bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
β-blocker adherence among patients with congenital long QT syndrome: a nationwide study
Authors: Krøll Johanna , Butt Jawad H , Jensen Henrik K , Fosbøl Emil L , Camilla H B Jespersen , Winkel Bo G , Kanters Jørgen K , Gislason Gunnar H , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Køber Lars , Bundgaard Henning , Tfelt-Hansen Jacob , Weeke Peter E
Published: April 2022

Aim

β-blockers are the first line of treatment in patients with congenital long QT syndrome (cLQTS) (class I or II recommendation) in order to prevent malignant arrhythmias. Hence, we examined long-term β-blocker adherence and associated risk factors among patients with cLQTS.

Methods and results

Danish patients with cLQTS claiming a prescription for any β-blocker after their cLQTS diagnosis were identified using data from nationwide registries and specialized inherited cardiac disease clinics (1995–2017). Patients were followed for up to 5 years. Treatment breaks >60 days were assessed (i.e. proxy for reduced adherence). Multivariable Cox regression was used to identify risk factors associated with breaks of >60 days in β-blocker treatment. Overall, 500 out of 633 (79%) patients with cLQTS claimed at least one prescription for any β-blocker after cLQTS diagnosis. During follow-up, 38.4% had a treatment break. Risk factors significantly associated with treatment breaks were implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.65, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08–2.53], β-blocker side effects (HR = 2.69, 95% CI: 1.75–4.13), and psychiatric disease (HR = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.04–2.57). In contrast, patients presenting with ventricular tachycardia/syncope as cLQTS disease manifestation were less likely to have a treatment break compared with asymptomatic patients (HR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.33–0.92).

Conclusion

Reduced β-blocker adherence was common with more than a third of patients having a treatment break >60 days after cLQTS diagnosis. Patients with psychiatric disease, self-reported β-blocker side effects, and an ICD were more likely to display reduced adherence, whereas a severe cLQTS disease manifestation was associated with optimal β-blocker adherence.
Freire’s problem-posing model: critical pedagogy and young learners
Authors: Nelson Nadine , Chen Julian
Published: April 2022

The instructional rationale behind critical pedagogy is to provide students the opportunity to voice their personal stories and opinions, and to reflect and act upon social concerns relevant to their daily lives. Students can then practice being agents of transformation in their own lives, starting in the classroom. This paper is based on the first author’s experience of experimenting with critical pedagogy when she was teaching in the UAE. It justifies the suitability of implementing Paulo Freire’s problem-posing model with younger EFL learners. Outlining the tenets of critical pedagogy developed by Freire, the authors support the practical nature of the model and its transference to a primary setting. The authors explicate Freire’s problem-posing model as five phases, providing a background and case study application for each phase. The intention is to present a practical guide for teachers wishing to implement critical approaches in the EFL classroom.
Rethinking early music in a time of isolation
Authors: Williams Tim , Williamson Magnus
Published: April 2022

Through the covid-19 pandemic, the choir of St Wulfram’s Church, Grantham has approached elaborate Tudor polyphony via digital, virtual and hybrid methods. Remote music production devolves responsibility to individuals within a choir. It reframes trust dynamics among choir members, and between singers and their director. This helped singers to encounter polyphony in a new way while isolated from one another, rethinking repertory and re-evaluating their understanding of this period in music history. Re-creating historical performance factors by new means generated intriguing results. As in-person singing has gradually returned for parish church choirs, members have developed new confidence in singing polyphonic music.
Closing the Gap Between Observational Research and Randomized Controlled Trials for Prevention of Alzheimer Disease and Dementia
Authors: Power Melinda C , Engelman Brittany C , Wei Jingkai , Glymour M Maria
Published: April 2022

Although observational studies have identified modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer disease and related dementias (ADRD), randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of risk factor modification for ADRD prevention have been inconsistent or inconclusive. This finding suggests a need to improve translation between observational studies and RCTs. However, many common features of observational studies reduce their relevance to designing related RCTs. Observational studies routinely differ from RCTs with respect to eligibility criteria, study population, length of follow-up, treatment conditions, outcomes, and effect estimates. Using the motivating example of blood pressure reduction for ADRD prevention, we illustrate the need for a tighter connection between observational studies and RCTs, discuss barriers to using typically reported observational evidence in developing RCTs, and highlight methods that may be used to make observational research more relevant to clinical trial design. We conclude that the questions asked and answered by observational research can be made more relevant to clinical trial design and that better use of observational data may increase the likelihood of successful, or at least definitive, trials. Although we focus on improving translation of observational studies on risk factors for ADRD to RCTs in ADRD prevention, the overarching themes are broadly applicable to many areas of biomedical research.
COVID-19 income and price shocks effect on household food access in Malawi
Authors: Sassi Maria , Trital Gopal
Published: April 2022

The paper contributes to the scarce literature on the negative effect of coronavirus 2019-induced income and food price shocks on household economic access to food, focusing on Malawi during the first two pandemic waves and using a country representative sample. We find that household income reduction, as explained by income source shocks and health mitigation measures, has a wave-specific and persistent effect on ordinal categories of food security perception. Our evidence supports the implementation and monthly scaling-up of nutrition-sensitive social protection programmes and health measures at the household level to address these adverse effects.
Acute rate control in atrial fibrillation: an urgent need for the clinician
Authors: Dan Gheorghe-Andrei , Dan Anca R , Ivanescu Andreea , Buzea Adrian C
Published: April 2022

Rate and rhythm control are still considered equivalent strategies for symptom control using the Atrial Fibrillation Better Care algorithm recommended by the recent atrial fibrillation guideline. In acute situations or critically ill patients, a personalized approach should be used for rapid rhythm or rate control. Even though electrical cardioversion is generally indicated in haemodynamically unstable patients or for rapid effective rhythm control in critically ill patients, this is not always possible due to the high percentage of failure or relapses in such patients. Rate control remains the background therapy for all these patients, and often rapid rate control is mandatory. Short and rapid-onset-acting beta-blockers are the most suitable drugs for acute rate control. Esmolol was the classical example; however, landiolol a newer very selective beta-blocker, recently included in the European atrial fibrillation guideline, has a more favourable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile with less haemodynamic interference and is better appropriate for critically ill patients.
Determinants of adherence to diet and exercise behaviours among individuals with metabolic syndrome based on the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behaviour model: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chen Dandan , Zhang Hui , Shao Jing , Tang Leiwen , Cui Nianqi , Wang Xiyi , Wu Jingjie , Wang Dan , Ye Zhihong
Published: April 2022

Aims

Adherence to diet and exercise recommendations is crucial among metabolic syndrome (MetS) individuals. However, no studies have focused on comprehensive behavioural changes of diet and exercise among individuals with MetS. The present study aimed to explore determinants of adherence to diet and exercise behaviours among people with MetS based on the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behaviour (COM-B) model.

Methods and results

A cross-sectional study was conducted in a health promotion centre of a large and general university hospital in Zhejiang Province, China, in 2021. A total of 241 individuals with MetS completed all scales. The mediation model was tested using structural equation modelling with bootstrapped samples. In the regression-based path analysis, MetS knowledge (β = 0.140), socioeconomic status (β = 0.162), and social support (β = 0.143) directly positively influenced diet behaviour. In addition, social support indirectly positively influenced exercise behaviour through coping and adaptation (β = 0.090). The final theoretical model showed a good fit (root mean square error of approximation = 0.057, comparative fit index = 0.946).

Conclusion

Factors associated with diet behaviour were knowledge of MetS, socioeconomic status, and social support. Adaptation may be a mediator between social support and exercise behaviour. Intervention programmes targeting increased adherence to diet and exercise could include these factors for individuals with MetS.
Symptom detection and the relationship with self-care in heart failure
Authors: Lee Kyoung Suk , Jeon Eun-Seok , Park Jae-Hyeong , Jung Mi Sook , Yun Hyeri , Kong Hee Jin , Choi Jin-Oh
Published: April 2022

Aim

Patients with heart failure (HF) may have difficulty detecting symptom changes. However, most research has relied on medical record reviews or patient recall. Therefore, it is important to prospectively explore symptom detection in HF and the relationship with self-care. This study aimed at (i) prospectively identifying distinct symptom detection groups and comparing characteristics among the groups and (ii) exploring the association between symptom detection groups and self-care.

Methods and results

One hundred and thirty-two patients rated their shortness of breath (SOB) using the modified Borg scale at four-time points after a 6-min walk test (6-MWT). A trained nurse simultaneously and independently rated patients’ SOB using the same scale. Latent class growth modelling was used to identify distinct trajectories of the differences in SOB ratings between the patients and nurses after the 6-MWT. After identifying the symptom detection groups, the characteristics of each group were compared, and the relationship between self-care and the symptom detection groups was examined using the multivariate linear regression. Three distinct symptom detection groups were identified: over-estimation (6.1%), consistent (69.7%), and under-estimation (24.2%) groups. There were no significant sample characteristics among the three symptom detection groups, except for attention. There was no relationship between self-care and symptom detection groups.

Conclusions

We identified three distinct symptom detection groups, implying that different approaches are needed to improve patients’ symptom detection ability. The non-significant relationship between the symptom detection groups and self-care may be because we only measured symptom detection, which is only one aspect of the symptom perception process.
Religious/spiritual coping, symptoms of depression, stress, and anxiety in caregivers of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes
Authors: da Silva Adriana Paula , Araujo Ana Cláudia Moura Caetano , Mesquita Izabelle Mara Rodrigues , Fonseca Elvi Cristina Rojas , Tomé Janaíne Machado , Palhares Heloísa Marcelina da Cunha , Silva Élida Mara Carneiro , Borges Maria de Fátima
Published: April 2022

Background

It was verified the level of religiosity and spirituality, and symptoms of depression, stress, and anxiety of caregivers of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes, and its interference in glycaemic control.

Methods

Socio-economic and demographic data were collected from caregivers of 59 children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes and obtained dosages of fasting glucose (FG); postprandial glycaemia (PPG); fructosamine (FRUTO); and HbA1c, as well as the glycaemic variability—∆HbA1c. Levels of religiosity were obtained by the DUREL scale; the use of religious/spiritual coping was verified by the SRCOPE-Brief scale. Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress were analysed by the DASS-21 scale. The correlations between the variables were analysed by the Pearson coefficient, with significance at 5% level.

Results

Inverse correlations were observed between caregivers’ schooling with PPG (r = −0.30; P = 0.002) and FRUTO (r = −0.34; P = 0.008) and between family income and FRUTO (r = −0.37; P = 0.004). Direct, moderate correlations were observed between negative religious/spiritual coping (NSRCOPE) with symptoms of depression (r = 0.588; P < 0.0001), stress (r = 0.500; P < 0.0001), and anxiety (r = 0.551; P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The direct association between NSRCOPE with symptoms of depression, stress, and anxiety was the highlighted item in the present study emphasizing the need for greater attention to the emotional health of informal caregivers of children and adolescents with DM1. It is necessary to reflect on the religious/spiritual support especially for the main caregiver of children and adolescents with DM1.
The patient’s “story”: an examination of patient-reported safety incidents in general practice
Authors: Madden Caoimhe , Lydon Sinéad , Murphy Andrew W , O’Connor Paul
Published: April 2022

Background

Patient safety incidents (PSIs) are typically studied through engagement with healthcare providers, without input from patients despite their privileged viewpoint of care experiences.

Objectives

To examine the potential of the patient viewpoint as a lens for future safety improvement initiatives, by: (i) collecting and analysing patients’ accounts of PSIs; and (ii) comparing patient and clinician perceptions of PSIs.

Methods

Firstly, Critical Incident Technique (CIT) interviews were used to obtain rich descriptions of PSIs, which were then condensed into patient stories. Deductive content analysis was used to code the safety deficiencies described in patient stories using patient-derived safety categories. Secondly, General Practitioners (GPs) and patients individually rated the perceived severity and likelihood of each story.

Results

A total of 32 eligible patient stories were obtained from 25 interviews. Stories commonly described deficiencies related to communication, staff performance, and compassion/dignity/respect. There were significant differences in GP (n = 14) and patient (n = 11) severity and likelihood ratings. GPs were significantly more likely to consider stories to be a lower severity, and occurring with a lower frequency than patients.

Conclusion

Elicitation of the patient perspective using the CIT allowed for the rich description of safety deficiencies that occur in general practice. Given that patients bring a unique and important viewpoint on safety, there is a need to make greater efforts to include the patient perspective of safety in healthcare.
Hiding in plain sight—wildlife as a neglected reservoir and pathway for the spread of antimicrobial resistance: a narrative review
Authors: Abbassi Mohamed Salah , Badi Souhir , Lengliz Sana , Mansouri Riadh , Salah Hammami , Hynds Paul
Published: April 2022

Antimicrobial resistance represents a global health problem, with infections due to pathogenic antimicrobial resistant bacteria (ARB) predicted to be the most frequent cause of human mortality by 2050. The phenomenon of antimicrobial resistance has spread to and across all ecological niches, and particularly in livestock used for food production with antimicrobials consumed in high volumes. Similarly, hospitals and other healthcare facilities are recognized as significant ‘hotspots’ of ARB and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs); however, over the past decade, new and previously overlooked ecological niches are emerging as hidden reservoirs of ARB/ARGs. Increasingly extensive and intensive industrial activities, degradation of natural environments, burgeoning food requirements, urbanization, and global climatic change have all dramatically affected the evolution and proliferation of ARB/ARGs, which now stand at extremely concerning ecological levels. While antimicrobial resistant bacteria and genes as they originate and emanate from livestock and human hosts have been extensively studied over the past 30 years, numerous ecological niches have received considerably less attention. In the current descriptive review, the authors have sought to highlight the importance of wildlife as sources/reservoirs, pathways and receptors of ARB/ARGs in the environment, thus paving the way for future primary research in these areas.
Comparative Genomics of Disease and Carriage Serotype 1 Pneumococci
Authors: Chaguza Chrispin , Ebruke Chinelo , Senghore Madikay , Lo Stephanie W. , Tientcheu Peggy-Estelle , Gladstone Rebecca A. , Tonkin-Hill Gerry , Cornick Jennifer E. , Yang Marie , Worwui Archibald , McGee Lesley , Breiman Robert F. , Klugman Keith P. , Kadioglu Aras , Everett Dean B. , Mackenzie Grant , Croucher Nicholas J. , Roca Anna , Kwambana-Adams Brenda A. , Antonio Martin , Bentley Stephen D.
Published: April 2022

The isolation of Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes in systemic tissues of patients with invasive disease versus the nasopharynx of healthy individuals with asymptomatic carriage varies widely. Some serotypes are hyper-invasive, particularly serotype 1, but the underlying genetics remain poorly understood due to the rarity of carriage isolates, reducing the power of comparison with invasive isolates. Here, we use a well-controlled genome-wide association study to search for genetic variation associated with invasiveness of serotype 1 pneumococci from a serotype 1 endemic setting in Africa. We found no consensus evidence that certain genomic variation is overrepresented among isolates from patients with invasive disease than asymptomatic carriage. Overall, the genomic variation explained negligible phenotypic variability, suggesting a minimal effect on the disease status. Furthermore, changes in lineage distribution were seen with lineages replacing each other over time, highlighting the importance of continued pathogen surveillance. Our findings suggest that the hyper-invasiveness is an intrinsic property of the serotype 1 strains, not specific for a “disease-associated” subpopulation disproportionately harboring unique genomic variation.
Resistance and Daily Life in East Germany: District Gransee as ‘Place’
Authors: Bruce Gary
Published: April 2022

This article employs the ‘second chapter’ of the history of daily life (Alltagsgeschichte) to examine grass-roots resistance to the communist system in the former East German district of Gransee. It has two primary goals. First, it posits a bridge between the two solitudes of ‘resistance’ history and ‘daily life’ history. Typically, historians of daily life have not examined resistance in East Germany, nor have historians of resistance used the methodology of the history of everyday life to investigate their subject. ‘Dictatorship’ and ‘daily life’ are not, however, mutually exclusive terms. Second, the article centres ‘place’ as an organizational concept for both resistance and daily life. What was idiosyncratic to a locality informed the limits and potential of resistance. Place also becomes a useful concept for distinguishing between resistance and opposition. Colonizing a public space in order to transmit one’s oppositional views immediately conveys an act into the resistance realm. This article therefore explores the key socio-economic factors in District Gransee from which resistance could arise and the many ways that East Germans used the spaces of everyday life, such as schools, train stations and pubs, to communicate their opposition to the East German system.
Associations of Late-Life Sleep Medication Use With Incident Dementia in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study
Authors: Full Kelsie M , Pusalavidyasagar Snigdha , Palta Priya , Sullivan Kevin J , Shin Jung-Im , Gottesman Rebecca F , Spira Adam P , Pase Matthew P , Lutsey Pamela L
Published: April 2022

Background

Sleep medications may contribute to dementia development or indicate sleep disturbances that are markers of or contributors to neurologic disease. The objective of this study was to examine the use of sleep medications and incident dementia in a community-based cohort of older adults. We hypothesize late-life sleep medication use is associated with a greater risk of dementia.

Methods

The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study is an ongoing community-based cohort study. ARIC participants taking barbiturates, benzodiazepines, antidepressants, non-benzodiazepine receptor agonists (Z-drugs), or other hypnotics in 2011–2013 were categorized as sleep medication users. Participants were followed through 2019 for incident dementia. Logistic regression propensity scores were used to match sleep medication users with nonusers (1:2). Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) for time to dementia diagnosis with adjustment for demographics, lifestyle characteristics, and cardiovascular risk factors.

Results

One-quarter of the eligible ARIC participants used sleep medications. In the matched sample (N = 4 197; 69% female; mean age 75.3 + 5.0 years), 632 dementia cases were ascertained over a median follow-up of 6.5 years. In the fully adjusted model, sleep medication use compared to nonuse was associated with a 48% greater risk of dementia (HR: 1.48; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.26–1.74).

Conclusion

To expand on these findings, studies with longer follow-up and earlier assessment of sleep medication use are needed. Furthermore investigation of the potential dose-response association of multiple sleep medications and the potential causal role of sleep medications in the development of dementia may be clinically meaningful.
GALAXY ver3: updated web application for glycosylation profiling based on 3D HPLC map
Authors: Yagi Hirokazu , Amagasa Eijiro , Shiota Masaaki , Yamada Issaku , Aoki-Kinoshita Kiyoko F , Kato Koichi
Published: April 2022

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) elution data provide a useful tool for quantitative glycosylation profiling, discriminating isomeric oligosaccharides. The web application Glycoanalysis by the Three Axes of MS and Chromatography (GALAXY), which is based on the three-dimensional HPLC map of N-linked oligosaccharides with pyridyl-2-amination developed by Dr. Noriko Takahashi, has been extensively used for N-glycosylation profiling at molecular, cellular, and tissue levels. Herein, we describe the updated GALAXY as version 3, which includes new HPLC data including those of glucuronylated and sulfated glycans, an improved graphical user interface using modern technologies, and linked to glycan information in GlyTouCan and the GlyCosmos Portal. This liaison will facilitate glycomic analyses of human and other organisms in conjunction with multiomics data.
Peptidoglycan from Akkermansia muciniphila MucT: chemical structure and immunostimulatory properties of muropeptides
Authors: Garcia-Vello Pilar , Tytgat Hanne L P , Gray Joe , Elzinga Janneke , Di Lorenzo Flaviana , Biboy Jacob , Vollmer Daniela , De Castro Cristina , Vollmer Waldemar , de Vos Willem M , Molinaro Antonio
Published: April 2022

Akkermansia muciniphila is an intestinal symbiont known to improve the gut barrier function in mice and humans. Various cell envelope components have been identified to play a critical role in the immune signaling of A. muciniphila, but the chemical composition and role of peptidoglycan (PG) remained elusive. Here, we isolated PG fragments from A. muciniphila MucT (ATCC BAA-835), analyzed their composition and evaluated their immune signaling capacity. Structurally, the PG of A. muciniphila was found to be noteworthy due of the presence of some nonacetylated glucosamine residues, which presumably stems from deacetylation of N-acetylglucosamine. Some of the N-acetylmuramic acid (MurNAc) subunits were O-acetylated. The immunological assays revealed that muropeptides released from the A. muciniphila PG could both activate the intracellular NOD1 and NOD2 receptors to a comparable extent as muropeptides from Escherichia coli BW25113. These data challenge the hypothesis that non-N-acetylattion of PG can be used as a NOD-1 evasion mechanism. Our results provide new insights into the diversity of cell envelope structures of key gut microbiota members and their role in steering host–microbiome interactions.
Age-friendliness of city, loneliness and depression moderated by internet use during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Ng Siew-Imm , Lim Xin-Jean , Hsu Hui-Chuan , Chou Chen-Chen
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between age-friendliness of a city, loneliness and depression moderated by internet use among older people during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The survey was from ‘The 2020 Survey of Needs Assessment for a Safe Community and Age-Friendly City’ in Xinyi District, Taipei, which was conducted by face-to-face interviews with community-based older adults who were aged 65 and above from one district of Taipei City from May to June 2020 (n = 335). Partial least square structural equation modeling and the SPSS PROCESS macro were used for data analysis. Two domains of an age-friendly city (housing and community support and health services) were found to be associated with reduced loneliness, while one (respect and social inclusion) was associated with decreased depression. The age-friendliness of cities mitigates depression through moderator (internet use) and mediation (loneliness) mechanisms. Although some age-friendly domains of the city reduced loneliness and depression directly, the age-friendliness–loneliness-depression mechanism held true only for older adults who used the internet and not for nonusers. Maintaining the age-friendliness of an environment is beneficial to mental health, and internet use is a necessary condition to gain optimum benefits from age-friendly initiatives. Policy suggestions are discussed.
Health promotion strategies toward improved healthcare access for migrants and refugees in Europe: MyHealth recommendations
Authors: Evangelidou Stella , Schouler-Ocak Meryam , Movsisyan Narine , Gionakis Nikos , Ntetsika Maria , Kirkgoeze Nur , Denial Abdallah , Serre-Delcor Nuria
Published: April 2022

MyHealth European project (2017–2020) was committed to elaborate on models to engage vulnerable migrants and refugees (VMR) in their health through community involvement. Low healthcare access and poor quality of healthcare services for VMR is a common reality in many European countries. The purpose of the present study, as part of MyHealth project, was the development of an agenda for actions and consequent recommendations to tackle the issue. A qualitative research design was applied at four study sites in Barcelona, Spain; Berlin, Germany; Brno, Czech Republic and Athens, Greece. The Metaplan® group discussions allowed the collection, organization and process of ideas and opinions elaborated in the collaborative groups. In total, 14 sessions took place: 4 with health and social professionals (n = 41) and 10 with VMR (n = 77). A participatory thematic analysis was performed at every session and overall for all sessions a thematic analysis synthesized the findings. The suggested actions were divided into two levels of recommendations: (i) local authorities at destination country-related, such as the investment in health professionals’ cultural competences, and (ii) VMR-related, such as adaptation of help-seeking behavior patterns. Special attention was proposed to women survivors of violence and homeless minors. The study concluded to an agenda for action in Europe. We advocate for a public health paradigm shift where, while holding a bottom-up approach, VMR as well as professionals working with them are actively and meaningfully engaged in the decision-making process of access-enhancing and health promotion strategies in a given socio-cultural context.
Pathological characterization of a novel mouse model expressing the PD-linked CHCHD2-T61I mutation
Authors: Kee Teresa R , Wehinger Jessica L , Gonzalez Pamela Espinoza , Nguyen Eric , McGill Percy Kyle C , Khan Sophia A , Chaput Dale , Wang Xinming , Liu Tian , Kang David E , Woo Jung-A A
Published: April 2022

Coiled-coil-helix-coiled-coil-helix domain containing 2 (CHCHD2) is a mitochondrial protein that plays important roles in cristae structure, oxidative phosphorylation and apoptosis. Multiple mutations in CHCHD2 have been associated with Lewy body disorders (LBDs), such as Parkinson’s disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies, with the CHCHD2-T61I mutation being the most widely studied. However, at present, only CHCHD2 knockout or CHCHD2/CHCHD10 double knockout mouse models have been investigated. They do not recapitulate the pathology seen in patients with CHCHD2 mutations. We generated the first transgenic mouse model expressing the human PD-linked CHCHD2-T61I mutation driven by the mPrP promoter. We show that CHCHD2-T61I Tg mice exhibit perinuclear mitochondrial aggregates, neuroinflammation, and have impaired long-term synaptic plasticity associated with synaptic dysfunction. Dopaminergic neurodegeneration, a hallmark of PD, is also observed along with α-synuclein pathology. Significant motor dysfunction is seen with no changes in learning and memory at 1 year of age. A minor proportion of the CHCHD2-T61I Tg mice (~10%) show a severe motor phenotype consistent with human Pisa Syndrome, an atypical PD phenotype. Unbiased proteomics analysis reveals surprising increases in many insoluble proteins predominantly originating from mitochondria and perturbing multiple canonical biological pathways as assessed by ingenuity pathway analysis, including neurodegenerative disease-associated proteins such as tau, cofilin, SOD1 and DJ-1. Overall, CHCHD2-T61I Tg mice exhibit pathological and motor changes associated with LBDs, indicating that this model successfully captures phenotypes seen in human LBD patients with CHCHD2 mutations and demonstrates changes in neurodegenerative disease-associated proteins, which delineates relevant pathological pathways for further investigation.
Anticorruption and Transitional Justice: A Distinction Without a Difference
Authors: Michalakea Taygeti
Published: April 2022

Anticorruption efforts in the framework of transitional justice seemingly insert the missing ‘economic’ link and are thus considered to modify its mainstream paradigm and diversify its politics. This article counter argues that, instead, anticorruption efforts reinforce the problematic points and invisibilities of transitional justice and further embed a liberal conceptualization of it. Using the case study of Tunisia, the article contends that anticorruption efforts stepped onto the footprints of the paradigmatic transitional toolbox by decontextualizing and depoliticizing their object of intervention, effectively foreclosing any meaningful engagement with the past, and validating liberal economic agendas in the process.
Year-round genetic monitoring of mixed-stock fishery of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua); implications for management
Authors: Christensen Helle Torp , Rigét Frank , Retzel Anja , Nielsen Erik Haar , Nielsen Einar Eg , Hedeholm Rasmus Berg
Published: April 2022

Mixed-stock fisheries pose a challenge for fisheries management recommendations and management, as mixed stocks can lead to unintentional over- or under-exploitation of stocks, with both short- and long-term biological and economic consequences. This study demonstrates practical application and implementation of year-round high-resolution genetic stock monitoring in management of mixed Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) stocks in western Greenland. Using a panel of 96 high resolution gene-associated SNPs, we identified the stock of origin for four cod stocks in the two major inshore mixed-stock fisheries. Contribution of individual stocks was quantified to identify if fjord sections, times of year, and fish size, would allow a “clean fishery” with a minimal contribution of the depleted West Greenland Offshore (WGO) population. High level of mixing was identified with 50% of inshore catches originating from the inshore stock, 20% from the East Greenland/Iceland offshore stock, and 30% from the WGO stock. Although some spatiotemporal variation of stock proportions was identified, a practice allowing exclusively fishing a specific stock was not possible. Accordingly, we demonstrate the need to allocate catches at the biological stock level and show that application of high-resolution genetics is a reliable and necessary tool.
Rights-based constitutionalism and gender justice in Colombian women’s soccer
Authors: Dávila María Ximena , Chaparro Nina , Sánchez Nelson Camilo
Published: April 2022

This article queries whether domestic rights protection systems offer the necessary opportunities for women soccer players to obtain improved conditions through courts. Zooming in on the Colombian Constitutional Court jurisprudence, the article evaluates the potential benefits that rights-based constitutionalism can bring to those who fight for gender equality in the practice of football. Our assessment concludes that there are compelling opportunities, but they come with significant challenges. As for opportunities, we highlight the active role of the Constitutional Court in the protection of rights. On the other hand, the main challenges call for strengthening the nascent social movement that supports women’s demands in soccer and diversifying the avenues for vindicating rights. Activists could achieve better opportunities for justice by combining constitutional litigation with other forms of mobilization.
Vitamin D deficiency and C-reactive protein: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhou Ang , Hyppönen Elina
Published: April 2022

Background

Low vitamin D status is often associated with systemic low-grade inflammation as reflected by elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. We investigated the causality and direction of the association between vitamin D status and CRP using linear and non-linear Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses.

Methods

MR analyses were conducted using data from 294 970 unrelated participants of White-British ancestry from the UK Biobank. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and CRP concentrations were instrumented using 35 and 46 genome-wide significant variants, respectively.

Results

In non-linear MR analysis, genetically predicted serum 25(OH)D had an L-shaped association with serum CRP, where CRP levels decreased sharply with increasing 25(OH)D concentration for participants within the deficiency range (<25 nmol/L) and levelled off at ∼50 nmol/L of 25(OH)D (Pnon-linear = 1.49E-4). Analyses using several pleiotropy-robust methods provided consistent results in stratified MR analyses, confirming the inverse association between 25(OH)D and CRP in the deficiency range (P = 1.10E-05) but not with higher concentrations. Neither linear or non-linear MR analysis supported a causal effect of serum CRP level on 25(OH)D concentration (Plinear = 0.32 and Pnon-linear = 0.76).

Conclusion

The observed association between 25(OH)D and CRP is likely to be caused by vitamin D deficiency. Correction of low vitamin D status may reduce chronic inflammation.
Research on offshore wind power system based on Internet of Things technology
Authors: Zhou Fen , Tu Xuping , Wang Qingdong
Published: April 2022

Wind power generation is considered as one of the very promising new energy power generation methods. Offshore wind farms are usually located in open spaces far from the coast, where the wind is strong enough to generate electricity efficiently and reliably. The operation and maintenance of offshore wind power generation is more important; it will greatly affect the life cycle cost, although it is more difficult. Different from the methods used in other papers, this paper uses the Internet of Things (IOT) technology to collect and analyze wind power generation data to accurately and efficiently realize the operation and maintenance of offshore wind power generation. This paper also establishes an economic model for further analysis. Estimated electricity production under real weather is integrated into the model. According to the estimated model, with IOT technology can reduce maintenance costs by ~75% compared to without IOT technology, and according to our operation and maintenance data, we found that the downtime caused by blades, gearboxes and generators accounted for more than 87% of the total unplanned downtime, and maintenance costs accounted for more than three-fourths of the total maintenance costs. These data have reference significance for the operation and maintenance of offshore wind power generation.
Formal and informal medicine retailers in Sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review of research trends
Authors: Oleffe Amandine , Sako Binta , Paul Elisabeth , Mahieu Céline
Published: April 2022

Objectives

In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), private medicine retailers have become the first entry point to health systems, irrespective of their level of accreditation. This review aims to map the main trends in research about formal and informal medicine retailers in SSA over the past 20 years. Such an overview offers a valuable resource to understand their role and develop inclusive interventions to improve accessibility to health care in line with people’s health-seeking behaviours. This review followed the steps recommended by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Four electronic databases were searched and complemented by manual web researches.

Key Findings

A total of 293 publications from 23 countries met our inclusion criteria, 79% of which relate to six countries. The number of publications has been growing since 2010. Medicine retailers are distributed among three professional groups based on their accreditation level. Most studies used quantitative methods. Three topics − service provision; knowledge, attitudes and practices; and the expanding role of medicine retailers in the health system – accounted for 67% of included studies. Most studies focus on a specific health condition, of which malaria (26%) and sexual/reproductive health (13%) are the most common.

This review reveals increasing interest in medicine retailers in SSA and increasing expectations as stakeholders within health systems. This review suggests that new research and interventions should focus on: moving beyond a disease-based approach; using qualitative methods; and understudied countries, rural areas and informal medicine retailers. A more dynamic, relational and interactive approach could help better understand the sector.
Construction and application of provable positive and exact cubature formulas
Authors: Glaubitz Jan
Published: April 2022

Many applications require multi-dimensional numerical integration, often in the form of a cubature formula (CF). These CFs are desired to be positive and exact for certain finite-dimensional function spaces (and weight functions). Although there are several efficient procedures to construct positive and exact CFs for many standard cases, it remains a challenge to do so in a more general setting. Here, we show how the method of least squares (LSs) can be used to derive provable positive and exact formulas in a general multi-dimensional setting. Thereby, the procedure only makes use of basic linear algebra operations, such as solving an LSs problem. In particular, it is proved that the resulting LSs CFs are ensured to be positive and exact if a sufficiently large number of equidistributed data points is used. We also discuss the application of provable positive and exact LSs CFs to construct nested stable high-order rules and positive interpolatory formulas. Finally, our findings shed new light on some existing methods for multi-variate numerical integration and under which restrictions these are ensured to be successful.
Compactness of Solutions to Higher-Order Elliptic Equations
Authors: Niu Miaomiao , Tang Zhongwei , Zhou Ning
Published: April 2022

We use blow up analysis for local integral equations to prove compactness of solutions to higher-order critical elliptic equations provided the potentials only have non-degenerate zeros. Secondly, corresponding to Schoen’s Weyl tensor vanishing conjecture for the Yamabe equation on manifolds, we establish a Laplacian vanishing rate of the potentials at blow up points of solutions.
Extra Connected Components in the Moduli Space of Stable Surfaces
Authors: Rollenske Sönke
Published: April 2022

We construct examples of non-smoothable stable surface with invariants in a wide range comprising all possible invariants of smooth minimal surfaces of general type but non-standard second plurigenus. We deduce that the moduli space of stable surfaces $\overline {{\mathfrak {M}}}_{k,l}$ has at least $k-l+2$ connected components distinguished by the second plurigenus and, in particular, always has more irreducible components than the Gieseker moduli space with the same invariants.
A Geometrical View of Ulrich Vector Bundles
Authors: Lopez Angelo Felice , Sierra José Carlos
Published: April 2022

We study geometrical properties of an Ulrich vector bundle ${\mathcal {E}}$ of rank $r$ on a smooth $n$-dimensional variety $X \subseteq {\mathbb {P}}^N$. We characterize ampleness of ${\mathcal {E}}$ and of $\det {\mathcal {E}}$ in terms of the restriction to lines contained in $X$. We prove that all fibers of the map $\Phi _{{\mathcal {E}}}:X \to {\mathbb G}(r-1, {\mathbb {P}} H^0({\mathcal {E}}))$ are linear spaces, as well as the projection on $X$ of all fibers of the map $\varphi _{{\mathcal {E}}}: {\mathbb {P}}({\mathcal {E}}) \to {\mathbb {P}} H^0({\mathcal {E}})$. Then we get a number of consequences: a characterization of bigness of ${\mathcal {E}}$ and of $\det {\mathcal {E}}$ in terms of the maps $\Phi _{{\mathcal {E}}}$ and $\varphi _{{\mathcal {E}}}$; when $\det {\mathcal {E}}$ is big and ${\mathcal {E}}$ is not big there are infinitely many linear spaces in $X$ through any point of $X$ and when $\det {\mathcal {E}}$ is not big, the fibers of $\Phi _{{\mathcal {E}}}$ and $\varphi _{{\mathcal {E}}}$ have the same dimension; a classification of Ulrich vector bundles whose determinant has numerical dimension at most $\frac {n}{2}$; and a classification of Ulrich vector bundles with $\det {\mathcal {E}}$ of numerical dimension at most $k$ on a linear ${\mathbb {P}}^k$-bundle.
The development and roll-out of a new hydrocoele surgery facility assessment tool for the elimination of lymphatic filariasis
Authors: Martindale Sarah , Mableson Hayley , Bodimeade Christopher , Hume Hannah , Badia-Rius Xavier , Karim Jahirul , Mahmood A S M Sultan , Chiphwanya John , Rimal Pradip , Boko-Collins Pelagie , Bougma Roland , Agyemang David , Alomatu Bright , Cisse Abdourahim , Bathiri Salissou Adamou , Shu'aibu Joy , Betts Hannah , Kelly-Hope Louise A , Riches Nick
Published: April 2022

A hydrocoele surgery facility assessment tool (HSFAT) was developed to assess the readiness of hydrocoele surgery services in health facilities prior to implementation of hydrocoele surgical campaigns for the elimination of lymphatic filariasis (LF). A first version of the tool was piloted in Bangladesh, Malawi and Nepal in 2019, then, following feedback from country programme managers, a second version of the tool was rolled out across countries implementing hydrocoele surgery in the Accelerating the Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases (Ascend) West and Central Africa Programme, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Guinea, Niger and Nigeria. The HSFAT assessed facilities across 10 domains: background information, essential amenities, emergency patient transfer, laboratory capacity, surgical procedures and trained staff, infection prevention, non-disposable basic equipment, disposable basic equipment, essential medicines and current hydrocoele practices. The HSFAT results highlight key areas for improvement in different countries and can be used to develop a quality improvement plan, which may include actions with agreed deadlines to improve the readiness and quality of hydrocoele surgery services provided by the health facility, prior to implementation of surgical campaigns and assist country programmes to achieve the dossier requirements set out by the World Health Organization for the elimination of LF.
Can you Hear the Colour? Designing Virtual Worlds for Synaesthetic and Multimodal Experiences
Authors: Wright Victoria , Kefalidou Genovefa
Published: April 2022

Synaesthesia is a phenomenon where sensory ‘fusion’ occurs resulting in, for example, ‘seeing’ music or ‘hearing’ colours, making it of great interest in human–computer interaction for creating new or enhanced experiences and interactions in virtual worlds. In virtual reality, research has mainly focused on evaluating advanced graphics and capturing immersion levels and user experience within ‘typical’ and ‘expected’ interactions. This paper investigates how multimodal design characteristics can lay the foundations to a more ‘synaesthetic’ design approach in mixed reality to identify how ‘atypical’ interactions can also affect user experience. Twenty participants completed a maze activity, emotion and immersion surveys and interviews. Analysis on expressed sentiments and correlations suggest that space, timing and user location qualitatively interplay in determining these. Design approaches need to take into consideration a more holistic design model to enrich mixed reality with ‘fused’ user experience accounting for space, time, artefacts, location, physicality, virtuality, cognition and sentiments.
Exploring barriers to guideline implementation for prescription of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis in Nigeria
Authors: Wood Caroline E. , Luedtke Susanne , Musah Anwar , Bammeke Funmi , Mutiu Bamidele , Ojewola Rufus , Bankole Olufemi , Ademuyiwa Adesoji Oludotun , Ekumankama Chibuzo Barbara , Ogunsola Folasade , Okonji Patrick , Kpokiri Eneyi E. , Ayibanoah Theophilus , Aworabhi-Oki Neni , Shallcross Laura , Molnar Andreea , Wiseman Sue , Hayward Andrew , Soriano Delphine , Birjovanu Georgiana , Lefevre Carmen , Olufemi Olajumoke , Kostkova Patty
Published: April 2022

Background

In Nigeria, the prescription of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis for prevention of surgical site infection tends to be driven by local policy rather than by published guidelines (e.g. WHO and Sanford).

Objectives

To triangulate three datasets and understand key barriers to implementation using a behavioural science framework.

Methods

Surgeons (N = 94) from three teaching hospitals in Nigeria participated in an online survey and in focus group discussions about barriers to implementation. The theoretical domains framework (TDF) was used to structure question items and interview schedules. A subgroup (N = 20) piloted a gamified decision support app over the course of 6 months and reported barriers at the point of care.

Results

Knowledge of guidelines and intention to implement them in practice was high. Key barriers to implementation were related to environmental context and resources and concern over potential consequences of implementing recommendations within the Nigerian context applicable for similar settings in low-to-middle-income countries.

Conclusions

The environmental context and limited resource setting of Nigerian hospitals currently presents a significant barrier to implementation of WHO and Sanford guidelines. Research and data collected from the local context must directly inform the writing of future international guidelines to increase rates of implementation.