bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Serum Ferritin in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19 as A Potential Biomarker for Assessing COVID-19 Severity
Authors: Naznin Colonel Lubna , Giti Susane , Ahmed Khan Arif , Akter Yasmin , Parvin Mimi , Sultana Sarmin
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has become global pandemic. Proinûammatory mediator, serum ferritin is reported to be elevated significantly by different studies in COVID-19. Our study was aimed to find whether serum ferritin level can be employed as a biomarker to assess the disease severity in COVID-19 cases. Methods: This cross sectional observational study was carried out at Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP), a tertiary referral laboratory between 15 March 2020 and 15 June 2020. Total 2418 hospitalized RT-PCR confirmed COVID- 19 patients from Combined Military Hospital (CMH) were included in our study. Serum ferritin was measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay and was compared between the severe and non-severe groups. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Total patients were 2418, among them 337 (13.9%) from intensive care unit (ICU) and 2081 (86.1%) from non- ICU. Median age and IQR were 60.5 (51.5–68.0) years in ICU patients versus 38.0 (28-46.1) years in non-ICU patients (p <0.0001). Most (86.8%) patients were males; 82.8% in ICU and 87.5% in non-ICU. Serum ferritin was significantly higher (p<0.0001) in ICU patients; median and IQR was 952.8 (529.9 - 1520.5) ng/mL versus 254.2 (156.1 - 441.9) ng/mL (p <0.0001) in non-ICU patients. Serum ferritin, at cut off value (COV) <550 ng/mL had sensitivity 82.36% and specificity 73.59% for categorization of COVID-19 cases as non-severe. Comparison of proportions of ICU and non-ICU patients was found highly significant (p <0.0001 at 95% confidence interval) with this cut off value. Conclusions: Serum ferritin level was significantly high among COVID-19 patients requiring ICU admission than non-ICU cases. Serum ferritin may be used for categorizing COVID-19 patients. Cut off value 550 ng/mL can be meaningfully used for this categorization, above which should be considered severe and need more careful monitoring.
J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2021; 39: 220-224
Burn Care in Kirtipur Hospital before and during COVID 19 Pandemic: Survey of Psychological Issues and Practice Behaviours of Burn Care Personnel
Authors: Nakarmi KK , Basnet SJ , Karki B , Ghartimagar M , Nagarkoti KK , Yadav MK , Rai SM
Published: September 2021

Introduction: The COVID 19 pandemic has adversely impacted all aspects of health care throughout the world. Burn care in lower and middle income countries has suffered the most. We aimed to compare burn care at Kirtipur Hospital before and during the pandemic and explore psychological issues and practice behaviour among burn care worker (BCW). Methods: Retrospective data analysis of burn patients admitted during April to August of 2019 and 2020 was done. Internet based survey of BCW was done. Results: Burn admissions, demographics and characteristics did not change. Fewer surgeries were undertaken in 2020. Almost half of the BCW worked 12 hours shift or longer. Most were working on half pay. Nearly everyone was using hand sanitizers, hand washing and masks. Few had access to level II personal protective equipments (PPE) to see suspected patients; fewer had access to face shield, KN 95 masks and boot. Even gloves and caps were scarce. Many feared getting themselves or family members infected. Majority realized the need of clear hospital policy on how they would be managed when infected. Conclusion: Number, types, severity and mortality did not change. Number of surgeries decreased. Issues like pay cuts, longer working hours and lack of PPEs were reported by majority.
J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2021; 39: 241-248
Pure Erythroid Leukaemia- Report of An Extremely Rare Case with Dismal Prognosis
Authors: Nahar Begum SM Khodeza , Khan MA
Published: September 2021

Pure erythroid leukaemia (PEL) is a rare and aggressive form of acute leukaemia whose biology remains poorly characterized. The category of acute erythroid leukaemia was signiûcantly revised in the 2016 revision to the World Health Organization (WHO) classiûcation of myeloid neoplasms. In the previous 2008 WHO classiûcation, acute erythroid leukaemia was categorized into two subtypes: erythroleukaemia and pure erythroid leukaemia (PEL), whereas in the 2016 WHO update, erythroleukaemia was merged into myelodysplastic syndrome and PEL becomes the only type of acute erythroid leukaemia. De novo pure erythroid leukaemia is a disease of adults (median age 68 years), exhibits a striking male predominance, is universally associated with an abnormal karyotype and has an exceedingly poor overall median survival of 1.4 months. Given the limited number of reports of this rare and diagnostically challenging entity, we report clinicopathologic characteristics of a case of PEL, diagnosis was made by the bone marrow morphology and immunophenotyping.
J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2021; 39: 266-268
KH. M. Mahsun Adnan dan Kontribusinya Bagi Perkembangan MI Al-Adnani Kayangan Diwek Jombang
Authors: Mukani
Published: September 2021

The madrasa role has long been recognized by community. Based on Law Number 20 of 2003 concerning National Education System, madrasa is a national education sub-system. This article is descriptive-analytic with a qualitative approach. The data was collected through interviews, documentation and observation. The data then analyzed by non-statistics, such as data reduction, data presentation and conclusion drawing. The study describes a brief biography of KH. M. Mahsun Adnan, he was born in Nglaban, he studied at Tebuireng, after that he studied at PGA. After graduating, he then continued his study at Undar and then dedicated himself to da'wah and education until his death. The second focus is the struggle of KH. M. Mahsun Adnan toward Al-Adnani Islamic Elementary School Jombang, starting from being a pioneer, becoming the head of a madrasa, teaching in it and fighting to make the madrasa run up. So far, Al-Adnani Islamic Elementary School Jombang shows its existence continuesly in bringing forword the community arround through education.

[Peran madrasah telah lama diakui oleh masyarakat. Madrasah berdasarkan UU Nomor 20 Tahun 2003 tentang Sisdiknas adalah sebagai sub sistem pendidikan nasional. Artikel ini berjenis deskriptif-analitik dengan pendekatan kualitatif. Pengumpulan data melalui wawancara, dokumentasi dan observasi. Analisis data menggunakan non-statistik, yaitu reduksi data, penyajian data dan pengambilan kesimpulan. Pembahasan tulisan ini mendeskripsikan biografi singkat KH. M. Mahsun Adnan, mulai lahir di Dusun Nglaban, menimba ilmu ke Tebuireng, PGA dan kuliah di Undar lalu mengabdikan diri bagi dakwah dan dunia pendidikan hingga wafatnya. Fokus kedua adalah perjuangan KH. M. Mahsun Adnan kepada MI Al-Adnani Kayangan, mulai dari menjadi merintis, menjadi kepala madrasah, mengajar di dalamnya hingga berjuang agar madrasah tersebut tetap berkiprah. Hingga sekarang, MI Al-Adnani Kayangan tetap menunjukkan eksistensi dalam memajukan warga masyarakat sekitar melalui dunia pendidikan]
Improving Student Learning Outcomes During The Covid-19 Pandemic Using Learning Videos and E-Learning
Authors: Fuad A. Jauhar , Andhinasari Pranita
Published: September 2021

The problem that arises in learning in the Covid-19 era is unilateral learning centered on teacher activities, by giving assignments. Students only work on assignments and then the work is photographed and sent via whatsapp, causing students to lack understanding of the material and reluctant to do assignments. The solution to the problems above is the use of video for learning and e-learning. This research phase begins with action planning, action implementation, observation and reflection. This stage is repeated until the expected increase in learning outcomes is achieved, and does not require further improvement. The final result analysis showed that in the pre-learning cycle the percentage of classical completeness was 27.28%. In the first cycle there was an increase in classical completeness reaching 54.5%. In the second cycle there was an increase in classical completeness reaching 91%. Thus, it can be concluded that the use of video for learning and e-learning during the covid-19 pandemic is able to improve student learning outcomes.

[Permasalahan yang muncul dalam pembelajaran di era Covid-19 adalah pembelajaran sepihak yang dipusatkan pada kegiatan guru. Dengan pemberian tugas siswa hanya mengerjakan tugas kemudian karya tersebut difoto dan dikirim melalui whatsapp sehingga menyebabkan siswa kurang memahami materi dan enggan mengerjakan tugas. Solusi dari permasalahan di atas adalah pemanfaatan video untuk pembelajaran dan e-learning. Tahap penelitian ini dimulai dengan perencanaan tindakan, pelaksanaan tindakan, observasi dan refleksi. Tahap ini diulangi sampai tercapai peningkatan hasil belajar yang diharapkan, dan tidak memerlukan perbaikan lebih lanjut. Analisis hasil akhir menunjukkan bahwa pada siklus pra pembelajaran persentase ketuntasan klasikal sebesar 27,28%. Pada siklus I terjadi peningkatan ketuntasan klasikal mencapai 54,5%. Pada siklus II terjadi peningkatan ketuntasan klasikal mencapai 91%. Dengan demikian, dapat disimpulkan bahwa pemanfaatan video untuk pembelajaran dan e-learning di masa pandemi covid-19 mampu meningkatkan hasil belajar siswa]
Diertary Intake of Micronutrients in Non-Indigenous Womens in the Cities of Khanty-Mansiysk and Salekhard
Authors: Bikbulatova L. N. , Korchin V. I. , Korchina T. Ya.
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Healthy nutrition is an important determinant of physical and mental wellbeing. A significant amount of evidence has been accumulated on the effect of nutrition on health promotion, disease prevention, resiliance to unfavorable climatic factors, longevity and life quality. Insufficient intake of micronutrients is often combined with an excess intake of macronutrients, particularly fats and simple carbohydrates increasling the risk of developing chronic diseases. Nutrition of women is of particular importantce not only for the present, but also for future generations. Aim: To assess dietary intake of vitamins A, C, E, D and trace elements, such asFe, Mn, Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn and Se in women of fertile age in Khanty-Mansiysk and Salekhard, North-Eastern Siberia. Methods: A cross-sectional study. A total of 137 non-indigenous women aged 18-44 years living in Khanty-Mansiysk (n = 75) and Salekhard (n = 62) participated in a cross-sectional dietary survey. A 3-day diet was assessed by a questionnaire and the ASPON-nutrition software. Dietary intake of the abovementioned vitamins and nutrients were compared with the naitonal recommended daily amounts (RDA). Results: No statistically significant differences in the intake of vitamines and nutrients were observed between the two settings. Women from the Northen city of Salekhard had insufficient intake of Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn (70-89 % RDA) and Se in partlicular (49 % RDA). They also consumed insufficient amounts ofvitamins E (82-87 % RDA), C (62-73 % RDA) D ( 54-55 % RDA). We also oserved excess intake of vitamin A (111-115 % RDA). Conclusion: A substantial proportion of fertile-age women in North-Eastern Siberia have insufficient intake of vitamines C, E and D as well as Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn and Se warranting development of public health programms including activities to promote dietary supplements and food fortification to improve nutrition of residents in general and women in particular in North-Eastern Siberia.
ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN BLOOD CONCENTRATIONS OF CYTOTOXIC CD8+ CELLS AND LYMPHOCYTE APOPTOSIS IN HEALTHY HUMANS
Authors: Stavinskaya O. A. , Dobrodeeva L. K. , Patrakeeva V. P.
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Cytotoxic T-lymphocytes play an important role in a specific immune response via a lytic effect in relation to abnormal cells. The number of these cells greatly increases sin pathological states. In addition, an increased cytotoxic activity is a characteristic of the immune response of people living in the Far NorthTherefore, it is important to understand what function cytotoxic T-lymphocytes predominantly perform in healthy people in the North - cytolytic or suppressor? Aim: To assess associations between CD8+ concentration and immune response and apoptotic deaths of the lymphocytes in healthy individuals. Methods: Ninety-three healthy adult residents of the Russian North comprised the sample. Apoptotic lymphocyte death was studied by flow cytometry. FITC-annexine-V and propidium iodide labelled cells were detected. Concentrations of cytokines and apoptosis mediators were assessed by a solid-phase enzyme immunoassay. Neutrophiles, monocytes and phagocytic activity of neutrophils were studied in blood smears stained by Romanowsky's - Giemsa. The level of phenotypic activity of lymphocytes was assessed by double peroxidase labeling using monoclonal antibodies. The data were presented using means, standard deviations, medians, the 1st and the 3rd quartiles. All study participants were divided into two groups: with normal- (0.2-0,4 х109 kl/l) and elevated (more 0,6 х109 kl/l) blood cytotoxic lymphocyte levels. The groups were similar in terms of by age- and gender distribution. Continuous variables were analyzed using Mann-Whitney tests. Results: In individuals with an increased level of cytotoxic CD8+ lymphocytes in peripheral venous blood had greater concentrations of leukocytes (7.4 ± 0.49 х109 cells/l vs. 5.5 ± 0.23 х109, p = 0.003), lymphocytes (2.8 ± 0.17 х109 cells/l vs.1.8 ± 0.07 х109 cells/t p = 0.005), and mature neutrophils (4.1 ± 0.19 х109 cells/l vs. 3.4 ± 0.49 х109 cells/l, p = 0.013). No associations between the level of apoptosis of lymphocytes (AnV+/PI-) and concentrations of sFasL, TRAIL, TNFa, and cytochrome C were observed. Conclusions: Lymphocytes CD8+ in healthy residents of the Russian North perform mainly cytotoxic function, which is not related to apoptotic cellular death.
A perspective of pipejacking works by tunnel boring machines in Hong Kong: part I – development, selection of design, operations and types of techniques
Authors: Mok Wilson W S , Ng Andrew S W
Published: September 2021

In this paper, the history of pipejacking works by tunnel boring machines in Hong Kong, their development, selection of design method and tunnel boring machine (TBM), operations, length and alignment of a pipeline, types of techniques to suit different site constraints and ground conditions, and performance of the works are discussed. This paper should be read together with part II, which covers applications, problems encountered, cost and prospects.
A perspective of pipejacking works by tunnel boring machines in Hong Kong: part II – applications, problems encountered, cost and prospects
Authors: Mok Wilson W S , Ng Andrew S W
Published: September 2021

In this paper, application of special techniques such as pipe roof construction, retractable TBM, and rectangular TBM to address site difficulties and constraints is highlighted. Cost and prospects of TBM pipejacking works are discussed. Some observations, including problems encountered and overcome, are also highlighted. This paper should be read together with part I, which covers development, selection of design, operations and types of techniques.
Environmental Concern and Ethical Obligation Influencing the Purchase Intention of Consumers Towards Vegan Fashion Products -A Case in Hanoi, Vietnam
Authors: Pham, Ph.D Van Tuan , Minh Anh Nguyen Ha , Linh Chi Kieu Vu , Ngoc Le Minh , Phuong Thao Ho Thi , Lam, MBA Nguyen Thanh
Published: September 2021

The fundamental purpose of this study is to identify and evaluate factors influencing Hanoi consumers' intention to purchase vegan fashion products based on the framework of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). The ultimate result indicates that there is an outstanding factor significantly impacting the intention of Hanoi residents towards vegan fashion products: Ethical obligation (β=0.236). In addition, Environmental concern indirectly has an influence on the intention via attitudes. This study has important and practical consequences for governmental agencies and public organizations in terms of encouraging vegan fashion consumption. Based on the study’s findings, some feasible solutions are proposed to help authorities, businesses in Hanoi in particular, and Vietnam in general as well as motivating their customer intention.
Wonderful Works of Nature: C.S. Lewis and Reijer Hooykaas on Francis Bacon and the Scientific Revolution
Authors: Smilde Arend
Published: September 2021

This article examines a disagreement which briefly came to light decades ago, half-posthumously, between two twentieth-century Christian scholars, C.S. Lewis (1898–1963) and Reijer Hooykaas (1906–1994), the first Dutch professor in the history of science, who later succeeded to the chair of Eduard Dijksterhuis in Utrecht. Hooykaas and Lewis diverge in their views of the role traditionally ascribed to the work of Francis Bacon (1561–1626) as a major inspiration for the seventeenth-century scientific revolution. Put briefly, while Bacon is a hero for Hooykaas, he is an antihero for Lewis. Sorting out the extent to which either scholar was right not only results in a fairly clear answer but entails, as a bonus, a fine example of what the history of science as an academic discipline is indeed good for.
An airborn laser scanning is a basic for topographic plans and three-dimensional models of constructions
Authors:   National Transport University, Khomiak Anna , Omelchuk Sibilla ,   National Transport University, Neizvestna Natalia ,   National Transport University, Feshchenko Anna ,   National Transport University, Nabilskyi Oleksandr ,   National Transport University
Published: September 2021

An Airborne laser scanning allowed to get the cloud of points with clearly defined spatial coordinates. If that cloud is classified, the various models could be created based on received information. Nowadays, 3D models of buildings are used in a variety of industries for analysis and different processes development forecasting, connected with buildings. It explains why the methods of creating 3D models should be researched and algorithms of its developing should be created. The Airborne laser scanning is researched in the paper, analysis of data (the cloud of points) processing is done in programs that allowed to create information system.
The Black Man’s burden and the existentialist challenge: unchaining the African consciousness to action
Authors: Ogar Tom Eneji , Iwuagwu Emmanuel Kelechi
Published: September 2021

This research work, “The Black Man’s Burden and the Existentialist Challenge: Unchaining the African consciousness to action,” is a critical analysis of the human condition in Africa that has remained intractable right from political independence to the present and the right approach to stem the tide towards the Africa of the future. How is it that none of the about forty-eight nations South of the Sahara have made appreciable and sustained progress since most achieved independence in the 1960s, except maybe a few with exceptional natural resources. It has been found out that what has become known as the Black Man’s burden is a consequence of unacceptable poverty rate, endemic corruption, civil strife, wars, terrorism, banditry, and a generally low level of human growth and development. The idea that Western countries of Europe and America hold the key to Africa’s development is a myth that is not worth patronizing. The answer to the Black Man’s burden lies as they should in the hands of African countries themselves and especially the individuals and their governments. It is not the case that Africa has been the only continent in history that has suffered this human condition. Europe in the aftermath of the world wars was in shambles, and it took some conscious efforts of individuals and governments to consciously revolt against the absurd through a commitment to come out of the vicious cycle of finger-pointing as causes. The Black Man’s burden can also be addressed using the existentialist movement as a theoretical framework to bring Africa out of the present malaise of backwardness. An acceptance of the absurd and a conscious revolt against the same is what we need in Africa to address this sisyphusian like scenario.
Individual Variation in Temporal Dynamics of Post-release Habitat Selection
Authors: Picardi Simona , Ranc Nathan , Smith Brian J. , Coates Peter S. , Mathews Steven R. , Dahlgren David K.
Published: September 2021

Translocated animals undergo a phase of behavioral adjustment after being released in a novel environment, initially prioritizing exploration and gradually shifting toward resource exploitation. This transition has been termed post-release behavioral modification. Post-release behavioral modification may also manifest as changes in habitat selection through time, and these temporal dynamics may differ between individuals. We aimed to evaluate how post-release behavioral modification is reflected in temporal dynamics of habitat selection and its variability across individuals using a population of translocated female greater sage-grouse as a case study. Sage-grouse were translocated from Wyoming to North Dakota (USA) during the summers of 2018–2020. We analyzed individual habitat selection as a function of sagebrush cover, herbaceous cover, slope, and distance to roads. Herbaceous cover is a key foraging resource for sage-grouse during summer; thus, we expected a shift from exploration to exploitation to manifest as temporally-varying selection for herbaceous cover. For each individual sage-grouse (N = 26), we tested two competing models: a null model with no time-dependence and a model with time-dependent selection for herbaceous cover. We performed model selection at the individual level using an information-theoretic approach. Time-dependence was supported for five individuals, unsupported for seven, and the two models were indistinguishable based on AICc for the remaining fourteen. We found no association between the top-ranked model and individual reproductive status (brood-rearing or not). We showed that temporal dynamics of post-release habitat selection may emerge in some individuals but not in others, and that failing to account for time-dependence may hinder the detection of steady-state habitat selection patterns. These findings demonstrate the need to consider both temporal dynamics and individual variability in habitat selection when conducting post-release monitoring to inform translocation protocols.
Lesion Length Improves Diagnostic Accuracy of Intravascular Ultrasound for Detecting Functional Intermediate Coronary Stenosis Evaluated With Coronary Angiography-Derived Fractional Flow Reserve in Non-left Main Artery
Authors: Li Menghuan , Cheang Iokfai , He Yuan , Liao Shengen , Wang Hui , Kong Xiangqing
Published: September 2021

Objective: Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) parameters, for example, minimal lumen area (MLA) and area stenosis (AS), poorly identified functional intermediate coronary stenosis (ICS). For detecting functional ICS defined by coronary angiography-derived fractional flow reserve (caFFR), our study aims to determine whether IVUS parameters integrated with lesion length (LL) by three-dimensional quantitative coronary analysis (3D-QCA) could improve diagnostic value.

Methods: A total of 111 patients with 122 ICS lesions in the non-left main artery were enrolled. MLA and AS were calculated in all lesions by IVUS. Diameter stenosis (DS%) and LL were measured by 3D-QCA. caFFR was computed by the proprietary fluid dynamic algorithm, a caFFR ≤ 0.8 was considered as functional stenosis. Receiver-operating curve analyses were used to compare the diagnostic accuracy among indices to predict functional stenoses.

Results: Mean caFFR values in all lesions were 0.86 ± 0.09. Lesions with caFFR ≤ 0.8 showed lower MLA and higher AS (MLA: 3.3 ± 0.8 vs. 4.1 ± 1.2, P = 0.002; AS: 71.3 ± 9.6% vs. 63.5 ± 1.3%, P = 0.007). DS% and LL were more severe in lesions with caFFR ≤ 0.8 (DS%: 45.5 ± 9.6% vs. 35.5 ± 8.2%, P < 0.001; LL: 31.6 ± 12.9 vs. 21.0 ± 12.8, P < 0.001). caFFR were correlated with MLA, AS, and LL (MLA: r = 0.36, P < 0.001; AS: r = −0.36, P < 0.001; LL: r = −0.41, P < 0.001). Moreover, a multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that MLA (β = 0.218, P = 0.013), AS (β = −0.197, P = 0.029), and LL (β = −0.306, P > 0.001) contributed significantly to the variation in caFFR. The best cutoff value of MLA, AS, and LL for predicting caFFR ≤ 0.8 were 3.6 mm2, 73%, and 26 mm, with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.714, 0.688, and 0.767, respectively. Combined with MLA, AS, and LL for identifying functional ICS, the accuracy was the highest among study methods (AUC: 0.845, P < 0.001), and was significantly higher than each single method (All P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Lesion length can improve the diagnostic accuracy of IVUS-derived parameters for detecting functional ICS.
Quality of the Evidence Supporting the Role of Acupuncture for Stable Angina Pectoris: An Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews
Authors: Shen Min , Huang Jinke , Qiu Tao
Published: September 2021

Background: To systematically appraise and synthesize evidence, we conducted an overview of systematic reviews/meta-analyses (SRs/MAs) on acupuncture for stable angina pectoris (SAP).

Methods: Eight databases were searched for SRs/MAs of acupuncture on SAP. The methodological quality, reporting quality, and evidence quality were evaluated by Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR-2), the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system, respectively.

Results: A total of seven published SRs/MAs met the inclusion criteria. According to the evaluation results of AMSTAR-2, two studies were considered as of moderate quality; the remaining five were considered as of very low quality. According to the evaluation results of the PRISMA checklist, only one study reported the checklist in its entirety, while others had reporting deficiencies. According to GRADE, a total of 18 outcome indicators extracted from the included studies were evaluated. The evidence quality was very low in three, low in three, moderate in eight, and high in four.

Conclusion: Acupuncture may be beneficial for SAP from the currently published evidence. However, this conclusion must be interpreted cautiously due to the generally low methodological quality, reporting quality, and evidence quality of the included studies. More rigorous, more standardized and comprehensive SRs/MAs are needed to provide strong evidence for convincing conclusions.
Association of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease With Arrhythmia Risks: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liu Xin , Chen Zhuohui , Li Siyuan , Xu Shuo
Published: September 2021

Background: A large number of studies have shown that the arrhythmia risks may be the potential causes of death among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. However, the association of COPD with risks of arrhythmias has never been systematically reviewed. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to assess the relationship between COPD and arrhythmia risks.

Methods: An updated systematic retrieval was carried out within the databases of Embase and PubMed until June 27, 2021.The random-effects model was used to pool studies due to the potential heterogeneity across the included studies. The risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were regarded as effect estimates.

Results: A total of 21 studies were included in our meta-analysis. In the pooled analysis by the random-effects model, the results showed that COPD was significantly related to the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) (RR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.46–2.70), ventricular arrhythmias (VA) (RR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.42–2.85), and sudden cardiac death (SCD) (RR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.28–2.21). The corresponding results were not changed after exclusion one study at a time. The pooled results were also stable when we re-performed the analysis using the fixed-effects model.

Conclusions: Our current data suggested that COPD was associated with increased risks of AF, VA, and SCD.
Landslide Scarp Assessments by Means of an Ellipse-Referenced Idealized Curved Surface
Authors: Ko Chi-Jyun , Wang Chih-Ling , Wong Hock-Kiet , Lai Wen-Chi , Kuo Chih-Yu , Tai Yih-Chin
Published: September 2021

The importance of scenario investigation in landslide-related hazard mitigation planning has long been recognized, where numerical simulation with physics-based models plays a crucial role because of its quantitative information. However, a plausible failure surface is a prerequisite in conducting the numerical simulation, but it often has a high degree of uncertainty due to the complex geological structure. The present study is devoted to proposing a methodology to mimic the plausible landslide failure surface (with some uncertainty) for investigating the consequent flow paths when failure takes place. Instead of a spherical shape, an idealized curved surface (ICS) is used, where two constant curvatures are, respectively, assigned in the down-slope and cross-slope directions. A reference ellipse is introduced for constructing the associated ICS with a specified failure depth regarding these two curvatures. Through translating, rotating, or side-tilting the reference ellipse, the most appropriate ICS is figured out with respect to the assigned constraints (failure area, volume of released mass, depth of sliding interface, etc.). The feasibility and practicability of this ellipse–ICS method are examined by application to a historical landslide event and one landslide-prone area. In application to the historical event, the fitness versus the landslide scarp area and its impacts on the consequent flow paths are investigated. For the landslide-prone area, five scenarios are arranged based on the surface features and the records of gaging wells. The most plausible failure scenario is therefore suggested as the prerequisite for mimicking the consequential flow paths.
A Novel Real-Coded Genetic Algorithm for Dynamic Economic Dispatch Integrating Plug-In Electric Vehicles
Authors: Yang Wenqiang , Peng Zhanlei , Feng Wei , Menhas Muhammad Ilyas
Published: September 2021

Massive popularity of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) may bring considerable opportunities and challenges to the power grid. The scenario is highly dependent on whether PEVs can be effectively managed. Dynamic economic dispatch with PEVs (DED with PEVs) determines the optimal level of online units and PEVs, to minimize the fuel cost and grid fluctuations. Considering valve-point effects and transmission losses is a complex constrained optimization problem with non-smooth, non-linear, and non-convex characteristics. High efficient DED method provides a powerful tool in both power system scheduling and PEVs charging coordination. In this study, firstly, PEVs are integrated into the DED problem, which can carry out orderly charge and discharge management to improve the quality of the grid. To tackle this, a novel real-coded genetic algorithm (RCGA), namely, dimension-by-dimension mutation based on feature intervals (GADMFI), is proposed to enhance the exploitation and exploration of conventional RCGAs. Thirdly, a simple and efficient constraint handling method is proposed for an infeasible solution for DED. Finally, the proposed method is compared with the current literature on six cases with three scenarios, including only thermal units, units with disorderly PEVs, and units with orderly PEVs. The proposed GADMFI shows outstanding advantages on solving the DED with/without PEVs problem, obtaining the effect of cutting peaks and filling valleys on the DED with orderly PEVs problem.
Forest History—New Perspectives for an Old Discipline
Authors: Muigg Bernhard , Tegel Willy
Published: September 2021

The scientific field of forest history studies the development of woodlands and their interrelationship with past human societies. During the last decades, the subject has experienced a constant decrease of importance, reflected in the loss of representation in most universities. After 200 years of existence, an insufficient theoretical basis and the prevalence of bibliographical and institutional studies on post-medieval periods have isolated the field and hindered interdisciplinary exchange. Here we present possible new perspectives, proposing wider methodological, chronological, thematic, and geographical areas of focus. This paper summarizes the development of the field over time and recommends content enhancement, providing a specific example of application from Roman France. Furthermore, we introduce a topical definition of forest history. Following the lead of other fields of the humanities and environmental sciences focussing on the past, forest history has to adapt to using other available archives in addition to historical written sources. In particular, historical and archeological timber as well as pollen are essential sources for the study of past forests. Research into forest history can substantially add to our understanding of relevant issues like societal responses to climate change and resource scarcity in the past and contribute to future scenarios of sustainability.
Common Mycorrhizae Network: A Review of the Theories and Mechanisms Behind Underground Interactions
Authors: Figueiredo Aline Fernandes , Boy Jens , Guggenberger Georg
Published: September 2021

Most terrestrial plants establish symbiotic associations with mycorrhizal fungi for accessing essential plant nutrients. Mycorrhizal fungi have been frequently reported to interconnect plants via a common mycelial network (CMN), in which nutrients and signaling compounds can be exchanged between the connected plants. Several studies have been performed to demonstrate the potential effects of the CMN mediating resource transfer and its importance for plant fitness. Due to several contrasting results, different theories have been developed to predict benefits or disadvantages for host plants involved in the network and how it might affect plant communities. However, the importance of the mycelium connections for resources translocation compared to other indirect pathways, such as leakage of fungi hyphae and subsequent uptake by neighboring plant roots, is hard to distinguish and quantify. If resources can be translocated via mycelial connections in significant amounts that could affect plant fitness, it would represent an important tactic for plants co-existence and it could shape community composition and dynamics. Here, we report and critically discuss the most recent findings on studies aiming to evaluate and quantify resources translocation between plants sharing a CMN and predict the pattern that drives the movement of such resources into the CMN. We aim to point gaps and define open questions to guide upcoming studies in the area for a prospect better understanding of possible plant-to-plant interactions via CMN and its effect in shaping plants communities. We also propose new experiment set-ups and technologies that could be used to improve previous experiments. For example, the use of mutant lines plants with manipulation of genes involved in the symbiotic associations, coupled with labeling techniques to track resources translocation between connected plants, could provide a more accurate idea about resource allocation and plant physiological responses that are truly accountable to CMN.
Non-coding RNAs in the Pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Yousuf Aadil , Qurashi Abrar
Published: September 2021

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an early onset chronic neurological condition in adults characterized by inflammation, demyelination, gliosis, and axonal loss in the central nervous system. The pathological cause of MS is complex and includes both genetic and environmental factors. Non-protein-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), specifically miRNAs and lncRNAs, are important regulators of various biological processes. Over the past decade, many studies have investigated both miRNAs and lncRNAs in patients with MS. Since then, insightful knowledge has been gained in this field. Here, we review the role of miRNAs and lncRNAs in MS pathogenesis and discuss their implications for diagnosis and treatment.
Elevated N6-Methyladenosine RNA Levels in Peripheral Blood Immune Cells: A Novel Predictive Biomarker and Therapeutic Target for Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Xie Jinye , Huang Zhijian , Jiang Ping , Wu Runan , Jiang Hongbo , Luo Chuanghua , Hong Honghai , Yin Haofan
Published: September 2021

Effective biomarkers for the diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) are essential for improving prognosis. Imbalance in regulation of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA has been associated with a variety of cancers. However, whether the m6A RNA levels of peripheral blood can serve as a diagnostic biomarker for CRC is still unclear. In this research, we found that the m6A RNA levels of peripheral blood immune cells were apparently elevated in the CRC group compared with those in the normal controls (NCs) group. Furthermore, the m6A levels arose as CRC progressed and metastasized, while these levels decreased after treatment. The area under the curve (AUC) of the m6A levels was 0.946, which was significantly higher than the AUCs for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA; 0.817), carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125; 0.732), and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9; 0.771). Moreover, the combination of CEA, CA125, and CA19-9 with m6A levels improved the AUC to 0.977. Bioinformatics and qRT-PCR analysis further confirmed that the expression of m6A modifying regulator IGF2BP2 was markedly elevated in peripheral blood of CRC patients. Gene set variation analysis (GSVA) implied that monocyte was the most abundant m6A-modified immune cell type in CRC patients’ peripheral blood. Additionally, m6A modifications were negatively related to the immune response of monocytes. In conclusion, our results revealed that m6A RNA of peripheral blood immune cells was a prospective non-invasive diagnostic biomarker for CRC patients and might provide a valuable therapeutic target.
Pragmatic Assignment of Species Groups Based on Primary Species Hypotheses: The Case of a Dominant Component of the Southern Ocean Benthic Fauna
Authors: Sands Chester J. , O’Hara Timothy D. , Martín-Ledo Rafael
Published: September 2021

Ecological studies that enhance our understanding of the structure and function of the natural world rely heavily on accurate species identification. With rapid sample accumulation and declining taxonomic expertise, cladistics, phylogenetics and coalescent-based analyses have become key tools for identification or discrimination of species. These tools differ in effectiveness and interpretation depending on researcher perspective and the unique evolutionary histories of the taxa. Given the cost and time required for taxonomic assessment of ambiguous species groups, we advocate a pragmatic approach to clarify species assignment. We carried out a case-study on species from the diverse ophiuroid genusOphiacanthacommon in shelf habitats around the Southern Ocean. Although several of the species are formally described with clear and distinctive morphological characters and reproductive strategies (O. vivipara,O. pentactis,O. densispina,O. antarctica, andO. wolfarntzi), recent molecular data has highlighted issues with these morphospecies, the characters that formally define them and their evolutionary histories. Here we provide evidence that key morphological features of species can be deceptive and show that six-armedO. vivipara, for example, is not a widely distributed Southern Ocean species as currently accepted, rather, three disparate clades.Ophiacantha pentactis, described as having five arms, frequently has six arms and the six-armed form is mistakenly classified asO. vivipara. All six-armed specimens collected from the Antarctic continental shelf fall into theO. pentactisspecies clade. Molecular tools designed for species delimitation appear to fail to reflect the “true” species composition. Rather than rely on a single tool for species recognition, we advocate an integrated approach using traditional detailed taxonomic morphology, summary statistics of molecular sequence data from populations, robust phylogenies, sufficient geographical sampling and local biological knowledge to ensure that species hypotheses can be built on mutually supporting lines of evidence.
DNA Metabarcoding Methods for the Study of Marine Benthic Meiofauna: A Review
Authors: Gielings Romy , Fais Maria , Fontaneto Diego , Creer Simon , Costa Filipe Oliveira , Renema Willem , Macher Jan-Niklas
Published: September 2021

Meiofaunal animals, roughly between 0.045 and 1 mm in size, are ubiquitous and ecologically important inhabitants of benthic marine ecosystems. Their high species richness and rapid response to environmental change make them promising targets for ecological and biomonitoring studies. However, diversity patterns of benthic marine meiofauna remain poorly known due to challenges in species identification using classical morphological methods. DNA metabarcoding is a powerful tool to overcome this limitation. Here, we review DNA metabarcoding approaches used in studies on marine meiobenthos with the aim of facilitating researchers to make informed decisions for the implementation of DNA metabarcoding in meiofaunal biodiversity monitoring. We found that the applied methods vary greatly between researchers and studies, and concluded that further explicit comparisons of protocols are needed to apply DNA metabarcoding as a standard tool for assessing benthic meiofaunal community composition. Key aspects that require additional consideration include: (1) comparability of sample pre-treatment methods; (2) integration of different primers and molecular markers for both the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and the nuclear 18S rRNA genes to maximize taxon recovery; (3) precise and standardized description of sampling methods to allow for comparison and replication; and (4) evaluation and testing of bioinformatic pipelines to enhance comparability between studies. By enhancing comparability between the various approaches currently used for the different aspects of the analyses, DNA metabarcoding will improve the long-term integrative potential for surveying and biomonitoring marine benthic meiofauna.
Rapid Assessment of the COVID-19 Impacts on the Galician (NW Spain) Seafood Sector
Authors: Villasante Sebastian , Tubío Ana , Ainsworth Gillian , Pita Pablo , Antelo Manel , Da-Rocha José María
Published: September 2021

This paper aims to develop a rapid assessment of the COVID-19 impact on the Galician (NW Spain) seafood sector, one of the most important maritime regions in the world. Here, we focus not only on the immediate COVID-19 impacts on the extractive fisheries sector, but also on the capacity of the aquaculture and the canned industries to supply seafood markets before and during the pandemic. We synthesize multiple data sources from across the seafood supply chain to show the relative initial responses and variables of recovery during a pre-COVID-19 period (2015–2019) and during the pandemic (2020). Our study shows that seafood sectors and trade were disrupted by abrupt shifts in demand, supply and limitations on the movement of people and goods, with a wide range of impacts and consequences for the seafood sectors. We find that domestic landings, Galician aquaculture production and imports and exports of seafood products (fresh, live and frozen) in 2020 showed an important decrease. In contrast, the canned production and the imports and exports of prepared and preserved seafood products followed an increasing trend during the COVID-19 pandemic. We record a change in the consumption behavior of the Galician population, which significantly increased expenditure in fresh and canned seafood products during the first confinement. Overall, the Galician seafood sectors were able to ensure the supply of seafood products to the population during the period of confinement decreed as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. Proximity to markets, investment in domestic or nearby supply chains and the development of new technological innovations helped to avoid food shortages and loss of livelihoods in Galicia. Fishers and fishing enterprises have also acted collectively to reassert their rights to provide essential and high quality seafood products to the Galician population, their livelihoods and safe working conditions, and have leveraged relationships and collaborations with their government counterparts to continue fishing.
Long-Term Effect of Early Post-operative Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation on Voiding Function After Radical Hysterectomy: A Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Li Xiao-wei , Gao Lei , Wang Qing , Lv Qiu-bo , Xia Zhi-jun , Wen Hong-wu , Han Jin-song , Wu Yu-mei , Wang Su-mei , Liu Qing , Li Huan , Wang Hai-bo , Li Yi , Wang Shi-yan , Wang Zhi-qi , Sun Xiu-li , Wang Jian-liu
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Post-radical-hysterectomy (RH) patients suffer from a series of problems resulting from neurovascular injury, such as bladder dysfunction, which reduce their quality of life. We have designed this study to evaluate the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS) on patient rehabilitation after RH for early cervical cancer.

Materials and methods: A total of 97 patients were enrolled in a randomized-controlled trial (from January 2015 to December 2019) involving 7 medical centers nationwide. Patients were assigned to either the intervention group (n = 46), or the control group (n = 51). TENS was given to patients in the intervention group from the 7th day after surgery for a total of 14–21 days. The control group received no TENS. Primary outcomes were measured for residual urine volume and recovery of urination function. Secondary outcomes were measures for urodynamics (UDS), pelvic floor electromyography function examination (PFEmF), and quality of life (QoL).

Results: Residual urine volume and improvement in the rate of urination were found to show no significant differences on the 14th, 21st, and 28th days after surgery. The maximum flow rate (Qmax) in the intervention group was significantly higher than that in the control group on the 28th day, but there were no significant differences in average flow rate, voiding time, time to Qmax, muscle fiber strength, muscle fiber fatigue, and the abnormal rate of A3 reflection on the 28th day and the 3rd mo., as well as in the QoL at 3rd mo., 6th mo., and 12th mo. after surgery.

Conclusion: Our study showed no sufficient evidence to prove that TENS under the trialed parameters could improve the subject's voiding function, PFEmF, and QOL after RH. This has provided valuable data for rehabilitation after RH.

Clinical Trial Registration:www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT02492542.
Case Report: Two Rare Cases of Complete Metabolic Response to Crizotinib in Patients With Rearranged ROS1 and ALK Metastatic Non-small Lung Cancer
Authors: Amrane Karim , Campedel Luca , Le Meur Coline , Abgral Ronan , Kharroubi Dris , Cadranel Jacques
Published: September 2021

Crizotinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) indicated in first-line treatment of rearranged c-ros oncogene 1 (ROS1) and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the common response reported after treatment is partial and few complete responses have been reported in PROFILE studies with computed tomography (CT) evaluation. To date, only one case report of complete metabolic response on 2-deoxy-2-[18F] fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (18F-FDG-PET/CT) was published, reporting on a patient with ROS1 rearranged NSCLC. We highlighted the 18F-FDG-PET/CT useful approach for therapeutic assessment of TKI in metastatic mutated NSCLC reporting two complete metabolic responses in patients treated with crizotinib for a rearranged ROS1 and a metastatic ALK NSCLC.