Showing papers by "University of Milano-Bicocca published in 2021"
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TL;DR: In this article, the population of 47 compact binary mergers detected with a false-alarm rate of 0.614 were dynamically assembled, and the authors found that the BBH rate likely increases with redshift, but not faster than the star formation rate.
Abstract: We report on the population of 47 compact binary mergers detected with a false-alarm rate of 0.01 are dynamically assembled. Third, we estimate merger rates, finding RBBH = 23.9-+8.614.3 Gpc-3 yr-1 for BBHs and RBNS = 320-+240490 Gpc-3 yr-1 for binary neutron stars. We find that the BBH rate likely increases with redshift (85% credibility) but not faster than the star formation rate (86% credibility). Additionally, we examine recent exceptional events in the context of our population models, finding that the asymmetric masses of GW190412 and the high component masses of GW190521 are consistent with our models, but the low secondary mass of GW190814 makes it an outlier.
468 citations
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TL;DR: This practical guideline is dedicated to all professionals including physicians, dieticians, nutritionists and nurses working with patients with cancer to offer optimal nutritional care.
379 citations
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TL;DR: The data recorded by these instruments during their first and second observing runs are described, including the gravitational-wave strain arrays, released as time series sampled at 16384 Hz.
320 citations
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285 citations
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McMaster University1, University of Washington2, United Arab Emirates University3, Copenhagen University Hospital4, St Thomas' Hospital5, University of Michigan6, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences7, Albert Einstein College of Medicine8, University of Toronto9, Brown University10, Rhode Island Hospital11, Utrecht University12, NewYork–Presbyterian Hospital13, Peking Union Medical College Hospital14, Federal University of São Paulo15, Humanitas University16, University of Ulsan17, National Institutes of Health18, Jagiellonian University Medical College19, Population Health Research Institute20, University of Manitoba21, University at Buffalo22, Homi Bhabha National Institute23, Baylor College of Medicine24, Vanderbilt University25, University of Milano-Bicocca26, King Saud Medical City27, The George Institute for Global Health28, Royal North Shore Hospital29, University of Virginia30, University of Dammam31, Emory University32, University of Pennsylvania33, Agostino Gemelli University Polyclinic34, St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust35
TL;DR: The Surviving Sepsis Campaign Coronavirus Diease 2019 (SCCD) 2019 panel as mentioned in this paper provided guidance on the management of patients with severe or critical coronavirus disease 2019 in the ICU.
Abstract: Background The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic continues to affect millions worldwide. Given the rapidly growing evidence base, we implemented a living guideline model to provide guidance on the management of patients with severe or critical coronavirus disease 2019 in the ICU. Methods The Surviving Sepsis Campaign Coronavirus Disease 2019 panel has expanded to include 43 experts from 14 countries; all panel members completed an electronic conflict-of-interest disclosure form. In this update, the panel addressed nine questions relevant to managing severe or critical coronavirus disease 2019 in the ICU. We used the World Health Organization's definition of severe and critical coronavirus disease 2019. The systematic reviews team searched the literature for relevant evidence, aiming to identify systematic reviews and clinical trials. When appropriate, we performed a random-effects meta-analysis to summarize treatment effects. We assessed the quality of the evidence using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach, then used the evidence-to-decision framework to generate recommendations based on the balance between benefit and harm, resource and cost implications, equity, and feasibility. Results The Surviving Sepsis Campaign Coronavirus Diease 2019 panel issued nine statements (three new and six updated) related to ICU patients with severe or critical coronavirus disease 2019. For severe or critical coronavirus disease 2019, the panel strongly recommends using systemic corticosteroids and venous thromboprophylaxis but strongly recommends against using hydroxychloroquine. In addition, the panel suggests using dexamethasone (compared with other corticosteroids) and suggests against using convalescent plasma and therapeutic anticoagulation outside clinical trials. The Surviving Sepsis Campaign Coronavirus Diease 2019 panel suggests using remdesivir in nonventilated patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 and suggests against starting remdesivir in patients with critical coronavirus disease 2019 outside clinical trials. Because of insufficient evidence, the panel did not issue a recommendation on the use of awake prone positioning. Conclusion The Surviving Sepsis Campaign Coronavirus Diease 2019 panel issued several recommendations to guide healthcare professionals caring for adults with critical or severe coronavirus disease 2019 in the ICU. Based on a living guideline model the recommendations will be updated as new evidence becomes available.
257 citations
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TL;DR: Levels of sST2, sTNFRSF1A, IL-10, and IL-15 were consistently higher throughout the hospitalization in patients who died versus those who recovered, suggesting that these biomarkers may provide an early warning of eventual disease outcome.
Abstract: Immune and inflammatory responses to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) contribute to disease severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the utility of specific immune-based biomarkers to predict clinical outcome remains elusive. Here, we analyzed levels of 66 soluble biomarkers in 175 Italian patients with COVID-19 ranging from mild/moderate to critical severity and assessed type I IFN-, type II IFN-, and NF-κB-dependent whole-blood transcriptional signatures. A broad inflammatory signature was observed, implicating activation of various immune and nonhematopoietic cell subsets. Discordance between IFN-α2a protein and IFNA2 transcript levels in blood suggests that type I IFNs during COVID-19 may be primarily produced by tissue-resident cells. Multivariable analysis of patients' first samples revealed 12 biomarkers (CCL2, IL-15, soluble ST2 [sST2], NGAL, sTNFRSF1A, ferritin, IL-6, S100A9, MMP-9, IL-2, sVEGFR1, IL-10) that when increased were independently associated with mortality. Multivariate analyses of longitudinal biomarker trajectories identified 8 of the aforementioned biomarkers (IL-15, IL-2, NGAL, CCL2, MMP-9, sTNFRSF1A, sST2, IL-10) and 2 additional biomarkers (lactoferrin, CXCL9) that were substantially associated with mortality when increased, while IL-1α was associated with mortality when decreased. Among these, sST2, sTNFRSF1A, IL-10, and IL-15 were consistently higher throughout the hospitalization in patients who died versus those who recovered, suggesting that these biomarkers may provide an early warning of eventual disease outcome.
248 citations
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TL;DR: In this article, the principle of electrospinning and different fields of applications are treated to give an overview of the recent literature, underlining the easy tuning and endless combination of this technique, that in the future could be the new frontier of personalized medicine.
221 citations
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University of Chile1, Linköping University2, VU University Amsterdam3, University of Bari4, Rutgers University5, University of Oviedo6, Sapienza University of Rome7, University of Paderborn8, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute9, University of Milano-Bicocca10, University of Stuttgart11, University of Southampton12, Mines ParisTech13
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide a comprehensive introduction to knowledge graphs, which have recently garnered significant attention from both industry and academia in scenarios that require exploiting diverse, dynamic, large-scale collections of data.
Abstract: In this article, we provide a comprehensive introduction to knowledge graphs, which have recently garnered significant attention from both industry and academia in scenarios that require exploiting diverse, dynamic, large-scale collections of data. After some opening remarks, we motivate and contrast various graph-based data models, as well as languages used to query and validate knowledge graphs. We explain how knowledge can be represented and extracted using a combination of deductive and inductive techniques. We conclude with high-level future research directions for knowledge graphs.
184 citations
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University of Milan1, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico2, University of Bologna3, University of Milano-Bicocca4, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia5, The Catholic University of America6, Agostino Gemelli University Polyclinic7, Humanitas University8, Health Science University9
TL;DR: In this article, a multicenter retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data including adult patients with severe COVID-19 admitted to eight Italian hub hospitals from February 20, 2020, through May 20, 2019 was performed.
179 citations
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TL;DR: The Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) is a precision particle physics detector on the International Space Station (ISS) conducting a unique, long-duration mission of fundamental physics research in space as mentioned in this paper.
159 citations
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TL;DR: New early predictive criteria for COVID-19-associated cytokine storm is proposed, with sensitivity and specificity of 0.85 and 0.80, which can be readily used in clinical practice to determine the need for an early therapeutic regimen, block the hyperimmune response and possibly decrease mortality.
Abstract: Objectives To develop predictive criteria for COVID-19-associated cytokine storm (CS), a severe hyperimmune response that results in organ damage in some patients infected with COVID-19. We hypothesised that criteria for inflammation and cell death would predict this type of CS. Methods We analysed 513 hospitalised patients who were positive for COVID-19 reverse transcriptase PCR and for ground-glass opacity by chest high-resolution CT. To achieve an early diagnosis, we analysed the laboratory results of the first 7 days of hospitalisation. We implemented logistic regression and principal component analysis to determine the predictive criteria. We used a ‘genetic algorithm’ to derive the cut-offs for each laboratory result. We validated the criteria with a second cohort of 258 patients. Results We found that the criteria for macrophage activation syndrome, haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and the HScore did not identify the COVID-19 cytokine storm (COVID-CS). We developed new predictive criteria, with sensitivity and specificity of 0.85 and 0.80, respectively, comprising three clusters of laboratory results that involve (1) inflammation, (2) cell death and tissue damage, and (3) prerenal electrolyte imbalance. The criteria identified patients with longer hospitalisation and increased mortality. These results highlight the relevance of hyperinflammation and tissue damage in the COVID-CS. Conclusions We propose new early predictive criteria to identify the CS occurring in patients with COVID-19. The criteria can be readily used in clinical practice to determine the need for an early therapeutic regimen, block the hyperimmune response and possibly decrease mortality.
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TL;DR: In this article, the authors evaluated the psychological repercussions of objective isolation in 1,006 Italians during the first lockdown in spring 2020 and found that the longer the isolation and the less adequate the physical space where people were isolated, the worse the mental health (e.g., depression).
Abstract: Most countries have been struggling with the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic imposing social isolation on their citizens. However, this measure carried risks for people's mental health. This study evaluated the psychological repercussions of objective isolation in 1,006 Italians during the first, especially strict, lockdown in spring 2020. Although varying for the regional spread-rate of the contagion, results showed that the longer the isolation and the less adequate the physical space where people were isolated, the worse the mental health (e.g., depression). Offline social contacts buffered the association between social isolation and mental health. However, when offline contacts were limited, online contacts seemed crucial in protecting mental health. The findings inform about the potential downsides of the massive social isolation imposed by COVID-19 spread, highlighting possible risk factors and resources to account for implementing such isolation measures. Specifically, besides some known factors such as physical space availability, the local contagion rate is critical in moderating the link between social isolation and mental health issues, supporting national policies implementing regional tiers of restriction severity.
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University of Milano-Bicocca1, Homi Bhabha National Institute2, University Hospital Galway3, National University of Ireland, Galway4, Mayo Clinic5, Jagiellonian University Medical College6, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust7, University of Genoa8, Sigmund Freud University Vienna9, University of Bern10, University Hospital Bonn11, Karolinska University Hospital12, Monash University, Clayton campus13, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico14, University of Milan15
TL;DR: The International Observational Study to Understand the Impact and Best Practices of Airway Management in Critically Ill Patients (INTUBE) as mentioned in this paper was an international, multicenter, prospective cohort study involving consecutive critically ill patients undergoing tracheal intubation in the intensive care units (ICUs), emergency departments, and wards, from October 1, 2018, to July 31, 2019 (August 28, 2019, was the final follow-up) in a convenience sample of 197 sites from 29 countries across 5 continents.
Abstract: Importance Tracheal intubation is one of the most commonly performed and high-risk interventions in critically ill patients. Limited information is available on adverse peri-intubation events. Objective To evaluate the incidence and nature of adverse peri-intubation events and to assess current practice of intubation in critically ill patients. Design, Setting, and Participants The International Observational Study to Understand the Impact and Best Practices of Airway Management in Critically Ill Patients (INTUBE) study was an international, multicenter, prospective cohort study involving consecutive critically ill patients undergoing tracheal intubation in the intensive care units (ICUs), emergency departments, and wards, from October 1, 2018, to July 31, 2019 (August 28, 2019, was the final follow-up) in a convenience sample of 197 sites from 29 countries across 5 continents. Exposures Tracheal intubation. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was the incidence of major adverse peri-intubation events defined as at least 1 of the following events occurring within 30 minutes from the start of the intubation procedure: cardiovascular instability (either: systolic pressure 30 minutes, new or increase need of vasopressors or fluid bolus >15 mL/kg), severe hypoxemia (peripheral oxygen saturation Results Of 3659 patients screened, 2964 (median age, 63 years; interquartile range [IQR], 49-74 years; 62.6% men) from 197 sites across 5 continents were included. The main reason for intubation was respiratory failure in 52.3% of patients, followed by neurological impairment in 30.5%, and cardiovascular instability in 9.4%. Primary outcome data were available for all patients. Among the study patients, 45.2% experienced at least 1 major adverse peri-intubation event. The predominant event was cardiovascular instability, observed in 42.6% of all patients undergoing emergency intubation, followed by severe hypoxemia (9.3%) and cardiac arrest (3.1%). Overall ICU mortality was 32.8%. Conclusions and Relevance In this observational study of intubation practices in critically ill patients from a convenience sample of 197 sites across 29 countries, major adverse peri-intubation events—in particular cardiovascular instability—were observed frequently.
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TL;DR: The current state of knowledge on microalgae-microplastic interactions is presented and the potential effect on their respective fate is summarized.
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01 Jul 2021TL;DR: In this paper, an estimation of the release of microfibers by a surgical mask dumped in the marine environment was carried out using artificial weathering experiments, which indicated that a single surgical mask submitted to 180 hours UV-light irradiation and vigorous stirring in artificial seawater may release up to 173,000 fibers/day.
Abstract: Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the use of disposable face masks has been adopted worldwide as a precautionary measure to slow down the transmission of the virus. This has determined an unprecedented rise in the production of these protective equipments, and unfortunately to a new form of environmental contamination due to the improper disposal. To provide a preliminary estimation of the release of microfibers by a surgical mask dumped in the marine environment, we carried out artificial weathering experiments. Results indicated that a single surgical mask submitted to 180 hours UV-light irradiation and vigorous stirring in artificial seawater may release up to 173,000 fibers/ day. Moreover, SEM and micro-FTIR analysis carried out onto surgical masks collected from Italian beaches highlighted the same morphological and chemical degradation signature observed in the masks subjected to the artificially weathering experiments, confirming the risks of a similar microfiber release into the marine environment.
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Agostino Gemelli University Polyclinic1, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart2, University of Cologne3, University of Milan4, University of California, San Diego5, Medical University of Graz6, University of Cambridge7, University of Insubria8, University of Milano-Bicocca9, Ankara University10, Masaryk University11, Churchill Hospital12, Autonomous University of Barcelona13, University Medical Center Groningen14, Palacký University, Olomouc15, Hamad Medical Corporation16, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico17, King's College London18, University of Rijeka19, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón20, Gomel State Medical University21, University of Szeged22, Mansoura University23, Marmara University24, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven25, Karolinska University Hospital26, University of Rome Tor Vergata27, Vanderbilt University Medical Center28, Hospital Universitario La Paz29, University of Belgrade30, Sultan Qaboos University31, Spanish National Research Council32, Wrocław Medical University33, University of Hamburg34, University Hospital of Basel35, Innsbruck Medical University36, Paris-Sorbonne University37, University of Montpellier38, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro39, University of Zagreb40, University Hospital Centre Zagreb41
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors studied the risk factors for adverse outcomes in patients with hematological malignancies (HM) who developed COVID-19 and analyzed predictors of mortality.
Abstract: Patients with hematological malignancies (HM) are at high risk of mortality from SARS-CoV-2 disease 2019 (COVID-19). A better understanding of risk factors for adverse outcomes may improve clinical management in these patients. We therefore studied baseline characteristics of HM patients developing COVID-19 and analyzed predictors of mortality. The survey was supported by the Scientific Working Group Infection in Hematology of the European Hematology Association (EHA). Eligible for the analysis were adult patients with HM and laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 observed between March and December 2020. The study sample includes 3801 cases, represented by lymphoproliferative (mainly non-Hodgkin lymphoma n = 1084, myeloma n = 684 and chronic lymphoid leukemia n = 474) and myeloproliferative malignancies (mainly acute myeloid leukemia n = 497 and myelodysplastic syndromes n = 279). Severe/critical COVID-19 was observed in 63.8% of patients (n = 2425). Overall, 2778 (73.1%) of the patients were hospitalized, 689 (18.1%) of whom were admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). Overall, 1185 patients (31.2%) died. The primary cause of death was COVID-19 in 688 patients (58.1%), HM in 173 patients (14.6%), and a combination of both COVID-19 and progressing HM in 155 patients (13.1%). Highest mortality was observed in acute myeloid leukemia (199/497, 40%) and myelodysplastic syndromes (118/279, 42.3%). The mortality rate significantly decreased between the first COVID-19 wave (March–May 2020) and the second wave (October–December 2020) (581/1427, 40.7% vs. 439/1773, 24.8%, p value < 0.0001). In the multivariable analysis, age, active malignancy, chronic cardiac disease, liver disease, renal impairment, smoking history, and ICU stay correlated with mortality. Acute myeloid leukemia was a higher mortality risk than lymphoproliferative diseases. This survey confirms that COVID-19 patients with HM are at high risk of lethal complications. However, improved COVID-19 prevention has reduced mortality despite an increase in the number of reported cases.
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TL;DR: In this article, the authors evaluated event-free survival in children with high-risk first-relapse B-ALL after a third consolidation course with blinatumomab vs consolidation chemotherapy before allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant.
Abstract: Importance Blinatumomab is a CD3/CD19-directed bispecific T-cell engager molecule with efficacy in children with relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). Objective To evaluate event-free survival in children with high-risk first-relapse B-ALL after a third consolidation course with blinatumomab vs consolidation chemotherapy before allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Design, setting, and participants In this randomized phase 3 clinical trial, patients were enrolled November 2015 to July 2019 (data cutoff, July 17, 2019). Investigators at 47 centers in 13 countries enrolled children older than 28 days and younger than 18 years with high-risk first-relapse B-ALL in morphologic complete remission (M1 marrow, Intervention Patients were randomized to receive 1 cycle of blinatumomab (n = 54; 15 μg/m2/d for 4 weeks, continuous intravenous infusion) or chemotherapy (n = 54) for the third consolidation. Main outcomes and measures The primary end point was event-free survival (events: relapse, death, second malignancy, or failure to achieve complete remission). The key secondary efficacy end point was overall survival. Other secondary end points included minimal residual disease remission and incidence of adverse events. Results A total of 108 patients were randomized (median age, 5.0 years [interquartile range {IQR}, 4.0-10.5]; 51.9% girls; 97.2% M1 marrow) and all patients were included in the analysis. Enrollment was terminated early for benefit of blinatumomab in accordance with a prespecified stopping rule. After a median of 22.4 months of follow-up (IQR, 8.1-34.2), the incidence of events in the blinatumomab vs consolidation chemotherapy groups was 31% vs 57% (log-rank P Conclusions and relevance Among children with high-risk first-relapse B-ALL, treatment with 1 cycle of blinatumomab compared with standard intensive multidrug chemotherapy before allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant resulted in an improved event-free survival at a median of 22.4 months of follow-up. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02393859.
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TL;DR: The data demonstrate a dynamic production of IFNs in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients and show IFNs play opposing roles at distinct anatomical sites.
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University of Barcelona1, University of Milan2, Karolinska University Hospital3, Complutense University of Madrid4, Autonomous University of Madrid5, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón6, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven7, University of Liège8, University of Navarra9, Ghent University10, Erasmus University Rotterdam11, University of Bologna12, University of Milano-Bicocca13
TL;DR: Twenty-five per cent of patients requiring hospitalization for Covid-19 died, the risk being higher in patients older than 70 and with medical co-morbidities, such as impaired renal function and diabetes.
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TL;DR: In this article, the authors collected prospective data on students' mental health in two instances: (i) in October and December 2019, and (ii) 6 months later, in April 2020 amidst the COVID-19 lockdown in Italy and in mid-May/June 2020, after the lifting of lockdown.
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Peking University1, Max Planck Society2, University of Milano-Bicocca3, University of Milan4, Chinese Academy of Sciences5, Radboud University Nijmegen6, ASTRON7, Bielefeld University8, INAF9, University of East Anglia10, University of Manchester11, Beijing Normal University12, University of Toronto13, Arecibo Observatory14, University of Cagliari15, University of Birmingham16
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present results from the search for a stochastic gravitational-wave background (GWB) as predicted by the theory of General Relativity using six radio millisecond pulsars from the Data Release 2 (DR2) of the European Pulsar Timing Array (EPTA) covering a timespan up to 24 years.
Abstract: We present results from the search for a stochastic gravitational-wave background (GWB) as predicted by the theory of General Relativity using six radio millisecond pulsars from the Data Release 2 (DR2) of the European Pulsar Timing Array (EPTA) covering a timespan up to 24 years. A GWB manifests itself as a long-term low-frequency stochastic signal common to all pulsars, a common red signal (CRS), with the characteristic Hellings-Downs (HD) spatial correlation. Our analysis is performed with two independent pipelines, \eprise and \tn+\ftwo, which produce consistent results. A search for a CRS with simultaneous estimation of its spatial correlations yields spectral properties compatible with theoretical GWB predictions, but does not result in the required measurement of the HD correlation, as required for GWB detection. Further Bayesian model comparison between different types of CRSs, including a GWB, finds the most favoured model to be the common uncorrelated red noise described by a power-law with $A = 5.13_{-2.73}^{+4.20} \times 10^{-15}$ and $\gamma = 3.78_{-0.59}^{+0.69}$ (95% credible regions). Fixing the spectral index to $\gamma=13/3$ as expected from the GWB by circular, inspiralling supermassive black-hole binaries results in an amplitude of $A =2.95_{-0.72}^{+0.89} \times 10^{-15}$. We implement three different models, BAYESEPHEM, LINIMOSS and EPHEMGP, to address possible Solar-system ephemeris (SSE) systematics and conclude that our results may only marginally depend on these effects. This work builds on the methods and models from the studies on the EPTA DR1. We show that under the same analysis framework the results remain consistent after the data set extension.
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University of Chieti-Pescara1, University of Milano-Bicocca2, University of Perugia3, Monash University, Clayton campus4, Universidade Lusófona5, University of Tübingen6, University of Paris7, University of Lausanne8, TOBB University of Economics and Technology9, Utrecht University10, University of Queensland11, University of Almería12, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń13, DePaul University14, University of Greenwich15, University of Limerick16, University of Helsinki17, Southwest Jiaotong University18, Universidad del Desarrollo19, University of Kent20, The Chinese University of Hong Kong21, University of Exeter22, University of Buenos Aires23
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated individuals' willingness to engage in prescribed and discretionary behaviors, as well as country-level and individual-level factors that might drive such behavioral intentions, and found that the more people endorsed moral principles of fairness and care (vs. loyalty and authority), the more they were inclined to report trust in science, which, in turn, statistically predicted prescribed, discretionary behavioral intentions.
Abstract: The worldwide spread of a new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) since December 2019 has posed a severe threat to individuals’ well-being. While the world at large is waiting that the released vaccines immunize most citizens, public health experts suggest that, in the meantime, it is only through behavior change that the spread of COVID-19 can be controlled. Importantly, the required behaviors are aimed not only at safeguarding one’s own health. Instead, individuals are asked to adapt their behaviors to protect the community at large. This raises the question of which social concerns and moral principles make people willing to do so. We considered in 23 countries (N = 6948) individuals’ willingness to engage in prescribed and discretionary behaviors, as well as country-level and individual-level factors that might drive such behavioral intentions. Results from multilevel multiple regressions, with country as the nesting variable, showed that publicized number of infections were not significantly related to individual intentions to comply with the prescribed measures and intentions to engage in discretionary prosocial behaviors. Instead, psychological differences in terms of trust in government, citizens, and in particular toward science predicted individuals’ behavioral intentions across countries. The more people endorsed moral principles of fairness and care (vs. loyalty and authority), the more they were inclined to report trust in science, which, in turn, statistically predicted prescribed and discretionary behavioral intentions. Results have implications for the type of intervention and public communication strategies that should be most effective to induce the behavioral changes that are needed to control the COVID-19 outbreak.
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TL;DR: In this article, the authors performed a cross-sectional study of adults recruited in the 2017-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a representative sample of the general US population.
Abstract: Data are limited on the epidemiological implications of the recent change in terminology from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). We therefore performed a cross-sectional study of adults recruited in the 2017-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a representative sample of the general US population. The prevalence of NAFLD and MAFLD based on controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) obtained through vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) were 37.1% (95% CI 34.0-40.4) and 39.1% (95% CI 36.3-42.1), respectively, with higher rates among Hispanic individuals. Agreement between the two definitions was high (Cohen's κ 0.92). Patients with NAFLD and MAFLD also showed similar risk of advanced liver fibrosis (7.5% and 7.4% respectively). Our results suggest that the recent change in diagnostic criteria did not affect the prevalence of the condition in the general United States population.
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University of Edinburgh1, University of Helsinki2, University of Milano-Bicocca3, Harvard University4, University of Amsterdam5, University of Cambridge6, University of Oxford7, Broad Institute8, VU University Amsterdam9, University of Tokyo10, Public Health Research Institute11, Karolinska Institutet12, Osaka University13
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors demonstrate that it is possible to estimate comparative biases by performing a genome-wide association study contrasting one subgroup versus another, showing that sex exhibits artifactual heritability in the presence of sex-differential participation bias.
Abstract: Genetic association results are often interpreted with the assumption that study participation does not affect downstream analyses. Understanding the genetic basis of participation bias is challenging since it requires the genotypes of unseen individuals. Here we demonstrate that it is possible to estimate comparative biases by performing a genome-wide association study contrasting one subgroup versus another. For example, we showed that sex exhibits artifactual autosomal heritability in the presence of sex-differential participation bias. By performing a genome-wide association study of sex in approximately 3.3 million males and females, we identified over 158 autosomal loci spuriously associated with sex and highlighted complex traits underpinning differences in study participation between the sexes. For example, the body mass index–increasing allele at FTO was observed at higher frequency in males compared to females (odds ratio = 1.02, P = 4.4 × 10−36). Finally, we demonstrated how these biases can potentially lead to incorrect inferences in downstream analyses and propose a conceptual framework for addressing such biases. Our findings highlight a new challenge that genetic studies may face as sample sizes continue to grow. Genetic analyses identify widespread sex-differential participation bias in population-based studies and show how this bias can lead to incorrect inferences. These findings highlight new challenges for association studies as sample sizes continue to grow.
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University of Bologna1, National Research Council2, Humanitas University3, University of Turin4, University of Florence5, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart6, University of Rome Tor Vergata7, University of Milano-Bicocca8, University of Insubria9, University of Milan10, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico11, King's College London12, Marche Polytechnic University13, Carlos III Health Institute14, Leipzig University15, University of Paris16
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors integrate these genomic features into disease classification and prune classification in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) using a genetic algorithm.
Abstract: PURPOSERecurrently mutated genes and chromosomal abnormalities have been identified in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). We aim to integrate these genomic features into disease classification and pr...
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King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences1, Saint Louis University Hospital2, University Health System3, University of the Algarve4, University of Pittsburgh5, Humanitas University6, Peking Union Medical College Hospital7, University of Toronto8, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre9, The Chinese University of Hong Kong10, University of Oxford11, University of Amsterdam12, Utrecht University13, Vanderbilt University14, Federal University of São Paulo15, Emory University16, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven17, St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust18, University of Paris19, Université libre de Bruxelles20, University of Milano-Bicocca21
TL;DR: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted key elements of emergency preparedness, such as having national or regional strategic reserves of personal protective equipment, intensive care unit (ICU) devices, consumables and pharmaceuticals, as well as effective supply chains and efficient utilization protocols as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) has posed unprecedented healthcare system challenges, some of which will lead to transformative change. It is obvious to healthcare workers and policymakers alike that an effective critical care surge response must be nested within the overall care delivery model. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted key elements of emergency preparedness. These include having national or regional strategic reserves of personal protective equipment, intensive care unit (ICU) devices, consumables and pharmaceuticals, as well as effective supply chains and efficient utilization protocols. ICUs must also be prepared to accommodate surges of patients and ICU staffing models should allow for fluctuations in demand. Pre-existing ICU triage and end-of-life care principles should be established, implemented and updated. Daily workflow processes should be restructured to include remote connection with multidisciplinary healthcare workers and frequent communication with relatives. The pandemic has also demonstrated the benefits of digital transformation and the value of remote monitoring technologies, such as wireless monitoring. Finally, the pandemic has highlighted the value of pre-existing epidemiological registries and agile randomized controlled platform trials in generating fast, reliable data. The COVID-19 pandemic is a reminder that besides our duty to care, we are committed to improve. By meeting these challenges today, we will be able to provide better care to future patients.
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TL;DR: In this article, a catalog of 4195 optically confirmed galaxy clusters detected with signal-to-noise ratio >4 in 13,211 deg2 of sky surveyed by the Atacama Cosmology Telescope (ACT) is presented.
Abstract: We present a catalog of 4195 optically confirmed Sunyaev–Zel’dovich (SZ) selected galaxy clusters detected with signal-to-noise ratio >4 in 13,211 deg2 of sky surveyed by the Atacama Cosmology Telescope (ACT). Cluster candidates were selected by applying a multifrequency matched filter to 98 and 150 GHz maps constructed from ACT observations obtained from 2008 to 2018 and confirmed using deep, wide-area optical surveys. The clusters span the redshift range 0.04 1 clusters, and a total of 868 systems are new discoveries. Assuming an SZ signal versus mass-scaling relation calibrated from X-ray observations, the sample has a 90% completeness mass limit of M500c > 3.8 × 1014 Me, evaluated at z = 0.5, for clusters detected at signal-to-noise ratio >5 in maps filtered at an angular scale of 2 4. The survey has a large overlap with deep optical weak-lensing surveys that are being used to calibrate the SZ signal mass-scaling relation, such as the Dark Energy Survey (4566 deg2), the Hyper Suprime-Cam Subaru Strategic Program (469 deg2), and the Kilo Degree Survey (825 deg2). We highlight some noteworthy objects in the sample, including potentially projected systems, clusters with strong lensing features, clusters with active central galaxies or star formation, and systems of multiple clusters that may be physically associated. The cluster catalog will be a useful resource for future cosmological analyses and studying the evolution of the intracluster medium and galaxies in massive clusters over the past 10 Gyr.
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Itziar de Rojas1, Itziar de Rojas2, Sonia Moreno-Grau2, Sonia Moreno-Grau1 +356 more•Institutions (96)
TL;DR: In this article, a large genetic association study was performed by merging all available case-control datasets and by-proxy study results (discovery n = 409,435 and validation size n = 58,190).
Abstract: Genetic discoveries of Alzheimer’s disease are the drivers of our understanding, and together with polygenetic risk stratification can contribute towards planning of feasible and efficient preventive and curative clinical trials. We first perform a large genetic association study by merging all available case-control datasets and by-proxy study results (discovery n = 409,435 and validation size n = 58,190). Here, we add six variants associated with Alzheimer’s disease risk (near APP, CHRNE, PRKD3/NDUFAF7, PLCG2 and two exonic variants in the SHARPIN gene). Assessment of the polygenic risk score and stratifying by APOE reveal a 4 to 5.5 years difference in median age at onset of Alzheimer’s disease patients in APOE ɛ4 carriers. Because of this study, the underlying mechanisms of APP can be studied to refine the amyloid cascade and the polygenic risk score provides a tool to select individuals at high risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
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TL;DR: In this paper, the authors propose a practical checklist to help authors to self assess the quality of their contribution and to help reviewers to recognize and appreciate high-quality medical ML studies by distinguishing them from the mere application of ML techniques to medical data.
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TL;DR: In this paper, a systematic review assessed whether single-pill combination (SPC) therapy led to improved adherence, persistence, and better BP control compared with free-equivalent combination (FEC) therapy in patients with hypertension.
Abstract: Poor adherence to antihypertensive therapy is a major cause of poor blood pressure (BP) control in patients with hypertension. Regimen simplification may improve adherence and BP control. This systematic review assessed whether single-pill combination (SPC) therapy led to improved adherence, persistence, and better BP control compared with free-equivalent combination (FEC) therapy in patients with hypertension. PubMed, Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched until July 2020, in addition to manual searching of relevant congress abstracts from 2014 to 2020 for studies including adults with hypertension aged ≥18 years receiving SPC or FEC antihypertensive therapy measuring any of the following: adherence, persistence, and reductions in systolic BP and/or diastolic BP. Adherence and persistence were summarized in a narrative analysis; direct pair-wise meta-analysis was conducted to compare BP reductions with SPC therapy versus FEC therapy using fixed-effect and random-effects models. Following screening, 44 studies were included. The majority (18 of 23) of studies measuring adherence showed adherence was significantly improved in patients receiving SPCs versus FECs. Overall, 16 studies measured persistence, of which 14 showed that patients receiving SPCs had significantly improved persistence or were significantly less likely to discontinue therapy than patients receiving FECs. Systolic BP (mean difference, -3.99 [95% CI, -7.92 to -0.07]; P=0.05) and diastolic BP (-1.54 [95% CI, -2.67 to -0.41]; P=0.0076) were both significantly reduced with SPC therapy compared with FEC therapy at week 12. SPC therapy leads to improved adherence and persistence compared with FEC therapy and may lead to better BP control in patients with hypertension.