| 1. |
|
|
| 2. |
- Contarini, S., et al.
(author)
-
Euclid : cosmological forecasts from the void size function
- 2022
-
In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 667
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Euclid mission - with its spectroscopic galaxy survey covering a sky area over 15 000 deg(2) in the redshift range 0.9 < z < 1.8 - will provide a sample of tens of thousands of cosmic voids. This paper thoroughly explores for the first time the constraining power of the void size function on the properties of dark energy (DE) from a survey mock catalogue, the official Euclid Flagship simulation. We identified voids in the Flagship light-cone, which closely matches the features of the upcoming Euclid spectroscopic data set. We modelled the void size function considering a state-of-the art methodology: we relied on the volume-conserving (Vdn) model, a modification of the popular Sheth & van de Weygaert model for void number counts, extended by means of a linear function of the large-scale galaxy bias. We found an excellent agreement between model predictions and measured mock void number counts. We computed updated forecasts for the Euclid mission on DE from the void size function and provided reliable void number estimates to serve as a basis for further forecasts of cosmological applications using voids. We analysed two different cosmological models for DE: the first described by a constant DE equation of state parameter, w, and the second by a dynamic equation of state with coefficients w(0) and w(a). We forecast 1 sigma errors on w lower than 10% and we estimated an expected figure of merit (FoM) for the dynamical DE scenario FoM(w0,wa) = 17 when considering only the neutrino mass as additional free parameter of the model. The analysis is based on conservative assumptions to ensure full robustness, and is a pathfinder for future enhancements of the technique. Our results showcase the impressive constraining power of the void size function from the Euclid spectroscopic sample, both as a stand-alone probe, and to be combined with other Euclid cosmological probes.
|
|
| 3. |
|
|
| 4. |
- Pöntinen, M., et al.
(author)
-
Euclid: Identification of asteroid streaks in simulated images using deep learning
- 2023
-
In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 679
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The material composition of asteroids is an essential piece of knowledge in the quest to understand the formation and evolution of the Solar System. Visual to near-infrared spectra or multiband photometry is required to constrain the material composition of asteroids, but we currently have such data, especially in the near-infrared wavelengths, for only a limited number of asteroids. This is a significant limitation considering the complex orbital structures of the asteroid populations. Up to 150 000 asteroids will be visible in the images of the upcoming ESA Euclid space telescope, and the instruments of Euclid will offer multiband visual to near-infrared photometry and slitless near-infrared spectra of these objects. Most of the asteroids will appear as streaks in the images. Due to the large number of images and asteroids, automated detection methods are needed. A non-machine-learning approach based on the Streak Det software was previously tested, but the results were not optimal for short and/or faint streaks. We set out to improve the capability to detect asteroid streaks in Euclid images by using deep learning. We built, trained, and tested a three-step machine-learning pipeline with simulated Euclid images. First, a convolutional neural network (CNN) detected streaks and their coordinates in full images, aiming to maximize the completeness (recall) of detections. Then, a recurrent neural network (RNN) merged snippets of long streaks detected in several parts by the CNN. Lastly, gradient-boosted trees (XGBoost) linked detected streaks between different Euclid exposures to reduce the number of false positives and improve the purity (precision) of the sample. The deep-learning pipeline surpasses the completeness and reaches a similar level of purity of a non-machine-learning pipeline based on the StreakDet software. Additionally, the deep-learning pipeline can detect asteroids 0.25–0.5 magnitudes fainter than StreakDet. The deep-learning pipeline could result in a 50% increase in the number of detected asteroids compared to the StreakDet software. There is still scope for further refinement, particularly in improving the accuracy of streak coordinates and enhancing the completeness of the final stage of the pipeline, which involves linking detections across multiple exposures.
|
|
| 5. |
- Azevedo, Flavio, et al.
(author)
-
Social and moral psychology of COVID-19 across 69 countries
- 2023
-
In: Scientific Data. - : NATURE PORTFOLIO. - 2052-4463. ; 10:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)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.
|
|
| 6. |
- Van Bavel, Jay J., et al.
(author)
-
National identity predicts public health support during a global pandemic
- 2022
-
In: Nature Communications. - : Nature Portfolio. - 2041-1723. ; 13:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)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.
|
|
| 7. |
- Wigerblad, G., et al.
(author)
-
Autoantibodies to citrullinated proteins induce joint pain independent of inflammation via a chemokine-dependent mechanism
- 2016
-
In: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. - : BMJ. - 0003-4967 .- 1468-2060. ; 75:4, s. 730-738
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: An interesting and so far unexplained feature of chronic pain in autoimmune disease is the frequent disconnect between pain and inflammation. This is illustrated well in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) where pain in joints (arthralgia) may precede joint inflammation and persist even after successful anti-inflammatory treatment. In the present study, we have addressed the possibility that autoantibodies against citrullinated proteins (ACPA), present in RA, may be directly responsible for the induction of pain, independent of inflammation. METHODS: Antibodies purified from human patients with RA, healthy donors and murinised monoclonal ACPA were injected into mice. Pain-like behaviour was monitored for up to 28 days, and tissues were analysed for signs of pathology. Mouse osteoclasts were cultured and stimulated with antibodies, and supernatants analysed for release of factors. Mice were treated with CXCR1/2 (interleukin (IL) 8 receptor) antagonist reparixin. RESULTS: Mice injected with either human or murinised ACPA developed long-lasting pronounced pain-like behaviour in the absence of inflammation, while non-ACPA IgG from patients with RA or control monoclonal IgG were without pronociceptive effect. This effect was coupled to ACPA-mediated activation of osteoclasts and release of the nociceptive chemokine CXCL1 (analogue to human IL-8). ACPA-induced pain-like behaviour was reversed with reparixin. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that CXCL1/IL-8, released from osteoclasts in an autoantibody-dependent manner, produces pain by activating sensory neurons. The identification of this new pain pathway may open new avenues for pain treatment in RA and also in other painful diseases associated with autoantibody production and/or osteoclast activation.
|
|
| 8. |
|
|
| 9. |
|
|
| 10. |
|
|
| 11. |
- Sakuraba, K, et al.
(author)
-
METABOLIC CHANGES INDUCED BY ANTI-MALONDIALDEHYDE/MALINDIALDEHYDE-ACETALDEHYDE ANTIBODIES PROMOTE OSTEOCLAST DEVELOPMENT
- 2020
-
In: ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES. - : BMJ. - 0003-4967 .- 1468-2060. ; 79, s. 934-935
-
Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Malondialdehyde (MDA) is a highly reactive compound produced by lipid-peroxidation in situations associated with oxidative stress. MDA can irreversibly modify proteins residues such as lysine, arginine and histidine. In addition, MDA adducts can further react with acetaldehyde to generate malondialdehyde-acetaldehyde (MAA) modifications. Such modifications can give rise to immunogenic neo-epitopes that are recognized by autoantibodies. In fact, anti-MDA/MAA IgG antibodies are significantly increased in the serum of patients with autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (1) and systemic lupus erythematosus (2). Recently, we have shown that anti-MDA/MAA IgG antibodies are able to promote osteoclast (OC) differentiationin vitro(1).Objectives:To investigate the molecular mechanisms triggered by anti-MDA/MAA autoantibodies during osteoclastogenesis.Methods:OCs were generated from monocyte-derived macrophages in the presence of the cytokines RANK-L and M-CSF. The development of OCs was monitored by light microscopy following tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining and erosion area on synthetic calcium phosphate-coated plates. Three different recombinant human monoclonal anti-MDA/MAA antibodies, cloned from single synovial B cells of RA patients, control antibodies and Fab fragments of the antibodies were added to OC cultures. Glycolysis was inhibited by 2-deoxyglucose, and Fc-gamma receptor I or II by anti-CD64 or anti-CD16 neutralizing antibodies. IL-8 levels were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Cellular metabolism was monitored using Seahorse XF Analyzer (extracellular acidification rate and oxygen consumption) and a colorimetric L-Lactate assay.Results:Lactic acid production correlated with the osteoclastogenetic effect of some but not all anti-MDA/MAA antibodies on OCs (R=0.4758, p=0.0252) suggesting an antibody-mediated regulation of glycolysis. Further, extracellular acidification (ECAR) and oxygen consumption (OCR) rate of the developing OCs were increased by the osteoclastogenic anti-MDA/MAA clones (maximum increase of 54% for the ECAR and 78% for the OCR by clone 146+:01G07, and maximum increase of 28% for the ECAR and 39% for the OCR by clone 1103:01H05), but not by the non-osteoclastogenetic anti-MDA/MAA clones or control antibodies. The glycolysis inhibitor 2-deoxyglucose completely abolished the osteoclastogenetic effect of the anti-MDA/MAA clones at drug concentrations that did not influenced baseline OC development. Fab2 fragments of the osteocalstogenetic anti-MDA/MAA clones had no effect on OC development and metabolism. In accordance with this, Fc-gamma receptor I neutralizing antibodies completely abolished the osteocalstogenetic effect of the anti-MDA/MAA clones. The osteoclastogenetic effect of the anti-MDA/MAA antibodies was independent of IL-8 production. In contrast to anti MDA/MAA antibodies, ACPA-mediated osteoclastogenesis was independent of glycolysis and Fc-gamma receptors but dependent on IL-8.Conclusion:Our results describe a novel glycolysis-dependent mechanism by which anti-MDA/MAA antibodies promote osteoclast development that is different from the one previously described for ACPA.References:[1] C. Grönwall et al. Journal of Autoimmunity 84 (2017) 29-45.[2] C. Wang et al. Arthritis and Rheumatism 62 (2010) 2064-2072Disclosure of Interests:Koji Sakuraba: None declared, Akilan Krishnamurthy: None declared, Alexandra Circiumaru: None declared, Meng Sun: None declared, Vijay Joshua: None declared, Marianne Engström: None declared, Xiaowei Zheng: None declared, Cheng Xu: None declared, Khaled Amara: None declared, Vivianne Malmström Grant/research support from: VM has had research grants from Janssen Pharmaceutica, Sergiu-Bogdan Catrina: None declared, Caroline Grönwall: None declared, Bence Réthi: None declared, Anca Catrina: None declared
|
|
| 12. |
- Sakuraba, K, et al.
(author)
-
METABOLIC CHANGES INDUCED BY ANTI-MALONDIALDEHYDE/MALINDIALDEHYDE- ACETALDEHYDE ANTIBODIES PROMOTE OSTEOCLAST DEVELOPMENT
- 2021
-
In: ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES. - : BMJ. - 0003-4967 .- 1468-2060. ; 80, s. 429-429
-
Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Malondialdehyde (MDA) is a highly reactive compound generated during lipid-peroxidation in conditions associated with oxidative stress. MDA can irreversibly modify proteins (e.g. lysine, arginine and histidine residues). In addition, acetaldehyde can further react with MDA adducts to form malondialdehyde-acetaldehyde (MAA) modification. Such protein modifications can lead to immunogenic neo-epitopes that are recognized by autoantibodies. In fact, anti-MDA/MAA IgG antibodies are significantly increased in the serum of patients with autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (1). Interestingly, anti-MDA/MAA antibodies have been shown to promote osteoclast (OC) differentiation in vitro suggesting a potential role for these autoantibodies in bone damage associated with RA (1).Objectives:Little is known about the molecular mechanisms activated by autoantibodies in RA. Here, we elucidate the pathways specifically triggered by anti-MDA/MAA autoantibodies in developing osteoclasts.Methods:Recombinant human monoclonal anti-MDA/MAA antibodies, which were previously cloned from single synovial B cells of RA patients, were added to different OC assays. OCs were generated from monocyte-derived macrophages in the presence of the cytokines RANK-L and M-CSF. OC development was monitored by light microscopy following tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining and by erosion assays using calcium phosphate-coated plates. Bone morphometrics were studied in anti-MDA/MAA-injected mice using X-ray microscopy. Cellular metabolism was analyzed by mass spectrometry, Seahorse XF Analyzer and a colorimetric L-Lactate assay.Results:Anti-MDA/MAA antibodies induced a robust OC differentiation in vitro and bone loss in vivo. The anti-MDA/MAA antibodies acted on developing OCs by increasing glycolysis via an Fcγ receptor I-mediated pathway and the upregulation of the transcription factors HIF-1α, Myc and CHREBP. Such regulation of cellular metabolism was exclusively observed in the presence of the osteoclastogenic anti-MDA/MAA clones, whereas other RA-associated autoantibodies (anti-MDA/MAA or anti-citrullinated protein antibodies) had no effect on metabolism. The anti-MDA/MAA treatment induced a shift in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle activity in developing OCs, leading to the accumulation of citrate and aconitate.Conclusion:We described a novel type of autoantibody-induced pathway in RA, which might contribute to increased OC activation and a consequent bone loss. Anti-MDA/MAA antibodies promoted osteoclast development by increasing glycolysis and by modulating the TCA cycle through a signaling pathway that included Fcγ receptor I and a network of transcription factors acting on glycolysis. A TCA cycle bias towards citrate production suggests that the anti-MDA/MAA antibodies might stimulate OCs via increasing lipid biosynthesis in the cells.References:[1]Grönwall C. et al. J. Autoimmunity 84 (2017): 29-45.Acknowledgements:This Project has received funding from FOREUM, Foundation for Research in Rheumatology, from the European Research Council (ERC) grant agreement CoG 2017 - 7722209_PREVENT RA, the EU/EFPIA Innovative Medicine Initiative grant agreement 777357_RTCure, the Konung Gustaf V:s och Drottning Victorias Frimurarestiftelse and Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation.Disclosure of Interests:Koji Sakuraba: None declared, Akilan Krishnamurthy: None declared, Alexandra Circiumaru: None declared, Vijay Joshua: None declared, Heidi Wähämaa: None declared, Marianne Engström: None declared, Meng Sun: None declared, Xiaowei Zheng: None declared, Cheng Xu: None declared, Khaled Amara: None declared, Vivianne Malmström Grant/research support from: collaboration with Pfizer, unrelated to the abstract, Sergiu-Bogdan Catrina: None declared, Caroline Grönwall: None declared, Bence Réthi: None declared, Anca Catrina Grant/research support from: collaboration with BMS and Pfizer, unrelated to the present abstract
|
|
| 13. |
|
|
| 14. |
- Sun, M, et al.
(author)
-
DIVERSITY OF ANTI-CITRULLINATED PROTEIN ANTIBODY COMPOSITIONS INFLUENCE SYNOVIAL FIBROBLAST REACTIVITY
- 2020
-
In: ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES. - : BMJ. - 0003-4967 .- 1468-2060. ; 79, s. 569-570
-
Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) play an important role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathogenesis. We hypothesized that the effect of these antibodies is mediated by their binding to synovial fibroblasts and inducing an increased mobility of fibroblasts1.Objectives:In our study, we analyzed and compared fibroblast modulation by ACPA pools obtained from different patients or by a set of monoclonal ACPAs with different fine specificity that were obtained from different tissue sites.Methods:Synovial fibroblasts were isolated from RA patients synovial tissue biopsies. Individual polyclonal ACPA and control IgGs were purified from sera of four ACPA-positive RA patients by affinity purification on protein G and CCP-2 columns. Monoclonal antibodies were derived from memory B cell isolated from blood2, synovial fluid or bronchoalveolar lavage of RA patients. Whole antibodies and F(ab’)2 fragments were tested in fibroblast migration using IncuCyte live-cell analysis. Blocking experiments were performed with soluble citrullinated proteins in SF migration. Cross-reactivity of the antibodies to citrullinated and acetylated epitopes was tested using PAD inhibitors (Cl-amidine and GSK199), histone acetyltransferases (anacardic acid) and deacetylases (trichostatin A). Binding patterns of monoclonal ACPAs, both whole and F(ab’)2 fragments were analyzed in synovial biopsies obtained from both healthy donors and RA patients.Results:Three out of four tested individual ACPA were able to promote fibroblast migration. Five out of nine tested monoclonal ACPAs stimulated fibroblast migration. One of these antibodies, clone 1325:01B09 is characterized by cross-reactivity to citrullinated, homocitrullinated and acetylated targets. The effect of 1325:01B09 on fibroblast migration was completely abolished by Cl-amidine or by pre-incubating the antibody with citrullinated fibrinogen or histone but not citrullinated enolase or vimentin. Despite the cross-reactivity to acetylated epitopes, neither anacardic acid nor trichostatin A could modulate the 1325:01B09 effect on fibroblast migration. F(ab’)2 fragments of this antibody stimulated fibroblast migration and labelled podoplanin-positive fibroblasts in inflamed RA synovium similarly to the intact antibody, indicating an Fc-independent effect.Conclusion:The effect on fibroblast mobility was likely to be mediated by binding to citrullinated epitopes but not through Fc receptors. Detection of fibroblast modulating ACPAs in majority of RA patients indicated that fibroblasts might be key cellular targets in disease pathogenesis, although individual variability might exist in the composition of ACPA cellular targets.References:[1]Sun M, Rethi B, Krishnamurthy A, et al. Anticitrullinated protein antibodies facilitate migration of synovial tissue-derived fibroblasts. Ann Rheum Dis 2019;78(12):1621-31. doi: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2018-214967 [published Online First: 2019/09/05][2]Amara K, Lena Israelsson, Ragnhild Stålesen, et al. A Refined Protocol for Identifying Citrulline-specific Monoclonal Antibodies from Single Human B Cells from Rheumatoid Arthritis Patient Material. Bio-protocol 2019;9(16)Disclosure of Interests:Meng Sun: None declared, Bence Réthi: None declared, Akilan Krishnamurthy: None declared, Vijay Joshua: None declared, Alexandra Circiumaru: None declared, Marianne Engström: None declared, Caroline Grönwall: None declared, Vivianne Malmström Grant/research support from: VM has had research grants from Janssen Pharmaceutica, Khaled Amara: None declared, Lars Klareskog: None declared, Heidi Wähämaa: None declared, Anca Catrina: None declared
|
|
| 15. |
|
|
| 16. |
- Zhang, Haofei, et al.
(author)
-
Monoterpenes are the largest source of summertime organic aerosol in the southeastern United States
- 2018
-
In: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. - : Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. - 0027-8424 .- 1091-6490. ; 115:9, s. 2038-2043
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The chemical complexity of atmospheric organic aerosol (OA) has caused substantial uncertainties in understanding its origins and environmental impacts. Here, we provide constraints on OA origins through compositional characterization with molecular-level details. Our results suggest that secondary OA (SOA) from monoterpene oxidation accounts for approximately half of summertime fine OA in Centreville, AL, a forested area in the southeastern United States influenced by anthropogenic pollution. We find that different chemical processes involving nitrogen oxides, during days and nights, play a central role in determining the mass of monoterpene SOA produced. These findings elucidate the strong anthropogenic–biogenic interaction affecting ambient aerosol in the southeastern United States and point out the importance of reducing anthropogenic emissions, especially under a changing climate, where biogenic emissions will likely keep increasing.
|
|
| 17. |
- Amara, S., et al.
(author)
-
Experimental study of a concentration heating system with optical fiber supply
- 2009
-
In: Abstract book and proceedings : Effstock 2009. - Stockholm : Energi- och Miljötekniska Föreningen / EMTF Förlag.
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The buildings thermal function is important to provide comfort to its tenants. This means to provide cooling during hot seasons and/or heating in cold season. Current study concerns modelling of a new design of thermal photo sensors that results in a more efficient heating for Tlemcen site, Algeria.
|
|
| 18. |
- Amara, S., et al.
(author)
-
Experimental study of a domestic hot water storage tank thermal behaviour
- 2009
-
In: Abstract book and proceedings : Effstock 2009. - Stockholm : Energi- och Miljötekniska Föreningen / EMTF Förlag.
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Much work has been carried out on hot water storage during the last 20-30 years, particularly on solar heat applications. Theoretical and experimental studies on the internal heat transfer have been made at laboratory scale and at larger scales. Current study, which was conducted in order to understand the stratification phenomena, involved an experimental study on the thermal behaviour in a hot water tank during charging and discharging for domestic hot water storage. Results showed no effect of stratification due to the injection fluid from the bottom of the tank and the effect of mixed convection induced by the temperature difference which created a mixture inside the tank, where the temperature was uniform across the height, and the apparition of stratification due to the fact of discharge from the bottom of the tank.
|
|
| 19. |
- Chndrasekhararao, A. V., et al.
(author)
-
Phytoplankton response to the contrasting physical regimes in the eastern Arabian Sea during north east monsoon
- 2018
-
In: Journal of Marine Systems. - : Elsevier BV. - 0924-7963 .- 1879-1573.
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Phytoplankton abundance and composition in two contrasting physical regimes - convective mixing in the northeastern Arabian Sea (NEAS) and Arabian Sea mini warm pool (ASMWP) in the southeastern Arabian Sea(SEAS) - were investigated during the northeast monsoon (NEM) of 2015 and 2017. Observations in 2015 were carried out late during the season, and only one station in the north (at 21°N latitude) fell within the zone of convective mixing where microplankton was dominated by diatoms. In 2017, convective mixing occurred even at 16°N latitude, but the microplankton contribution was low, presumably due to low Si/N ratios. Within the convective mixing regime of the NEAS, chlorophyll (Chl) concentrations were higher in 2015 (maximum1080 ng L-1; average 493 ng L-1) than in 2017 (maximum 673 ng L-1; average 263 ng L-1). In contrast, picophytoplankton was dominant in the ASMWP of the SEAS with peak abundance associated with the subsurface chlorophyll maximum. A warm core eddy was present in 2015 in the SEAS where four times higherProchlorococcus counts were found within the core of the eddy than at its periphery. This study provides the first description of the phytoplankton community in the ASMWP. Our results clearly demonstrate phytoplankton response to the contrasting physical conditions, highlighting the role of biophysical coupling in the productivity of the Arabian Sea
|
|
| 20. |
|
|
| 21. |
|
|
| 22. |
|
|
| 23. |
|
|
| 24. |
|
|
| 25. |
|
|
| 26. |
|
|
| 27. |
|
|
| 28. |
|
|
| 29. |
- Amara-Gahete, Francisco J, et al.
(author)
-
Energy expenditure differences across lying,sitting, and standing positions in younghealthy adults
- 2019
-
In: PLOS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 14:7
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The time spent in sedentary behaviour represents an important public health burden. Toreduce sedentary time in the general population, the simplest, most effective, and mostaccessible method is to decrease lying and sitting time. We aimed to compare differenceson energy expenditure (EE) across lying, sitting, and standing positions; and to analyse theassociations between the change on EE of changing from one position to another andanthropometric and body composition parameters in young healthy adults. A total of 55(69% women) young healthy adults aged 21.7 ± 2.2 participated in the study. We measuredEE by indirect calorimetry across lying, sitting, and standing positions following the standardprocedures. The EE was significantly higher in standing than in both lying and sitting positions(mean difference: 0.121±0.292 and 0.125±0.241 kcal/min, respectively; all P<0.001),and no differences were observed between lying and sitting positions (P = 1.000). Therewas a negative association between the EE differences in sitting vs. standing position andlean body mass (P = 0.048), yet no associations between EE differences with the rest of theanthropometric and body composition parameters were observed in each position pair studied(all P>0.321). Our findings support the fact that increasing the time spent standing couldbe a simple strategy to slightly increase EE. Therefore, our results have important clinicalimplications including a better monitoring, characterizing, and promoting countermeasuresto sedentariness through low-level physical activities.
|
|
| 30. |
|
|
| 31. |
|
|
| 32. |
|
|
| 33. |
|
|
| 34. |
|
|
| 35. |
|
|
| 36. |
- Amara, Sofiane, et al.
(author)
-
Concentration heating system with optical fiber supply
- 2011
-
In: Energy Procedia. - : Elsevier BV. - 1876-6102. ; 6, s. 805-814
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper reports on an experimental realization and field testing of a recently proposed solar fiber optic mini dish light concentrator connected to a hot water accumulator. The prototype dish is 150 cm in diameter. In repeated test the collected and concentrated sunlight was transported in a one millimeter diameter optical fiber to a selective surface in the storage tank. This surface absorbs the radiation which remains trapped inside as it heat exchanges with tank fluid which temperature can reach 70 °C.
|
|
| 37. |
|
|
| 38. |
|
|
| 39. |
- Amara, Umme, et al.
(author)
-
Molecular Intercommunication between the Complement and Coagulation Systems
- 2010
-
In: Journal of Immunology. - : The American Association of Immunologists. - 0022-1767 .- 1550-6606. ; 185:9, s. 5628-5636
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The complement system as well as the coagulation system has fundamental clinical implications in the context of life-threatening tissue injury and inflammation. Associations between both cascades have been proposed, but the precise molecular mechanisms remain unknown. The current study reports multiple links for various factors of the coagulation and fibrinolysis cascades with the central complement components C3 and C5 in vitro and ex vivo. Thrombin, human coagulation factors (F) XIa, Xa, and IXa, and plasmin were all found to effectively cleave C3 and C5. Mass spectrometric analyses identified the cleavage products as C3a and C5a, displaying identical molecular weights as the native anaphylatoxins C3a and C5a. Cleavage products also exhibited robust chemoattraction of human mast cells and neutrophils, respectively. Enzymatic activity for C3 cleavage by the investigated clotting and fibrinolysis factors is defined in the following order: FXa > plasmin > thrombin > FIXa > FXIa > control. Furthermore, FXa-induced cleavage of C3 was significantly suppressed in the presence of the selective FXa inhibitors fondaparinux and enoxaparin in a concentration-dependent manner. Addition of FXa to human serum or plasma activated complement ex vivo, represented by the generation of C3a, C5a, and the terminal complement complex, and decreased complement hemolytic serum activity that defines exact serum concentration that results in complement-mediated lysis of 50% of sensitized sheep erythrocytes. Furthermore, in plasma from patients with multiple injuries (n = 12), a very early appearance and correlation of coagulation (thrombin-antithrombin complexes) and the complement activation product C5a was found. The present data suggest that coagulation/fibrinolysis proteases may act as natural C3 and C5 convertases, generating biologically active anaphylatoxins, linking both cascades via multiple direct interactions in terms of a complex serine protease system. The Journal of Immunology, 2010, 185: 5628-5636.
|
|
| 40. |
- Ben Amara, Heithem, 1984, et al.
(author)
-
Bone healing around biodegradable Magnesium implants: Differential response between interfacial and near-implant bone in vivo
- 2022
-
In: 14th Symposium on Biodegradable Metals, Alicante, Spain 24-29 August 2022.
-
Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- INTRODUCTION: By virtue of their mechanical properties and of their degradation, magnesium (Mg)-based osteosynthesis systems are metallic implants that hold the fractured bones while eliminated in situ, thus offering the promise of reduced complications posed by permanent implants. A growing amount of research validated Mg-based implants for bone fixation by providing robust evidence in support of new bone deposition in contact with the interfacial degradation layer. Whereas Mg-degradation products are known to distribute in the implant environment, less attention has been paid to the bone response at distance from the implant interface. The present study investigated the structural, cellular, and molecular events taking place at the bone-Mg implant interface and at distance from it after in vivo implantation in an experimental rat model. METHODS: Following approval by the Local Ethical Committee at the University of Gothenburg (Dnr: 14790/2019), male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=56) were implanted with miniature screws manufactured from pure magnesium (99.99% - high purity; Mg) or from pure titanium (grade 4; Ti) (herein, serving as a control, enabling osseointegration in this model). In each animal, the metaphysis of the left and right tibiae was drilled prior to the insertion of Ti or Mg screws. After 3 and 28 days, animals were euthanized, and two types of samples were retrieved (Fig. 1): 1-Implants and peri-implant bone for quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) (n=8/group/time-point): were separately collected and allocated for molecular gene expression of the implant-adherent cells and of the cells in the peri-implant space. 2-Peri-implant bone with implants en bloc for paraffin or plastic embedding (n=6/group/time-point): enabling radiographical analyses using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and histomorphometrical measurements of the bone at the implant interface and at distance from it. Statistical comparisons were made between experimental groups at each time point and between time-points for each experimental group. (Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests; p<0.05). RESULTS: While histological observations provided evidence of new bone formation at the vicinity of both Ti and Mg, the bone marrow at distance from the implant-interface featured morphological differences between groups (Fig. 2). At 3 days, the proportion of the interstitial and microvascular area was significantly higher at the expense of the area occupied by the hematopoietic cells in Mg- vs Ti-implanted metaphyses. At 28 days, bone marrow around Mg implants showed significantly higher adiposity in comparison to Ti implants. Yet, no differences in the trabecular bone micro-architecture were detected between biomaterials by micro-CT analysis at distance from the implant-interface. The RNA extracted from cells from the implant surface and from the peri-implant bone revealed good quality, allowing detailed molecular analysis. CONCLUSIONS: In comparison to non-degradable Ti controls, the degradation of Mg implants changes the composition of the peri-implant bone marrow, but yet without alteration of new bone formation at the implant interface. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Mg rods were generously provided by the Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Geesthacht, Germany. This project is part of the European Training Network within the framework of Horizon 2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action No 811226.
|
|
| 41. |
- Ben Amara, Heithem, 1984, et al.
(author)
-
Dissecting the sequential interaction between biodegradable magnesium implants and soft tissues in vivo
- 2022
-
In: Materials Science and Engineering Congress, Dredsen, Germany, 27-29 September 2022.
-
Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Magnesium-based biomaterials are developed with the intention to enable tissue regeneration while being degraded under physiological conditions and eventually eliminated from the body. Once in contact with tissues, the biodegradability and the biocompatibility of magnesium implants (Mg) are governed by the direct interactions with their immediate milieu. The precise mechanisms through which the soft tissue micro-environment shapes the behaviour of Mg and the host-response remain elusive. Here, it is demonstrated that Mg degradation modulates the initial acute immune response and the subsequent fibrous encapsulation upon subcutaneous implantation in rats monitored at 1-, 3-, 6-, 14- and 28-days following surgery. In comparison to titanium implants (Ti), the initial profuse release of Mg degradation products activates pro-inflammatory pathways through increased recruitment of inflammatory cells to the soft tissue/implant interface and upregulation of pro-inflammatory genes, in parallel with a superior neo-angiogenesis and vascularization at Mg. After 6d, a shift in Mg degradation kinetics dissipates the initial pro-inflammatory response and facilitates the assembly of a comparatively thinner fibrous tissue capsule than around Ti. The reduction in the fibrous encapsulation around the Mg implant aligns with a superior expression of anti-fibrotic marker FOXO-1 at the tissue interface with Mg versus Ti. Mg induce an initial potent yet transient inflammatory response, which is associated with less adverse fibrous encapsulation after tissue healing. Tailoring Mg with controlled initial degradation appears to be crucial to enabling a successful coupling between inflammation and tissue repair during the early host response to Mg.
|
|
| 42. |
- Ben Amara, Heithem, 1984, et al.
(author)
-
Immunomodulation by biodegradable Mg-implants promotes soft and hard tissues responses in vivo
- 2023
-
In: Scandinavian Society of Biomaterials conference, 21–24 March 2023, Røros, Norway.
-
Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- INTRODUCTION: Magnesium (Mg)-based degradable implants are an attractive treatment solution for musculoskeletal injuries, avoiding second-stage surgical removal. In multiple clinical applications, the implant is in contact with both the bone and the overlying soft tissue. Although Mg implants are often presented to hold anti-inflammatory properties, less attention has been paid to the sequential response to these implants including initial immune response and subsequent tissue repair. The present study investigated the molecular, cellular, and structural events taking place at the Mg implant interface to soft tissue and bone after in vivo implantation in dedicated experimental rat models. METHODS: Male Sprague Dawley rats received disc-shaped implants in the dorsum subcutis or screw-shaped implants in the proximal tibial metaphysis. Implants were manufactured from pure magnesium (99.99% - high purity; Mg) or from pure titanium (grade 4; Ti) as control. Animals were euthanized after 1, 3, 6, 14, and 28 day of soft tissue implantation, and after 3 and 28 days of bone implantation. Two types of samples were collected: 1-Implants with the adherent cells (n=7-8/group/time-point). These were allocated for cell counting and /or gene expression analyses of implant-adherent cells. 2-Peri-implant tissue with implants (n = 8/group/time-point). These enabled histological and histomorphometric analyses of the fibrous capsule organization around implants inserted in soft tissues and of osseointegration parameters at the bone-implant interface. Statistical comparisons between experimental groups were run using Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney tests (p<0.05). RESULTS: Cells adherent to the surface of the implants featured different gene regulation patterns between Mg and Ti groups (Fig. 1). Consistently in soft tissue and in bone, macrophage polarization markers indicated higher expression of proinflammatory macrophage gene inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNos) initially at Mg versus Ti (3 d in bone and 1-6 d in soft tissue). Afterward, gene expression of both macrophage subtypes markers (proinflammatory – iNos and prohealing – Mannose receptor c1; Mrc1) was comparable between implants, irrespective of their insertion site. Histomorphometry evidenced superior bone-implant contact (at 28 d in bone) and thinner fibrous capsule (at 6-28 d in soft tissue) for Mg versus Ti. CONCLUSIONS: In comparison to non-degradable Ti, both soft tissue and bone responses to biodegradable Mg featured an initial yet transient gene activation of the macrophage proinflammatory subtype. Such immunomodulation by Mg resulted in the reduction of fibrous encapsulation in soft tissue and in the promotion of bone formation at the bone-implant interface. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Mg implants were generously provided by Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Geesthacht, Germany. This project is part of the European Training Network within the framework of Horizon 2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action No 811226.
|
|
| 43. |
- Ben Amara, Heithem, 1984, et al.
(author)
-
In vivo interaction between biodegradable magnesium implants and soft tissue Part II: Kinetics of the cellular response at the host-implant interface
- 2021
-
In: 13th Biometal Conference, 23-26 August 2021, Virtual Conference..
-
Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- INTRODUCTION: Regenerative therapies often engage multiple tissues. Soft tissue complications (e.g. dehiscences and infection) may violate successful bone regeneration. Magnesium (Mg)-based degradable implants is a promising treatment alternative for musculoskeletal injuries, avoiding second-stage surgical removal. In several clinical applications, the implant is in contact with both the bone and the overlying soft tissue. Whereas the bone response to Mg implants has been a major research focus, less attention has been paid to the soft tissue response. The present study investigated the spatial and temporal molecular, cellular and structural events taking place at the soft tissue-Mg implant interface after in vivo implantation in an experimental rat model. METHODS: Following approval by the Local Ethical Committee at the University of Gothenburg (Dnr 02437/2018), female Sprague-Dawley rats (n=90) were implanted with discs manufactured from pure magnesium (99.99% - high purity; Mg) or from pure titanium (grade 4; Ti) (herein, employed as a control, possessing biocompatibility properties). Subcutaneous pockets were surgically created in the animal dorsum and were implanted with: 1- Ti; or 2- Mg discs; or 3- left without implants (Sham Ti or Sham Mg). After 1, 3, 6, 14 and 28 days, animals were euthanized, and three types of samples were retrieved: 1-Implants with the adherent cells (n=8/group/time-point): for cell counting and molecular gene expression of the implant-adherent cells. 2-Peri-implant exudate (n=8/group/time-point): for analyses of the number, type, viability, and gene expression of cells in the peri-implant space. 3-Peri-implant tissue with implants (n=8/group/time-point): enabling histological and histomorphometric analyses of soft tissue and fibrous capsule organization around the implant. Statistical comparisons were made between experimental groups at each time point and between time-points for each experimental group. (Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests; p<0.05). RESULTS: Cells recruited to the exudates and adherent to the surface of the implants featured different kinetics between Mg and Ti groups. At the surface of Mg implant, the number of adherent cells sharply increased from 1 day to reach a peak at 6 days, thereafter decreasing toward 28 days. The ratio of implant-adherent/exudate cells was significantly higher at Mg vs Ti after 6 days, whereas the reverse was detected after 28 days. RNA extracted from cells from the different compartments revealed good quality, allowing detailed molecular analysis. After 28d, the fibrous capsule around Mg implants was significantly thinner than around Ti. CONCLUSIONS: In comparison to non-degradable Ti controls, soft tissue healing around biodegradable Mg implants is characterized by an early, intense, but yet transient, cellular influx in the immediate vicinity of the implant surface, and, at later stage, with a reduced fibrotic encapsulation. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Mg implants were generously provided by the Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Geesthacht, Germany. This project is part of the European Training Network within the framework of Horizon 2020 Marie Skodowska-Curie Action No 811226.
|
|
| 44. |
- Ben Amara, Heithem, 1984, et al.
(author)
-
Magnesium implant degradation provides immunomodulatory and proangiogenic effects and attenuates peri-implant fibrosis in soft tissues
- 2023
-
In: Bioactive Materials. - : Elsevier BV. - 2452-199X. ; 26, s. 353-369
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Implants made of magnesium (Mg) are increasingly employed in patients to achieve osteosynthesis while degrading in situ. Since Mg implants and Mg2+ have been suggested to possess anti-inflammatory properties, the clinically observed soft tissue inflammation around Mg implants is enigmatic. Here, using a rat soft tissue model and a 1-28 d observation period, we determined the temporo-spatial cell distribution and behavior in relation to sequential changes of pure Mg implant surface properties and Mg2+ release. Compared to nondegradable titanium (Ti) implants, Mg degradation exacerbated initial inflammation. Release of Mg degradation products at the tissue-implant interface, culminating at 3 d, actively initiated chemotaxis and upregulated mRNA and protein immunomodulatory markers, particularly inducible nitric oxide synthase and toll-like receptor-4 up to 6 d, yet without a cytotoxic effect. Increased vascularization was demonstrated morphologically, preceded by high expression of vascular endothelial growth factor. The transition to appropriate tissue repair coincided with implant surface enrichment of Ca and P and reduced peri-implant Mg2+ concentration. Mg implants revealed a thinner fibrous encapsulation compared with Ti. The detailed understanding of the relationship between Mg material properties and the spatial and time-resolved cellular processes provides a basis for the interpretation of clinical observations and future tailoring of Mg implants.
|
|
| 45. |
- Ben Amara, Heithem, 1984, et al.
(author)
-
Promoting soft and hard tissue repair via immunomodulation by the surface degradation of magnesium implants in vivo
- 2023
-
In: Materials for Tomorrow conference by Chalmers University of Technology, 8-10 November 2023, Gothenburg, Sweden.
-
Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- INTRODUCTION: Magnesium (Mg) is a reactive metallic biomaterial that degrades via surface corrosion upon contact with body fluids. By virtue of its degradation and mechanical properties, Mg implants are currently employed with success to treat musculoskeletal injuries and avoid second-stage surgical removal 1. While these implants are claimed to possess anti-inflammatory properties, this notion contrasts with the initial signs of inflammation observed in the soft tissue of patients treated with Mg implants. This study investigated how the surface degradation of Mg implants in vivo influences the molecular, cellular, and structural events during initial inflammation and subsequent healing of the interfacing soft tissue and bone in comparison to nondegradable titanium (Ti) implants using experimental rat models. METHODS: Rats received disc-shaped implants in their dorsum subcutis or screw-shaped implants in the proximal metaphysis of their tibiae. Implants were manufactured from pure Mg (>99.995% - high purity) or from pure Ti (grade 4). Animals were euthanized after 1, 3, 6, 14, and 28 days of soft tissue implantation, and after 3 and 28 days of bone implantation. Two types of samples were collected: i) Implants only (n = 7-8/group/time-point): for counting and/or gene expression analyses of implant-adherent cells. ii) Implants with peri-implant tissues (n = 5-8/group/time-point): for compositional analysis of the Mg degradation layer in conjunction with the histomorphometry of the fibrous capsule around implants in soft tissues and of osseointegration at the bone–implant interface. Statistical comparisons were run using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests (p<0.05). RESULTS: Cells adherent to the implant surfaces featured different gene regulation patterns between Mg and Ti groups (Fig. 1). Initially in soft tissue (1–6 d) and bone (3 d), a higher expression of proinflammatory macrophage polarization markers, e.g. inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNos), was shown in Mg versus Ti groups. Afterward, by 28 d, gene expression of both macrophage subtype markers (proinflammatory – iNos, and prohealing – Mannose receptor c1; Mrc1) was comparable between implants, irrespective of their insertion site. Histomorphometry revealed superior bone–implant contact (at 28 d in bone) and thinner fibrous capsule (at 6–28 d in soft tissue) for Mg versus Ti (Fig. 1). The 28 d-degradation layer at the Mg surface was enriched in Ca and P in both soft tissue and bone. CONCLUSIONS: In comparison to Ti implants, both soft tissue and bone responses to Mg implants featured an initial, amplified, yet transient, inflammation marked by the gene activation of the macrophage proinflammatory subtype. Such immunomodulation by the surface degradation of Mg implant promoted more bone deposition, at the bone–implant interface, and less fibrous encapsulation, at the soft tissue–implant interface. REFERENCES: 1. Han et al. Mater Today 2019, 23: 57-71. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Horizon 2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action (No 811226) and Area of Advance Materials/Chalmers and GU Biomaterials. Mg implants were generously provided by Hereon, Geesthacht, Germany.
|
|
| 46. |
|
|
| 47. |
|
|
| 48. |
|
|
| 49. |
|
|
| 50. |
|
|
