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BackgroundImmunoglobulin G subclass deficiencies (IgGsd) comprise a wide clinical spectrum from no symptoms to repeated respiratory infections and risk for the development of lung damage. Our aims were to investigate whether the immunological phenotype of IgGsd patients on and off immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IgRT) was reflected in the clinical features of IgGsd.MethodThirty patients with IgGsd were included in this prospective study of 18 months of IgRT, followed by 7-18 months of IgRT discontinuation. Blood samples were collected when patients were on and off IgRT and compared with samples from 34 cross-sectional healthy controls. An in-depth lymphocyte phenotyping was performed by flow cytometry and plasma levels of immune checkpoints were assessed.ResultsIgG3 subclass deficiency was most common. Patients with IgGsd had decreased levels of activated T cells and B cells and plasma levels of negative immune checkpoint molecules correlated negatively with T cell and B cell activation. The decreased T cell activation level was unaffected by IgRT, while the B cell activation was partly restored. Of note, decreased levels of activated regulatory T cells (Tregs) were found in IgGsd patients and was partly restored during IgRT. The profile of comorbidities did not associate with Treg levels.DiscussionIgGsd is associated with decreased B cell and T cell activation including Tregs, and increased plasma levels of negative immune checkpoint molecules. The consequence of reduced activated Tregs in IgGsd remains unclear. Decreased immune cell activation was partly restored during IgRT, demonstrating that IgRT may contribute to improved immune function in patients with IgGsd.

BackgroundDue to changes in Swedish maternity care during the COVID-19 pandemic, partners were often excluded from antenatal and postnatal care.AimTo explore partners' experiences of pregnancy, labour, and postnatal care in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.MethodsA descriptive qualitative interview study with 15 partners of women who gave birth from March 2020 to March 2022. Data was collected from April to November 2022, and analysed using inductive thematic analysis.FindingsTwo themes and six subthemes were identified. The first theme, Feelings of loss and exclusion, emphasises the expectation and desire to share the journey of becoming a parent together with the pregnant partner. When excluded from maternity care, a feeling of missing out was described which could create a sense of distance from the unborn child. The second theme, Dealing with powerlessness, relates to the fear of infection and not being able to participate during the birth, and life being adapted to restrictions. Mixed feelings regarding the restrictions were described since the reasons behind were not always perceived as clear and logical.DiscussionSweden prides itself on gender equality, where partners normally are a natural part of maternity care. This likely contributed to strong feelings of exclusion when partners were prevented from participating in maternity care during the COVID-19 pandemic.ConclusionPartners of women giving birth during the COVID-19 pandemic were substantially affected by the restrictions within maternity care. Partners wish to be involved in pregnancy and birth and want to receive clear information as part of their preparation for parenthood. Society-including maternity care-must decide how to address these needs.

Abstract Recent advances in cell biology and gene regulation suggest mechanisms whereby associative learning could be performed by single cells. Therefore, we explored a model of classical conditioning in human macrophages in vitro. In macrophage cultures, bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS; unconditioned stimulus) was paired once with streptomycin (conditioned stimulus). Secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6) was used as response measure. At evocation, conditioning was not observed. Levels of IL-6 were higher only in those cultures that had been exposed to LPS in the learning phase (p's < .05), regardless whether they received the conditioned stimulus or not at evocation. However, habituation was evident, with a 62% loss of the IL-6 response after three LPS presentations (p < .001). If further experiments confirm that simple learning can occur in immune cells, this may have bearings not only on immune regulation, but also on the brain response to molecular signals detected in the periphery. Importantly, whether capacities for simple learning in single cells extend beyond habituation, and how this would be demonstrated, remain open questions.

Abstract Background NorQ, a member of the MoxR-class of AAA+ ATPases, and NorD, a protein containing a Von Willebrand Factor Type A (VWA) domain, are essential for non-heme iron (FeB) cofactor insertion into cytochrome c-dependent nitric oxide reductase (cNOR). cNOR catalyzes NO reduction, a key step of bacterial denitrification. This work aimed at elucidating the specific mechanism of NorQD-catalyzed FeB insertion, and the general mechanism of the MoxR/VWA interacting protein families. Results We show that NorQ-catalyzed ATP hydrolysis, an intact VWA domain in NorD, and specific surface carboxylates on cNOR are all features required for cNOR activation. Supported by BN-PAGE, low-resolution cryo-EM structures of NorQ and the NorQD complex show that NorQ forms a circular hexamer with a monomer of NorD binding both to the side and to the central pore of the NorQ ring. Guided by AlphaFold predictions, we assign the density that “plugs” the NorQ ring pore to the VWA domain of NorD with a protruding “finger” inserting through the pore and suggest this binding mode to be general for MoxR/VWA couples. Conclusions Based on our results, we present a tentative model for the mechanism of NorQD-catalyzed cNOR remodeling and suggest many of its features to be applicable to the whole MoxR/VWA family.

Dendritic cells (DCs) are mediators between innate and adaptive immunity and vital in initiating and modulating antigen-specific immune responses. The most important site for induction of tolerance is the gut mucosa, where TGF-β, retinoic acid, and aryl hydrocarbon receptors collaborate in DCs to induce a tolerogenic phenotype. To mimic this, a novel combination of compounds – the synthetic aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonist IGN-512 together with TGF-β and retinoic acid – was developed to create a platform technology for induction of tolerogenic DCs intended for treatment of several conditions caused by unwanted immune activation. These in vitro-generated cells, designated ItolDCs, are phenotypically characterized by their low expression of co-stimulatory and activating molecules along with high expression of tolerance-associated markers such as ILT3, CD103, and LAP, and a weak pro-inflammatory cytokine profile. When co-cultured with T cells and/or B cells, ItolDC-cultures contain higher frequencies of CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs), CD49b+LAG3+ ‘type 1 regulatory (Tr1) T cells, and IL-10-producing B cells and are less T cell stimulatory compared to cultures with matured DCs. Factor VIII (FVIII) and tetanus toxoid (TT) were used as model antigens to study ItolDC antigen-loading. ItolDCs can take up FVIII, process, and present FVIII peptides on HLA-DR. By loading both ItolDCs and mDCs with TT, antigen-specific T cell proliferation was observed. Cryo-preserved ItolDCs showed a stable tolerogenic phenotype that was maintained after stimulation with LPS, CD40L, or a pro-inflammatory cocktail. Moreover, exposure to other immune cells did not negatively impact ItolDCs’ expression of tolerogenic markers. In summary, a novel protocol was developed supporting the generation of a stable population of human DCs in vitro that exhibited a tolerogenic phenotype with an ability to increase proportions of induced regulatory T and B cells in mixed cultures. This protocol has the potential to constitute the base of a tolDC platform for inducing antigen-specific tolerance in disorders caused by undesired antigen-specific immune cell activation.

Abstract Aim The aim was to investigate same‐sex mothers’ self‐assessed experiences of forming a family, and the association between heteronormative information, parental support and parenting stress. Design A quantitative, cross‐sectional study. Methods In a web survey conducted in Sweden in 2019, same‐sex mothers (N = 146) with a child aged 1–3 years answered questions about their experiences of forming a family through assisted reproduction and questions about parenting stress. Descriptive statistics describes the process of forming a family. Pearson's correlation analyses and independent sample t tests were used to test hypotheses about heteronormative information, parental support and parenting stress. Results Same‐sex mothers experienced going through assisted reproduction treatment as stressful, and parental groups as not being supportive. Heteronormative information correlated with both lower perceived parental support and higher perceived parenting stress. Non‐birth mothers experienced less acknowledgement and support than birthmothers.

Introduction: This report evaluates whether health related quality of life (HRQoL) and patient-reported arm morbidity one year after axillary surgery are affected by the omission of axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). Methods: The ongoing international non-inferiority SENOMAC trial randomizes clinically node-negative breast cancer patients (T1-T3) with 1–2 sentinel lymph node (SLN) macrometastases to completion ALND or no further axillary surgery. For this analysis, the first 1181 patients enrolled in Sweden and Denmark between March 2015, and June 2019, were eligible. Data extraction from the trial database was on November 2020. This report covers the secondary outcomes of the SENOMAC trial: HRQoL and patient-reported arm morbidity. The EORTC QLQ-C30, EORTC QLQ-BR23 and Lymph-ICF questionnaires were completed in the early postoperative phase and at one-year follow-up. Adjusted one-year mean scores and mean differences between the groups are presented corrected for multiple testing. Results: Overall, 976 questionnaires (501 in the SLN biopsy only group and 475 in the completion ALND group) were analysed, corresponding to a response rate of 82.6%. No significant group differences in overall HRQoL were identified. Participants receiving SLN biopsy only, reported significantly lower symptom scores on the EORTC subscales of pain, arm symptoms and breast symptoms. The Lymph-ICF domain scores of physical function, mental function and mobility activities were significantly in favour of the SLN biopsy only group. Conclusion: One year after surgery, arm morbidity is significantly worse affected by ALND than by SLN biopsy only. The results underline the importance of ongoing attempts to safely de-escalate axillary surgery. Trial registration: The trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov prior to initiation (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT 02240472).

Background: Due to changes in Swedish maternity care during the COVID-19 pandemic, partners were often excluded from antenatal and postnatal care. Aim: To explore partners' experiences of pregnancy, labour, and postnatal care in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Methods: A descriptive qualitative interview study with 15 partners of women who gave birth from March 2020 to March 2022. Data was collected from April to November 2022, and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Findings: Two themes and six subthemes were identified. The first theme, Feelings of loss and exclusion, emphasises the expectation and desire to share the journey of becoming a parent together with the pregnant partner. When excluded from maternity care, a feeling of missing out was described which could create a sense of distance from the unborn child. The second theme, Dealing with powerlessness, relates to the fear of infection and not being able to participate during the birth, and life being adapted to restrictions. Mixed feelings regarding the restrictions were described since the reasons behind were not always perceived as clear and logical. Discussion: Sweden prides itself on gender equality, where partners normally are a natural part of maternity care. This likely contributed to strong feelings of exclusion when partners were prevented from participating in maternity care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: Partners of women giving birth during the COVID-19 pandemic were substantially affected by the restrictions within maternity care. Partners wish to be involved in pregnancy and birth and want to receive clear information as part of their preparation for parenthood. Society–including maternity care–must decide how to address these needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Immunoglobulin G subclass deficiencies (IgGsd) comprise a wide clinical spectrum from no symptoms to repeated respiratory infections and risk for the development of lung damage. Our aims were to investigate whether the immunological phenotype of IgGsd patients on and off immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IgRT) was reflected in the clinical features of IgGsd. Method: Thirty patients with IgGsd were included in this prospective study of 18 months of IgRT, followed by 7-18 months of IgRT discontinuation. Blood samples were collected when patients were on and off IgRT and compared with samples from 34 cross-sectional healthy controls. An in-depth lymphocyte phenotyping was performed by flow cytometry and plasma levels of immune checkpoints were assessed. Results: IgG3 subclass deficiency was most common. Patients with IgGsd had decreased levels of activated T cells and B cells and plasma levels of negative immune checkpoint molecules correlated negatively with T cell and B cell activation. The decreased T cell activation level was unaffected by IgRT, while the B cell activation was partly restored. Of note, decreased levels of activated regulatory T cells (Tregs) were found in IgGsd patients and was partly restored during IgRT. The profile of comorbidities did not associate with Treg levels. Discussion: IgGsd is associatedwith decreased B cell and T cell activation including Tregs, and increased plasma levels of negative immune checkpoint molecules. The consequence of reduced activated Tregs in IgGsd remains unclear. Decreased immune cell activation was partly restored during IgRT, demonstrating that IgRT may contribute to improved immune function in patients with IgGsd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The radial transport, or drift, of dust has taken a critical role in giant planet formation theory. However, it has been challenging to identify dust drift pileups in the hard-to-observe inner disk. We find that the IM Lup disk shows evidence that it has been shaped by an episode of dust drift. Using radiative transfer and dust dynamical modeling we study the radial and vertical dust distribution. We find that high dust drift rates exceeding 110 M _⊕ Myr ^−1 are necessary to explain both the dust and CO observations. Furthermore, the bulk of the large dust present in the inner 20 au needs to be vertically extended, implying high turbulence ( α _z ≳ 10 ^−3 ) and small grains (0.2–1 mm). We suggest that this increased level of particle stirring is consistent with the inner dust-rich disk undergoing turbulence triggered by the vertical shear instability. The conditions in the IM Lup disk imply that giant planet formation through pebble accretion is only effective outside of 20 au. If such an early, high-turbulence inner region is a natural consequence of high dust drift rates, then this has major implications for understanding the formation regions of giant planets including Jupiter and Saturn.

Keeping journalism socially relevant and financially viable is more challenging than ever. It might seem like a paradox, but in a time when news media is challenged by inadequate business models, precarious labor conditions and competition from platform companies, and contested by populist politicians, the public is consuming more news than ever before. The changing media landscape, technological platforms and structural conditions are influencing journalism, its practices and its roles in everyday life, society, culture, and politics—central topics when communication scholars gather at international and national conferences dedicated to media and communication research. The NordMedia Conference 2021 was arranged in the midst of an ongoing pandemic. It was supposed to be held in Reykjavik, Iceland, but was ultimately held virtually. Naturally, the topics tended to focus on how journalists were covering the pandemic, but they also included studies on truth, disinformation and facts as well as technology in journalism in the form of AI and automation. The presenters were later invited to participate in this special issue, which celebrates Nordic scholarship and the Journalistica journal. In this issue, we bring together three studies that each illustrate the current developments within Nordic journalism research along with a book review of a book on political communication in the Nordics. Ethics and trust are common threads that run through the three articles published in this special issue of Journalistica. The articles cover very different topics—from podcasting as a genre, alternative media and comment moderation to ethics in local news media — and ethics and trust are recurring themes in the discussions. What constitutes as news today is increasingly blurred as it mixes with commercial content (influencers and content marketing — commercial genres that look like news), opinions (comments appearing as news) or false and manipulated content (fake news or disinformation). Many people, especially young adults, get their news from social media, and the newsfeed does not differentiate between different types of content. News from respected newsrooms has the same design as rumors from a suspicious website. Thus, users have to pay more attention to differentiate between the trustworthiness of the information. This blurring of content and genres is challenging for journalism’s trustworthiness. The articles in this special issue touch on some of the challenges appearing as a result of this blurring despite the long tradition of strong ethical guidelines for journalism in Nordic newsrooms. Nevertheless, the users of Nordic news are still demonstrating high levels of trust, among the highest in the 45 countries of the Reuters Digital News Report 2022 track. Finnish news users report the highest trust in news (69%), particularly the news they use (75%), followed by Denmark (58%/63%), Norway (56%/63%), and Sweden (50%/56%). Iceland was not included in Reuters’ survey. One factor that can help maintain and strengthen trust in news in the Nordic countries is strong ethical practices in newsrooms. Since the early 20th century, Nordic newsrooms and journalism organizations have developed ethical guidelines for journalism that are continually updated to reflect developments in the profession and society at large: • Norway:​​Code of Ethics for the Norwegian Press • Sweden: Rules of Professional Conduct • Denmark: Press Ethical Rules • Finland: Guidelines for Journalists • Iceland: Rules of Ethics in Journalism Ethical guidelines and their practical implementation in the newsrooms can help Nordic journalists navigate the challenges emerging from the changing media landscape, competition from technological platforms and structural conditions influencing journalism. The articles in this special issue of Journalistica each offer a unique contribution to address some of these challenges.