| 1. |
- Joffrin, E., et al.
(författare)
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Overview of the JET preparation for deuterium-tritium operation with the ITER like-wall
- 2019
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Ingår i: Nuclear Fusion. - : IOP Publishing. - 1741-4326 .- 0029-5515. ; 59:11
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- For the past several years, the JET scientific programme (Pamela et al 2007 Fusion Eng. Des. 82 590) has been engaged in a multi-campaign effort, including experiments in D, H and T, leading up to 2020 and the first experiments with 50%/50% D-T mixtures since 1997 and the first ever D-T plasmas with the ITER mix of plasma-facing component materials. For this purpose, a concerted physics and technology programme was launched with a view to prepare the D-T campaign (DTE2). This paper addresses the key elements developed by the JET programme directly contributing to the D-T preparation. This intense preparation includes the review of the physics basis for the D-T operational scenarios, including the fusion power predictions through first principle and integrated modelling, and the impact of isotopes in the operation and physics of D-T plasmas (thermal and particle transport, high confinement mode (H-mode) access, Be and W erosion, fuel recovery, etc). This effort also requires improving several aspects of plasma operation for DTE2, such as real time control schemes, heat load control, disruption avoidance and a mitigation system (including the installation of a new shattered pellet injector), novel ion cyclotron resonance heating schemes (such as the three-ions scheme), new diagnostics (neutron camera and spectrometer, active Alfven eigenmode antennas, neutral gauges, radiation hard imaging systems...) and the calibration of the JET neutron diagnostics at 14 MeV for accurate fusion power measurement. The active preparation of JET for the 2020 D-T campaign provides an incomparable source of information and a basis for the future D-T operation of ITER, and it is also foreseen that a large number of key physics issues will be addressed in support of burning plasmas.
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| 2. |
- Labit, B., et al.
(författare)
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Dependence on plasma shape and plasma fueling for small edge-localized mode regimes in TCV and ASDEX Upgrade
- 2019
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Ingår i: Nuclear Fusion. - : IOP Publishing. - 1741-4326 .- 0029-5515. ; 59:8
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- © 2019 Institute of Physics Publishing. All rights reserved. Within the EUROfusion MST1 work package, a series of experiments has been conducted on AUG and TCV devices to disentangle the role of plasma fueling and plasma shape for the onset of small ELM regimes. On both devices, small ELM regimes with high confinement are achieved if and only if two conditions are fulfilled at the same time. Firstly, the plasma density at the separatrix must be large enough (ne,sep/nG ∼ 0.3), leading to a pressure profile flattening at the separatrix, which stabilizes type-I ELMs. Secondly, the magnetic configuration has to be close to a double null (DN), leading to a reduction of the magnetic shear in the extreme vicinity of the separatrix. As a consequence, its stabilizing effect on ballooning modes is weakened.
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| 3. |
- Coda, S., et al.
(författare)
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Physics research on the TCV tokamak facility: From conventional to alternative scenarios and beyond
- 2019
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Ingår i: Nuclear Fusion. - : IOP Publishing. - 1741-4326 .- 0029-5515. ; 59:11
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The research program of the TCV tokamak ranges from conventional to advanced-tokamak scenarios and alternative divertor configurations, to exploratory plasmas driven by theoretical insight, exploiting the device's unique shaping capabilities. Disruption avoidance by real-time locked mode prevention or unlocking with electron-cyclotron resonance heating (ECRH) was thoroughly documented, using magnetic and radiation triggers. Runaway generation with high-Z noble-gas injection and runaway dissipation by subsequent Ne or Ar injection were studied for model validation. The new 1 MW neutral beam injector has expanded the parameter range, now encompassing ELMy H-modes in an ITER-like shape and nearly non-inductive H-mode discharges sustained by electron cyclotron and neutral beam current drive. In the H-mode, the pedestal pressure increases modestly with nitrogen seeding while fueling moves the density pedestal outwards, but the plasma stored energy is largely uncorrelated to either seeding or fueling. High fueling at high triangularity is key to accessing the attractive small edge-localized mode (type-II) regime. Turbulence is reduced in the core at negative triangularity, consistent with increased confinement and in accord with global gyrokinetic simulations. The geodesic acoustic mode, possibly coupled with avalanche events, has been linked with particle flow to the wall in diverted plasmas. Detachment, scrape-off layer transport, and turbulence were studied in L- and H-modes in both standard and alternative configurations (snowflake, super-X, and beyond). The detachment process is caused by power 'starvation' reducing the ionization source, with volume recombination playing only a minor role. Partial detachment in the H-mode is obtained with impurity seeding and has shown little dependence on flux expansion in standard single-null geometry. In the attached L-mode phase, increasing the outer connection length reduces the in-out heat-flow asymmetry. A doublet plasma, featuring an internal X-point, was achieved successfully, and a transport barrier was observed in the mantle just outside the internal separatrix. In the near future variable-configuration baffles and possibly divertor pumping will be introduced to investigate the effect of divertor closure on exhaust and performance, and 3.5 MW ECRH and 1 MW neutral beam injection heating will be added.
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| 4. |
- Edlmann, E, et al.
(författare)
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Dex-CSDH randomised, placebo-controlled trial of dexamethasone for chronic subdural haematoma: report of the internal pilot phase
- 2019
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Ingår i: Scientific reports. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2045-2322. ; 9:1, s. 5885-
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The Dex-CSDH trial is a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of dexamethasone for patients with a symptomatic chronic subdural haematoma. The trial commenced with an internal pilot, whose primary objective was to assess the feasibility of multi-centre recruitment. Primary outcome data collection and safety were also assessed, whilst maintaining blinding. We aimed to recruit 100 patients from United Kingdom Neurosurgical Units within 12 months. Trial participants were randomised to a 2-week course of dexamethasone or placebo in addition to receiving standard care (which could include surgery). The primary outcome measure of the trial is the modified Rankin Scale at 6 months. This pilot recruited ahead of target; 100 patients were recruited within nine months of commencement. 47% of screened patients consented to recruitment. The primary outcome measure was collected in 98% of patients. No safety concerns were raised by the independent data monitoring and ethics committee and only five patients were withdrawn from drug treatment. Pilot trial data can inform on the design and resource provision for substantive trials. This internal pilot was successful in determining recruitment feasibility. Excellent follow-up rates were achieved and exploratory outcome measures were added to increase the scientific value of the trial.
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| 5. |
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| 6. |
- Grace, O. M., et al.
(författare)
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Opinion Botanical Monography in the Anthropocene
- 2021
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Ingår i: Trends in Plant Science. - : Elsevier BV. - 1360-1385. ; 26:5, s. 433-441
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Unprecedented changes in the Earth?s biota are prompting urgent efforts to describe and conserve plant diversity. For centuries, botanical monographs ? comprehensive systematic treatments of a family or genus ? have been the gold standard for disseminating scientific information to accelerate research. The lack of a monograph compounds the risk that undiscovered species become extinct before they can be studied and conserved. Progress towards estimating the Tree of Life and digital information resources now bring even the most ambitious monographs within reach. Here, we recommend best practices to complete monographs urgently, especially for tropical plant groups under imminent threat or with expected socioeconomic benefits. We also highlight the renewed relevance and potential impact of monographies for the understanding, sustainable use, and conservation of biodiversity.
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| 7. |
- Ljungman, S., et al.
(författare)
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Factors associated with time to first dialysis-associated peritonitis episode: Data from the Peritonitis Prevention Study (PEPS)
- 2023
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Ingår i: Peritoneal Dialysis International. - 0896-8608. ; 43:3, s. 241-251
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction: Peritonitis remains a potentially serious complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD) treatment. It is therefore important to identify risk factors in order to reduce the incidence of peritonitis. The aim of the present analysis was to identify factors associated with time to first peritonitis episode. Methods: Incident PD patients from 57 centres in Europe participated in the prospective randomised controlled Peritonitis Prevention Study (PEPS) from 2010 to 2015. Peritonitis-free, self-care PD patients >= 18 years were randomised to a retraining or a control group and followed for 1-36 months after PD initiation. The association of biochemical, clinical and prescription data with time to first peritonitis episode was studied. Results: A first peritonitis episode was experienced by 33% (223/671) of participants. Univariable Cox proportional hazard regression showed a strong association between the time-updated number of PD bags connected per 24 h (PD bags/24 h) and time to first peritonitis episode (HR 1.35; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17-1.57), even after inclusion of PD modalities in the same model. Multivariable Cox regression revealed that the factors independently associated with time to first peritonitis episode included age (HR 1.16 per 10 years; 95% CI 1.05-1.28), PD bags/24 h (HR 1.32; 95% CI 1.13-1.54), serum albumin >35 g/L (HR 1.39; 95% CI 1.06-1.82) and body weight per 10 kg (HR 1.10; 95% CI 1.01-1.19). Conclusion: This study of incident PD patients indicates that older age, greater number of PD bags connected/24 h, higher body weight and hypoalbuminaemia are independently associated with a shorter time to first peritonitis episode.
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| 8. |
- Ljungman, Susanne, 1942, et al.
(författare)
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Retraining for prevention of peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis patients: A randomized controlled trial
- 2020
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Ingår i: Peritoneal Dialysis International. - : SAGE Publications. - 0896-8608 .- 1718-4304. ; 40:2, s. 141-152
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Peritonitis is more common in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients nonadherent to the PD exchange protocol procedures than in compliant patients. We therefore investigated whether regular testing of PD knowledge with focus on infection prophylaxis could increase the time to first peritonitis (primary outcome) and reduce the peritonitis rate in new PD patients. Methods: This physician-initiated, open-label, parallel group trial took place at 57 centers in Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom from 2010 to 2015. New peritonitis-free PD patients were randomized using computer-generated numbers 1 month after the start of PD either to a control group (n = 331) treated according to center routines or to a retraining group (n = 340), which underwent testing of PD knowledge and skills at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, and 36 months after PD start, followed by retraining if the goals were not achieved. Results: In all, 74% of the controls and 80% of the retraining patients discontinued the study. The groups did not differ significantly regarding cumulative incidence of first peritonitis adjusted for competing risks (kidney transplantation, transfer to hemodialysis and death; hazard ratio 0.84; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.65-1.09) nor regarding peritonitis rate per patient year (relative risk 0.93; 95% CI 0.75-1.16). Conclusions: In this randomized controlled trial, we were unable to demonstrate that regular, targeted testing and retraining of new PD patients increased the time to first peritonitis or reduced the rate of peritonitis, as the study comprised patients with a low risk of peritonitis, was underpowered, open to type 1 statistical error, and contamination between groups.
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| 9. |
- Milner-Gulland, E. J., et al.
(författare)
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Accounting for the Impact of Conservation on Human Well-Being
- 2014
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Ingår i: Conservation Biology. - : Wiley. - 0888-8892 .- 1523-1739. ; 28:5, s. 1160-1166
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Conservationists are increasingly engaging with the concept of human well-being to improve the design and evaluation of their interventions. Since the convening of the influential Sarkozy Commission in 2009, development researchers have been refining conceptualizations and frameworks to understand and measure human well-being and are starting to converge on a common understanding of how best to do this. In conservation, the term human well-being is in widespread use, but there is a need for guidance on operationalizing it to measure the impacts of conservation interventions on people. We present a framework for understanding human well-being, which could be particularly useful in conservation. The framework includes 3 conditions; meeting needs, pursuing goals, and experiencing a satisfactory quality of life. We outline some of the complexities involved in evaluating the well-being effects of conservation interventions, with the understanding that well-being varies between people and over time and with the priorities of the evaluator. Key challenges for research into the well-being impacts of conservation interventions include the need to build up a collection of case studies so as to draw out generalizable lessons; harness the potential of modern technology to support well-being research; and contextualize evaluations of conservation impacts on well-being spatially and temporally within the wider landscape of social change. Pathways through the smog of confusion around the term well-being exist, and existing frameworks such as the Well-being in Developing Countries approach can help conservationists negotiate the challenges of operationalizing the concept. Conservationists have the opportunity to benefit from the recent flurry of research in the development field so as to carry out more nuanced and locally relevant evaluations of the effects of their interventions on human well-being. Consideracion del Impacto de la Conservacion sobre el Bienestar Humano
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| 10. |
- Wolever, Thomas M S, et al.
(författare)
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Measuring the glycemic index of foods: interlaboratory study.
- 2008
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Ingår i: The American journal of clinical nutrition. - 0002-9165 .- 1938-3207. ; 87:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Many laboratories offer glycemic index (GI) services. OBJECTIVE: We assessed the performance of the method used to measure GI. DESIGN: The GI of cheese-puffs and fruit-leather (centrally provided) was measured in 28 laboratories (n=311 subjects) by using the FAO/WHO method. The laboratories reported the results of their calculations and sent the raw data for recalculation centrally. RESULTS: Values for the incremental area under the curve (AUC) reported by 54% of the laboratories differed from central calculations. Because of this and other differences in data analysis, 19% of reported food GI values differed by >5 units from those calculated centrally. GI values in individual subjects were unrelated to age, sex, ethnicity, body mass index, or AUC but were negatively related to within-individual variation (P=0.033) expressed as the CV of the AUC for repeated reference food tests (refCV). The between-laboratory GI values (mean+/-SD) for cheese-puffs and fruit-leather were 74.3+/-10.5 and 33.2+/-7.2, respectively. The mean laboratory GI was related to refCV (P=0.003) and the type of restrictions on alcohol consumption before the test (P=0.006, r2=0.509 for model). The within-laboratory SD of GI was related to refCV (P<0.001), the glucose analysis method (P=0.010), whether glucose measures were duplicated (P=0.008), and restrictions on dinner the night before (P=0.013, r2=0.810 for model). CONCLUSIONS: The between-laboratory SD of the GI values is approximately 9. Standardized data analysis and low within-subject variation (refCV<30%) are required for accuracy. The results suggest that common misconceptions exist about which factors do and do not need to be controlled to improve precision. Controlled studies and cost-benefit analyses are needed to optimize GI methodology. The trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00260858.
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| 11. |
- Boonen, Annelies, et al.
(författare)
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2021 EULAR points to consider to support people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases to participate in healthy and sustainable paid work
- 2022
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Ingår i: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. - : BMJ. - 0003-4967 .- 1468-2060. ; 82:1, s. 57-64
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aim As part of its strategic objectives for 2023, EULAR aims to improve the work participation of people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). One strategic initiative focused on the development of overarching points to consider (PtC) to support people with RMDs in healthy and sustainable paid work participation. Methods EULAR's standardised operating procedures were followed. A steering group identified six research areas on paid work participation. Three systematic literature reviews, several non-systematic reviews and two surveys were conducted. A multidisciplinary taskforce of 25 experts from 10 European countries and Canada formulated overarching principles and PtC after discussion of the results of literature reviews and surveys. Consensus was obtained through voting, with levels of agreement obtained anonymously. Results Three overarching principles and 11 PtC were formulated. The PtC recognise various stakeholders are important to improving work participation. Five PtC emphasise shared responsibilities (eg, obligation to provide active support) (PtC 1, 2, 3, 5, 6). One encourages people with RMDs to discuss work limitations when necessary at each phase of their working life (PtC 4) and two focus on the role of interventions by healthcare providers or employers (PtC 7, 8). Employers are encouraged to create inclusive and flexible workplaces (PtC 10) and policymakers to make necessary changes in social and labour policies (PtC 9, 11). A research agenda highlights the necessity for stronger evidence aimed at personalising work-related support to the diverse needs of people with RMDs. Conclusion Implementation of these EULAR PtC will improve healthy and sustainable work participation of people with RMDs.
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| 12. |
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| 13. |
- Shor-Posner, G., et al.
(författare)
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Psychological burden in the era of Haart : Impact of selenium therapy
- 2003
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Ingår i: International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine. - : Sage Publications. - 0091-2174 .- 1541-3527. ; 33:1, s. 55-69
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: To determine the impact of nutritional (selenium) chemoprevention on levels of psychological burden (anxiety, depression, and mood state) in HIV/AIDS. Method: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled selenium therapy (200 mug/day) trial was conducted in HIV+ drug users from 1998-2000. Psychosocial measures (STAI-State and Trait anxiety, BDI-depression, and POMS- mood state), clinical status (CD4 cell count, viral load), and plasma selenium levels were determined at baseline and compared with measurements obtained at the 12-month evaluation in 63 participants (32 men, 31 women). Results: The majority of the study participants reported elevated levels of both State (68%) and Trait (70%) anxiety. Approximately 25% reported overall mood distress (POMS > 60) and moderate depression (BDI > 20). Psychological burden was not influenced by current drug use, antiretroviral treatment, or viral load. At the 12-month evaluation, participants who received selenium reported increased vigor (p = 0.004) and had less anxiety (State, p = 0.05 and Trait, p = 0.02), compared to the placebo-treated individuals. No apparent selenium-related affect on depression or distress was observed. The risk for state anxiety was almost four times higher, and nearly nine times greater for trait anxiety in the placebo-treated group, controlling for antiretroviral therapy, CD4 cell decline (> 50 cells) and years of education. Conclusions: Selenium therapy may be a beneficial treatment to decrease anxiety in HIV+ drug users who exhibit a high prevalence of psychological burden.
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| 14. |
- Shor-Posner, G., et al.
(författare)
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Quality of life measures in the Miami HIV-1 infected drug abusers cohort : Relationship to gender and disease status
- 2000
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Ingår i: Journal of Substance Abuse. - : Elsevier. - 0899-3289 .- 1873-6491. ; 11:4, s. 395-404
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose: This study examined activity, daily living, health, support, and outlook in HIV+ drug users. Methods: Using the physician-administered Spitzer Index, the study assessed 75 HIV-1 seropositive men (n = 51) and women (n = 24) enrolled in the Miami HIV-1 Infected Drug Abusers Study (MIDAS). Results: Total composite scores were significantly lower in the HIV-1 infected women than the men (p = .03). Significant gender differences were observed in activity assessment, independent of disease status, with women six times as likely to have lower activity scores (p = .0038). Most women (45%) in this category were homeless or marginally housed, compared to II percent of the men. Additionally, women with low activity scores had less social support than women with high activity scares. Cocaine use was significantly related to reports of normal activity, and varied across genders; more men used cocaine than women (p = .03). Conylared to non-AIDS participants, AIDS patients were more likely to have lower scores in health (p = .009) and poorer outlook (p = .03). Implications: These findings reveal specific deficits in areas of psychosocial capacity particularly in HIV-1 infected women who abuse drugs, that may need to be strengthened in order to enhance function and adherence to treatment, as well as well-being.
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| 15. |
- Wilkie, F. L., et al.
(författare)
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Cognitive functioning in younger and older HIV-1 - Infected adults
- 2003
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Ingår i: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes. - : Wolters Kluwer. - 1525-4135 .- 1944-7884. ; 33, s. S93-S105
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In young adults, a major neurologic complication of HIV-1 infection is cognitive motor impairment. Epidemiologic findings suggest that increasing age is a significant risk factor for HIV-1-associated dementia as the AIDS-defining illness. Findings from the few studies that have directly measured cognition in younger and older HIV-1-infected adults, however, have been mixed, in pan, because of small sample sizes and other methodologic differences between studies. The authors present preliminary findings on cognitive functioning in symptomatic HIV-1-infected younger (aged 20-39 years) and older (aged 50 years or older) adults. Independent of age, HIV-1 infection was accompanied by learning and memory retrieval deficits, which were significantly associated with high plasma viral loads in the young adults. Relative to the younger and older HIV-1-negative (HIV-1-) groups, only the younger HIV-1-positive (HIV-1(+))group had significantly longer reaction times (RTs). Within the older HIV-1(+) group, however, longer simple and choice RTs were significantly correlated with higher viral loads and lower CD4 cell counts. Although HIV-1 infection affects cognition independent of age, longitudinal studies involving large numbers of older individuals are needed to determine whether there are age differences in the prevalence, nature, and severity of HIV-1-associated cognitive dysfunction.
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| 16. |
- Wilkie, F. L., et al.
(författare)
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HUMANS : An English and Spanish neuropsychological test battery for assessing HIV-1-infected individuals - Initial report
- 2004
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Ingår i: Applied neuropsychology. - : Taylor & Francis. - 0908-4282 .- 1532-4826. ; 11:3, s. 121-133
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A neuropsychological battery for testing HIV-1-infected individuals in Spanish was developed. We refer to this battery as the HIV/University of Miami Annotated Neuropsychological test battery in Spanish (HUMANS). The HUMANS battery includes recommendations of the National Institute of Mental Health Neuropsychology Workgroup on HIV-1 infection and measures processes in the following 7 cognitive domains: attention, verbal and visual memory, information processing speed, abstraction and executive functioning, language, visuospatial and visuo-constructive, and motor Administration requires approximately 3 to 4 hr The English version of the battery is sensitive to HIV-1 serostatus and Centers for Disease Control clinical disease stage. We report on the test selection, translation, and adaptation of this parallel English battery into Spanish using methods to eliminate linguistically and culturally biased items in some tests. The importance of standardized neuropsychological instruments equivalent in different languages to test HIV-1-positive individuals for impairment is emphasized. Validation and reliability studies are in progress.
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| 17. |
- Ardila-Ardila, A., et al.
(författare)
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HUMANS: una batería neuropsicologica para la evaluación de pacientes infectados con VIH-1 : [Humans: a neuropsychological battery for evaluating HIV-1 infected patients]
- 2003
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Ingår i: Revista de Neurocirugía. - 1514-3716. ; 36:8, s. 756-762
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective. To develop a neuropsychological test battery in Spanish for the cognitive evaluation of HIV-1 infected patients. Development. Departing from the suggestions presented by the work group of the National Institute of Mental Health (USA), a neuropsychological assessment battery was developed. It was named HUMANS (HIV/University of Miami Annotated Neuropsychological test battery in Spanish). This battery includes the following domains: 1) attention and speed of processing information, 2) memory, 3) executive function, 4) language, 5) visuospacial/visuoconstructive abilities, and 6) motor abilities. Administration takes about 3-4 hours. The English parallel version of this battery has been successfully used in English for over a decade with HIV-1 infected patients. In the paper the development and adaptation to Spanish language of the HUMANS neuropsychology section is presented Conclusions. HUMANS neuropsychological test battery fulfill the recommendations presented by the workgroup of the National Institute of Mental Health for evaluating HIV-1 infected patients. Studies regarding validity and reliability are still required.
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| 18. |
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| 19. |
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| 20. |
- Corzo, L, et al.
(författare)
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Technique failure in remote patient monitoring program in patients undergoing automated peritoneal dialysis: A retrospective cohort study
- 2022
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Ingår i: Peritoneal dialysis international : journal of the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis. - : SAGE Publications. - 1718-4304 .- 0896-8608. ; 42:3, s. 288-296
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Remote patient monitoring (RPM) programs in automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) allow clinical teams to be aware of many aspects and events of the therapy that occur in the home. The present study evaluated the association between RPM use and APD technique failure. Methods: A retrospective, multicentre, observational cohort study of 558 prevalent adult APD patients included between 1 October 2016 and 30 June 2017 with follow-up until 30 June 2018 at Renal Therapy Services network in Colombia. Patients were divided into two cohorts based on the RPM use: APD-RPM ( n = 148) and APD-without RPM ( n = 410). Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of all patients were summarized descriptively. A propensity score was used to create a pseudo-population in which the baseline covariates were well balanced. The association of RPM with technique failure was estimated adjusting for the competing events death and kidney transplant. Results: Five hundred fifty-eight patients were analyzed. 26.5% had APD-RPM. In the matched sample comprising 148 APD-RPM and 148 APD-without RPM patients, we observed a lower technique failure rate of 0.08 [0.05–0.15] episodes per patient-year in APD-RPM versus 0.18 [0.12–0.26] in APD-without RPM cohort; incidence rate ratio = 0.45 95% confidence interval: [0.22–0.91], p-value = 0.03. Conclusions: The use of an RPM program in APD patients may be associated with a lower technique failure rate. More extensive and interventional studies are needed to confirm its potential benefits and to measure other patient-centered outcomes.
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| 29. |
- Kümpers, B. M. C., et al.
(författare)
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The significance of meristic changes in the flower of Sapotaceae
- 2016
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Ingår i: Botanical journal of the Linnean Society. - 0024-4074 .- 1095-8339. ; 180, s. 161-192
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Sapotaceae belongs to the heterogeneous order Ericales and exhibits extensive diversity in floral morphology. Although pentamery is widespread and probably the ancestral condition, some clades are extremely variable in merism, with fluctuations between tetramery to hexamery and octomery, affecting different floral organs to different degrees. We assessed the different states of merism in Sapotaceae to determine the evolution of this character among different clades. The floral morphology and development of nine species from eight genera were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, floral characters related to merism were mapped onto a phylogenetic tree to analyse the distribution and evolutionary significance of merism in the family. Developmental evidence shows that changes in merism are linked to a concerted multiplication of organs among whorls and an increase in whorls through the displacement of organs. Although pentamery is reconstructed as the ancestral condition, a reduction to tetramery or an increase to a higher merism (mainly hexamery or octomery) has evolved at least five times in the family. Fluctuations in merism between different whorls are not random but occur in a coordinated pattern, presenting strong synapomorphies for selected clades. Octomery has evolved at least twice, in Isonandreae from tetramery and in Sapoteae-Mimusopinae from pentamery. Hexamery has evolved at least three times, independently in Northia, the Palaquium clade of Isonandreae and derived from octomery in Sapoteae-Mimusopinae. Three possibilities of merism increase have been identified in Sapotaceae: (1) a concerted increase affecting all organs more or less equally (Palaquium clade of Isonandreae, Sapoteae); (2) a coordinated increase in petals, stamens and mostly carpels without effect on sepals (Labourdonnaisia, Payena–Madhuca clade of Isonandreae); (3) an increase in carpels independently of other organs (Burckella, Letestua, Labramia, etc.). A major shift affecting all Sapotaceae, except Isonandreae, is the sterilization or loss of the antesepalous stamen whorl. The presence of two fertile stamen whorls in Isonandreae indicates a possible reversal or a retained plesiomorphy. In a number of genera, stamens are secondarily increased independently of changes in merism. Descriptions of flowers listing only organ numbers are thus misleading in the inference of evolutionary relationships, as they do not differentiate between changes in merism affecting the number of perianth whorls and other changes affecting the androecium, such as sterilization, loss or occasional doubling of antepetalous stamens.
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| 30. |
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| 31. |
- Newman, D J, et al.
(författare)
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Serum cystatin C measured by automated immunoassay : a more sensitive marker of changes in GFR than serum creatinine
- 1995
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Ingår i: Kidney International. - : Elsevier BV. - 0085-2538. ; 47, s. 312-318
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Serum cystatin C has been suggested as a new marker of GFR. For the introduction of this marker into clinical use a rapid and automated method is required. We have developed and validated an assay for serum cystatin C using latex particle-enhanced immunoturbidimetry. Intra- and inter-assay precision were < 3% and < 5% across the assay range. Analytical recovery was 93 +/- 3.8% and no lack of parallelism was demonstrated. Regression analysis of a method comparison with an enzyme-enhanced radial-immunodiffusion method, gave PETIA = 0.074 + 0.93 x SRID, r = 0.98, N = 100. Inter-assay precision profiles showed cystatin C was measured with two-fold better precision than creatinine on the same analyzer. Cystatin C measurement was neither interfered with by icterus nor by hemolysis. 1/cystatin C versus 1/creatinine concentrations gave r = 0.67, N = 469. Comparison of Cr EDTA GFR with 1/cystatin C and 1/creatinine gave r = 0.81 and 0.50, respectively, N = 206. Calculating diagnostic sensitivity for abnormal GFR showed cystatin C to be significantly (P < 0.05) more sensitive than creatinine (71.4 vs. 52.4%). Cystatin C measurement using PETIA technology can be automated on the same instruments used routinely for the measurement of creatinine and offers better analytical performance and probably improved clinical sensitivity as a screening test for early renal damage.
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| 32. |
- Richardson, James E., et al.
(författare)
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The influence of tectonics, sea-level changes and dispersal on migration and diversification of Isonandreae (Sapotaceae)
- 2014
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Ingår i: Botanical journal of the Linnean Society. - : Wiley-Blackwell. - 0024-4074 .- 1095-8339. ; 174:1, s. 130-140
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Internal transcribed spacer (ITS) ribosomal DNA sequence data were generated for 80 of the c. 200 species of Isonandreae and were added to data from African and Neotropical representatives in subfamily Sapotoideae and outgroups in Sapotaceae. Bayesian dating and ancestral area reconstruction indicated that Isonandreae are derived from within an African grade. Multiple Australasian species or lineages are derived from Sundanian lineages in South-East Asia with stem ages originating from the late Oligocene. Sri Lankan and Indian lineages are also derived from Sundanian lineages. Our results are consistent with migration from Africa into Sundania followed by numerous over-water dispersal events across Wallace's Line into Australasia and migration from Sundania to the Indian subcontinent. Pleistocene speciation indicates that sea-level changes during that epoch could have been responsible for some species diversification in Sundania.
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| 33. |
- Slingsby, Martina H.Lundberg, et al.
(författare)
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Sequence-specific 2'-O-methoxyethyl antisense oligonucleotides activate human platelets through glycoprotein VI, triggering formation of platelet-leukocyte aggregates
- 2022
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Ingår i: Haematologica. - : Ferrata Storti Foundation (Haematologica). - 0390-6078 .- 1592-8721. ; 107:2, s. 519-531
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) are DNA-based, disease-modifying drugs. Clinical trials with 2'-O-methoxyethyl (2'MOE) ASO have shown dose- A nd sequence-specific lowering of platelet counts according to two phenotypes. Phenotype 1 is a moderate (but not clinically severe) drop in platelet count. Phenotype 2 is rare, severe thrombocytopenia. This article focuses on the underlying cause of the more common phenotype 1, investigating the effects of ASO on platelet production and platelet function. Five phosphorothioate ASO were studied: Three 2'MOE sequences; 487660 (no effects on platelet count), 104838 (associated with phenotype 1), and 501861 (effects unknown) and two CpG sequences; 120704 and ODN 2395 (known to activate platelets). Human cord bloodderived megakaryocytes were treated with these ASO to study their effects on proplatelet production. Platelet activation (determined by surface Pselectin) and platelet-leukocyte aggregates were analyzed in ASO-treated blood from healthy human volunteers. None of the ASO inhibited proplatelet production by human megakaryocytes. All the ASO were shown to bind to the platelet receptor glycoprotein VI (KD ∼0.2-1.5 mM). CpG ASO had the highest affinity to glycoprotein VI, the most potent platelet-activating effects and led to the greatest formation of platelet-leukocyte aggregates. 2'MOE ASO 487660 had no detectable platelet effects, while 2'MOE ASOs 104838 and 501861 triggered moderate platelet activation and SYKdependent formation of platelet-leukocyte aggregates. Donors with higher platelet glycoprotein VI levels had greater ASO-induced platelet activation. Sequence-dependent ASO-induced platelet activation and platelet-leukocyte aggregates may explain phenotype 1 (moderate drops in platelet count). Platelet glycoprotein VI levels could be useful as a screening tool to identify patients at higher risk of ASO-induced platelet side effects.
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| 34. |
- Stahl, Adam, 1985, et al.
(författare)
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Self-consistent nonlinear kinetic modeling of runaway-electron dynamics
- 2017
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Runaway electrons represent the greatest threat to the plasma-facing components of atokamak when they are highly energetic and constitute a significant fraction of the electronpopulation, a regime which has not been previously accessible in modelling since it requiresa nonlinear relativistic treatment. To address this problem, we present an efficient numericaltool called NORSE for the study of runaway-electron momentum-space dynamics.The kinetic equation solved in NORSE includes a fully nonlinear relativistic collision operator, making it possible to consider scenarios where the electric field is comparableto the Dreicer field (or larger), or the electron distribution function is otherwise far froma Maxwellian (which can be the case already in present-day runaway experiments). Thiscapability makes NORSE unique in the field of runaway-electron studies.Using NORSE, we investigate the transition to a regime where the entire electronpopulation experiences continuous acceleration, so-called electron slide-away. Forthe first time, we apply a nonlinear kinetic-equation solver to study the evolution ofthe electron distribution in an ITER disruption. We use an electric field calculated self consistently,and show that the runaway-electron density becomes substantial, makingthe nonlinear treatment essential. In addition, we find that Ohmic heating and the rateof heat loss play an important role in determining the electron dynamics, with the latteraffecting the average energy reached by the runaways by several orders of magnitude.
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| 35. |
- Wilkie, George, 1983, et al.
(författare)
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First principles of modelling the stabilization of microturbulence by fast ions
- 2018
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Ingår i: Nuclear Fusion. - : IOP PUBLISHING LTD. - 0029-5515 .- 1741-4326. ; 58:8
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The observation that fast ions stabilize ion-temperature-gradient-driven microturbulence has profound implications for future fusion reactors. It is also important in optimizing the performance of present-day devices. In this work, we examine in detail the phenomenology of fast ion stabilization and present a reduced model which describes this effect. This model is derived from the high-energy limit of the gyrokinetic equation and extends the existing 'dilution' model to account for nontrivial fast ion kinetics. Our model provides a physically-transparent explanation for the observed stabilization and makes several key qualitative predictions. Firstly, that different classes of fast ions, depending on their radial density or temperature variation, have different stabilizing properties. Secondly, that zonal flows are an important ingredient in this effect precisely because the fast ion zonal response is negligible. Finally, that in the limit of highly-energetic fast ions, their response approaches that of the 'dilution' model; in particular, alpha particles are expected to have little, if any, stabilizing effect on plasma turbulence. We support these conclusions through detailed linear and nonlinear gyrokinetic simulations.
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| 36. |
- Wilkie, George, 1983, et al.
(författare)
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Transport and deceleration of fusion products in microturbulence
- 2016
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Ingår i: Physics of Plasmas. - : AIP Publishing. - 1089-7674 .- 1070-664X. ; 23:6, s. 060703-
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The velocity-space distribution of alpha particles born in fusion devices is subject to modification at moderateenergies due to turbulent transport. Therefore, one must calculate the evolution of an equilibrium distributionwhose functional form is not known a priori. Using a novel technique, applicable to any trace impurity, wehave made this calculation for fully nonlinear gyrokinetic simulations not only possible, but particularlyefficient. We demonstrate a microturbulence-induced departure from the local slowing-down distribution, aninversion of the energy distribution, and associated modifications to the alpha heating and pressure profilesin an ITER-like scenario.
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| 37. |
- Wilkie, Ross, et al.
(författare)
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Managing work participation for people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.
- 2020
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Ingår i: Baillière's Best Practice & Research. - : Elsevier. - 1521-6942 .- 1532-1770. ; 34:2
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Improving work participation for individuals with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs), has gained increasing interest over the last 10 years. New approaches are based upon increasing adoption of a biopsychosocial approach to improving work participation, incorporating evidence that health professionals within multidisciplinary teams have a key and critical role. In particular, interaction between health professionals and employers, and rehabilitation services that are linked to the workplace are key elements for improving work participation for people with RMDs. This review outlines recent research that underpins approaches for health professionals to develop their role in improving work participation for people with RMDs based on recent research; it outlines how to measure work-related outcomes in clinical practice, models of work participation, and approaches for health professionals to improve work participation outcomes. The potential for developing the role of health professionals in future years is also outlined.
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