bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preliminary study on community’s perception of seagrass restoration on Pari Island, Seribu Islands Regency
Authors: Sjafrie N D M , Triyono  , Zulpikar F , Rahmawati S , Hernawan U E
Published: January 2022

Pari Island is one of the islands located in the Seribu Islands Regency. Seagrasses on this island are scattered almost around the island. However, development on this island is overgrowing, so there is a decrease in the seagrass area. This study aims to determine the community’s perception of the possibility of seagrass restoration on the island. Data collection was conducted in May 2021 through a questionnaire. Respondents were local people of Pari Island. The number of respondents was 104 people consisting of fishers, housewifes, government employees, tourism actors, students, and entrepreneurs. The results showed that, in general, people in Pari Island know the existence of seagrass (99%), understand the functions and benefits of seagrass (100%), and use the biota that lives in the seagrass ecosystem for their lives, as household food needs. Almost all respondents agreed with the seagrass restoration in Pari Island (96%) and voluntarily participated in restoration activities (91%). A total of 90% of respondents agree that there is a regulation on protecting seagrass meadow and say that restoration efforts must involve local communities, Non-Government organizations (NGOs), Research Institutes or Universities, and the Government. Our finding shows that the local community in Pari Island has a deep concern for seagrass restoration.
Screening of the antifungal potential of nudibranch Chromodoris lineolata associated bacteria against Candida albicans
Authors: Wijaya A P , Sabdono A , Sibero M T , Trianto A , Radjasa O K
Published: January 2022

Skin disease is the fourth most common disease caused by infection of opportunistic pathogens on the skin. Skin diseases are generally treated by antibiotic products. However, overuse of antibiotics can increase the resistance of pathogens to various classes of antibiotics. Therefore, the study of new antimicrobial compounds against skin pathogens is urgently needed. This study aims to isolate nudibranch Chromodoris lineolata associated bacteria with antifungal activity against Candida albicans and detect the presence of type I polyketide synthase (PKS I), type II polyketide synthase (PKS II), and non-ribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) genes through a molecular approach. A total of 15 bacteria were successfully isolated from nudibranch at Panjang Island and Teluk Awur. Screening of the antifungal activity using an agar plug method showed that 1 isolate namely P.10.6 showed antifungal activity against Candida albicans. The detection of the biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) showed the absence of BGC in the potential isolate. This finding was suspected due to the production of the antifungal compound from the other biosynthetic pathways. Based on molecular identification through BLAST homology, strain P. 10.6 has been identified as Bacillus stratosphericus.
Multiwalled carbon nanotubes and zinc oxide using a high energy milling method for radar-absorbent
Authors: Kholil Muhamad Abdul , Priyono Priyono , Subagio Agus
Published: January 2022

Radar is a technology that is always used by the military to detect an object because it can determine the shape, size, position, distance, and speed of an object. This enables the national defence system to have anti-radar technology to protect defence equipment or other important defence objects. One way that can be applied is using radar-absorbing material to coat the surface of the object. A good radar-absorbing material is made of a combination of dielectric materials with magnetic materials. MWCNT/ZnO composites were produced by a high energy milling method. The various milling times (0, 1, 3 and 5 h) using HEM on the microwave absorbing properties of the composites has an effect, which was studied. The experimental results show that the optimum microwave absorption ability is reached when the HEM process is carried out for 5 h with a thickness of 2.0 mm. The optimum return loss is −26.4 dB at a frequency of 11.2 GHz and the bandwidth correlative to the return loss is below −10 dB with a frequency greater than 1.5 GHz. When comparing MWCNT/ZnO without HEM treatment, the results show that HEM treatment can also increase microwave absorption properties.
Experimental investigation on mechanical and wear properties of GNP/Carbon fiber/epoxy hybrid composites
Authors: Namdev Anurag , Telang Amit , Purohit Rajesh
Published: January 2022

In this research, carbon fiber and Graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) of different weight percentages of GNP (0, 0.1,0.3, and 0.5 wt%) reinforced hybrid composites were fabricated via hand layup technique followed by compression molding. For wear analysis to understand the correlation between control parameters (wt% of filler, normal load, velocity, and sliding distance) and response measurements (weight loss), the design of experiments and analysis of variance (ANOVA) is used. The control variables such as normal loads (5, 10, 15, and 20 N), velocity (1, 2, 3 and 4 m s−1), and sliding distance (200, 300, 400, and 500 m) are selected for the research. It was observed that 0.5 wt% GNP-filled carbon fiber/epoxy composite shows higher tensile and flexural strength than another composite. It has been discovered that adding GNP reduces the wear in terms of weight loss. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine composites’ worn surfaces. The analysis concluded that experimental results are closer to optimum results.
Raman spectroscopy of colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals
Authors: Boldt Klaus
Published: January 2022

Raman spectroscopy is a powerful method that gives insight into the atomic structure and composition of nanomaterials, but also allows to draw conclusions about their electronic properties. It is based on the inelastic scattering of light, which is able to excite phonons in the material. In the field of semiconductor nanocrystals, Raman spectroscopy has been employed to make significant contributions to the analysis of lattice distortion, interfaces, phase mixing, and defect formation. Yet, there is no clear consensus on how the electronic and crystal structure of the material interacts with the incident light to yield the observed spectra. This review gives a brief overview over the method. It then reviews the most important findings, current developments, and discusses the efforts to formulate a consistent model that allows to establish the method as a tool for structural analysis.
Financiers' perceptions of risk in relation to large hydropower projects
Authors: Braeckman Judith Plummer , Markkanen Sanna , Seega Nina
Published: January 2022

More renewable electricity generation capacity will be needed to support progress towards Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement objective in lower income and lower-middle income countries (LICs and L-MICs). In the context of declining availability of public sector finance for energy generation, there is a widespread expectation that much of the new generation capacity will need to be financed entirely by the private sector or through public-private-partnerships (PPPs). Sustainably developed large hydropower could play a vital role in a future electricity mix dominated by intermittent renewables. In addition to generating low-cost, low-carbon electricity at a large scale, hydropower is capable of delivering ancillary services that are needed to facilitate greater penetration of intermittent renewable electricity. However, concerns over social and environmental outcomes, uncertain financial returns and thus a widespread perception of large hydropower as a ‘high risk’ investment has so far made it difficult to attract private sector investment for such projects, especially in many LICs and L-MICs. This paper addresses the gap in the existing knowledge base by developing a conceptual analytical framework for public and private sector actors. The framework provides a structured approach to the analysis of risk which can aid governments, developers, lenders and investors in maximising the likelihood of a project obtaining sustainable finance. The findings suggest that many of the greatest risks associated with large PPP hydropower projects in LICs and L-MICs are those that can cause reputational damage to the involved parties, such as social and environmental risks. The results presented in this paper will enable governments and developers to take targeted action to reduce risk and thus facilitate more effective use of the PPP financing model for large renewable energy infrastructure projects in LICs and L-MICs where additional large-scale sustainable electricity generation capacity is most needed.
Effectiveness of a multicomponent exercise program to reverse pre-frailty in community-dwelling Chinese older adults: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Dun Yaoshan , Hu Peng , Ripley-Gonzalez Jeffrey W , Zhou Nanjiang , Li Hui , Zhang Wenliang , Chen Meijuan , Zheng Qingsong , Cui Ni , Wu Shaoping , Liu Suixin
Published: January 2022

Background

the Xiangya Hospital circuit training (X-CircuiT), was developed to reverse pre-frailty in Chinese older adults and determine potential mechanisms through which pre-frailty is reversed.

Methods

this randomised controlled trial was performed at Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China from September 2020 to May 2021. Forty-eight pre-frail older adults were enrolled. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to X-CircuiT (46 min/session, three supervised sessions/week for 3 months at a community health centre) or control (1-time advice on physical activity without supervised exercise). The primary outcome was the proportion of participants with pre-frailty after 3-month intervention. The secondary outcomes included absolute risk reduction (ARR), number needed to treat (NNT), and the changes in senior fitness, body composition and clinical measures.

Results

among 48 participants (mean age, 72 years; women [65%]), 22 participants in the X-CircuiT (92%) and 21 participants in the control (88%) completed the study. After 3 months, the proportion of pre-frailty was significantly lower in the X-CircuiT group than the control (14% versus 95%, P < 0.001). The ARR and NNT were 82% [95% CI, 65–99] and 1 [1–2], respectively. X-CircuiT was associated with significant improvements in senior fitness indicators and body composition. No significant difference in blood chemistry, carotid ultrasound and echocardiography parameters was found between groups. No significant interaction was detected between sex, BMI, baseline peak oxygen consumption and study groups.

Conclusion

this study demonstrates that X-CircuiT could significantly reverse pre-frailty in Chinese older adults. The underlying mechanisms may involve X-CircuiT-induced improvements in body composition and senior fitness.

The trial is registered at Chictr.org.cn. Number: ChiCTR2100048125.
The impact of an exercise intervention on frailty levels in hospitalised older adults: secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Pérez-Zepeda Mario Ulises , Martínez-Velilla Nicolás , Kehler Dustin Scott , Izquierdo Mikel , Rockwood Kenneth , Theou Olga
Published: January 2022

Background

physical activity reduces frailty in community-dwelling older adults. How exercise influences frailty in hospitalised older adults requires additional investigation.

Objectives

(i) to examine the impact of an exercise intervention on frailty in older adults admitted to an acute care ward, and (ii) to determine the impact of baseline frailty on the effectiveness of this intervention.

Setting/participants

this is a secondary analysis of a randomised controlled clinical trial that tested an intensive exercise intervention in ≥75-year-old adults admitted to an acute care ward.

Methods

the intervention included two daily sessions of moderate-intensity exercises (control received usual care). A 63-item Frailty Index (FI) was constructed, and three groups were formed: <0.2, 0.2–0.29 and ≥0.3. Other outcomes included Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and Barthel Index (BI).

Results

a total of 323 individuals were included. The mean age was 87.1 years (± 4.8 standard deviation [SD]) and 56.3% were females. The intervention group improved FI from 0.26 (± 0.10 SD) to 0.20 (± 0.10 SD), whereas the control group FI worsened from 0.25 (± 0.1 SD) to 0.27 (± 0.10 SD). After stratifying by baseline FI, SPPB and depression improved in the intervention group across all levels of frailty; FI, BI and quality of life only improved in individuals with a baseline FI ≥ 0.2.

Conclusions

frailty improves with an intensive individualised exercise intervention, especially in those with high baseline levels of frailty. In addition, frailty is a useful outcome when examining the impact of an intervention of hospitalised older adults.
Prediction of potential miRNA–disease associations based on stacked autoencoder
Authors: Wang Chun-Chun , Li Tian-Hao , Huang Li , Chen Xing
Published: January 2022

In recent years, increasing biological experiments and scientific studies have demonstrated that microRNA (miRNA) plays an important role in the development of human complex diseases. Therefore, discovering miRNA–disease associations can contribute to accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of diseases. Identifying miRNA–disease associations through computational methods based on biological data has been proven to be low-cost and high-efficiency. In this study, we proposed a computational model named Stacked Autoencoder for potential MiRNA–Disease Association prediction (SAEMDA). In SAEMDA, all the miRNA–disease samples were used to pretrain a Stacked Autoencoder (SAE) in an unsupervised manner. Then, the positive samples and the same number of selected negative samples were utilized to fine-tune SAE in a supervised manner after adding an output layer with softmax classifier to the SAE. SAEMDA can make full use of the feature information of all unlabeled miRNA–disease pairs. Therefore, SAEMDA is suitable for our dataset containing small labeled samples and large unlabeled samples. As a result, SAEMDA achieved AUCs of 0.9210 and 0.8343 in global and local leave-one-out cross validation. Besides, SAEMDA obtained an average AUC and standard deviation of 0.9102 ± /−0.0029 in 100 times of 5-fold cross validation. These results were better than those of previous models. Moreover, we carried out three case studies to further demonstrate the predictive accuracy of SAEMDA. As a result, 82% (breast neoplasms), 100% (lung neoplasms) and 90% (esophageal neoplasms) of the top 50 predicted miRNAs were verified by databases. Thus, SAEMDA could be a useful and reliable model to predict potential miRNA–disease associations.
ONTdeCIPHER: an amplicon-based nanopore sequencing pipeline for tracking pathogen variants
Authors: Cherif Emira , Thiam Fatou Seck , Salma Mohammad , Rivera-Ingraham Georgina , Justy Fabienne , Deremarque Theo , Breugnot Damien , Doudou Jean-Claude , Gozlan Rodolphe Elie , Combe Marine
Published: January 2022

Motivation

Amplicon-based nanopore sequencing is increasingly used for molecular surveillance during epidemics (e.g. ZIKA, EBOLA) or pandemics (e.g. SARS-CoV-2). However, there is still a lack of versatile and easy-to-use tools that allow users with minimal bioinformatics skills to perform the main steps of downstream analysis, from quality testing to SNPs effect to phylogenetic analysis.

Results

Here, we present ONTdeCIPHER, an amplicon-based Oxford Nanopore Technology sequencing pipeline to analyze the genetic diversity of SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens. Our pipeline integrates 13 bioinformatics tools. With a single command line and a simple configuration file, users can pre-process their data and obtain the sequencing statistics, reconstruct the consensus genome, identify variants and their effects for each viral isolate, infer lineage and, finally perform multi-sequence alignments and phylogenetic analyses.

Availability and implementation

ONTdeCIPHER is available at https://github.com/emiracherif/ONTdeCIPHER.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Distribution-on-distribution regression via optimal transport maps
Authors: Ghodrati Laya , Panaretos Victor M
Published: January 2022

We present a framework for performing regression when both covariate and response are probability distributions on a compact interval. Our regression model is based on the theory of optimal transportation, and links the conditional Fréchet mean of the response to the covariate via an optimal transport map. We define a Fréchet-least-squares estimator of this regression map, and establish its consistency and rate of convergence to the true map, under both full and partial observations of the regression pairs. Computation of the estimator is shown to reduce to a standard convex optimization problem, and thus our regression model can be implemented with ease. We illustrate our methodology using real and simulated data.
Violent Conflict in Contemporary Europe: Specifying the Relationship Between War Exposure and Interpersonal Violence in a War-Weary Country
Authors: Timmer Anastasiia , Antonaccio Olena , Botchkovar Ekaterina V , Johnson Robert J , Hughes Lorine A
Published: January 2022

This study uses survey data from multi-stage stratified random samples of adults from two large Ukrainian cities to examine and specify associations between war exposure and the likelihood of committing violent acts against another person. Findings from regression models reveal that both direct and vicarious war exposure predict projected interpersonal violence by civilians, and mediation analyses show that daily strains and, in some instances, negative affect serve as links in the relationship between vicarious war exposure and the likelihood of violent behaviour. Daily strains also emerge as a significant and robust moderator of this relationship. The study demonstrates dangerous effects of war-related events on civilians and highlights the need for interventions aimed at reducing violence in war-weary countries around the world.
Neonatal amygdala resting-state functional connectivity and socio-emotional development in very preterm children
Authors: Kanel Dana , Vanes Lucy D. , Ball Gareth , Hadaya Laila , Falconer Shona , Counsell Serena J. , Edwards A. David , Nosarti Chiara
Published: January 2022

Very preterm children are more likely to exhibit difficulties in socio-emotional processing than their term-born peers. Emerging socio-emotional problems may be partly due to alterations in limbic system development associated with infants’ early transition to extrauterine life. The amygdala is a key structure in this system and plays a critical role in various aspects of socio-emotional development, including emotion regulation. The current study tested the hypothesis that amygdala resting-state functional connectivity at term-equivalent age would be associated with socio-emotional outcomes in childhood. Participants were 129 very preterm infants (<33 weeks' gestation) who underwent resting-state functional MRI at term and received a neurodevelopmental assessment at 4–7 years (median = 4.64). Using the left and right amygdalae as seed regions, we investigated associations between whole-brain seed-based functional connectivity and three socio-emotional outcome factors which were derived using exploratory factor analysis (Emotion Moderation, Social Function and Empathy), controlling for sex, neonatal sickness, post-menstrual age at scan and social risk. Childhood Emotion Moderation scores were significantly associated with neonatal resting-state functional connectivity of the right amygdala with right parahippocampal gyrus and right middle occipital gyrus, as well as with functional connectivity of the left amygdala with the right thalamus. No significant associations were found between amygdalar resting-state functional connectivity and either Social Function or Empathy scores. The current findings show that amygdalar functional connectivity assessed at term is associated with later socio-emotional outcomes in very preterm children.
Characterization of resting functional MRI activity alterations across epileptic foci and networks
Authors: Sainburg Lucas E , Little Aubrey A , Johnson Graham W , Janson Andrew P , Levine Kaela K , González Hernán F J , Rogers Baxter P , Chang Catie , Englot Dario J , Morgan Victoria L
Published: January 2022

Brain network alterations have been studied extensively in patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE) and other focal epilepsies using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). However, little has been done to characterize the basic fMRI signal alterations caused by focal epilepsy. Here, we characterize how mTLE affects the fMRI signal in epileptic foci and networks. Resting-state fMRI and diffusion MRI were collected from 47 unilateral mTLE patients and 96 healthy controls. FMRI activity, quantified by amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations, was increased in the epileptic focus and connected regions in mTLE. Evidence for spread of this epileptic fMRI activity was found through linear relationships of regional activity across subjects, the association of these relationships with functional connectivity, and increased activity along white matter tracts. These fMRI activity increases were found to be dependent on the epileptic focus, where the activity was related to disease severity, suggesting the focus to be the origin of these pathological alterations. Furthermore, we found fMRI activity decreases in the default mode network of right mTLE patients with different properties than the activity increases found in the epileptic focus. This work provides insights into basic fMRI signal alterations and their potential spread across networks in focal epilepsy.
Cortical thickness of contralesional cortices positively relates to future outcome after severe stroke
Authors: Rojas Albert Alina , Backhaus Winifried , Graterol Pérez José A , Braaβ Hanna , Schön Gerhard , Choe Chi-un , Feldheim Jan , Bönstrup Marlene , Cheng Bastian , Thomalla Götz , Gerloff Christian , Schulz Robert
Published: January 2022

Imaging studies have evidenced that contralesional cortices are involved in recovery after motor stroke. Cortical thickness (CT) analysis has proven its potential to capture the changes of cortical anatomy, which have been related to recovery and treatment gains under therapy. An open question is whether CT obtained in the acute phase after stroke might inform correlational models to explain outcome variability. Data of 38 severely impaired (median NIH Stroke Scale 9, interquartile range: 6–13) acute stroke patients of 2 independent cohorts were reanalyzed. Structural imaging data were processed via the FreeSurfer pipeline to quantify regional CT of the contralesional hemisphere. Ordinal logistic regression models were fit to relate CT to modified Rankin Scale as an established measure of global disability after 3–6 months, adjusted for the initial deficit, lesion volume, and age. The data show that CT of contralesional cortices, such as the precentral gyrus, the superior frontal sulcus, and temporal and cingulate cortices, positively relates to the outcome after stroke. This work shows that the baseline cortical anatomy of selected contralesional cortices can explain the outcome variability after severe stroke, which further contributes to the concept of structural brain reserve with respect to contralesional cortices to promote recovery.
Long-Term Accuracy of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Interferon-γ Release Assay and Its Application in Household Investigation
Authors: Murugesan Kanagavel , Jagannathan Prasanna , Altamirano Jonathan , Maldonado Yvonne A , Bonilla Hector F , Jacobson Karen B , Parsonnet Julie , Andrews Jason R , Shi Run Zhang , Boyd Scott , Pinsky Benjamin A , Singh Upinder , Banaei Niaz
Published: January 2022

Background

An immunodiagnostic assay that sensitively detects a cell-mediated immune response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is needed for epidemiological investigation and for clinical assessment of T- cell-mediated immune response to vaccines, particularly in the context of emerging variants that might escape antibody responses.

Methods

The performance of a whole blood interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) release assay (IGRA) for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antigen-specific T cells was evaluated in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) convalescents tested serially up to 10 months post-infection and in healthy blood donors. SARS-CoV-2 IGRA was applied in contacts of households with index cases. Freshly collected blood in the lithium heparin tube was left unstimulated, stimulated with a SARS-CoV-2 peptide pool, and stimulated with mitogen.

Results

The overall sensitivity and specificity of IGRA were 84.5% (153/181; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 79.0–89.0) and 86.6% (123/142; 95% CI: 80.0–91.2), respectively. The sensitivity declined from 100% (16/16; 95% CI: 80.6–100) at 0.5-month post-infection to 79.5% (31/39; 95% CI: 64.4–89.2) at 10 months post-infection (P < .01). The IFN-γ response remained relatively robust at 10 months post-infection (3.8 vs 1.3 IU/mL, respectively). In 14 households, IGRA showed a positivity rate of 100% (12/12) and 65.2% (15/23), and IgG of 50.0% (6/12) and 43.5% (10/23) in index cases and contacts, respectively, exhibiting a difference of + 50% (95% CI: +25.4 to +74.6) and +21.7% (95% CI: +9.23 to +42.3), respectively. Either IGRA or IgG was positive in 100% (12/12) of index cases and 73.9% (17/23) of contacts.

Conclusions

The SARS-CoV-2 IGRA is a useful clinical diagnostic tool for assessing cell-mediated immune response to SARS-CoV-2.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Vaccination Boosts Neutralizing Activity Against Seasonal Human Coronaviruses
Authors: Lawrenz Jan , Xie Qinya , Zech Fabian , Weil Tatjana , Seidel Alina , Krnavek Daniela , van der Hoek Lia , Münch Jan , Müller Janis A , Kirchhoff Frank
Published: January 2022

Background

Most of the millions of people that are vaccinated against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), have previously been infected by related circulating human coronaviruses (hCoVs) causing common colds and will experience further encounters with these viruses in the future. Whether COVID-19 vaccinations impact neutralization of seasonal coronaviruses is largely unknown.

Methods

We analyzed the capacity of sera derived from 24 individuals before and after heterologous ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 BNT162b2 prime-boost vaccination to neutralize genuine OC43, NL63, and 229E hCoVs, as well as viral pseudoparticles carrying the SARS-CoV-1, SARS-CoV-2, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)-CoV, and hCoV-OC43, hCoV-NL63, and hCoV-229E spike proteins. Genuine hCoVs or spike containing pseudovirions were incubated with different concentrations of sera and neutralization efficiencies were determined by measuring viral RNA yields, intracellular viral nucleocapsid expression, or reporter gene expression in Huh-7 cells.

Results

All individuals showed strong preexisting immunity against hCoV-OC43. Neutralization of hCoV-NL63 was more variable and all sera showed only modest inhibitory activity against genuine hCoV-229E. SARS-CoV-2 vaccination resulted in efficient cross-neutralization of SARS-CoV-1 but not of MERS-CoV. On average, vaccination significantly increased the neutralizing activity against genuine hCoV-OC43, hCoV-NL63, and hCoV-229E.

Conclusions

Heterologous COVID-19 vaccination may confer some cross-protection against endemic seasonal coronaviruses.
A retrospective study on adherence to secondary prevention medications after coronary bypass surgery
Authors: Heitmann Leon Arnar , Gudmundsdottir Ingibjorg Jona , Jonsdottir Freyja , Gudbjartsson Tomas , Sigurdsson Martin Ingi
Published: January 2022

OBJECTIVES

We assessed adherence to statins, beta-blockers and renin–angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors after coronary artery bypass graft surgery and factors associated with non-adherence.

METHODS

This nationwide retrospective cohort study included all individuals undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery from 22 May 2007 to 20 December 2018, at Landspitali—the National University Hospital (n = 1536). Data on dispensed prescriptions were retrieved from the National Prescription Medicine Registry. Adherence was estimated by the proportion of days covered up to 2 years after hospital discharge, with cut-offs for strict adherence and non-adherence at over 80% and under 50%, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess variables associated with non-adherence.

RESULTS

Criteria for strict adherence were met by 39.2%, 36.9% and 30.1% of patients for statins, beta-blockers and RAS inhibitors, respectively. Non-adherence criteria were met for 14.4%, 25.9% and 43.6% of patients for statins, beta-blockers and RAS inhibitors, respectively. High Hospital Frailty Risk Score Class (statins: odds ratio (OR) 2.29, confidence interval (CI) 1.02–4.86; RAS inhibitors: OR 2.06, CI 1.04–4.04), concomitant aortic valve replacement (statins: OR 1.64, CI 1.11–2.38; RAS inhibitors: OR 1.78, CI 1.26–2.52) and a new prescription for a medication class following surgery (statins: OR 2.87, CI 2.06–4.01; beta-blockers: OR 1.70, CI 1.32–2.18; RAS inhibitors: OR 6.95, CI 5.27–9.25) were associated with non-adherence.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-adherence to medical therapy after coronary artery bypass surgery is common. Patients with a higher burden of frailty and patients naive to the medical treatment of coronary artery disease should be a target group for efforts to increase medication adherence.
Surgical revascularization for stable coronary syndrome: the ISCHEMIA trial versus a single-centre matched population—a real-world analysis of patients undergoing surgical revascularization
Authors: De Martino Andrea , Del Re Federico , Gregori Dario , Azzolina Danila , Pascarella Clemente , Falcetta Giosuè , Ravenni Giacomo , Celiento Michele , Morganti Riccardo , Colli Andrea
Published: January 2022

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to test if the current general practice of surgical revascularization is comparable to the setting of International Study of Comparative Effectiveness with Medical and Invasive Approaches (ISCHEMIA) trial and to evaluate the comparative risk of cardiovascular events or death after coronary artery bypass grafting.

METHODS

We selected patients undergoing surgical revascularization and matching ISCHEMIA inclusion criteria. Chronic coronary syndrome patients were included if diagnosis of myocardial ischaemia by functional testing and coronary artery disease at angiography were detected. The primary end point was a composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, rehospitalization for unstable angina, heart failure and resuscitated cardiac arrest. Secondary end points were death by any cause, cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction and rehospitalization.

RESULTS

Among 353 patients, the primary outcome occurred in 62 (17.6%) patients. At 6 months, cumulative event-free survival was 97%, at 1 year 96%, at 5 years 89% and at 10 years 80%. Cumulative risk of the primary composite outcome at 5 years was 11%, 18% in the conservative arm of ISCHEMIA and 16% in the revascularization arm of ISCHEMIA (P < 0.001). Risk of myocardial infarction at 5 years was 7% in surgical patients and 12% and 10% in the conservative and invasive arms of the trial, respectively (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term results in surgical patients treated for chronic coronary syndromes showed that ISCHEMIA trial findings are not transferable in a ‘real-world’ scenario and have not changed previous medical practice. A patient-tailored approach, especially with diabetes and reduced left ventricle function, offers the best results in patients with stable coronary artery disease.
Vasorelaxing properties of the perivascular tissue of the human radial artery
Authors: Kociszewska Karolina , Deja Marek Andrzej , Malinowski Marcin , Kowalówka Adam
Published: January 2022

OBJECTIVES

Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) surrounding the human internal thoracic artery exhibits anticontractile and vasorelaxing properties associated with the adipocyte-derived relaxing factor (ADRF). The goal of our study was to assess if perivascular tissue of the human radial artery (RA) also exhibits such anticontractile/vasorelaxant properties. It could be especially relevant in preventing RA spasms.

METHODS

The study was performed on isolated segments of human pedicled RA. Its skeletonized fragments were suspended on stainless steel wire hooks and gradually contracted with serotonin to establish the concentration–effect relationship in the presence/absence of PVAT. Skeletonized arterial segments were precontracted with a single dose of 10−6 M serotonin (EC80). The 5-ml PVAT aliquots (from PVAT incubated in Krebs–Henseleit solution) were transferred to the RA tissue bath resulting in its relaxation. Subsequently, we investigated if ADRF is dependent on endothelial vasorelaxants (nitric oxide and prostacyclin). We attempted to find the potassium channel responsible for mediating the activity of ADRF using different potassium channel blockers.

RESULTS

RA without PVAT contracted more strongly in response to serotonin compared to RA with PVAT [Emax: 108.3 (20.2) vs 76.1 (13.5) mN]. The PVAT aliquot relaxed precontracted RA rings at 43% (2.4%) [72.2 (15.6) to 41.0 (5.6) mN]. ADRF is independent of endothelial vasorelaxants; hence, the addition of NG-monomethyl-l-arginine and indomethacin did not change the vasorelaxant response. Neither of the potassium channel blockers participated in the activity of ADRF.

CONCLUSIONS

PVAT of human RA exhibits anticontractile/vasorelaxant properties that are inherently associated with ADRF secretion. We confirmed the endothelial-independent mechanism of the activity of ADRF. However, we failed to find the potassium channel responsible for the action of ADRF.
Credential Inflation and Decredentialization: Re-examining the Mechanism of the Devaluation of Degrees
Authors: Araki Satoshi , Kariya Takehiko
Published: January 2022

Sociologists have long used credential inflation theory to explain the devaluation of tertiary education degrees as the consequence of the excessive supply of educated personnel. However, the literature has inadequately examined two fundamental conditions: the combination of degrees/skills that individuals possess and the level of degrees. In this article, cross-country multilevel regressions reveal lower-level degrees (i.e. short-cycle tertiary) are devalued due to the larger extent of lower-level tertiary expansion in a society, regardless of degree holders’ skills level. This is consistent with the concept of credential inflation. In contrast, alongside the proliferation of higher-level tertiary education (i.e. bachelor and above), individuals with such degrees are penalized only when they lack high skills. Put differently, higher-level degree holders retain their rewards despite their diminishing scarcity as long as they possess high skills. Meanwhile, high skills unaccompanied by tertiary degrees lose their premium merely in connection with lower-level tertiary expansion. These results suggest credentialism is intensified and credential inflation operates in societies where the extent of lower-level tertiary expansion is relatively large, whereas ‘decredentialization’ emerges along with the larger extent of higher-level tertiary expansion in a way that devalues credentials as such whilst relatively enhancing the role of skills in reward allocation.
Plesiomonas shigelloides, an Atypical Enterobacterales with aVibrio-Related Secondary Chromosome
Authors: Adam Yazid , Brezellec Pierre , Espinosa Elena , Besombes Amelie , Naquin Delphine , Paly Evelyne , Possoz Christophe , van Dijk Erwin , Barre Francois-Xavier , Ferat Jean-Luc
Published: January 2022

About 10% of bacteria have a multichromosome genome with a primary replicon of bacterial origin, called the chromosome, and other replicons of plasmid origin, the chromids. Studies on multichromosome bacteria revealed potential points of coordination between the replication/segregation of chromids and the progression of the cell cycle. For example, replication of the chromid of Vibrionales (called Chr2) is initiated upon duplication of a sequence carried by the primary chromosome (called Chr1), in such a way that replication of both replicons is completed synchronously. Also, Chr2 uses the Chr1 as a scaffold for its partition in the daughter cells. How many of the features detected so far are required for the proper integration of a secondary chromosome in the cell cycle? How many more features remain to be discovered? We hypothesized that critical features for the integration of the replication/segregation of a given chromid within the cell cycle program would be conserved independently of the species in which the chromid has settled. Hence, we searched for a chromid related to that found in Vibrionales outside of this order. We identified one in Plesiomonas shigelloides, an aquatic and pathogenic enterobacterium that diverged early within the clade of Enterobacterales. Our results suggest that the chromids present in P. shigelloides and Vibrionales derive from a common ancestor. We initiated in silico genomic and proteomic comparative analyses of P. shigelloides, Vibrionales, and Enterobacterales that enabled us to establish a list of features likely involved in the maintenance of the chromid within the host cell cycle.
Demographic and Health Characteristics of Older Latino Birth Cohorts in the Health and Retirement Study
Authors: García Catherine , Garcia Marc A , Ailshire Jennifer A
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Latinos are the fastest aging racial/ethnic minority group in the United States. One limitation to understanding the diverse experiences of older Latinos is the lack of nationally representative data necessary to examine factors contributing to changes in population-level health over time. This is needed to provide a more comprehensive picture of the demographic characteristics that influence the health and well-being of older Latinos.

Methods

We utilized the steady-state design of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) from 1992 to 2016 to examine the demographic and health characteristics of five entry birth cohorts of older Latinos aged 51–56 years (n = 2,882). Adjusted Wald tests were used to assess statistically significant differences in demographic and health characteristics across the HRS birth cohorts.

Results

Cross-cohort comparisons of demographic and health characteristics of older Latinos indicate significant change over time, with later-born HRS birth cohorts less likely to identify as Mexican-origin, more likely to identify as a racial “other,” and more likely to be foreign-born. In addition, we find that later-born cohorts are more educated and exhibit a higher prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.

Discussion

Increasing growth and diversity among the older U.S. Latino population make it imperative that researchers document changes in the demographic composition and health characteristics of this population as it will have implications for researchers, policymakers, health care professionals, and others seeking to anticipate the needs of this rapidly aging population.
Biases in estimating b-values from small earthquake catalogues: how high are high b-values?
Authors: Geffers G-M , Main I G , Naylor M
Published: January 2022

The Gutenberg–Richter (GR) b-value describes the relative proportion of small to large earthquakes in a scale-free population and is a critical parameter for probabilistic estimation of seismic hazard. At low magnitudes, the scale-free behaviour breaks down below the magnitude of completeness mc due to censoring of the data, when the instrumentation used to construct the catalogue is incapable of completely recording all earthquakes in the study region above the background noise. At high magnitudes, it must also break down because natural tectonic and volcanic processes are incapable of an infinite release of energy. This breakdown at large magnitudes is commonly modelled as an exponential roll-off to either the incremental or cumulative GR distribution. This introduces an extra parameter and hence requires relatively more data to justify the additional model complexity. For tectonic seismicity, the estimated b-value is commonly close to unity. In contrast, studies of volcanic and induced seismicity often report significantly higher estimates of the b-value, albeit using relatively small data sets—both in sample size and dynamic (magnitude) range for data above mc. Here, using synthetic data, we show that when we have low dynamic range, it is statistically challenging to test whether the sample is representative of the scale-free GR behaviour or whether it is controlled primarily by the finite size roll-off. We then explore the potential biases that arise when the data quality does not allow this distinction to be made and what the implications are for interpreting studies that have high estimated b-values. We find that systematically higher b-values than those used to generate the synthetic data are regularly obtained when assuming the wrong model and when having a too high mc, resulting in too small catalogues. This is important because it changes our understanding of the accuracy of elevated or variable b-values in catalogues of different dynamic ranges, and quantifies the likely bias in the inferred b-value compared to the underlying true distribution and its associated uncertainty. Finally, we recommend steps to minimize this bias.
Effects of COVID-19 on child health services utilization and delivery in rural Mozambique: a qualitative study
Authors: Bliznashka Lilia , Ahun Marilyn N , Velthausz Daan , Donco Rotafina , Karuskina-Drivdale Svetlana , Pinto Judite , Yousafzai Aisha K , Jeong Joshua
Published: January 2022

Little is known about the COVID-19 pandemic-related disruptions in health services and the resilience of the health system response in rural low-resource settings. We conducted a phenomenological qualitative study (October–November 2020) to understand COVID-19-related influences on the utilization and delivery of child health services in Monapo district, rural Mozambique. We interviewed 36 caregivers with children <2.5 years, 21 health providers and 4 district health services staff using in-person in-depth interviews. Data were analysed using inductive thematic content analysis. Our findings showed that caregivers, providers and district health services staff unanimously reported a decrease in child consultations at the start of the pandemic. Administrative data from health facilities confirmed persisting declines in monthly consultations. Respondents explained reductions due to miscommunication about health facility operations, fear of COVID-19, reduced consultation schedules and reduced household incomes. Providers reported several challenges in delivering services including lack of caregiver compliance with risk mitigation measures, caregivers’ fear of risk mitigation measures, perceived lack of caregiver knowledge about COVID-19 and lack of supplies and protective equipment. All respondents described how COVID-19 had increased food insecurity and food prices and reduced incomes and livelihoods. These negative economic consequences were perceived as the main reason for reported increases in cases of child malnutrition. Despite reductions, child health service utilization and delivery have largely continued throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, indicating an adaptive and resilient primary health system response in Monapo district. Our findings highlighted the persistent difficulties providers and caregivers face adhering to COVID-19 prevention and risk mitigation measures. A coordinated multi-sectoral response is needed to address the persistent negative economic impacts of the pandemic for young children and their families in rural areas.
SARS-CoV-2 DNA Vaccine INO-4800 Induces Durable Immune Responses Capable of Being Boosted in a Phase 1 Open-Label Trial
Authors: Kraynyak Kimberly A , Blackwood Elliott , Agnes Joseph , Tebas Pablo , Giffear Mary , Amante Dinah , Reuschel Emma L , Purwar Mansi , Christensen-Quick Aaron , Liu Neiman , Andrade Viviane M , Diehl Malissa C , Wani Snehal , Lupicka Martyna , Sylvester Albert , Morrow Matthew P , Pezzoli Patrick , McMullan Trevor , Kulkarni Abhijeet J , Zaidi Faraz I , Frase Drew , Liaw Kevin , Smith Trevor R F , Ramos Stephanie J , Ervin John , Adams Mark , Lee Jessica , Dallas Michael , Shah Brown Ami , Shea Jacqueline E , Kim J Joseph , Weiner David B , Broderick Kate E , Humeau Laurent M , Boyer Jean D , Mammen Mammen P
Published: January 2022

Background

Additional severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines that are safe and effective as primary vaccines and boosters remain urgently needed to combat the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We describe safety and durability of immune responses following 2 primary doses and a homologous booster dose of an investigational DNA vaccine (INO-4800) targeting full-length spike antigen.

Methods

Three dosage strengths of INO-4800 (0.5 mg, 1.0 mg, and 2.0 mg) were evaluated in 120 age-stratified healthy adults. Intradermal injection of INO-4800 followed by electroporation at 0 and 4 weeks preceded an optional booster 6–10.5 months after the second dose.

Results

INO-4800 appeared well tolerated with no treatment-related serious adverse events. Most adverse events were mild and did not increase in frequency with age and subsequent dosing. A durable antibody response was observed 6 months following the second dose; a homologous booster dose significantly increased immune responses. Cytokine-producing T cells and activated CD8+ T cells with lytic potential were significantly increased in the 2.0-mg dose group.

Conclusions

INO-4800 was well tolerated in a 2-dose primary series and homologous booster in all adults, including elderly participants. These results support further development of INO-4800 for use as primary vaccine and booster.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT04336410.
Paintings of Music
Authors: Liu Michelle
Published: January 2022

Paintings of music are a significant presence in modern art. They are cross-modal representations, aimed at representing music, say, musical works or forms, using colors, lines, and shapes in the visual modality. This article aims to provide a conceptual framework for understanding paintings of music. Using examples from modern art, the article addresses the question of what a painting of music is. Implications for the aesthetic appreciation of paintings of music are also drawn.