bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of COVID-19 on pragmatic clinical trials: lessons learned from the NIH Health Care Systems Research Collaboratory
Authors: O’Brien Emily C. , Sugarman Jeremy , Weinfurt Kevin P. , Larson Eric B. , Heagerty Patrick J. , Hernandez Adrian F. , Curtis Lesley H.
Published: May 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has considerably disrupted nearly all aspects of daily life, including healthcare delivery and clinical research. Because pragmatic clinical trials are often embedded within healthcare delivery systems, they may be at high risk of disruption due to the dual impacts on the conduct of both care and research.

Methods

We collected qualitative data using multiple methods to characterize the impact of COVID-19 on the research activities of 14 active pragmatic clinical trials in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Health Care Systems Research Collaboratory. A COVID-19 impact questionnaire was administered electronically to principal investigators in June 2020. Text responses were analyzed thematically, and qualitative summaries were subsequently reviewed by five independent reviewers, who made iterative revisions. Additional COVID-19-related impacts were identified during virtual meetings with trial teams during April–July 2020 and combined with questionnaire responses for analysis.

Results

Impacts of the pandemic were broadly classified into two main types: healthcare operations and social distancing. In some instances, trial delays created statistical challenges, particularly with trials using stepped-wedge designs, and necessitated changing data collection strategies or modifying interventions. The majority of projects used existing stakeholder-driven approaches to adapt interventions. Several benefits of these adaptions were identified, including expanded outreach capabilities and ability to study virtual intervention delivery. All trial teams were able to adapt to pandemic-related modifications.

Conclusion

In a group of 14 ongoing pragmatic clinical trials, there was significant impact of COVID-19 on trial activities. Engaging appropriate stakeholders was critical to designing and implementing trial modifications and making continued safe progress toward meeting research objectives.
Quality of care in patients with type 1 diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cohort study from Southern Brazil
Authors: Foppa Luciana , Alessi Janine , Nemetz Betina , de Matos Rosimeri , Telo Gabriela Heiden , Schaan Beatriz D.
Published: May 2022

Background

Optimal glycemic control is the main goal for patients with diabetes. The results of type 1 diabetes patients’ neglected demands during the pandemic can determine a long-term negative clinical, social, and economic impact, and result in worse diabetes control and a higher incidence of chronic complications. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak in the quality of care of patients with type 1 diabetes in Southern Brazil.

Methods

Cohort study based on electronic medical records of patients with type 1 diabetes, with scheduled appointments between January 1st 2020, and November 6th 2020, at a university public hospital. The quality indicators used were: assessment of albuminuria and/or serum creatinine, lipid profile, thyroid-stimulating hormone, glycated hemoglobin, retinopathy, and neuropathy. McNemar test was used to analyze categorical variables and the Wilcoxon test for continuous variables.

Results

Out of 289 patients, 49.5% were women aged 40 ± 12 years old. During the pandemic, 252 patients had at least one face-to-face appointment canceled. The quality of care indicators showed a significant worsening during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the previous year (p < 0.001). In 2019, 23.2% of the participants had all the indicators evaluated, while in 2020, during the pandemic, only 3.5% had all of them evaluated.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic hindered the offer of comprehensive and quality care to patients with type 1 diabetes.
Is there an association between COVID-19 mortality and Human development index? The case study of Nigeria and some selected countries
Authors: Ameye Sanyaolu Alani , Ojo Temitope Olumuyiwa , Adetunji Tajudin Adesegun , Awoleye Michael Olusesan
Published: May 2022

Objectives

We assessed Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of COVID-19 as an indicator to situate the performance of Nigeria relative to other selected countries. We obtained case fatality rates of different countries from data sets available from open-sources. The CFRs were calculated as the rate of deaths compared with total cases. The values were compared with Nigeria’s COVID-19 CFR. Other relevant statistical comparisons were also conducted.

Results

The worst performing countries with regards to CFR in descending order were Yemen (19.5%), Peru (9.0%) Mexico (7.6%), Sudan (7.4%) and Ecuador (6.3%) while the best performing nations were Bhutan (0.11%), Burundi (0.19%), Iceland (0.20%), Laos (0.21%) and Qatar (0.25%). The CFR of Nigeria was 1.39% which falls below the 50th percentile. Other comparison done showed significant difference in the CFR values between countries similar to Nigeria and countries that are dissimilar when HDI is used. (Mann–Whitney U test 126.0, p = 0.01). The trend of the CFR in Nigeria showed a steady decline and flattening of the CFR curve which does not seem to be affected by the spikes in the daily declared cases.
Identification of excretory and secretory proteins from Haemonchus contortus inducing a Th9 immune response in goats
Authors: Liang Meng , Lu Mingmin , Aleem Muhammad Tahir , Zhang Yang , Wang Mingyue , Wen Zhaohai , Song Xiaokai , Xu Lixin , Li Xiangrui , Yan Ruofeng
Published: May 2022

Th9 cells have been shown to play crucial roles in anti-parasite immunity, pathogenic microbe infection, and allergy. Previous studies have demonstrated thatHaemonchus contortusexcretory and secretory proteins (HcESPs) induce the proliferation of Th9 cells and alter the transcriptional level of IL-9 as well as its related pathways in the Th9 immune response after infection. However, the exact molecule(s) in HcESPs inducing the Th9 immune response is not yet known. In this study, flow cytometry, co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and shotgun liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) were used, and a total of 218 proteins from HcESPs that might interact with goat Th9 cells were identified. By in vitro culture of Th9 cells with HcESPs, 40 binding proteins were identified. In vivo, 38, 47, 42 and 142 binding proteins were identified at 7, 15, 35 and 50 days post-infection (dpi), respectively. Furthermore, 2 of the 218 HcESPs, named DNA/RNA helicase domain containing protein (HcDR) and GATA transcription factor (HcGATA), were confirmed to induce the proliferation of Th9 cells and promote the expression of IL-9 when incubated with goat peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). This study represents a proteomics-guided investigation of the interactions between Th9 cells and HcESPs. It provides a new way to explore immunostimulatory antigens among HcESPs and identifies candidates for immune-mediated prevention ofH. contortusinfection.
Relation between electrical resistance and conductance using multifarious functional equations and applications to parallel circuit
Authors: Pachaiyappan Divyakumari , Murali Ramdoss , Park Choonkil , Lee Jung Rye
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we introduce a new generalized p-dimensional multifarious radical reciprocal functional equation combining three classical means: arithmetic, geometric, and harmonic. Mainly, we find its general solution and stability related to the Ulam problem in modular spaces by using the fixed point method with suitable counterexamples. Importantly, in this paper, we illustrate the geometrical interpretation and applications of the introduced Pythagorean means multifarious functional equation in connection with the parallel circuit. Furthermore, we provide a formula for finding the equivalent resistance $R_{\mathrm{eq}}$

R
eq

of parallel electrical circuit using functional equations, which relates the electrical resistances and conductances with suitable examples.
A new approach on generalized quasimetric spaces induced by partial metric spaces
Authors: Wu Yaoqiang
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we introduce the concept of generalized quasimetric spaces by a new approach, and present some examples in the partial metric spaces. Furthermore, we obtain some results on (strong) complete partial metric spaces.
Progress in understanding the mechanisms of resistance to BCL-2 inhibitors
Authors: Xu Yilan , Ye Haige
Published: May 2022

Venetoclax is a new type of BH3 mimetic compound that can target the binding site in the BCL-2 protein and induce apoptosis in cancer cells by stimulating the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Venetoclax is especially used to treat haematological malignancies. However, with the recent expansion in the applications of venetoclax, some cases of venetoclax resistance have appeared, posing a major problem in clinical treatment. In this article, we explored several common mechanisms of venetoclax resistance. Increased expression of the antiapoptotic proteins MCL-1 and BCL-XL plays a key role in conferring cellular resistance to venetoclax. These proteins can bind to the released BIM in the context of venetoclax binding to BCL-2 and thus continue to inhibit mitochondrial apoptosis. Structural mutations in BCL-2 family proteins caused by genetic instability lead to decreased affinity for venetoclax and inhibit the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. Mutation or deletion of the BAX gene renders the BAX protein unable to anchor to the outer mitochondrial membrane to form pores. In addition to changes in BCL-2 family genes, mutations in other oncogenes can also confer resistance to apoptosis induced by venetoclax. TP53 mutations and the expansion of FLT3-ITD promote the expression of antiapoptotic proteins MCL-1 and BCL-XL through multiple signalling pathways, and interfere with venetoclax-mediated apoptosis processes depending on their affinity for BH3-only proteins. Finally, the level of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in venetoclax-resistant leukaemia stem cells is highly abnormal. Not only the metabolic pathways but also the levels of important metabolic components are changed, and all of these alterations antagonize the venetoclax-mediated inhibition of energy metabolism and promote the survival and proliferation of leukaemia stem cells. In addition, venetoclax can change mitochondrial morphology independent of the BCL-2 protein family, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction. However, mitochondria resistant to venetoclax antagonize this effect, forming tighter mitochondrial cristae, which provide more energy for cell survival.
The bidirectional effects of obsessive-compulsive symptoms and difficulties in emotion regulation in Chinese adults during the COVID-19 pandemic—a dynamic structural equation model
Authors: Hong Danping , Zhu Yawen , Chen Runting , Xiao Bihong , Huang Yueyi , Yu Meng
Published: May 2022

Background

With the accumulation of negative emotions brought by COVID-19-related dysfunctional beliefs, individuals adopted obsessive–compulsive (OC) symptoms (e.g., over-checking the wearing of masks) and formed difficulties in emotion regulation (DER). This study focused on the temporal dynamics of the bidirectional relation between OC symptoms and DER, which had a devastating effect on the individual's mental health. As an extension, we further explored whether OC and DER and their relationship affect sleep problems.

Methods

In February 2020, a 14-day (twice a day, of 28 measurement intervals) online questionnaire survey was conducted on 122 Chinese adults (aged 18–55 years; 63 females). Subsequently, this research applied a dynamic structural equation model with a cross-lagged relationship and a time series. Health anxiety, anxiety, and depression were controlled as covariates.

Results

Both OC symptoms and DER had a significant autoregressive and cross-lagged effect. Comparatively speaking, DER was a stronger predictor of OC symptoms than OC’s prediction of DER. Moreover, both higher levels of OC symptoms and DER were related to the severity of sleep problems.

Conclusions

More guidance on intervening in OC symptoms and identifying emotion regulation should be added to reduce the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on public mental health.
Feasibility and acceptability of high-intensity interval training and moderate-intensity continuous training in kidney transplant recipients: the PACE-KD study
Authors: Billany Roseanne E. , Smith Alice C. , Hutchinson Ganisha M. , Graham-Brown Matthew P. M. , Nixon Daniel G. D. , Bishop Nicolette C.
Published: May 2022

Background

Kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) exhibit unique elevated inflammation, impaired immune function, and increased cardiovascular risk. Although exercise reduces cardiovascular risk, there is limited research on this population, particularly surrounding novel high-intensity interval training (HIIT). The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the feasibility and acceptability of HIIT in KTRs.

Methods

Twenty KTRs (male 14; eGFR 58±19 mL/min/1.73 m2; age 49±11 years) were randomised and completed one of three trials: HIIT A (4-, 2-, and 1-min intervals; 80–90% watts at V̇O2peak), HIITB (4×4 min intervals; 80–90% V̇O2peak) or MICT (~40 min; 50–60% V̇O2peak) for 24 supervised sessions on a stationary bike (approx. 3x/week over 8 weeks) and followed up for 3 months. Feasibility was assessed by recruitment, retention, and intervention acceptability and adherence.

Results

Twenty participants completed the intervention, and 8 of whom achieved the required intensity based on power output (HIIT A, 0/6 [0%]; HIITB, 3/8 [38%]; MICT, 5/6 [83%]). Participants completed 92% of the 24 sessions with 105 cancelled and rescheduled sessions and an average of 10 weeks to complete the intervention. Pre-intervention versus post-intervention V̇O2peak (mL/kg-1/min-1) was 24.28±4.91 versus 27.06±4.82 in HIITA, 24.65±7.67 versus 27.48±8.23 in HIIT B, and 29.33±9.04 versus 33.05±9.90 in MICT. No adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

This is the first study to report the feasibility of HIIT in KTRs. Although participants struggled to achieve the required intensity (power), this study highlights the potential that exercise has to reduce cardiovascular risk in KTRs. HIIT and MICT performed on a cycle, with some modification, could be considered safe and feasible in KTRs. Larger scale trials are required to assess the efficacy of HIIT in KTRs and in particular identify the most appropriate intensities, recovery periods, and session duration. Some flexibility in delivery, such as incorporating home-based sessions, may need to be considered to improve recruitment and retention.

Trial registration

ISRCTN, ISRCTN17122775. Registered on 30 January 2017.
Public governance of medical artificial intelligence research in the UK: an integrated multi-scale model
Authors: McKay Francis , Williams Bethany J. , Prestwich Graham , Treanor Darren , Hallowell Nina
Published: May 2022

There is a growing consensus among scholars, national governments, and intergovernmental organisations of the need to involve the public in decision-making around the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in society. Focusing on the UK, this paper asks how that can be achieved for medical AI research, that is, for research involving the training of AI on data from medical research databases. Public governance of medical AI research in the UK is generally achieved in three ways, namely, via lay representation on data access committees, through patient and public involvement groups, and by means of various deliberative democratic projects such as citizens’ juries, citizen panels, citizen assemblies, etc.—what we collectively call “citizen forums”. As we will show, each of these public involvement initiatives have complementary strengths and weaknesses for providing oversight of medical AI research. As they are currently utilized, however, they are unable to realize the full potential of their complementarity due to insufficient information transfer across them. In order to synergistically build on their contributions, we offer here a multi-scale model integrating all three. In doing so we provide a unified public governance model for medical AI research, one that, we argue, could improve the trustworthiness of big data and AI related medical research in the future.
Hospital-wide cardiac arrest in situ simulation to identify and mitigate latent safety threats
Authors: Bentley Suzanne K. , Meshel Alexander , Boehm Lorraine , Dilos Barbara , McIndoe Mamie , Carroll-Bennett Rachel , Astua Alfredo J. , Wong Lillian , Smith Colleen , Iavicoli Laura , LaMonica Julia , Lopez Tania , Quitain Jose , Dube Guirlene , Manini Alex F. , Halbach Joseph , Meguerdichian Michael , Bajaj Komal
Published: May 2022

Background

Cardiac arrest resuscitation requires well-executed teamwork to produce optimal outcomes. Frequency of cardiac arrest events differs by hospital location, which presents unique challenges in care due to variations in responding team composition and comfort levels and familiarity with obtaining and utilizing arrest equipment. The objective of this initiative is to utilize unannounced, in situ, cardiac arrest simulations hospital wide to educate, evaluate, and maximize cardiac arrest teams outside the traditional simulation lab by systematically assessing and capturing areas of opportunity for improvement, latent safety threats (LSTs), and key challenges by hospital location.

Methods

Unannounced in situ simulations were performed at a city hospital with multidisciplinary cardiac arrest teams responding to a presumed real cardiac arrest. Participants and facilitators identified LSTs during standardized postsimulation debriefings that were classified into equipment, medication, resource/system, or technical skill categories. A hazard matrix was used by multiplying occurrence frequency of LST in simulation and real clinical events (based on expert opinion) and severity of the LST based on agreement between two evaluators.

Results

Seventy-four in situ cardiac arrest simulations were conducted hospital wide. Hundreds of safety threats were identified, analyzed, and categorized yielding 106 unique latent safety threats: 21 in the equipment category, 8 in the medication category, 41 in the resource/system category, and 36 in the technical skill category. The team worked to mitigate all LSTs with priority mitigation to imminent risk level threats, then high risk threats, followed by non-imminent risk LSTs. Four LSTs were deemed imminent, requiring immediate remediation post debriefing. Fifteen LSTs had a hazard ratio greater than 8 which were deemed high risk for remediation. Depending on the category of threat, a combination of mitigating steps including the immediate fixing of an identified problem, leadership escalation, and programmatic intervention recommendations occurred resulting in mitigation of all identified threats.

Conclusions

Hospital-wide in situ cardiac arrest team simulation offers an effective way to both identify and mitigate LSTs. Safety during cardiac arrest care is improved through the use of a system in which LSTs are escalated urgently, mitigated, and conveyed back to participants to provide closed loop debriefing. Lastly, this hospital-wide, multidisciplinary initiative additionally served as an educational needs assessment allowing for informed, iterative education and systems improvement initiatives targeted to areas of LSTs and areas of opportunity.
Metabolic profile analysis based on GC-TOF/MS and HPLC reveals the negative correlation between catechins and fatty acids in the cottonseed of Gossypium hirsutum
Authors: MA Lei , CHEN Yabing , XU Shuangjiao , DONG Ruidan , WANG Yiwen , FANG Dan , PENG Jun , TIAN Xinquan
Published: May 2022

Background

The diversified and high value-added utilization of cotton by products can promote the sustainable development of modern agriculture. Differences in potential nutrients among varieties can be explained by variations in the composition and abundance of fatty acids, polyphenols, carbohydrates, amino acids, and organic acids. Therefore, the analysis of metabolite species and relationships in cottonseed is meaningful for the development of cotton byproducts.

Results

In this study, the metabolomes of three representative cotton cultivars of different species were compared using untargeted GC-TOF/MS analysis. A total of 263 metabolites were identified from 705 peaks, and their levels were compared across cultivars. Principal component analysis and OPLS-DA clearly distinguish these samples based on metabolites. There were significant differences in the contents of amino acids, carbohydrates, organic acids, flavonoids, and lipids in G. hirsutum TM-1 compared with G. arboreum Shixiya1 and G. barbadense Hai7124. Notably, the bioactive nutrient compound catechin obtained from the differential metabolites significantly accumulated in TM-1. Furthermore, a comprehensive analysis using catechin and oil-related traits was conducted in core collections of Gossypium hirsutum. The results revealed the reliability of the GC-TOF/MS analysis, as well as that catechin content has a negative association with myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, arachidic acid, and total fatty acids.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that untargeted GC-TOF/MS analysis could provide a new method for investigating the underlying plant biochemistry of nutrient variation in cottonseed, and that catechin content has a negative association with oil-related traits in cottonseed. This study may pave the way to exploit the value of cotton byproducts.
Outcomes and prognostic factors of patients treated for in-stent restenosis: a retrospective single-center experience
Authors: Ghariani Anis , Ben Abdessalem Mohamed Aymen , Cheikh Sideya Khalil , Fekih Romdhane Ahmed , Ben Ameur Zied , Mosrati Hamza , Bouraoui Hatem , Mahdhaoui Abdallah , Jeridi Gouider
Published: May 2022

Background

The incidence of in-stent restenosis (ISR) remains relatively common despite the use of drug-eluting stents. Outcomes and prognostic factors following ISR revascularization are still being investigated. We aimed to describe the outcomes following different ISR treatment strategies in order to identify prognostic factors associated with worse outcomes.

Results

In a retrospective cohort study, we included patients who were admitted to our department and treated for ISR, from January 2017 to December 2018. All patients were followed up for a median period of 24 months. Major cardiac adverse event (MACE) was a composite outcome of the following events: myocardial infarction, target vessel revascularization, target lesion revascularization or cardiovascular death. MACEs were collected during follow-up. Our population consisted of 116 patients. Mean age was 60 years old with a sex ratio of 2.8. During follow-up, 44 patients (37.9%) had at least one MACE. Independent factors identified by multivariate logistic regression were ISR of the proximal left anterior descending artery [Odds ratio (OR) = 1.29; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.16–1.81; p = 0.05], diffuse ISR [OR = 2.16; 95% CI 1.1–3.47; p = 0.022], double or triple vessel disease [OR = 2.97; 95% CI 1.2–6.8; p = 0.008], two or more stents per lesion [OR = 1.82; 95% CI 1.14–2.21, p = 0.031] and absence of post-dilatation in the initial angioplasty [OR = 1.32; 95% CI 1–1.35; p = 0.04].

Conclusions

Our study suggested that ISR is related to poor outcomes. Identifying prognostic factors would play a key role in the refinement of interventional techniques.
Impact of COVID-19 on digestive system: prevalence, clinical characteristics, outcome, and relation to the severity of COVID-19
Authors: Hashem Walaa M. , Abdelaziz Heba , Sallam Dina E. , Ismail Moamen Abdelfadil , Ahmed Ahmed Elmetwally
Published: May 2022

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is commonly associated with respiratory symptoms. However, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are increasingly recognized in COVID-19 patients. The aim is to study the prevalence and features of gastrointestinal manifestations in severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infected patients and evaluate the outcome among the studied population.

Results

We enrolled adult patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 admitted to Ain Shams University designated hospitals, Cairo, Egypt, from March 2021 to June 2021. The patients were assigned to a GI group and a non-GI group based on the presence or absence of one or more digestive symptoms. A total of 300 hospitalized COVID-19 patients were included, of which 104 (34.7%) had one or more digestive symptoms. They were compared with 196 COVID-19 patients without GI symptoms. The most common reported GI symptom was diarrhea (82.7%). GI symptoms’ presence was higher in moderate cases. Patients with digestive symptoms presented for care later than those without (7.9±3.8 vs 7.4±7.2 days, P=0.5). Moreover, they have lower mortality, though non-significant (7.7 vs 12.8%, P=0.18). Patients with digestive symptoms had lower total leucocytic count (TLC), neutrophil count, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet count, and higher serum sodium than those without digestive symptoms.

Conclusion

GI symptoms are prevalent among COVID-19 patients, and the most common was diarrhea. The presence of GI manifestations was not associated with increased mortality.
Effects of noise exposure among industrial workers in power plants of the National Electricity Company in N’Djamena, Chad
Authors: Taoussi Aboubakar Assidick , Yassine Abdel-sadick Abdallah , Malloum Mahamat Seïd Mahamat , Assi Constant , Fotclossou Tara , Ali Yusra Aboulbachar
Published: May 2022

Background

Noise pollution, unwanted or excessive sound, is one of the most common nuisances in industrial sectors. In the city of N’Djamena, Chad, workers in power plants are exposed to very high levels of noise, which could have deleterious effects on human health. The purpose of the study is to determine the level of noise pollution and its repercussions in a population of power plant workers.

Results

Ninety-two (11.5%) of the 800 workers were included. Their sex ratio was 88 men: 4 women with an outcome of 22. The age range was from 23 to 64 years with an average of 38.7 ± 9.0 years. Forty-seven (51.1%) of the employees had received occupational safety training. The average noise level in the machine rooms was 113.5 ± 4 dB(A). The average duration of exposure to noise was 10.8 ± 8.5 years. Personal protective equipment was worn regularly in 85.9% (n = 79). The consequences of noise pollution were auditory fatigue (38%; n = 35), tinnitus (32.6%; n = 30), hearing loss (15.2%; n = 14), nervousness (45.7%; n = 42), headache (33.7%; n = 31), raised voice (27.1%; n = 25), and insomnia (14.1%; n = 13).

Conclusions

The level of noise pollution is relatively high in power plants in N’Djamena, Chad. Hearing effects and an altered quality of life are observed among industrial workers. The acquisition of machines with regulated noise levels is desirable. The audiometric test should be integrated into the follow-up assessment of all employees.
A novel human activity recognition architecture: using residual inception ConvLSTM layer
Authors: Khater Sarah , Hadhoud Mayada , Fayek Magda B.
Published: May 2022

Human activity recognition (HAR) is a very challenging problem that requires identifying an activity performed by a single individual or a group of people observed from spatiotemporal data. Many computer vision applications require a solution to HAR. To name a few, surveillance systems, medical and health care monitoring applications, and smart home assistant devices. The rapid development of machine learning leads to a great advance in HAR solutions. One of these solutions is using ConvLSTM architecture. ConvLSTM architectures have recently been used in many spatiotemporal computer vision applications.In this paper, we introduce a new layer, residual inception convolutional recurrent layer, ResIncConvLSTM, a variation of ConvLSTM layer. Also, a novel architecture to solve HAR using the introduced layer is proposed. Our proposed architecture resulted in an accuracy improvement by 7% from ConvLSTM baseline architecture. The comparisons are held in terms of classification accuracy. The architectures are trained using KTH dataset and tested against both KTH and Weizmann datasets. The architectures are also trained and tested against a subset of UCF Sports Action dataset. Also, experimental results show the effectiveness of our proposed architecture compared to other state-of-the-art architectures.
Ideal Cardiovascular Health Metrics and Risk of Incident Early-Onset Vasomotor Symptoms Among Premenopausal Women
Authors: Choi Hye Rin , Chang Yoosoo , Kim Yejin , Cho Yoosun , Kang Jeonggyu , Kwon Min-Jung , Kwon Ria , Lim Ga-Young , Kim Kye-Hyun , Kim Hoon , Hong Yun Soo , Park Jihwan , Zhao Di , Cho Juhee , Guallar Eliseo , Park Hyun-Young , Ryu Seungho
Published: May 2022

Context

The relationship of ideal cardiovascular health (CVH) behaviors with preventing early-onset vasomotor symptoms (VMSs) is unknown.

Objective

We investigated the association between CVH metrics and the development of early-onset VMSs in premenopausal women.

Methods

This cohort study included 2541 premenopausal women aged 42 to 52 years without VMSs at baseline. CVH metrics were defined according to the American Heart Association Life Simple 7 metrics. Owing to limited availability of dietary information, CVH metrics were scored from 0 (unhealthy) to 6 (healthy) and classified into 3 groups: poor (0-2), intermediate (3-4), and ideal (5-6) CVH. VMSs, including hot flashes and night sweats, were assessed using the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life questionnaire. Moderate/severe VMSs was defined as a score of 3 or more points (range, 0 to 6; 6 being most bothersome).

Results

During a median follow-up of 4.5 years, 1241 women developed VMSs before menopause. After adjustment for age, parity, education level, and alcohol consumption, the hazard ratio (HR) (95% CI) for developing early-onset VMSs comparing poor CVH group to the ideal group was 1.41 (1.07-1.86). CVH scores were also inversely associated with moderate/severe VMSs in a dose-response manner (P for trend = .004); specifically, multivariable-adjusted HRs comparing intermediate and poor CVH groups to the ideal group were 1.20 (95% CI, 1.02-1.43) and 1.57 (95% CI, 1.08-2.29), respectively.

Conclusion

Unfavorable CVH metrics were significantly associated with an increased risk of early-onset VMSs and its more severe forms among premenopausal women.
Pleiotropic Actions of PGRMC Proteins in Cancer
Authors: Pru James K
Published: May 2022

Progesterone receptor membrane component (PGRMC) proteins play important roles in tumor growth, progression, and chemoresistance, of which PGRMC1 is the best characterized. The ancestral member predates the evolution of metazoans, so it is perhaps not surprising that many of the purported actions of PGRMC proteins are rooted in fundamental metabolic processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, and DNA damage responses. Despite mediating some of the actions of progesterone (P4) and being fundamentally required for female fertility, PGRMC1 and PGRMC2 are broadly expressed in most tissues. As such, these proteins likely have both progesterone-dependent and progesterone-independent functions. It has been proposed that PGRMC1 acquired the ability to mediate P4 actions over evolutionary time through acquisition of its cytochrome b5-like heme/sterol-binding domain. Diverse reproductive and nonreproductive diseases associate with altered PGRMC1 expression, epigenetic regulation, or gene silencing mechanisms, some of which include polycystic ovarian disease, premature ovarian insufficiency, endometriosis, Alzheimer disease, and cancer. Although many studies have been completed using transformed cell lines in culture or in xenograft tumor approaches, recently developed transgenic model organisms are offering new insights in the physiological actions of PGRMC proteins, as well as pathophysiological and oncogenic consequences when PGRMC expression is altered. The purpose of this mini-review is to provide an overview of PGRMC proteins in cancer and to offer discussion of where this field must go to solidify PGRMC proteins as central contributors to the oncogenic process.
Relationships between changes in EEG and some metabolic parameters in patients of Truskavets’ spa
Authors: Kushneruk Anatoliy , Popovych Dariya , Żukow Xawery , Zakalyak Nataliya , Popovych Igor
Published: May 2022

Background. Earlier, we found relationships between EEG/HRV parameters and plasma/ urine electrolytes concentration in Truskavets’ spa patients. The aim of this study is to analyze the relationships between changes in these parameters under the influence of balneotherapy. Materials and Methods. The object of observation were 22 men (23-70 years), who underwent rehabilitation treatment of chronic pyelonephritis and cholecystitis in remission. The examination was performed twice, before and after a 9-11-day course of balneotherapy. The object of the study were the parameters of the EEG and exchange of electrolytes and nitric metabolites. Results. Judging by the coefficient of determination, changes in the concentrations of electrolytes and nitric metabolites in the urine and plasma are mediated by changes in neurodynamics by 99,8 % and 99,4% respectively. Conclusion. Balneotherapy affects the exchange of electrolytes and nitrogen metabolites through the CNS.
EFL Teachers’ Self-Efficacy and Classroom Management: Perceptions, Practices and Reflections on Professional Learning and Development
Authors: Lap Trinh Quoc , Lien Nguyen Thi Hong , Thao Le Thanh
Published: May 2022

This paper reports the findings of an investigation into English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers’ self-efficacy and their classroom management in the context of the Mekong Delta of Vietnam. The paper also aims to find out what makes teachers different in terms of skills in classroom management. The study was designed as a descriptive mixed-methods one, using a questionnaire, focus group interviews, and classroom observations to collect data. Forty-six EFL teachers from three high schools responded to the questionnaire. Twelve got involved in the semi-structured interviews, and six as classroom observed teachers. Two group interviews were conducted with the participation of three vice-principals and three heads of English teams. The results indicated a significant interaction between EFL teachers’ self-efficacy and their classroom management skills. Teachers who own a higher level of self-efficacy showed to manage their classes in a more confident and purposive manner than those with a lower level of self-efficacy. Three main reasons differentiating teachers’ skills in classroom management, including pre-service teacher education, previous attending continuing professional development events, and teacher’s learning autonomy were detected. Case-based teaching, organizational learning, and lesson study are recommended in pre-service teacher education and in-service teacher professional development activities to enhance teachers’ self-efficacy and their classroom management.
Diversity of flies (Diptera: Brachycera) in breeding farms in the Kabylia region (North-central Algeria), and identification of some myiaseginic species
Authors: Ourrad Ouiza , Ahmed Djamila Sadoudi-Ali , Sadou Sid-Ali , Bouzrarf Khadidja , Belqat Boutaïna
Published: May 2022

Abstract. Ourrad O, Ahmed DSA, Sadou SA, Bouzrarf K, Belqat B. 2022. Diversity of flies (Diptera: Brachycera) in breeding farms in the Kabylia region (North-central Algeria), and identification of some myiaseginic species. Biodiversitas 23: 2276-2284. This work provides the first checklist of the flies (Insecta: Diptera) present in breeding farms located in the south Mediterranean region of Kabylia, Algeria. A new inventory of 26 species (631 individuals) of flies belonging to 15 genera and 8 families was presented from five sites with different altitudes (245 m - 1041 m) in the Kabylia region. Of them, eight species (Calliphora vicina, C. vomitoria, Lucilia sericata, L. ampullacea, Sarcophaga africa, S. carnaria, Musca domestica, and Fannia canicularis) are epidemiological, pathogenic agents of various animal and human myiasis. The fly fauna was found at varying frequencies in the five sites located at different altitudes. Besides, a negative correlation was observed between the altitude of the farms and fly distribution. The results of the PCA and FCA analysis offered better discrimination of the fly species according to the variation of the environmental parameters.
Locating the unique biodiversity of Balikpapan Bay as an ecotourism attraction in East Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: Willard Karnila , Aipassa Marlon I , Sardjono Mustofa Agung , RUJEHAN Rujehan , RUSLIM YOSEP , Kristiningrum Rochadi
Published: May 2022

Abstract. Willard K, Aipassa MI, Sardjono MA, Rujehan, Ruslim Y, Kristiningrum R. 2022. Locating the unique biodiversity of Balikpapan Bay as an ecotourism attraction in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 2342-2357. Balikpapan Bay is rich in biodiversity and natural beauty that present unique opportunities for the developing ecotourism industry in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. This study aimed to identify biodiversity hotspots with potential as ecotourism attractions. Four field surveys by boat, each survey taking between 10 to 22 hours duration, tracked the river and tidal flow through the Bay, recording highlights of biodiversity at 19 defined observation points. The study results recorded observations on five species listed in the IUCN protected species classification, namely: Lesser Adjutant Stork (Leptoptilos javanicus) - classified as a Vulnerable species; Proboscis Monkey (Nasalis larvatus), Irrawaddy Dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris) and Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) - classified as Endangered species; and the Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) - classified as Critically Endangered. In addition, details were recorded of a unique variant of the mangrove species Rhizophora apiculata, with leaves that have a vibrant yellow color instead of the usual green. Combined with great views, including at night when there are enchanting displays of Fireflies (Lampyridae) on several riverbanks, the biodiversity of the waterways results in Balikpapan Bay having great potential as an ecotourism destination. Therefore, this study provides useful input to relevant agencies charged with responsibility for conserving and managing the natural resources of the Bay for the benefit of communities who stand to gain economically from developing this ecotourism potential.
Short Communication: Analysis of the ultimate wood composition of a forest plantation species, Eucalyptus pellita, to estimate its bioelectricity potency
Authors: HAQIQI MUHAMMAD TAUFIQ , HUDAYA DUDU , SEPTIANA HELMI ALFATH , RAMADHAN RICO , YULIANSYAH YULIANSYAH , SUWINARTI WIWIN , AMIRTA RUDIANTO
Published: May 2022

Abstract. Haqiqi MT, Hudaya D, Septiana HA, Ramadhan R, Yuliansyah, Suwinarti W, Amirta R. 2022. Short Communicarion: Analysis of the ultimate wood composition of a forest plantation species, Eucalyptus pellita, to estimate its bioelectricity potency. Biodiversitas 23: 2389-2394. Eucalyptus pellita F. Muell is one of the short rotation wood crop species widely planted in tropical countries, including Indonesia. Woody biomass obtained from this species is commonly utilized to produce fiber in the pulp and paper industry. Due to the growing interest in expanding E. pellita plantations, the potential application of E. pellita woody biomass to provide sustainable energy feedstock has been studied. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the ultimate composition of E. pellita wood (carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O)) to estimate its higher heating value (HHV) and bioelectricity potency. The wood samples were harvested at different plant ages, from the first to the fifth year. The percentage of biomass composition, including cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and extractives, was also calculated. The results demonstrated that lignin in the E. pellita wood increased to align with the increased plant age. Thus, this pattern was followed by significantly increased C content in the wood since lignin contained a primary source of C. Hence, this condition might enhance the HHV and electricity potency. The ratio of H/C and O/C was found to be one of the most promising factors in improving HHV compared to the extractive/lignin ratio. In the fifth year, the electricity potency of E. pellita showed the highest value (1.71 MWh ton-1). Therefore, this study suggests that E. pellita possesses the potential to be one of the promising crops for green electricity production.
Hunting of wild animals by Saubeba Community in Manokwari, West Papua, Indonesia
Authors: Sawaki Saremay , Taran Denisa , Taran Fransiskus , Bomoi Robi , Rumateray Marsia
Published: May 2022

Abstract. Sawaki S, Taran D, Taran F, Bomoi R, Rumateray M. 2022. Hunting of wild animals by Saubeba Community in Manokwari, West Papua, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 2411-2416. Hunting is a way to harvest wild animals from nature and it is still a common practice by local communities in Papua, Indonesia. This study aims to investigate traditional ecological knowledge of hunting wild animals by Saubeba community in Manokwari, West Papua, Indonesia. The data was collected through open interviews to 32 respondents determined using the snowball sampling technique. The result showed that hunting is performed in a group of 4-8 members when the dark moon happens. A group of hunters consists of adult men and teenage boys aged above 15 years old. They hunt 3-4 times per month with a duration of 2-3 days in the forest. Modern hunting is carried out using weapons, while traditional hunting is performed with the help of dogs, used arrows, spears and snares. Women are not allowed to hunt and they are prohibited to touch all hunting equipment and the catches. Among the wild animals hunted, nine out of sixteen species are categorized as protected animals and some of them have high conservation concerns in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List and Convention on International Trades on Endangered Species (CITES) list. No conservation efforts are planned and applied by the hunters and the community. However, there is a shift in the diet, in which eleven respondents stop hunting and start to raise livestock for consumption purposes. This suggests that assistance in livestock rearing programs by government is required to reduce the hunting pressure on the remaining wild animals.
Human-wildlife interactions in a major tourist destination: Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica
Authors: PORRAS-MURILLO LAURA P. , WONG GRACE , CHACÓN IRIA S.
Published: May 2022

Abstract. Porras-Murillo LP, Wong G, Chacón IS. 2022. Human-wildlife interactions in a major tourist destination: Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica. Biodiversitas 23: 2417-2425. This study characterized the interactions between tourists and wildlife in terms of the most common interactions and the species that interact the most. Interactions were observed during 65 sampling days between 2012 and 2020. In each event, the following data were recorded: date, time (hour), site, type of interaction, and species that participated. To characterize the interactions, the effects of the day of the week, the season, the daily period, and the site on the number of daily interactions were evaluated. Also, to understand the more frequent interactions, the effect of species and type of interaction on ??the number of daily interactions were evaluated. The results indicated more interactions in the dry season, between 10 am and 2 pm, at Manuel Antonio Beach, Costa Rica. Although interactions were recorded for 39 species, white-faced monkey and raccoon were the species with the most interactions. Raccoons had more interactions related to food than the tourists called or approached them; white-faced monkeys had a similar number of interactions in these categories. Interactions between tourists and wildlife in the Manuel Antonio National Park (PNMA), Costa Rica, coincide with the times and places in the park with the highest concentration of tourists. Therefore, there is evidence of the need to promote tourism with appropriate behavior of observation and respectful appreciation of wildlife, and the use of more sectors of the park is essential to avoid damage to fauna.
Molecular phylogeny of anchovy (Clupeiformes: Clupeidae) from southern waters of Lombok using mitochondrial DNA CO1 gene sequences
Authors: MAHRUS H. , AL IDRUS AGIL , ZULKIFLI LALU
Published: May 2022

Abstract. Mahrus H, Idrus AA, Zulkifli L. 2022. Molecular phylogeny of anchovy (Clupeiformes: Clupeidae) from southern waters of Lombok using mitochondrial DNA CO1 gene sequences. Biodiversitas 23: 2433-2443. This study aimed to identify anchovy samples genetically and evaluate their phylogenetic relationship to anchovies using the CO1 genetics markers. Fragment amplification of COI gene anchovy used a pair of COI commercially available primer with a length amplicon of about 693 base pairs (bp), coding for 231 amino acids successfully. The reconstruction of the phylogenetic tree with the neighbor-joining (NJ) method using Kimura 2 Parameters (K2P) by employing a bootstrap of 1000 replications. The genetic distance analysis between 19 fishes species in different families and 13 species in the genera Spartelloides acceded from NCBI indicated the closest distance between anchovy samples from the southern waters of Lombok and Spratelloides delicatulus from Australia is 0.02. The comparisons results of homology with the NCBI and the BOLD database show the anchovy sample has similarities to the CO1 sequences of S. delicatulus with a similar of 99%. The results of the phylogenetic tree analysis showed that the anchovy samples from the southern waters of Lombok were in the same clade as S. delicatulus from Australia. The study concluded a fish sample of anchovy from the southerly waters of Lombok was a closed related species to S. delicatulus.
Short communication: Pattern of chlorophylls content declined during partial submergence for rice varieties cultivated in North Sulawesi at the vegetative stage
Authors: NIO SONG AI , LUDONG DANIEL PETER MANTILEN , SIAHAAN RATNA
Published: May 2022

Abstract. Nio SA, Ludong DPM, Siahaan R. 2022. Short communication: Pattern of chlorophylls content declined during partial submergence for rice varieties cultivated in North Sulawesi at the vegetative stage. Biodiversitas 23: 2451-2456. Submergence or flooding stress limits plant growth in various physiological, anatomical, and morphological aspects. This study examined leaf chlorophyll content as a physiological response in some rice varieties cultivated in North Sulawesi during partial submergence imposed at the vegetative stage. Ten rice cultivars, i.e., Permata, Superwin, Cigeulis, Pulo Manado, TB, Ombong, Serayu, Temo, Burungan, and Inpari 31, were grown in plastic trays on planting media in the greenhouse, then watered to field capacity using a mixture of water and fertilizer every second day for two weeks. The plants were submerged 18 cm from the media's surface, and the content of leaf chlorophylls (total chlorophyll, chlorophyll a, and chlorophyll b) were measured using a spectrophotometer (? 649 and 665 nm) at 0, 3, 6 and 9 days of partial submergence. The chlorophylls (total, a, and b) content decreased during the 9 days of treatment. The highest chlorophylls contents were observed in rice cv. Superwin and the chlorophylls content at day 0 (before partial submergence commenced) were higher than at 3, 6, and 9 days after treatment (p<0.05). The data presented here supported that leaf chlorophylls content is a potential physiological indicator of partial submergence stress in rice, including the North Sulawesi local rice, at the vegetative phase.