bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology of Parkinson’s Disease in Rural Gujarat, India
Authors: Je Goun , Arora Swati , Raithatha Shyamsundar , Barrette Ryan , Valizadeh Navid , Shah Utkarsh , Desai Devangi , Deb Anindita , Desai Soaham
Published: May 2021

Introduction: In India, there have been only few published studies of Parkinson’s disease (PD) showing a wide range of prevalence. We conducted this study to determine the prevalence of PD in the rural population of Gujarat, in the western region of India. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in the villages of Anand, a district of Gujarat, India, between September 2019 and February 2020. This study used a multistep approach including a screening questionnaire and video recording followed by clinical examination by a neurologist, laboratory evaluation, and brain imaging to evaluate patients with PD. Results: A total population of 18,896 was screened. The overall crude prevalence of PD was 42.3 per 100,000, and the prevalence over the age of 60 was 308.9 per 100,000 which showed the trend of increasing disease prevalence with age. Their mean duration of illness was 39.3 ± 27.3 months, and more than half of patients with PD had multiple associated nonmotor symptoms and nearly one-third had comorbid anxiety or depression. Environmental factors are important in the pathogenesis of PD, but there was no clear association between patients with PD and certain variables including consumption of well water, exposure to pesticides or other toxins, smoking cigarettes, and drinking alcohol or coffee in our study. Conclusions: The present study showed the current epidemiological data of PD from Gujarat, in western India. Further studies across different regions in India need to be encouraged for better understanding of PD prevalence in the Indian population.
Are Individuals with Substance Use Disorders at Higher Risk of SARS-CoV-2 Infection? Population-Based Registry Study in Northern Italy
Authors: Djuric Olivera , Mancuso Pamela , Zannini Angela , Nicolaci Antonio , Massari Marco , Zerbini Alessandro , Belloni Lucia , Collini Giorgia , Sampaolesi Fabio , Celotti Anna , Boni Iulica , Giorgi Rossi Paolo ,   Reggio Emilia COVID-19 Working Group
Published: May 2021

Background and Aim: This study assesses whether individuals with substance use disorder are at greater risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection than people in the general population. Methods: A population-based study was conducted including 3,780 individuals, diagnosed with alcohol or other drug dependence and cared for by the addiction service (AS) in the province of Reggio Emilia. Standardised incidence ratios (SIRs) and relative 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of being tested and of being SARS-CoV-2 positive in the population of interest compared with those in the general population of Reggio Emilia were calculated. Results: Both individuals with alcohol and those with other drug use disorders had a lower risk of being SARS-CoV-2 positive (SIR = 0.69; 95% CI 0.32–1.30, SIR = 0.56; 95% CI 0.24–1.10, respectively), despite higher rates of being tested than the general population (SIR = 1.48; 95% CI 1.14–1.89, SIR = 1.51; 95% CI 1.20–1.86, respectively). Among HIV-negative persons, 12.5% were positive to SARS-CoV-2, while none was positive among HIV-positive persons. HCV-infected AS clients had a higher risk of both being tested for SARS-CoV-2 (SIR = 1.99; 95% CI 1.26–2.98) and of resulting positive (SIR = 1.53; 95% CI 0.50–3.58). Conclusions: Individuals with alcohol and/or other drug use disorders are at higher risk of being tested for SARS-CoV-2 infection but at lower risk of resulting positive than the general population. Further research is warranted in order to support our findings and to address plausible factors underpinning such associations.
The Belgian DNA Debate: An Online Deliberative Platform on the Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues of Genomics
Authors: Mayeur Chloé , Saelaert Marlies , Van Hoof Wannes
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Genomics is increasingly being implemented in the society. To fully realise this implementation, citizens should be consulted about their perspectives on genomics and its associated ethical, legal, and social issues (ELSI) to enable them to co-create with experts a society-supported framework in genomics. Methods: A Belgian online DNA debate was organised, where 1,127 citizens contributed to its deliberative platform. Results: Contributors expressed a dual attitude towards the societal use of genomic information throughout 5 main themes. Firstly, contributors considered DNA to have a significant but nondeterministic impact on identity. The second theme describes how genomic information may guide people’s behaviour but has unfavourable effects such as psychological distress. The third theme covers the tension between a genomics-based responsibility and the rejection of genetic discrimination. The fourth theme depicts how genomic information may be useful for the common good and society at large but how, nevertheless, it should be people’s free choice to use this information. In the fifth theme, contributors expressed both willingness to share their data and caution towards the harm and abuses this may engender. Finally, contributors formulated some recommendations for the responsible implementation of genomics. Discussion and Conclusion: The attitude of contributors towards the societal use of genomic information and its ELSI aligns with a soft precautionary approach, in which prudence and the weighing of different values should result in protective measures against potential risks and harms. Further societal implementation of genomics should include these values and concerns.
Rural Stroke Surveillance and Establishment of Acute Stroke Care Pathway Using Frontline Health Workers in Rural Northwest India: The Ludhiana Experience
Authors: Singh Shavinder , Kate Mahesh , Samuel Clarence , Kamra Deepshikha , Kaliyaperumal Abirami , Nandi Jayshree , Khatter Himani , Sharma Meenakshi , Pandian Jeyaraj
Published: May 2021

Background and Purpose: The role of community health workers (CHWs) in stroke surveillance and in establishing the stroke care pathway has not been studied. The aim of the study was to evaluate the feasibility of using CHWs in the public health system to identify stroke patients for population-based stroke registration and to study the establishment of acute stroke care pathway in rural areas of Ludhiana, Punjab, Northwest India. Methods: Two rural blocks in Ludhiana district, comprising 164 villages and a population of 259,778, were selected. Phase-1 (feasibility study) was from August to November 2016 and phase-2 from December 2016 to November 2018. All first-ever stroke cases in adults (aged ≥18 years) were included. The accredited social health activists (ASHAs) were trained to identify stroke patients in the community, who were later evaluated by a neurologist. Stroke characteristics were recorded, and the outcome was assessed at 6 months using modified Rankin scale (0–2, good outcome). Findings: During phase-2, 359 first-ever stroke patients and 102 stroke mimics were identified. The age-standardized incidence rate was 218.5/100,000 and 197∙6/100,000 for each year. Half (52.4%) of the patients reached health-care facilities within 4.5 h, yet none of them received thrombolysis. Very few patients (1.9%) utilized free government 108 ambulance service to reach a health-care facility. Out of 359 stroke cases, the majority (306, 85.23%) were reported by ASHAs and 14.77% were reported by other sources. Brain imaging was available in 127 (35.4%) patients, and 100 (78.7%) had ischemic stroke. The most common risk factor was hypertension (320, 89%) and drug abuse (154, 42.9%). At 6 months, 168 (64%) patients had a good outcome. Conclusion: ASHAs were able to identify stroke patients in the villages. Despite high numbers of patients reaching health-care facilities within a window period, the hospitals were unable to provide acute stroke treatment like thrombolysis. The health-care system needs to be strengthened to improve stroke care.
DNA Recovery Using Ethanol-Based Liquid Medium from FTA Card-Stored Samples for HPV Detection
Authors: Pedrão Priscila Grecca , de Carvalho Ana Carolina , Possati-Resende Júlio César , de Paula Cury Fernanda , Campanella Nathália C. , de Oliveira Cristina Mendes , Tavares Guerreiro Fregnani José Humberto
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Alternative methods of dry storage and transportation may be a viable alternative to the use of liquid storage medium for cervical samples, especially for screening programs in places with few resources. Objective: The objective of this study is to verify the viability and efficacy of human papillomavirus DNA (HPV-DNA) detection in cervical cell samples collected and stored on a Flinders Technology Associates (FTA) card (Whatman Indicating FTA® Elute Micro Card) and subsequently recovered in ethanol-based liquid medium and to compare the results to those obtained using samples stored directly in ethanol-based liquid medium. Study Design: Thirty-four women submitted to ETZ (excision of the transformation zone of the cervix) were included in this study. Before ETZ, 2 samples of exfoliated cervical cells were collected from each woman by a doctor and stored in ethanol-based liquid medium and on an FTA card. DNA recovery from FTA samples was performed using ethanol-based liquid medium. Detection of HPV-DNA in the samples was performed using the Cobas® 4800 HPV Test Platform. Results and Conclusions: The HPV-DNA detection positivity rates were 70.6% for the samples collected directly in liquid medium and 64.7% for the samples stored on the FTA card, with high detection accuracy in the DNA samples recovered from the FTA card (area under the curve = 0.958; 95% confidence interval = 0.890–1.000). The concordance between the results obtained using the 2 storage media was 94.1% (Kappa = 0.866). These preliminary results suggest that collection of cervical material on an FTA card may be an alternative to storage in liquid medium since the liquid medium has some limitations. In addition, DNA recovery from the card using ethanol-based liquid medium streamlines the workflow in the laboratory and reduces the cost associated with reagents, thereby facilitating access to the HPV test in places with few resources and potentially improving cervical cancer screening.
Socioeconomic Inequalities in Food Consumption: A Cross-Sectional Study in Portuguese Adults
Authors: Velhinho Ana Rita , Perelman Julian
Published: May 2021

Background: Food is a major determinant of chronic noncommunicable diseases. Because of this, social inequalities in food consumption will likely produce social inequalities in disease and life expectancy. Objectives: This study analyses the social inequalities in food consumption in Portugal and whether they differ between men and women and between younger and older people. Methods: Following a cross-sectional observational study, we analyzed data from 11,085 individuals aged 25–64 years who participated in the 2014 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). Logistic regression models were used to measure the association between socioeconomic conditions, i.e., education and income, and food consumption. The analysis was then stratified by sex and age. Results: A positive gradient for income and education was observed in the consumption of fish, cakes, natural juices, and dairy products. The consumption of legumes and soft drinks was inversely related to income and education. A socioeconomic gradient for fruits and vegetables was observed only among women and older people. Worse-off people consumed less soup, and underprivileged women consumed fewer fast-food products. Conclusion: The food consumption patterns of Portuguese adults are related to their socioeconomic condition, with few variations across demographic categories.
Mapping Telemedicine in German Private Practice Urological Care: Implications for Transitioning beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Rodler Severin , Schütz Julius M. , Styn Amelie , Weinhold Philipp , Casucelli Jozefina , Eismann Lennert , Bauer Ricarda M. , Staehler Michael , Stief Christian , Buchner Alexander , Mumm Jan-Niclas
Published: May 2021

Background: There are limited data on the use and concern of telemedicine among German urologists, and thus, there are no established guidelines for telemedical diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of urological indications. Methods: An anonymized survey was conducted among German private practice urologists during the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The χ2 test, Mann-Whitney U-test, and Kruskal-Wallis test were used for statistical analysis. Results: 257 urologists were included in the final analysis. Thirty-five (14.0%) of urologists had used telemedicine as part of their consultation, and 221 (86.0%) had not used telemedicine. There was no difference between telemedicine adoption rates between rural and urban settings. Telemedicine users were significantly more satisfied with the information they had received regarding telemedicine issues. Users saw the greatest barrier to telemedicine that patients do not take up the offer of telemedicine. Nonusers were most concerned with unclear indications for telemedicine followed by lesser reimbursements during telemedicine than in-person visitations. Users were significantly more likely to use telemedicine beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. Urologists, who wanted to use the service in the future, wanted an active support by the German society of urology and guidelines for telemedicine. Last, users and nonusers preferred telemedicine for non-acute chronic diseases and follow-up visitations. Conclusion: Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine remains a rarely used service among German private practice urologists. Ultimately, to overcome the current challenges, urologists require an active support for the service through the German Society of Urology and telemedical guidelines.
The Immune Responses against Coronavirus Infections: Friend or Foe?
Authors: Vafaeinezhad Arefe , Atashzar Mohammad Reza , Baharlou Rasoul
Published: May 2021

Coronaviruses (CoVs) were first discovered in the 1960s. Severe acute respiratory syndrome CoV-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been identified as the cause of COVID-19, which spread throughout China and subsequently, across the world. As COVID-19 causes serious public health concerns across the world, investigating the characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 and its interaction with the host immune responses may provide a clearer picture of how the pathogen causes disease in some individuals. Interestingly, SARS-CoV-2 has 80% sequence homology with SARS-CoV-1 and 96–98% homology with CoVs isolated from bats. Therefore, the experience acquired in SARS and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) epidemics may improve our understanding of the immune response and immunopathological changes in COVID-19 patients. In the present paper, we have reviewed the immune responses (including the innate and adaptive immunities) to SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2, so as to improve our understanding of the concept of the COVID-19 disease, which will be helpful in developing vaccines and medications for treating the COVID-19 patients.
Surveys in Surgical Education: A Systematic Review and Reporting Guideline
Authors: Banning Louise B.D. , Meyer Vincent M. , Keupers Joost , Lange Johan F.M. , Pol Robert A. , Benjamens Stan
Published: May 2021

Objectives: Survey studies are a commonly used method for data collection in surgical education research. Nevertheless, studies investigating survey design and response rates in surgical education research are lacking. The aim of this study was to gain an insight into survey response rates among surgical residents and medical students, and provide an initial reporting guideline for future survey studies in this field. Design: PubMed (MEDLINE) was systematically searched for survey studies in surgical education from January 2007 until February 2020, according to the PRISMA statements checklist. Study selection was conducted by 2 authors, independently. Surveys directed at surgical residents and/or medical students were included if data on response rates was available. Studies reporting solely from nonsurgical fields of medicine, paramedicine, or nursing were excluded. Subgroup analyses were performed, comparing response rates for varying modes of survey, per country, and for the 10 journals with the most identified surveys. Results: From the 5,693 records screened for a larger surgical survey database, a total of 312 surveys were included; 173 studies focused on surgical residents and 139 on medical students. The mean (SD) response rate was 55.7% (24.7%) for surgical residents and 69.0% (20.8%) for medical students. The number of published surveys increased yearly, mostly driven by an increase in surgical resident surveys. Although most surveys were Web-based (n = 166, 53.2%), this survey mode resulted in the lowest response rates (mean 52.6%). The highest response rates, with a mean of 79.8% (13.1%), were seen in in-person surveys (n = 89, 28.5%). Wide variations in response rates were seen between different countries and journals. Conclusions: Web-based surveys are gaining popularity for medical research in general and for surgical education specifically; however, this mode results in lower response rates than those of in-person surveys. The response rate of in-person surveys is especially high when focusing on medical students. To improve reporting of survey studies, we present the first step towards a reporting guideline.
Abnormal Liver Blood Tests: Primary Care Approach
Authors: Mijač Dragana , Krstić Miodrag N. , Marković Aleksandra Pavlović , Popović Dušan D. , Krstić Jovan M. , Milosavljević Tomica
Published: May 2021

Background: According to recent epidemiological data, annual deaths due to liver disease have increased dramatically, while predictions show that trends will continue to rise in the upcoming years. Summary: Abnormal liver blood tests are one of the most common challenges encountered in the primary care setting. The prevalence of mildly elevated transaminase levels is around 10–20% in the general population. The most common causes for the rising burden of liver disease are nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD), and viral hepatitis. With improvements in the management of viral hepatitis over the last decades, the causes for the rising burden of liver disease are shifting toward ARLD and NAFLD. It is well-known that liver disease usually progresses silently for years or decades until the complications of cirrhosis occur. The majority of patients will not require referral to a specialist but will need further assessment in primary care. They should be evaluated for the etiology of liver disease irrespective of the duration of abnormal liver blood tests or unmarked clinical presentation. The evaluation should include a history of alcohol use, a history of medicines or herbal supplements, testing for viral hepatitis, and assessment for NAFLD, especially in obese patients and patients with type 2 diabetes. Abdominal ultrasound should be performed. Key Messages: The general practitioner may contribute significantly by identifying and screening patients at risk for chronic liver disease, as well as prioritize individuals with symptoms or signs of advanced liver disease to the specialist clinic.
TREM (Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells)-1 Inhibition Attenuates Neuroinflammation via PKC (Protein Kinase C) δ/CARD9 (Caspase Recruitment Domain Family Member 9) Signaling Pathway After Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Mice
Authors: Lu Qin , Liu Rui , Sherchan Prativa , Ren Reng , He Wei , Fang Yuanjian , Huang Yi , Shi Hui , Tang Lihui , Yang Shuxu , Zhang John H. , Tang Jiping
Published: May 2021

Background and Purpose:

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating subtype of stroke with high mortality and disability. Inflammatory response promotes secondary brain injury after ICH. TREM (triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells)-1 is a key regulator of inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of TREM-1 in neuroinflammatory response after ICH in mice.

Methods:

CD1 mice (n=275) were used in this study. Mice were subjected to ICH by autologous blood injection. TREM-1 knockout CRISPR was administered intracerebroventricularly to evaluate the role of TREM-1 after ICH. A selective TREM-1 inhibitor, LP17, was administered intranasally 2 hours after ICH. To elucidate TREM-1 signaling pathway, CARD9 (caspase recruitment domain family member 9) activation CRISPR was administered with LP17 and TREM-1 activating anti-mouse TREM-1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) was administered with Rottlerin, a specific PKC (protein kinase C) δ inhibitor. Lastly, to evaluate the role of HMGB1 (high-mobility group box 1) in TREM-1 mediated microglia activation, glycyrrhizin, an inhibitor of HMBG1 was administered with TREM-1 activating mAb. Neurobehavioral test, brain water content, Western blot, immunofluorescence staining, and coimmunoprecipitation was performed.

Results:

TREM-1 knockout reduced ICH-induced neurobehavioral deficits and neuroinflammatory response. The temporal expression of HMGB1, TREM-1, PKC δ, and CARD9 increased after ICH. TREM-1 was expressed on microglia. Intranasal administration of LP17 significantly decreased brain edema and improved neurobehavioral outcomes at 24 and 72 hours after ICH. LP17 promoted M2 microglia polarization and reduced proinflammatory cytokines after ICH, which was reversed with CARD9 activation CRISPR. TREM-1 mAb increased neurobehavior deficits, proinflammatory cytokines, and reduced M2 microglia after ICH, which was reversed with Rottlerin. HMBG1 interaction with TREM-1 increased after ICH, and glycyrrhizin reduced neuroinflammation and promoted M2 microglia which was reversed with TREM-1 mAb.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrated that TREM-1 enhanced neuroinflammation by modulating microglia polarization after ICH, and this regulation was partly mediated via PKC δ/CARD9 signaling pathway and increased HMGB1 activation of TREM-1.
Does Src Kinase Mediated Vasoconstriction Impair Penumbral Reperfusion?
Authors: Guldbrandsen Halvor Osterby , Staehr Christian , Iversen Nina Kerting , Postnov Dmitry D. , Matchkov Vladimir V.
Published: May 2021

Despite successful recanalization, a significant number of patients with ischemic stroke experience impaired local brain tissue reperfusion with adverse clinical outcome. The cause and mechanism of this multifactorial complication are yet to be understood. At the current moment, major attention is given to dysfunction in blood-brain barrier and capillary blood flow but contribution of exaggerated constriction of cerebral arterioles has also been suggested. In the brain, arterioles significantly contribute to vascular resistance and thus control of perfusion. Accordingly, pathological changes in arteriolar wall function can, therefore, limit sufficient reperfusion in ischemic stroke, but this has not yet received sufficient attention. Although an increased vascular tone after reperfusion has been demonstrated in several studies, the mechanism behind it remains to be characterized. Importantly, the majority of conventional mechanisms controlling vascular contraction failed to explain elevated cerebrovascular tone after reperfusion. We propose here that the Na,K-ATPase-dependent Src kinase activation are the key mechanisms responsible for elevation of cerebrovascular tone after reperfusion. The Na,K-ATPase, which is essential to control intracellular ion homeostasis, also executes numerous signaling functions. Under hypoxic conditions, the Na,K-ATPase is endocytosed from the membrane of vascular smooth muscle cells. This initiates the Src kinase signaling pathway that sensitizes the contractile machinery to intracellular Ca
2+
resulting in hypercontractility of vascular smooth muscle cells and, thus, elevated cerebrovascular tone that can contribute to impaired reperfusion after stroke. This mechanism integrates with cerebral edema that was suggested to underlie impaired reperfusion and is further supported by several studies, which are discussed in this article. However, final demonstration of the molecular mechanism behind Src kinase-associated arteriolar hypercontractility in stroke remains to be done.
Neural OCR Post-Hoc Correction of Historical Corpora
Authors: Lyu Lijun , Koutraki Maria , Krickl Martin , Fetahu Besnik
Published: May 2021

Optical character recognition (OCR) is crucial for a deeper access to historical collections. OCR needs to account for orthographic variations, typefaces, or language evolution (i.e., new letters, word spellings), as the main source of character, word, or word segmentation transcription errors. For digital corpora of historical prints, the errors are further exacerbated due to low scan quality and lack of language standardization.

For the task of OCR post-hoc correction, we propose a neural approach based on a combination of recurrent (RNN) and deep convolutional network (ConvNet) to correct OCR transcription errors. At character level we flexibly capture errors, and decode the corrected output based on a novel attention mechanism. Accounting for the input and output similarity, we propose a new loss function that rewards the model’s correcting behavior.

Evaluation on a historical book corpus in German language shows that our models are robust in capturing diverse OCR transcription errors and reduce the word error rate of 32.3% by more than 89%.
Impact of SARS-CoV-2 on Aquaria: An Italian Perspective
Authors: Gili Claudia , Vasconi Mauro , Gagliardi Flavio
Published: May 2021

Aquatic animals have been maintained by humans in confined spaces since very ancient times. In the last century both, the need to implement seafood productions and the popularity of aquatic exhibits, have facilitated professional scientific development of live fish management techniques. In this context, aquatic animal welfare has therefore become an important standpoint to guarantee good and safe quality of seafood and sustainable aquaria and zoological collections. At the end of 2019, SARS-CoV-2 severely affected human health in China and shortly became pandemic, hence influencing globally most types of businesses. All animal industries fully dependent on human daily activities and resources, have been severely impacted by human distancing and isolation protocols. During this world crisis, extensive changes in aquarium management procedures had to be applied. Specific contingency plans were developed to protect humans and to guarantee animal care, in order to avoid the risk for aquaria fading away.
Food Fraud: Supply Chain Vulnerabilities and Criminal Opportunities during the COVID Pandemic
Authors: Cane Paola , Primrose David
Published: May 2021

With COVID-19 rampaging through the world in 2020, global businesses were disrupted. The resulting pandemic caused many undesirable economic and societal effects including: sudden supply shortages, economic recession, unemployment, lower consumer incomes, reduced business revenues and increased business losses. A knock-on effect of these effects is increased opportunity for illicit trade to take place and food fraud. Paradoxically the coronavirus outbreak threatened legal global distribution routes and facilitated some fraudulent trade, highlighting that fraud is opportunistic by nature. This is not unexpected as case history and published literature highlights increased fraud in the aftermath of hurricanes and other natural disasters. History teaches us that fraudulent activities in the aftermath or amid a crisis result from “at-risk” individuals e.g., those in poverty, criminals or opportunists, taking advantage from weaknesses in systems e.g., food chain, financial services etc. and as crime increases offenders are motivated to find new flaws to exploit. So far, there are no international data available to compare incidence of food fraud and adulteration during pandemic to any previous pre-pandemic period. The scope of this paper is not therefore to assert that there was a pandemic related increase in food fraud, but to indicate market and supply chain weaknesses and disturbances that may have exposed the market to a higher risk of food fraud vulnerability during the pandemic. Indication of these system weaknesses, highlights areas that might deserve special monitoring and development to reduce vulnerability in any future global crisis.
European Standards of Parliamentary Publicity
Authors: Szalai Flóra , Szentgáli-Tóth Boldizsár
Published: May 2021

Our study will provide a broad definition of parliamentary speech, and on this ground, we will assess, whether there are unitary European standards of parliamentary free speech. For this purpose, we will distinguish external and internal aspects of parliamentary publicity, and we will analyse, which are the proper basis to restrict these crucial values. The parliamentary law and practice of a great number of European countries will be taken into account, and also the case law of the European Court of Human Rights will be highlighted. As the outcome of the analysis, certain proposals will be put forward to promote parliamentary publicity with the help of the instruments of modern technology.
Remote Participation and Proxy Voting in the UK House of Commons
Authors: Uberoi Elise
Published: May 2021

The UK House of Commons has adopted new ways of working in response to the pandemic. These include hybrid proceedings, where some mp s appear in the Chamber and others dial-in remotely, and proxy voting, where mp s can nominate a colleague to vote on their behalf. This article looks at these two new practices to see if there are any differences in their take up by mp s from different political parties, genders and regions. The article shows that there were differences between these groups of mp s and suggests that political party appears the most important factor in explaining these.
Karl Barth’s Doctrine of Election
Authors: O’Neil Michael
Published: May 2021

This essay provides a close reading of Karl Barth’s doctrine of election, attending not only to his argument but also to the patterns of his rhetoric and to his idiosyncratic use of terminology in order to uncover the theological logic that drives his doctrine, and thus to assess its validity. Particular attention is given to the telos of election as Barth conceived it, his theological method, and the enduring criticism that Barth’s doctrine leads inexorably to universalism.
What Are We Trying to Conserve?: Evangelicalism and Sola Scriptura
Authors: Allert Craig D.
Published: May 2021

At its heart Evangelicalism is a conservative movement. But the various streams of influence that converge in this movement have left Evangelicalism with a confused legacy – controlling influence. This legacy is readily apparent in Evangelicalism’s claim of anchoring itself in the Reformation and its insistence on biblical authority. The appeal to the ‘Reformation view’ is often made without understanding or indicating the contextual issues fundamental to understanding that very view. Thus the contemporary evangelical is often called to hold a version of sola scriptura that was not, in fact the version of Luther or Calvin. The contemporary version of sola scriptura, apparently based on Luther and Calvin, is then used as a reason to reject Tradition as a source for theology. It is here shown these Reformers did not reject Tradition in favor of the Bible alone. The slogan must be understood within its proper historical context. The dangers of a rejection of Tradition can be seen in the radicals Franck and Grebel. If appeal is made to ‘the reformers view’ of sola scriptura it is essential that we understand the context of that appeal if we are to offer it as the evangelical view.
The Letter and the Spirit of Barth’s doctrine of election: a response to Michael O’Neil
Authors: Crisp Oliver D.
Published: May 2021

This essay is a response to the article by Michael O’Neil, ‘Karl Barth’s Doctrine of Election’, Evangelical Quarterly 76: 4 (October, 2004), 311-26. I show, contrary to O’Neil’s essay, that Karl Barth’s doctrine of election in Church Dogmatics II/2 is either incoherent or universalistic. However, if, an attempt is made to ‘see past’ the letter of what Barth says to the spirit of his account, a coherent and non-universalistic doctrine of election can be set forth. In the latter section of the essay just such an account is given.
The Evangelical Theological Society and the doctrine of the Trinity
Authors: Giles Kevin
Published: May 2021

Significant evangelical leaders today teach that the Son is eternally subordinated in authority to the Father, sometimes using ontological terms. This teaching would seem to stand in stark tension with the primary Christian confession that ‘Jesus is Lord’ and to contradict the Athanasian Creed which teaches that all three divine persons are ‘almighty’ and ‘Lord’, ‘none is before or after, greater or lesser’, and all are ‘co-equal’. What is more, it would seem to contradict virtually all the Protestant Reformation and post-Reformation Confessions which speak of the three divine persons as equal in being/essence and work/function.
Evangelical doctrines of Scripture in transatlantic perspective
Authors: Holmes Stephen R.
Published: May 2021

This article examines confessional statements concerning the doctrine of Scripture issued by evangelical bodies in Britain and the USA. It demonstrates that the central American confession of the inerrancy of Scripture is almost wholly absent from British confessions. Rejecting the idea that this merely represents a weaker doctrine of Scripture amongst British Evangelicals, it suggests that there are broadly different models of Scriptural authority at work either side of the Atlantic, and traces these differences to the differing influence of the Romantic movement in the early Nineteenth century. Finally, it essays a doctrine of Scripture, that takes seriously the concerns of both British and American evangelicals.
The Abrahamic faiths? Continuity and discontinuity in Christian and Islamic doctrine
Authors: Dodds Adam
Published: May 2021

The term ‘Abrahamic faiths’ and its cognates, prominent in inter-faith and political conversations, has now entered, largely uncritically, into academic discourse. It is not clearly defined and is used by scholars in different and potentially misleading ways. Thus far the term has evaded theological critique; this paper is a contribution to towards just such a critique.

The ‘Abrahamic faiths’ are Judaism, Christianity and Islam, but, this paper shall focus on Christianity and Islam. I propose to critique the term ‘Abrahamic faiths’ by evaluating three different ‘levels of usage’ employed by scholars of religion.

Thus far the term has evaded critique, hence the significance and importance of this undertaking.

This evaluation will first involve examining Christian and Islamic theological continuity. Then, I shall investigate Christian and Islamic theological dissimilarity concerning four core Christian doctrines. My objective is to show that the continuity and discontinuity of Christian and Islamic doctrine requires careful qualification of the term ‘Abrahamic faiths’. I conclude with some constructive reflections for inter-faith dialogue.
Doting Thomists: Evangelicals, Thomas Aquinas, and Justification
Authors: Beckwith Francis
Published: May 2021

Over the past several decades, some Evangelical philosophers and theologians have embraced the metaphysics, epistemology, and natural law theory of Thomas Aquinas (1225–74), despite that fact that historically some of the leading lights in Evangelicalism have rejected Aquinas’s views because they believed these views are inconsistent with classical Reformation teaching. Some of these Evangelical Thomists have argued that on the matter of justification Aquinas is out of step with Tridentine and post-Tridentine Catholicism though closer to the Protestant Reformers. This article argues that such a reading of Aquinas is mistaken, and that Aquinas’s understanding of justification is of a piece with his both his predecessors (Augustine, Council of Orange) as well as his successors (Council of Trent, Catechism of the Catholic Church)
Mesobuthus eupeus (Scorpiones: Buthidae) from Iran: A polytypic species complex
Authors: MIRSHAMSI OMID , SARI ALIREZA , ELAHI ELAHE , HOSSEINIE SHIDOKHT
Published: May 2021

In the present study a number of scorpions from Iran classified under the name of Mesobuthus eupeus (C.L. Koch, 1839) were considered. Currently, M. eupeus includes at least 14 described subspecies with no concrete taxonomic position. Here, this species is redescribed based on new specimens collected from Iran. In addition, multivariate statistical analyses were performed to investigate the degree of intraspecific morphological divergence of M. eupeus based on six Iranian subspecies. The results of morphological comparisons and univariate and multivariate statistical analyses confirm the high phenotypic variability within this species. The data presented here revealed two distinct groups: I. M. e. phillipsi and, II. Including five subspecies namely, M. e. eupeus, M. e. philippovitschi, M. e. thersites M. e. afghanus and M. e. kirmanensis. The results of this study clearly confirm the hypothesis that M. eupeus is a polytypic species complex and possibly includes more than one valid species. Therefore, according to comparative morphological analysis, M. e. phillipsi was raised to the species level.
Morphology and molecular phylogeny of Macrobrachium prachuapense sp. nov. (Decapoda: Palaemonidae) from Southern Thailand
Authors: SAENGPHAN NUKUL , PANIJPAN BHINYO , SENAPIN SAENGCHAN , LAOSINCHAI PARAMES , SUKSOMNIT AUAREE , PHIWSAIYA KORNSUNEE
Published: May 2021

A new species of small freshwater prawn in the Macrobrachium pilimanus species group was found in the upper southern peninsula of Thailand. The prawns in this group exhibit velvet setae on the telopodites of the second pereiopods. The new species, named M. prachuapense sp. nov., is endemic to Thailand. It has several characteristics that make it standing apart and different from closely related species in the group, e.g. M. naiyanetri, M. forcipatum, M. malayanum, M. dienbienphuense, M. eriocheirum, and M. pilosum. The distinguishing characteristic of the new species is the shape of carpus of the second pereiopod (sub-cylindrical and subequal to palm), similar only to that of M. dienbienphuense. However, a fully-grown male of the new species was less than two-third the size of a fully-grown male M. dienbienphuense. Phylogenetic analysis further enhanced its novel species status with respect to its position in the phylogenetic tree relative to other closely related species.
A new species of Protearomyia (Diptera, Lonchaeidae) with a review of the genus in the Palearctic
Authors: MACGOWAN IAIN , REIMANN ANDRÉ
Published: May 2021

A new species Protearomyia jonesi sp. nov. is described and information is provided on the ecology and distribution of the Palearctic Protearomyia species.
CircPTK2-miR-181c-5p-HMGB1: a new regulatory pathway for microglia activation and hippocampal neuronal apoptosis induced by sepsis
Authors: Li Min , Hu Junwen , Peng Yucong , Li Jingbo , Ren Reng
Published: May 2021

Background

Circular RNA hsa_circ_0008305 (circPTK2), miR-181c-5p and High mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) had a targeted regulatory relationship through bioinformatics analysis. This study explained the effects of these genes in microglia and sepsis mice.

Methods

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or Cecal Ligation and Puncture (CLP) was used to induce inflammation cell model or sepsis mouse model, as needed. Gene levels were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), quantitative real-time PCR or Western blot, as required. Apoptosis was detected by TUNEL assay, and RNase R was used to test the stability of circPTK2. Targeting relationships between genes were analyzed using bioinformatics analysis and dual luciferase assay. Morris water maze test and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) detection were conducted to analyze the effects of genes on cognitive dysfunction of mice.

Results

Lipopolysaccharide induction triggered the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, the upregulation of HMGB1 and circPTK2, and the downregulation of miR-181c-5p in microglia. Overexpression of HMGB1 enhanced the effect of LPS, while silencing HMGB1 partially counteracted the effect of LPS. Moreover, miR-181c-5p was a target of circPTK2 and bound to HMGB1. MiR-181c-5p mimic partially reversed the functions of LPS and HMGB1 overexpression, reduced the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and HMGB1, and inhibited apoptosis. CircPTK2 knockdown had the same effect as miR-181c-5p up-regulation. In vivo, sicircPTK2 improved cognitive function, restored MMP level, inhibited apoptosis, reduced the levels of inflammatory factors and apoptotic factors, and increased the survival rate of CLP-induced mice.

Conclusion

Our research reveals that circPTK2 regulates microglia activation and hippocampal neuronal apoptosis induced by sepsis via miR-181c-5p-HMGB1 signaling.
Quality of life and health status of hospitalized adults with congenital heart disease in Vietnam: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Truong Thanh-Huong , Kim Ngoc-Thanh , Nguyen Mai-Ngoc Thi , Do Doan-Loi , Nguyen Hong Thi , Le Thanh-Tung , Le Hong-An
Published: May 2021

Background

Little is known about the quality of life (QOL) and health status of adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) in developing countries. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the QOL and health status of hospitalized adults with CHD in Vietnam and investigate the association between QOL and their biological-social characteristics.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 109 adults with CHD, hospitalized in the Vietnam National Heart Institute, between June and December 2019. Validated instruments to assess QOL and health status describing patient-reported outcomes were used, including the EuroQOL-5 Dimensions-5 Level, Satisfaction with Life Scale, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

Results

The mean scores on the EuroQOL-descriptive system (EQ-DS) and EuroQOL visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) were 0.792 (SD = 0.122, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.769–0.815) and 66.3 (SD = 12.5, 95% CI 63.9–68.7), respectively. A total of 9.2% (n = 9) patients experienced life dissatisfaction. The prevalence of anxiety and depression were 18.7% (n = 20) and 11% (n = 12), respectively. Scores of QOL in patients aged > 30 years were lower than in those aged ≤ 30 years. Stratified multivariate logistic regression revealed that poor QOL related to being unemployed/unstable employment (OR 4.43, 95% CI 1.71–11.47, p = 0.002), life dissatisfaction associated with unmarried status (OR 4.63, 95% CI 1.2–17.86, p = 0.026), anxiety regarding unemployment/unstable employment (OR 3.88, 95% CI 1.27–11.84, p = 0.017) and complex CHD/PAH (OR 4.84, 95% CI 1.33–17.54, p = 0.016), and depression regarding unemployment/unstable employment (OR 4.63, 95% CI 1.22–17.59, p = 0.003).

Conclusions

Reduced QOL and elevated psychological problems were common experiences among hospitalized adults with CHD in Vietnam. Biological-social characteristics such as unmarried status, unemployment/unstable employment, and complex CHD/PAH related to poor QOL, life dissatisfaction, anxiety, and depression.
Prognosis and management of new‐onset atrial fibrillation in critically ill patients
Authors: Qian Jun , Kuang Lijun , Chen Fei , Liu Xuebo , Che Lin
Published: May 2021

Introduction

The prognosis of new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) compared with that of preexisting and non-AF remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of new-onset AF compared with preexisting and non-AF on hospital and 90-day mortality.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed using data obtained from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III database. The primary outcome was 90-day mortality. Secondary outcomes included hospital mortality, hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay, and acute kidney injury. Logistic and Cox regression analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between new-onset AF and study outcomes.

Results

A total of 38,159 adult patients were included in the study. The incidence of new-onset AF was 9.4%. Ninety-day mortality, hospital mortality, and hospital and ICU length of stay in patients with new-onset and preexisting AF were significantly increased compared with those in patients with non-AF patients (all p < 0.001). After adjusting for patient characteristics, new-onset AF remained associated with increased 90-day mortality compared with non-AF (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26 to 1.50; p < 0.01) and preexisting AF (adjusted HR 1.12; 95%-CI 1.02 to 1.23; p < 0.01). Patients in the surgical intensive care unit (SICU) had significantly higher 90-day mortality than patients in the coronary care unit (adjusted HR 1.30; 95% CI 1.31 to 1.51; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Critically ill patients with new-onset AF have significantly increased hospital and 90-day mortality compared with patients with preexisting and non-AF. Patients with new-onset AF in the ICU, especially those in the SICU, require robust management measures.
Immunoglobulin A nephropathy and ischemic heart disease: a nationwide population-based cohort study
Authors: Jarrick Simon , Lundberg Sigrid , Sundström Johan , Symreng Adina , Warnqvist Anna , Ludvigsson Jonas F.
Published: May 2021

Background

Chronic kidney disease has been linked to cardiovascular disease and specifically ischemic heart disease (IHD), but large-scale population data in patients with immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) are missing.

Objective

To examine absolute and relative risks for IHD in patients with IgAN.

Methods

Population-based register-based cohort study in Sweden. We identified 3945 patients with biopsy-verified IgAN, and 19,272 age- and sex-matched reference individuals from the general population. To reduce residual confounding from genetic factors and early environmental factors we carried out secondary analyses, where we compared 3039 IgAN patients with 6729 siblings, whereas a spousal analysis consisted of 2377 married couples where one of the spouses had IgAN. Data on IHD and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) were retrieved from the nationwide Patient Register. Cox regression estimated hazard ratios (HRs) adjusted for matching variables, education, country of birth, cancer, diabetes mellitus, and other systemic inflammatory diseases.

Results

During a follow-up of 55,527 person-years (py; mean follow-up 14.1 years), 371 patients (9.4%) with IgAN developed IHD (6.7/1000 py), compared with 1070 (5.6%) in 287,677 py in reference individuals (3.7/1000 py). The corresponding adjusted HR was 1.86 (95%CI = 1.63–2.13), equivalent to one extra case of IHD per 34 IgAN patients followed-up for 10 years. HRs were similar in men and women with IgAN, but higher in the first year after diagnosis and in patients born outside the Nordic countries. Patients with IgAN were at increased risk of IHD also compared to siblings (HR = 2.07; 95%CI = 1.62–2-64) and spouses (HR = 1.91; 95%CI = 1.40–2.61).

Conclusions

In this nationwide population-based study, patients with IgAN were at an 86% increased risk of future IHD.