bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Discourses by Didis of Community Kitchens: A Case on Women Empowerment
Authors: Mahato Madhuri , Vardhan Julie 
Published: May 2021

Women empowerment and its importance have often been at the centre of debate especially in India. This concept is slowly moving beyond the theory and notions of discussions and manifesting even at the level of village clusters with adequate interventions from the policymakers. Despite the socio-cultural restrictions, the conspicuous role played by women at the household and community levels remains undeniable. This case study, through the concept of community kitchens, ideally captures the scenario in which Didis have become empowered and are able to add value to their family and community. Through a qualitative analysis it was found that the major themes associated with empowerment are community, decisions, family and values thus showcasing the economic and social implications. Research Questions/Objectives Can the concept of women empowerment be de-urbanized? Do women through formalized initiatives feel empowered and experience heightened self-esteem? Can the setting up of micro-entrepreneurial ventures at the village level provide an impetus to alter the existing social structures and power inequalities? Links to Theory: Women Empowerment, group approach and power, self-esteem Phenomenon Studied and Case Context: The Didis of the community kitchen were members registered as self-help groups with the Jharkhand State Livelihood Promotion Society. These community kitchens or Ajeevika Didi kitchens were essentially started and implemented during the COVID pandemic period in a five-phase manner for a period of 3 months from April to June 2020. There were around 450 women who got associated in running these community kitchens. The discourses by these Didis on their association with the micro-entrepreneurial venture and their feelings of empowerment are portrayed in the case. Findings: Semi-structured interviews for the sample respondents were conducted and then auto-coded themes, namely, community, decisions, family and values were obtained using the NVivo software. The sentiment analysis of the transcribed interview conversations revealed more of positive sentiments that were centred around the belief that such micro-entrepreneurial opportunities can largely improve their lives and ease out the inequalities that are experienced by them on the power and control fronts. On an overall basis it was observed that when the financial and psychological aspirations were met, fulfilment and satisfaction were the primary outcomes for the study participants. Discussions: The present case is aimed for discussion in the entrepreneurship classes of management, especially related to social entrepreneurship, women empowerment and contribution of women to the economy and society. The case highlights that woman’s contribution towards the society and family could be impacted through a woman’s own sense of self-worth and self-esteem. This case highlights further that micro-enterprises that are community level are both a social and economic phenomenon, manifesting benefits for the individual as well as the society.
Towards More Meaningful Evaluation of Cultural Heritage Programmes: Engaging Stakeholders Through Programme Modelling
Authors: Jewiss Jennifer L. , Laven Daniel N. 
Published: May 2021

Recently, cultural heritage scholars and practitioners have questioned how the field evaluates heritage initiatives. This article considers how a collaborative approach to evaluation may enhance heritage initiatives, particularly at critical developmental stages in their design and implementation. We explore how recent developments in evaluation theory and practice serve interests shared by heritage programme managers, funders and other stakeholders. In particular, programme modelling techniques have proven valuable for engaging a wide array of heritage stakeholders (including staff, funders and site owners). A programme model provides a graphic representation of how a programme is intended to achieve its goals. Programme models have become prevalent in other disciplines, and many government and philanthropic funders require their inclusion in funding proposals and progress reports. However, such models—and the collaborative, stakeholder-driven processes used to develop them—are largely absent from heritage studies. Examples from the US National Park Service ( https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/index.htm ) and Cultural Heritage without Borders-Albania ( http://chwb.org /) illustrate how these techniques serve important learning and evaluation needs identified by heritage programmes. These contrasting examples demonstrate how programme modelling can enhance programme design, communications and reflective practice among a cross-section of programmatic actors. The concluding discussion explores the implications of programme modelling for the future of heritage management.
GWENA: gene co-expression networks analysis and extended modules characterization in a single Bioconductor package
Authors: Lemoine Gwenaëlle G. , Scott-Boyer Marie-Pier , Ambroise Bathilde , Périn Olivier , Droit Arnaud 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Network-based analysis of gene expression through co-expression networks can be used to investigate modular relationships occurring between genes performing different biological functions. An extended description of each of the network modules is therefore a critical step to understand the underlying processes contributing to a disease or a phenotype. Biological integration, topology study and conditions comparison (e.g. wild vs mutant) are the main methods to do so, but to date no tool combines them all into a single pipeline.

Results
Here we present GWENA, a new R package that integrates gene co-expression network construction and whole characterization of the detected modules through gene set enrichment, phenotypic association, hub genes detection, topological metric computation, and differential co-expression. To demonstrate its performance, we applied GWENA on two skeletal muscle datasets from young and old patients of GTEx study. Remarkably, we prioritized a gene whose involvement was unknown in the muscle development and growth. Moreover, new insights on the variations in patterns of co-expression were identified. The known phenomena of connectivity loss associated with aging was found coupled to a global reorganization of the relationships leading to expression of known aging related functions.

Conclusion
GWENA is an R package available through Bioconductor (https://bioconductor.org/packages/release/bioc/html/GWENA.html) that has been developed to perform extended analysis of gene co-expression networks. Thanks to biological and topological information as well as differential co-expression, the package helps to dissect the role of genes relationships in diseases conditions or targeted phenotypes. GWENA goes beyond existing packages that perform co-expression analysis by including new tools to fully characterize modules, such as differential co-expression, additional enrichment databases, and network visualization.
The divergence of alternative splicing between ohnologs in teleost fishes
Authors: Wang Yuwei , Guo Baocheng 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundGene duplication and alternative splicing (AS) are two distinct mechanisms generating new materials for genetic innovations. The evolutionary link between gene duplication and AS is still controversial, due to utilizing duplicates from inconsistent ages of duplication events in earlier studies. With the aid of RNA-seq data, we explored evolutionary scenario of AS divergence between duplicates with ohnologs that resulted from the teleost genome duplication event in zebrafish, medaka, and stickleback.ResultsOhnologs in zebrafish have fewer AS forms compared to their singleton orthologs, supporting the function-sharing model of AS divergence between duplicates. Ohnologs in stickleback have more AS forms compared to their singleton orthologs, which supports the accelerated model of AS divergence between duplicates. The evolution of AS in ohnologs in medaka supports a combined scenario of the function-sharing and the accelerated model of AS divergence between duplicates. We also found a small number of ohnolog pairs in each of the three teleosts showed significantly asymmetric AS divergence. For example, the well-known ovary-factor genecyp19a1ahas no AS form but its ohnologcyp19a1bhas multiple AS forms in medaka, suggesting that functional divergence between duplicates might have result from AS divergence.ConclusionsWe found that a combined scenario of function-sharing and accelerated models for AS evolution in ohnologs in teleosts and rule out the independent model that assumes a lack of correlation between gene duplication and AS. Our study thus provided insights into the link between gene duplication and AS in general and ohnolog divergence in teleosts from AS perspective in particular.
Lanthanum (La) improves growth, yield formation and 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline biosynthesis in aromatic rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Luo Haowen , Chen Yulin , He Longxin , Tang Xiangru 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Lanthanum (La) is a rare earth element that can influence plant growth and development. However, the effect of La on growth, yield formation and 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP, a key compound responsible for the aroma of rice) biosynthesis in aromatic rice (Oryza sativa L. subsp. japonica Kato) has not been reported. Therefore, the present study investigated the effects of La on growth, photosynthesis, yield formation and 2-AP biosynthesis in aromatic rice through three experiments.

Results
Two pot experiments and a two-year field trial were conducted with different rates of La application (20–120 LaCl3 mg kg−1 and 12 kg ha−1 LaCl3), and treatments without La application were used as controls. The results showed that the application of LaCl3 at 80 and 100 mg kg−1 and at 12 kg ha−1 greatly increased the 2-AP content (by 6.45–43.03%) in aromatic rice seedlings and mature grains compared with the control. The La treatments also increased the chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate and total aboveground biomass of rice seedlings. Higher antioxidant enzyme (superoxide, peroxidase, and catalase) activity was detected in the La treatments than in the control. The La treatments also increased the grain yield, grain number per panicle and seed-setting rate of aromatic rice relative to the control. Moreover, the grain proline and γ-aminobutyric acid contents and the activity of betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase significantly decreased under the La treatment. The application of La to soil enhanced the activity of proline dehydrogenase by 20.62–56.95%.

Conclusions
La improved the growth, yield formation and 2-AP content of aromatic rice and enhanced 2-AP biosynthesis by increasing the conversion of proline to 2-AP and decreasing the conversion of GABald to GABA.
RUS6, a DUF647-containing protein, is essential for early embryonic development in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Perry Nathaniel , Leasure Colin D. , Tong Hongyun , Duarte Elias M. , He Zheng-Hui 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
The Arabidopsis RUS (ROOT UV-B SENSITIVE) gene family contains six members, each of which encodes a protein containing a DUF647 (domain of unknown function 647) that is commonly found in eukaryotes. Previous studies have demonstrated that RUS1 and RUS2 play critical roles in early seedling development. All six RUS genes are expressed throughout the plant, but little is known about the functional roles of RUS3, RUS4, RUS5 and RUS6.

Results
We used a reverse-genetic approach to identify knockout mutants for RUS3, RUS4, RUS5 and RUS6. Each mutant was confirmed by direct DNA sequencing and genetic segregation analysis. No visible phenotypic differences were observed in rus3, rus4, or rus5 knockout mutants under standard growth conditions, but rus6 knockout mutants displayed a strong embryo-lethal phenotype. Two independent knockout lines for RUS6 were characterized. The rus6 mutations could only be maintained through a heterozygote, because rus6 homozygous mutants did not survive. Closer examinations of homozygous rus6 embryos from rus6/ + parent plants revealed that RUS6 is required for early embryo development. Loss of RUS6 resulted in embryo lethality, specifically at the mid-globular stage. The embryo-lethality phenotype was complemented by a RUS6::RUS6-GFP transgene, and GFP signal was detected throughout the embryo. Histological analyses with the β-glucuronidase reporter gene driven by the RUS6 promoter showed tissue- and development-specific expression of RUS6, which was highest in floral tissues.

Conclusion
Our data revealed that RUS6 is essential for early embryo development in Arabidopsis, and that the RUS gene family functions in multiple stages of plant development.
A qualitative assessment in acceptability and barriers to use pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among men who have sex with men: implications for service delivery in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Long Hoang , Nguyen Huong Lan Thi , Tran Bach Xuan , Larsson Mattias , Rocha Luis E. C. , Thorson Anna , Strömdahl Susanne 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
HIV Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is being considered for implementation among MSM nationwide in Vietnam. However, there may be concerns about potential obstacles for PrEP adherence among Vietnamese MSM. This study aims to assess the acceptability to use PrEP, potential barriers and facilitators, and the preferences for PrEP service accessibility and delivery among Vietnamese MSM.

Methods
Four focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with 30 HIV-negative MSM in January 2018 in Hanoi, Vietnam. FGDs explored MSM’s awareness regarding PrEP, perceived benefits and barriers of PrEP use, and willingness to use PrEP. FGDs were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Content analysis was used.

Results
The mean age of participants was 23.9 years old. Most participants realized the advantages of PrEP given its efficacy in HIV risk reduction and expressed high motivation and interest to use PrEP in the future. PrEP was considered as a supplement alongside condoms. Common concerns about PrEP included side-effects, forgetting to take the pill daily, stigmatization due to using PrEP, negative attitudes toward PrEP from other MSM and accessibility of PrEP. Participants would prefer an injectable PrEP regime if available as it was seen as easier to adhere to. Concerns were also raised that PrEP usage could be interpreted as an indication of engaging in sexual risk behavior for HIV, potentially causing suspicion in love relationships or by family and friends. Participants preferred to receive PrEP in civil business organizations and MSM-friendly clinics, and recommended that pharmacy stores would not be suitable for PrEP implementation due to lack of trust and fear of fake drugs.

Conclusion
This study indicated a high level of willingness to use PrEP among MSM in Vietnam in combination with condom. Strategies to raise awareness of PrEP, reduce stigma towards PrEP, and improve the accessibility among MSM in Vietnam is needed. Existing MSM-friendly clinics were recommended to implement PrEP programs in Vietnam.
Sociodemographic determinants and clinical risk factors associated with COVID-19 severity: a cross-sectional analysis of over 200,000 patients in Tehran, Iran
Authors: Sohrabi Mohammad-Reza , Amin Rozhin , Maher Ali , Bahadorimonfared Ayad , Janbazi Shahriar , Hannani Khatereh , Kolahi Ali-Asghar , Zali Ali-Reza 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Defining socio-demographic factors, clinical presentations and underlying diseases associated with COVID-19 severity could be helpful in its management. This study aimed to further clarify the determinants and clinical risk factors of the disease severity in patients infected with COVID-19.

Methods
A multi-centre descriptive study on all patients who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the province of Tehran from March 2020 up to Dec 2020 was conducted. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, clinical presentations, comorbidities, and the health outcomes of 205,654 patients were examined. Characteristics of the study population were described. To assess the association of study variables with the disease severity, the Chi-Squared test and Multiple Logistic Regression model were applied.

Results
The mean age of the study population was 52.8 years and 93,612 (45.5%) were women. About half of the patients have presented with low levels of blood oxygen saturation. The ICU admission rate was 17.8% and the overall mortality rate was 10.0%. Older age, male sex, comorbidities including hypertension, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases other than asthma, chronic liver diseases, chronic kidney diseases, chronic neurological disorders, and HIV/AIDS infection were risk markers of poor health outcome. Clinical presentations related with worse prognosis included fever, difficulty breathing, impaired consciousness, and cutaneous manifestations.

Conclusion
These results might alert physicians to pay attention to determinants and risk factors associated with poor prognosis in patients with COVID-19. In addition, our findings aid decision makers to emphasise on vulnerable groups in the public health strategies that aim at preventing the spread of the disease and its mortalities.
Analysis of chronic kidney disease among national hospitalization data with 14 million children
Authors: Shi Xinmiao , Shi Ying , Zhang Luxia , Gan Lanxia , Zhong Xuhui , Huang Yuming , Yao Chen , Wang Yanfang , Dong Chongya , Liu Beini , Wang Fang , Wang Haibo , Ding Jie 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
The main purpose was to determine basic epidemiological data on CKD among hospitalized pediatric patients in China.

Methods
Data from pediatric inpatients with CKD hospitalized from June 1, 2013 to May 31, 2017 were extracted from the electronic records of HQMS database, which includes over 14 million inpatients. Codes from the 10th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) were used to search the database.

Results
A total of 524 primary diseases of CKD were included in this study. In all, there were 278 231 pediatric inpatients with CKD, which accounted for 1.95 % of the 14 250 594 pediatric inpatients registered in the HQMS database. The number of pediatric inpatients with CKD was 67 498 in 2013, 76 810 in 2014, 81 665 in 2015 and 82 649 in 2016, which accounted for 1.93 %, 1.93 %, 1.99 and 2.09 %, respectively, of the total population of pediatric inpatients. The etiology of CKD was secondary nephrosis in 37.95 % of cases, which ranked first and followed by CAKUT with a percentage of 24.61 %. Glomerular diseases and cystic kidney disease accounted for 21.18 and 5.07 %, respectively. Among all 278 231 patients, 6 581 (2.37 %) had a primary discharge diagnosis of CKD. The renal pathology findings of CKD showed that IgA accounted for 51.17 %.

Conclusions
This study provides a descriptive analysis of the hospitalized population of pediatric CKD patients. Our study provides important, fundamental data for policy making and legislation, registry implementation and the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of CKD in China.
Primary intracranial germ cell tumour originating from right brachium Pontis with hypertrophic Olivary degeneration: a case report
Authors: Li Yanong , Wang Peng , Feng Jin , Wang Jiayi , Zhang Jing , Qiu Xiaoguang 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Primary right brachium pontis germinoma with hypertrophic olivary degeneration (HOD) is extremely rare. A preoperative diagnosis is challenging due to the absence of characterized clinical and neuroimaging features, and biopsy should be considered.

Case presentation
A 20-year-old male patient presented with a case of primary intracranial germinoma originating from right brachium pontis with HOD manifesting as ocular myoclonus, nystagmus in both eyes, ataxic gait and incoordination of the limbs. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an irregular patchy lesion with hyperintensity on T2-weighted images (T2WI) and T2 fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) without enhancement by gadolinium (Gd). Furthermore, a focal hyperintense nodule on T2WI in the left inferior olive nucleus (ION) of the medulla oblongata was considered hypertrophic olivary degeneration (HOD) based on the patient’s symptoms and neuroimaging findings. Due to suspected demyelinating disease and low-grade glioma (LGG), a biopsy was planned. The pathological diagnosis was germinoma. Subsequently, he received chemoradiation therapy, resulting in the improvement of neurological deficits and the disappearance of the lesion on MRI.

Conclusion
A case of “Primary right brachium pontis germinoma with HOD” is reported for the first time. A preoperative diagnosis is challenging due to the fact of absence of clinical signs and symptoms and neuroimaging characteristics. However, patients can have favourable prognoses with appropriate evaluation and treatment.
IQGAP2 acts as an independent prognostic factor and is related to immunosuppression in DLBCL
Authors: Tang Tianjiao , Wang Jing , Zhang Lidan , Cheng Ying , Saleh Laura , Gu Yanni , Zhang Hongbin 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Almost one-third of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) cannot be cured with initial therapy and will eventually succumb to the disease. Further elaboration of prognostic markers of DLBCL will provide therapeutic targets. IQ motif-containing GTPase activating protein 2 (IQGAP2) acts as a tumour suppressor in hepatocellular, prostate, and gastric cancers. However, the role of IQGAP2 in DLBCL remains unclear.

Methods
We collected mRNA expression data from 614 samples and the corresponding clinical information. The survival time of patients was compared between groups according to the mRNA expression level of IQGAP2. Survival analyses were performed in different subgroups when considering the effect of age, tumour stage, serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) concentration, performance status, and the number of extra nodal disease sites. The biological processes associated with IQGAP2-associated mRNAs were analysed to predict the function of IQGAP2. The correlation of IQGAP2 mRNA with immunosuppressive genes and leukocyte infiltration were analysed.

Results
The overall survival of patients with increased IQGAP2 mRNA levels was reduced even after aggressive treatment independent of age, tumour stage, serum LDH concentration, performance status, and the number of extra nodal disease sites. Furthermore, the biological processes of IQGAP2-associated mRNAs were mainly immune processes. IQGAP2 mRNA expression was correlated with the expression of immunosuppressive genes and leukocyte infiltration.

Conclusion
IQGAP2 mRNA is an independent prognostic factor and is related to immunosuppression in DLBCL. This discovery may provide a promising target for further development of therapy.