| 1. |
- Bravo, L, et al.
(författare)
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- 2021
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swepub:Mat__t
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| 2. |
- Tabiri, S, et al.
(författare)
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- 2021
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swepub:Mat__t
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| 3. |
- Lind, Lars, et al.
(författare)
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Heterogeneous contributions of change in population distribution of body mass index to change in obesity and underweight NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC)
- 2021
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Ingår i: eLife. - : eLife Sciences Publications Ltd. - 2050-084X. ; 10
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- From 1985 to 2016, the prevalence of underweight decreased, and that of obesity and severe obesity increased, in most regions, with significant variation in the magnitude of these changes across regions. We investigated how much change in mean body mass index (BMI) explains changes in the prevalence of underweight, obesity, and severe obesity in different regions using data from 2896 population-based studies with 187 million participants. Changes in the prevalence of underweight and total obesity, and to a lesser extent severe obesity, are largely driven by shifts in the distribution of BMI, with smaller contributions from changes in the shape of the distribution. In East and Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, the underweight tail of the BMI distribution was left behind as the distribution shifted. There is a need for policies that address all forms of malnutrition by making healthy foods accessible and affordable, while restricting unhealthy foods through fiscal and regulatory restrictions.
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| 4. |
- Bixby, H., et al.
(författare)
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Rising rural body-mass index is the main driver of the global obesity epidemic in adults
- 2019
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Ingår i: Nature. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0028-0836 .- 1476-4687. ; 569:7755, s. 260-4
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Body-mass index (BMI) has increased steadily in most countries in parallel with a rise in the proportion of the population who live in cities(.)(1,2) This has led to a widely reported view that urbanization is one of the most important drivers of the global rise in obesity(3-6). Here we use 2,009 population-based studies, with measurements of height and weight in more than 112 million adults, to report national, regional and global trends in mean BMI segregated by place of residence (a rural or urban area) from 1985 to 2017. We show that, contrary to the dominant paradigm, more than 55% of the global rise in mean BMI from 1985 to 2017-and more than 80% in some low- and middle-income regions-was due to increases in BMI in rural areas. This large contribution stems from the fact that, with the exception of women in sub-Saharan Africa, BMI is increasing at the same rate or faster in rural areas than in cities in low- and middle-income regions. These trends have in turn resulted in a closing-and in some countries reversal-of the gap in BMI between urban and rural areas in low- and middle-income countries, especially for women. In high-income and industrialized countries, we noted a persistently higher rural BMI, especially for women. There is an urgent need for an integrated approach to rural nutrition that enhances financial and physical access to healthy foods, to avoid replacing the rural undernutrition disadvantage in poor countries with a more general malnutrition disadvantage that entails excessive consumption of low-quality calories.
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| 5. |
- Mishra, A, et al.
(författare)
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Diminishing benefits of urban living for children and adolescents' growth and development
- 2023
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Ingår i: Nature. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1476-4687 .- 0028-0836. ; 615:7954, s. 874-883
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Optimal growth and development in childhood and adolescence is crucial for lifelong health and well-being1–6. Here we used data from 2,325 population-based studies, with measurements of height and weight from 71 million participants, to report the height and body-mass index (BMI) of children and adolescents aged 5–19 years on the basis of rural and urban place of residence in 200 countries and territories from 1990 to 2020. In 1990, children and adolescents residing in cities were taller than their rural counterparts in all but a few high-income countries. By 2020, the urban height advantage became smaller in most countries, and in many high-income western countries it reversed into a small urban-based disadvantage. The exception was for boys in most countries in sub-Saharan Africa and in some countries in Oceania, south Asia and the region of central Asia, Middle East and north Africa. In these countries, successive cohorts of boys from rural places either did not gain height or possibly became shorter, and hence fell further behind their urban peers. The difference between the age-standardized mean BMI of children in urban and rural areas was <1.1 kg m–2 in the vast majority of countries. Within this small range, BMI increased slightly more in cities than in rural areas, except in south Asia, sub-Saharan Africa and some countries in central and eastern Europe. Our results show that in much of the world, the growth and developmental advantages of living in cities have diminished in the twenty-first century, whereas in much of sub-Saharan Africa they have amplified.
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| 6. |
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| 7. |
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| 8. |
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| 9. |
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| 10. |
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| 11. |
- Munk, P., et al.
(författare)
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Genomic analysis of sewage from 101 countries reveals global landscape of antimicrobial resistance
- 2022
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Ingår i: Nature Communications. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2041-1723. ; 13:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major threat to global health. Understanding the emergence, evolution, and transmission of individual antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) is essential to develop sustainable strategies combatting this threat. Here, we use metagenomic sequencing to analyse ARGs in 757 sewage samples from 243 cities in 101 countries, collected from 2016 to 2019. We find regional patterns in resistomes, and these differ between subsets corresponding to drug classes and are partly driven by taxonomic variation. The genetic environments of 49 common ARGs are highly diverse, with most common ARGs carried by multiple distinct genomic contexts globally and sometimes on plasmids. Analysis of flanking sequence revealed ARG-specific patterns of dispersal limitation and global transmission. Our data furthermore suggest certain geographies are more prone to transmission events and should receive additional attention.
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| 12. |
- Bentham, James, et al.
(författare)
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A century of trends in adult human height
- 2016
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Ingår i: eLIFE. - 2050-084X. ; 5
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Being taller is associated with enhanced longevity, and higher education and earnings. We reanalysed 1472 population-based studies, with measurement of height on more than 18.6 million participants to estimate mean height for people born between 1896 and 1996 in 200 countries. The largest gain in adult height over the past century has occurred in South Korean women and Iranian men, who became 20.2 cm (95% credible interval 17.522.7) and 16.5 cm (13.319.7) taller, respectively. In contrast, there was little change in adult height in some sub-Saharan African countries and in South Asia over the century of analysis. The tallest people over these 100 years are men born in the Netherlands in the last quarter of 20th century, whose average heights surpassed 182.5 cm, and the shortest were women born in Guatemala in 1896 (140.3 cm; 135.8144.8). The height differential between the tallest and shortest populations was 19-20 cm a century ago, and has remained the same for women and increased for men a century later despite substantial changes in the ranking of countries.
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| 13. |
- Bentham, James, et al.
(författare)
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A century of trends in adult human height
- 2016
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Ingår i: eLIFE. - : eLife Sciences Publications Ltd. - 2050-084X. ; 5
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Being taller is associated with enhanced longevity, and higher education and earnings. We reanalysed 1472 population-based studies, with measurement of height on more than 18.6 million participants to estimate mean height for people born between 1896 and 1996 in 200 countries. The largest gain in adult height over the past century has occurred in South Korean women and Iranian men, who became 20.2 cm (95% credible interval 17.5–22.7) and 16.5 cm (13.3– 19.7) taller, respectively. In contrast, there was little change in adult height in some sub-Saharan African countries and in South Asia over the century of analysis. The tallest people over these 100 years are men born in the Netherlands in the last quarter of 20th century, whose average heights surpassed 182.5 cm, and the shortest were women born in Guatemala in 1896 (140.3 cm; 135.8– 144.8). The height differential between the tallest and shortest populations was 19-20 cm a century ago, and has remained the same for women and increased for men a century later despite substantial changes in the ranking of countries.
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| 14. |
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| 15. |
- Zhou, Bin, et al.
(författare)
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Worldwide trends in diabetes since 1980: A pooled analysis of 751 population-based studies with 4.4 million participants
- 2016
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Ingår i: The Lancet. - : Elsevier B.V.. - 0140-6736 .- 1474-547X. ; 387:10027, s. 1513-1530
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: One of the global targets for non-communicable diseases is to halt, by 2025, the rise in the age standardised adult prevalence of diabetes at its 2010 levels. We aimed to estimate worldwide trends in diabetes, how likely it is for countries to achieve the global target, and how changes in prevalence, together with population growth and ageing, are aff ecting the number of adults with diabetes.Methods: We pooled data from population-based studies that had collected data on diabetes through measurement of its biomarkers. We used a Bayesian hierarchical model to estimate trends in diabetes prevalence-defined as fasting plasma glucose of 7.0 mmol/L or higher, or history of diagnosis with diabetes, or use of insulin or oral hypoglycaemic drugs-in 200 countries and territories in 21 regions, by sex and from 1980 to 2014. We also calculated the posterior probability of meeting the global diabetes target if post-2000 trends continue.Findings: We used data from 751 studies including 4372000 adults from 146 of the 200 countries we make estimates for. Global age-standardised diabetes prevalence increased from 4.3% (95% credible interval 2.4-17.0) in 1980 to 9.0% (7.2-11.1) in 2014 in men, and from 5.0% (2.9-7.9) to 7.9% (6.4-9.7) in women. The number of adults with diabetes in the world increased from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014 (28.5% due to the rise in prevalence, 39.7% due to population growth and ageing, and 31.8% due to interaction of these two factors). Age-standardised adult diabetes prevalence in 2014 was lowest in northwestern Europe, and highest in Polynesia and Micronesia, at nearly 25%, followed by Melanesia and the Middle East and north Africa. Between 1980 and 2014 there was little change in age-standardised diabetes prevalence in adult women in continental western Europe, although crude prevalence rose because of ageing of the population. By contrast, age-standardised adult prevalence rose by 15 percentage points in men and women in Polynesia and Micronesia. In 2014, American Samoa had the highest national prevalence of diabetes (>30% in both sexes), with age-standardised adult prevalence also higher than 25% in some other islands in Polynesia and Micronesia. If post-2000 trends continue, the probability of meeting the global target of halting the rise in the prevalence of diabetes by 2025 at the 2010 level worldwide is lower than 1% for men and is 1% for women. Only nine countries for men and 29 countries for women, mostly in western Europe, have a 50% or higher probability of meeting the global target.Interpretation: Since 1980, age-standardised diabetes prevalence in adults has increased, or at best remained unchanged, in every country. Together with population growth and ageing, this rise has led to a near quadrupling of the number of adults with diabetes worldwide. The burden of diabetes, both in terms of prevalence and number of adults aff ected, has increased faster in low-income and middle-income countries than in high-income countries.
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| 16. |
- Botvinik-Nezer, Rotem, et al.
(författare)
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Variability in the analysis of a single neuroimaging dataset by many teams
- 2020
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Ingår i: Nature. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0028-0836 .- 1476-4687. ; 582, s. 84-88
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Data analysis workflows in many scientific domains have become increasingly complex and flexible. Here we assess the effect of this flexibility on the results of functional magnetic resonance imaging by asking 70 independent teams to analyse the same dataset, testing the same 9 ex-ante hypotheses(1). The flexibility of analytical approaches is exemplified by the fact that no two teams chose identical workflows to analyse the data. This flexibility resulted in sizeable variation in the results of hypothesis tests, even for teams whose statistical maps were highly correlated at intermediate stages of the analysis pipeline. Variation in reported results was related to several aspects of analysis methodology. Notably, a meta-analytical approach that aggregated information across teams yielded a significant consensus in activated regions. Furthermore, prediction markets of researchers in the field revealed an overestimation of the likelihood of significant findings, even by researchers with direct knowledge of the dataset(2-5). Our findings show that analytical flexibility can have substantial effects on scientific conclusions, and identify factors that may be related to variability in the analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging. The results emphasize the importance of validating and sharing complex analysis workflows, and demonstrate the need for performing and reporting multiple analyses of the same data. Potential approaches that could be used to mitigate issues related to analytical variability are discussed. The results obtained by seventy different teams analysing the same functional magnetic resonance imaging dataset show substantial variation, highlighting the influence of analytical choices and the importance of sharing workflows publicly and performing multiple analyses.
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| 17. |
- Kattge, Jens, et al.
(författare)
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TRY plant trait database - enhanced coverage and open access
- 2020
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Ingår i: Global Change Biology. - : Wiley-Blackwell. - 1354-1013 .- 1365-2486. ; 26:1, s. 119-188
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Plant traits-the morphological, anatomical, physiological, biochemical and phenological characteristics of plants-determine how plants respond to environmental factors, affect other trophic levels, and influence ecosystem properties and their benefits and detriments to people. Plant trait data thus represent the basis for a vast area of research spanning from evolutionary biology, community and functional ecology, to biodiversity conservation, ecosystem and landscape management, restoration, biogeography and earth system modelling. Since its foundation in 2007, the TRY database of plant traits has grown continuously. It now provides unprecedented data coverage under an open access data policy and is the main plant trait database used by the research community worldwide. Increasingly, the TRY database also supports new frontiers of trait-based plant research, including the identification of data gaps and the subsequent mobilization or measurement of new data. To support this development, in this article we evaluate the extent of the trait data compiled in TRY and analyse emerging patterns of data coverage and representativeness. Best species coverage is achieved for categorical traits-almost complete coverage for 'plant growth form'. However, most traits relevant for ecology and vegetation modelling are characterized by continuous intraspecific variation and trait-environmental relationships. These traits have to be measured on individual plants in their respective environment. Despite unprecedented data coverage, we observe a humbling lack of completeness and representativeness of these continuous traits in many aspects. We, therefore, conclude that reducing data gaps and biases in the TRY database remains a key challenge and requires a coordinated approach to data mobilization and trait measurements. This can only be achieved in collaboration with other initiatives.
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| 18. |
- Leisawitz, David, et al.
(författare)
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The origins space telescope
- 2019
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Ingår i: Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering. - : SPIE. - 0277-786X .- 1996-756X. ; 11115
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- The Origins Space Telescope will trace the history of our origins from the time dust and heavy elements permanently altered the cosmic landscape to present-day life. How did galaxies evolve from the earliest galactic systems to those found in the universe today? How do habitable planets form? How common are life-bearing worlds? To answer these alluring questions, Origins will operate at mid-and far-infrared wavelengths and offer powerful spectroscopic instruments and sensitivity three orders of magnitude better than that of Herschel, the largest telescope flown in space to date. After a 3 1/2 year study, the Origins Science and Technology Definition Team will recommend to the Decadal Survey a concept for Origins with a 5.9-m diameter telescope cryocooled to 4.5 K and equipped with three scientific instruments. A mid-infrared instrument (MISC-T) will measure the spectra of transiting exoplanets in the 2.8-20 μm wavelength range and offer unprecedented sensitivity, enabling definitive biosignature detections. The Far-IR Imager Polarimeter (FIP) will be able to survey thousands of square degrees with broadband imaging at 50 and 250 μm. The Origins Survey Spectrometer (OSS) will cover wavelengths from 25-588 μm, make wide-area and deep spectroscopic surveys with spectral resolving power R ∼ 300, and pointed observations at R ∼ 40,000 and 300,000 with selectable instrument modes. Origins was designed to minimize complexity. The telescope has a Spitzer-like architecture and requires very few deployments after launch. The cryo-thermal system design leverages JWST technology and experience. A combination of current-state-of-the-art cryocoolers and next-generation detector technology will enable Origins' natural backgroundlimited sensitivity.
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| 19. |
- Leisawitz, David, et al.
(författare)
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Origins Space Telescope: Baseline mission concept
- 2021
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Ingår i: Journal of Astronomical Telescopes, Instruments, and Systems. - 2329-4221 .- 2329-4124. ; 7:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The Origins Space Telescope will trace the history of our origins from the time dust and heavy elements permanently altered the cosmic landscape to present-day life. How did galaxies evolve from the earliest galactic systems to those found in the Universe today? How do habitable planets form? How common are life-bearing worlds? To answer these alluring questions, Origins will operate at mid-and far-infrared (IR) wavelengths and offer powerful spectroscopic instruments and sensitivity three orders of magnitude better than that of the Herschel Space Observatory, the largest telescope flown in space to date. We describe the baseline concept for Origins recommended to the 2020 US Decadal Survey in Astronomy and Astrophysics. The baseline design includes a 5.9-m diameter telescope cryocooled to 4.5 K and equipped with three scientific instruments. A mid-infrared instrument (Mid-Infrared Spectrometer and Camera Transit spectrometer) will measure the spectra of transiting exoplanets in the 2.8 to 20 μm wavelength range and offer unprecedented spectrophotometric precision, enabling definitive exoplanet biosignature detections. The far-IR imager polarimeter will be able to survey thousands of square degrees with broadband imaging at 50 and 250 μm. The Origins Survey Spectrometer will cover wavelengths from 25 to 588 μm, making wide-area and deep spectroscopic surveys with spectral resolving power R ∼ 300, and pointed observations at R ∼ 40,000 and 300,000 with selectable instrument modes. Origins was designed to minimize complexity. The architecture is similar to that of the Spitzer Space Telescope and requires very few deployments after launch, while the cryothermal system design leverages James Webb Space Telescope technology and experience. A combination of current-state-of-the-art cryocoolers and next-generation detector technology will enable Origins' natural background-limited sensitivity.
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| 20. |
- Leisawitz, David, et al.
(författare)
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The Origins Space Telescope: Mission concept overview
- 2018
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Ingår i: Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering. - : SPIE. - 0277-786X .- 1996-756X. ; 10698
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only. The Origins Space Telescope (OST) will trace the history of our origins from the time dust and heavy elements permanently altered the cosmic landscape to present-day life. How did the universe evolve in response to its changing ingredients? How common are life-bearing planets? To accomplish its scientific objectives, OST will operate at mid- and far-infrared wavelengths and offer superlative sensitivity and new spectroscopic capabilities. The OST study team will present a scientifically compelling, executable mission concept to the 2020 Decadal Survey in Astrophysics. To understand the concept solution space, our team studied two alternative mission concepts. We report on the study approach and describe both of these concepts, give the rationale for major design decisions, and briefly describe the mission-enabling technology.
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| 21. |
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| 22. |
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| 23. |
- Jamil, N. A. M., et al.
(författare)
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Electrical stimulation for the growth of plants : With special attention to the effects of nearby lightning on mushrooms
- 2018
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Ingår i: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences. - : Global Science Publications. - 0972-3005. ; 20:4, s. 1332-1343
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- – Electrical stimulation could trigger biological activities of plants, enhancing their production rate. This paper addresses the application of this technology on mushroom which, possesses unique developmental process that depends on hyphae morphogenesis at growth stages; thus their response to electrical stimulation should be studied separately. The study analyses the information available on electrical environment of mushrooms with the view of investigating the efficiency of external electric stimulation approaches for the enhancement of their progress at various growth stages. Electric treatments at relatively low strengths, applied for a short exposure time have resulted positive impacts on growth rates, yields, length and size of various plants. In the case of mushrooms, the only information available on successful external electrical stimulation technique is the application of high voltage pulses. The technique has shown positive effects on the growth rate of varieties such as shiitake and nameko. This approach has been adopted based on the unconfirmed claims that lightning in the vicinity develops cracks in mushroom hyphae and stimulates their enzyme activities, which in turn boosts the growth rate. Based on the outcomes, we foresee a good economic viability of mushroom production with these modern technologies and methodologies.
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| 24. |
- Kirkpatrick, Christine L., et al.
(författare)
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The "PepSAVI-MS" Pipeline for Natural Product Bioactive Peptide Discovery
- 2017
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Ingår i: Analytical Chemistry. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 0003-2700 .- 1520-6882. ; 89:2, s. 1194-1201
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The recent increase in extensively drug-resistant bacterial pathogens and the associated increase of morbidity and mortality demonstrate the immediate need for new antibiotic backbones with novel mechanisms of action. Here, we report the development of the PepSAVI-MS pipeline for bioactive peptide discovery. This highly versatile platform employs mass spectrometry and statistics to identify bioactive peptide targets from complex biological samples. We validate the use of this platform through the successful identification of known bioactive peptides from a botanical species, Viola odorata. Using this pipeline, we have widened the known antimicrobial spectrum for V. odorata cyclotides, including antibacterial activity of cycloviolacin O2 against A. baumannii. We further demonstrate the broad applicability of the platform through the identification of novel anticancer activities for cycloviolacins by their cytotoxicity against ovarian, breast, and prostate cancer cell lines.
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| 25. |
- Saqib, M. A. N., et al.
(författare)
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Effect of COVID-19 lockdown on patients with chronic diseases
- 2020
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Ingår i: Diabetes & Metabolic syndrome. - : Elsevier. - 1871-4021 .- 1878-0334. ; 14:6, s. 1621-1623
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Tidskriftsartikel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Background and aims: We sought to measure the effect of lockdown, implemented to contain COVID-19 infection, on routine living and health of patients with chronic diseases and challenges faced by them. Methods: A semi-structured online questionnaire was generated using “Google forms” and sent to the patients with chronic diseases using WhatsApp. Data were retrieved and analyzed using SPSS. Results: Out of 181 participants, 98% reported effect of lockdown on their routine living while 45% reported an effect on their health. The key challenges due to lockdown were to do daily exercise, missed routine checkup/lab testing and daily health care. Conclusion: It is important to strategize the plan for patients with chronic diseases during pandemic or lockdown.
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| 26. |
- Ali, A., et al.
(författare)
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Cobalt oxide magnetic nanoparticles-chitosan nanocomposite based electrochemical urea biosensor
- 2015
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Ingår i: Indian Journal of Physics. - : Springer Verlag (Germany). - 0973-1458 .- 0974-9845. ; 89:4, s. 331-336
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In this study, a potentiometric urea biosensor has been fabricated on glass filter paper through the immobilization of urease enzyme onto chitosan/cobalt oxide (CS/Co3O4) nanocomposite. A copper wire with diameter of 500 mu m is attached with nanoparticles to extract the voltage output signal. The shape and dimensions of Co3O4 magnetic nanoparticles are investigated by scanning electron microscopy and the average diameter is approximately 80-100 nm. Structural quality of Co3O4 nanoparticles is confirmed from X-ray powder diffraction measurements, while the Raman spectroscopy has been used to understand the chemical bonding between different atoms. The magnetic measurement has confirmed that Co3O4 nanoparticles show ferromagnetic behavior, which could be attributed to the uncompensated surface spins and/or finite size effects. The ferromagnetic order of Co3O4 nanoparticles is raised with increasing the decomposition temperature. A physical adsorption method is adopted to immobilize the surface of CS/Co3O4 nanocomposite. Potentiometric sensitivity curve has been measured over the concentration range between 1 x 10(-4) and 8 x 10(-2) M of urea electrolyte solution revealing that the fabricated biosensor holds good sensing ability with a linear slope curve of similar to 45 mV/decade. In addition, the presented biosensor shows good reusability, selectivity, reproducibility and resistance against interferers along with the stable output response of similar to 12 s.
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| 27. |
- Batool, S S, et al.
(författare)
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Silica nanofibers based impedance type humidity detector prepared on glass substrate
- 2013
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Ingår i: Vacuum. - : Elsevier. - 0042-207X .- 1879-2715. ; 87, s. 1-6
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Impedance type relative humidity detector is fabricated by depositing electrospun silica nanofibers on glass substrate. The silica nanofibers with an average diameter similar to 150 nm and length similar to 100 mu m were used. Thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetric analysis confirm that the accurate annealing temperature is 500 degrees C for complete removal of PVP. Humidity detecting devices were fabricated by defining titanium electrodes on top of the silica nanofibers. The performance of silica nanofibers humidity detectors was tested by AC electrical measurements at 40-90% relative humidity. The response and the recovery times were 5 s and 3 s, respectively, between 40% and 90% relative humidity. Contribution of dipoles, space charge polarization, relaxation of these dipoles and low frequency dispersion phenomenon were observed during impedance measurements.
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| 28. |
- Hober, Sophia, Professor, 1965-, et al.
(författare)
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Systematic evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 antigens enables a highly specific and sensitive multiplex serological COVID-19 assay
- 2021
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Ingår i: Clinical & Translational Immunology. - : Wiley. - 2050-0068. ; 10:7
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective. The COVID-19 pandemic poses an immense need for accurate, sensitive and high-throughput clinical tests, and serological assays are needed for both overarching epidemiological studies and evaluating vaccines. Here, we present the development and validation of a high-throughput multiplex bead-based serological assay. Methods. More than 100 representations of SARS-CoV-2 proteins were included for initial evaluation, including antigens produced in bacterial and mammalian hosts as well as synthetic peptides. The five best-performing antigens, three representing the spike glycoprotein and two representing the nucleocapsid protein, were further evaluated for detection of IgG antibodies in samples from 331 COVID-19 patients and convalescents, and in 2090 negative controls sampled before 2020. Results. Three antigens were finally selected, represented by a soluble trimeric form and the S1-domain of the spike glycoprotein as well as by the C-terminal domain of the nucleocapsid. The sensitivity for these three antigens individually was found to be 99.7%, 99.1% and 99.7%, and the specificity was found to be 98.1%, 98.7% and 95.7%. The best assay performance was although achieved when utilising two antigens in combination, enabling a sensitivity of up to 99.7% combined with a specificity of 100%. Requiring any two of the three antigens resulted in a sensitivity of 99.7% and a specificity of 99.4%. Conclusion. These observations demonstrate that a serological test based on a combination of several SARS-CoV-2 antigens enables a highly specific and sensitive multiplex serological COVID-19 assay.
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| 29. |
- Imran, Z., et al.
(författare)
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Excellent humidity sensing properties of cadmium titanate nanofibers
- 2013
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Ingår i: Ceramics International. - : Elsevier. - 0272-8842 .- 1873-3956. ; 39:1, s. 457-462
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We report humidity sensing characteristics of CdTiO3 nanofibers prepared by electrospinning. The nanofibers were porous having an average diameter and length of similar to 50-200 nm and similar to 100 mu m, respectively. The nanofiber humidity sensor was fabricated by defining aluminum electrodes using photolithography on top of the nanofibers deposited on glass substrate. The performance of the CdTiO3 nanofiber humidity sensor was evaluated by AC electrical characterization from 40% to 90% relative humidity at 25 degrees C. The frequency of the AC signal was varied from 10(-1) to 10(6) Hz. Fast response time and recovery time of 4 s and 6 s were observed, respectively. The sensor was highly sensitive and exhibited a reversible response with small hysteresis of less than 7%. Long term stability of the sensor was confirmed during 30 day test. The excellent sensing characteristics prove that the CdTiO3 nanofibers are potential candidate for use in high performance humidity sensors.
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| 30. |
- Jamil, N. A. M., et al.
(författare)
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Effects of electrical stimulation on the yield of tuber of tiger's milk mushroom
- 2019
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Ingår i: Engineering in Agriculture, Environment and Food. - : Elsevier B.V.. - 1881-8366. ; 12:4, s. 526-533
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The growth rate of mycelium of the tiger's milk mushroom (Lignosus rhinocerotis) at intermediate development stage was successfully increased up to 16% by the application of corona discharge through multiple needles at a steady state voltage of 5 kV generated by a Van der Graff generator, for 5 h a day, for four weeks. The same method could enhance the yield of tuber up to 56%. Myco-chemical analysis on the tuber of the corona treated group did not show any significant variation in the total flavonoid content and metabolite chromatogram pattern in comparison with that of the control groups and the reference groups. The experiment shows that the enhancement of the harvest of tuber of the tiger's milk mushroom is much more significant than the growth rate improvement of the mycelium of the same type of mushroom, as it was reported previously.
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| 31. |
- Jamil, S., et al.
(författare)
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Neuroblastoma cells injected into experimental mature teratoma reveal a tropism for embryonic loose mesenchyme
- 2013
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Ingår i: International Journal of Oncology. - : Spandidos Publications. - 1019-6439 .- 1791-2423. ; 43:3, s. 831-838
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Embryonic neural tumors are responsible for a disproportionate number of cancer deaths in children. Although dramatic improvements in survival for pediatric malignancy has been achieved in previous years advancements seem to be slowing down. For the development of new enhanced therapy and an increased understanding of the disease, pre-clinical models better capturing the neoplastic niche are essential. Tumors of early childhood present in this respect a particular challenge. Here, we explore how components of the embryonic process in stem-cell induced mature teratoma can function as an experimental in vivo microenvironment instigating the growth of injected childhood neuroblastoma (NB) cell lines. Three human NB cell lines, IMR-32, Kelly and SK-N-BE(2), were injected into mature pluripotent stem cell-induced teratoma (PSCT) and compared to xenografts of the same cell lines. Proliferative NB cells from all lines were readily detected in both models with a typical histology of a poorly differentiated NB tumor with a variable amount of fibrovascular stroma. Uniquely in the PSCT microenvironment, NB cells were found integrated in a non-random fashion. Neuroblastoma cells were never observed in areas with well-differentiated somatic tissue i.e. bone, muscle, gut or areas of other easily identifiable tissue types. Instead, the three cell lines all showed initial growth exclusively occurring in the embryonic loose mesenchymal stroma, resulting in a histology recapitulating NB native presentation in vivo. Whether this reflects the 'open' nature of loose mesenchyme more easily giving space to new cells compared to other more dense tissues, the rigidity of matrix providing physical cues modulating NB characteristics, or if embryonic loose mesenchyme may supply developmental cues that attracted or promoted the integration of NB, remains to be tested. We tentatively hypothesize that mature PSCT provide an embryonic niche well suited for in vivo studies on NB.
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| 32. |
- Jamil, Tarek S., et al.
(författare)
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Enhancement of TiO2 behavior on photocatalytic oxidation of MO dye using TiO2/AC under visible irradiation and sunlight radiation
- 2012
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Ingår i: Separation and Purification Technology. - : Elsevier BV. - 1383-5866 .- 1873-3794. ; 98, s. 270-279
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The activated carbon loaded TiO2 photocatalyst was prepared and characterized by FT-IR, scanning electron micrograph (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The photocatalytic efficiency of activated carbon loaded TiO2 was evaluated by photocatalytic oxidation of Methyl Orange (MO) dye in aqueous medium using visible and solar light. TiO2/AC exhibited higher photocatalytic oxidation efficiency of MO than that of naked TiO2. The various experimental parameters like initial dye concentration, amount of catalyst and solution pH for efficient dye degradation are investigated. Activity measurements performed under visible light and solar irradiation have shown good results for the photo degradation of MO in aqueous solution. The higher efficiency of TiO2/AC is due to synergy effect of activated carbon. Addition of high adsorption capacity activated carbon to photoactive titanium dioxide in photocatalytic degradation of dyes improves the efficiency of dye mineralization. The present catalysts show high adsorptivity and high photoactivity for the degradation of the MO dye and can be very easily separated from the solution by sedimentation or simple filtration and it can be used repeatedly for MO removal with preservation of its photoactivity.
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| 33. |
- Masood, KI, et al.
(författare)
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Upregulated type I interferon responses in asymptomatic COVID-19 infection are associated with improved clinical outcome
- 2021
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Ingår i: Scientific reports. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2045-2322. ; 11:1, s. 22958-
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Understanding key host protective mechanisms against SARS-CoV-2 infection can help improve treatment modalities for COVID-19. We used a blood transcriptome approach to study biomarkers associated with differing severity of COVID-19, comparing severe and mild Symptomatic disease with Asymptomatic COVID-19 and uninfected Controls. There was suppression of antigen presentation but upregulation of inflammatory and viral mRNA translation associated pathways in Symptomatic as compared with Asymptomatic cases. In severe COVID-19, CD177 a neutrophil marker, was upregulated while interferon stimulated genes (ISGs) were downregulated. Asymptomatic COVID-19 cases displayed upregulation of ISGs and humoral response genes with downregulation of ICAM3 and TLR8. Compared across the COVID-19 disease spectrum, we found type I interferon (IFN) responses to be significantly upregulated (IFNAR2, IRF2BP1, IRF4, MAVS, SAMHD1, TRIM1), or downregulated (SOCS3, IRF2BP2, IRF2BPL) in Asymptomatic as compared with mild and severe COVID-19, with the dysregulation of an increasing number of ISGs associated with progressive disease. These data suggest that initial early responses against SARS-CoV-2 may be effectively controlled by ISGs. Therefore, we hypothesize that treatment with type I interferons in the early stage of COVID-19 may limit disease progression by limiting SARS-CoV-2 in the host.
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| 34. |
- Schwamback, Dimaghi, et al.
(författare)
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Adaptive design of tipping bucket flow meters for continuous runoff measurement
- 2023
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Ingår i: Frontiers in Environmental Science. - 2296-665X. ; 11
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction: Runoff measurement and monitoring is a laborious, timeconsuming,and costly task. Additionally, common runoff monitoring usually primarily provide water level, requiring information on the stage-discharge relation. Automatic equipment such as flow meter tipping bucket (TB) is a potential option to simplify and provide continuous runoff monitoring in small catchments. However, a proper description of how to size and adapt the design under different flow conditions is still lacking.Methodology: In this paper we present a novel standardized framework for the design of TB that can be used for low-cost and real-time runoff monitoring under many different conditions. The framework consists of an estimation of the runoff peak rate using the rational equation and a volumetric capacity estimate of the cavity based on runoff rate, operation speed, and inclination angle of TB when at resting position. The proposed framework was implemented in a case study where four TBs were designed for continuous runoff monitoring from experimental plots (100m2) with different land use (sugarcane, soybean, and bare soil).Results: During field tests (five months), the designed TBs had a recovery rate of actual runoff ranging from 61% to 81% and were able to capture features poorly studied (starting/ending time and peak flow) that have potential importance in hydrological models.Discussion: The proposed framework is flexible and can be used for different environmental conditions to provide continuous runoff data records.
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| 35. |
- Wright, A. Michelle, et al.
(författare)
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Determinants of resource needs and utilization among refugees over time
- 2016
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Ingår i: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0933-7954 .- 1433-9285. ; 51:4, s. 539-549
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This study examined refugees' resource needs and utilization over time, investigated the relationships between pre-displacement/socio-demographic variables and resource needs and utilization, and explored the role of resource needs and utilization on psychiatric symptom trajectories. Iraqi refugees to the United States (N = 298) were assessed upon arrival and at 1-year intervals for 2 years for socio-demographic variables and pre-displacement trauma experiences, their need for and utilization of 14 different resources, and PTSD and depressive symptoms. Although refugees reported reduction of some needs over time (e.g., need for cash assistance declined from 99 to 71 %), other needs remained high (e.g., 99 % of refugees reported a need for health care at the 2-year interview). Generally, the lowest needs were reported after 2 years, and the highest utilization occurred during the first year post-arrival. Pre-displacement trauma exposure predicted high health care needs but not high health care utilization. Both high need for and use of health care predicted increasing PTSD and depressive symptoms. Specifically, increased use of psychological care across the three measurement waves predicted more PTSD and depression symptoms at the 2-year interview. Differences emerged between need for and actual use of resources, especially for highly trauma-exposed refugees. Resettlement agencies and assistance programs should consider the complex relationships between resource needs, resource utilization, and mental health during the early resettlement period.
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| 36. |
- Wright, A. Michelle, et al.
(författare)
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Kidnapping and Mental Health in Iraqi Refugees : The Role of Resilience
- 2017
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Ingår i: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health. - : SPRINGER. - 1557-1912 .- 1557-1920. ; 19:1, s. 98-107
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Although kidnapping is common in war-torn countries, there is little research examining its psychological effects. Iraqi refugees (N = 298) were assessed upon arrival to the U.S. and 1 year later. At arrival, refugees were asked about prior trauma exposure, including kidnapping. One year later refugees were assessed for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depression disorder (MDD) using the SCID-I. Individual resilience and narratives of the kidnapping were also assessed. Twenty-six refugees (9 %) reported being kidnapped. Compared to those not kidnapped, those who were had a higher prevalence of PTSD, but not MDD, diagnoses. Analyses examining kidnapping victims revealed that higher resilience was associated with lower rates of PTSD. Narratives of the kidnapping were also discussed. This study suggests kidnapping is associated with PTSD, but not MDD. Additionally, kidnapping victims without PTSD reported higher individual resilience. Future studies should further elucidate risk and resilience mechanisms.
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| 37. |
- Wright, A. Michelle, et al.
(författare)
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Unemployment in Iraqi refugees : The interaction of pre and post-displacement trauma
- 2016
-
Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Psychology. - : Wiley. - 0036-5564 .- 1467-9450. ; 57:6, s. 564-570
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Previous refugee research has been unable to link pre-displacement trauma with unemployment in the host country. The current study assessed the role of pre-displacement trauma, post-displacement trauma, and the interaction of both trauma types to prospectively examine unemployment in a random sample of newly-arrived Iraqi refugees. Participants (N=286) were interviewed three times over the first two years post-arrival. Refugees were assessed for pre-displacement trauma exposure, post-displacement trauma exposure, a history of unemployment in the country of origin and host country, and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. Analyses found that neither pre-displacement nor post-displacement trauma independently predicted unemployment 2years post-arrival; however, the interaction of pre and post-displacement trauma predicted 2-year unemployment. Refugees with high levels of both pre and post-displacement trauma had a 91% predicted probability of unemployment, whereas those with low levels of both traumas had a 20% predicted probability. This interaction remained significant after controlling for sociodemographic variables and mental health upon arrival to the US. Resettlement agencies and community organizations should consider the interactive effect of encountering additional trauma after escaping the hardships of the refugee's country of origin.
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| 38. |
- Afroz, Mohasana, et al.
(författare)
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Ethnobotany and Antimicrobial Peptides From Plants of the Solanaceae Family : An Update and Future Prospects
- 2020
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Ingår i: Frontiers in Pharmacology. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 1663-9812. ; 11
-
Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- The Solanaceae is an important plant family that has been playing an essential role in traditional medicine and human nutrition. Members of the Solanaceae are rich in bioactive metabolites and have been used by different tribes around the world for ages. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from plants have drawn great interest in recent years and raised new hope for developing new antimicrobial agents for meeting the challenges of antibiotic resistance. This review aims to summarize the reported AMPs from plants of the Solanaceae with possible molecular mechanisms of action as well as to correlate their traditional uses with reported antimicrobial actions of the peptides. A systematic literature study was conducted using different databases until August 2019 based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. According to literature, a variety of AMPs including defensins, protease inhibitor, lectins, thionin-like peptides, vicilin-like peptides, and snaking were isolated from plants of the Solanaceae and were involved in their defense mechanism. These peptides exhibited significant antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activity against organisms for both plant and human host. Brugmansia, Capsicum, Datura, Nicotiana, Salpichora, Solanum, Petunia, and Withania are the most commonly studied genera for AMPs. Among these genera, Capsicum and the Solanum ranked top according to the total number of studies (35%-38% studies) for different AMPs. The mechanisms of action of the reported AMPs from Solanaceae was not any new rather similar to other reported AMPs including alteration of membrane potential and permeability, membrane pore formation, and cell aggregation. Whereas, induction of cell membrane permiabilization, inhibition of germination and alteration of hyphal growth were reported as mechanisms of antifungal activity. Plants of the Solanaceae have been used traditionally as antimicrobial, insecticidal, and antiinfectious agents, and as poisons. The reported AMPs from the Solanaceae are the products of chemical shields to protect plants from microorganisms and pests which unfold an obvious link with their traditional medicinal use. In summary, it is evident that AMPs from this family possess considerable antimicrobial activity against a wide range of bacterial and fungal pathogens and can be regarded as a potential source for lead molecules to develop new antimicrobial agents.
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| 39. |
- Arnetz, Bengt B, et al.
(författare)
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Specific Trauma Subtypes Improve the Predictive Validity of the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire in Iraqi Refugees
- 2014
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Ingår i: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1557-1912 .- 1557-1920. ; 16:6, s. 1055-1061
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Trauma exposure contributes to poor mental health among refugees, and exposure often is measured using a cumulative index of items from the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ). Few studies, however, have asked whether trauma subtypes derived from the HTQ could be superior to this cumulative index in predicting mental health outcomes. A community sample of recently arrived Iraqi refugees (N = 298) completed the HTQ and measures of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression symptoms. Principal components analysis of HTQ items revealed a 5-component subtype model of trauma that accounted for more item variance than a 1-component solution. These trauma subtypes also accounted for more variance in PTSD and depression symptoms (12 and 10 %, respectively) than did the cumulative trauma index (7 and 3 %, respectively). Trauma subtypes provided more information than cumulative trauma in the prediction of negative mental health outcomes. Therefore, use of these subtypes may enhance the utility of the HTQ when assessing at-risk populations.
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| 40. |
- Arnetz, Bengt B., et al.
(författare)
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War-related mental health disorders among Iraqis 10 years after the 1991 Gulf War : A comparative study of soldiers and civilians living under sustained socio-environmental stress
- 2009
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Ingår i: The New Iraqi Journal of Medicine. - 1817-5562. ; 5:1, s. 9-21
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Prior studies of mental health consequences of the Gulf War (GW) have been confined to Allied forces, limiting the ability to control for important geographically and culturally-related factors. We conducted an epidemiological mental health study among Iraqi soldiers and civilians who are still residing in Iraq. This group has been exposed to sustained socio-environmental stress. Methods: A cross-sectional sample of 742 Iraqi GW veterans and 413 civilians responded to a validated mental health survey. The response rate was 96.3%. Mental health disorders, including post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), were classified using both self-reports and validated scales. War-related exposure was calculated using the sum score of items assessing trauma exposure. Results: Iraqi soldiers reported significantly more depression (Odds Ratio [OR] 4.9; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.2-11.1) and anxiety (OR 3.9; 95% CI, 1.2-13.3) compared to civilians, adjusting for age, education, and smoking. Soldiers closest to Kuwait during the GW reported significantly more depression compared to soldiers deployed further away from the war epicenter (OR 104.6; 95% CI, 28.0-390.8) and anxiety (OR 4.1; 95% CI, 1.5-11.1). The highest self-reported trauma exposure occurred in the southwest of Iraq. Conclusion: Iraqi soldiers that took part in the GW are at increased risk suffering from many of the same mental health disorders plaguing Allied soldiers. Soldiers closest to Kuwait were more at risk, suggesting a direct link to war-specific environmental exposures, although self-reported trauma exposure was higher in the southwest of Iraq. The study offers additional insights into the mental health consequences of living under sustained socio-environmental stress, originating from the Iraqi war. The study points out socio-environmental factors worthy of further explorations.
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| 41. |
- Batool, S S., et al.
(författare)
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Comparative Analysis of Ti, Ni, and Au Electrodes on Characteristics of TiO2 Nanofibers for Humidity Sensor Application
- 2013
-
Ingår i: Journal of Materials Science & Technology. - : Elsevier. - 1005-0302. ; 29:5, s. 411-414
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The effect of metal (Ti, Ni, and Au) electrodes on humidity sensing properties of electrospun TiO2 nanofibers was investigated in this work. The devices were fabricated by evaporating metal contacts on SiO2 layer thermally grown on silicon substrate. The separation between the electrodes was 90 mm for all sensors. The sensors were tested from 40% to 90% relative humidity (RH) by AC electrical characterization at room temperature. When sensors are switched between 40% and 90% RH, the corresponding response and recovery time are 3 s and 5 s for Ti-electrode sensor, 4 s and 7 s for Ni-electrode sensor, and 7 s and 13 s for Au-electrode sensor. The hysteresis was 3%, 5% and 15% for Ti-, Ni-, and Au-electrode sensor, respectively. The sensitivity of Ti, Ni, and Au-electrode sensors are 7.53 M Omega/% RH, 5.29 MU/% RH and 4.01 M Omega/% RH respectively at 100 Hz. Therefore Ti-electrode sensor is found to have linear response, fast response and recovery time and higher sensitivity as compared with those of Ni- and Au-electrode sensors. Comparison of humidity sensing properties of sensors with different electrode material may propose a compelling route for designing and optimizing humidity sensors.
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| 42. |
- Belkacem, Abdelkader Nasreddine, et al.
(författare)
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Brain Computer Interfaces for Improving the Quality of Life of Older Adults and Elderly Patients.
- 2020
-
Ingår i: Frontiers in Neuroscience. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 1662-4548 .- 1662-453X. ; 14, s. 692-
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- All people experience aging, and the related physical and health changes, including changes in memory and brain function. These changes may become debilitating leading to an increase in dependence as people get older. Many external aids and tools have been developed to allow older adults and elderly patients to continue to live normal and comfortable lives. This mini-review describes some of the recent studies on cognitive decline and motor control impairment with the goal of advancing non-invasive brain computer interface (BCI) technologies to improve health and wellness of older adults and elderly patients. First, we describe the state of the art in cognitive prosthetics for psychiatric diseases. Then, we describe the state of the art of possible assistive BCI applications for controlling an exoskeleton, a wheelchair and smart home for elderly people with motor control impairments. The basic age-related brain and body changes, the effects of age on cognitive and motor abilities, and several BCI paradigms with typical tasks and outcomes are thoroughly described. We also discuss likely future trends and technologies to assist healthy older adults and elderly patients using innovative BCI applications with minimal technical oversight.
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| 43. |
- El-Kenawy, El-Sayed M., et al.
(författare)
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Hybrid Ensemble-Learning Approach for Renewable Energy Resources Evaluation in Algeria
- 2022
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Ingår i: Computers, Materials and Continua. - : Tech Science Press. - 1546-2218 .- 1546-2226. ; 71:3, s. 5837-5854
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In order to achieve a highly accurate estimation of solar energy resource potential, a novel hybrid ensemble-learning approach, hybridizing Advanced Squirrel-Search Optimization Algorithm (ASSOA) and support vector regression, is utilized to estimate the hourly tilted solar irradiation for selected arid regions in Algeria. Long-term measured meteorological data, including mean-air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, alongside global horizontal irradiation and extra-terrestrial horizontal irradiance, were obtained for the two cities of Tamanrasset-and-Adrar for two years. Five computational algorithms were considered and analyzed for the suitability of estimation. Further two new algorithms, namely Average Ensemble and Ensemble using support vector regression were developed using the hybridization approach. The accuracy of the developed models was analyzed in terms of five statistical error metrics, as well as the Wilcoxon rank-sum and ANOVA test. Among the previously selected algorithms, K Neighbors Regressor and support vector regression exhibited good performances. However, the newly proposed ensemble algorithms exhibited even better performance. The proposed model showed relative root mean square errors lower than 1.448% and correlation coefficients higher than 0.999. This was further verified by benchmarking the new ensemble against several popular swarm intelligence algorithms. It is concluded that the proposed algorithms are far superior to the commonly adopted ones.
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| 44. |
- Elsouhag, D., et al.
(författare)
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Factors Associated with Healthcare Utilization Among Arab Immigrants and Iraqi Refugees
- 2015
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Ingår i: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1557-1912 .- 1557-1920. ; 17:5, s. 1305-1312
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Arab migrants-both immigrants and refugees-are exposed to pre- and post- migration stressors increasing their risk for health problems. Little is known, however, about rates of, or factors associated with, healthcare utilization among these two groups. A sample of 590 participants were interviewed approximately 1 year post-migration to the United States. Factors associated with healthcare utilization, including active and passive coping strategies, were examined using logistic regressions. Compared to national healthcare utilization data, immigrants had significantly lower, and refugees had significantly higher rates of healthcare utilization. Being a refugee, being married, and having health insurance were significantly associated with medical service utilization. Among refugees, less use of psychological services was associated with the use of medications and having problem-focused (active) strategies for dealing with stress. Healthcare utilization was significantly higher among refugees, who also reported a greater need for services than did immigrants.
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| 45. |
- Gertow, Karin, et al.
(författare)
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Early Events in Xenograft Development from the Human Embryonic Stem Cell Line HS181-Resemblance with an Initial Multiple Epiblast Formation
- 2011
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Ingår i: PLOS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 6:11, s. e27741-
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Xenografting is widely used for assessing in vivo pluripotency of human stem cell populations. Here, we report on early to late events in the development of mature experimental teratoma from a well-characterized human embryonic stem cell (HESC) line, HS181. The results show an embryonic process, increasingly chaotic. Active proliferation of the stem cell derived cellular progeny was detected already at day 5, and characterized by the appearance of multiple sites of engraftment, with structures of single or pseudostratified columnar epithelium surrounding small cavities. The striking histological resemblance to developing embryonic ectoderm, and the formation of epiblast-like structures was supported by the expression of the markers OCT4, NANOG, SSEA-4 and KLF4, but a lack of REX1. The early neural marker NESTIN was uniformly expressed, while markers linked to gastrulation, such as BMP-4, NODAL or BRACHYURY were not detected. Thus, observations on day 5 indicated differentiation comparable to the most early transient cell populations in human post implantation development. Confirming and expanding on previous findings from HS181 xenografts, these early events were followed by an increasingly chaotic development, incorporated in the formation of a benign teratoma with complex embryonic components. In the mature HS181 teratomas not all types of organs/tissues were detected, indicating a restricted differentiation, and a lack of adequate spatial developmental cues during the further teratoma formation. Uniquely, a kinetic alignment of rare complex structures was made to human embryos at diagnosed gestation stages, showing minor kinetic deviations between HS181 teratoma and the human counterpart.
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| 46. |
- Ghachi, Ratiba F., et al.
(författare)
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Optimization of Viscoelastic Metamaterials for Vibration Attenuation Properties
- 2020
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Ingår i: International Journal of Applied Mechanics. - : World Scientific. - 1758-8251 .- 1758-826X. ; 12:10
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Metamaterials (MMs) are composites that are artificially engineered to have unconventional mechanical properties that stem from their microstructural geometry rather than from their chemical composition. Several studies have shown the effectiveness of viscoelastic MMs in vibration attenuation due to their inherent vibration dissipation properties and the Bragg scattering effect. This study presents a multiobjective optimization based on genetic algorithms (GA) that aims to find a viscoelastic MM crystal with the highest vibration attenuation in a chosen low-frequency range. A multiobjective optimization allows considering the attenuation due to the MM inertia versus the Bragg scattering effect resulting from the periodicity of the MM. The investigated parameters that influence wave transmission in a one-dimensional (1D) MM crystal included the lattice constant, the number of cells and the layers' thickness. Experimental testing and finite element analysis were used to support the optimization procedure. An electrodynamic shaker was used to measure the vibration transmission of the three control specimens and the optimal specimen in the frequency range 1-1200 Hz. The test results demonstrated that the optimized specimen provides better vibration attenuation than the control specimens by both having a band-gap starting at a lower frequency and having less transmission at its passband.
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| 47. |
- Imran, Z, et al.
(författare)
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Fabrication of cadmium titanate nanofibers via electrospinning technique
- 2012
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Ingår i: Ceramics International. - : Elsevier. - 0272-8842 .- 1873-3956. ; 38:4, s. 3361-3365
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Here we present an electrospinning technique for the fabrication of cadmium titanate/polyvinyl-pyrrolidone composite nanofibers. The composite nanofibers are then annealed at 600 degrees C to obtain ilmenite rhombohedral phase cadmium titanate nanofibers. The structure, composition, thermal stability and optical properties of as synthesized and annealed cadmium titanate nanofibers are characterized by X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. The average diameter and length of the nanofibers are found to be similar to 150-200 nm and similar to 100 mu m, respectively.
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| 48. |
- Israr, Muhammad Qadir, et al.
(författare)
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Natural oxidation based controlled synthesis and characterization of ZnO nanodisks through structural transition of ZnO nanorods at 55 °C
-
Annan publikation (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- A novel, reproducible and natural oxidation based low temperature (55 °C) synthesis of ZnO nanodisks has been carried out using metallic zinc foil and formamide solution. The concentration of the formamide and the reaction duration are optimized to achieve the controlled fabrication. The morphological evolution of the ZnO nanodisks has been observed using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. It is observed that ZnO nanodisks are of a good crystalline quality and have hexagonal wurtzite structure. The mechanism behind the growth and the breaking of nanorods into nanodisks is also suggested. Microphotoluminescence spectrum exhibits a strong ultraviolet emission and a very weak deep level related emission. In addition, temperature dependent studies reveal a decrease in the emission intensity of the ultraviolet peak combined with a red shift with increasing temperature from 20 to 300 K.
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| 49. |
- Israr Qadir, Muhammad, et al.
(författare)
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Fabrication of ZnO nanodisks from structural transformation of ZnO nanorods through natural oxidation and their emission characteristics
- 2014
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Ingår i: Ceramics International. - : Elsevier. - 0272-8842 .- 1873-3956. ; 40:1, s. 2435-2439
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- An environmentally benign natural oxidation based synthetic technique has been developed to grow and transform the ZnO nanorods into nanodisks at a very mild temperature of 55 degrees C with excellent features of its novelty and reproducibility. Metallic zinc foil and formamide solution have been utilized as substrate and reacting solution, respectively, for the growth of ZnO nanostructures. The optimized values of temperature, concentration of formamide and the reaction time are achieved to obtain the controlled and desired nanoscale morphologies. Detailed mechanism of the structural transformation of the nanorods into nanodisks has been discussed. Strong ultraviolet emission peak along with the much weaker deep level defects related emission has been realized in the microphotoluminescence spectrum. A visible red-shift and decrease in the intensity of ultraviolet peak are observed with increasing range of temperature from 20 to 300 K.
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| 50. |
- Jamil, Hira, et al.
(författare)
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Electrospun titanium dioxide nanofiber humidity sensors with high sensitivity
- 2012
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Ingår i: Ceramics International. - : Elsevier. - 0272-8842 .- 1873-3956. ; 38:3, s. 2437-2441
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Titanium dioxide nanofibers were synthesized using electrospinning technique. The nanofibers were porous with an average diameter and length of similar to 150 nm and 200 p,m, respectively. Humidity-sensing devices were fabricated by lithographically defined aluminum electrodes on top of the nanofibers deposited on silicon dioxide grown thermally on a silicon substrate. The performance of a TiO2 nanofiber humidity sensor was tested by AC and DC electrical measurements at 40-90% relative humidity. The response and the recovery time were 1 s and 4 s, respectively, between 40% and 90% relative humidity. The sensitivity of the TiO2 humidity sensor in the range of 40-90% RH was 150 M Omega/%RH and 20 M Omega/%RH at 10 Hz and 100 Hz, respectively. The excellent sensing characteristics are attributed to the porous nature and the small diameter of the nanofibers.
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