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Background: We previously reported results from a randomized controlled trial in which we found that Swedish infants consuming an experimental low-energy, low-protein formula (EF) supplemented with bovine milk fat globule membranes (MFGMs) until 6 mo of age had several positive outcomes, including better performance in the cognitive domain of Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development 3rd Edition at 12 mo of age, and higher plasma cholesterol concentrations during the intervention, than infants consuming standard formula (SF)., Objectives: We aimed to evaluate neurodevelopment, growth, and plasma cholesterol status at 6 and 6.5 y of age in the same study population., Methods: We assessed cognitive and executive functions using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children 4th Edition (WISC-IV), Brown Attention-Deficit Disorder Scales for Children and Adolescents (Brown-ADD), and Quantified Behavior (Qb) tests, and behavior using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and Teacher's Report Form (TRF), at 6.5 y of age. Anthropometrics and plasma lipids were assessed at 6 y of age., Results: There were no differences between the EF and SF groups in any of the subscales in WISC-IV or Brown-ADD at 6.5 y of age, in the proportion of children with scores outside the normal range in the Qb test, nor in clinical or borderline indications of problems in adaptive functioning from parental and teacher's scoring using the CBCL and TRF. There were no differences between the EF and SF groups in weight, length, or head or abdominal circumferences, nor in plasma concentrations of homocysteine, lipids, insulin, or glucose., Conclusions: Among children who as infants consumed a low-energy, low-protein formula supplemented with bovine MFGMs, there were no effects on neurodevelopment, growth, or plasma cholesterol status 6-6.5 y later., (© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Society for Nutrition.)

Aim: Few studies have examined the parents of moderately preterm children. The aim of this study was to investigate the experiences of parents of both extremely and moderately preterm children., Methods: Qualitative telephone interviews were conducted in 2013-2014 with 13 mothers and 10 fathers of extremely preterm children and with 11 mothers and seven fathers of moderately preterm children. The children were born between 2000 and 2003. Data were analysed with a narrative approach., Results: Parents of extremely preterm children recounted dramatic birth stories that, for most, ended positively. Parents of moderately preterm children presented more neutral birth stories, and most recounted that their children did not receive attention for prematurity from medical staff. Parents from both groups described staff members' treatment in terms of long-lasting impressions, and they were deeply affected by the hospital environment and the other parents and children admitted. Parents whose children died or were disabled recounted dramatic stories and endless fights for support., Conclusion: Parents from both groups reported long-lasting impressions of the medical staff and the hospital environment, which they found important to talk about, even a decade after the birth of their child/children., (© 2019 Foundation Acta Paediatrica. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The purpose of the study was to investigate seasonal variation in mood and behavior among a group of office workers in Sweden (56°N). Thirty subjects participated in this longitudinal study. The subjects kept a weekly log that included questionnaires for ratings of psychological wellbeing and daily sleep-activity diaries where they also noted time spent outdoors. The lighting conditions in the offices were subjectively evaluated during one day, five times over the year. There was a seasonal variation in positive affect and in sleep-activity behavior. Across the year, there was a large variation in the total time spent outdoors in daylight. The subjects reported seasonal variation concerning the pleasantness, variation and strength of the light in the offices and regarding the visibility in the rooms. Finally, the subjects spent most of their time indoors, relying on artificial lighting, which demonstrates the importance of the lighting quality in indoor environments.

Background: This study examined mental health outcomes in extremely preterm children (EPT) born at 23 to 25 weeks of gestation between 1992 and 1998 at 2 Swedish tertiary care centers that offered regional and active perinatal care to all live-born EPT infants., Methods: We assessed 132 (98%) of the 134 EPT survivors at 10 to 15 years of age alongside term-born controls. Behavioral and emotional problems were evaluated by using Achenbach's Child Behavior Checklist and Teacher Report Form and Conners' Parent and Teacher scales for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder., Results: Parents and teachers reported significantly more problems with internalizing behaviors as well as attention, social, and thought problems in EPT children than in controls, even when those with major neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDDs) were excluded. Multivariate analysis of covariance of the behavioral problems reported by parents and teachers revealed no interactions, but significant main effects emerged for group status (EPT versus control) and sex, with all effect sizes being medium to large and accounting for 8% to 14% of the variance. Compared with the controls, EPT children without NDDs had significantly increased rates of ≥90th percentile for total Conners' attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder problem scores (parents: 40% vs 15%, odds ratio: 3.7, P < .001) (teachers: 24% vs 9%, odds ratio: 3.3, P = .005). The corresponding rates were higher in the total population., Conclusions: EPT children with or without NDDs had behavioral problems characterized by a higher risk for anxiety and attention, social, and thought problems. These findings further strengthen the proposition that a preterm behavioral phenotype is recognizable in adolescents born EPT., Competing Interests: POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST: The authors have indicated they have no potential conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2017 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.)

Gill parasites on fish are likely to negatively influence their host by inhibiting respiration, oxygen transport capacity and overall fitness. The glochidia larvae of the endangered freshwater pearl mussel (FPM, Margaritifera margaritifera (Linnaeus, 1758)) are obligate parasites on the gills of juvenile salmonid fish. We investigated the effects of FPM glochidia encystment on the metabolism and haematology of brown trout (Salmo trutta Linnaeus, 1758). Specifically, we measured whole-animal oxygen uptake rates at rest and following an exhaustive exercise protocol using intermittent flow-through respirometry, as well as haematocrit, in infested and uninfested trout. Glochidia encystment significantly affected whole-animal metabolic rate, as infested trout exhibited higher standard and maximum metabolic rates. Furthermore, glochidia-infested trout also had elevated levels of haematocrit. The combination of an increased metabolism and haematocrit in infested fish indicates that glochidia encystment has a physiological effect on the trout, perhaps as a compensatory response to the potential respiratory stress caused by the glochidia. When relating glochidia load to metabolism and haematocrit, fish with low numbers of encysted glochidia were the ones with particularly elevated metabolism and haematocrit. Standard metabolic rate decreased with substantial glochidia loads towards levels similar to those of uninfested fish. This suggests that initial effects visible at low levels of encystment may be countered by additional physiological effects at high loads, e.g. potential changes in energy utilization, and also that high numbers of glochidia may restrict oxygen uptake by the gills.

Objective: We examined chronic conditions, functional limitations, and special health care needs in extremely preterm children (EPT; 23-25 weeks' gestation) born between 1992 and 1998 at 2 Swedish tertiary care centers that offered regional and active perinatal care to all live-born EPT infants., Methods: Of 134 surviving EPT children, 132 (98%) were assessed at 10 to 15 years of age alongside 103 term-born controls. Identification of children with functional limitations and special health care needs was based on a questionnaire administered to parents. Categorization of medical diagnoses and developmental disabilities was based on child examinations, medical record reviews, and parent questionnaires., Results: In logistic regression analyses adjusting for social risk factors and sex, the EPT children had significantly more chronic conditions than the term-born controls, including functional limitations (64% vs 6%; odds ratio [OR], 15; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.1-37.2; P < .001), compensatory dependency needs (60% vs 29%; OR, 3.8; 95% CI, 2.2-6.6; P < .001), and services above those routinely required by children (64% vs 25%; OR, 5.4; 95% CI, 3.0-9.6; P < .001). Specific diagnoses and disabilities for the EPT group versus controls included cerebral palsy (9.1% vs 0%; P < .001), asthma (21.2% vs 6.8%; P = 001), IQ < -2 SD (31.1% vs 4.9%; P < .001), poor motor skills without neurosensory impairment (21.9% vs 1.9%; P < .001), and psychiatric conditions (15.2% vs 1.9%; P < .001)., Conclusions: Adolescents born EPT have considerable long-term health and educational needs. Few had severe impairments that curtailed major activities of daily life., (Copyright © 2017 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.)

Background: Seasonal variations in physiology and behavior have frequently been reported. Light is the major zeitgeber for synchronizing internal circadian rhythms with the external solar day. Non-image forming effects of light radiation, for example, phase resetting of the circadian rhythms, melatonin suppression, and acute alerting effects, depend on several characteristics of the light exposure including intensity, timing and duration, spectral composition and previous light exposure, or light history. The aim of the present study was to report on the natural pattern of diurnal and seasonal light exposure and to examine seasonal variations in the circadian change of melatonin and cortisol concentrations for a group of Swedish office workers., Methods: Fifteen subjects participated in a field study that was carried out in the south of Sweden. Ambulatory equipment was used for monthly measurements of the daily exposure to light radiation across the year. The measurements included illuminance and irradiance. The subjects collected saliva samples every 4 h during 1 day of the monthly measuring period., Results: The results showed that there were large seasonal differences in daily amount of light exposure across the year. Seasonal differences were observed during the time periods 04:00-08:00, 08:00-12:00, 12:00-16:00, 16:00-20:00, and 20:00-24:00. Moreover, there were seasonal differences regarding the exposure pattern. The subjects were to a larger extent exposed to light in the afternoon/evening in the summer. During the winter, spring, and autumn, the subjects received much of the daily light exposure in the morning and early afternoon. Regarding melatonin, a seasonal variation was observed with a larger peak level during the winter and higher levels in the morning at 07:00., Conclusions: This study adds to the results from other naturalistic studies by reporting on the diurnal and seasonal light exposure patterns for a group living at a northern latitude of 56° N, with large annual variations in photoperiod length. It seems to be seasonal variation in the lighting conditions, both concerning intensities as well as regarding the pattern of the light exposure to which people living at high latitudes are exposed which may result in seasonal variation in the circadian profile of melatonin.

A changed vasomotor reactivity of renal arteries may lead to defect autoregulation of renal hemodynamics with damage of diabetic kidneys. Eleven streptozotocin-induced diabetic male Wistar rats were daily treated with insulin in order to achieve a blood glucose of 21 mmol/L. Seventeen age and gender-matched rats served as controls. After 50 days, the kidneys were rapidly removed, arteria renalis and the first branches of the intrarenal arteries were dissected free. The arterial reactivity was tested with a sensitive in vitro method. The reactivity to noradrenaline was tested by cumulative application (10(-9) to 3 x 10(-4) M) before and after a single concentration of neuropeptide Y (NPY). Potassium (60 mM) and noradrenaline induced a strong contraction of all arteries with similar response in diabetic and control rats. The effect of noradrenaline after NPY was unchanged in renal vessels of control rats, whereas it was diminished in intrarenal vessels for both diabetic and control rats. Similarly, a diminished response was found for renal arteries in diabetic rats, an effect which was related to the level of blood glucose (r = 0.62, 2p = 0.04). The urinary excretion rate of albumin in the diabetic rats was related to the largest noradrenaline induced contraction (r = 0.71, 2p = 0.01) of renal but not of intrarenal arteries. In conclusion, there was no difference in potassium and noradrenaline evoked contractions in renal and intrarenal arteries in diabetic and control rats. NPY decreased the contractile response to noradrenaline. The high blood glucose slightly increased this effect of NPY.

Exposure to toluene diisocyanate (TDI) was studied during 48 hours and biological samples from nine subjects were taken in a factory producing flexible polyurethane (PUR) foam. Five PUR workers, two white collar workers, and two volunteers were studied. The concentrations of TDI in air were determined by high performance liquid chromatography with the 9-(N-methylaminomethyl)-anthracene reagent. Urine and plasma samples were collected and the TDI related amines, 2,4-toluenediamine (2,4-TDA) and 2,6-toluenediamine (2,6-TDA), were determined (after hydrolysis) as pentafluoropropionic anhydride (PFPA) derivatives by capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) with selected ion monitoring (SIM) in the negative chemical ionisation mode. The concentration of TDI in air was 1%-10% of the Swedish threshold limit value (TLV) of 40 micrograms/m3. The ratio between 2,4-TDI and 2,6-TDI varied in the air samples in the range of 60%:40%-5%:95%. Calibration plots for human urine spiked with 2,6-TDA and 2,4-TDA in the range of 0.2-12 micrograms/l were produced on eight different occasions during five weeks. The SDS of the calibration plot slopes (n = 8) were less than 4%. Urine and blood samples were taken on six occasions for eight of the studied subjects and on four occasions for one subject during a two day period. The five male PUR workers showed the highest average urinary elimination rate of TDA. Two PUR workers and the two white collar workers had an elimination rate of 20-70 ng on average for the sum of 2,6-TDA and 2,4-TDA per hour and three PUR workers had an average of 100-300 ng TDA per hour. The elimination rate curves for all the studied subjects had a linear relation with exposure to TDI. The concentrations of 2,4-TDA and 2,6-TDA in plasma for the PUR factory employees were virtually stable. No relation between the elimination rates of TDA in urine and plasma concentrations of TDA was found. The five PUR workers showed plasma concentrations of the sum of 2,4-TDA and 2,6-TDA in the range 1-8 ng per ml. The two white collar workers, present only on occasions in the factory, had 0.2- ng TDA per ml plasma. The two volunteers showed an increasing concentration of TDA in plasma with time. At the end of the study their plasma concentrations were 0.6 ng/ml and 0.2 ng/ml plasma. Three subjects had the same concentration of the two TDA isomers in plasma, two subjects had about double, and two subjects had 12 times higher concentrations of 2,6-TDA than 2,4-TDA. The presented study indicates that it is possible to monitor exposure to TDI by monitoring plasma concentrations of TDA.

Interactions between neuropeptide Y and perivascular vasodilator agents were studied in guinea pig cerebral, coronary, and uterine arteries. In all three types of arteries, vessel segments precontracted with prostaglandin F2 alpha or histamine relaxed concentration dependently upon application of acetylcholine (ACh), substance P (SP), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). Neuropeptide Y (NPY: 10(-8)-10(-7) M) caused inhibition of relaxations produced by ACh, SP, and VIP in all three types of segments; however, the effective concentration varied between vessel type. Thus, cerebral and uterine arteries were approximately 10 times more sensitive to NPY than the coronary artery. D-myo-inositol-1,2,6-triphosphate (PP56) was a potent inhibitor of the NPY effect in all three vessel types. Thus, NPY, which is colocalized not only with norepinephrine in sympathetic perivascular fibers but also with VIP and ACh in some parasympathetic neurons, can greatly reduce the vasodilatory effect of ACh and VIP, as well as of the sensory peptide SP. This further illustrates the complex interactions NPY has with perivascular neuroeffector mechanisms.