| 1. |
- Murari, A., et al.
(författare)
-
A control oriented strategy of disruption prediction to avoid the configuration collapse of tokamak reactors
- 2024
-
Ingår i: Nature Communications. - 2041-1723 .- 2041-1723. ; 15:1
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The objective of thermonuclear fusion consists of producing electricity from the coalescence of light nuclei in high temperature plasmas. The most promising route to fusion envisages the confinement of such plasmas with magnetic fields, whose most studied configuration is the tokamak. Disruptions are catastrophic collapses affecting all tokamak devices and one of the main potential showstoppers on the route to a commercial reactor. In this work we report how, deploying innovative analysis methods on thousands of JET experiments covering the isotopic compositions from hydrogen to full tritium and including the major D-T campaign, the nature of the various forms of collapse is investigated in all phases of the discharges. An original approach to proximity detection has been developed, which allows determining both the probability of and the time interval remaining before an incoming disruption, with adaptive, from scratch, real time compatible techniques. The results indicate that physics based prediction and control tools can be developed, to deploy realistic strategies of disruption avoidance and prevention, meeting the requirements of the next generation of devices.
|
|
| 2. |
|
|
| 3. |
|
|
| 4. |
|
|
| 5. |
|
|
| 6. |
|
|
| 7. |
|
|
| 8. |
- Shepherd, L., et al.
(författare)
-
Infection-related and -unrelated malignancies, HIV and the aging population
- 2016
-
Ingår i: HIV Medicine. - : Wiley. - 1464-2662 .- 1468-1293. ; 17:8, s. 590-600
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives: HIV-positive people have increased risk of infection-related malignancies (IRMs) and infection-unrelated malignancies (IURMs). The aim of the study was to determine the impact of aging on future IRM and IURM incidence. Methods: People enrolled in EuroSIDA and followed from the latest of the first visit or 1 January 2001 until the last visit or death were included in the study. Poisson regression was used to investigate the impact of aging on the incidence of IRMs and IURMs, adjusting for demographic, clinical and laboratory confounders. Linear exponential smoothing models forecasted future incidence. Results: A total of 15 648 people contributed 95 033 person-years of follow-up, of whom 610 developed 643 malignancies [IRMs: 388 (60%); IURMs: 255 (40%)]. After adjustment, a higher IRM incidence was associated with a lower CD4 count [adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR) CD4 count < 200 cells/μL: 3.77; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.59, 5.51; compared with ≥ 500 cells/μL], independent of age, while a CD4 count < 200 cells/μL was associated with IURMs in people aged < 50 years only (aIRR: 2.51; 95% CI 1.40–4.54). Smoking was associated with IURMs (aIRR: 1.75; 95% CI 1.23, 2.49) compared with never smokers in people aged ≥ 50 years only, and not with IRMs. The incidences of both IURMs and IRMs increased with older age. It was projected that the incidence of IRMs would decrease by 29% over a 5-year period from 3.1 (95% CI 1.5–5.9) per 1000 person-years in 2011, whereas the IURM incidence would increase by 44% from 4.1 (95% CI 2.2–7.2) per 1000 person-years over the same period. Conclusions: Demographic and HIV-related risk factors for IURMs (aging and smoking) and IRMs (immunodeficiency and ongoing viral replication) differ markedly and the contribution from IURMs relative to IRMs will continue to increase as a result of aging of the HIV-infected population, high smoking and lung cancer prevalence and a low prevalence of untreated HIV infection. These findings suggest the need for targeted preventive measures and evaluation of the cost−benefit of screening for IURMs in HIV-infected populations.
|
|
| 9. |
- Abgrall, N., et al.
(författare)
-
The large enriched germanium experiment for neutrinoless double beta decay (LEGEND)
- 2017
-
Ingår i: AIP Conference Proceedings. - : Author(s). - 1551-7616 .- 0094-243X. ; 1894
-
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- The observation of neutrinoless double-beta decay (0νββ) would show that lepton number is violated, reveal that neu-trinos are Majorana particles, and provide information on neutrino mass. A discovery-capable experiment covering the inverted ordering region, with effective Majorana neutrino masses of 15 - 50 meV, will require a tonne-scale experiment with excellent energy resolution and extremely low backgrounds, at the level of ∼0.1 count /(FWHM·t·yr) in the region of the signal. The current generation 76Ge experiments GERDA and the Majorana Demonstrator, utilizing high purity Germanium detectors with an intrinsic energy resolution of 0.12%, have achieved the lowest backgrounds by over an order of magnitude in the 0νββ signal region of all 0νββ experiments. Building on this success, the LEGEND collaboration has been formed to pursue a tonne-scale 76Ge experiment. The collaboration aims to develop a phased 0νββ experimental program with discovery potential at a half-life approaching or at 1028 years, using existing resources as appropriate to expedite physics results.
|
|
| 10. |
|
|
| 11. |
|
|
| 12. |
|
|
| 13. |
|
|
| 14. |
|
|
| 15. |
- Azevedo, Flavio, et al.
(författare)
-
Social and moral psychology of COVID-19 across 69 countries
- 2023
-
Ingår i: Scientific Data. - : NATURE PORTFOLIO. - 2052-4463. ; 10:1
-
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.
|
|
| 16. |
|
|
| 17. |
- Van Bavel, Jay J., et al.
(författare)
-
National identity predicts public health support during a global pandemic
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Nature Communications. - : Nature Portfolio. - 2041-1723. ; 13:1
-
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.
|
|
| 18. |
- Abrams, M. B., et al.
(författare)
-
A Standards Organization for Open and FAIR Neuroscience : the International Neuroinformatics Coordinating Facility
- 2021
-
Ingår i: Neuroinformatics. - : Springer Nature. - 1539-2791 .- 1559-0089.
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- There is great need for coordination around standards and best practices in neuroscience to support efforts to make neuroscience a data-centric discipline. Major brain initiatives launched around the world are poised to generate huge stores of neuroscience data. At the same time, neuroscience, like many domains in biomedicine, is confronting the issues of transparency, rigor, and reproducibility. Widely used, validated standards and best practices are key to addressing the challenges in both big and small data science, as they are essential for integrating diverse data and for developing a robust, effective, and sustainable infrastructure to support open and reproducible neuroscience. However, developing community standards and gaining their adoption is difficult. The current landscape is characterized both by a lack of robust, validated standards and a plethora of overlapping, underdeveloped, untested and underutilized standards and best practices. The International Neuroinformatics Coordinating Facility (INCF), an independent organization dedicated to promoting data sharing through the coordination of infrastructure and standards, has recently implemented a formal procedure for evaluating and endorsing community standards and best practices in support of the FAIR principles. By formally serving as a standards organization dedicated to open and FAIR neuroscience, INCF helps evaluate, promulgate, and coordinate standards and best practices across neuroscience. Here, we provide an overview of the process and discuss how neuroscience can benefit from having a dedicated standards body.
|
|
| 19. |
|
|
| 20. |
- Dulski, J., et al.
(författare)
-
Clinical variability of neuroacanthocytosis syndromes : A series of six patients with long follow-up
- 2016
-
Ingår i: Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery. - : Elsevier BV. - 0303-8467. ; 147, s. 78-83
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective To provide clinical clues to differential diagnosis in patients with chorea and other movement disorders with blood acanthocytes. Methods We present a long-term video accompanied follow-up of six Caucasian patients with neuroacanthocytosis from several centers, three diagnosed with chorea-acanthocytosis (ChAc): 34-y.o.(no.1), 36-y.o.(no.2), 43-y.o.(no.3), two diagnosed with McLeod Syndrome (MLS): 52-y.o.(no.4), 61-y.o.(no.5) and one 63-y.o.(no.6), a brother of no.5, with clinical suspicion of MLS. Additionally we report pathological findings of the mother of two brothers with MLS reported in our series with acanthocytes on peripheral blood smear Results The patients had an unremarkable family history and were asymptomatic until adulthood. Patients no. 1,2,4,5,6 developed generalized chorea and patient no. 3 had predominant bradykinesia. Patients no. 1,2,3 had phonic and motor tics, additionally patients no. 1 and 2 exhibited peculiar oromandibular dystonia with tongue thrusting. In patients no. 2 and 3 dystonic supination of feet was observed, patient no. 3 subsequently developed bilateral foot drop. Patients no. 2 and 4 had signs of muscle atrophy. Tendon reflexes were decreased or absent and electroneurography demonstrated sensorimotor neuropathy in patients no. 1,2,3,4,5, except no. 6. Generalized seizures were seen in patients no. 2,3,5,6 and myoclonic jerks in patient no. 1. Cognitive deterioration was reported in patients no. 1,2,3,5,6. Serum creatine kinase levels were elevated in all six patients. Conclusion We highlight the variability of clinical presentation of neuroacanthocytosis syndromes and the long time from the onset to diagnosis with the need to screen the blood smears in uncertain cases, however, as in one of our cases acanthocytes may even be not found. Based on our observations and data from the literature we propose several red flags that should raise the suspicion of an NA syndrome in a patient with a movement disorder: severe orofacial dyskinesia with tongue and lip-biting (typical of ChAc), feeding dystonia, psychiatric and cognitive disturbances, seizures, peripheral neuropathy, elevation of creatine kinase, elevation of transaminases, hepatosplenomegaly, cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias, and an X-linked pattern of inheritance (McLeod Syndrome, MLS).
|
|
| 21. |
- Tudor-Locke, Catrine, et al.
(författare)
-
BMI referenced cut points for pedometer determined steps/day in adults
- 2008
-
Ingår i: Journal of Physical Activity and Health. - : Human Kinetics. - 1543-3080 .- 1543-5474. ; 5:Suppl 1, s. 126-139
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background:The goal of this study was to establish preliminary criterion-referenced cut points for adult pedometer-determined physical activity (PA) related to weight status defined by body mass index (BMI).Methods:Researchers contributed directly measured BMI and pedometer data that had been collected (1) using a Yamax-manufactured pedometer, (2) for a minimum of 3 days, (3) on ostensibly healthy adults. The contrasting groups method was used to identify age- and gender-specific cut points for steps/d related to BMI cut points for normal weight and overweight/obesity (defined as BMI <25 and ≥25 kg/m2, respectively).Results:Data included 3127 individuals age 18 to 94 years (976 men, age = 46.8 ± 15.4 years, BMI = 27.3 ± 4.9; 2151 women, age = 47.4 ± 14.9 years, BMI = 27.6 ± 6.4; all gender differences NS). Best estimated cut points for normal versus overweight/obesity ranged from 11,000 to 12,000 steps/d for men and 8000 to 12,000 steps/d for women (consistently higher for younger age groups).Conclusions:These steps/d cut points can be used to identify individuals at risk, or the proportion of adults achieving or falling short of set cut points can be reported and compared between populations. Cut points can also be used to set intervention goals, and they can be referred to when evaluating program impact, as well as environmental and policy changes.
|
|
| 22. |
- Tudor-Locke, C, et al.
(författare)
-
BMI-referenced cut points for pedometer-determined steps per day in adults.
- 2008
-
Ingår i: Journal of physical activity & health. - 1543-3080. ; 5 Suppl 1
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The goal of this study was to establish preliminary criterion-referenced cut points for adult pedometer-determined physical activity (PA) related to weight status defined by body mass index (BMI).
|
|
| 23. |
- Barquinero, J-F., et al.
(författare)
-
RENEB Inter-Laboratory Comparison 2021 : The FISH-Based Translocation Assay
- 2023
-
Ingår i: Radiation Research. - 0033-7587 .- 1938-5404. ; 199:6, s. 583-590
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Translocation analysis using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is the method of choice for dose assessment in case of chronic or past exposures to ionizing radiation. Although it is a widespread technique, unlike dicentrics, the number of FISH-based inter-laboratory comparisons is small. For this reason, although the current Running the European Network of Biological and Physical retrospective Dosimetry (RENEB) inter-laboratory comparison 2021 was designed as a fast response to a real emergency scenario, it was considered a good opportunity to perform an inter-laboratory comparison using the FISH technique to gain further experience. The Bundeswehr Institute of Radiobiology provided peripheral blood samples from one healthy human volunteer. Three test samples were irradiated with blinded doses of 0, 1.2, and 3.5 Gy, respectively. Samples were then sent to the seven participating laboratories. The FISH technique was applied according to the standard procedure of each laboratory. Both, the frequency of translocations and the estimated dose for each sample were sent to the coordinator using a special scoring sheet for FISH. All participants sent their results in due time. However, although it was initially requested to send the results based on the full analysis, evaluating 500 equivalent cells, most laboratories only sent the results based on triage, with a smaller number of analyzed cells. In the triage analysis, there was great heterogeneity in the number of equivalent cells scored. On the contrary, for the full analysis, this number was more homogeneous. For all three samples, one laboratory showed outlier yields compared to the other laboratories. Excluding these results, in the triage analysis, the frequency of translocations in sample no. 1 ranged from 0 to 0.013 translocations per cell, and for samples no. 2 and no. 3 the genomic mean frequency were 0.27 +/- 0.03 and 1.47 +/- 0.14, with a coefficient of variation of 0.29 and 0.23 respectively. Considering only results obtained in the triage analysis for sample no. 1, all laboratories, except one, classified this sample as the non-irradiated one. For sample no. 2, excluding the outlier value, the mean reported dose was 1.74 +/- 0.16 Gy indicating a mean deviation of about 0.5 Gy to the delivered dose of 1.2 Gy. For sample no. 3 the mean dose estimated was 4.21 +/- 0.21 Gy indicating a mean deviation of about 0.7 Gy to the delivered dose of 3.5 Gy. In the frame of RENEB, this is the second FISH-based inter-laboratory comparison. The whole exercise was planned as a response to an emergency, therefore, a triage analysis was requested for all the biomarkers except for FISH. Although a full analysis was initially requested for FISH, most of the laboratories reported only a triage-based result. The main reason is that it was not clearly stated what was required before starting the exercise. Results show that most of the laboratories successfully discriminated unexposed and irradiated samples from each other without any overlap. A good agreement in the observed frequencies of translocations was observed but there was a tendency to overestimate the delivered doses. Efforts to improve the harmonization of this technique and subsequent exercises to elucidate the reason for this trend should be promoted.
|
|
| 24. |
|
|
| 25. |
- Dulski, J., et al.
(författare)
-
Neuroacanthocytosis - Clinical variability (a report on six cases)
- 2014
-
Ingår i: Movement Disorders. - : Wiley. - 0885-3185. ; 29:Suppl 1, s. 194-194
-
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: To provide clinical clues to differential diagnosis in patients with chorea and other movement disorders with blood acanthocytes. Background: Neuroacanthocytosis (NA) is an umbrella term for neurological conditions associated with acanthocytosis. Core NA syndromes, with basal ganglia involvement and in which acanthocytosis is a frequent finding, include autosomal recessive choreaacanthocytosis (Ch-Ac) and X-linked McLeod syndrome (MLS). Due to the very low prevalence, scarcity of data and high clinical variability they may be underdiagnosed. Methods: Six male patients (pts), three diagnosed with Ch-Ac: 33-y.o.(no.1), 35-y.o.(no.2), 42-y.o.(no.3), two diagnosed with MLS: 52-y.o.(no.4), 60-y.o.(no.5) and one 62-y.o.(no.6), a brother of no.5, with clinical suspicion of MLS. The patients had an unremarkable family history and were asymptomatic until adulthood. Pts no.1,2,4,5,6 developed generalized chorea and patient no.3 had predominant bradykinesia. Pts no.1,2,3 had phonic and motor tics, additionally pts no.1 and 2 exhibited peculiar oromandibular dystonia with tongue thrusting. In pts no.2 and 3 dystonic supination of feet was observed, patient no.3 subsequently developed bilateral foot drop. Pts no. 2 and 4 had signs of muscle atrophy. Tendon reflexes were decreased or absent and electroneurography demonstrated sensorimotor neuropathy in patients no. 1,2,3,4,5, except no. 6. Generalized seizures were seen in patients no.2,3,5,6 and myoclonic jerks in patient no 1. Cognitive deterioration was reported in patients no.1,2,3,5,6. Serum creatine kinase levels were elevated in all six patients. Results: Peripheral blood smears revealed acanthocytosis in patients no.1,2,3,5,6, except no. 4. In patients no. 1 and 3 reduced expression of chorein was detected on Western blot. In patient no. 2 genetic testing showed mutations in VPS13A gene and in no.4 and 5 genetic analysis confirmed mutations in XK gene (MLS). The time from the onset of symptoms till establishing the diagnosis in patients no. 1,2,3,4,5 was 11,5,7,6,32 years respectively. Patient no.4 suddenly developed multiple organ failure and died of cardiac arrhythmia at the age of 52. Conclusions: We highlight the variability of clinical presentation of NA syndromes and the long time from the onset to diagnosis with the need to screen the blood smears in uncertain cases, however, as in one of our cases acanthocytes may even be not found.
|
|
| 26. |
|
|
| 27. |
|
|
| 28. |
|
|
| 29. |
|
|
| 30. |
- Dias, P. Joana, et al.
(författare)
-
Establishment of a taxonomic and molecular reference collection to support the identification of species regulated by the Western Australian Prevention List for Introduced Marine Pests
- 2017
-
Ingår i: Management of Biological Invasions. - : Regional Euro-Asian Biological Invasions Centre Oy (REABIC). - 1989-8649. ; 8:2, s. 215-225
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduced Marine Pests (IMP, = non-indigenous marine species) prevention, early detection and risk-based management strategies have become the priority for biosecurity operations worldwide, in recognition of the fact that, once established, the effective management of marine pests can rapidly become cost prohibitive or impractical. In Western Australia (WA), biosecurity management is guided by the Western Australian Prevention List for Introduced Marine Pests which is a policy tool that details species or genera as being of high risk to the region. This list forms the basis of management efforts to prevent introduction of these species, monitoring efforts to detect them at an early stage, and rapid response should they be detected. It is therefore essential that the species listed can be rapid and confidently identified and discriminated from native species by a range of government and industry stakeholders. Recognising that identification of these species requires very specialist expertise which may be in short supply and not readily accessible in a regulatory environment, and the fact that much publicly available data is not verifiable or suitable for regulatory enforcement, the WA government commissioned the current project to collate a reference collection of these marine pest specimens. In this work, we thus established collaboration with researchers worldwide in order to source representative specimens of the species listed. Our main objective was to build a reference collection of taxonomically vouchered specimens and subsequently to generate species-specific DNA barcodes suited to supporting their future identification. To date, we were able to obtain specimens of 75 species (representative of all but four of the pests listed) which have been identified by experts and placed with the WA Government Department of Fisheries and, where possible, in accessible museums and institutions in Australasia. The reference collection supports the fast and reliable taxonomic and molecular identification of marine pests in WA and constitutes a valuable resource for training of stakeholders with interest in IMP recognition in Australia. The reference collection is also useful in supporting the development of a variety of DNA-based detection strategies such as real-time PCR and metabarcoding of complex environmental samples (e.g. biofouling communities). The Prevention List is under regular review to ensure its continued relevance and that it remains evidence and risk-based. Similarly, its associated reference collection also remains to some extent a work in progress. In recognition of this fact, this report seeks to provide details of this continually evolving information repository publicly available to the biosecurity management community worldwide.
|
|
| 31. |
- Kulka, U., et al.
(författare)
-
Realising the European network of biodosimetry : RENEB-status quo
- 2015
-
Ingår i: Radiation Protection Dosimetry. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0144-8420 .- 1742-3406. ; 164:1-2, s. 42-45
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Creating a sustainable network in biological and retrospective dosimetry that involves a large number of experienced laboratories throughout the European Union (EU) will significantly improve the accident and emergency response capabilities in case of a large-scale radiological emergency. A well-organised cooperative action involving EU laboratories will offer the best chance for fast and trustworthy dose assessments that are urgently needed in an emergency situation. To this end, the EC supports the establishment of a European network in biological dosimetry (RENEB). The RENEB project started in January 2012 involving cooperation of 23 organisations from 16 European countries. The purpose of RENEB is to increase the biodosimetry capacities in case of large-scale radiological emergency scenarios. The progress of the project since its inception is presented, comprising the consolidation process of the network with its operational platform, intercomparison exercises, training activities, proceedings in quality assurance and horizon scanning for new methods and partners. Additionally, the benefit of the network for the radiation research community as a whole is addressed.
|
|
| 32. |
- Kulka, U., et al.
(författare)
-
Realising the European Network of Biodosimetry (RENEB)
- 2012
-
Ingår i: Radiation Protection Dosimetry. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0144-8420 .- 1742-3406. ; 151:4, s. 621-625
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In Europe, a network for biological dosimetry has been created to strengthen the emergency preparedness and response capabilities in case of a large-scale nuclear accident or radiological emergency. Through the RENEB (Realising the European Network of Biodosimetry) project, 23 experienced laboratories from 16 European countries will establish a sustainable network for rapid, comprehensive and standardised biodosimetry provision that would be urgently required in an emergency situation on European ground. The foundation of the network is formed by five main pillars: (1) the ad hoc operational basis, (2) a basis of future developments, (3) an effective quality-management system, (4) arrangements to guarantee long-term sustainability and (5) awareness of the existence of RENEB. RENEB will thus provide a mechanism for quick, efficient and reliable support within the European radiation emergency management. The scientific basis of RENEB will concurrently contribute to increased safety in the field of radiation protection.
|
|
| 33. |
- Lenarciak, A., et al.
(författare)
-
Thermal, electrical, and magnetic properties of Fe2O3-PbO-SiO2 glass prepared by traditional melt-quenching and twin roller fast-cooling methods
- 2019
-
Ingår i: Journal of Physics and Chemistry of Solids. - : Elsevier. - 0022-3697 .- 1879-2553. ; 135
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In this study, Fe-Pb-Si oxide glasses containing between 12.5 and 17.5 mol% Fe2O3 were prepared using two different methods comprising traditional melt-quenching and twin roller fast-cooling techniques. The topography and structure of the materials obtained were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. All of the materials were found to be amorphous. The topography of most of the glasses comprised random or evenly distributed nanostructures, where the size and amount were dependent on the iron content and preparation technique. The thermal properties of the glasses were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry, which showed that the glass transition temperatures varied between 529 degrees C and 552 degrees C. The electric conductivity and magnetic susceptibility of the glasses were analyzed by impedance spectroscopy and with an alternating current magnetic properties measurement system, respectively. The measurements of the electrical properties indicated a relatively low activation energy for direct current conductivity (similar to 0.5-0.68 eV), which is typical of the polaron hopping mechanism. All of the materials exhibited magnetic hysteresis loops and they were ferromagnetic.
|
|
| 34. |
- Martinelli-Boneschi, F, et al.
(författare)
-
A genome-wide association study in progressive multiple sclerosis
- 2012
-
Ingår i: Multiple sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England). - : SAGE Publications. - 1477-0970 .- 1352-4585. ; 18:10, s. 1384-1394
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: The role played by genetic factors in influencing the clinical course of multiple sclerosis (MS) is not yet well established. Objective: We aimed to identify genetic variants associated with progressive MS (PrMS). Methods: We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in 197 patients with PrMS and 234 controls of Italian origin. We tested the top 20 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with suggestive evidence of association ( p-value<10−4) in two independent sets of primary progressive MS cases and controls. Results: We identified a risk-associated SNP in the HLA region in linkage disequilibrium (LD) with DRB1*1501 and DQB*0602 loci, with genome-wide significance (rs3129934T, pcombined=6.7×10-16, OR=2.34, 95% CI=1.90–2.87), and a novel locus on chromosome 7q35 with suggestive evidence of association (rs996343G, pcombined=2.4×10-5, OR=0.70, 95% CI=0.59–0.83) which maps within a human endogenous retroviral (HERV) element. The new locus did not have a ‘ cis’ effect on RNA expression in lymphoblastic cell lines, but pathway analyses of ‘ trans’ effects point to an expression regulation of genes involved in neurodegeneration, including glutamate metabolism ( p<0.01) and axonal guidance signalling ( p<0.02). Conclusions: We have confirmed the established association with the HLA region and, despite the low statistical power of the study, we found suggestive evidence for association with a novel locus on chromosome 7, with a putative regulatory role.
|
|
| 35. |
- Olahova, M., et al.
(författare)
-
POLRMT mutations impair mitochondrial transcription causing neurological disease
- 2021
-
Ingår i: Nature Communications. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2041-1723. ; 12:1
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- While >300 disease-causing variants have been identified in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) polymerase gamma, no mitochondrial phenotypes have been associated with POLRMT, the RNA polymerase responsible for transcription of the mitochondrial genome. Here, we characterise the clinical and molecular nature of POLRMT variants in eight individuals from seven unrelated families. Patients present with global developmental delay, hypotonia, short stature, and speech/intellectual disability in childhood; one subject displayed an indolent progressive external ophthalmoplegia phenotype. Massive parallel sequencing of all subjects identifies recessive and dominant variants in the POLRMT gene. Patient fibroblasts have a defect in mitochondrial mRNA synthesis, but no mtDNA deletions or copy number abnormalities. The in vitro characterisation of the recombinant POLRMT mutants reveals variable, but deleterious effects on mitochondrial transcription. Together, our in vivo and in vitro functional studies of POLRMT variants establish defective mitochondrial transcription as an important disease mechanism. POLRMT is key for transcription of the mitochondrial genome, yet has not been implicated in mitochondrial disease to date. Here, the authors identify mutations in POLRMT in individuals with mitochondrial disease-related phenotypes and characterise underlying defects in mitochondrial transcription.
|
|
| 36. |
|
|
| 37. |
|
|
| 38. |
|
|
| 39. |
- Abend, M., et al.
(författare)
-
RENEB Inter-Laboratory Comparison 2021 : The Gene Expression Assay
- 2023
-
Ingår i: Radiation Research. - 0033-7587 .- 1938-5404. ; 199:6, s. 598-615
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Early and high-throughput individual dose estimates are essential following large-scale radiation exposure events. In the context of the Running the European Network for Biodosimetry and Physical Dosimetry (RENEB) 2021 exercise, gene expression assays were conducted and their corresponding performance for dose-assessment is presented in this publication. Three blinded, coded whole blood samples from healthy donors were exposed to 0, 1.2 and 3.5 Gy X-ray doses (240 kVp, 1 Gy/min) using the X-ray source Yxlon. These exposures correspond to clinically relevant groups of unexposed, low dose (no severe acute health effects expected) and high dose exposed individuals (requiring early intensive medical health care). Samples were sent to eight teams for dose estimation and identification of clinically relevant groups. For quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and microarray analyses, samples were lysed, stored at 20°C and shipped on wet ice. RNA isolations and assays were run in each laboratory according to locally established protocols. The time-to-result for both rough early and more precise later reports has been documented where possible. Accuracy of dose estimates was calculated as the difference between estimated and reference doses for all doses (summed absolute difference, SAD) and by determining the number of correctly reported dose estimates that were defined as ±0.5 Gy for reference doses <2.5 Gy and ±1.0 Gy for reference doses >3 Gy, as recommended for triage dosimetry. We also examined the allocation of dose estimates to clinically/diagnostically relevant exposure groups. Altogether, 105 dose estimates were reported by the eight teams, and the earliest report times on dose categories and estimates were 5 h and 9 h, respectively. The coefficient of variation for 85% of all 436 qRT-PCR measurements did not exceed 10%. One team reported dose estimates that systematically deviated several-fold from reported dose estimates, and these outliers were excluded from further analysis. Teams employing a combination of several genes generated about two-times lower median SADs (0.8 Gy) compared to dose estimates based on single genes only (1.7 Gy). When considering the uncertainty intervals for triage dosimetry, dose estimates of all teams together were correctly reported in 100% of the 0 Gy, 50% of the 1.2 Gy and 50% of the 3.5 Gy exposed samples. The order of dose estimates (from lowest to highest) corresponding to three dose categories (unexposed, low dose and highest exposure) were correctly reported by all teams and all chosen genes or gene combinations. Furthermore, if teams reported no exposure or an exposure >3.5 Gy, it was always correctly allocated to the unexposed and the highly exposed group, while low exposed (1.2 Gy) samples sometimes could not be discriminated from highly (3.5 Gy) exposed samples. All teams used FDXR and 78.1% of correct dose estimates used FDXR as one of the predictors. Still, the accuracy of reported dose estimates based on FDXR differed considerably among teams with one team's SAD (0.5 Gy) being comparable to the dose accuracy employing a combination of genes. Using the workflow of this reference team, we performed additional experiments after the exercise on residual RNA and cDNA sent by six teams to the reference team. All samples were processed similarly with the intention to improve the accuracy of dose estimates when employing the same workflow. Re-evaluated dose estimates improved for half of the samples and worsened for the others. In conclusion, this inter-laboratory comparison exercise enabled (1) identification of technical problems and corrections in preparations for future events, (2) confirmed the early and high-throughput capabilities of gene expression, (3) emphasized different biodosimetry approaches using either only FDXR or a gene combination, (4) indicated some improvements in dose estimation with FDXR when employing a similar methodology, which requires further research for the final conclusion and (5) underlined the applicability of gene expression for identification of unexposed and highly exposed samples, supporting medical management in radiological or nuclear scenarios.
|
|
| 40. |
- Ainsbury, E A, et al.
(författare)
-
REVIEW OF RETROSPECTIVE DOSIMETRY TECHNIQUES FOR EXTERNAL IONISING RADIATION EXPOSURES.
- 2011
-
Ingår i: Radiation Protection Dosimetry. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0144-8420 .- 1742-3406. ; 147:4, s. 573-592
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The current focus on networking and mutual assistance in the management of radiation accidents or incidents has demonstrated the importance of a joined-up approach in physical and biological dosimetry. To this end, the European Radiation Dosimetry Working Group 10 on 'Retrospective Dosimetry' has been set up by individuals from a wide range of disciplines across Europe. Here, established and emerging dosimetry methods are reviewed, which can be used immediately and retrospectively following external ionising radiation exposure. Endpoints and assays include dicentrics, translocations, premature chromosome condensation, micronuclei, somatic mutations, gene expression, electron paramagnetic resonance, thermoluminescence, optically stimulated luminescence, neutron activation, haematology, protein biomarkers and analytical dose reconstruction. Individual characteristics of these techniques, their limitations and potential for further development are reviewed, and their usefulness in specific exposure scenarios is discussed. Whilst no single technique fulfils the criteria of an ideal dosemeter, an integrated approach using multiple techniques tailored to the exposure scenario can cover most requirements.
|
|
| 41. |
|
|
| 42. |
- Debowska, M, et al.
(författare)
-
Association between Biomarkers of Mineral and Bone Metabolism and Removal of Calcium and Phosphate in Hemodialysis
- 2020
-
Ingår i: Blood purification. - : S. Karger AG. - 1421-9735 .- 0253-5068. ; 49:1-2, s. 71-78
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- <b><i>Background:</i></b> A significant drop of serum phosphate and calcium removal or loading during hemodialysis induce reactions in mineral and bone remodeling that may inversely affect phosphate and calcium removal during dialysis. <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> We aimed to analyze the interdependencies between biomarkers of mineral and bone metabolism and removal of phosphate and calcium during hemodialysis, as this complex relationship is not fully understood. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Three subsequent hemodialysis sessions during a 1-week treatment cycle with interdialytic periods of 2–2-3 days were monitored in 25 anuric patients. Calcium and phosphate concentrations were measured in serum before, at 1, 2, and 3 h, at the end, and 45 min after each session and in the outlet dialysate every 30 min. Biomarkers associated with mineral and bone metabolism: parathyroid hormone (PTH 1–34 and PTH 1–84), calcitonin, 25(OH)-vitamin D, fetuin-A, osteopontin, osteocalcin 1–43/49, and intact osteocalcin were assayed once in each patient before the midweek hemodialysis session. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Post-dialytic and intra-dialytic serum phosphate of midweek hemodialysis session and phosphate mass removed within 1 week correlated positively with serum PTH (0.40 < rho <0.46, <i>p</i> value <0.05). Higher concentration of serum PTH was associated with an increased level of osteocalcin. Pre-dialytic, post-dialytic, average for treatment time and average weekly concentrations of ionized calcium in serum correlated positively with serum osteocalcin. Serum osteocalcin and osteopontin levels were associated with the masses of total and ionized calcium, respectively, removed during 3 hemodialysis sessions. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> During hemodialysis, phosphate removal was associated with serum PTH, whereas calcium kinetics was influenced by serum osteocalcin and osteopontin. These results demonstrate that active processes involving biomarkers of mineral and bone metabolism are affected by the phosphate and calcium kinetics already within 4 h hemodialysis sessions.
|
|
| 43. |
- Endesfelder, D., et al.
(författare)
-
What We Have Learned from RENEB Inter-Laboratory Comparisons Since 2012 With Focus on ILC 2021
- 2023
-
Ingår i: Radiation Research. - 0033-7587 .- 1938-5404. ; 199:6, s. 616-627
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Inter-laboratory exercises are important tools within the European network for biological dosimetry and physical retrospective dosimetry (RENEB) to validate and improve the performance of member laboratories and to ensure an operational network with high quality standards for dose estimations in case of a large-scale radiological or nuclear event. In addition to the RENEB inter-laboratory comparison 2021, several inter-laboratory comparisons have been performed in the frame of RENEB for a number of assays in recent years. This publication gives an overview of RENEB inter-laboratory comparisons for biological dosimetry assays in the past and a final summary of the challenges and lessons learnt from the RENEB inter-laboratory comparison 2021. In addition, the dose estimates of all RENEB inter-laboratory comparisons since 2013 that have been conducted for the dicentric chromosome assay, the most established and applied assay, are compared and discussed.
|
|
| 44. |
- Hasle, Henrik, et al.
(författare)
-
Monosomy 7 and deletion 7q in children and adolescents with acute myeloid leukemia : an international retrospective study.
- 2007
-
Ingår i: Blood. - 0006-4971. ; 109:11, s. 4641-7
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Monosomy 7 (-7) and deletion 7q \del(7q)] are rare in childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We retrospectively collected data on 258 children with AML or refractory anemia with excess blasts in transformation (RAEB-T) and -7 or del(7q) with or without other cytogenetic aberrations \+/- other]. Karyotypes included -7 (n = 90), -7 other (n = 82), del(7q) (n = 21), and del(7q) other (n = 65). Complete remission (CR) was achieved in fewer patients with -7 +/- other compared with del(7q) +/- other (61% versus 89%, P < .001). Overall, the 5-year survival rate was 39% (SE, 3%). Survival was superior in del(7q) +/- other compared with -7 +/- other (51% versus 30%, P < .01). Cytogenetic aberrations considered favorable in AML \t(8;21)(q22;q22), inv(16)(p13q22), t(15;17)(q22;q21), t(9;11)(p22;q23)] (n = 24) were strongly associated with del(7q) and a higher 5-year survival rate compared with del(7q) without favorable cytogenetics (75% versus 46%, P = .03). Patients with -7 and inv(3),-5/del(5q), or + 21 had a 5-year survival rate of 5%. Stem cell transplantation analyzed as a time-dependent variable had no impact on overall survival. However, patients not achieving CR had a 31% survival rate after stem cell transplantation. Childhood AML with chromosome 7 aberrations represents a heterogeneous group of disorders with additional cytogenetic aberrations having a major prognostic impact which should be reflected in future risk-group stratification.
|
|
| 45. |
- Romm, H., et al.
(författare)
-
Automatic scoring of dicentric chromosomes as a tool in large scale radiation accidents
- 2013
-
Ingår i: Mutation research. Genetic toxicology and environmental mutagenesis. - : Elsevier BV. - 1383-5718 .- 1879-3592. ; 756:1-2, s. 174-183
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Mass casualty scenarios of radiation exposure require high throughput biological dosimetry techniques for population triage in order to rapidly identify individuals who require clinical treatment. The manual dicentric assay is a highly suitable technique, but it is also very time consuming and requires well trained scorers. In the framework of the MULTIBIODOSE EU FP7 project, semi-automated dicentric scoring has been established in six European biodosimetry laboratories. Whole blood was irradiated with a Co-60 gamma source resulting in 8 different doses between 0 and 4.5 Gy and then shipped to the six participating laboratories. To investigate two different scoring strategies, cell cultures were set up with short term (2-3 h) or long term (24 h) colcemid treatment. Three classifiers for automatic dicentric detection were applied, two of which were developed specifically for these two different culture techniques. The automation procedure included metaphase finding, capture of cells at high resolution and detection of dicentric candidates. The automatically detected dicentric candidates were then evaluated by a trained human scorer, which led to the term 'semi-automated' being applied to the analysis. The six participating laboratories established at least one semi-automated calibration curve each, using the appropriate classifier for their colcemid treatment time. There was no significant difference between the calibration curves established, regardless of the classifier used. The ratio of false positive to true positive dicentric candidates was dose dependent. The total staff effort required for analysing 150 metaphases using the semi-automated approach was 2 min as opposed to 60 min for manual scoring of 50 metaphases. Semi-automated dicentric scoring is a useful tool in a large scale radiation accident as it enables high throughput screening of samples for fast triage of potentially exposed individuals. Furthermore, the results from the participating laboratories were comparable which supports networking between laboratories for this assay.
|
|
| 46. |
- Romm, H., et al.
(författare)
-
VALIDATION OF SEMI-AUTOMATIC SCORING OF DICENTRIC CHROMOSOMES AFTER SIMULATION OF THREE DIFFERENT IRRADIATION SCENARIOS
- 2014
-
Ingår i: Health Physics. - 0017-9078 .- 1538-5159. ; 106:6, s. 764-771
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Large scale radiological emergencies require high throughput techniques of biological dosimetry for population triage in order to identify individuals indicated for medical treatment. The dicentric assay is the gold standard technique for the performance of biological dosimetry, but it is very time consuming and needs well trained scorers. To increase the throughput of blood samples, semi-automation of dicentric scoring was investigated in the framework of the MULTIBIODOSE EU FP7 project, and dose effect curves were established in six biodosimetry laboratories. To validate these dose effect curves, blood samples from 33 healthy donors (>10 donors/scenario) were irradiated in vitro with Co-60 gamma rays simulating three different exposure scenarios: acute whole body, partial body, and protracted exposure, with three different doses for each scenario. All the blood samples were irradiated at Ghent University, Belgium, and then shipped blind coded to the participating laboratories. The blood samples were set up by each lab using their own standard protocols, and metaphase slides were prepared to validate the calibration curves established by semi-automatic dicentric scoring. In order to achieve this, 300 metaphases per sample were captured, and the doses were estimated using the newly formed dose effect curves. After acute uniform exposure, all laboratories were able to distinguish between 0 Gy, 0.5 Gy, 2.0, and 4.0 Gy (p < 0.001), and, in most cases, the dose estimates were within a range of +/- 0.5 Gy of the given dose. After protracted exposure, all laboratories were able to distinguish between 1.0 Gy, 2.0 Gy, and 4.0 Gy (p < 0.001), and here also a large number of the dose estimates were within +/- 0.5 Gy of the irradiation dose. After simulated partial body exposure, all laboratories were able to distinguish between 2.0 Gy, 4.0 Gy, and 6.0 Gy (p < 0.001). Overdispersion of the dicentric distribution enabled the detection of the partial body samples; however, this result was clearly dose-dependent. For partial body exposures, only a few dose estimates were in the range of +/- 0.5 Gy of the given dose, but an improvement could be achieved with higher cell numbers. The new method of semi-automation of the dicentric assay was introduced successfully in a network of six laboratories. It is therefore concluded that this method can be used as a high-throughput screening tool in a large-scale radiation accident.
|
|
| 47. |
- Romm, H., et al.
(författare)
-
Web-based scoring of the dicentric assay, a collaborative biodosimetric scoring strategy for population triage in large scale radiation accidents
- 2014
-
Ingår i: Radiation and Environmental Biophysics. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0301-634X .- 1432-2099. ; 53:2, s. 241-254
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In the case of a large scale radiation accident high throughput methods of biological dosimetry for population triage are needed to identify individuals requiring clinical treatment. The dicentric assay performed in web-based scoring mode may be a very suitable technique. Within the MULTIBIODOSE EU FP7 project a network is being established of 8 laboratories with expertise in dose estimations based on the dicentric assay. Here, the manual dicentric assay was tested in a web-based scoring mode. More than 23,000 high resolution images of metaphase spreads (only first mitosis) were captured by four laboratories and established as image galleries on the internet (cloud). The galleries included images of a complete dose effect curve (0-5.0 Gy) and three types of irradiation scenarios simulating acute whole body, partial body and protracted exposure. The blood samples had been irradiated in vitro with gamma rays at the University of Ghent, Belgium. Two laboratories provided image galleries from Fluorescence plus Giemsa stained slides (3 h colcemid) and the image galleries from the other two laboratories contained images from Giemsa stained preparations (24 h colcemid). Each of the 8 participating laboratories analysed 3 dose points of the dose effect curve (scoring 100 cells for each point) and 3 unknown dose points (50 cells) for each of the 3 simulated irradiation scenarios. At first all analyses were performed in a QuickScan Mode without scoring individual chromosomes, followed by conventional scoring (only complete cells, 46 centromeres). The calibration curves obtained using these two scoring methods were very similar, with no significant difference in the linear-quadratic curve coefficients. Analysis of variance showed a significant effect of dose on the yield of dicentrics, but no significant effect of the laboratories, different methods of slide preparation or different incubation times used for colcemid. The results obtained to date within the MULTIBIODOSE project by a network of 8 collaborating laboratories throughout Europe are very promising. The dicentric assay in the web based scoring mode as a high throughput scoring strategy is a useful application for biodosimetry in the case of a large scale radiation accident.
|
|
| 48. |
|
|
| 49. |
|
|
| 50. |
- Waldner, L., et al.
(författare)
-
The 2019-2020 EURADOS WG10 and RENEB Field Test of Retrospective Dosimetry Methods in a Small-Scale Incident Involving Ionizing Radiation
- 2021
-
Ingår i: Radiation Research. - 0033-7587 .- 1938-5404. ; 195:3, s. 253-264
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- With the use of ionizing radiation comes the risk of accidents and malevolent misuse. When unplanned exposures occur, there are several methods which can be used to retrospectively reconstruct individual radiation exposures; biological methods include analysis of aberrations and damage of chromosomes and DNA, while physical methods rely on luminescence (TL/OSL) or EPR signals. To ensure the quality and dependability of these methods, they should be evaluated under realistic exposure conditions. In 2019, EURADOS Working Group 10 and RENEB organized a field test with the purpose of evaluating retrospective dosimetry methods as carried out in potential real-life exposure scenarios. A 1.36 TBq 192Ir source was used to irradiate anthropomorphic phantoms in different geometries at doses of several Gy in an outdoor open-air geometry. Materials intended for accident dosimetry (including mobile phones and blood) were placed on the phantoms together with reference dosimeters (LiF, NaCl, glass). The objective was to estimate radiation exposures received by individuals as measured using blood and fortuitous materials, and to evaluate these methods by comparing the estimated doses to reference measurements and Monte Carlo simulations. Herein we describe the overall planning, goals, execution and preliminary outcomes of the 2019 field test. Such field tests are essential for the development of new and existing methods. The outputs from this field test include useful experience in terms of planning and execution of future exercises, with respect to time management, radiation protection, and reference dosimetry to be considered to obtain relevant data for analysis.
|
|
