bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Property Tax Expenditures: Classified Property Tax Systems
Authors: Sexton Terri A.
Published: May 2024

This paper focuses on the tax expenditures arising from property tax policies that apply different (non-zero) assessment ratios or tax rates to real property with the primary objective of redistributing the tax burden by taxing different classes of real property at different effective rates. In addition to reducing the property tax burden on favored classes of property, such classified property tax systems can result in reduced tax revenues. An overview of the various property tax classification systems used in the United States is provided along with tax expenditure estimates reported by several states. In a case study of local governments in Tennessee we provide estimates of two different measures of tax expenditures: The revenue lost to counties and municipalities resulting from a switch from a uniform to a classified property tax, and the shift in tax burden that results from a revenue-neutral switch from uniform to classified assessment.
Decomposing Inequality in Compulsory Education Finance in China: 1998–2008
Authors: Wang Wen
Published: May 2024

In recent decades, the inequality in compulsory education finance in China has remained a widespread and serious problem. Based on a provincial-level dataset in the period of 1998–2008, this study analyzed the disparities of school funding in China, attempting to explore the important factors that may have contributed to the inequality. Using the methods of factor decomposition and regression-based decomposition of Gini coefficient, it showed that the inequality of school funding had not been reduced after recent governmental reforms. The level of economic development appeared to be highly associated with the inequality of expenditures for compulsory education. The empirical results of this analysis suggest that a sound system of intergovernmental fiscal transfers with built-in equalization features may need to be developed in China.
Determinants of Debt Burdens: Evidence from California Counties
Authors: Wang Janey Qian , Kriz Kenneth A.
Published: May 2024

This study aims at developing a better understanding and measure of the relative debt burden of governments. We use panel data from California counties for the period of 1999–2011. The analysis consists of two steps. First, we use a lognormal regression model to analyze the relationship between debt levels and socio-economic, political and financial variables. Results indicate that larger counties, poorer counties, and counties with higher levels of capital investment and higher tax prices have higher debt burden levels. Next, we calculate debt burden indices for each county by dividing the actual debt by the results of the predicted debt burdens from the first step. The debt burden indices indicate a jurisdiction's relative reliance on debt compared to their expected debt reliance. The results of this study have direct policy implications related to debt administration and debt monitoring.
Debt Centralization and Soft Budget Constraint
Authors: An Zhiyong , Chong Zhiwei
Published: May 2024

We show that debt centralization could result in soft budget constraint (SBC) of local governments by building and analyzing a stylized model that might be new to the literature. Our work first contributes to the theoretical literature on the causes of SBC of local governments. Our work also suggests that debt decentralization could help to harden the budget constraint of local governments because it eliminates the origin that gives rise to the SBC of local governments in our model. Finally, our work implies that the recent “debt decentralization” reform adopted by the central government of China to give the authorization to the local governments of Shanghai, GuangDong, ShenZhen, and ZheJiang to issue local government bonds by themselves is in the right direction to harden the budget constraint of Chinese local governments.
Financial Planning as An Antecedent of Fiscal Transparency in Local Government: The Mediating Effect of Civic Participation
Authors: Onyango-Delewa Paul
Published: May 2024

The present research extends prior empirical work by proposing that in local government, financial planning explains fiscal transparency. Civic participation is hypothesized to influence fiscal transparency as a mediating mechanism. A mixed methods design was employed to carry out the study. Data were collected from 28 districts and 322 other local governments, two ministries, and four donor agencies based in Uganda, East Africa. the results reveal that financial planning predicts changes in fiscal transparency. However, civic participation does not mediate the financial planning-fiscal transparency relationship. Implications for theory and practice are discussed and future research direction is provided.
A Dynamic Approach to Managing Corruption: Exploring the Optimal Path of Oversight
Authors: Hansen Jason K. , McNab Robert M.
Published: May 2024

Corruption lowers public sector productivity, crowds out private investment, reduces foreign direct investment, and negatively impacts a host of social outcomes. These outcomes suggest that the optimal level of corruption is zero, however, reducing corruption requires the commitment of scarce resources. A non-zero level of corruption may thus be acceptable in the face of tight budget constraints. the question that remains is whether there is an optimal level of corruption within public sector organizations and, if so, what necessary level of oversight achieves the optimum. This paper develops a dynamic model of a public sector organization to illustrate the benefits and costs of using managerial oversight to address corruption. We find that if public sector managers desire a reduction of corruption to the economic optimum, they must utilize proactive management with a high level of initial oversight. Without an initial ‘shock’ in terms of increased oversight, managerial attempts to combat corruption may spur its increase.
Is Federal Academic Research and Development Subsidy A Complement Or Substitute for State Funding?
Authors: Wu Yonghong , Merriman David
Published: May 2024

We use panel data regressions on US federal and state R&D funding at public universities during 1985–2012 to estimate whether federal academic R&D subsidy is a complement or substitute for state funding of academic research. the results indicate a statistically significant but modest substitution effect. We further find that there is essentially no substitution during periods of rapid growth of federal R&D spending. However, during periods of relatively slow growth in federal funding, the substitution effect is substantial—a one dollar cut below the average growth rate of federal funding leads to an increase of about 65 cents above the average growth rate of state funding.
The Macroeconomic Impact of Delayed Government Payments: A Case Study
Authors: Delgado-Téllez Mar , de Cos Pablo Hernández , Hurtado Samuel , Pérez Javier J.
Published: May 2024

We analyze the impact of a drastic reduction in delayed governments’ payments on private sector activity. We focus on the case of Spain, a country in which a number of policy reforms were implemented to cope with increasing regional and local government payment periods and trade debt. Most noticeably, over 2012–2014 the Spanish central government approved various extraordinary mechanisms for the payment of local and regional government suppliers which have significantly reduced the stock of trade debt and the average supplier payment period of these levels of government. Successive plans have made it possible to unblock payments and channel funds of close to 7% of GDP to the private sector in somewhat less than three years, in a period of economic weakness, fiscal consolidation and tight credit. We explore the variety of channels on which plans of this type may operate through the lens of a macroeconomic model, and present empirical estimates of a positive impact of such policy measures on economic activity.
A Procedure for the Ex-Ante Assessment of Compulsory Municipal Amalgamation Policies
Authors: Rizzi Dino , Zanette Michele
Published: May 2024

The aim of the paper is to develop a procedure that allows policy makers to make an ex-ante assessment of a general compulsory amalgamation policy, providing quantitative indications about the possible financial effects. the amalgamation of small municipalities is a widespread practice all over the world. Policy makers usually justify amalgamation policies with the hypothesis that local public service provision is characterized by economies of scale and scope. However, population size is not the only determinant of economies of scale, which depend on many other factors. For these reasons, the expected effects of any amalgamation policy are uncertain, and ex-post empirical analyses are unable to offer unambiguous indications to policy makers since all programs differ. After a brief discussion of the relevant issues concerning amalgamation, we present the procedure used to simulate the economics and administrative effects of a general compulsory amalgamation policy. the procedure is tested with reference to the municipalities of Veneto, a region of Italy, for which we provide the results of a number of simulations under alternative amalgamation policies. the main result is that amalgamation policies based only on the a priori rule that small municipalities should merge may be very inefficient, because the expenditure reduction following an amalgamation policy may depend to a considerable extent on other territorial and socio-economic characteristics of the municipalities involved.
How Much are Citizen Perceptions of Fiscal Accountability Influenced by Government Transparency, Information Access, and Participation Opportunities?
Authors: Yusuf Juita-Elena , Jordan Meagan M. , Franklin Aimee L. , Ebdon Carol
Published: May 2024

Anecdotal and empirical evidence points to a decline of citizen trust in government in the U.S. Distrust of government related to fiscal matters often occurs because information about accountability is not communicated. This study examines factors that may influence citizen perceptions of their local government's fiscal accountability. We focus specifically on seven local governments in the Hampton Roads, Virginia region of the U.S. We measure citizens’ perception of local government finances using survey responses to five questions related to responsible spending, financial reporting, and educating and informing citizens of government finances. Our study examines the relationship of levels of transparency, information accessibility, and participation opportunities to citizens’ perceptions of government's fiscal accountability. We expect that residents in cities with high levels of transparency and information accessibility and participatory processes will perceive their local government's fiscal accountability more positively. However, our results do not support these expectations since the level of perceived fiscal accountability is non-variant across the cities irrespective of the varying levels of transparency, information accessibility, and participation opportunities. These findings suggest there may be different values associated with a range of administrative activities thought to be critical antecedents for informing and engaging citizens to enhance perceptions of accountability.
Loss Aversion and Strategic Choices in Cutting Budgets
Authors: Bourdeaux Carolyn
Published: May 2024

Scholars of cutback budgeting have pointed out for decades that when confronted with fiscal stress, policymakers often make budgetary choices that sacrifice the fiscal health and organizational capacity of their jurisdiction in order to avoid political conflict. This line of research could be strengthened by an overarching theoretical framework that explains the set of decisions observed. Additionally, most research has not attempted a systematic classification of budget choices. As a result, it is often not clear whether scholars are simply singling out the problematic decisions while failing to give credit for the “good” ones. This analysis draws on theories of behavioral economics, in particular those associated with loss aversion, to develop a broader theory and typology of cutback choices. This theoretical framework suggests that many cutback choices take advantage of commonly observed cognitive “errors” such as anchoring and time-discounting to mask or mitigate perceptions of loss. the analysis then goes on to show how this typology can be used to classify and analyze the universe of budgetary choices made in a state, specifically Georgia's fiscal choices during the first year of the Great Recession.
Responses to Recession Era Fiscal Stress: Local Government Strategies in New Mexico
Authors: Desai Uday
Published: May 2024

Severe fiscal constraints on governments, especially local governments, have become a fact of life. This article reports the results of an empirical study of responses by local governments across one state to the fiscal stress following the “Great Recession.” It explores how such factors as the size, types, and forms of government and the severity of the cuts impacted those decisions. the findings show that overwhelmingly, municipalities do not use analytical research to determine their cutback strategies, and for a majority, political pressures present a great challenge during the cutback management process. For almost all of them, expenditure reduction is the main strategy. the severity of cuts was significantly related to employee morale and job performance. the vast majority of local governments did not attempt to broaden participation in the decision making process.
The Effects of Tax and Expenditure Limitations (Tels) on Municipal Fiscal Outcomes during A Period of Fiscal Distress
Authors: Park Ji-Hyung , Park Sungho , Maher Craig S
Published: May 2024

We propose to expand the theoretical understanding of cutback strategies by investigating the effects of institutional constraints on fiscal outcomes during a period of severe fiscal distress. To test our research hypothesis, this study focuses on a cross-section of municipalities throughout the U.S. during and shortly after the 2008–09 recession. Using multiple data sources from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) and American Community Survey (ACS), we employ a panel data from 2008 to 2011 which covers the period of the Great Recession to best capture cutback strategies during a period of severe fiscal distress. We observed differences in fiscal outcomes based on the severity of the municipal TELs. Municipalities constrained by more stringent TELs received more intergovernmental aid, incurred higher debt service expenditures and experienced less net capital investment during the most recent recessionary period. These findings support the argument that TELs, which are often neglected in discussions of cutback strategies, should be given greater consideration. This study helps shed light on the theoretical and empirical investigations of cutback strategies by offering the concept of institutional constraints and its impact on cutback strategies.
35 Years of Public Capital Budgeting: A Review and Future Research Agenda
Authors: Ermasova Natalia
Published: May 2024

This paper reviews a large number of works published over the past 35 years on public capital budgeting. the purpose of this paper is to provide a more comprehensive analysis of research on capital budgeting. Through this review, this study seeks to critically analyze the literature on the public capital budgeting, identify the research gaps, and set future research agenda based on those gaps. Our study presents a review of 106 academic studies on this topic. the main finding is that constructs, such as international capital budgeting, infrastructure maintenance, cross-state and cross-local municipalities’ analysis, need further attention. This study found that there is a lack of literature that examines how the federal, state, and local governments cope with challenges and pressures during economic decline. Future studies could examine the effects of economic decline during and after Covid-19 pandemic on changes in capital budgeting practices in different countries on national, regional and local levels. the paper is intended as a resource for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers, focusing on public capital budgeting issues.
Capital Income Taxation under Full loss offset Provisions of a Prospect Theory Investor
Authors: Hlouskova Jaroslava , Tsigaris Panagiotis
Published: May 2024

In this paper we examine capital income taxation of a reference dependent sufficiently loss averse investor in a two period portfolio choice model under full loss offset provisions. Capital income taxation with loss offset provisions has been found to stimulate risk taking in expected utility models under certain assumptions about attitudes towards risk but would such effect be found under prospect theory type of preferences? We observe that the impact of capital income taxation depends on investors’ reference levels relative to their endowment income and thus we explore capital income taxation for different types of loss averse investors in terms of their ambition. We consider the less ambitious investors to be the ones with relatively low reference levels (they avoid relative losses in both periods) and more ambitious investors to be those with relatively high reference levels. We analyze two types of more ambitious investors: investors with higher time preference (who experience relative losses only in the second period under the bad state of nature) and investors with lower time preference (who experience relative losses only in the first period). We observe that capital income taxation stimulates current consumption in most cases which encourages risk taking, although the final outcome would depend on the investors’ degree of risk aversion, the rate of time preference and the tax rate in relation to certain thresholds. Current consumption could be discouraged for some ambitious type of investors that have relatively high second period reference levels but not necessary first period reference levels. in summary, to determine the impact of capital income taxation on the decision variables the reference levels in relation to endowment income play the most significant role. Ignoring reference depended preferences can lead to different conclusions for investors reaction to capital income taxation. We also find certain type of investors whose happiness level increases with capital income taxation under full loss offset provisions.
How Salience and Framing Alter the Behavioral Impacts of Property Tax Relief
Authors: Nguyen-Hoang Phuong , Yinger John
Published: May 2024

New York State's School Tax Relief Program, STAR, provides state-funded exemptions from school property taxes. From 2006–07 to 2008–09, these exemptions were supplemented with rebate checks. This paper asks whether these two algebraically equivalent but administratively distinct policies led to different behavioral responses. We estimate STAR's impact on the price elasticity of demand for school quality. This elasticity is larger when the tax relief is most salient and when it is framed as a property tax reduction instead of as unlabeled income.
Angiographic and clinical outcomes from 396 aneurysms treated with the pipeline flex embolization device with shield technology
Authors: Lylyk Ivan , Scrivano Esteban , Lundquist Javier , Bleise Carlos , Perez Nicolas , Lylyk Pedro Nicolas , Nella-Castro Rodolfo , Lylyk Pedro
Published: May 2024

Background

The PEDESTRIAN registry demonstrated high rates of complete long-term occlusion and good clinical outcomes among patients with intracranial aneurysms treated with the pipeline embolization device. The pipeline flex embolization device with shield technology was introduced to minimize thromboembolic complications. In this study, we investigated the safety and effectiveness of pipeline embolization device with shield technology among all patients treated for intracranial aneurysms at our center.

Methods

This was a single-arm retrospective study of prospectively collected data of patients treated with pipeline embolization device with shield technology at our high-volume center between January 2018–January 2021. The primary efficacy endpoint was complete occlusion as measured by a class 1 Raymond-Roy score at 1-year and 2-year follow-up. The primary safety endpoint was major morbidity and neurological mortality up to 1 year following intervention.

Results

A total of 328 patients (mean age 56.1 ± 14.7 years; 81.1% female), 80 of whom were previously included in PEDESTRIAN, with 396 aneurysms, were analyzed. A total of 378 devices were deployed, with 93.9% (372/396) of aneurysms requiring only one device. Follow-up angiography was available for 90.2% (296/328) of the procedures after a mean time of 14.0 ± 8.2 months. Complete occlusion was demonstrated for 78.5% (132/168) of aneurysms at 12 months and 90.7% (98/108) at 24 months. The overall rates of major morbidity and neurological mortality after 2 years were 1.5% (5/328) and 0.6% (2/328), respectively.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate high rates of complete long-term occlusion among patients treated with pipeline embolization device with shield technology. We also observed low rates of mortality and morbidity consistent with fewer thromboembolic complications with pipeline embolization devices with shield technology.
Design and test of liquid sloshing piezoelectric energy harvester
Authors: Jing Dong , Hu Shuaizhao , Nan Yang , Ma Chicheng , Zhang Zhongwei , Shao Mingyu , Shao Sujuan
Published: May 2024

The energy harvester based on the piezoelectric effect can convert the vibration energy in the environment into electricity to power the network nodes. In order to broaden the effective frequency bandwidth of the piezoelectric energy harvester and reduce the resonant frequency of the system, a liquid slosh-type piezoelectric energy harvester is proposed in this paper. Based on the theory of the piezoelectric effect, the mechanical model and electromechanical coupling model of the piezoelectric energy harvester were established, and the dynamic characteristics of the liquid slosh piezoelectric energy harvester were analyzed. Based on theoretical model and experimental test, the liquid slosh piezoelectric energy harvester is studied. By making a prototype and building a vibration experiment platform, the energy capture characteristics of the piezoelectric energy harvester were tested experimentally. The experimental results show that when the external excitation frequency is close to the first resonant frequency, the maximum output power of the liquid sloshing piezoelectric energy harvester is 0.068 mW, and the optimal matched impedance is 440 kΩ. When the external excitation frequency is close to the second resonant frequency, the maximum output power of the liquid sloshing piezoelectric energy harvester is 0.178 mW, and the optimal matching load resistance is 600 kΩ. Compared with the traditional cantilever beam piezoelectric energy harvester, the liquid slosh piezoelectric energy harvester has a lower resonant frequency and achieves two resonant peaks in the range of 1–20 Hz, which greatly widens the effective frequency bandwidth and improves the energy capture efficiency of the piezoelectric energy harvester.
Vertebral Endplate Defects Induced Mechanical Alterations and Disc Calcification
Authors: Imran Sumera , Latif Rabia , Ahmad Ijaz , Ilyas Muhammad Saad , Aziz Amer , Zehra Uruj
Published: May 2024

Study Design

Cross sectional comparative study.

Objectives

The current study aims to explore the calcification potential (BMP2 expression) of intervertebral discs and its association with the presence of vertebral endplate defects visible on MRI.

Methods

Forty-seven herniated lumbar disc samples obtained from patients aged 20-76 (31 M/16F) undergoing surgery. Five-µm thin sections were stained with H&E in order to assign a histological degeneration score (HDS) from 0-15 on the basis of cell density (0-5), structural alterations (0-4), granular changes (0-3) and mucus degeneration (0-3). Sections were immuno-stained with anti BMP-2 antibodies to observe the calcification potential in these discs. In addition, pre-operativeT2-T1 W MRI images of the lumbar spine were analyzed for the presence and type (typical or atypical) of vertebral endplate defects, grade of disc degeneration (Pfirrmann grade I-V), presence of high intensity zones (HIZ), and Modic changes at the operated level.

Results

Vertebral endplate defects, Modic changes & HIZ were observed in 81%, 29% and 21% of patients respectively. Mean HDS & BMP-2 expression was 9 ± 2 and mean 71 ± 36 spots/mm2 respectively. Discs with adjacent vertebral endplate defects showed increased cell density ( P = .004), mucus degeneration ( P = .002), HDS ( P = .01) and BMP-2 expression ( P = .01). Discs with HIZ also had increased HDS, but significance was seen with increased BMP2 expression ( P = .006). HDS showed a positive correlation with BMP 2 expression (r = .30, P = .04).

Conclusion

These findings suggest that the altered mechanical environment of discs is strongly associated with BMP-2 expression which is an important marker of intervertebral disc calcification.
Characteristics and outcomes of patients developing pulmonary hypertension associated with proteasome inhibitors
Authors: Grynblat Julien , Khouri Charles , Hlavaty Alex , Jaïs Xavier , Savale Laurent , Chaumais Marie Camille , Kularatne Mithum , Jevnikar Mitja , Boucly Athénaïs , Antigny Fabrice , Perros Frédéric , Simonneau Gérald , Sitbon Olivier , Humbert Marc , Montani David
Published: May 2024

Background

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) has been described in patients treated with proteasome inhibitors (PIs). Our objective was to evaluate the association between PIs and PAH.

Methods

Characteristics of incident PAH cases previously treated with carfilzomib or bortezomib were analysed from the French pulmonary hypertension registry and the VIGIAPATH programme from 2004 to 2023, concurrently with a pharmacovigilance disproportionality analysis using the World Health Organization (WHO) global database (VigiBase) and a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

Results

11 incident cases of PI-associated PAH were identified (six with carfilzomib and five with bortezomib) with a female:male ratio of 2.7:1, a median age of 61 years, and a median delay between PI first exposure and PAH of 6 months. Four patients died (two from right heart failure, one from respiratory distress and one from an unknown cause). At diagnosis, six were in New York Heart Association Functional Class III/IV with severe haemodynamic impairment (median mean pulmonary arterial pressure 39 mmHg, cardiac index 2.45 L·min−1·m−2and pulmonary vascular resistance 7.2 WU). In the WHO pharmacovigilance database, 169 cases of PH associated with PI were reported since 2013 with significant signals of disproportionate reporting (SDR) for carfilzomib, regardless of the definition of cases or control group. However, SDR for bortezomib were inconsistent. The systematic review identified 17 clinical trials, and carfilzomib was associated with a significantly higher risk of dyspnoea, severe dyspnoea and PH compared with bortezomib.

Conclusion

PIs may induce PAH in patients undergoing treatment, with carfilzomib emitting a stronger signal than bortezomib, and these patients should be monitored closely.
Real-world use of inhaled corticosteroid/formoterol as needed in adults with mild asthma: the PRIME study
Authors: Brusselle Guy , Blasi Francesco , Gessner Christian , Kuna Piotr , Wark Peter , Cappellini Glauco , Oosterom Emilie , Van Der Deijl Marielle , Bucchioni Enrica , Topole Eva
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Inhaled corticosteroid/formoterol fumarate (ICS/FF) as needed is recommended by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) as sole therapy in adults with mild asthma, with low-dose maintenance ICS plus short-acting β2-agonist (SABA) as an alternative. SABA alone is no longer recommended. Given these changes in recommendations, the observational PRIME study aimed to describe real-world treatment patterns in mild asthma in Europe.

Methods

Adults with asthma receiving low-dose maintenance ICS, or as needed ICS/FF or SABA were followed for 6 months. Data collected included Asthma Control Test (ACT), Asthma Control Questionnaire 5-item (ACQ-5), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and asthma exacerbations.

Results

The study was conducted in 883 patients in Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain; 833 (94.3%) completed follow-up. At enrolment, 32.2% received maintenance ICS, 56.3% ICS/FF as needed and 11.6% SABA as needed; 57.4%, 61.2% and 54.9%, respectively, had well-controlled asthma (ACQ-5/ACT definition). After 6 months, changes in mean FEV1were small in the maintenance ICS and ICS/FF as needed groups, whereas there was a decline in FEV1in the SABA as needed group. ACQ-5 total score improved from baseline in all three groups; 0.4%, 0.4% and 2.0% patients, respectively, had a severe exacerbation during the study.

Conclusions

More patients received ICS/FF as needed than SABA as needed, suggesting that physicians are aware of the latest treatment recommendations. This real-world study provides additional support to the use of ICS/FF as needed as preferred treatment for patients with mild asthma, whereas SABA as needed was associated with a fall in lung function and more severe exacerbations.
Green synthesized AgNPs as a probe for colorimetric detection of Hg (II) ions in aqueous medium and fluorescent imaging in liver cell lines and its antibacterial activity
Authors: Tewari Sanjana , Sahani Shalini , Yaduvanshi Neetu , Painuli Ritu , Sankararamakrishnan Nalini , Dwivedi Jaya , Sharma Swapnil , Han Sung Soo
Published: May 2024

The present research aimed at green synthesis of Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) based colorimetric sensor using persimmon leaf extract (PLE) for selective detection of mercuric ion (Hg2+). Optimization of reaction conditions viz. pH, concentration of PLE, time was done and further AgNPs were characterized using UV, IR, FE-SEM, EDX, XRD and TEM analysis. The developed AgNPs were evaluated for the selective colorimetric detection of Hg2+ in aqueous medium and fluorescence imaging of Hg2+ ions in liver cell lines. Later, the antibacterial activity of AgNPs was performed against S. aureus and E. coli. The findings of the study revealed that PLE mediated AgNPs exhibited notable limit of detection up to 0.1 ppb, high efficiency, and stability. The antibacterial study indicated that developed AgNPs has impressive bacterial inhibiting properties against the tested bacterial strains. In conclusion, developed biogenic AgNPs has high selectivity and notable sensitivity towards Hg2+ ions and may be used as key tool water remediation.

Graphical abstract
Graphene quantum dot-crafted nanocomposites: shaping the future landscape of biomedical advances
Authors: Dar Mohammad Suhaan , Sahu Niroj Kumar
Published: May 2024

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are a newly developed class of material, known as zero-dimensional nanomaterials, with characteristics derived from both carbon dots (CDs) and graphene. GQDs exhibit several ideal properties, including the potential to absorb incident energy, high water solubility, tunable photoluminescence, good stability, high drug-loading capacity, and notable biocompatibility, which make them powerful tools for various applications in the field of biomedicine. Additionally, GQDs can be incorporated with additional materials to develop nanocomposites with exceptional qualities and enriched functionalities. Inspired by the intriguing scientific discoveries and substantial contributions of GQDs to the field of biomedicine, we present a broad overview of recent advancements in GQDs-based nanocomposites for biomedical applications. The review first outlines the latest synthesis and classification of GQDs nanocomposite and enables their use in advanced composite materials for biomedicine. Furthermore, the systematic study of the biomedical applications for GQDs-based nanocomposites of drug delivery, biosensing, photothermal, photodynamic and combination therapies are emphasized. Finally, possibilities, challenges, and paths are highlighted to encourage additional research, which will lead to new therapeutics and global healthcare improvements.
Redefining and interpreting genomic relationships of metafounders
Authors: Legarra Andres , Bermann Matias , Mei Quanshun , Christensen Ole F.
Published: May 2024

Metafounders are a useful concept to characterize relationships within and across populations, and to help genetic evaluations because they help modelling the means and variances of unknown base population animals. Current definitions of metafounder relationships are sensitive to the choice of reference alleles and have not been compared to their counterparts in population genetics—namely, heterozygosities, FST coefficients, and genetic distances. We redefine the relationships across populations with an arbitrary base of a maximum heterozygosity population in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. Then, the relationship between or within populations is a cross-product of the form $${\Gamma }_{\left(b,{b}^{\prime}\right)}=\left(\frac{2}{n}\right)\left(2{\mathbf{p}}_{b}-\mathbf{1}\right)\left(2{\mathbf{p}}_{{b}^{\prime}}-\mathbf{1}\right)^{\prime}$$

Γ

b
,

b

′

=

2
n

2

p
b

-
1

2

p

b

′

-
1

′

with $$\mathbf{p}$$
p
being vectors of allele frequencies at $$n$$
n
markers in populations $$b$$
b
and $$b^{\prime}$$

b
′

. This is simply the genomic relationship of two pseudo-individuals whose genotypes are equal to twice the allele frequencies. We also show that this coding is invariant to the choice of reference alleles. In addition, standard population genetics metrics (inbreeding coefficients of various forms; FST differentiation coefficients; segregation variance; and Nei’s genetic distance) can be obtained from elements of matrix $${\varvec{\Gamma}}$$

Γ

.
Estimating genomic relationships of metafounders across and within breeds using maximum likelihood, pseudo-expectation–maximization maximum likelihood and increase of relationships
Authors: Legarra Andres , Bermann Matias , Mei Quanshun , Christensen Ole F.
Published: May 2024

Background

The theory of “metafounders” proposes a unified framework for relationships across base populations within breeds (e.g. unknown parent groups), and base populations across breeds (crosses) together with a sensible compatibility with genomic relationships. Considering metafounders might be advantageous in pedigree best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) or single-step genomic BLUP. Existing methods to estimate relationships across metafounders $${\varvec{\Gamma}}$$

Γ

are not well adapted to highly unbalanced data, genotyped individuals far from base populations, or many unknown parent groups (within breed per year of birth).

Methods

We derive likelihood methods to estimate $${\varvec{\Gamma}}$$

Γ

. For a single metafounder, summary statistics of pedigree and genomic relationships allow deriving a cubic equation with the real root being the maximum likelihood (ML) estimate of $${\varvec{\Gamma}}$$

Γ

. This equation is tested with Lacaune sheep data. For several metafounders, we split the first derivative of the complete likelihood in a term related to $${\varvec{\Gamma}}$$

Γ

, and a second term related to Mendelian sampling variances. Approximating the first derivative by its first term results in a pseudo-EM algorithm that iteratively updates the estimate of $${\varvec{\Gamma}}$$

Γ

by the corresponding block of the H-matrix. The method extends to complex situations with groups defined by year of birth, modelling the increase of $${\varvec{\Gamma}}$$

Γ

using estimates of the rate of increase of inbreeding ($$\Delta F$$

Δ
F

), resulting in an expanded $${\varvec{\Gamma}}$$

Γ

and in a pseudo-EM+$$\Delta F$$

Δ
F

algorithm. We compare these methods with the generalized least squares (GLS) method using simulated data: complex crosses of two breeds in equal or unsymmetrical proportions; and in two breeds, with 10 groups per year of birth within breed. We simulate genotyping in all generations or in the last ones.

Results

For a single metafounder, the ML estimates of the Lacaune data corresponded to the maximum. For simulated data, when genotypes were spread across all generations, both GLS and pseudo-EM(+$$\Delta F$$

Δ
F

) methods were accurate. With genotypes only available in the most recent generations, the GLS method was biased, whereas the pseudo-EM(+$$\Delta F$$

Δ
F

) approach yielded more accurate and unbiased estimates.

Conclusions

We derived ML, pseudo-EM and pseudo-EM+$$\Delta F$$

Δ
F

methods to estimate $${\varvec{\Gamma}}$$

Γ

in many realistic settings. Estimates are accurate in real and simulated data and have a low computational cost.
The use of longitudinal CT-based radiomics and clinicopathological features predicts the pathological complete response of metastasized axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer
Authors: Wang Jia , Tian Cong , Zheng Bing-Jie , Zhang Jiao , Jiao De-Chuang , Qu Jin-Rong , Liu Zhen-Zhen
Published: May 2024

Background

Accurate assessment of axillary status after neoadjuvant therapy for breast cancer patients with axillary lymph node metastasis is important for the selection of appropriate subsequent axillary treatment decisions. Our objectives were to accurately predict whether the breast cancer patients with axillary lymph node metastases could achieve axillary pathological complete response (pCR).

Methods

We collected imaging data to extract longitudinal CT image features before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), analyzed the correlation between radiomics and clinicopathological features, and developed models to predict whether patients with axillary lymph node metastasis can achieve axillary pCR after NAC. The clinical utility of the models was determined via decision curve analysis (DCA). Subgroup analyses were also performed. Then, a nomogram was developed based on the model with the best predictive efficiency and clinical utility and was validated using the calibration plots.

Results

A total of 549 breast cancer patients with metastasized axillary lymph nodes were enrolled in this study. 42 independent radiomics features were selected from LASSO regression to construct a logistic regression model with clinicopathological features (LR radiomics-clinical combined model). The AUC of the LR radiomics-clinical combined model prediction performance was 0.861 in the training set and 0.891 in the testing set. For the HR + /HER2 − , HER2 + , and Triple negative subtype, the LR radiomics-clinical combined model yields the best prediction AUCs of 0.756, 0.812, and 0.928 in training sets, and AUCs of 0.757, 0.777 and 0.838 in testing sets, respectively.

Conclusions

The combination of radiomics features and clinicopathological characteristics can effectively predict axillary pCR status in NAC breast cancer patients.
Identification of prognostic signatures in remnant gastric cancer through an interpretable risk model based on machine learning: a multicenter cohort study
Authors: Zhan Zhouwei , Chen Bijuan , Cheng Hui , Xu Shaohua , Huang Chunping , Zhou Sijing , Chen Haiting , Lin Xuanping , Lin Ruyu , Huang Wanting , Ma Xiaohuan , Fu Yu , Chen Zhipeng , Zheng Hanchen , Shi Songchang , Guo Zengqing , Zhang Lihui
Published: May 2024

Objective

The purpose of this study was to develop an individual survival prediction model based on multiple machine learning (ML) algorithms to predict survival probability for remnant gastric cancer (RGC).

Methods

Clinicopathologic data of 286 patients with RGC undergoing operation (radical resection and palliative resection) from a multi-institution database were enrolled and analyzed retrospectively. These individuals were split into training (80%) and test cohort (20%) by using random allocation. Nine commonly used ML methods were employed to construct survival prediction models. Algorithm performance was estimated by analyzing accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), confusion matrices, five-fold cross-validation, decision curve analysis (DCA), and calibration curve. The best model was selected through appropriate verification and validation and was suitably explained by the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) approach.

Results

Compared with the traditional methods, the RGC survival prediction models employing ML exhibited good performance. Except for the decision tree model, all other models performed well, with a mean ROC AUC above 0.7. The DCA findings suggest that the developed models have the potential to enhance clinical decision-making processes, thereby improving patient outcomes. The calibration curve reveals that all models except the decision tree model displayed commendable predictive performance. Through CatBoost-based modeling and SHAP analysis, the five-year survival probability is significantly influenced by several factors: the lymph node ratio (LNR), T stage, tumor size, resection margins, perineural invasion, and distant metastasis.

Conclusions

This study established predictive models for survival probability at five years in RGC patients based on ML algorithms which showed high accuracy and applicative value.
Perceptions of TB-HIV comorbidity among the Nomads in Adamawa State, Nigeria
Authors: Abdulkarim Suraj , John Stephen , Garba Tomon , Basason Hunpiya , Balogun Paul , Kuye Joseph
Published: May 2024

The recalcitrance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) to eradication was related to achieving a nonreplicating (dormant) state and the increasing global burden of HIV coinfection. Consequently, understanding the knowledge and perception of the population at risk of tuberculosis-HIV infection is essential to designing a strategy of intervention embraced by the target population. A cross-sectional study was conducted among Nomads in Adamawa State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was employed to recruit consented participants. Self-administered questionnaires were used to gather the required information from 4 nomadic schoolteachers in each selected school. Data were entered into a Microsoft Excel sheet where trends and tables of collated data were developed. The findings show that only 13.5% of the participants expressed the correct perceptions of the complementary relationship between HIV and TB. More people in government employment (35%) understand the coexisting relationship of TB-HIV infections. At the same time, cattle herders and crop farmers who practice the prevalent occupation lack knowledge of TB-HIV relatedness. Across gender, only a proportion of males (14.8%) than females (10.5%) were more likely to show an understanding of the complementary association of HIV and TB, and this difference showed statistical significance (p = 0.0001). In conclusion, male gender, education at a degree or professional level, and employment with the government are factors associated with positive perceptions of TB/HIV relatedness. Thus, there is a need to intensify communication to educate Nomads on HIV and TB-related issues.
Effect of maternal vaccination on infant morbidity in Bangladesh
Authors: Zhao Shiqiao , Zhang Jing , Zhang Chenxin , Steinhoff Mark C. , Zhang Yanting , Zhang Bin
Published: May 2024

Background

Risk factors of infant mortality in Africa and south Asian countries have been broadly discussed. However, infant morbidity is largely underestimated. We analyzed the data from a randomized vaccine trial in Bangladesh to identify and assess the effect of risk factors on infant morbidity.

Methods

Pregnant women were randomly assigned to receive either inactivated influenza vaccine or pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine and the infants were randomly assigned to receive 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine or Hib conjugate vaccine at week 6, 10 and 14. The data were collected from August 2004 through December 2005. Each pair of infant and mother were followed for 24 weeks after birth with weekly visits. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) for repeated measurements and Poisson regression models were used to identify the risk factors and evaluate their effect on the longitudinal incidence and total number of episodes of respiratory illness with fever (RIF), diarrhea disease, ear problem and pneumonia.

Results

A total of 340 pregnant women were randomized with mean age of 25 years. The baseline mother and infant characteristics were similar between two treatment groups. Exclusive breastfeeding and higher paternal education level were common factors associated with lower infant morbidity of RIF (adjusted OR = 0.40 and 0.94 with p < 0.01 and p = 0.02, respectively), diarrhea disease (adjusted OR = 0.39 and 0.95 with p < 0.01 and p = 0.04, respectively), and ear problem (adjusted OR = 0.20 and 0.76 with p < 0.01 and p < 0.01, respectively). Maternal influenza vaccine significantly reduced the incidence of RIF (adjusted OR = 0.54; p < 0.01) but not diarrhea disease or ear problem (p > 0.05). Female infants had lower incidence of diarrhea disease (adjusted OR = 0.67; p = 0.01) and ear problem (adjusted OR = 0.12; p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Maternal influenza vaccination, exclusive breastfeeding, female children, and higher paternal education level significantly reduced the infant morbidity within the 24 weeks after birth in Bangladesh.
Efficacy of adjunctive inhaled colistin and tobramycin for ventilator-associated pneumonia: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Buendía Jefferson Antonio , Guerrero Patiño Diana , Zuluaga Salazar Andrés Felipe
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) presents a significant challenge in intensive care units (ICUs). Nebulized antibiotics, particularly colistin and tobramycin, are commonly prescribed for VAP patients. However, the appropriateness of using inhaled antibiotics for VAP remains a subject of debate among experts. This study aims to provide updated insights on the efficacy of adjunctive inhaled colistin and tobramycin through a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

A thorough search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, COCHRANE Central, and clinical trials databases (www.clinicaltrials.gov) from inception to June 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) meeting specific inclusion criteria were selected for analysis. These criteria included mechanically ventilated patients diagnosed with VAP, intervention with inhaled Colistin and Tobramycin compared to intravenous antibiotics, and reported outcomes such as clinical cure, microbiological eradication, mortality, or adverse events.

Results

The initial search yielded 106 records, from which only seven RCTs fulfilled the predefined inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis revealed a higher likelihood of achieving both clinical and microbiological cure in the groups receiving tobramycin or colistin compared to the control group. The relative risk (RR) for clinical cure was 1.23 (95% CI: 1.04, 1.45), and for microbiological cure, it was 1.64 (95% CI: 1.31, 2.06). However, there were no significant differences in mortality or the probability of adverse events between the groups.

Conclusion

Adjunctive inhaled tobramycin or colistin may have a positive impact on the clinical and microbiological cure rates of VAP. However, the overall quality of evidence is low, indicating a high level of uncertainty. These findings underscore the need for further rigorous and well-designed studies to enhance the quality of evidence and provide more robust guidance for clinical decision-making in the management of VAP.