An assessment of bilateral debt swap financing indispensable for economic growth and environment sustainability: a policy implication for heavily indebted countries.

Bilateral debt swap is an innovative global financing mechanism designed to support heavily indebted countries (HICs). It is a debt-restructuring process involving donor countries forgiving debt owed by HICs in exchange for commitments to undertake projects on environment and socio-economic development. It is a unique approach designed to help heavily indebted countries get back on their feet. Effective debt swap financing can lead to both economic growth and environment sustainability, but they are challenging to implement. This study examines the impact of bilateral debt swap financing on economic growth and environment sustainability. For the purpose, we have used debt swap index developed with Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) methodology. KMO widely used approach of Principle Component Analysis (PCA) to solve the problem of "over-identification" and make strong correlation among endogenous variables of interest. In order to validate the nexus empirically between bilateral debt swap financing with economic growth and environment sustainability, we have employed the Two-Step System Generalized Method of Moments (SYS-GMM) approach in 25 countries for the period of 2002 to 2021. This modern econometric method addresses endogeneity issues and controls for unobserved heterogeneity in panel data. At the same time, the technique addresses the simultaneity problem, reverse causality, and remove selection bias. Findings of the study shows that effective bilateral debt swap financing can boost economic growth and environment sustainability by investing domestic resources for targeted activities along with reduced debt burden. Empirical results reveal that 1% change in debt swap financing can lead to a maximum of 0.23% growth in the economy and 0.28% improvement in environment sustainability. However, it is important to note that in most empirical specifications, results are inconclusive. One possible reason for this is often ineffective debt swap practices coupled with inadequate monitoring and evaluation in HICs. Policymakers should focus on enhancing debt swap policies to promote economic growth and environment sustainability.

A comprehensive review of cystic fibrosis in Africa and Asia.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) was earlier thought to be a disease prevalent in the West among Caucasians. However, quite a number of recent studies have uncovered CF cases outside of this region, and reported hundreds of unique and novel variant forms of CFTR. Here, we discuss the evidence of CF in parts of the world earlier considered to be rare; Africa, and Asia. This review also highlighted the CFTR mutation variations and new mutations discovered in these regions. This discovery implies that the CF data from these regions were earlier underestimated. The inadequate awareness of the disease in these regions might have contributed towards the poor diagnostic facilities, under-diagnosis or/and under-reporting, and the lack of CF associated health policies. Overall, these regions have a high rate of infant, childhood and early adulthood mortality due to CF. Therefore, there is a need for a thorough investigation of CF prevalence and to identify unique and novel variant mutations within these regions in order to formulate intervention plans, create awareness, develop mutation specific screening kits and therapies to keep CF mortality at bay.

Analysis of PPI networks of transcriptomic expression identifies hub genes associated with Newcastle disease virus persistent infection in bladder cancer.

Bladder cancer cells can acquire persistent infection of oncolytic Newcastle disease virus (NDV) but the molecular mechanism(s) remain unelucidated. This poses a major barrier to the effective clinical translation of oncolytic NDV virotherapy of cancers. To improve our understanding of the molecular mechanism(s) associated with the development of NDV persistent infection in bladder cancer, we used mRNA expression profiles of persistently infected bladder cancer cells to construct PPI networks. Based on paths and modules in the PPI network, the bridges were found mainly in the upregulated mRNA-pathways of p53 signalling, ECM-receptor interaction, and TGF-beta signalling and downregulated mRNA-pathways of antigen processing and presentation, protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum, completement and coagulation cascades in persistent TCCSUPPi cells. In persistent EJ28Pi cells, connections were identified mainly through upregulated mRNA-pathways of renal carcinoma, viral carcinogenesis, Ras signalling and cell cycle and the downregulated mRNA-pathways of Wnt signalling, HTLV-I infection and pathways in cancers. These connections were mainly dependent on RPL8-HSPA1A/HSPA4 in TCCSUPPi cells and EP300, PTPN11, RAC1-TP53, SP1, CCND1 and XPO1 in EJ28Pi cells. Oncomine validation showed that the top hub genes identified in the networks that include RPL8, THBS1, F2 from TCCSUPPi and TP53 and RAC1 from EJ28Pi are involved in the development and progression of bladder cancer. Protein-drug interaction networks identified several putative drug targets that could be used to disrupt the linkages between the modules and prevent bladder cancer cells from acquiring NDV persistent infection. This novel PPI network analysis of differentially expressed mRNAs of NDV persistently infected bladder cancer cell lines provide an insight into the molecular mechanisms of NDV persistency of infection in bladder cancers and the future screening of drugs that can be used together with NDV to enhance its oncolytic efficacy.

Challenges of contact tracing during COVID-19 pandemic response in a tertiary hospital in Northwestern Nigeria

Background: Contact tracing is a traditional pillar of infectious disease control, especially for illnesses involving direct transmission from person to person, such as COVID-19. Several challenges have arisen from COVID-19 contact tracing activities, particularly in low-resource settings. These include refusal of positive clients to disclose their close contacts, difficulties in conducting risk assessment for contacts traced, among others. Objectives: To explore the activities and identify challenges of contact tracing during COVID -19 pandemic response in a tertiary hospital in Northwestern Nigeria from May, 2020 to March, 2021. Methodology: Amixed method approach was done with quantitative secondary data analysis of COVID-19 contacts traced, and qualitative assessment through Key Informant Interviews (KII) of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital staff involved in COVID-19 outbreak response during the period. Results: Atotal of 2,249 clients were tested for COVID-19, of which 925 (41.1%) were healthcare workers. The identified challenges included problems with contact identification, delay in notification of results, refusal to disclose contacts by cases, contacts refusing to allow risk assessment, and health workers being overwhelmed by the task of contact tracing. Conclusion: Challenges identified include refusal of cases to disclose their contacts, overwhelming number of contacts, and delay in notification of results. There is need to institute contact tracing protocols to mandate cases to disclose their contacts, train more manpower to reduce the burden of contact tracing, and improve the notification of results.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Toward Coronavirus Disease (COVID- 19) in Southeast and South Asia: A Mixed Study Design Approach.

Background: Coronavirus has spread to almost every country since its emergence in Wuhan, China and countries have been adopted an array of measures to control the rapid spread of the epidemic. Here, we aimed to assess the person's knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) toward the COVID-19 epidemic in Southeast and South Asia applying the mixed study design (cross-sectional and systematic review). Methods: In the cross-sectional study, 743 respondents' socio-demographic and KAP-related information was collected through an online population-based survey from the Malaysian population. In the systematic review, the database PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar search engine were searched and related published articles from South and Southeast Asia were included. Frequency distribution, Chi-square association test and binary logistic regression were fitted using cross-sectional data whereas random effect model and study bias were performed in meta-analysis. We used 95% confidence interval and P <0.05 as statistical significances. Results: The prevalence of good knowledge, positive attitude and frequent practice toward COVID-19 epidemic were 52.6%, 51.8% and 57.1%, respectively, obtained by cross-sectional data analysis. The KAP prevalence were ranged from 26.53% (Thailand) to 95.4% (Nepal); 59.3% (Turkey) to 92.5% (Pakistan); and 50.2 (Turkey) to 97% (Afghanistan), respectively, obtained by 18 studies included in the meta-analysis. The prevalence of KAP was higher [84% vs. 79%, Pheterogeneity <0.001; 83% vs. 80%, Pheterogeneity <0.001; 85% vs. 83%, Pheterogeneity <0.001] in South Asia compared to Southeast Asia, obtained by subgroup analysis. Some studies reported mean level instead of the proportion of the KAP where the score varied from 8.15-13.14; 2.33-33.0; and 1.97-31.03, respectively. Having more knowledge and attitude were encouraged more likely to practice toward COVID-19. Study suggests age, gender, education, place of residence and occupation as the most frequent significant risk factors of KAP toward COVID-19. Conclusion: The study sufficiently informs how other countries in Southeast and South Asia enriches their KAP behaviors during the pandemic which may help health professionals and policymakers to develop targeted interventions and effective practices.

Determinants of renewable energy sources in Pakistan: An overview.

For successive economic growth of any society, sustainable energy plays a pivotal role. Considering this view, developing countries are facing serious challenges of energy at the present time. However, policymakers have outlined numerous policies to satisfy energy demand but still remain incapable to fill the gap between demand and supply. At a halt, 11% of the world population lacks access to different formulae of energy supply and access. Additionally, in different time periods, distinct policies have erupted for the progress of renewable energy. It includes especially those households of the far-flung areas having no gas and electricity availability. However, the basis of this research study is to determine the significant renewable energy source for Pakistan's economy with the economic benefits such as job creation in energy sector. This research study aims in finding ways to secure energy supplies and achieving economic benefits. The research study concludes by engaging renewable energy technologies with the least operational and externality cost that is the utmost choice in the future. In policy perspective, Pakistani government should take actions in favor of renewable energy and technological innovation that necessitates biomass resources to be tied to non-sustainable prolonged investments.

Search engine optimisation (SEO) strategy as determinants to enhance the online brand positioning.

Background: Marketers face evolution of online brand positioning marketing strategy due to changes of search engine algorithm that affects the reaching out of brands to potential internet users. Brand owners realise that to be relevant in modern market, they need to transition and focus more into online market. However, many brand owners have ignored the power of search engine optimisation (SEO) strategy for attracting the online market, which is highly competitive and faces rapid changes.  A brand can be considered as old fashioned if it does not utilise the SEO as their marketing strategy, in penetrating the online marketplace. Various studies have analysed factors that can enhance the persistency of using the SEO strategy, however gaps remain regarding the relationship of this strategy with the online brand positioning. The main aim of this study was to identify the persistency of using the SEO strategy including the niche point of differentiation, valuable content, targeted keyword and scalable link building, as the determinants that enhance the success of online brand positioning. Methods: This study applies quantitative design using online survey to gather information from the online business entrepreneurs. The survey questionnaire was arranged to focus on the use of SEO as a new way to strategise online business. Results: Based on the results of this study, most online entrepreneurs have somewhat realised the effects of using the SEO strategy to enhance effectiveness of online brand positioning. Conclusion: This research provides insights into the importance of SEO strategy in online business positioning. It is hoped that online entrepreneurs will consider the SEO strategy in the positioning of their brand in the marketplace. Implication: This research focused on SEO as a new strategy to enhance brand positioning for online businesses. Future research may expand into another dimension of business such as customer satisfaction and business performance.

Establishing a Local Diagnostic Reference Level for Bone Scintigraphy in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital.

It is of vital importance to optimize the radiation dose to patients undergoing radionuclide bone scanning. This is one of the most common nuclear medicine procedures in many parts of the world, including Nigeria, and the current study was performed as part of a national survey to establish diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for common nuclear medicine procedures in Nigeria in order to optimize their use. Nuclear medicine was only recently introduced to the health-care system in Nigeria, with only 2 centers presently conducting these procedures. Methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional study was performed in the nuclear medicine department of a tertiary hospital in southwest Nigeria to determine the preliminary local DRL for radionuclide bone scanning. One hundred and nine patients who met the study criteria were included. Data were obtained from June 2017 to March 2019 and were analyzed to obtain the third quartile of the distributed administered activity and achievable dose (anthropometric variables and radiation dose to bone surface). Results: The mean administered activity, achievable dose, and DRL were 833.98 ± 106.93, 832.5, and 895.4 MBq, respectively. The calculated preliminary local DRL was larger than values reported in studies done in Sudan, the United Kingdom, and Australia or by the International Commission on Radiological Protection. Conclusion: The preliminary DRL from this first-of-its-kind study in Nigeria was high because of practitioners' lack of experience. However, the values were still within the international best-practice range, which when optimized will go a long way toward reducing medical exposure without compromising image quality.

Role of HRCT Temporal Bone in Pre-operative Assessment of Tegmen Height in Chronic Otitis Media Patients.

OBJECTIVES: High-resolution CT (HRCT) temporal bone has emerged as a useful option in pre-operative assessment of tegmen height in chronic otitis media patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 60 patients with clinical suspicion of chronic otitis media were enrolled in the study. HRCT evaluation was done using Siemens Somatom Force 384 slice multidetector computed tomography machine. We radiologically assess tegmen height using lateral semicircular canal as a reference point on HRCT. Final result has been based on correlation of radiological and intraoperative findings. Diagnostic efficacy of HRCT temporal bone was evaluated in terms of sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy for pre-operative assessment of tegmen height. RESULTS: The correlation between actual tegmen height and estimated tegmen height (by equation) was 0.457 which is highly significant (P < 0.001). In the study, the mean tegmen height of exposed dura (ED) was 5.81 ± 1.71 (95% CI 4.91-6.70) while the mean tegmen height of non-exposed dura (NED) was 8.40 ± 1.31 (95% CI 8.02- 8.78). Highly significant difference was found in mean tegmen height between ED and NED cases (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Pre-operative CT assessment of tegmen height is an important parameter in assessing risk of dural injury during tympanomastoid surgeries.

Correction to: Environmental efficiency and the role of energy innovation in emissions reduction.

The correct affiliation of the 1st Author is shown in this paper.

Volume Infusion Markedly Increases Femoral dP/dtmax in Fluid-Responsive Patients Only.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the preload dependence of femoral maximal change in pressure over time (dP/dtmax) during volume expansion in preload dependent and independent critically ill patients. DESIGN: Retrospective database analysis. SETTING: Two adult polyvalent ICUs. PATIENTS: Twenty-five critically ill patients with acute circulatory failure. INTERVENTIONS: Thirty-five fluid infusions of 500 mL normal saline. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Changes in femoral dP/dtmax, systolic, diastolic, and pulse femoral arterial pressure were obtained from the pressure waveform analysis using the PiCCO2 system (Pulsion Medical Systems, Feldkirchen, Germany). Stroke volume index was obtained by transpulmonary thermodilution. Statistical analysis was performed comparing results before and after volume expansion and according to the presence or absence of preload dependence (increases in stroke volume index ≥ 15%). Femoral dP/dtmax increased by 46% after fluid infusion in preload-dependent cases (mean change = 510.6 mm Hg·s; p = 0.005) and remained stable in preload-independent ones (mean change = 49.2 mm Hg·s; p = 0.114). Fluid-induced changes in femoral dP/dtmax correlated with fluid-induced changes in stroke volume index in preload-dependent cases (r = 0.618; p = 0.032), but not in preload-independent ones. Femoral dP/dtmax strongly correlated with pulse and systolic arterial pressures and with total arterial stiffness, regardless of the preload dependence status (r > 0.9 and p < 0.001 in all cases). CONCLUSIONS: Femoral dP/dtmax increased with volume expansion in case of preload dependence but not in case of preload independence and was strongly related to pulse pressure and total arterial stiffness regardless of preload dependence status. Therefore, femoral dP/dtmax is not a load-independent marker of left ventricular contractility and should be not used to track contractility in critically ill patients.

The Nigerian Bioinformatics and Genomics Network (NBGN): a collaborative platform to advance bioinformatics and genomics in Nigeria.

Africa plays a central importance role in the human origins, and disease susceptibility, agriculture and biodiversity conservation. Nigeria as the most populous and most diverse country in Africa, owing to its 250 ethnic groups and over 500 different native languages is imperative to any global genomic initiative. The newly inaugurated Nigerian Bioinformatics and Genomics Network (NBGN) becomes necessary to facilitate research collaborative activities and foster opportunities for skills' development amongst Nigerian bioinformatics and genomics investigators. NBGN aims to advance and sustain the fields of genomics and bioinformatics in Nigeria by serving as a vehicle to foster collaboration, provision of new opportunities for interactions between various interdisciplinary subfields of genomics, computational biology and bioinformatics as this will provide opportunities for early career researchers. To provide the foundation for sustainable collaborations, the network organises conferences, workshops, trainings and create opportunities for collaborative research studies and internships, recognise excellence, openly share information and create opportunities for more Nigerians to develop the necessary skills to exceed in genomics and bioinformatics. NBGN currently has attracted more than 650 members around the world. Research collaborations between Nigeria, Africa and the West will grow and all stakeholders, including funding partners, African scientists, researchers across the globe, physicians and patients will be the eventual winners. The exponential membership growth and diversity of research interests of NBGN just within weeks of its establishment and the unanticipated attendance of its activities suggest the significant importance of the network to bioinformatics and genomics research in Nigeria.

Dual-Energy Computed Tomography Lung in patients of Pulmonary Tuberculosis.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to characterize findings of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and dual-energy CT (DECT) (80 keV, 140 keV, and mixed) in pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) patients and to compare and correlate HRCT and DECT findings. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 67 patients of 18-65 years of age who were suspected cases of pulmonary TB with signs and symptoms of cough, fever, hemoptysis, sputum, night sweats, and weight loss with positive sputum AFB examinations/bronchoalveolar lavage. All the patients subjected to HRCT scan and followed with DECT scan. Comparison of various imaging techniques (DECT 80 keV, DECT 140 keV, and DECT mixed) with HRCT was done for detecting lung findings and data so obtained were subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: On comparing the various imaging techniques with HRCT for detecting consolidation, tree in bud pattern, cavitary lesions, ground-glass opacity, bronchiectasis, atelectasis, nodules, granuloma, peribronchial thickening, and fibrosis, the maximum agreement of HRCT was found with DECT 80 keV and minimum agreement was found with DECT 140 keV. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that DECT 80 keV monochromatic reconstructions among 80 keV, mixed, and 140 keV monochromatic reconstructions in lung parenchyma window settings are a faster and better analytical tool for the assessment of findings of pulmonary TB when compared with HRCT.

Role of Dual-Energy Computed Tomography in Characterization of Ureteric Calculi and Urinary Obstruction.

Objective The present study was carried out to assess the accuracy of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) in the morphological and chemical characterization of ureteric calculi along with the prediction of the grade of urinary obstruction. Methods This was a prospective observational study that included 100 cases with ultrasonography (USG)-diagnosed ureteric calculi that underwent surgery or had spontaneous expulsion of ureteric calculi. At enrolment, DECT was performed for an in vivo evaluation of volume, chemical composition, and grade of obstruction by subjective assessment of the perinephric edema. After surgical intervention, in vitro evaluation of volume was done by fluid displacement followed by infrared spectroscopy (IRS) for chemical composition. DECT findings were compared with the biochemical analysis and degree of obstruction was validated against excretory CT urograms. Sensitivity, specificity, and the positive predictive and negative predictive values of DECT were assessed. Results No significant difference was observed between the mean volume of stones by fluid displacement (65.1±77.61 mm3) and DECT assessment (66.09±81.78 mm3). IRS revealed the composition of stones as hydroxyapatite, uric acid, cysteine, oxalic acid, and mixed type in 48, 23, 15, five, and nine cases. The sensitivity and specificity of DECT for hydroxyapatite, uric acid, cysteine, oxalic acid, and mixed types were 89.6% and 88.5%, 82.6% and 97.5%, 86.7% and 96.5%, 80% and 98.9%, and 88.9% and 98.9%, respectively. On CT urography, a total of 35 had a high-grade and 65 had a low-grade obstruction, whereas DECT revealed high- and low-grade obstructions in 42 and 58 cases. The sensitivity and specificity of DECT for a high-grade obstruction were 94.3% and 86.2%. Conclusions The findings of the study showed that DECT provides comprehensive information regarding the morphological, chemical, and anatomical characterization of ureteric stones.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Multidetector CT in Detection of Early Interstitial Lung Disease With Its Role in Characterization.

Background Multidetector CT (MDCT) has emerged as a useful option for early diagnosis of interstitial lung disease (ILD) with adequate accuracy. Methods A total of 80 patients with restricted pulmonary functions and clinical suspicion of ILD were enrolled in the study. MDCT evaluation was done using Siemens Somatom Force 384 slice multidetector computer tomography machine. Pattern analysis for reticular opacities, nodules and lung opacities was done to reach at a diagnosis. Final diagnosis was based on correlation of radiological and clinicopathological findings. Diagnostic efficacy of MDCT was evaluated in terms of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy for detection of ILD. Results Mean age of patients was 58 ± 8.75 years. Majority were females (51.3%). History of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), tuberculosis and bronchial asthma was revealed in 31 (38.8%), 26 (32.5%) and 16 (20%) patients, respectively. There were 30 (37.5%) patients having no history of respiratory diseases. MDCT diagnosed ILD in 45 (56.3%) cases. On final diagnosis, ILD was diagnosed in 35 (43.8%) cases (15 usual interstitial pneumonia [UIP], 9 cryptogenic organizing pneumonia [COP], 8 nonspecific interstitial pneumonia [NSIP] and 3 respiratory bronchiolitis associated interstitial lung disease [RBILD]). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of MDCT in detection of ILD was 91.4%, 71.1%, 71.1%, 91.4% and 80%, respectively. Conclusion MDCT as a single modality had a high sensitivity for detection of ILD and could be recommended as first line diagnostic imaging technique.

Environmental efficiency and the role of energy innovation in emissions reduction.

Environmental problems, including extreme weather phenomena, unprecedented global warming, and environmental disasters caused by increasing levels of CO2 and other toxic emissions, along with rapidly increasing economic development and energy consumption, require global development and policies to meet sustainable development goals. The traditional data envelopment analysis (DEA) model has limited practical applicability for measuring environmental performance, as it lacks the computational capacity to deal with undesirable outputs. The current study employs "radial" and "non-radial" DEA technology, and acknowledges the associations of a mathematical foundation to increase the analytical capability of the environmental performance of DEA. Results show that in the measurement of environmental performance analysis, the non-radial DEA model has a higher discriminating power compared to radial DEA. Results show that the average values of radial and non-radial environmental performance are highest for Latin America and the Caribbean, at 0.99 and 0.96, respectively, while the former USSR has the lowest values of 0.22 and 0.32, respectively. The South Asian region shows relatively stable values of about 0.58 to 0.65, and Latin America & Caribbean countries and sub-Saharan Africa also show a stable radial environmental performance ranging from 0.82 to 1.00. These results indicate a considerable difference among the eight world regions.

Heterogeneous Data Approach on Financial development of Selected African Leading Economies.

The presentation of this data focuses on analysing the dynamic role of economic growth, foreign direct investment and financial globalization uncertainty on financial development of selected leading African economies, spanning the year 1970 to 2018, and the data were obtained from world development indicators and global financial development databases. Second generation econometrics techniques were deployed for the analysis. We began with the descriptive and correlation statistics in order to ascertain the normality of the data. Also, homogeneity and cross-sectional dependency tests were carried out to validate the whether or not the data is heterogeneous and depend upon each other across the series. As well, the [3] co-integration and dynamic common correlated effect [1] and pool mean group [2] estimates were applied to confirm the presence of long-run relationship and their effects on the financial development among the sampled countries.

A Comparative Assessment Between High-resolution Ultrasonography and Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Supraspinatus Tear Cases and Its Arthroscopic Correlation.

Background Diagnosis of a supraspinatus tear in patients presenting with shoulder pain is a difficult task and often requires the help of an MRI. However, in recent years, high-resolution ultrasonography (USG) has been utilized as a cheaper yet sensitive alternative. The aim of the study is to provide a comparative assessment of supraspinatus tears between USG and MRI in relation to arthroscopic results. Methods A total of 60 patients with shoulder pain for the last three months or more scheduled to undergo arthroscopic surgery for their shoulder disorder were enrolled; those having any congenital deformity of the shoulder or having any contradiction to an MRI were excluded from the assessment. All the patients underwent high-resolution ultrasonography (HRUSG) and MRI evaluation. Both the USG and MRI findings were correlated with the arthroscopic findings. Results On ultrasonography, 34 (56.67%) full-thickness tears and 22 (36.67%) partial-thickness tears of the supraspinatus were detected. On MRI, 36 (60.0%) were diagnosed as a full-thickness tear and 20 (33.33%) as a partial-thickness tear. After arthroscopy, 36 (60.00%) were confirmed as a full-thickness tear and 20 (33.33%) as a partial-thickness tear of the supraspinatus. For a full-thickness tear, the sensitivity and specificity of USG and MRI were 95.0% and 92.5%, and 85% and 92.5%, respectively. For a full-thickness tear, the sensitivity and specificity of the modalities were 94.4% and 100%, respectively. Conclusion HRUSG and MRI both had high comparable accuracy for detection of a supraspinatus tear, however, HRUSG had an edge over MRI in the detection of a partial tear.

Evaluation of CERS2 Gene as a Potential Biomarker for Bladder Cancer.

The ceramide synthase 2 (CERS2) gene has been linked to tumour recurrence and invasion in many different types of cancers including bladder cancer. In this study, the expression levels of CERS2 in bladder cancer cell lines were analysed using qRT-PCR and the protein expression in clinical bladder cancer histopathological specimens were examined via immunohistochemistry. The potential utility of CERS2 as a predictive biomarker of response to oncolytic virotherapy was assessed by correlating the CERS2 mRNA expression to IC50 values of cells treated with the Newcastle disease virus (NDV), AF2240 strain. This study demonstrates that CERS2 is differentially expressed in different types of bladder cancer cell lines and that the siRNA-mediated downregulation of the expression of CERS2 reduces the migratory potential of UMUC1 bladder cancer cells. However, there were no significant correlations between the expression levels of the CERS2 protein with bladder cancer grade/stage or between the IC50 values of cells treated with NDV and CERS2 expression. Although the utility of CERS2 expression may be limited, its potential as an antimigration cancer therapeutic should be further examined.