Blandad Metodstudie om Läroböcker kontra Klassrumspraktik

This study investigates the relationship between grammar instruction in Swedish upper secondary English 5 coursebooks and the pedagogical practices reported by English teachers. The aim is to explore how grammar is represented in selected coursebooks and how teachers reportedly interpret and adapt this content in practice. The study applies Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) as a theoretical framework, which emphasises grammar as a tool for meaningful communication rather than as isolated rules. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combines content analysis of three English coursebooks – Echo 5 Main Issues, Core English 1, and Solid Gold 1 – with semi-structured interviews with eight upper secondary EFL teachers. The content analysis revealed that the coursebooks consistently present core grammatical topics, e.g., verb tenses, sentence structure, and modals, through prescriptive grammar instruction and decontextualised exercises. The interviews revealed that the teachers often integrate grammar instruction into authentic tasks, using pupil writing, real-world materials, and digital tools to develop communicative competence. A distinction emerged between academic and vocational programme teachers. Academic teachers emphasised formal and advanced structures, while vocational teachers prioritised functional grammar for practical communication. The study concludes from the content analysis and the interviews that although coursebooks provide foundational structure, they are often insufficient for supporting responsive instruction. The findings highlight the need for better alignment between instructional materials and communicative pedagogical approaches, suggesting that grammar teaching should be both flexible and contextually meaningful to support effective language acquisition

Mellan Raderna: Grammatikundervisning i Svensk Gymnasieskola i Engelska som Främmande Språk : En Kvalitativ Blandad Metodstudie om Läroböcker kontra Klassrumspraktik

This study investigates the relationship between grammar instruction in Swedish upper secondary English 5 coursebooks and the pedagogical practices reported by English teachers. The aim is to explore how grammar is represented in selected coursebooks and how teachers reportedly interpret and adapt this content in practice. The study applies Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) as a theoretical framework, which emphasises grammar as a tool for meaningful communication rather than as isolated rules. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combines content analysis of three English coursebooks – Echo 5 Main Issues, Core English 1, and Solid Gold 1 – with semi-structured interviews with eight upper secondary EFL teachers. The content analysis revealed that the coursebooks consistently present core grammatical topics, e.g., verb tenses, sentence structure, and modals, through prescriptive grammar instruction and decontextualised exercises. The interviews revealed that the teachers often integrate grammar instruction into authentic tasks, using pupil writing, real-world materials, and digital tools to develop communicative competence. A distinction emerged between academic and vocational programme teachers. Academic teachers emphasised formal and advanced structures, while vocational teachers prioritised functional grammar for practical communication. The study concludes from the content analysis and the interviews that although coursebooks provide foundational structure, they are often insufficient for supporting responsive instruction. The findings highlight the need for better alignment between instructional materials and communicative pedagogical approaches, suggesting that grammar teaching should be both flexible and contextually meaningful to support effective language acquisition

Potential application areas for Fresenius Kabi's bonus products

The main purpose of the project was to investigate existing markets within the food- and cosmetic industry in order to determine a strategy for market entrance with the bonus product of Fresenius Kabi. The original bonus product, P080, is a rest product from the process where phospholipids are extracted from egg yolk powder. P80 is a refine version of the P080 where egg yolk oil has been extracted, hence the protein content in P80 is higher. The extracted egg yolk oil is the final portion of the bonus product. Thereby, the original bonus product can be divided into two refined fractions. This project investigates the potential for each of these three substances to be a part of a fictive product.  By scanning the global protein market as well as the egg yolk protein and egg oil market, seven potential product segments were discovered. These segments were further evaluated in order to bring out specific products that were potential candidates as products based on the bonus product.  The analysis resulted in two fictive products based on P080; high value nutrition bars and snacks for seniors, one based on P80; protein powder, and one based on egg yolk oil; dietary supplement. All presented in three business cases

Potential application areas for Fresenius Kabi's bonus products

The main purpose of the project was to investigate existing markets within the food- and cosmetic industry in order to determine a strategy for market entrance with the bonus product of Fresenius Kabi. The original bonus product, P080, is a rest product from the process where phospholipids are extracted from egg yolk powder. P80 is a refine version of the P080 where egg yolk oil has been extracted, hence the protein content in P80 is higher. The extracted egg yolk oil is the final portion of the bonus product. Thereby, the original bonus product can be divided into two refined fractions. This project investigates the potential for each of these three substances to be a part of a fictive product.  By scanning the global protein market as well as the egg yolk protein and egg oil market, seven potential product segments were discovered. These segments were further evaluated in order to bring out specific products that were potential candidates as products based on the bonus product.  The analysis resulted in two fictive products based on P080; high value nutrition bars and snacks for seniors, one based on P80; protein powder, and one based on egg yolk oil; dietary supplement. All presented in three business cases

Peptider som läkemedel - en marknads- och trendanalys

Rapporten syftar till att ge en overskådlig bild av den aktuella peptidbaseradelläkemedelsmarknaden. Från en i rapporten definierad marknad har primärdata kring etablerade företag på marknaden, samt peptidbaserade läkemedel till försäjning på marknaden, sammanställts. Rapporten finner att onkologiska- och metaboliska sjukdomar är överrepresenterade i statistiken, vilket även stöds av rapporter från tredje part. Utforskandet av samarbeten mellan företag och akademi, företag och företag, och andra samarbetsformer presenteras också. En tydlig trend i dessa undersökningar tyder på att kontraktsbaserade samarbeten mellan organisationer, där forskning och produktion görs av ett externt företag som ett annat företag använder sig av, är på uppgång. Detta sänker kostnader för framställningen av nya läkemedel, och effektiviserar denna process. Trender inom forskningen talar också för att folkhälsosjukdomar i västvärlden ar trendsättande för läkemedelsföretagens inriktningar. Rapporten baseras på primärt insamlad statistik som verifieras genom rapporter från tredje part, fallstudier för att exemplifiera generaliseringar gjorda av andra källor, samt reflektioner kring vad denna information utrönar i för slutsats

Peptider som läkemedel - en marknads- och trendanalys

Rapporten syftar till att ge en overskådlig bild av den aktuella peptidbaseradelläkemedelsmarknaden. Från en i rapporten definierad marknad har primärdata kring etablerade företag på marknaden, samt peptidbaserade läkemedel till försäjning på marknaden, sammanställts. Rapporten finner att onkologiska- och metaboliska sjukdomar är överrepresenterade i statistiken, vilket även stöds av rapporter från tredje part. Utforskandet av samarbeten mellan företag och akademi, företag och företag, och andra samarbetsformer presenteras också. En tydlig trend i dessa undersökningar tyder på att kontraktsbaserade samarbeten mellan organisationer, där forskning och produktion görs av ett externt företag som ett annat företag använder sig av, är på uppgång. Detta sänker kostnader för framställningen av nya läkemedel, och effektiviserar denna process. Trender inom forskningen talar också för att folkhälsosjukdomar i västvärlden ar trendsättande för läkemedelsföretagens inriktningar. Rapporten baseras på primärt insamlad statistik som verifieras genom rapporter från tredje part, fallstudier för att exemplifiera generaliseringar gjorda av andra källor, samt reflektioner kring vad denna information utrönar i för slutsats