bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Satisfacción laboral y productividad en el área de negocio de la empresa CMAC Piura (Lima -Perú), 2022
Authors:   , Arauco Jimenez Kelly Clara , Enriquez Villavicencio Paul
Published: April 2023

Los cambios vertiginosos que se vienen dando en las últimas décadas repercuten en la satisfacción laboral de los trabajadores y ello tiene implicancia directa con la productividad en las empresas, de manera específica en los negocios, las cuales han tenido que implementar estrategias de motivación e integración en sus colaboradores. El objetivo de esta investigación fue estudiar la relación que tiene la satisfacción laboral y productividad del área comercial de CMAC Piura (Lima-Perú), 2022, en este estudio se trabajó con un enfoque cuantitativo- no experimental siendo de corte transversal y teniendo un alcance descriptivo correlacional. La población y muestra fue de 42 encuestados del área de negocios de Lima Sur siendo muestra censal. El coeficiente de Alfa de Cronbach para satisfacción laboral fue de “0.91” y en productividad fue de “0.84. Los resultados de la estadística inferencial arrojaron que existe una correlación positiva media con un “Rho de Spearman” de “0.574”, el grado de significancia para esta prueba fue de (p=,000 < α=0,05). Se concluyo que se debe mejorar la satisfacción laboral en el área de negocios para que este factor no perjudique a la productividad de la empresa estando confirmado por Vallejo (2010), Chiriboga (2021) y Medina y Gutiérrez (2021).
Relación entre el nivel socioeconómico y rendimiento académico escolar: evidencia de la evaluación censal de estudiantes 2019
Authors:   , Gonzales Sinche Jhakelinhe del Rosario
Published: April 2023

El objetivo de esta investigación es determinar si existe una relación causal entre el nivel socioeconómico (NSE) y el rendimiento académico de los estudiantes escolares en el Perú. Para ello, se utilizó la Evaluación Censal de Estudiantes del año 2019 (ECE-2019), aplicada por la Oficina de Medición de la Calidad de los Aprendizajes (UMC) del Ministerio de Educación a los alumnos de segundo grado de secundaria. Este censo contiene información de las notas de tres evaluaciones estandarizadas: Lectura, Matemáticas y Ciencia y Tecnología. Para medir el efecto causal del NSE del alumno sobre el rendimiento académico en estas materias, se estimaron modelos de regresión para cada evaluación y se utilizó la variación exógena del NSE del resto del colegio como variable instrumental del NSE del alumno. Los resultados muestran que el nivel socioeconómico (NSE) del alumno ayuda a predecir el rendimiento académico escolar en los cursos de Lectura y Ciencia y Tecnología; sin embargo, su efecto causal es muy pequeño. Además, no se encuentra evidencia robusta de un efecto causal del NSE del alumno en la nota de Matemáticas.
Efficacy and Safety of Allogeneic Umbilical Cord-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells for the Treatment of Complex Perianal Fistula in Crohn's Disease：A Pilot Study
Authors: Wei Juan , Zhang Yufei , Chen Chunyan , Feng Xiaoyue , Yang Zhao , Feng Jing , Jiang Qiong , Fu Jinjin , Xuan Ji , Gao Hong , Liao Lianming , Wang Fangyu
Published: April 2023

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of allogeneic umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (TH-SC01) for complex perianal fistula in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD).
Methods: This was an open-label, single-arm clinical trial conducted at Jinling Hospital. Adult patients with complex treatment-refractory CD perianal fistulas (pfCD) were enrolled and received a single intralesional injection of 120 million TH-SC01 cells. Combined remission was defined as an absence of suppuration through an external orifice, complete re-epithelization, and absence of collections measured by magnetic resonance image scan (MRI) at 24 weeks after cell administration.
Results: A total of 10 patients were enrolled. Six patients (60.0%) achieved combined remission at 24 weeks. The number of draining fistulas decreased in 9 (90.0%) and 7 (70.0%) patients at weeks 12 and 24 respectively. Significant improvement in Perianal Crohn Disease Activity Index, Pelvic MRI-Based Score, Crohn Disease Activity Index, and quality of life score were observed at 24 weeks. No serious adverse events occurred. The probability of recurrence-free was 70% at week 52.
Conclusion: The study demonstrated that local injection of TH-SC01 cells might be an effective and safe treatment for complex treatment-refractory pfCD after conventional and/or biological treatments fail (ClinicalTrials.gov ID, NCT04939337).
Trial Registration: The study was registered in the Protocol Registration System ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04939337).
Protection role of Astragalus polysaccharide against Cardiac injury in tnnt2a mutant Zebrafish model of Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Chang Zhou
Published: April 2023

Background Dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM) is a severe and irreversible heart disease characterized by dilated ventricles and decreased myocardial function. DCM has a poor prognosis and a very low survival rate, with a 5-year mortality rate of 15–50%, and is an important cause of sudden cardiac death and heart failure.Genetic factors play an important role in the pathogenesis of DCM. Mutations in the cardiac troponin T (tnnt2) gene represent an important subset of known pathogenic variants that bind to DCM. However, there are currently few specific drugs available to treat DCM caused by these gene mutations. Astragalus polysaccharide (APS), the main active ingredient of Astragalus mongholicus Bunge(Huangqi), is widely used in China to treat cardiovascular diseases, including DCM. This study explored drugs for the treatment of DCM caused by tnnt2a mutation and found the protective effect of Astragalus polysaccharide on tnnt2a-mutant dilated cardiomyopathy.Methods The tnnt2a-/- mutant zebrafish was used as a DCM model to compare with the APS-administered group. Counting the survival rate and measuring the sinus venosus-bulbus arteriosus (SV-BA) distance to observe changes in cardiac output.Histopathological changes were observed with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and Tunel staining.Transcriptomes of zebrafish DCM group and APS-treated group were investigated by RNA-seq method. qRT-PCR detection of apoptosis-related genes expression.Results We found that APS markedly increased the heart rate and ATP content,significantly inhibited the level of cardiac tissue edema,which are essential for improving survival rate in tnnt2a-/- zebrafish.Moreover,APS interfere some key genes related to muscle fibers,such as titin b (ttnb)and myomesin 3 (myom3),APS intervention significantly participated in Rap1 signaling pathway,PI3K-Akt signaling pathway,Jak-STAT signaling pathway,Wnt signaling pathway.The qRT-PCR results revealed that APS decreased the expression of Bax,Caspase-3,Caspase-9 but incresaed the expression of Bcl-2 in DCM zebrafish.Conclusions Our findings suggest that APS could improve survival rate in Dilated Cardiomyopathy, and has a positive protective effect on the myocardium in the tnnt2a mutant zebrafish model of DCM.
Mercury Dynamics in Organims, Litter, and Soils of the Middle Araguaia Floodplain in Brazil
Authors: Fernandes Iara Oliveira , Monteiro Lucas Cabrera , De Miranda Vinícius Lima , Rodrigues Ygor Oliveira Sarmento , Muniz Daphne Heloisa De Freitas , Paes Ésio De Castro , Bernardi José Vicente Elias
Published: April 2023

Mercury (Hg) is a chemical element that, depending on its concentration, may become toxic to living organisms due to the ability of Hg to bioaccumulate in food chains. In this study, we collected samples of soil, litter and organisms in the Middle Araguaia floodplain, Brazil. Total mercury (THg) concentrations in litter were significantly higher (p < 0.0001) than that in soil, ranging from 10.68 ± 0.55 to 48.94 ± 0.13 and 20.80 ± 1.07 to 55 .19 ± 1.59 ppb, respectively. Total mercury concentration levels in soil showed a linear, inversely proportional relationship with soil organic matter (SOM) contents and soil pH, which is consistent with the geochemical behavior of chemical elements in flooded environments. Ten orders of organisms were identified and the average THg concentrations determined in their bodies were up to 20 times higher than those in soil and litter. We found a significant linear relationship between the levels of THg in litter and the levels found in soil organisms, thereby allowing the prediction of THg concentration levels in soil organisms through the analysis of litter at the sample units. The different dynamics and feeding habits of soil organisms, the concentration of THg in these organisms may be influenced by the course of the river. The bioaccumulation factor (BAF) calculated based on litter indicated the formation of trophic guilds, thus, BAF is a strong indicator of the trophic level of the sample units.
The mesenchymal stem cells play the recovery role of kidney function even in an adverse high sodium environment. An experimental study
Authors: Corrêa Beatriz Santos Geoffroy , Pereira Rafael Canavel , Romão Carolina Martinez , de Sena Claudia Ramos , Furukawa Luzia
Published: April 2023

Background: The high sodium consumption continues, and renal disease development is increasing and is a concern. It is a challenge to overcome these two factors simultaneously to control the increase of acute and chronic renal disease. The present study was designed to experimentally evaluate the mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) treatment in ischemia-reperfusion injury under a chronic high sodium environment.
Method: Eight weeks old male adult Wistar rats received a normal sodium diet (NSD, 1,3%NaCl) or high sodium diet (HSD, 8,0% NaCl), and renal arteria of both kidneys underwent ischemia and reperfusion (IR) for 45 minutes, or they were submitted to the sham procedure for the control group (SHAM). In both diet groups, we delivered 2x106 MSC (IR+MSC) or phosphate buffer solution (IR+PBS) intraperitoneal at the reperfusion moment. Tail blood pressure (tBP), renal function and histology, and stress oxidative were evaluated after 10 weeks of IR or Sham groups.
Results: the blood pressure increased with HSD; however, the MSC treatment decreased it. Although the urea serum increased in the HSD group with MSC treatment, the creatinine clearance increased, and the fraction of sodium excretion decreased. Urine protein and albumin were not different between diet groups. Malondialdehyde (MDA) which evaluates oxidative status, increased, and serum uric acid evaluates anti-oxidative status, decreased with MSC treatment in rats fed HSD. The macrophage (ED1) infiltration decreased with MSC treatment in the renal cortex in both diet groups, while no change was observed in TGF-β.
Conclusion: the mesenchymal stem cells recover kidney function even in an adverse high sodium environment, although the oxidative stress increases. This experimental evidence can contribute to following cellular therapy for acute kidney diseases.
Realizing of ZSM-5 Microspheres with Enhanced Catalytic Properties Prepared from Iron Ore Tailings via Solid-Phase Conversion Method
Authors: Zhang Peng , Chen Xingyue , Wang Yang , Peng Wei , Ren Zhifeng , Li Yihong , He Yibo , Chu Baoshuai
Published: April 2023

The comprehensive utilization of iron ore tailings (IOTs) not only resolved environmental problems, but also brought huge economic benefits. In this study, the synthetic route presented herein provides a novel method for the synthesis of ZSM-5 microspheres from IOTs. The effects of Si/Al molar ratios and the pH of the precursor solution on the formation of zeolite was evaluated by various analytical methods. The catalytic performance of the catalyst prepared by the solid-phase conversion method (denoted as MP-ZSM-5) was evaluated by methanol-to-propylene (MTP) reaction. Compared with the zeolite catalyst that synthesized via the conventional hydrothermal method (denoted as HM-ZSM-5), MP-ZSM-5 not only can achieve a long catalytic lifetime and good selectivity for propylene, but it can also demonstrate superior ability towards coke toleration. In addition, Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS) model is applied to the TG result to study the template removal process kinetics. The average activation energy values required for the removal of CTAB and TPABr are 201.11±13.42 and 326.88±16.91 KJ∙mol-1, respectively. Furthermore, this result is well coupled with the model-free kinetic algorithms to determine the conversion and isoconversion of the TPABr and CTAB decomposition in ZSM-5, which serves as important guidelines for the industrial production process.
Psychological Precursors of Entrepreneurial Intentions among Higher Education Students in Ghana
Authors: Mahama Inuusah , Eshun Peter , Amos Patricia Mawusi , Antwi Theresah , Amoako Bernard Mensah , Eggley Veronica Esinam
Published: April 2023

Background: Entrepreneurship is seen as the solution to graduate unemployment in Ghana, and students are required to take a course on entrepreneurship that teaches them how to work for themselves. Therefore, this study investigated the precursors of entrepreneurial intentions among higher education students.
Methods: Using the analytical cross-sectional survey design, 250 respondents were recruited from public universities to participate in the survey. Respondents were required to respond to three constructs (entrepreneurial scaffolding, psychological capital, and entrepreneurial intentions). The data analyses were performed using multivariate regression.
Results: The study’s findings showed that entrepreneurial scaffolding and psychological capital were significant predictors of entrepreneurial intentions.
Conclusion: The researchers concluded that students’ convictions about succeeding or failing and plans to engage in entrepreneurial behaviours depended on proper entrepreneurial guidance and a positive mind-set. As a result, higher education institutions and career counsellors in Ghana should be strengthened and include practical guides to entrepreneurial training, thereby reducing graduate unemployment in Ghana.
Evaluation of the effects of non-ablative radiofrequency on vaginal dilation in a trans woman after sexual reassignment: a case report
Authors: Ramalho Ana Maria Luna , Sartori Marair Ferreira Gracio , Takano Claudia Cristina , Leite Mila Torii Correia
Published: April 2023

Introduction:
Sex reassignment surgeries (CRS) are surgical interventions that can be performed aiming at the adequacy of the anatomical sex to the gender that the subject recognizes. These patients can be offered CRS, such as neovaginoplasty, which can present clinical complications, such as stenosis, atrophy, loss of vaginal elasticity and dyspareunia. The conservative approach to treating these disorders is vaginal dilation. Radiofrequency (RF) is a technique indicated for these vaginal tissue changes.
Objectives:
to describe the non-ablative radiofrequency (RF)-associated vaginal dilatation process regarding its functional outcome in a transgender woman after vaginoplasty.
Methods:
this is a 31-year-old intersex transgender woman, with skin reassignment surgery and other vaginal correction surgeries. The current complaint was a short vaginal canal and dyspareunia. The patency of the vaginal canal was 2.5 cm wide and 7 cm deep. Intervention: The radiofrequency protocol was performed in the extension of the vaginal cavity. Then, the standard protocol of vaginal dilation was performed. The program consisted of 6 radiofrequency sessions lasting 5 minutes at a temperature of 39 degrees, with an interval of 4 weeks.
Results:
There was progression of vaginal dilation during therapy, with a change from 2.5 to 3.5 cm in diameter (40%) and from 7 to 12 cm (71.4%) in length. As for sexual satisfaction on the EVA-S scale, there was an improvement from 2.5 (dissatisfied) to 7.5 (satisfied).
Conclusion:
This study suggests that radiofrequency followed by dilation was effective in enlarging the vaginal canal, reducing pain and increasing comfort during penetration.
Critical Decisions at the Early Stage of Start-ups: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Gonzalez Marcos , Terzidis Orestis , Lütz Phillip , Heblich Benedict
Published: April 2023

This systematic literature review (SLR) identifies and ranks the decisions that can be considered critical for entrepreneurs at the early stage of the start-up process. The sample (N = 45) derived from the SLR contained primary publications from the A + and A journals of the VHB-Journal ranking. Deductive and inductive approaches were used to define the critical decision domains. Then, the relevance of the domains was evaluated using the frequency of the selected studies. A key implication for founders is to understand that not all decisions that could be taken in the early stage may be critical for success. Most critical seems to invest time and effort in the, what we label the internal business and human core (Product Definition and Core People) and the external business and human core (Market segment selection and Partnerships). This study depicts an integrated view of the fragmented field of critical decisions in the context of early-stage start-ups by using a SLR. Thus, it creates value for theory-building and practitioners in entrepreneurship.
The cause of intrauterine death in vasa previa is not always bleeding: a case report
Authors: Li Pin , Pan Xiuyu , Yue Chaomin , Zheng Zheng , Liu Huishu
Published: April 2023

Antepartum and intra-partum hemorrhage from vasa previa is an important cause of intrauterine fetal demise ( IUFD). Here, we present two cases with type I vasa previa in which unprotected vessels apparently were compressed by the engaged fetal head, resulting in fetal hemodynamic collapse. Thus we suggest that vasa previa with a velamentous cord insertion should be considered for earlier termination of the pregnancy to avoid the risk of non-hemorrhagic adverse fetal outcomes.
Inherited thrombophilia is not associated with an increased risk of liver fibrosis
Authors: Ezcurra Iranzu , Puente Ángela , Cuadrado Antonio , Tamayo Ibai , Iruzubieta Paula , Arias-Loste María Teresa , González Francisco José , Pellón Raúl , Sánchez Sara , Pozo Juan Crespo del , Acebo Mercedes , López-Hoyos Marcos , Pérez Rocío , Cuesta Amalia , Antón Ángela , Echavarría Víctor , Fábrega Emilio , Crespo Javier , Fortea Jose Ignacio
Published: April 2023

Background and aims: preliminary evidence suggest that inherited hypercoagulable disorders can lead to an increased risk of significant liver fibrosis. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of significant fibrosis in patients with inherited thrombophilia, assessed by using liver stiffness (LS), and to compare this prevalence to that found in a large population-based cohort from the same region.
Methods: this was a single-center, cross-sectional study. A complete laboratory analysis for liver disease, LS by transient elastography and abdominal ultrasound were performed in patients with inherited thrombophilia diagnosed between May 2013-February 2017. These patients were propensity score matched (ratio 1:4) with a population-based cohort from the same region (PREVHEP-ETHON study; NCT02749864; N=5988).
Results: 241 patients with inherited thrombophilia were included. Eight patients (3.3%) had significant fibrosis (LS ≥8 kPa). All of them had risk factors for liver disease and met diagnostic criteria for different liver diseases. After matching 221 patients with thrombophilia with 884 patients of the PREVHEP-ETHON cohort, the prevalence of significant fibrosis was similar between both cohorts (1.8% vs 3.6%, p=0.488). Multivariate analysis showed that age and liver disease risk factors, but not belonging to the thrombophilia cohort, were associated with the presence of significant fibrosis. The magnitude of the increased risk of significant fibrosis in patients with risk factors for liver disease was also similar in both cohorts.
Conclusions: our findings do not support that inherited thrombophilia increases the risk of developing significant liver fibrosis independently of the presence of liver-related causes of fibrosis.
WITHDRAWN: Entrepreneurship and Nigerian Economic Development Nexus in the Digitized Era
Authors: Onyejiaku Chinyere C. , Ngong Chi Aloysius , Onwumere Josaphat Uchechukwu Joe
Published: April 2023

Purpose This study examines the long-term association between entrepreneurship and Nigerian economic development in the digitized era from 1991-2020. Research results on the association between entrepreneurship and economic development are still debatable and conflicting. Some unveil positive effects, and some show negative effects and others indicate non-significant effects. Hence, research is essential to fill the gap.
Design/Methodology/ApproachThe fully modified, dynamic and conical co-integration ordinary least squares regression are used. Gross domestic product growth rate measures economic development. Self-employment and new business density measure entrepreneurship.
Findings The results show a long-term association between entrepreneurship and economic development. The regression results unveil a positive association between self-employment and gross domestic product growth rate.
Research limitations/ImplicationsThe government should refurbish existing entrepreneurial policies with digital innovations to enhance entrepreneurship and economic development which promote self-employment. The government should integrate entrepreneurship education into the education system at the secondary level where young minds would be moulded towards self-employment. The government and entrepreneurs should improve on the mapping out of strategic business locations in urban and rural zones where youths could under take self-employment activities.
Originality/Value The results affirm a positive link between self-employment and gross domestic product.
Dynamics of Value-Added Tax collection performance and its determinant in Ethiopia: Evidence from Benishangul-Gumuz Region Revenue office
Authors: Debala Gemachis Biru
Published: April 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the dynamics Value-Added-Tax collection performance and its related determinants in Ethiopian with special reference of Benishangul-Gumuz region state Revenue offices.
Methodology: The study employed an employed a mixed explanatory cross-sectional survey research design with primary and secondary data. The sample size of this study was 281 out of which 260 VAT tax payers determined by Yamane’s formula and 21 director and supervisor revenue office staff member was included in the study by using proportional and purposive sample selection method.
Finding: The result of binary-logistic regression analysis confirmed that tax payer’s awareness, tax evasion, tax law enforcement, and tax staff knowledge are significant drivers influencing the performance of Value Added Tax revenue collection.
Research Limitation/Implication: The overall empirical tests were for this study were conducted only on 260 taxpayers and 21 tax official during the period of the study. To generalize the result made on this study, the future researcher should use more evidence.
Practical Implication: This research might help the revenue office tax official in investigating prime determinants of value added tax revenue collection performance and by increasing the amount of tax revenue collected from the tax payers.
Originality/value: This paper adds value to existing literature dynamics of Value-Added Tax collection performance. Specifically, it considers the impact of tax payer’s awareness, tax evasion, tax law enforcement, and tax staff knowledge on Value-Added Tax collection.
Assessment of Water Quality Data Using Functional Data Analysis for Klang River Basin, Malaysia
Authors: Ali Nur Fatihah Mohd , Mohamed Ibrahim , Yunus Rossita Mohamad , Othman Faridah
Published: April 2023

Rivers are subject to different sources of pollution. Continuous monitoring of river water quality provides an important basis for the authorities to take appropriate action. Water quality monitoring stations located within the river basin can provide necessary water quality data to establish any changes observed in the river water quality. It is important to highlight lower water quality status at specific monitoring stations so that immediate action can be taken. Similarly, it is an utmost important to ensure water quality at monitoring stations close to water catchment areas always at an acceptable level. This study aims to identify such monitoring stations using descriptive and functional data analysis. The approaches were applied to water quality data collected by the Department of Environment Malaysia at 16 stations in the Klang River basin from January 2013 to December 2016. Specifically, the functional boxplot was applied to identify the monitoring station with outlying properties. We identified many occasions when water quality deteriorated or improved largely due to the increase of COD, BOD and TSS. In addition, three stations close to two main catchment areas and forest reserve showed consistently good water quality. These indicate that the surrounding areas of the stations at the upstream of the rivers are still protected from uncontrolled pollution sources. The study is critical for the authority to understand the overall pattern of water quality data at each station so that action can be planned locally to preserve good river water quality.
Biodegradation of PET plastic by a marine strain Rhodococcus pyridinivorans P23 with a membrane anchoring PET esterase in a biofilm model
Authors: Guo Wenbin , Shi Zhengguang , Yu Xue , Shao Zong-Ze , Duan Jingjing
Published: April 2023

Evidence for microbial biofilm formation on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) has previously been reported, but little is known about the PET biodegradation process and molecular mechanism by biofilm especially in marine environments. Here, we isolate a PET-degrading bacterium, Rhodococcus pyridinovorans P23, from deep sea sediment with the ability to grow using PET as sole carbon and energy source. We identify a novel membrane anchoring PET degrading enzyme dubbed PET esterase through activity tracking, and find that in addition to depolymerizing PET, it also hydrolyzes MHET into TPA under acid conditions. We prove that it is a low and constitutive transcribed transmembrane protein displaying on the cell surface ensuring no loss into the ocean. Based on these findings, we propose a PET biodegradation model with microbial biofilm formation in marine environment. The crucial roles of biofilm is retaining degradation product MHET and TPA to create an acidic microenvironment on the PET plastic surface distinguishing itself from the alkaline sea water, which promotes the MHET hydrolysis by PET esterase to produce TPA for utilization. Furthermore, we also investigate the microbial groups possessing PET esterase coupled with TPA degradation pathway mainly in phyla Proteobacteria and Actinobacteriota.
Spine dynamics of dentate gyrus parvalbumin-positive interneurons are defined by network activity and experience
Authors: Bartos Marlene , Kaufhold Dorthe , Fernández Maria de Angel Ocaña , Cazala Aurore , Yuan Mei , Kulik Akos , Cholvin Thibault , Steup Stephanie , Sauer Jonas-Frederic , Elgueta Claudio , Strüber Michael , Casas Eduardo Maristany de las
Published: April 2023

Parvalbumin-positive interneurons (PVIs) in the dentate gyrus (DG) possess dendritic spines, but their functional properties and structural dynamics remain uncharted. Using in vitro 2-Photon imaging, we show that glutamatergic synapses at PVI dendritic spines evoke AMPA and NMDA receptor-mediated calcium signals with high spatial compartmentalization defined by their neck length. Ex vivo morphological analysis shows that DREADD-mediated in vivo PVI excitation increases spine density and length, whereas recruitment of glutamatergic inputs causes spine head enlargement. These spine dynamics could be reproduced in mice experiencing novel contexts. By using dual-eGRASP-mediated input labeling we provide evidence that experience-driven PVI spine growth and input density boosts synaptic targeting of PVI spines over shafts, a mechanism supporting functional isolation of postsynaptic signals from parent dendrites. We propose that experience-related PVI spine dynamics echo excitation levels of the DG network allowing PVIs to dynamically adjust their microcircuit integration in relation to the networks’ computational demands.
Innovation-driven growth in a multi-country world
Authors: Gross Till , Klein Paul
Published: April 2023

We develop a multi-country model of endogenous growth through innovation with cross-country spillovers. A key feature of our model is that some ideas are globally applicable, while others are of local use only. The main implications of our model are the following. On a balanced growth path (i) all countries integrated into the world economy have a common endogenous rate of productivity growth; (ii) a fully integrated country’s size does not affect its productivity, but for partially integrated countries, productivity is increasing in country size; (iii) other characteristics of a country, such as its research effort, determine the level of productivity; (iv) at a global level, there is a scale effect so that productivity growth increases in the size of the world’s population, but this effect is concave and not linear. We also study transitional dynamics, and find that our framework may help us understand the apparent fall in research productivity in currently rich countries in recent decades.
JEL Classification: E62, F43, H21, O3
Dexmedetomidine for Electroencephalogram in patients with behavioural disorders: a comparative study between intranasal and intravenous administration
Authors: Poletto Elisa , Amigoni Angela , Sartori Stefano , Dalt Liviana Da , Frigo Anna Chiara , Mazza Alessandro
Published: April 2023

Study Objective: The aim of the project was to compare the efficacy and safety of intranasal and intravenous dexmedetomidine (DEX) in procedural sedation for electroencephalogram (EEG) in patients with behavioural disorders.
Design: observational monocentric comparative study
Setting: Tertiary care centre Emergency Department
Patients: all consecutive patients < 18 years old affected by behavioural disorders, who needed sedation for EEG recording. From 2018 to 2020 a group of children received intravenous administration of DEX, the following year a second group of children received intranasal administration of the same drug. Target of sedation was level 2, according to the Paediatric Sedation State Scale (PSSS) in both groups. Heart rate (HR), pulse oxygen saturation and blood pressure (BP) were registered. EEG recording quality and caregivers’ satisfaction were collected.
Results: Twenty-four patients were sedated with intravenous and other twenty-four with intranasal DEX. Sedation success rate was 97.9%. Intranasal administration showed longer onset (p <0.0001), but shorter offset (p 0.0145); 45.8% patients reported adverse effects. Bradycardia occurred in 35.4% of the overall population, cases of hypotension were still reported in the intravenous group. All adverse effects were self-resolved without any intervention. EEG recording quality and level of satisfaction among caregivers and EEG technicians were high.
Conclusions: Considering our data dexmedetomidine is an effective and safe drug in patients with behavioural disorders. Intranasal administration could be useful as it is less invasive and with shorter offset.
Clinical Trial registration: ID NCT 03799783; date registered: 10/01/2019
Multiplexed PLGA scaffolds with nitric oxide-releasing zinc oxide and melatonin-modulated extracellular vesicles for severe chronic kidney disease
Authors: Han* Dong Keun , Rhim Won-Kyu , Woo Jiwon , Kim Jun Yong , Lee Eun Hye , Cha Seung-Gyu , Kim Da-Seul , Baek Seung-Woon , Park Chun Gwon , Kim Bum Soo , Kwon Tae Gyun
Published: April 2023

With prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in worldwide, the strategies to recover renal function via tissue regeneration could provide alternatives to kidney replacement therapies. However, due to relatively low reproducibility of renal basal cells and limited bioactivities of implanted biomaterials along with the high probability of substance-inducible inflammation and immunogenicity, kidney tissue regeneration could be challenging. To exclude various side effects from cell transplantations, in this study, we have designed cell-free hybrid PMEZ scaffolds incorporating essential bioactive components, such as ricinoleic acid grafted Mg(OH)2 (M), extracellular matrix (E), and alpha lipoic acid-conjugated ZnO (Z) based on biodegradable porous PLGA (P) platform. Consecutively, for functional improvements, melatonin-modulated extracellular vesicles (mEVs), derived from the human umbilical cord MSCs in chemically defined media without serum impurities, were also attached onto PMEZ scaffolds to construct the multiplexed PMEZ/mEV scaffold. The continuous nitric oxide-releasing property of modified ZnO and remarkably upregulated regenerative functionalities of mEVs showed significantly enhanced kidney regenerative activities. Based on these, the structural and functional restoration has been practically achieved in 5/6 nephrectomy mouse models that mimicked severe human CKD. Our innovative implantations aim at kidney tissue recovery with functional restoration and could be a promising therapeutic alternative for CKD treatment.
The Impact of Household Wealth Gap on Individual's Mental Health
Authors: Zhang Rui , Feng Dawei , Xia Jiahui , Wang Yao
Published: April 2023

BackgroundImproving the individual’s mental health is important for sustainable economic and social development. Although some studies found that household wealth gap may affect individuals’ mental health, few studies have clarified the causal relationship between household wealth gap between mental health in China. This study examines the impact of the household wealth gap on individuals' mental health using data from the 2012–2018 China Family Panel Survey.MethodsThis study first used the two-way fixed effects model to investigate the impact of household wealth gap on individuals’ mental health. Considering the endogeneity, the two-stage least square and propensity score matching were employed to examine the impact of household wealth inequality on individuals' mental health.ResultsThe results show that the household wealth gap has negative impact on individuals’ mental health. A series of robustness tests support this conclusion. The results of heterogeneity analysis show that the household wealth gap has a greater impact on the mental health of an individual with lower education levels and in rural areas. The results of the mechanism analysis suggest that the household wealth gap may affect individuals' mental health by influencing the individual’s health insurance commitment and neighborhood relations. In addition, the household wealth gap not only significantly negatively affects individuals' mental health in the short term but also in the medium- to long-term.ConclusionThese findings suggest that the government should take various measures to narrow the wealth inequality between families, which may effectively improve the mental health of residents.
“The red flags” in clinical approach to acute ataxia – the experience in cohort of 76 children
Authors: Kravljanac Ruzica , Golubovic Aleksa , Tadic Biljana Vucetic , Ostojic Slavica , Cerovic Ivana , Savkic Jana
Published: April 2023

Objectives: The aim of our study is to define the most frequent etiology, clinical presentation, and predictive factors of outcome in children with acute ataxia (AA) and to determine “the red flags” in the diagnostic approach to children with AA.
Methods: The retrospective study included the patients with AA treated in Institute from 2015 - 2021. The inclusion criteria were: children aged 1 - 18 years; evolution time of ataxia within 72 hours, diagnosis made by a physician. The exclusion criteria were: anamnestic data about ataxia without confirmation by any physician; chronic/persistent ataxia; psychogenic or postictal ataxia. Clinical presentation was divided into two categories: 1. isolated cerebellar signs (CS): ataxic gait, dysmetria, dysdiadochokinesia, intention tremor, dysarthria, and nystagmus; 2. CS-plus symptoms which included CS associated with any of other symptoms such as encephalopathy (GCS <15), awareness disturbances, vomiting, headache, a new onset limb or facial paresis, torticollis, hypotonia, and opsoclonus. The outcome was assessed at the end of hospitalization and was defined as complete or incomplete recovery. Evaluated parameters in patients are demographic features, etiology, the age of ataxia onset, clinical presentation and symptoms associated with ataxia, neuroimaging, comorbidities, treatment, and the outcome. The predictive value of different outcomes was analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.
Results: The study included 76 children, with a mean age of 5.7 years (IQR 2.1-8.3). The most frequent causes of AA were immune-mediated/infective cerebellar ataxia in 27 (35.5%), and intoxication in 24 (31.6%) cases, followed by vestibular ataxia, opsoclonus-myoclonus-ataxia syndrome, and intracranial expansive process. Forty-two (56%) cases experienced isolated CS and 35 (46%) cases had CS-plus. Complete recovery was experienced by 62 (81,6%) patients. Univariate analysis showed that the presence of CS-plus symptoms (p=0.007) and structural abnormalities (p=0.001) were related to poor outcomes. In multivariate logistic regression analysis of these factors, statistical significance remained (p=0.021 and p=0.002) respectively.
Conclusions: Most of the children with AA have “benign” etiology with favorable outcomes such as intoxication and post/parainfectious cerebellar ataxia. On the other hand, AA might be the first manifestation of CNS neoplasm or paraneoplastic phenomena. “The red flags” associated with cerebellar signs are limbs or facial palsy, hypotonia, GCS<15, vomiting, opsoclonus, headache, myoclonus, visual impairment, torticollis, and vertigo. The presence of those signs and/or structural brain abnormalities was related to poor outcomes in children with AA.
Apolipoprotein B/Apolipoprotein A ratio: a novel prognostic factor for pancreatic cancer
Authors: Li Chenxi , yang xuhui , Zhong Yan , Wang Wenying , Jin Xin , Bian Lihua , wang xiaona
Published: April 2023

Objective: The relationship between serum lipids and prognosis of pancreatic cancer has not been confirmed. Our purpose in the study was to investigate the associations between serum lipids level and prognosis in patients with pancreatic cancer.
Methods: A retrospective study was performed on 286 pancreatic cancer patients who admitted to our hospital from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2021. Serum lipids level were recorded. Clinical-pathological characteristics, oncologic outcomes, progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were collected. The prognostic significance was determined by Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression model.
Results: Regarding serum lipids level, compared to normal apolipoprotein B/ apolipoprotein A (ApoB/ApoA), high ApoB/ApoA level indicated a shorter OS (HR:2.028, 95% CI: 1.174-2.504, P = 0.011) and a shorter PFS (HR:1.800, 95% CI: 1.076-3.009, P = 0.025). Other serum lipid molecules were not associated with PFS and OS.
Conclusion: ApoB/ApoA might be an independent prognostic factor of pancreatic cancer.
High-resolution nanoscale NMR for arbitrary magnetic fields
Authors: Vorobyov Vadim , Meinel Jonas , Maier Rouven , Sumiya Hitoshi , Onoda Shinobu , Isoya Junichi , Wrachtrup Jörg , Dasari Durga , Kwon Minsik
Published: April 2023

Nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers are a major platform for the detection of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals on the nanoscale.
To overcome the intrinsic electron spin lifetime limit in spectral resolution a heterodyne detection approach is widely used.
However, application of this technique at high magnetic fields (> 0.1 T) is yet an unsolved problem.
Here we introduce a heterodyne detection method utilizing a series of phase coherent electron nuclear double resonance sensing blocks, thus eliminating the need for the application of numerous Rabi microwave pulses in the detection scheme.
As a result our detection protocol can be extended to high magnetic fields, which allow chemical shift resolution in NMR experiments.
We demonstrate this principle on a weakly coupled 13C nuclear spin in the bath surrounding single NV centers, while comparing the results to existing heterodyne protocols.
This work paves the way towards high field nanoscale heterodyne NMR protocols with chemical resolution.
Nurses' job burnout after the first peak of COVID-19 in Northeast China: a descriptive study
Authors: Zhao Xinyang , Sun YAjun , Ye Jingjing , Wang Yali , Sun Shanwen , Zhang Xiaochun
Published: April 2023

Background: Since November 2022, China has continuously optimized and adjusted its prevention and control measures to achieve a smooth transition in the prevention and control of the epidemic in a relatively short period of time, and successfully passed the first wave of the COVID-19 epidemic. The purpose of this study was to investigate nurses' job burnout and its influencing factors after the first peak of COVID-19 in Northeast China.
Methods: 1350 frontline nurses in Northeast China were surveyed online through a questionnaire, including a general information questionnaire,Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey(MBI-GS), Simplified Coping Style Scale(SCSQ), and Perceived Social Support Scale(PSSS). The final effective response was 1328, with an effective response rate of 98.37%.
Results: 47.44% of nurses in Northeast China experienced job burnout after the first peak of COVID-19. The risk factors for job burnout are persistence in work and night shifts during self infection (OR: 1.342,95% CI: 1.002-1.798). The protective factors are that there are no elderly people in the family who need to take care of themselves (OR: 0.669,95% CI: 0.510-0.878), no patients who need to be cared for every day (OR: 0.574,95% CI: 0.363-0.908), or 3-5 patients who need to be cared for (OR: 0.560,95% CI: 0.381-0.823), financial support (OR: 0.766,95% CI: 0.604-0.971), psychological support (OR: 0.550,95% CI: 0.409-0.742), and family assistance (OR: 0.427,95% CI: 0.324-0.564). Job burnout is negatively correlated with perceived social support, and positively correlated with coping styles.
Conclusions: Nurses in Northeast China experienced moderate job burnout after the first peak of COVID-19. Managers should make adequate preparations for the arrival of a new COVID-19 peak according to the influencing factors of nurses' job burnout.
Distributed Denial of Service Attack Prediction over Software Defined Networks Using Federated Learning
Authors: Mehta Nisarg , Shukla Madhu , Shah Pooja , Patel Samir , Shah Darshit , Makadiya Kishan
Published: April 2023

In today's digital age, Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks have emerged as a formidable threat to the availability of online services. The ability to predict these attacks in advance is a crucial element in ensuring uninterrupted access to these services. This is where our proposed methodology comes into play. We propose the use of Federated Learning in the prediction of DDoS attacks on Software Defined Networks (SDN). Federated Learning is a cutting-edge approach that allows multiple agents, such as network devices, to collaborate and learn a shared model without the need to share their raw data. Our proposed system leverages the collective intelligence of SDN-enabled network devices to construct a prediction model that can detect DDoS attacks in real time. The experimental results of our study demonstrate the efficacy of our approach in detecting DDoS attacks with a high degree of accuracy and minimal instances of false alarms. We believe that our proposed methodology can prove to be an invaluable tool for service providers in their efforts to prevent DDoS attacks and preserve the availability of online services.
Association between consumption of nonessential energy-dense food and body mass index among Mexican school-aged children: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Barrientos-Gutiérrez Tonatiuh , Illescas-Zárte Daniel , Batis Carolina , Singh Gitanjali , Mozaffarian Dariush , Ramirez Ivonne , Barraza-Villarreal Albino , Romieu Isabelle
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Obesity prevalence in Mexican children has increased rapidly and is among the highest in the world. We aimed to estimate the longitudinal association between nonessential energy-dense food (NEDF) consumption and body mass index (BMI) in school-aged children 5 to 11 years, using a cohort study with 6 years of follow-up.
SUBJECTS/METHODS: We studied the offspring of women in the Prenatal omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, child growth, and development (POSGRAD) cohort study. NEDF were classified into four main groups: chips and popcorn, sweet bakery products, non-cereal based sweets, and ready-to-eat cereals. We fitted fixed effects models to assess the association between change in 418.6 kJ (100 kcal) of NEDF consumption and changes in BMI.
RESULTS: Between 5 and 11 years, children increased their consumption of NEDF by 225 kJ/day (53.9 kcal/day). In fully adjusted models, we found that change in total NEDF was not associated with change in children’s BMI (0.033 kg/m2, [p=0.246]). However, BMI increased 0.078 kg/m2 for every 418.6 kJ/day (100 kcal/day) of sweet bakery products (p=0.035) in fully adjusted models. For chips and popcorn, BMI increased 0.208 kg/m2 (p=0.035), yet, the association was attenuated after adjustment (p=0.303).
CONCLUSIONS: Changes in total NEDF consumption were not associated with changes in BMI in children. However, increases in the consumption of sweet bakery products were associated with BMI gain. NEDF are widely recognized as providing poor nutrition yet, their impact in Mexican children BMI seems to be heterogeneous.
First report on the Sero-molecular prevalence of Brucella melitensis in local small ruminants in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Authors: Hassan Sohaib Ul , Khan Farhan Anwar , Saddique Umer , Shahid Muhammad , Shah Said Sajjad Ali , Ullah Naveed
Published: April 2023

Background Globally, ruminant production contributes immensely to the supply of the highest quality and quantity of proteins for human consumption, sustenance of livelihoods, and attainment of food security. It plays a staple role in the northern area. Brucellosis is an important infectious and zoonotic disease that affects a wide range of animals and is caused by different species of brucella, such as Brucella abortus, Brucella mellitensis, etc. Brucellosis is diagnosed in humans and animals using a variety of serological and molecular assays, with varying degrees of effectiveness.Methods This study aimed to investigate the sero-molecular prevalence of brucellosis in small ruminants in two districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa-Pakistan, namely Mohmand, and Charsadda. For this study, 400 blood samples (n = 200 each from sheep and goats) were collected in gel tubes, along with a detailed history of the animals examined.Results The overall prevalence of brucellosis was 13, 9.75, and 6.5% through the Rose Bengal Plate test (RBPT), i-ELISA, and PCR, respectively. In sheep, the incidence rate of brucellosis was 13.5 and 7% through RBPT and i-ELISA while PCR confirmed 5% B. abortus and 2% B. melitensis. In goats, the incidence rate of brucellosis was 12.5 and 12.5% while PCR confirms 2% B. abortus and 4% B. melitensis.Conclusions Collectively, these results suggested that B. melitensis was found to be more prevalent in goats as compared to sheep whereas B. abortus was detected in higher numbers of sheep compared to goats through PCR. PCR is a more sensitive, efficacious, and time-saving test for the diagnosis of brucellosis.