bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Amyloid β protein negatively regulates the human platelet activation induced by thrombin receptor-activating protein
Authors: Mizutani Daisuke , Tokuda Haruhiko , Onuma Takashi , Uematsu Kodai , Nakashima Daiki , Ueda Kyohei , Doi Tomoaki , Enomoto Yukiko , Matsushima-Nishiwaki Rie , Ogura Shinji , Iida Hiroki , Kozawa Osamu , Iwama Toru
Published: April 2021

Background: Amyloid β protein (Aβ) is the main product derived from amyloid precursor protein (APP) by sequential enzymatic actions. Deposition of Aβ in the brain parenchyma or cerebral vessels is a primary morphological feature of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In addition, abnormal accumulation of Aβ in the cerebral vessels is known as cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), which is considered a risk factor for intracerebral hemorrhage, particularly in the elderly. CAA reportedly contributes to the development of vascular cognitive decline in addition to AD. On the other hand, human platelets are recognized as the principal components affecting the onset and progression of AD. Although there are several studies showing that Aβ directly modulates human platelet functions, the exact mechanism underlying the Aβ effects on human platelets remains to be elucidated.Methods: The present study investigated the effects of Aβ on human platelet activation using a platelet aggregometer with laser scattering, followed by western blot analysis and ELISA.Results: Aβ at doses up to 7 µM alone failed to affect platelet aggregation or platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-AB secretion. On the other hand, Aβ decreased the platelet aggregation induced by thrombin receptor-activating protein (TRAP), but not collagen or ADP. Aβ also suppressed platelet aggregation induced by SCP0237, a selective protease-activated receptor (PAR)-1 agonist, and A3227, a selective PAR-4 agonist. The PDGF-AB secretion and the phosphorylated-heat shock protein (HSP)27 release by TRAP were inhibited by Aβ. In addition, the TRAP-induced phosphorylation of JNK and the phosphorylation of p38 MAP kinase followed by phosphorylation of HSP27 were reduced by Aβ.Conclusion: The results of the present study strongly suggest that Aβ negatively regulates PAR-elicited human platelet activation. These findings may indicate one of the causes of intracerebral hemorrhage due to CAA.
Response of soil bacterial community to bioorganic fertilizer application as a weed management strategy in rice paddy
Authors: Li Zuren , Jian Huidang , Liu Ducai , Liu Xueduan , Bai Lianyang
Published: April 2021

Background: The growth of weed is common problem in rice cropping, leading to the application of herbicidal substances to suppress weed growth. Weed biocontrol through novel bioorganic fertilizer (BIO) has been established in rice cultivation, however, its main herbicidal components and influence on soil bacterial community are unknown.Results: We identified three herbicidal components, hexadecanoic, isovaleric, and 2-methylbutyric acids, in BIO extract. We conducted 16S rRNA sequencing to identify changes in soil bacterial community in response to BIO treatments and performed a RDA analysis with soil chemical properties and weed-control effect. The OTU, Chao1 and Shannon indices did not differ substantially among the BIO treatments, and the bacterial diversity was not significantly affected by BIO. As result from PCA analysis, we discovered that soil bacterial community was not significantly influenced by BIO. We identified six dominant phyla (Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Chloroflexi, Nitrospirae, and Verrucomicrobia) in BIO-treated paddies. The five most abundant genera were Anaeromyxobacter, Candidatus Nitrosotalea, Clostridum sensustricto1, Haliangium and Candidatus Nitrotoga. From the RDA analysis, the highest correlations were obtained for soil pH, total K, and Pseudomonas. The weed-control effect mostly correlated with the abundance of Candidatus Koribacter, Clostridium sebsustricto 9, and Nonomuraea. Rice yield had a distinct relationship with Nonomuraea, Nitrospira, and Candidatus Koribacter.Conclusions: With the changes in soil pH and total K, BIO could impact bacterial communities and weed control, and in turn affect rice yield. This foundation can be helpful that application BIO is a “not harmful” and feasibility weed biocontrol strategy.
The Predominance of Bacillus Species and non-Culturable Microaerophilic/Anaerobic Microflora in the Aerobically Operated Predigester of Nisargruna Biogas Plant
Authors: Nayak Shubhada , Kale Sharad
Published: April 2021

In an attempt to convert biodegradable solid wastes into methane gas, the Nisargruna biogas technology is developed by the Bhabha Atomic Research Center, Mumbai and is functioning at more than 300 places in India. This plant is uniquely designed to allow microbiological degradation in a two-step process, where breakdown of waste material is facilitated under aerobic conditions prior to anaerobic digestion. Introduction of aerobic predigestion helps to overcome the drawbacks of solely anaerobic degradation like scum formation and high retention time of waste material. The aim of the present study was to identify the culturable as well as non-culturable microorganisms from the predigester of two phase Nisargruna biogas plant. Surprisingly, only Bacillus sp. were prevalent in the predigester and, among them, B. subtilis and B. pumilus were predominated. The spores, parasporal bodies and TEM micrographs of Bacillus sp. were also studied. Molecular techniques like PCR and RFLP analysis identified non culturable bacteria like Citrobacter, Klebsiella, Cytophaga, Erwinia, Pediococcus, Geobacter, Brucella and Vibrio sp. and clones of 14 different genera of anaerobic bacteria in the predigester slurry. The current study introduces the relatively unique microflora of two-phase Nisargruna biogas plant as compared to other anaerobic digesters, and relates its efficiency to diverse metabolic activity of Bacillus sp.
Climate Change and Hydropower Development in the Eastern Himalaya: Emerging Conflicts in the Upper Tista Catchment of Sikkim, India
Authors: Rai Navin , Khawas Vimal
Published: April 2021

This paper assess the controversies and tensions being created by the target of ambitious hydropower development plans in the name of climate mitigating energy in the Upper Tista River Basin of Sikkim (India) which is a part of Eastern Himalayan region. However, in the face of climate change, hydropower projects have become a contested developmental paradigm in the Easter Himalayan region of Sikkim. The paper highlights potential issues and conflicts between climate mitigation approaches through hydropower projects and anti hydropower forces of local people. The paper critically examines pre and post hydropower development conflicts and cooperation along Upper Tista river basin. In fact, the region has witnessed that the Hydro Power Project have been undermining environmental and social security over the past years. The study also analyse the different roles of dam affected people, local politicians, NGOs and dam developers in advocating and protesting of the hydropower dam projects in the region. Using an environmental security framework the study critically analyse the environmental risks and impacts being aggravated by combined forces of climate change and hydropower development in upper Tista catchment of Sikkim Himalaya (India).
Deep Learning Analysis of in Vivo Hyperspectral Images for Automated Intraoperative Nerves Detection
Authors: Barberio Manuel , Collins Toby , Bencteux Valentin , Nkusi Richard , Felli Eric , Viola Massimo , Marescaux Jacques , Hostettler Alexandre , Diana Michele
Published: April 2021

Nerves are difficult to recognize during surgery and inadvertent injuries may occur, bringing catastrophic consequences for the patient. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is a non-invasive technique combining photography with spectroscopy, allowing biological tissue property quantification. We show for the first time that HSI combined with deep learning allows nerves and other tissue types to be automatically recognized in-vivo at the pixel level. An animal model is used comprising eight anesthetized pigs with a neck midline incision, exposing several structures (nerve, artery, vein, muscle, fat, skin). State-of-the-art machine learning models have been trained to recognize these tissue types in HSI data. The best model is a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), achieving an overall average sensitivity of 0.91 and specificity of 0.99, validated with leave-one-patient-out cross-validation. For the nerve, the CNN achieves an average sensitivity of 0.76 and specificity of 1.0. In conclusion, HSI combined with a CNN model is suitable for in vivo nerve recognition.
Terahertz Image Enhancing Based on the Physical Model and Multiscale Retinex Algorithm
Authors: mao qi , zhu yunlong , liu jingbo , lv cixing , lu yao , wei dongshan , yan shihan
Published: April 2021

To settle the THz image degradation problem, we propose an effective enhancement method based on the physical model and multiscale retinex (MSR) algorithm. The overall enhancing process involves two parts: reconstruction and enhancement. Firstly, the original THz images are reconstructed by a mathematical model, which is built and considered the THz absorption variate and Gaussian distribution of the beam. Then, the original images are processed by the proposed algorithm, which is combined the atmospheric scattering model and optimized MSR algorithm. The proposed algorithm not only recover the image scene radiance and remove haze, but also can make a compromise of the dynamic range of grayscale and edge enhancement of image. Results on a variety of THz images demonstrate our method can effectively improve the quality of THz images and retain sufficient image details.
Disrupted dynamic functional connectivity in distinguishing subjective cognitive decline and amnestic mild cognitive impairment based on the triple-network model
Authors: Xue Chen , Qi Wenzhang , Yuan Qianqian , Hu Guanjie , Ge Honglin , Rao Jiang , Xiao Chaoyong , Chen Jiu
Published: April 2021

Background

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) were wildly thought to be preclinical AD spectrum, who characterized by aberrant functional connectivity (FC) within the triple networks involving the default mode network (DMN), the salience network (SN), and the executive control network (ECN). Dynamic FC (DFC) analysis can capture the temporal fluctuation of brain FC during the scan that static FC analysis cannot provide. The purpose of the current study was to explore the changes of dynamic FC within the triple networks of preclinical AD spectrum, and further reveal its potential diagnostic value in the preclinical AD spectrum.
Methods

We collected resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from 44 SCD, 49 aMCI, and 58 controls (HC). DFC analysis based on the sliding time-window correlation method were used to analyze the DFC variability within the triple networks among three groups. Then the correlation analysis was conducted to reveal the relationship between the altered DFC variability within the triple networks and the declined cognitive function. Furthermore, the logistic regression analysis was used to assess the diagnostic accuracy of altered DFC variability within the triple networks in SCD and aMCI.
Results

Compared to HC, SCD and aMCI both showed altered DFC variability within the triple networks. The DFC variability in the right middle temporal gyrus and left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) within ECN were significantly different between SCD and aMCI. Moreover, the altered DFC variability in the left IFG within ECN was obviously associated with the decline in episodic memory and executive function. Last but not least, the logistic regression analysis showed multivariable analysis had high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of SCD and aMCI.
Conclusions

SCD and aMCI showed similar and distinct trends in the DFC variability within the triple networks and the altered DFC variability within ECN involved episodic memory and executive function. More importantly, the altered DFC variability and triple-network model proved to be an important biomarker to diagnosis and identification of preclinical AD spectrum.
A Metallomic Approach to Assess the Associations between Plasma Metal Levels with Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease: A Cross-sectional and Longitudinal Study
Authors: Lin Yu-Kai , Liang Chih-Sung , Tsai Chia-Kuang , Tsai Chia-Lin , Lee Jiunn-Tay , Sung Yueh-Feng , Chou Chung-Hsing , Shang Hung-Sheng , Yang Bing-Heng , Lin Guan-Yu , Su Ming-Wei , Yang Fu-Chi
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) involves the abnormal activity of transition metals and metal ion dyshomeostasis. The present study aimed to assess the potential of 36 trace elements in predicting cognitive decline in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) or AD.
METHODS

All participants (controls, aMCI, and AD) underwent baseline cognitive tests, which included the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and plasma biomarker examinations. We conducted a trend analysis for the cognitive tests and plasma trace elements and examined the correlations between the latter and annual MMSE changes during follow-up.
RESULTS

An increase in the disease severity was linked to lowered boron (B), bismuth (Bi), thorium (Th), and uranium (U) plasma concentrations (adjusted P < 0.05). “B”, mercury (Hg) and “Th” levels could detect different cognitive stages. “B” displayed high area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) for aMCI and AD versus controls (97.6%, cut-off value: ≤73.1 ug/l and 100%, cut-off value: ≤47.1 ug/l, respectively). “Hg” displayed the highest AUC result to differentiate AD from aMCI (79.9%, cut-off value: ≤1.02 ug/l). Higher baseline levels of calcium (r = 0.50, p = 0.026) were associated with less annual cognitive decline. While higher baseline levels of “B” (r=-0.70, p = 0.001), zirconium (r=-0.58, p = 0.007), “Th” (r=-0.52, p = 0.020) were associated with rapid annual cognitive decline in the aMCI group, those of manganese (r=-0.91, p = 0.035) were associated with rapid annual cognitive decline in the AD group.
CONCLUSION

Plasma metal level biomarkers can be used as an in vivo tool to study and identify patients with aMCI and AD.
Distinct generation of subjective vividness and confidence during naturalistic memory retrieval in the angular gyrus
Authors: Zou Futing , Kwok Sze Chai
Published: April 2021

Subjective experience of remembering is a hallmark of episodic memory, which is deemed crucial for effective behavior. A fundamental and enduring puzzle is the origin of confidence in memory; for example, does the confidence during episodic retrieval depend upon the subjective sensed vividness? The angular gyrus (AnG) exhibits a sensitivity to the subjective experience of remembering, but its direct contribution to the monitoring of subjective mnemonic experience has hitherto been lacking. Here, using a naturalistic video-watching paradigm combined with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging, we found that pre-retrieval rTMS targeting the left AnG selectively alters the vividness efficiency compared to control stimulation while keeping metacognitive efficiency and objective memory accuracy unaffected. Using trial-wise data, we showed that AnG stimulation altered the mediating role of vividness in confidence in the accuracy of memory judgment. Furthermore, resting-state functional connectivity of hippocampus and AnG was specifically associated with vividness efficiency, while the connectivity of hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex was associated with metacognitive efficiency across individuals. These findings identify the causal involvement of AnG in gauging the vividness, but not the confidence, of memory, thereby providing evidence for a differentiation account of conscious assessment of memory retrieval.
Quick Looks Into the Acute Abdomen- Findings from A 1 Year Audit of Asian Emergency Department Ct Scans
Authors: Goh Siang Hiong , Goh Calvin Yit-Kun , Oh Hong Choon , Venkataraman Narayan , Tiah Ling
Published: April 2021

BackgroundMuch of the literature regarding Emergency Department CT scan usage for abdominal pain has been in American and European settings, and less so in the rest of the world. We performed an audit for this in our Southeast Asian hospital to see how we compare with international data, also to glean some insights into optimising its use locally.Results – An anonymised de-identified electronic database of all ED patients had been set up since 2020 with the aim of capturing 10 years of ED retrospective data for audit of our clinical performance. From this master database, a subset of all CTAPs done in 2020 was created and then extracted for analysis. Costs, length of stay in the ED and wards, CT reports, disposal from ED, and other data were captured for study. A description was made of the common conditions found, with a subgroup analysis of the elderly, and disposal outcomes from the ED. Specific analysis was done for appendicitis using Mann-Whitney U tests. For 2020, 1860 patients (56% male, and ages 14 to 99 years) had ED CTAPs done. Top indications included right upper and lower quadrant pains, flank pains, persistent abdominal pain despite analgesia, and suspicion for intestinal obstruction. Acute appendicitis, biliary tract disease, renal stones, ovarian disease, and bowel disease were the common diagnoses. 16.2% of CTAPs revealed no abnormality. Malignancies were uncommon diagnoses. For the patients that were discharged from the ED after a negative CTAP, no patient returned within 72 hours nor were there any adverse outcomes. When analysed using Mann-Whitney U tests, patients who had ED CTAPs done for appendicitis had significantly faster time to CT and surgery than those with inpatient imaging, with lower inpatient costs and lengths of stay.Conclusion – CT scans in the ED for appendicitis patients reduces costs, time to surgery, and lengths of stay. Generally, ED CTAPs allows better siting and disposition of patients. Presence of RLQ pain increases the likelihood of a positive scan. Our negative scan rate of 16.2% is comparable to other studies. Protocols and senior inputs can improve accuracy of this important ED resource.
Bioinformatics analysis of aberrantly methylated- differentially expressed genes in gastric cancer
Authors: Siyuan Song , Peng Shu
Published: April 2021

Background: This study was carried out to identify the aberrantly methylated-differentially expressed genes in gastric cancer (GC). Methods: We downloaded data of gene expression microarrays GSE118916 and gene methylation microarrays GSE25869 from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The DEGs and DMGs were analyzed by the limma software package and Venn diagram. The PPI network was mapped and the enrichment analysis was conducted by the DAVID database. GEPIA online tool, Oncomine database, HPA, and cBioPortal tool were used to verify hub genes. Result: We obtained 110 Hypo-HGs, 9 high-regulation hypomethylation oncogenes, 23 Hyper-LGs, and 2 low-regulation hypermethylation tumor suppressor genes. Hypo-HGs biological process mainly involves cell adhesion and extracellular matrix organization, Hyper-LGs biological process mainly involves response to nicotine and xenobiotic metabolic process. KEGG analysis showed that Hypo-HGs significantly enriched in Focal adhesion, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and ECM-receptor interaction. Hyper-LGs significantly enriched in Drug metabolism-cytochrome P450, Chemical carcinogenesis, and Metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450. The database identified the hub genes were COL1A1, THBS1, COL5A2, COL12A1, and CXCR. Conclusion: COL1A1, THBS1, COL5A2, COL12A1, and CXCR4 can be used as a target for precise diagnosis and treatment of GC. Focal adhesion, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and ECM-receptor interaction are important mechanisms of GC.
Implementing Standard Antenatal Care Interventions: Health System Cost at Primary Health Facilities in Tanzania.
Authors: Chamani Amisa Tindamanyile , Mori Amani Thomas , Robberstad Bjarne
Published: April 2021

Background
Since 2002, Tanzania has been implementing the focused Antenatal Care (ANC) model that recommended four antenatal care visits. In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) reintroduced the standard ANC model with more interventions including a minimum of eight contacts. However, cost-implications of these changes to the health system is unknown, particulary in countries like Tanzania, that failed to optimally implement the simpler focused ANC model. We compared the health system cost of providing ANC under the focused and the standard models at primary health facilities in Tanzania.
Methods
We used a micro-costing approach to identify and quantify resources used to implement the focused ANC model at six primary health facilities in Tanzania from July 2018 to June 2019. We also used the standard ANC implementation manual to identify and quantify additional resources required. We used basic salary and allowances to value personnel time while the Medical Store Department price catalogue and local market prices were used for other resources. Cost were collected in Tanzanian shillings and converted to 2018 US$.
Results
The health system cost of providing ANC services was US$185,282 under the focused model and the cost increased by about 90% at health centres and 97% at dispensaries to US$358,290 for the standard model. Personnel cost accounted for more than one third of the total cost for both models. With the standard model, costs per pregnancy increased from about US$33 to US$63 at health centres and from about US$37 to US$72 at dispensaries
Conclusion
Introduction of a standard ANC model at primary healthcare facilities in Tanzania will double resources use compared to current practice. While resources availability has been one of the challenge to effective implementation of the focused ANC model, more research is required, to consider whether these costs are reasonable compared to the additional value for maternal and child health.
Post-Partum Hemorrhage is still killing mothers in Bangladesh: Inhaled oxytocin (IHO) can help
Authors: Rahman Aminur , Austin Anne , Begum Tahmina , Anwar Iqbal
Published: April 2021

The main cause of maternal death in Bangladesh is postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). PPH accounts for 31%of maternal deaths. Proven interventions to prevent maternal mortality are active management of third stage of labour (AMTSL) and the availability of comprehensive emergency obstetric care (CEmOC); both include the administration of oxytocin. Traditional parenteral oxytocin administration requires a consistent cold chain and for a skilled attendant to administer the injection. Inhaled oxytocin (IHO), which does not require a cold chain, has been shown to have similar efficacy to parenteral oxytocin, in preventing PPH. In Bangladesh there are non-functioning institutionalized guidelines from the Director General of Health Services on the storage of parenteral oxytocin, which may impact the potency of oxytocin used during labour. To reduce preventable PPH morbidity and mortality, Bangladesh needs to consider replacing parenteral oxytocin with IHO, as the cold chain capacity in Bangladesh is strained, and institutional guidelines for injectable oxytocin are not used. In parallel, Bangladesh should also continue efforts to ensure universal access to quality AMSTL and CEmOC services.
Design and Implementation of Internet of Everything’s Business Platform Ecosystem
Authors: Mishra Shrutika , Tripathi A. R. , Singh R.S. , Mishra Priyanshu
Published: April 2021

Internet of Everything plays a vital role for the business and industry. Internet of everything’s is an assembly of technologies, strategies over the network strategies and connections which required a set of protocols, data server storage strategy, infrastructure mechanism, integration of all technology, and communication protocols with all the connecting devices. Internet of everything’s (IoE) is a diversified and distributed interconnection of the platform strategies, heterogeneous devices through man and machines over the Internet. Business tycoons are continuously shifting their business model to innovative business model with internet technology-based features. The IoE based model able to generate and capture huge amounts of data in nano seconds. Industrialist using this data driven approach in their businesses to generate huge number of profits from their business. IoE based data driven approach learn from existing patterns and solutions to predict the future behavior and analytics of business. There is however, very little attention has given on platform business models from an Internet of Everything viewpoint and data driven approaches. In this study we examine up-to-date landscape of IoE business platform ecosystem along with 5G and 6G technology scope for business to how they can be integrated to work on IoE platform ecosystem. JEL Classification: M10, M12, M13, M15, M16, M21, M31, M37.
The efficacy of first-line ART regimens based on RPV in HIV-infected patients with pre-existing E138A mutation in reverse transcriptase
Authors: Kuznetsova Anna , Lebedev Aleksey , Gromov Konstantin , Kazennova Elena , Zazzi Maurizio , Incardona Francesca , Sönnerborg Anders , Bobkova Marina
Published: April 2021

Introduction It was previously shown that the presence of the E138A mutation is associated with resistance to rilpivirine (RPV). Detection of this mutation is considered as contraindication for RPV use within the first-line ART. It is a lack of knowledge regarding efficacy of first-line RPV-based ART in patients bearing HIV with E138A mutation. In absence of HIV genotyping in naïve patients it may influence the clinical decisions.Methods We have collected all available patients unconventionally treated with RPV and carefully analyzed the ART efficacy in E138A carriers from the EuResist database. The viral load data in patients with E138A mutation at baseline was extracted from the database. Due to uniqueness of these cases only 11 HIV infected patients were found. The virologic outcome was analyzed according to the national and international ART guidelines.Results The full virologic efficacy of the first-line RPV-based ART regimen was demonstrated in 11 out of 11 patients according to all guidelines.Conclusions Our data suggest that the influence of the pre-existing E138A mutation on the sensitivity to RPV is very low or insignificant. The results support importance of investigation of polymorphic pre-existing HIV drug mutations for ART efficacy.
Exercise-induced Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and Concomitant Osteomyelitis in Cervical Rib with a Possible Familial Origin, a Case Report.
Authors: Gul Mohammadshah Isam , Bilal Ammara Bint I , Ata Fateen , Ibrahem Renan E , Danjuma Muhammad I
Published: April 2021

BackgroundCervical ribs are a rare and usually asymptomatic occurrence. Most are identified incidentally by Roentgenogram (X-rays). However, occasionally they can cause nerve impingements and compressive symptoms. In cervical ribs, osteomyelitis secondary to trauma is unheard of. We report such a case made more interesting by the familial presence of bilateral cervical ribs in 2 generations. This indicates a possible familial origin. Case presentationA 26-year-old woman known to have fibromyalgia presented with left shoulder pain and fever episodes. She was recently discharged from intensive physiotherapy for fibromyalgia management, but the pain aggravated instead of getting better unilaterally in the left arm after discharge. Electric shock-like sensations and reduced strength accompanied this. An evaluation revealed leukocytosis and S. aureus positive blood and urine cultures along with bilateral complete cervical ribs showing pseudoarthrosis of anterior left cervical rib. A collection was noted in the left scalene muscle near the pseudoarthrosis accompanying focal edema suggesting osteomyelitis. Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) ruled out infective endocarditis. Thoracic surgery recommended conservative management, and appropriate antibiotics were given, which resulted in the negative culture on day 6. The patient was discharged on appropriate analgesia, and her pain was significantly improved on discharge.ConclusionsThis is the first reported case of osteomyelitis in the cervical rib. This report also highlights the possibility of cervical ribs having a familial origin. Additionally, as in our patient, certain exercises can be a risk factor for inducing TOS in patients with cervical rib.
Recurrence of pemphigus vulgaris after bilateral breast irradiation: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Invernizzi Camille , Gaultier Victor , Guilbert Philippe , Jouannaud Christelle , Labrousse Anne Laure , CRETY Charles MARCHAND
Published: April 2021

Background
Pemphigus is a serious and rare chronic bullous autoimmune disease. It is characterized by mucocutaneous erosions secondary to autoantibodies directed against desmogleins 1 and 3, proteins involved in intercellular adhesion mechanisms. The occurrence of pemphigus is based on the triggering of genetic and external environmental factors such as drugs, infection and more rarely radiotherapy. To date, only 16 cases of radiation-induced pemphigus are described in a context of breast cancer treatment.
Case presentation:
We present the case of a 76-year-old woman who had a recurrence of pemphigus vulgaris limited to the irradiation field after exposure to an adjuvant radiotherapy treatment for a bilateral triple negative breast cancer. The onset was bilateral limited to the irradiation area and was treated effectively with local and systemic corticosteroids. After a rigorous review of the literature, only 16 cases of breast cancer radiation-induced pemphigus appeared. In contrast to several cases, the rash was limited to the irradiated area and improved with systemic corticosteroids.
Conclusions
Pemphigus is a very rare side effect of radiotherapy, notably in breast cancer. For more than three-quarters of the described cases in the literature, this condition occurs within three months following the end of treatment. After systemic immunosuppressive treatment, this disease disappears in the vast majority of the reported cases.
Production of spiculisporic acid by Talaromyces trachyspermus in fed-batch bioreactor culture
Authors: Moriwaki-Takano Maki , Asada Chikako , Nakamura Yoshitosi
Published: April 2021

Spiculisporic acid (SA) is a fatty acid-type biosurfactant with one lactone ring and two carboxyl groups. It has been used in metal removers and cosmetics, because of its low propensity to cause irritation to the skin, its antibacterial properties, and high surface activity. In the present study, we report an effective method for producing SA by selecting a high-producing strain and investigating the effective medium components, conditions, and environments for its culture. Among the 11 kinds of Talaromyces species, T. trachyspermus NBRC 32238 showed the highest production of a crystalline substance, which was determined to be SA using NMR. The strain was able to produce SA under acidic conditions from hexoses, pentoses, and disaccharides, with glucose and sucrose serving as the most appropriate substrates. Investigation of nitrogen sources and trace metal ions revealed meat extract and FeCl3 as components that promoted SA production. Upon comparing the two types of cultures with glucose in a baffle flask or aeration bioreactor, SA production was found to be slightly higher in the flask than in the reactor. In the bioreactor culture, sucrose was found to be an appropriate substrate for SA production, as compared to glucose, because with sucrose, the lag time until the start of SA production was shortened. Finally, fed-batch culture with sucrose resulted in 60 g/L of SA, with a total yield of 0.22 g SA/g sucrose and a productivity of 6.6 g/L/d.
Pathogenic variants identified by whole-exome sequencing in Chinese patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia
Authors: Yutian Ye , Qijun Huang , Lipeng Chen , Chunxian Liang , Fang Yuan , Shenggguo Liu , Lu Liu , Xiangxia Zhang , Jie Li , Hua Dang , Rongchang Chen , Yingyun Fu , Yue Yongjian
Published: April 2021

Background: The genetic factors contributing to primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), a rare autosomal recessive disorder, remain elusive for approximately 20–35% of patients with complex and abnormal clinical phenotypes. Our study aimed to identify causative variants of PCD-associated pathogenic candidate genes using whole-exome sequencing (WES). Methods: All patients were diagnosed with PCD based on clinical phenotype or transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images of cilia. WES and bioinformatic analysis were then conducted for patients with PCD. Identified candidate variants were validated by Sanger sequencing. Pathogenicity of candidate variants was then evaluated using in silico software and the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) database.Results: In total, 15 rare variants were identified in patients with PCD, among which were three homozygous causative variants (including one splicing variant) in the PCD-associated genes CCDC40 and DNAI1. Moreover, two stop-gain heterozygous variants of DNAAF3 and DNAH1 were classified as pathogenic variants by the ACMG criteria.Conclusions: This study identified novel potential pathogenic genetic factors associated with PCD. Noteworthy, the PCD patients carried multiple rare causative gene variants, thereby suggesting that known causative genes along with other functional genes should be considered for such heterogeneous genetic disorders.
Human Rights Violations and Associated Factors of the Hijras in Bangladesh- A Cross sectional study
Authors: Amanullah ASM , Abir Tanvir , Husain Taha , Lim David , Osuagwu Uchechukwu Levi , Ahmed Giasuddin , Ahmed Saleh , Yazdani Dewan Muhammad Nur -A , Agho Kingsley E
Published: April 2021

Background

Hijras in Bangladesh face considerable discrimination, stigma, and violence despite the 2013 legislation to preserve the rights of their right. There is a dearth of published literature describing the extent of human right violations among this population and their associated factors.
Methods

A questionnaire was administered to 346 study participants aged 15 years and older, living in five urban cities of Bangladesh who self-identified as Hijra, in 2019. The six human rights violation indicators (Economic, Employment, Health, Education, Social and Civil and Political Right) assessed were categorized as binary. Associations between sociodemographic characteristics and the six human right violations were tested using univariate and multivariate logistic regression.
Results

Human right violations including economic, educational, political, employment, health and social/civil right violations were observed in 73.3%, 59.3%, 58.5%, 46.4%, 42.7%, 34.4% of the participants, respectively. Economic rights violations was associated with bisexuality (Adjusted odds ratios AOR 3.60, 95%CI: 1.57, 8.26) and not living with family (AOR 2.71, 95%CI: 1.21, 6.09), while Hijras who earned more than 10,000 Bangladesh Taka experienced higher odds of educational (AOR 2.77, 95%CI: 1.06, 7.19) and political rights violations (AOR 4.30, 95%CI: 1.06, 7.44). Living in Dhaka city decreased the odds of economic and political right violation while experiencing violations of one human right could lead to violation of another in the Hijra community.
Conclusion

Human rights violations were common in Bangladesh Hijras, particularly the Bisexual Hijras. Media and educational awareness campaigns are needed to address the underlying roots of a violation. Programs focused on the families, young people and high-income earners of this community are needed in Bangladesh.
Predictors of poor outcome from aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and an exploratory analysis into the causes of delayed neurosurgical clipping at a major public hospital in the Philippines
Authors: Ferraris Kevin Paul , Golidtum Jared Paul , Palabyab Eric Paolo M. , Salloman Alain James , Alcazaren Jose Carlos , Seng Kenny , Navarro Joseph Erroll , Reyes Kenneth de los
Published: April 2021

Objective:The provision of neurosurgical care for patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is beset with particular challenges in low- to middle-income countries (LMICs) like the Philippines. In this study located in a low-resource setting, we identify the factors that contribute to unfavorable outcomes of dependency and death. Methods:The authors retrospectively reviewed 106 patients who underwent surgery for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in a single institution from January 2016 to September 2018. Data were obtained on exposure variables comprising patient demographics, clinical features, perioperative management, and complications and other interventions; while outcomes on discharge were investigated using the modified Rankin scale (mRS). Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression analyses were done. Root cause analysis was done to identify the causes of delay.Results:The percentage of patients who had unfavorable outcome (mRS ≥ 3) was 29.2%. The timing of surgery—whether early (<3 days), intermediate (3-10 days), or late (>10 days)—was not found to be significantly associated with dependency or mortality. On multiple logistic regression, the factors associated with unfavorable outcome were: intraoperative rupture (OR 23.98, 95%CI 3.56–161.33, p=0.001), vasospasm (OR 12.47, 95%CI 3.01–51.57, p<0.001), and a high Hunt & Hess grade (OR 5.96, 95%CI 1.47–24.18, p=0.012). Intraoperative rupture and vasospasm were further found to be independent predictors of mortality. Many causes of delay were identified in terms of patient-, provider-, and health system-levels. These constitute as barriers to timely care and also contribute to the gap in quality and efficiency of neurosurgical treatment situated in low-resource settings in LMICs.Conclusion:The identified predictors of poor outcomes, as well as the causes delays in neurosurgical treatment, pose as significant challenges to the care of socioeconomically-disadvantaged SAH patients. When considering the solutions to these challenges, the broader environment of practice ought to be taken into account.
Assessment of factors affecting willingness to blood donations among Hawassa town Population Southern, Ethiopia,2020.
Authors: Girma Belete , Deneke Hiwot , Mohammed Yusuf
Published: April 2021

Background: Blood donation remain a unique act to save the lives of people who encounter critical surgical and medical conditions. Since the request for blood supply is extremely high, a shortage of blood causes significant morbidity and mortality. To increase blood supply and maintain an adequate quantity of blood, regular and volunteer blood donation practice is needed. Ethiopia is one of the lowest annual donation rates which is 0.8/1000 population. This study assesses factors affecting willingness to donate blood among Hawassa Town's southern Population.Objectives: To assess the factors affecting willingness to blood donation among Hawassa town population Southern, Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional investigation was conducted in Hawassa Town in November 2020. A multi-stage sampling procedure was utilized to select the study population. At Stage one, three Kebeles are taken from a total of 32 Kebele, at stage two implementing a systematically sampling method used to draw the total sample size, proportional to the population of each kebele and each study unit are selected randomly from Each household. Data were collected using a structured interviewer questionnaire. Data entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Result: A total of 633 participants was included in the final analysis (response rate = 100%). Among which 212(33.5%) were female and 421 (66.5%) were Male. The average age was 30.95 ±2.0 years.Among the study participants, 490(77.4) are willing to donate blood in the future, and 125(22.9%) of them had blood donation practices in the past. The most prominent factors that affect the willingness of the participants for blood donation were, Unfit to donate, fear of needle prick and Not approached to donated (45.2%, 38.5%, and 11.7%) respectively. Most of the respondents 382 (60.3%) reported that voluntary donor is the best source of protected blood. Desire to aid other and age of study Participant age greater 25 years are significantly associated factor for increased willingness to blood donated (AOR 2.146 (0.028, 0.753) and (AOR = 1.8 (95% CI 1.1, 3.0) respectively.Conclusion: Only minor proportion of the participants donated blood in the past, but Majority of the participant was willing to donate blood in the future. The crucial factors that participants are not willing to donate blood are Unfit to donate, fear of needle prick, and Not approached to donate. There is a need to improve awareness on who and when a person capable to donate blood and organizing campaigns to increase awareness on the importance of blood donation for those who are willing to donate blood in the future, to produce a pool of eligible blood donors.
Investment motives and preferences – An empirical inquiry during COVID-19
Authors: K. Riyazahmed
Published: April 2021

Following the COVID-19 breakout, investment in shares, mutual funds, and life insurance are witnessing a growing trend in India. Hence, examining the determinants of investor preferences is necessary to maintain a positive trend. This study analyzes the impact of investor motives and awareness on investor preferences using the data collected from 753 Indian investors in 2020. Factor analysis grouped the investment motives into six categories, namely Nature of investments, Future financial needs, Investor personal characteristics, Safety and stability of investments, Investor behavioral aspects, and Investor’s options. The regression model used to find the impact of the investment motives and the awareness on the investor preferences explains 52.3% of changes in investor preference. Investment factors like Nature of investments, Investor personal characteristics, Investor behavior, Investor options, Awareness of mutual funds, and shares have a significant impact on investor preferences. Further, the awareness level of mutual funds and the stock market are the major variables contributing to Investors’ preference rather than identified investment factors. Investors’ personal characteristics like knowledge, confidence, ability, responsibility, and belief negatively influence investor preferences. This study adds to the existing literature by analyzing investment motives and preferences during the pandemic.
Management of Corporate Training and Decision-Making about Training
Authors: Pavlov Ya. Yu. , Evseeva I. K. , Kazakova I. L.
Published: April 2021

The article studies corporate training in general as a line in research and a concrete issue about the degree of investigation of the issue of decision-making in this sphere of activity. The issue of decision-making is fundamental for management of corporate training, as training model depends on this mechanism. In previous studies this issue was touched upon only indirectly. To study this problem deeply it is necessary to understand the topical level of research on mentioned-above direction. The goal of the article is to study methods used in this sphere and current condition of this field of academic research. In order to attain the goals of the research descriptive literature review of sources from the international database Web of Science was carried out focusing on studying methodology and level of theoretical investigation. As a result the article identified several key trends in studying corporate training and revealed predominance of quantitative works even in conditions of insufficient theoretical investigation. Works being analyzed more often used concepts of training organization by K. Watkins and V. Marsic and the model of digital maturity by A. Back and S. Berhause.
Methods of Resolving Problems Connected with Raising Competitiveness of Mobile Application
Authors: Lebedeva I. P.
Published: April 2021

Problems that should be resolved by marketer when a new mobile application is put on sale can be divided into two groups. The 1-st one is connected with customer attraction, the 2-nd one – with his/her retaining. On the one hand, resolving these problems is directly connected with advertizing campaign and marketing research, however the majority of companies – developers of mobile applications have no financial possibilities for marketing accompaniment of application entering market. The article studies research, which can be done by own forces. With adequate analysis they can lead to high-quality results and increase in the number of users. Apart from that the author proposes the method of analyzing event arrangement in application software section, which can help keep an eye on user’s steps and interpret them to find key problems of the application. This method of event arrangement is not new for developers and it is offered by existing analytical platforms, however interpretation of obtained results and subsequent company steps can become a serious task. Further development of such methodology based on analytics, segmentation and reviews of users could resolve a problem of developing by companies-developers of mobile applications their own marketing strategy verified in practice.
Developing New Products on Meat Basis and Their Marketing Research
Authors: Sokolov A. Yu. , Tsvetkova A. B. , Shishkina D. I.
Published: April 2021

The article describes technologies of new products of mass food industry on meat basis and on-line research of meat products during their development and putting on market. By results of the research a possible demand for the product was forecast. The authors identify potential types of customers and concrete measures of promotion. Research findings show expediency of developing technologies for products on meat basis including high-quality ingredients. In the process of technology approving in industrial environment correction of properties is necessary with due regard to market situation. Survey results showed that customers prefer to eat lunch out (in the office, university, etc.) and have some meat dishes. The concept of product upgrading includes the use of high-quality ingredients with preventive characteristics, in particular, prebiotics, for instance, wheat fiber of high quality However, customers need trustworthy and easily perceivable information about consumer properties of culinary food products, which could be distributed by corporate mass media and information booklets. At the same time we should not exclude low price strategy at the stage of putting such products on market, probably limited by corporate catering.
Metodologias de ensino de línguas estrangeiras em contexto de ensino remoto emergencial na (trans)formação de professores
Authors: Silva Veloso Fernanda , Souza Sweder
Published: April 2021

De acordo com a confluência e multiplicidade de fenômenos socioideológicos, que estão diretamente inter-relacionados a uma reflexão ininterrupta sobre o trabalho com a língua em sala de aula e o ato de (re)construir conhecimentos (Volóchinov, 2006 [1929]), buscamos conversar com o atual paradigma pandêmico. Portanto, este trabalho consiste em um relato de experiência que evidencia um locus de enunciação a partir de perspectivas vividas. O estudo tem como objetivo compartilhar experiências de formadores de professores de línguas na modalidade emergencial remota. A proposta surgiu da demanda por ações educacionais não presenciais, em função da SARS-CoV-2, na Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR, Brasil). Quando existem mudanças de paradigmas, como a relatada, a tendência é se desesperar e esquecer o que pode ser tirado de bom dessas mudanças, que muitas vezes são “impostas” e impremeditadas. Em nosso contexto, as ações aconteceram em uma relação dialógica estabelecida por meio de plataformas como o MS Teams, o WhatsApp e a UFPR Virtual. Ao invés de trabalhos escritos elaborados individualmente e off-line, as atividades avaliativas foram substituídas por seminários e microaulas de língua estrangeira previamente gravadas pelos alunos, assim como a elaboração, de modo colaborativo, de um e-book pelo Google Docs, do Google Drive.