| 1. |
- Kehoe, Laura, et al.
(author)
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Make EU trade with Brazil sustainable
- 2019
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In: Science. - : American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). - 0036-8075 .- 1095-9203. ; 364:6438, s. 341-
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Journal article (other academic/artistic)
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| 2. |
- Carraminana, Albert, et al.
(author)
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Rationale and Study Design for an Individualized Perioperative Open Lung Ventilatory Strategy in Patients on One-Lung Ventilation (iPROVE-OLV)
- 2019
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In: Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia. - : W B SAUNDERS CO-ELSEVIER INC. - 1053-0770 .- 1532-8422. ; 33:9, s. 2492-2502
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: The aim of this clinical trial is to examine whether it is possible to reduce postoperative complications using an individualized perioperative ventilatory strategy versus using a standard lung-protective ventilation strategy in patients scheduled for thoracic surgery requiring one-lung ventilation. Design: International, multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial. Setting: A network of university hospitals. Participants: The study comprises 1,380 patients scheduled for thoracic surgery. Interventions: The individualized group will receive intraoperative recruitment maneuvers followed by individualized positive end-expiratory pressure (open lung approach) during the intraoperative period plus postoperative ventilatory support with high-flow nasal cannula, whereas the control group will be managed with conventional lung-protective ventilation. Measurements and Main Results: Individual and total number of postoperative complications, including atelectasis, pneumothorax, pleural effusion, pneumonia, acute lung injury; unplanned readmission and reintubation; length of stay and death in the critical care unit and in the hospital will be analyzed for both groups. The authors hypothesize that the intraoperative application of an open lung approach followed by an individual indication of high-flow nasal cannula in the postoperative period will reduce pulmonary complications and length of hospital stay in high-risk surgical patients. (C) 2019 Published by Elsevier Inc.
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| 3. |
- Abelev, Betty, et al.
(author)
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Measurement of prompt J/psi and beauty hadron production cross sections at mid-rapidity in pp collisions at root s=7 TeV
- 2012
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In: Journal of High Energy Physics. - 1029-8479. ; :11
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The ALICE experiment at the LHC has studied J/psi production at mid-rapidity in pp collisions at root s = 7 TeV through its electron pair decay on a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity L-int = 5.6 nb(-1). The fraction of J/psi from the decay of long-lived beauty hadrons was determined for J/psi candidates with transverse momentum p(t) > 1,3 GeV/c and rapidity vertical bar y vertical bar < 0.9. The cross section for prompt J/psi mesons, i.e. directly produced J/psi and prompt decays of heavier charmonium states such as the psi(2S) and chi(c) resonances, is sigma(prompt J/psi) (p(t) > 1.3 GeV/c, vertical bar y vertical bar < 0.9) = 8.3 +/- 0.8(stat.) +/- 1.1 (syst.)(-1.4)(+1.5) (syst. pol.) mu b. The cross section for the production of b-hadrons decaying to J/psi with p(t) > 1.3 GeV/c and vertical bar y vertical bar < 0.9 is a sigma(J/psi <- hB) (p(t) > 1.3 GeV/c, vertical bar y vertical bar < 0.9) = 1.46 +/- 0.38 (stat.)(-0.32)(+0.26) (syst.) mu b. The results are compared to QCD model predictions. The shape of the p(t) and y distributions of b-quarks predicted by perturbative QCD model calculations are used to extrapolate the measured cross section to derive the b (b) over bar pair total cross section and d sigma/dy at mid-rapidity.
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| 4. |
- Abelev, Betty, et al.
(author)
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Underlying Event measurements in pp collisions at root s=0.9 and 7 TeV with the ALICE experiment at the LHC
- 2012
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In: Journal of High Energy Physics. - 1029-8479. ; :7
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We present measurements of Underlying Event observables in pp collisions at root s = 0 : 9 and 7 TeV. The analysis is performed as a function of the highest charged-particle transverse momentum p(T),L-T in the event. Different regions are defined with respect to the azimuthal direction of the leading (highest transverse momentum) track: Toward, Transverse and Away. The Toward and Away regions collect the fragmentation products of the hardest partonic interaction. The Transverse region is expected to be most sensitive to the Underlying Event activity. The study is performed with charged particles above three different p(T) thresholds: 0.15, 0.5 and 1.0 GeV/c. In the Transverse region we observe an increase in the multiplicity of a factor 2-3 between the lower and higher collision energies, depending on the track p(T) threshold considered. Data are compared to PYTHIA 6.4, PYTHIA 8.1 and PHOJET. On average, all models considered underestimate the multiplicity and summed p(T) in the Transverse region by about 10-30%.
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| 5. |
- Beal, Jacob, et al.
(author)
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Robust estimation of bacterial cell count from optical density
- 2020
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In: Communications Biology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2399-3642. ; 3:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Optical density (OD) is widely used to estimate the density of cells in liquid culture, but cannot be compared between instruments without a standardized calibration protocol and is challenging to relate to actual cell count. We address this with an interlaboratory study comparing three simple, low-cost, and highly accessible OD calibration protocols across 244 laboratories, applied to eight strains of constitutive GFP-expressing E. coli. Based on our results, we recommend calibrating OD to estimated cell count using serial dilution of silica microspheres, which produces highly precise calibration (95.5% of residuals <1.2-fold), is easily assessed for quality control, also assesses instrument effective linear range, and can be combined with fluorescence calibration to obtain units of Molecules of Equivalent Fluorescein (MEFL) per cell, allowing direct comparison and data fusion with flow cytometry measurements: in our study, fluorescence per cell measurements showed only a 1.07-fold mean difference between plate reader and flow cytometry data.
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| 6. |
- Perez-Nadales, Elena, et al.
(author)
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Predictors of mortality in solid organ transplant recipients with bloodstream infections due to carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales : The impact of cytomegalovirus disease and lymphopenia
- 2020
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In: American Journal of Transplantation. - : WILEY. - 1600-6135 .- 1600-6143. ; 20:6, s. 1629-1641
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Treatment of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales bloodstream infections in solid organ transplant recipients is challenging. The objective of this study was to develop a specific score to predict mortality in solid organ transplant recipients with carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales bloodstream infections. A multinational, retrospective (2004-2016) cohort study (INCREMENT-SOT, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02852902) was performed. The main outcome variable was 30-day all-cause mortality. The INCREMENT-SOT-CPE score was developed using logistic regression. The global cohort included 216 patients. The final logistic regression model included the following variables: INCREMENT-CPE mortality score >= 8 (8 points), no source control (3 points), inappropriate empirical therapy (2 points), cytomegalovirus disease (7 points), lymphopenia (4 points), and the interaction between INCREMENT-CPE score >= 8 and CMV disease (minus 7 points). This score showed an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.82 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.76-0.88) and classified patients into 3 strata: 0-7 (low mortality), 8-11 (high mortality), and 12-17 (very-high mortality). We performed a stratified analysis of the effect of monotherapy vs combination therapy among 165 patients who received appropriate therapy. Monotherapy was associated with higher mortality only in the very-high (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 2.82, 95% CI 1.13-7.06, P = .03) and high (HR 9.93, 95% CI 2.08-47.40, P = .004) mortality risk strata. A score-based algorithm is provided for therapy guidance.
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| 7. |
- Antonelli, Alexandre, 1978, et al.
(author)
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Madagascar's extraordinary biodiversity : Evolution, distribution, and use
- 2022
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In: Science. - : American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). - 0036-8075 .- 1095-9203. ; 378:6623, s. 962-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Madagascar's biota is hyperdiverse and includes exceptional levels of endemicity. We review the current state of knowledge on Madagascar's past and current terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity by compiling and presenting comprehensive data on species diversity, endemism, and rates of species description and human uses, in addition to presenting an updated and simplified map of vegetation types. We report a substantial increase of records and species new to science in recent years; however, the diversity and evolution of many groups remain practically unknown (e.g., fungi and most invertebrates). Digitization efforts are increasing the resolution of species richness patterns and we highlight the crucial role of field- and collections-based research for advancing biodiversity knowledge and identifying gaps in our understanding, particularly as species richness corresponds closely to collection effort. Phylogenetic diversity patterns mirror that of species richness and endemism in most of the analyzed groups. We highlight humid forests as centers of diversity and endemism because of their role as refugia and centers of recent and rapid radiations. However, the distinct endemism of other areas, such as the grassland-woodland mosaic of the Central Highlands and the spiny forest of the southwest, is also biologically important despite lower species richness. The documented uses of Malagasy biodiversity are manifold, with much potential for the uncovering of new useful traits for food, medicine, and climate mitigation. The data presented here showcase Madagascar as a unique " living laboratory" for our understanding of evolution and the complex interactions between people and nature. The gathering and analysis of biodiversity data must continue and accelerate if we are to fully understand and safeguard this unique subset of Earth's biodiversity.
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| 8. |
- Ferro, Ana, et al.
(author)
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Fruits and vegetables intake and gastric cancer risk : A pooled analysis within the Stomach cancer Pooling Project.
- 2020
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In: International Journal of Cancer. - : Wiley. - 0020-7136 .- 1097-0215. ; 147:11, s. 3090-3101
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A low intake of fruits and vegetables is a risk factor for gastric cancer, although there is uncertainty regarding the magnitude of the associations. In our study, the relationship between fruits and vegetables intake and gastric cancer was assessed, complementing a previous work on the association betweenconsumption of citrus fruits and gastric cancer. Data from 25 studies (8456 cases and 21 133 controls) with information on fruits and/or vegetables intake were used. A two-stage approach based on random-effects models was used to pool study-specific adjusted (sex, age and the main known risk factors for gastric cancer) odds ratios (ORs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Exposure-response relations, including linear and nonlinear associations, were modeled using one- and two-order fractional polynomials. Gastric cancer risk was lower for a higher intake of fruits (OR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.64-0.90), noncitrus fruits (OR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.73-1.02), vegetables (OR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.56-0.84), and fruits and vegetables (OR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.49-0.75); results were consistent across sociodemographic and lifestyles categories, as well as study characteristics. Exposure-response analyses showed an increasingly protective effect of portions/day of fruits (OR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.57-0.73 for six portions), noncitrus fruits (OR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.61-0.83 for six portions) and vegetables (OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.43-0.60 for 10 portions). A protective effect of all fruits, noncitrus fruits and vegetables was confirmed, supporting further dietary recommendations to decrease the burden of gastric cancer.
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| 9. |
- Hampel, Harald, et al.
(author)
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Biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease therapeutic trials.
- 2011
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In: Progress in neurobiology. - : Elsevier BV. - 1873-5118 .- 0301-0082. ; 95:4, s. 579-593
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The development of disease-modifying treatments for Alzheimer's disease requires innovative trials with large numbers of subjects and long observation periods. The use of blood, cerebrospinal fluid or neuroimaging biomarkers is critical for the demonstration of disease-modifying therapy effects on the brain. Suitable biomarkers are those which reflect the progression of AD related molecular mechanisms and neuropathology, including amyloidogenic processing and aggregation, hyperphosphorylation, accumulation of tau and neurofibrillary tangles, progressive functional, metabolic and structural decline, leading to neurodegeneration, loss of brain tissue and cognitive symptoms. Biomarkers should be used throughout clinical trial phases I-III of AD drug development. They can be used to enhance inclusion and exclusion criteria, or as baseline predictors to increase the statistical power of trials. Validated and qualified biomarkers may be used as outcome measures to detect treatment effects in pivotal clinical trials. Finally, biomarkers can be used to identify adverse effects. Questions regarding which biomarkers should be used in clinical trials, and how, are currently far from resolved. The Oxford Task Force continues and expands the work of our previous international expert task forces on disease-modifying trials and on endpoints for Alzheimer's disease clinical trials. The aim of this initiative was to bring together a selected number of key international opinion leaders and experts from academia, regulatory agencies and industry to condense the current knowledge and state of the art regarding the best use of biological markers in Alzheimer's disease therapy trials and to propose practical recommendations for the planning of future AD trials.
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| 10. |
- Kalaria, Raj, et al.
(author)
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The 2022 symposium on dementia and brain aging in low- and middle-income countries: Highlights on research, diagnosis, care, and impact.
- 2024
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In: Alzheimer's & dementia : the journal of the Alzheimer's Association. - 1552-5279.
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Two of every three persons living with dementia reside in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The projected increase in global dementia rates is expected to affect LMICs disproportionately. However, the majority of global dementia care costs occur in high-income countries (HICs), with dementia research predominantly focusing on HICs. This imbalance necessitates LMIC-focused research to ensure that characterization of dementia accurately reflects the involvement and specificities of diverse populations. Development of effective preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic approaches for dementia in LMICs requires targeted, personalized, and harmonized efforts. Our article represents timely discussions at the 2022 Symposium on Dementia and Brain Aging in LMICs that identified the foremost opportunities to advance dementia research, differential diagnosis, use of neuropsychometric tools, awareness, and treatment options. We highlight key topics discussed at the meeting and provide future recommendations to foster a more equitable landscape for dementia prevention, diagnosis, care, policy, and management in LMICs. HIGHLIGHTS: Two-thirds of persons with dementia live in LMICs, yet research and costs are skewed toward HICs. LMICs expect dementia prevalence to more than double, accompanied by socioeconomic disparities. The 2022 Symposium on Dementia in LMICs addressed advances in research, diagnosis, prevention, and policy. The Nairobi Declaration urges global action to enhance dementia outcomes in LMICs.
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| 11. |
- Knopman, David S., et al.
(author)
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The National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer's Association Research Framework for Alzheimer's disease : Perspectives from the Research Roundtable
- 2018
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In: Alzheimer's and Dementia. - : Wiley. - 1552-5260 .- 1552-5279. ; 14:4, s. 563-575
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Alzheimer's Association's Research Roundtable met in November 2017 to explore the new National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer's Association Research Framework for Alzheimer's disease. The meeting allowed experts in the field from academia, industry, and government to provide perspectives on the new National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer's Association Research Framework. This review will summarize the “A, T, N System” (Amyloid, Tau, and Neurodegeneration) using biomarkers and how this may be applied to clinical research and drug development. In addition, challenges and barriers to the potential adoption of this new framework will be discussed. Finally, future directions for research will be proposed.
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| 12. |
- Lind, Lars, et al.
(author)
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Heterogeneous contributions of change in population distribution of body mass index to change in obesity and underweight NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC)
- 2021
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In: eLife. - : eLife Sciences Publications Ltd. - 2050-084X. ; 10
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- From 1985 to 2016, the prevalence of underweight decreased, and that of obesity and severe obesity increased, in most regions, with significant variation in the magnitude of these changes across regions. We investigated how much change in mean body mass index (BMI) explains changes in the prevalence of underweight, obesity, and severe obesity in different regions using data from 2896 population-based studies with 187 million participants. Changes in the prevalence of underweight and total obesity, and to a lesser extent severe obesity, are largely driven by shifts in the distribution of BMI, with smaller contributions from changes in the shape of the distribution. In East and Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, the underweight tail of the BMI distribution was left behind as the distribution shifted. There is a need for policies that address all forms of malnutrition by making healthy foods accessible and affordable, while restricting unhealthy foods through fiscal and regulatory restrictions.
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| 13. |
- Mattsson, Niklas, 1979, et al.
(author)
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Reference measurement procedures for Alzheimer's disease cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers: definitions and approaches with focus on amyloid β42.
- 2012
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In: Biomarkers in medicine. - : Future Medicine Ltd. - 1752-0371 .- 1752-0363. ; 6:4, s. 409-17
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease (AD) are increasingly used in clinical settings, research and drug trials. However, their broad-scale use on different technology platforms is hampered by the lack of standardization at the level of sample handling, determination of concentrations of analytes and the absence of well-defined performance criteria for in vitro diagnostic or companion diagnostic assays, which influences the apparent concentration of the analytes measured and the subsequent interpretation of the data. There is a need for harmonization of CSF AD biomarker assays that can reliably, across centers, quantitate CSF biomarkers with high analytical precision, selectivity and stability over long time periods. In this position paper, we discuss reference procedures for the measurement of CSF AD biomarkers, especially amyloid β42 and tau. We describe possible technical approaches, focusing on a selected reaction monitoring mass spectrometry assay as a candidate reference method for quantification of CSF amyloid β42.
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| 14. |
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| 15. |
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| 16. |
- Alvarado Ávila, María Isabel, et al.
(author)
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Cerium Oxide on a Fluorinated Carbon-Based Electrode as a Promising Catalyst for Hypochlorite Production
- 2022
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In: ACS Omega. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 2470-1343. ; 7:42, s. 37465-37475
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is widely used as a disinfectant agent for water treatment and surface cleaning. A straightforward way to produce NaOCl is by the electrolysis of an aqueous sodium chloride (NaCl) solution. This process presents several side reactions decreasing its efficiency with hypochlorite reduction on the cathode surface being one of the main detrimental reactions. In this work, we have studied carbon-based electrodes modified with cerium oxide (CeO2), fluorine, and platinum nanoparticles as cathodes for hypochlorite production. Fluorination was carried out electrochemically; the polyol method was used to synthesize platinum nanoparticles; and the hydrothermal process was applied to form a CeO2 layer. Scanning electron microscopy, FTIR, and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) indicated the presence of cerium oxide as a film, fluorine groups on the substrate, and a load of 3.2 mg/cm2 of platinum nanoparticles and 2.7 mg/cm2 of CeO2. From electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, it was possible to demonstrate that incorporating platinum and fluorine decreases the charge transfer resistance by 16% and 28%, respectively. Linear sweep voltammetry showed a significant decrease in hypochlorite reduction when the substrate was doped with fluorine from -16.6 mA/cm2 at -0.6 V to -9.64 mA/cm2 that further reduced to -8.78 mA/cm2 with cerium oxide covered fluorinated electrodes. The performance of the cathode materials during hypochlorite production improved by 80% compared with pristine activated carbon cloth (ACC) electrodes. The improvement toward hindering NaOCl reduction is probably caused by the incorporation of a partial negative charge upon doping with fluorine.
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| 17. |
- Alvarado Ávila, María Isabel, et al.
(author)
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Improved chlorate production with platinum nanoparticles deposited on fluorinated activated carbon cloth electrodes
- 2020
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In: Cleaner Engineering and Technology. - : Elsevier BV. - 2666-7908. ; 1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Sodium chlorate is one of the main oxidizing agents used in the wood industry due to their capability of use as an elemental chlorine-free (CEF) bleaching. A simple way to produce chlorates is by the electrolysis of an aqueous sodium chloride (NaCl) solution. In the present study activated carbon cloth electrodes (ACC) modified with fluorine and platinum nanoparticles (Pt–F/ACC and Pt/ACC) were used as one of the electrodes. Electrofluorination was used for fluorination of the anodes and polyol method was used for the synthesis of platinum nanoparticles. Chlorate production using a typical solution of 100 g/l of sodium chloride (NaCl) and 2 g/l sodium chromate (Na2Cr2O7) and an applied current of 0.540 A was studied. Prior to the electrolysis assays, the microstructural properties of the electrodes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and surface modifications and bonding using infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy. Electrochemical properties were determined using cyclic voltammetry (CV), linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization techniques. Interaction between fluorine (F) and platinum (Pt) on the electrode leads to an improvement of the electrocatalytic properties for chlorine evolution as observed from the increase in the current efficiency from 37.5% at 78.5% after 150 min of continuous electrolysis using Pt–F/ACC anodes. The results suggest that modified activated carbon material is an attractive and economical alternative as electrodes for chlorate production.
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| 18. |
- Bixby, H., et al.
(author)
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Rising rural body-mass index is the main driver of the global obesity epidemic in adults
- 2019
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In: Nature. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0028-0836 .- 1476-4687. ; 569:7755, s. 260-4
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Body-mass index (BMI) has increased steadily in most countries in parallel with a rise in the proportion of the population who live in cities(.)(1,2) This has led to a widely reported view that urbanization is one of the most important drivers of the global rise in obesity(3-6). Here we use 2,009 population-based studies, with measurements of height and weight in more than 112 million adults, to report national, regional and global trends in mean BMI segregated by place of residence (a rural or urban area) from 1985 to 2017. We show that, contrary to the dominant paradigm, more than 55% of the global rise in mean BMI from 1985 to 2017-and more than 80% in some low- and middle-income regions-was due to increases in BMI in rural areas. This large contribution stems from the fact that, with the exception of women in sub-Saharan Africa, BMI is increasing at the same rate or faster in rural areas than in cities in low- and middle-income regions. These trends have in turn resulted in a closing-and in some countries reversal-of the gap in BMI between urban and rural areas in low- and middle-income countries, especially for women. In high-income and industrialized countries, we noted a persistently higher rural BMI, especially for women. There is an urgent need for an integrated approach to rural nutrition that enhances financial and physical access to healthy foods, to avoid replacing the rural undernutrition disadvantage in poor countries with a more general malnutrition disadvantage that entails excessive consumption of low-quality calories.
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| 19. |
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| 20. |
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| 21. |
- Carrillo, Maria C, et al.
(author)
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Global standardization measurement of cerebral spinal fluid for Alzheimer's disease: an update from the Alzheimer's Association Global Biomarkers Consortium.
- 2013
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In: Alzheimer's & dementia : the journal of the Alzheimer's Association. - : Wiley. - 1552-5279. ; 9:2, s. 137-40
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Recognizing that international collaboration is critical for the acceleration of biomarker standardization efforts and the efficient development of improved diagnosis and therapy, the Alzheimer's Association created the Global Biomarkers Standardization Consortium (GBSC) in 2010. The consortium brings together representatives of academic centers, industry, and the regulatory community with the common goal of developing internationally accepted common reference standards and reference methods for the assessment of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) amyloid β42 (Aβ42) and tau biomarkers. Such standards are essential to ensure that analytical measurements are reproducible and consistent across multiple laboratories and across multiple kit manufacturers. Analytical harmonization for CSF Aβ42 and tau will help reduce confusion in the AD community regarding the absolute values associated with the clinical interpretation of CSF biomarker results and enable worldwide comparison of CSF biomarker results across AD clinical studies.
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| 22. |
- de Erausquin, Gabriel A, et al.
(author)
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Chronic neuropsychiatric sequelae of SARS-CoV-2: Protocol and methods from the Alzheimer's Association Global Consortium.
- 2022
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In: Alzheimer's & dementia (New York, N. Y.). - : Wiley. - 2352-8737. ; 8:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused >3.5 million deaths worldwide and affected >160 million people. At least twice as many have been infected but remained asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic. COVID-19 includes central nervous system manifestations mediated by inflammation and cerebrovascular, anoxic, and/or viral neurotoxicity mechanisms. More than one third of patients with COVID-19 develop neurologic problems during the acute phase of the illness, including loss of sense of smell or taste, seizures, and stroke. Damage or functional changes to the brain may result in chronic sequelae. The risk of incident cognitive and neuropsychiatric complications appears independent from the severity of the original pulmonary illness. It behooves the scientific and medical community to attempt to understand the molecular and/or systemic factors linking COVID-19 to neurologic illness, both short and long term.This article describes what is known so far in terms of links among COVID-19, the brain, neurological symptoms, and Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementias. We focus on risk factors and possible molecular, inflammatory, and viral mechanisms underlying neurological injury. We also provide a comprehensive description of the Alzheimer's Association Consortium on Chronic Neuropsychiatric Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (CNS SC2) harmonized methodology to address these questions using a worldwide network of researchers and institutions.Successful harmonization of designs and methods was achieved through a consensus process initially fragmented by specific interest groups (epidemiology, clinical assessments, cognitive evaluation, biomarkers, and neuroimaging). Conclusions from subcommittees were presented to the whole group and discussed extensively. Presently data collection is ongoing at 19 sites in 12 countries representing Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Europe.The Alzheimer's Association Global Consortium harmonized methodology is proposed as a model to study long-term neurocognitive sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection.The following review describes what is known so far in terms of molecular and epidemiological links among COVID-19, the brain, neurological symptoms, and AD and related dementias (ADRD)The primary objective of this large-scale collaboration is to clarify the pathogenesis of ADRD and to advance our understanding of the impact of a neurotropic virus on the long-term risk of cognitive decline and other CNS sequelae. No available evidence supports the notion that cognitive impairment after SARS-CoV-2 infection is a form of dementia (ADRD or otherwise). The longitudinal methodologies espoused by the consortium are intended to provide data to answer this question as clearly as possible controlling for possible confounders. Our specific hypothesis is that SARS-CoV-2 triggers ADRD-like pathology following the extended olfactory cortical network (EOCN) in older individuals with specific genetic susceptibility.The proposed harmonization strategies and flexible study designs offer the possibility to include large samples of under-represented racial and ethnic groups, creating a rich set of harmonized cohorts for future studies of the pathophysiology, determinants, long-term consequences, and trends in cognitive aging, ADRD, and vascular disease.We provide a framework for current and future studies to be carried out within the Consortium. and offers a "green paper" to the research community with a very broad, global base of support, on tools suitable for low- and middle-income countries aimed to compare and combine future longitudinal data on the topic.The Consortium proposes a combination of design and statistical methods as a means of approaching causal inference of the COVID-19 neuropsychiatric sequelae. We expect that deep phenotyping of neuropsychiatric sequelae may provide a series of candidate syndromes with phenomenological and biological characterization that can be further explored. By generating high-quality harmonized data across sites we aim to capture both descriptive and, where possible, causal associations.
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| 23. |
- Forzieri, Giovanni, et al.
(author)
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The Database of European Forest Insect and Disease Disturbances: DEFID2
- 2023
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In: Global Change Biology. - 1365-2486. ; 29:21, s. 6040-6065
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Insect and disease outbreaks in forests are biotic disturbances that can profoundly alter ecosystem dynamics. In many parts of the world, these disturbance regimes are intensifying as the climate changes and shifts the distribution of species and biomes. As a result, key forest ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration, regulation of water flows, wood production, protection of soils, and the conservation of biodiversity, could be increasingly compromised. Despite the relevance of these detrimental effects, there are currently no spatially detailed databases that record insect and disease disturbances on forests at the pan-European scale. Here, we present the new Database of European Forest Insect and Disease Disturbances (DEFID2). It comprises over 650,000 harmonized georeferenced records, mapped as polygons or points, of insects and disease disturbances that occurred between 1963 and 2021 in European forests. The records currently span eight different countries and were acquired through diverse methods (e.g., ground surveys, remote sensing techniques). The records in DEFID2 are described by a set of qualitative attributes, including severity and patterns of damage symptoms, agents, host tree species, climate-driven trigger factors, silvicultural practices, and eventual sanitary interventions. They are further complemented with a satellite-based quantitative characterization of the affected forest areas based on Landsat Normalized Burn Ratio time series, and damage metrics derived from them using the LandTrendr spectral–temporal segmentation algorithm (including onset, duration, magnitude, and rate of the disturbance), and possible interactions with windthrow and wildfire events. The DEFID2 database is a novel resource for many large-scale applications dealing with biotic disturbances. It offers a unique contribution to design networks of experiments, improve our understanding of ecological processes underlying biotic forest disturbances, monitor their dynamics, and enhance their representation in land-climate models. Further data sharing is encouraged to extend and improve the DEFID2 database continuously. The database is freely available at https://jeodpp.jrc.ec.europa.eu/ftp/jrc-opendata/FOREST/DISTURBANCES/DEFID2/.
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| 24. |
- Hansson, Oskar, et al.
(author)
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The Alzheimer's Association international guidelines for handling of cerebrospinal fluid for routine clinical measurements of amyloid β and tau
- 2021
-
In: Alzheimer's and Dementia. - : Wiley. - 1552-5260 .- 1552-5279. ; 17:9, s. 1575-1582
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The core cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers amyloid beta (Aβ42 and Aβ40), total tau, and phosphorylated tau, have been extensively clinically validated, with very high diagnostic performance for AD, including the early phases of the disease. However, between-center differences in pre-analytical procedures may contribute to variability in measurements across laboratories. To resolve this issue, a workgroup was led by the Alzheimer's Association with experts from both academia and industry. The aim of the group was to develop a simplified and standardized pre-analytical protocol for CSF collection and handling before analysis for routine clinical use, and ultimately to ensure high diagnostic performance and minimize patient misclassification rates. Widespread application of the protocol would help minimize variability in measurements, which would facilitate the implementation of unified cut-off levels across laboratories, and foster the use of CSF biomarkers in AD diagnostics for the benefit of the patients.
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| 25. |
- Hübner, Julia Maria, et al.
(author)
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A Borosilicide with Clathrate VIII Structure
- 2022
-
In: Journal of the American Chemical Society. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 0002-7863 .- 1520-5126. ; 144:30, s. 13456-13460
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The high-pressure phase Na8BxSi46-x(3 < x < 5) is the first representative of a borosilicide crystallizing in the rarely occurring clathrate VIII type structure. Crystals with composition Na8B4Si42(space group I43¯ m; a = 9.7187(2) Å Pearson symbol cI54) were obtained at 5-8 GPa and 1200 K. The clathrate I modification exists for the same composition at lower pressure with a larger cell volume (Pm3¯ n; a = 9. 977(2) Å cP54). Profound structural adaptions allow for a higher density of the clathrate VIII type than clathrate I, opening up the perspective of obtaining clathrate VIII type compounds as high-pressure forms of clathrate I.
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| 26. |
- Jack, Clifford R, et al.
(author)
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A/T/N: An unbiased descriptive classification scheme for Alzheimer disease biomarkers.
- 2016
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In: Neurology. - 1526-632X. ; 87:5, s. 539-47
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Biomarkers have become an essential component of Alzheimer disease (AD) research and because of the pervasiveness of AD pathology in the elderly, the same biomarkers are used in cognitive aging research. A number of current issues suggest that an unbiased descriptive classification scheme for these biomarkers would be useful. We propose the "A/T/N" system in which 7 major AD biomarkers are divided into 3 binary categories based on the nature of the pathophysiology that each measures. "A" refers to the value of a β-amyloid biomarker (amyloid PET or CSF Aβ42); "T," the value of a tau biomarker (CSF phospho tau, or tau PET); and "N," biomarkers of neurodegeneration or neuronal injury ([(18)F]-fluorodeoxyglucose-PET, structural MRI, or CSF total tau). Each biomarker category is rated as positive or negative. An individual score might appear as A+/T+/N-, or A+/T-/N-, etc. The A/T/N system includes the new modality tau PET. It is agnostic to the temporal ordering of mechanisms underlying AD pathogenesis. It includes all individuals in any population regardless of the mix of biomarker findings and therefore is suited to population studies of cognitive aging. It does not specify disease labels and thus is not a diagnostic classification system. It is a descriptive system for categorizing multidomain biomarker findings at the individual person level in a format that is easy to understand and use. Given the present lack of consensus among AD specialists on terminology across the clinically normal to dementia spectrum, a biomarker classification scheme will have broadest acceptance if it is independent from any one clinically defined diagnostic scheme.
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| 27. |
- Jang, Su Yeon, et al.
(author)
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Factors shaping the COVID-19 epidemic curve: a multi-country analysis
- 2021
-
In: BMC Infectious Diseases. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2334. ; 21:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Lockdown measures are the backbone of containment measures for the COVID-19 pandemic both in high-income countries (HICs) and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, in view of the inevitably-occurring second and third global covid-19 wave, assessing the success and impact of containment measures on the epidemic curve of COVID-19 and people’s compliance with such measures is crucial for more effective policies. To determine the containment measures influencing the COVID-19 epidemic curve in nine targeted countries across high-, middle-, and low-income nations. Methods: Four HICs (Germany, Sweden, Italy, and South Korea) and five LMICs (Mexico, Colombia, India, Nigeria, and Nepal) were selected to assess the association using interrupted time series analysis of daily case numbers and deaths of COVID-19 considering the following factors: The “stringency index (SI)” indicating how tight the containment measures were implemented in each country; and the level of compliance with the prescribed measures using human mobility data. Additionally, a scoping review was conducted to contextualize the findings. Results: Most countries implemented quite rigorous lockdown measures, particularly the LMICs (India, Nepal, and Colombia) following the model of HICs (Germany and Italy). Exceptions were Sweden and South Korea, which opted for different strategies. The compliance with the restrictions—measured as mobility related to home office, restraining from leisure activities, non-use of local transport and others—was generally good, except in Sweden and South Korea where the restrictions were limited. The endemic curves and time-series analysis showed that the containment measures were successful in HICs but not in LMICs. Conclusion: The imposed lockdown measures are alarming, particularly in resource-constrained settings where such measures are independent of the population segment, which drives the virus transmission. Methods for examining people’s movements or hardships that are caused by covid- no work, no food situation are inequitable. Novel and context-adapted approach of dealing with the COVID-19 crisis are therefore crucial.
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| 28. |
- Kinsman, John, et al.
(author)
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Preparedness and response against diseases with epidemic potential in the European Union : a qualitative case study of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and poliomyelitis in five member states
- 2018
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In: BMC Health Services Research. - : BioMed Central. - 1472-6963. ; 18:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: EU Decision 1082/2013/EU on serious cross-border health threats provides a legal basis for collaboration between EU Member States, and between international and European level institutions on preparedness, prevention, and mitigation in the event of a public health emergency. The Decision provides a context for the present study, which aims to identify good practices and lessons learned in preparedness and response to Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) (in UK, Greece, and Spain) and poliomyelitis (in Poland and Cyprus).METHODS: Based on a documentary review, followed by five week-long country visits involving a total of 61 interviews and group discussions with experts from both the health and non-health sectors, this qualitative case study has investigated six issues related to preparedness and response to MERS and poliomyelitis: national plans and overall preparedness capacity; training and exercises; risk communication; linking policy and implementation; interoperability between the health and non-health sectors; and cross-border collaboration.RESULTS: Preparedness and response plans for MERS and poliomyelitis were in place in the participating countries, with a high level of technical expertise available to implement them. Nevertheless, formal evaluation of the responses to previous public health emergencies have sometimes been limited, so lessons learned may not be reflected in updated plans, thereby risking mistakes being repeated in future. The nature and extent of inter-sectoral collaboration varied according to the sectors involved, with those sectors that have traditionally had good collaboration (e.g. animal health and food safety), as well as those that have a financial incentive for controlling infectious diseases (e.g. agriculture, tourism, and air travel) seen as most likely to have integrated public health preparedness and response plans. Although the formal protocols for inter-sectoral collaboration were not always up to date, good personal relations were reported within the relevant professional networks, which could be brought into play in the event of a public health emergency. Cross-border collaboration was greatly facilitated if the neighbouring country was a fellow EU Member State.CONCLUSIONS: Infectious disease outbreaks remain as an ongoing threat. Efforts are required to ensure that core public health capacities for the full range of preparedness and response activities are sustained.
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| 29. |
- Kivipelto, Miia, et al.
(author)
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World-Wide FINGERS Network : A global approach to risk reduction and prevention of dementia
- 2020
-
In: Alzheimer's & Dementia. - : Wiley. - 1552-5260 .- 1552-5279. ; 16:7, s. 1078-1094
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Reducing the risk of dementia can halt the worldwide increase of affected people. The multifactorial and heterogeneous nature of late-onset dementia, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), indicates a potential impact of multidomain lifestyle interventions on risk reduction. The positive results of the landmark multidomain Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability (FINGER) support such an approach. The World-Wide FINGERS (WW-FINGERS), launched in 2017 and including over 25 countries, is the first global network of multidomain lifestyle intervention trials for dementia risk reduction and prevention. WW-FINGERS aims to adapt, test, and optimize the FINGER model to reduce risk across the spectrum of cognitive decline-from at-risk asymptomatic states to early symptomatic stages-in different geographical, cultural, and economic settings. WW-FINGERS aims to harmonize and adapt multidomain interventions across various countries and settings, to facilitate data sharing and analysis across studies, and to promote international joint initiatives to identify globally implementable and effective preventive strategies.
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| 30. |
- Mattsson, Niklas, 1979, et al.
(author)
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Proficiency testing programs for Alzheimer's disease cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers.
- 2012
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In: Biomarkers in medicine. - : Future Medicine Ltd. - 1752-0371 .- 1752-0363. ; 6:4, s. 401-7
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers are increasingly used for diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease in research, clinical trials and clinical settings. As for other biochemical measurements, variability between laboratories for these biomarkers may be monitored by proficiency testing programs, where participating laboratories use their local routine methods to analyze test samples shipped from a central laboratory. In this review, we summarize the results from the last years' pilot proficiency programs and describe the ongoing standardization efforts in this area. Global proficiency testing for CSF biomarkers is now fully established. It will continue to play an important part in the standardization of measurements that is a prerequisite for the broad-scale future implementation of CSF biomarkers.
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| 31. |
- Mattsson, Niklas, 1979, et al.
(author)
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The Alzheimer's Association external quality control program for cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers.
- 2011
-
In: Alzheimer's & dementia : the journal of the Alzheimer's Association. - : Wiley. - 1552-5279. ; 7:4
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers amyloid β (Aβ)-42, total-tau (T-tau), and phosphorylated-tau (P-tau) demonstrate good diagnostic accuracy for Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, there are large variations in biomarker measurements between studies, and between and within laboratories. The Alzheimer's Association has initiated a global quality control program to estimate and monitor variability of measurements, quantify batch-to-batch assay variations, and identify sources of variability. In this article, we present the results from the first two rounds of the program.
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| 32. |
- Mishra, A, et al.
(author)
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Diminishing benefits of urban living for children and adolescents' growth and development
- 2023
-
In: Nature. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1476-4687 .- 0028-0836. ; 615:7954, s. 874-883
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Optimal growth and development in childhood and adolescence is crucial for lifelong health and well-being1–6. Here we used data from 2,325 population-based studies, with measurements of height and weight from 71 million participants, to report the height and body-mass index (BMI) of children and adolescents aged 5–19 years on the basis of rural and urban place of residence in 200 countries and territories from 1990 to 2020. In 1990, children and adolescents residing in cities were taller than their rural counterparts in all but a few high-income countries. By 2020, the urban height advantage became smaller in most countries, and in many high-income western countries it reversed into a small urban-based disadvantage. The exception was for boys in most countries in sub-Saharan Africa and in some countries in Oceania, south Asia and the region of central Asia, Middle East and north Africa. In these countries, successive cohorts of boys from rural places either did not gain height or possibly became shorter, and hence fell further behind their urban peers. The difference between the age-standardized mean BMI of children in urban and rural areas was <1.1 kg m–2 in the vast majority of countries. Within this small range, BMI increased slightly more in cities than in rural areas, except in south Asia, sub-Saharan Africa and some countries in central and eastern Europe. Our results show that in much of the world, the growth and developmental advantages of living in cities have diminished in the twenty-first century, whereas in much of sub-Saharan Africa they have amplified.
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| 33. |
- O'Bryant, Sid E, et al.
(author)
-
Guidelines for the standardization of preanalytic variables for blood-based biomarker studies in Alzheimer's disease research.
- 2015
-
In: Alzheimer's & dementia : the journal of the Alzheimer's Association. - : Wiley. - 1552-5279. ; 11:5, s. 549-560
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The lack of readily available biomarkers is a significant hindrance toward progressing to effective therapeutic and preventative strategies for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Blood-based biomarkers have potential to overcome access and cost barriers and greatly facilitate advanced neuroimaging and cerebrospinal fluid biomarker approaches. Despite the fact that preanalytical processing is the largest source of variability in laboratory testing, there are no currently available standardized preanalytical guidelines. The current international working group provides the initial starting point for such guidelines for standardized operating procedures (SOPs). It is anticipated that these guidelines will be updated as additional research findings become available. The statement provides (1) a synopsis of selected preanalytical methods utilized in many international AD cohort studies, (2) initial draft guidelines/SOPs for preanalytical methods, and (3) a list of required methodological information and protocols to be made available for publications in the field to foster cross-validation across cohorts and laboratories.
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| 34. |
- Ogunbode, Charles, et al.
(author)
-
Climate anxiety, wellbeing and pro-environmental action : Correlates of negative emotional responses to climate change in 32 countries
- 2022
-
In: Journal of Environmental Psychology. - : Academic Press. - 0272-4944 .- 1522-9610. ; 84
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This study explored the correlates of climate anxiety in a diverse range of national contexts. We analysed cross-sectional data gathered in 32 countries (N = 12,246). Our results show that climate anxiety is positively related to rate of exposure to information about climate change impacts, the amount of attention people pay to climate change information, and perceived descriptive norms about emotional responding to climate change. Climate anxiety was also positively linked to pro-environmental behaviours and inversely related to mental wellbeing. Notably, climate anxiety had a significant inverse association with mental wellbeing in 31 out of 32 countries, and with pro-environmental behaviour in 24 countries, it only predicted environmental activism in 12 countries. Our findings highlight contextual boundaries to engagement in environmental action as an antidote to climate anxiety, and the broad international significance of negative climate-related emotions as a plausible threat to wellbeing.
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| 35. |
- Oñate, A., et al.
(author)
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Production of Nb-doped super duplex stainless steel based on recycled material : A study of the microstructural characterization, corrosion, and mechanical behavior
- 2023
-
In: Materials Chemistry and Physics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0254-0584 .- 1879-3312. ; 308
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The corrosion behavior of a new Nb-doped stainless steel (SDSS-Nb) designed by the CALPHAD method, produced using an open atmosphere process based on recycled materials, was investigated to improve the circular economy. Three heat-treatment conditions were evaluated to assess the sensitization effects of the precipitates and inclusions. XRD and SEM-EDS were used for phase identification, and sensitization was analyzed by cyclic polarization and Scanning Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (SKPFM). The thermodynamic stability predicted by Thermo-Calc agrees with that observed by SEM-EDS. It was observed by cyclic polarization that the corrosion sensitization was mainly provided by the σ phase, which was deduced from the results obtained by SEM-EDS, XRD, and Thermo-Calc simulations. Furthermore, it was obtained that the sensitization due to Cr2N precipitates and nonmetallic inclusions was low, and the mechanical response is comparable to commercial UNS32750 super duplex stainless steel, which allows a good performance in severe environments and an efficient industrial application. Additionally, it has been obtained by SKPFM that the shear potential between the σ phase and the austenite is between 210 mV and 241 mV and that its value depends on the stability and equilibrium reached by the σ phase during thermal cycling.
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| 36. |
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| 37. |
- Pannee, Josef, 1979, et al.
(author)
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Round robin test on quantification of amyloid-β 1-42 in cerebrospinal fluid by mass spectrometry.
- 2016
-
In: Alzheimer's & dementia : the journal of the Alzheimer's Association. - : Wiley. - 1552-5279. ; 12:1, s. 55-59
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) amyloid-β 1-42 (Aβ42) is an important biomarker for Alzheimer's disease, both in diagnostics and to monitor disease-modifying therapies. However, there is a great need for standardization of methods used for quantification. To overcome problems associated with immunoassays, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has emerged as a critical orthogonal alternative.
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| 38. |
- Puschmann, Andreas, et al.
(author)
-
Heterozygous PINK1 p.G411S increases risk of Parkinson's disease via a dominant-negative mechanism
- 2017
-
In: Brain. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1460-2156 .- 0006-8950. ; 140:1, s. 98-117
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- SEE GANDHI AND PLUN-FAVREAU DOI101093/AWW320 FOR A SCIENTIFIC COMMENTARY ON THIS ARTICLE: It has been postulated that heterozygous mutations in recessive Parkinson's genes may increase the risk of developing the disease. In particular, the PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1) p.G411S (c.1231G>A, rs45478900) mutation has been reported in families with dominant inheritance patterns of Parkinson's disease, suggesting that it might confer a sizeable disease risk when present on only one allele. We examined families with PINK1 p.G411S and conducted a genetic association study with 2560 patients with Parkinson's disease and 2145 control subjects. Heterozygous PINK1 p.G411S mutations markedly increased Parkinson's disease risk (odds ratio = 2.92, P = 0.032); significance remained when supplementing with results from previous studies on 4437 additional subjects (odds ratio = 2.89, P = 0.027). We analysed primary human skin fibroblasts and induced neurons from heterozygous PINK1 p.G411S carriers compared to PINK1 p.Q456X heterozygotes and PINK1 wild-type controls under endogenous conditions. While cells from PINK1 p.Q456X heterozygotes showed reduced levels of PINK1 protein and decreased initial kinase activity upon mitochondrial damage, stress-response was largely unaffected over time, as expected for a recessive loss-of-function mutation. By contrast, PINK1 p.G411S heterozygotes showed no decrease of PINK1 protein levels but a sustained, significant reduction in kinase activity. Molecular modelling and dynamics simulations as well as multiple functional assays revealed that the p.G411S mutation interferes with ubiquitin phosphorylation by wild-type PINK1 in a heterodimeric complex. This impairs the protective functions of the PINK1/parkin-mediated mitochondrial quality control. Based on genetic and clinical evaluation as well as functional and structural characterization, we established p.G411S as a rare genetic risk factor with a relatively large effect size conferred by a partial dominant-negative function phenotype.
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| 39. |
- Ralimanana, H., et al.
(author)
-
Madagascar’s extraordinary biodiversity: Threats and opportunities
- 2022
-
In: Science. - : American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). - 0036-8075 .- 1095-9203. ; 378:6623
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Madagascar’s unique biota is heavily affected by human activity and is under intense threat. Here, we review the current state of knowledge on the conservation status of Madagascar’s terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity by presenting data and analyses on documented and predicted species-level conservation statuses, the most prevalent and relevant threats, ex situ collections and programs, and the coverage and comprehensiveness of protected areas. The existing terrestrial protected area network in Madagascar covers 10.4% of its land area and includes at least part of the range of the majority of described native species of vertebrates with known distributions (97.1% of freshwater fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals combined) and plants (67.7%). The overall figures are higher for threatened species (97.7% of threatened vertebrates and 79.6% of threatened plants occurring within at least one protected area). International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List assessments and Bayesian neural network analyses for plants identify overexploitation of biological resources and unsustainable agriculture as the most prominent threats to biodiversity. We highlight five opportunities for action at multiple levels to ensure that conservation and ecological restoration objectives, programs, and activities take account of complex underlying and interacting factors and produce tangible benefits for the biodiversity and people of Madagascar.
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| 40. |
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| 41. |
- Röhr, Susanne, et al.
(author)
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Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on statistical design and analysis plans for multidomain intervention clinical trials : Experience from World-Wide FINGERS
- 2021
-
In: Alzheimer’s & Dementia. - : Wiley. - 2352-8737. ; 7:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction: The coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic presents challenges to the conduct of randomized clinical trials of lifestyle interventions.Methods: World-Wide FINGERS is an international network of clinical trials to assess the impact of multidomain lifestyle intervention on cognitive decline in at-risk adults. Individual trials are tailoring successful approaches from the Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability (FINGER) to local cultures and environments. The network convened a forum for researchers to discuss statistical design and analysis issues they faced during the pandemic. We report on experiences of three trials that, at various stages of conduct, altered designs and analysis plans to navigate these issues. We provide recommendations for future trials to consider as they develop and launch behavioral intervention trials.Results: The pandemic led researchers to change recruitment plans, interrupt timelines for assessments and intervention delivery, and move to remote intervention and assessment protocols. The necessity of these changes add emphasis to the importance, in study design and analysis, of intention to treat approaches, flexibility, within-site stratification, interim power projections, and sensitivity analyses.Discussion: Robust approaches to study design and analysis are critical to negotiate issues related to the intervention. The world-wide network of similarly oriented clinical trials will allow us to evaluate the effectiveness of responses to the pandemic across cultures, local environments, and phases of the pandemic.
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| 42. |
- Sanhueza, J. P., et al.
(author)
-
Computational modeling of the effect of B and W in the phase transformation of M23C6 carbides in 9 to 12 pct Cr martensitic/ferritic steels
- 2019
-
In: Materials Research Express. - : IOP PUBLISHING LTD. - 2053-1591. ; 6:11
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The effect of B and W in the precipitation kinetic of M23C6 carbides in martensitic/ferritic steels were studied assisted by ThermoCalc and TC-PRISMA. The simulation predicts that B has low solubility in the austenitic and ferritic matrix, thus promoting the formation of M2B borides and (Cr, Fe)(23)(C, B)(6) carbides. Furthermore, calculation carried out in ThermoCalc shown that M2B borides are stable even at austenization temperature (1100 degrees C). This suggests that in martensitic/ferritic steels M2B precipitates first, hence consuming most of available B. Additionally, the precipitation kinetics of (Cr, Fe)(23)C-6, (Cr, Fe, W)(23)C-6 and (Cr, Fe)(23)(C, B)(6) were simulated in TC-PRISMA, results obtained predict a higher steady nucleation rate for the latter. When B atoms incorporate to (Cr, Fe)(23)C-6 reduces the interfacial energy from 0.26 J/m(2) to 0.17 J m(-2), which indicates a smaller misfit between (Cr, Fe)(23)(C, B)(6) carbides and matrix. On the other hand, B and W reduce the coarsening rate of M23C6 carbides by decreasing the interfacial energy and reducing diffusivities, respectively. Theoretical results compared with experimental data of the coarsening rate of (Cr, Fe, W)(23)(C, B)(6) shown that it is one order of magnitude lower than the predicted by TC-PRISMA. This suggests that B can be the rate-controlling element of the coarsening of (Cr, Fe, W)(23)(C, B)(6) carbides instead of W.
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| 43. |
- Sexton, Claire E., et al.
(author)
-
Novel avenues of tau research
- 2024
-
In: Alzheimer's and Dementia. - 1552-5260. ; 20:3, s. 2240-2261
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- INTRODUCTION: The pace of innovation has accelerated in virtually every area of tau research in just the past few years. METHODS: In February 2022, leading international tau experts convened to share selected highlights of this work during Tau 2022, the second international tau conference co-organized and co-sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association, CurePSP, and the Rainwater Charitable Foundation. RESULTS: Representing academia, industry, and the philanthropic sector, presenters joined more than 1700 registered attendees from 59 countries, spanning six continents, to share recent advances and exciting new directions in tau research. DISCUSSION: The virtual meeting provided an opportunity to foster cross-sector collaboration and partnerships as well as a forum for updating colleagues on research-advancing tools and programs that are steadily moving the field forward.
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| 44. |
- Taddei, C, et al.
(author)
-
Repositioning of the global epicentre of non-optimal cholesterol
- 2020
-
In: Nature. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1476-4687 .- 0028-0836. ; 582:7810, s. 73-
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- High blood cholesterol is typically considered a feature of wealthy western countries1,2. However, dietary and behavioural determinants of blood cholesterol are changing rapidly throughout the world3 and countries are using lipid-lowering medications at varying rates. These changes can have distinct effects on the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol, which have different effects on human health4,5. However, the trends of HDL and non-HDL cholesterol levels over time have not been previously reported in a global analysis. Here we pooled 1,127 population-based studies that measured blood lipids in 102.6 million individuals aged 18 years and older to estimate trends from 1980 to 2018 in mean total, non-HDL and HDL cholesterol levels for 200 countries. Globally, there was little change in total or non-HDL cholesterol from 1980 to 2018. This was a net effect of increases in low- and middle-income countries, especially in east and southeast Asia, and decreases in high-income western countries, especially those in northwestern Europe, and in central and eastern Europe. As a result, countries with the highest level of non-HDL cholesterol—which is a marker of cardiovascular risk—changed from those in western Europe such as Belgium, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and Malta in 1980 to those in Asia and the Pacific, such as Tokelau, Malaysia, The Philippines and Thailand. In 2017, high non-HDL cholesterol was responsible for an estimated 3.9 million (95% credible interval 3.7 million–4.2 million) worldwide deaths, half of which occurred in east, southeast and south Asia. The global repositioning of lipid-related risk, with non-optimal cholesterol shifting from a distinct feature of high-income countries in northwestern Europe, north America and Australasia to one that affects countries in east and southeast Asia and Oceania should motivate the use of population-based policies and personal interventions to improve nutrition and enhance access to treatment throughout the world.
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| 45. |
- Wang, Yongxiang, et al.
(author)
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Health status and risk profiles for brain aging of rural‐dwelling older adults : Data from the interdisciplinary baseline assessments in MIND‐China
- 2022
-
In: Alzheimer’s & Dementia. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 2352-8737. ; 8:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction: Multidomain intervention approaches have emerged as a potential strategy to reduce dementia risk. We sought to describe the baseline assessment approaches, health conditions, and risk profiles for brain aging of participants in the randomized controlled Multimodal INterventions to delay Dementia and disability in rural China (MIND-China).Methods: MIND-China engaged residents who were >= 60 years of age and living in rural communities in the western Shandong province. In March to September 2018, all participants underwent the core module assessments via face-to-face interviews, clinical examinations, neuropsychological testings, and laboratory tests. Specific modules of examination were performed for sub-samples, including brain magnetic resonance imaging scans, genetic and blood biochemical markers, actigraphy testing, cardiopulmonary coupling analysis for sleep quality and disturbances, audiometric testing, and optical coherence tomography examination. We performed descriptive analysis.Results: In total, 5765 participants (74.9% of all eligible residents) undertook the baseline assessments. The mean age was 70.9 years (standard deviation, 5.9), 57.2% were women, 40.6% were illiterate, and 88.3% were farmers. The overall prevalence of common chronic diseases was 67.2% for hypertension, 23.4% for dyslipidemia, 23.5% for heart disease, 14.4% for diabetes mellitus, and 5.4% for dementia. The prevalence rates of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, obesity, heart disease, depressive symptoms, and dementia were higher in women than in men (P < .05). Overall, 87.1% of the participants had at least two of the 15 chronic diseases (89.3% in women vs 84.2% in men, P < .001). Participants examined for the specific modules were younger, more likely to be women, and more educated than those not examined.Discussion: Comprehensive baseline assessments of participants in MIND-China provide extremely valuable data sources for interdisciplinary research into the complex relationships of aging, health, brain aging, and functional consequences among older adults living in the rural communities.Highlights:MIND-China is a multimodal intervention study among rural residents >= 60 years of age.At baseline, 5765 participants undertook the interdisciplinary assessments.The baseline assessments consisted of core module and specific modules.Specific modules included brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), blood biomarkers, ActiGraph, cardiopulmonary coupling (CPC), pure-tone audiometry (PTA), and optical coherence tomography (OCT).
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