1,608 research outputs found
Sustainable fish feeds: potential of emerging protein sources in diets for juvenile turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) in RAS
In Europe, turbot aquaculture has a high potential for sustainable production, but the low tolerance to fishmeal replacement in the diet represents a big issue. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of more sustainable feed formulations on growth and feed performance, as well as nutritional status of juvenile turbot in recirculating aquaculture systems. In a 16-week feeding trial with 20 g juvenile turbot, one control diet containing traditional fishmeal, fish oil and soy products and two experimental diets where 20% of the fishmeal was replaced either with processed animal proteins (PAP) or with terrestrial plant proteins (PLANT) were tested. Irrespective of diets, growth performance was similar between groups, whereas the feed performance was significantly reduced in fish of the PAP group compared to the control. Comparing growth, feed utilisation and biochemical parameters, the results indicate that the fish fed on PAP diet had the lowest performance. Fish fed the PLANT diet had similar feed utilisation compared to the control, whereas parameters of the nutritional status, such as condition factor, hepato-somatic index and glycogen content showed reduced levels after 16 weeks. These effects in biochemical parameters are within the physiological range and therefore not the cause of negative performance. Since growth was unaffected, the lower feed performance of fish that were fed the PAP formulation might be balanced by the cost efficient formulation in comparison to the commercial and the PLANT formulations. Present study highlights the suitability of alternative food formulation for farmed fish
Copper light-catching electrodes for organic photovoltaics
Optically thin copper films with a random array of sub-optical wavelength apertures couple strongly with light in the wavelength range 600-800 nm due to excitation of surface plasmonic resonances. Herein we show that this trapped light can be used to excite electronic transitions in a nearby strongly absorbing organic semiconductor before the plasmonic excitations dissipate their energy as heat into the metal. This energy transfer process is demonstrated using model small molecule and polymer photovoltaic devices (based on chloro-aluminium phthalocyanine : C60 and PCE-10 : PC70BM heterojunctions respectively) in conjunction with a nano-hole copper electrode formed by thermal annealing an optically thin Cu film supported on polyethylene terephthalate. The efficiency of this process is shown to be highest for wavelengths in the range 650-750 nm, which is part of the solar spectrum that is weakly absorbed by todayâs high performance organic photovoltaic devices, and so these findings demonstrate that this type of electrode could prove useful as a low cost light catching element in high performance organic photovoltaics
Conducting poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) materials with sustainable carrageenan counter-ions and their thermoelectric properties
The preparation and properties of conducting polymers comprising poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and two types of carrageenan â each on their own or combined â as counter-ions are described. The aim of the work is to provide alternative, more sustainable materials that can complement the existing variety of conducting polymers based on the same doped poly(thiophene) derivative. The materials were prepared using chemical oxidation of the 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) monomer in water. The naturally-occurring polymers kappa- and lambda-carrageenan (bearing one and three sulphate groups per disaccharide monomer unit, respectively) were present during the polymerisation, and are proved to be present in the final composite by infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies and matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionisation mass spectrometry. The materials produced in this work show good conductivity in thin film form by casting from suspensions (between 1 and 14 S cmâ1) and in addition show thermoelectric properties that make them attractive for a range of functionalities
Bi2Se3 interlayer treatments affecting the Y3Fe5O12 (YIG) platinum spin Seebeck effect
In this work, we present a method to enhance the longitudinal spin Seebeck effect at platinum/yttrium iron garnet (Pt/YIG) interfaces. The introduction of a partial interlayer of bismuth selenide (Bi2Se3, 2.5% surface coverage) interfaces significantly increases (by âŒ380%â690%) the spin Seebeck coefficient over equivalent Pt/YIG control devices. Optimal devices are prepared by transferring Bi2Se3 nanoribbons, prepared under anaerobic conditions, onto the YIG (111) chips followed by rapid over-coating with Pt. The deposited Pt/Bi2Se3 nanoribbon/YIG assembly is characterized by scanning electron microscope. The expected elemental compositions of Bi2Se3 and YIG are confirmed by energy dispersive x-ray analysis. A spin Seebeck coefficient of 0.34â0.62âÎŒV/K for Pt/Bi2Se3/YIG is attained for our devices, compared to just 0.09âÎŒV/K for Pt/YIG controls at a 12âK thermal gradient and a magnetic field swept from â50 to +50âmT. Superconducting quantum interference device magnetometer studies indicate that the magnetic moment of Pt/Bi2Se3/YIG treated chips is increased by âŒ4% vs control Pt/YIG chips (i.e., a significant increase vs the ±0.06% chip mass reproducibility). Increased surface magnetization is also detected in magnetic force microscope studies of Pt/Bi2Se3/YIG, suggesting that the enhancement of spin injection is associated with the presence of Bi2Se3 nanoribbons
Need satisfaction in intergroup contact:A multinational study of pathways toward social change
none43siFinanziamenti esterni a vari co-autoriWhat role does intergroup contact play in promoting support for social change toward greater social equality? Drawing on the needs-based model of reconciliation, we theorized that when inequality between groups is perceived as illegitimate, disadvantaged group members will experience a need for empowerment and advantaged group members a need for acceptance. When intergroup contact satisfies each group's needs, it should result in more mutual support for social change. Using four sets of survey data collected through the Zurich Intergroup Project in 23 countries, we tested several preregistered predictions, derived from the above reasoning, across a large variety of operationalizations. Two studies of disadvantaged groups (Ns = 689 ethnic minority members in Study 1 and 3,382 sexual/gender minorities in Study 2) support the hypothesis that, after accounting for the effects of intergroup contact and perceived illegitimacy, satisfying the need for empowerment (but not acceptance) during contact is positively related to support for social change. Two studies with advantaged groups (Ns = 2,937 ethnic majority members in Study 3 and 4,203 cis-heterosexual individuals in Study 4) showed that, after accounting for illegitimacy and intergroup contact, satisfying the need for acceptance (but also empowerment) is positively related to support for social change. Overall, findings suggest that intergroup contact is compatible with efforts to promote social change when group-specific needs are met. Thus, to encourage support for social change among both disadvantaged and advantaged group members, it is essential that, besides promoting mutual acceptance, intergroup contact interventions also give voice to and empower members of disadvantaged groups.mixedHĂ€ssler, Tabea; Ullrich, Johannes; Sebben, Simone; Shnabel, Nurit; Bernardino, Michelle; Valdenegro, Daniel; Van Laar, Colette; GonzĂĄlez, Roberto; Visintin, Emilio Paolo; Tropp, Linda R; Ditlmann, Ruth K; Abrams, Dominic; Aydin, Anna Lisa; Pereira, Adrienne; Selvanathan, Hema Preya; von Zimmermann, Jorina; Lantos, NĂłra Anna; Sainz, Mario; Glenz, Andreas; Kende, Anna; OberpfalzerovĂĄ, Hana; Bilewicz, Michal; BrankoviÄ, Marija; Noor, Masi; Pasek, Michael H; Wright, Stephen C; ĆœeĆŸelj, Iris; Kuzawinska, Olga; Maloku, Edona; Otten, Sabine; Gul, Pelin; Bareket, Orly; Corkalo Biruski, Dinka; Mugnol-Ugarte, Luiza; Osin, Evgeny; Baiocco, Roberto; Cook, Jonathan E; Dawood, Maneeza; Droogendyk, Lisa; Loyo, AngĂ©lica Herrera; JeliÄ, Margareta; Kelmendi, Kaltrina; Pistella, JessicaHĂ€ssler, Tabea; Ullrich, Johannes; Sebben, Simone; Shnabel, Nurit; Bernardino, Michelle; Valdenegro, Daniel; Van Laar, Colette; GonzĂĄlez, Roberto; Visintin, Emilio Paolo; Tropp, Linda R; Ditlmann, Ruth K; Abrams, Dominic; Aydin, Anna Lisa; Pereira, Adrienne; Selvanathan, Hema Preya; von Zimmermann, Jorina; Lantos, NĂłra Anna; Sainz, Mario; Glenz, Andreas; Kende, Anna; OberpfalzerovĂĄ, Hana; Bilewicz, Michal; BrankoviÄ, Marija; Noor, Masi; Pasek, Michael H; Wright, Stephen C; ĆœeĆŸelj, Iris; Kuzawinska, Olga; Maloku, Edona; Otten, Sabine; Gul, Pelin; Bareket, Orly; Corkalo Biruski, Dinka; Mugnol-Ugarte, Luiza; Osin, Evgeny; Baiocco, Roberto; Cook, Jonathan E; Dawood, Maneeza; Droogendyk, Lisa; Loyo, AngĂ©lica Herrera; JeliÄ, Margareta; Kelmendi, Kaltrina; Pistella, Jessic
The 2023 wearable photoplethysmography roadmap
Photoplethysmography is a key sensing technology which is used in wearable devices such as smartwatches and fitness trackers. Currently, photoplethysmography sensors are used to monitor physiological parameters including heart rate and heart rhythm, and to track activities like sleep and exercise. Yet, wearable photoplethysmography has potential to provide much more information on health and wellbeing, which could inform clinical decision making. This Roadmap outlines directions for research and development to realise the full potential of wearable photoplethysmography. Experts discuss key topics within the areas of sensor design, signal processing, clinical applications, and research directions. Their perspectives provide valuable guidance to researchers developing wearable photoplethysmography technology
Cross-platform pathway-based analysis identifies markers of response to the PARP inhibitor olaparib
Age-dependent impact of the major common genetic risk factor for COVID-19 on severity and mortality
AG has received support by NordForsk Nordic Trial Alliance (NTA) grant, by Academy of
Finland Fellow grant N. 323116 and the Academy of Finland for PREDICT consortium N.
340541.
The Richards research group is supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research
(CIHR) (365825 and 409511), the Lady Davis Institute of the Jewish General Hospital, the
Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI), the NIH Foundation, Cancer Research UK,
Genome Québec, the Public Health Agency of Canada, the McGill Interdisciplinary Initiative in
Infection and Immunity and the Fonds de Recherche Québec Santé (FRQS). TN is supported
by a research fellowship of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science for Young
Scientists. GBL is supported by a CIHR scholarship and a joint FRQS and Québec Ministry of
Health and Social Services scholarship. JBR is supported by an FRQS Clinical Research
Scholarship. Support from Calcul Québec and Compute Canada is acknowledged. TwinsUK is
funded by the Welcome Trust, the Medical Research Council, the European Union, the
National Institute for Health Research-funded BioResource and the Clinical Research Facility
and Biomedical Research Centre based at Guyâs and St. Thomasâ NHS Foundation Trust in
partnership with Kingâs College London. The Biobanque QuĂ©bec COVID19 is funded by FRQS,
Genome Québec and the Public Health Agency of Canada, the McGill Interdisciplinary
Initiative in Infection and Immunity and the Fonds de Recherche Québec Santé. These funding
agencies had no role in the design, implementation or interpretation of this study.
The COVID19-Host(a)ge study received infrastructure support from the DFG Cluster of
Excellence 2167 âPrecision Medicine in Chronic Inflammation (PMI)â (DFG Grant: âEXC2167â).
The COVID19-Host(a)ge study was supported by the German Federal Ministry of Education
and Research (BMBF) within the framework of the Computational Life Sciences funding
concept (CompLS grant 031L0165). Genotyping in COVID19-Host(a)ge was supported by a
philantropic donation from Stein Erik Hagen.
The COVID GWAs, Premed COVID-19 study (COVID19-Host(a)ge_3) was supported by
"Grupo de Trabajo en Medicina Personalizada contra el COVID-19 de Andalucia"and also by
the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERehd and CIBERER). Funding comes from
COVID-19-GWAS, COVID-PREMED initiatives. Both of them are supported by "Consejeria de
Salud y Familias" of the Andalusian Government. DMM is currently funded by the the
Andalussian government (Proyectos Estratégicos-Fondos Feder PE-0451-2018).
The Columbia University Biobank was supported by Columbia University and the National
Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH, through Grant Number UL1TR001873. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official
views of the NIH or Columbia University.
The SPGRX study was supported by the ConsejerĂa de EconomĂa, Conocimiento, Empresas y
Universidad #CV20-10150.
The GEN-COVID study was funded by: the MIUR grant âDipartimenti di Eccellenza 2018-2020â
to the Department of Medical Biotechnologies University of Siena, Italy; the âIntesa San Paolo
2020 charity fundâ dedicated to the project NB/2020/0119; and philanthropic donations to the
Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena for the COVID-19 host genetics
research project (D.L n.18 of March 17, 2020). Part of this research project is also funded by
Tuscany Region âBando Ricerca COVID-19 Toscanaâ grant to the Azienda Ospedaliero
Universitaria Senese (CUP I49C20000280002). Authors are grateful to: the CINECA
consortium for providing computational resources; the Network for Italian Genomes (NIG)
(http://www.nig.cineca.it) for its support; the COVID-19 Host Genetics Initiative
(https://www.covid19hg.org/); the Genetic Biobank of Siena, member of BBMRI-IT, Telethon
Network of Genetic Biobanks (project no. GTB18001), EuroBioBank, and RD-Connect, for
managing specimens.
Genetics against coronavirus (GENIUS), Humanitas University (COVID19-Host(a)ge_4) was
supported by Ricerca Corrente (Italian Ministry of Health), intramural funding (Fondazione
Humanitas per la Ricerca). The generous contribution of Banca Intesa San Paolo and of the
Dolce&Gabbana Fashion Firm is gratefully acknowledged.
Data acquisition and sample processing was supported by COVID-19 Biobank, Fondazione
IRCCS CĂ Granda Milano; LV group was supported by MyFirst Grant AIRC n.16888, Ricerca
Finalizzata Ministero della Salute RF-2016-02364358, Ricerca corrente Fondazione IRCCS
Caâ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, the European Union (EU) Programme Horizon
2020 (under grant agreement No. 777377) for the project LITMUS- âLiver Investigation:
Testing Marker Utility in Steatohepatitisâ, Programme âPhotonicsâ under grant agreement
â101016726â for the project âREVEAL: Neuronal microscopy for cell behavioural examination
and manipulationâ, Fondazione Patrimonio Caâ Granda âLiver Bibleâ PR-0361. DP was
supported by Ricerca corrente Fondazione IRCCS Caâ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico,
CV PREVITAL âStrategie di prevenzione primaria nella popolazione Italianaâ Ministero della
Salute, and Associazione Italiana per la Prevenzione dellâEpatite Virale (COPEV).
Genetic modifiers for COVID-19 related illness (BeLCovid_1) was supported by the "Fonds
Erasme". The Host genetics and immune response in SARS-Cov-2 infection (BelCovid_2)
study was supported by grants from Fondation LĂ©on Fredericq and from Fonds de la
Recherche Scientifique (FNRS).
The INMUNGEN-CoV2 study was funded by the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones
CientĂficas.
KUL is supported by the German Research Foundation (LU 1944/3-1) SweCovid is funded by the SciLifeLab/KAW national COVID-19 research program project
grant to Michael Hultström (KAW 2020.0182) and the Swedish Research Council to Robert
Frithiof (2014-02569 and 2014-07606). HZ is supported by Jeansson Stiftelser, Magnus
Bergvalls Stiftelse.
The COMRI cohort is funded by Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
Genotyping for the COMRI cohort was performed and funded by the Genotyping Laboratory of
Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland FIMM Technology Centre, University of Helsinki,
Helsinki, Finland.
These funding agencies had no role in the design, implementation or interpretation of this
study.Background: There is considerable variability in COVID-19 outcomes amongst younger
adultsâand some of this variation may be due to genetic predisposition. We characterized the
clinical implications of the major genetic risk factor for COVID-19 severity, and its age-dependent
effect, using individual-level data in a large international multi-centre consortium.
Method: The major common COVID-19 genetic risk factor is a chromosome 3 locus, tagged by
the marker rs10490770. We combined individual level data for 13,424 COVID-19 positive
patients (N=6,689 hospitalized) from 17 cohorts in nine countries to assess the association of this
genetic marker with mortality, COVID-19-related complications and laboratory values. We next
examined if the magnitude of these associations varied by age and were independent from
known clinical COVID-19 risk factors.
Findings: We found that rs10490770 risk allele carriers experienced an increased risk of
all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 1·4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1·2â1·6) and COVID-19
related mortality (HR 1·5, 95%CI 1·3â1·8). Risk allele carriers had increased odds of several
COVID-19 complications: severe respiratory failure (odds ratio [OR] 2·0, 95%CI 1·6-2·6),
venous thromboembolism (OR 1·7, 95%CI 1·2-2·4), and hepatic injury (OR 1·6, 95%CI
1·2-2·0). Risk allele carriers †60 years had higher odds of death or severe respiratory failure
(OR 2·6, 95%CI 1·8-3·9) compared to those > 60 years OR 1·5 (95%CI 1·3-1·9, interaction
p-value=0·04). Amongst individuals †60 years who died or experienced severe respiratory
COVID-19 outcome, we found that 31·8% (95%CI 27·6-36·2) were risk variant carriers,
compared to 13·9% (95%CI 12·6-15·2%) of those not experiencing these outcomes.
Prediction of death or severe respiratory failure among those †60 years improved when
including the risk allele (AUC 0·82 vs 0·84, p=0·016) and the prediction ability of rs10490770
risk allele was similar to, or better than, most established clinical risk factors.
Interpretation: The major common COVID-19 risk locus on chromosome 3 is associated with
increased risks of morbidity and mortalityâand these are more pronounced amongst individuals
†60 years. The effect on COVID-19 severity was similar to, or larger than most established risk
factors, suggesting potential implications for clinical risk management.Academy of
Finland Fellow grant N. 323116Academy of Finland for PREDICT consortium N.
340541.Canadian Institutes of Health Research
(CIHR) (365825 and 409511)Lady Davis Institute of the Jewish General HospitalCanadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI)NIH FoundationCancer Research UKGenome QuébecPublic Health Agency of CanadaMcGill Interdisciplinary Initiative in
Infection and Immunity and the Fonds de Recherche Québec Santé (FRQS)Japan Society for the Promotion of Science for Young
ScientistsCIHR scholarship and a joint FRQS and Québec Ministry of
Health and Social Services scholarshipFRQS Clinical Research
ScholarshipCalcul QuébecCompute CanadaWelcome TrustMedical Research CouncEuropean UnionNational Institute for Health Research-funded BioResourceClinical Research Facility
and Biomedical Research Centre based at Guyâs and St. Thomasâ NHS Foundation TrustKingâs College LondonGenome QuĂ©becPublic Health Agency of CanadaMcGill Interdisciplinary
Initiative in Infection and ImmunityFonds de Recherche QuĂ©bec SantĂ©(DFG Grant: âEXC2167â)(CompLS grant 031L0165)Stein Erik Hagen"Grupo de Trabajo en Medicina Personalizada contra el COVID-19 de Andalucia"Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERehd and CIBERER)COVID-19-GWASCOVID-PREMED initiatives"Consejeria de
Salud y Familias" of the Andalusian GovernmentAndalusian government (Proyectos Estratégicos-Fondos Feder PE-0451-2018)Columbia UniversityNational
Center for Advancing Translational SciencesNIH Grant Number UL1TR001873ConsejerĂa de EconomĂa, Conocimiento, Empresas y
Universidad #CV20-10150MIUR grant âDipartimenti di Eccellenza 2018-2020ââIntesa San Paolo
2020 charity fundâ dedicated to the project NB/2020/0119Tuscany Region âBando Ricerca COVID-19 ToscanaâCINECA
consortiumNetwork for Italian Genomes (NIG)COVID-19 Host Genetics InitiativeGenetic Biobank of SienaEuroBioBankRD-ConnectRicerca Corrente (Italian Ministry of Health)Fondazione
Humanitas per la RicercaBanca Intesa San PaoloDolce&Gabbana Fashion FirmCOVID-19 BiobankFondazione
IRCCS CĂ Granda MilanoMyFirst Grant AIRC n.16888Ricerca
Finalizzata Ministero della Salute RF-2016-02364358Ricerca corrente Fondazione IRCCS
Caâ Granda Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoEuropean Union (EU) Programme Horizon
2020 (under grant agreement No. 777377)âPhotonicsâ â101016726âFondazione Patrimonio Caâ Granda âLiver Bibleâ PR-0361CV PREVITAL âStrategie di prevenzione primaria nella popolazione Italianaâ Ministero della
Salute, and Associazione Italiana per la Prevenzione dellâEpatite Virale (COPEV)"Fonds
Erasme"Fondation LĂ©on FredericqFonds de la
Recherche Scientifique (FNRS)Consejo Superior de Investigaciones
CientĂficasGerman Research Foundation (LU 1944/3-1)SciLifeLab/KAW national COVID-19 research program project (KAW 2020.0182)Swedish Research Council (2014-02569 and 2014-07606)Jeansson Stiftelser, Magnus
Bergvalls StiftelseTechnical University of Munich, Munich, GermanyGenotyping Laboratory of
Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland FIMM Technology Centre, University of Helsinki,
Helsinki, Finlan
Testing the cognitive effects of tadalafil. Neuropsychological secondary outcomes from the PASTIS trial
Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) is a major cause of cognitive impairment in older people. As secondary endpoints in a phase-2 randomised clinical trial, we tested the effects of single administration of a widely-used PDE5 inhibitor, tadalafil, on cognitive performance in older people with SVD. In a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial, participants received tadalafil (20 mg) and placebo on two visits â„ 7 days apart (randomised to order of treatment). The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) was administered at baseline, alongside a measure to estimate optimal intellectual ability (Test of Premorbid Function). Then, before and after treatment, a battery of neuropsychological tests was administered, assessing aspects of attention, information processing speed, working memory and executive function. Sixty-five participants were recruited and 55 completed the protocol (N = 55, age: 66.8 (8.6) years, range 52â87; 15/40 female/male). Median MOCA score was 26 (IQR: 23, 27], range 15â30). No significant treatment effects were seen in any of the neuropsychological tests. There was a trend towards improved performance on Digit Span Forward (treatment effect 0.37, C.I. 0.01, 0.72; P = 0.0521). We did not identify significant treatment effects of single-administration tadalafil on neuropsychological performance in older people with SVD. The trend observed on Digit Span Forward may help to inform future studies
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