The lungs represent one of the earliest interfaces for pathogens and noxious stimuli to interact with the body. As such, careful maintenance of the permeability barrier is vital in providing homeostasis within the lung. Essential to maintaining this barrier is the tight junction, which primarily acts as a paracellular seal and regulator of ionic transport, but also contributes to establishing cell polarity, cell-to-cell integrity, and regulating cell proliferation and differentiation. The loss of these tight junctions has been documented to result in alterations in inflammation, and ultimately the development of many respiratory disorders such as COPD, Asthma, ARDS, and pulmonary fibrosis. One critical contributor that creates this permeability barrier is the tight junctional protein Claudin. While studies have begun to elucidate the various functions and roles of various Claudins, our understanding is still limited. To initially investigate these proteins, we looked at both temporal and spatial expression patterns for family members during development. A consistent pattern was demonstrated in mRNA expression for the majority of Claudin members. In general, Claudin expression underwent rapid increase during time periods that correlate with the pseudoglanduar/canalicular periods. One notable exception was Claudin 6 (Cldn6), which demonstrated decreasing levels of mRNA expression throughout gestation. We also sought to understand expression dynamics during the addition of maternal secondhand smoke (SHS) which resulted in an almost universal decrease in Claudin proteins. To more fully explore expression mechanisms that affect Claudin-6 (Cldn6), we exposed pulmonary alveolar type II (A549) cells to cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and found that it transcriptionally regulated Cldn6 expression. Using a luciferase reporter, we determined that transcription was negatively regulated at multiple promoter response elements by CSE, and transcription was equally hindered by hypoxic conditions. These findings identified Cldn6 as a potential target of SHS and other respiratory irritants such as diesel particulate matter (DPM). We next sought to assess whether an increase in Cldn6 was sufficient to provide a protective advantage against harmful exogenous exposure. To test this, we utilized a doxycycline induced Cldn6 over-expressing mouse, and subjected it to SHS for 30 days to stimulate an inflammatory state. Our findings demonstrated that Cldn6 transgenic animals have decreased inflammation as evidence by decreased total cell infiltration into the airways, decreased polymorphonuclocyte (PMNs) extravasation, total protein in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and decreased cytokine secretion. Anti-inflammatory advantages were also discovered during experiments involving acute exposure to DPM. In both cases, while stimulation of transgenic mice with SHS or DPM diminished Cldn6 expression, anti-inflammatory evidence emerged suggesting that genetic up-regulation of Cldn6 likely causes the recruitment of other tight junctional components during an organism's response to environmental assault.

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to examine the change in smoking policy status among bars and restaurants since the Georgia Smokefree Air Act of 2005 was implemented and identify restaurant and bar characteristics that are associated with allowing smoking. Methods: Data was obtained from similar Georgia indoor air surveys conducted in 2006 and 2012. Both surveys were designed to gather information about restaurant and bar smoking policies and examine owner and manager perceptions of the Georgia Smokefree Air Act. Descriptive analysis and paired sample t-tests were performed to identify changes in smoking policy status and other variables over time. Chi-square and logistic regression analysis were used to test for significant associations between establishment smoking policy status and other characteristics. Results: The percent of restaurants and bars in Georgia allowing smoking nearly doubled from 9.2% in 2006 to 18.2% in 2012. The analysis showed a statistically significant increase in the percentage of establishments allowing smoking when minors are present. After adjusting for the effects of other variables, three variables were significant predictors of allowing smoking: having seats for drinking outdoors, having a liquor license, and generating greater than or equal to 25% of gross sales from alcohol. Conclusions: The Smokefree Air Act was enacted to protect the health and welfare of Georgia citizens, but the percentage of establishments allowing smoking has risen since it was implemented. These results suggest that policy makers should reevaluate the law and consider strengthening it to make restaurants and bars 100% smokefree without exemptions.

This study provides information on the transformation from flea market to fashion retail business that the second hand business Myrorna has undergone. The scope of this study has been rebranding, marketing and communication as well as two trends: sustainability and second hand. Previous literature has pointed towards rebranding being an expensive process, whereas Myrorna being a nonprofit business that gives all their excess profit to charity has a non-existing or a tight budget for business aspects. The intriguing question of how Myrorna could go through such an immense transformation with that business structure was a point of departure for this research. The aim for this study was to look into the Swedish second hand business Myronas non- conventional leap from flea market to fashion powerhouse. The research explored this from an internal viewpoint, hence participants that have worked for or at Myrorna during the time when the transformation took place were chosen in order to see if and how: rebranding, marketing and communication and the trends correlated with their change. In order for this study to look into the second hand business Myrornas transformation, this study has conducted a single case study with a basis on conducting semi structured interviews with participants related to the case company and the phenomenon of the brand transformation. This research has taken on a qualitative research approach in order to get a deeper perspective of the underlying factors that have been part of transforming Myrorna. Additionally, in order to get the full perspective of this process a visual analysis on Myrornas campaigns during the transformation in the years 1998-2008 have been conducted to strengthen and show differences in regard to the empirical data. The results showed how both the rebranding process and a change in Myrornas marketing and communication strategy were the factors that transformed Myrorna into a fashion powerhouse. Furthermore, Myrornas brand awareness was enhanced through sustainability and second hand trends as they created an upswing in regard to popularity. The visual campaigns conducted by Myrorna from 1998 to 2008, clearly shows their transformation in steps; from initially communicating unique and personal clothing, to moving forward to portraying the high fashion clothes that can be found in their stores. Whereas they lastly focused on communicating one of their core values: sustainability.

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Affecting approximately 5-6% of the primary school population, developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a condition characterized by poor motor proficiency that interferes with a child’s activities of daily living. The cause of DCD is not yet understood; however, it is known that children with DCD are more likely to have other co-occurring developmental disorders such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While there is a growing body of evidence linking ADHD to smoke exposure in utero, there is limited research investigating a similar link between smoke exposure in utero and DCD. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of SHS exposure in utero in children with DCD and a group of typically developing (TD) children. Methods – A case-control study was conducted to compare children with DCD to TD children on their exposure to SHS in utero and other demographic variables. At baseline, participants included 63 DCD children and 63 healthy controls. All children were assessed for motor proficiency, intelligence, and ADHD. Mother’s SHS exposure during pregnancy and other demographic variables were obtained from a parent completed survey. Results – Multinomial logistic regression analyses revealed that children exposed to SHS in utero were significantly more likely to be at high risk for DCD than children who were not exposed to SHS in utero, even after adjusting for associated demographic variables. Furthermore, children exposed to SHS in utero were significantly more likely to be at moderate-high risk for DCD, whether or not ADHD was co-occurring. Conclusion – Results from this study suggest that exposure to SHS during pregnancy has negative effects on fetal development and appears to be a contributor for DCD. Further study is needed to examine the specific mechanisms linking SHS exposure in utero to motor coordination problems in children. / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc)

No description available.

No description available.

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease which affects approximately 2.5 million people worldwide, including approximately 7,000 children. The etiology of MS is unclear, although researchers generally agree that both environmental and genetic factors are involved. It is also unclear why some patients may only have one demyelinating event (acquired demyelinating syndrome, or ADS) and others develop chronic demyelinating disease (MS). Recent evidence suggests an association between smoking and multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults. A question remains if there is a similar association between secondhand tobacco smoke exposure and MS in children. The purpose of this study is to explore the association between tobacco smoke exposure (TSE) and MS risk in a cohort of children with demyelinating disease. Methods: Data was obtained from the Canadian National Demyelinating Disease Study. This study included two disease groups, which are distinguished by a single (ADS) versus chronic demyelinating attacks (MS). Parents’ self-report of their child’s exposure to smoke in the home, as well as biomarker verification by serum cotinine, classified a child as exposed or not exposed. Logistic regression models were created to determine the association between TSE and the odds of MS compared to healthy controls, the odds of ADS compared to healthy controls, and the odds of MS compared to patients with ADS. In order to determine factors and exposures which distinguish MS from ADS, an assessment of interaction was performed to examine the relationship between TSE and MS risk genes, TSE and serum vitamin D levels, and TSE and prior Epstein Barr Virus exposure on the odds for developing MS compared to ADS patients.. Finally, serum cotinine levels were compared to neurologic functional scores in order to assess if a dose response mechanism exists creating impaired function for pediatric MS. Results: TSE was not significantly associated with increased odds for MS compared to healthy controls (OR= 1.84; 95%CI 0.86, 3.95) but was significantly associated with higher odds of monophasic ADS compared to healthy controls (OR=2.24; 95%CI 1.08, 4.63). TSE alone was not associated with increased odds for MS compared to ADS; however, the presence of both TSE and HLA alleles increased the odds for MS by 3.2 (95%CI 1.04, 9.79) when compared to ADS patients. An additive effect was also found between TSE and lower vitamin D, which together increased the odds for MS compared to patients with monophasic ADS (OR=2.89; 95%CI 1.21, 7.46). EBV was individually associated with MS compared to ADS (OR=4.12; 95%CI 1.62, 10.9) and odds for MS appeared to increase further with the addition of TSE (OR=5.13; 95%CI 1.79, 14.9), however sample size limited interpretation of the interaction analysis. TSE had minimal impact on neurological functional score measures, although long-term follow up with regard to exposure could not be properly assessed. Conclusion: Exposure to tobacco smoke through secondhand sources was not related to MS but TSE may increase the odds of monophasic demyelinating disease occurrence (ADS). The finding of additive effects between TSE and other disease modifying factors (HLA, vitamin D) may provide valuable insight into why some children have only one demyelinating attack (monophasic ADS) while others have multiple attacks and are diagnosed with MS. These effects should be further explored in a larger population of pediatric patients and compared to healthy children. Intervention methods should be tailored to help explain to parents the benefits of reducing their child’s exposures to environmental tobacco smoke. / Public Health

This bachelor thesis examines the drivers of secondhand shopping in the fashion industry. The thesis addresses the complexity of consumer behavior and attitudes towards secondhand shopping. Through focus group interviews with consumers, the thesis has identified a gap between positive attitudes towards secondhand shopping and actual consumption behavior. The thesis reveals that economic benefits, sustainability considerations and a desire for a unique style are motivations for consumers to buy secondhand clothing. However, concerns about quality, accessibility, convenience, and store atmosphere are factors that influence consumers' purchasing decisions. To address the identified barriers and overcome the gap between attitude and action, the thesis suggests concrete improvements proposals, such as increasing the transparency of online shopping experiences, improving the cleanliness and atmosphere of the shops, and leveraging influencer marketing to reshape the negative perception that exists of secondhand. The thesis also points out several strategies that can be implemented to convey a message of increasing the acceptance and popularity of secondhand consumption, which ultimately contributes to promoting sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of the fashion industry.

Secondhand är en växande marknad i dagens samhälle och utmanar de traditionella företagen i detaljhandeln gällande hur kläder tillverkas och säljs. Med hållbarhet i åtanke väljer allt fler att konsumera begagnade kläder för att reducera sin klimatpåverkan. Detta till trots är överkonsumtion fortsatt ett problem. Vilket ställer frågan om det räcker att köpa secondhand, om konsumtionen fortsatt är högre än nödvändigt. Studiens syfte är att undersöka hur secondhand-aktörer kan växa på ett mer hållbart sätt genom sina affärsmodeller samt vilka hinder och möjligheter som uppstår. Studien ska bidra med bättre förståelse gällande secondhand-aktörers möjligheter i att främja hållbar konsumtion och samtidigt bibehålla en finansiell tillväxt. Det empiriska materialet är samlat genom kvalitativa intervjuer med tre respondenter som verkar inom den svenska secondhand-marknaden. Materialet har analyserats med hjälp av tidigare forskning och etablerade affärsmodeller som del av det teoretiska ramverket. Studien har identifierat utmaningar vad gäller att främja hållbar konsumtion med en affärsmodell byggd på att omsätta höga volymer. Däremot har affärsmodeller, med ett kvalitetsfokus, höga vinstmarginaler och högre grad segmentering en bättre chans att lyckas uppnå balans. / Secondhand is a growing market in society and challenges the regular retail companies in how they make and sell clothes. With sustainability in mind, more people choose to buy used clothing to reduce their impact on the climate. However, overconsumption is still a big problem leaving questions if just buying clothes secondhand is enough if you buy more than you need. This study aims to investigate how secondhand companies can be profitable in a more sustainable way through their business models and what challenges and possibilities it may bring by achieving this. The main purpose of this study is to provide a deeper understanding about how secondhand businesses can increase their sustainability without compromising financial growth. The empirical material is collected by doing qualitative interviews with three respondents in the business of secondhand and have been analyzed by using previous research and different business models as a part of our theoretical framework. The study has found challenges as it pertains to achieving sustainable consumption while increasing revenue through higher volumes. However, business models focused on quality and profiting on higher margins with higher segmentation are more likely to achieve balance.