Development of a primary cell model derived from porcine dorsal soft palate for foot-and-mouth disease virus research and diagnosis

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease of cloven-hoofed animals that has a significant socio-economic impact. One concern associated with this disease is the ability of its etiological agent, the FMD virus (FMDV), to persist in its hosts through underlying mechanisms that remain to be elucidated. While persistence has been described in cattle and small ruminants, it is unlikely to occur in pigs. One of the factors limiting the progress in understanding FMDV persistence and, in particular, differential persistence is the lack of suitable in vitro models. A primary bovine cell model derived from the dorsal soft palate, which is the primary site of replication and persistence of FMDV in cattle, has been developed, and it seemed relevant to develop a similar porcine model. Cells from two sites of FMDV replication in pigs, namely, the dorsal soft palate and the oropharyngeal tonsils, were isolated and cultured. The epithelial character of the cells from the dorsal soft palate was then assessed by immunofluorescence. The FMDV-sensitivity of these cells was assessed after monolayer infection with FMDV O/FRA/1/2001 Clone 2.2. These cells were also grown in multilayers at the air-liquid interface to mimic a stratified epithelium susceptible to FMDV infection. Consistent with what has been shown in vivo in pigs, our study showed no evidence of persistence of FMDV in either the monolayer or multilayer model, with no infectious virus detected 28 days after infection. The development of such a model opens up new possibilities for the study and diagnosis of FMDV in porcine cells

Dzīvi un dzīvību apliecinoša attieksme kristīgajā audzināšanā pamatskolā

Det är inte lätt för en examinator att hålla ordning på antalet arbetstimmar denne förväntas lägga på handledningstid för examensarbeten. Beroende på vilken typ av examensarbete det gäller och vilket budgetår (kalenderår) som är aktuellt kan olika regler gälla. EXIT är ett system där studierektorer kan lägga till budgetår och examinatorer. Genom att sedan specificera hur mycket arbetstid varje examinator skall lägga på handledning vid examensarbeten gör studierektorn det möjligt för examinatorerna att hålla reda på hur mycket tid de förväntas lägga på handledning och hur mycket tid de har kvar för det aktuella budgetåret. Även studenter har nytta av systemet eftersom de kan se vilka examinatorer som finns tillgängliga när de söker examensarbeten

"You have to know why you're doing this" : a mixed methods study of the benefits and burdens of self-tracking in Parkinson's disease

Background: This study explores opinions and experiences of people with Parkinson's disease (PwP) in Sweden of using self-tracking. Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative condition entailing varied and changing symptoms and side effects that can be a challenge to manage optimally. Patients' self-tracking has demonstrated potential in other diseases, but we know little about PD self-tracking. The aim of this study was therefore to explore the opinions and experiences of PwP in Sweden of using self-tracking for PD. Method: A mixed methods approach was used, combining qualitative data from seven interviews with quantitative data from a survey to formulate a model for self-tracking in PD. In total 280 PwP responded to the survey, 64% (n = 180) of which had experience from self-tracking. Result: We propose a model for self-tracking in PD which share distinctive characteristics with the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle for healthcare improvement. PwP think that tracking takes a lot of work and the right individual balance between burdens and benefits needs to be found. Some strategies have here been identified; to focus on positive aspects rather than negative, to find better solutions for their selfcare, and to increase the benefits through improved tools and increased use of self-tracking results in the dialogue with healthcare. Conclusion: The main identified benefits are that self-tracking gives PwP a deeper understanding of their own specific manifestations of PD and contributes to a more effective decision making regarding their own selfcare. The process of self-tracking also enables PwP to be more active in communicating with healthcare. Tracking takes a lot of work and there is a need to find the right balance between burdens and benefits.FORTE, the Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare, grant number 2014-4238Vinnova, the Swedish Governmental Agency for Innovation SystemsPublishe

Skördarförares och den skogliga variationens betydelse för sortimentsutbyte, längdfördelning och framtida utbytesprognoser

Idag fördelningsapteras en stor del av sågtimret för att kunna möta sågverkens önskemål för de olika längd- och diameterklasserna. Trots detta verkar det vara problematiskt för sågverken att få ut de efterfrågade längdfördelningarna. En av orsakerna till detta torde vara att skördarförare i olika utsträckning gör manuella kap, dvs. frångår apteringsdatorns förslag. Denna studie syftar till att kartlägga variationen av manuella kap för ett antal maskinlag inom en av SCAs skogsförvaltningar samt analysera effekt av skoglig variations och förareffektens betydelse för andelen manuella kap. Detta genom att sammanställa produktionsfiler och utföra analyser mellan ett antal olika variabler som kan tänkas ha betydelse, t.ex. fördelningsgrad, vrakandel och nedklassningsandel. Genom intervjuer med maskinförare erhålls bättre förståelse kring förarnas preferenser gällande manuella kap. Analyserna som utförts visar att det finns en stark korrelation mellan andelen manuella kap och fördelningsgrad, dvs. måttet som talar om hur väl entreprenörerna träffar sågverkens önskemål. Studien visar att fördelningsgraden minskar med ökad andel manuella kap. Utförda intervjuer indikerar att krök är den vanligaste anledningen till manuella kap. Utifrån det data som analyserats går det inte att fastställa att de maskinlag som kapar mindre manuellt skulle ha större vrakandel eller nedklassat virke vid inmätningen på Bollsta sågverk.In its current state, bucking-to-demand is mainly used on sawn timber to meet sawmills request when it comes to classes of length and diameter. Despite this, it seems to be problematic for sawmills to get the required length distributions. One of the reasons for this might be that the harvester operator to certain extents makes manual cross cuts, i.e. deviates from the proposals of the harvester computer. This study aims to identify the variation in the manual cross cuts for a number of machine teams in one of SCA's forest managements and to analyze the forest variation and significant effect of driving on the proportion of manual cross cuts. This by compiling output files and performing analyses from a number of variables that could have an impact, e.g. distribution ratio, share of rejects and substandard timber. To get a better understanding of the drivers preferences interviews are held. The analyses indicate that there is a strong correlation between the proportion of manual cross cuts and the distribution ratio, i.e. measurement that tells you how well the contractors hits sawmills requests. The study shows that the distribution ratio decreases with increased proportion of manual cuts. Based on the interviews, flections in timber seems to be the most common reason for manual cross cuts. This study does not show any correlation between decreased manual cross cuts and increased share of reject or substandard timber

Meeting the burden of self-management : qualitative study investigating the empowering behaviors of patients and informal caregivers

Background: Patient empowerment is an important concept and a movement toward person-centered care of patients with chronic conditions. Nevertheless, to date, most research on empowered patients or informal caregivers has been conducted from a narrow clinical perspective. Such research has mainly focused on how health care professionals can empower patients to increase self-care or compliance with treatment. Research on empowered patient and informal caregiver needs and self-empowering activities is scarce. Objective: We aimed to explore empowering behaviors from a patient and informal caregiver perspective in the context of self-management and to understand how health care can support such behaviors better. Methods: We used an exploratory, qualitative study design. A total of 15 semistructured interviews and 6 focus group interviews were conducted with 48 patients and informal caregivers. We analyzed the interviews using thematic analysis and used a directed content analysis to analyze the focus group interviews. Results: A total of 14 patterns of empowering behaviors were identified that were characterized by several exploratory and influencing activities performed by the participants. The participants expressed a desire to be more active in their care than what is expected and supported by health care professionals. The participants also desired better support for activities imposed on them by health care professionals. Conclusions: To enable a transformation of the health care system to better support self-empowering behaviors, there is a need to develop self-management approaches from a patient and informal caregiver perspective.Vinnova, the Swedish Governmental Agency for Innovation Systems (grant 2017-01221)Forte, the Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare (grant 2016-07324 and grant 2018-01472)Publishe

From information seekers to innovators : qualitative analysis describing experiences of the second generation of e-patients

Background: Current health care systems are rarely designed to meet the needs of people living with chronic conditions. However, some patients and informal caregivers are not waiting for the health care system to redesign itself. These individuals are sometimes referred to as e-patients. The first generation of e-patients used the internet for finding information and for communicating with peers. Compared with the first generation, the second generation of e-patients collects their own health data and appears to be more innovative. Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the second generation of e-patients through exploration of their active engagement in their self-care and health care. Methods: Semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 patients with chronic conditions and 5 informal caregivers. They were all recruited through a Web-based advertisement. Data were analyzed according to the framework analysis approach, using the 3 concepts of the self-determination theory-autonomy, relatedness, and competence-at the outset. Results: Study participants were actively engaged in influencing their self-care and the health care system to improve their own health, as well as the health of others. This occurred at different levels, such as using their own experience when giving presentations and lectures to health care professionals and medical students, working as professional peers in clinical settings, performing self-tracking, contributing with innovations, and being active on social media. When interaction with health care providers was perceived as being insufficient, the participants sought support through their peers, which showed strong relatedness. Competence increased through the use of technology and learning experiences with peers. Their autonomy was important but was sometimes described as involuntary and to give up was not an option for them. Conclusions: Like the first generation of e-patients, the participants frequently searched for Web-based information. However, the second generation of e-patients also produce their own health data, which they learn from and share. They also engage in the innovation of digital tools to meet health-related needs. Utilizing technological developments comes naturally to the second generation of e-patients, even if the health care system is not prepared to support them under these new circumstancesVinnova, the Swedish Governmental Agency for Innovation Systems (grant number 2017-01221)Publishe

Proteomic and Lipidomic Profiling of Calves Experimentally Co-Infected with Influenza D Virus and Mycoplasma bovis: Insights into the Host-Pathogen Interactions

The role of Influenza D virus (IDV) in bovine respiratory disease remains unclear. An in vivo experiment resulted in increased clinical signs, lesions, and pathogen replication in calves co-infected with IDV and Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis), compared to single-infected calves. The present study aimed to elucidate the host-pathogen interactions and profile the kinetics of lipid mediators in the airways of these calves. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples collected at 2 days post-infection (dpi) were used for proteomic analyses by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Additionally, lipidomic analyses were performed by LC-MS/MS on BAL samples collected at 2, 7 and 14 dpi. Whereas M. bovis induced the expression of proteins involved in fibrin formation, IDV co-infection counteracted this coagulation mechanism and downregulated other acute-phase response proteins, such as complement component 4 (C4) and plasminogen (PLG). The reduced inflammatory response against M. bovis likely resulted in increased M. bovis replication and delayed M. bovis clearance, which led to a significantly increased abundance of oxylipids in co-infected calves. The identified induced oxylipids mainly derived from arachidonic acid; were likely oxidized by COX-1, COX-2, and LOX-5; and peaked at 7 dpi. This paper presents the first characterization of BAL proteome and lipid mediator kinetics in response to IDV and M. bovis infection in cattle and raises hypotheses regarding how IDV acts as a co-pathogen in bovine respiratory disease

Evaluating the potential of whole-genome sequencing for tracing transmission routes in experimental infections and natural outbreaks of bovine respiratory syncytial virus

Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) is a major cause of respiratory disease in cattle. Genomic sequencing can resolve phylogenetic relationships between virus populations, which can be used to infer transmission routes and potentially inform the design of biosecurity measures. Sequencing of short

Screening antivirals with a mCherry-expressing recombinant bovine respiratory syncytial virus: a proof of concept using cyclopamine

Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) is a pathogenic pneumovirus and a major cause of acute respiratory infections in calves. Although different vaccines are available against BRSV, their efficiency remains limited, and no efficient and large-scale treatment exists. Here, we developed a new reverse genetics system for BRSV expressing the red fluorescent protein mCherry, based on a field strain isolated from a sick calf in Sweden. Although this recombinant fluorescent virus replicated slightly less efficiently compared to the wild type virus, both viruses were shown to be sensitive to the natural steroidal alkaloid cyclopamine, which was previously shown to inhibit human RSV replication. Our data thus point to the potential of this recombinant fluorescent BRSV as a powerful tool in preclinical drug discovery to enable high throughput compound screening

Strong protection induced by an experimental DIVA subunit vaccine against bluetongue virus serotype 8 in cattle

AbstractBluetongue virus (BTV) infections in ruminants pose a permanent agricultural threat since new serotypes are constantly emerging in new locations. Clinical disease is mainly observed in sheep, but cattle were unusually affected during an outbreak of BTV seroype 8 (BTV-8) in Europe. We previously developed an experimental vaccine based on recombinant viral protein 2 (VP2) of BTV-8 and non-structural proteins 1 (NS1) and NS2 of BTV-2, mixed with an immunostimulating complex (ISCOM)–matrix adjuvant. We demonstrated that bovine immune responses induced by this vaccine were as good or superior to those induced by a classic commercial inactivated vaccine. In this study, we evaluated the protective efficacy of the experimental vaccine in cattle and, based on the detection of VP7 antibodies, assessed its DIVA compliancy following virus challenge. Two groups of BTV-seronegative calves were subcutaneously immunized twice at a 3-week interval with the subunit vaccine (n=6) or with adjuvant alone (n=6). Following BTV-8 challenge 3 weeks after second immunization, controls developed viremia and fever associated with other mild clinical signs of bluetongue disease, whereas vaccinated animals were clinically and virologically protected. The vaccine-induced protection was likely mediated by high virus-neutralizing antibody titers directed against VP2 and perhaps by cellular responses to NS1 and NS2. T lymphocyte responses were cross-reactive between BTV-2 and BTV-8, suggesting that NS1 and NS2 may provide the basis of an adaptable vaccine that can be varied by using VP2 of different serotypes. The detection of different levels of VP7 antibodies in vaccinated animals and controls after challenge suggested a compliancy between the vaccine and the DIVA companion test. This BTV subunit vaccine is a promising candidate that should be further evaluated and developed to protect against different serotypes