| 1. |
- Tabiri, S, et al.
(author)
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- 2021
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swepub:Mat__t
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| 2. |
- Bravo, L, et al.
(author)
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- 2021
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swepub:Mat__t
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| 3. |
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| 4. |
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| 5. |
- Thoma, B, et al.
(author)
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An international, interprofessional investigation of the self-reported podcast listening habits of emergency clinicians: A METRIQ Study
- 2020
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In: CJEM. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1481-8043 .- 1481-8035. ; 22:1, s. 112-117
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- ObjectivesPodcasts are increasingly being used for medical education. A deeper understanding of usage patterns would inform both producers and researchers of medical podcasts. We aimed to determine how and why podcasts are used by emergency medicine and critical care clinicians.MethodsAn international interprofessional sample (medical students, residents, physicians, nurses, physician assistants, and paramedics) was recruited through direct contact and a multimodal social media (Twitter and Facebook) campaign. Each participant completed a survey outlining how and why they utilize medical podcasts. Recruitment materials included an infographic and study website.Results390 participants from 33 countries and 4 professions (medicine, nursing, paramedicine, physician assistant) completed the survey. Participants most frequently listened to medical podcasts to review new literature (75.8%), learn core material (75.1%), and refresh memory (71.8%). The majority (62.6%) were aware of the ability to listen at increased speeds, but most (76.9%) listened at 1.0 x (normal) speed. All but 25 (6.4%) participants concurrently performed other tasks while listening. Driving (72.3%), exercising (39.7%), and completing chores (39.2%) were the most common. A minority of participants used active learning techniques such as pausing, rewinding, and replaying segments of the podcast. Very few listened to podcasts multiple times.ConclusionsAn international cohort of emergency clinicians use medical podcasts predominantly for learning. Their listening habits (rarely employing active learning strategies and frequently performing concurrent tasks) may not support this goal. Further exploration of the impact of these activities on learning from podcasts is warranted.
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| 6. |
- Ballan, M., et al.
(author)
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Nuclear physics midterm plan at Legnaro National Laboratories (LNL)
- 2023
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In: European Physical Journal Plus. - 2190-5444. ; 138:8, s. 3-26
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The next years will see the completion of the radioactive ion beam facility SPES (Selective Production of Exotic Species) and the upgrade of the accelerators complex at Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare – Legnaro National Laboratories (LNL) opening up new possibilities in the fields of nuclear structure, nuclear dynamics, nuclear astrophysics, and applications. The nuclear physics community has organised a workshop to discuss the new physics opportunities that will be possible in the near future by employing state-of-the-art detection systems. A detailed discussion of the outcome from the workshop is presented in this report.
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| 7. |
- Pantazis, N, et al.
(author)
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Determining the likely place of HIV acquisition for migrants in Europe combining subject-specific information and biomarkers data
- 2019
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In: Statistical methods in medical research. - : SAGE Publications. - 1477-0334 .- 0962-2802. ; 28:7, s. 1979-1997
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In most HIV-positive individuals, infection time is only known to lie between the time an individual started being at risk for HIV and diagnosis time. However, a more accurate estimate of infection time is very important in certain cases. For example, one of the objectives of the Advancing Migrant Access to Health Services in Europe (aMASE) study was to determine if HIV-positive migrants, diagnosed in Europe, were infected pre- or post-migration. We propose a method to derive subject-specific estimates of unknown infection times using information from HIV biomarkers’ measurements, demographic, clinical, and behavioral data. We assume that CD4 cell count (CD4) and HIV-RNA viral load trends after HIV infection follow a bivariate linear mixed model. Using post-diagnosis CD4 and viral load measurements and applying the Bayes’ rule, we derived the posterior distribution of the HIV infection time, whereas the prior distribution was informed by AIDS status at diagnosis and behavioral data. Parameters of the CD4–viral load and time-to-AIDS models were estimated using data from a large study of individuals with known HIV infection times (CASCADE). Simulations showed substantial predictive ability (e.g. 84% of the infections were correctly classified as pre- or post-migration). Application to the aMASE study ( n = 2009) showed that 47% of African migrants and 67% to 72% of migrants from other regions were most likely infected post-migration. Applying a Bayesian method based on bivariate modeling of CD4 and viral load, and subject-specific information, we found that the majority of HIV-positive migrants in aMASE were most likely infected after their migration to Europe.
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| 8. |
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| 9. |
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| 10. |
- Valiente-Dobon, J. J., et al.
(author)
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NEDA-NEutron Detector Array
- 2019
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In: Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A. - : Elsevier BV. - 0168-9002 .- 1872-9576. ; 927, s. 81-86
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The NEutron Detector Array, NEDA, will form the next generation neutron detection system that has been designed to be operated in conjunction with gamma-ray arrays, such as the tracking-array AGATA, to aid nuclear spectroscopy studies. NEDA has been designed to be a versatile device, with high-detection efficiency, excellent neutron-gamma discrimination, and high rate capabilities. It will be employed in physics campaigns in order to maximise the scientific output, making use of the different stable and radioactive ion beams available in Europe. The first implementation of the neutron detector array NEDA with AGATA 1 pi was realised at GANIL. This manuscript reviews the various aspects of NEDA.
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| 11. |
- Kummamuru, P., et al.
(author)
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A monitoring campaign (2013-2020) of ESA's Mars Express to study interplanetary plasma scintillation
- 2023
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In: Publications Astronomical Society of Australia. - 1448-6083 .- 1323-3580. ; 40
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The radio signal transmitted by the Mars Express (MEX) spacecraft was observed regularly between the years 2013-2020 at X-band (8.42 GHz) using the European Very Long Baseline Interferometry (EVN) network and University of Tasmania's telescopes. We present a method to describe the solar wind parameters by quantifying the effects of plasma on our radio signal. In doing so, we identify all the uncompensated effects on the radio signal and see which coronal processes drive them. From a technical standpoint, quantifying the effect of the plasma on the radio signal helps phase referencing for precision spacecraft tracking. The phase fluctuation of the signal was determined for Mars' orbit for solar elongation angles from 0 to 180 deg. The calculated phase residuals allow determination of the phase power spectrum. The total electron content of the solar plasma along the line of sight is calculated by removing effects from mechanical and ionospheric noises. The spectral index was determined as which is in agreement with Kolmogorov's turbulence. The theoretical models are consistent with observations at lower solar elongations however at higher solar elongation ($ ]]>160 deg) we see the observed values to be higher. This can be caused when the uplink and downlink signals are positively correlated as a result of passing through identical plasma sheets.
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| 12. |
- Testov, D. A., et al.
(author)
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Octupole correlations near Te 110
- 2021
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In: Physical Review C. - : American Physical Society. - 2469-9985 .- 2469-9993. ; 103:4
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The lifetime of the 2+ and 9-, 11-, 13-, 15- states in the neutron-deficient Te110 was measured for the first time using the recoil distance Doppler shift technique. The reported value of the reduced transition probability B(E2;0g.s+→2+)=4.3(8)×103e2fm4 supports the systematic for even-mass Te isotopes and was interpreted in the framework of the large-scale shell model and cranked shell model calculations. The measured reduced transition probabilities in the negative-parity yrast band revealed the upward trend towards the high spins. The enhanced collectivity is discussed in terms of the tilted axis cranking approach and the symmetry configuration mixing method with the Gogny D1S interaction.
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| 13. |
- Testov, D., et al.
(author)
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High Resolution γ-Ray Spectrometry Using Galileo Array
- 2019
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In: Eurasian Journal of Physics and Functional Materials. - : L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. - 2522-9869. ; 3:1, s. 84-90
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The GALILEO γ-ray spectrometer has been constructed at the Legnaro National Laboratory of INFN (LNL-INFN). It can be coupled to advanced ancillary devices which allows nuclear structure studies employing the variety of in-beam γ-ray spectroscopy methods. Such studies benefit from reactions induced by the intense stable beams delivered by the Tandem-ALPI-PIAVE accelerator complex and by the radioactive beams which will be provided by the SPES facility. In this paper we outline two experiments performed within the experimental campaign at GALILEO coupled to the EUCLIDES Si-ball and the Neutron Wall array. The first one was aimed at spectroscopic studies in A=31 mirror nuclei and the second one at measurements of lifetimes of excited states in nuclei in the vicinity of 100Sn.
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| 14. |
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| 15. |
- Colucci, A., et al.
(author)
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MLComp : A Methodology for Machine Learning-based Performance Estimation and Adaptive Selection of Pareto-Optimal Compiler Optimization Sequences
- 2021
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In: Proceedings -Design, Automation and Test in Europe, DATE. - : Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.. - 9783981926354 ; , s. 108-113
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Embedded systems have proliferated in various consumer and industrial applications with the evolution of Cyber-Physical Systems and the Internet of Things. These systems are subjected to stringent constraints so that embedded software must be optimized for multiple objectives simultaneously, namely reduced energy consumption, execution time, and code size. Compilers offer optimization phases to improve these metrics. However, proper selection and ordering of them depends on multiple factors and typically requires expert knowledge. State-of-the-art optimizers facilitate different platforms and applications case by case, and they are limited by optimizing one metric at a time, as well as requiring a time-consuming adaptation for different targets through dynamic profiling. To address these problems, we propose the novel MLComp methodology, in which optimization phases are sequenced by a Reinforcement Learning-based policy. Training of the policy is supported by Machine Learning-based analytical models for quick performance estimation, thereby drastically reducing the time spent for dynamic profiling. In our framework, different Machine Learning models are automatically tested to choose the best-fitting one. The trained Performance Estimator model is leveraged to efficiently devise Reinforcement Learning-based multi-objective policies for creating quasi-optimal phase sequences. Compared to state-of-the-art estimation models, our Performance Estimator model achieves lower relative error (< 2%) with up to 50 × faster training time over multiple platforms and application domains. Our Phase Selection Policy improves execution time and energy consumption of a given code by up to 12% and 6%, respectively. The Performance Estimator and the Phase Selection Policy can be trained efficiently for any target platform and application domain. © 2021 EDAA.
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| 16. |
- Mann, D. L., et al.
(author)
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Targeted anticytokine therapy in patients with chronic heart failure: results of the Randomized Etanercept Worldwide Evaluation (RENEWAL)
- 2004
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In: Circulation. - 1524-4539. ; 109:13, s. 1594-602
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Studies in experimental models and preliminary clinical experience suggested a possible therapeutic role for the soluble tumor necrosis factor antagonist etanercept in heart failure. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients with New York Heart Association class II to IV chronic heart failure and a left ventricular ejection fraction < or =0.30 were enrolled in 2 clinical trials that differed only in the doses of etanercept used. In RECOVER, patients received placebo (n=373) or subcutaneous etanercept in doses of 25 mg every week (n=375) or 25 mg twice per week (n=375). In RENAISSANCE, patients received placebo (n=309), etanercept 25 mg twice per week (n=308), or etanercept 25 mg 3 times per week (n=308). The primary end point of each individual trial was clinical status at 24 weeks. Analysis of the effect of the 2 higher doses of etanercept on the combined outcome of death or hospitalization due to chronic heart failure from the 2 studies was also planned (RENEWAL). On the basis of prespecified stopping rules, both trials were terminated prematurely owing to lack of benefit. Etanercept had no effect on clinical status in RENAISSANCE (P=0.17) or RECOVER (P=0.34) and had no effect on the death or chronic heart failure hospitalization end point in RENEWAL (etanercept to placebo relative risk=1.1, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.33, P=0.33). CONCLUSIONS: The results of RENEWAL rule out a clinically relevant benefit of etanercept on the rate of death or hospitalization due to chronic heart failure.
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| 17. |
- Calves, G. M., et al.
(author)
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Observations and analysis of phase scintillation of spacecraft signal on the interplanetary plasma
- 2014
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In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 564
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aims. The phase scintillation of the European Space Agency's Venus Express (VEX) spacecraft telemetry signal was observed at X-band (lambda = 3.6 cm) with a number of radio telescopes of the European Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) Network in the period 2009-2013. Methods. We found a phase fluctuation spectrum along the Venus orbit with a nearly constant spectral index of -2.42 +/- 0.25 over the full range of solar elongation angles from 0 degrees to 45 degrees, which is consistent with Kolmogorov turbulence. Radio astronomical observations of spacecraft signals within the solar system give a unique opportunity to study the temporal behaviour of the signal's phase fluctuations caused by its propagation through the interplanetary plasma and the Earth's ionosphere. This gives complementary data to the classical interplanetary scintillation (IPS) study based on observations of the flux variability of distant natural radio sources. Results. We present here our technique and the results on IPS. We compare these with the total electron content for the line of sight through the solar wind. Finally, we evaluate the applicability of the presented technique to phase-referencing VLBI and Doppler observations of currently operational and prospective space missions.
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| 18. |
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| 19. |
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| 20. |
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| 21. |
- Bergman, Marie-Louise, et al.
(author)
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CTLA-4-/- mice display T cell-apoptosis resistance resembling that ascribed to autoimmune-prone non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice
- 2001
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In: Journal of Autoimmunity. - : Elsevier. - 0896-8411 .- 1095-9157. ; 16:2, s. 105-113
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The genes conferring susceptibility to autoimmune (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus (IDDM) are, in most cases, not defined. Among the loci so far identified as associated with murine IDDM (Idd1-19), only the nature of Idd1 has been assessed. Here we show that thymocytes and peripheral lymphocytes of the non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse are relatively resistant to apoptosis induced by gamma-irradiation. By linkage analysis of F2 progeny mice, we map this trait to a locus on chromosome 1 containing the Idd5 diabetes susceptibility region. By the use of congenic mice, we confirm the linkage data and map this locus to a 6 cM region on proximal chromosome 1. Ctla4, being localized in this chromosomal region and mediating crucial functions in T cell biology, is a logical candidate gene in the Idd5 susceptibility region. In line with this, we demonstrate that T cells from Ctla4(-/-)deficient mice show a similar resistance to gamma-irradiation-induced apoptosis as observed in the NOD mice. This reinforces the notion that CTLA-4 contributes to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diabetes.
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| 22. |
- Bernson, Elin, 1987, et al.
(author)
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Identification of Tissue-Resident Natural Killer and T Lymphocytes with Anti-Tumor Properties in Ascites of Ovarian Cancer Patients
- 2023
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In: Cancers. - 2072-6694. ; 15:13
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Simple Summary Ovarian cancer is the deadliest among gynecological cancers, and there is a huge demand for new treatments for these patients. Immunotherapy holds great potential in cancer treatment, but has not yet proven successful for the majority of ovarian cancer patients. To better understand the immunological landscape of the disease, we have characterized lymphocytes in patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer. Natural killer cells and T cells are present in both primary tumors and in the metastasizing environment of ascites, a fluid in the abdominal cavity that is developed in many patients with ovarian cancer. Our data reveal that a large fraction of these natural killer cells and T cells express tissue-resident markers and the inhibitory receptor, NKG2A, and are able to kill ovarian cancer cells. In summary, we report a functional subset of lymphocytes that may be targeted in future immunotherapeutic approaches. Women with ovarian cancer have limited therapy options, with immunotherapy being unsatisfactory for a large group of patients. Tumor cells spread from the ovary or the fallopian tube into the abdominal cavity, which is commonly accompanied with massive ascites production. The ascites represents a unique peritoneal liquid tumor microenvironment with the presence of both tumor and immune cells, including cytotoxic lymphocytes. We characterized lymphocytes in ascites from patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer. Our data reveal the presence of NK and CD8(+) T lymphocytes expressing CD103 and CD49a, which are markers of tissue residency. Moreover, these cells express high levels of the inhibitory NKG2A receptor, with the highest expression level detected on tissue-resident NK cells. Lymphocytes with these features were also present at the primary tumor site. Functional assays showed that tissue-resident NK cells in ascites are highly responsive towards ovarian tumor cells. Similar results were observed in an in vivo mouse model, in which tissue-resident NK and CD8(+) T cells were detected in the peritoneal fluid upon tumor growth. Together, our data reveal the presence of highly functional lymphocyte populations that may be targeted to improve immunotherapy for patients with ovarian cancer.
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| 23. |
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| 24. |
- Colucci, Francesco, et al.
(author)
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Apoptosis resistance of nonobese diabetic peripheral lymphocytes linked to the Idd5 diabetes susceptibility region
- 1997
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In: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. - : National Academy of Sciences. - 0027-8424 .- 1091-6490. ; 94:16, s. 8670-8674
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Defects in lymphocyte apoptosis may lead to autoimmune disorders and contribute to the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes. Lymphocytes of nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice, an animal model of autoimmune diabetes, have been found resistant to various apoptosis signals, including the alkylating drug cyclophosphamide. Using an F2 intercross between the apoptosis-resistant NOD mouse and the apoptosis-susceptible C57BL/6 mouse, we define a major locus controlling the apoptosis-resistance phenotype and demonstrate its linkage (logarithm of odds score = 3.9) to a group of medial markers on chromosome 1. The newly defined gene cannot be dissociated from Ctla4 and Cd28 and in fact marks a 20-centimorgan region encompassing Idd5, a previously postulated diabetes susceptibility locus. Interestingly, we find that the CTLA-4 (cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4) and the CD28 costimulatory molecules are defectively expressed in NOD mice, suggesting that one or both of these molecules may be involved in the control of apoptosis resistance and, in turn, in diabetes susceptibility.
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| 25. |
- Colucci, Francesco, et al.
(author)
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Induction of diabetes in NOD‹–›C57BL/6 embryo aggregation chimeras by cyclophosphamide through preferential depletion of C57BL/6 lymphocytes
- 1996
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In: Journal of Autoimmunity. - : Elsevier. - 0896-8411 .- 1095-9157. ; 9:4, s. 493-499
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The majority of embryo aggregation (EA) mouse chimeras between non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice and C57BL/6 (B6) mice show clear signs of insulitis frequently accompanied by beta-cell destruction. Less than 5% of these chimeras, however, spontaneously progress to autoimmune diabetes, an incidence far lower than observed in NOD mice. The resistance in chimeras can be accounted for by the target organ chimerism and/or the immune system chimerism. To investigate the mechanism(s) controlling diabetes resistance in these mice, we studied a total of 92 NOD<-->B6 EA chimeras that showed overt lymphoid chimerism and treated 34 chimeras with cyclophosphamide (CY), a compound known to precipitate an acute form of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) in pre-diabetic NOD mice, by interfering with regulatory mechanisms. We found that CY-treated EA chimeras displayed an increase in the NOD:B6 lymphocyte ratio and 32% of them developed diabetes that could be adoptively transferred to irradiated NOD or NOD-rag-2-/- mice. These findings suggest that lymphocyte chimerism rather than beta-cell chimerism accounts for diabetes resistance in NOD<-->B6 EA chimeras and that the susceptibility to CY-induced diabetes may be related to the proportion of NOD versus B6 lymphoid cells.
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| 26. |
- Colucci, Francesco, et al.
(author)
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Programmed cell death in the pathogenesis of murine IDDM : resistance to apoptosis induced in lymphocytes by cyclophosphamide
- 1996
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In: Journal of Autoimmunity. - : Elsevier. - 0896-8411 .- 1095-9157. ; 9:2, s. 271-276
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse displays several immune related defects, each of which could potentially contribute to the immunopathogenesis of diabetes that spontaneously develops in these mice. The reported resistance of NOD-lymphocytes to several apoptosis-inducing signals constitutes one such factor. Apoptosis plays a key role in the homeostasis of the immune system, as a means of selecting lymphocyte repertoires both in primary lymphoid organs and in the periphery; distortions in the apoptotic machinery may therefore be hypothesized to be implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders. We now report that cyclophosphamide constitutes an apoptosis signal to peripheral lymphocytes and we provide evidence that NOD B cells as well as both CD4 and CD8 T cells display resistance to cyclophosphamide-induced apoptosis. These observations support the notion that apoptosis resistance in NOD mice exists at various levels, and suggest that the CY-sensitive lymphoid population, believed to play an important role in inhibiting the disease in diabetes resistant NOD mice (particularly males), may be controlled by mechanisms that are mediated by apoptosis.
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| 27. |
- Delaini, G G, et al.
(author)
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Is an ileal pouch an alternative for patients requiring surgery for Crohn's proctocolitis?
- 2005
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In: Techniques in coloproctology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1123-6337 .- 1128-045X. ; 9:3, s. 222-4
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Most surgeons consider Crohn's colitis to be an absolute contraindication for a continent ileostomy, due to high complication and failure rates. This opinion may, however, be erroneous. The results may appear poor when compared with those after pouch surgery in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), but the matter may well appear in a different light if the pouch patients are compared with Crohn's colitis patients who have had a proctocolectomy and a conventional ileostomy.We assessed the long-term outcomes in a series of patients with Crohn's colitis who had a proctocolectomy and a continent ileostomy (59 patients) or a conventional ileostomy (57 patients). The median follow-up time was 24 years for the first group and 27 years for the second group.The outcomes in the two groups of patients were largely similar regarding both mortality and morbidity; the rates of recurrent disease and reoperation with loss of small bowel were also similar between groups.The possibility of having a continent ileostomy, thereby avoiding a conventional ileostomy-even if only for a limited number of years--may be an attractive option for young, highly motivated patients.
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| 28. |
- Delaini, G G, et al.
(author)
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The ileoanal pouch procedure in the long-term perspective: a critical review.
- 2005
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In: Techniques in coloproctology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1123-6337 .- 1128-045X. ; 9:3, s. 187-92
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- An ileo-pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) has become the gold standard procedure for ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis. Clinical results on the pelvic pouch procedure have often been encouraging; when confronted with the different surgical options, the majority of patients select IPAA as the best operation. However, even if IPAA is a great innovation, it is by no means the first choice for all patients. For patients old enough to join in a responsible discussion, the pros and cons of the various operations must be carefully described; the choice of surgical procedure must meet the patient's wishes and appear soundly based to the surgeon. The young age of most patients has to be considered and a long follow-up time is required to establish whether and, if so, to what extent the operation may adversely impact the patient's continence, sex life, fertility, and quality of life. The risk of cancer transformation in the residual rectal mucosa in the muscular or columnar cuff is another important factor that may influence the eventual decision. This article critically reviews our experience and the literature.
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| 29. |
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| 30. |
- Huhn, O, et al.
(author)
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Distinctive phenotypes and functions of innate lymphoid cells in human decidua during early pregnancy
- 2020
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In: Nature communications. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2041-1723. ; 11:1, s. 381-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- During early pregnancy, decidual innate lymphoid cells (dILCs) interact with surrounding maternal cells and invading fetal extravillous trophoblasts (EVT). Here, using mass cytometry, we characterise five main dILC subsets: decidual NK cells (dNK)1–3, ILC3s and proliferating NK cells. Following stimulation, dNK2 and dNK3 produce more chemokines than dNK1 including XCL1 which can act on both maternal dendritic cells and fetal EVT. In contrast, dNK1 express receptors including Killer-cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptors (KIR), indicating they respond to HLA class I ligands on EVT. Decidual NK have distinctive organisation and content of granules compared with peripheral blood NK cells. Acquisition of KIR correlates with higher granzyme B levels and increased chemokine production in response to KIR activation, suggesting a link between increased granule content and dNK1 responsiveness. Our analysis shows that dILCs are unique and provide specialised functions dedicated to achieving placental development and successful reproduction.
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| 31. |
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| 32. |
- Vasan, Ramachandran S, et al.
(author)
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Relations of serum aldosterone to cardiac structure : gender-related differences in the Framingham Heart Study.
- 2004
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In: Hypertension. - 1524-4563. ; 43:5, s. 957-62
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aldosterone is associated with myocardial fibrosis in experimental studies and with left ventricular remodeling in heart failure patients. We hypothesized that aldosterone influences ventricular remodeling in people without congestive heart failure in the community. We examined the relations between serum aldosterone and echocardiographic left ventricular measurements in 2820 Framingham Study subjects (mean age 57 years, 58% women, 88% white) free of myocardial infarction and overt heart failure. Serum aldosterone levels were higher in women compared with men. In linear regression models (adjusted for age, systolic blood pressure, weight, height, diabetes, heart rate, hypertension treatment, and ethnicity), left ventricular wall thickness and relative wall thickness were positively related, and left ventricular diastolic dimensions were inversely related to serum aldosterone in women (P<0.05 for all), but not in men (P>0.20 for all). There was no effect modification of the relations observed in women by menopausal status. The gender-related differences in relations of serum aldosterone to relative wall thickness were consistent across subgroups defined on the basis of sex-specific median values of systolic blood pressure and body mass index. Fractional shortening, left ventricular mass, and left atrial dimensions were not related to serum aldosterone in either sex. In conclusion, in our community-based sample of individuals free of myocardial infarction and heart failure, serum aldosterone was positively associated with a left ventricular geometric pattern suggestive of concentric remodeling (increased left ventricular wall thickness and relative wall thickness but decreased internal dimensions) in women but not in men. Additional investigations are warranted to confirm these findings.
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