| 1. |
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| 2. |
- Ruilope, LM, et al.
(författare)
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Design and Baseline Characteristics of the Finerenone in Reducing Cardiovascular Mortality and Morbidity in Diabetic Kidney Disease Trial
- 2019
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Ingår i: American journal of nephrology. - : S. Karger AG. - 1421-9670 .- 0250-8095. ; 50:5, s. 345-356
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- <b><i>Background:</i></b> Among people with diabetes, those with kidney disease have exceptionally high rates of cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality and progression of their underlying kidney disease. Finerenone is a novel, nonsteroidal, selective mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist that has shown to reduce albuminuria in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) while revealing only a low risk of hyperkalemia. However, the effect of finerenone on CV and renal outcomes has not yet been investigated in long-term trials. <b><i>Patients and</i></b> <b><i>Methods:</i></b> The Finerenone in Reducing CV Mortality and Morbidity in Diabetic Kidney Disease (FIGARO-DKD) trial aims to assess the efficacy and safety of finerenone compared to placebo at reducing clinically important CV and renal outcomes in T2D patients with CKD. FIGARO-DKD is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, event-driven trial running in 47 countries with an expected duration of approximately 6 years. FIGARO-DKD randomized 7,437 patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥25 mL/min/1.73 m<sup>2</sup> and albuminuria (urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio ≥30 to ≤5,000 mg/g). The study has at least 90% power to detect a 20% reduction in the risk of the primary outcome (overall two-sided significance level α = 0.05), the composite of time to first occurrence of CV death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, or hospitalization for heart failure. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> FIGARO-DKD will determine whether an optimally treated cohort of T2D patients with CKD at high risk of CV and renal events will experience cardiorenal benefits with the addition of finerenone to their treatment regimen. Trial Registration: EudraCT number: 2015-000950-39; ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02545049.
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| 3. |
- Kinyoki, DK, et al.
(författare)
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Mapping local patterns of childhood overweight and wasting in low- and middle-income countries between 2000 and 2017
- 2020
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Ingår i: Nature medicine. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1546-170X .- 1078-8956. ; 26:5, s. 750-759
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A double burden of malnutrition occurs when individuals, household members or communities experience both undernutrition and overweight. Here, we show geospatial estimates of overweight and wasting prevalence among children under 5 years of age in 105 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) from 2000 to 2017 and aggregate these to policy-relevant administrative units. Wasting decreased overall across LMICs between 2000 and 2017, from 8.4% (62.3 (55.1–70.8) million) to 6.4% (58.3 (47.6–70.7) million), but is predicted to remain above the World Health Organization’s Global Nutrition Target of <5% in over half of LMICs by 2025. Prevalence of overweight increased from 5.2% (30 (22.8–38.5) million) in 2000 to 6.0% (55.5 (44.8–67.9) million) children aged under 5 years in 2017. Areas most affected by double burden of malnutrition were located in Indonesia, Thailand, southeastern China, Botswana, Cameroon and central Nigeria. Our estimates provide a new perspective to researchers, policy makers and public health agencies in their efforts to address this global childhood syndemic.
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| 7. |
- Sbarra, AN, et al.
(författare)
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Mapping routine measles vaccination in low- and middle-income countries
- 2021
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Ingår i: Nature. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1476-4687 .- 0028-0836. ; 589:7842, s. 415-
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The safe, highly effective measles vaccine has been recommended globally since 1974, yet in 2017 there were more than 17 million cases of measles and 83,400 deaths in children under 5 years old, and more than 99% of both occurred in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)1–4. Globally comparable, annual, local estimates of routine first-dose measles-containing vaccine (MCV1) coverage are critical for understanding geographically precise immunity patterns, progress towards the targets of the Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP), and high-risk areas amid disruptions to vaccination programmes caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)5–8. Here we generated annual estimates of routine childhood MCV1 coverage at 5 × 5-km2pixel and second administrative levels from 2000 to 2019 in 101 LMICs, quantified geographical inequality and assessed vaccination status by geographical remoteness. After widespread MCV1 gains from 2000 to 2010, coverage regressed in more than half of the districts between 2010 and 2019, leaving many LMICs far from the GVAP goal of 80% coverage in all districts by 2019. MCV1 coverage was lower in rural than in urban locations, although a larger proportion of unvaccinated children overall lived in urban locations; strategies to provide essential vaccination services should address both geographical contexts. These results provide a tool for decision-makers to strengthen routine MCV1 immunization programmes and provide equitable disease protection for all children.
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| 8. |
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| 9. |
- Wightman, D. P., et al.
(författare)
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A genome-wide association study with 1,126,563 individuals identifies new risk loci for Alzheimer’s disease
- 2021
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Ingår i: Nature Genetics. - : Springer Nature. - 1061-4036 .- 1546-1718. ; 53:9, s. 1276-1282
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Late-onset Alzheimer’s disease is a prevalent age-related polygenic disease that accounts for 50–70% of dementia cases. Currently, only a fraction of the genetic variants underlying Alzheimer’s disease have been identified. Here we show that increased sample sizes allowed identification of seven previously unidentified genetic loci contributing to Alzheimer’s disease. This study highlights microglia, immune cells and protein catabolism as relevant to late-onset Alzheimer’s disease, while identifying and prioritizing previously unidentified genes of potential interest. We anticipate that these results can be included in larger meta-analyses of Alzheimer’s disease to identify further genetic variants that contribute to Alzheimer’s pathology.
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| 10. |
- Abbafati, Cristiana, et al.
(författare)
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- 2020
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)
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| 11. |
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| 12. |
- Elvsashagen, T, et al.
(författare)
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The genetic architecture of human brainstem structures and their involvement in common brain disorders
- 2020
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Ingår i: Nature communications. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2041-1723. ; 11:1, s. 4016-
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Brainstem regions support vital bodily functions, yet their genetic architectures and involvement in common brain disorders remain understudied. Here, using imaging-genetics data from a discovery sample of 27,034 individuals, we identify 45 brainstem-associated genetic loci, including the first linked to midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata volumes, and map them to 305 genes. In a replication sample of 7432 participants most of the loci show the same effect direction and are significant at a nominal threshold. We detect genetic overlap between brainstem volumes and eight psychiatric and neurological disorders. In additional clinical data from 5062 individuals with common brain disorders and 11,257 healthy controls, we observe differential volume alterations in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, multiple sclerosis, mild cognitive impairment, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease, supporting the relevance of brainstem regions and their genetic architectures in common brain disorders.
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| 13. |
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| 14. |
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| 15. |
- Witoelar, A, et al.
(författare)
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Meta-analysis of Alzheimer's disease on 9,751 samples from Norway and IGAP study identifies four risk loci
- 2018
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Ingår i: Scientific reports. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2045-2322. ; 8:1, s. 18088-
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A large fraction of genetic risk factors for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is still not identified, limiting the understanding of AD pathology and study of therapeutic targets. We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of AD cases and controls of European descent from the multi-center DemGene network across Norway and two independent European cohorts. In a two-stage process, we first performed a meta-analysis using GWAS results from 2,893 AD cases and 6,858 cognitively normal controls from Norway and 25,580 cases and 48,466 controls from the International Genomics of Alzheimer’s Project (IGAP), denoted the discovery sample. Second, we selected the top hits (p < 1 × 10−6) from the discovery analysis for replication in an Icelandic cohort consisting of 5,341 cases and 110,008 controls. We identified a novel genomic region with genome-wide significant association with AD on chromosome 4 (combined analysis OR = 1.07, p = 2.48 x 10-8). This finding implicated HS3ST1, a gene expressed throughout the brain particularly in the cerebellar cortex. In addition, we identified IGHV1-68 in the discovery sample, previously not associated with AD. We also associated USP6NL/ECHDC3 and BZRAP1-AS1 to AD, confirming findings from a follow-up transethnic study. These new gene loci provide further evidence for AD as a polygenic disorder, and suggest new mechanistic pathways that warrant further investigation.
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| 16. |
- Micah, Angela E., et al.
(författare)
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Tracking development assistance for health and for COVID-19 : a review of development assistance, government, out-of-pocket, and other private spending on health for 204 countries and territories, 1990-2050
- 2021
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Ingår i: The Lancet. - : Elsevier. - 0140-6736 .- 1474-547X. ; 398:10308, s. 1317-1343
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background The rapid spread of COVID-19 renewed the focus on how health systems across the globe are financed, especially during public health emergencies. Development assistance is an important source of health financing in many low-income countries, yet little is known about how much of this funding was disbursed for COVID-19. We aimed to put development assistance for health for COVID-19 in the context of broader trends in global health financing, and to estimate total health spending from 1995 to 2050 and development assistance for COVID-19 in 2020. Methods We estimated domestic health spending and development assistance for health to generate total health-sector spending estimates for 204 countries and territories. We leveraged data from the WHO Global Health Expenditure Database to produce estimates of domestic health spending. To generate estimates for development assistance for health, we relied on project-level disbursement data from the major international development agencies' online databases and annual financial statements and reports for information on income sources. To adjust our estimates for 2020 to include disbursements related to COVID-19, we extracted project data on commitments and disbursements from a broader set of databases (because not all of the data sources used to estimate the historical series extend to 2020), including the UN Office of Humanitarian Assistance Financial Tracking Service and the International Aid Transparency Initiative. We reported all the historic and future spending estimates in inflation-adjusted 2020 US$, 2020 US$ per capita, purchasing-power parity-adjusted US$ per capita, and as a proportion of gross domestic product. We used various models to generate future health spending to 2050. Findings In 2019, health spending globally reached $8. 8 trillion (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 8.7-8.8) or $1132 (1119-1143) per person. Spending on health varied within and across income groups and geographical regions. Of this total, $40.4 billion (0.5%, 95% UI 0.5-0.5) was development assistance for health provided to low-income and middle-income countries, which made up 24.6% (UI 24.0-25.1) of total spending in low-income countries. We estimate that $54.8 billion in development assistance for health was disbursed in 2020. Of this, $13.7 billion was targeted toward the COVID-19 health response. $12.3 billion was newly committed and $1.4 billion was repurposed from existing health projects. $3.1 billion (22.4%) of the funds focused on country-level coordination and $2.4 billion (17.9%) was for supply chain and logistics. Only $714.4 million (7.7%) of COVID-19 development assistance for health went to Latin America, despite this region reporting 34.3% of total recorded COVID-19 deaths in low-income or middle-income countries in 2020. Spending on health is expected to rise to $1519 (1448-1591) per person in 2050, although spending across countries is expected to remain varied. Interpretation Global health spending is expected to continue to grow, but remain unequally distributed between countries. We estimate that development organisations substantially increased the amount of development assistance for health provided in 2020. Continued efforts are needed to raise sufficient resources to mitigate the pandemic for the most vulnerable, and to help curtail the pandemic for all. Copyright (C) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.
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| 17. |
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| 18. |
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| 19. |
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| 20. |
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| 21. |
- Bass, Gary Alan, 1979-, et al.
(författare)
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Techniques for mesoappendix transection and appendix resection: insights from the ESTES SnapAppy study
- 2023
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Ingår i: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1863-9933 .- 1615-3146 .- 1863-9941. ; 49, s. 17-32
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction: Surgically managed appendicitis exhibits great heterogeneity in techniques for mesoappendix transection and appendix amputation from its base. It is unclear whether a particular surgical technique provides outcome benefit or reduces complications. Material and methods: We undertook a pre-specified subgroup analysis of all patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy at index admission during SnapAppy (ClinicalTrials.gov Registration: NCT04365491). We collected routine, anonymized observational data regarding surgical technique, patient demographics and indices of disease severity, without change to clinical care pathway or usual surgeon preference. Outcome measures of interest were the incidence of complications, unplanned reoperation, readmission, admission to the ICU, death, hospital length of stay, and procedure duration. We used Poisson regression models with robust standard errors to calculate incident rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Three-thousand seven hundred sixty-eight consecutive adult patients, included from 71 centers in 14 countries, were followed up from date of admission for 90days. The mesoappendix was divided hemostatically using electrocautery in 1564(69.4%) and an energy device in 688(30.5%). The appendix was amputated by division of its base between looped ligatures in 1379(37.0%), with a stapler in 1421(38.1%) and between clips in 929(24.9%). The technique for securely dividing the appendix at its base in acutely inflamed (AAST Grade 1) appendicitis was equally divided between division between looped ligatures, clips and stapled transection. However, the technique used differed in complicated appendicitis (AAST Grade 2 +) compared with uncomplicated (Grade 1), with a shift toward transection of the appendix base by stapler (58% vs. 38%; p < 0.001). While no statistical difference in outcomes could be detected between different techniques for division of appendix base, decreased risk of any [adjusted IRR (95% CI): 0.58 (0.41–0.82), p = 0.002] and severe [adjusted IRR (95% CI): 0.33 (0.11–0.96), p = 0.045] complications could be detected when using energy devices. Conclusions: Safe mesoappendix transection and appendix resection are accomplished using heterogeneous techniques. Technique selection for both mesoappendix transection and appendix resection correlates with AAST grade. Higher grade led to more ultrasonic tissue transection and stapled appendix resection. Higher AAST appendicitis grade also correlated with infection-related complication occurrence. Despite the overall well-tolerated heterogeneity of approaches to acute appendicitis, increasing disease acuity or complexity appears to encourage homogeneity of intraoperative surgical technique toward advanced adjuncts.
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| 22. |
- Forssten, Maximilian Peter, 1996-, et al.
(författare)
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Surgical management of acute appendicitis during the European COVID-19 second wave: safe and effective
- 2023
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Ingår i: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1863-9933 .- 1615-3146 .- 1863-9941. ; 49, s. 57-67
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction: The COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic drove acute care surgeons to pivot from long established practice patterns. Early safety concerns regarding increased postoperative complication risk in those with active COVID infection promoted antibiotic-driven non-operative therapy for select conditions ahead of an evidence-base. Our study assesses whether active or recent SARS-CoV-2 positivity increases hospital length of stay (LOS) or postoperative complications following appendectomy. Methods: Data were derived from the prospective multi-institutional observational SnapAppy cohort study. This preplanned data analysis assessed consecutive patients aged ≥ 15years who underwent appendectomy for appendicitis (November 2020–May 2021). Patients were categorized based on SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity: no infection, active infection, and prior infection. Appendectomy method, LOS, and complications were abstracted. The association between SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity and complications was determined using Poisson regression, while the association with LOS was calculated using a quantile regression model. Results: Appendectomy for acute appendicitis was performed in 4047 patients during the second and third European COVID waves. The majority were SARS-CoV-2 uninfected (3861, 95.4%), while 70 (1.7%) were acutely SARS-CoV-2 positive, and 116 (2.8%) reported prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. After confounder adjustment, there was no statistically significant association between SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity and LOS, any complication, or severe complications. Conclusion: During sequential SARS-CoV-2 infection waves, neither active nor prior SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with prolonged hospital LOS or postoperative complication. Despite early concerns regarding postoperative safety and outcome during active SARS-CoV-2 infection, no such association was noted for those with appendicitis who underwent operative management.
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| 23. |
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| 24. |
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| 25. |
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| 26. |
- Bahrami, F., et al.
(författare)
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Blood transcriptional profiles distinguish different clinical stages of cutaneous leishmaniasis in humans
- 2022
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Ingår i: Molecular Immunology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0161-5890. ; 149, s. 165-173
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a neglected tropical disease with severe morbidity and socioeconomic sequelae. A better understanding of underlying immune mechanisms that lead to different clinical outcomes of CL could inform the rational design of intervention measures. While transcriptomic analyses of CL lesions were recently reported by us and others, there is a dearth of information on the expression of immune-related genes in the blood of CL patients. Herein, we investigated immune-related gene expression in whole blood samples collected from individuals with different clinical stages of CL along with healthy volunteers in an endemic CL region where Leishmania (L.) tropica is prevalent. Study participants were categorized into asymptomatic (LST+) and healthy uninfected (LST-) groups based on their leishmanin skin test (LST). Whole blood PAXgene samples were collected from volunteers, who had healed CL lesions, and patients with active L. tropica cutaneous lesions. Quality RNA extracted from 57 blood samples were subjected to Dual-color reverse-transcription multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (dcRT-MLPA) assay for profiling 144 immune-related genes. Results show significant changes in the expression of genes involved in interferon signaling pathway in the blood of active CL patients, asymptomatics and healed individuals. Nonetheless, distinct profiles for several immune-related genes were identified in the healed, the asymptomatic, and the CL patients compared to the healthy controls. Among others, IFI16 and CCL11 were found as immune transcript signatures for the healed and the asymptomatic individuals, respectively. These results warrant further exploration to pinpoint novel blood biomarkers for different clinical stages of CL.
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| 27. |
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| 28. |
- Benton, S., et al.
(författare)
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Impact of Next-generation Sequencing on Interobserver Agreement and Diagnosis of Spitzoid Neoplasms
- 2021
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Ingår i: American Journal of Surgical Pathology. - : Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health). - 0147-5185 .- 1532-0979. ; 45:12, s. 1597-1605
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Atypical Spitzoid melanocytic tumors are diagnostically challenging. Many studies have suggested various genomic markers to improve classification and prognostication. We aimed to assess whether next-generation sequencing studies using the Tempus xO assay assessing mutations in 1711 cancer-related genes and performing whole transcriptome mRNA sequencing for structural alterations could improve diagnostic agreement and accuracy in assessing neoplasms with Spitzoid histologic features. Twenty expert pathologists were asked to review 70 consultation level cases with Spitzoid features, once with limited clinical information and again with additional genomic information. There was an improvement in overall agreement with additional genomic information. Most significantly, there was increase in agreement of the diagnosis of conventional melanoma from moderate (kappa=0.470, SE=0.0105) to substantial (kappa=0.645, SE=0.0143) as measured by an average Cohen kappa. Clinical follow-up was available in all 70 cases which substantiated that the improved agreement was clinically significant. Among 3 patients with distant metastatic disease, there was a highly significant increase in diagnostic recognition of the cases as conventional melanoma with genomics (P<0.005). In one case, none of 20 pathologists recognized a tumor with BRAF and TERT promoter mutations associated with fatal outcome as a conventional melanoma when only limited clinical information was provided, whereas 60% of pathologists correctly diagnosed this case when genomic information was also available. There was also a significant improvement in agreement of which lesions should be classified in the Spitz category/WHO Pathway from an average Cohen kappa of 0.360 (SE=0.00921) to 0.607 (SE=0.0232) with genomics.
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| 29. |
- Gluesenkamp, K. R., et al.
(författare)
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Experimentally measured thermal masses of adsorption heat exchangers
- 2020
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Ingår i: Energies. - : MDPI AG. - 1996-1073. ; 13:5
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The thermal masses of components influence the performance of many adsorption heat pump systems. However, typically when experimental adsorption systems are reported, data on thermal mass are missing or incomplete. This work provides original measurements of the thermal masses for experimental sorption heat exchanger hardware. Much of this hardware was previously reported in the literature, but without detailed thermal mass data. The data reported in this work are the first values reported in the literature to thoroughly account for all thermal masses, including heat transfer fluid. The impact of thermal mass on system performance is also discussed, with detailed calculation left for future work. The degree to which heat transfer fluid contributes to overall effective thermal mass is also discussed, with detailed calculation left for future work. This work provides a framework for future reporting of experimental thermal masses. The utilization of this framework will enrich the data available for model validation and provide a more thorough accounting of adsorption heat pumps. © 2020 by the authors.
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| 30. |
- Murugan, Vishal, et al.
(författare)
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Mechanical and Postfire Structural Performances of Concrete under Elevated Temperatures
- 2023
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Ingår i: Civil Engineering Journal. - : CEJ. - 2676-6957 .- 2476-3055. ; 9:8, s. 1863-1879
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This article investigates the mechanical and postfire structural performances of concrete under elevated temperatures (200°C, 400°C, 600°C, and 800°C) after 7 and 28 days of concrete curing. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the post-fire behavior of concrete structures and how their modulus of elasticity values influence their structural parameters. Mechanical studies, namely, the compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and flexural strength, were performed on cubes, cylinders, and prism beams under normal and elevated temperatures. Non-destructive tests, like rebound hammer and ultrasonic pulse velocity, were also conducted on concrete cubes to obtain the strength of concrete before and after heating the specimens. Microstructural studies, in particular, scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, were done to analyze the changes in the chemical composition of concrete under the effect of the temperatures. The weight loss of the concrete specimens was assessed under the elevated temperatures. The results indicated that the geometric shapes of the specimens influenced the loss in the moisture content of concrete under an elevated temperature scenario. Microstructural studies revealed the changes in the chemical composition under the elevated temperatures. The results of this research can be further integrated for industrial applications.
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| 31. |
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| 32. |
- Vivek, S.S., et al.
(författare)
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Impact and Durability Properties of Alccofine-Based Hybrid Fibre-Reinforced Self-Compacting Concrete
- 2023
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Ingår i: Case Studies in Construction Materials. - : Elsevier. - 2214-5095. ; 19
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Many research works have already been made and are still in progress on metallic fibres, as their incorporation reduces the brittleness of the concrete and improves its resistance to the impact and crack propagation. But the use of such non-metallic fibres may induce corrosion which is a major problem to be addressed from the durability aspect. To overcome this problem, in the present research work, a non-metallic hybrid fibre combination was investigated with synthetic fibres like polypropylene and abaca fibres. Also, rather than using conventional cementitious materials such as silica fume, fly ash, and ground granulated blast furnace slag, a new generation of ultra-fine material namely alccofine was used as a partial replacement for the cement by 15%. Abaca fibre was utilised in a constant addition of 0.5% and blended with polypropylene fibre in a range varying from 0% to 2% with an increment of 0.5%. The fresh properties of self-compacting concrete (SCC) in mono and hybrid fibres combinations were assessed through slump flow, J-ring, and V-funnel tests. Water absorption and sorptivity tests were conducted to ensure the durability of the prepared mix. Further, impact tests were carried out on the prepared cylinder specimens to check the capability of the mix with the non-metallic hybrid combination. The main objective here was to check whether a high-strength durable SCC could be achieved using non-metallic fibres and natural fibres. From the obtained experimental results, it was observed that 15% alccofine as a partial substitute to the cement with the addition of 0.5% of abaca fibre and 2% of polypropylene fibre to SCC performed better than the control SCC.
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| 33. |
- Alimoradi, Z., et al.
(författare)
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Mediating role of psychological distress and domestic violence in the association of fear of COVID-19 with marital satisfaction and sexual quality of life among women of reproductive age : An Iranian cross-sectional study
- 2023
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Ingår i: BMJ Open. - : BMJ Publishing Group Ltd. - 2044-6055. ; 13:2
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the mediating role of psychological distress and domestic violence in the association of fear of COVID-19 with marital satisfaction and sexual quality of life (QoL) among Iranian women of reproductive age. METHODS: A cross-sectional study comprising 324 married women was conducted. Online convenience sampling was used to collect data. SPSS PROCESS macro was used for the mediation analysis. The direct and indirect effects of the fear of COVID-19 on sexual QoL and marital satisfaction were estimated comprising a 95% CI using 5000 bootstrap samples. Pairwise comparisons between the mediators were calculated by Hayes' macros. RESULTS: A positive/negative or suspected history of COVID-19 infection had marginally significant relationship with marital satisfaction (p=0.049). The total effect of fear of COVID-19 on sexual QoL was significant (b=-1.31, SE=0.20, p<0.001). Fear of COVID-19 had no significant direct effect on sexual QoL (b=-0.22, SE=0.19, p=0.24) but it had an indirect effect on sexual QoL via mediation of psychological distress (b=-0.34, SE=0.09, 95% CI: -0.53 to -0.19) and domestic violence (b=-0.75, SE=0.18, 95% CI: -1.12 to -0.40). The total effect of fear of COVID-19 on marital satisfaction was significant (b=-1.91, SE=0.32, p<0.001). Fear of COVID-19 had no significant direct effect (b=0.20, SE=0.25, p=0.42) on marital satisfaction but it had an indirect effect on marital satisfaction via mediation of psychological distress (b=-0.59, SE=0.13, 95% CI: -0.86 to -0.36) and domestic violence (b=-1.51, SE=0.29, 95% CI: -2.08 to -0.92). CONCLUSION: The fear of COVID-19 during the pandemic indirectly decreased women's marital satisfaction and sexual QoL via increased psychological distress and domestic violence. Consequently, in critical situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic, improving couples' psychological health and reducing domestic violence are likely to improve women's sexual QoL and marital satisfaction.
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| 34. |
- Alimoradi, Z., et al.
(författare)
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Socio-demographic predictors of dyadic sexual communication among Iranian married women
- 2022
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Ingår i: Sexologies. - : Elsevier. - 1158-1360 .- 1878-1829. ; 31:4, s. 311-317
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background and aim: Couples’ communication concerning sexual issues is influenced by various individual and social factors. The present study investigated the socio-demographic predictors of dyadic sexual communication among married women of reproductive age.Methods: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted from May to October 2019 in comprehensive health centers of Qazvin City, Iran. The participants comprised 400 married women with mean age of 35.66 years recruited via a two-stage sampling method. The Dyadic Sexual Communication Scale (DSCS) and a socio-demographic questionnaire were used for data collection. Univariable and multivariable linear regression models with a significance level of 0.05 were used for statistical analysis.Results: The mean score of sexual communication was 59.19 out of 78 (SD = 12.63). Based on multivariable linear regression model, life satisfaction (β = 0.34 high vs. moderate), frequency of sexual intercourse (β = 0.20), moderate vs. poor economic status (β = 0.12), and using contraception (β = −0.09) were predictors of good dyadic sexual communication. These variables explained 32% of the variance concerning dyadic sexual communication among married women of reproductive age.Conclusion: Life satisfaction, frequency of sexual intercourse, moderate economic status, and using contraception were predictors of good dyadic sexual communication.
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| 35. |
- Awoyera, Paul O., et al.
(författare)
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Structural retrofitting of RC slabs using bamboo fibre laminate: Flexural performance and crack patterns
- 2024
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Ingår i: Heliyon. - : Elsevier. - 2405-8440. ; 10:2
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Enhancing the durability of structural elements is a viable approach to promote sustainability in civil engineering. Research has shown that well-maintained slabs outperform degraded ones, which deteriorate rapidly due to insufficient upkeep. The occurrence of cracking and deformation in slabs subjected to sustained loads significantly impacts their functionality. However, the implementation of appropriate retrofitting techniques utilizing locally available materials can effectively minimize deflection and crack propagation while also improving flexural capacity. This particular study aimed to evaluate the flexural performance of slabs that were retrofitted using bamboo fibre laminate (BFL). Also, the study investigated two alternative replacement methods alongside the conventional mix; one involved replacing all fine aggregates with ceramic fine aggregate and the other involved a complete replacement of coarse aggregates with ceramic coarse aggregate. These mixes were represented in both the retrofitted and non-retrofitted samples. The retrofitting process included using the combined external bonding and near surface-mounted method. Twelve slab samples were made, with six being non-retrofitted and the other six retrofitted with BFL. Each of the samples had dimensions of 300 mm × 300 mm × 50 mm for reinforced concrete (RC) slabs. The slabs were tested employing the three point-bending system, and the retrofitted slabs with the conventional mix exhibited the highest ultimate failure load and flexural strength (62.1 kN), which compared to the non-retrofitted slabs of the same mix was a 60.76% increase. Additionally, the study did a thorough analysis of the presence of flexural and diagonal shear cracks, as well as the occurrence of debonding between BFL and the slabs. Non-destructive tests were also conducted on the slab samples to further confirm accurate results. These findings offer helpful insights into the development and application of a sustainable retrofitting material that can remarkably improve RC slabs.
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| 36. |
- Bahrami, Alireza, et al.
(författare)
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A State-of-the-Art Review on Axial Compressive Behavior of Concrete-Filled Steel Tubes Incorporating Steel Fiber and GFRP Jacketing
- 2023
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Ingår i: Buildings. - : MDPI. - 2075-5309. ; 13:3
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Several types of fibers have enhanced the structural response of reinforced concrete-filled steel tubes (CFSTs). This article presents a state-of-the-art review of studies done on the axial compressive behavior of steel and glass fiber-reinforced CFSTs. The aim of using fibers is to improve the response of the CFSTs. This research indicates the findings of experimental programs and analytical evaluations of the effects of the fiber incorporation on the behavior of the CFSTs. The results of this research work demonstrate that steel fibers (SFs) have enough evident improving effects on the failure mode and load-carrying capacity of the CFSTs. The SFs greatly increase the ductility of the CFSTs. To enhance the compressive strength and ductility of the CFSTs, adding the SFs by 1% to the concrete mix is more effective than adding by 1.5%. The use of the SFs mixed with expansion agent considerably increases the yield and ultimate loads of the CFSTs. More glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) sheets reduce buckling and develop the compressive strength of the CFSTs. The implementation of the GFRP jackets not only enhances the load-carrying capacity of the CFSTs, but also increases their ductility. The GFRP reinforcement techniques for the CFSTs are also effective in improving their structural stiffness and energy absorption capacity.
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| 37. |
- Bahrami, Alireza, et al.
(författare)
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Behaviour of stiffened concrete-filled steel composite (CFSC) stub columns
- 2013
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Ingår i: Latin American Journal of Solids and Structures. - 1679-7817 .- 1679-7825. ; 3:10, s. 409-439
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper investigates the behaviour of axially loaded stiffened concrete-filled steel composite (CFSC) stub columns using the finite element software LUSAS. Modelling accuracy is established by comparing results of the nonlinear analysis and the experimental test. The CFSC stub columns are extensively developed using different special arrangements, number, spacing, and diameters of bar stiffeners with various steel wall thicknesses, load eccentricities, concrete compressive strengths, and steel yield stresses. Their effects on the columns behaviour are examined. Failure modes of the columns are also illustrated. It is concluded that the parameters have considerable effects on the behaviour of the columns. An equation is proposed based on the obtained results to predict the ultimate load capacity of the columns. Results are compared with predicted values by the design code EC4, suggested equation of other researchers, and proposed equation of this study which is concluded that the proposed equation can give closer predictions than the others.
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| 38. |
- Bahrami, Alireza, et al.
(författare)
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Finite element analysis of ultimate load capacity of slender concrete-filled steel composite columns
- 2011
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Ingår i: International Conference on Advanced Science, Engineering and Information Technology, Bangi-Putrajaya, Malaysia. - 9789834236649 ; , s. 576-581
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Ultimate load capacity of slender concrete-filled steel composite columns is investigated in this paper. Nonlinear analyses are done by the use of finite element software, LUSAS, to study the ultimate axial load behaviour of the columns. Verification of the finite element modelling is done by comparing the result with the corresponding experimental result reported by other researchers. Analyses are carried out to assess different shapes and number of cold-formed steel sheeting stiffeners with various thicknesses of cold-formed steel sheets and their effects on the behaviour and ultimate axial load capacity of the columns. The results are presented in the form of axial load-normalized axial shortening plots. It is demonstrated that the ultimate axial load capacity of the slender concrete-filled steel composite columns can be accurately predicted by proposed finite element modelling. Obtained results from the study show that various thicknesses of cold-formed steel sheets, and different shapes and number of stiffeners influence the ultimate axial load capacity and behaviour of the columns. Also, the ultimate axial load capacity of the columns is improved by increase of number of stiffeners. Moreover, increase of thickness of cold-formed steel sheet enhances the ultimate axial load capacity.
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| 39. |
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| 40. |
- Bahrami, Alireza, et al.
(författare)
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Investigation of concrete-filled steel composite (CFSC) stub columns with bar stiffeners
- 2013
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Ingår i: Journal of Civil Engineering and Management. - : Vilnius Gediminas Technical University. - 1392-3730 .- 1822-3605. ; 19:3, s. 433-446
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper is concerned with the investigation of concrete-filled steel composite (CFSC) stub columns with bar stiffeners. In order to study the behaviour of the columns, the finite element software LUSAS is used to conduct the non-linear analyses. Results from the non-linear finite element analysis and the corresponding experimental test are compared which reveal the reasonable accuracy of the three-dimensional finite element modelling. A special arrangement of bar stiffeners in the columns with various number, spacing and diameters of the bar stiffeners are developed and studied using the non-linear finite element method. Effects of various variables such as different number and spacing of the bar stiffeners and also steel wall thicknesses on the ultimate axial load capacity and ductility of the columns are examined. Moreover, effects of different diameters of the bar stiffeners, concrete compressive strengths and steel yield stresses on the ultimate axial load capacity of the columns are evaluated. It is concluded from the study that the variables significantly influence the behaviour of the columns. The obtained results from the finite element analyses are compared with those predicted values by the design code EC4 and suggested equations of the previous researches.
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| 41. |
- Bahrami, Alireza, et al.
(författare)
-
Nonlinear analysis of concrete-filled steel composite columns subjected to axial loading
- 2011
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Ingår i: Structural Engineering and Mechanics. - : Techno-Press. - 1225-4568 .- 1598-6217. ; 39:3, s. 383-398
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper investigates the nonlinear analysis of concrete-filled steel composite columns subjected to axial loading to predict the ultimate load capacity and behaviour of the columns. Finite element software LUSAS is used to conduct the nonlinear analyses. The accuracy of the finite element modelling is verified by comparing the result with the corresponding experimental result reported by other researchers. Nonlinear analyses are done to study and develop different shapes and number of cold-formed steel sheeting stiffeners with various thicknesses of cold-formed steel sheets. Effects of the parameters on the ultimate axial load capacity and ductility of the concrete-filled steel composite columns are examined. Effects of variables such as concrete compressive strength fc and cold-formed steel sheet yield stress fyp on the ultimate axial load capacity of the columns are also investigated. The results are shown in the form of axial load-normalized axial shortening plots. It is concluded from the study that the ultimate axial load capacity and behaviour of the concrete-filled steel composite columns can be accurately predicted by the proposed finite element modelling. Results in this study demonstrate that the ultimate axial load capacity and ductility of the columns are affected with various thicknesses of steel sheets and different shapes and number of stiffeners. Also, compressive strength fc of the concrete and yield stress fyp of the cold-formed steel sheet influence the performance of the columns significantly.
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| 42. |
- Bahrami, Alireza, et al.
(författare)
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Numerical study of concrete-filled steel composite (CFSC) stub columns with steel stiffeners
- 2014
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Ingår i: Latin American Journal of Solids and Structures. - : FapUNIFESP (SciELO). - 1679-7817 .- 1679-7825. ; 11:4, s. 683-703
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Numerical study of concrete-filled steel composite (CFSC) stub columns with steel stiffeners is presented in this paper. The behaviour of the columns is examined by the use of the finite element software LUSAS. Results from nonlinear finite element analyses are compared with those from corresponding experimental tests which uncover the reasonable accuracy of the modelling. Novel steel stiffeners are used in the CFSC stub columns of this study. The columns are extensively developed considering three different special arrangements of the steel stiffeners with various number, spacing, and widths of the stiffeners. The main variables are: (1) arrangement of the steel stiffeners (C1, C2, and C3); (2) number of the steel stiffeners (2 and 3); (3) spacing of the steel stiffeners (50 mm and 100 mm); (4) width of the steel stiffeners (50 mm, 75 mm, and 100 mm); (5) steel thickness (2 mm, 2.5 mm, and 3 mm); (6) concrete compressive strength (30 MPa, 40 MPa, and 50.1 MPa); (7) steel yield stress (234.3 MPa, 350 MPa, and 450 MPa). Effects of the variables on the behaviour of the columns are assessed. Failure modes of the columns are also illustrated. It is concluded that the variables have considerable effects on the behaviour of the columns. Moreover, ultimate load capacities of the columns are predicted by the design code EC4, suggested equation of other researchers, and proposed equation of the authors of this paper. The obtained ultimate load capacities from the analyses are compared with the predicted values. It concludes that EC4 gives more conservative predictions than the equations.
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| 43. |
- Bahrami, Alireza, et al.
(författare)
-
Performance of axially loaded tapered concrete-filled steel composite slender columns
- 2013
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Ingår i: Journal of Civil Engineering and Management. - : Vilnius Gediminas Technical University. - 1392-3730 .- 1822-3605. ; 19:5, s. 705-717
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper focuses on the performance of a special kind of tapered composite columns, namely tapered concrete-filled steel composite (TCFSC) slender columns, under axial loading. These efficient TCFSC columns are formed by the increase of the mid-height depth and width of straight concrete-filled steel composite (CFSC) slender columns, that is, by the enhancement of the tapered angle (from 08 to 2.758) of the tapered composite columns from their top and bottom to their mid-height. To investigate the performance of the columns, finite element software LUSAS is employed to carry out the nonlinear analyses. Comparisons of the nonlinear finite element results with the existing experimental results uncover the reasonable accuracy of the proposed modelling. Nonlinear analyses are extensively performed and developed to study effects of different variables such as various tapered angles, steel wall thicknesses, concrete compressive strengths, and steel yield stresses on the performance of the columns. It is concluded that increasing each of these variables considerably enhances the ultimate axial load capacity. Also, enhancement of the tapered angle and/or steel wall thickness significantly improves the ductility. Moreover, confinement effect of the steel wall on the performance of the columns is evaluated. Failure modes of the columns are also presented.
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| 44. |
- Bahrami, Alireza, et al.
(författare)
-
Resistance of blast-loaded steel and reinforced concrete beam-to-column connections
- 2020
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Ingår i: International Journal of Engineering Research and Technology. - : International Research Publication House. - 0974-3154. ; 13:1, s. 12-27
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Resistance of steel and reinforced concrete (RC) beam-to-column connections to blast loading is presented in this paper. The steel and RC connections are analysed nonlinearly using the finite element (FE) software ABAQUS. Comparisons of the obtained results from the connections modelling with those of the experimental tests reveal the modelling accuracy. Then, the ETABS software is utilised to design 4 buildings including 2 steel buildings with 5 and 9 storeys and 2 RC buildings with the same number of storeys. The components of the selected beam-to-column connections of the ground floor of the buildings are designed. Then, different parameters are considered for the nonlinear analyses of the steel and RC connections. The studied parameters for the steel connections are as the size of cross-section, bolts arrangement, and using stiffeners in the beam web of the connections, while the parameters for the RC connections are as the size of cross-section, stirrups space, and making beam non-prismatic in the beam-column connection region. It was found that increasing the cross-sectional sizes of the beams and columns of the steel and RC connections considerably enhances the resistance of the connections. In addition, change of the bolts arrangement in the steel connections and reducing the stirrups space in the RC connections significantly influence the resistance of the connections. However, using stiffeners in the beam web of the steel connections and making the beam non-prismatic in the region of the beam-column RC connections have no remarkable effect on the connections resistance. Failure modes of the connections are also evaluated.
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| 45. |
- Bahrami, Alireza, et al.
(författare)
-
Stress concentration in reinforced concrete connections subjected to blast loads
- 2021
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Ingår i: Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences. - : Asian Research Publishing Network. - 1819-6608. ; 16:14, s. 1434-1440
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Investigating the stress concentration in reinforced concrete connections under the blast loads is the purpose of the present paper. This goal was achieved by the design and analysis of the connections. The finite element package ABAQUS was used in this study to model and analyse the connections. A reinforced concrete connection which was tested experimentally was modelled and analysed in order to verify modelling. The results of modelling and experimental test were compared which demonstrated the accuracy of modelling. Afterwards, two reinforced concrete buildings with five and nine storeys were designed employing the ETABS software. A beam-column connection of the ground floor of each building was designed. The sizes of the cross-sections of the beams and columns and the spaces of their stirrups were considered differently. These connections were also modelled and analysed. The distances of the connections from the blast centre were considered as 2.5 m, 5 m, and 10 m and the blast powers were adopted as 500 kg, 1000 kg, and 2000 kg TNT equivalent mass of explosive for the analyses of the connections. The stresses created in the reinforcements of the connections owing to the blast loads were examined. It was demonstrated that as the connection was located farther from the blast centre, the stresses in the connection reinforcements were reduced. Also, the stresses in the connection reinforcements were increased by enhancing the blast power. Meanwhile, using larger cross-sections for the beam and column in the connection of nine-storey building than the connection of five-storey building transferred the stress concentration in the reinforcements to the beam and near the beam-column connection. By decreasing the stirrups spaces of the beam in the connection of five-storey building, the high stresses in the reinforcements were mainly transferred to the beam of the connection which could reduce the likelihood of the progressive collapse of the structure.
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| 46. |
- Bahrami, Alireza, et al.
(författare)
-
Structural behaviour of tapered concrete-filled steel composite (TCFSC) columns subjected to eccentric loading
- 2012
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Ingår i: Computers and Concrete. - : Techno-Press. - 1598-8198 .- 1598-818X. ; 9:6, s. 403-426
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper deals with the structural behaviour of tapered concrete-filled steel composite (TCFSC) columns under eccentric loading. Finite element software LUSAS is used to perform the nonlinear analyses to predict the structural behaviour of the columns. Results from the finite element modelling and existing experimental test are compared to verify the accuracy of the modelling. It is demonstrated that they correlate reasonably well with each other; therefore, the proposed finite element modelling is absolutely accurate to predict the structural behaviour of the columns. Nonlinear analyses are carried out to investigate the behaviour of the columns where the main parameters are: (1) tapered angle (from 0° to 2.75°); (2) steel wall thickness (from 3 mm to 4 mm); (3) load eccentricity (15 mm and 30 mm); (4) L/H ratio (from 10.67 to 17.33); (5) concrete compressive strength (from 30 MPa to 60 MPa); (6) steel yield stress (from 250 MPa to 495 MPa). Results are depicted in the form of load versus mid-height deflection plots. Effects of various tapered angles, steel wall thicknesses, and L/H ratios on the ultimate load capacity, ductility and stiffness of the columns are studied. Effects of different load eccentricities, concrete compressive strengths and steel yield stresses on the ultimate load capacity of the columns are also examined. It is concluded from the study that the parameters considerably influence the structural behaviour of the columns.
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| 47. |
- Bahrami, Alireza, et al.
(författare)
-
Study of concrete-filled steel composite columns using cold-formed steel sheet
- 2011
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Ingår i: International Conference on Advances in Steel and Aluminium Structures, Malaysia. - 9789810892470 ; , s. 234-239
-
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Concrete-filled steel composite columns using cold-formed steel sheet are studied in this paper. In order to study the structural behaviour of the columns, finite element program LUSAS is used to carry out the nonlinear finite element analyses. Modelling verification is established with the aid of the comparison of the finite element result against the existing experimental result which shows that they agree well with each other. Therefore, the proposed modelling can predict the structural behaviour of the columns with a very good accuracy. Various thicknesses of cold-formed sheet sheets with different number of stiffeners are analysed by the use of nonlinear finite element method. Results of the analyses are indicated in the form of axial load-normalized axial shortening plots. Effects of thickness of cold-formed steel sheet, number of stiffeners, and composite action between steel and concrete on ultimate axial load capacity and ductility of the columns are discussed. Effects of compressive strength fc of concrete and yield strength fyp of cold-formed steel sheet on ultimate axial load capacity are also examined. It is found that the mentioned parameters affect ultimate axial load capacity and ductility.
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| 48. |
- Bahrami, Alireza, et al.
(författare)
-
Sustainable Development of Recent High-Rise Timber Buildings
- 2024
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Ingår i: Sustainable Structures and Buildings. - : Springer. - 9783031466878 - 9783031466885 ; , s. 1-16
-
Bokkapitel (refereegranskat)abstract
- High-rise timber building construction is becoming increasingly common across the world as construction and woodworking technology advances. The world is moving toward more sustainable development, and products like cross-laminated timber offer economical options for reducing the environmental impact. This chapter contributes to the theory and practice of sustainability assessment and extends the knowledge about high-rise timber buildings. The tallest timber buildings in different countries, such as Mjøstårnet and Treet in Norway and Brock Commons in Canada, are compared across the three dimensions of sustainability (environmental, economic, and social). According to previous research, none of the buildings are at the top in terms of sustainability, but the Brock Commons building in Canada has received the highest rank in all dimensions of sustainability. The issue of fire resistance for timber structures involves a paradox because it is widely recognized that heavy timber construction has outstanding fire resistance in severe fires. Design for burnout may require full or partial encapsulation of timber. Moreover, prefabrication of elements reduces duration and cost of projects. The goal of this chapter is to evaluate and assess the most effective modern high-rise timber buildings from both financial and environmental perspectives.
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| 49. |
- Bahrami, Alireza, et al.
(författare)
-
Ultimate load capacity of eccentrically loaded tapered concrete-filled steel composite (TCFSC) columns
- 2011
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Ingår i: Regional Engineering Postgraduate Conference (EPC), Malaysia. ; , s. 1-6
-
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper is concerned with the ultimate load capacity of eccentrically loaded tapered concrete-filled steel composite (TCFSC) columns. Finite element software LUSAS is used to conduct the nonlinear analyses in order to predict the ultimate load capacity of the columns. Modelling verification is carried out by comparison of the results of the finite element with the existing experimental test which concludes that they correlate reasonably well with each other. Therefore, the proposed finite element modelling can accurately predict the behaviour of the columns herein. Nonlinear analyses are performed to evaluate the ultimate load capacity of the columns where the main variables are: (1) tapered angle (from 0° to 2.2°); (2) steel wall thickness (from 3 mm to 4 mm); (3) load eccentricity (15 mm and 30 mm). Effects of various tapered angles, different steel wall thicknesses, and load eccentricities on the ultimate load capacity of the columns are investigated. It is concluded from the study that these variables considerably affect the ultimate load capacity of the columns.
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| 50. |
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