Showing papers by "University of New South Wales published in 2021"
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TL;DR: It is shown that neutralization level is highly predictive of immune protection, and an evidence-based model of SARS-CoV-2 immune protection that will assist in developing vaccine strategies to control the future trajectory of the pandemic is provided.
Abstract: Predictive models of immune protection from COVID-19 are urgently needed to identify correlates of protection to assist in the future deployment of vaccines. To address this, we analyzed the relationship between in vitro neutralization levels and the observed protection from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection using data from seven current vaccines and from convalescent cohorts. We estimated the neutralization level for 50% protection against detectable SARS-CoV-2 infection to be 20.2% of the mean convalescent level (95% confidence interval (CI) = 14.4–28.4%). The estimated neutralization level required for 50% protection from severe infection was significantly lower (3% of the mean convalescent level; 95% CI = 0.7–13%, P = 0.0004). Modeling of the decay of the neutralization titer over the first 250 d after immunization predicts that a significant loss in protection from SARS-CoV-2 infection will occur, although protection from severe disease should be largely retained. Neutralization titers against some SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern are reduced compared with the vaccine strain, and our model predicts the relationship between neutralization and efficacy against viral variants. Here, we show that neutralization level is highly predictive of immune protection, and provide an evidence-based model of SARS-CoV-2 immune protection that will assist in developing vaccine strategies to control the future trajectory of the pandemic. Estimates of the levels of neutralizing antibodies necessary for protection against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 or severe COVID-19 are a fraction of the mean level in convalescent serum and will be useful in guiding vaccine rollouts.
2,705 citations
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Daniel J. Klionsky1, Amal Kamal Abdel-Aziz2, Sara Abdelfatah3, Mahmoud Abdellatif4 +2980 more•Institutions (777)
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a set of guidelines for investigators to select and interpret methods to examine autophagy and related processes, and for reviewers to provide realistic and reasonable critiques of reports that are focused on these processes.
Abstract: In 2008, we published the first set of guidelines for standardizing research in autophagy. Since then, this topic has received increasing attention, and many scientists have entered the field. Our knowledge base and relevant new technologies have also been expanding. Thus, it is important to formulate on a regular basis updated guidelines for monitoring autophagy in different organisms. Despite numerous reviews, there continues to be confusion regarding acceptable methods to evaluate autophagy, especially in multicellular eukaryotes. Here, we present a set of guidelines for investigators to select and interpret methods to examine autophagy and related processes, and for reviewers to provide realistic and reasonable critiques of reports that are focused on these processes. These guidelines are not meant to be a dogmatic set of rules, because the appropriateness of any assay largely depends on the question being asked and the system being used. Moreover, no individual assay is perfect for every situation, calling for the use of multiple techniques to properly monitor autophagy in each experimental setting. Finally, several core components of the autophagy machinery have been implicated in distinct autophagic processes (canonical and noncanonical autophagy), implying that genetic approaches to block autophagy should rely on targeting two or more autophagy-related genes that ideally participate in distinct steps of the pathway. Along similar lines, because multiple proteins involved in autophagy also regulate other cellular pathways including apoptosis, not all of them can be used as a specific marker for bona fide autophagic responses. Here, we critically discuss current methods of assessing autophagy and the information they can, or cannot, provide. Our ultimate goal is to encourage intellectual and technical innovation in the field.
1,129 citations
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Daniel Taliun1, Daniel N. Harris2, Michael D. Kessler2, Jedidiah Carlson1 +202 more•Institutions (61)
TL;DR: The Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) project as discussed by the authors aims to elucidate the genetic architecture and biology of heart, lung, blood and sleep disorders, with the ultimate goal of improving diagnosis, treatment and prevention of these diseases.
Abstract: The Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) programme seeks to elucidate the genetic architecture and biology of heart, lung, blood and sleep disorders, with the ultimate goal of improving diagnosis, treatment and prevention of these diseases The initial phases of the programme focused on whole-genome sequencing of individuals with rich phenotypic data and diverse backgrounds Here we describe the TOPMed goals and design as well as the available resources and early insights obtained from the sequence data The resources include a variant browser, a genotype imputation server, and genomic and phenotypic data that are available through dbGaP (Database of Genotypes and Phenotypes)1 In the first 53,831 TOPMed samples, we detected more than 400 million single-nucleotide and insertion or deletion variants after alignment with the reference genome Additional previously undescribed variants were detected through assembly of unmapped reads and customized analysis in highly variable loci Among the more than 400 million detected variants, 97% have frequencies of less than 1% and 46% are singletons that are present in only one individual (53% among unrelated individuals) These rare variants provide insights into mutational processes and recent human evolutionary history The extensive catalogue of genetic variation in TOPMed studies provides unique opportunities for exploring the contributions of rare and noncoding sequence variants to phenotypic variation Furthermore, combining TOPMed haplotypes with modern imputation methods improves the power and reach of genome-wide association studies to include variants down to a frequency of approximately 001% The goals, resources and design of the NHLBI Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) programme are described, and analyses of rare variants detected in the first 53,831 samples provide insights into mutational processes and recent human evolutionary history
801 citations
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701 citations
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Cornell University1, National University of Singapore2, University of New South Wales3, University of Lausanne4, University of Michigan5, Erasmus University Rotterdam6, Tel Aviv University7, University of Melbourne8, Singapore Management University9, University of Maryland, College Park10, University of Pennsylvania11, Eindhoven University of Technology12, Stanford University13, Concordia University14, London Business School15, Baylor University16, University College London17, California State University, Sacramento18, INSEAD19, Saint Louis University20, Nanyang Technological University21, University of Minnesota22, Harvard University23, University of Arkansas24, VU University Amsterdam25
TL;DR: A broad-scope overview provides an integrative approach for considering the implications of COVID-19 for work, workers, and organizations while also identifying issues for future research and insights to inform solutions.
Abstract: The impacts of COVID-19 on workers and workplaces across the globe have been dramatic. This broad review of prior research rooted in work and organizational psychology, and related fields, is intended to make sense of the implications for employees, teams, and work organizations. This review and preview of relevant literatures focuses on (a) emergent changes in work practices (e.g., working from home, virtual teamwork) and (b) emergent changes for workers (e.g., social distancing, stress, and unemployment). In addition, potential moderating factors (demographic characteristics, individual differences, and organizational norms) are examined given the likelihood that COVID-19 will generate disparate effects. This broad-scope overview provides an integrative approach for considering the implications of COVID-19 for work, workers, and organizations while also identifying issues for future research and insights to inform solutions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
654 citations
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TL;DR: 5-dimension digital twin model provides reference guidance for understanding and implementing digital twin, and the frequently-used enabling technologies and tools for digital twin are investigated and summarized to provide Technologies and tools references for the applications of digital twin in the future.
541 citations
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TL;DR: The durability of immune memory after SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination was investigated in this article, where the majority of these cells cross-binding the Alpha, Beta, and Delta variants.
Abstract: The durability of immune memory after SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination remains unclear. Here, we longitudinally profiled vaccine responses in SARS-CoV-2 naive and recovered individuals for 6 months after vaccination. Antibodies declined from peak levels but remained detectable in most subjects at 6 months. We found mRNA vaccines generated functional memory B cells that increased from 3-6 months post-vaccination, with the majority of these cells cross-binding the Alpha, Beta, and Delta variants. mRNA vaccination further induced antigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and early CD4+ T cell responses correlated with long-term humoral immunity. Recall responses to vaccination in individuals with pre-existing immunity primarily increased antibody levels without substantially altering antibody decay rates. Together, these findings demonstrate robust cellular immune memory to SARS-CoV-2 and variants for at least 6 months after mRNA vaccination.
488 citations
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University of London1, University of Glasgow2, University of Edinburgh3, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory4, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center5, Cornell University6, University of Cambridge7, University of Lugano8, University of Zurich9, Maynooth University10, University of New South Wales11, ETH Zurich12, Boston Children's Hospital13, University of Liverpool14, National Institutes of Health15, Washington University in St. Louis16
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors demonstrate that the immunodominant SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) receptor binding motif (RBM) is a highly variable region of S and provide epidemiological, clinical, and molecular characterization of a prevalent, sentinel RBM mutation, N439K.
483 citations
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National Institute for Health Research1, University of London2, University of Auckland3, University of Cambridge4, Anglia Ruskin University5, Queen's University Belfast6, Sun Yat-sen University7, The Fred Hollows Foundation8, Mbarara University of Science and Technology9, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare10, University of Geneva11, St Thomas' Hospital12, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust13, Southwest University of Visual Arts14, Orbis International15, International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness16, University of Cape Town17, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust18, University of Michigan19, Emory University20, Johns Hopkins University21, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary22, University of São Paulo23, University of Nairobi24, Seva Foundation25, Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology26, Heidelberg University27, University of New South Wales28, The George Institute for Global Health29, L V Prasad Eye Institute30, College of Health Sciences, Bahrain31, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences32, International Institute of Minnesota33, University of the West Indies34, University of Melbourne35, Kenya Medical Training College36, Federal University of São Paulo37, Capital Medical University38, National University of Singapore39, Singapore National Eye Center40, Pan American Health Organization41, Brien Holden Vision Institute42, University of Calabar43
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors defined eye health as maximised vision, ocular health, and functional ability, thereby contributing to overall health and wellbeing, social inclusion, and quality of life.
435 citations
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TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a rather comprehensive review of the recent research progress, in the view of associated value-added products upon selective electrocatalytic CO2 conversion.
Abstract: The continuously increasing CO2 released from human activities poses a great threat to human survival by fluctuating global climate and disturbing carbon balance among the four reservoirs of the biosphere, earth, air, and water. Converting CO2 to value-added feedstocks via electrocatalysis of the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) has been regarded as one of the most attractive routes to re-balance the carbon cycle, thanks to its multiple advantages of mild operating conditions, easy handling, tunable products and the potential of synergy with the rapidly increasing renewable energy (i.e., solar, wind). Instead of focusing on a special topic of electrocatalysts for the CO2RR that have been extensively reviewed elsewhere, we herein present a rather comprehensive review of the recent research progress, in the view of associated value-added products upon selective electrocatalytic CO2 conversion. We initially provide an overview of the history and the fundamental science regarding the electrocatalytic CO2RR, with a special introduction to the design, preparation, and performance evaluation of electrocatalysts, the factors influencing the CO2RR, and the associated theoretical calculations. Emphasis will then be given to the emerging trends of selective electrocatalytic conversion of CO2 into a variety of value-added products. The structure-performance relationship and mechanism will also be discussed and investigated. The outlooks for CO2 electrocatalysis, including the challenges and opportunities in the development of new electrocatalysts, electrolyzers, the recently rising operando fundamental studies, and the feasibility of industrial applications are finally summarized.
387 citations
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Niamh Mullins1, Andreas J. Forstner2, Andreas J. Forstner3, Andreas J. Forstner4 +396 more•Institutions (119)
TL;DR: The authors performed a genome-wide association study of 41,917 bipolar disorder cases and 371,549 controls of European ancestry, which identified 64 associated genomic loci, including genes encoding targets of antipsychotics, calcium channel blockers, antiepileptics and anesthetics.
Abstract: Bipolar disorder is a heritable mental illness with complex etiology. We performed a genome-wide association study of 41,917 bipolar disorder cases and 371,549 controls of European ancestry, which identified 64 associated genomic loci. Bipolar disorder risk alleles were enriched in genes in synaptic signaling pathways and brain-expressed genes, particularly those with high specificity of expression in neurons of the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Significant signal enrichment was found in genes encoding targets of antipsychotics, calcium channel blockers, antiepileptics and anesthetics. Integrating expression quantitative trait locus data implicated 15 genes robustly linked to bipolar disorder via gene expression, encoding druggable targets such as HTR6, MCHR1, DCLK3 and FURIN. Analyses of bipolar disorder subtypes indicated high but imperfect genetic correlation between bipolar disorder type I and II and identified additional associated loci. Together, these results advance our understanding of the biological etiology of bipolar disorder, identify novel therapeutic leads and prioritize genes for functional follow-up studies.
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University Medical Center Groningen1, European Bioinformatics Institute2, Netherlands Cancer Institute3, Georgia Institute of Technology4, Leipzig University5, Johns Hopkins University6, University of Cambridge7, NHS Blood and Transplant8, Garvan Institute of Medical Research9, University of Tartu10, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research11, University of Washington12, Public Health Research Institute13, University of Chicago14, Greifswald University Hospital15, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich16, University of Bristol17, Erasmus University Rotterdam18, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital19, Luleå University of Technology20, University of Westminster21, University of Lausanne22, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics23, University of Dundee24, University of Geneva25, Agency for Science, Technology and Research26, University of Queensland27, Leiden University Medical Center28, Radboud University Nijmegen29, University of Liège30, University of Oxford31, Menzies Research Institute32, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai33, Ikerbasque34, VU University Amsterdam35, Stanford University36, University of Turku37, Turku University Hospital38, Maastricht University39, Karolinska Institutet40, Utrecht University41, University of Helsinki42, National Institutes of Health43, Technische Universität München44, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute45, German Cancer Research Center46, Westlake University47, University of New South Wales48
TL;DR: In this article, the authors performed cis-and trans-expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) analyses using blood-derived expression from 31,684 individuals through the eQTLGen Consortium.
Abstract: Trait-associated genetic variants affect complex phenotypes primarily via regulatory mechanisms on the transcriptome. To investigate the genetics of gene expression, we performed cis- and trans-expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) analyses using blood-derived expression from 31,684 individuals through the eQTLGen Consortium. We detected cis-eQTL for 88% of genes, and these were replicable in numerous tissues. Distal trans-eQTL (detected for 37% of 10,317 trait-associated variants tested) showed lower replication rates, partially due to low replication power and confounding by cell type composition. However, replication analyses in single-cell RNA-seq data prioritized intracellular trans-eQTL. Trans-eQTL exerted their effects via several mechanisms, primarily through regulation by transcription factors. Expression of 13% of the genes correlated with polygenic scores for 1,263 phenotypes, pinpointing potential drivers for those traits. In summary, this work represents a large eQTL resource, and its results serve as a starting point for in-depth interpretation of complex phenotypes.
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TL;DR: Aghanim et al. as mentioned in this paper used the same data set to derive a 95% upper bound of 0.020 using the principal component analysis (PCA) model and uniform priors on the PCA mode amplitudes.
Abstract: Author(s): Aghanim, N; Akrami, Y; Ashdown, M; Aumont, J; Baccigalupi, C; Ballardini, M; Banday, AJ; Barreiro, RB; Bartolo, N; Basak, S; Battye, R; Benabed, K; Bernard, JP; Bersanelli, M; Bielewicz, P; Bock, JJ; Bond, JR; Borrill, J; Bouchet, FR; Boulanger, F; Bucher, M; Burigana, C; Butler, RC; Calabrese, E; Cardoso, JF; Carron, J; Challinor, A; Chiang, HC; Chluba, J; Colombo, LPL; Combet, C; Contreras, D; Crill, BP; Cuttaia, F; De Bernardis, P; De Zotti, G; Delabrouille, J; Delouis, JM; DI Valentino, E; DIego, JM; Dore, O; Douspis, M; Ducout, A; Dupac, X; Dusini, S; Efstathiou, G; Elsner, F; Enslin, TA; Eriksen, HK; Fantaye, Y; Farhang, M; Fergusson, J; Fernandez-Cobos, R; Finelli, F; Forastieri, F; Frailis, M; Fraisse, AA; Franceschi, E; Frolov, A; Galeotta, S; Galli, S; Ganga, K; Genova-Santos, RT; Gerbino, M; Ghosh, T; Gonzalez-Nuevo, J; Gorski, KM; Gratton, S; Gruppuso, A; Gudmundsson, JE; Hamann, J; Handley, W; Hansen, FK; Herranz, D; Hildebrandt, SR; Hivon, E; Huang, Z; Jaffe, AH; Jones, WC; Karakci, A; Keihanen, E; Keskitalo, R; Kiiveri, K; Kim, J; Kisner, TS | Abstract: In the original version, the bounds given in Eqs. (87a) and (87b) on the contribution to the early-time optical depth, (15,30), contained a numerical error in deriving the 95th percentile from the Monte Carlo samples. The corrected 95% upper bounds are: τ(15,30) l 0:018 (lowE, flat τ(15, 30), FlexKnot), (1) τ(15, 30) l 0:023 (lowE, flat knot, FlexKnot): (2) These bounds are a factor of 3 larger than the originally reported results. Consequently, the new bounds do not significantly improve upon previous results from Planck data presented in Millea a Bouchet (2018) as was stated, but are instead comparable. Equations (1) and (2) give results that are now similar to those of Heinrich a Hu (2021), who used the same Planck 2018 data to derive a 95% upper bound of 0.020 using the principal component analysis (PCA) model and uniform priors on the PCA mode amplitudes.
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TL;DR: In this paper, a meta-analysis of individual participant-level data from 48 randomised trials of pharmacological blood pressure lowering medications versus placebo or other classes of blood pressure-lowering medications, or between more versus less intensive treatment regimens, was performed.
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TL;DR: In this paper, a comprehensive survey of the emerging applications of federated learning in IoT networks is provided, which explores and analyzes the potential of FL for enabling a wide range of IoT services, including IoT data sharing, data offloading and caching, attack detection, localization, mobile crowdsensing and IoT privacy and security.
Abstract: The Internet of Things (IoT) is penetrating many facets of our daily life with the proliferation of intelligent services and applications empowered by artificial intelligence (AI). Traditionally, AI techniques require centralized data collection and processing that may not be feasible in realistic application scenarios due to the high scalability of modern IoT networks and growing data privacy concerns. Federated Learning (FL) has emerged as a distributed collaborative AI approach that can enable many intelligent IoT applications, by allowing for AI training at distributed IoT devices without the need for data sharing. In this article, we provide a comprehensive survey of the emerging applications of FL in IoT networks, beginning from an introduction to the recent advances in FL and IoT to a discussion of their integration. Particularly, we explore and analyze the potential of FL for enabling a wide range of IoT services, including IoT data sharing, data offloading and caching, attack detection, localization, mobile crowdsensing, and IoT privacy and security. We then provide an extensive survey of the use of FL in various key IoT applications such as smart healthcare, smart transportation, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), smart cities, and smart industry. The important lessons learned from this review of the FL-IoT services and applications are also highlighted. We complete this survey by highlighting the current challenges and possible directions for future research in this booming area.
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TL;DR: In this article, a comprehensive survey of massive access design for B5G wireless networks is presented, from the perspectives of theory, protocols, techniques, coverage, energy, and security.
Abstract: Massive access, also known as massive connectivity or massive machine-type communication (mMTC), is one of the main use cases of the fifth-generation (5G) and beyond 5G (B5G) wireless networks. A typical application of massive access is the cellular Internet of Things (IoT). Different from conventional human-type communication, massive access aims at realizing efficient and reliable communications for a massive number of IoT devices. Hence, the main characteristics of massive access include low power, massive connectivity, and broad coverage, which require new concepts, theories, and paradigms for the design of next-generation cellular networks. This paper presents a comprehensive survey of massive access design for B5G wireless networks. Specifically, we provide a detailed review of massive access from the perspectives of theory, protocols, techniques, coverage, energy, and security. Furthermore, several future research directions and challenges are identified.
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TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore the emerging opportunities brought by 6G technologies in IoT networks and applications, by conducting a holistic survey on the convergence of 6G and IoT, and highlight interesting research challenges and point out potential directions to spur further research in this promising area.
Abstract: The sixth generation (6G) wireless communication networks are envisioned to revolutionize customer services and applications via the Internet of Things (IoT) towards a future of fully intelligent and autonomous systems. In this article, we explore the emerging opportunities brought by 6G technologies in IoT networks and applications, by conducting a holistic survey on the convergence of 6G and IoT. We first shed light on some of the most fundamental 6G technologies that are expected to empower future IoT networks, including edge intelligence, reconfigurable intelligent surfaces, space-air-ground-underwater communications, Terahertz communications, massive ultra-reliable and low-latency communications, and blockchain. Particularly, compared to the other related survey papers, we provide an in-depth discussion of the roles of 6G in a wide range of prospective IoT applications via five key domains, namely Healthcare Internet of Things, Vehicular Internet of Things and Autonomous Driving, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Satellite Internet of Things, and Industrial Internet of Things. Finally, we highlight interesting research challenges and point out potential directions to spur further research in this promising area.
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University of New South Wales1, Garvan Institute of Medical Research2, Royal Institute of Technology3, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill4, Harvard University5, French Institute of Health and Medical Research6, Institut Gustave Roussy7, St. Vincent's Health System8, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital9, Princess Alexandra Hospital10, University of Queensland11, University of Sydney12, Agency for Science, Technology and Research13, National University of Singapore14, Shanghai Jiao Tong University15, St George's Hospital16
TL;DR: In this paper, a single-cell and spatially resolved transcriptomics analysis of human breast cancers is presented, which reveals recurrent neoplastic cell heterogeneity and heterotypic interactions play central roles in disease progression.
Abstract: Breast cancers are complex cellular ecosystems where heterotypic interactions play central roles in disease progression and response to therapy. However, our knowledge of their cellular composition and organization is limited. Here we present a single-cell and spatially resolved transcriptomics analysis of human breast cancers. We developed a single-cell method of intrinsic subtype classification (SCSubtype) to reveal recurrent neoplastic cell heterogeneity. Immunophenotyping using cellular indexing of transcriptomes and epitopes by sequencing (CITE-seq) provides high-resolution immune profiles, including new PD-L1/PD-L2+ macrophage populations associated with clinical outcome. Mesenchymal cells displayed diverse functions and cell-surface protein expression through differentiation within three major lineages. Stromal-immune niches were spatially organized in tumors, offering insights into antitumor immune regulation. Using single-cell signatures, we deconvoluted large breast cancer cohorts to stratify them into nine clusters, termed 'ecotypes', with unique cellular compositions and clinical outcomes. This study provides a comprehensive transcriptional atlas of the cellular architecture of breast cancer.
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University of Utah1, University of Colorado Denver2, Oregon Health & Science University3, Harvard University4, University of California, San Diego5, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston6, Medical College of Wisconsin7, Medical University of South Carolina8, Northwestern University9, Emory University10, University of Pennsylvania11, University of São Paulo12, Karolinska Institutet13, Ghent University14, Sun Yat-sen University15, University of Chicago16, Rush University Medical Center17, University of Barcelona18, University of California, Los Angeles19, Vanderbilt University20, University of Arizona21, University of Kansas22, Université de Montréal23, University of Auckland24, Rutgers University25, University of Amsterdam26, Columbia University27, Eastern Virginia Medical School28, University of New South Wales29, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven30, Guy's Hospital31, Stanford University32, University of British Columbia33, Mayo Clinic34, Johns Hopkins University35, Korea University36, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences37, Jikei University School of Medicine38, University of Washington39, University of Siena40, University of East Anglia41, University of Adelaide42, Pusan National University43, University of Calgary44, University of Cincinnati45, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill46, Cleveland Clinic47, University of Winnipeg48, Chulalongkorn University49, Cornell University50, National University of Singapore51, University of Alabama at Birmingham52, University of Alberta53, Capital Medical University54
TL;DR: The 5 years since the publication of the first International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Rhinosinusitis (ICAR‐RS) has witnessed foundational progress in the understanding and treatment of rhinologic disease.
Abstract: I. Executive summary BACKGROUND: The 5 years since the publication of the first International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Rhinosinusitis (ICAR-RS) has witnessed foundational progress in our understanding and treatment of rhinologic disease. These advances are reflected within the more than 40 new topics covered within the ICAR-RS-2021 as well as updates to the original 140 topics. This executive summary consolidates the evidence-based findings of the document. Methods ICAR-RS presents over 180 topics in the forms of evidence-based reviews with recommendations (EBRRs), evidence-based reviews, and literature reviews. The highest grade structured recommendations of the EBRR sections are summarized in this executive summary. Results ICAR-RS-2021 covers 22 topics regarding the medical management of RS, which are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Additionally, 4 topics regarding the surgical management of RS are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Finally, a comprehensive evidence-based management algorithm is provided. Conclusion This ICAR-RS-2021 executive summary provides a compilation of the evidence-based recommendations for medical and surgical treatment of the most common forms of RS.
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15 Nov 2021TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explored whether in-vitro neutralization titres remain predictive of vaccine protection from infection with SARS-CoV-2 variants and used the model to predict the impact of booster vaccination on protection against SARS CoV2 variants.
Abstract: Summary Background Several SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern have been identified that partly escape serum neutralisation elicited by current vaccines. Studies have also shown that vaccines demonstrate reduced protection against symptomatic infection with SARS-CoV-2 variants. We explored whether in-vitro neutralisation titres remain predictive of vaccine protection from infection with SARS-CoV-2 variants. Methods In this meta-analysis, we analysed published data from 24 identified studies on in-vitro neutralisation and clinical protection to understand the loss of neutralisation to existing SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. We integrated the results of this analysis into our existing statistical model relating in-vitro neutralisation to protection (parameterised on data from ancestral virus infection) to estimate vaccine efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 variants. We also analysed data on boosting of vaccine responses and use the model to predict the impact of booster vaccination on protection against SARS-CoV-2 variants. Findings The neutralising activity against the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 was highly predictive of neutralisation of variants of concern. Decreases in neutralisation titre to the alpha (1·6-fold), beta (8·8-fold), gamma (3·5-fold), and delta (3·9-fold) variants (compared to the ancestral virus) were not significantly different between different vaccines. Neutralisation remained strongly correlated with protection from symptomatic infection with SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (rS=0·81, p=0·0005) and the existing model remained predictive of vaccine efficacy against variants of concern once decreases in neutralisation to the variants of concern were incorporated. Modelling of predicted vaccine efficacy against variants over time suggested that protection against symptomatic infection might decrease below 50% within the first year after vaccination for some vaccines. Boosting of previously infected individuals with existing vaccines (which target ancestral virus) is predicted to provide a higher degree of protection from infection with variants of concern than primary vaccination schedules alone. Interpretation In-vitro neutralisation titres remain a correlate of protection from SARS-CoV-2 variants and modelling of the effects of waning immunity predicts a loss of protection to the variants after vaccination. However, booster vaccination with current vaccines should enable higher neutralisation to SARS-CoV-2 variants than is achieved with primary vaccination, which is predicted to provide robust protection from severe infection outcomes with the current SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, at least in the medium term. Funding The National Health and Medical Research Council (Australia), the Medical Research Future Fund (Australia), and the Victorian Government.
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University of New South Wales1, Max Planck Society2, Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency3, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna4, Technical University of Dortmund5, Imperial College London6, University of Bristol7, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis8, Copenhagen Business School9, University of Groningen10, University of Maryland, College Park11, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro12, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory13, Great Zimbabwe University14, University of California, Irvine15, Peking University16, Asian Institute of Technology17, Chinese Academy of Sciences18, Shanghai Jiao Tong University19
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present estimates of greenhouse gas emissions trends by sector from 1990 to 2018, describing the major sources of emissions growth, stability and decline across ten global regions.
Abstract: Global greenhouse gas emissions can be traced to five economic sectors: energy, industry, buildings, transport and AFOLU (agriculture, forestry and other land uses). In this topical review we synthesize the literature to explain recent trends in global and regional emissions in each of these sectors. To contextualise our review, we present estimates of greenhouse gas emissions trends by sector from 1990 to 2018, describing the major sources of emissions growth, stability and decline across ten global regions. Both the literature and data emphasize limited progress towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The prominent global pattern is a continuation of underlying drivers with few signs of emerging limits to demand, nor of a deep shift towards the delivery of low and zero carbon services across sectors. We observe a moderate decarbonisation of energy systems in Europe and North America, driven by fuel switching and the increasing penetration of renewables. By contrast, in rapidly industrialising regions, fossil-based energy systems have continuously expanded, only very recently slowing down in their growth. Strong demand for materials, floor area, energy services and travel have driven emissions growth in the industry, buildings and transport sectors, particularly in Eastern Asia, Southern Asia and South-East Asia. An expansion of agriculture into carbon-dense tropical forest areas has driven recent increases in AFOLU emissions in Latin America, South-East Asia and Africa. Identifying, understanding, and tackling the most persistent and climate-damaging trends across sectors is a fundamental concern for research and policy as humanity treads deeper into the Anthropocene.
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TL;DR: In this paper, the authors show a comprehensive profile of antibody, B cell and T cell dynamics over time in a cohort of patients who have recovered from mild-moderate COVID-19.
Abstract: The durability of infection-induced SARS-CoV-2 immunity has major implications for reinfection and vaccine development. Here, we show a comprehensive profile of antibody, B cell and T cell dynamics over time in a cohort of patients who have recovered from mild-moderate COVID-19. Binding and neutralising antibody responses, together with individual serum clonotypes, decay over the first 4 months post-infection. A similar decline in Spike-specific CD4+ and circulating T follicular helper frequencies occurs. By contrast, S-specific IgG+ memory B cells consistently accumulate over time, eventually comprising a substantial fraction of circulating the memory B cell pool. Modelling of the concomitant immune kinetics predicts maintenance of serological neutralising activity above a titre of 1:40 in 50% of convalescent participants to 74 days, although there is probably additive protection from B cell and T cell immunity. This study indicates that SARS-CoV-2 immunity after infection might be transiently protective at a population level. Therefore, SARS-CoV-2 vaccines might require greater immunogenicity and durability than natural infection to drive long-term protection.
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University of Bern1, Harvard University2, VU University Amsterdam3, University of Oxford4, Public Health Research Institute5, University of Wuppertal6, Kyoto University7, University of Amsterdam8, University of New South Wales9, University of Melbourne10, City University London11, University of Gothenburg12, Free University of Berlin13, University of Texas at Austin14, Carlos III Health Institute15, James I University16, Ohio State University17, Northwestern University18, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg19, University of Bristol20, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust21, Trinity College, Dublin22, University of York23, Karolinska Institutet24, Peking Union Medical College25, Linköping University26, University of Regina27, University of Sydney28, McLean Hospital29, University of Lübeck30, University of Zaragoza31, Imperial College London32, University of Nottingham33, University of Hamburg34, Oregon Research Institute35, Australian National University36, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center37, Hofstra University38, Stockholm University39, Hull York Medical School40, Tilburg University41, Linnaeus University42
TL;DR: In this article, the authors conducted a systematic review and IPD network meta-analysis and estimated relative treatment effect sizes across different patient characteristics through IPD-network meta-regression, and found that both guided and unguided iCBT were associated with more effectiveness as measured by PHQ-9 scores than control treatments over the short term and the long term.
Abstract: Importance Personalized treatment choices would increase the effectiveness of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) for depression to the extent that patients differ in interventions that better suit them. Objective To provide personalized estimates of short-term and long-term relative efficacy of guided and unguided iCBT for depression using patient-level information. Data Sources We searched PubMed, Embase, PsycInfo, and Cochrane Library to identify randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published up to January 1, 2019. Study Selection Eligible RCTs were those comparing guided or unguided iCBT against each other or against any control intervention in individuals with depression. Available individual patient data (IPD) was collected from all eligible studies. Depression symptom severity was assessed after treatment, 6 months, and 12 months after randomization. Data Extraction and Synthesis We conducted a systematic review and IPD network meta-analysis and estimated relative treatment effect sizes across different patient characteristics through IPD network meta-regression. Main Outcomes and Measures Patient Health Questionnaire–9 (PHQ-9) scores. Results Of 42 eligible RCTs, 39 studies comprising 9751 participants with depression contributed IPD to the IPD network meta-analysis, of which 8107 IPD were synthesized. Overall, both guided and unguided iCBT were associated with more effectiveness as measured by PHQ-9 scores than control treatments over the short term and the long term. Guided iCBT was associated with more effectiveness than unguided iCBT (mean difference [MD] in posttreatment PHQ-9 scores, −0.8; 95% CI, −1.4 to −0.2), but we found no evidence of a difference at 6 or 12 months following randomization. Baseline depression was found to be the most important modifier of the relative association for efficacy of guided vs unguided iCBT. Differences between unguided and guided iCBT in people with baseline symptoms of subthreshold depression (PHQ-9 scores 5-9) were small, while guided iCBT was associated with overall better outcomes in patients with baseline PHQ-9 greater than 9. Conclusions and Relevance In this network meta-analysis with IPD, guided iCBT was associated with more effectiveness than unguided iCBT for individuals with depression, benefits were more substantial in individuals with moderate to severe depression. Unguided iCBT was associated with similar effectiveness among individuals with symptoms of mild/subthreshold depression. Personalized treatment selection is entirely possible and necessary to ensure the best allocation of treatment resources for depression.
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Katholieke Universiteit Leuven1, Sapienza University of Rome2, University of Paris3, University of Toulouse4, Harvard University5, Boston Children's Hospital6, University of California, Irvine7, University of Brescia8, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University9, Erasmus University Medical Center10, Hospital Clínico San Carlos11, Complutense University of Madrid12, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust13, National Institutes of Health14, University of São Paulo15, University of Padua16, University of Naples Federico II17, Ghent University18, Nationwide Children's Hospital19, Marmara University20, Newcastle University21, University Hospital of Wales22, Universidad del Desarrollo23, Saint Louis University Hospital24, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich25, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai26, University of Freiburg27, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia28, Garvan Institute of Medical Research29, University of New South Wales30
TL;DR: More than 30% of patients with IEI with SARS-CoV-2 infection had mild coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and risk factors predisposing to severe disease/mortality in the general population also seemed to affect patients withIEI, including more younger patients.
Abstract: Background There is uncertainty about the impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in individuals with rare inborn errors of immunity (IEI), a population at risk of developing severe coronavirus disease 2019. This is relevant not only for these patients but also for the general population, because studies of IEIs can unveil key requirements for host defense. Objective We sought to describe the presentation, manifestations, and outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection in IEI to inform physicians and enhance understanding of host defense against SARS-CoV-2. Methods An invitation to participate in a retrospective study was distributed globally to scientific, medical, and patient societies involved in the care and advocacy for patients with IEI. Results We gathered information on 94 patients with IEI with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Their median age was 25 to 34 years. Fifty-three patients (56%) suffered from primary antibody deficiency, 9 (9.6%) had immune dysregulation syndrome, 6 (6.4%) a phagocyte defect, 7 (7.4%) an autoinflammatory disorder, 14 (15%) a combined immunodeficiency, 3 (3%) an innate immune defect, and 2 (2%) bone marrow failure. Ten were asymptomatic, 25 were treated as outpatients, 28 required admission without intensive care or ventilation, 13 required noninvasive ventilation or oxygen administration, 18 were admitted to intensive care units, 12 required invasive ventilation, and 3 required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Nine patients (7 adults and 2 children) died. Conclusions This study demonstrates that (1) more than 30% of patients with IEI had mild coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and (2) risk factors predisposing to severe disease/mortality in the general population also seemed to affect patients with IEI, including more younger patients. Further studies will identify pathways that are associated with increased risk of severe disease and are nonredundant or redundant for protection against SARS-CoV-2.
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TL;DR: In this article, the authors showed that the cell-surface NINJ1 protein, which contains two transmembrane regions, has an essential role in the induction of PMR.
Abstract: Plasma membrane rupture (PMR) is the final cataclysmic event in lytic cell death. PMR releases intracellular molecules known as damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) that propagate the inflammatory response1-3. The underlying mechanism of PMR, however, is unknown. Here we show that the cell-surface NINJ1 protein4-8, which contains two transmembrane regions, has an essential role in the induction of PMR. A forward-genetic screen of randomly mutagenized mice linked NINJ1 to PMR. Ninj1-/- macrophages exhibited impaired PMR in response to diverse inducers of pyroptotic, necrotic and apoptotic cell death, and were unable to release numerous intracellular proteins including HMGB1 (a known DAMP) and LDH (a standard measure of PMR). Ninj1-/- macrophages died, but with a distinctive and persistent ballooned morphology, attributable to defective disintegration of bubble-like herniations. Ninj1-/- mice were more susceptible than wild-type mice to infection with Citrobacter rodentium, which suggests a role for PMR in anti-bacterial host defence. Mechanistically, NINJ1 used an evolutionarily conserved extracellular domain for oligomerization and subsequent PMR. The discovery of NINJ1 as a mediator of PMR overturns the long-held idea that cell death-related PMR is a passive event.
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TL;DR: Several main issues in FLchain design are identified, including communication cost, resource allocation, incentive mechanism, security and privacy protection, and the applications of FLchain in popular MEC domains, such as edge data sharing, edge content caching and edge crowdsensing are investigated.
Abstract: Mobile-edge computing (MEC) has been envisioned as a promising paradigm to handle the massive volume of data generated from ubiquitous mobile devices for enabling intelligent services with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). Traditionally, AI techniques often require centralized data collection and training in a single entity, e.g., an MEC server, which is now becoming a weak point due to data privacy concerns and high overhead of raw data communications. In this context, federated learning (FL) has been proposed to provide collaborative data training solutions, by coordinating multiple mobile devices to train a shared AI model without directly exposing their underlying data, which enjoys considerable privacy enhancement. To improve the security and scalability of FL implementation, blockchain as a ledger technology is attractive for realizing decentralized FL training without the need for any central server. Particularly, the integration of FL and blockchain leads to a new paradigm, called FLchain , which potentially transforms intelligent MEC networks into decentralized, secure, and privacy-enhancing systems. This article presents an overview of the fundamental concepts and explores the opportunities of FLchain in MEC networks. We identify several main issues in FLchain design, including communication cost, resource allocation, incentive mechanism, security and privacy protection. The key solutions and the lessons learned along with the outlooks are also discussed. Then, we investigate the applications of FLchain in popular MEC domains, such as edge data sharing, edge content caching and edge crowdsensing. Finally, important research challenges and future directions are also highlighted.
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TL;DR: In this article, the authors present recent trends in the field of topological spin textures that go beyond skyrmions, and classify the alternative magnetic quasiparticles and present the most relevant and auspicious advantages of this emerging field.
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Max Planck Society1, Australian National University2, University of Sydney3, University of Ljubljana4, Uppsala University5, Stockholm University6, University of New South Wales7, Monash University8, Macquarie University9, Aarhus University10, Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam11, University of Southern Queensland12, International Space Science Institute13, Lund University14, University of Western Australia15, Kapteyn Astronomical Institute16, University of Hertfordshire17, Swinburne University of Technology18, Johns Hopkins University19, York University20, Columbia University21
TL;DR: In this paper, the accepted manuscript version of an article which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1093/mnras/stab1242
Abstract: © 2021 The Author(s) Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Royal Astronomical Society. This is the accepted manuscript version of an article which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1093/mnras/stab1242
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Oak Ridge National Laboratory1, University of New South Wales2, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich3, University of Arizona4, Stanford University5, Scripps Institution of Oceanography6, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center7, University of Sydney8, Max Planck Society9, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute10, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute11, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli12, University of Leeds13, Aix-Marseille University14, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research15, University of California, Santa Barbara16, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation17, Université Paris-Saclay18, Australian National University19, National University of Singapore20, ETH Zurich21, California Institute of Technology22, Imperial College London23, Northern Arizona University24, Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research25, University of California, Berkeley26, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory27, University of Basel28, Auckland University of Technology29, Indiana University30, University of Oxford31, Spanish National Research Council32, Umeå University33, University of Exeter34, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory35, University of California, Irvine36, United States Geological Survey37, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry38, Rutgers University39, Wageningen University and Research Centre40
TL;DR: A range of evidence supports a positive terrestrial carbon sink in response to iCO2, albeit with uncertain magnitude and strong suggestion of a role for additional agents of global change.
Abstract: Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration ([CO2 ]) is increasing, which increases leaf-scale photosynthesis and intrinsic water-use efficiency. These direct responses have the potential to increase plant growth, vegetation biomass, and soil organic matter; transferring carbon from the atmosphere into terrestrial ecosystems (a carbon sink). A substantial global terrestrial carbon sink would slow the rate of [CO2 ] increase and thus climate change. However, ecosystem CO2 responses are complex or confounded by concurrent changes in multiple agents of global change and evidence for a [CO2 ]-driven terrestrial carbon sink can appear contradictory. Here we synthesize theory and broad, multidisciplinary evidence for the effects of increasing [CO2 ] (iCO2 ) on the global terrestrial carbon sink. Evidence suggests a substantial increase in global photosynthesis since pre-industrial times. Established theory, supported by experiments, indicates that iCO2 is likely responsible for about half of the increase. Global carbon budgeting, atmospheric data, and forest inventories indicate a historical carbon sink, and these apparent iCO2 responses are high in comparison to experiments and predictions from theory. Plant mortality and soil carbon iCO2 responses are highly uncertain. In conclusion, a range of evidence supports a positive terrestrial carbon sink in response to iCO2 , albeit with uncertain magnitude and strong suggestion of a role for additional agents of global change.