bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Public Finance Approaches to Natural Hazards Management
Authors: Alkhurayyif Mohammed , Winkler Julie , Andrew Simon , Krueger Skip
Published: August 2021

An important challenge of natural hazards is that they inflict the greatest total economic damage in large, developed countries, where wealth is aggregated, but they create the greatest economic impact in smaller and developing countries, where a disaster caused by a natural hazard can easily overwhelm a national government’s ability to respond and its economy to recover. Thus, a common understanding in the literature is that the fiscal effect of a natural hazard is a function of the size of the disaster relative to the size of a nation’s economy at the time of the disaster.

At the international level, the economic impact of disasters, for example, has been estimated to be US$2.9 trillion between 1998 and 2017, and approximately $945 billion of that occurred in the United States. With a 2019 gross domestic product (GDP) of $21 trillion, the total economic effect for those 20 years is close to 5% of the value of economic output for a single year. Developing country losses, on the other hand, can be overwhelming, especially as measured against the size of the economy. For example, Hurricane Maria’s impact on Dominica is estimated to have been approximately US$1.37 billion, which was equivalent to 225% of Dominica’s GDP.

While an appreciation for the connection between the size of a national economy and natural hazards is clearly critical, the literature points to a number of additional factors that are important to understand about how government financial conditions are affected by natural hazards and vice versa. Debates continue about the role of foreign direct investment, government and private debt levels, investments in education, and internationally sponsored protective actions and insurance pools in improving the resilience of smaller and developing countries to disasters. For example, structural approaches to understanding the linkage between disasters and economic development suggest that countries with a limited number of sources of income have economies that are more vulnerable to disasters than more diversified economies, which might suggest that fiscal policies designed to increase economic diversity are important. Neoclassical approaches, on the other hand, argue that economic recovery is slowed by government intervention in the economy, and suggest that the best way for developing economies to recovery quickly is to reduce the amount of regulation in the economy.

Whatever the theoretical approach, what remains most clear is the ongoing challenge of decoupling the emotional need to participate in responses to the human tragedy associated with disasters caused by natural hazards from the strategic imperative to invest in hazard mitigation at much higher rates globally and plan toward disaster risk reduction.
Carbon Taxes
Authors: García Jorge H. , Sterner Thomas
Published: August 2021

Economists argue that carbon taxation (and more generally carbon pricing) is the single most powerful way to combat climate change. Since this is so controversial, we need to explain it better, and to be precise, the efficiency gains are largest when the costs of abatement are strongly heterogeneous. This is often—but not always—the case. When it is not, standards can fill much the same role.

To internalize the climate externality, economic efficiency calls for a global carbon tax (or price) that is equal to the global damage or the so-called social cost of carbon. However, equity considerations as well as existing geographical and sectoral differences in the effectiveness of carbon taxation at reducing emissions, suggest earlier implementation of relatively high taxation levels in some sectors or countries—for instance, among richer economies followed by a more gradual phase-in among low-income countries.

The number of national and subnational carbon pricing policies that have been implemented around the world during the first years following the Paris Agreement of 2015 is significant. By 2020, these programs covered 22% of global emissions with an average carbon price (weighted by the share of emissions covered) of USD15/tCO2 and a maximum price of USD120/tCO2. The share of emissions covered by carbon pricing as well as carbon prices themselves are expected to consistently rise throughout the decade 2021–2030 and beyond. Many experts agree that the social cost of carbon is in the range USD40–100/tCO2.

Anti-climate lobbying, public opposition, and lack of understanding of the instrument are among the key challenges faced by carbon taxation. Opportunities for further expansion of carbon taxation lie in increased climate awareness, the communicative resources governments have to help citizens understand the logic behind carbon taxation, and earmarking of carbon tax revenues to address issues that are important to the public such as fairness.
Coalitions and Coalition Building
Authors: Greenawalt Jessica , Ivery Jan , Mizrahi Terry , Rosenthal Beth B.
Published: August 2021

Coalitions are mechanisms to bring organizations and individuals together for collective efforts ranging from short-term crisis responses to longer-term problem-solving for social change. Coalitions create a specific type of collaboration that is dynamic and responsive to current events in the social, political, economic, and physical environments. In addition to addressing diverse issues, coalitions can be structured to position those most impacted by the issues to have greater influence in addressing them. This article frames an understanding of coalitions within the context of equity and power and suggests aligned language and approaches. Coalition-specific challenges and opportunities are presented to illustrate how coalition building is both a process and an outcome for developing equitable and inclusive practices in macro social work.
Income and Wealth Inequality
Authors: Sariscsany Laurel
Published: August 2021

Reversing extreme economic inequality is one of the grand challenges for social work, identified as one of the most critical issues in the field. Two key types of economic inequality, income and wealth inequality are described. Although, wealth and income inequality are often discussed synonymously they have differing levels of inequality and impact clients’ lives differently. Perhaps more importantly, as this article describes, solving income and wealth inequality require differing solutions. The article further explores the specific income and wealth inequality experienced by women and people of color, due in part to discrimination. Lastly, the efforts of social workers to address economic inequality through research, practice, and advocacy are described.
Social Innovation
Authors: McMillin Stephen Edward
Published: August 2021

Social innovation is not well understood within the context of macro-social work. Frameworks for understanding social innovation as having dimensions of social entrepreneurship, social intrapreneurship, and social advocacy are elaborated. Challenges to the comprehensive understanding and utility of social innovation for macro social work are discussed, especially an overemphasis on social entrepreneurship as the only typical expression of social innovation as well as a mistargeted, deficit-based approach which assumes that contemporary social work is dysfunctional and can only be made functional through social innovation and entrepreneurship. Global and multidisciplinary insights and applications of social innovation for macro social work are reviewed. Finally, how the macro-social work approach to social innovation builds on and advances business approaches to social innovation is discussed.
Zvereva, Iryna
Authors: Semigina Tetyana , Basiuk Tetiana
Published: August 2021

Dr. Iryna Zvereva (1952–2013) was one of the prominent founders of social work and social pedagogy in Ukraine. From 1992 through to 1998 she worked at the State Center of Social Services for Youth, the first professional public social work organization in Ukraine. She became a professor at the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv and the Borys Grinchenko University of Kyiv. She led the development and international recognition of the Ukrainian professional community: under her leadership the Ukrainian Association of Social Educators and Social Work Specialists had joined the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) in 1994. She initiated the elaboration of the National Code of Ethics for Social Workers in accordance with international standards. She worked for the Ukrainian and international organizations that had introduced innovative, pioneer social work practices in Ukraine, and she authored over 200 publications on social work and social pedagogy.
A-154 Predicting Older Adults’ Subjective Well-Being and Resilience through Executive Functioning
Authors: Kaufman Jack R , Bradford Anna , DelDonno Sophie , Germain Jacob , Hovatta Nathalie , Kim Joseph , Langenecker Scott A , Lorentz Natalie , Patron Victor , Weisenbach Sara , Welsh Robert C
Published: August 2021

Objective

We measured the extent to which sub-domains of executive functioning (EF) associate with resilience and well-being in older adults ranging from minimal to severe in depression symptom severity. We hypothesized that measures of set-shifting ability, problem solving skills, and cognitive flexibility would positively predict resilience and wellness, spanning affective, judgmental and cognitive components.

Methods

56 older adults (27 female, mean age = 67.6, mean education = 16.52) with degrees of depression ranging from minimal to severe completed a behavioral battery. EF measures included the Trail Making Test (TMT) [B score], Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS) Sorting Task [correct sorts], Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWA) [total score], and Wisconsin Card Sorting Task (WCST) [Perseverative responses]. Outcome measures included the Ego Resiliency Scale (ERS), the Life Orientation Test – Revised (LOT-R), the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), and a cumulative well-being scale. Finally, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) was used to evaluate depression symptom presence and severity.

Results

A series of multiple regression models were performed with age, sex and education in the first step, depression symptom severity in the second, and executive functioning measure in the third. Final models for the above four outcomes yielded the following R squares: 0.34 (p = 0.08), 0.38 (p = 0.06), 0.35 (p = 0.07), and 0.44 (p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Depression (shown to correlate with our outcomes) accounted for, well-being and resilience were consistently predicted with behavioral measures of executive function. Older adults may want to look toward cognitive resilience and other EF targets to exploit the relationship this has with wellness downstream.
A-1 The Influence of Base Rate and Sample Size on Performance of a Random Forest Classifier for Dementia Prediction: Implications for Recruitment
Authors: Brickell Emily , Whitford Andrew , Boettcher Anneliese , Pereira Carolina , Sawyer R John
Published: August 2021

Objective

Machine learning (ML) classifier performance estimates are affected by sample size and class imbalance in training data, and yet performance is often reported with balanced data. We explore the effect of varying sample size and dementia conversion base rate on the performance of a classifier that predicts future dementia.

Method

Longitudinal data from the National Alzheimer’s Coordination Center (NACC) Uniform Data Set (UDS) were used. All participants had MCI at baseline. A random forest classifier (RFC) was trained to predict dementia at 1, 2, and 3 years. Predictors included baseline neuropsychological test scores, demographics, and health history. Cases were sampled at multiple sample sizes (N = 125, 250, 500, 1000 and 2000) and base rates (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5). Performance was evaluated using Matthews Correlation Coefficient (MCC).

Results

For balanced data (N = 1000), the classifier predicts conversion to dementia at 3 years with an MCC of 0.54 (sensitivity = 0.79; specificity = 0.75). As expected, means of classifier performance estimates decline as the conversion rate decreases. Likewise, variability of estimates increases with smaller sample sizes. For a conversion rate of 30%, consistent with many memory clinics, classifier performance declines only moderately (MCC = 0.44). In conversion rates of 10% and 20%, performance approaches chance. Performance trends illustrated in Figure 1.

Conclusions

Such classifiers may have clinical utility in memory clinics with higher conversion rates. Expected tradeoffs are observed with respect to diminishing sample size increasing error variance, and higher base rates of positive cases improving overall performance. Results provide potential guidelines for sample size and recruitment targets with RFC designs.
Acetate excretion by a methanotroph,Methylocaldum marinumS8, under aerobic conditions
Authors: Takeuchi Mio , Yoshioka Hideyoshi
Published: August 2021

Methane-oxidizing bacteria (methanotrophs) often coexist with methylotrophs that utilize methanol excreted by methanotrophs. Recently, we found that a facultative methylotroph, Methyloceanibacter caenitepidi Gela4T, possibly utilizes acetate rather than methanol in the coculture with a methanotroph, Methylocaldum marinum S8. Here, we examined the effects of oxygen concentrations on growth of and acetate excretion by M. marinum S8 in pure culture and the coculture with M. caenitepidi Gela4T. M. marinum S8 excreted acetate during the exponential growth phase not only under microaerobic (O2 concentrations of 3.5%-6%) but also under aerobic (O2 concentrations of 20%-31%) conditions. RNA-Seq analyses of M. marinum S8 cells grown under aerobic conditions suggested that phosphoketolase and acetate kinase were candidate genes involved in acetate production. Nonmethylotrophic bacteria, Cupriavidus necator NBRC 102504, could grow when cocultured with M. marinum S8, also supporting the existence of methanol-independent cross-feeding from M. marinum S8 under aerobic conditions.
External Validation and Comparison of Clostridioides difficile Severity Scoring Systems
Authors: Perry D Alexander , Shirley Daniel , Micic Dejan , Patel Pratish C , Putler Rosemary , Menon Anitha , Young Vincent B , Rao Krishna
Published: August 2021

Background

Many models have been developed to predict severe outcomes from Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). These models are usually developed at a single institution and largely are not externally validated. Our aim in this study was to validate previously published risk scores in a multicenter cohort of patients with CDI.

Methods

This was a retrospective study on 4 inpatient cohorts with CDI from 3 distinct sites: the universities of Michigan (2010–2012 and 2016), Chicago (2012), and Wisconsin (2012). The primary composite outcome was admission to an intensive care unit, colectomy, and/or death attributed to CDI within 30 days of positive testing. Both within each cohort and combined across all cohorts, published CDI severity scores were assessed and compared to each other and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) guideline definitions of severe and fulminant CDI.

Results

A total of 3646 patients were included for analysis. Including the 2 IDSA guideline definitions, 14 scores were assessed. Performance of scores varied within each cohort and in the combined set (mean area under the receiver operator characteristic curve [AuROC], 0.61; range, 0.53–0.66). Only half of the scores had performance at or better than IDSA severe and fulminant definitions (AuROCs of 0.64 and 0.63, respectively). Most of the scoring systems had more false than true positives in the combined set (mean, 81.5%; range, 0%–91.5%).

Conclusions

No published CDI severity score showed stable, good predictive ability for adverse outcomes across multiple cohorts/institutions or in a combined multicenter cohort.
The conserved long non-coding RNA CARMA regulates cardiomyocyte differentiation
Authors: Kay Maryam , Soltani Bahram M , Nemir Mohamed , Aghagolzadeh Parisa , Pezzuto Iole , Chouvardas Panagiotis , Ruberto Francesco , Movahedi Fatemeh , Ansari Hassan , Baharvand Hossein , Pedrazzini Thierry
Published: August 2021

Aims

Production of functional cardiomyocytes from pluripotent stem cells requires tight control of the differentiation process. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) exert critical regulatory functions in cell specification during development. In this study, we designed an integrated approach to identify lncRNAs implicated in cardiogenesis in differentiating human embryonic stem cells (ESCs).

Methods and results

We identified CARMA (CARdiomyocyte Maturation-Associated lncRNA), a conserved lncRNA controlling cardiomyocyte differentiation and maturation in human ESCs. CARMA is located adjacent to MIR-1-1HG, the host gene for two cardiogenic miRNAs: MIR1-1 and MIR-133a2, and transcribed in an antisense orientation. The expression of CARMA and the miRNAs are negatively correlated, and CARMA knockdown increases MIR1-1 and MIR-133a2 expression. In addition, CARMA possesses MIR-133a2 binding sites, suggesting the lncRNA could be also a target of miRNA action. Upon CARMA down-regulation, MIR-133a2 target protein-coding genes are coordinately down-regulated. Among those, we found RBPJ, the gene encoding the effector of the NOTCH pathway. NOTCH has been shown to control a binary cell fate decision between the mesoderm and the neuroectoderm lineages, and NOTCH inhibition leads to enhanced cardiomyocyte differentiation at the expense of neuroectodermal derivatives. Interestingly, two lncRNAs, linc1230 and linc1335, which are known repressors of neuroectodermal specification, were found up-regulated upon Notch1 silencing in ESCs. Forced expression of either linc1230 or linc1335 improved ESC-derived cardiomyocyte production. These two lncRNAs were also found up-regulated following CARMA knockdown in ESCs.

Conclusions

Altogether, these data suggest the existence of a network, implicating three newly identified lncRNAs, the two myomirs MIR1-1 and MIR-133a2 and the NOTCH signalling pathway, for the coordinated regulation of cardiogenic differentiation in ESCs.
Six Versus 12 Weeks of Outpatient Physical Therapy Including Progressive Resistance Training in Cognitively Intact Older Adults After Hip Fracture: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Overgaard Jan A , Kallemose Thomas , Mangione Kathleen K , Kristensen Morten T
Published: August 2021

Background

Recovery of function and regaining muscle strength are challenging after hip fracture. We compared the effectiveness of a 12- versus 6-week outpatient physical therapy program with progressive resistive training (PRT) to increase strength and physical performance.

Methods

This parallel, superiority, 2-group randomized controlled trial was conducted in 4 clinics that enrolled community-dwelling, cognitively intact older adults (+60 years) with a surgical repair of a hip fracture and no major medical conditions. Participants received 12 or 6 weeks of PRT and standardized physical therapy, twice weekly. Pain was monitored throughout. Primary outcome was the change in the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) from baseline to 12-week follow-up. Randomization via a computer-generated allocation sequence was implemented using sealed, sequentially numbered opaque envelopes and assessors were blinded to group assignment.

Results

Participants (81% women) with a mean (SD) age of 77 (8.1) years were enrolled at an average of 18 days after hip fracture surgery and randomized into a 12-week group (n = 50) or a 6-week group (n = 50). Mean (SD) change scores in the 6MWT were 143.8 (81.1) and 161.5 (84.1) m in the 12- and 6-week groups, respectively (both exceeding the minimal clinically important difference of 55 m). The mean between-group difference was −17.7 m (95% CI −50.1, 14.8). Pain during training did not exceed moderate levels nor increase as training intensity increased.

Conclusion

Twelve weeks of physical therapy with PRT was not superior to 6 weeks in improving walking distance. Hip fracture-related pain was relatively low and indicated strength testing and training was well tolerated.

Clinical Trials Registration Number: NCT01174589
Takes Two to Tango: Cognitive Impairment and Sexual Activity in Older Individuals and Dyads
Authors: Waite Linda J , Iveniuk James , Kotwal Ashwin
Published: August 2021

Objectives

This article examines the association between cognitive impairment, including mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and early dementia (ED), and sexual activity in a large, longitudinal sample of community-dwelling older adults. We focus here on sexual activity, which includes both sexual activity with a partner and masturbation.

Methods

We analyzed 3,777 older individuals and members of 955 intimate dyads using the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (2010 and 2015). We used ordered probit regression, cross-lagged panels models, and probit regression.

Results

We find that older adults with cognitive limitations, either MCI or ED, are about as likely to be sexually active with a partner as those with normal cognitive function. This is the case both in the cross-section and longitudinally. Both men and women with ED are less likely to have masturbated, however. Among married and cohabiting couples, we find no association between cognitive impairment in either the husband, the wife, or in both partners and their joint sexual activity. Women whose measured cognitive function is lower than their husbands are less likely to report any masturbation.

Discussion

Sex with a partner, a fundamentally social activity, seems to be conserved in the face of cognitive limitation but masturbation, a solitary activity, does not. We argue that the intimate dyad plays an important role in conserving partnered sexual activity. Results can inform strategies to maintain the sexual well-being of older adults with cognitive impairment and their partners as part of overall strategies to improve quality of life.
Seismological observations on the 2019 March 21 accidental explosion at Xiangshui chemical plant in Jiangsu, China
Authors: Song Yishan , Zhao Lian-Feng , Xie Xiao-Bi , Ma Xiao , Du Guilin , Tian Xiaofeng , Yao Zhen-Xing
Published: August 2021

On 2019 March 21, an explosion accidentally occurred at a chemical plant in Xiangshui, Yancheng City, Jiangsu Province, China. Using broad-band digital seismic data from East China, South Korea and Japan, we investigate properties of the Xiangshui explosion as well as two nearby chemical explosions and four nearby natural earthquakes in Jiangsu Province, East China. From Lg and Rayleigh waves recorded by regional networks, both body wave magnitude mb (Lg) and surface wave magnitude Ms (Rayleigh) are calculated for these events. The magnitudes of the Xiangshui explosion are mb (Lg) = 3.39 ± 0.24 and Ms = 1.95 ± 0.27, respectively. Both the empirical magnitude–yield relation for buried explosion and empirical yield–crater dimension relation for open-pit explosion are adopted for investigating the explosive yield. The result from the yield–crater dimension relation is approximately 492 ton, which is consistent with the ground truth and considerably larger than that from the buried source model. This also reveals that, for Xiangshui explosion, the explosion to seismic energy conversion rate is approximately one-third compared to a similar sized fully confined explosion. By comparing the body wave and surface wave magnitudes from explosions and nearby earthquakes, we find that the mb:Ms discriminant calculated at regional distances cannot properly distinguish explosions from natural earthquakes. However, the P/S spectral ratios Pg/Lg, Pn/Lg and Pn/Sn from the same data set can be good discriminants for identifying explosions from earthquakes.
Increasing frequency of OXA-48-producing Enterobacterales worldwide and activity of ceftazidime/avibactam, meropenem/vaborbactam and comparators against these isolates
Authors: Castanheira Mariana , Doyle Timothy B , Collingsworth Timothy D , Sader Helio S , Mendes Rodrigo E
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To investigate the increase in the rates of OXA-48-like-producing isolates during 3 years of global surveillance.

Methods

Among 55?>162 Enterobacterales isolates, 354 carbapenem-resistant isolates carried genes encoding OXA-48-like enzymes. Isolates were susceptibility tested for ceftazidime/avibactam and comparators by broth microdilution methods. Analysis of β-lactam resistance mechanisms and MLST was performed in silico using WGS data.

Results

OXA-48-like-producing isolates increased from 0.5% (94/18 656) in 2016 to 0.9% (169/18?>808) in 2018. OXA-48 was the most common variant; isolates primarily were Klebsiella pneumoniae (318/354 isolates) from Europe and adjacent countries. MLST analysis revealed a diversity of STs, but K. pneumoniae belonging to ST395, ST23 and ST11 were observed most frequently. Thirty-nine isolates harboured MBLs and were resistant to most agents tested. The presence of blaCTX-M-15 (258 isolates), OmpK35 nonsense mutations (232) and OmpK36 alterations (316) was common among OXA-48 producers. Ceftazidime, cefepime and aztreonam susceptibility rates, when applying CLSI breakpoints, were 12%–15% lower for isolates carrying ESBLs alone and with either or both OmpK35 stop codons and OmpK36 alterations. Meropenem and, remarkably, meropenem/vaborbactam were affected by specific OmpK36 alterations when a deleterious mutation also was observed in OmpK35. These mechanisms caused a decrease of 12%–42% in the susceptibility rates for meropenem and meropenem/vaborbactam. Ceftazidime/avibactam susceptibility rates were >98.9%, regardless of the presence of additional β-lactam resistance mechanisms.

Conclusions

Guidelines for the treatment of infections caused by OXA-48-producing isolates are scarce and, as the dissemination of these isolates continues, studies are needed to help physicians understand treatment options for these infections.
Clinical pharmacokinetics and dose recommendations for posaconazole gastroresistant tablets in children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Bentley Siân , Davies Jane C , Gastine Silke , Donovan Jackie , Standing Joseph F
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To investigate the population pharmacokinetics of posaconazole gastroresistant tablets in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) and perform simulations to recommend optimal doses.

Patients and methods

Children from a paediatric CF centre who had received posaconazole tablets and underwent therapeutic drug monitoring were identified from pharmacy records. Relevant clinical data were collated from case notes and electronic patient records and used to develop an allometrically scaled population pharmacokinetic model. A stepwise covariate model-building exercise evaluated the influence of interacting medicines and liver function.

Results

One hundred posaconazole serum concentrations were collected from 37 children with a median age of 14 years (range 7–17). Posaconazole pharmacokinetics were adequately described by a one-compartment model with inter-individual variability on clearance. Dose simulations demonstrated a 77%–83% probability of attaining a trough target of 1 mg/L with a dose of 300 mg every 12 h for two doses then 300 mg once daily (OD) in children aged 6–11 years; and 86%–88% with a dose of 400 mg every 12 h for two doses then 400 mg OD in adolescents aged 12–17 years. This dose scheme also yielded a 90% probability of achieving an AUC of 30 mg·h/L. AUC and trough concentration were highly correlated (r2 = 0.98). Simulations showed that trough concentrations of >0.75 mg/L would exceed an AUC of 30 mg·h/L in 90% of patients.

Conclusions

A starting dose of 300 mg OD in those aged 6–11 years and 400 mg OD in those aged 12–17 years (following loading doses) yields a 90% probability of attaining an AUC of 30 mg·h/L.
Identification of the Phytoconstituents in Methanolic Extract of Adhatoda Vasica L. Leaves by GC-MS Analysis and Its Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Ali Abuzer , Khan Nausheen , Qadir Abdul , Warsi Musarrat Husain , Ali Amena , Tahir Abu
Published: August 2021

Background

Adhatoda vasica L. is a medicinal plant, known as Malabar nut in English, belonging to the family Acanthaceae. It has been used traditionally to treat respiratory disorders like severe coughs, colds, chronic bronchitis, asthma, tuberculosis, and other illnesses. The multifunctional range of bioactives found in it has piqued the interest of pharmaceutical companies, who are looking for more evidence-based ways to develop new formulations.

Objective

To analyse the A. vasica leaves by GC-MS technique and evaluation of its antioxidant activity.

Method

Methanolic extract of A. vasica L. (MEAV) leaves was analyzed by GC-MS for identification and characterization of its bioactives and traditional therapeutic claims. A widely anticipated 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method was used to determine the antioxidant activity of MEAV.

Results

The major compounds revealed in MEAV leaves are: 1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triamine (3.06%); 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one (5.35%); 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (16.82%); 2-butylphenol (6.85%); 3,4-dihydroxy-5-methyl-dihydro-furan-2-on (2.5%); 2(OR 3)–(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-methoxyphenol (3.52%); megastigmatrienone 3 (1.02%); tetradecanoic acid (1.52%); vomifoliol (0.58%); oxalic acid, cyclobutylhexyl ester (6.03%); hexadecanoic acid (6.06%); 4-ethyl-2-oxo-2,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-cyclopenta[B]pyridine-3-carbonitrile (10.08%); phytol (2.01%); and vitamin E (3.18%). A significant reduction in free radicals against DPPH was observed, which revealed the antioxidant potential of MEAV.

Conclusion

MEAV consists of both polar and nonpolar components. GC-MS analysis was used to identify these compounds. The current work validates that the antioxidant activity of MEAV is attributed to the presence of compounds such as vitamin E and terpenes.

Highlights

This work validates the antioxidant activity of methanolic extract of A. vasica attributed to the presence of compounds like vitamin E and terpenes.
OsbZIP62/OsFD7, a functional ortholog of FLOWERING LOCUS D, regulates floral transition and panicle development in rice
Authors: Kaur Amarjot , Nijhawan Aashima , Yadav Mahesh , Khurana Jitendra P
Published: August 2021

We have characterized a rice bZIP protein-coding gene OsbZIP62/OsFD7 that is expressed preferentially in the shoot apical meristem and during early panicle developmental stages in comparison with other OsFD genes characterized to date. Surprisingly, unlike OsFD1, OsFD7 interacts directly and more efficiently with OsFTLs; the interaction is strongest with OsFTL1 followed by Hd3a and RFT1, as confirmed by fluorescence lifetime imaging-Förster resonant energy transfer (FLIM-FRET) analysis. In addition, OsFD7 is phosphorylated at its C-terminal end by OsCDPK41 and OsCDPK49 in vitro, and this phosphorylated moiety is recognized by OsGF14 proteins. OsFD7 RNAi transgenics were late flowering; the transcript levels of some floral meristem identity genes (e.g. OsMADS14, OsMADS15, and OsMADS18) were also down-regulated. RNAi lines also exhibited dense panicle morphology with an increase in the number of primary and secondary branches resulting in longer panicles and more seeds, probably due to down-regulation of SEPALLATA family genes. In comparison with other FD-like proteins previously characterized in rice, it appears that OsFD7 may have undergone diversification during evolution, resulting in the acquisition of newer functions and thus playing a dual role in floral transition and panicle development in rice.
The nature of the extreme X-ray variability in the NLS1 1H 0707-495
Authors: Parker M L , Alston W N , Härer L , Igo Z , Joyce A , Buisson D J K , Chainakun P , Fabian A C , Jiang J , Kosec P , Matzeu G A , Pinto C , Xu Y , Zaidouni F
Published: August 2021

We examine archival XMM-Newton data on the extremely variable narrow-line Seyfert 1 active galactic nucleus (AGN) 1H 0707-495. We construct fractional excess variance (Fvar) spectra for each epoch, including the recent 2019 observation taken simultaneously with eROSITA. We explore both intrinsic and environmental absorption origins for the variability in different epochs, and examine the effect of the photoionized emission lines from outflowing gas. In particular, we show that the unusual soft variability first detected by eROSITA in 2019 is due to a combination of an obscuration event and strong suppression of the variance at 1 keV by photoionized emission, which makes the variance below 1 keV appear more extreme. We also examine the variability on long time-scales, between observations, and find that it is well described by a combination of intrinsic variability and absorption variability. We suggest that the typical extreme high frequency variability, which 1H 0707-495 is known for, is intrinsic to the source, but the large amplitude, low frequency variability that causes prolonged low-flux intervals is likely dominated by variable low-ionization, low-velocity absorption.
On the capture of small stony asteroids into the Earth's orbit by atmospheric grazing
Authors: Geng Shujuan , Zhou Binghong , Li Mingtao
Published: August 2021

An Earth-grazing asteroid can be captured into a gravitational bound orbit around the Earth during its transitory atmospheric journey. Otherwise, it will either escape back to space or plunge to the Earth directly. With fragmentation taken into account, we subdivide the captured and direct impact modes, expanding the above three modes into five – escaping, captured impact with and without fragmentation, and direct impact with and without fragmentation. We then investigate the conditions of those various impact modes of shallow-angle impacts of small stony asteroids no larger than 100 m in diameter. Moreover, the atmospheric entry processes of captured stony asteroids are further studied. Results show that asteroids with larger diameters are easier to fragment for less deceleration due to the smaller area-to-mass ratio, narrowing the corridor for capture. A captured asteroid can enter the atmosphere many times, highlighting itself by a series of explosive phenomena due to the shock wave it produced during every passage. The number of revolutions before its final entry increases as the theoretical perigee altitude rises. The multi-entry phenomenon of captured impact reduces the velocity and mass of the impactor and raises the possibility of an intact landing of the object via atmospheric dissipation. The time and space intervals between each entry make it difficult to identify whether the scattered impacts come from one captured impact event or just a series of different fireballs. The long path before its final hit also increases the difficulty of predicting the exact airburst position or landing site.
TIAMMAt: Leveraging Biodiversity to Revise Protein Domain Models, Evidence from Innate Immunity
Authors: Tassia Michael G , David Kyle T , Townsend James P , Halanych Kenneth M
Published: August 2021

Sequence annotation is fundamental for studying the evolution of protein families, particularly when working with nonmodel species. Given the rapid, ever-increasing number of species receiving high-quality genome sequencing, accurate domain modeling that is representative of species diversity is crucial for understanding protein family sequence evolution and their inferred function(s). Here, we describe a bioinformatic tool called Taxon-Informed Adjustment of Markov Model Attributes (TIAMMAt) which revises domain profile hidden Markov models (HMMs) by incorporating homologous domain sequences from underrepresented and nonmodel species. Using innate immunity pathways as a case study, we show that revising profile HMM parameters to directly account for variation in homologs among underrepresented species provides valuable insight into the evolution of protein families. Following adjustment by TIAMMAt, domain profile HMMs exhibit changes in their per-site amino acid state emission probabilities and insertion/deletion probabilities while maintaining the overall structure of the consensus sequence. Our results show that domain revision can heavily impact evolutionary interpretations for some families (i.e., NLR’s NACHT domain), whereas impact on other domains (e.g., rel homology domain and interferon regulatory factor domains) is minimal due to high levels of sequence conservation across the sampled phylogenetic depth (i.e., Metazoa). Importantly, TIAMMAt revises target domain models to reflect homologous sequence variation using the taxonomic distribution under consideration by the user. TIAMMAt’s flexibility to revise any subset of the Pfam database using a user-defined taxonomic pool will make it a valuable tool for future protein evolution studies, particularly when incorporating (or focusing) on nonmodel species.
Case Studies in Pediatric Music Therapy During COVID-19
Authors: Goicoechea Tom , Lahue Katie
Published: August 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic changed the lives of very nearly every person in the world. For the music therapy profession and those populations that can benefit from its application, the ramifications are no less palpable, though they have been changing on a day-today basis. During the initial phase of the pandemic, the expressive therapy team, including the music therapists at Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, was directed to work remotely using virtual platforms to facilitate services. Several studies conducted both prior to the pandemic and since its arrival in the United States demonstrate the delivery of expressive therapies via remote, web-based platforms. However, there is a general lack of literature on the subject. This article brings forward 3 case examples in order to illustrate the methods of achieving goals and objectives in distanced music therapy: a 5-year-old girl needing a heart transplant, an 11-year-old girl requiring tri-weekly hemodialysis for end-stage renal disease, and 2 brothers whose sister died of rhabdomyosarcoma and who was treated at Primary Children’s Hospital. These case stories offer perspective on both the challenges and positive responses that occurred throughout the process, with a focus on the adaptation to virtual music therapy services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Stability of Varenicline Concentration in Saliva Over 21 Days at Three Storage Temperatures
Authors: Novalen Maria , Chenoweth Meghan J , Zhao Bin , Hawk Larry W , Tyndale Rachel F
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Varenicline is the most efficacious drug for smoking cessation; saliva varenicline concentrations can be useful for the evaluation of adherence in smoking cessation trials. Saliva is a useful noninvasive matrix for mail-in specimen collection, if stable. We investigated the stability of varenicline in saliva at different storage temperatures simulating the time it takes to mail in a sample.

Methods

We evaluated the concentrations of varenicline, nicotine, cotinine, 3′-hydroxycotinine, and 3′-hydroxycotinine/cotinine (3HC/COT) ratio in quality control saliva samples (and after repeated freezing and thawing), and in smokers’ saliva samples, stored for up to 21 days at room temperature (~25°C), 4°C, and −80°C.

Results

In saliva quality control samples, concentrations of varenicline, nicotine, cotinine, 3′-hydroxycotinine, and 3HC/COT remained unchanged and showed little within-sample variation (CV ≤ 5.5%) for up to 21 days at the three storage temperatures; they were also not altered after three thaw-freeze cycles. In smokers’ saliva, a significant main effect of storage duration, but not temperature, was observed for varenicline, cotinine, and 3′-hydroxycotinine, but not for nicotine or the 3HC/COT ratio. However, these changes were within analytical (i.e., equipment) variation resulting in little within-sample variation (CV ≤ 5.8%) for all analytes in smokers’ saliva.

Conclusions

Varenicline, the other analytes, and the 3HC/COT ratio remained stable in saliva during storage for 21 days at all temperatures tested and after repeated freezing and thawing with only minor changes in concentration over time. These findings support the potential use of mail-in approach for saliva samples in varenicline smoking cessation clinical trials.

Implications

Assessing saliva varenicline concentrations can be useful for the evaluation of adherence in smoking cessation trials. Saliva is a noninvasive matrix suitable for mail-in specimen collection. This is the first investigation of stability of varenicline in saliva. Varenicline, nicotine, cotinine, 3′-hydroxycotinine, and 3HC/COT were stable in saliva for up to 21 days at room temperature (~25°C), 4°C, and −80°C, supporting the use of a mail-in approach for saliva specimen in smoking cessation trials.
Incidental Durotomy Following Surgery for Degenerative Lumbar Disease and the Impact of Minimally Invasive Surgical Technique on the Rate and Need for Surgical Revision: A Case Series
Authors: Mueller Kyle B , Garrett Coleman T , Kane Stephen , Sandhu Faheem A , Voyadzis Jean-Marc
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Incidental durotomy (ID) is a common complication during lumbar spine surgery. A paucity of literature has studied the impact of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) on durotomy rates and strategies for repair as compared to open surgery.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the impact that MIS techniques have on the durotomy rate, repair techniques, and need for surgical revision following surgery for degenerative lumbar disease as compared to open technique.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective review of consecutive cases between 2013 and 2016 was performed. All patients underwent lumbar decompression with or without instrumented fusion for degenerative pathology using either open posterior or MIS techniques. ID rate, closure technique, and need for surgical revision related to the durotomy were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 1,196 patients were included with an overall ID rate of 6.8%. There was no difference between open or minimally invasive surgical techniques (P = .14). There was a higher durotomy rate with open technique in patients that underwent decompression with fusion (P = .03) as well as in revision cases (P = .02). Primary repair was feasible more frequently in the open group (P = .001), whereas use of dural substitute (P < .001) was more common in the MIS group. Fibrin sealant was used routinely in both groups (P = .34). There were no failed repairs, regardless of technique used.

CONCLUSION

MIS techniques may reduce durotomies in cases involving instrumentation or revisions. Use of dural substitute onlay and fibrin sealant was effective at preventing reoperation. Both MIS and open techniques result in a low rate of future surgical revision when a durotomy occurs.
Peroral Trigeminal Rhizotomy Using a Novel 3-Dimensional Printed Patient-Specific Guidance Tool
Authors: Oertel Markus F , Sarnthein Johannes , Regli Luca , Stieglitz Lennart H
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Ganglion Gasseri rhizotomy is a viable therapeutic option for trigeminal pain (TP). For this neurosurgical procedure, different potential operative and technical nuances exist.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate a novel peroral trigeminal rhizotomy method and 3-dimensional printed patient-specific guidance tool (3D-PSGT) with respect to their applicability and safety.

METHODS

Between March 2018 and February 2021, 20 peroral balloon compression rhizotomy procedures with a 3D-PSGT were performed in 18 consecutive TP patients (13 female, mean age 58 yr). We registered the procedure duration, side effects, complications, and trigeminal function. The therapeutic effect was gauged from reduction of TP and use of analgesics.

RESULTS

All catheter insertions and rhizotomy procedures were successful at the first attempt. Apart from fluoroscopy, no auxiliary material was necessary. The average length of surgery was 19 min (range, 11-27 min). In total, 8 patients indicated complete analgesia and 6 patients pain relief; in 4 patients, persistence of TP was observed during follow-up examinations of up to 20 mo. In total, 6 patients reported of new mild to moderate facial hypesthesia affecting the trigeminal branches V2, V3, or V1-3. No masticatory musculature or corneal affections and device-related complications occurred.

CONCLUSION

The peroral 3D-PSGT trigeminal rhizotomy is straightforward for the neurosurgeon. This operative approach allows for rapid, safe, and simple foramen ovale cannulation in TP patients and reduces the use of additional equipment, radiation exposure, and procedure time.
Delayed Surgery Does Not Reduce Transfusion Rates in Low-Energy Hip Fractures on Direct Oral Anticoagulants
Authors: Levack Ashley E. , Moore Harold G. , Stephan Stephen , Jo Sally , Schroeder Ian , Garlich John , Hadad Aidan , Little Milton T.M. , Miller Anna N. , Lyman Stephen , Lane Joseph
Published: August 2021

Objectives:

To compare transfusion rates in patients on direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) with nonanticoagulated patients undergoing hip fracture surgery and, secondarily, to determine whether time to surgery or complications differ between these groups.

Design:

Multicenter retrospective cohort.

Setting:

Three tertiary care, academic, Level I trauma centers.

Patients:

Acute, operatively treated, low-energy hip fracture patients 55 years of age and older were included. Anticoagulated patients were matched in a 1:2 ratio to “control” nonanticoagulated hip fracture patients using propensity score matching.

Main Outcome Measurements:

The primary outcome was incidence of perioperative transfusion. The secondary outcomes included time to surgery, length of stay, and 90-day complications, readmissions, reoperations, and mortality.

Results:

One hundred thirty-two patients with hip fracture admitted on DOACs were identified (107 factor Xa inhibitors, 25 dabigatran) and were matched to 262 “control” nonanticoagulated patients. There was no difference in overall transfusion rates between anticoagulation and control groups (43.2%; n = 57 DOAC vs. 39.7%; n = 104 control; P = 0.517). The median time from admission to surgery was 41.7 hours in the DOAC group and 26.0 hours in the control group (P < 0.001). There were no differences in 90-day complication, readmission, reoperation, or mortality rates between DOAC and control groups. Comparing DOAC patients undergoing surgery within 24 hours and after 24 hours, there were no differences in transfusion rates (P = 0.558) or overall complication rates (P = 0.179).

Conclusions:

This study supports growing evidence that DOAC use should not be a determining factor in delaying surgery for patients with hip fracture who are otherwise medically optimized.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.