| 1. |
- Beal, Jacob, et al.
(författare)
-
Robust estimation of bacterial cell count from optical density
- 2020
-
Ingår i: Communications Biology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2399-3642. ; 3:1
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Optical density (OD) is widely used to estimate the density of cells in liquid culture, but cannot be compared between instruments without a standardized calibration protocol and is challenging to relate to actual cell count. We address this with an interlaboratory study comparing three simple, low-cost, and highly accessible OD calibration protocols across 244 laboratories, applied to eight strains of constitutive GFP-expressing E. coli. Based on our results, we recommend calibrating OD to estimated cell count using serial dilution of silica microspheres, which produces highly precise calibration (95.5% of residuals <1.2-fold), is easily assessed for quality control, also assesses instrument effective linear range, and can be combined with fluorescence calibration to obtain units of Molecules of Equivalent Fluorescein (MEFL) per cell, allowing direct comparison and data fusion with flow cytometry measurements: in our study, fluorescence per cell measurements showed only a 1.07-fold mean difference between plate reader and flow cytometry data.
|
|
| 2. |
- Ares-Blanco, Sara, et al.
(författare)
-
Primary care indicators for disease burden, monitoring and surveillance of COVID-19 in 31 European countries: Eurodata Study
- 2024
-
Ingår i: EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH. - 1101-1262 .- 1464-360X.
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, the majority of patients received ambulatory treatment, highlighting the importance of primary health care (PHC). However, there is limited knowledge regarding PHC workload in Europe during this period. The utilization of COVID-19 PHC indicators could facilitate the efficient monitoring and coordination of the pandemic response. The objective of this study is to describe PHC indicators for disease surveillance and monitoring of COVID-19's impact in Europe.Methods Descriptive, cross-sectional study employing data obtained through a semi-structured ad hoc questionnaire, which was collectively agreed upon by all participants. The study encompasses PHC settings in 31 European countries from March 2020 to August 2021. Key-informants from each country answered the questionnaire. Main outcome: the identification of any indicator used to describe PHC COVID-19 activity.Results Out of the 31 countries surveyed, data on PHC information were obtained from 14. The principal indicators were: total number of cases within PHC (Belarus, Cyprus, Italy, Romania and Spain), number of follow-up cases (Croatia, Cyprus, Finland, Spain and Turkey), GP's COVID-19 tests referrals (Poland), proportion of COVID-19 cases among respiratory illnesses consultations (Norway and France), sick leaves issued by GPs (Romania and Spain) and examination and complementary tests (Cyprus). All COVID-19 cases were attended in PHC in Belarus and Italy.Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic exposes a crucial deficiency in preparedness for infectious diseases in European health systems highlighting the inconsistent recording of indicators within PHC organizations. PHC standardized indicators and public data accessibility are urgently needed, conforming the foundation for an effective European-level health services response framework against future pandemics.
|
|
| 3. |
- Coates, Laura C., et al.
(författare)
-
The Phenotype of Axial Spondyloarthritis : Is It Dependent on HLA-B27 Status?
- 2021
-
Ingår i: Arthritis care & research. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 2151-464X .- 2151-4658. ; 73:6, s. 856-860
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective. To describe the radiographic phenotype of axial spondyloarthritis (SpA) according to the presence of HLA-B27. Methods. An international collaboration compared the radiographic phenotype of axial SpA according to HLA-B27 status. Patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and axial psoriatic arthritis (PsA) were collected. Radiographs were read centrally, blinded to clinical details. The symmetry of the sacroiliac joints and lumbar syndesmophytes and the morphology of syndesmophytes (typical marginal versus atypical chunky), together with the modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score and the Psoriatic Arthritis Spondylitis Radiographic Index, were recorded. Results. A total of 244 patients with PsA and 198 patients with AS were included. In PsA, 60 patients (25%) were HLA-B27 positive while in AS, 148 patients (75%) were HLA-B27 positive. Patients with HLA-B27 were younger and more often male and had a longer duration of disease. In multivariable logistic regression, HLA-B27 was significantly associated with syndesmophyte symmetry (odds ratio [OR] 3.02 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.38, 6.61]) and marginal syndesmophytes (OR 1.97 [95% CI 1.16, 3.36]) but not with sacroiliac symmetry. Mean radiographic scores were higher for patients with HLA-B27. Conclusion. Patients with axial SpA who are positive for HLA-B27 have more severe radiographic damage, more marginal syndesmophytes, and more frequent syndesmophyte symmetry compared to patients who are negative for HLA-B27.
|
|
| 4. |
|
|
| 5. |
- Farkas, Flora, et al.
(författare)
-
Comparison of Composite Measure Remission Targets in Psoriatic Arthritis
- 2021
-
Ingår i: Journal of Rheumatology. - : J RHEUMATOL PUBL CO. - 0315-162X .- 1499-2752. ; 48:8, s. 1272-1278
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: To identify (1) which composite measure is the most stringent target of remission; and (2) which disease component target proves the most difficult to achieve in the diffixent states of minimal disease activity (MDA), Composite Psoriatic Disease Activity Index (CPDAI), Disease Activity Index for Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA), and clinical DAPSA (cDAPSA) in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA).Methods: There were 258 patients with PsA recruited. Disease remission was evaluated comparing 4 different composite measures and using remission cutoffs as previously proposed (very low disease activity [VLDA], CPDAI <= 2, DAPSA <= 4, cDAPSA <= 4).Results: Patients met VLDA criteria (MDA 7/7) in 9.0% of visits, DAPSA remission in 19.8%, cDAPSA remission in 23.4% and CPDAI remission in 30.2%. Of 258 patients, MDA criteria (>= 5/7) were fulfilled in 46.5%. Of those in MDA, VLDA criteria were reached in 25.0%. Patients met the pain visual analog scale (VAS) target in 57.5% of visits when they were in MDA, 43.3% when in low disease activity (MDA 5-6/7), and 44.8% when in CPDAI remission. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that pain VAS was the least likely target to be achieved. Patients with inflammatory-type back pain had significantly higher pain scores; further, a significant relationship was seen between Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index and pain VAS.Conclusion: Based on our analysis, VLDA proved the most stringent target of disease remission in PsA cornpared to CPDAI, DAPSA, and cDAPSA. The pain VAS target of <= 1.5 cm was the most difficult component to achieve. CPDAI <= 2 was found to be the least stringent remission target; however, measurements of axial involvement, which contributed to the elevated pain VAS score in patients not achieving VLDA, were included as a domain in CPDAI only.
|
|
| 6. |
- Fitzgerald, M., et al.
(författare)
-
Toroidal Alfven eigenmode stability in JET internal transport barrier afterglow experiments
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Nuclear Fusion. - : IOP Publishing. - 0029-5515 .- 1741-4326. ; 62:10
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In this work, we use reduced and perturbative models to examine the stability of toroidal Alfven eigenmodes (TAEs) during the internal transport barrier (ITB) afterglow in JET experiments designed for the observation of alpha driven TAEs. We demonstrate that in JET-like conditions, it is sufficient to use an incompressible cold plasma model for the TAE to reproduce the experimental adiabatic features such as frequency and position. When ion cyclotron resonant heating (ICRH) is used to destabilize TAEs, the core-localised modes that are predicted to be most strongly driven by minority ICRH fast ions correspond to the modes observed in the DD experiments, and conversely, modes that are predicted to not be driven are not observed. Linear damping rates due to a variety of mechanisms acting during the afterglow are calculated, with important contributions coming from the neutral beam and radiative damping. For DT equivalent extrapolations of discharges without ICRH heating, we find that for the majority of modes, alpha drive is not sufficient to overcome radiative damping.
|
|
| 7. |
- FitzGerald, Oliver, et al.
(författare)
-
Application of clinical and molecular profiling data to improve patient outcomes in psoriatic arthritis
- 2023
-
Ingår i: Therapeutic Advances in Musculoskeletal Disease. - : SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD. - 1759-7218 .- 1759-720X. ; 15
-
Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Achieving a good outcome for a person with Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) is made difficult by late diagnosis, heterogenous clinical disease expression and in many cases, failure to adequately suppress inflammatory disease features. Single-centre studies have certainly contributed to our understanding of disease pathogenesis, but to adequately address the major areas of unmet need, multi-partner, collaborative research programmes are now required. HIPPOCRATES is a 5-year, Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) programme which includes 17 European academic centres experienced in PsA research, 5 pharmaceutical industry partners, 3 small-/medium-sized industry partners and 2 patient-representative organizations. In this review, the ambitious programme of work to be undertaken by HIPPOCRATES is outlined and common approaches and challenges are identified. It is expected that, when completed, the results will ultimately allow for changes in the approaches to diagnosing, managing and treating PsA allowing for better short-term and long-term outcomes. Improving outcomes in Psoriatic ArthritisPsoriatic Arthritis (PsA) is a form of arthritis which is found in approximately 30% of people who have the skin condition, Psoriasis. Frequently debilitating and progressive, achieving a good outcome for a person with PsA is made difficult by late diagnosis, disease clinical features and in many cases, failure to adequately control features of inflammation. Research studies from individual centres have certainly contributed to our understanding of why people develop PsA but to adequately address the major areas of unmet need, multi-centre, collaborative research programmes are now required. HIPPOCRATES is a 5-year, Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) programme which includes 17 European academic centres experienced in PsA research, 5 pharmaceutical industry partners, 3 small-/medium-sized industry partners and 2 patient representative organisations (see appendix). In this review, the ambitious programme of work to be undertaken by HIPPOCRATES is outlined and common approaches and challenges are identified. The participation of patient research partners in all stages of the work of HIPPOCRATES is highlighted. It is expected that, when completed, the results will ultimately allow for changes in the approaches to diagnosing, managing and treating PsA allowing for improvements in short-term and long-term outcomes.
|
|
| 8. |
- Gulyas, Katalin, et al.
(författare)
-
Effects of 1-year anti-TNF-α therapies on bone mineral density and bone biomarkers in rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis
- 2020
-
Ingår i: Clinical Rheumatology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0770-3198 .- 1434-9949. ; 39:1, s. 167-175
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- ObjectivesRheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) have been associated with generalized and localized bone loss. We conducted a comprehensive study using imaging (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, DXA) and laboratory biomarkers in order to determine bone health and to study the effects of anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) biologics in RA and AS.Patients and methodsThirty-six RA and 17 AS patients undergoing 1-year etanercept (ETN) or certolizumab-pegol (CZP) therapy were studied. Bone density was assessed by DXA at baseline and after 12 months. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP), calcium, phosphate, parathyroid hormone (PTH), vitamin D3, osteocalcin, procollagen type I N-propeptide (P1NP), C-terminal telopeptide (βCTX), osteoprotegerin, sclerostin (SOST), Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1), soluble receptor activator nuclear kappa B ligand (sRANKL), and cathepsin K (cathK) levels were determined at baseline and after 6 and 12 months.ResultsTNF-α inhibition was clinically effective. Anti-TNF-α halted further bone loss over 1 year. In general, anti-TNF therapy significantly increased P1NP, SOST levels, and the P1NP/βCTX ratios, while decreased DKK-1 and CathK production at different time points in most patient subsets. In the full cohort and in RA, baseline and/or 12-month bone mineral density (BMD) at multiple sites exerted inverse relationships with CRP and βCTX, and positive correlation with SOST. In AS, L2-4 BMD after 1-year biologic therapy inversely correlated with baseline βCTX, while femoral neck BMD rather showed inverse correlations with CRP.ConclusionsAnti-TNF therapy slowed down generalized bone loss, in association with clinical improvements, in both diseases. TNF blockade may enhance bone formation and suppress joint destruction. Anti-TNF therapy may act inversely on DKK-1 and SOST. Independent predictors of BMD were SOST and βCTX in RA, whilst CRP in AS.
|
|
| 9. |
- Gurke, Robert, et al.
(författare)
-
Omics and Multi-Omics Analysis for the Early Identification and Improved Outcome of Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Biomedicines. - : MDPI AG. - 2227-9059. ; 10:10
-
Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- The definitive diagnosis and early treatment of many immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) is hindered by variable and overlapping clinical manifestations. Psoriatic arthritis (PsA), which develops in similar to 30% of people with psoriasis, is a key example. This mixed-pattern IMID is apparent in entheseal and synovial musculoskeletal structures, but a definitive diagnosis often can only be made by clinical experts or when an extensive progressive disease state is apparent. As with other IMIDs, the detection of multimodal molecular biomarkers offers some hope for the early diagnosis of PsA and the initiation of effective management and treatment strategies. However, specific biomarkers are not yet available for PsA. The assessment of new markers by genomic and epigenomic profiling, or the analysis of blood and synovial fluid/tissue samples using proteomics, metabolomics and lipidomics, provides hope that complex molecular biomarker profiles could be developed to diagnose PsA. Importantly, the integration of these markers with high-throughput histology, imaging and standardized clinical assessment data provides an important opportunity to develop molecular profiles that could improve the diagnosis of PsA, predict its occurrence in cohorts of individuals with psoriasis, differentiate PsA from other IMIDs, and improve therapeutic responses. In this review, we consider the technologies that are currently deployed in the EU IMI2 project HIPPOCRATES to define biomarker profiles specific for PsA and discuss the advantages of combining multi-omics data to improve the outcome of PsA patients.
|
|
| 10. |
- Juhasz, Balazs, et al.
(författare)
-
Peripheral quantitative computed tomography in the assessment of bone mineral density in anti-TNF-treated rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis patients
- 2021
-
Ingår i: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. - : BioMed Central (BMC). - 1471-2474. ; 22:1
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are associated with osteoporosis. There have not been many peripheral quantitative computed tomography (QCT) studies in patients receiving biologics. We assessed volumetric and areal bone mineral density (BMD) by forearm QCT and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), respectively in addition to laboratory biomarkers in these arthritides. Methods Forty RA and AS patients treated with either etanercept (ETN) or certolizumab pegol (CZP) were undergoing follow-ups for one year. Volumetric and areal BMD, as well as parathyroid hormone (PTH), osteocalcin, RANKL, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (VITD), P1NP, CTX, sclerostin (SOST), Dickkopf 1 (DKK-1) and cathepsin K (CATHK) were determined. Results We did not observe any further bone loss during the 12-month treatment period. Volumetric and areal BMD showed significant correlations with each other (p<0.017 after Bonferroni's correction). Trabecular QCT BMD at baseline (p=0.015) and cortical QCT BMD after 12 months (p=0.005) were inversely determined by disease activity at baseline in the full cohort. Trabecular QCT BMD at baseline also correlated with CTX (p=0.011). In RA, CRP negatively (p=0.014), while SOST positively (p=0.013) correlated with different QCT parameters. In AS, RANKL at baseline (p=0.014) and after 12 months (p=0.007) correlated with cortical QCT BMD. In the full cohort, 12-month change in QTRABBMD was related to TNF inhibition together with elevated VITD-0 levels (p=0.031). Treatment and lower CATHK correlated with QCORTBMD changes (p=0.006). In RA, TNF inhibition together with VITD-0 (p<0.01) or CATHK-0 (p=0.002), while in AS, treatment and RANKL-0 (p<0.05) determined one-year changes in QCT BMD. Conclusions BMD as determined by QCT did not change over one year of anti-TNF treatment. Disease activity, CATHK, RANKL and VITD may be associated with the effects of anti-TNF treatment on QCT BMD changes. RA and AS may differ in this respect.
|
|
