bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infectious clone construction and pathogenicity confirmation of Cotton leaf curl Multan virus (CLCuMuV), Ramie mosaic virus (RamV) and Corchorus yellow vein Vietnam virus (CoYVV) by southern blot analysis
Authors: Arif Muhammad , Islam Saif ul , Alotaibi Saqer S. , Elshehawi Ahmed M. , A. Ahmed Mohamed A. , M. Al-Sadi Abdullah
Published: May 2021

Geminiviruses are insect-transmissible, economically vital group of plant viruses, which cause significant losses to crop production and ornamental plants across the world. During this study, infectious clones of three devastating begomoviruses, i.e., Cotton leaf curl Multan virus (CLCuMuV), Ramie mosaic virus (RamV) and Corchorus yellow vein Vietnam virus (CoYVV) were constructed by following novel protocol. All infectious clones were confirmed by cloning and sequencing. All of the infectious clones were agro-inoculated in Agrobacterium. After the agro-infiltrations, all clones were injected into Nicotiana benthamiana and jute plants under controlled condition. After 28 days of inoculation, plants exhibited typical symptoms of their corresponding viruses. All the symptomatic and asymptomatic leaves were collected from inoculated plants for further analysis. The southern blot analysis was used to confirm the infection of studied begomoviruses. At the end, all the products were sequenced and analyzed.
The bone is the major source of high circulating intact fibroblast growth factor-23 in acute murine polymicrobial sepsis induced by cecum ligation puncture
Authors: Bayer Jessica , Vaghela Ravikumar , Drechsler Susanne , Osuchowski Marcin F. , Erben Reinhold G. , Andrukhova Olena
Published: May 2021

Fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23), a bone-produced hormone, plays a critical role in mineral homeostasis. Human diseases associated with excessive intact circulating FGF23 (iFGF23) result in hypophosphatemia and low vitamin D hormone in patients with normal kidney function. In addition, there is accumulating evidence linking FGF23 with inflammation. Based on these studies and the frequent observation of hypophosphatemia among septic patients, we sought to elucidate further the relationship between FGF23 and mineral homeostasis in a clinically relevant murine polymicrobial sepsis model. Medium-severity sepsis was induced by cecum ligation puncture (CLP) in adult CD-1 mice of both sexes. Healthy CD-1 mice (without CLP) were used as controls. Forty-eight hours post-CLP, spontaneous urine was collected, and serum, organs and bones were sampled at necropsy. Serum iFGF23 increased ~20-fold in CLP compared to control mice. FGF23 protein concentration was increased in the bones, but not in spleen or liver of CLP mice. Despite the ~20-fold iFGF23 increase, we did not observe any significant changes in mineral homeostasis or parathyroid hormone levels in the blood of CLP animals. Urinary excretion of phosphate, calcium, and sodium remained unchanged in male CLP mice, whereas female CLP mice exhibited lower urinary calcium excretion, relative to healthy controls. In line with renal FGF23 resistance, expression of phosphate-, calcium- and sodium-transporting proteins did not show consistent changes in the kidneys of male and female CLP mice. Renal expression of the co-receptor αKlotho was downregulated in female, but not in male CLP mice. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that the dramatic, sex-independent rise in serum iFGF23 post-CLP was mainly caused by an upregulation of FGF23 secretion in the bone. Surprisingly, the upsurge in circulating iFGF23 did not alter humoral mineral homeostasis in the acutely septic mice. Hence, the biological function of elevated FGF23 in sepsis remains unclear and warrants further studies.
Challenges and needed reforms in midwifery and nursing regulatory systems in India: Implications for education and practice
Authors: Mayra Kaveri , Padmadas Sabu S. , Matthews Zoë
Published: May 2021

Background

In India, nursing regulation is generally weak, midwifery coexists with nursing, and 88% of nursing and midwifery education is provided by the private health sector. The Indian health system faces major challenges for health care provision due to poor quality, indeterminate regulatory functions and lack of reforms.

Methods

We undertook a qualitative investigation to understand midwifery and nursing education, and regulatory systems in India, through a review of the regulatory Acts, and an investigation of the perceptions and experiences of senior midwifery and nursing leaders representing administration, advocacy, education, regulation, research and service provision in India with an international perspective.

Results

There is a lack of importance accorded to midwifery roles within the nursing system. The councils and Acts do not adequately reflect midwifery practice, and remain a barrier to good quality care provision. The lack of required amendment of Acts, lack of representation of midwives and nurses in key governance positions in councils and committees have restrained and undermined leadership positions, which have also impaired the growth of the professions. A lack of opportunities for professional practice and unfair assessment practices are critical concerns affecting the quality of nursing and midwifery education in private institutions across India. Midwifery and nursing students are generally more vulnerable to discrimination and have less opportunities compared to medical students exacerbated by the gender-based challenges.

Conclusions

India is on the verge of a major regulatory reform with the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Bill, 2020 being drafted, which makes this study a crucial and timely contribution. Our findings present the challenges that need to be addressed with regulatory reforms to enable opportunities for direct-entry into the midwifery profession, improving nursing education and practice by empowering midwives and nurses with decision-making powers for nursing and midwifery workforce governance.
Strengthening health systems to improve the value of tuberculosis diagnostics in South Africa: A cost and cost-effectiveness analysis
Authors: Foster Nicola , Cunnama Lucy , McCarthy Kerrigan , Ramma Lebogang , Siapka Mariana , Sinanovic Edina , Churchyard Gavin , Fielding Katherine , Grant Alison D. , Cleary Susan
Published: May 2021

Background

In South Africa, replacing smear microscopy with Xpert-MTB/RIF (Xpert) for tuberculosis diagnosis did not reduce mortality and was cost-neutral. The unchanged mortality has been attributed to suboptimal Xpert implementation. We developed a mathematical model to explore how complementary investments may improve cost-effectiveness of the tuberculosis diagnostic algorithm.

Methods

Complementary investments in the tuberculosis diagnostic pathway were compared to the status quo. Investment scenarios following an initial Xpert test included actions to reduce pre-treatment loss-to-follow-up; supporting same-day clinical diagnosis of tuberculosis after a negative result; and improving access to further tuberculosis diagnostic tests following a negative result. We estimated costs, deaths and disability-adjusted-life-years (DALYs) averted from provider and societal perspectives. Sensitivity analyses explored the mediating influence of behavioural, disease- and organisational characteristics on investment effectiveness.

Findings

Among a cohort of symptomatic patients tested for tuberculosis, with an estimated active tuberculosis prevalence of 13%, reducing pre-treatment loss-to-follow-up from ~20% to ~0% led to a 4% (uncertainty interval [UI] 3; 4%) reduction in mortality compared to the Xpert scenario. Improving access to further tuberculosis diagnostic tests from ~4% to 90% among those with an initial negative Xpert result reduced overall mortality by 28% (UI 27; 28) at $39.70/ DALY averted. Effectiveness of investment scenarios to improve access to further diagnostic tests was dependent on a high return rate for follow-up visits.

Interpretation

Investing in direct and indirect costs to support the TB diagnostic pathway is potentially highly cost-effective.
Artificial intelligence for classifying uncertain images by humans in determining choroidal vascular running pattern and comparisons with automated classification between artificial intelligence
Authors: Sonoda Shozo , Shiihara Hideki , Terasaki Hiroto , Kakiuchi Naoko , Funatsu Ryoh , Tomita Masatoshi , Shinohara Yuki , Uchino Eisuke , Udagawa Takuma , An Guangzhou , Akiba Masahiro , Yokota Hideo , Sakamoto Taiji
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Abnormalities of the running pattern of choroidal vessel have been reported in eyes with pachychoroid diseases. However, it is difficult for clinicians to judge the running pattern with high reproducibility. Thus, the purpose of this study was to compare the degree of concordance of the running pattern of the choroidal vessels between that determined by artificial intelligence (AI) to that determined by experienced clinicians.

Methods

The running pattern of the choroidal vessels in en face images of Haller’s layer of 413 normal and pachychoroid diseased eyes was classified as symmetrical or asymmetrical by human raters and by three supervised machine learning models; the support vector machine (SVM), Xception, and random forest models. The data from the human raters were used as the supervised data. The accuracy rates of the human raters and the certainty of AI’s answers were compared using confidence scores (CSs).

Results

The choroidal vascular running pattern could be determined by each AI model with an area under the curve better than 0.94. The random forest method was able to discriminate with the highest accuracy among the three AIs. In the CS analyses, the percentage of certainty was highest (66.4%) and that of uncertainty was lowest (6.1%) in the agreement group. On the other hand, the rate of uncertainty was highest (27.3%) in the disagreement group.

Conclusion

AI algorithm can automatically classify with ambiguous criteria the presence or absence of a symmetrical blood vessel running pattern of the choroid. The classification was as good as that of supervised humans in accuracy and reproducibility.
The magnitude of neonatal near miss and associated factors among live births in public hospitals of Jimma Zone, Southwest Ethiopia, 2020: A facility-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Wondimu Merertu , Balcha Fikadu , Bacha Girma , Habte Aklilu
Published: May 2021

Background

Neonates with severe complications at birth or during the neonatal period who nearly died but survived constitute neonatal near miss (NNM) cases. Identifying NNM cases and correcting contributing factors are of the utmost importance to get relevant controls for neonatal deaths. However, limited studies are assessing the prevalence of NNM and associated factors with NNM cases in Ethiopia. So, this study is aimed at assessing the magnitude of neonatal near miss and associated factors among live births in public hospitals of Jimma zone, southwest Ethiopia, 2020.

Methods

A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 260 neonates from April 1–30 / 2020. Face to face interviewer-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the mothers and a standard checklist was used for their neonates. The data was encoded and entered into Epi-Data version 4.2 and exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Independent variables with marginal associations (p-value <0.25) in the bivariable analysis were eligible for multivariable logistic regression analysis to detect an association with outcome variables. Finally, adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% CI were used to estimate the strength of associations, and statistical significance was declared at a p-value < 0.05.

Result

The magnitude of NNM was 26.7% with [95%CI: 21.6–32.5]. Hypertension during pregnancy [AOR: 3.4; 95%CI: 1.32–8.88], mode of delivery [AOR: 3.32; 95%CI: 1.48–7.45], Obstructed labor [AOR: 2.95; 95%CI: 1.32–6.45] and non-vertex fetal presentation during delivery [AOR: 4.61; 95%CI: 2.16–9.84] were identified as significantly predictors of NNM.

Conclusion and recommendation

Over a quarter of the neonates were with NNM cases, which is relatively higher than the report of studies done in other countries. Hypertension during pregnancy, cesarean delivery, prolonged labor, and non-vertex fetal presentation were all found to increase the likelihood of NNM. Therefore, concerted efforts are needed from local health planners and health care providers to improve maternal health care services especially in early identification of the complications and taking appropriate management.
Modelling geographical accessibility to urban centres in Kenya in 2019
Authors: Macharia Peter M. , Mumo Eda , Okiro Emelda A.
Published: May 2021

Background

Access to major services, often located in urban centres, is key to the realisation of numerous Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In Kenya, there are no up-to-date and localised estimates of spatial access to urban centres. We estimate the travel time to urban centres and identify marginalised populations for prioritisation and targeting.

Methods

Urban centres were mapped from the 2019 Kenya population census and combined with spatial databases of road networks, elevation, land use and travel barriers within a cost-friction algorithm to compute travel time. Seven travel scenarios were considered: i) walking only (least optimistic), ii) bicycle only, iii) motorcycle only, iv) vehicle only (most optimistic), v) walking followed by motorcycle transport, vi) walking followed by vehicle transport, and vii) walking followed by motorcycle and then vehicle transport (most pragmatic). Mean travel time, and proportion of the population within 1-hour and 2-hours of the urban centres were summarized at sub-national units (counties) used for devolved planning. Inequities were explored and correlations between the proportion of the population within 1-hour of an urban centre and ten SDG indicators were computed.

Results

A total of 307 urban centres were digitised. Nationally, the mean travel time was 4.5-hours for the walking-only scenario, 1.0-hours for the vehicle only (most optimistic) scenario and 1.5-hours for the walking-motorcycle-vehicle (most pragmatic) scenario. Forty-five per cent (21.3 million people) and 87% (41.6 million people) of Kenya’s population resided within 1-hour of the nearest urban centre for the least optimistic and most pragmatic scenarios respectively. Over 3.2 million people were considered marginalised or living outside the 2-hour threshold in the pragmatic scenario, 16.0 million Kenyans for walking only, and 2.2 million for the most optimistic scenario. County-level spatial access was highly heterogeneous ranging between 8%-100% and 32%-100% of people within the 1-hour threshold for the least and most optimistic scenarios, respectively. Counties in northern and eastern parts of Kenya were generally most marginalised. The correlation coefficients for nine SDG indicators ranged between 0.45 to 0.78 and were statistically significant.

Conclusion

Travel time to urban centres in Kenya is heterogeneous. Therefore, marginalised populations should be prioritised during resource allocation and policies should be formulated to enhance equitable access to public services and opportunities in urban areas.
The safety of nintedanib for the treatment of interstitial lung disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Chen Chao-Hsien , Lin Hui-Chuan , Wang Ya-Hui , Wang Cheng-Yi , Lin You Shuei , Lai Chih-Cheng
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Nintedanib can inhibit processes involved in the progression of fibrosis and can reduce the decline in forced vital capacity in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and fibrotic-interstitial lung disease (fibrotic-ILDs). Although the adverse events associated with nintedanib in IPF patients are well known, its safety in other fibrotic-ILD patients remained unclear.

Methods

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL and Cochrane CDSR for randomized controlled studies which compared nintedanib with a placebo in ILD patients. We estimated pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for adverse events using the DerSimonian–Laird random-effects model.

Results

Six studies with a total of 2,583 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled estimates showed that patients treated with nintedanib had a significantly higher likelihood of having any adverse events (OR = 2.39; 95% CI = 1.71–3.36) or adverse events leading to treatment discontinuation (OR = 1.73; 95% CI = 1.34–2.25). However, they had trend to lower likelihood of having fatal adverse events (OR = 0.69; 95% CI = 0.41–1.14) compared with the placebo group. Use of nintedanib was positively associated with diarrhea (OR = 5.96; 95% CI = 4.35–8.16), nausea (OR = 3.00; 95% CI = 1.93–4.66), vomiting (OR = 3.22; 95% CI = 2.17–4.76) and weight loss (OR = 3.38; 95% CI = 1.1.76–6.47). Whereas, patients treated with nintedanib were less likely to have a cough (OR = 0.73; 95% CI = 0.56–0.96) and dyspnea (OR = 0.70; 95% CI = 0.53–0.94).

Conclusions

Compared to a placebo, nintedanib was associated with a higher risk of adverse events, especially for diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and weight loss, but it was also associated with a lower risk of cough and dyspnea in IPF and fibrotic-ILD patients.
Incidence and predictors of mortality within the first year of antiretroviral therapy initiation at Debre-Markos Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: A retrospective follow up study
Authors: Aemro Agazhe , Wassie Mulugeta , Chekol Basazinew
Published: May 2021

Background

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is one of the most fatal infectious diseases in the world, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia. Even though Antiretroviral therapy (ART) significantly decreases mortality overall, death rates are still highest especially in the first year of ART initiation.

Objective

To assess the incidence and predictors of mortality within the first year of ART initiation among adults on ART at Debre-Markos Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

A retrospective follow-up study was conducted among 514 newly enrolled adults to ART from 2014 to 2018 at Debre-Markos Referral Hospital. Patients’ chart number was selected from the computer using a simple random sampling technique. Data were entered into EPI- INFO 7.2.2.6 and analyzed using Stata 14.0. The mortality rate within the first year was computed and described using frequency tables. Both bivariable and multivariable Cox-proportional hazard models were fitted to show predictors of early mortality.

Results

Out of 494 patient records included in the analysis, a total of 54 deaths were recorded within one year follow-up period. The overall mortality rate within 398.37 person years (PY) was 13.56 deaths/100 PY with the higher rate observed within the first three months. After adjustment, rural residence (Adjusted Hazard Ratio (AHR) = 1.97; 95% CI: 1.05–3.71), ≥ 6 months pre-ART duration (AHR = 2.17; 95% CI: 1.24–3.79), ambulatory or bedridden functional status at enrolment (AHR = 2.18; 95% CI: 1.01–4.74), and didn’t take Cotrimoxazole preventive therapy (CPT) during follow-up (AHR = 1.88; 95% CI: 1.04–3.41) were associated with early mortality of adults on ART.

Conclusion

Mortality within the first year of ART initiation was high and rural residence, longer pre-Art duration, ambulatory or bedridden functional status and didn’t take CPT during follow-up were found to be independent predictors. Hence, giving special attention for patients from rural area and provision of CPT is crucial to reduce mortality.
The impact of chest CT body composition parameters on clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Besutti Giulia , Pellegrini Massimo , Ottone Marta , Cantini Michele , Milic Jovana , Bonelli Efrem , Dolci Giovanni , Cassone Giulia , Ligabue Guido , Spaggiari Lucia , Pattacini Pierpaolo , Fasano Tommaso , Canovi Simone , Massari Marco , Salvarani Carlo , Guaraldi Giovanni , Rossi Paolo Giorgi ,   on behalf of the Reggio Emilia COVID-19 Working Group
Published: May 2021

We assessed the impact of chest CT body composition parameters on outcomes and disease severity at hospital presentation of COVID-19 patients, focusing also on the possible mediation of body composition in the relationship between age and death in these patients. Chest CT scans performed at hospital presentation by consecutive COVID-19 patients (02/27/2020-03/13/2020) were retrospectively reviewed to obtain pectoralis muscle density and total, visceral, and intermuscular adipose tissue areas (TAT, VAT, IMAT) at the level of T7-T8 vertebrae. Primary outcomes were: hospitalization, mechanical ventilation (MV) and/or death, death alone. Secondary outcomes were: C-reactive protein (CRP), oxygen saturation (SO2), CT disease extension at hospital presentation. The mediation of body composition in the effect of age on death was explored. Of the 318 patients included in the study (median age 65.7 years, females 37.7%), 205 (64.5%) were hospitalized, 68 (21.4%) needed MV, and 58 (18.2%) died. Increased muscle density was a protective factor while increased TAT, VAT, and IMAT were risk factors for hospitalization and MV/death. All these parameters except TAT had borderline effects on death alone. All parameters were associated with SO2 and extension of lung parenchymal involvement at CT; VAT was associated with CRP. Approximately 3% of the effect of age on death was mediated by decreased muscle density. In conclusion, low muscle quality and ectopic fat accumulation were associated with COVID-19 outcomes, VAT was associated with baseline inflammation. Low muscle quality partly mediated the effect of age on mortality.
Gut microbiota profiles of young South Indian children: Child sex-specific relations with growth
Authors: Shivakumar Nirupama , Sivadas Ambily , Devi Sarita , Jahoor Farook , McLaughlin John , Smith Craig P. , Kurpad Anura V. , Mukhopadhyay Arpita
Published: May 2021

Gut microbiota has been implicated as a modifier of childhood growth. Here, 16S rRNA sequencing-based fecal microbiota profiles of 18–24 month old Indian children were evaluated (n = 41), in relation to their anthropometric parameters, intestinal permeability, body composition and total energy expenditure. Pathway analyses were conducted to assess microbial functions related to stunting, underweight and wasting. The fecal microbiota was enriched in Prevotella 9, Bifidobacterium and Escherichia-Shigella. Weight, weight-for-age Z-scores (WAZ) and weight-for-length Z-scores (WLZ), along with age, acted as covariates of microbiota variation specifically in boys (n = 23). Bifidobacterium longum subsp longum abundance was positively associated with WAZ while Bifidobacterium bifidum and Bifidobacterium breve abundances were negatively associated with age. The lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis pathway was upregulated in stunted (n = 16) and wasted (n = 8) children. Findings from this study indicate that child sex may be a critical modifier of the role of gut microbiota on childhood growth.
Zinc limitation triggers anticipatory adaptations in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Dow Allexa , Sule Preeti , O’Donnell Timothy J. , Burger Andrew , Mattila Joshua T. , Antonio Brandi , Vergara Kevin , Marcantonio Endrei , Adams L. Garry , James Nicholas , Williams Philip G. , Cirillo Jeffrey D. , Prisic Sladjana
Published: May 2021

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) has complex and dynamic interactions with the human host, and subpopulations of Mtb that emerge during infection can influence disease outcomes. This study implicates zinc ion (Zn2+) availability as a likely driver of bacterial phenotypic heterogeneity in vivo. Zn2+ sequestration is part of “nutritional immunity”, where the immune system limits micronutrients to control pathogen growth, but this defense mechanism seems to be ineffective in controlling Mtb infection. Nonetheless, Zn2+-limitation is an environmental cue sensed by Mtb, as calprotectin triggers the zinc uptake regulator (Zur) regulon response in vitro and co-localizes with Zn2+-limited Mtb in vivo. Prolonged Zn2+ limitation leads to numerous physiological changes in vitro, including differential expression of certain antigens, alterations in lipid metabolism and distinct cell surface morphology. Furthermore, Mtb enduring limited Zn2+ employ defensive measures to fight oxidative stress, by increasing expression of proteins involved in DNA repair and antioxidant activity, including well described virulence factors KatG and AhpC, along with altered utilization of redox cofactors. Here, we propose a model in which prolonged Zn2+ limitation defines a population of Mtb with anticipatory adaptations against impending immune attack, based on the evidence that Zn2+-limited Mtb are more resistant to oxidative stress and exhibit increased survival and induce more severe pulmonary granulomas in mice. Considering that extracellular Mtb may transit through the Zn2+-limited caseum before infecting naïve immune cells or upon host-to-host transmission, the resulting phenotypic heterogeneity driven by varied Zn2+ availability likely plays a key role during early interactions with host cells.
Genetic resources provided by genetic engineering
Authors: Pepó Pál
Published: May 2021

The approach to genetic modification in plant breeding and the coexistence of traditional and biotech crops is not uniform all over the world. While in the U.S. the ratio of the GM-production reached 30-40%, from which it made no longer sense to differentiate between GM and conventional, in Europe there is great resistance to the new technology. Standpoints are also diverse about the environmental advantages, mainly knowing the facts that e.g. the tendency of herbicide/insecticide consumption in some places was the opposite than expected (increased) or the potential health risks possibly caused by GM foodstuffs. In Hungary the possible future application of GM plants has more disadvantages just right now instead of providing benefits to farmers from environmental, ecological and economical point of view. It seems that consensus is still far away, the debates will go on; the counterparts will abide by their opinions for a long time.
Hidden preferences in social responsibility The analysis of erste seeds corporate social responsibility programme
Authors: Tóth Fanni
Published: May 2021

Banks are usually active in creating and operating corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes for different reasons. This paper analyses the Erste Bank SEEDS programme, which is dedicated to entrepreneurs promoting social welfare in Hungary. A total number of 68 social entrepreneurs were selected from 203 applicants to participate in the programme. To detect the success factors, the paper examines all proposals with content analysis. Then, using a bivariate logistic regression, the research estimates the probability of getting selected and identifies three critical factors: the potential social impact, financial sustainability and the life cycle of the product or service. These results hint to the bank caring about social impacts but only if financial sustainability is assured. Some social activities (community building, health or sustainable lifestyle) are less preferred than others (employment). The main contribution of the study is to present how corporate social responsibility programmes can be analysed and what hidden requirements may be incorporated within them.
Women’s scarcity in academic governance. Gendered identity or gendered processes?
Authors: Solano Cahuana Iris Laudith
Published: May 2021

This article contributes to the empirical evidence for women’s scarcity in academic governance. The study evaluates to what extend women lean towards non-management careers and dismiss opportunities to attain executive roles in Colombian public universities, as well as the support received when they break the paradigm. The purpose was to determine whether gendered practices are ingrained in the designation process or whether women’s scarcity is the outcome of individual attributes/choices and collective perceptions of inadequacy. Data was collected from universities’ proceedings, opinion polls of rectors’ designations, and candidates’ curricula. Findings show low female candidacy rate but high public support for female candidates to the rector’s seat among all universities examined. Also, curricula’s in-depth analyses display women’s preference for male-dominated careers and analogous academic/administrative experience to that of male candidates. Hence, the results challenge explanations presented by human capital and congruity prejudice theories, while leaning towards gendered processes and identities.
Infliximab-Induced Acute Liver Failure in a Patient With Crohn's Disease Requiring Orthotopic Liver Transplantation
Authors: Mustafa Alikhan Muhammed , Mansoor Emad , Satyavada Sagarika , Greer Katarina , Xin Wei , Cohen Stanley , Cooper Gregory , Katz Jeffry
Published: May 2021

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors are not known to have significant liver toxicity; however, a few case reports state otherwise. We report the case of a 25-year-old man with Crohn's disease who was initiated on infliximab. The patient developed severe mixed hepatocellular and cholestatic liver injury that progressed into acute liver failure. Based on clinical history, laboratory findings, and histology, this was presumed because of the development of autoimmune hepatitis secondary to infliximab. He underwent liver transplantation. The mainstay of treatment in this rare condition involves steroid therapy and possible transplantation. Patients must then avoid anti–tumor necrosis factor-alpha therapy for life.
Combining Cyclosporine With Ustekinumab in Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Shaffer Seth R. , Traboulsi Cindy , Krugliak Cleveland Noa , Rubin David T.
Published: May 2021

We have demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of combining cyclosporine and vedolizumab to treat ulcerative colitis (UC). We present 2 cases of hospitalized acute severe UC who had failed therapy with antitumor necrosis factor and vedolizumab and were treated successfully with induction cyclosporine and safely bridged to ustekinumab maintenance therapy. Both patients have avoided colectomy. There were no adverse events. We propose this novel treatment combination in medically resistant acute severe UC.
New insights on Laminaria digitata ultrastructure through combined conventional chemical fixation and cryofixation
Authors: Katsaros Christos , Le Panse Sophie , Milne Gillian , Carrano Carl J. , Küpper Frithjof Christian
Published: May 2021

The objective of the present study is to examine the fine structure of vegetative cells of Laminaria digitata using both chemical fixation and cryofixation. Laminaria digitata was chosen due to its importance as a model organism in a wide range of biological studies, as a keystone species on rocky shores of the North Atlantic, its use of iodide as a unique inorganic antioxidant, and its significance as a raw material for the production of alginate. Details of the fine structural features of vegetative cells are described, with particular emphasis on the differences between the two methods used, i.e. conventional chemical fixation and freeze-fixation. The general structure of the cells was similar to that already described, with minor differences between the different cell types. An intense activity of the Golgi system was found associated with the thick external cell wall, with large dictyosomes from which numerous vesicles and cisternae are released. An interesting type of cisternae was found in the cryofixed material, which was not visible with the chemical fixation. These are elongated structures, in sections appearing tubule-like, close to the external cell wall or to young internal walls. An increased number of these structures was observed near the plasmodesmata of the pit fields. They are similar to the “flat cisternae” found associated with the forming cytokinetic diaphragm of brown algae. Their possible role is discussed. The new findings of this work underline the importance of such combined studies which reveal new data not known until now using the old conventional methods. The main conclusion of the present study is that cryofixation is the method of choice for studying Laminaria cytology by transmission electron microscopy.
Instructor Presence in a Virtual Classroom
Authors: Tyrväinen Heli , Uotinen Sanna , Valkonen Leena
Published: May 2021

Synchronous online learning platforms have been used actively during the COVID-19 period. They have opened possibilities for online learning and interaction, but have also posed new challenges for instructors. This article provides insights into one teacher’s interactions and examines how the instructor presence is expressed in the teachers’ activities in virtual classrooms in higher education. Instructor presence is investigated using the social and teaching presence indicators of the community of inquiry (CoI) framework. Twelve hours of interactions across six online classes were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using content analysis. The findings suggest that indicators of teaching presence dominate interactions in a virtual classroom, but it often involves co-occurrences of indicators of social presence. The typical features of instructor presence included addressing students by name, encouraging them, expressing gratitude for and acknowledging their contributions, describing actions on the dashboard, clarifying and summarising content, and responding to technical concerns. These findings may suggest holistic and pedagogical ways to understand and develop synchronous online interactions and teaching and learning practices. They also have implications for the skills instructors need in virtual classrooms.
Improved chemical pulping and saccharification of a natural mulberry mutant deficient in cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase
Authors: Ikeda Tsutomu , Takata Naoki , Sakamoto Shingo , Hu Shi , Nuoendagula  , Hishiyama Shojiro , Mitsuda Nobutaka , Boerjan Wout , Ralph John , Kajita Shinya
Published: May 2021

Lignin content and its molecular structure influence various wood characteristics. In this study, the anatomical and physicochemical properties of wood derived from a naturally occurring mulberry mutant deficient in cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD), a key enzyme in lignin biosynthesis, were analyzed using conventional staining assays on stem sections, length and width measurements of xylem fiber cells, wood pulping and saccharification assays, and sugar compositional analysis of extractive-free wood powder. The present data indicate that the mutation in the CAD gene leads to improved wood delignification efficiency, increased pulp yield under alkaline pulping conditions, and enhanced saccharification efficiency following alkaline pretreatment. This study opens up new avenues for the multipurpose use of the mulberry CAD-deficient mutant as a raw material for biorefinery processes, in addition to its traditional use as a favored feed for silkworms.
Unification of functional annotation descriptions using text mining
Authors: Queirós Pedro , Novikova Polina , Wilmes Paul , May Patrick
Published: May 2021

A common approach to genome annotation involves the use of homology-based tools for the prediction of the functional role of proteins. The quality of functional annotations is dependent on the reference data used, as such, choosing the appropriate sources is crucial. Unfortunately, no single reference data source can be universally considered the gold standard, thus using multiple references could potentially increase annotation quality and coverage. However, this comes with challenges, particularly due to the introduction of redundant and exclusive annotations. Through text mining it is possible to identify highly similar functional descriptions, thus strengthening the confidence of the final protein functional annotation and providing a redundancy-free output. Here we present UniFunc, a text mining approach that is able to detect similar functional descriptions with high precision. UniFunc was built as a small module and can be independently used or integrated into protein function annotation pipelines. By removing the need to individually analyse and compare annotation results, UniFunc streamlines the complementary use of multiple reference datasets.
Characteristics of gluten-free potato dough and bread with different potato starch-protein ratios
Authors: Gao Jingyan , Wang Nan , Wang Lei , Song Shuang , Liu Miao , Wen Chengrong
Published: May 2021

The poor retention of fermentation gases and air is a critical issue for gluten-free (GF) products. To better understand the effect of potato flour on the characteristics of GF bread, the mechanistic relations between potato starch and potato protein in different ratios at 9:1, 8:2, 7:3, 6:4 and 5:5 for GF dough were investigated for viscoelasticity, thermal properties, moisture, microstructures, and bread quality. The results reveal that potato starch had a relatively important role in both dough and bread. The viscous character of dough was highest at a proportion of 6:4, with a more compact microstructure and better bread color, volume, hardness, chewiness, resilience and springiness. With decreasing starch content, the gelatinization and retrogradation enthalpy decreased, and the relaxation time of immobilized water and free water increased significantly. These results are believed to be helpful for processors to develop and optimize GF breads with potato starch and potato protein.
Synthesis of a Flame Retardant for Epoxy Resins: Thermal Stability, Flame Retardancy, and Flame-Retardant Modes
Authors: Zhang Y. , Liu J. , Li S.
Published: May 2021

A polyphosphonate (PDPA) flame retardant that contains phenyl phosphonic dichloride and 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide groups, has been synthesized. The flame retardant was introduced into epoxy resins (EP) and cured by 4,4’-diamino diphenylmethane. The vertical burning, limited-oxygen index and cone calorimeter tests reveal that the PDPA can enhance the flame-retardant properties of the EP significantly. With only a 4 wt% PDPA loading, the EP composites achieved a limited-oxygen index value of 33.4% and a V-0 rating in the vertical burning test, and the peak heat release rate and total heat release were decreased by 40.9% and 24.6%, respectively. The thermal properties and gas pyrolysis products of the EP composites were evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis and thermogravimetric analysis-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and the morphology and structure of residual char were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Flourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. To explain the combined effects of the condensed and gas phases, modes of the flame-retardant action are proposed.
A Comparative Fatigue Analysis of GFRP, CFRP and Structural Steel for Connecting Rod Using ANSYS
Authors: Cihan Ö. , Bulut M.
Published: May 2021

The connecting rod, as an important part in internal combustion engines, has been most widely used in automotive industry, and its main function is to transfer the reciprocating motion of the piston into the rotatory motion of the crankshaft. In this study, fatigue analysis of the connecting rod is performed numerically for different engine speeds. With this aim, it is attempted to reduce the weight of the connecting rod by choosing the low density and high strength of GFRP and CFRP composite materials instead of structural steel. In this way, it is possible to improve the engine efficiency with saving unnecessary balancing weights as well as reducing the cost of the connecting rod. In the current study, the connecting rod was modeled using Solidworks software, and its CAD model was transferred to the ANSYS/Workbench software for Finite Element Analyses (FEA). In FEA, fatigue analyses were performed to determine fatigue parameters such as alternating stress, deformation, fatigue life and safety factor according to Soderberg’s fatigue model. Results from this study showed that alternating stress and safety factor reached a critical value between piston pin end and crank end near to the piston pin end. Alternating stress values of the GFRP and CFRP connecting rods were much lower than those of structural steel rod. In contrast to reduction of the weight by 1/5, fatigue life of the connecting rod with structural steel material was much greater than those of GFRP and CFRP providing a higher safety factor compared with composite materials.
Ayurvedic management of female infertility due to tubal blockage
Authors: Otta Susmita Priyadarshinee , Reddy R. Govind , Sangvikar Sangeeta , Tripathy Rabinarayan
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Secondary Infertility is a major concern worldwide, accounting for about 40% of female infertility due to lifestyle factor. Secondary Infertility is having a close proximity to a disorder Vandhyatwa explained in Ayurvedic classics, due to a variety of causes. Several Ayurvedic interventions are advised such as Panchakarma (∼purification therapy) for vitiated Doshas in female reproductive organs, Snehapana (∼oral intake of medicated oil) followed by Virechana (∼purgation) to produce quality ovum. Other internal medications like Phalaghrita, Ashokarishta, Kanchanara guggulu etc. have a probable mode of action with enhancing the perceptibility of endometrium for implantation. Correlating fallopian tubes with the Artavavaha Srotas, its block is compared with the Sanga Srotodushti (obstructive pathology occurring in channels)of this Srotas. By virtue of the purification therapy and internal medication working synergistically might remove the Srotodustht.

Case presentation

A 30 year old female with a history of eight years post marital infertility was treated with Panchakarma along with Ayurvedic medicines after being diagnosed as infertility due to tubal blockage for a period of 16 weeks.

Conclusions

After 16 weeks of treatment, she reported with amenorrhoea and found Urine Pregnancy Test positive. Subsequently, confirmed the pregnancy by USG, as single live intrauterine foetus of Sonic Gestational Age – 8 weeks 5 days.
Monetary Policy Dynamics in the United States
Authors: Shodipe Oladimeji T. , Shobande Olatunji Abdul
Published: May 2021

The recognised approach to designing an optimal monetary policy model is based on the central bank’s ability to mitigate losses using a quadratic criterion subject to the linear structure of the economy. This study examines the United States Federal Reserve’s (Fed) monetary policy in different economic environments. It provides an empirical solution to the central bank’s optimisation problem when preferences are asymmetric in both in˛ation and output gaps. The study tested for structural breaks and uncovered potential evidence of nonlinearities in the Fed’s reaction function, which provides more information on policy objective. The empirical evidence suggests that the Fed’s policy rate differs in these periods. This strongly indicates the presence of asymmetry. Further evidence suggests that the predictive power of the estimated model increases when a smoothing process is allowed.
The prevalence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in conventional and industrial dairy products (yogurt, cheese, kashk and dough) of Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Makhdoumi Pouran , Hossini Hooshyar , Mohammadi Reza , Limoee Mojtaba
Published: May 2021

Aflatoxin is a toxic metabolite produced mainly by Aspergillus spp. which may occur in dairy products because of biotransformation. In this work, a systematic and meta-analysis approach has been considered on the topic of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) content in dairy Iranian products. Based on the literature review, AFM1 was the most common aflatoxin contamination in dairy product. Additionally, studies revealed that higher levels of AFM1 were produced during cold seasons includes winter and autumn. Although, immunochemical technique (ELISA) was the frequent and rapid test, thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and chromatographic methods (HPLC) were commonly used as confirmative techniques to determine the level of aflatoxin. Meta-analyzing of the results showed that AFM1 can be found in the dairy products with overall prevalence percentage of 63.53 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 56.28–70.78) and 54.05 (95% CI: 43.09–65.02) based on the sample type and production process, respectively. The higher prevalence percentage of AFM1 of 73.96 (95% CI: 60.27–87.66) and 69.91 (95% CI: 62.00–78.83) was found in yoghurt and industrial production type of samples, respectively. In general, 17.8% of cheese, 14% of yogurt, 12.63% of kashk, and 2.1% of doogh contained AFM1 in concentrations exceeding the permitted level of standards. Totally, results showed that 88.89% of dairy products were contaminated by AFM1 exceeding from standard limits.
Image segmentation and robust edge detection for collision avoidance in machine tools
Authors: Barton David , Hess Felix , Männle Patrick , Odendahl Sven , Stautner Marc , Fleischer Jürgen
Published: May 2021

Collisions are a major cause of unplanned downtime in small series manufacturing with machine tools. Existing solutions based on geometric simulation do not cover collisions due to setup errors. Therefore a solution is developed to compare camera images of the setup with the simulation, thus detecting discrepancies. The comparison focuses on the product being manufactured (workpiece) and the fixture holding the workpiece, thus the first step consists in segmenting the corresponding region of interest in the image. Subsequently edge detection is applied to the image to extract the relevant contours. Additional processing steps in the spatial and frequency domain are used to alleviate effects of the harsh conditions in the machine, including swarf, fluids and sub-optimal illumination. The comparison of the processed images with the simulation will be presented in a future publication.
Law as Reproduction and Revolution: An Interconnected History
Authors: Dezalay Yves , Garth Bryant G.
Published: May 2021

This sweeping book details the extent to which the legal revolution emanating from the US has transformed legal hierarchies of power across the globe, while also analyzing the conjoined global histories of law and social change from the Middle Ages to today. It examines the global proliferation of large corporate law firms—a US invention—along with US legal education approaches geared toward those corporate law firms. This neoliberal-inspired revolution attacks complacent legal oligarchies in the name of America-inspired modernism. Drawing on the combined histories of the legal profession, imperial transformations, and the enduring and conservative role of cosmopolitan elites at the top of legal hierarchies, the book details case studies in India, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, and China to explain how interconnected legal histories are stories of both revolution and reproduction. Theoretically and methodologically ambitious, it offers a wholly new approach to studying interrelated fields across time and geographies.
Lo familiar y lo femenino en la narrativa de Samanta Schweblin
Authors: Cardenas Ninfa , Parra Jorge Iván
Published: May 2021

La narradora argentina Samanta Schweblin, perteneciente a las selecciones Granta y Bogotá 39, es autora de las novelas Kentukis, Distancia de rescate y los libros de cuentos Siete casas vacías y Pájaros en la boca. Su narrativa, por sus características, puede considerarse femenina (incluso feminista), en tanto crea universos desde la perspectiva de la mujer, en los cuales su mundo —con todos sus objetos, situaciones, roles, vivencias— se pone en evidencia y se cuestiona, incluso desde las técnicas de escritura. Este artículo ofrece una lectura del ámbito familiar construido en la narrativa de la autora argentina, los libros Distancia de rescate (2014) y Pájaros en la boca (2009), desde una voz femenina que puede considerarse parte de ese “nuevo canon” en la literatura latinoamericana.