bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract WP48: Inter-rater Reliability for Radiological Studies Used to Select Patients for Endovascular Stroke Therapy
Authors: Fugate Jennifer E , Brinjikji Waleed , Kallmes David F , Cloft Harry , Rabinstein Alejandro A
Published: March 2022

Introduction:
The selection of acute ischemic stroke patients relies on the interpretation of radiological studies, commonly including noncontrast CT (ASPECTS score), CTA, and in some circumstances, CT perfusion (CTP) scans.

Hypothesis:
The interrater reliability between readers of noncontrast head CT will be moderate and not as good as that between readers of CT perfusion scans.

Methods:
Retrospective study of consecutive ischemic stroke patients who were considered for endovascular stroke therapy at an academic medical center from April 2010 - November 2014. All patients underwent CT, CTA, and CTP. Images were independently reviewed by four readers (A, B, C, D) in total (2 experienced neuroradiologists, one experienced neurointensivist, and one neuroradiology fellow). Each rated half of the cohort. All readers performed online training in ASPECTS. Moderate-to-good collateral circulation was defined as filling of 50% or more of the middle cerebral artery pial arterial territory on CTA, as in ESCAPE trial. An “acceptable core” on CTP was defined as in EXTEND-IA trial with core volume < 70 mL, mismatch ratio >1.2, and absolute mismatch volume >10 mL but was qualitatively estimated. Interrater agreement was assessed for total ASPECTS, dichotomized ASPECTS (≥6 vs <6), evaluation of collaterals, and evaluation of core. Agreement was assessed using kappa statistic, which was weighted for the total ASPECTS analysis.

Results:
Our cohort included 119 patients with acute stroke and large vessel occlusion. Interrater agreement for total ASPECTS was very good between readers C and D (' 0.70) and good between A and B (' 0.55). For dichotomized ASPECTS, agreement was fair-to-good (' 0.30 for C/D; ' 0.41 for A/B). Agreement for grading collaterals on CTA was good to very good (' 0.64 for C /D; ' 0.54 for A/B). Agreement for rating core on CTP was very good (' 0.78 for C/D; ' 0.62 for A/D).

Conclusions:
Interrater reliability is good to very good for total ASPECTS score, dichotomous grading of collaterals on CTA, and subjective estimation of core size on CTP. Agreement is only fair to good for dichotomized ASPECTS.
Abstract WP64: The Utility of Computed Tomography Angiographic Collateral Flow as a Predictor of Clinical Outcome in Acute Ischemic Stroke With ICA Occlusion
Authors: Park Hea Ree , Hwang Jae Chun , Lee Kwang Ho
Published: March 2022

Introduction:
Rapid assessment of collateral status is an important issue for therapeutic decision making in acute ischemic stroke(AIS), because collaterals may affect revascularization, ischemic severity and clinical outcomes. CT angiography(CTA) is non-invasive and more feasible as a fast diagnostic tool than conventional angiography, therefore it was commonly used as the initial evaluation tool in AIS.

Hypothesis:
To examine correlation between collateral status observed by CTA and clinical outcomes in patients with acute ICA occlusion.

Methods:
The patients with ICA occlusion who underwent CTA within 6h of symptom onset were collected retrospectively. We assessed collateral status using CTA and evaluate correlation between collateral grades and clinical outcome. Collateral grades were classified as grade 1-4(Figure1). Clinical outcome was measured by major neurologic improvement(MNI) and good functional outcome. MNI was defined by a ≥8 point improvement in NIH Stroke Scale and good functional outcome was defined as modified Rankin scale at 90 days of 0 to 2.

Results:
A total of 50 patients were included in this study. In analysis of CTA collateral, 13 patients were classified as grade1, 8 patients as grade2, 9 patients as grade3, and 20 patients as grade4, respectively. In grade 1 patients, there were no patients who showed MNI or good outcome. In contrast, among grade 4 patients, 3 patients(15%) showed MNI and 10 patients(50%) had good functional outcome. Especially, patients in group 4 with successful recanalization demonstrated favorable outcome (2 of 10 MNI, 8 of 10 good functional outcome). In grade2 and 3 patients, the proportion of MNI and good functional outcome was between that of grade1 and 4 patients (grade2: no MNI, good functional outcome 2 of 12, grade 3: MNI 2 of 9, good functional outcome 1 of 9).

Conclusions:
Collateral flow status assessed by CTA can predict clinical outcomes in AIS, and further studies are needed to verify this correlation.
Abstract WP70: Cause of Stroke is not Associated With the Risk of Symptomatic Post-thrombolytic Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Curtze Sami , Sibolt Gerli , Melkas Susanna , Mustanoja Satu , Haapaniemi Elena , Putaala Jukka , Sairanen Tiina , Tiainen Marjaana , Tatlisumak Turgut , Strbian Daniel
Published: March 2022

Background and Purpose:
The risk of intracranial hemorrhage following intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) is increased by various factors including the underlying vessel conditions and the mechanisms of vessel occlusion, the location of the occlusion, and the extent of ischemic changes with subsequent blood-brain-barrier disruption. We hypothesized that the stroke etiology is associated with the risk of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH).

Methods:
A consecutive cohort of 2485 IVT-treated patients at the Helsinki University Central Hospital was classified according to the Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) criteria. A sICH was classified according to the European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study II criteria. The associations of sICH with nominal, ordinal, and continuous variables were analyzed in a univariate binary regression model and adjusted in multivariate binary regression models.

Results:
In univariate analyses cardioembolism (OR 1.14; 95% CI 0.79-1.64) and large-artery atherosclerosis (OR 1.30; 95% CI 0.85-2.00) were not associated with sICH, and small-vessel occlusion was associated with a lower risk of sICH (OR 0.18; 95% CI 0.06-0.57). When adjusted for previously identified factors associated with sICH (see Table), none of the TOAST categories was associated with a higher or lower risk of sICH compared with the the rest of the causes.

Conclusions:
The risk of sICH in IVT-treated patients is not significantly associated with the cause of stroke.
Abstract WP73: No Influence of Dabigatran or its Specific Reversal Agent, Idarucizumab, on rTPA-induced Thrombolysis of Clots in Human Plasma: an
in vitro
Study
Authors: van Ryn Joanne , Schurer Johanna , Fischer Davina
Published: March 2022

Oral anticoagulation reduces the elevated incidence of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. Though stroke risk is reduced, it is not entirely prevented. When patients present with ischemic stroke and are also being treated with newer oral anticoagulants, such as dabigatran, this can complicate therapy. Currently a specific reversal agent to dabigatran, idarucizumab, is in development and was shown to immediately reverse the anticoagulant effect of dabigatran in volunteers and patients.

However, it is unknown if administration of idarucizumab to reverse dabigatran results in any nonspecific effects on the action of rtPA. Thus this study was performed to determine the effect of dabigatran and its reversal with idarucizumab on rtPA-induced thrombolysis of a clot in human plasma in vitro.

Blood was obtained from volunteers after written informed consent. Clots were produced by adding thromboplastin and 200mM CaCl2 to platelet rich plasma containing 594Alexa-labelled fibrinogen at 37°C for 60 min. Clots were then removed, washed and added to plasma from the same subject containing 150 IU/mL rtPA ± dabigatran (150 ng/mL) for 1 hr. Idarucizumab (3 mg/mL) was added after 60 min and incubated for a further 60 min at 37°C, all under continuous stirring. Lysis was measured as fluorescence released into plasma from the clot. Data shown as mean ± SD, n=5, were compared with ANOVA, p<0.05 was significant.

Initial clot weight was similar (18±6 mg) across groups. Clots added to plasma containing only dabigatran or idarucizumab underwent no lysis. Incubation with rtPA resulted in 28±17, 34±18 and 61±18% lysis after 60, 65 and 120 min, respectively (p<0.001 vs control). Addition of dabigatran or idarucizumab alone did not significantly affect lysis in the presence of rtPA. Addition of dabigatran (at t=0) followed by idarucizumab (at t=60 min) to plasma resulted in similar rtPA-induced thrombolysis, 30±16, 34±14 and 55±17%, as compared to incubation with rtPA alone. Clot weight after 2 hrs was 6.3±2.2 mg with no difference across groups.

These data show there are no non-specific interactions of idarucizumab with rtPA-induced thrombolysis in this in vitro model. It reinforces the specificity of idarucizumab for only dabigatran and its lack of binding to other substrates.
Abstract WP78: The Cost of Alteplase Has More Than Doubled Over the Past Decade
Authors: Kleindorfer Dawn , Broderick Joseph P , Demaerschalk Bart M , Saver Jeffrey L
Published: March 2022

Introduction:
Intravenous alteplase (tissue plasminogen activator) has been shown to be cost-effective due to savings in long-term disability. In October of 2005, an increased DRG payment to hospitals for alteplase-treated stroke patients was introduced. We sought to describe the trends in the cost of alteplase over time, in comparison to trends in hospital reimbursement in the United States.

Methods:
Utilizing publicly available information on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) website (www.cms.gov), we obtained CMS quarterly payment amounts between 1/1/2005-10/1/2014 for alteplase, listed as “alteplase recombinant, per mg.” CMS payment amounts are the manufacturer’s average sales price (ASP) + 6% until 4/2014, when it was lowered to + 4.3%. Estimates for DRG base payments were calculated within MEDPAR for FY 2006 (DRG 559) and 2013 (MS DRGs 61,62, and 63) as: (DRG relative weights) x (standardized operating and capital amount). The Consumer Price Index (CPI) was also queried for all prescription drugs, urban areas, during the same study period as reference.

Results:
The CMS payment amount for alteplase/mg was $30.50 in 1/2005, and $64.30 in 10/2014. Trends in the CMS payment amounts for alteplase increased by 111% between 2005-2014, shown in the Figure. The CPI for all prescription drugs increased by 30.2% in the same time frame. The base payment for alteplase-treated stroke admissions was $11,173 in 2006, and $12,064 in 2013, an 8% increase.

Discussion:
We found a striking increase in the cost of alteplase over the last decade, with a 100mg vial now with a CMS payment of ∼$6400, a more than 100% increase over ten years. During the same timeframe, the DRG base payment to hospitals increased by only 8%, and alteplase cost increased from 27% of the payment in 2006 to 53% in 2013. Researchers and stroke physicians should be aware of these changes in drug costs and their impact on cost-effectiveness analyses.
Abstract WP83: The Relationship Between Decline in Blood Pressure and Recanalization in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Ma Qingfeng , Huang Qiang , Feng Wuwei , Ovbiagele Bruce , Ji Xunming , Jia Jianping , Wang Yuping , Wang Moli , Ding Jianping , Hua Yang , Song Haiqing
Published: March 2022

Objectives:
We aimed to validate the hypothesis that decline in blood pressure (BP) predicts recanalization after intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with central occlusions of anterior circulation.

Methods:
AIS patients treated with IVT were retrospectively collected at local hospital from April 2011 to December 2014. Blood pressure and clinical symptoms [measured as National Institute of Health Stroke Scale, (NIHSS)] were recorded within 24 hours after IVT. The cutoff points of the decline in systolic and diastolic BP were defined as ≥20 and ≥10 mm Hg, respectively. Neurological improvement (NI) was defined as ≥ 4 points improvement on NIHSS or an NIHSS score of 0 at 24h after IVT. Recanalization of the responsible cerebral vessel was detected by transcranial doppler (TCD) within 24 hours and confirmed by CT angiography (CTA) within 36h after admission. The pulsatility index (PI) measured by TCD were used to reflect vascular resistance, with 0.83 as the cutoff value of high- resistance in the middle cerebral artery (MCA). A logistic regression model was conducted to determine the predictors of recanalization.

Results:
A total of 72 central occlusive AIS cases were enrolled after exclusion of 130 other IVT patients. The median age was 64 (IQR 56-71) years and 27.8% were female. The rates of NI and high- resistance of the affected MCA were more frequent in the subgroup with recanalization. The PI was much lower (0.87 vs. 0.97; P=0.005) in the affected side of MCA than the contralateral side. In the multivariate logistic regression models, NI [odds ratio (OR), 16.16; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.40-108.83; P=0.004], hyperdense sign of MCA (OR, 7.17; 95%CI, 1.05-48.92; P=0.044), and low-resistance (PI<0.83) in the responsible MCA (OR, 30.18; 95%CI, 3.61-252.49; P=0.002) were significantly associated with recanalization. Decline either in SBP or DBP was not a predictor.

Conclusion:
Our study fail to validate the hypothesis that decline in BP predicts recanalization after IVT in AIS patients with anterior circulation occlusion. Decline in BP could be a subresult of the recanalization, which could have been attributed to the release of resistance in the small vessels around the infarct lesions.
Abstract WP85: Paradoxical Role of Vascular Stiffness in Lacunar Stroke in Progression
Authors: Shin Dong Hoon , Park Hanul , Kang Min-Ju
Published: March 2022

Background and Purpose:
Although the progressing lacunar infarction consists of 12 to 36% of all lacunar infarctions, the clinical predictors and therapeutic methods for progression are not clear. We investigated the role of vascular stiffness in lacunar infarction with motor progression.

Methods:
Consecutive 2427 patients over 4 years, who were diagnosed with stroke at the Gachon University Gil Hospital, were reviewed retrospectively. We analyzed lacunar infarction patients in aspect of clinical, laboratory, and pulse wave velocity. Motor progression is defined as one or more increase in the motor score in NIHSS. Good outcome was designated as a modified Rankin scale 0-2 at discharge.

Results:
Among all 662 patients who had lacunar infarct, 66 patients experienced motor progression (9.97%). The induced-hypertension therapy group (n=25) received phyenylephrine and conventional group (n=41) received anticoagulation such as heparin, volume expansion, or both. Although there were not significantly different from basline clinical and laboratory findings (ie. age, sex, stroke risk factors, initial BP, and NIHSS), motor progression group showed significantly more frequent BP drop at progression (p<0.0001) and higher pulse wave velocity (p=0.001). Induced-hypertension group (vs. conventional group) had a lower NIHSS (p=0.036) and good outcome at discharge (p=0.004). In multiple regression analysis, pulse wave velocity (odds ratio, OR 1.005, 95% CI 1.001-1.009, p=0.021) was independent predictor for good outcome in the induced-hypertension group. Side effects of phenylephrine treatment was dysuria (n=1).

Conclusions:
The present study suggests that vascular stiffness can be not only a predictor for motor progression but also a predictor for motor improvement after induced-hypertension therapy using phenylephrine in lacunar stroke.
Abstract WP91: Long Term Outcome of Unruptured Large and Giant Aneurysms; a 12 years, Single Center Experience in Consecutive160 Aneurysms
Authors: Kan Issei , Murayama Yuichi , Ishibashi Toshihiro , Yuki Ichiro , Takao Hiroyuki , Kaku Shogo , Nishimura Kengo
Published: March 2022

Introduction:
Endovascular treatment for large and giant aneurysm is still challenging due to higher recanalization rate and higher complication rate. Intracranial stent for aneurysm treatment was approved in 2010 by Japan government, and treatment strategy for the aneurysms is changing after introduction of intracranial stent. This analysis was to evaluate long-term outcome of unruptured large and giant aneurysms with endovascular treatment retrospectively.

Method:
In our institute, a total of 202 unruptured large or giant aneurysms were treated from 2003 to 2014. Surgical clipping cases and cases with parent artery occlusion were excluded. Finally, a total of 160 intracranial aneurysms that underwent endovascular coiling were analyzed. Aneurysms were treated by using simple coil embolization or by using adjunctive techniques; i.e., balloon assisted coil embolization, double catheter technique, and stent assisted coil embolization.

Results:
The mean size was 13.4mm, ranging from 10 to 30.7mm, and average age was 62.1 years old, ranging from 28 to 71 years old. Before stent approval, a total of 93 aneurysms were treated by simple technique, balloon assisted, and double catheter technique: 43%, 41%, 16%, respectively. After stent approval, 67 aneurysms were treated by stent assisted, simple technique, balloon assisted, and double catheter technique: 39%, 9%, 3%, 49%, respectively. Retreatment was performed on 40 patients (25%), and mean aneurysm size of retreatment group was 15.03mm, which was larger compered to that without retreatment (12.4mm). Retreatment rate before stent approval was 29%, in contrast, retreatment rate after stent approval was 19%. Morbidity rate was 5% (8 cases in 160 aneurysms), and mortality rate was 1.2% (2 cases in 160 aneurysms).

Conclusion:
Retreatment rate was dramatically improved after stent approval. Adjunctive technique, stent assisted coil embolization and double catheter technique, may contribute this favorable results. Morbidity rate and mortality rate was relatively low when compered to previous reports.
Abstract WP99: Specific and Local Overexpression of Hemopexin Improves Anatomical and Functional Outcomes in the Autologous Blood Intracerebral Hemorrhage Model
Authors: Leclerc Jenna , Santiago-Moreno Juan , Dang Alex , Dore Sylvain
Published: March 2022

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) has the highest morbidity, disability, and mortality rates of any stroke subtype, including ischemic stroke. When a hemorrhagic stroke occurs, the blood-brain barrier is broken and blood components enter the brain. A major cause of morbidity and mortality following ICH is the direct toxicity of blood metabolites, notably free heme, on adjacent brain tissue. Hemopexin (Hpx) is the endogenous protein responsible for scavenging free heme; thereby, modulating its proxidant and proinflammatory properties. Given the low relative level of Hpx expression in the brain, we hypothesized that overexpression of Hpx would improve anatomical and functional outcomes after ICH. Unique adeno-associated viral vectors (and control vectors) were designed to specifically overexpress Hpx-(tags) locally within the brain. Hpx-overexpressing mice have smaller lesion volumes (p<0.05) and reduced blood accumulation (p<0.05) at 72h post-ICH (n=12-13/group). Improved anatomical outcomes are also associated with better neurologic functional recovery as measured by a 24-point neurological deficit scale (p<0.05). Histological staining for ferric iron, 4-hydroxynonenal, GFAP, Iba-1, heme oxygenase-1, and myeloperoxidase was performed and the distribution of Hpx-tag proteins was evaluated by Western blotting with anti-tag probing of brain homogenates, cerebrospinal fluid, and serum. Hpx-overexpressing mice have significantly increased cortical microgliosis and astrogliosis and peripheral neutrophil infiltration, but no changes in striatal microgliosis and astrogliosis, ferric iron content, heme oxygenase-1 expression, or lipid peroxidation. Additionally, Hpx-tag proteins were highly expressed in all three types of biological specimens evaluated. The increased levels of Hpx in the serum of Hpx-overexpressing mice were confirmed to be 62% higher by ELISA (p<0.01). These results indicate that the local overexpression of Hpx in the brain results in the capacity to facilitate the clearance of heme likely by central and peripheral mechanisms. Specific modulation of local Hpx levels may represent a clinically relevant strategy for the treatment of secondary brain injury following ICH.
Competing Narratives
Authors: Kanagarathinam D. V.
Published: March 2022

This article traces the trajectories of the historical narratives of Tamil medicine from the mid-nineteenth century to the mid-twentieth century in the Madras presidency. It examines how different actors promoted different historical narratives that were influenced by contemporary political, social, and cultural factors. Marking out pre- siddha (up to 1921) and siddha (after 1921) eras of Tamil medicine, it traces the work of Ayothidoss Pandithar, the split after 1921 between ayurveda and siddha traditions, and how particular narratives became dominant through the participation of key actors in powerful political and cultural movements and colonial institutions. It offers a corrective to the dominant upper-caste non-Brahmin Tamil siddha narrative by drawing attention to the marginalization of Dalit physicians and bringing into focus hitherto unrecognized critical voices such as Pandit Narayana Iyengar and S. R. V. Das.
Dimensions of Authenticity in Siddha Medical and Clinical Research
Authors: Hausman Gary J.
Published: March 2022

The article discusses three methods of combining biomedicine with traditional medicine in pre-Independence Madras State in India, with comparative examples drawn from ethnographic studies in South India in the 1990s. In the mid to late 1920s, two officers of modern medicine from the Madras presidency were delegated to be trained in the Calcutta School of Tropical Medicine to investigate the properties of the indigenous drugs of India using laboratory and physiological techniques. In the 1930s, Srinivasamurti, the first principal of the Government School of Indian Medicine in Madras, trialed a collaborative approach between clinical practitioners of ayurveda, siddha, and unani, and allopathic medical registrars with the ideal of developing a universal and synthetic textbook encompassing all medical systems on an equal setting. In the 1940s, a traditional practitioner was permitted to practice bone setting in the Government Hospital of Indian Medicine in Madras. These examples illustrate various dimensions of asymmetric relations between traditional and modern medicine in twentieth- and twenty-first-century India.
Nine Poisons and a Broken Promise
Authors: Little Layne R.
Published: March 2022

This paper traces the formation, dissemination, and impact of a corpus of narratives about an alchemical icon of the god Murukaṉ. It was purportedly crafted by Bhogar, a Siddhar-alchemist, at the Tamil temple site of Palani in ancient times. These narratives, beginning in the early twentieth century, asserted that any object coming into direct contact with the icon was imbued with miraculous healing properties. Such lore placed Palani as a unique pilgrimage site, attracting pilgrims from the world over, and stimulating its economy to an unprecedented degree, making it the second wealthiest temple in India. Eventually, the demand for icon-touched substances and the assertion of the icon’s healing properties reached its terminal limit, whereby the body of the god itself became available for sale, first as scrapings and then, in a complicated conspiracy of bait and switch, in its entirety. This article explores how recent myths respond to the challenges of late colonial modernity in the 1930s and Tamil identity politics in the twenty-first century.
Leveraging graph algorithms to speed up the annotation of large rhymed corpora
Authors: BALEY Julien
Published: March 2022

Rhyming patterns play a crucial role in the phonological reconstruction of earlier stages of Chinese. The past few years have seen the emergence of the use of graphs to model rhyming patterns, notably with List’s (2016) proposal to use graph community detection as a way to go beyond the limits of the link-and-bind method and test new hypotheses regarding phonological reconstruction. List’s approach requires the existence of a rhyme-annotated corpus; such corpora are rare and prohibitively expensive to produce. The present paper solves this problem by introducing several strategies to automate annotation. Among others, the main contribution is the use of graph community detection itself to build an automatic annotator. This annotator requires no previous annotation, no knowledge of phonology, and automatically adapts to corpora of different periods by learning their rhyme categories. Through a series of case studies, we demonstrate the viability of the approach in quickly annotating hundreds of thousands of poems with high accuracy.
Agentless presupposition and implicit and non-canonical objects in Mandarin
Authors: ZHANG Niina Ning
Published: March 2022

Mandarin Chinese allows implicit, non-canonical, and quantity-objects. The first type is seen in Wǒ zhǎo-guò-le ‘Lit.: I looked for’, which means ‘I have looked for some entity that is known to the interlocutors’. The second type is seen in Lìlì qiē-le nà bǎ dà dāo ‘Lit.: Lili cut that big knife’, which means that Lili cut something with that big knife. The third type is seen in zǒu-le yī lǐ ‘walked one mile’. From the perspective of the interaction of yòu ‘again’ with different kinds of objects, this paper shows that while implicit objects and quantity-objects behave like explicit canonical objects, non-canonical objects do not behave like canonical ones. This paper provides new evidence to support Zhang Niina Ning’s (2018, Natural Language and Linguistic Theory 36: 1395–1437) claim that a non-canonical object restricts the meaning of the verb, rather than saturates any argument of the verb. It also supports the internal argument analysis of post-verbal quantity expressions.
Scripture and Politics in Malaysia: The Qur’ānic Exegesis of Abdul Hadi bin Awang
Authors: Mohd Zarif Muhammad Mustaqim
Published: March 2022

The Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) is the only official political organisation in the country that propagates the political Islam agenda and strives to establish the Islamic state. In harnessing public support, the Qurʾān is extensively utilised by the party leaders to justify their political agenda. In this regard, it is important to note the significant contribution of its prolific president, Abdul Hadi bin Awang. Despite the extensive influence of his Qurʾānic exegesis, it has yet to be sufficiently analysed. Therefore, this paper discusses the methodological trend of his political interpretation of the Qurʾān and analyses its widespread impact on the society. Notwithstanding the complexity of the subject matter, it is hoped that the outcomes will shed some light on the role of Qurʾān as a scripture in the present-day political scene of Malaysia.
Immunization and Quarantine in the Light of the Prophetic Traditions with Reference to the UAE Quarantine Policies for Fighting COVID-19
Authors: Goje Kabiru
Published: March 2022

Immunization is considered one of the most important means of protecting human beings against infectious disease. Allah, in His mercy, created means of immunization for the people. Immunization is more effective than any other means of controlling contagious diseases. Quarantine is also one of the most important means of curbing the spread of epidemic diseases in the contemporary era. The Prophet (PBUH) in several hadiths unequivocally explained the principles of immunization and quarantine. He prohibited people from entering the place affected by plague and prohibited the people of the place from leaving it. The aim of this paper is to study immunization and quarantine in the light of the Prophetic traditions with reference to the UAE’s COVID-19 infection control. The relationship between the two principles and the Prophetic traditions can thus be made clear. The research employs the analytical qualitative method using library-based research, examination of both primary sources of Islamic legislation (the Quran and the Sunna) and secondary sources (classical and modern literature of Muslim scholars). The research finds that there are a number of Prophetic traditions that mention medical immunization and quarantine. If put into practice, they would have a great impact in curbing the surge of any communicable disease and providing cure for other diseases.
Kulliyyāt Al-Tafsīr Dan Peranannya Dalam Pentafsiran Al-Quran
Authors: Ibrahim Rasyad Afif , Kadir Muhd Najib Abdul , Hussin Haziyah
Published: March 2022

Some contemporary scholars of the Qur’an seeks to popularize the use of the theory of kulliyyāt al-tafsīr in understanding the Quranic text which is very complex. In fact, this theory of kulliyyāt al-tafsīr can rival the Izutsu’s semantic theory espoused by some contemporary Quranic scholars. Therefore, this article seeks to explain the concept of kulliyyāt al-tafsīr thoroughly and at the same time reveal its significance in the field of Qur’anic exegesis. Through the collection of data related to kulliyyāt al-tafsīr scattered in various books of tafsir and ʿulūm al-Quran, the study can conclude that kulliyyāt al-tafsīr is a general conclusion produced by the exegetes about words and styles contained in the Quran. The significance of this theory can be highlighted through the identification of the role played by kulliyyāt al-tafsīr in the field of exegesis.
A new species of Tamiops (Rodentia, Sciuridae) from Sichuan, China
Authors: LIU SHAOYING , TANG MINGKUN , MURPHY ROBERT W. , LIU YINXUN , WANG XUMING , WAN TAO , LIAO RUI , TANG KEYI , QING JIAO , CHEN SHUNDE , LI SONG
Published: March 2022

During a small mammal survey in Wanglang National Natural Reserve, Sichuan, China in August–October 2018, we collected four specimens of an Asiatic striped squirrel (genus Tamiops) that could not be assigned morphologically to any described species. Phylogenetic analyses of CYTB and nuDNA sequences strongly supported them in the genus Tamiops. The p-distances of CYTB between these individuals and other species of Tamiops ranged from 17.4 to 19.1%. Morphologically, they differed from their congeners, including T. maritimus, T. mcclellandii, T. rodolphii, and T. swinhoei by pelage, skull, and baculum characteristics. Based on the results of morphological comparisons and molecular analyses, we describe the four specimens as the new species Tamiops minshanica sp. nov.
Molecular analysis of five controversial Balkanic species of Allolobophora (sensu lato) Eisen, 1873 (Lumbricidae, Clitellata) with emendation of the genus Cernosvitovia Omodeo, 1956
Authors: POPOVIĆ FILIP J. , STOJANOVIĆ MIRJANA M. , DOMÍNGUEZ JORGE , SEKULIĆ JOVANA M. , TRAKIĆ TANJA B. , MARCHÁN DANIEL F.
Published: March 2022

Allolobophora (sensu lato) is one of the most controversial genera in the taxonomy of Lumbricidae. Due to its poor definition, this genus is plagued by extensive taxonomic confusion, and its generic composition and internal relationships have remained uncertain, especially in species of the Balkan Peninsula. In this study, we have combined the study of morphological data and molecular phylogenetics based on five genetic markers, regions of the nuclear 28S rRNA and mitochondrial 16S rRNA, 12S rRNA, NADH dehydrogenase (ND1) and cytochrome oxidase C subunit 1 (COI), to delimit the taxonomic status of five controversial Balkanic endemic species, Allolobophora (s.l.) dofleini, Allolobophora (s.l.) serbica, Allolobophora (s.l.) strumicae, Allolobophora (s.l.) paratuleskovi and Allolobophora (s.l.) treskavicensis, sampled in the Kopaonik Mountain. Phylogenetic analyses based on our sampling of these five species recovered a well-supported clade containing the species Allolobophora (s.l.) robusta, Allolobophora (s.l.) mehadiensis mehadiensis, Allolobophora (s.l.) sturanyi dacica, Cernosvitovia rebeli and Cernosvitovia dudichi. Based on these results and previous evidence, the aforementioned Balkanic species are transferred to a redefined Cernosvitovia. We further present a revised list of all species currently included in Cernosvitovia., which includes now 21 species and subspecies taxa, 13 of them newly combined here. Serbiona Mršić & Šapkarev, 1988 is considered a junior synonym of Cernosvitovia Omodeo, 1956.
Potamophylax idliri sp. nov. (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae), a new species from the Jastrebac Mountains in Serbia, with molecular and ecological notes
Authors: IBRAHIMI HALIL , BILALLI ASTRIT , KUČINIĆ MLADEN , HLEBEC DORA , GASHI AGIM , KOTORI LINDA GRAPCI , STOJANOVIĆ KATARINA , ŽIVIĆ IVANA
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we describe a new species, Potamophylax idliri sp. nov., from the Jastrebac Mountains in Serbia, which is morphologically most similar to Potamophylax coronavirus Ibrahimi, Bilalli & Vitecek 2021 (in Ibrahimi et al. 2021) and Potamophylax juliani Kumanski 1999 (in Kumanski & Malicky 1999). The males of the new species differ from all known species of the Potamophylax winneguthi Species Group by morphological characters of the male genitalia. The genetic distinctiveness calculated based on sequencing of the barcode region of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (COI) between Potamophylax idliri sp. nov. and other species of the Potamophylax winneguthi Species Group is on par with those of other morphologically recognized species in the group and especially the other four species of the P. winneguthi Species Cluster. Potamophylax winneguthi Species Cluster is erected for the following species: P. idliri sp. nov., P. winneguthi, P. haidukorum Malicky 1999 (in Kumanski & Malicky 1999), P. juliani, and P. coronavirus, characterized primarily by the bilobed apical margins of inferior appendages with pointed corners, in lateral and caudal views.

                The new species was found at two localities in the Jastrebac Mountains, at 988 and 891 m above sea level. Considering the knowledge about distribution and ecology of the other species of this group, we posit that P. idliri sp. nov. is a microendemic of the Jastrebac Mountains in Serbia.
A new species of Diachasmimorpha Viereck (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Opiinae) from China
Authors: AO GUO-FU , SHI SHUANG , ZHENG MIN-LIN , CHEN SHI , JI QING-E
Published: March 2022

Diachasmimorpha anshunensis sp. nov., a koinobiont endoparasitoid of larvae of Zeugodacus tau (Walker) (Tephritidae: Diptera), is discovered from Guizhou (Southwest China) and is described by multiple forms of evidence. Morphological characteristics, photographs, and molecular data differentiating it from similar species are provided. Several biological characteristics of this new parasitoid, observed in a laboratory setting, are also provided as evidence to separate it from the most similar species in appearance.
Benefits of Adjuvant Medical Weight Loss Intervention in Setting of Weight Regain and Inadequate Weight Loss After Weight Loss Surgery
Authors: Abel Stuart A. , English Wayne J. , Duke Meredith C. , Williams D. Brandon , Aher Chetan V. , Broucek Joseph R. , Spann Matthew D.
Published: March 2022

Background

Currently, there is no nationally accepted protocol for addressing weight regain or inadequate weight loss after MBS.

Objectives

To devise, implement, and evaluate a protocol targeting weight regain or inadequate weight loss in MBS patients at our institution.

Setting

Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States

Methods

Patients at least 6 months following primary sleeve gastrectomy (SG) or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) who achieved or were trending toward <50% excess body weight loss or who regained ≥10% of their lowest postoperative weight, were identified and referred for medical weight loss (MWL) intervention. Exclusion criteria were body mass index (BMI) ≤ 27 kg/m2, treatment with adjustable gastric banding, and conversion from SG to RYGB.

Results

2274 patients who were >6 months out from surgery were evaluated over 12 months. 93 patients (86% female) met criteria for inclusion. 69 (74%) patients agreed to intervention and were followed for an average of 165 days (SD 106.89 days), demonstrating a mean weight change of −5.11 kg (SD 6.86 kg), and BMI change of −1.81 kg/m2 (SD 2.37 kg/m2). Patients who spent <90 days in a MWL program demonstrated less average weight loss (1.75 kg vs 6.48 kg) ( P = .0042), and less change in BMI (−.63 kg/m2 vs −2.29 kg/m2) ( P = .0037) when compared to patients who spent >90 days in the MWL intervention.

Conclusions

This study identifies criteria for intervention in patients suffering weight regain or inadequate weight loss after MBS and demonstrates that standardized identification and referral for treatment results in modest weight loss.
Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy Is Associated with Superior Survival Compared to Open Surgery
Authors: Ising Mickey S. , Smith Susan A. , Trivedi Jaimin R. , Martin Robert C.G. , Phillips Prejesh , Van Berkel Victor , Fox Matthew P.
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) has not been associated with a long-term survival advantage compared to open esophagectomy (OE). We investigated survival differences between MIE, including laparoscopic and robotic, and OE.

Methods

Patients undergoing esophagectomy from 2010 to 2014 with T1-4N0-3M0, adenocarcinoma or squamous cell histology, in middle or lower esophagus were queried from the National Cancer Database and stratified into groups based on their surgical procedure: robotic, laparoscopic, or OE. Propensity matching (1:1) was done between robotic and laparoscopic to produce an MIE group. The MIE group was matched to OE yielding a 1:1:2 matching of robotic:laparoscopic:OE. Postoperative outcomes and survival (Kaplan-Meier) were compared between groups.

Results

Prior to matching, 7,163 patients met inclusion criteria and a greater portion underwent OE (67.7%) than MIE (laparoscopic 24.9% and robotic 7.4%). Matching yielded similar groups (robotic = 527, laparoscopic = 527, and OE =1054). Compared to OE, MIE patients had a significantly greater number of nodes sampled and trended toward increased R0 resections (96.1% vs 94.3%, P = .053). OE was associated with a longer median postoperative stay (10 vs 9 days, P = .001). Mortality at 30 and 90 days was similar . However, postoperative survival for MIE was significantly greater than OE ( P < .001). No survival difference existed between robotic and laparoscopic ( P = .723).

Conclusions

MIE is associated with increased number of nodes examined and a shorter postoperative length of stay. After propensity matching, patients undergoing MIE had better long but not short-term survival than OE. This benefit seems to be independent of the use of robotic technology.
Post-Mortem CT Delivers Fast and Accurate Injury Identification in Trauma Patients
Authors: Pham Linda , Portelli Tremont Jaclyn N , Bruderick Adam , Nazarian John , Udekwu Pascal Osita , Rutherford Edmund J , Moore Scott M
Published: March 2022

Background

Accurate and timely injury identification is critical but difficult to achieve in trauma patients who die shortly after arrival to the hospital. Autopsy has historically been used to detect injuries, but few undergo formal autopsy. This study investigates the utility of post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) for injury identification in a diverse trauma population.

Methods

Cross-sectional study of adult trauma patients who died within 24 hours of arrival to a Level I trauma center were included. Among patients with PMCT, injury severity score (ISS) and number of injuries (NOI) were calculated either from physical exam alone (pre-PMCT) or exam and imaging (post-PMCT). ISS and NOI before and after PMCT were compared. A cause of death analysis was performed for patients who underwent comprehensive (ie, head, neck, and torso) PMCT. Non-parametric repeated measures tests were used, as appropriate.

Results

7.3% (N = 28) of patients received PMCT. Compared to pre-PMCT, median ISS (21 vs 3.5) and NOI (5 vs 2) were greater post-PMCT ( P < .001, respectively). Autopsy rate was 13.2% overall; 82.5% of autopsies were due to a penetrating mechanism, and median time to autopsy reporting was 38.5 days. Among 17 patients who received comprehensive PMCT, 64.7% had a single cause of death identified, and the remaining were classified as either multiple potential contributors or unknown.

Discussion

PMCT is a readily available method to identify injuries in trauma patients who expire shortly upon presentation. Given the low autopsy rate for blunt trauma and delay in reporting, PMCT is an important adjunct for trauma providers.
God as love, in creation
Authors: Montero Roman A.
Published: March 2022

This article attempts to defend and expand on the claim (put forth by Keith Ward and others) that God is love in his being the Creator against the claim that it is in the relations of the Trinity. Using descriptions of love by various modern philosophers, and using the dialectical logic of Hegel and the ontotheology of Schelling, I put forward a way of viewing God as love in an ontological sense, dialectically with creation.
Feasibility of incompetent perforator vein excision using stab avulsion
Authors: Yamamoto Kenji , Miwa Senri , Yamada Tomoyuki , Setozaki Shuji , Hamuro Mamoru , Kurokawa Shunji , Enomoto Sakae
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Whether incompetent perforator veins (IPVs) require treatment remains controversial. We retrospectively evaluated the feasibility of IPV excision performed using the stab avulsion technique without ligation and sutures in patients undergoing endovenous ablation (EA).

Methods

This was a single-center, retrospective, observational cohort study. EA was performed in 1503 consecutive patients, including 33 patients with ulcers, between December 2014 and May 2021. Varicectomy was performed using the stab avulsion technique; IPV cases were included.

Results

Stab avulsion was performed at a mean number of 11.4 ± 7.8 sites. No deep vein thromboses or pulmonary emboli were noted. The incidence of nerve injury was 0.3%. All 33 (100%) patients with ulcers achieved healing by 1 year (median: 55.5 days; range: 13–365 days).

Conclusions

IPV excision via stab avulsion may be a viable option for treating varicose veins and ulcers. This technique offers multiple advantages, including simplicity, safety, and reduced healthcare costs.
Six-Minute Walk Performance and Related Factors in Pediatric-Onset Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Zenginler Yazgan Yonca , Vural Pelin , Ormen Recep , Akinci Buket , Tarakci Ela , Guler Serhat , Saltik Sema
Published: March 2022

Objective

To investigate functional exercise capacity and its relationship between physical activity levels, muscle strength, balance, fatigue, and quality of life in patients with pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis.

Methods

Fifteen patients with pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis were included. The 6-minute walk test was used to determine functional exercise capacity and walking distance. The Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire and pedometer were used to evaluate physical activity, Timed-Up and Go for dynamic balance, isokinetic testing for lower extremity muscle strength, Fatigue Severity Scale for fatigue, and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) for quality of life.

Results

The 6-minute walking distance was positively correlated with GLTEQ and the School-Work subgroup score of the PedsQL-Self-report, and negatively correlated with Timed-Up and Go and Fatigue Severity Scale. Dynamic balance, physical activity, and fatigue were significant predictors of 6-minute walking distance.

Conclusions

Our results showed that 6-minute walk test is influenced by physical activity, dynamic balance, and fatigue, and related to quality of life in patients with pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis.
Securing Schools? Examining the Longitudinal Relationships Between Student Behavior and Engagement With Security Measures in Urban School Systems
Authors: Cuellar Matthew J. , Fisher Benjamin W.
Published: March 2022

The use of school security measures has increased over the last two decades. Yet prior research suggests school security measures have a deterrent effect on student misbehavior. Existing studies often focus on school-level comparisons in security as opposed to examining how students within a given school differ in their interaction with security measures (i.e., within-school differences). To address this gap in the literature, the current study estimates the association between individual students’ engagement with security and multiple forms of maladaptive student behavior in school. In particular, this study is guided by two research questions: 1) What is the relationship between students’ engagement with school security measures and their engagement in problem behaviors; and, 2) To what extent do the relationships between engagement with security and student behavior problems differ by student race and ethnicity? Longitudinal data were collected from students at two separate time points in one academic year (N=359) across eight schools in one urban school district. Using a series of models to examine how students’ engagement with school security measures is related to their perpetration of student behavior, findings highlight negative associations between engagement with school security and non-serious violent and weapons-related crime. While the school security change score and students’ engagement in problem behaviors was no different for Black students than it was for students who were non-Black or non-Hispanic, the negative association between engagement with security and behavior indicated a stronger deterrent effect for Hispanic students. Findings suggest that engagement with school security should be examined at the within-school level and with consideration that racial and ethnic differences might vary from student to student within any given school. Moreover, long-term programming goals should be established when developing process for securing schools with emphasis on how security measures might influence individual students differently within the school setting.
Dynamics and adaptive backstepping control of multibody spacecraft connected with active magnetic bearing
Authors: Zhao Xian , Geng Yunhai , Yi Tao , Yuan Chao , Wu Baolin
Published: March 2022

In this paper, to realize the high-resolution observation mission, a new type of multibody optical spacecraft connected with active magnetic bearing (AMB) is introduced. Then, to address the attitude control problem facing high-precision observation for multibody spacecraft, the dynamic model of the multibody system is developed and an adaptive backstepping controller (ABC) is subsequently proposed. First, a high-precision electromagnetic force model of AMB is developed. Different from traditional models that only consider rotor position and current, the relative attitude between rotor and platform is considered. Then, based on the AMB model, the dynamic and kinematic model of multibody spacecraft is derived. Additionally, considering the electromagnetic bearing is unstable statically, an ABC method is proposed. The stability of the closed-loop system is guaranteed by the Lyapunov theorem. Finally, to indicate the effectiveness of the proposed method, some numerical simulations of comparison with the iterative learning control (ILC) method are performed. As indicated by the simulation results, the ABC is capable of eliminating periodic deviation, and it is more effective than the ILC in solving the control problem caused by periodic disturbance.