bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extracellular vesicles secreted by Giardia duodenalis regulate host cell innate immunity via TLR2 and NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathways
Authors: Zhao Panpan , Cao Lili , Wang Xiaocen , Dong Jingquan , Zhang Nan , Li Xin , Li Jianhua , Zhang Xichen , Gong Pengtao
Published: April 2021

Giardia duodenalis, also known as G. intestinalis or G. lamblia, is the major cause of giardiasis leading to diarrheal disease with 280 million people infections annually worldwide. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as a ubiquitous mechanism participating in cells communications. The aim of this study is to explore the roles of G. duodenalis EVs (GEVs) in host-pathogen interactions using primary mouse peritoneal macrophages as a model. Multiple methods of electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, proteomic assays, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, qPCR, western blot, ELISA, inhibition assays, were used to characterize GEVs, and explore its effects on the host cell innate immunity as well as the underlying mechanism using primary mouse peritoneal macrophages. Results showed that GEVs displayed typical cup-shaped structure with 150 nm in diameter. GEVs could be captured by macrophages and triggered immune response by increasing the production of inflammatory cytokines Il1β, Il6, Il10, Il12, Il17, Ifng, Tnf, Il18, Ccl20 and Cxcl2. Furthermore, activation of TLR2 and NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathways involved in this process. In addition, CA-074 methyl ester (an inhibitor of cathepsin B) or zVAD-fmk (an inhibitor of pan-caspase) pretreatment entirely diminished these effects triggered by GEVs exposure. Taken together, these findings demonstrated that GEVs could be internalized into mouse peritoneal macrophages and regulate host cell innate immunity via TLR2 and NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathways.
Choice of CTO scores to predict procedural success in clinical practice. A comparison of 4 different CTO PCI scores in a comprehensive national registry including expert and learning CTO operators
Authors: Salinas Pablo , Gonzalo Nieves , Moreno Víctor H. , Fuentes Manuel , Santos-Martinez Sandra , Fernandez-Diaz José Antonio , Amat-Santos Ignacio J. , Ojeda Francisco Bosa , Borrego Juan Caballero , Cuesta Javier , Hernández José María de la Torre , Diego-Nieto Alejandro , Dubois Daniela , Galeote Guillermo , Goicolea Javier , Gutiérrez Alejandro , Jiménez-Fernández Miriam , Jiménez-Mazuecos Jesús , Jurado Alfonso , Lacunza Javier , Lee Dae-Hyun , López María , Lozano Fernando , Martin-Moreiras Javier , Martin-Yuste Victoria , Millán Raúl , Miñana Gema , Mohandes Mohsen , Morales-Ponce Francisco J. , Núñez Julio , Ojeda Soledad , Pan Manuel , Rivero Fernando , Robles Javier , Rodríguez-Leiras Sergio , Rojas Sergio , Rondán Juan , Rumiz Eva , Sabaté Manel , Sanchís Juan , Vaquerizo Beatriz , Escaned Javier
Published: April 2021

Background

We aimed to compare the performance of the recent CASTLE score to J-CTO, CL and PROGRESS CTO scores in a comprehensive database of percutaneous coronary intervention of chronic total occlusion procedures.

Methods

Scores were calculated using raw data from 1,342 chronic total occlusion procedures included in REBECO Registry that includes learning and expert operators. Calibration, discrimination and reclassification were evaluated and compared.

Results

Mean score values were: CASTLE 1.60±1.10, J-CTO 2.15±1.24, PROGRESS 1.68±0.94 and CL 2.52±1.52 points. The overall percutaneous coronary intervention success rate was 77.8%. Calibration was good for CASTLE and CL, but not for J-CTO or PROGRESS scores. Discrimination: the area under the curve (AUC) of CASTLE (0.633) was significantly higher than PROGRESS (0.557) and similar to J-CTO (0.628) and CL (0.652). Reclassification: CASTLE, as assessed by integrated discrimination improvement, was superior to PROGRESS (integrated discrimination improvement +0.036, p<0.001), similar to J-CTO and slightly inferior to CL score (– 0.011, p = 0.004). Regarding net reclassification improvement, CASTLE reclassified better than PROGRESS (overall continuous net reclassification improvement 0.379, p<0.001) in roughly 20% of cases.

Conclusion

Procedural percutaneous coronary intervention difficulty is not consistently depicted by available chronic total occlusion scores and is influenced by the characteristics of each chronic total occlusion cohort. In our study population, including expert and learning operators, the CASTLE score had slightly better overall performance along with CL score. However, we found only intermediate performance in the c-statistic predicting chronic total occlusion success among all scores.
Complete chloroplast genomes of Impatiens cyanantha and Impatiens monticola: Insights into genome structures, mutational hotspots, comparative and phylogenetic analysis with its congeneric species
Authors: Luo Chao , Li Yang , Budhathoki Roshani , Shi Jiyuan , Yer Huseyin , Li Xinyi , Yan Bo , Wang Qiong , Wen Yonghui , Huang Meijuan , Huang Haiquan
Published: April 2021

Impatiens L., the largest genus in the family Balsaminaceae with approximately 1000 species, is a controversial and complex genus that includes many economically important species well known for medicinal and ornamental values. However, there is limited knowledge of molecular phylogeny and chloroplast genomics, and uncertainties still exist at a taxonomic level. In this study, we have assembled four chloroplast genomics specimens of Impatiens cyanantha and Impatiens monticola, which are found at the different altitudes of Guizhou and Yunnan in China, and compared them with previously published three wild Balsaminaceae species (Impatiens piufanensis, Impatiens glandlifera, and Hydrocera triflora). The complete chloroplast genome sequences ranged from 152,236 bp (I. piufanensis) to 154,189 bp (H. triflora) and encoded 115 total distinct genes, of which 81 were protein-coding, 30 were distinct transfer RNA genes(tRNA), and 4 were ribosomal RNA genes (rRNA). A comparative analysis of I. cyanantha (Guizhou) vs. I. cyanantha (Yunnan) and I. monticola (Guizhou) vs. I. monticola (Yunnan) revealed minor changes in lengths; however, similar gene contents, gene orders, and GC contents existed among them. Interestingly, highly coding and non-coding genes, and regions matK, psbK, atpH-atpI, trnC-trnT, petN, psbM, atpE, rbcL, accD, psaL, rps3-rps19, ndhG-ndhA,rpl16, rpoB, ndhB, ndhF, ycf1, and ndhH were found, which could be suitable for identification of species and phylogenetic studies. During the comparison between I. cyanantha (Guizhou) and I. cyanantha (Yunnan), we observed that the rps4, ycf2, ndhF, ycf1, and rpoC2 genes underwent positive selection. Meanwhile, in the comparative study of I. monticola (Guizhou) vs. I. monticola (Yunnan), The accD and ycf1 genes were positively selected. Additionally, phylogenetic relationships based on maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) among whole chloroplast genomes showed that a sister relationship with I. monticola (Guizhou) and I. monticola (Yunnan) formed a clade with I.piufanensis proving their close connection. Besides, I.cyanantha (Guizhou) and I. cyanantha (Yunnan) formed a clade with I. glandlifera. Along with the findings and the results, the current study might provide valuable significant genomic resources for systematics and evolution of the genus impatiens in different altitudes of regions.
Gender-based differences in brain and plasma pharmacokinetics of letrozole in sprague-dawley rats: Application of physiologically-based pharmacokinetic modeling to gain quantitative insights
Authors: Arora Priyanka , Gudelsky Gary , Desai Pankaj B.
Published: April 2021

Based on the discovery that the estrogen synthase aromatase (CYP19A1) is abundantly expressed in high- grade gliomas, the aromatase inhibitor, letrozole is being investigated in pre-clinical models as a novel agent against this malignancy. Here, we investigated the systemic and brain pharmacokinetics of letrozole following single and steady state dosing in both male and female Sprague-Dawley rats. Furthermore, we employed physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling to gain quantitative insights into the blood-brain barrier penetration of this drug. Letrozole (4 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally daily for 5 days (for males) and 11 days (for females) and intracerebral microdialysis was performed for brain extracellular fluid (ECF) collection simultaneously with venous blood sampling. Drug levels were measured using HPLC and non-compartmental analysis was conducted employing WinNonlin®. Simcyp animal simulator was used for conducting bottom-up PBPK approach incorporating the specified multi-compartment brain model. Overall, marked gender-specific differences in the systemic and brain pharmacokinetics of letrozole were observed. Letrozole clearance was much slower in female rats resulting in markedly higher plasma and brain drug concentrations. At steady state, the plasma AUC 0–24 was 103.0 and 24.8 μg*h/ml and brain ECF AUC 0–12 was 24.0 and 4.8 μg*h/ml in female and male rats, respectively. The PBPK model simulated brain concentration profiles were in close agreement with the observed profiles. While gender-specific differences in letrozole PK are not observed in the clinical setting, these findings will guide the dose optimization during pre-clinical investigations of this compound. The PBPK model will serve as an important clinical translational tool.
Inference of stress-strength reliability for two-parameter of exponentiated Gumbel distribution based on lower record values
Authors: Fayyazishishavan Ehsan , Kılıç Depren Serpil
Published: April 2021

The two-parameter of exponentiated Gumbel distribution is an important lifetime distribution in survival analysis. This paper investigates the estimation of the parameters of this distribution by using lower records values. The maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) procedure of the parameters is considered, and the Fisher information matrix of the unknown parameters is used to construct asymptotic confidence intervals. Bayes estimator of the parameters and the corresponding credible intervals are obtained by using the Gibbs sampling technique. Two real data set is provided to illustrate the proposed methods.
Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and associated factors among patients with chronic Chagas disease
Authors: Xavier Isis Gabrielli Gomes , Vieira Marcelo Carvalho , Rodrigues Junior Luiz Fernando , Sperandio da Silva Gilberto Marcelo , da Silva Paula Simplicio , de Holanda Marcelo Teixeira , Maciel Erica Rodrigues , Carneiro Fernanda Martins , Mazzoli-Rocha Flavia , Sangenis Luiz Henrique Conde , Mendes Fernanda de Souza Nogueira Sardinha , Hasslocher-Moreno Alejandro Marcel , de Sousa Andrea Silvestre , da Costa Andrea Rodrigues , Saraiva Roberto Magalhães , do Brasil Pedro Emmanuel Alvarenga Americano , Mediano Mauro Felippe Felix
Published: April 2021

The increase in life expectancy and the migration of individuals with Chagas disease (ChD) from rural to urban centers exposes them to the development of chronic-degenerative abnormalities that may increase the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS). The present study aimed to identify the prevalence of MetS and its components in individuals with chronic ChD. This is a cross-sectional study with 361 patients of both sexes, aging >18 years, followed at a national reference center (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). MetS diagnosis followed the International Diabetes Federation 2005 criteria. The association between the variables was determined through logistic regression models. The mean age was and 60.7±10.8 years. About half (56.2%) were female and the majority self-reported their race as mulatto (59.8%). The percentage of individuals with MetS was 40.4%. The variables independently associated with MetS were age (OR 1.06; 95%CI 1.04–1.09), high education levels (OR 0.36; 95%CI 0.17–0.79) and cardiac form with heart failure (OR 0.34; 95%CI 0.17–0.68). Therefore, a high prevalence of MetS was found in this Brazilian chronic ChD cohort. The identification of the associated factors can facilitate the development of effective approaches for preventing and managing MetS in ChD patients.
Prospective evaluation of accuracy of HIV viral load monitoring using the Aptima HIV Quant Dx assay with fingerstick and venous dried blood spots prepared under field conditions in Kenya
Authors: Mwau Matilu , Danda Jeff , Mbugua Joseph , Handa Allan , Fortunko Jacqueline , Worlock Andrew , Nair Sangeetha Vijaysri
Published: April 2021

Quantification of HIV-1 RNA is essential for clinical management of HIV patients. The limited throughput and significant hands-on time required by most HIV Viral load (VL) tests makes it challenging for laboratories with high test volume, to turn around patient results quickly. The Hologic Aptima HIV-1 Quant Dx Assay (Aptima), has the potential to alleviate this burden as it is high throughput and fully automated. This assay is validated for both plasma and dried blood spots (DBS), which are commonly used in resource limited settings. The objective of this study was to compare the performance of Aptima to Abbott RealTime HIV-1 Assay (Abbott RT), which was used as reference. This was a cross-sectional prospective study where HIV VL in finger stick (FS) DBS, venous blood (VB) DBS and plasma, collected from 258 consenting adults visiting 5 medical facilities in Kenya, Africa were tested in Aptima. The results were compared to plasma VL in Abbott RT at the medical decision point (MDP) of 1000 copies/mL and across Aptima assay range. The total agreement at MDP between plasma HIV VL in Abbott RT and plasma, FS and VB DBS tested in Aptima were 97.7%, 92.2% and 95.3% respectively with kappa statistic of 0.95, 0.84 and 0.90. The positive and negative agreement for all 3 sample types were >92%. Regression analysis between VL in Abbott RT plasma and various sample types tested in Aptima had a Pearson’s correlation coefficient ≥0.91 with systematic bias of < 0.20 log copies/mL on Bland-Altman analysis. The high level of agreement in Aptima HIV VL results for all 3 sample types with Abbott RT plasma VL along with the high throughput, complete automation, and ease of use of the Panther platform makes Aptima a good option for HIV VL monitoring for busy laboratories with high volume of testing.
Predicting student satisfaction of emergency remote learning in higher education during COVID-19 using machine learning techniques
Authors: Ho Indy Man Kit , Cheong Kai Yuen , Weldon Anthony
Published: April 2021

Despite the wide adoption of emergency remote learning (ERL) in higher education during the COVID-19 pandemic, there is insufficient understanding of influencing factors predicting student satisfaction for this novel learning environment in crisis. The present study investigated important predictors in determining the satisfaction of undergraduate students (N = 425) from multiple departments in using ERL at a self-funded university in Hong Kong while Moodle and Microsoft Team are the key learning tools. By comparing the predictive accuracy between multiple regression and machine learning models before and after the use of random forest recursive feature elimination, all multiple regression, and machine learning models showed improved accuracy while the most accurate model was the elastic net regression with 65.2% explained variance. The results show only neutral (4.11 on a 7-point Likert scale) regarding the overall satisfaction score on ERL. Even majority of students are competent in technology and have no obvious issue in accessing learning devices or Wi-Fi, face-to-face learning is more preferable compared to ERL and this is found to be the most important predictor. Besides, the level of efforts made by instructors, the agreement on the appropriateness of the adjusted assessment methods, and the perception of online learning being well delivered are shown to be highly important in determining the satisfaction scores. The results suggest that the need of reviewing the quality and quantity of modified assessment accommodated for ERL and structured class delivery with the suitable amount of interactive learning according to the learning culture and program nature.
Multisite evaluation of phenotypic plasticity for specialized metabolites, some involved in carrot quality and disease resistance
Authors: Chevalier Wilfried , Moussa Sitti-Anlati , Medeiros Netto Ottoni Miguel , Dubois-Laurent Cécile , Huet Sébastien , Aubert Christophe , Desnoues Elsa , Navez Brigitte , Cottet Valentine , Chalot Guillaume , Jost Michel , Barrot Laure , Freymark Gerald , Uittenbogaard Maarten , Chaniet François , Suel Anita , Bouvier Merlet Marie-Hélène , Hamama Latifa , Le Clerc Valérie , Briard Mathilde , Peltier Didier , Geoffriau Emmanuel
Published: April 2021

Renewed consumer demand motivates the nutritional and sensory quality improvement of fruits and vegetables. Specialized metabolites being largely involved in nutritional and sensory quality of carrot, a better knowledge of their phenotypic variability is required. A metabolomic approach was used to evaluate phenotypic plasticity level of carrot commercial varieties, over three years and a wide range of cropping environments spread over several geographical areas in France. Seven groups of metabolites have been quantified by HPLC or GC methods: sugars, carotenoids, terpenes, phenolic compounds, phenylpropanoids and polyacetylenes. A large variation in root metabolic profiles was observed, in relation with environment, variety and variety by environment interaction effects in decreasing order of importance. Our results show a clear diversity structuration based on metabolite content. Polyacetylenes, β-pinene and α-carotene were identified mostly as relatively stable varietal markers, exhibiting static stability. Nevertheless, environment effect was substantial for a large part of carrot metabolic profile and various levels of phenotypic plasticity were observed depending on metabolites and varieties. A strong difference of environmental sensitivity between varieties was observed for several compounds, particularly myristicin, 6MM and D-germacrene, known to be involved in responses to biotic and abiotic stress. This work provides useful information about plasticity in the perspective of carrot breeding and production. A balance between constitutive content and environmental sensitivity for key metabolites should be reached for quality improvement in carrot and other vegetables.
An enjoyable involvement: A qualitative study of short-term study abroad for nursing students
Authors: Hsiao PingRu , Lin ChunChih , Han ChinYen , Wang LiHsiang , Chen LiChin
Published: April 2021

This study aimed to explore the experiences of nursing students who have undertaken a short course in an overseas educational system to generate theoretical understanding of the experience of studying abroad. Learning in the health professions needs to considered in the context of globalization as a way of sharing knowledge and taking responsibility as world citizens. Studying abroad provides students with an opportunity to develop global health care competencies. A symbolic interactionist approach was adopted to gain insight into how the students constructed the meaning of studying abroad. The study was conducted at a university with 2 campuses in Taiwan. A purposive sampling strategy was employed to recruit 14 participants. Data were collected from August to November 2017 via individual in-depth interviews. A semi-structured interview guide was used. Qualitative content analysis was employed to analyse the data. Each interview was audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Most students identified both positive and negative experiences related to their professional and personal development and needs. They demonstrated motivation to leave their comfort zone and enter a challenging environment as well as a high level of adaptability. The experience enabled them to see themselves as part of the world and expanded their learning in positive ways. On completion of their course, they encouraged others to experience this enjoyable once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Plasma pentosidine levels are associated with prevalent fractures in patients with chronic liver disease
Authors: Saeki Chisato , Saito Mitsuru , Kanai Tomoya , Nakano Masanori , Oikawa Tsunekazu , Torisu Yuichi , Saruta Masayuki , Tsubota Akihito
Published: April 2021

Aim

Osteoporotic fractures negatively impact health-related quality of life and prognosis. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) impair bone quality and reduce bone strength. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between plasma levels of pentosidine, a surrogate marker for AGEs, and prevalent fractures in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD).

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 324 patients with CLD. Vertebral fractures were evaluated using lateral thoracolumbar spine radiographs. Information on prevalent fractures was obtained through a medical interview, medical records, and/or radiography. The patients were classified into low (L), intermediate (I), and high (H) pentosidine (Pen) groups based on baseline plasma pentosidine levels.

Results

Of the 324 patients, 105 (32.4%) had prevalent fractures. The prevalence of liver cirrhosis (LC) and prevalent fractures significantly increased stepwise with elevated pentosidine levels. The H-Pen group had the highest prevalence of LC (88.6%, p < 0.001) and prevalent fractures (44.3%, p = 0.007), whereas the L-Pen group had the lowest prevalence of LC (32.1%, p < 0.001) and prevalent fractures (21.0%, p = 0.007). Multiple logistic regression analysis identified pentosidine as a significant independent factor related to prevalent fractures (odds ratio = 1.069, p < 0.001). Pentosidine levels increased stepwise and correlated with liver disease severity. They were markedly high in patients with decompensated LC. In multiple regression analysis, liver functional reserve factors (total bilirubin, albumin, and prothrombin time-international normalized ratio) significantly and independently correlated with pentosidine levels.

Conclusions

Plasma pentosidine was significantly associated with prevalent fractures and liver functional reserve in patients with CLD. Pentosidine may be useful in predicting fracture risk and should be closely followed in CLD patients with advanced disease.
The ESCRT-III machinery participates in the production of extracellular vesicles and protein export during Plasmodium falciparum infection
Authors: Avalos-Padilla Yunuen , Georgiev Vasil N. , Lantero Elena , Pujals Silvia , Verhoef René , N. Borgheti-Cardoso Livia , Albertazzi Lorenzo , Dimova Rumiana , Fernàndez-Busquets Xavier
Published: April 2021

Infection with Plasmodium falciparum enhances extracellular vesicle (EV) production in parasitized red blood cells (pRBCs), an important mechanism for parasite-to-parasite communication during the asexual intraerythrocytic life cycle. The endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT), and in particular the ESCRT-III sub-complex, participates in the formation of EVs in higher eukaryotes. However, RBCs have lost the majority of their organelles through the maturation process, including an important reduction in their vesicular network. Therefore, the mechanism of EV production in P. falciparum-infected RBCs remains to be elucidated. Here we demonstrate that P. falciparum possesses a functional ESCRT-III machinery activated by an alternative recruitment pathway involving the action of PfBro1 and PfVps32/PfVps60 proteins. Additionally, multivesicular body formation and membrane shedding, both reported mechanisms of EV production, were reconstituted in the membrane model of giant unilamellar vesicles using the purified recombinant proteins. Moreover, the presence of PfVps32, PfVps60 and PfBro1 in EVs purified from a pRBC culture was confirmed by super-resolution microscopy and dot blot assays. Finally, disruption of the PfVps60 gene led to a reduction in the number of the produced EVs in the KO strain and affected the distribution of other ESCRT-III components. Overall, our results increase the knowledge on the underlying molecular mechanisms during malaria pathogenesis and demonstrate that ESCRT-III P. falciparum proteins participate in EV production.
Effectiveness of One Minute Preceptor Teaching in Improving Clinical Skills of Nursing Undergraduate Students
Authors: Shambharkar Madhuri , Sawarkar Achita , Khandar Jaya , Sakharwade Prerana , Kolhekar Sonali
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND Nurse educator has to do clinical teaching when students are posted either in clinical or community field. Clinical teaching is a method of teaching to an individual or group of students who came in contact with patients when they are posted in clinical or in community field. Clinical education enhances appropriate link between theory and practice and at the same time provides opportunity to have a practice on how to solve complex problems of health care, provide safe care and enhance critical thinking. The objectives of the study were to inform nursing undergraduate students regarding one-minute preceptor (OMP) model, assess perception level of experimental group of students regarding OMP and evaluate the improvement in clinical skills of nursing undergraduate students through one-minute preceptor teaching. METHODS Experimental research design was used. Probability sampling technique was used for the selection of nursing undergraduate students and random sampling method for formation of 2 groups of the students. Total 60 students participated. Likert scale was used to assess perception level and response of students. RESULTS In the present study, 70 % students had very good level of perception and (30 %) had excellent level of perception regarding OMP. Response regarding community posting mean score and standard deviation of both groups was 46.50 ± 2.46 and 35.60 ± 3.60 respectively. Comparison was done between the experimental and control group and P-value was P = 0.00. CONCLUSIONS OMP module is effective to improve clinical skill to manage minor ailments, to make decision and critical thinking at community setting. It can be implemented to the final year undergraduate nursing students and post graduate nursing students. KEY WORDS Effectiveness, One-Minute Preceptor, Clinical Skill
Study of Aetiological and Clinical Profile of Stroke Patients with Special Reference to Baseline Intracranial Haemorrhage Score in Haemorrhagic Stroke in North East India - A Hospital Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Dhanabalan Balaji , Dutta Anupam , Pegu Ajit Kumar , H. R Bharath , Dhal Bhabani Sankar
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND As defined by World Health Organization (WHO), stroke is accountable for 5 million deaths and 5 million disabled patients throughout the world. The prevalence of stroke is in rising trend in Indian subcontinent and therefore is a source of socioeconomic concern. This study was conducted to evaluate the aetiological and clinical profile in stroke patients with special reference to baseline intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) score in haemorrhagic stroke in North East India. METHODS The study was carried out among in-patients of Medicine Department at Assam Medical College and Hospital, Dibrugarh in North East India from March 2019 to February 2020. A total of 112 patients who presented with symptoms suggestive of stroke were assessed. Mean ± standard deviation was used to express continuous variables. Frequency and percentage were used to express categorical variables. Test of significance for qualitative data was assessed by chi-square test (for 2 x 2 tables). P-value less than 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. RESULTS In our study stroke was common in 40 – 60 years age group which comprised 50 % of total patients. Stroke was more common in males with a sex ratio of 1.24:1. 73.2 % of patients suffered haemorrhagic stroke and 22.3 % suffered ischemic stroke whereas 4.5 % suffered cardio-embolic stroke. Hypertension was the most prevalent and an important risk factor with 80.3 % (P = 0.001), followed by smoking with 39 % (P = 0.021), chronic alcohol consumption with 37 % (P = 0.028) and diabetes with 22 %. The most common site of haemorrhage was basal ganglia (28 %) followed by thalamus (24 %). Patients presenting with intraventricular extension, infratentorial location, low Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score (< 4) or having high ICH score (≥ 3) at the time of presentation were associated with increased mortality in haemorrhagic stroke (P = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS Haemorrhagic strokes (73.2 %) are the most common type. Hypertension is the most prevalent and an important risk factor (80.3 %). Basal ganglia (28 %) are the most common sites involved in haemorrhagic stroke; infratentorial location is associated with poor prognosis. Patients presenting with low GCS score (< 4) or having high ICH score (≥ 3) at the time of presentation are associated with increased mortality in haemorrhagic stroke. KEY WORDS Stroke, Hypertension, Basal Ganglia, GCS Score, ICH Score
Cause of Delay in Treatment in Cases of Abdominal Malignancies
Authors: S. Rashmi , Jajoo Suhas N. , Tote Darshana , Yeola Meenakshi
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND Abdominal malignancies are a common problem in the western countries and is on a rise in India. This study was conducted to evaluate the reasons for delay in diagnosis and treatment of cancer. METHODS This is a prospective observational study conducted in the Department of Surgery Acharya Vinobha Bhave Rural Hospital, Sawangi (Meghe), Wardha, for a period of 2 years with a sample size of 46 patients. RESULTS Delay in presentation was noted in 74% of patients. Among them ‘taking local treatment’ was considered to be the main cause of delay in treatment. There was delay in diagnosis in 8 % of patients. There was delay in initiation of treatment in 18 % of patients. CONCLUSIONS Most of the patients presented in advanced stages to the hospital because of taking local treatment, due to lack of awareness, belief in herbal and ayurvedic treatment, poor financial resources, and fear of surgery. The proper treatment was delayed or denied leading to poor overall outcome. KEY WORDS Delay, Presentation, Diagnosis, Treatment
Adult-Onset Still’s Disease in an Adult Nigerian Male - A Case Report
Authors: Emorinken Airenakho , Agbebaku Folasade Ojuolape , Dic-Ijiewere Mercy Ofunami , Akpasubi Blessyn Omoye , Ugheoke Asuwemhe Johnson
Published: April 2021

Adult-Onset Still’s Disease (AOSD) is an uncommon multisystemic inflammatory disease of no known aetiology.1 Bywaters in 1971 was the first to describe this clinical entity.2,3 Its estimated annual incidence is 0.16 per 100,000 persons.4 AOSD has a bimodal pattern of age distribution with peaks at 15 - 25 and 36 - 46 years. This shows that young adults are mainly affected. 4 It is characterised by daily high spiking fever, evanescent salmon coloured rash, polyarthritis, leucocytosis, and negative immunological study.5 The rarity of the condition has led to a low index of suspicion among clinicians. Four cases of AOSD have been reported so far in Nigeria,6–8 with the first reported in 2015 by Akintayo et al.6 We report the fifth case of AOSD diagnosed at a rural tertiary facility in South-south Nigeria.
Notes from the Editors, April 2021
Authors: Editors -
Published: April 2021

buy this issue

Many factors are involved in COVID-19 mortality rates. Nevertheless, it is clear that the more socialist-oriented countries—by prioritizing social needs and public health, plus aggressive testing, tracing, and enlisting the aid of their populations—have generally been more effective in limiting the effects of the disease on their societies. The failure of the wealthier capitalist countries to do so is largely a result of their prioritization of profits over people.
What Sort of Kinetic Materialism Did Marx Find in Epicurus?
Authors: Hennig Boris
Published: April 2021

In his Theses on Feuerbach, Karl Marx suggests that the main flaw of all previous materialism has been to uncritically accept and champion a notion of matter that has its proper place in a dualistic framework, where matter is passive and the mind is active. If this is so, true materialism will conceive of matter as an active principle, and of material beings as perfectly capable of conscious sensation and agency.
Was Folk Music a Commie Plot?
Authors: Callahan Mat
Published: April 2021

The revival of folk music—music derived from rural southern sources, unamplified, and, to a large extent, comprised of old songs of anonymous origin—was more than just another fad. Folk music encapsulated longings for an idyllic past, for a time before crass commercialism turned music into a commodity, and for relationships between musicians and audiences that were egalitarian and holistic.
Global competition of an organization: Managerial analysis of IBM’s global operations under the concepts - value chain, value network and value shop
Authors: Kwadade-Cudjoe Francis
Published: April 2021

Globalization has been one of the strategies many organizations looking to achieve competitive advantage in their markets of operation have been implementing. It has been in existence since the Europeans and Americans started to move into other continents to conquer nations within those continents. Globalization involves the movement of an organization to other parts of the globe in order to utilize the opportunities normally available in those countries for manufacturing of products and trading. There are many strategies through which organizations could use to go global. However the most popular strategies are alliances, acquisitions, mergers and joint ventures.  Most organizations which go global usually look for how they could cut cost by utilizing the cheaper natural and human resources available in those countries for production of goods and services. These organizations which go global are called multi-national companies (MNCs), as they usually have assets in the countries they operate from. Some organizations have been able to benefit substantially from globalization, whilst others not. The successful organizations have been able to achieve competitive advantage and some of them have even been able to attain sustained competitive advantage in their fields of operation.
Project Management for Information Technology (IT): Design of an anticipated IT project that would contribute to the achievement of the strategic goals of an organization - a case study of Water Resources Commission (WRC), Ghana
Authors: Kwadade-Cudjoe Francis
Published: April 2021

Project management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques applied to project activities in order to roll out products / services to meet / exceed the needs and expectations of stakeholders. Project management has been popular within the Information Technology department of organizations for quite some time, and the approach for tackling the tasks involved is demanding. In that sense, getting the right and qualified human resource for handling such projects is one of the key success factors, for achieving results. Really dedicated and experienced IT professionals are scarce globally, and as the profession is also quite new to most people, there is a shortage of staff. In addition is the fear of not achieving objectives / goals if one ventures into it. However, with globalization being the norm currently, and multi-national organizations spreading / moving out to countries with less / cheaper labour costs, there is the need to get people to specialize in handling projects successfully. Executing IT projects successfully is the bane of most organizations, as the activities are technical and, in addition involve huge costs of expenditures.
Organizational strategic marketing management: Critical analysis of the marketing strategies / practices currently employed by the Water Resources Commission, Ghana, indicating challenges and opportunities.
Authors: Kwadade-Cudjoe Francis
Published: April 2021

Strategic marketing management is the implementation of an organization’s marketing mission through focused processes to get the most out of existing marketing plan and to identify target customers. Again, it is to help the discovery of other marketing opportunities for the organization to transform plans into reality. The marketing plan should outline the marketing strategy of the organization for the coming year, quarter or month. A typical business marketing plan should include: overview of the marketing and advertising goals, description of the current marketing position, timeline of when tasks within the strategy will be completed, key performance indicators to be tracked, and description of the target market and customer needs. When an organization adopts this approach to market its products / services to customers / consumers, there is a strong expectation of success for the organization. The initial capital outlay pumped into businesses is normally huge, and this should not be made to go waste. However, most organizations gloss over this important point and put out mediocre plans and strategies to managing their businesses. Business wo/men should project their businesses from a better marketing angle with good competitive strategy to enable them achieve competitive advantage.
Reflecting on the Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Businesses, Minority Groups and their Implications for Socio-economic wellbeing in Britain
Authors: Ofori Felix Nana Kofi
Published: April 2021

This article examined the impact of Covid-19 on businesses through the prism of the British government’s strategic policies to stem the pandemic. It argues that the pandemic has paralysed major sectors of the national economy through locked-down measures, which consequently restricted the people’s socio-economic welfare. Also, the article contends that the retailing and pubs sectors of the economy registered dwindled revenue and created shortages of employment in the country. With major terminals of the British Airports shut down, the article demonstrates that several employment opportunities, spanning air stewardess, airport security, cargo handling, restaurants and retailing were stifled. In addition, the article proposes that, the general social and economic fabrics of workers in the aviation industry, majority of whom, belonged to the minority communities were restricted. On the minority groups, the article states that they represent the most afflicted and marginalized population during the pandemic; because, they were easily targeted for redundancies and furlough schemes without the needed representation at executive levels to protect their interests. Regarding the government’s strategies, the article argues that although it implemented political and economic solutions to support businesses and protect families, in order to absolve them from the crises, the major concern was that the measures were late and failed to adequately address the crisis. With respect to perspectives, the article points out that, though furlough schemes and soft loans were provided to guarantee the safety of businesses and citizens; the manner of implementation by the government was not creative enough to resolve the crisis. Lastly, the article argues that regardless of the government‘s policies to redeem thousands of businesses and families from socio-economic distresses, minority groups in Britain were largely disadvantaged, thereby reinforcing the status-quo
Ameen F. Rihani's 'Biophilic Masculinity' in The Heart of Lebanon and The Rihani Essays
Authors: Karam Savo
Published: April 2021

Now that we have reached the third millennium, an era associated with the onslaught of modernity, technology, industrialization and urbanization, it is time for our relationship with nature to undergo an ecological evolution through which a conservationist masculinity can develop. In this respect, it is particularly essential that literature provide a genuine modernized perspective, a biocentric understanding oriented towards a biophilic attachment to nature that centers on the affirmation of universal kinship based on the connection to all organic life. The cornerstone of the biophilia notion is a balanced

man-nature relationship which is still undervalued in the realm of green literature. In this perspective, it is worth highlighting Ameen Fares Rihani’s edifying contribution to the realm of deep ecology. The works of this Lebanese-American writer and thinker have not been given sufficient attention when his prosaic oeuvre effectively reflects man’s regrettable alienation from the natural environment. In a sense, Rihani’s prose with its biophilic inclination is a crucial addition to the body of works concerned with restoring the gap between nature and mankind. This paper, therefore, attempts to study Rihani's approach to living nature from the perspective of evolutionary biology by shedding light on an unexplored aspect, namely his essentially biophilic conviction evident in his landmark book Qualb Lubnan (The Heart of Lebanon) and in Ar-Rihaniyyaat (The Rihani Essays). These works will be analyzed from a literary ecocritical perspective and against ecological masculinity which is the most recent interpretive paradigm of ecocriticism. This reading will also profess that Rihani's intention is to ecologize modern masculinity, Eastern and/or Western masculine thought, through re-designing an alternative future, a deep green future founded upon the biophilia hypothesis.
Title: Intimate Partner Violence: The Moderating Role of Personality Trait and Religion.
Authors: Isangha Stanley Oloji , Ngwu Christopher Ndubuisi , Iwuagwu Anthony Obinna , Abonyi Sunday Evaristus , Nnaji Akuchukwu Oprah , Rahman Farah Naz
Published: April 2021

Objective: Intimate partner violence which is an aspect of family violence has most often than not affected peaceful family growth across the world, while it is largely portrayed that men are the sole perpetrators of IPV and women its victims. Statistics across countries in America, Asia, Europe and Africa have shown men to be victims as well, both in heterosexual and homosexual family, thus IPV can be perpetrated by both sexes just as they can also be victims. This study therefore assessed the moderating role of personality trait and religion on intimate partner violence in heterosexual relationship.

Methods: Using a mixed method, 384 residents of Uyo metropolis were surveyed and 10 in-depth interviews was conducted among Psychology and Sociology lecturers from the University of Uyo Akwa Ibom state. The big five factor model served as its theoretical orientation. The big five personality inventory, religious orientation test and intimate partner violence propensity scale were used in generating data. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 software. Chi square test was used to test relationships while their long-run influence was ascertained using multiple and binary logistics linear regression analysis.

Result: Findings show that majority of the respondents have abused their partners physically or psychologically. Findings show personality traits and religion as independent and joint predictors of intimate partner violence.

Conclusion: It is recommended that clinicians, psychiatrists among other related professionals should always consider personality traits and religion when dealing with issues on IPV.
Case Series on Applications of EMDR to OCD
Authors: Unavailable Name
Published: April 2021

This paper is an attempt to draw a parallel between the exposure and response prevention (ERP) procedures in CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy) and the desensitisation procedures in EMDR (eye movement desensitisation processing). This paper also suggests an alternative targeting sequence that follows from the standard EMDR protocol to draw upon the strengths and application of ERP procedures in the treatment of OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder).
Language Transfer and Errors Transfer in Teaching A Foreign Language
Authors: Thuy Nguyen Ngoc
Published: April 2021

Correcting students’ language errors is always importance during teaching because of its significance for analyzing those errors and trying to provide students and teachers with adequate techniques and strategies to avoid or at least minimize the number of errors committed while practicing the foreign languages. This article will focus mainly on different ways in which an interest in language learner has revealed different aspects of the language learning process and suggested different ways of treating errors in our teaching. The objectives of the paper are mainly to understand the origins of an interest in errors that learners made and the related development of the concept of interlanguage , to appreciate the significance of learner error and how it might affect our methodology and to realize some of the causes of errors including positive and negative transfer. Furthermore, the article will explain the concept of systematic variability in learner language in order to become aware of some of the causes and significances of variability.
Play in Early Childhood Education and the Perceived Impacts of Accountability and Rigor
Authors: White Patricia , Martin Barbara N , McDonald Bryan
Published: April 2021

Exploring explored principals' and teachers' perceptions concerning the role of play in early childhood programs was this quantitative inquiry. All early childhood participants identified play as a learning tool but noted it was being eliminated from the curriculum due to high stake accountability. There was a significant difference between administrators and early childhood educators concerning the purpose of play. Implications for early childhood curriculum and school district policy were determined.
Efficacy of Internet-Delivered Psychodynamic Therapy: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lindegaard Tomas , Berg Matilda , Andersson Gerhard
Published: April 2021

Recent years have seen an increase of internet-delivered interventions based on psychodynamic treatment models. To test the efficacy of internet-delivered psychodynamic therapy (IPDT), we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Following literature searches, we identified seven studies meeting inclusion criteria. The total number of participants was 528 in the treatment group and 552 in the control conditions. We found small effects favoring IPDT compared to inactive control conditions for main outcomes (g = 0.44), depression (g = 0.46), anxiety (g = 0.20), and quality of life (g = 0.40). There was significant heterogeneity between studies for main outcomes and depression. Within-group effects ranged from Hedges's g = 0.32–0.99. The effects of IPDT were maintained or increased at follow-up. Study quality varied but was generally high. No indications of publication bias were found. In conclusion, IPDT is a promising treatment alternative, especially for depression, although the small number of studies limits the generalizability of the findings.
Retinal Pigment Epithelium and Neural Retinal Progenitors Interact via Semaphorin 6D to Facilitate Optic Cup Morphogenesis
Authors: Cechmanek Paula Bernice , Hehr Carrie Lynn , McFarlane Sarah
Published: April 2021

Cell movement propels embryonic tissues to acquire shapes required for mature function. The movements are driven both by acto-myosin signaling and by cells interacting with the extracellular matrix (ECM). Unknown is whether cell-cell interactions within a tissue are also required, and the molecular mechanisms by which such communication might occur. Here, we use the developing visual system of zebrafish as a model to understand the role cell-cell communication plays in tissue morphogenesis in the embryonic nervous system. We identify that cell-cell-mediated contact between two distinct cell populations, progenitors of the neural retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), facilitates epithelial flow to produce the mature cupped retina. We identify for the first time the need in eye morphogenesis for distinct populations of progenitors to interact, and suggest a novel role for a member of a key developmental signaling family, the transmembrane Semaphorin6d, as mediating communication between distinct cell types to control tissue morphogenesis.