University Of Copenhagen Research Articles

Co-creating Sustainability Science Communication Through Aesthetic Formats: This is What a Transdisciplinary Moment Looks Like

Sustainability science calls for new methodologies and collaborations that go beyond disciplinary boundaries. This points to a new role for sustainability science communication. Here, we explore how science communication can employ aesthetic formats (e.g., storytelling, performance, artistic installations) to promote transdisciplinary collaborations. We conducted a series of experiments in a master-level science communication course at the University of Copenhagen, engaging students, practitioners and researchers in experimental collaborations and qualitative data collection. Through thematic analysis of classroom observations and interviews, five elements of transdisciplinarity emerged: Acknowledgement of disciplinary identities, negotiation of diverse vocabularies, disruption of hierarchical structures, experience of novel insights and evident learning processes among participants. These moments challenged direct observation but became discernible through post hoc analysis. We suggest they constitute a sequence that together describes a transdisciplinary moment. We thus conclude that the aesthetic formats we employed were instrumental in disrupting conventional boundaries and enhancing collaboration across disciplines. However, we also acknowledge the complexities of achieving transdisciplinary moments and emphasize the importance of reflective practice.

Erenumab for Treatment of Persistent Erythema and Flushing in Rosacea

Treatment of erythema and flushing in rosacea is challenging. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) has been associated with the pathogenesis of rosacea, raising the possibility that inhibition of the CGRP pathway might improve certain features of the disease. To examine the effectiveness, tolerability, and safety of erenumab, an anti-CGRP-receptor monoclonal antibody, for the treatment of rosacea-associated erythema and flushing. This single-center, open-label, single-group, nonrandomized controlled trial was conducted between June 9, 2020, and May 11, 2021. Eligible participants included adults with rosacea with at least 15 days of either moderate to severe erythema and/or moderate to extreme flushing. No concomitant rosacea treatment was allowed throughout the study period. Visits took place at the Danish Headache Center, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen, Denmark. Participants received 140 mg of erenumab subcutaneously every 4 weeks for 12 weeks. A safety follow-up visit was performed at week 20. Data analysis occurred from January 2023 to January 2024. 140 mg of erenumab every 4 weeks for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was mean change in the number of days with moderate to extreme flushing during weeks 9 through 12, compared with the 4-week run-in period (baseline). The mean change in number of days with moderate to severe erythema was a secondary outcome. Adverse events were recorded for participants who received at least 1 dose of erenumab. Differences in means were calculated with a paired t test. A total of 30 participants (mean [SD] age, 38.8 [13.1] years; 23 female [77%]; 7 male [23%]) were included, of whom 27 completed the 12-week study. The mean (SD) number of days with moderate to extreme flushing was reduced by -6.9 days (95% CI, -10.4 to -3.4 days; P < .001) from 23.6 (5.8) days at baseline. The mean (SD) number of days with moderate to severe erythema was reduced by -8.1 days (95% CI, -12.5 to -3.7 days; P < .001) from 15.2 (9.1) days at baseline. Adverse events included transient mild to moderate constipation (10 participants [33%]), transient worsening of flushing (4 participants [13%]), bloating (3 participants [10%]), and upper respiratory tract infections (3 participants [10%]), consistent with previous data. One participant discontinued the study due to a serious adverse event (hospital admission due to gallstones deemed unrelated to the study), and 2 participants withdrew consent due to lack of time. These findings suggest that erenumab might be effective in reducing rosacea-associated flushing and chronic erythema (participants generally tolerated the treatment well, which was consistent with previous data), and that CGRP-receptor inhibition holds potential in the treatment of erythema and flushing associated with rosacea. Larger randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm this finding. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04419259.

Determining a multidisciplinary intraoperative strategy in emergency surgery for bowel obstruction and its impact on outcomes.

Bowel obstruction accounts for around 50% of all emergency laparotomies. A multidisciplinary (MDT) standardized intraoperative model was applied (definitive, palliative, or damage control surgery) to identify patients suitable for a one-step, definitive surgical procedure favoring anastomosis over stoma, when undergoing surgery for bowel obstruction. The objective was to present mortality according to the strategy applied and to compare the rate of laparoscopic interventions and stoma creations to a historic cohort in surgery for bowel obstruction. In a retrospective cohort study, we included patients undergoing emergency surgery for bowel obstruction during a 1-year period at two Copenhagen University Hospitals (2019 and 2021). The MDT model consisted of a 30- and 60-min time-out with variables such as functional and hemodynamic status, presence of malignancy, and surgical capabilities (lap/open). Pre-, intra-, and postoperative data were collected to investigate associations to postoperative complications and mortality. Stoma creation rates and laparoscopies were compared to a historic cohort (2009-2013). Three hundred sixty-nine patients underwent surgery for bowel obstruction. Intraoperative surgical strategy was definitive in 77.0%, palliative in 22.5%, and damage control surgery in 0.5%. Thirty-day mortality was significantly lower in the definitive patient population (4.6%) compared to the palliative population (21.7%) (p < 0.000). Compared to the historic cohort, laparoscopic surgery for bowel obstruction increased from 5.0 to 26.4% during the 10-year time span, the rate of stoma placements was reduced from 12.0 to 6.1%, p 0.014, and the 30-day mortality decreased from 12.9 to 4.6%, p < 0.000. An intraoperative improvement strategy can address the specific surgical interventions in patients undergoing surgery for bowel obstruction, favoring anastomosis over stoma whenever resection was needed, and help adjust specific postoperative interventions and care pathways in cases of palliative need.

Experiences with pre-graduate research among Danish medical students and doctors.

Pre-graduate research is popular among medical students. Concerns about time constraints and lack of mentorship have been raised in international studies. The extent to which these issues affect Danish medical students remains unclear. We therefore aimed to assess the conditions and outcomes of pre-graduate research among medical students from the University of Copenhagen. A descriptive, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey on experiences from pre-graduate research was distributed to medical students and recently graduated medical doctors from the University of Copenhagen who had engaged in full-time pre-graduate research. The survey covered 1) working hours and income, 2) publications and authorship and 3) work environment and well-being. A total of 437 pre-graduate researchers participated in the survey. Pre-graduate research often involved a period outside of medical school (88%) and typically lasted a year (56%), with clinical research being the most common focus (68%). Almost a third worked longer hours (29%) than agreed and additional hours were commonly provided after the research period. Scholarships of 10,000 DKK a month were the primary source of income (72%). Most participants achieved their publication goals (62%) and experiences on work environment and well-being were generally positive. Pre-graduate research provides a conducive environment for medical students to engage in scientific research. Hovewer, engaging in pre-graduate research entails long working hours, is inadequately remunerated and often requires students to take leave from medical school. None. Not relevant.

Elias Magnus Fries's fungus exsiccati Scleromyceti Sueciae: New light on the obscure “fascicle nine”

AbstractElias Magnus Fries's fungus exsiccati Scleromyceti Sueciae documents specimens cited in several of Fries's publications that are now considered sanctioning works in the nomenclature and taxonomy of several groups of fungi. The first eight fascicles of the first edition of the Scleromyceti Sueciae were issued periodically during the years 1819–1822. Each fascicle was issued as a bound booklet that included, among other information, a printed title page with a date, and an index followed by 30–40 specimens. A ninth fascicle that concluded the first edition was issued without a date. Scholars of the Scleromyceti Sueciae inferred an approximate date of issuance of mid‐1825 based on Fries's correspondence, but they were uncertain whether fascicle nine was issued as a booklet or on loose sheets. In addition, the location of the printed index to fascicle nine that they studied was unclear. We obtained images of a complete, original copy of fascicle nine from the collections of the Natural History Museum of Denmark of the University of Copenhagen. This copy proves that fascicle nine was issued as a bound booklet like the previous eight fascicles and contained a printed index and printed specimen labels. Because of the apparent rarity of a complete, original copy of fascicle nine, we describe the copy at the Natural History Museum of Denmark and provide images of the index. We discuss potential problems in typifying names from material issued in the Scleromyceti Sueciae second edition. Using an example from fascicle nine, we discuss Fries's omissions, errors, and lapses in citing specimens.

Prognostic genomic alterations in patients undergoing liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma

IntroductionGenetic mutations and amplifications found in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have a potentially prognostic impact. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of mutations and amplifications in HCC from patients that were liver resected.MethodsPatients liver resected for HCC at Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet between May 2014 and January 2018 were included. DNA from freshly frozen tumour tissue was investigated with TruSight Oncology 500. Mutations and amplifications were correlated with disease-free survival and overall survival using multivariate Cox regression to assess the effect on prognosis.ResultsOf the 51 patients included, 88% were male and the median age was 69 years. Most patients had a single tumour (84%) with no vascular invasion (67%) in a non-cirrhotic liver (76% with fibrosis, 24% with cirrhosis). The median follow-up was 37 months. Patients with a MYC amplification (8%) were significantly younger than the remaining patients. Furthermore, they had a significantly shorter overall survival (15 months (95% CI: 0.0–31.6) vs. 59 months (95% CI: 34.4–83.6), p = < 0.001) and disease-free survival (8 months (95% CI: 4.6–11.4) vs. 19 months (95% CI: 12.3–25.7), p = 0.03). However, only overall survival remained statistically significant in the adjusted analysis. Furthermore, all patients with an ARID1A mutation (6%) had microvascular invasion and significantly larger tumours than the patients without ARID1A mutation.ConclusionMYC amplifications had a prognostic influence on survival, whereas ARID1A gene mutations were correlated with microvascular invasion. These may serve as prognostic biomarkers and should be validated in large, independent cohort.

ROAR-A: re-optimization based Online Adaptive Radiotherapy of anal cancer, a prospective phase II trial protocol

BackgroundChemo-radiotherapy with curative intent for anal cancer has high complete remission rates, but acute treatment-related gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity is significant. Toxicity occurs due to irradiation of surrounding normal tissue. Current radiotherapy requires the addition of large planning margins to the radiation field to ensure target coverage regardless of the considerable organ motion in the pelvic region. This increases the irradiated volume and radiation dose to the surrounding normal tissue and thereby toxicity. Online adaptive radiotherapy uses artificial intelligence to adjust the treatment to the anatomy of the day. This allows for the reduction of planning margins, minimizing the irradiated volume and thereby radiation to the surrounding normal tissue.This study examines if cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)-guided oART with daily automated treatment re-planning can reduce acute gastrointestinal toxicity in patients with anal cancer.Methods/designThe study is a prospective, single-arm, phase II trial conducted at Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev and Gentofte, Denmark. 205 patients with local only or locally advanced anal cancer, referred for radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy with curative intent, are planned for inclusion. Toxicity and quality of life are reported with Common Terminology Criteria of Adverse Events and patient-reported outcome questionnaires, before, during, and after treatment. The primary endpoint is a reduction in the incidence of acute treatment-related grade ≥ 2 diarrhea from 36 to 25% after daily online adaptive radiotherapy compared to standard radiotherapy. Secondary endpoints include all acute and late toxicity, overall survival, and reduction in treatment interruptions.ResultsAccrual began in January 2022 and is expected to finish in January 2026. Primary endpoint results are expected to be available in April 2026.DiscussionThis is the first study utilizing online adaptive radiotherapy to treat anal cancer. We hope to determine whether there is a clinical benefit for the patients, with significant reductions in acute GI toxicity without compromising treatment efficacy.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05438836. Danish Ethical Committee: H-21028093

The impact of ultrasound on testicular loss in cases of testicular torsion in children

PurposeUltrasound as a diagnostic tool in suspicion of testicular torsion is still highly debated. In this investigation, we aimed to evaluate whether time spent on scrotal ultrasonography had a negative impact on testicular loss.MethodsPatients’ records containing a scrotal ultrasound and/or surgical procedure codes for testicular interventions on suspicion of testicular torsion were examined. Patients aged 0–15 years admitted during 2015–2019 at Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet were included.ResultsIn total, 1566 patients underwent an ultrasound and 142 of these proceeded to surgery while 13 patients proceeded directly to surgery without an ultrasound. The rate of testicular loss with a preceding ultrasound was 23% versus 42% without (p = 0.18). Four cases of testicular torsion were misdiagnosed by ultrasound resulting in a sensitivity of 95.4% and specificity of 95.6%. The mean diagnostic delay from ultrasound examination was 55 ± 39 min, and the mean time from ultrasound to surgery was at 169 ± 76 min versus 171 ± 72 min without ultrasound.ConclusionIn a clinical setting, ultrasound provided a reliable tool for the diagnosis of testicular torsion and did not seem to increase the orchiectomy rate.

Implementing MyChoice® CDx HRD testing for the Nordics: lessons from 2021 to 2023.

Assessment of homologous recombinant deficient (HRD) phenotypes is key for managing Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor (PARPi) treatment. To accommodate the need for a validated HRD platform and enhance targeted treatment of ovarian cancer patients, a Nordic core facility for the myChoice® CDx platform was established in Denmark. Comparative calculations and statistics are based on information from test requisitions and results (Genome Instability Score [GIS], BRCA status and combined HRD status) obtained from ovarian and breast cancer samples submitted for HRD-testing by myChoice® CDx through the Nordic core facility in the 2-year period. Copenhagen University Hospital received 1,948 requisitions during the 2-year period. Conclusive results were obtained in 89% of the tests, while 7% were inconclusive due to the lack of GIS and 4% were not able to be analysed. Comparing the conclusive HRD status results across countries, Sweden had the highest percentage of HRD positives (38%) compared to Denmark, Norway, and Finland (28-32%). The myChoice® CDx Nordic core facility has been well received among the Nordic countries and provides new insights on the influence of national guidelines on HRD testing. Overall, we experienced an efficient turnaround time and a high fraction of conclusive results. Interestingly, prior somatic BRCA testing is redundant when assessing HRD status through myChoice® CDx test since somatic BRCA screening is already a significant component of the myChoice® CDx test. Thus, it should be considered to omit prior somatic BRCA testing to ensure a rationalised HRD diagnostic flow optimised for clinical use.

Development and validation of prognostic machine learning models for short- and long-term mortality among acutely admitted patients based on blood tests

Several scores predicting mortality at the emergency department have been developed. However, all with shortcomings either simple and applicable in a clinical setting, with poor performance, or advanced, with high performance, but clinically difficult to implement. This study aimed to explore if machine learning algorithms could predict all-cause short- and long-term mortality based on the routine blood test collected at admission. Methods: We analyzed data from a retrospective cohort study, including patients > 18 years admitted to the Emergency Department (ED) of Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Denmark between November 2013 and March 2017. The primary outcomes were 3-, 10-, 30-, and 365-day mortality after admission. PyCaret, an automated machine learning library, was used to evaluate the predictive performance of fifteen machine learning algorithms using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Results: Data from 48,841 admissions were analyzed, of these 34,190 (70%) were randomly divided into training data, and 14,651 (30%) were in test data. Eight machine learning algorithms achieved very good to excellent results of AUC on test data in a of range 0.85–0.93. In prediction of short-term mortality, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), leukocyte counts and differentials, Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were the best predictors, whereas prediction of long-term mortality was favored by age, LDH, soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR), albumin, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Conclusion: The findings suggest that measures of biomarkers taken from one blood sample during admission to the ED can identify patients at high risk of short-and long-term mortality following emergency admissions.

(142) Double Pause: Understanding Couple Intimacy Through Health Care Provider Lens – A Qualitative Survey

Abstract Introduction At midlife and beyond, both men and women face organic changes that can affect their sexual functioning. Women may suffer from vaginal dryness, irritation/itching, inadequate lubrication, and dyspareunia due to ovarian exhaustion. Whilst erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory dysfunctions, and testosterone deficiency may affect sexual activity in men. Objective To understand the perceptions and changes in sexual intimacy in middle-aged couple (40 years and above) and their evolution over time. To explore the supportive role of partner and health care professionals (HCPs) during this evolution. Methods 30 HCPs in the space of sexual health and couple intimacy across six countries (the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Germany and Spain) participated in this survey. An in-depth interview (45–60 minutes) was conducted about key issues that middle-aged couple face about sexual/couple intimacy, the language used to initiate conversations with patients, how issues evolve over time, as well as the role that a partner and HCP can play in providing support, guidance, and treatment. Results Interviews with HCPs showed that despite some progress, couple intimacy continues to be a taboo topic. HCPs play a crucial role in initiating conversations amongst the 40 and above aged group, especially before pausing their sexual activities. Many HCPs have developed their own personal style to explore the couple intimacy topic but they believe they need more education. To effectively address sexual dysfunction in couples, a comprehensive, gender-sensitive approach is crucial. This involves recognizing and addressing the unique challenges each gender faces, particularly considering the healthcare providers’ biases that disproportionately affect women compared to men. However, distinct challenges do not imply an individualistic approach to treatment, as HCPs recognize the benefits of involving both partners. While HCPs offer some resources to help patients understand intimacy issues, patients can also encounter unreliable information on social media and within society, particularly when there is inaccurate information available. Misconceptions about intimacy treatments can be a significant barrier to solving the issue, with the disparity in HCPs’ conversations with women compared to men being a significant contributing factor. HCPs face several challenges when approaching the subject of couple intimacy with patients, ranging from time constraints to a lack of psychological training. Additionally, their professional networks are often limited to referrals, and inadequate training of practitioners can further complicate their clinical duties Conclusions To effectively address sexual dysfunction in couples, a comprehensive, gender-sensitive approach is crucial. This involves recognizing and addressing the unique challenges each gender faces, particularly considering the HCP’s biases that disproportionately affect women compared to men. Disclosure Yes, this is sponsored by industry/sponsor: Viatris Inc. Clarification: Industry initiated, executed and funded study. Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: 1Mental Health Centre Copenhagen and University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

A conversation towards post-colonial futures for disaster risk reduction in South Asia

PurposeThis conversation highlights the need to rethink how we approach disaster risk reduction in different South Asian contexts.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is based on the webinar held as part of Asia Week at the University of Copenhagen which was organised by Asian Dynamics Initiative and Copenhagen Centre for Disaster Research on the September 12, 2023.FindingsThe prominent themes emerging from this conversation represents hybridity, self-rule and self-recovery. Along with this we suggest a fundamental turn to ensuring hope, solidarity and empathy is part of a post-colonial future.Originality/valueThe conversation contributes to the ongoing discussions on moving away from colonial practices in disaster risk reduction and disaster studies broadly.

Challenges in diagnosing canine spindle cell tumours using immunohistochemistry, illustrated by three nonpigmented malignant cases from the nictitating membrane

BackgroundNonpigmented malignant spindle cell tumours of the membrana nictitans are rare in dogs. In twenty-three years only three cases have been diagnosed in Scandinavia. This study describes the three cases of malignant tumours of the membrana nictitans recorded by the Eye Pathology Section, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, with reference to the clinical appearance and work-up, the treatment and prognosis, and the histopathological description including immunohistochemistry. The three cases are compared to previous publications on canine tumours of the nictitating membrane. We emphasize the importance of using protocols that are adapted to the specific species such as dogs. Opposite the human tissue responses, we even need more than one marker when diagnosing melanomas in dogs.ResultsThe dogs presented were an 8-year-old Dachshund, a 12-year-old Akita and a 14-year-old Shetland Sheepdog. All three dogs were entire females. All three nictitating membrane tumours developed on the right nictitating membrane as firm or multilobulated hyperaemic masses. Two of the tumours were macroscopically nonpigmented, the third being partly pigmented on the surface and ulcerated. According to the histopathology and for two of the cases immunohistochemistry with dog-adapted protocols the diagnoses included one hemangiosarcoma and two amelanotic melanomas. Tumour regrowth developed in all three cases and repeated resections were completed 1, 2 and 3 times, respectively, with recurrence experienced within 1.5 months − 3 years.ConclusionsNonpigmented malignant spindle cell tumours of the canine membrana nictitans are rare. Treatment of choice should be complete excision with a minimal histologic tumour-free distance and in case of a recurrence a full resection of the nictitating membrane. We strongly recommend a dog-adapted protocol for immunohistochemistry.

Gut microbiota in insulin resistance: a bibliometric analysis.

Insulin resistance (IR) is considered the pathogenic driver of diabetes, and can lead to obesity, hypertension, coronary artery disease, metabolic syndrome, and other metabolic disorders. Accumulating evidence indicates that the connection between gut microbiota and IR. This bibliometric analysis aimed to summarize the knowledge structure of gut microbiota in IR. Articles and reviews related to gut microbiota in IR from 2013 to 2022 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC), and the bibliometric analysis and visualization were performed by Microsoft Excel, Origin, R package (bibliometrix), Citespace, and VOSviewer. A total of 4 749 publications from WoSCC were retrieved, including 3 050 articles and 1 699 reviews. The majority of publications were from China and USA. The University Copenhagen and Shanghai Jiao Tong University were the most active institutions. The journal of Nutrients published the most papers, while Nature was the top 1 co-cited journal, and the major area of these publications was molecular, biology, and immunology. Nieuwdorp M published the highest number of papers, and Cani PD had the highest co-citations. Keyword analysis showed that the most frequently occurring keywords were "gut microbiota", "insulin-resistance", "obesity", and "inflammation". Trend topics and thematic maps showed that serum metabolome and natural products, such as resveratrol, flavonoids were the research hotspots in this field. This bibliometric analysis summarised the hotspots, frontiers, pathogenesis, and treatment strategies, providing a clear and comprehensive profile of gut microbiota in IR. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-023-01342-x.

Incidence of dislocation and associated risk factors in patients with a femoral neck fracture operated with an uncemented hemiarthroplasty

BackgroundSeveral factors might be associated with risk of dislocating following uncemented hemiarthroplasty (HA) due to femoral neck fracture (FNF). Current evidence is limited with great variance in reported incidence of dislocation (1–15%). Aim of this study was to identify the cumulative incidence of first-time dislocation following HA and to identify the associated risk factors.MethodWe performed a retrospective cohort study of patients receiving an HA (BFX Biomet stem, posterior approach) at Copenhagen University Hospital, Bispebjerg, in 2010–2016. Patients were followed until death or end of study (dec 2018). Dislocation was identified by code extraction from the Danish National Patient Registry.Variables included in the multivariate model were defined pre-analysis to include: age, sex and variables with a p-value < 0.1 in univariate analysis. A regression model was fitted for 90 days dislocation as the assumption of proportional hazard rate (HR) was not met here after.ResultsWe identified 772 stems (some patients occurred with both right and left hip) and 58 stems suffered 90 dislocations during the observation period, resulting in a 7% (CI 5–9) incidence of dislocation 90 days after index surgery. 55 of the 58 stems (95%) experienced the first dislocation within 90 days after surgery.Only absence of dementia was identified as an independent protective factor in the cause-specific model (HR 0.46 (CI 0.23–0.89)) resulting in a 2.4-fold cumulative risk of experiencing a dislocation in case of dementia. Several other variables such as age, sex, various medical conditions, surgery delay and surgical experience were eliminated as statistical risk factors.We found a decrease in survival probability for patients who experienced a dislocation during follow-up.ConclusionsThe incidence of first-time dislocation of HA (BFX Biomet stem, posterior approach) in patients with a hip fracture is found to be 7% 90 days after surgery. Due to the non-existing attribution bias, we claim it to be the true incidence. Dementia was among several variables identified as the only risk factor for dislocation.In perspective, we may consider treating patients with dementia by other methods than HA e.g., HA with cement or with a more constrained solution. Also, a surgical approach that reduce the risk of dislocation should be considered.

Functional brain responses to emotional faces after three to five weeks of intake of escitalopram in healthy individuals: a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised study

Short-term intake of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) modulates threat-related amygdala responses in healthy individuals. However, how SSRI intake over a clinically relevant time period modulates threat-related amygdala responses is less clear. In a semi-randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 64 healthy individuals (SSRI n = 32, placebo n = 32), we examined the effect of 3–5 weeks of SSRI escitalopram (20 mg daily) on brain response to angry, fearful and neutral faces using BOLD fMRI. Data was analysed using a whole-brain region-wise approach extracting standardised effects (i.e., Cohen’s D). The study was conducted at the Copenhagen University Hospital. A priori, we hypothesised that SSRI would attenuate amygdala responses to angry and fearful faces but not to neutral ones. Whether SSRI modulates correlations between amygdala responses to emotional faces and negative mood states was also explored. Compared to placebo, 3–5 weeks of SSRI intake did not significantly affect the amygdala response to angry, fearful, or neutral faces (|Cohen’s D|< 0.2, PFWER = 1). Whole-brain, region-wise analyses revealed significant differences in frontal (|Cohen’s D|< 0.6, PFWER < .01) and occipital regions (|Cohen’s D|< 0.5, PFWER < .01). SSRI did not modulate correlations between amygdala responses to emotional faces and negative mood states. Our findings indicate that a 3–5 week SSRI intake impacts cortical responses to emotional stimuli, an effect possibly involved in SSRI’s therapeutic efficacy.Trial registration Clinical Trials NCT04239339.

Co-learning partnerships and carbon management in Denmark and Canada

PurposeClimate change poses risks to society and the demand for carbon literacy within small and medium-sized enterprises is increasing. Skills and knowledge are required for organizational greenhouse gas accounting and science-based decisions to help businesses reduce transitional risks. At the University of Copenhagen and the University of Northern British Columbia, two carbon management courses have been developed to respond to this growing need. Using an action-based co-learning model, students and business are paired to quantify and report emissions and develop climate plans and communication strategies.Design/methodology/approachThis paper draws on surveys of businesses that have partnered with the co-learning model, designed to provide insight on carbon reductions and the impacts of co-learning. Data collected from 12 respondents in Denmark and 19 respondents in Canada allow for cross-institutional and international comparison in a Global North context.FindingsResults show that while co-learning for carbon literacy is welcomed, companies identify limitations: time and resources; solution feasibility; governance and reporting structures; and communication methods. Findings reveal a need for extension, both forwards and backwards in time, indicating that the collaborations need to be lengthened and/or intensified. Balancing academic requirements detracts from usability for businesses, and while municipal and national policy and emission targets help generate a general societal understanding of the issue, there is no concrete guidance on how businesses can implement operational changes based on inventory results.Originality/valueThe research brings new knowledge to the field of transitional climate risks and does so with a focus on both small businesses and universities as important co-learning actors in low-carbon transitions. The comparison across geographies and institutions contributes an international solution perspective to climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.

Cell scientist to watch – Jakub Sedzinski

ABSTRACT Jakub Sedzinski is an Associate Professor at the University of Copenhagen and the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Denmark. After his undergraduate and Master's degrees in biotechnology at the University of Wroclaw, Poland, he completed his PhD in Prof. Ewa Paluch's lab at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics in Dresden, Germany, where he studied biophysical aspects of fundamental cell behaviours. Next, he moved to the University of Texas at Austin in the USA for a postdoctoral fellowship with Prof. John Wallingford. There, he became interested in how cell-level mechanics influence the complex development and maintenance of tissues like the mucociliary epithelium. In 2017, he started his own lab in Copenhagen where he continues to integrate biophysics with cell biology and developmental models in order to elucidate the relationships between cell and tissue mechanics and cell fate acquisition in epithelial tissue dynamics. We spoke with Jakub over Zoom about his career and how his cross-disciplinary approach to research is driven by his fundamental passion for learning new things.

Co-Occurrence of Sarcopenia and Frailty in Acutely Admitted Older Medical Patients: Results from the Copenhagen PROTECT Study

BackgroundSarcopenia and frailty are often used interchangeably in clinical practice yet represent two distinct conditions and require different therapeutic approaches. The literature regarding the co-occurrence of both conditions in older patients is scarce as most studies have investigated the prevalence of sarcopenia and frailty separately.ObjectivesWe aim to evaluate the prevalence and co-occurrence of sarcopenia and frailty in a large sample of acutely admitted older medical patients.DesignSecondary analyses using cross-sectional data from the Copenhagen PROTECT study.SettingPatients were included from the acute medical ward at Copenhagen University Hospital, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark, between November 2019 and November 2021.ParticipantsAcutely admitted older medical patients (≥65 years).MeasurementsHandgrip strength (HGS) was investigated using a handheld dynamometer. Lean mass (SMI) was investigated using direct-segmental multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analyses (DSM-BIA). Low HGS, low SMI, and sarcopenia were defined according to the recent definitions from the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2). The Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) was used to evaluate frailty, with a value > 5 indicating the presence of frailty. Patients were enrolled and tested within 24 hours of admission.ResultsThis study included 638 patients (mean age: 78.2±7.6, 55% female) with complete records of SMI, HGS, and the CFS. The prevalence of low HGS, low SMI, sarcopenia, and frailty were 39.0%, 33.1%, 19.7%, and 39.0%, respectively. Sarcopenia and frailty co-occurred in 12.1% of the patients.ConclusionsIt is well-known that sarcopenia and frailty represent clinical manifestations of ageing and overlap in terms of the impairment in physical function observed in both conditions. Our results demonstrate that sarcopenia and frailty do not necessarily co-occur within the older acutely admitted patient, highlighting the need for separate assessments of frailty and sarcopenia to ensure the accurate characterization of the health status of older patients.

P913 Intestinal Ultrasound in paediatric Crohn’s disease reduces the need for subsequent ileocolonoscopy

Abstract Background Approximately 20% of patients with Crohn's disease (CD) are diagnosed during childhood (pCD). At diagnosis, the vast majority (87%) of patients with pCD demonstrate severe disease activity.(1) Severe disease activity necessitates intensive treatment followed by frequent blood tests, faecal calprotectin tests, and endoscopic procedures. Ileocolonoscopy is burdensome for the patient, as bowel preparation and general anaesthesia are needed, and furthermore, the procedure is costly. In recent European guidelines for pCD management, Intestinal Ultrasound (IUS) is recommended for clinical follow-up. Our objective was to investigate the extent to which patients with pCD underwent subsequent endoscopy after having IUS performed during their follow-up regimen. Methods We conducted a retrospective descriptive cohort study, encompassing all patients with pCD at a referral center (Department of Paediatric and Adolescence Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital, Amager and Hvidovre) who had undergone a minimum of one ultrasound examination over a 2.5-year period (May 1, 2021, to November 1, 2023). Results A total of 29 patients with pCD were enrolled in the study. Demographic data can be found in Table 1. The median follow-up since time of diagnosis was 40 months (interquartile range (IQR) 30-57). Time to the first IUS examination after diagnosis was median 28 months (IQR 13-49). The indications for IUS were as follows: Clinical suspicion of disease activity and/or elevated faecal calprotectin levels (66% of cases), evaluation of disease activity after initiating biologic therapy (10%), assessment of disease activity status (14%), suspicion of treatment failure (7%) and other indications (3%). Following the IUS procedure, 10% of patients subsequently underwent ileocolonoscopy, which was performed within 11, 14, or 53 days after IUS. Among the remaining 90% of patients, 14% underwent ileocolonoscopy 8-16 months after the IUS procedure, while 76% never had a repeat ileocolonoscopy performed after a median follow-up of 342 days (IQR 247-441) after IUS. Conclusion In 90% of patients with pCD IUS can be used to evaluate disease activity without the necessity for an ileocolonscopy in the subsequent 12 moths of follow up.