| 1. |
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| 2. |
- Bravo, L, et al.
(författare)
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- 2021
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swepub:Mat__t
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| 3. |
- Tabiri, S, et al.
(författare)
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- 2021
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swepub:Mat__t
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| 4. |
- Khatri, C, et al.
(författare)
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Outcomes after perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with proximal femoral fractures: an international cohort study
- 2021
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Ingår i: BMJ open. - : BMJ. - 2044-6055. ; 11:11, s. e050830-
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Studies have demonstrated high rates of mortality in people with proximal femoral fracture and SARS-CoV-2, but there is limited published data on the factors that influence mortality for clinicians to make informed treatment decisions. This study aims to report the 30-day mortality associated with perioperative infection of patients undergoing surgery for proximal femoral fractures and to examine the factors that influence mortality in a multivariate analysis.SettingProspective, international, multicentre, observational cohort study.ParticipantsPatients undergoing any operation for a proximal femoral fracture from 1 February to 30 April 2020 and with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection (either 7 days prior or 30-day postoperative).Primary outcome30-day mortality. Multivariate modelling was performed to identify factors associated with 30-day mortality.ResultsThis study reports included 1063 patients from 174 hospitals in 19 countries. Overall 30-day mortality was 29.4% (313/1063). In an adjusted model, 30-day mortality was associated with male gender (OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.68 to 3.13, p<0.001), age >80 years (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.31, p=0.013), preoperative diagnosis of dementia (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.16, p=0.005), kidney disease (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.18 to 2.55, p=0.005) and congestive heart failure (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.48, p=0.025). Mortality at 30 days was lower in patients with a preoperative diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.6 (0.42 to 0.85), p=0.004). There was no difference in mortality in patients with an increase to delay in surgery (p=0.220) or type of anaesthetic given (p=0.787).ConclusionsPatients undergoing surgery for a proximal femoral fracture with a perioperative infection of SARS-CoV-2 have a high rate of mortality. This study would support the need for providing these patients with individualised medical and anaesthetic care, including medical optimisation before theatre. Careful preoperative counselling is needed for those with a proximal femoral fracture and SARS-CoV-2, especially those in the highest risk groups.Trial registration numberNCT04323644
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| 5. |
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| 6. |
- Hyde, K. D., et al.
(författare)
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Global consortium for the classification of fungi and fungus-like taxa
- 2023
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Ingår i: MYCOSPHERE. - : Mushroom Research Foundation. - 2077-7000 .- 2077-7019. ; 14:1, s. 1960-2012
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The Global Consortium for the Classification of Fungi and fungus-like taxa is an international initiative of more than 550 mycologists to develop an electronic structure for the classification of these organisms. The members of the Consortium originate from 55 countries/regions worldwide, from a wide range of disciplines, and include senior, mid-career and early-career mycologists and plant pathologists. The Consortium will publish a biannual update of the Outline of Fungi and fungus-like taxa, to act as an international scheme for other scientists. Notes on all newly published taxa at or above the level of species will be prepared and published online on the Outline of Fungi website (https://www.outlineoffungi.org/), and these will be finally published in the biannual edition of the Outline of Fungi and fungus-like taxa. Comments on recent important taxonomic opinions on controversial topics will be included in the biannual outline. For example, 'to promote a more stable taxonomy in Fusarium given the divergences over its generic delimitation', or 'are there too many genera in the Boletales?' and even more importantly, 'what should be done with the tremendously diverse 'dark fungal taxa?' There are undeniable differences in mycologists' perceptions and opinions regarding species classification as well as the establishment of new species. Given the pluralistic nature of fungal taxonomy and its implications for species concepts and the nature of species, this consortium aims to provide a platform to better refine and stabilise fungal classification, taking into consideration views from different parties. In the future, a confidential voting system will be set up to gauge the opinions of all mycologists in the Consortium on important topics. The results of such surveys will be presented to the International Commission on the Taxonomy of Fungi (ICTF) and the Nomenclature Committee for Fungi (NCF) with opinions and percentages of votes for and against. Criticisms based on scientific evidence with regards to nomenclature, classifications, and taxonomic concepts will be welcomed, and any recommendations on specific taxonomic issues will also be encouraged; however, we will encourage professionally and ethically responsible criticisms of others' work. This biannual ongoing project will provide an outlet for advances in various topics of fungal classification, nomenclature, and taxonomic concepts and lead to a community-agreed classification scheme for the fungi and fungus-like taxa. Interested parties should contact the lead author if they would like to be involved in future outlines.
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| 7. |
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| 8. |
- Senanayake, Indunil C., et al.
(författare)
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Fungal diversity notes 1611–1716: taxonomic and phylogenetic contributions on fungal genera and species emphasis in south China
- 2023
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Ingår i: Fungal Diversity. - 1560-2745 .- 1878-9129. ; 122, s. 161-403
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This article is the 15th contribution in the Fungal Diversity Notes series, wherein 115 taxa from three phyla, nine classes, 28 orders, 48 families, and 64 genera are treated. Fungal taxa described and illustrated in the present study include a new family, five new genera, 61 new species, five new combinations, one synonym, one new variety and 31 records on new hosts or new geographical distributions. Ageratinicolaceae fam. nov. is introduced and accommodated in Pleosporales. The new genera introduced in this study are Ageratinicola, Kevinia, Pseudomultiseptospora (Parabambusicolaceae), Marasmiellomycena, and Vizzinia (Porotheleaceae). Newly described species are Abrothallus altoandinus, Ageratinicola kunmingensis, Allocryptovalsa aceris, Allophoma yuccae, Apiospora cannae, A. elliptica, A. pallidesporae, Boeremia wisteriae, Calycina papaeana, Clypeococcum lichenostigmoides, Coniochaeta riskali-shoyakubovii, Cryphonectria kunmingensis, Diaporthe angustiapiculata, D. campylandrae, D. longipapillata, Diatrypella guangdongense, Dothiorella franceschinii, Endocalyx phoenicis, Epicoccum terminosporum, Fulvifomes karaiensis, F. pannaensis, Ganoderma ghatensis, Hysterobrevium baoshanense, Inocybe avellaneorosea, I. lucida, Jahnula oblonga, Kevinia lignicola, Kirschsteiniothelia guangdongensis, Laboulbenia caprina, L. clavulata, L. cobiae, L. cosmodisci, L. nilotica, L. omalii, L. robusta, L. similis, L. stigmatophora, Laccaria rubriporus, Lasiodiplodia morindae, Lyophyllum agnijum, Marasmiellomycena pseudoomphaliiformis, Melomastia beihaiensis, Nemania guangdongensis, Nigrograna thailandica, Nigrospora ficuum, Oxydothis chinensis, O. yunnanensis, Petriella thailandica, Phaeoacremonium chinensis, Phialocephala chinensis, Phytophthora debattistii, Polyplosphaeria nigrospora, Pronectria loweniae, Seriascoma acutispora, Setoseptoria bambusae, Stictis anomianthi, Tarzetta tibetensis, Tarzetta urceolata, Tetraploa obpyriformis, Trichoglossum beninense, and Tricoderma pyrrosiae. We provide an emendation for Urnula ailaoshanensis Agaricus duplocingulatoides var. brevisporus introduced as a new variety based on morphology and phylogeny.
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| 9. |
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| 10. |
- Duggal, N, et al.
(författare)
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INVESTIGATING THE ROLE OF ACCELERATED IMMUNESENESCENCE IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
- 2022
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Ingår i: ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES. - : BMJ. - 0003-4967 .- 1468-2060. ; 81, s. 1152-1152
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Konferensbidrag (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Advancing age is recognised as a major risk factor for autoimmune inflammatory conditions, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Despite strong associations with older age we understand little of the role ageing processes play in disease pathogenesis in RA. The immune system undergoes a dramatic remodelling with age, termed immunesenescence, which contributes towards increased risk of autoimmunity1. Previous research in patients with established RA has shown certain features of immunesenescence, such as thymic atrophy and telomere shortening in T cells, at a younger age2,3.ObjectivesIn this study we aimed to determine if immunesenescence is seen in the very earliest stages of RA and therefore might be a contributor to RA pathogenesis rather than a result of the disease.MethodsWe have assessed aspects of the aged immune phenotype by immunostaining and flow cytometry4 in adults with arthralgia (n=25), undifferentiated arthritis (UA; n=41), confirmed RA of less than 3 months (n=25) and more than 3 months duration (n=78) and compared these to age and sex matched healthy controls (n=38). Nanostring methodology was used to determine gene expression changes associated with the development of RA.ResultsWe observed increased features of T and B cell immunesenescence in DMARD-naïve recently diagnosed RA patients driven by reduced naïve T cells (p<0.01) and B cells (p<0.01), increased senescent (CD28-ve, CD57+ve, KLRG1+ve) T cells (p<0.01), an increased Th17/Treg ratio (p<0.01) and increased frequency of age-associated B cells (p<0.01). With the exception of naïve T cell frequency, which was reduced in UA patients (p<0.05), these changes were not seen in the very early stages of RA, namely patients with arthralgia and UA. These data suggest that immunesenescence only occurs once disease is established. Furthermore, using nanostring we have identified several biological ageing processes (DNA damage, autophagy) associated with this state of immunesenescence in RA.ConclusionAccelerated immune ageing is an early feature of RA and biological ageing processes represent novel targets to modulate disease progression.References[1]Duggal NA, Upton JA, Phillips AC, Sapey E, Lord JM (2013) An age-related numerical and functional deficit in CD19+CD24hiCD38hi B cells is associated with an increase in systemic autoimmunity. Aging Cell 12:873-881.[2]Goronzy, J.J. and Weyand CM (2001). Thymic function and peripheral T-cell homeostasis in rheumatoid arthritis. Trends Immunol. 22(5):251-5.[3]Steer SE, Williams FMK, Kato B, Gardner JP, Norman PJ, Hall MA, Kimra M, Vaughan R, Aviv A, Spector T (2007) Reduced telomere length in rheumatoid arthritis in independent of disease activity and duration. Ann Rheum Dis 66:476-480.[4]Duggal NA, Pollock RD, Lazarus NR, Harridge S, Lord JM (2018). Major features of immunesenescence, including reduced thymic output, are ameliorated by high levels of physical activity in adulthood. Aging Cell 17:e12750Disclosure of InterestsNone declared
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| 11. |
- Sharma-Oates, A, et al.
(författare)
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INCREASED BIOLOGICAL AGE IN MALE PARTICIPANTS OF SWEDISH AND UK RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS COHORTS IS NOT LINKED TO DISEASE
- 2022
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Ingår i: ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES. - : BMJ. - 0003-4967 .- 1468-2060. ; 81, s. 1177-1177
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Konferensbidrag (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Immunesenescence in the adaptive immune system, subsequent to thymic involution, results in compromised immunity and increased susceptibility to autoimmune disease and chronic inflammation. There are reports in the literature that immunesenescence, including thymic atrophy and telomere shortening, is accelerated in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)1. What is unclear is whether RA includes accelerated biological ageing overall in addition to immune ageing which may help to explain the increased risk of age-related diseases in RA2. Recent studies have identified a set of DNA methylated sites across the genome that are highly correlated with chronological age and mortality, termed epigenetic clocks3,4 or DNAm age (DNAma), and can be used to determine an individual’s biological age.ObjectivesThe aim of our study is to determine if the biological epigenetic clocks of RA patients are accelerated.MethodsWe evaluated the Horvath3 and Hannum4 epigenetic clocks of control and RA patients using published DNAm data sets, accessions GSE42861 (EIRA, Swedish cohort of 342 RA patients and 328 non-RA controls) and E-MTAB-6988 (77 RA discordant monozygotic twins).ResultsWe did not detect significant differences between DNAma of RA and non-RA twins. Similarly, there were no significant differences between the DNAma of RA patients and controls from the Swedish EIRA cohort. However, we detected a significant acceleration in DNAma of male discordant twins, both RA and non-RA, by 5.4 years (p=3.29e-5) and 2.8 years (p=0.04) using the Hannum and Horvath clocks, respectively. Male participants, both control and RA patients, from the EIRA cohort also exhibited an accelerated DNAma, by 1.5 years (p=7.55e-5) using the Hannum clock but using the Horvath clock a significant DNAma acceleration, by 1.4 years (p=0.002) was detected in male RA patients from the EIRA cohort.ConclusionOverall, we detected a significant biological age acceleration in male participants from both RA and control groups and only found a significant difference between DNAma of Non-RA controls and RA patients for one of the epigenetic clocks. Further analysis using additional cohort data and biological clock algorithms is needed to confirm our findings.References[1]Goronzy, J.J. and Weyand CM (2001). Thymic function and peripheral T-cell homeostasis in rheumatoid arthritis. Trends Immunol. 22(5):251-5.[2]Meune C, et al. (2009) Trends in cardiovascular mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis over 50 years: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies. Rheumatol 48:1309-1313.[3]Horvath S (2013) DNA methylation age of human tissues and cell types. Genome Biol 14:R115.[4]Hannum G, et al (2013) Genome-wide Methylation Profiles Reveal Quantitative Views of Human Aging Rates. Mol Cell 49:359-367.AcknowledgementsThe study was funded by FOREUMDisclosure of InterestsNone declared
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| 12. |
- Young, William J., et al.
(författare)
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Genetic analyses of the electrocardiographic QT interval and its components identify additional loci and pathways
- 2022
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Ingår i: Nature Communications. - : Springer Nature. - 2041-1723. ; 13
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The QT interval is a heritable electrocardiographic measure associated with arrhythmia risk when prolonged. Here, the authors used a series of genetic analyses to identify genetic loci, pathways, therapeutic targets, and relationships with cardiovascular disease. The QT interval is an electrocardiographic measure representing the sum of ventricular depolarization and repolarization, estimated by QRS duration and JT interval, respectively. QT interval abnormalities are associated with potentially fatal ventricular arrhythmia. Using genome-wide multi-ancestry analyses (>250,000 individuals) we identify 177, 156 and 121 independent loci for QT, JT and QRS, respectively, including a male-specific X-chromosome locus. Using gene-based rare-variant methods, we identify associations with Mendelian disease genes. Enrichments are observed in established pathways for QT and JT, and previously unreported genes indicated in insulin-receptor signalling and cardiac energy metabolism. In contrast for QRS, connective tissue components and processes for cell growth and extracellular matrix interactions are significantly enriched. We demonstrate polygenic risk score associations with atrial fibrillation, conduction disease and sudden cardiac death. Prioritization of druggable genes highlight potential therapeutic targets for arrhythmia. Together, these results substantially advance our understanding of the genetic architecture of ventricular depolarization and repolarization.
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| 13. |
- Afzal, Muhammad, et al.
(författare)
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Charge transfer, transportation, and simulation
- 2020
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Ingår i: Solid Oxide Fuel Cells. - : Wiley. ; , s. 319-246
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Bokkapitel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This chapter discusses charge transfer and transportation in energy materials and devices, especially focusing on single layer or electrolyte-free fuel cells (EFFCs). Here, charge means electrons and both positive and negative ions, e.g. H+ and O2-. We will study the factors that affect the charges resulting in conduction either externally for electrons or internally for both electrons and ions in EFFCs. Theoretical simulations are carried out by considering specific characteristics EFFC processes. Moreover, the enhancement in ionic conductivity is discussed leading to superionic conduction.
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| 14. |
- Ahmed, Anisuddin, et al.
(författare)
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Measuring the effectiveness of an integrated intervention package to improve the level of infection prevention and control : a multi-centre study in Bangladesh
- 2024
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Ingår i: Journal of Hospital Infection. - : Elsevier. - 0195-6701 .- 1532-2939. ; 145, s. 22-33
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Infection prevention and control (IPC) is a critical component of delivering safe, effective and high -quality healthcare services, and eliminating avoidable healthcare -associated infections (HAIs) in health facilities, predominantly in populationdense settings such as Bangladesh.Aim: Our study aimed to assess the effect of an integrated intervention package in improving the IPC level of the health facilities in Bangladesh.Methods: We conducted a pre -post intervention study in six district hospitals (DHs) and 13 Upazila Health Complexes (UHCs) in the six districts of Bangladesh. Baseline and endline assessments were conducted between March and December 2021 using the adapted World Health Organization Infection Prevention and Control Assessment Framework (WHO-IPCAF) tool. The IPCAF score, ranging from 0-800, was calculated by adding the scores of eight components, and the IPC promotion and practice level was categorized as Inadequate (0 -200), Basic (201-400), Intermediate (401-600) and Advanced (601-800). The integrated intervention package including IPC committee formation, healthcare provider training, logistics provision, necessary guidelines distribution, triage/flu corners establishment, and infrastructure development was implemented in all facilities.Results: The average IPCAF score across all the facilities showed a significant increase from 16% (95% CI: 11.5-20.65%) to 54% (95% CI: 51.4-57.1%). Overall, the IPCAF score increased by 34 percentage points (P<0.001) in DHs and 40 percentage points (P<0.001) in UHCs. Following the intervention, 12 (three DHs, nine UHCs) of 19 facilities progressed from inadequate to intermediate, and another three DHs upgraded from basic to intermediate in terms of IPC level.Conclusion: The integrated intervention package improved IPCAF score in all facilities.
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| 15. |
- Azevedo, Flavio, et al.
(författare)
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Social and moral psychology of COVID-19 across 69 countries
- 2023
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Ingår i: Scientific Data. - : NATURE PORTFOLIO. - 2052-4463. ; 10:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all domains of human life, including the economic and social fabric of societies. One of the central strategies for managing public health throughout the pandemic has been through persuasive messaging and collective behaviour change. To help scholars better understand the social and moral psychology behind public health behaviour, we present a dataset comprising of 51,404 individuals from 69 countries. This dataset was collected for the International Collaboration on Social & Moral Psychology of COVID-19 project (ICSMP COVID-19). This social science survey invited participants around the world to complete a series of moral and psychological measures and public health attitudes about COVID-19 during an early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic (between April and June 2020). The survey included seven broad categories of questions: COVID-19 beliefs and compliance behaviours; identity and social attitudes; ideology; health and well-being; moral beliefs and motivation; personality traits; and demographic variables. We report both raw and cleaned data, along with all survey materials, data visualisations, and psychometric evaluations of key variables.
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| 16. |
- De Souza, S, et al.
(författare)
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PATIENT AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT IN CLINICAL TRIAL DESIGN
- 2020
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Ingår i: ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES. - : BMJ. - 0003-4967 .- 1468-2060. ; 79, s. 1285-1286
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Konferensbidrag (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Patient and public involvement (PPI) is gaining increasing recognition as important in ensuring research is relevant and acceptable to participants. Rheuma Tolerance for Cure (RTCure) is a 5 year international collaboration between academia and industry; focusing on earlier detection and prevention of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) through the use of immune-tolerising treatments.Objectives:To bring lived experience and insight into scientific discussions; and to evolve collaboration between lay representatives and academia/industry.Methods:9 Patient Research Partners (PRPs) from 5 European countries were recruited via the EULAR PARE Network and institutions within the RTCure Consortium (8 PRPs with RA and 1 ‘at risk’). They were asked to enter into a legal agreement with the Consortium. PRPs participated in teleconferences (TCs) and were invited to attend face-to-face (F2F) meetings at least annually. Requests for input/feedback were sent from researchers to PRPs via the project’s Patient Engagement Expert [SK].Results:PRP involvement has given researchers and industry partners a new perspective on patient priorities, and focused thought on the ethics of recruitment for and participation in clinical trials of people ‘at risk’ of developing RA. PRPs have helped define the target populations, given their thoughts on what types of treatments are acceptable to people ‘at risk’ and have aided the development of a survey (sent to EULAR PARE members) regarding the use of animal models in biomedical research. Positive informal feedback has been received from researchers and industry regarding the contribution of PRPs to the ongoing project (formal evaluation of PPI in RTCure will be carried out in 2020 and at the project end in 2022).Challenges:Legal agreements- Many PRPs refused to sign the Consortium’s complex PRP Agreement; feeling it unnecessary, incomprehensible and inequitable. After extensive consultation with various parties (including EULAR and the Innovative Medicines Initiative) no similar contract was found. Views for its requirement even varied between legal experts. After 2 years of intense discussion, a simple non-disclosure agreement was agreed upon. Ideally any contract, if required, should be approved prior to project onset.Meeting logistics- Other improvements identified were to locate the meeting venue and accommodation on the same site to minimise travel, and to make it easier for PRPs to take breaks when required. This also facilitates informal discussions and patient inclusivity. We now have agreed a policy to fund PRPs extra nights before and after meetings, and to bring a carer if needed.Enabling understanding– Future annual meetings will start with a F2F meeting between PRPs and Work Package Leads. Researchers will be encouraged to start presentations with a summary slide in lay language. Additionally, an RTCure Glossary is in development.Enabling participation– SK will provide monthly project updates and PRP TCs will be held in the evening (as some PRPs remain employed). PRPs will be invited to all project TCs and F2F meetings. Recruitment is underway to increase the number of ‘at risk’ PRPs as their viewpoint is vital to this study.Conclusion:Currently PPI in RTCure is an ongoing mutual learning process. Universal guidance regarding what types of contracts are needed for PPI would be useful. Communication, trust and fruitful discussions have evolved through F2F meetings (both formal and informal) between PRPs, academia and industry. It is important that all parties can be open with each other in order to make PPI more meaningful.Acknowledgments:This work has received support from the EU/EFPIA Innovative Medicines Initiative 2 Joint Undertaking RTCure grant number 777357.Disclosure of Interests:Savia de Souza: None declared, Ruth Williams: None declared, Eva Johansson: None declared, Codruta Zabalan: None declared, Tom Esterine: None declared, Margôt Bakkers: None declared, Wolfgang Roth: None declared, Neil Mc Carthy: None declared, Meryll Blake: None declared, Susanne Karlfeldt: None declared, Martina Johannesson: None declared, Karim Raza Grant/research support from: KR has received research funding from AbbVie and Pfizer, Consultant of: KR has received honoraria and/or consultancy fees from AbbVie, Sanofi, Lilly, Bristol-Myers Squibb, UCB, Pfizer, Janssen and Roche Chugai, Speakers bureau: KR has received honoraria and/or consultancy fees from AbbVie, Sanofi, Lilly, Bristol-Myers Squibb, UCB, Pfizer, Janssen and Roche Chugai
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| 17. |
- DiSantostefano, Rachael L., et al.
(författare)
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Can the General Public Be a Proxy for an "At-Risk" Group in a Patient Preference Study? : A Disease Prevention Example in Rheumatoid Arthritis
- 2024
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Ingår i: Medical decision making. - : Sage Publications. - 0272-989X .- 1552-681X. ; 44:2, s. 189-202
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BackgroundWhen selecting samples for patient preference studies, it may be difficult or impractical to recruit participants who are eligible for a particular treatment decision. However, a general public sample may not be an appropriate proxy.ObjectiveThis study compares preferences for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) preventive treatments between members of the general public and first-degree relatives (FDRs) of confirmed RA patients to assess whether a sample of the general public can be used as a proxy for FDRs.MethodsParticipants were asked to imagine they were experiencing arthralgia and had screening tests indicating a 60% chance of developing RA within 2 yrs. Using a discrete choice experiment, participants were offered a series of choices between no treatment and 2 unlabeled hypothetical treatments to reduce the risk of RA. To assess data quality, time to complete survey sections and comprehension questions were assessed. A random parameter logit model was used to obtain attribute-level estimates, which were used to calculate relative importance, maximum acceptable risk (MAR), and market shares of hypothetical preventive treatments.ResultsThe FDR sample (n = 298) spent more time completing the survey and performed better on comprehension questions compared with the general public sample (n = 982). The relative importance ranking was similar between the general public and FDR participant samples; however, other relative preference measures involving weights including MARs and market share differed between groups, with FDRs having numerically higher MARs.ConclusionIn the context of RA prevention, the general public (average risk) may be a reasonable proxy for a more at-risk sample (FDRs) for overall relative importance ranking but not weights. The rationale for a proxy sample should be clearly justified.HighlightsParticipants from the general public were compared to first-degree relatives on their preferences for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) preventive treatments using a discrete choice experiment.Preferences were similar between groups in terms of the most important and least important attributes of preventive treatments, with effectiveness being the most important attribute. However, relative weights differed.Attention to the survey and predicted market shares of hypothetical RA preventive treatments differed between the general public and first-degree relatives.The general public may be a reasonable proxy for an at-risk group for patient preferences ranks but not weights in the disease prevention context; however, care should be taken in sample selection for patient preference studies when choosing nonpatients.
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| 18. |
- Elbeltagi, Ahmed, et al.
(författare)
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Data intelligence and hybrid metaheuristic algorithms-based estimation of reference evapotranspiration
- 2022
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Ingår i: Applied water science. - : Springer. - 2190-5487 .- 2190-5495. ; 12:7
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- For developing countries, scarcity of climatic data is the biggest challenge, and model development with limited meteorological input is of critical importance. In this study, five data intelligent and hybrid metaheuristic machine learning algorithms, namely additive regression (AR), AR-bagging, AR-random subspace (AR-RSS), AR-M5P, and AR-REPTree, were applied to predict monthly mean daily reference evapotranspiration (ET0). For this purpose, climatic data of two meteorological stations located in the semi-arid region of Pakistan were used from the period 1987 to 2016. The climatic dataset includes maximum and minimum temperature (Tmax, Tmin), average relative humidity (RHavg), average wind speed (Ux), and sunshine hours (n). Sensitivity analysis through regression methods was applied to determine effective input climatic parameters for ET0 modeling. The results of performed regression analysis on all input parameters proved that Tmin, RHAvg, Ux, and n were identified as the most influential input parameters at the studied station. From the results, it was revealed that all the selected models predicted ET0 at both stations with greater precision. The AR-REPTree model was located furthest and the AR-M5P model was located nearest to the observed point based on the performing indices at both the selected meteorological stations. The study concluded that under the aforementioned methodological framework, the AR-M5P model can yield higher accuracy in predicting ET0 values, as compared to other selected algorithms.
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| 19. |
- Hussain, M., et al.
(författare)
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Optimization of lithium adsorption from seawater via aluminum chloride as adsorbent using response surface methodology
- 2024
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Ingår i: Energy Sources, Part A. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1556-7036 .- 1556-7230. ; 46:1, s. 2907-2921
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Lithium extraction from natural resources is an accelerating field of research owing to its growing demand in the medical, nuclear, battery, and air conditioning industries. Lithium compounds are used in various industries, including ceramics, glass, lubricant gases, rocket propellant, and aluminum production. The extraction of lithium from seawater via adsorption using AlCl3.6 H2O as an adsorbent is investigated in this study. The effect of process parameters such as pH, temperature, contact time, the molar ratio ([Al3+]/[Li+]), and stirring rate on process efficiency is investigated and optimized. The response surface methodology (RSM) is used to investigate the effects of operating parameters and choose the optimal configuration. A standard synthetic solution containing 50 ppm lithium is prepared and experimented with facilitating comprehension of the procedure. The adsorption efficiency of a synthetic solution is 88% at optimized values, while that of seawater is 78.5%. Seawater has a lower efficiency because it contains ions such as Mg2+, Ca2+, K+, and Na+ that compete for active points/sites during adsorption with lithium ions (Li+).
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| 20. |
- Naveed, M. H., et al.
(författare)
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Torrefied biomass quality prediction and optimization using machine learning algorithms
- 2024
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Ingår i: Chemical Engineering Journal Advances. - : Elsevier. - 2666-8211. ; 19
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Torrefied biomass is a vital green energy source with applications in circular economies, addressing agricultural residue and rising energy demands. In this study, ML models were used to predict durability (%) and mass loss (%). Firstly, data was collected and preprocessed, and its distribution and correlation were analyzed. Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) and Ensemble Learning Trees (ELT) were then trained and tested on 80 % and 20 % of the data, respectively. Both machine learning models underwent optimization through Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) for feature selection and hyperparameter tuning. GPR-PSO demonstrates excellent accuracy in predicting durability (%), achieving a training R2 score of 0.9469 and an RMSE value of 0.0785. GPR-GA exhibits exceptional performance in predicting mass loss (%), achieving a training R2 value of 1 and an RMSE value of 9.7373e-05. The temperature and duration during torrefaction are crucial variables that are in line with the conclusions drawn from previous studies. GPR and ELT models effectively predict and optimize torrefied biomass quality, leading to enhanced energy density, mechanical properties, grindability, and storage stability. Additionally, they contribute to sustainable agriculture by reducing carbon emissions, improving cost-effectiveness, and aiding in the design and development of pelletizers. This optimization not only increases energy density and grindability but also enhances nutrient delivery efficiency, water retention, and reduces the carbon footprint. Consequently, these outcomes support biodiversity and promote sustainable agricultural, ecosystem, and environmental practices.
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| 21. |
- Phukhamsakda, Chayanard, et al.
(författare)
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The numbers of fungi: contributions from traditional taxonomic studies and challenges of metabarcoding
- 2022
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Ingår i: Fungal diversity. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1560-2745 .- 1878-9129. ; 114:1, s. 327-386
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The global diversity of fungi has been estimated using several different approaches. There is somewhere between 2–11 million estimated species, but the number of formally described taxa is around 150,000, a tiny fraction of the total. In this paper, we examine 12 ascomycete genera as case studies to establish trends in fungal species descriptions, and introduce new species in each genus. To highlight the importance of traditional morpho-molecular methods in publishing new species, we introduce novel taxa in 12 genera that are considered to have low species discovery. We discuss whether the species are likely to be rare or due to a lack of extensive sampling and classification. The genera are Apiospora, Bambusicola, Beltrania, Capronia, Distoseptispora, Endocalyx, Neocatenulostroma, Neodeightonia, Paraconiothyrium, Peroneutypa, Phaeoacremonium and Vanakripa. We discuss host-specificity in selected genera and compare the number of species epithets in each genus with the number of ITS (barcode) sequences deposited in GenBank and UNITE. We furthermore discuss the relationship between the divergence times of these genera with those of their hosts. We hypothesize whether there might be more species in these genera and discuss hosts and habitats that should be investigated for novel species discovery.
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| 22. |
- Reinert, Line S, et al.
(författare)
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Brain immune cells undergo cGAS-STING-dependent apoptosis during herpes simplex virus type 1 infection.
- 2020
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Ingår i: The Journal of clinical investigation. - 1558-8238. ; 131:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Protection of the brain from viral infections involves the type I interferon (IFN-I) system, defects in which renders humans susceptible to herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE). However, excessive cerebral IFN-I levels leads to pathologies, suggesting the need for tight regulation of responses. Based on data from mouse models, human HSE cases, and primary cell culture systems, we here show that microglia and other immune cells undergo apoptosis in the HSV-1-infected brain through a mechanism dependent on the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) - stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway, but independent of IFN-I. HSV-1 infection of microglia induced cGAS-dependent apoptosis at high viral doses, while lower viral doses led to IFN-I responses. Importantly, inhibition of caspase activity prevented microglial cell death and augmented IFN-I responses. Accordingly, HSV-1-infected organotypic brain slices, or mice treated with caspase inhibitor, exhibited lower viral load and improved outcome of infection. Collectively, we identify an activation-induced apoptosis program in brain immune cells which down-modulates local immune responses.
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| 23. |
- Simons, Gwenda, et al.
(författare)
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Acceptable risks of treatments to prevent rheumatoid arthritis among first-degree relatives: demographic and psychological predictors of risk tolerance
- 2022
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Ingår i: RMD Open. - : BMJ. - 2056-5933. ; 8:2, s. e002593-e002593
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives To quantify tolerance to risks of preventive treatments among first-degree relatives (FDRs) of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods Preventive treatments for RA are under investigation. In a preference survey, adult FDRs assumed a 60% chance of developing RA within 2 years and made choices between no treatment and hypothetical preventive treatment options with a fixed level of benefit (reduction in chance of developing RA from 60% to 20%) and varying levels of risks. Using a probabilistic threshold technique, each risk was increased or decreased until participants switched their choice. Perceived risk of RA, health literacy, numeracy, Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire and Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire-General were also assessed. Maximum acceptable risk (MAR) was summarised using descriptive statistics. Associations between MARs and participants’ characteristics were assessed using interval regression with effects coding.Results 289 FDRs (80 male) responded. The mean MAR for a 40% reduction in chance of developing RA was 29.08% risk of mild side effects, 9.09% risk of serious infection and 0.85% risk of a serious side effect. Participants aged over 60 years were less tolerant of serious infection risk (mean MAR ±2.06%) than younger participants. Risk of mild side effects was less acceptable to participants who perceived higher likelihood of developing RA (mean MAR ±3.34%) and more acceptable to those believing that if they developed RA it would last for a long time (mean MAR ±4.44%).Conclusions Age, perceived chance of developing RA and perceived duration of RA were associated with tolerance to some risks of preventive RA therapy.
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| 24. |
- Van Bavel, Jay J., et al.
(författare)
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National identity predicts public health support during a global pandemic
- 2022
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Ingår i: Nature Communications. - : Nature Portfolio. - 2041-1723. ; 13:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Understanding collective behaviour is an important aspect of managing the pandemic response. Here the authors show in a large global study that participants that reported identifying more strongly with their nation reported greater engagement in public health behaviours and support for public health policies in the context of the pandemic. Changing collective behaviour and supporting non-pharmaceutical interventions is an important component in mitigating virus transmission during a pandemic. In a large international collaboration (Study 1, N = 49,968 across 67 countries), we investigated self-reported factors associated with public health behaviours (e.g., spatial distancing and stricter hygiene) and endorsed public policy interventions (e.g., closing bars and restaurants) during the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic (April-May 2020). Respondents who reported identifying more strongly with their nation consistently reported greater engagement in public health behaviours and support for public health policies. Results were similar for representative and non-representative national samples. Study 2 (N = 42 countries) conceptually replicated the central finding using aggregate indices of national identity (obtained using the World Values Survey) and a measure of actual behaviour change during the pandemic (obtained from Google mobility reports). Higher levels of national identification prior to the pandemic predicted lower mobility during the early stage of the pandemic (r = -0.40). We discuss the potential implications of links between national identity, leadership, and public health for managing COVID-19 and future pandemics.
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| 25. |
- Wu, Y., et al.
(författare)
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Electrolyte-free fuel cell : Principles and crosslink research
- 2020
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Ingår i: Solid Oxide Fuel Cells. - : Wiley. ; , s. 347-378
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Bokkapitel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Semiconductors and the associated methodologies applied to electrochemistry have recently grown as an emerging field in energy materials and technologies. Fuel cells have been developed in line with traditional electrochemistry employing three basic functional components: anode, electrolyte and cathode. The electrolyte is a key component to the device performance by providing an ionic charge flow pathway between the anode and cathode but preventing electron conduction. By contrast, semiconductors and the derived heterostructures with electronic (hole) conducting materials have been strongly developed with much better ionic conductors instead of a conventional ionic electrolyte for novel fuel cells. Energy band structures and alignments, band-bending and built-in-field are all important parameters in this context to accomplish the necessary fuel cell functionalities. This chapter extends widely the semiconductor-based electrochemical energy conversion and storage technologies, describing their fundamentals and working principles, with an intention to advance the understanding of the semiconductors and energy bands role in electrochemical devices of energy conversion and storage, as well as applications for emerging demands, widely involving in energy applications, such as photo catalysis/water splitting; battery and solar cell etc. It provides new ideas and new solutions to the problems beyond the conventional electrochemistry and presents new inter-disciplinary approaches to develop clean energy conversion and storage technologies.
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| 26. |
- Zahra, M., et al.
(författare)
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Tailoring the ions and bandgaps in a novel semi-ionic energy conversion device for electrochemical performance
- 2020
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Ingår i: Materials Today Energy. - : Elsevier BV. - 2468-6069. ; 18
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The new semi-ionic energy conversion (SIEC) device has attracted remarkable attention owing to its clean and environmentally friendly applications. In this device, novel materials and mechanisms have been explored using electronic and ionic conductor materials. The tuning effect of the ions and bandgap has been studied to investigate the structural, optical, and electrochemical performance of the material. Composite materials, gadolinium-doped ceria-cadmium-doped ZnO (GDC-ZnCdO), based on ionic gadolinium-doped ceria (GDC) and semiconductor (ZnCdO) in molar ratios of 1:4, 2:3, 3:2, and 4:1 have been prepared by a wet chemical route. The crystalline structure of the GDC-ZnCdO was studied and found to have cubic and hexagonal wurtzite phases with an average crystallite size of 30–40 nm. The morphology of the prepared composite materials is a homogenous and porous structure. It was found that the addition of GDC increases the transmittance and shows a red shift in the bandgap from 2.70 eV to 2.46 eV. The maximum conductivity of 2.0 S/cm1 was achieved for the sample 4GDC-1ZnCdO at 700°C. Electrochemical impedance spectra and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis were performed to investigate the electrochemical properties of the prepared semi-ionic composite materials. The SIEC device showed a much better performance than a conventional solid oxide fuel cell. The maximum open-circuit voltage (OCV) of about 1.013 Vand power density of 0.65 W/cm2 were obtained using hydrogen fuel at 600°C, as compared with a conventional fuel cell with 0.72 V and 0.27 W/cm2, respectively. Hence, the results reveal that the ions and bandgap tuning play a crucial role in fuel cell functions. Therefore, it has been determined that the bandgap can be tuned to obtain a better and more stable performance of the SIEC device. This study presents a novel approach to enhance the electrochemical performance with the tailoring of the new semi-ionic materials.
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