| 1. |
- Barack, Leor, et al.
(author)
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Black holes, gravitational waves and fundamental physics : a roadmap
- 2019
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In: Classical and quantum gravity. - : IOP Publishing. - 0264-9381 .- 1361-6382. ; 36:14
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The grand challenges of contemporary fundamental physics dark matter, dark energy, vacuum energy, inflation and early universe cosmology, singularities and the hierarchy problem all involve gravity as a key component. And of all gravitational phenomena, black holes stand out in their elegant simplicity, while harbouring some of the most remarkable predictions of General Relativity: event horizons, singularities and ergoregions. The hitherto invisible landscape of the gravitational Universe is being unveiled before our eyes: the historical direct detection of gravitational waves by the LIGO-Virgo collaboration marks the dawn of a new era of scientific exploration. Gravitational-wave astronomy will allow us to test models of black hole formation, growth and evolution, as well as models of gravitational-wave generation and propagation. It will provide evidence for event horizons and ergoregions, test the theory of General Relativity itself, and may reveal the existence of new fundamental fields. The synthesis of these results has the potential to radically reshape our understanding of the cosmos and of the laws of Nature. The purpose of this work is to present a concise, yet comprehensive overview of the state of the art in the relevant fields of research, summarize important open problems, and lay out a roadmap for future progress. This write-up is an initiative taken within the framework of the European Action on 'Black holes, Gravitational waves and Fundamental Physics'.
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| 2. |
- Bui, V, et al.
(author)
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Efficacy of a novel online integrated treatment for problem gambling and tobacco smoking: Results of a randomized controlled trial
- 2023
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In: Journal of behavioral addictions. - : Akademiai Kiado Zrt.. - 2063-5303 .- 2062-5871. ; 12:1, s. 168-181
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background and aimsProblem gambling and tobacco use are highly comorbid among adults. However, there are few treatment frameworks that target both gambling and tobacco use simultaneously (i.e., an integrated approach), while also being accessible and evidence-based. The aim of this two-arm open label RCT was to examine the efficacy of an integrated online treatment for problem gambling and tobacco use.MethodsA sample of 209 participants (Mage = 37.66, SD = 13.81; 62.2% female) from North America were randomized into one of two treatment conditions (integrated [n = 91] or gambling only [n = 118]) that lasted for eight weeks and consisted of seven online modules. Participants completed assessments at baseline, after treatment completion, and at 24-week follow-up.ResultsWhile a priori planned generalized linear mixed models showed no condition differences on primary (gambling days, money spent, time spent) and secondary outcomes, both conditions did appear to significantly reduce problem gambling and smoking behaviours over time. Post hoc analyses showed that reductions in smoking and gambling craving were correlated with reductions in days spent gambling, as well as with gambling disorder symptoms. Relatively high (versus low) nicotine replacement therapy use was associated with greater reductions in gambling behaviours in the integrated treatment condition.Discussion and conclusionsWhile our open label RCT does not support a clear benefit of integrated treatment, findings suggest that changes in smoking and gambling were correlated over time, regardless of treatment condition, suggesting that more research on mechanisms of smoking outcomes in the context of gambling treatment may be relevant.
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| 4. |
- Hao, Xiaojin, et al.
(author)
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Angiogenic effects of sequential release of VEGF-A(165) and PDGF-BB with alginate hydrogels after myocardial infarction
- 2007
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In: Cardiovascular Research. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0008-6363 .- 1755-3245. ; 28, s. 612-612
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: This study investigates whether local sequential delivery of vascular endothelial growth factor-A(165) (VEGF-A(165)) followed by platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) with alginate hydrogels could induce an angiogenic effect and functional improvement greater than single factors after myocardial infarction. Methods: Alginate hydrogels were prepared by combining high and low molecular weight alginate. Growth factor release rates were monitored over time in vitro with I-125-labelled VEGF-A(165) and PDGF-BB included in the gels. One week after myocardial infarction was induced in Fisher rats, gels with VEGF-A(165), PDGF-BB, or both were given intra-myocardially along the border of the myocardial infarction. Vessel density was analysed in hearts and cardiac function was determined by Tissue Doppler Echocardiography. In addition, the angiogenic effect of sequenced delivery was studied in vitro in aortic rings from C57B1/6 mice. Results: Alginate gets were capable of delivering VEGF-A(165) and PDGF-BB in a sustainable manner, and PDGF-BB was released more slowly than VEGF-A(165). Sequential growth factor administration led to a higher density of alpha-actin positive vessels than single factors, whereas no further increment was found in capillary density. Sequential protein delivery increased the systolic velocity-time integral and displayed a superior effect than single factors. In the aortic ring model, sequential delivery led to a higher angiogenic effect than single factor administration. Conclusions: The alginate hydrogel is an effective and promising injectable delivery system in a myocardial infarction model. Sequential growth factor delivery of VEGF-A(165) and PDGF-BB induces mature vessels and improves cardiac function more than each factor singly. This may indicate clinical utility.
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| 5. |
- Li, Ni L., et al.
(author)
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Genetic Predisposition to Multiple Myeloma at 5q15 Is Mediated by an ELL2 Enhancer Polymorphism
- 2017
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In: Cell Reports. - : Elsevier BV. - 2211-1247. ; 20:11, s. 2556-2564
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignancy of plasma cells. Genome-wide association studies have shown that variation at 5q15 influences MM risk. Here, we have sought to decipher the causal variant at 5q15 and the mechanism by which it influences tumorigenesis. We show that rs6877329 G > C resides in a predicted enhancer element that physically interacts with the transcription start site of ELL2. The rs6877329-C risk allele is associated with reduced enhancer activity and lowered ELL2 expression. Since ELL2 is critical to the B cell differentiation process, reduced ELL2 expression is consistent with inherited genetic variation contributing to arrest of plasma cell development, facilitating MM clonal expansion. These data provide evidence for a biological mechanism underlying a hereditary risk of MM at 5q15.
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