Archipelago flora in urban environments : site-specific plant material for the city with native coastal perennials as inspiration

Forskning från olika fält pekar på att grönska är viktig för den ekologiska och sociala hållbarheten i våra städer. Samtidigt är den moderna staden är ingen naturlig ståndort för växter, därför används idag ofta exotiska växter som klarar av stadens förhållanden. Det finns dock nackdelar med att använda exotiska växter då de riskerar att konkurrera ut inhemska arter, sprida nya sjukdomar samt inte tillhandahålla tillräckliga ekosystemtjänster. Syftet med kandidatuppsaten är att identifiera kust- och skärgårdsmiljöer och urbana miljöers ståndortsegenskaper, inventera inhemska perenner i Stockholms och Bohusläns skärgård, undersöka plantskolornas utbud av dessa arter samt ge förslag på inhemska perenner som skulle kunna fungera som alternativ till exotiska arter i stadsmiljöer. Resultatet visar att det finns en mängd inhemska perenner naturligt hemmahörande i Stockholms och Bohusläns skärgård som skulle kunna fungera bra i urbana miljöer, men att plantskolornas utbud av dessa är skralt och därför skulle kunna utökas. Vår förhoppning är att uppsatsen ska bidra med inspiration kring användandet av kustperenner i våra städer, då det idag saknas mycket kunskap om ämnet. Vi menar att de inhemska perennerna i Stockholms och Bohusläns skärgård har stor potential att fungera bra i framtidens ståndortsanpassade stadsplanteringar, samt att plantskolorna har god möjlighet att utöka sitt sortiment av dessa arter.Research from various fields indicates that greenery is crucial for the ecological and social sustainability of our cities. However, the modern city is not a natural habitat for plants, which is why exotic plants that can thrive in urban conditions are often used today. Nevertheless, there are disadvantages to using exotic plants, as they may risk outcompeting native species, spreading new diseases, and not providing adequate ecosystem services. The aim of the bachelor's thesis is to identify coastal and archipelago environments and the site characteristics of urban environments, inventory native perennials in the Stockholm and Bohuslän archipelagos, examine nurseries' offerings of these species, and propose native perennials that could serve as alternatives to exotic species in urban environments. The results indicate that there are numerous native perennials naturally occurring in the Stockholm and Bohuslän archipelagos that could thrive well in urban environments, but nurseries' offerings of these are limited and could therefore be expanded. Our hope is that the thesis will contribute knowledge and inspiration regarding the use of coastal perennials in our cities, as there is currently a lack of understanding on the subject. We believe that the native perennials in the Stockholm and Bohuslän archipelagos have great potential to perform well in future site-adapted urban plantings, and that nurseries have a good opportunity to expand their range of these species

Low RBM3 protein expression correlates with tumour progression and poor prognosis in malignant melanoma: An analysis of 215 cases from the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>We have previously reported that expression of the RNA- and DNA-binding protein RBM3 is associated with a good prognosis in breast cancer and ovarian cancer. In this study, the prognostic value of immunohistochemical RBM3 expression was assessed in incident cases of malignant melanoma from a prospective population-based cohort study.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Until Dec 31^st2008, 264 incident cases of primary invasive melanoma had been registered in the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study. Histopathological and clinical information was obtained for available cases and tissue microarrays (TMAs) constructed from 226 (85.6%) suitable paraffin-embedded tumours and 31 metastases. RBM3 expression was analysed by immunohistochemistry on the TMAs and a subset of full-face sections. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for comparison of RBM3 expression and relevant clinicopathological characteristics. Kaplan Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards modelling were used to assess the relationship between RBM3 and recurrence free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>RBM3 could be assessed in 215/226 (95.1%) of primary tumours and all metastases. Longitudinal analysis revealed that 16/31 (51.6%) of metastases lacked RBM3 expression, in contrast to the primary tumours in which RBM3 was absent in 3/215 (1.4%) cases and strongly expressed in 120/215 (55.8%) cases. Strong nuclear RBM3 expression in the primary tumour was significantly associated with favourable clinicopathological parameters; i.e. non-ulcerated tumours, lower depth of invasion, lower Clark level, less advanced clinical stage, low mitotic activity and non-nodular histological type, and a prolonged RFS (RR = 0.50; 95% CI = 0.27-0.91) and OS (RR = 0.36, 95%CI = 0.20-0.64). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the beneficial prognostic value of RBM3 remained significant for OS (RR = 0.33; 95%CI = 0.18-0.61).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>In line with previous in vitro data, we here show that RBM3 is down-regulated in metastatic melanoma and high nuclear RBM3 expression in the primary tumour is an independent marker of a prolonged OS. The potential utility of RBM3 in treatment stratification of patients with melanoma should be pursued in future studies.</p

Unintended weight loss in the elderly living at home: the aged in homecare project (Adhoc)

Objective: To describe associations between unintended weight loss (UWL) and characteristics of nutritional status. Design: A comparative cross-sectional assessment study at 11 sites in Europe. The target population was a stratified random sample of 4,455 recipients of home care (405 in each random sample from 11 urban areas) aged 65 years and older. Measurements: the Resident Assessment Instrument for Home Care, version 2.0. Epidemiological and medical characteristics of clients and service utilisation were recorded in a standardized, comparative manner. UWL was defined as information of 5% or more weight loss in the last 30 days (or 10% or more in the last 180 days). Results: The final sample consisted of 4,010 persons; 74% were female. The mean ages were 80.9 ± 7.5 years (males) and 82.8 ± 7.3 years (females). No associations were found between single diagnoses and UWL, except for cancer. Cancer patients were excluded from further analyses. Persons with a Cognitive Performance Scale value (CPS) > 3 (impaired) had increased risk of UWL (OR = 2.0) compared with those scoring < 3 (less impaired). Only in the oldest group did we find a significant association between UWL and reduction in ADL and IADL functions, comparing those who scored 3 or less with those who scored more than 3 (disabled). A binary logistic regression model explained 26% of UWL: less than one meal/day, reduced appetite, malnutrition, reduced social activity, experiencing a flare-up of a recurrent or chronic problem, and hospitalisation were important indicators. Conclusion: We recommend a regular comprehensive assessment in home care to identify clients with potential risk factors for weight loss and malnutrition, in particular those discharged from hospital, and those with physical dependency or cognitive problems. This study may provide incentives to create tailored preventive strategies

High RBM3 expression in prostate cancer independently predicts a reduced risk of biochemical recurrence and disease progression

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>High expression of the RNA-binding protein RBM3 has previously been found to be associated with good prognosis in breast cancer, ovarian cancer, malignant melanoma and colorectal cancer. The aim of this study was to examine the prognostic impact of immunohistochemical RBM3 expression in prostate cancer.</p> <p>Findings</p> <p>Immunohistochemical RBM3 expression was examined in a tissue microarray with malignant and benign prostatic specimens from 88 patients treated with radical prostatectomy for localized disease. While rarely expressed in benign prostate gland epithelium, RBM3 was found to be up-regulated in prostate intraepithelial neoplasia and present in various fractions and intensities in invasive prostate cancer. High nuclear RBM3 expression was significantly associated with a prolonged time to biochemical recurrence (BCR) (HR 0.56, 95% CI: 0.34-0.93, <it>p </it>= 0.024) and clinical progression (HR 0.09, 95% CI: 0.01-0.71, <it>p = </it>0.021). These associations remained significant in multivariate analysis, adjusted for preoperative PSA level in blood, pathological Gleason score and presence or absence of extracapsular extension, seminal vesicle invasion and positive surgical margin (HR 0.41, 95% CI: 0.19-0.89, <it>p </it>= 0.024 for BCR and HR 0.06, 95% CI: 0.01-0.50, <it>p = </it>0.009 for clinical progression).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our results demonstrate that high nuclear expression of RBM3 in prostate cancer is associated with a prolonged time to disease progression and, thus, a potential biomarker of favourable prognosis. The value of RBM3 for prognostication, treatment stratification and follow-up of prostate cancer patients should be further validated in larger studies.</p

Predictors of Societal Costs of Older Care-Dependent Adults Living in the Community in 11 European Countries

BACKGROUND: The objective was to identify predictors of societal costs covering formal and informal care utilization by older home care clients in 11 European countries. METHODS : Societal costs of 1907 older clients receiving home care for 12 months from the Aged in Home care (AdHoc) study were estimated using the InterRAI Minimum Data Set for Home Care's (MDS-HC) resource use items. Predictors (medical, functional, and psychosocial domains) of societal costs were identified by performing univariate and multivariate generalized linear model analyses. RESULTS : Mean societal costs per participant were (sic)36 442, ranging from (sic)14 865 in Denmark to (sic)78 836 in the United Kingdom. In the final multivariate model, country, being married, activities of daily living (ADL) dependency, cognitive impairment, limitations of going out, oral conditions, number of medications, arthritis, and cerebro vascular accident (CVA) were significantly associated with societal costs. CONCLUSIONS: Of the predictors, ADL dependency and limitations of going out may be modifiable. Developing interventions targeted at improving these conditions may create opportunities to curtail societal costs.Peer reviewe

Reduced expression of the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor in pancreatic and periampullary adenocarcinoma signifies tumour progression and poor prognosis

The polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) is a key component of the mucosal immune system that mediates epithelial transcytosis of immunoglobulins. High pIgR expression has been reported to correlate with a less aggressive tumour phenotype and an improved prognosis in several human cancer types. Here, we examined the expression and prognostic significance of pIgR in pancreatic and periampullary adenocarcinoma. The study cohort encompasses a consecutive series of 175 patients surgically treated with pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic and periampullary adenocarcinoma in Malmö and Lund University Hospitals, Sweden, between 2001-2011. Tissue microarrays were constructed from primary tumours (n = 175) and paired lymph node metastases (n = 105). A multiplied score was calculated from the fraction and intensity of pIgR staining. Classification and regression tree analysis was used to select the prognostic cut-off. Unadjusted and adjusted hazard ratios (HR) for death and recurrence within 5 years were calculated. pIgR expression could be evaluated in 172/175 (98.3%) primary tumours and in 96/105 (91.4%) lymph node metastases. pIgR expression was significantly down-regulated in lymph node metastases as compared with primary tumours (p = 0.018). Low pIgR expression was significantly associated with poor differentiation grade (p < 0.001), perineural growth (p = 0.027), lymphatic invasion (p = 0.016), vascular invasion (p = 0.033) and infiltration of the peripancreatic fat (p = 0.039). In the entire cohort, low pIgR expression was significantly associated with an impaired 5-year survival (HR = 2.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.71-5.25) and early recurrence (HR = 2.89, 95% CI 1.67-4.98). This association remained significant for survival after adjustment for conventional clinicopathological factors, tumour origin and adjuvant treatment (HR = 1.98, 95% CI 1.10-3.57). These results demonstrate, for the first time, that high tumour-specific pIgR expression signifies a more favourable tumour phenotype and that low expression independently predicts a shorter survival in patients with pancreatic and periampullary cancer. The mechanistic basis for the putative tumour suppressing properties of pIgR in these cancers merits further study

Height and body-mass index trajectories of school-aged children and adolescents from 1985 to 2019 in 200 countries and territories: a pooled analysis of 2181 population-based studies with 65 million participants

Summary Background Comparable global data on health and nutrition of school-aged children and adolescents are scarce. We aimed to estimate age trajectories and time trends in mean height and mean body-mass index (BMI), which measures weight gain beyond what is expected from height gain, for school-aged children and adolescents. Methods For this pooled analysis, we used a database of cardiometabolic risk factors collated by the Non-Communicable Disease Risk Factor Collaboration. We applied a Bayesian hierarchical model to estimate trends from 1985 to 2019 in mean height and mean BMI in 1-year age groups for ages 5–19 years. The model allowed for non-linear changes over time in mean height and mean BMI and for non-linear changes with age of children and adolescents, including periods of rapid growth during adolescence. Findings We pooled data from 2181 population-based studies, with measurements of height and weight in 65 million participants in 200 countries and territories. In 2019, we estimated a difference of 20 cm or higher in mean height of 19-year-old adolescents between countries with the tallest populations (the Netherlands, Montenegro, Estonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina for boys; and the Netherlands, Montenegro, Denmark, and Iceland for girls) and those with the shortest populations (Timor-Leste, Laos, Solomon Islands, and Papua New Guinea for boys; and Guatemala, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Timor-Leste for girls). In the same year, the difference between the highest mean BMI (in Pacific island countries, Kuwait, Bahrain, The Bahamas, Chile, the USA, and New Zealand for both boys and girls and in South Africa for girls) and lowest mean BMI (in India, Bangladesh, Timor-Leste, Ethiopia, and Chad for boys and girls; and in Japan and Romania for girls) was approximately 9–10 kg/m2. In some countries, children aged 5 years started with healthier height or BMI than the global median and, in some cases, as healthy as the best performing countries, but they became progressively less healthy compared with their comparators as they grew older by not growing as tall (eg, boys in Austria and Barbados, and girls in Belgium and Puerto Rico) or gaining too much weight for their height (eg, girls and boys in Kuwait, Bahrain, Fiji, Jamaica, and Mexico; and girls in South Africa and New Zealand). In other countries, growing children overtook the height of their comparators (eg, Latvia, Czech Republic, Morocco, and Iran) or curbed their weight gain (eg, Italy, France, and Croatia) in late childhood and adolescence. When changes in both height and BMI were considered, girls in South Korea, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and some central Asian countries (eg, Armenia and Azerbaijan), and boys in central and western Europe (eg, Portugal, Denmark, Poland, and Montenegro) had the healthiest changes in anthropometric status over the past 3·5 decades because, compared with children and adolescents in other countries, they had a much larger gain in height than they did in BMI. The unhealthiest changes—gaining too little height, too much weight for their height compared with children in other countries, or both—occurred in many countries in sub-Saharan Africa, New Zealand, and the USA for boys and girls; in Malaysia and some Pacific island nations for boys; and in Mexico for girls. Interpretation The height and BMI trajectories over age and time of school-aged children and adolescents are highly variable across countries, which indicates heterogeneous nutritional quality and lifelong health advantages and risks

Worldwide trends in underweight and obesity from 1990 to 2022: a pooled analysis of 3663 population-representative studies with 222 million children, adolescents, and adults

Background Underweight and obesity are associated with adverse health outcomes throughout the life course. We estimated the individual and combined prevalence of underweight or thinness and obesity, and their changes, from 1990 to 2022 for adults and school-aged children and adolescents in 200 countries and territories. Methods We used data from 3663 population-based studies with 222 million participants that measured height and weight in representative samples of the general population. We used a Bayesian hierarchical model to estimate trends in the prevalence of different BMI categories, separately for adults (age ≥20 years) and school-aged children and adolescents (age 5–19 years), from 1990 to 2022 for 200 countries and territories. For adults, we report the individual and combined prevalence of underweight (BMI &lt;18·5 kg/m2) and obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2). For school&#x2;aged children and adolescents, we report thinness (BMI &lt;2 SD below the median of the WHO growth reference) and obesity (BMI &gt;2 SD above the median). Findings From 1990 to 2022, the combined prevalence of underweight and obesity in adults decreased in 11 countries (6%) for women and 17 (9%) for men with a posterior probability of at least 0·80 that the observed changes were true decreases. The combined prevalence increased in 162 countries (81%) for women and 140 countries (70%) for men with a posterior probability of at least 0·80. In 2022, the combined prevalence of underweight and obesity was highest in island nations in the Caribbean and Polynesia and Micronesia, and countries in the Middle East and north Africa. Obesity prevalence was higher than underweight with posterior probability of at least 0·80 in 177 countries (89%) for women and 145 (73%) for men in 2022, whereas the converse was true in 16 countries (8%) for women, and 39 (20%) for men. From 1990 to 2022, the combined prevalence of thinness and obesity decreased among girls in five countries (3%) and among boys in 15 countries (8%) with a posterior probability of at least 0·80, and increased among girls in 140 countries (70%) and boys in 137 countries (69%) with a posterior probability of at least 0·80. The countries with highest combined prevalence of thinness and obesity in school-aged children and adolescents in 2022 were in Polynesia and Micronesia and the Caribbean for both sexes, and Chile and Qatar for boys. Combined prevalence was also high in some countries in south Asia, such as India and Pakistan, where thinness remained prevalent despite having declined. In 2022, obesity in school-aged children and adolescents was more prevalent than thinness with a posterior probability of at least 0·80 among girls in 133 countries (67%) and boys in 125 countries (63%), whereas the converse was true in 35 countries (18%) and 42 countries (21%), respectively. In almost all countries for both adults and school-aged children and adolescents, the increases in double burden were driven by increases in obesity, and decreases in double burden by declining underweight or thinness. Interpretation The combined burden of underweight and obesity has increased in most countries, driven by an increase in obesity, while underweight and thinness remain prevalent in south Asia and parts of Africa. A healthy nutrition transition that enhances access to nutritious foods is needed to address the remaining burden of underweight while curbing and reversing the increase in obesit

Heterogeneous contributions of change in population distribution of body mass index to change in obesity and underweight NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC)

From 1985 to 2016, the prevalence of underweight decreased, and that of obesity and severe obesity increased, in most regions, with significant variation in the magnitude of these changes across regions. We investigated how much change in mean body mass index (BMI) explains changes in the prevalence of underweight, obesity, and severe obesity in different regions using data from 2896 population-based studies with 187 million participants. Changes in the prevalence of underweight and total obesity, and to a lesser extent severe obesity, are largely driven by shifts in the distribution of BMI, with smaller contributions from changes in the shape of the distribution. In East and Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, the underweight tail of the BMI distribution was left behind as the distribution shifted. There is a need for policies that address all forms of malnutrition by making healthy foods accessible and affordable, while restricting unhealthy foods through fiscal and regulatory restrictions

Skådespelarens uppgift är att handla : En semantisk undersökning av en teaterkontext

I uppsatsen undersöks några för skådespeleriet centrala begrepp – agera, spela och leka – som har valts med utgångspunkt i tidigare forskning. Först undersöks begreppens allmänspråkliga betydelse och deras semantiska kopplingar med hjälp av traditionella ordböcker och med hjälp av Svenskt OrdNät, ett lexikon baserat på semantiska relationer. Därefter undersöks den betydelse begreppen har i en specifik teaterkontext: texter ur en antologi av teatermannen Keve Hjelm.Resultatet av undersökningarna är att de tre verben i många sammanhang används synonymt. Dock är verbet agera överordnat de andra orden, och även vissa användningar av samma verb. Verbet spela, som kan sägas vara det mest allmänna ordet inom skådespeleri, har många olika betydelser enligt den semantiska studien och används även på olika sätt i teaterkontexten. Undersökningarna ledde därför till två andra begrepp – uppleva och gestalta – som kompletterar förståelsen av vad skådespelarna gör