bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Way Financial Distress Affects Financial Reporting Delay
Authors: Nurquran Pramesari Dinar , Ardianto Ardianto
Published: April 2023

Objective: Previous studies identified a significant effect of financial distress experienced by a company on the delay in submitting its audited financial report. However, no analysis to identify whether the effect is direct or indirect by decomposing the total effect calculated. This study conducted further analysis aiming to reveal the mechanism of the way financial distress affects financial reporting delay, whether the effect is entirely direct or there is a portion of indirect effect, by decomposing the total effect using the quality of financial report as a mediating factor.
Design/Methods/Approach: Public companies listed at Indonesian Stock Exchange (IDXI), whichever delay in submitting audited financial reports were targeted population, the purposive sampling method was implemented to collect financial reports within the 2014-2020 period. Logistic regression, linear regression, and a technique to decompose the effect into four components under the mediation model are analysis methods. In addition, the quality of the financial report measured by the Beneish Score was used as a mediator variable.
Findings: This study found that the more severe the financial distress experienced by a company, the more likely it will delay submitting its audited financial report. Although there is an indication that financial distress affects the quality of the financial report, however no significant evidence that the quality of the financial report mediates some of the effects of financial distress on financial reporting delay. In other words, the effect of financial distress is direct. 
Originality/Value: This study delivered new insight by including financial reporting quality as a potential mediating variable in the relationship between financial distress and financial reporting delay. The existence of mediating variable allowed us to decompose the total effect of financial distress on the financial reporting delay and identify whether financial distress's effect on financial reporting delay is direct or indirect. The identification of direct and indirect effects will reveal the mechanism of how financial distress effects affect financial reporting delay. The researchers expected to add new insight, where the use of financial reporting quality as a mediating variable was expected to reveal the mechanism of the relationship between financial distress and financial reporting delay. This study evaluates the relationship between financial distress experienced by companies, financial reporting quality, and financial reporting delay.
Practical/Policy implication: The findings of this study suggest that investors have to be more careful in investment decision-making on public companies that delay submitting their audited financial reports, and regulators have to strengthen protection for investors.
Do Employee Stock Ownership Plans Affect the Quest for Firm Profitability? Evidence from Tanzania
Authors: Mwenda Beny , Ngollo Magwana Ibrahim
Published: April 2023

Objective: The purpose of this research is to examine the impact of Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOP) on firms' profitability of Tanzanian publicly listed firms.
Design/Methods/Approach: The research utilized a longitudinal research design by employing secondary data from firms listed in the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE). The random effect model with two estimations was utilized to analyze data.
Findings: Results suggest that ESOP has a positive and significant effect on the firm’s quest for profitability. 
Originality: The originality or uniqueness of this study lies in providing further understanding from a different economic and cultural perspective and enhancing the results of academic studies in this area.
Practical/Policy implication: For business owners, the results of this study can be used as a root from which they can have a reason to grow their own ESOP and increase their wealth. For policymakers, it is a base for policy formulation that will enhance the profitable tax base.
Organizational Citizenship Behavior and Emotional Exhaustion: Examining the Role of Work-Family Conflict
Authors: Ekowati Dian , Kasman Syntya , Sulistiawan Jovi
Published: April 2023

Objective: The objectives of this study are, first, to examine the direct relationship between OCB-I/O to work-family conflict; second, to examine the relationship between OCB-I/O to emotional exhaustion; third, to examine the mediating effect of work-family conflict in the relationship between OCB-I/O to emotional exhaustion.
Design/Methods/Approach: Quantitative method was employed in this study. Data was statistically managed using SEM-PLS. There were 235 respondents involved in the study comprising various employees across industries in Indonesia. 
Findings: Overall, the study found support for all of its hypotheses. There is a positive correlation between engaging in extra-role behavior that benefits the organization, known as OCB-O, and emotional exhaustion. This means that when employees perform additional tasks beyond their formal obligations, it can result in emotional exhaustion. Similarly, a positive correlation exists between OCB-I, which involves discretionary actions towards colleagues, and emotional exhaustion. This behavior can also increase stress due to reduced resources for other tasks. Work-family conflict partially mediates the relationship between OCB-O and emotional exhaustion, suggesting that OCB-O can still influence emotional exhaustion even without going through the mediator of work-family conflict. The study also highlights the need for companies to monitor employee involvement in OCB behavior to ensure their resources are not depleted and evaluate employee well-being.
Originality/Value: This research examines how OCB relates to various variables that previously have not been tested into one hypothetical model. This study has significant contributions to organizational behavior and human resources. While most studies focus on the positive effect of OCB, this study investigates the cost of being good citizens. 
Practical/Policy implication: It offers significant implications for scholars and managers. Given the results, this study suggests that organizations need to monitor employees' engagement toward OCB so that employee can balance their contribution at the workplace and home. Through close monitoring, organizations can help employees maintain a work-life balance.
Chronic complications after COVID-19
Authors: Gois Claudia Patricia da Silva , Queiroz Ana Paula Macedo Prudente de , Rocca Renan Remaeh
Published: April 2023

COVID-19 can develop persistent sequelae that can last from weeks to months after initial recovery. Post-COVID syndrome was defined as symptoms persisting for more than 12 weeks after recovery from the acute condition. This integrative review aims to identify the long-term effects of COVID-19, assisting in the recognition and management of its complications, as well as relating these to its main impacts on Public Health. Works with original data on digital platforms were searched and 2721 articles were identified, of which 37 met the inclusion criteria. Among the various symptoms mentioned in the analyzed studies, the five most prevalent were fatigue (34), dyspnea (34), headache (31), myalgia (28) and cough(27). Memory loss, cognitive deficit, concentration deficit and brain fog were persistent symptoms used separately in some articles, difficult to distinguish by the patients themselves, being encompassed in a set of neurological alterations. Female gender and the severity of the acute illness have been identified as risk factors for the development of post-COVID syndrome, however, patients who were not hospitalized may also have persistent symptoms. Multidisciplinary teams are crucial to develop preventive measures, rehabilitation techniques, and clinical management strategies with a whole-patient perspective designed to address the long-term care of COVID-19. Therefore, Primary Health Care is a fundamental strategy for both the containment of the pandemic and for the non-aggravation of people with COVID-19. In addition, immunization actions make up the set of prevention activities developed by primary care teams, which are of paramount importance.
Intraoperative Direct Sonication of Implants and Soft Tissue for the Diagnosis of Periprosthetic Joint Infection
Authors: Ji Baochao , Aimaiti Abudousaimi , Wang Fei , Maimaitiyiming Asihaerjiang , Zhang Xiaogang , Li Guoqing , Xu Boyong , Zheng Jingjie , Cao Li
Published: April 2023

Background:

Sonication is very efficacious for the microbiological diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), but it involves many steps and multiple workplaces and personnel and therefore carries a potential contamination risk. We present an innovative version of the sonication culture method that involves direct sonication of the retrieved implant and soft tissue, without a sonication tube, intraoperatively and incubation using a BACT/ALERT 3D blood culture system to enhance the efficacy of microbiological diagnosis of PJI.

Methods:

We performed a prospective study of consecutive patients requiring implant removal and classified them as having PJI or aseptic failure according to standard criteria. The removed prosthetic components and adjacent soft tissue were directly sonicated in a small metal container, without a sonication tube, during the operation. The sonication fluid was immediately incubated in blood culture bottles in the operating room and cultured in the BACT/ALERT 3D blood culture system. The synovial fluid was also cultured in the BACT/ALERT 3D system to serve as a comparison.

Results:

Of the 64 included patients, 36 had PJI and 28 had aseptic failure. Fluid from direct sonication and conventional synovial fluid showed sensitivities of 91.7% and 55.6% (p < 0.001) and specificities of 82.1% and 92.9%, respectively. Fourteen cases of PJI were detected by culture of fluid from direct sonication but not by culture of synovial fluid. Higher sensitivity was obtained by direct sonication of only tissue than by direct sonication of only the implant (88.9% versus 75.0%). No significant difference in detection time was found between Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus.

Conclusions:

When combined with incubation in BACT/ALERT bottles, direct intraoperative sonication of implants and soft tissues without a sonication tube was more sensitive than conventional synovial fluid culture and could reliably and rapidly detect the bacteria commonly found in PJI.

Level of Evidence:

Diagnostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
“I Often Feel Conflicted in Denying Surgery”: Perspectives of Orthopaedic Surgeons on Body Mass Index Thresholds for Total Joint Arthroplasty
Authors: Godziuk Kristine , Reeson Emily A. , Harris Alex H.S. , Giori Nicholas J.
Published: April 2023

Background:

Use of a patient body mass index (BMI) eligibility threshold for total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is controversial. A strict BMI criterion may reduce surgical complication rates, but over-restrict access to effective osteoarthritis (OA) treatment. Factors that influence orthopaedic surgeons’ use of BMI thresholds are unknown. We aimed to identify and explore orthopaedic surgeons’ perspectives regarding patient BMI eligibility thresholds for TJA.

Methods:

A cross-sectional, online qualitative survey was distributed to orthopaedic surgeons who conduct hip and/or knee TJA in the United States. Survey questions were open-ended, and responses were collected anonymously. Survey data were coded and analyzed in an iterative, systematic process to identify predominant themes.

Results:

Forty-five surveys were completed. Respondents were 54.3 ± 12.4 years old (range, 34 to 75 years), practiced in 22 states, and had 21.2 ± 13.3 years (range, 2 to 44 years) of surgical experience. Twelve factors influencing BMI threshold use by orthopaedic surgeons were identified: (1) evidence interpretation, (2) personal experiences, (3) difficulty of surgery, (4) professional ramifications, (5) ethics and biases, (6) health-system policies and performance metrics, (7) surgical capacity and resources, (8) patient body fat distribution, (9) patient self-advocacy, (10) control of decision-making in the clinical encounter, (11) expectations for demonstrated weight loss, and (12) research and innovation gaps.

Conclusions:

Multilevel, complex factors underlie BMI threshold use for TJA eligibility. Addressing identified factors at the patient, surgeon, and health-system levels should be considered to optimally balance complication avoidance with improving access to life-enhancing surgery.

Clinical Relevance:

This study may influence how orthopaedic surgeons think about their own practices and how they approach patients and consider surgical eligibility.
Pathologic Pubic Symphysis Diastasis in Pregnant Pelvic Ring Fracture Treated with INFIX
Authors: Fleifel Dominik , Vaidya Rahul , Nasr Kerellos
Published: April 2023

Case:

Unstable pelvic ring fractures in pregnancy are an uncommon injury. Successful treatment of these patients with an INFIX device is even less common, with sparse literature to document the patient outcomes. We found no literature documenting the acute management of a pregnant patient with an INFIX device with (1) dynamic changes recorded, such as increasing pubic symphysis diastasis, and (2) restoration of normal symphyseal anatomy after birth and INFIX removal.

Conclusion:

Use of a pelvic INFIX during pregnancy allowed functional independence. The construct offered sufficient stability while also allowing for pubic symphysis diastasis. After parturition, she returned to normal function with no injury sequela.
Teacher's Strategy in Improving Student's Motivation Learning the Art of Reading the Qur'an
Authors: Amin Khoirul
Published: April 2023

This study aims to (1) determine the teacher's strategy to increase student motivation in learning the art of reading the Qur'an. (2) knowing the supporting and inhibiting factors that influence the teacher's strategy in increasing student motivation in learning the art of reading the Qur'an. This study uses a qualitative approach. data collection using participant observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation studies. data analysis technique using descriptive qualitative. The results of the study show that there are 4 teacher strategies to motivate students in learning the art of reading the Qur'an, namely (1) Giving examples of successful figures in the field of reading the Qur'an. (2) Explaining the goals and advantages of learning the art of reading the Qur'an. (3) Giving appreciation in the form of appreciation to students. (4) Provide direction for students who have difficulty. Meanwhile, there are 4 supporting factors in motivating students to learn the art of reading the Qur'an, namely (1) Students' self-interest. (2) Family support. (3) Facilities and infrastructure. (4) The influence of friends in learning the art of reading the Qur'an. While the inhibiting factors in motivating students to learn the art of reading the Qur'an are (1) lack of self-confidence. (2) Lack of openness to the problems encountered while learning the art of reading the Qur'an. (3) The influence of friends who are not good. (4) the lack of teachers who are experts in the art of reading the Qur'an.
Association Between Social Determinants of Health Issues and Maternal Obesity Among American Racial/Ethnic Groups
Authors: Dongarwar Deepa , Lee Morgan , Manikkuttiyil Christo , Salihu Hamisu M.
Published: April 2023

Background and Objective:

Social determinants of health impact various clinical health outcomes in the population. We conducted this study to examine the impact of adverse social determinants of health (SDOH) characteristics on maternal obesity among hospitalized pregnant women in the US and its potential differential impact on women of different races/ethnicities.

Methods:

The nationwide pregnancy hospitalization data analyzed in this study were collected through the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database during 2016-2018. We conducted descriptive analyses to evaluate the relationship between patient characteristics and maternal obesity. Using the adjusted survey logistic regression model, we calculated the independent association between social determinants of health (SDOH) risk factors and hospitalization characteristics (exposure) and maternal obesity (outcome). Lastly, stratified survey logistic regression models were created for each racial/ethnic group to examine the differential impact in the association between SDOH issues and maternal obesity.

Results:

The prevalence of SDOH issues was highest in non-Hispanic (NH) Black women (6.59 per 1000 hospitalizations), whereas the prevalence of obesity among those with SDOH issues was highest in Hispanic women (15.3 per 100 hospitalizations). We observed that pregnant women with SDOH issues were 1.15 times as likely (95% CI: 1.05-1.25) to experience maternal obesity compared to those without SDOH issues. Relative to their counterparts without SDOH issues, Hispanics and NH-Others with SDOH issues had increased odds of obesity, whereas NH-White and NH-Black mothers with SDOH had similar odds of obesity (p>0.05).

Conclusion and Global Health Implications:

In conclusion, pregnant women with SDOH issues had an increased likelihood of obesity diagnosis and the association demonstrated differential impact across racial/ethnic sub-populations. This information has potential utility for counseling and formulation of targeted interventions for pregnant women.
Indonesian Press History: Literature Study of Press History Research in Indonesia
Authors: Sarungu Lukas Maserona , Siswanta Siswanta , Cahyati Yantika Nur
Published: April 2023

The absence of a map on the history of Indonesian Press makes it difficult for communication researchers to understand the scope of this field. The purpose of this study is to provide an up-to-date description of the historical researches of newspapers in Indonesia. The literature study method is used to select, sort and map various research literature on the history of newspapers in Indonesia. The result of this study is a mapping diagram of newspaper history that divides press history research into 5 genres, namely: local press, media organizations, ideology and propaganda, media history in general, and press bans. The implication is that this diagram can be used as a basis for press history researchers to gain insight into the themes and timeframes that have been researched by the researchers and at the same time open up opportunities for which themes and timeframes still need further investigation.Â Ketiadaan peta mengenai riset sejarah surat kabar menyulitkan peneliti komunikasi untuk memahami ranah penelitian tersebut. Tujuan penelitian ini berusaha untuk memberikan gambaran terkini tentang penelitian-penelitian sejarah surat kabar di Indonesia. Metode studi literatur digunakan untuk memilih, memilah dan memetakan beragam literatur penelitian sejarah surat kabar di Indonesia. Hasil kajian ini adalah diagram pemetaan sejarah surat kabar yang membagi riset sejarah pers kedalam 5 genre, yaitu: pers lokal, organisasi media, ideologi dan propaganda, sejarah media secara umum, dan pembreidelan pers. [A1]Â [A2]Â Implikasinya, diagram ini dapat dijadikan dasar bagi para peneliti sejarah pers untuk mendapatkan wawasan mengenai tema dan timeframe yang telah diriset oleh para peneliti dan sekaligus membuka peluang bagi tema dan timeframe mana saja yang masih perlu untuk diteliti lebih lanjut. Â [A1]Tambahkan tujuan, metode dan hasil scr eksplisitÂ [A2]Done: saya tambahkan dan saya beri Bold. Terima kasih
Testing the bio-efficacy of Inesfly Carbapaint 10 (Propoxur 1.0% w/w): household insecticide repellent paint against Anopheles mosquitoes in Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.
Authors: Yako Andrew Bmibmitawuza , Chuntah Hassan Suleiman , Daniel Olayinka Michael , Iwunor Sunday Igboanugo
Published: April 2023

The increasing insecticide resistant population of Anopheles gambiae S.l. mosquitoes in Nigeria and most of West Africa and other parts of the sub-saharan regions of Africa is becoming worrisome and currently, it’s becoming a threat to the tools widely used for vector control. Though, resistance developed faster in most areas where pyrethroids previously, has been tried alone than those places tried with other earlier applications such as Organophosphates, Organochlorine and the Carbamates group inclusive.The higher coverage of indoor residual spraying (IRS) is suggestive of effective susceptibility in vector species of Anopheles tried in Nasarawa state, Nigeria using Inesfly Carbapaint 10 (Propoxur 1.0 w/w) insecticidal paint. The wall cone bio-assay used, a primer was employed to prime a cemented plaster surface and wooden board under laboratory condition within the 24–48hours before the paint application. The primer was allowed to get dried up within a given time frame before the Inesfly Carbapaint 10 (Propoxur 1.0% w/w) insecticidal paint was applied at the dosage of 8m2/L for cement plaster surface and wooden board drying at room temperature for 5 consecutive days. The wall-cone bio-assay and the varied wall cemented plaster surface parameters of 0.5ml, 1.0m and 1.5m and wooden board were both treated with 1.0% propoxur painted substrates in 24hours post exposure to validate 6months post application. The bio-efficacy and durability of indoor residual treatment with propoxur 1.0% w/w insecticidal paint from february to July, 2018 (6months) were shaded on the primer substrate. The wild Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes after 24hours of observation, showed 100% knockdown/mortality at varied cone-bioassay wall parameters height. Monthly distribution gave susceptibility result treatment with low toxicity effect, and the results presented as Mean ± standard deviations of triplicate observations (100.00±0.00). From the tried result under laboratory strain condition, with increased in those risk from malaria with indoor residual spraying (IRS) admixed microencapsulated insecticidal paint have proven positive result activities and broad spectrum against insects and agricultural pests with greater hope to public health and decreasing in cases of malaria transmission. Indeed, the carbamates based insecticides is on the most preferred in the fight against malaria vector as such, should further paired or synergize with other affluent pyrethroids based to intensify were possible, high level of susceptibility, knockdown, hoping that new-age additional classes of insecticides (Pyrrole and Neonicotinoid) will become available for the control of adult mosquito.
Phyllite/bentonite mixture as a novel effective buffer material for a geological disposal of radioactive waste
Authors: Kyzioł-Komosińska Joanna , Janeczek Janusz , Dzieniszewska Agnieszka , Fabiańska Monika J. , Matuszewska Aniela , Teper Ewa , Szram Ewa , Krzykawski Tomasz , Pająk Magdalena , Czupioł Justyna
Published: April 2023

The use of phyllite (Phy) instead of quartz in mixtures with bentonite (B) is recommended as a buffer material for engineering barriers in a geological repository of nuclear waste. The recommendation is based on experimentally determined sorption properties of various Phy/ B mixtures. The adsorption capacity of Phy/B mixtures (Phy/B: 75/25, 50/50, and 25/75), the removal efficacy of Eu(III) ions (an analog for fissiongenic lanthanides and actinides) and the rate of their binding reaction were studied using the batch adsorption equilibrium and kinetic experiments at different Eu(III) initial concentrations, solution pH and solution to adsorbent (L:S) ratio. The adsorption capacity of the Phy/B mixtures increased with the increased bentonite content in the mixture depending on the L:S ratio and solution pH. The highest increase in the adsorption capacity of the Phy/B mixtures compared to phyllite was observed for the Phy/B proportions of 25/75 and 50/50. The rate of the Eu(III) adsorption was the best fitted by the pseudo-second order kinetic model indicating that the adsorption rate was controlled by chemisorption. The Sips model provided the best correlation of the adsorption experimental data, indicative of more than one adsorption site. The results of this study show the advantage of the Phy/B mixtures in immobilizing Eu and certain fission products by combining adsorption properties of the materials.
Improving self-directed learning ability of medical students using the blended teaching method: a quasi experimental study
Authors: Lu Siying , Ren Xiangpeng , Xu Huang , Han Dong
Published: April 2023

BackgroundSelf-directed learning (SDL) is one of the most important abilities for medical students in terms of their future clinical medical practice. During the blended teaching process, teachers can design a variety of learning activities to cultivate students' SDL abilities. This study aimed to assess the differences between the SDL abilities of medical students using blended and traditional didactic teaching.MethodsThis study included 239 medical students from eight administrative classes. The students were divided into two groups: (1) the experimental group (EG), which included 119 students from four administrative classes, and (2) the control group (CG), which included 120 students from the remaining four classes. From February to July 2022, blended teaching methods were applied to the EG group, and SDL abilities were assessed in comparison to the CG group receiving traditional didactic teaching methods.ResultsAt the end of the semester, significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed between EG and CG in all six SDL ability factors. Furthermore, when k-means cluster analysis was used to analyze the learning behavior of students in the EG after classifying them as comprehensive, interactive, and passive types, significant differences were observed in all six Self-directed learning factors of students with the comprehensive type, whereas significant differences were observed in four factors (setting learning goals and plans, self-monitoring and regulation, information processing, and communication and cooperation) of students with the interactive type. For students with passive type, only one factor of SDL (information processing) showed significant improvement. There were on differences between comprehensive, interactive, and passive types of CG.ConclusionThe blended teaching approach is better than the conventional didactic teaching for cultivating clinical medical students' SDL abilities.
Ecological traits do not predict the uptake of microplastics by fishes in a Neotropical River
Authors: Costa Igor David da , Costa Leonardo Lopes , Cordeiro César Augusto Marcelino Mendes , Zalmon Ilana Rosental
Published: April 2023

Pollution by synthetic polymers is even more problematic to the environment when this material is fragmented into small portions, forming microplastics. We analyzed the contamination of ichthyofauna by microplastics in an important river of the Atlantic Rainforest in regard to abundance, diversity of morphotypes, polymers, colors, and sizes of the synthetic particles in 20 species of fish. Fish were collected in November 2019 and in March 2020 in five sites along the Pomba River. Of the 101 fish analyzed, 97 (96%) presented MPs in at least one organ. Of the 20 species of fish collected 13 included individuals with at least one MP in their analyzed organs. The organs, trophic categories and feeding areas did not affect the general abundance of MPs types. Blue MPs were predominant, followed by the colors black, red and white. MP fibers represented 91% of total MPs. Most MPs were between 2 and 3 mm in size. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), polyvinylidene chloride “Nylon” (PVDC), and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) were detected in the fishes. Considering that 55% of the fish species studied are consumed by humans, it is necessary to study the potential impact of MP ingestion on human health and to understand to what extent we may be consuming both plastic particles and contaminants that are adsorbed to MPs.
TET2 amplifies RIPK3/MLKL necroptosis signal by upregulation of PLK3 to promote UVB-induced skin photodamage
Authors: Wang Dan , Yang Shengbo , Zeng Yilan , Tang Ziting , Liu Yuanhong , Li Xuemei , Zong Xiule
Published: April 2023

The ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation causes cell death, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and skin inflammation, which leads to skin photodamage, including skin photoaging, photodermatoses, pigmentary disorders or even skin cancers. However, the mechanism of UVB-induced skin damage remains poorly understood. Here, we find that the expression of ten-eleven translocation 2 (TET2) is upregulated in UVB-irradiated cells and skin tissue. This upregulation leads to increased accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell death, as well as the release of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and interleukin 6 (IL-6), which accelerates necroinflammation in UVB-irradiated mouse skin. Moreover, the study found that TET2 promotes skin photodamage induced by UVB by upregulating the protein kinase 3 (RIPK3)-mixed lineage kinase domain-like (MLKL) related necroptosis. Mechanistically, TET2 interacts with RIPK3 and MLKL via upregulated polo-like kinase 3 (PLK3), which leads to increased activation of the RIPK3/MLKL/necroptosis signal. These findings have important implications for the prevention and treatment of skin diseases caused by UVB irradiation. By better understanding the mechanisms underlying UVB-induced skin damage, researchers and clinicians may be better equipped to develop strategies for protecting against or treating these conditions.
Nitrogen mass balance and uptake velocity for eutrophic reservoirs in the Brazilian semiarid region
Authors: Rocha Maria de Jesus Delmiro , Neto Iran Eduardo Lima
Published: April 2023

The nitrogen (N) cycle from the catchment to the downstream reservoir is complex, particularly the quantification of N losses. However, in order to assess the nitrogen impact in a reservoir ecosystem, simplified models may be applicable regarding the TN load production and the magnitude of lake TN removal. This study presented a methodology to perform and validate a TN mass balance to further calibrate a simplified coefficient for TN losses (vf.) in 29 tropical semiarid reservoirs. The study reservoirs were highly productive ecosystems with an average total nitrogen (TN) concentration, accounting for all measurements in all reservoirs, ranging from 0.59 mg L− 1 to 3.84 mg L− 1. Regarding the production of TN load, the median values ranged from 4.35 to 2,499.43 t yr− 1 with median of 80.34 t yr− 1. The TN loads were estimated through an annual mass balance over a twenty-four-year period. The median of the estimates was compared with reference values obtained by using the export modelling coefficient. The correlation between the median estimated and reference loads resulted in satisfactory agreement (r² 0.88) and reinforced the reliability of the mass balance alternative. From the validated TN loads, the TN uptake velocity (vf) was estimated for all reservoirs (44.9 ± 20.1 m yr− 1) and could be described as a general function of the water residence time. The reservoirs of the study region have demonstrated higher vf than temperate lakes and reservoirs and similar vf with Latin America/Caribbean ones. As expected, reservoirs of warmer climates tend to present intensified N loss processes as compared to lakes and reservoirs of temperate regions. The methodology proposed in the present study can be used to potentially improve water quality management in tropical semiarid reservoirs.
Elevated CSF angiopoietin-2 correlates with blood-brain barrier leakiness and markers of neuronal injury in early Alzheimer’s disease.
Authors: Miners James , Hulle Carol van , Ince Selvi , Jonaitis Erin , Okonkwo OC , Bendlin Barbara , Johnson Sterling , Carlsson Cynthia , Asthana Sanjay , Love Seth , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik
Published: April 2023

Breakdown of the neurovascular unit in early Alzheimer’s disease (AD) leads to leakiness of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), contributing to cognitive decline and disease pathology. Vascular stability depends on angiopoietin-1 (ANGPT1) signalling, antagonised by angiopoietin-2 (ANGPT2) upon endothelial injury. We have examined the relationship between CSF ANGPT2 and CSF markers of BBB leakiness and disease pathology, across three independent cohorts: (i) 31 AD patients and 33 healthy controls grouped according to their biomarker profile (i.e., AD cases t-tau > 400 pg/mL, p-tau > 60 pg/mL and Aβ42 < 550 pg/mL); (ii) 121 participants in the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer’s Prevention or Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research study (84 participants cognitively unimpaired (CU) enriched for a parental history of AD, 19 participants with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 21 with AD); (iii) a neurologically normal cohort aged 23–78 years with paired CSF and serum samples. CSF ANGPT2 level was measured by sandwich ELISA. In cohort (i), CSF ANGPT2 was elevated in AD, correlating with CSF t-tau and p-tau181 but not Aβ42. ANGPT2 also correlated positively with CSF sPDGFRβ and fibrinogen – markers of pericyte injury and BBB leakiness. In cohort (ii), CSF ANGPT2 was highest in MCI. CSF ANGT2 correlated with CSF albumin in the CU and MCI cohorts but not in AD. ANGPT2 also correlated with t-tau and p-tau and with markers of neuronal injury (neurogranin and α-synuclein) and neuroinflammation (GFAP and YKL-40). In cohort (iii), CSF ANGPT2 correlated strongly with the CSF:serum albumin ratio. Increased CSF ANGPT2 and the CSF:serum albumin ratio showed non-significant associations with elevated serum ANGPT2 in this small cohort. Together, these data indicate that CSF ANGPT2 is associated with BBB leakiness in early AD and is closely related to tau pathology and neuronal injury. The utility of serum ANGPT2 as a biomarker of BBB damage in AD requires further study.
Plasma ctDNA enhances the tissue-based detection of oncodriver mutations in colorectal cancer
Authors: Wang Wei , Huang Yisen , Li Hengping , Li Hai , Zhu Jingtao , Wang Tinghao , Yan Linghua , Dai Min , Chen Zhan , You Jun
Published: April 2023

Purpose Recently developed circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) technique is convenient and noninvasive for dynamically monitoring cancer genomic information to instruct personalized treatment. We assessed the additional value of plasma ctDNA to routine tissue next generation sequencing (NGS) of therapeutically targetable mutations and tumor mutational burden (TMB) in colorectal cancers (CRC).Methods Tissue and plasma ctDNA sequencing data from 76 colorectal cancer patients were retrospectively analyzed using 556 or 105 cancer-related gene panels. The concordance of plasma-based NGS assays with solid tumor-based NGS assays was compared.Results In total, 26 cancer-related genes were identified. The most common variants in tumor tissues and plasma samples were in APC (57.9% vs 19.7%), TP53 (55.3% vs 22.4%) and KRAS (47.4% vs 43.4%). For the detection of therapeutically targetable mutations, the overall concordance of KRAS, PIK3CA, BRAF, NRAS and ERBB2 between plasma- and tissue-based analyses was 75% (57/76), 90.79% (69/76), 96.05% (73/76), 100% (76/76) and 94.74% (72/76), respectively. Moreover, the positive mutation rate of these genes by plasma plus tissue was significantly higher than that by single assay, both for individual genes and for gene combinations. Similar result was also observed for the detection of TMB-H. The increased positive mutation rate of combined tissue and plasma testing was independent of the clinical characteristics of the patients.Conclusion In conclusion, plasma ctDNA additionally increases the positive detection rate of tissue NGS only. Tissue NGS and plasma ctDNA results should be mutually complementary in clinical detection to comprehensively capture important clinically relevant genomic information for CRCs.
Potential for companion diagnostic use and inter-rater agreement of programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) clone 22C3 expression scores in colorectal cancer
Authors: Lea Dordi , Zaharia Claudia , Søreide Kjetil
Published: April 2023

Background Expression of programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) guide use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in several cancers. In colorectal cancer (CRC), ICI is only approved for metastatic CRC, while data suggest high efficacy in operable CRC. The aim of this study was to investigate the inter-rater agreement of PD-L1 as a companion diagnostic marker.Methods Specimen (n = 166 tumors) stained by PD-L1 22C3 clone were scored by pathologists in pairs for tumor proportion score (TPS), combined positive score (CPS) and immune cell score (IC) using 3 different agreement coefficients.Results Raw scores of the two pathologists had ‘good’ to ‘excellent’ correlation. Spearman’s rho for TPS = 0.917 (95%CI 0.839–0.995), for CPS = 0.776 (95%CI 0.726–0.826) and IC = 0.818 (95%CI 0.761–0.875). Kappa (κ)-agreements of ≥ 1% and ≥ 10% cutoffs had excellent correlation for TPS. For CPS ≥ 1% and ≥ 10%, the κ = 0.32 (95%CI 0.12–0.51) and κ = 0.36 (95%CI 0.25–0.48), respectively. For IC ≥ 1% and ≥ 10%, the κ = 0.53 (95%CI 0.18–0.79) and κ = 0.61 (95%CI 0.48–0.73), respectively. Gwen’s agreement coefficient (AC1) showed higher agreement coefficients than κ-values for most, but not all cut-offs.Conclusion Agreement was for PD-L1 was good to excellent for raw scores. Agreement variation suggests need for more robust criteria for PD-L1 as a companion diagnostic marker.
South America Intraseasonal Oscillation: global vs regional indices
Authors: Sapucci Camila , Mayta Victor C. , Dias Pedro Leite da Silva
Published: April 2023

The intraseasonal oscillation is a complex non-linear variability that has a significant impact on precipitation. Regional indices have been developed to accurately represent the modulation of the intraseasonal rainfall variability over South America throughout the year. Four univariate indices are obtained by applying Empirical Orthogonal Functions (EOF) and Self-Organizing Maps (SOM) to Outgoing Longwave Radiation (OLR) and precipitation data from the Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for the Global Precipitation Measurement (IMERG). Results demonstrate that the use of regional indices can lead to valuable information concerning the intraseasonal South American rainfall variability, timing, and strength compared to the global indices of the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO). Despite being computed using only the South American domain, the regional indices capture the tropical-tropical MJO teleconnection through the zonal wavenumber-1 structure. The diversity in the amplitude and evolution of precipitation, primarily due to the tropical-extratropical teleconnections through the Rossby wave trains, is more evident when using the non-linear SOM index. The regional indices also accurately measure the impacts of the intraseasonal variability on extreme precipitation events over South America. This is illustrated in case studies, such as the 2013/2014 summer drought episode, where a deficient rainy season severely affected the Southeast Region of Brazil, impacting agricultural production and hydroelectric power generation. During this episode, the regional indices show agreement between drought periods and the suppressed precipitation phases, while the global indices show an inactive MJO phase.
Exploration of appetite regulation in Yangtze sturgeon (Acipenser dabryanus) during weaning
Authors: Zhou Bo , Wang Bin , Chen Shuhuang , Liu Youlian , Tang Ni , Chen Defang , Li Zhiqiong , Zhang Xin
Published: April 2023

Background Yangtze sturgeon is an endangered fish species. After weaning, Yangtze sturgeon fry refuse to consume any food, which causes theirlow survival rate during the artificial breeding period.
Results The body length and body weight of failed weaning Yangtze sturgeons were significantly lower than those of successful weaning sturgeons. Since the brain is the center of appetite regulation, RNA-seq of the brain was employed to analyze the differentially expressed genes and their biological functions in successfully and unsuccessfully weaned fry. After that, 82,151 unigenes and 3222 DEGs were obtained. Based on the results of RNA-seq, appetite factors, including POMC, CART, NPYand AgRP, were cloned, and then a weaning experiment was designed to explore the changes in appetite after feeding a microcapsule diet (weaning group). The results showed that during the weaning period, the expression of CART was increased on the 1st and 3rd days but decreased onthe 5th, 6th, 8th and 10th days. The expression of AgRP was downregulated on the 1st and 3rd daysbut upregulated on the 5th, 6th, 8th and 10th days.
Conclusions These findings indicate that appetite was suppressed in the early and middle periodsbut enhanced in the latter period of weaning and that CART may play animportant role in the appetite-suppressing effect.
Transferability of European-derived cardiometabolic polygenic risk scores in the South Asians and their interplay with family history
Authors: Hassanin Emadeldin , Maj Carlo , Krawitz Peter , May Patrick , Bobbili Dheeraj Reddy
Published: April 2023

Background & Aims: We aimed to investigate the transferability of European-derived polygenic risk scores (PRSs) for common metabolic diseases such as coronary artery disease (CAD), obesity, and type 2 diabetes (T2D) to South Asian (SAS) individuals in the UK Biobank. Additionally, we studied the interaction between PRS and family history (FH) in the same population.Methods To calculate the PRS, we used a previously published model derived from the EUR population and applied it to the individuals of SAS ancestry from the UKB study. Each PRS was adjusted according to an individual's genotype location in the principal components (PC) space to derive an ancestry adjusted PRS (aPRS). We calculated the percentiles based on aPRS and stratified individuals into three aPRS categories: low, intermediate, and high. Considering the intermediate-aPRS percentile as a reference, we compared the low and high aPRS categories and generated the odds ratio (OR) estimates.Results The risk of developing severe obesity for SAS individuals was more than threefold higher for individuals with high aPRS than for those with intermediate aPRS, with an OR of 3.67 (95% CI = 2.47–5.48, P < 0.01). While the risk of severe obesity was lower in the low-aPRS group (OR = 0.19, CI = 0.05–0.52, P < 0.01). Comparable results were found in the EUR data, where the low-PRS group had an OR of 0.26 (95% CI = 0.24–0.3, P < 0.01) and the high-PRS group had an OR of 3.2 (95% CI = 3.1–3.3, P < 0.01). We observed similar results for CAD and T2D. Further, we show that SAS individuals with a familial history of CAD and T2D with high-aPRS are associated with higher risk to these diseases, thereby implying a greater genetic predisposition to these conditions.Conclusion Our findings suggest that CAD, obesity, and T2D GWAS summary statistics predominantly from the EUR population can be used to derive PC-adjusted PRS in SAS individuals to be used to risk stratification. With future GWAS recruiting more SAS participants and tailoring the PRSs towards SAS ancestry, the predictive power of PRS is likely to improve further.
Algorithms for solving decision-making problems under type-2 Pythagorean fuzzy sets environment
Authors: Roy Bikash K. , Roy Ishani , Kar Samarjit , Bausys Romualdas
Published: April 2023

Pythagorean Fuzzy Sets (PyFS), which are used to describe uncertainty, have also been used by some researchers in attempts to solve decision making applications. This
paper introduces PyFS in type-2 Fuzzy Environments as type-2 PyFS (T2PyFS). We define several arithmetic operations and algebraic properties related to it, and proposing
its level sets, we investigate related properties. We also develop the Hamming and Euclidean distance of our T2PyFS, and design three decision making algorithms based
on the level sets, max-min-max composition and distance measure. In the lines of academic performance, we apply the proposed decision making algorithms in professional
course selection.
Knowledge, Attitude and practices of the population in sennar city, sudan , regarding dengue fever and its prevention measures : Community based cross sectional study
Authors: Balla Esraa Mohammed  Ahmed , Elteraifi Aya Mortada  Awadelkarim , Balla Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed , Ahmed Elbasil Nasreldin Yousif , Mohamedelnour Mohamed Elbadawi Elshaikh , Balla Samer Mohammed Ahmed , Diab Dania Abdalla Hassan , Ahmed Fadi M. Toum , Mohammed Ahmed Babiker Eltayp , Saifaldeen Monzer Mohammed Almahdi Ali , Fadallah Khalid Ali Mustafa , Eldai Yasir Ahmed Ismail , Alteib Mogahid Alteib Yousif , Suliman Ahmed Almahi Mohamed
Published: April 2023

Background : Dengue fever (DF) is now widespread throughout tropical and subtropical nations , There have been DF outbreaks during the last few years in Sudan, Up to now there is a lack of information regarding the awareness, attitudes, and practices of the population for DF protection in their settings, the aim of this study is to apply KAP model about DF among adults in sennar state in central sudan as one of the expected risk areas for the DF .
Methods: The cross-sectional study conducted in selected area with high population in sennar city in sudan, from 1st to 15th of jan 2023, We used face-to-face interviews to collect data, The main analytical procedure was descriptive using frequencies.
Results: Even though the majority of respondents (79.4%) had heard about dengue, they still have misconceptions about the breeding grounds for Aedes, more than half of the participants (64.3%) believed incorrectly that Aedes can breed in contaminated water and 21% were aware that Aedes mosquito usually bites around sunrise and sunset. Fever indication was identified by 45% of people which is the most common symptom of dengue .The level of education of the respondents was found to be an independent predictor of both knowledge and awareness of dengue among the socio-demographic factors. Although there was a significant correlation between knowledge and preventative behaviors, the degree of preventive practice was moderately less than the knowledge level ,according to our study, TV and radio are the most effective primary sources of information regarding preventive practices.
Conclusion: in this study most of the participant have a positive background on various aspects of the disease, and apply appropriate preventive practices against DF, Health education via various media should be continued to raise community awareness and dispel misconceptions regarding DF .
Public Risk Perception Explains the Mitigation of COVID-19
Authors: Lai Siyu , Wang Tong , Cao Ziqiang , Cai Mengsi , Tan Suoyi , Liu Jianguo , Lu Xin
Published: April 2023

BackgroundPublic awareness of self-protection (PASP) is of vital importance in predicting the spread of infectious diseases. It can change the way people travel and socialize, thereby curbing the spread of the infectious diseases and mitigating its impact. The objective of this study is to explore the impact of PASP on the transmission of COVID-19 and to predict its epidemic trend.MethodsBased on large-scale Weibo and Twitter datasets, we analyzes the temporal patterns of PASP for COVID-19 and develop improved models integrating PASP to predict the spread of COVID-19 in both China and UK. Additionally, we implement the models to evaluate non-pharmaceutical intervention strategies such as travel restrictions.ResultsDuring the first two months of local outbreaks with mitigation actions, the rate of online users with PASP in China and UK increased by 53% and 26%, respectively. And the integrated models yield an improved\({R^2}\)of 96.57% and 95.12% for predicting outbreaks in China and UK.ConclusionsThis study presents a new attempt to quantify PASP and extend it to predict the epidemic trend with massive online social media data. And we demonstrate that measuring public response had instructional significance in epidemiological models and is important in infectious disease prevention and control.