Background. Sun exposure is the main driver of vitamin D synthesis. High latitude, obesity, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are all risk factors for vitamin D deficiency. However, the seasonal variation in vitamin D concentrations (25[OH]D) in such populations before and after sun exposure during the summer is unknown. Therefore, we investigated 25[OH]D status before and after two consecutive

Aims/Introduction: The incretin hormone glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) is secreted after meal ingestion. This study explored the relative influence of classes of macronutrients on GIP secretion. Materials and Methods: The human literature was revisited by identifying articles from PubMed using key words GIP, macronutrients, carbohydrates, fat, protein, healthy subjects. In mode

C4b-binding protein (C4BP) is a well-known regulator of the complement system that holds additional and important activities unrelated to complement inhibition. Recently, we have described a novel immunomodulatory activity in the minor C4BP(β-) isoform directly acting over inflammatory phagocytes. Here we show that incorporation of the β-chain to the C4BP α-chain oligomer interferes with this immu

Incumbent firms face growing pressure to transform their business towards sustainability. However, business models for sustainability (BMfS) and circularity are grounded in fundamentally different institutional logic which, for incumbents, creates tensions with existing business models, structures and routines. How organizations manage tensions from conflicting logics is explored comprehensively i

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is best known for its roles as vascular and immune regulator. Besides, it is also present in the central nervous system (CNS) where it can act as neuromodulator via five S1P receptors (S1PRs), and thus control neurotransmitter release. The distribution of S1PRs in the active zone and postsynaptic density of CNS synapses remains unknown. In the current study, we invest

A policy entrepreneur is a distinct kind of political actor aimed at affecting change. The theoretical narrative regarding policy entrepreneurs is underpinned by their commitment to a policy solution, the multi-dimensional strategies they use to promote that solution, and a suite of attributes and skills facilitating their actions. Policy entrepreneurs reveal themselves through their attempts to t

The great hopes in Brussels that a circular bioeconomy will help bridge the growing divide between urban and rural areas and allow the hinterlands to prosper from ‘green growth’ are addressed in this article, which reflects on insights from three Nordic case studies of brown, green and blue biomass use at different levels of technology readiness. A closer examination of the forward, backward, fisc

Bird winter-feeding has become a popular backyard activity around the world, particularly in northern regions of Europe and America with cold winters. However, the short- and long-term ecological consequences of such artificial feeding remain inconclusive. In seasonal environments, timing of breeding is a crucial aspect that can strongly influence reproductive output and ultimately fitness. Indivi

Background: A new, supposedly more reproducible radiographic classification, set to replace the Tönnis classification of hip dislocations, was proposed in 2015: the International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI) classification. Purpose: To compare the IHDI classification with the Tönnis classification when evaluating the severity of hip dislocations as well as their respective inter- and intra-obser

Background: Liver disease in Cystic Fibrosis (CFLD) is an early complication of CF. Evidence of CFLD is often subclinical and screening is recommended. Screening includes a biochemical work-up and an ultrasound investigation. Non-invasive methods measuring liver stiffness such as shear wave elastography could be beneficial. This study describes the use of 2D Shear Wave Elastography (2D SWE) in scr

This study explored the relationship between the glucose dose and insulin response from beta cells in vivo and in vitro in mice. Glucose was administered intravenously at different dose levels (from 0 to 0.75 g/kg) in anesthetized C57BL/6J mice, and the glucose and insulin concentrations were determined in samples taken after 50 min. Furthermore, freshly isolated mouse islets were incubated for 60

Despite systematic screening and improved treatment strategies, the prognosis remains worse in patients with connective tissue disease-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (CTD-PAH) compared to patients with idiopathic/hereditary pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH). We aimed to investigate differences in clinical characteristics, outcome and performance of the European Society of Cardiolo

IntroductionThe child’s best interest has moral foundations in medicine and has existed for decades in the field of paediatrics. Indeed, there are recommendations for the child’s best interests to be a primary consideration in all matters that concern the child. However, there is uncertainty in the literature over how the child’s best interests may be safeguarded within healthcare. AimThe aim of t

The COVID-19 crisis is a global event that has created and amplified social inequalities, including an already existing and steadily increasing problem of employment and income insecurity and erosion of workplace rights, affecting workers globally. The aim of this exploratory study was to review employment-related determinants of health and health protection during the pandemic, or more specifical