bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reliability Analysis of Bus Timetabling Strategy during the COVID-19 Epidemic: A Case Study of Yixing, China
Authors: Gao Liangpeng , Zheng Yue , Ji Yanjie , Fu Chenghong , Zhang Lihai
Published: February 2021

How to meet the daily demand for resident transport while limiting the transmission of infectious diseases is a problem of social responsibility of urban transport systems during major public health emergencies. Considering the novel coronavirus pneumonia epidemic (COVID-19), a bus timetable system based on the “if early, wait, and if late, leave soon” strategy is proposed. Based on public transport vehicle constraints in this system, the concept of reliability is introduced to evaluate public transport timetable systems, and a model based on an event tree is built to calculate the failure rate of urban bus timetables. Then, the public transport situation in Yixing city is used as an example to perform confirmatory analysis, and the fluctuations in the reliability of the bus timetable during the novel coronavirus pneumonia epidemic are discussed. The research results show that the method proposed in this paper can obtain the overall failure rate of urban bus timetable by traversing the calculation of each round-trip interval and achieve an accurate evaluation of the reliability of bus timetables. During the early, middle, and more recent stages of the COVID-19 outbreak, the failure rate of bus timetables in Yixing city initially decreased and then increased. In the early stage of the outbreak, the failure rate of the Yixing bus timetable was 7.8142. However, the failure rate decreased to 4.3306 and 5.0160 in the middle and late stages of the epidemic, respectively. In other words, the failure rate of the public transport network in the middle and late stages decreased by 44.58% and 35.81%, respectively, compared with that in the early stage. Thus, during major health emergencies, such as the novel coronavirus pneumonia outbreak, the reliability of the urban bus timetable system can be improved by at least 35%, and cross-infection at bus stations can be prevented. The research results verify the feasibility and reliability of the implementation of bus timetabling strategies during major health emergencies.
Analysis of a Stochastic Competitive Model with Distributed Time Delays and Jumps in a Polluted Environment
Authors: Zhang Taolin , Shao Yuanfu , She Xiaowan
Published: February 2021

In this paper, a stochastic competitive model with distributed time delays and Lévy jumps is formulated. With or without a polluted environment, the model is denoted by (M) or (M0), respectively. The existence of positive solution, persistence in mean, and extinction of species for (M) and (M0) are both studied. The sufficient criteria of stability in distribution for model (M) is obtained. Finally, some numerical simulations are given to illustrate our theoretical results.
Exposure to 50 Hz Extremely‐Low‐Frequency Magnetic Fields Induces No DNA Damage in Cells by Gamma H2AX Technology
Authors: Lv Ye , Chen Shuchang , Zhu Bing , Xu Hong , Xu Shanshan , Liu Weiyan , Shen Yunyun , Zeng Qunli
Published: February 2021

The current results for extremely‐low‐frequency magnetic fields (ELF‐MF) on DNA damage are still debated. A sensitive indicator and systematic research are needed to assess the effects of ELF‐MF. In this study, we used γH2AX as an early and sensitive molecular marker to evaluate the DNA damage effects of ELF‐MF in vitro. Human amnion epithelial cells (FLs), human skin fibroblast cells (HSFs), and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were exposed to 50 Hz ELF‐MF at 0.4, 1, and 2 mT for 15 min, 1 h, and 24 h, respectively. After exposure, cells were subjected to γH2AX immunofluorescence and western blot. The results showed no significant difference in the average number of foci per cell, the percentage of γH2AX foci‐positive cells, or the expression of γH2AX between the sham and 50 Hz ELF‐MF exposure groups (P > 0.05). In conclusion, 50 Hz ELF‐MF did not induce DNA damage in FLs, HSFs, or HUVECs, which was independent of the intensity or duration of the exposure.
The Bony Resection Accuracy with Patient‐Specific Instruments during Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Case Series Study
Authors: Yuan Liang , Yang Bin , Wang Xiaohua , Sun Bin , Zhang Ke , Yan Yichen , Liu Jie , Yao Jie
Published: February 2021

Purpose. Bony resection is the primary step during total knee arthroplasty. The accuracy of bony resection was highly addressed because it was deemed to have a good relationship with mechanical line. Patient‐specific instruments (PSI) were invented to copy the bony resection references from the preoperative surgical plan during a total knee arthroplasty (TKA); however, the accuracy still remains controversial. This study was aimed at finding out the accuracy of the bony resection during PSI‐assisted TKA. Methods. Forty‐two PSI‐assisted TKAs (based on full‐length leg CT images) were analyzed retrospectively. Resected bones of every patient were given a CT scan, and three‐dimensional radiographs were reconstructed. The thickness of each bony resection was measured with the three‐dimensional radiographs and recorded. The saw blade thickness (1.27 mm) was added to the measurements, and the results represented intraoperative bone resection thickness. A comparison between intraoperative bone resection thickness and preoperatively planned thickness was conducted. The differences were calculated, and the outliers were defined as >3 mm. Results. The distal femoral condyle had the most accurate bone cuts with the smallest difference (median, 1.0 mm at the distal medial femoral condyle and 0.8 mm at the distal lateral femoral condyle) and the least outliers (none at the distal medial femoral condyle and 1 (2.4%) at the distal lateral femoral condyle). The tibial plateau came in second (median difference, 0.8 mm at the medial tibial plateau and 1.4 mm at the lateral tibial plateau; outliers, none at the medial tibial plateau and 1 (2.6%) at the lateral tibial plateau). Regardless of whether the threshold was set to >2 mm (14 (17.9%) at the tibial plateau vs. 12 (14.6%) at the distal femoral condyle, p > 0.05) or >3 mm (1 (1.3%) at the tibial plateau vs. 1 (1.2%) at the distal femoral condyle, p > 0.05), the accuracy of tibial plateau osteotomy was similar to that of the distal femoral condyle. Osteotomy accuracy at the posterior femoral condyle and the anterior femoral condyle were the worst. Outliers were up to 6 (15.0%) at the posterior medial femoral condyle, 5 (12.2%) at the posterior lateral femoral condyle, and 6 (15.8%) at the anterior femoral condyle. The percentages of overcut and undercut tended to 50% in most parts except the lateral tibial plateau. At the lateral tibial plateau, the undercut percentage was twice that of the overcut. Conclusion. The tibial plateau and the distal femoral condyle share a similar accuracy of osteotomy with PSI. PSI have a generally good accuracy during the femur and tibia bone resection in TKA. PSI could be a kind of user‐friendly tool which can simplify TKA with good accuracy. Level of Evidence. This is a Level IV case series with no comparison group.
Anti‐Inflammatory Effects of Antarctic Lichen Umbilicaria antarctica Methanol Extract in Lipopolysaccharide‐Stimulated RAW 264.7 Macrophage Cells and Zebrafish Model
Authors: Hong Ju-Mi , Kim Jung Eun , Min Seul Ki , Kim Kyung Hee , Han Se Jong , Yim Joung Han , Park Hyun , Kim Jin-Hyoung , Kim Il-Chan
Published: February 2021

Umbilicaria antarctica (UA) is a member of the family Umbilicariaceae. To the best of our knowledge, no studies on its anti‐inflammatory effects have been reported yet. In the present study, we examined its ability to suppress inflammatory responses and the molecular mechanisms underlying these abilities using lipopolysaccharide‐ (LPS‐) stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and a zebrafish model of inflammation. We investigated the effects of UA on the production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in LPS‐stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. To explore the anti‐inflammatory mechanisms of UA, we measured the mRNA and protein expression of proinflammatory mediators in LPS‐stimulated RAW 264.7 cells using quantitative RT‐PCR and western blot analyses, respectively. UA significantly inhibited the production of NO, PGE2, interleukin‐ (IL‐) 6, and tumor necrosis factor‐ (TNF‐) α in the LPS‐stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. It also suppressed the mRNA and protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), and nuclear factor‐ (NF‐) κB activation in LPS‐stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and tail pin‐cutting‐induced zebrafish model. Collectively, these findings indicate that UA significantly inhibits LPS‐stimulated inflammatory responses. These effects were considered to be strongly associated with the suppression of NF‐κB activation. Overall, our results demonstrate that UA extract exerts strong anti‐inflammatory activities in in vitro and in vivo models and suggest that UA may be an effective novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
Standard Propagation Channel Models for MIMO Communication Systems
Authors: Imoize Agbotiname Lucky , Ibhaze Augustus Ehiremen , Atayero Aderemi A. , Kavitha K. V. N.
Published: February 2021

The field of wireless communication networks has witnessed a dramatic change over the last decade due to sophisticated technologies deployed to satisfy various demands peculiar to different data‐intensive wireless applications. Consequently, this has led to the aggressive use of the available propagation channels to fulfill the minimum quality of service (QoS) requirement. A major barometer used to gauge the performance of a wireless communication system is the spectral efficiency (SE) of its communication channels. A key technology used to improve SE substantially is the multiple input multiple output (MIMO) technique. This article presents a detailed survey of MIMO channel models in wireless communication systems. First, we present the general MIMO channel model and identified three major MIMO channel models, viz., the physical, analytical, and standardized models. The physical models describe the MIMO channel using physical parameters. The analytical models show the statistical features of the MIMO channel with respect to the measured data. The standardized models provide a unified framework for modern radio propagation architecture, advanced signal processing, and cutting‐edge multiple access techniques. Additionally, we examined the strengths and limitations of the existing channel models and discussed model design, development, parameterization, implementation, and validation. Finally, we present the recent 3GPP‐based 3D channel model, the transitioning from 2D to 3D channel modeling, discuss open issues, and highlight vital lessons learned for future research exploration in MIMO communication systems.
Constitutive Androstane Receptor-Mediated Inhibition of Metformin on Phase II Metabolic Enzyme SULT2A1
Authors: Hu Xiaowen , Li Mengsiyu , Zhang Chunxue , Pang Shuguang
Published: February 2021

Background. Metformin, as a first-line treatment for diabetes, interacts with many protein kinases and transcription factors which affect the expression of downstream target genes governing drug metabolism. Sulfotransferase, SULT2A1, one phase II metabolic enzyme, sulfonates both xenobiotic and endobiotic compounds to accelerate drug excretion. Herein, we designed experiments to investigate the effects and mechanisms of metformin on SULT2A1 expression in vitro. Methods. The hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, HepaRG, was cultured with different concentrations of metformin. The cell viability was measured using CCK8 kit. HepaRG was used to evaluate the protein expression of pregnane X receptor (PXR), the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), SULT2A1, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and phosphorylation of AMPK (p-AMPK), respectively, at different concentrations of metformin with or without rifampin (human PXR activator) and CITCO (human CAR activator). The coregulators with CAR on SULT2A1 promoter response elements have also been characterized. Results. We showed that metformin did not affect the basic expression of SULT2A1 but could suppress the expression of SULT2A1 induced by the activator of human CAR. Investigations revealed that metformin which could block CAR nuclear translocation further suppress SULT2A1. In addition, we found that the prevented CAR transfer into the nucleus by metformin was partially an AMPK-dependent event. Conclusion. The present study indicated that the activation of AMPK-CAR pathway mediated the suppression of SULT2A1 by metformin. Metformin may affect the metabolism and clearance of drugs which are SULT2A1 substrates. The results that emerged from this work provide substantial insights into an appropriate medication in the treatment of diabetes patients.
Assessment of Some Physicochemical Parameters and Heavy Metals in Hand-Dug Well Water Samples of Kafta Humera Woreda, Tigray, Ethiopia
Authors: Gebresilasie Kiros Gebremichail , Berhe Goitom Gebreyohannes , Tesfay Amanual Hadera , Gebre Samuel Estifanos
Published: February 2021

Groundwater is one of the most important sources of drinking water in Kafta Humera Woreda; hence, it is important to assess the quality of these water sources. The aim of this study was to assess the levels of some physicochemical parameters and heavy metals in hand-dug well water sources of Kafta Humera Woreda. The results showed that the physicochemical concentrations of the hand-dug well water samples were given as follows: temperature, 27.67 ± 0.15 to 28.30 ± 0.25°C; pH, 6.90 ± 0.33 to 8.20 ± 0.36; dissolved oxygen, 5.60 ± 0.06 to 6.2 ± 0.04 mg/L; turbidity, 1.67 ± 0.02 to 1.89 ± 0.03 NTU; EC, 148.50 ± 0.89 to 932.00 ± 0.98 μS/cm; TDS, 105.80 ± 0.62 to 664.28 ± 0.70 mg/L; total hardness, 71.80 ± 3.05 to 295.30 ± 2.38 mg/L; total alkalinity, 75 ± 5.0 to 215 ± 5.0 mg/L; calcium, 12.02 ± 0.82 to 75.88 ± 0.93 mg/L; magnesium, 9.80 ± 0.80 to 25.70 ± 0.17 mg/L; potassium, 0.130 ± 0.003 to 0.86 ± 0.04 mg/L; sodium, 2.20 ± 0.16 to 12.75 ± 0.87 mg/L; chloride, 12.86 ± 0.02 to 42.72 ± 0.20 mg/L; sulfate, 17.24 ± 0.96 to 118.67 ± 0.46 mg/L; phosphate, 0.018 ± 0.005 to 0.020 ± 0.002 mg/L; and nitrate, 1.86 ± 0.03 to 5.43 ± 0.06 mg/L. Generally, the concentrations of most physicochemical parameters of the hand-dug well water samples of Kafta Humera Woreda were within the permissible limit of World Health Organization and Ethiopian Standard Agency guideline for drinking water. The statistical Pearson’s correlation analysis on the water quality parameters revealed that all parameters are more or less correlated with each other. Electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids of the water samples were found to be significantly correlated with total hardness (r = 0.989), total alkalinity (r = 0.827), calcium (r = 0.988), magnesium (r = 0.881), sodium (r = 0.995), potassium(r = 0.996), chloride (r = 0.998), sulfate (r = 1), and nitrate ions (r = 0.972). Out of the selected seven heavy metals, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Cr, Cd, and Pb, only iron was detected in all water samples and its concentration was above the permissible limit of WHO and ESA for drinking water. Therefore, the government should adopt some treatment technologies such as sedimentation and aeration to minimize the concentration of iron for safe drinking the water to the community of Kafta Humera Woreda.
Transaction Prediction in Blockchain: A Negative Link Prediction Algorithm Based on the Sentiment Analysis and Balance Theory
Authors: Yuan Ling , Bin JiaLi , Wei YinZhen , Hu Zhihua , Sun Ping
Published: February 2021

User relationship prediction in the transaction of Blockchain is to predict whether a transaction will occur between two users in the future, which can be abstracted into the link prediction problem. The link prediction can be categorized into the positive one and the negative one. However, the existing negative link prediction algorithms mainly consider the number of negative user interactions and lack the full use of emotion characteristics in user interactions. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a negative link prediction algorithm based on the sentiment analysis and balance theory. Firstly, the user interaction matrix is constructed based on calculating the intensity of emotion polarity for social network texts, and a reliability weight matrix (noted as RW‐matrix) is constructed based on the user interaction matrix to measure the reliability of negative links. Secondly, with the RW‐matrix, a negative link prediction algorithm is proposed based on the structural balance theory by constructing negative link sample sets and extracting sample features. To evaluate the performance of the negative link prediction algorithm proposed, the variable management method is used to analyze the influence of negative sample control error and other parameters on the accuracy of it. Compared with the existing prediction benchmark algorithms, the experimental results demonstrate that the proposed negative link prediction algorithm can improve the accuracy of prediction significantly and deliver good performances.
A Review Development of Digital Library Resources at University Level
Authors: Kato Agrey , Kisangiri Michael , Kaijage Shubi
Published: February 2021

This study considered the development, awareness, adoption, and usage of digital library (DL) resources at the university level. To develop and implement a successful electronic library resource system, it is vital to review the success factors and identify the most important technological aspects of DL resources. Electronic library information technology was described and grouped into several categories that influence user satisfaction in a DL context. These are open access to information, the facility of access, uncomplicated interface design, high quality of the communication process, Internet performance, performance assurance service, ease of communication via social network, and patron-driven acquisition. With these important features of DL services, the simplicity of accessing online information and the performance of DL utilities have become of paramount importance. Several research works were therefore reviewed and evaluated to determine the usability of DL services; thereafter, the design of the DL discovery system was developed through Blacklight open-source software.
Meloxicam and/or Etoricoxib Could Be Administered Safely in Two Equal Doses during an Open Oral Challenge in Patients with Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug Hypersensitivity
Authors: Rojas-Mejía Dolly Vanessa , Silva Espinosa Diana Lucía , Martínez Diana Marcela , Ramírez Zuluaga Luis Fernando , Serrano Reyes Carlos Daniel
Published: February 2021

Background: Hypersensitivity reactions to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are common. These patients require an effective and safe analgesic alternative. Objective: The aim of the study was to demonstrate the safety of meloxicam and etoricoxib administered by open oral challenge in 2 equal steps in patients with NSAID hypersensitivity. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study of patients with a diagnosis of NSAID hypersensitivity who underwent an oral drug provocation test (DPT) with meloxicam or etoricoxib between January 2011 and August 2017 was conducted. The analysis was performed from a database in BD Clinic. Results: Two hundred and twenty-eight oral provocations were performed with an alternative NSAID (203 with meloxicam and 25 with etoricoxib) in 217 patients with hypersensitivity to NSAIDs. The median age was 38 years. Ninety-eight percent of meloxicam and 100% of etoricoxib DPTs were performed in 2 steps (without previous placebo), and 52% and 64% of meloxicam and etoricoxib DPTs, respectively, were performed with 50% of the therapeutic dose in each step. Tolerance to meloxicam was demonstrated in 192 patients (94.5%) and in 100% of patients receiving etoricoxib. Conclusions: Open oral provocation with meloxicam and etoricoxib carried out in 2 steps without placebo seems to be safe and implies less costs and less time expenditure. Also, it could be performed with 2 equal doses.
Outcomes in Living Donor Kidney Transplantation: The Role of Donor’s Kidney Function
Authors: Torreggiani Massimo , Esposito Ciro , Martinelli Elena , Jouve Thomas , Chatrenet Antoine , Rostaing Lionel , Colucci Marco , Pasquinucci Ettore , Sileno Giuseppe , Esposito Vittoria , Piccoli Giorgina B. , Malvezzi Paolo
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Living donor kidney transplant (LDKT) is one of the best therapeutic options for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Guidelines identify different estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) thresholds to determine the eligibility of donors. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether pretransplant donor eGFR was associated with kidney function in the recipient. Methods: We retrospectively studied LDKT recipients who received a kidney graft between September 1, 2005, and June 30, 2016 in the same transplant center in France and that had eGFR data available at 3, 12, 24, and 36 months posttransplant. Results: We studied 90 donor-recipient pairs. The average age at time of transplant was 51.47 ± 10.95 for donors and 43.04 ± 13.52 years for recipients. Donors’ average eGFR was 91.99 ± 15.37 mL/min/1.73 m2. Donor’s age and eGFR were significantly correlated (p < 0.0001, r2 0.023). Donor’s age and eGFR significantly correlated with recipient’s eGFR at 3, 12, and 24 months posttransplant (age: p < 0.001 at all intervals; eGFR p = 0.001, 0.003, and 0.016, respectively); at 36 months, only donor’s age significantly correlated with recipient’s eGFR. BMI, gender match, and year of kidney transplant did not correlate with graft function. In the multivariable analyses, donor’s eGFR and donor’s age were found to be associated with graft function; correlation with eGFR was lost at 36 months; and donor’s age retained a strong correlation with graft function at all intervals (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Donor’s eGFR and age are strong predictors of recipient’s kidney function at 3 years. We suggest that donor’s eGFR should be clinically balanced with other determinants of kidney function and in particular with age.
Pulmonary Gas Exchange Improves over the First Year in Preterm Infants with and without Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Authors: Choi Y. Jane , Stoecklin Benjamin , Hemy Naomi R. , Hall Graham L. , Doherty Dorota A. , Simpson Shannon J. , Pillow J. Jane
Published: February 2021

Background: Right shift of the peripheral oxyhaemoglobin saturation (SpO2) versus inspired oxygen pressure (PIO2) curve is a sensitive marker of pulmonary gas exchange. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of prematurity and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) on gas exchange and right-to-left shunt in the neonatal period, and its evolution over the first year of life. Method: We assessed shift and shunt in extremely preterm (EP) and very preterm (VP) infants at 36 and 44 weeks’ postmenstrual age (PMA), and at 1-year corrected postnatal age (cPNA). PIO2 was decreased stepwise to achieve SpO2 between 85 and 98%. Shift and shunt were calculated from paired SpO2/PIO2 measurements using customized software. Results were examined cross-sectionally at each time point, and longitudinally using generalized linear regression. Term infants were assessed at 44 wk PMA as a comparative reference. Results: Longitudinal modelling showed continuous decline in shift in EP and VP infants during the first year of life. There was no difference in shift compared to term infants at 44 wk PMA (p = 0.094). EP infants with BPD had higher shift than infants without BPD at 36 wk PMA (p < 0.001) and 44 wk PMA (p = 0.005) but not at 1-year cPNA. Conclusions: In the absence of lung disease, prematurity per se did not result in reduced gas exchange at 1-year cPNA. We report ongoing, significant improvements in pulmonary gas exchange in all preterm infants during the first year of life, despite evidence of early deficits in gas exchange in EP infants with BPD.
Identification of Polyomaviruses in Skin Cancers
Authors: Costa Pedro V.A. , Ishiy Patricia S. , Urbano Paulo R.P. , Romano Camila M. , Tyring Stephen K. , Oliveira Walmar R.P. , Festa-Neto Cyro
Published: February 2021

Background: Polyomaviruses (PyVs) were initially described in animals. They have also been detected in humans with some evidence that could play a role in skin carcinogenesis. Objectives: This study aimed to verify the presence of PyVs in different skin tumour samples and to make clinical correlations with patients’ epidemiological data from Clinics Hospital of Medical School of University of São Paulo, Brazil. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. A random selection was performed of 120 patients with histopathological exams of different cutaneous neoplasms equally divided into 6 groups and 20 patients with normal skin. The available skin specimens were analysed with 2 different techniques of PCR (conventional and real time) for detection of PyV DNA. Concomitantly, retrospective analysis of the respective medical records for the collection of epidemiological data was done. Analyses suitable for categorical data were used to compare the proportion of patients in each group. Results: PyV DNA was found in 25.69% of the samples: 15% in basal cell carcinoma group, 15% in squamous cell carcinoma, 28.57% in melanoma, 15% in dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, 13.33% in Kaposi sarcoma, 65% in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), and none in normal skin. Merkel cell PyV detection was statistically significant in MCC patients (p value <0.01), but no correlations were found between PyVs and others skin tumours. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the presence of PyVs in different skin tumours; however, no association of any PyVs found in any skin tumour with epidemiological data could be shown. Further studies are still needed to elucidate the mechanisms of PyVs in skin carcinogenesis.
International Observational Survey of the Effectiveness of Personal Protective Equipment during Endoscopic Procedures Performed in Patients with COVID-19
Authors: Niikura Ryota , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro , Nakai Yousuke , Matsuda Koji , Kawahara Takuya , Yamada Atsuo , Tsuji Yosuke , Hayakawa Yoku , Koike Kazuhiko
Published: February 2021

Introduction and Aims: This international survey was performed to evaluate the cumulative incidence of nosocomial novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among healthcare professionals during endoscopic procedures. Methods: We performed an international web-based self-reported questionnaire survey. Participants completed the questionnaires every week for 12 weeks. The questionnaire elicited responses regarding the development of COVID-19 and details of the personal protective equipment (PPE) used. Results: All 483 participants were included in the analysis. Participants had a mean age of 42.3 years and comprised 68.3% males. The geographic distribution of the study population was Asia (89.2%), Europe (2.9%), North and South America (4.8%), Oceania (0.6%), and Africa (1.5%). The most common endoscopy-related role of the participants was endoscopist (78.7%), and 74.5% had >10 years of experience. Fourteen participants had performed 83 endoscopic procedures in patients positive for COVID-19. During the mean follow-up period of 4.95 weeks, there were no cases of COVID-19 when treating COVID-19 positive patients. The most common PPE used by participants treating patients with COVID-19 was a surgical mask plus N95 mask plus face shield, goggles, cap, long-sleeved isolation gown, and single pair of gloves. The most common PPE used by participants treating patients without COVID-19 was a surgical mask, no face shield but goggles, cap, long-sleeved isolation gown, and single pair of gloves during all endoscopic procedures. Conclusions: The risk of COVID-19 transmission during any endoscopic procedure was low in clinical practice.
Prurigo Pigmentosa: Demographics and Characteristics in 14 Caucasian Patients
Authors: Page Gonzague , Page Basile , Beltraminelli Helmut , Borradori Luca , Schlapbach Christoph
Published: February 2021

Background: Prurigo pigmentosa (PP) is an inflammatory dermatosis typically reported in young Asian women and characterized by recurrent papulovesicular lesions resolving with a postinflammatory reticulated hyperpigmentation. Methods: We have included all consecutive patients with PP diagnosed in our tertiary center between 2013 and 2020. The clinical information was retrospectively collected from medical records. Results: We identified 14 patients with PP. The median age at the time of diagnosis was 29.5 years (range 17–43 years), while the female-to-male ratio was 13:1. Diagnostic delay varied from 10 days to 10 years (mean of 25 months). Light microscopy studies consistently showed presence of a lymphohistiocytic infiltrate in combination in 40% of cases with neutrophils. Interface changes were found in 60% of cases. In 6 (43%) of 14 cases, there was a chronological relationship between the starting of a new diet and the development of the first flares. Treatment with doxycycline in 9 patients resulted in a complete regression of the lesions. Limitation: This was a retrospective study in a tertiary referral hospital. Conclusions: Our observations indicate that PP is not so rare in Europe as previously thought and is often diagnosed after a long delay. Demographics, clinical characteristics and triggering factors in Caucasian patients are similar to those described in the Asian population. Diagnosis is based on the peculiar recurrent course and distinctive clinicopathological features. Tetracyclines represent the first-line therapy in PP.
Performance Comparison of GeneXpert MTB/RIF and ProbeTec ET Tests for Rapid Molecular Diagnosis of Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis in a Low TB/MDR-TB Incidence Country
Authors: Mokaddas Eiman , Ahmad Suhail , Eldeen Hanaa
Published: February 2021

Objective: This study evaluated the performance of GeneXpert MTB/RIF (Xpert) and ProbeTec ET (PTec-ET) assays in diagnosing extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) in Kuwait. Materials and Methods: We tested nonrespiratory clinical specimens (n = 3,995) collected from 3,995 patients suspected to have EPTB. These included cavitary fluids (n = 2,054), fine-needle aspirate (FNA)/pus/tissue biopsy (n = 1,461), urine (n = 302), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF, n = 118), and others (n = 60). All specimens were processed for acid-fast bacilli (AFB), culture in mycobacteria growth indicator tube 960 system, and nucleic acid detection by Xpert and PTec-ET according to manufacturer’s instructions. Results: Of 3,995 specimens, 95 were AFB-positive, 403 were culture-positive, and an additional 86 samples had histopathology suggestive of TB. Using culture as reference, the sensitivity and specificity values were 88.33 and 97.3% for Xpert and 72.95 and 97.80% for PTec-ET, respectively. Although performance of both tests was comparable in AFB-positive samples, Xpert detected significantly more cases in culture-positive samples. Among culture-negative samples, Xpert detected 18 more cases including 16 with histopathological evidence of TB. Lowest positivity was detected for both tests in cavitary fluids. Xpert performed better than PTec-ET in culture-positive FNA/pus/tissue biopsy and CSF samples. Conclusions: Although performance of both tests was suboptimal for AFB-negative/culture-positive samples, Xpert performed better than PTec-ET and also detected more cases of AFB-negative/culture-negative/histopathology-positive samples. PTec-ET was positive in 3, while Xpert was positive in all 6 culture-positive CSF specimens for rapid diagnosis of TB meningitis. Xpert was thus superior to PTec-ET or smear microscopy in rapid diagnosis of EPTB.
An Analysis of Contribution From Hotel and Restaurant Taxes to Manado City District Own Revenue
Authors: Wauran Anita Ludia Vivian
Published: February 2021

One of the efforts in financing regional development is to increase re-gional income sourced from regional taxes. The Manado City Govern-ment in carrying out the effort to increase the regional tax is carried out by the Regional Tax and Retribution Management Agency as a place to carry out the Regional Government's authority in the context of decentralization in the area of regional income, especially in the area of Manado's local tax.The source of revenue from District Own Search Revenue ofManado City comes from local taxes, such as hotel taxes, restaurants, entertainment, billboards, parking, water and land taxes, swallow nests, Land and Building taxes P2, BPHTB, PLN and Non PLN Street lighting taxes, minerals non metal and rock.This researchaims to find out how much the contribution of hotel and res-taurant taxes can be generated as District Own Search Revenue with the growth of tourism that continues to increase coupled with the growth of hotels and restaurants in Manado City, with the benefits of the research is expected to provide input to the Manado City govern-ment in efforts to increase District Own Search Revenue through ho-tel and restaurant taxes.This researchuses a contribution analysis, with the average contribution of hotel and restaurant tax realization to District Own Search Revenue per year of 7.06% and the level of effectiveness of hotel and restaurant taxes running fluctuations from year to year.
Use of Comparative Symbols Based on Data Type to Formulate a Questionnaire
Authors: Faizal Mochammad , Hidayatullah Mochammad Rizky , Putra Aulia Kharisma
Published: February 2021

When it comes to using the unit of a number, some researchers can-not distinguish when to use the comparison symbol while designing a questionnaire. This study will discuss how the use of comparative symbols by the type of data in the questionnaire questionsthrough literature studies. It can be concluded that the use of comparison symbols in the questionnaire options cannot be done when the nom-inal data type is used. The results of this study can be implemented for designing a research instrument that uses a comparison symbol on the question options.
Excessive
O
-GlcNAcylation Causes Heart Failure and Sudden Death
Authors: Umapathi Priya , Mesubi Olurotimi O. , Banerjee Partha S. , Abrol Neha , Wang Qinchuan , Luczak Elizabeth D. , Wu Yuejin , Granger Jonathan M. , Wei An-Chi , Reyes Gaido Oscar E. , Florea Liliana , Talbot C. Conover , Hart Gerald W. , Zachara Natasha E. , Anderson Mark E.
Published: February 2021

Background:

Heart failure is a leading cause of death worldwide and is associated with the rising prevalence of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.
O
-GlcNAcylation (the attachment of
O
-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine [
O
-GlcNAc] moieties to cytoplasmic, nuclear, and mitochondrial proteins) is a posttranslational modification of intracellular proteins and serves as a metabolic rheostat for cellular stress. Total levels of
O
-GlcNAcylation are determined by nutrient and metabolic flux, in addition to the net activity of 2 enzymes:
O
-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) and
O
-GlcNAcase (OGA). Failing myocardium is marked by increased
O
-GlcNAcylation, but whether excessive
O
-GlcNAcylation contributes to cardiomyopathy and heart failure is unknown.

Methods:

We developed 2 new transgenic mouse models with myocardial overexpression of OGT and OGA to control
O
-GlcNAcylation independent of pathologic stress.

Results:

We found that OGT transgenic hearts showed increased
O
-GlcNAcylation and developed severe dilated cardiomyopathy, ventricular arrhythmias, and premature death. In contrast, OGA transgenic hearts had lower
O
-GlcNAcylation but identical cardiac function to wild-type littermate controls. OGA transgenic hearts were resistant to pathologic stress induced by pressure overload with attenuated myocardial
O
-GlcNAcylation levels after stress and decreased pathologic hypertrophy compared with wild-type controls. Interbreeding OGT with OGA transgenic mice rescued cardiomyopathy and premature death, despite persistent elevation of myocardial OGT. Transcriptomic and functional studies revealed disrupted mitochondrial energetics with impairment of complex I activity in hearts from OGT transgenic mice. Complex I activity was rescued by OGA transgenic interbreeding, suggesting an important role for mitochondrial complex I in
O
-GlcNAc–mediated cardiac pathology.

Conclusions:

Our data provide evidence that excessive
O
-GlcNAcylation causes cardiomyopathy, at least in part, attributable to defective energetics. Enhanced OGA activity is well tolerated and attenuation of
O
-GlcNAcylation is beneficial against pressure overload–induced pathologic remodeling and heart failure. These findings suggest that attenuation of excessive
O
-GlcNAcylation may represent a novel therapeutic approach for cardiomyopathy.
Genome-wide SSR marker development and application in genetic diversity analysis of the red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1852) in China
Authors: Sun Junxiao , Peng Guohui , Xiong Lijing , Tan Cong , Li Yanhe , Bai Xufeng
Published: February 2021

The red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1852), is currently an economically important aquaculture animal. Its genetic basis has been scarcely reported, however, partly due to the absence of abundant molecular markers in the genome. In this study, Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) loci were mined, based on genome survey sequencing via the next generation sequence of the red swamp crayfish. A total of 4897 SSR loci were identified, with the most abundant type being the di-nucleotide repeat motifs (75.2%), followed by tri- (20.4%), tetra- (3.8%), penta- (0.5%), and hexanucleotide (0.2%) repeats. In total, 1546 SSR markers were validated to be amplified, and 721 of these were identified as polymorphic SSR markers. Fifty polymorphic SSR markers were randomly selected for the identification of the genetic diversity of the 14 red swamp crayfish populations in China. The expected and observed heterozygosity and polymorphism information content were 0.39, 0.30, and 0.29, respectively, on average. The results indicated a medium genetic diversity among the 14 investigated populations. These probably cluster into three genetic populations. The current study provides abundant genetic markers and information on the 14 populations, which can be helpful for genetic diversity estimation and molecular breeding of the red swamp crayfish.
The nomenclature, identity and synonyms of Cancer vocans minor Herbst, 1782 and Gelasimus caerulens Adams, 1847 (Decapoda, Brachyura, Ocypodidae)
Authors: Shih Hsi-Te , Low Martyn E. Y. , Ng Peter K. L.
Published: February 2021

The nomenclature of two ocypodid names, Cancer vocans minor Herbst, 1782 and Gelasimus caerulens Adams, 1847, is discussed, because their identities have remained unresolved. The former is identified with Gelasimus annulipes H. Milne Edwards, 1837, and the latter with Mesuca (Latuca) paradussumieri Bott, 1973. To conserve the current and widespread usage of both junior synonyms, Article 23.9 of the Zoological Code is applied to reverse precedence. Neotypes are also designated for both species.
De La Parole aux Videos. Oralite, Ecriture et Oralite Mediatique Dans la Production Culturelle Amazigh (Berbere)
Authors: Merolla Daniela
Published: February 2021

From the Spoken Word to Video: Orality, Literacy, Mediated Orality, and the Amazigh (Berber) Cultural Production

This article presents new directions in Tamazight/Berber artistic productions. The development of theatre, films and videos in Tamazight are set in the framework of the historical and literary background in the Maghreb and in the lands of Amazigh Diaspora.

It also includes the interview with the video-maker and director Agouram Salout.
'Traditionele' Leiders en Instellingen in Somaliland. Een Somalische Staat in Opbouw
Authors: Renders Marleen
Published: February 2021

'Traditional' leaders and institutions in Somaliland. A Somali state under construction.

This article addresses the prominence of ‘traditional’ leaders and institutions in the Somaliland’s “success-story” of political reconstruction after a violent conflict. Can the Somaliland experience be replicated and serve as a model for other cases of problematic statehood? Through an analysis of the Somaliland case, the article shows that one can not simply ‘use’ traditional leaders and institutions. They are not a-political entities or concepts. They are adaptable and have a dynamic of their own. The 'traditional' order is profoundly connected with 'non-traditional' orders i.e. 'modem' political leaders and institutions. How both develop and interact is contingent upon an aggregate of factors which develop over a long period of time. This set of factors include so-called 'structural' ones as well as ones that are more ‘agency’-related. This aggregation of factors makes the Somali/and experience difficult to replicate. 'Traditional' leaders and institutions are not magic bullets, not a one-fits-all in cases of problematic statehood. They should not be viewed as a-political components of some 'appropriate governance technology' that will provide leaders and institutions supposedly adapted to a timeless 'African situation and culture'.
Ethiopia: Constitutional Protection of Ethnic Minorities at The Regional Level
Authors: Van der Beken Christophe
Published: February 2021

Ethiopia: Constitutional Protection of Ethnic Minorities at the Regional Level

It is argued that in order to evaluate the capacity of the Ethiopian federal structure to accommodate ethnic diversity and to regulate ethnic conflicts, the research cannot be limited to an analysis of the constitutional mechanisms at the federal level. One of the crucial features of the Ethiopian federal structure is that it provides its nine regions with the power to enact their internal constitutions. This implies that each and every region has the power to develop its own internal state structure, within a minimum federal framework. From here it follows that the federal structure to have the potential to lay the foundations for a viable Ethiopian state, it is essential that not only the federal but also the regional constitutional mechanisms have the capacity to realize unity in diversity. As is explained in this article, not a single Ethiopian region is ethnically homogeneous. The ethnic diversity which characterizes the federal level is therefore also present at the regional level. Therefore, when evaluating the capacity of the Ethiopian state structure to accomplish unity in diversity one also has to include an analysis of the regional mechanisms. The latter analysis is the core objective of this article.
The Protection of Land Rights in Ethiopia
Authors: Wray Witten Montgomery
Published: February 2021

The Protection of Land Rights in Ethiopia

Protection of land rights takes place within a complex interconnected environment of constantly changing domestic institutions and organizations at the federal, state and local levels of society. Usually these institutions and organizations function imperfectly, are the subject of a variety of ongoing reforms, and are poorly understood by those who seek to change them. These statements are as true of rich countries as of poor, but poverty does matter. This paper frames the Ethiopian environment within an Ecology of Land Rights Protection, presents examples of the current mixture of outcomes, and concludes with observations about the work of the Mekelle University Law Faculty in improving human rights protection.
From “Patrimoine partagé” to “whose heritage”? Critical reflections on colonial built heritage in the city of Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Lagae Johan
Published: February 2021

This paper questions the binary structure of the notion “shared heritage”/“patrimoine partagé” that has emerged in recent debates on built heritage in former colonial territories. In the discourses of, for instance, ICOMOS, the notion stands for a heritage “shared” by former “colonizers” and former “colonized”, both categories being considered – albeit often implicitly – as homogenous entities. In line with Stuart Hall, I will argue for an approach to colonial built heritage that takes up the more complex nature of the question “whose heritage?” By focusing on the remarkable colonial built architecture of the city of Lubumbashi, situated in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, I will make a plea for re-thinking and re-positioning this legacy as a critical filter between colonial history and postcolonial memory, thus extending traditional standards of documenting built legacy through formal description and physical assessment that often isolate buildings from their urban as well as historical contexts (social, economic, cultural and/or political). Being influenced by the work of the Mémoires de Lubumbashi-group as well as recent scholarship in the field of architectural history informed by postcolonial studies, the approach on built heritage presented here is twofold. On the one hand, a plea is made to link the cit’s urban form to colonial history by relating it to the cosmopolitan society that produced and experienced it. On the other hand, an approach is suggested that acknowledges how specific urban places and buildings in the city are currently being re-appropriated as “lieux de memoire” by a variety of agents that do not necessarily (want to) share this heritage.
New political order in the DR Congo? the transformation of regulation
Authors: Vlassenroot Koen , Raeymaekers Timothy
Published: February 2021

It has been said repeatedly: the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire) remains only a shadow of its former self, a typical case of state failure and collapse. Closer observation suggests a different image, however: not only has this country demonstrated “a remarkable propensity for resilience” (Englebert, 2003), its administration and regulatory frameworks – which in some domains have not changed since colonial times – have remained largely intact even during the latest period of war and political turmoil. In this article, we would like to explain these different “cross currents and contradictions” (Young, 2004) that emerged during the past Congolese war, addressing the question of whether processes of state erosion and political reconfiguration during this period should be described as a further “privatisation of the state”, as proposed by Hibou and others, or rather as a transformation or commodification of state sovereignty. The article is organized diachronically: it first discusses the Mobutu period (1965-1997), and then the war (1996-2003), to finally draw some conclusions from Congo’s long period of political “transition”.
A new species of Aconitum (Ranunculaceae) from Indian Eastern Himalayan state of Sikkim
Authors: SINGH HARSH , PRADHAN ADITYA , ADHIKARI DIBYENDU , CHETTRI ARUN , BARIK SAROJ KANTA
Published: February 2021

Aconitum sikkimensis, a new species from Sikkim in the Indian Eastern Himalaya, is described and illustrated in this article. A. hookeri is morphologically closest species to the new species and it resembles in colour of the flower and the shape of the lateral sepals. However, it differs in plant height (A. sikkimensis being taller than A. hookeri), the shape of leaf and degree of dissection in the lamina, number of bracts and their shape and size, length of petiole, semi-orbicular upper sepal (vs. obliquely erect), distinctly curved, pubescent petals (vs. straight, glabrous petals) having spathulate lips (vs. obovate), and well-developed staminal pilose hairs and teeth (vs. non-developed, glabrous). Based on population data, the species was assigned the threat status of ‘Critically Endangered’ following IUCN criteria.