Showing papers by "University of Oviedo published in 2022"

COVID-19 Vaccine Type and Humoral Immune Response in Patients Receiving Dialysis

Abstract: Patients receiving dialysis may have a less robust antibody response to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination, yet have a 10–15-fold higher risk for COVID-19–associated mortality than the general population.1,2 We previously raised concerns about diminished vaccine responses to the attenuated adenovirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine compared with mRNA vaccines among patients on dialysis, although the number of patients receiving the attenuated adenovirus vaccine was small. In this study, we report qualitative and semiquantitative receptor-binding domain (RBD) antibody responses by vaccine type and dialysis modality in 2367 patients receiving dialysis. Methods In partnership with a nonprofit dialysis provider that serves patients undergoing dialysis in four states (California, Texas, Tennessee, and New Jersey), we evaluated the humoral vaccination response among patients receiving dialysis. From 6020 patients receiving dialysis and undergoing RBD testing, we identified 2367 patients who had results available from a total RBD Ig test before vaccination and a total RBD Ig result available within the 14–60-day period after completing vaccination (Supplemental Figure 1). The dialysis provider made no recommendations regarding type of vaccine, and administration was on the basis of supply availability. More patients residing in the South (Texas and Tennessee) were offered the attenuated adenovirus vaccine due to timing because facilities in the West (California) received vaccines at earlier time points, when attenuated adenovirus vaccines were not yet available. We tested antibody response using the Siemens’ total RBD Ig assay, which measures IgG and IgM antibodies.3 Among those with a positive total RBD Ig result, we quantified their antibody response using one of two semiquantitative Siemens RBD IgG assays.4,5 We then defined outcomes as follows: “no seroconversion” indicated lack of change from negative to positive in total RBD Ig antibody, “no RBD IgG response” indicated those with a positive postvaccine total RBD Ig but semiquantitative RBD IgG antibody index value <1, and “diminished RBD IgG response” indicated a positive-vaccine positive RBD total Ig but a semiquantitative RBD IgG index value <10 (Supplemental Methods delineates rationale for index value cut points). Results Of the 2367 patients on dialysis who were fully vaccinated, the proportions receiving the mRNA1273 (Moderna mRNA), BNT162b2 (Pfizer mRNA), and Ad26.COV2.S (Johnson and Johnson, attenuated adenovirus) were 65% (n=1527), 19% (n=440), and 17% (n=400), respectively (Supplemental Table 1). Patients vaccinated with the Ad26.COV2.S vaccine were younger, more likely to be non-Hispanic Black, to have evidence of prior SARS-CoV-2 infection, and reside in the South. Among the 851 participants who were seropositive on the total RBD Ig at a time point before vaccination, testing after vaccination was done at a median of 16 (range 1–60) days after initial assessment of RBD status. Seroconversion to Ad26.COV2.S vaccine occurred later than to the mRNA vaccines (Table 1). However, whether assessed during the 14–28-day window after vaccination or in the 28–60-day window after vaccination, patients receiving the Ad26.COV2.S vaccine had higher likelihood of no seroconversion and no detectable or diminished IgG response compared with those receiving the mRNA vaccines (Table 1). Patients vaccinated with BNT162b2 had higher prevalence of no detectable or diminished IgG response, compared with patients vaccinated with mRNA1273 (Table 1). Table 1. - Prevalence of absent or diminished response among fully vaccinated individuals by vaccine type, RBD status before vaccination, dialysis modality, and overall, between 14 and 28 days and between 29 and 60 days after completion of vaccinea Characteristics Fully Vaccinated Cohort Fully Vaccinated Cohort Days 14 and 28 Days 29 and 60 n=1583 b n=1468 b Proportion with No Seroconversion on Total RBD Ig (95% Confidence Interval) Proportion with No Detectable or Diminished Response on RBD IgG c (95% Confidence Interval) Proportion with No Seroconversion on Total RBD Ig (95% Confidence Interval) Proportion with No Detectable or Diminished Response on RBD IgG d (95% Confidence Interval) Vaccine type mRNA1273 2.6 (1.7 to 3.7) 5.2 (4.0 to 6.8) 2.0 (1.3 to 3.1) 9.5 (7.7 to 11.7) BNT162b2 4.3 (2.5 to 7.4) 11.4 (8.1 to 15.7) 4.0 (2.1 to 6.2) 22.7 (18.6 to 27.5) Ad26.COV2.S 58.4 (52.6 to 64.0) 16.8 (12.9 to 21.6) 33.3 (27.3 to 40.0) 36.0 (29.2 to 43.5) RBD status before vaccination e Negative 13.6 (11.6 to 15.8) 10.0 (8.2 to 12.1) 6.8 (5.4 to 8.6) 18.7 (16.3 to 21.4) Positive 12.0 (9.6 to 14.9) 5.9 (4.2 to 8.1) 7.0 (5.0 to 9.7) 11.4 (8.7 to 14.8) Dialysis modality Home 13.7 (9.5 to 19.3) 8.4 (5.2 to 13.3) 9.0 (5.4 to 14.6) 14.7 (10.0 to 21.2) In-center 12.8 (11.1 to 14.7) 8.5 (7.1 to 10.1) 6.6 (5.4 to 8.1) 16.6 (14.6 to 18.8) Vaccine type by RBD status before vaccination mRNA1273 Negative 3.2 (2.1 to 4.9) 6.6 (4.9 to 8.8) 2.1 (1.3 to 3.6) 11.0 (8.7 to 13.8) Positive 1.2 (0.4 to 3.1) 2.5 (1.2 to 4.9) 1.6 (0.6 to 4.2) 5.4 (3.1 to 9.3) BNT162b2 Negative 6.4 (3.6 to 11.2) 13.1 (8.8 to 19.1) 5.1 (2.9 to 8.7) 27.5 (22.1 to 33.7) Positive 1.0 (0.1 to 6.4) 7.8 (3.9 to 14.8) 0.8 (0.1 to 5.8) 13.2 (8.0 to 20.7) Ad26.COV2.S Negative 75.2 (67.1 to 81.8) 22.6 (16.2 to 30.4) 40.8 (31.7 to 50.5) 47.7 (37.4 to 58.1) Positive 43.8 (36.1 to 51.7) 11.8 (7.5 to 17.9) 26.2 (18.7 to 35.3) 24.4 (8.0 to 20.7) Vaccine type by dialysis modality mRNA1273 Home 4.3 (1.8 to 10.0) 1.7 (0.4 to 6.7) 2.0 (0.5 to 7.8) 7.1 (3.4 to 14.2) In-center 2.3 (1.5 to 3.5) 5.7 (4.3 to 7.5) 2.0 (1.2 to 3.2) 9.8 (7.8 to 12.2) BNT162b2 Home 2.6 (0.4 to 16.1) 12.8 (5.4 to 27.3) 5.4 (1.4 to 19.2) 18.9 (9.3 to 34.7) In-center 4.6 (2.6 to 8.1) 11.1 (7.7 to 15.8) 3.5 (1.9 to 6.2) 23.2 (18.8 to 28.3) Ad26.COV2.S Home 55.6 (39.3 to 70.7) 25.0 (13.5 to 41.5) 47.6 (27.8 to 68.2) 42.9 (24.0 to 64.0) In-center 58.8 (52.6 to 64.7) 15.6 (11.6 to 20.6) 31.7 (25.5 to 38.7) 35.1 (27.9 to 43.0) Overall 13.0 (11.4 to 14.7) 8.5 (7.2 to 10.0) 6.9 (5.7 to 8.3) 16.4 (14.5 to 18.5) The overall percentage of patients with mRNA1273, BNT162b2, and Ad26.COV2.S were 65%, 19%, and 17%, respectively; with RBD seropositive before vaccination was 36%, and on in-center hemodialysis before vaccination was 86%. 95% CI, 95% confidence interval.aData are percentage (95% CI) obtained within 14–28 days, or 29–60 days after two doses of either mRNA1273 or BNT162b2 vaccines and a single dose of Ad26.COV2.S vaccine. Diminished classification refers to semiquantitative IgG index value <10.bNumber of patients with an antibody test result within the specified time frame: 889 patients have a test between 18 and 28 days only, 784 patients have a test between 29 and 60 days only, and 684 patients have at least one test in both periods.cTotal n=1532 due to 51 missing semiquantitative IgG result.dTotal n=1326 due to 142 missing semiquantitative IgG result.eRefers to RBD Ig status before vaccination. Across all three vaccine types, patients with a positive RBD total antibody result before vaccination (indicating prior infection) were less likely to have no seroconversion, or absent or diminished RBD IgG response, than patients with a negative RBD total antibody result before vaccination (Table 1). Among persons with an RBD Ig response, median index values were lower for patients receiving the Ad26.COV2.S among patients with a positive RBD total antibody result (Figure 1, A and B). Patients receiving home dialysis with either peritoneal dialysis or home hemodialysis had similar results to patients receiving in-center dialysis (Table 1). There was no difference in response rates by vaccine type among the home versus in-center populations.Figure 1.: RBD IgG responses before and after COVID-19 vaccination by vaccine type among patients receiving dialysis and a detectable total RBD Ig response. (A) The cohort with negative RBD Ig before vaccination, (B) the cohort with positive RBD Ig before vaccination. In these violin plot figures, each marker represents an individual semiquantitative RBD IgG index value by vaccine type in the time period related to vaccination. The index values are plotted on a log-scale, and the violin plot shows a mirrored representation of the distribution of the IgG index values on top of the individual index values. Green circles represent individuals vaccinated with mRNA1273, light blue with BNT162b2, and dark blue with Ad26.COV2.S. The IgG values range from 0.8 to 44, but index values <1 are considered nonreactive, and index values <10 (red dotted line in figures) are considered a “diminished” response. Patients without a detectable RBD IgG are placed in the <1 category (index value is set 0.8). The black boxes represent median values. The data plotted are among the patients with a total RBD Ig (i.e., seroconversion) after vaccination.Discussion In this large cohort of patients receiving dialysis, the prevalence of “no response” or “diminished response” to COVID-19 vaccination varied by vaccine type, with a third of patients receiving the attenuated adenovirus Ad26.COV2.S vaccine failing to seroconvert and an additional third having no detectable or diminished IgG response even 29–60 days after vaccination. Although patients receiving home dialysis represent a cohort with better health and functional status, we observed no difference in response rates by dialysis modality, with similar immunogenicity of the three vaccines in circulation in the United States among patients on in-center versus home dialysis. Limitations of this study include the concentration of patients in four states and nonrandom allocation of vaccine type, although the cohort receiving the attenuated adenovirus vaccine were younger and more likely to have had prior SARS-CoV-2 infection, both factors that likely could have improved response. We only assessed prior SARS-CoV-2 infection by the presence of RBD Ig; we could be thus misclassifying participants as seronegative before vaccination when in fact they had prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. Although a detectable serum antibody response is often equated with immunity, in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, data on a correlation between vaccine effectiveness and antibody response are still preliminary.6(preprint),7(preprint) Recent data from participants in the mRNA1273 and ChAdOx1 vaccine trials does suggest that antibody response to RBD or spike protein may be a reasonable proxy for vaccine effectiveness.6(preprint),7(preprint) However, antibody response is one measure of immunity; we were unable to evaluate other aspects of the immune response such as neutralizing antibodies, cellular immunity or the presence of memory B cells. Follow-up of patients with ESKD who were vaccinated for clinical COVID-19 will provide a better estimate of vaccine efficacy by vaccine type. Higher rates of spike protein seroconversion after a third dose of mRNA vaccine were recently reported among solid-transplant organ recipients,8 and in preliminary data among patients on dialysis.9 Although the Biden administration may recommend a booster shot 8 months after completion of the two mRNA vaccines for the general population, no specific recommendation has been put forth for persons who received the Ad26.COV2.S, partly due to lack of population-based data on vaccine effectiveness. Our data—comparing the three vaccines widely circulating in the United States using the same assay—indicate that patients receiving the attenuated adenovirus vaccine had a weaker antibody response in the early period after vaccination, compared with patients receiving the mRNA vaccines. If preliminary data on the correlation between early antibody response and vaccine effectiveness are further confirmed,6,7 our data would support benefit from additional doses among persons receiving dialysis who were given the Ad26.COV2.S. Whether a change in vaccine type is necessary for a subset of patients receiving dialysis who have failed to seroconvert or have demonstrated weak immune response in the early period after vaccination requires further investigation. Disclosures B. Schiller reports having consultancy agreements with Quanta; and reports speakers bureau with AstraZeneca. G. Abra reports receiving honoraria from Akebia; and reports being a scientific advisor or member with Nephrology News and Issues. G. Chertow reports having consultancy agreements with Akebia, Amgen, Ardelyx, AstraZeneca, Baxter, Cricket, DiaMedica, Gilead, Miromatrix, Reata, Sanifit, Unicycive, and Vertex; reports having an ownership interest in Ardelyx, CloudCath, Durect, DxNow, Eliaz Therapeutics, Outset, Physiowave, and PuraCath; reports receiving research funding from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and Data and Safety Monitoring Board service (DSMB); reports being a scientific advisor or member of the Board of Directors of Satellite Healthcare, a not-for-profit dialysis organization, Co-Editor of Brenner & Rector's The Kidney (Elsevier); and Other Interests/Relationships with DSMB service for NIDDK, Angion, Bayer, and ReCor. S. Anand reports serving a Medical Director at a Satellite Healthcare dialysis unit; reports receiving research funding from Applied Pragmatic Research Grant, from Satellite Healthcare; reports receiving honoraria from American Kidney Fund; and reports being a scientific advisor or member of the International Society of Nephrology i3C and Consortium for the Epidemic of Nephropathy in Central America and Mexico. B. Schiller, G. Abra, S. Sun, and T. Shang are employees of Satellite Healthcare. All remaining authors have nothing to disclose. Funding This work was supported by the American Kidney Fund Clinical Scientist in Nephrology Award, the Stanford University School of Medicine Leeds Compassionate Scholar Award (to P. Garcia), and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases grants R01DK127138 (to S. Anand) and K24DK085446 (to G. Chertow).

Cyberbullying in elementary and middle school students: A systematic review

Abstract: The goal of the present study was to extend the scope of previous reviews on cyberbullying to focus on elementary and middle school students, ages when research indicates that children begin to use mobile phones and social media. From 2016 to 2020, a total of 43 articles were included in the final selection, and purpose/s, sample, design/instruments, and main findings/conclusions were assessed on each one. The following topics emerged from the results and were discussed: cyberbullying/cybervictimization and psychosocial variables, students' sociodemographic variables, connections between bullying and cyberbullying, students' roles related to cyberbullying, external factors and students' responses, and effectiveness of cyberbullying programs. Students experiencing cyberbullying at an early school age reported negative feelings, such as depression or anxiety. They are often linked to bullying scenarios and even to the same role (cyberbully, cybervictim or cyberwitness). Different programs have been shown to positively influence cyberbullying from a young age, important to prevent it, when children begin to use mobile phones and social media. Protective factors, such as specific pedagogical approaches (e.g. Cooperative Learning or Teaching for Personal and Social Responsibility) or programs, as well as the joined work of different agents (e.g. psychologists, teachers, parents, peers), should be considered to promote a positive evolution on CB prevention. Nevertheless, more studies are needed at these grades, as well as qualitative research designs, to deepen on the students’ feelings on cyberbullying.

High-Efficient Electrolytic-Capacitor-Less Offline LED Driver With Reduced Power Processing

Abstract: In this article, an integrated parallel buck–boost and boost converter (IPB3C) is proposed as an electrolytic-capacitor-less light-emitting diode (LED) driver. The IPB3C provides a high power factor (PF) and low total harmonic distortion (THD). The driver is composed of two converters that are connected in parallel, using just one controlled switch. The buck–boost duty is to deliver constant power to the LED, while ensuring a good PF. The boost converter is employed to cancel the low-frequency ripple at the LED. In return, this decreases the flicker effect and only a relatively small capacitance is needed to fulfill the standard requirements. The buck–boost converter handles the full power of the LED, while the boost converter handles only a portion of the LED power. Thus, better efficiency is ensured by this parallel configuration compared to conventional cascaded integrated converters. Moreover, the voltage across the switch is low, as it is the higher, whether buck–boost or boost converter, but not the addition of both. In this article, the IPB3C is analyzed, and its design methodology is presented. A universal input voltage range prototype of the proposed converter supplying an LED lamp of 108-V/ 0.35-A is presented. The prototype shows high PF, nearly equal to one, very small THD, nearly zero, output voltage ripple of 4.5%, output current ripple of 19%, and high efficiency, equal to 92.4%. Moreover, the converter requires the use of a bulk capacitance of only 68 μF, while the required output capacitance is just 1 μF.

Heterogeneous catalytic ozonation and peroxone-mediated removal of Acetaminophen using natural and modified hematite-rich soil, as efficient and environmentally friendly catalysts

Abstract: Hormuz Red Soil (HRS), as a naturally hematite-containing mineral was used to enhance the catalytic ozonation process (COP) of Acetaminophen (ACT) elimination. The surface properties and particle size of HRS mainly composed of ɑ-Fe2O3 were modified via calcination (C-HRS) demonstrating notable catalytic activity. The catalytic activity of C-HRS was evaluated for the ozonation of ACT under various conditions. Complete degradation of 50 mg L−1 ACT was obtained within 10 min at natural conditions with 1.0 g L−1 of C-HRS which was > 10 times faster than single ozonation process (SOP). The C-HRS accelerated the decomposition of ozone to hydroxyl radical on the catalyst’s surface. Moreover, the C-HRS efficiently catalyzed the peroxone reaction for the degradation and mineralization of ACT. The C-HRS exhibited high stability and reusability in consecutive catalytic cycles. This work offers a new, effective, and low-cost catalyst for accelerating of ozone decomposition that can be used in oxidation of pollutants.

Multi-objective enhanced memetic algorithm for green job shop scheduling with uncertain times

Abstract: The quest for sustainability has arrived to the manufacturing world, with the emergence of a research field known as green scheduling. Traditional performance objectives now co-exist with energy-saving ones. In this work, we tackle a job shop scheduling problem with the double goal of minimising energy consumption during machine idle time and minimising the project’s makespan. We also consider uncertainty in processing times, modelled with fuzzy numbers. We present a multi-objective optimisation model of the problem and we propose a new enhanced memetic algorithm that combines a multiobjective evolutionary algorithm with three procedures that exploit the problem-specific available knowledge. Experimental results validate the proposed method with respect to hypervolume, ϵ -indicator and empirical attaintment functions.

Small fiber neuropathy in the cornea of Covid-19 patients associated with the generation of ocular surface disease.

Abstract: Purpose To describe the association between Sars-CoV-2 infection and small fiber neuropathy in the cornea identified by in vivo corneal confocal microscopy. Methods Twenty-three patients who had overcome COVID-19 were recruited to this observational retrospective study. Forty-six uninfected volunteers were also recruited and studied as a control group. All subjects were examined under in vivo confocal microscopy to obtain images of corneal subbasal nerve fibers in order to study the presence of neuroma-like structures, axonal beadings and dendritic cells. The Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire and Schirmer tear test were used as indicators of Dry Eye Disease (DED) and ocular surface pathology. Results Twenty-one patients (91.31%) presented alterations of the corneal subbasal plexus and corneal tissue consistent with small fiber neuropathy. Images from healthy subjects did not indicate significant nerve fiber or corneal tissue damage. Eight patients reported increased sensations of ocular dryness after COVID-19 infection and had positive DED indicators. Beaded axons were found in 82.60% of cases, mainly in patients reporting ocular irritation symptoms. Neuroma-like images were found in 65.22% patients, more frequently in those with OSDI scores >13. Dendritic cells were found in 69.56% of patients and were more frequent in younger asymptomatic patients. The presence of morphological alterations in patients up to 10 months after recovering from Sars-CoV-2 infection points to the chronic nature of the neuropathy. Conclusions Sars-CoV-2 infection may be inducing small fiber neuropathy in the ocular surface, sharing symptomatology and morphological landmarks with DED and diabetic neuropathy.

New H-mode regimes with small ELMs and high thermal confinement in the Joint European Torus

Abstract: New plasma regimes with high confinement, low core impurity accumulation and small Edge localized mode (ELMs) perturbations have been obtained close to ITER conditions in magnetically confined plasmas from the Joint European torus (JET) tokamak. Such regimes are achieved by means of optimized particle fuelling conditions which trigger a self-organize state with a strong increase in rotation and ion temperature and a decrease of the edge density. An interplay between core and edge plasma regions leads to reduced turbulence levels and outward impurity convection. These results pave the way to an attractive alternative to the standard plasmas considered for fusion energy generation in a tokamak with metallic wall environment such as the ones expected in ITER

Habit Formation in Tourism Traveling

Abstract: This article conducts a microeconometric analysis of individual participation in tourism activities. We examine the existence of habit formation in the form of state dependence by which past trips ...

A holistic methodology to study geochemical and geomorphological control of the distribution of potentially toxic elements in soil

Abstract: Control of Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) in soil-polluted areas is needed to address the potential risk that pollution poses to public health and the environment. This study describes an innovative holistic methodology to assess the distribution of PTEs. It is based on the application of multi-variate statistical and geostatistical algorithms, soil pollution indices and geochemical & geomorphological/climate variables (element concentration, watercourses, winds, slope, orientation and visibility). The methodology proposed is exemplified through a comprehensive soil sampling in an area surrounding a former As-Hg mine that presents several sources of pollutants (abandoned mining spoil heaps, metallurgical waste, old chimneys, etc.). Factor analysis identified four main pollutants of concern: Hg, As, Pb and Sb. The mobility of the most abundant PTEs, especially As, and, to a minor extent, Hg, showed a clear influence of climatic/geomorphological variables. Moreover, the pollution indices confirmed that although the soils in the areas around the spoil heaps contain higher concentrations of the pollutants, the influence of the chimneys is present in the whole study area and depends on factors such as orientation and visibility. In contrast, the fingerprint of the spoil heaps showed a PTE distribution more associated with the slope factor and the presence of watercourses eroding the heaps. All things considered, the methodology proposed revealed PTE sources and distribution in a highly complex site and may therefore find application in similar scenarios of contamination.

Mesoporous Silica Materials as an Emerging Tool for Cancer Immunotherapy

Abstract: Cancer immunotherapy has emerged in the past decade as a promising strategy for treating many forms of cancer by stimulating the patient's immune system. Although immunotherapy has achieved some promising results in clinics, more efforts are required to improve the limitations of current treatments related to lack of effective and targeted cancer antigens delivery to immune cells, dose-limiting toxicity, and immune-mediated adverse effects, among others. In recent years, the use of nanomaterials has proven promising to enhance cancer immunotherapy efficacy and reduce side effects. Among nanomaterials, attention has been recently paid to mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) as a potential multiplatform for enhancing cancer immunotherapy by considering their unique properties, such as high porosity, and good biocompatibility, facile surface modification, and self-adjuvanticity. This review explores the role of MSN and other nano/micro-materials as an emerging tool to enhance cancer immunotherapy, and it comprehensively summarizes the different immunotherapeutic strategies addressed to date by using MSN.

Experimental Research on Mechanical and Permeability Properties of Nylon Fiber Reinforced Recycled Aggregate Concrete with Mineral Admixture

Abstract: Plain concrete’s major two drawbacks are its low tensile strength and high carbon footprint. Joint adding of fibers and recycled/waste materials in concrete might assist to resolve these problems. In the present study, a novel technique is planned to improve the recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) mechanical behavior and durability performance by joint incorporation of silica fume (SF) and nylon fibers (NF). In this research paper, different properties of concrete samples are examined for example flexural strength, compressive strength, split tensile strength, penetration of chloride ions, acid resistance, and water absorption. It was noted that adding nylon fibers as individual components enhances the recycled aggregate concrete mechanical characteristics and resistance to acid exposure. The inclusion of nylon fibers improved the behavior of the recycled aggregate concrete; however, it also increased the chloride penetration and water absorption by only 18% and 8% respectively. Up to 26% of mechanical strength of concrete was improved when silica fume was added in comparison to reference concrete, silica fume also assisted in controlling the loss of durability because of adding recycled aggregate concrete and nylon fibers. Silica fume improved the bond between binder matrix and nylon fibers. The study revealed that the combination of 50% RCA, 0.5% nylon fibers and 20% silica fume are optimum for the joint incorporation into concrete that can assist in developing sustainable, durable, and ductile recycled aggregate fiber reinforced concrete.

Improved BEC SMOS Arctic Sea Surface Salinity product v3.1

Abstract: Abstract. Measuring salinity from space is challenging since the sensitivity of the brightness temperature (TB) to sea surface salinity (SSS) is low (about 0.5 K psu−1), while the SSS range in the open ocean is narrow (about 5 psu, if river discharge areas are not considered). This translates into a high accuracy requirement of the radiometer (about 2–3 K). Moreover, the sensitivity of the TB to SSS at cold waters is even lower (0.3 K psu−1), making the retrieval of the SSS in the cold waters even more challenging. Due to this limitation, the ESA launched a specific initiative in 2019, the Arctic+Salinity project (AO/1-9158/18/I-BG), to produce an enhanced Arctic SSS product with better quality and resolution than the available products. This paper presents the methodologies used to produce the new enhanced Arctic SMOS SSS product (Martínez et al., 2019) . The product consists of 9 d averaged maps in an EASE 2.0 grid of 25 km. The product is freely distributed from the Barcelona Expert Center (BEC, http://bec.icm.csic.es/, last access: 25 January 2022) with the DOI number https://doi.org/10.20350/digitalCSIC/12620 (Martínez et al., 2019). The major change in this new product is its improvement of the effective spatial resolution that permits better monitoring of the mesoscale structures (larger than 50 km), which benefits the river discharge monitoring.

Automatic extraction of shapes using sheXer

Abstract: There is an increasing number of projects based on Knowledge Graphs and SPARQL endpoints. These SPARQL endpoints are later queried by final users or used to feed many different kinds of applications. Shape languages, such as ShEx and SHACL, have emerged to guide the evolution of these graphs and to validate their expected topology. However, authoring shapes for an existing knowledge graph is a time-consuming task. The task gets more challenging when dealing with sources, possibly maintained by heterogeneous agents. In this paper, we present sheXer, a system that extracts shapes by mining the graph structure. We offer sheXer as a free Python library capable of producing both ShEx and SHACL content. Compared to other automatic shape extractors, sheXer includes some novel features such as shape inter-linkage and computation of big real-world datasets. We analyze the features and limitations w.r.t. performance with different experiments using the English chapter of DBpedia.

SARS-CoV-2 Booster Vaccine Response among Patients Receiving Dialysis

Abstract: Data indicate a diminished antibody response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination among patients on dialysis (1–3). Circulating antibody titers decline rapidly, regardless of vaccine type; low circulating levels are linked with a more than ten-fold higher risk for breakthrough infections (3). To determine whether a booster dose would offer protection against SARS-CoV-2, we compared antibody responses in early postvaccination periods after completing the initial vaccine schedule versus completing the booster dose schedule of a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in a cohort of US patients on dialysis. We partnered with a nonprofit dialysis provider serving patients receiving maintenance dialysis in four states. The dialysis provider implemented monthly testing for SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD) antibody levels among a majority of their patient population from February through April 2021, and quarterly thereafter. Starting in late September 2021, the dialysis provider offered in-facility mRNA vaccine boosters to patients dialyzing in their facilities. From 8229 patients receiving dialysis and completing the initial recommended vaccination schedule for the two mRNA or Ad26.COV2.S vaccines, we identified 3041 and 2720 patients who had antibody results available within 14–60 days postinitial vaccination and postbooster, respectively. In cases where more than one antibody result was available, we used the maximum antibody results within 14–60 days. We used multinomial logistic regression to obtain the estimate margins of response level. We collected antibody data through November 10, 2021. We quantified the antibody response using one of two semiquantitative Siemens RBD IgG assays. On the basis of our previous research (3), we categorized the response as RBD IgG antibody index value <10, 10–23, and >23. Index values of 10 and 23 correspond to 218 and 506 binding antibody units per milliliter, respectively, according to the World Health Organization international standard. We have previously shown that values <10 and in the range of 10–23 were associated with higher risks of breakthrough infection (rate ratio, 11.6; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 3.4 to 39.5 and rate ratio, 6.0; 95% CI, 1.5 to 23.6, respectively). Clinical characteristics, including age, sex, diabetes status, and vaccine type, were similar among patients in both cohorts (i.e., patients completing the initial vaccination schedule [n=3041] and patients completing a booster dose [n=2720]). A majority (66% and 70%, respectively) of patients completed the initial vaccine series with the mRNA1273 vaccine. Nearly all patients (97%) who received a booster received the BNT162b2 vaccine. The median time between initial vaccine series and booster vaccination was 189 days. Whereas 81% (95% CI, 80% to 82%) of patients achieved an RBD IgG index value >23 after initial vaccination (including 88% and 76% who received the mRNA1273 and BNT162b2 vaccine, respectively), 97% (95% CI, 96% to 97%) did so in 14-60 day period after the booster. Among patients with data available from both time points (n=1431), 130 patients had an RBD IgG index value <10 after the initial vaccine series. Of these 130 patients, 106 (82%) developed an RBD IgG index value >23 after the booster vaccine. The antibody response to the initial vaccine series was inversely proportional to age; however, after a third dose of mRNA vaccine, older patients achieved nearly as robust a response as younger patients (Table 1). Table 1. - Prevalence of absent response among fully vaccinated individuals by vaccine type, age group, and overall between 14 and 60 days after completion of vaccine and booster Characteristics Completed Initial Schedule of Doses: Days 14 and 60, n=3041 Completed Booster Dose: Days 14 and 60, n=2720 n Receptor Binding Domain IgG <10 (95% Confidence Interval), n=377 Receptor Binding Domain IgG = 10–23 (95% Confidence Interval), n=202 Receptor Binding Domain IgG >23 (95% Confidence Interval), n=2462 n Receptor Binding Domain IgG <10 (95% Confidence Interval), n=45 Receptor Binding Domain IgG = 10–23 (95% Confidence Interval), n=49 Receptor Binding Domain IgG >23 (95% Confidence Interval), n=2626 Vaccine type (initial dose) a mRNA1273 1990 7 (5 to 8) 6 (5 to 7) 88 (86 to 89) 1902 1 (0.7 to 2) 2 (1 to 2) 97 (97 to 98) BNT162b2 832 16 (13 to 18) 9 (7 to 11) 76 (73 to 78) 815 3 (2 to 4) 3 (1 to 4) 95 (93 to 96) Ad26.COV2.S 219 60 (53 to 66) 4 (2 to 7) 36 (30 to 42) 3 NA NA NA Age group, yr b 18–44 225 8 (5 to 11) 3 (0.8 to 5) 89 (86 to 93) 229 — — 98 (96 to 100) 45–64 892 8 (7 to 10) 6 (4 to 8) 86 (84 to 88) 1026 1 (0.4 to 2) 1.1 (0.4 to 2) 98 (97 to 100) 65–80 1316 14 (12 to 16) 7 (5 to 8) 79 (77 to 81) 1032 2 (1 to 3) 1.8 (1 to 3) 96 (95 to 98) ≥80 608 19 (16 to 22) 9 (7 to 11) 73 (69 to 76) 433 3 (1 to 4) 4.3 (2 to 6) 93 (91 to 95) Overall c 12 (11 to 14) d 7 (6 to 8) d 81 (80 to 82) d 2 (1 to 2) d 2 (1 to 2) d 97 (96 to 97) d Data are percentage (95% confidence interval) obtained within 14–60 days after two doses of either the mRNA1273 or BNT162b2 vaccine and a single dose of the Ad26.COV2.S vaccine. NA, not available; —, insufficient data.aAdjusted for age and sex.bAdjusted for sex.cAdjusted for age, sex, and vaccine type.dOverall results. In this cohort of patients on dialysis from four US states, a majority of whom completed two doses of mRNA1273 and thereafter received BNT162b2 as the third dose, we observed a robust response to the booster dose. In the immediate postbooster period, >95% of patients achieved an antibody index value associated with enhanced protection against SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infection (3). These data are concordant with other studies from Europe and the United States, although the duration between the initial series and booster dose was longer than that published from European data (4,5). Response to the BNT162b2 vaccine booster after either the mRNA1273 or BNT162b2 initial vaccine series supports the so-called “mix and match” strategy, at least with respect to the mRNA vaccines. We had too few patients in the booster cohort who had initially received the Ad26.CoV2.S vaccine to assess the response to an mRNA booster in this group. We could not assess cellular immune response, although recent data indicate that humoral and cellular responses are concordant. Another limitation is the lack of data on prior SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infection. In summary, nearly all patients requiring maintenance dialysis who received a booster dose of mRNA vaccine developed a robust antibody response 14–60 days after vaccination. Perhaps most importantly, we found that a third dose of mRNA vaccine was effective in providing high levels of antibody among older patients who were not uniformly protected after the initial vaccine series. Disclosures G. Abra reports employment with Satellite Healthcare, consultancy agreements with Akebia, and serving in an advisory or leadership role for Nephrology News & Issues. S. Anand serves as a medical director at a Satellite Healthcare dialysis unit and reports consultancy agreements with GLG Group, honoraria from St. Rose Hospital (continuous medical education activity), and serving in an advisory or leadership role for CENCAM (unpaid) and i3C (International Society of Nephrology; unpaid). G.M. Chertow reports consultancy agreements with Akebia, Amgen, Ardelyx, AstraZeneca, Baxter, Cricket, DiaMedica, Gilead, Miromatrix, Reata, Sanifit, Unicycive, and Vertex; ownership interest in Ardelyx, CloudCath, Durect, DxNow, Eliaz Therapeutics, Outset, Physiowave, and PuraCath; research funding from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive (NIDDK) and Kidney Diseases; serving on the board of directors of Satellite Healthcare, a nonprofit dialysis provider, and as coeditor of Brenner & Rector’s The Kidney (Elsevier); and Data and Safety Monitoring Board service for Angion, Bayer, NIDDK, and ReCor. J. Parsonnet reports research funding from Gauss Surgical and serving in an advisory or leadership role for Doctors for America and Scrubs Addressing the Firearm Epidemic. B. Schiller reports employment with Satellite Healthcare; consultancy agreements with CVS, Quanta, and Rockwell Medical; ownership interest in Unicycive Therapeutics Inc.; serving in an advisory or leadership role for the board of directors at Unicycive; and speakers bureau for AstraZeneca. T. Shang and S. Sun report employment with Satellite Healthcare. All remaining authors have nothing to disclose. Funding S. Anand was supported by National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases grant R01DK127138. G.M. Chertow and M.E. Montez-Rath were supported by National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases grant K24DK085446.

Volumetric 3D printing for rapid production of medicines

Abstract: 3D printing (3DP), or additive manufacturing, has been actively investigated as one of the enabling technologies for the impending era of personalized medicines. However, existing 3DP technologies do not afford the speeds required for on-demand production of medicines in fast-paced clinical settings. Volumetric printing is a novel 3DP technology that offers rapid printing speed and overcomes the geometric and surface quality limitations of layer-based vat photopolymerization techniques. Unlike previous vat photopolymerization 3DP technologies, volumetric printing cures the entire desired 3D geometry simultaneously by exploiting the threshold behavior in the photopolymerization process that arise due to oxygen-induced polymerization inhibition. In this work, for the first time, a volumetric printer was used to fabricate drug-loaded 3D printed tablets (Printlets™) within seconds. Six resin formulations were evaluated using this printer, each composed of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) as the crosslinking monomer, lithium phenyl-2,4,6-trimethylbenzoylphosphinate (LAP) as the photoinitiator, and paracetamol as the model drug. Water or PEG300 were included as diluents in varying concentrations to facilitate drug release. Paracetamol-loaded Printlets were successfully fabricated within 17 s. Drug release rates could be tuned by altering the monomer-to-diluent ratio of the photosensitive resin, with a lower ratio releasing drug faster. The present work confirms the suitability of volumetric 3DP for printing drug products in a matter of seconds. Upon further optimization, this novel technology can enable rapid, on-demand fabrication of medicines and medical devices.

Egg yolk granules and phosvitin. Recent advances in food technology and applications

Abstract: Egg yolk is consumed all around the world because of its nutritional and functional properties. It can easily be separated by centrifugation into two fractions, the egg yolk granules and plasma fractions. In comparison with the plasma fraction, the granular fraction has a low content of lipids and cholesterol and a high content of proteins; on the other hand, the lipid-rich plasma fraction has gelling and emulsifying properties similar to those of whole egg yolk. Therefore, taking into consideration their different composition and functional properties, it would be advantageous to increase the value of whole egg yolk by making different use of each of its fractions. In this sense, while the egg yolk plasma could, to some extent, be used as a substitute for whole egg yolk, the range of applications for the granules is more reduced at present and further research into this fraction is required to increase the interest of the food industry in the egg yolk fractionation process. The egg yolk granular fraction is mainly composed of globular proteins, namely lipovitellins or high-density lipoproteins, linked to phosvitin by phosphocalcium bridges. Phosvitin is the most phosphorylated protein found in nature, and shows remarkable metal chelating, antioxidant, emulsifying and antimicrobial properties and, owing to these capacities, it has also the potential to be isolated and incorporated by the food industry as a functional ingredient. Thus, the aim of the present review is to show the most recent advances in the food-related applications developed by the research community for egg yolk granules and their isolated components.

$$ \mathcal{N} $$ = (1, 1) supersymmetric AdS3 in 10 dimensions

Abstract: Warped AdS$_3$ solutions in 10 dimensional supergravity that preserve ${\cal N}=(1,1)$ supersymmetry are considered. Sufficient geometric conditions for their existence, and to stop the AdS$_3$ factor experiencing an enhancement to AdS$_4$, are presented. The internal space of such solutions decomposes as a foliation of M$_6$ over an interval where M$_6$ supports either an SU(3)- or SU(2)-structure. The former case is classified in terms of torsion classes and new solutions are found