bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Financial literacy and awareness of investment scams among university students
Authors: Mohd Padil Hazlina , Kasim Eley Suzana , Muda Salwa , Ismail Norhidayah , Md Zin Norlaila
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationship between budgeting skills and financial goals and the level of awareness of investment scams among university students.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was administered to university students in Malaysia. A total of 211 responses were received. The data was analysed using partial least square method based on structural equation modelling technique by using SmartPLS-3.0 and SPSS-20 statistical software.

Findings

Findings indicated that having adequate budgeting skills can significantly affect awareness of investment scam among students. This implies that early financial management education among students should focus on instilling disciplined budgeting habit to prevent them from becoming victims of investment scams. Nevertheless, when examining financial goals among the respondents, the study found that having a clear financial goal does not significantly contribute to their awareness in identifying investment scams. As such, students need to be properly guided in setting their financial objectives such as avoiding unrealistic goals to lead a luxurious lifestyle using “fast and easy” money.

Social implications

This study recommends that higher education institutions need to work together with relevant regulators and law enforcers in providing necessary financial literacy education as part of the investment scam prevention measures.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature gap on the need to focus on financial literacy in creating awareness towards investment scams among university students.
Improving logistics supplier selection process using lean six sigma – an action research case study
Authors: Tay Huay Ling , Aw Hui Sen
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Outsourcing logistical activities have become a widely used approach for firms to avoid high fixed costs and heavy investment requirements and to achieve competitive advantages. Lean six sigma (LSS) has been accepted globally across sectors as a management strategy for achieving process excellence. The purpose of this paper is to feature the application of LSS for improving the supplier selection process (SSP) of outsourced logistics services in a multinational health-care company.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on an action research case study conducted on the SSP of the freight and distribution department in a multinational health-care company. This paper reports on the application of the LSS define-measure-analyze-improve-control (DMAIC) approach for reducing supplier selection lead time.

Findings

The study features a real-world case study of the LSS DMAIC application to improve the supplier selection process of a large health-care company. The key issues that were identified are lack of information visibility, top-down changes and unclear communication lines. To counteract these three root causes, the lean six sigma techniques that are implemented are the 5S, stakeholder analysis and standard operating procedure.

Research limitations/implications

This research provided empirical evidence of how practical challenges in SSP can be managed with the use of LSS. It further proposed plausible solutions for reducing and sustaining improved outcomes. As the study is limited to one case, the validity of the results can be improved by including more organisations and more case studies from other similar organisations.

Originality/value

Research in supplier selection processes rarely links continuous improvement ideology such as LSS to support strategic selection and procurement of logistics services. This paper could serve as a resource for both practitioners to derive useful implications and to academicians as it contributes to the LSS body of knowledge for further theory testing.
Early pregnancy prediction of spontaneous preterm birth before 32 completed weeks of pregnancy using plasma RNA: transcriptome discovery and initial validation of an RNA panel of markers
Authors: Weiner CP , Dong Y , Zhou H , Cuckle H , Ramsey R , Egerman R , Buhimschi I , Buhimschi C
Published: May 2021

Objective

To compare the second‐trimester plasma cell‐free (PCF) transcriptome of women who delivered at term with that of women with spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) at or before 32 weeks of gestation and identify/validate PCF RNA markers present by 16 weeks of gestation.

Design

Prospective case–control study.

Setting

Academic tertiary care centre.

Population

Pregnant women with known outcomes prospectively sampled.

Methods

PCF RNAs extracted from women at 22–24 weeks of gestation (five sPTB up to 32 weeks and five at term) were hybridised to gene expression arrays. Differentially regulated RNAs for sPTB up to 32 weeks were initially selected based on P value compared with control (P < 0.01) and fold change (≥1.5×). Potential markers were then reordered by narrowness of distribution. Final marker selection was made by searching the Metacore™ database to determine whether the PCF RNAs interacted with a reported set of myometrial Preterm Initiator genes. RNAs were confirmed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and tested in a second group of 40 women: 20 with sPTB up to 32 weeks (mean gestation 26.5 weeks, standard deviation ±2.6 weeks), 20 with spontaneous term delivery (40.1 ± 0.9 weeks) sampled at 16–19+5 weeks of gestation.

Main outcome measure

Identification of PCF RNAs predictive of sPTB up to 32 weeks.

Results

Two hundred and ninety‐seven PCR RNAs were differentially expressed in sPTB up to 32 weeks of gestation. Further selection retained 99 RNAs (86 mRNAs and 13 microRNAs) and five of these interacted in silica with seven Preterm Initiator genes. Four of five RNAs were confirmed and tested on the validation group. The expression of each confirmed PCF RNA was significantly higher in sPTB up to 32 weeks of gestation. In vitro study of the four mRNAs revealed higher expression in placentas of women with sPTB up to 32 weeks and the potential to interfere with myometrial quiescence.

Conclusions

The PCF RNA markers are highly associated with sPTB up to 32 weeks by 16 weeks of gestation.

Tweetable abstract

Women destined for spontaneous preterm birth can be identified by 16 weeks of gestation with a panel of maternal plasma RNAs.
Growth, growth potential, and influences on adult height in the transgender and gender‐diverse population
Authors: Roberts Stephanie A. , Carswell Jeremi M.
Published: May 2021

The sexually dimorphic trait of height is one aspect of the experience of transgender and gender‐diverse (TGD) individuals that may influence their gender dysphoria and satisfaction with their transition. In this article, we have reviewed the current knowledge of the factors that contribute to one's final adult height and how it might be affected in TGD youth who have not experienced their gonadal puberty in the setting of receiving gonadotropin‐releasing hormone analog (GnRHa) and gender‐affirming hormonal treatment. Additional research is needed to characterize the influence of growth and final adult height on the lived experience of TGD youth and adults and how to best assess their growth, predict their final adult height, and how medical transition can be potentially modified to help them meet their goals.
Double-negative (DN) B cells: an under-recognized effector memory B cell subset in autoimmunity
Authors: Li Yuzi , Li Zhanguo , Hu Fanlei
Published: May 2021

Human B cells could be divided into four classical subsets based on CD27 and immunoglobulin (Ig)D expression. Distinct from the other three well-studied subsets, CD27−IgD− B cells, also termed as double-negative (DN) B cells, have long been neglected. However, in recent years emerging evidence shows that DN B cells are unique memory B cells with important functions. They are expanded in a variety of diseases, especially in autoimmune diseases, contributing to the disease pathogenesis. Here, we briefly review the studies on DN B cells, including their origins, characteristics, subsets and roles in diseases, to try to bring new insights into this under-recognized B cell subset.
Landscape features causing the local congregation of honeybee males (Apismellifera L.)
Authors: Hayashi Shinya , Satoh Toshiyuki
Published: May 2021

Aerial male congregation has been observed in eusocial Hymenoptera such as ants and bees. It is associated with mating and can help to minimize the frequency of inbreeding, which contributes to sustaining their society consisting of relatives. Male congregation often occurs at the same site each year. It has been suggested that there are factors defining the location for male congregation, but empirical evidence for this is currently scarce. In this study, landscape features for European honeybee male congregation areas, called drone congregation areas (DCAs), were evaluated by comparing DCA and non‐DCA landscapes as well as those of the entire surveyed study area using a digital elevation model, digital surface model, and land‐cover data. The observed DCAs were generally characterized as being open fields with few structures, having high levels of sun irradiance, and low elevation. The effective range of models that predicted the DCAs was smaller in the model with parameters considering objects above the terrain surface. The results provide an insight into the cues used by the bees to orientate and navigate themselves toward specific mating places, the mechanisms promoting the formation of local male congregations, and why certain locations are selected as mating places.
Molecular toxicological alterations in the mouse hearts induced by sub‐chronic thiazolidinedione drugs administration
Authors: Jarrar Yazun Bashir , Jarrar Qais , Abaalkhail Sara J. , Moh'd Kalloush Hanin , Naser Wisam , Zihlif Malek , Al Shhab Mohammad , El Madani Abdulla , Jamous Yahya , Lee Su‐Jun
Published: May 2021

Thiazolidinediones are well‐known anti‐diabetic drugs. However, they are not widely used due to their cardiotoxic effects. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to determine the molecular toxicological alterations induced in the mouse hearts after thiazolidinedione administration. Balb/c mice received doses clinically equivalent to those given to humans of the most commonly used thiazolidinediones, pioglitazone, and rosiglitazone for 30 days. After that, RNA samples were isolated from the hearts. The mRNA expression of cytochrome (cyp) p450 genes that synthesize the cardiotoxic 20‐hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20‐HETE) in addition to 92 cardiotoxicity biomarker genes were analyzed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction array technique. The analysis demonstrated that thiazolidinediones caused a significant upregulation (p < 0.5) of the mRNA expression of cyp1a1, cyp4a12, itpr1, ccl7, ccr1, and b2 m genes. In addition, thiazolidinediones caused a significant (p < 0.05) downregulation of the mRNA expression of adra2a, bsn, col15a1, fosl1, Il6, bpifa1, plau, and reg3b genes. The most affected gene was itpr1 gene, which was upregulated by pioglitazone and rosiglitazone by sevenfold and 3.5‐fold, respectively. In addition, pioglitazone caused significant upregulation of (p < 0.05) hamp, ppbp, psma2, sik1, timp1, and ucp1 genes, which were not affected significantly (p > 0.05) by rosiglitazone administration. In conclusion, this study showed that thiazolidinediones induce toxicological molecular alterations in the mouse hearts, such as the induction of cyp450s that synthesize 20‐HETE, chemokine activation, inflammatory responses, blood clotting, and oxidative stress. These findings may help us understand the mechanism of cardiotoxicity involved in thiazolidinedione administration.
Mitochondrial matrix proteases: quality control and beyond
Authors: Szczepanowska Karolina , Trifunovic Aleksandra
Published: May 2021

To ensure correct function, mitochondria have developed several mechanisms of protein quality control (QC). Protein homeostasis highly relies on chaperones and proteases to maintain proper folding and remove damaged proteins that might otherwise form cell‐toxic aggregates. Besides quality control, mitochondrial proteases modulate and regulate many essential functions, such as trafficking, processing and activation of mitochondrial proteins, mitochondrial dynamics, mitophagy and apoptosis. Therefore, the impaired function of mitochondrial proteases is associated with various pathological conditions, including cancer, metabolic syndromes and neurodegenerative disorders. This review recapitulates and discusses the emerging roles of two major proteases of the mitochondrial matrix, LON and ClpXP. Although commonly acknowledge for their protein quality control role, recent advances have uncovered several highly regulated processes controlled by the LON and ClpXP connected to mitochondrial gene expression and respiratory chain function maintenance. Furthermore, both proteases have been lately recognized as potent targets for anticancer therapies, and we summarize those findings.
Understanding the role of personality in explaining L2 learners’ DMC disposition
Authors: Sak Mehmet
Published: May 2021

Recent years have seen a growing research interest in the notion of directed motivational currents (DMCs) that defines highly intense motivational surges oriented to a much‐desired goal of personal significance. However, the learner characteristics that induce individual‐level variability in DMCs have yet to be explored. In particular, the role of personality in explaining variations in the DMC disposition remains empirically unresolved. The current study addresses this gap by looking at whether the five‐factor model (FFM) personality traits help explain variations in the DMC disposition among 172 Turkish undergraduate students majoring in teaching English as a foreign language (EFL) at a state university in Turkey. Data were gathered using the 50‐item version of International Personality Item Pool (IPIP) and the 12‐item DMC Disposition Scale. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that personality traits significantly predicted variability in the DMC disposition, together accounting for 42% of the variance. Conscientiousness and extraversion appeared as the strongest predictors. The findings in general bring preliminary insights into the learner characteristics that underlie individual‐level variability in DMCs, as well as having implications in particular for facilitating individual‐level DMC practices in the context of second/foreign language (L2) learning.
Model‐based decomposition of environmental, spatial and species‐interaction effects on the community structure of common fish species in 772 European lakes
Authors: Mehner Thomas , Argillier Christine , Hesthagen Trygve , Holmgren Kerstin , Jeppesen Erik , Kelly Fiona , Krause Teet , Olin Mikko , Volta Pietro , Winfield Ian J. , Brucet Sandra
Published: May 2021

Aim

We tested whether there is a strong effect of species interactions on assembly of local lake fish communities, in addition to environmental filters and dispersal.

Location

Seven hundred and seventy‐two European lakes and reservoirs.

Time period

1993–2012.

Major taxa studied

Nineteen species of freshwater fishes.

Methods

We applied a latent variable approach using Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithms (R package “BORAL”). We compared the contributions of six environmental predictors and the spatial organization of 772 European lakes in 209 river basins on the presence/absence of the 19 most frequent fish species and on the biomass and mean mass of the six dominant species. We inspected the residual correlation matrix for positive and negative correlations between species.

Results

Environmental (50%) and spatial (10%) predictors contributed to the presence/absence assembly of lake fish communities, whereas lake size and productivity contributed strongly to the biomass and mean mass structures. We found highly significant negative correlations between predator and prey fish species pairs in the presence/absence, biomass and mean mass datasets. There were more significantly positive than negative correlations between species pairs in all three datasets. In addition, unmeasured abiotic predictors might explain some of the correlations between species.

Main conclusions

Strong effects of species interactions on assembly of lake fish communities are very likely. We admit that our approach is of a correlational nature and does not generate mechanistic evidence that interactions strongly shape fish community structures; however, the results fit with present knowledge about the interactions between the most frequent fish species in European lakes and they support the assumption that, in particular, the mean masses of fish species in lakes are modified by species interactions.
Ubiquitination‐dependent and ‐independent repression of target genes by SETDB1 reveal a context‐dependent role for its methyltransferase activity during adipogenesis
Authors: Zhang Ji , Matsumura Yoshihiro , Kano Yuka , Yoshida Ayano , Kawamura Takeshi , Hirakawa Hiroyuki , Inagaki Takeshi , Tanaka Toshiya , Kimura Hiroshi , Yanagi Shigeru , Fukami Kiyoko , Doi Takefumi , Osborne Timothy F. , Kodama Tatsuhiko , Aburatani Hiroyuki , Sakai Juro
Published: May 2021

The lysine methyltransferase SETDB1, an enzyme responsible for methylation of histone H3 at lysine 9, plays a key role in H3K9 tri‐methylation‐dependent silencing of endogenous retroviruses and developmental genes. Recent studies have shown that ubiquitination of human SETDB1 complements its catalytic activity and the silencing of endogenous retroviruses in human embryonic stem cells. However, it is not known whether SETDB1 ubiquitination is essential for its other major role in epigenetic silencing of developmental gene programs. We previously showed that SETDB1 contributes to the formation of H3K4/H3K9me3 bivalent chromatin domains that keep adipogenic Cebpa and Pparg genes in a poised state for activation and restricts the differentiation potential of pre‐adipocytes. Here, we show that ubiquitin‐resistant K885A mutant of SETDB1 represses adipogenic genes and inhibits pre‐adipocyte differentiation similar to wild‐type SETDB1. We show this was due to a compensation mechanism for H3K9me3 chromatin modifications on the Cebpa locus by other H3K9 methyltransferases Suv39H1 and Suv39H2. In contrast, the K885A mutant did not repress other SETDB1 target genes such as Tril and Gas6 suggesting SETDB1 represses its target genes by two mechanisms; one that requires its ubiquitination and another that still requires SETDB1 but not its enzyme activity.
Climate change, human migration, and skin disease: is there a link?
Authors: Dayrit Johannes F. , Sugiharto Audi , Coates Sarah J. , Lucero‐Prisno Don Eliseo , Davis Mark Denis D. , Andersen Louise K.
Published: May 2021

Climate change, exemplified by higher average global temperatures resulting in more frequent extreme weather events, has the potential to significantly impact human migration patterns and health. The consequences of environmental catastrophes further destabilize regions with pre‐existing states of conflict due to social, political, and/or economic unrest. Migrants may carry diseases from their place of origin to their destinations and once there may be susceptible to diseases in which they had not been previously exposed to. Skin diseases are among the most commonly observed health conditions observed in migrant populations. To improve awareness among dermatologists of the burden of skin diseases among migrants, the group searched the English language scientific literature to identify articles linking climate change, migration, and skin disease. Skin diseases associated with human migration fall into three major categories: (i) communicable diseases, (ii) noncommunicable diseases, and (iii) environmentally mediated diseases. Adopting comprehensive global strategies to improve the health of migrants requires urgent attention.
Shrinkage rate control during a flash state by current‐ramping for 3 mol% Y2O3‐doped ZrO2 polycrystals
Authors: Ishino Yuki , Taguchi Kimihiro , Koike Masao , Tokunaga Tomoharu , Yamamoto Takahisa
Published: May 2021

3 mol% Y2O3‐doped ZrO2 green compacts with rectangular shapes were sintered by maintaining the shrinkage rates at constant values under alternating electric fields by ramping the electric current during flash states. Green compacts were furnace‐heated under 40‐100 Vrms/cm until current hits an initial current limit of 100 mArms. After then, current‐ramping was started to keep the shrinkage rates constant by increasing the limit current value using a programmable power supply operating in a current control mode. Highly densified 3 mol% Y2O3‐doped ZrO2 polycrystals with a density of 6.05 g/cm3 as a bulk density and a grain size of about 0.4 μm were obtained at a furnace temperature of about 930℃, 50 Vrms/cm with 1000 Hz and shrinkage rate of about 120 μm/min (0.8%/min against initial lengths of green compacts). The Vickers hardness and indentation fracture toughness of the compact exhibit similar values to those obtained from thermally sintered compacts.
Prone‐position computed tomography in the late phase for detecting intracardiac thrombi in the left atrial appendage before catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation
Authors: Nakamura Rena , Oda Atsuhito , Tachibana Shinichi , Sudo Koji , Shigeta Takatoshi , Sagawa Yuichiro , Kurabayashi Manabu , Goya Masahiko , Okishige Kaoru , Sasano Tetsuo , Yamauchi Yasuteru
Published: May 2021

Background

Contrast computed tomography (CT) is a useful tool for the detection of intracardiac thrombi. We aimed to assess the accuracy of the late‐phase prone‐position contrast CT (late‐pCT) for thrombus detection in patients with persistent or long‐standing persistent atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods

Early and late‐phase pCT were performed in 300 patients with persistent or long‐standing AF. If late‐pCT did not show an intracardiac contrast defect (CD), catheter ablation (CA) was performed. Immediately before CA, intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) from the left atrium was performed to confirm thrombus absence and the estimation of the blood velocity of the left atrial appendage (LAA). For patients with CDs on late‐pCT, CA performance was delayed, and late‐pCT was performed again after several months following oral anticoagulant alterations or dosage increases.

Results

Of the 40 patients who exhibited CDs in the early phase of pCT, six showed persistent CDs on late‐pCT. In the remaining 294 patients without CDs on late‐pCT, the absence of a thrombus was confirmed by ICE during CA. In all six patients with CD‐positivity on late‐pCT, the CDs vanished under the same CT conditions after subsequent anticoagulation therapy, and CA was successfully performed. Furthermore, the presence of residual contrast medium in the LAA on late‐pCT suggested a decreased blood velocity in the LAA ( ≤ 15 cm/s) (sensitivity = 0.900 and specificity = 0.621).

Conclusions

Late‐pCT is a valuable tool for the assessment of intracardiac thrombi and LAA dysfunction in patients with persistent or long‐standing persistent AF before CA.
Acute shock efficacy of the subcutaneous implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator according to the implantation technique
Authors: Francia Pietro , Adduci Carmen , Angeletti Andrea , Ottaviano Luca , Perrotta Laura , De Vivo Stefano , Bongiorni Maria Grazia , Migliore Federico , Russo Antonio Dello , De Filippo Paolo , Caravati Fabrizio , Nigro Gerardo , Palmisano Pietro , Viani Stefano , D'Onofrio Antonio , Lovecchio Mariolina , Valsecchi Sergio , Ziacchi Matteo
Published: May 2021

Background

The traditional technique for subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S‐ICD) implantation involves three incisions and a subcutaneous (SC) pocket. An intermuscular (IM) 2‐incision technique has been recently adopted.

Aims

We assessed acute defibrillation efficacy (DE) of S‐ICD (DE ≤65 J) according to the implantation technique.

Methods

We analyzed consecutive patients who underwent S‐ICD implantation and DE testing at 53 Italian centers. Regression analysis was used to determine the association between DFT and implantation technique.

Results

A total of 805 patients were enrolled. Four groups were assessed: IM + 2 incisions (n = 546), SC + 2 incisions (n = 133), SC + 3 incisions (n = 111), and IM + 3 incisions (n = 15). DE was ≤65 J in 782 (97.1%) patients. Patients with DE ≤65 J showed a trend towards lower body mass index (25.1 vs. 26.5; p = .12), were less frequently on antiarrhythmic drugs (13% vs. 26%; p = .06) and more commonly underwent implantation with the 2‐incision technique (85% vs. 70%; p = .04). The IM + 2‐incision technique showed the lowest defibrillation failure rate (2.2%) and shock impedance (66 Ohm, interquartile range: 57–77). On multivariate analysis, the 2‐incision technique was associated with a lower incidence of shock failure (hazard ratio: 0.305; 95% confidence interval: 0.102–0.907; p = .033). Shock impedance was lower with the IM than with the SC approach (66 vs. 70 Ohm p = .002) and with the 2‐incision than the 3‐incision technique (67 vs. 72 Ohm; p = .006).

Conclusions

In a large population of S‐ICD patients, we observed a high defibrillation success rate. The IM + 2‐incision technique provides lower shock impedance and a higher likelihood of successful defibrillation.
U.S. trends in elective and emergent major abdominal surgical procedures from 2002 to 2014 in older adults
Authors: Rubin Daniel S. , Huisingh‐Scheetz Megan , Ferguson Mark K. , Nagele Peter , Peden Carol J. , Lauderdale Diane S.
Published: May 2021

Background

The U.S. population is aging and projected to undergo an increasing number of general surgical procedures. However, recent trends in the frequency of major abdominal procedures in older adults are currently unknown as improvements in non‐operative interventions may obviate the need for major surgery. Thus, we evaluated the trends of major abdominal surgical procedures in older adults in the United States.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study using the National Inpatient Sample from 2002 to 2014 with trend analysis using National Cancer Institute's Joinpoint Trend Analysis Software. We identified the average annual percent change (AAPC) in the yearly frequency of major abdominal surgical procedures in older adults (≥50 years of age).

Results

Our cohort included a total of 3,951,947 survey‐weighted discharges that included a major abdominal surgery in adults ≥50 years of age between 2002 and 2014. Of these discharges, 2,529,507 (64.0%) were for elective abdominal surgeries, 2,062,835 (52.0%) were for female patients, and mean (SD) age was 61.4 (15.9) years. The frequency of major abdominal procedures (elective and emergent) decreased for adults aged 65–74 (AAPC: −1.43, −1.75, −1.11, p < 0.0001), 75–84 (AAPC: −2.75, −3.33, −2.16, p < 0.001), and ≥85 (AAPC: −4.07, −4.67, −3.47, p < 0.0001). The AAPC for elective procedures decreased for older adults aged 75–84 (AAPC = −1.65; −2.44, −0.85: p = 0.0001) and >85 (AAPC = −3.53; −4.57, −2.48: p < 0.0001). All age groups showed decreases in emergent procedures in 50–64 (AAPC = −1.76, −2.00, −1.52, p < 0.0001), 65–74 (AAPC = −3.59, −4.03, −3.14, p < 0.0001), 75–84 (AAPC = −3.90, −4.34, −3.46, p < 0.0001), ≥85 (AAPC = −4.58, −4.98, −4.17, p < 0.0001) age groups.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort of older adults, the frequency of emergent and elective major abdominal procedures in adults ≥65 years of age decreased with significant variation among individual procedure types. Future studies are needed to identify the generalizability of our findings to other surgical procedures.
Serious fungal disease incidence and prevalence in Indonesia
Authors: Wahyuningsih Retno , Adawiyah Robiatul , Sjam Ridhawati , Prihartono Joedo , Ayu Tri Wulandari Endah , Rozaliyani Anna , Ronny Robertus , Imran Darma , Tugiran Mulyati , Siagian Forman E. , Denning David W.
Published: May 2021

Background

Indonesia is a tropical country, warm and humid, with numerous environmental fungi. Data on fungal disease burden help policymakers and clinicians.

Objectives

We have estimated the incidence and prevalence of serious fungal diseases.

Methods

We found all published and unpublished data and estimated the incidence and prevalence of fungal diseases based on populations at risk. HIV data were derived from UNAIDS (2017), pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) data from 2013–2019, data on chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) were used to estimate CPA prevalence and likely deaths, COPD data from Hammond (2020), lung cancer incidence was from Globocan 2018, and fungal rhinosinusitis was estimated using community data from India.

Results

Overall ~7.7 million Indonesians (2.89%) have a serious fungal infection each year. The annual incidence of cryptococcosis in AIDS was 7,540. Pneumocystis pneumonia incidence was estimated at 15,400 in HIV and an equal number in non‐HIV patients. An estimated 1% and 0.2% of new AIDS patients have disseminated histoplasmosis or Talaromyces marneffei infection. The incidence of candidaemia is 26,710. The annual incidence of invasive aspergillosis was estimated at 49,500 and the prevalence of CPA is at 378,700 cases. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis prevalence in adults is estimated at 336,200, severe asthma with fungal sensitisation at 443,800, and fungal rhinosinusitis at 294,000. Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis is estimated at 5 million/year (15–50 years old). The incidence of fungal keratitis around 40,050. Tinea capitis prevalence in schoolchildren about 729,000.

Conclusions

Indonesia has a high burden of fungal infections.
Quality protein maize (QPM): Importance, genetics, timeline of different events, breeding strategies and varietal adoption
Authors: Maqbool Muhammad Amir , Beshir Issa AbduRahman , Khokhar Ehtisham Shakeel
Published: May 2021

Lysine and tryptophan are two essential amino acids and these are deficit in maize grain thus posing the problem of nutritional deficiencies in the consumers. A wide range of deficiency symptoms like cognitive disorder, kwashiorkor disease, reduced appetite, impaired skeleton development, delayed growth and aberrant behaviour are associated with lysine and tryptophan deficiency. These amino acids are also important to cure the Pellagra disease. Researchers identified several mutants in maize especially opaque‐2 which are responsible for higher lysine and tryptophan contents. Few years later, it was observed that opaque‐2 mutant has several pleiotropic effects on maize grain and plant. Efforts of researchers are spanning over the period of four decades to develop quality protein maize (QPM). QPM is described as nutritionally superior maize with high lysine and tryptophan contents and desired kernel characteristics as compared to its normal maize counterparts. Biological value of QPM was almost equivalent to egg protein. Breeding of maize for quality protein is based on three genetic systems like opaque‐2 genetic system, endosperm modifier genetic system and associated gene systems. Keeping in view the importance of QPM, current review article is compiled to discuss the genetic basis, genetic systems and breeding strategies. Timeline for various events is also drafted like discovery of various mutants, several conventional and modern approaches for development and deployment of QPM varieties across the world. Despite its nutritional benefits, the rate of adoption of QPM is generally at low pace in the developing world and this review article discuss the challenges and potential opportunities for QPM adoption.
Sensitivity of Senepol and Caracu breeds to parasitism by Rhipicephalus microplus

Authors: Piña Francisco Tobias Barradas , Zimmermann Namor Pinheiro , Garcia Marcos Valério , Higa Leandro De Oliveira Souza , Oshiro Leandra Marla , Duarte Pâmela Oliveira , Barros Jacqueline Cavalcante , Andreotti Renato
Published: May 2021

Taurine breeds and animals crossbred for genetic resistance to Rhipicephalus microplus have been the focus of several studies aimed at producing better responses of cattle to tick infestations and seeking to reduce treatment costs and improve the quality of bovine byproducts. Another way to increase gains is the introduction of taurine breeds with the goal of obtaining morphological and physiological characteristics more adapted to production. Although several studies have compared taurine and zebu breeds, little is known about the differences found within the taurine group. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the sensitivity of the Senepol and Caracu breeds to artificial R. microplus infestations. For this purpose, a stall test was conducted on 16 Caracu and 14 Senepol bulls. The animals were subjected to artificial infestation with a total of 15,000 R. microplus larvae per animal. The Senepol group accounted for 71.7% of the retrieved engorged female ticks. The biological parameters analyzed that showed a significant difference included the mean number of engorged female ticks retrieved (p = 0.000), weight of engorged female ticks (p = 0.000), rate of engorged female ticks retrieved (p = 0.03) and egg mass weight (p = 0.032). Thus, the present study demonst          rated a higher susceptib ility of the Senepol breed to parasitism by the Asian blue tick than the Caracu breed, providing support for new studies on the subjects of genetic resistance, animal breeding and cattle production.
Effects of different almond cultivars on biological and population responses of Schizotetranychus smirnovi (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Authors: Saeidi Zarir , Nemati Alireza , Riahi Elham
Published: May 2021

The development, longevity, and reproductive potential of Schizotetranychus smirnovi concerning different almond cultivars including Sefid, Azar, Shokofeh, Shahrood6, Shahrood7, Ferragnes, Shahrood13, Shahrood21, Rabie, Nonpareil, and Mamaei were investigated in the current study. Our results indicated the longest developmental time of females on Shahrood21 (7.35 ± 0.10), while the shortest duration of this parameter was found on Rabie (6.21 ± 0.10) and Nonpareil (5.88 ± 0.17) cultivars. The total mortality ranged from 13.30 to 50.00% on Azar and Shokofeh, respectively. On the majority of cultivars, the highest proportion of mortality among all stages was allocated to larvae which indicated that it was the most sensitive stage. The fecundity of S. smirnovi on Mamaei (34.19 ± 3.60), Sefid (30.50 ± 2.67), and Ferragnes (30.31 ± 3.02) was significantly higher than other cultivars. However, the lowest fecundity (11.21 ± 1.70) was observed on Shokofeh cultivar. Moreover, different cultivars resulted in significant differences in all population growth parameters. Azar had the highest value of both intrinsic rate of increase (r) (0.2675 ± 0.0164) and finite rate of increase (λ) (1.3067 ± 0.0213), whereas the value of these parameters on Shokofeh and Shahrood21 were significantly lower than other cultivars. The mean generation time (T) ranged from 9.51 ± 0.16 on Shahrood7 to 11.69 ± 0.39 d on Shahrood21 cultivar. According to our results, Mamaei, Nonpareil, Rabie, Ferragnes and Azar cultivars were more susceptible, while Shokofeh, Shahrood21, and Shahrood13 seemed to be more tolerant to S. smirnovi.
Effect of nonvertical ion bombardment due to edge effects on polymer surface morphology evolution and etching uniformity
Authors: Pranda Adam , Li Chen , Seo Youngsik , Oehrlein Gottlieb S.
Published: May 2021

Maintaining uniform sample etching during a plasma process is a critical requirement for applications in large-scale wafer processing. The interface between the plasma and the sample surface is defined by the plasma sheath, which accelerates ions toward the sample surface. In areas where the plasma sheath is not parallel to the sample surface, such as near the sample edges, the incident ions arrive at shallower, off-normal angles that can result in a greater etch yield relative to other areas of the sample. This phenomenon leads to nonuniform etching, along with characteristic surface morphology evolution. In this work, we utilized a combination of spatial ellipsometry for etching behavior, atomic force microscopy (AFM) for surface morphology evolution, and power spectral density (PSD) analysis to quantify the extent and spatial dependence of the nonuniform etching near the sample edges. The spatial ellipsometry indicated that a region extending for about 1000 μm from the sample edge experiences approximately 10%–15% more thickness loss (∼10–15 nm) relative to areas near the center of the sample under the tested processing conditions. Within this area, the greatest rate of change in the sample thickness occurs within 5 Debye lengths or ∼300 μm from the sample edge. Via AFM analysis, we detected the presence of ripple features that are consistent with directional ion impacts caused by deflection of ions from normal incidence on the surface morphology [Merkulov et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. 80, 4816 (2002)] AFM scans performed in two different sample orientations confirmed that the ripple features are oriented perpendicular to the direction of incident ions and propagate along the direction of the incident ions. Correspondingly, the magnitude of surface roughness decreases as the distance from the sample edge increases. The ripple features were quantified via PSD analysis, which found the presence of a greater population of long-wavelength roughness closer to the sample edge. The findings of this study provide insight into the influence of the plasma sheath distortions near sample edges on the extent of nonuniform sample etching and characteristic surface morphology evolution in plasma etching applications.
Biological and Biochemical Evaluation of Isatin-Isoniazid Hybrids as Bactericidal Candidates against
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Johansen Matt D. , Shalini  , Kumar Sumit , Raynaud Clément , Quan Diana H. , Britton Warwick J. , Hansbro Philip M. , Kumar Vipan , Kremer Laurent
Published: May 2021

Tuberculosis remains a leading cause of mortality among infectious diseases worldwide, prompting the need to discover new drugs to fight this disease. We report here the design, synthesis, and antimycobacterial activity of isatin-mono/bis-isoniazid hybrids.
Burkholderia
from Fungus Gardens of Fungus-Growing Ants Produces Antifungals That Inhibit the Specialized Parasite
Escovopsis
Authors: Francoeur Charlotte B. , May Daniel S. , Thairu Margaret W. , Hoang Don Q. , Panthofer Olivia , Bugni Tim S. , Pupo Mônica T. , Clardy Jon , Pinto-Tomás Adrián A. , Currie Cameron R.
Published: May 2021

Many organisms partner with microbes to defend themselves against parasites and pathogens. Fungus-growing ants must protect
Leucoagaricus
spp., the fungal mutualist that provides sustenance for the ants, from a specialized fungal parasite,
Escovopsis
spp.
Advances in the Development of Antiviral Compounds for Rotavirus Infections
Authors: Tohmé María Julieta , Delgui Laura Ruth
Published: May 2021

Group A rotaviruses (RVAs) are the major cause of severe acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in children under 5 years of age, annually resulting in nearly 130,000 deaths worldwide. Social conditions in developing countries that contribute to decreased oral rehydration and vaccine efficacy and the lack of approved antiviral drugs position RVA as a global health concern.
An Engineered Receptor-Binding Domain Improves the Immunogenicity of Multivalent SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines
Authors: Guo Yan , He Wenhui , Mou Huihui , Zhang Lizhou , Chang Jing , Peng Shoujiao , Ojha Amrita , Tavora Rubens , Parcells Mark S. , Luo Guangxiang , Li Wenhui , Zhong Guocai , Choe Hyeryun , Farzan Michael , Quinlan Brian D.
Published: May 2021

All available vaccines for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) express or deliver the full-length SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein. We show that this antigen is not optimal, consistent with observations that the vast majority of the neutralizing response to the virus is focused on the S-protein receptor-binding domain (RBD).
The DnaK/DnaJ Chaperone System Enables RNA Polymerase-DksA Complex Formation in Salmonella Experiencing Oxidative Stress
Authors: Kim Ju-Sim , Liu Lin , Vázquez-Torres Andrés
Published: May 2021

DksA was discovered 30 years ago in a screen for suppressors that reversed the thermosensitivity of
Escherichia coli
mutant strains deficient in DnaK/DnaJ, raising the possibility that this chaperone system may control DksA function. Since its serendipitous discovery, DksA has emerged as a key activator of the transcriptional program called the stringent response in Gram-negative bacteria experiencing diverse adverse conditions, including nutritional starvation or oxidative stress.
Marine Community Metabolomes Carry Fingerprints of Phytoplankton Community Composition
Authors: Heal Katherine R. , Durham Bryndan P. , Boysen Angela K. , Carlson Laura T. , Qin Wei , Ribalet François , White Angelicque E. , Bundy Randelle M. , Armbrust E. Virginia , Ingalls Anitra E.
Published: May 2021

Microscopic phytoplankton transform 100 million tons of inorganic carbon into thousands of different organic compounds each day. The structure of each chemical is critical to its biological and ecosystem function, yet the diversity of biomolecules produced by marine microbial communities remained mainly unexplored, especially small polar molecules which are often considered the currency of the microbial loop.
Supplemental Material: Thermotectonic events recorded by U-Pb geochronology and Zr-in-rutile thermometry of Ti oxides in basement rocks along the P2 fault, eastern Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, Canada
Authors: Adlakha Erin , Hattori Keiko
Published: May 2021

Appendix figures and tables; U-Pb data set for rutile and anatase from the P2 fault.
Pernicious anaemia: cause of recurrent cerebral venous thrombosis
Authors: Prajapati Kesar , Sailor Vikranti , Patel Savan , Rathod Malay
Published: May 2021

This case of recurrent cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) highlights hyperhomocysteinemia in pernicious anemia due to vitamin B12deficiency. No other risk factors such as trauma, infections, coagulation disorders or autoimmune diseases were present. The patient was cured with vitamin B12and anticoagulation therapy. So, it is worthwhile and important to investigate levels of vitamin B12and homocysteine in CVT.
Metachronous prostate and colon adenocarcinomas
Authors: AlHarmi Rawan A Rahman , Hezam Abdulhakim Motea , Sayed Adnan Jalila , Alderazi Yaser
Published: May 2021

Multiple primaries in patients with prostate cancer are uncommon. We report a case of prostate adenocarcinoma who did not receive any form of treatment, diagnosed 7 months later with colon adenocarcinoma. The patient underwent right extended hemicolectomy and recovered well. He is planned to receive adjuvant chemotherapy and hormonal therapy. Management of such cases can present a dilemma and multiple factors must be taken into consideration, particularly when the first primary tumour is still active.
American Medical Society for Sports Medicine sports ultrasound curriculum for sports medicine fellowships
Authors: Hall Mederic M , Bernhardt David , Finnoff Jonathan T , Hoffman Douglas , Hrubes Melody , Mautner Kenneth , Rao Ashwin , Ray Jeremiah Wayne , Smith Jay , Waterbrook Anna
Published: May 2021

Sports ultrasound is commonly used by sports medicine physicians to enhance diagnostic and procedural accuracy. This expert consensus statement serves as an update to the 2015 American Medical Society for Sports Medicine recommended sports ultrasound curriculum for sports medicine fellowships. Although written in the context of the American sports medicine fellowship training model, we present a stepwise progression in both diagnostic and interventional sports ultrasound that may be applicable to the broader sports medicine community. The curriculum is divided into 12 units with each unit including didactic instructional sessions, practical hands-on instruction, independent scanning practice sessions and mentored clinical experience. To assist with prioritisation of learning, we have organised relevant pathology and procedures asessential,desirableandoptional. The expanded content can serve as an outline for continuing education postfellowship or for any physician to further advance their sports ultrasound knowledge and skill. We also provide updated scanning protocols, sample milestones and a sample objective structured clinical examination to aid fellowships with implementation of the curriculum and ongoing assessment of fellow progress.
Circulating lipid and lipoprotein profiles and their correlation to cardiac function and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Wu Haoyu , Wang Chen , Tuerhongjiang Gulinigaer , Qiao Xiangrui , Hua Yiming , She Jianqing , Yuan Zuyi
Published: May 2021

Recent studies showed that lipoproteins represent major risk factors, both positive and negative, for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The aim of the present study was to describe the relationship between plasma lipid profile and cardiac function and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Two independent groups of subjects including a total of 797 patients diagnosed of AMI undergoing PCI admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University were included in the present study. We performed a cross-sectional study for the correlation between plasma lipid profile and cardiac function based on the first group, including 503 patients with AMI. We further validated the correlation and did the follow-up of 2.4 years of major cardiovascular outcomes on the second group, including 294 patients with AMI. Our results showed that apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I) level was significantly reduced, and the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C):ApoA-I ratio was increased in the patients with lower LVEF or higher N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels compared with the control; there was a positive correlation between cardiac function and ApoA-I, and a negative correlation between cardiac function and the HDL-C:ApoA-I ratio. Meanwhile, multivariate Cox analysis showed that ApoA-I was independent predictors of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed the ApoA-I levels exhibited a significant effect on predicting the incidence of MACEs. In sum, plasma ApoA-I level is positively associated with the cardiac function of patients with AMI after PCI, and ApoA-I is an independent indicator to predict the incidence of MACEs.