bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
الرعاية الأسرية للأطفال في المجتمع اليمني دراسة ميدانية لعينة من الأسر في محافظة عدن
Authors: السبئي ماجد
Published: April 2023

هدفت الدراسة إلى التعرف إلى مدى وجود رعاية أسرية للأطفال (6 – 12) سنة في المجتمع اليمني في المجالات الاجتماعية والمعيشية والنفسية والصحية والتعليمية، ومدى وجود فروق ذات دلالة إحصائية عند مستوى دلالة (0.05) بما يعزو للمتغيرات المستقلة، ووضع الباحث تساؤلات للدراسة تمثل الأهداف واعتمد على المنهج الوصفي التحليلي وأدوات الدراسة (الاستبيان، المقابلة، الملاحظة) وطبق الاستبيان على عينة من الأسر قوامها (100) مفردة في محافظة عدن عام (2020م)، وتضمنت الدراسة إطار نظري شمل مفاهيم (الرعاية، الرعاية الاجتماعية، الرعاية الأسرية، الطفل، واستخدم الباحث البرنامج الإحصائي (spss) لتحليل البيانات وتوصلت الدراسة إلى أن أفضل رعاية أسرية يتحصل عليها الأطفال من أسرهم في المجتمع اليمني في المجال النفسي بدرجة عالية بأكبر قيمة للمتوسط الحسابي (2.605)، يليه المجال الاجتماعي بدرجة عالية بقيمة للمتوسط الحسابي (2.555)، ثم في المجال الصحي بدرجة عالية بقيمة للمتوسط الحسابي العام (2.49)، ثم المجال التعليمي بمتوسط حسابي (2.275)، أقل رعاية أسرية عامة يتحصل عليها في المجال المعيشي بدرجة ضعيفة بقيمة للمتوسط الحسابي (1.915)، توجد فروق ذات دلالة إحصائية حسب متغيري الجنس والمستوى التعليمي فيما يتعلق بالرعاية الأسرية التي يتحصل عليها الأطفال في مجالي الاجتماعي والنفسي، إضافة إلى المجال المعيشي حسب المستوى التعليمي، وحسب فئات عدد أطفال فتوجد فروق الدلالة في مجالي الصحة، والمتوسط العام، ولا توجد فروق ذات دلالة إحصائية حسب متغيري فئات العمر والحالة العملية في جميع مجالات الدراسة وبقية المقارنات لا توجد فيها فرق الدلالة الإحصائية.
الفقيه باغيثان ونظرية تنمية المجتمع - الزكاة أنموذجًا
Authors: بابطّاط علي
Published: April 2023

تناول البحث موضوع الزكاة والموارد المالية في الإسلام وطُرق الاستثمار؛ وعلاقتها بالأفراد والمجتمعات، وحقوق العامة والخاصة، وهي موضوعات الساعة؛ لأنها ملتقى شُعبتين من الشريعة الإسلامية وهما العبادة والسلوك الاجتماعي، وعلاقتها بالتنمية.

    واستخدم الباحث المنهج الوصفي التحليلي، وهدف البحث إلى إبراز أثر الزكاة في تنمية المجتمع، وإعطاء مساحات للعلماء والفقهاء مستخرجين كنوز فقه الزكاة في معالجة مشاكل المجتمع، إذن فهو يحقق معالجات لمشكلات مجتمعية، تمثل تنمية فعالة لحاجة الإنسان، وتستشرف تطلعاته المستقبلية بما يحقق التنمية المستدامة.

    وخلص البحث إلى نتائج منها: أنه يمكن للزكاة أن تؤثر مباشرة على التنمية بالاستفادة من أموال الزكاة، للقيام بمشاريع تنموية، وفق الضوابط والشروط التي ذكرها الفقهاء، ويعود ريع تلك المشاريع للفقراء، والمساكين المستحقين للزكاة. ظهرت استشرافات الفقيه الفذّ باغيثان في النظر الى حكمة التشريع من تحقيق المقاصد والمصالح، ومن ذلك فتاويه في الزكاة. وقد أوصى الباحث بإخراج درر فتاوى الزكاة المتعلقة بالتنمية، وإبراز مكانة العلم والعلماء ومنهم العلاّمة باغيثان، وإيجاد مؤسسات تعنى بالتراث الفقهي الإسلامي وبعثه بما يحقق تنمية مجتمعية، تدعم من قبل الجهات الرسمية وغيرها.
إِجْمَاعَات الِإمَامِ الْمُزَنِيِّ "جَمْعًا وَدِرَاسَةً"
Authors: الأمير أمين
Published: April 2023

الحمد لله رب العالمين، والصلاة على أشرف المرسلين، وبعد:

     يعد الإجماع مصدرا من مصادر التشريع الإسلامي، وله أهمية كبيرة في ضبط فهم النصوص الشرعية من الكتاب والسنة، وهو منهج إسلامي من مصادر المعرفة العلمية حيث يعتبر عملية استقرائية للخروج بمنهج كلي، ولما كان كذلك أحببت أن تكون مشاركة مني في إعداد هذا البحث في هذا السياق المعرفي، فقمت بجمع المسائل الفقهية التي حكى الإمام المزني فيها الإجماع في مختصره، وقمت بدراستها، بذكر نص المزني، ثم تحليل نصه وتفسيره، ثم من وافق المزني في حكاية الإجماع، ثم النتيجة التي توصلت إليها بثبوت الإجماع المحكي أو بعدم صحته وثوبته.

     وتكمن أهمية إجماعات المزني اقترانها بإجماعات الشافعي، حيث حكى المزني النوعين، فكان هذا البحث جمعا لها، وتفريقا بينهما، ودراستها دراسة فقهية، واتبعت فيه المنهج الاستقرائي التحليلي.

واستخراجت الإجماعات الفقهية من مختصر المزني، مقتصرًا على صيغة الإجماع ومشتقاتها اللفظية، على المسائل الفقهية، وضمنته مقدمةً، وتمهيدًا بينت فيها ترجمةً مختصرةً للمزني، ثم بيان معنى الإجماع في اللغة والاصلاح، ثم مبحثين، على النحو التالي:

المبحث الأول: الإجماعات في العبادات، وتضمن (7) مطالب، والمبحث الثاني: الإجماعات في غير العبادات، وتضمن كذلك (7) مطالب.

وتبين أن كل الإجماعات المحكية صحيحة وثابتة، وهي قواعد وضوابط فقهية كلية، وكان سبب إيراد المزني لها في مختصره؛ ليدلل بها على اختيار قوله وفقه، وردًا بها على المخالف، وكان لا بد من بحث مستقل يعالج ويميز إجماعاته عن إجماعات الإمام الشافعي.
Estudio para la aplicación de LMS como apoyo pedagógico para estudiantes de educación básica superior
Authors: Mayea-Carpio Rosa Isabel
Published: April 2023

El proceso de sistematización de los datos que se presentan en este artículo corresponden a un eje investigativo aplicado en la Escuela de Educación Básica JOSÉ MARÍA BARONA (EEB JMB) del cantón Vinces en la provincia de Los Ríos-Ecuador, el muestreo seleccionado para esta publicación corresponde a la planta docente de la misma y se trabajó en paralelo al  programa de posgrado de la Universidad Técnica de Babahoyo, de ahí que el material ha sido filtrado y puede ser consultado para un análisis o correlación entre docencia y estudiantado. Los resultados que se presentan en esta selección investigativa fueron  analizados a través de una prueba de test binomial en el programa JASP 0.15 para la sistematización de los resultados y por los cuales se propone una guía metodológica para la implementación de estrategias de enseñanza-aprendizaje en un EVA para que el estudiantado pueda insertar las nuevas realidades en desarrollo hacia su contexto y además, pueda ser implementado independientemente de la estructura tecnológica institucional, en especial de instituciones que consideran este tipo de proyectos como sus ejes de evolución o misión a mediano plazo.
Estrés docente durante los procesos educativos con presencialidad física y remota a propósito de la pandemia por Covid-19
Authors: Rosero-Morán Cristina del Rocío , Aragundy-Cornejo Arianna Angélica
Published: April 2023

La integración de las nuevas tecnologías y el aumento de carga laboral ha tenido influencia en el desempeño docente al punto de afectar el desarrollo de las actividades de enseñanza-aprendizaje. El balance entre el tiempo que se dedica a la práctica profesional y el que se dispone para el reposo físico y psicológico se analiza a partir de la definición del estrés como un conjunto de situaciones cotidianas que afectan el desarrollo personal y profesional de un individuo y que incrementó en las prácticas educativas virtuales durante el Covid-19. El estudio se realizó en dos unidades educativas de la ciudad de Quito- Ecuador a quienes se aplicó el cuestionario de Maslach Burnout Inventory. También se obtuvo datos de variables sociodemográficas. La muestra se compuso de 155 participantes y se utilizó  para el análisis el programa estadístico JASP 0.15. Los resultados muestran el grado de estrés laboral que tienen los docentes dependiendo de las variables sociodemográficas: rural, urbana, género, edad, nivel de educación, estado civil y con quién se vive en las cuales el >0.51 no encuentra el espacio para la realización de estudios de posgrado y que además guardan correlación estadísticamente significativas <.001, moderadas entre la variable inatención y los síntomas de frustración 0,46; los síntomas de culpabilidad 0,36; los síntomas de desgaste 0,26; cansancio 0,51; falta de atención 0,26 e importancia laboral 0,43;motivando una discusión respecto a los tiempos y la carga laboral que se le asignan a los docentes indistintamente si ejercen en la ruralidad o urbanidad.
Un encuentro con lo digital: nuevas formas de “aprender a aprender”.
Authors: Cabrera-Amaiquema Jefferson Eduardo
Published: April 2023

Los LMS en la educación se han transformado en una herramienta precisa para el avance pedagógico, estos han incluido modelos metodológicos como que buscan la generación de cambios significativos en el aula de clase. Se deja de lado la educación tradicional de tal forma que se modifica el pensamiento respecto a que el estudiante es una “caja vacía” que necesita ser llenada o alimentada con el conocimiento impartido por el profesor, quien es el que posee la verdad absoluta.
Action-research study to improve vocabulary acquisition through picture description
Authors: Guevara-Torres Pamela Victoria , Ramírez-Ávila María Rossana
Published: April 2023

The incidence of vocabulary at the level of students has been one of the components of the English language with more research, however, it was considered the need to perform a context assessment to analyze the effect of the implementation of image description on vocabulary acquisition in a specific population. The participants were ten students from an English academy (n=10). For the analysis of the data obtained, a sample survey of "mixed" type was considered through quantitative and qualitative instruments applying a survey with statements on a Likert scale, diagnostic tests and subsequent tests on vocabulary knowledge and its use in context allowing to analyze the comparison of the means in a p < .005 whose interpretation of data is statistically significant. The results of the instruments (vocabulary knowledge test and vocabulary test in context) show that the use of image description has a positive impact on vocabulary acquisition. Participants learned more words and after the intervention with a Cohen's magnitude d = 0.45 reaffirming that the confidence of "n" was better regarding the use of "known" and "new" vocabulary. The participants' perspective was positive towards vocabulary acquisition through image description. The results also represent a significant value for teachers in the area, since it recommends activities that include the description of images to contribute to a learning of vocabulary appropriate for their development and interaction.
Degree and quality of the connection of motor skills and judo techniques
Authors: Popović Miloš , Popović Jasna
Published: April 2023

The research was conducted with the aim of determining the degree and quality of the connection between judo techniques and motor skills defined as manifest and latent dimensions. Therefore, 237 male respondents aged 11 to 12 years were tested. This sample can be considered representative of judokas of the same age. 20 motor tests were used to assess motor skills. They were chosen for the structural analysis to be performed at the level of second-order factors according to the structural model. For the evaluation of the technical competence of judokas, 7 representatives of certain major groups of techniques were taken. The groups of judo techniques are taken to cover: hand techniques, side techniques, leg techniques, sacrifice techniques, ground hold techniques, chokes and leverage techniques. All variables used in previous research were subjected to thorough validation. Canonical analysis of latent motor dimensions and judo techniques indicated a significant correlation. However, apart from the fact that this method is currently considered the optimal research procedure, numerous further researches are needed that would continuously supplement knowledge about the methods and laws of the relationship between motor skills and judo techniques.
(Counter)Productive Practices for Using Student Thinking
Authors: Van Zoest Laura R. , Stockero Shari L. , Peterson Blake E. , Leatham Keith R.
Published: April 2023

Learn why collecting, clarifying, and revoicing—often great teaching moves—do not always work.
Molecular subtypes, tumor microenvironment infiltration characterization and prognosis model based on cuproptosis in bladder cancer
Authors: Zhang Heping , Liu Ji , Zheng Zongtai
Published: April 2023

Cuproptosis is a kind of cell death dependent on copper. We aimed to explore the functions of the cuproptosis in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and construct a cuproptosis-related prognosis signature in bladder cancer (BCa). Using BCa patients in the public cohort, the cuproptosis-related molecular subtypes and cuproptosis-related prognosis signature were developed. Three cuproptosis-related molecular subtypes, with different prognoses and TME characteristics, were identified in BCa. The cuproptosis-related prognosis signature can divide patients into high- and low-risk groups with different prognoses, TME characteristics, chemotherapeutic drug susceptibility and immunotherapeutic response. Low risk group patients had a favored prognosis and response to immunotherapy. The dysregulation of cuproptosis-related genes expression levels was validated in multiple BCa cells using in vitro experiments. Cuproptosis has an important role in the tumor progression and the characterization of TME in BCa. The cuproptosis-related prognosis signature is a useful biomarker that can reflect the prognosis, TME characteristics, immunotherapeutic response and chemotherapeutic drug susceptibility in BCa patients.
Determinants of proper disposal of single-use masks: knowledge, perception, behavior, and intervention measures
Authors: Petrescu Dacinia Crina , Rastegari Hamid , Petrescu-Mag Ioan Valentin , Petrescu-Mag Ruxandra Malina
Published: April 2023

Background

Although many studies testify to consumer behavior’s role in the context of waste-related sustainability objectives, little research examined what people know, think, and feel about the environmental impacts of their personal protective equipment (PPE) or their behavior towards them, in general. Therefore, the present article complements existing information about the public perceptions, knowledge, and behavior of single-use masks in a context where the pandemic has put increasing pressure on waste management public services. From February to June 2020, municipal solid waste increased ten times in Romania. The study identified the factors that predicted the proper disposal of single-use masks and the measures preferred to prevent or minimize the negative impact of single-use mask waste.

Method

Data from a representative sample of 705 Romanians were collected using a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed with SPSS and SmartPLS. The Cochran’s Q test was run to determine the existence of differences between percentages of people who preferred various measures. Dunn’s test with a Bonferroni correction was used to identify the exact pair of groups where the differences were located. The study utilized structural equation models (SEM) based on at least partial squares with SmartPLS software (3.2.8) to investigate causal links between constructs. The model considered that the dependent variable (environmentally friendly behavior: proper disposal of single-use masks) could be influenced by the knowledge, perception, behavior, and demographics variables.

Results

The findings indicated that knowledge of the type of material of single-use masks had a direct positive (β = 0.173) and significant effect on their proper disposal. The perception of mask waste impact has a negative and significant (β = −0.153, p < 0.001) impact on the proper disposal of single-use masks. This path coefficient illustrates that the worse the perceived impact of single-use masks on waste management activity, the higher the proper disposal of single-use masks. Gender has a positive (β = 0.115) and significant (p < 0.001) effect on the proper disposal of single-use masks.

Conclusions

It was concluded that the 5Rs waste management approach should be reconsidered for single-use mask waste. For example, “Reuse” and the classic “Recycle” have limited applications since they may lead to virus transmission and possible infection. “Reducing” the use of single-use masks could have repercussions on one’s health. Summing up, the study outlined recommendations for effective interventions for the proper disposal of single-use masks from the perspective of behavioral studies.
Tesis On the spectral stability of the nonlinear Dirac equation of Soler type
Authors:   ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Instituto de Física, Aldunate Bascuñán Danko
Published: April 2023

We study the spectral stability of the solitary wave solutions to the nonlin- ear Dirac equation in (1+1) dimension. We focus on a Soler type nonlinear model, where the nonlinearity is given by (ψψ)^p. The method we use con- sists in perturbe the solutions with a sufficiently small function ρ, finding a time evolution equation for this perturbation where this equation depends on the spectrum of the linearized operator Hμ. We will say that the solitary wave solutions are stable if the spectrum of Hμ does not have eigenvalues with imaginary part other than zero. We were only able to provide bounds for the real and imaginary part of the discrete spectrum of Hμ. In the end, we summarize what is known about σ(Hμ).
Application of Municipal Solid Waste Compost and Green Manure Exerted Residual Effects on Soil Nutrient Content and Plant Nutrient Uptake in Rice
Authors: Sarker Protima Rani , Rahman Md. Mazibur , Mamun Abdullah Al , Nahar Nazmun , Tipu Mohammad Monirul Hasan
Published: April 2023

Aims: Rice is the most widely consumed staple food as well as Bangladesh. With the global upsurge in population, rapid urbanization, and industrialization increasing waste production in urban areas and managing them becoming a major concern. Municipal solid waste (MSW) is considered an important recycling tool for use in agricultural fields as compost. Green manure (GM) is another thing thatprovides a substantial portion of the nitrogen requirement of rice. Both MSW compost and GM add organic matter to the soil. We conducted a study to know the residual effects of municipal solid waste (MSW) compost and green manure (GM) on nutrient contents in soil and uptakes in rice (BINA Dhan-7).

Methods: The experiment was conducted with a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), nine treatments, and three replications. The present rice crop received no fertilizers during the cultivation period. MSW compost and GM inoculated with Rhizobium strains were incorporated as per treatments in 2 cycles of the Mungbean- Dhaincha- Rice cropping pattern.

Results: The highest nutrient content and uptake were recorded with higher rates of MSW compost and GM application in the preceding crops. Compost is a slow-release source of nitrogen and most nitrogen remaining after completion of the composting process is bound into organic forms. After application nutrients do not become available immediately for plant uptake, and remain as residue which contributes to improving soil quality for several years after application ceases. MSW compost and GM increases soil nutrient contents, availability, and uptake by adding organic matter, increasing the C: N ratio, and soil’s physical, chemical, and biological properties.

Conclusion: The MSW compost and GM can provide a significant amount of residual effects on the nutrient content in the soil and uptake in rice which depends on the nutrient composition of applied manure in previous crops.
Retracted: Effect of Poor Materials Management on Materials Waste in FCT, Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Micheal F. , Mahmoud A. , Ishaya K. S. , Kpalo S. Y.
Published: April 2023

Materials on construction site management are critical issue within the Nigerian subcontractors. Often, movement of materials to site from one point to the other point leads to more cost of goods. Hence, management of construction materials in building industries is a crucial aspect in project management. If these are not done properly it will lead to high costs in the construction phase. The present research seeks to assess the impact of Poor Materials Management (PMM) on waste materials in project in FCT, Abuja, Nigeria.
The research collects data through questionnaires from the field survey, interview and site observation. Descriptive statistics was used for the study, mean index score method of analysis were adopted. Result of the study indicates that considerable effect on material waste generation on any construction project site were observed as a result of poor materials management; effects on quality of building projects was observed to be moderate, and effects on profitability in the construction projects were observed to be both high and moderate.  
The study concludes that effective management of materials in construction projects would decrease the amount of waste generation, raise the quality of construction work, and offer maximum profit to the contractors. The study  recommendations that the government agencies should collaborate with construction industry in Nigeria to develop policies for adoption on waste management plan for the construction industry and guarantee  that senior officers adopts the training and developing the younger staff on the latest techniques for site materials management and managerial tools.
Retraction Notice: This paper has been retracted from the journal on 04th March-2024.
The Dynamics of Economic Globalization and Income Inequality in Sub-Saharan African Countries: An Empirical Insight from Two Stage Least Square and Fixed Effect Approach
Authors: Elvis Sone Wang , Ewane Enongene Betrand
Published: April 2023

Many empirical studies have examined the nexus between economic globalization and income inequality. However, findings are controversial, especially for developing countries, which require further investigation. This study, therefore, aims to examine the effect of economic globalization on income inequality using unbalance panel data in 19 Sub Saharan African countries (SSA) from 2000 – 2015.  Due to endogeneity problem and cross sectional dependence, the model was analyzed using a two-stage least square (2SLS) regression and the fixed effect model with Driscoll-Kraay standard errors regression respectively. The findings reveal that FDI, Trade openness, and ICT development are positive and significantly link to income inequality while remittances have a negative and significant effect. This is an indication that economic globalization indicators (FDI, Trade openness, ICT) have failed to bring a fairer income distribution in these countries while remittances have contributed to income distribution. On basis of this conclusion, policymakers should pursue policies, which will enhance a balanced development and improvement in the socioeconomic welfare of the population by improving measures of income distribution.
Losing Ceci
Authors: Sanford Ethan L.
Published: April 2023

In this narrative medicine essay, a critical care physician’s shared grief with a father who also recently experienced the death of a young child helps guide him back from his family’s unimaginable loss.
Blurred Vision After a Kidney Transplant
Authors: Tailor Prashant D. , Smith Wendy M. , Dalvin Lauren A.
Published: April 2023

A patient with cytomegalovirus viremia who underwent kidney transplant developed floaters in both eyes that did not improve after painful intravitreal injections of foscarnet and ganciclovir. What would you do next?
Materials Innovations for Quantum Technology Acceleration: A Perspective
Authors: Lock Evgeniya H. , Lee Jonghoon , Choi Daniel S. , Bedford Robert G. , Karna Shashi P. , Roy Ajit K.
Published: April 2023

A broad perspective of quantum technology state of the art is provided and critical stumbling blocks for quantum technology development are identified. Innovations in demonstrating and understanding electron entanglement phenomena using bulk and low‐dimensional materials and structures are summarized. Correlated photon‐pair generation via processes such as nonlinear optics is discussed. Application of qubits to current and future high‐impact quantum technology development is presented. Approaches for realizing unique qubit features for large‐scale encrypted communication, sensing, computing, and other technologies are still evolving; thus, materials innovation is crucially important. A perspective on materials modeling approaches for quantum technology acceleration that incorporate physics‐based AI/ML, integrated with quantum metrology is discussed.
Rapidly Cured Multifunctional Epoxy Resins with Switchable Curing Temperature and Exceptional Electrical Properties
Authors: Al‐Qatatsheh Ahmed , Vongsvivut Jitraporn , Juodkazis Saulius , Salim Nisa V. , Hameed Nishar
Published: April 2023

The use of the coordinated silver (I) complex based on solvate ionic liquid in epoxy resins is reported to enable unprecedented electrical and thermomechanical properties. The novel hybrid material is aligned at the molecular level using an electric field, demonstrating high electrical conductivity, excellent energy storage properties, and rapid curing behavior. The electric‐field treated epoxy resin system shows a maximum electric conductivity of 2.05 × 105 S m−1, 20 folds of the same untreated system, and 3 folds of the same treated system but with 5.0% silver nanoparticles. Furthermore, this system shows an ultrafast curing rate of around 500 s at a temperature of 42.0 °C and reveals excellent energy storage achieving an average capacitance of 27.5 F g−1 at a scan rate of 1.0 mV s−1. Quantum mechanics is applied and the synchrotron beamline is utilized to optimize and investigate the properties of the system, opening the door to the next generation of thermoset polymers with multifunctional properties.
A Review of Perovskite Nanocrystal Applications in Luminescent Solar Concentrators
Authors: Zhou Nan , Wang Dourong , Bao Yaqi , Zhu Ruixue , Yang Peihui , Song Lin
Published: April 2023

Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) are capable of absorbing solar light over a large area, which subsequently converts light into luminescence at a red‐shifted wavelength and then redirects it to a smaller target to increase the per‐unit yield of photovoltaic devices. Among various LSC materials, perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) have attracted great attention due to their adjustable band gap, multi‐exciton effect, and good stability. In this review, a brief introduction of LSCs, including their advances and principles, is given, followed by a summary of perovskite‐NCs‐based LSCs. The selected examples for component optimization of inorganic perovskite NCs are outlined after an introduction to the structure and properties of perovskite NCs. The absorption and/or emission peaks of all‐inorganic and inorganic–organic hybrid perovskite NCs can be efficiently regulated, which not only increases the Stokes shift but also improves the stability. Excellent performance and operability show a bright application prospect of perovskite NCs in the field of LSC applications.
Evaluating the association between genetically proxied ACE inhibition and dementias
Authors: Nassan Malik , Daghlas Iyas , Piras Ignazio S. , Rogalski Emily , Reus Lianne M , Pijnenburg Yolande , Cuddy Leah K. , Saxena Richa , Mesulam M‐Marsel , Huentelman Matt
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) has been implicated in the metabolism of amyloid beta; however, the causal effect of ACE inhibition on risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia and other common dementias is largely unknown.

Methods

We examined the causal association of genetically proxied ACE inhibition with four types of dementias using a two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach.

Results

Genetically proxied ACE inhibition was associated with increased risk of AD dementia (odds ratio per one standard deviation reduction in serum ACE [95% confidence interval]; 1.07 [1.04–1.10], P = 5 × 10−07) and frontotemporal dementia (1.16 [1.04–1.29], P = 0.01) but not with Lewy body dementia or vascular dementia (P > 0.05). These findings were independently replicated and remained consistent in sensitivity analyses.

Discussion

This comprehensive MR study provided genetic evidence for an association between ACE inhibition and the risk for AD and frontotemporal dementias. These results should encourage further studies of the neurocognitive effects of ACE inhibition.

HIGHLIGHTS

This study evaluated genetically proxied angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition association with dementias.

The results suggest an association between ACE inhibition and Alzheimer's disease.

The results suggest an association between ACE inhibition and frontotemporal dementia.

Those associations can be interpreted as potentially causal.
Evaluation of two plumes jet plasma reactor for plasmolysis of H2O vapor and CO2 combinations – Optimization study
Authors: Abdul‐Majeed Wameath S. , Nasir Qazi , Alajmi Muzna H. , Almaqbali Khaloud A.
Published: April 2023

A custom design multi‐flying jet plasma torches (MFJPT) reactor was tested for plasmolysis of water vapor and mixtures of water vapor‐carbon dioxide in a series of experimental investigations at various reactor operational parameters. Experimentation plans were applied within the range of induced power (100–300 watts) and various vapor/gas throughputs. The produced gases were analyzed through online gas chromatography. The results of water vapor plasmolysis in two schemes demonstrated the production of 1337 ppm of hydrogen from water vapor/argon and 1665 ppm from applying a water vapor/argon/CO2 combination. Valuable hydrocarbon gases (e.g., Ethane, Ethylene/Acetylene) were generated and detected at higher conversions upon introducing H2O vapor, argon, and CO2 mixtures. The experimental data were trained through machine learning and a Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) model has fitted the data quite well. Ultimately, optimization study outcomes are presented through a color heat‐map for system scaling‐up purposes.
Voided volume may not impact stone outcomes: Review of a large institutional nephrolithiasis cohort
Authors: Shee Kevin , Chan Carter , Yang Heiko , Sui Wilson , Bowman Max , Hamouche Fadl , Charondo Leslie Bernal , Ho Sunita , Chi Thomas , Stoller Marshall L.
Published: April 2023

Background

Urologic guidelines universally recommend increasing fluid intake for kidney stone prevention. Increased voided volume is thought to help reduce stone recurrence and severity, but supporting evidence is limited.

Patients and Methods

Nephrolithiasis outcomes and 24‐h urine data for patients from the Registry for Stones of the Kidney and Ureter (ReSKU), a registry of nephrolithiasis patients collected between 2015 and 2020, were retrospectively analysed. Outcome was stone events, either an office visit where a patient reports symptomatic passage of stones or surgery for stone removal.

Results

We identified 450 stone patients with 24‐h urine and kidney stone outcome data. There was no significant difference in 24‐h voided volume between patients with one stone event and patients with two or more stone events. On multivariable logistic regression, after controlling for age, gender, BMI, and 24‐h sodium and creatinine per kilogram, no significant associations were found between voided volume and stone events. There was a statistically significant negative correlation noted between voided volume and stone events in calcium oxalate dihydrate stone formers (Spearman R = −0.42, p = 0.04), but not others.

Conclusions

Twenty‐four‐hour voided volume was not associated with stone events in a large institutional cohort, and subset analysis reveals that some stone formers may benefit more from increased voided volume than others; identifying such patients represents a novel precision medicine opportunity.
Implication of storage conditions on luminescence response from Photobacterium phosphoreum in free and immobilized form
Authors: Ranjan Rajeev , Alamanova Azhar , Sarangova Antonina , Kratasyuk Valentina A.
Published: April 2023

Bioluminescent bacteria in the form of a cell suspension for on‐site hazard analysis are not suitable as in vivo luminescence in free cells fluctuates and may lead to erroneous results. Furthermore, the culture broth cannot be stored for long durations to continue sensing analytes as the luminescence ceases over time. Factors that affect luminescence response include growth dynamism, and ambient environmental conditions. The present study investigated the effect of storage conditions such as temperature (25 ± 2°C, room temperature; 4°C; and −20°C) and ambient aqueous environment (M1: sucrose, 1.02 M; M2, bioluminescent media [tryptone, 10 g L−1; NaCl, 28.5 g L−1; MgCl2.7H2O, 4.5 g L−1; CaCl2, 0.5 g L−1; KCl 0.5 g L−1; yeast extract, 1 g L−1; H2O, 1 L]; M3, bioluminescent media and 95% glycerol, 1:1 ratio) on the luminescence emission from the calcium alginate‐immobilized Photobacterium phosphoreum (Sb) against the cells in free suspension for an extended period. The results indicated that both the parameters that were undertaken markedly affected the luminescence. In the study, Sb showed an enhanced luminescence emission than the control up to 18.5‐fold and for a prolonged period which can be efficiently utilized for rapid biosensing of hazardous materials.
A research‐led flexible cell biology practical for biological sciences undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses
Authors: Divan Aysha , Alzahrani Areej , Shaik Faheem , Mitchell Joanna , Harrison Michael A. , Odell Adam , Ponnambalam Sreenivasan
Published: April 2023

A challenge in the pandemic era is to implement effective but flexible practical teaching for biological sciences courses. Such teaching needs to deliver conceptual, analytical and practical skills training while having the option to rapidly respond to health and safety issues, local regulations, staff and student concerns. In this paper, we describe a set of cell biology practicals (mini‐project) that meets many of these requirements and provides flexibility in providing skills training both through online and in practical laboratory environments. We have used a human adenocarcinoma cell line A431 stably transfected with a fluorescent cell cycle reporter as a biological model to deliver training through discrete work packages encompassing cell culture, fluorescence microscopy, biochemistry and statistics. How such work packages can be modified to, an online format either partially or completely is also described. Furthermore, the activities can be adapted for teaching both undergraduate and postgraduate level courses to ensure effective skills training which is applicable to a wide range of biological degree programs and levels of study.
Prognostic nomogram for multiple myeloma early relapse after autologous stem cell transplant in the novel agent era
Authors: Zhou Huixing , Jian Yuan , Du Juan , Liu Junru , Zhang Zhiyao , Yang Guangzhong , Wang Guorong , Tian Ying , Li Yanchen , Wu Yin , Chen Wenming , Fu Weijun , Li Juan , Gao Wen
Published: April 2023

Background

The present study intended to establish a predictive nomogram for early relapse (ER) (<12 months) after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in the novel drug era for multiple myeloma (MM).

Patients and Methods

The nomogram was designed and constructed to a retrospective clinical data of newly diagnosed MM patients received novel agent induction therapy and subsequent ASCT at three centers in China from July 2007 to December 2018. The retrospective study was conducted among 294 patients in the training cohort and 126 in the validation cohort. The nomogram's predictive accuracy was evaluated by the concordance index, calibration curve and decision clinical curve.

Results

The study cohort included 420 newly diagnosed MM patients, and 100 (23.8%) were identified as having ER, including 74 in the training cohort and 26 in the validation cohort. According to the result of multivariate regression in the training cohort, the prognostic variables included in the nomogram were high‐risk cytogenetics, LDH > UNL, and response less than very good partial response (VGPR) after ASCT. The calibration curve showed good fitness between the nomogram predictions and the actual observations and the nomogram was further validated by a clinical decision curve. The nomogram's C‐index achieved 0.75 (95% CI, 0.70–0.80), which was higher than that of the Revised International Staging System (R‐ISS) (0.62), ISS (0.59), and Durie–Salmon (DS) staging system (0.52). The discrimination ability of the nomogram in the validation cohort was superior to that of the other staging systems (C‐index: 0.73 vs. R‐ISS (0.54), ISS (0.55), and DS staging system (0.53)). DCA showed the prediction nomogram adds much more clinical utility. Different scores of the nomogram draw a distinction of OS.

Conclusion

The present nomogram could serve as a feasible and accurate prediction of ER in novel drug induction transplantation‐eligible MM patients, which could help modify the post‐ASCT strategy for patients at high risk of ER.
Guaiane‐Type Sesquiterpenes from the Stems of Fissistigma oldhamii
Authors: Wu Mei‐Zhu , Xu Bing‐Quan , Zhang Xiao‐Zheng , Liu Sha , Luo You‐Ping , Zhou Xue‐Ming , Chen Guang‐Ying
Published: April 2023

Two new guaiane‐type sesquiterpenes dysodensiols J and L, one new natural product dysodensiol K together with four known biogenetically related guaiane‐type sesquiterpenes were isolated from the stems of Fissistigma oldhamii. Their structures were elucidated by detailed analysis of NMR, HR‐ESI‐MS, IR and Optical rotations data. Compound 1 contains an uncommon five‐membered ether ring. The inhibitory effect of all compounds on the proliferation of primary synovial cells was evaluated. Compound 3 showed inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 6.8 μM. Compounds 5–7 exhibited moderate inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 23.8, 26.6, and 27.1 μM, respectively.
Subcutaneous panniculitis‐like T‐cell lymphoma post‐mRNA‐1273 COVID‐19 vaccination
Authors: Ukishima Sho , Miyagami Taiju , Arikawa Mari , Kushiro Seiko , Takaku Tomoiku , Naito Toshio
Published: April 2023

This is a case of subcutaneous panniculitis‐like T‐cell lymphoma (SPTCL) was diagnosed by skin biopsy in a patient who presented with fever and erythema nodosum in the umbilicum following mRNA‐1273 COVID‐19 vaccination. COVID‐19 vaccines may cause SPTCL and skin biopsy may help in the diagnosis of erythema nodosum.
Vimentin expression correlates with immune checkpoint inhibitor efficacy in non–small cell lung cancer
Authors: Nakahama Kenji , Izumi Motohiro , Yoshimoto Naoki , Fukui Mitsuru , Sugimoto Akira , Nagamine Hiroaki , Ogawa Koichi , Sawa Kenji , Tani Yoko , Kaneda Hiroyasu , Mitsuoka Shigeki , Watanabe Tetsuya , Asai Kazuhisa , Kawaguchi Tomoya
Published: April 2023

Background

Although vimentin is often expressed in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the association between vimentin expression and immune‐checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) efficacy remains unclear.

Methods

This retrospective multicenter study enrolled patients with NSCLC who received ICI treatment between December 2015 and July 2020. The authors constructed tissue microarrays and performed immunohistochemical staining with vimentin. They analyzed the relationship between vimentin expression rate and objective response rate (ORR), progression‐free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS).

Results

Immunohistochemically evaluable specimens on microarray blocks were available for 397 patients, of whom 343 (86%) were negative (<10%), 30 (8%) were positive (10%−49%), and 24 (6%) were highly positive (≥50%) for vimentin expression. Both rates of programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) tumor proportion score ≥1% and ≥50% were significantly higher in the vimentin‐positive group (≥10%) than the vimentin‐negative group (<10%) (96% vs. 78%, p = .004; 64% vs. 42%, p = .006, respectively). In patients treated with ICI monotherapy, ORR, PFS, and OS were significantly better in the vimentin‐positive group (10%−49%) than in the vimentin‐negative group (<10%) (54% vs. 25%, p = .003, median = 7.9 vs. 3.2 months, p = .011; median = 27.0 vs. 13.6 months, p = .015, respectively), whereas there was no significant difference in PFS and OS between the vimentin highly positive group (≥50%) and the vimentin‐negative group (<10%) (median = 3.4 vs. 3.2 months, p = .57; median = 7.2 vs. 13.6 months, p = .086, respectively).

Conclusions

Vimentin expression correlated with PD‐L1 expression and ICI efficacy.

Plain Language Summary

We constructed tissue microarrays and performed immunohistochemical staining with vimentin on 397 patients with advanced non–small cell lung cancer who were treated with immune‐checkpoint inhibitor (ICI).

The vimentin‐positive group who were treated with ICI monotherapy showed significantly better objective response rate, progression‐free survival, and overall survival than the vimentin negative group.

The measurement of vimentin expression will aid in determining appropriate immunotherapy strategies.
Assessment of the Impact of Mandated Postmarketing Pediatric‐Focused Safety Reviews on Safety‐Related Regulatory Actions 2013–2019
Authors: Mohamoud Mohamed , Cheng Carmen , Ryan Debra , Kim Ivone , Wu Eileen , Muñoz Monica , Kortepeter Cindy , Pinnow Ellen , Dal Pan Gerald
Published: April 2023

The US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) routine postmarketing drug safety monitoring may lead to safety‐related labeling changes for identified risks. Additionally, the Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act (BPCA) and Pediatric Research Equity Act (PREA) require the FDA to conduct postmarket pediatric‐focused safety reviews of adverse events. The purpose of these pediatric reviews is to identify risks associated with drug or biological products 18 months after the FDA approves a pediatric labeling change pursuant to studies conducted under the BPCA or PREA. These reviews are presented to the FDA Pediatric Advisory Committee (PAC) or publicly posted on FDA's website. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of pediatric reviews prompted by BPCA/PREA from October 1, 2013, to September 30, 2019. The impact was quantified by the number of new safety signals identified and the subsequent safety‐related labeling changes resulting from pediatric reviews relative to safety‐related labeling changes triggered by other data sources. Among 163 products with at least one pediatric review completed, a new safety signal that resulted in a safety‐related labeling change was found for 5 of these products (representing 3 active ingredients); none described risks specific to the pediatric population. Between October 2013 and September 2021, there were 585 safety‐related labeling changes implemented for products with at least one completed pediatric review. Less than 1% of 585 safety‐related labeling changes were the result of a mandated pediatric review. Our study suggests that mandated pediatric reviews conducted 18 months after a pediatric labeling change provided minimal value over other postmarket safety surveillance activities.
Delayed ipsilateral intestinal perforation after endoscopic gastrojejunostomy: A perspective on underlying mechanisms
Authors: Genere Juan Reyes , Suarez Zoilo K. , Kushnir Vladimir
Published: April 2023

The endoscopic management for malignant gastric outlet obstruction has expanded with the advent of endoscopic ultrasound‐guided gastrojejunostomy. Delayed perforation after endoscopic ultrasound‐guided gastrojejunostomy is an important yet rarely reported adverse event, and it is unclear why some patients may suffer this complication. We present a case of intestinal perforation occurring one month after endoscopic ultrasound‐guided gastrojejunostomy and discuss potential mechanisms which may contribute to this outcome.
Differences between stem and branch xylem water isotope composition in four tropical tree species
Authors: Sohel Md. Shawkat I. , Herbohn John , Nehemy Magali F. , McDonnell Jeffrey J.
Published: April 2023

Stable isotope studies (δ2H and δ18O) of water within plants are providing new information on water sources, competitive interactions and water use patterns under natural conditions. This is based on the assumption that there is no fractionation at the time of water uptake or during its transport within trees. However, previous studies have found fractionation does occur in water taken up through the roots in halophytic and xerophytic plants. It is unclear how widespread such fractionation is in other species. In this study, we tested this fractionation by comparing stem and branch xylem water isotopes over the period of one day (from 8 am to 5 pm) in four wet tropical rainforest tree species (Dendrocnide photinophylla,Aphananthe philippinensis,Daphnandra repandulaandMallotus polyadenos). We found branch water isotope ratios (δ2H and δ18O) were enriched compared with stem xylem water isotopes.D. photinophyllahad a significantly different branch δ18O ratio thanA. philippinensis,D. repandulaandM. polyadenos. In contrast, there were no significant differences in stem xylem δ18O among the four observed tree species. We found clear differences in the stable isotope ratios of δ18O for stem and branch xylem water forD. photinophyllaandD. repandulaof upto −0.85% and 0.50%, respectively. Remarkable δ2H differences were also found between stem and branch xylem water isotope ratios forA. philippinensis,D. repandulaandM. polyadenos, being upto −12.14%, −16.17% and −9.65%, respectively. A dual isotope (δ2H–δ18O) plot showed branch water values were more enriched than stem xylem water values forD. photinophyllaandD. repandula, indicating a clear difference between stem and branch xylem water. This study suggests that δ2H and δ18O fractionation could be a species‐specific phenomenon in tropical trees, which has important implications for plant water source identification and evapotranspiration partitioning.
Spatio‐temporal variability and intra‐event variation of throughfall ammonium and nitrate in a pine plantation
Authors: Wang Chunyu , Sun Xinchao , Fan Chunbin , Wei Yixin , Jia Guangkai , Cao Yanhong
Published: April 2023

Forest canopies are the functional interface between ecosystem and the atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition. However, the sources of spatio‐temporal variability and intra‐event variation of N deposition via throughfall (TF) remain ambiguous. Here, we analysed TF samples for concentrations and fluxes of ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3−) using an array of 20 fixed‐position collectors on an event and within event basis throughout the 2019 growing season in a Chinese pine plantation, Northern China. Results showed that the volume weighted mean concentrations of NH4+ and NO3− in TF were significantly higher than those in bulk precipitation (BP) during the study period. A canopy budget model indicated that canopy uptake was more dominant than dry deposition for NH4+, while the reverse was true for NO3−. This caused a comparable TF NH4+ flux but an enhanced TF NO3− fluxes compared to BP. The intra‐event trend and magnitude of TF NH4+ and NO3− concentrations were influenced by the antecedent dry period and rainfall intensity, and indicated that biological nitrification may occur in the canopies. In addition, due to the larger of canopy NH4+ uptake that counteracted the amplifying effect of dry deposition, the spatial variability of TF NH4+ concentration was significantly lower than that of TF NO3− concentration, and exhibited more temporal persistence. No relationship was found between the spatial distribution of TF NH4+ concentration and the TF amount, the distance to the nearest trunk, nor the canopy cover, whereas the TF NO3− concentration was significantly related to the TF amount and the canopy cover. These findings can enhance our understanding of N processes within canopies, and have important implications for evaluating the impacts of N deposition in forest ecosystems.
A comparative analysis of the Australian and New Zealand liquidation schemes
Authors: Taylor Lynne
Published: April 2023

On September 28, 2022, Australia announced an inquiry into the effectiveness of its corporate insolvency laws. The Australia and New Zealand corporate insolvency frameworks have similar objectives and operate in a similar context where, as is the case the world over, most companies are small to medium enterprises. Despite liquidation being just one of several collective and formal corporate insolvency procedures, it is the most frequently occurring procedure in both countries by a large margin. The Australian and New Zealand liquidation schemes have many similarities but also some key differences. Differences include the structure of the respective schemes; the levers prompting liquidation of companies in appropriate circumstances; the role of creditors, the court and the regulator; and the management of low‐value and assetless liquidations. These differences are analysed to determine what, if anything, the New Zealand scheme might contribute to development and/or reform of Australian corporate insolvency law. As consistency and coordination with Australian insolvency law is a New Zealand policy aim, the lessons the Australian scheme might have for New Zealand are also considered. Many of the points on which the Australian and New Zealand liquidation schemes differ are of universal concern (such as the management of low‐value liquidations), meaning that the nature and success (or otherwise) of the Australian and New Zealand responses are of wider, comparative interest.