bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE FIRST REPORT OF ABNORMAL AGE RINGS IN OTOLITHS LAPILLUS OF ARIIDS CATFISH
Authors: MORAIS Igor Souza de , AZEVEDO Juliana de Souza
Published: June 2021

The present work aimed to record the first presence of abnormal age rings in Cathorops spixii lapillus otoliths from Cananeia-Iguape Estuarine-Lagoon Complex (CIELC), Southern region of Brazilian coast. In August 2018, 59 specimens of C. spixii (Siluriformes, Ariidae) were collected during one station sampling in the northern (n = 25) and another in the southern sector (n = 33) of CIELC. In general, among the otoliths that presented age ring alterations, this divergent zone was observed in opaque and translucent layers, on the right side, between the fifth and seventh age rings.
Preservation of the intangible cultural heritage through the implementation of additional general education programs in the field of fine arts
Authors: Lovtsova Irina Vladimirovna , Burovkina Lyudmila Aleksandrovna , Sheshko Anna Sergeevna
Published: June 2021

The problem of preserving the traditions of academic art and folk culture as part of the intangible cultural heritage of the country is becoming more urgent every year. One of the solutions to this problem is the transfer of knowledge and technology using additional general education programs.

Implementation of additional general education programs reveals the practical possibilities of children’s creativity and shows the effectiveness of forms and methods for preserving the intangible cultural heritage through the practical development of techniques and technologies of artistic creation by children, which are based on academic or folk traditions. This, in the authors’ opinion, introduces the scientific novelty of this study. The theoretical basis of pedagogical mastery is studied and the need for a competency-based approach in the implementation of additional education programs on the example of the experience of children’s art schools is shown. In addition, the study substantiates the need for the effective construction of educational and methodological support for educational programs, the actualization and development of teacher’s competencies, as well as the preservation and development of methods containing the basic principles and technologies of the academic foundations of fine arts and folk crafts. Proposals to organize support for the implementation of additional general education programs in the field of fine and decorative arts and folk crafts are made.
Exploration of Business English Talents Training in Colleges and Universities
Authors: Yan Li
Published: June 2021

With the further development of economic globalization and information technology, e-commerce has won great support from enterprises. Meanwhile, cross-border e-commerce has broken the traditional form of trade, greatly saving trade costs for enterprises. Therefore, with the rapid growth of cross-border e-commerce, foreign companies and e-commerce enterprises have an increasingly urgent demand for business English talents. So it is necessary for colleges and universities to explore a new business English training mode to train some talents who can better promote economic development based on China’s economic demand.
Integrating systems thinking skills with multi-criteria decision-making technology to recruit employee candidates
Authors: Karam Sofia , Nagahi Morteza , Dayarathna Vidanelage , Ma Junfeng , Jaradat Raed , Hamilton Michael
Published: June 2021

The emergence of modern complex systems is often exacerbated by a proliferation of information and complication of technologies. Because current complex systems challenges can limit an organization's ability to efficiently handle socio-technical systems, it is essential to provide methods and techniques that count on individuals' systems skills. When selecting future employees, companies must constantly refresh their recruitment methods in order to find capable candidates with the required level of systemic skills who are better fit for their organization's requirements and objectives. The purpose of this study is to use systems thinking skills as a supplemental selection tool when recruiting prospective employees. To the best of our knowledge, there is no prior research that studied the use of systems thinking skills for recruiting purposes. The proposed framework offers an established tool to HRM professionals for assessing and screening of prospective employees of an organization based on their level of systems thinking skills while controlling uncertainties of complex decision-making environment with the fuzzy linguistic approach. This framework works as an expert system to find the most appropriate candidate for the organization to enhance the human capital for the organization.
X-RAY TOMOGRAPHIC MICROSCOPY AS A MEANS TO SYSTEMATICALLY TRACK EXPERIMENTAL DECAY AND FOSSILIZATION
Authors: SELLY TARA , SCHIFFBAUER JAMES D.
Published: June 2021

Laboratory-based decay experiments have become commonly used to supplement our understanding of how organisms enter the fossil record. Differences in how these experiments are designed and evaluated, however, including dissimilarities in qualitative decay-scoring indices superimposed on variability in model organisms, renders any semblance of comparison between studies unreliable. Here, we introduce the utility of X-ray tomographic microscopy (μCT) as a means for reliable and repeatable analysis of soft-tissue decay experiment products. As proof-of-concept, we used a relatively simple experimental design with classic studies as comparators, and present our analytical protocol using μCT for capturing the entire volume of the decay subject. Segmentation software then allows for 3D volume analysis and high-resolution internal and external character identification. We describe the workflow from sample preparation, contrast-staining, and data collection to processing and analysis of the resulting data, using peppermint shrimp (Lysmata wurdemanni) as model organisms, and compare our results to previous taphonomic studies. These methods allow for improved visualization and quantification of decay and internal volume analysis with minimal handling as compared to traditional qualitative scoring methods. Using the same scoring criteria as previous studies, this study revealed similar decay results for certain features, while we were additionally able to detect other feature loss or alteration earlier—importantly without need for potentially distortive sample handling. We conclude that μCT is a more effective, straightforward, and exact means for extracting quantitative data on the progression of decay and should be adopted in future studies, where available, to streamline and standardize comparisons.
Conceptual Service Level Agreement Mechanism to Minimize the SLA Violation with SLA Negotiation Process in Cloud Computing Environment
Authors: Kumar Narander , Kumar Surendra
Published: June 2021

Online service is used to be as Pay-Per-Use in Cloud computing. Service user need not be in a long time contract with cloud service providers. Service level agreements (SLAs) are understandings marked between a cloud service providers and others, for example, a service user, intermediary operator, or observing operators. Since cloud computing is an ongoing technology giving numerous services to basic business applications and adaptable systems to manage online agreements are significant. SLA maintains the quality-of-service to the cloud user. If service provider fails to maintain the required service SLA is considered to be SLA violated. The main aim is to minimize the SLA violations for maintain the QoS of their cloud users. In this research article, a toolbox is proposed to help the procedure of exchanging of a SLA with the service providers that will enable the cloud client in indicating service quality demands and an algorithm as well as Negotiation model is also proposed to negotiate the request with the service providers to produce a better agreement between service provider and cloud service consumer. Subsequently, the discussed framework can reduce SLA violations as well as negotiation disappointments and have expanded cost-adequacy. Moreover, the suggested SLA toolkit is additionally productive to clients so clients can secure a sensible value repayment for diminished QoS or conceding time. This research shows the assurance level in the cloud service providers can be kept up by as yet conveying the services with no interruption from the client's perspective
Asthenospheric zircon below Galápagos dates plume activity
Authors: Rojas-Agramonte Yamirka , Kaus Boris , Piccolo Andrea , Williams Ian , Gerdes Axel , Wong Jean , Xie HangXian , Buhre Stephan , Toulkeridis Theofilos , Montero Pilar , Garcia-Casco Antonio
Published: June 2021

Mantle plumes are active for long periods of time1,2, however dating the onset of their activity is difficult. The magmatic products of the Galápagos plume, for example, have been subducted and fragmentarily accreted to the Caribbean and South American plates3,4. Based on submarine and terrestrial exposures it is inferred that the plume has been operating for ~90 Myrs5 or perhaps even longer (e.g., ~139 Myrs6). Here we show that the activity of the plume dates back to ~170 Ma. Evidence for this comes from 0 to 168 Ma zircon with isotopic plume signature (Galápagos Plume Array; GPA) recovered from lavas and sediments from ten islands of the archipelago. Given lithospheric plate motion, this result implies that GPA zircon predating the Galápagos lithosphere (i.e., >14 Ma) formed at asthenospheric depths. Thermo-mechanical numerical experiments of plume-lithosphere interaction show that old zircon grains can be stored within local astenospheric stable domains to be later captured by subsequent rising plume magmas. These results open new avenues for research on mantle plume dynamics in similar tectonic settings.
Mapping of Qtl for Anaerobic Germination Using the Donor Ac39416a in the Genetic Background of Swarna Sub-1 (Oryza Sativa L.)
Authors: SAIMOHAN BOLLINENI , Chamundeswari N. , Haritha T. , Veronica N.
Published: June 2021

Background: Anaerobic germination is an important trait in particular for cultivation under direct seeding method in kharif season, as well as during nursery rising for transplant rice, as sometimes unexpected rains immediately after sowing will drastically reduce the plant population.Methods and Results: In the present investigation phenotypic screening for Anaerobic germination (AG) was carried out using 188 F2:3 population of Swarna Sub1/AC39416A at RARS (APRRI), Maruteru. The mean anaerobic germination per cent recorded after the two weeks of submergence ranged from 0% to 95% with overall mean of 47.51% whereas, for three weeks of submergence, the mean anaerobic germination per cent recorded between 0 and 95%, with overall mean of 37.66%. 134 (19.42%) out of 687 Simple Sequence Repeats (SSR) markers surveyed were polymorphic between the parents. Linkage analysis was done with 83 SSR markers showing polymorphism clearly using the integrated software called QTL IciMapping software version 4.1.0. The length of linkage map constructed across whole genome was 3600.8 cM and identified seven QTLs viz., qAG2, qAG3, qAG7-1, qAG7-2, qAG9, qAG10 and qAG12. All these seven QTLs explained phenotypic variance of about 37.47% collectively for AG trait, with their individual contributions ranging from 3.5% to 8.67% of phenotypic variation and LOD scores of 2.6 to 5.86. The LOD score and phenotypic variance is 5.86 and 8.67% respectively for qAG10 a novel QTL identified in the present study using ICIM method. Conclusion: QTL “qAG12-1” identified in this study may be considered for introgression into popular elite rice varieties otherwise susceptible for anaerobic germination after fine mapping studies.
Genetic Evidence Disapproves Coevolution between O.sinensis and Host Insects from Qing-Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Guo Zhifan , Li Xiang , Sha Tao , Li Yan
Published: June 2021

Host-parasite coevolution is driven by the selective pressures each partner conferring on the other to merely maintain parity with other evolving species. Ophiocordyceps sinensis represents one of excellent model host-parasite complex, allowing us to explore evolutionary relationship between host and parasite. Although previous studies have demonstrated coevolution between O.sinensis and host insects, the incongruence in phylogenetic relationship of both is incompatible. In this study, we used ITS gene of O.sinensis and COI gene of host insects to evaluate the phylogenetic relationship, estimate the divergence time, infer demographic history, analyze identity by state distance matrix, and simultaneously explore evolutionary relationship or address the evolutionary pattern. We found distinct phylogenetic topology between O.sinensis and host insects from the main distribution of China. Additionally, the branch length ratio, demographic inference, and IBS analysis consistently suggested independent evolution between O.sinensis and host insects rather than arms race coevolution. However, populations of both O. sinensis and host insects from Qinghai lake showed similar evolution rate and phylogenetic topology, which might be associated with the formation of Qinghai Lake. Together, the data presented here provided new insights into host-parasite evolutionary relationship.
Transcriptome Analysis of Clavibacter Michiganensis Subsp. Michiganensis-Infected Tomatoes: A Role Of Salicylic Acid In The Host Response
Authors: Yokotani Naoki , Hasegawa Yoshinori , Sato Masaru , Hirakawa Hideki , Kouzai Yusuke , Nishizawa Yoko , Yamamoto Eiji , Naito Yoshiki , Isobe Sachiko
Published: June 2021

Bacterial canker of tomato (Solanum lycopersicon) caused by the Gram-positive bacterium Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis is an economically important disease. However, the molecular events that occur are poorly understood. To understand the host defense response to C. michiganensis infection, transcriptome sequences in tomato cotyledons were analyzed by RNA-seq. Overall, 1,877 and 540 genes were upregulated and downregulated upon infection, respectively. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis revealed that genes involved in the defense response, phosphorylation, and hormone signaling were over-represented by the infection. Induced expression of defense-associated genes suggested that the tomato response to C. michiganensis showed similarities to common plant disease responses. After infection, many resistance gene analogs (RGAs) were transcriptionally upregulated, including the expressions of some receptor-like kinases (RLKs) involved in pattern-triggered immunity. The expressions of WRKYs, NACs, HSFs, and CBP60s encoding transcription factors (TFs) were upregulated, implying their involvement in defense-associated gene expression during tomato–C. michiganensis interactions. Tomato genes orthologous to Arabidopsis EDS1, EDS5/SID1, and PAD4/EDS9, which are causal genes of salicylic acid (SA)-deficient mutants, were activated, and infection drastically stimulated SA accumulation in tomatoes. Genes involved in the phenylalanine ammonia lyase pathway were upregulated, whereas metabolic enzyme gene expression in the isochorismate synthase pathway remained unchanged. Exogenously applied SA suppressed bacterial growth and induced the expression of WRKYs, suggesting that some C. michiganensis-responsive genes are regulated by SA signaling, and SA signaling activation should improve tomato immunity against C. michiganensis.
Engineering the magnetism of nanographene via co-depositing hetero precursors
Authors: Zhang Hui , Lu Jianchen , Zhang Yong , Gao Lei , Zhao Xin-Jing , Tan Yuan-Zhi , Cai Jinming
Published: June 2021

The magnetism of carbon nanomaterials is dominated by the structure of its carbon skeleton. However, the magnetism engineering is hindered due to finite precursors. Here, we develop a new strategy to engineer the magnetism of nanographene through hetero-coupling two different precursors on Au(111) surface by using low-temperature bond-resolved scanning tunneling microscopy and scanning tunneling spectroscopy, combined with spin-polarized density functional theory calculations. Our results demonstrate that two homo-coupled products host close shell structure along with defects inducing magnetic one with the total spin number S = 1/2. Upon simultaneous depositing with another precursor, two hetero-coupled products switch to magnetic structure with the S = 1/2 and S = 1 resulting from carbon skeleton transformation. Our results provide a valid way via inducing different molecular precursors to engineer the magnetism of carbon nanomaterials, which could be extended in other magnetic materials instruction.
Uric Acid Enhances Neurogenesis in a Parkinsonian Model by Remodeling Mitochondria
Authors: Lee Ji Eun , Shin Yu Jin , Kim Ha Na , Kim Dong Yeol , Chung Seok Jong , Yoo Han Soo , Shin Jin Young , Lee Phil Hyu
Published: June 2021

Adult neurogenesis is the process of generating new neurons to enter neural circuits and differentiate into functional neurons. However, it is significantly reduced in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Restoring neurogenesis is suggested to be a potential disease-modifying strategy to treat PD. Uric acid (UA), a natural antioxidant, has neuroprotective properties in patients with PD. Here, we hypothesized that UA would enhance neurogenesis by modulating mitochondria, dynamic organelles and key regulators of the fate of neural stem cells. We evaluated whether elevating serum UA levels in a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced parkinsonian model would restore neurogenesis in the subventricular zone (SVZ). UA-elevating therapy significantly increased the number of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)-positive cells in the SVZ of PD animals as compared to PD mice with normal UA levels. In a cellular model, UA treatment promoted cell proliferation against 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) in primary cultured neural precursor cells (NPCs) from the SVZ. These findings demonstrate that UA enhances neurogenesis by modulating mitochondrial dynamics in the SVZ of parkinsonian models, suggesting UA elevating strategy as a potential disease-modifying therapy in treatment of parkinsonian disorders.
Genome-wide DNA Methylation and Gene Expression Patterns of Androgenetic Haploid Tiger Pufferfish (Takifugu Rubripes) Provide Insights into Haploid Syndrome
Authors: Zhou He , Wang Qian , Zhou Zi-Yu , Li Xin , Sun Yu-Qing , Shan Gu , Zheng Xin-Yi , Chen Qi , Liu Hai-Jin , Wang Wei , Shao Chang-Wei
Published: June 2021

Androgenesis is an important chromosome set manipulation technique used in sex control in aquaculture. Haploid embryos exhibit haploid syndrome and show abnormalities and even die during early embryonic development. In this study, we used whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) to investigate the genome-wide DNA methylation profiles in haploid females (1n-X) and males (1n-Y), and diploid females (2n-XX) and males (2n-XY) of tiger pufferfish (Takifugu rubripes), an economically important ﬁsh in China. A total of 96.32 Gb clean data was produced. Analysis of differentially methylated regions (DMRs) showed that haploids had more hyper-methylated regions than diploids, which may be related to abnormal development and early embryonic death in haploids. There were 7,838 hyper-methylated differentially methylated genes (DMGs) and 4,755 hypo-methylated DMGs in haploid vs. diploid comparisons in both females and males. These DMGs were mainly related to genomic stability maintenance and cell cycle regulation. slf1, actr8, gas2, and pbrm1 genes were detected to validate the methylation sequencing. After combining the methylation data with the corresponding transcriptome data, we identified several genes, including guca2a, myoc, fezf2, rprml, telo2, s100a1, and marveld1, which exhibited differential expression levels modulated by DNA methylation. In conclusion, our study revealed different methylation and expression profiles between haploid and diploid T. rubripes for the first time. Several DMGs were identified between different ploidy levels, which may be related to haploid syndrome formation. The results expand the understanding of the effects of ploidy on the early development of teleosts and provide knowledge about target genes and networks to improve the survival rate of haploids.
Assessment of Genetic Diversity of Plasmodium Falciparum Circumsporozoite Protein in Sudan; The RTS,S Leading Malaria Vaccine Candidate
Authors: Mohamed Nouh Saad , AbdElbagi Hanadi , Elsadig Ahad R. , Ahmed Abdalla Elssir , Mohammed Yassir Osman , Elssir Lubna Taj , Elnour Mohammed Ahmed B , Ali Yousif , Ali Mohamed S. , Alrahman Omnia Fateh , Siddig Emmanuel Edwar , Ahmed Ayman , Omer Rihab Ali
Published: June 2021

The currently used malaria vaccine; the RTS,S, is designed based on the Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein (PfCSP). The PfCSP gene, besides having different polymorphic patterns, can vary between P. falciparum isolates due to geographical origin and host immune response. Such aspects are essential when considering the deployment of the RTS,S vaccine in a certain region. Therefore, in this study we assessed the genetic diversity of P. falciparum in Sudan based on the PfCSP gene by investigating the diversity at the N-terminal, central repeat, and the C-terminal regions. The results of the N-terminal region showed the presence of 2 different haplotypes with a haplotype diversity (Hapd) of 0.425 ± 0.00727. The presence of the unique insertion of NNNGDNGREGKDEDKRDGNN was reported. The KLKQP motif was conserved in all the studied isolates. At the central repeat region, 11 haplotypes were seen with a Hapd of 0.779 ± 0.00097. The analysis of the genetic diversity in the C-terminal region showed the presence of 10 haplotypes with a Hapd of 0.457 ± 0.073. In this study, the results indicated a high conservation at the PfCSP gene. This may further contribute in understanding the genetic polymorphisms of P. falciparum prior to the deployment of the RTS,S vaccine in Sudan.
Preoperative Risk Factors of Persistent Pain Following Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Chodór Paweł , Kruczyński Jacek
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Despite good results of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) number of patients (16–33%) complain of persistent pain. It has been theorized that certain preoperative factors may increase risk of persistent pain, hence their identification should improve preoperative education regarding results of TKA.
Methods

Patients scheduled for TKA were examined one day prior to surgery. Demographics, comorbidities, pressure pain thresholds, pain intensity and duration, radiographic OA grade and range of motion were recorded. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) were collected. Study cohort was evaluated 6 months following surgery. Patients were assigned to group A if they had no pain and to group B if they complained of any pain.
Results

64 patients were included in final analysis. There were no statistically significant differences regarding preoperative factors except for duration of preoperative pain, which was shorter in group A [36 (12–180) vs 72 (24–180), p = 0,011294]. Every 12 months of preoperative pain were found to increase risk of persistent pain by 1,27 (p = 0,008779).
Conclusions

Preoperative duration of pain is a risk factor for chronic pain following TKA. Should the surgical treatment of knee arthritis be postponed, intensive and individualized pain management is highly recommended.
Genetic Diversity of Cryptosporidium Spp. in Njoro Sub County, Nakuru, Kenya
Authors: Essendi Walter Miding'a , Muleke Charles Inyagwa , Manfred Miheso , Otachi Elick Onyango
Published: June 2021

Cryptosporidium spp. cause Cryptosporidiosis in humans through zoonotic and anthroponotic transmission. Previous studies have illustrated the significance of domestic animals as reservoirs of this parasite. However, there is no information on the Cryptosporidium spp. and genotypes circulating in Njoro Sub County. A total of 2174 samples from humans, cattle, chicken, sheep and goats were assessed for presence of Cryptosporidium spp. Thirty-three positive samples were successfully sequenced. The sequences obtained were compared to Cryptosporidium sequences in the GenBank using NCBI’s (National Center for Biotechnology Information) online BLAST (Basic Local Alignment Search Tool) algorithmic program. Sequence alignment was done using the Clustal W program and phylogenetic analysis was executed in MEGA 6 (Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis version 6.0). The Cryptosporidium spp. present in the watershed showed great genetic diversity with nine (9) Cryptosporidium spp. namely: C. parvum, C. hominis, C. ubiquitum, C. meleagridis, C. andersoni, C. baileyi, C. muris, C. xiaoi and C. viatorum. Cattle were the biggest reservoirs of zoonotic Cryptosporidium spp. hence a potential source of zoonosis in humans while goats had the least species. This is the first study that reported presence of C. viatorum in Kenya.
The importance of future urban development in hourly extreme rainfall projections- comparing global warming and urbanization forcing over the Pearl River Delta region
Authors: Hu Chenxi , Tam Chi-Yung , Li Xinwei , Huang Kangning , Ren Chao , Fung Kwun Yip , Wang Ziqian
Published: June 2021

The impacts of future urban development and global warming forcing on hourly extreme rainfall over the Pearl River Delta (PRD) area have been investigated, by dynamically downscaling General Circulation Model (GCM) outputs using the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) at convection-permitting resolution, coupled with an Urban Canopy Model (UCM). Three downscaling experiments corresponding to different urban land cover (1999 and projected 2030) and climate (1951-to-2000 and 2001-to-2050 GCM simulations) were designed. Near-future climate change (up to 2050) and 1999-to-2030 urban development effects on PRD extreme precipitation were then examined. Results show that climate change and rapid urban development forcing have comparable positive effects on the intensity as well as heavy hourly rainfall probability over the PRD megacity. Global warming tends to increase heavy rainfall probability (from 40 to 60mm/hr) by about 1.3 to 1.8 times, but suppresses the frequency of light rainfall. Urban development increases urban rainfall probability within the whole range of intensity, with frequency for very heavy rainfall (> 90mm/hr) almost doubled. Overall, forcing due to rapid urban development plays an important role for projecting rainfall characteristic over the highly urbanized coastal PRD megacity, with impacts that can be comparable to global warming in the near future.
Seroprevalence of COVID-19 among health workers in the Kathmandu valley, Nepal (SEVID-KaV): a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Pandey Kiran Raj , Bhattarai Aseem , Pant Suman , Barakoti Rimmy , Pandey Janaki , Subedee Anup , Adhikari Prabhat , Aryal Diptesh , Pokharel Prakash Jyoti , Shrestha Gentle Sunder , Pandit Kamal , Timalsina Narendra , Thapa Sameer , Gyanwali Pradip
Published: June 2021

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) burden is often underestimated when relying on case-based incidence reports. Seroprevalence studies accurately estimate infectious disease burden by estimating the population that has developed antibodies following an infection. Sero-Epidemiology of COVID-19 in the Kathmandu valley (SEVID-KaV) is a longitudinal survey of hospital-based health workers in the Kathmandu valley. Between December 3-25, we sampled 800 health workers from 20 hospitals and administered a questionnaire eliciting COVID-19 related history and tested for COVID-19 IgG antibodies. We then used a probabilistic multilevel regression model with post-stratification to correct for test accuracy, the effect of hospital-based clustering, and to establish representativeness. 522 (65.2%) of the participants were female, 372 (46%) were between ages 18-29, and 7 (0.9%) were 60 or above. 287 (36%) of the participants were nurses. About 23% of the participants previously had a PCR positive infection. 321 (40.13%) individuals tested positive for COVID-19 antibodies. Adjusted for test accuracy and weighted by age, gender and occupation category, the seroprevalence was 38.17% (95% Credible Interval (CrI) 29.26%–47.82%). Posterior predictive hospital-wise seroprevalence ranged between 38.1% (95% CrI 30.7.0%– 44.1%) and 40.5% (95% CrI 34.7%–47.0%).
Gender Disparities of Heart Disease and the Association with Smoking and Alcohol Drinking Behavior Among the Middle-Aged and Older Population in the US and China, a Cross-Sectional Study of CHARLS and HRS Data
Authors: Li Yifei , Lu Yuanan , Hurwitz Eric L. , Wu Yanyan
Published: June 2021

Background

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death globally with substantial variabilities in mortalities by gender and region. Smoking and alcohol drinking are known modifiable health behaviors associated with heart disease. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of heart disease and to examine the association with smoking and drinking behavior for men and women in the United States (US) and China.
Methods

This study utilized the Harmonized data from the US Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), which are sister surveys as part of the Gateway to Global Aging Data (https://g2aging.org/). We performed cross-sectional comparisons using the 2016 wave HRS and 2015 wave CHARLS data. Age was categorized into four groups (50–59, 60–69, 70–79, and 80 years or older) and smoking and drinking behavior were combined to neither, smoking only, drinking only and both behaviors. Weighted analyses were conducted to estimate the prevalence and prevalence ratios (PRs) of heart disease accounting for complex survey design.
Results

The overall prevalence of heart disease was higher in men (24.5%) than in women (20.6%) in the US. In contrast, women had higher prevalence (22.9%) than men (16.1%) in China. The prevalence of heart disease increased by age with increasing gender gap in the US, while in China, the highest prevalence was observed in the 70–79 age group and gender difference were more apparent before 80 years of age. Adjusting for socio-demographic variables and health conditions, smoking only was associated with a higher prevalence of heart disease in both countries and the associations were stronger among women (US: PR = 1.39, 95%CI: 1.26 to 1.54; China: PR = 1.49, 95%CI: 1.30 to 1.72) than among men (US: PR = 1.20, 95%CI: 1.04 to 1.38; China: PR = 1.37, 95%CI: 0.94 to 1.98).
Conclusions

Findings from this study will improve present understanding of heart disease etiology and provide essential insights for future prevention, treatment, and control. Better management of smoking behaviors by gender might be beneficial for reducing the burden of heart disease in both countries and worldwide.
Integrated Analysis of Diffrentially Expressed Genes and Epigenetics Biomarkers in HCV-cirrhosis
Authors: Cheng Junxiong , Zuo Guoqing , Cao Wenfu
Published: June 2021

PurposeTo identify the key genes and epigenetics biomarkers in HCV-cirrhosis based on informatics analysis of 4 GEO datasets.MethodsAfter downloaded GEO datasets from NCBI, two GEO datasets (GSE6764 and GSE14323) were used to screen for the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) by limma package in R. Then DEGs were applied for Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis by clusterProfiler package in R. Protein-protein interaction network was constructed by cytoscape to identify the hub genes of HCV-cirrhosis. DNA methylation dataset GSE60753 was analyzed by ChAMP package in R to identify the differentially methylated genes (DMGs). Cross-analysis of DEGs and DMGs were performed to identify the genes differentially expression and methylation, and further more indicated the methylation of them. Results357 DEGs and 8830 DMGs were identified in HCV-cirrhosis. Functional analysis of DEGs obtained pathways that may involved in the pathgenesis of HCV-cirrhosis, including focal adhesion, influenza A, ECM-receptor interaction, protein digestion and absorption, etc. Cross-analysis of DEGs and DMGs identified 212 genes that changed in mRNA level and methylation status, and most of them were methylated in genebodies, but not CpG island. PPI construction in cytoscape revealed 25 hub genes in GEGs, and 5 of which were further analyzed for their probability as markers of HCV-cirrhosis by ROC curve and validation in another GEO dataset.Conclusions﻿Our study identified the key genes in HCV-cirrhosis patient, which may provide new approach for clarifying the mechanism and new therapy of HCV-cirrhosis.
Life-threatening Hypotension in a Multi-trauma-brain Injured Patient With Unilateral Adrenal Gland Damage; a Single Hydrocortisone Dose Unraveled Relative Corticosteroid Insufficiency.
Authors: ZAKYNTHINOS GEORGE E , ZYGOULIS PARIS , TSIKRIKA ALEXANDRA , TSOLAKI VASILIKI
Published: June 2021

BackgroundThe incidence of adrenal injury after trauma is very rare. Bilateral adrenal injury, which may lead to acute adrenal insufficiency and death, whereas unilateral adrenal trauma is often asymptomatic and masked by injuries to other organs. However, when unilateral adrenal trauma is associated with multiple injuries including brain trauma, critical illness‑related corticosteroid insufficiency (CIRCI) may be present; despite the importance, criteria for the diagnosis are not well established.Case presentationWe report a 16-year-old multi-trauma, brain-injured patient with unilateral adrenal gland injury. An intraparenchymal catheter for intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring was inserted and craniectomy was performed. Postoperatively, the patient was admitted in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) under sedation. He presented severe circulatory shock (noradrenaline dose of 1.86 μg/kg/min). which was not reversed despite red blood cell transfusions (noradrenaline increased to 2 μg/kg/min, lactate 1.8-2.1 mmol/L, although Hct was stabilized to 34 g/dl). Empiric hydrocortisone (150 mg intravenously) was administered for suspected adrenal insufficiency, after a blood sample for cortisol levels was drawn. An abrupt improvement in hemodynamics was noted [noradrenaline dose was reduced by half (1 μg/ kg/min) in less than 1 hour, and almost became insignificant during the next 8 hours, while lactate normalized (0.9 mmol/L)]. Hydrocortizone administration was continued for nine days. Fluid balance was restored after the first day. Baseline cortisol levels were 11.45 μg/dl. ICP was steadily less than 20 mmHg. Adrenal hematoma dimensions had increased (4 x 2.7 cm), as seen in the abdominal CT scan performed 9 hours after admission. Twenty days later, a follow up CT scan revealed regression of the hematoma. His remaining ICU course was complicated by fever and sepsis and remained in the ICU for 41 days.ConclusionAlthough, data do not support the use of empiric steroids in trauma patients (with or without brain injury), this case demonstrates that adrenal insufficiency must be considered in the differential diagnosis when shock exists; adrenal gland injury, even unilateral, may play an additional factor. An urgent decision is needed, that can influence outcome.
Antiangiogenic Drug-induced Proteinuria as a Predictive Factor in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (mCRC)
Authors: Moisuc Diana Cornelia , Marinca Mihai Vasile , Gafton Bogdan , Alexa-Stratulat Teodora , Cianga Petru
Published: June 2021

Background: Treatment with bevacizumab is known to cause adverse effects such as proteinuria, hypertension, fistulas which, in addition to chemotherapy-induced toxicity, affect the quality of life. However, while bevacizumab-induced hypertension has been linked to increased overall survival, data on proteinuria are controversial. Patients and methods: We performed a retrospective analysis to observe the influence of adverse effects on the results of treatment with bevacizumab and chemotherapy in patients with mCRC. Results: Out of the 3497 mCRC patients admitted to our center between 2014 and 2019, 150 met the criteria for inclusion in our analysis. Of these, 50.7% experienced proteinuria and had reached a longer overall survival (40 versus 25 months, p=0.015) and progression free survival (15 versus 12 months, p=0.039). Patients with anemia during treatment, regardless of grade, had a 20-month shorter survival. The following groups were identified as having a lower risk of death: patients with proteinuria (HR 0.630; 95% CI 0.424-0.935; p=0.022), disease control (HR 0.436; 95% CI 0.291-0.653; p<0.001) and non-metastatic stage at diagnosis (HR 0.477; 95% CI 0.300-0.757; p=0.002). Anemia was a negative prognostic factor (HR 2.153; 95% CI 1.343-3.454; p=0.001). Conclusions: Proteinuria seems to be a useful predictive factor in mCRC patients undergoing bevacizumab-based systemic therapy. Since it is already routinely assessed in this clinical setting, proteinuria could be easily integrated in the decision-making process and thus allow physicians to further individualize systemic treatments.
Flatness of the Meckel Cave May Cause Primary Trigeminal Neuralgia: a Radiomics-based Study
Authors: Lin Jinzhi , Zhang Yong , Li Wuming , Yan Jianhao , Ke Yiquan
Published: June 2021

Background: Neurovascular contact (NVC) is the main cause of primary trigeminal neuralgia (PTN); however, cases of PTN without NVC are still observed. In this study, the Meckel cave (MC) morphology in PTN were analyzed by radiomics and compared to healthy controls (HCs) to explore the cause of PTN.Methods: We studied the 3.0T MRI data of 115 patients with PTN and 46 HCs. Bilateral MC was modeled using the 3Dslicer software, and the morphological characteristics of MC were analyzed using the radiomics method.Results: The right side incidence rate in the PTN group was higher than the left side incidence. By analyzing the flatness feature of MC, we observed that the affected side of the PTN was lower than that of the unaffected side, the right MC of the PTN and HC was lower than that of the left MC, the MC of the affected side of the left and right PTN without bilateral NVC was lower than that of the unaffected side.Conclusions: By providing a method to analyze the morphology of MC, we found that there is asymmetry in the morphology of bilateral MC in the PTN and HC groups. It can be inferred that the flatness of MC may be a cause of PTN.
Addressing Constraints to Informal Health Service Providers’ Involvement in Tuberculosis Control: a Qualitative Study of Patent Medicine Dealers and Tuberculosis Programme Managers in Ebonyi State Nigeria
Authors: Onah Cosmas Kenan , Azuogu Benedict Ndubueze , Ossai Edmund Ndudi , Agu Adaoha Pearl , Azuogu Victoria Chioma , Alobu Isaac , Onwe Emeka Ogah
Published: June 2021

Background: A major constraint to tuberculosis control is low case finding with under-reporting to national authorities. Evidence shows that Patent Medicine Dealers are first port of call for most people with symptoms of tuberculosis, yet there is poor referral of such clients to tuberculosis treatment facilities for further evaluation. This study investigated constraints to involvement of Patent Medicine Dealers in tuberculosis control.Methods: This was a cross-sectional qualitative study among Patent Medicine Dealers and Tuberculosis Programme Managers in Ebonyi State Nigeria. Sixty-four Patent Medicine Dealers and five Tuberculosis Programme Managers were interviewed using Focus Group Discussion and In-Depth Interview respectively. Data was collected with electronic audio-recording device and analyzed using thematic approach. Results: There are some knowledge gaps about tuberculosis signs, symptoms, free-treatment policy and mode of operation of care service among Patent Medicine Dealers. Patent Medicine Dealers and Tuberculosis Programme Managers are willing to collaborate in tuberculosis control effort but constant demand for incentives by Patent Medicine Dealers and inability of National Tuberculosis Programme to keep up with such demands are obvious constraints. Conclusions: Knowledge gaps in tuberculosis, its control, constant demand for incentives by Patent Medicine Dealers and inability of National Tuberculosis Programme to satisfy such demands are constraints to involvement of Patent Medicine Dealers in tuberculosis control. More robust engagement of Patent Medicine Dealers in tuberculosis control with clear job description through tuberculosis education and provision of incentives to support them are recommended policy approaches to improve linkage of clients to tuberculosis treatment facilities.
Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice (KAP) Among Dentists toward Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Shiraz, Iran.
Authors: Farpour Hamid Reza , Nasiri Aref , Sadighi Alireza , Dehghanian Kayvon Seyed , Ahmed Faisal , Taghrir Mohammad Hossein , Al-shami Ebrahim , Al-naggar Khalil
Published: June 2021

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common work-place musculoskeletal disorder, and dentists are a high-risk group due to their work conditions. This study aims to obtaining a full understanding of knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of CTS among Dentists in Shiraz, Iran. Methods: Between Jun,2019 and Dec,2019; A researcher-made questionnaire was developed for this cross-sectional pilot study in order to evaluate the KAP of dentists regarding CTS. Participants were recruited to fill out the questionnaire. The participants were recruited using convenient sampling from dentists working. A 51 dentists were completed the survey. Ethical approval to conduct this study was obtained. Results: About 31 (60.8%) respondents were female and 20(39.2%) were male. 54.9%. of the participants were aged below 33 years. 66.7%. of dentists had less than 10 years of work experience. No statistically significant correlation was observed between age, and number of years of work experience and KAP scores. But there was significant correlation between gender and knowledge (p =0.04). The mean scores of knowledges were 3.7 ±1.3 which was low to average regarding the prevention and treatment of CTS. The mean scores of attitudes and practice were 10.9 ±3.2 and 7.9 ± 2.1, respectively. Which represent a positive attitude and practice towards regarding the prevention and treatment of CTS. There was a significant correlation between attitude and practice among dentists with p =0.001Conclusions: Most dentists in this study had low to average knowledge, high attitudes, and high practice scores of the prevention and treatment of CTS.
Factors affecting under-five diarrhea in households with dirt floors: a multilevel mixed-effects analysis from a national survey of Ethiopia
Authors: Sahiledengle Biniyam , Kumie Abera , Atlaw Daniel , Tekalegn Yohannes , Woldeyohannes Demelash , Zenbaba Demisu , Awoke Tadesse
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Diarrhea remains the second leading cause of mortality among under-five children in Ethiopia, spreads more easily in homes with dirt floors. Even though the determinants of diarrheal illness is widely recognized at the global level, there is a limited number of studies that identified the individual and community-level factors solely among children residing in households with sub-optimal flooring (i.e. earth, mud or sand, and dung). Therefore, this study aims to identify individual and community-level factors associated with childhood diarrhea in households with sub-optimal flooring in Ethiopia.Methods: Data from the fourth round of the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) conducted in 2016 is used to carry out the analysis. The EDHS was large, cross-sectional by design, and nationally representative. A total of 9,097 under-five children living in households with sub-optimal floors and 645 community clusters were included in the current analysis. A multi-level logistic regression analysis was used to examine both individual and community level factors while accounting for the hierarchal structure of the data.Results: The overall prevalence of childhood diarrhea in households with suboptimal flooring in Ethiopia was 11.9% (95% CI:11.2-12.6). Children aged 6-11 months (adjusted OR [AOR]=2.68, 95%CI: 1.89-3.82), and ≥ 12 months (AOR=1.65, 95%CI: 1.22-2.24) were more likely to have diarrhea compared with children aged 0-5 months. Having cough (AOR=6.09, 95% CI=4.93-7.52) and fever (AOR=1.62, 95%CI: 1.30-2.01) were found to increase the risk for the development of diarrhea in children. Maternal age (25-34 years) and paternal lack of educated were found to be associated with lower odds of childhood diarrheal prevalence rates. Further, children from households with higher family size (≥ 5 family size), low birth order (firstborn), and the number of under-five children (2-3 children) were reported decreased odds of diarrhea. At the community level, children living in pastoralist regions (such as Afar and Somali region) significantly less likely to have diarrhea vulnerability (AOR: 0.61, 95%CI: 0.40-0.91) compared to those who reside in cities. Conclusion: Both individual-level (age of the child, birth order, presence of cough and fever, maternal age, paternal education, household size, improper child stool disposal, number of under-five children) and community-level factor (place of residence) were revealed to be important factors for childhood diarrhea in households with suboptimal flooring.
A strategy for strengthening public perception toward sharia banking
Authors: Arfan Abbas , Athroz Arfan Iklil
Published: June 2021

The number of Muslims in Indonesia reaches 85% of the total population of 270 million, but the progress of the Islamic economics in the country is stagnant. This is evidenced by the sharia banking assets, which only reach 5% and never increase every year. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the primary obstacles hindering the development of sharia banking, from the perspective of sharia banking per se, and not from the society, as was the case in most previous studies. Besides, this study offers a strategy through a combination of Ibn Khaldun’s ashabiyyah and social construction theory of Peter L. Berger and Thomas Luckmann to strengthen the public perception toward sharia banking. The method used to reveal the obstacles is a field survey method in the form of an obstacle’s questionnaire with optional answers, which were distributed to several Islamic banks as samples, and then the most selected answers are calculated. Meanwhile, to find a strategic solution, it is necessary to review the literature using a philosophical approach. The results of a questionnaire that was distributed to several Islamic banks indicate three primary obstacles: low level of public awareness about the use of sharia banking (80 %), low level of public understanding and knowledge on sharia banking products (60 %), and low level of government support for sharia banking (40 %). Meanwhile, the theoretical application of asabiyyah theory with the help of the social construction theory can be used to strengthen public perceptions of Islamic banking through a three-stage process: externalization, objectivation and internalization.
Conciencia y mismidad: un análisis fenomenológico de Ser y tiempo, §§ 54-60
Authors: Garrido Periñán Juan José
Published: June 2021

Este artículo busca realizar un análisis fenomenológico del segundo capítulo de la sección II de Ser y tiempo, donde tiene lugar un desarrollo, temático y explícito, de los fenómenos relativos al llamado, la conciencia, el querer-tener-conciencia y el ser-culpable. El objetivo principal de este artículo es clarificar la necesidad, estructural y metódica, de la noción de “mismidad” del Dasein.