bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Partial revision of Promalactis Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Oecophoridae), based on specimens deposited in the Natural History Museum, London
Authors: WANG SHUXIA , LIU CHEN , C. LEES DAVID
Published: October 2024

Promalactis Meyrick, 1908 is one of the most diverse genera of Oecophoridae in the Old World with 407 previously accepted species. Ninety-three species of Promalactis Meyrick, 1908 (Oecophoridae) are here recognized based on the specimens in the collection of Natural History Museum, London. Among them, 33 species are described as new under the authorship of Wang: P. robinsoni sp. nov., P. kathmanduensis sp. nov., P. asymmetrica sp. nov., P. latissima sp. nov., P. magnicornuta sp. nov., P. subflagellaris sp. nov., P. arcilineata sp. nov., P. curvilineata sp. nov., P. inaequilonga sp. nov., P. pallidistriata sp. nov., P. auriculata sp. nov., P. furciuncata sp. nov., P. gracilenta sp. nov., P. lativalva sp. nov., P. longiclavata sp. nov., P. parvispinata sp. nov., P. vulgaris sp. nov., P. apicibilobata sp. nov., P. apiciserrulata sp. nov., P. bacilliforma sp. nov., P. campanimorpha sp. nov., P. ciliavalva sp. nov., P. abortiva sp. nov., P. magnisaccata sp. nov., P. minuticornuta sp. nov., P. parvissima sp. nov., P. polyptycha sp. nov., P. indica sp. nov., P. similidierli sp. nov., P. spinellosa sp. nov., P. subfalcata sp. nov., P. trispina sp. nov. and P. varilonga sp. nov. Two synonyms are proposed: P. prolixa Kim, 2017, syn. nov. (= P. carinata Du, Li &Wang, 2011) and P. calathiscias Meyrick, 1937, syn. nov. (= P. cornigera Meyrick, 1918). The females of P. latignatha Wang, 2020, P. vulvida Wang, Du & Li, 2013, and P. circulignatha Wang, 2018 are described for the first time.
Dzihunia pseudoamudarjensis, a new nemacheilid loach from the Syr Darya drainage (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae)
Authors: SHERALIEV BAKHTIYOR , KAYUMOVA YORKINOY
Published: October 2024

Dzihunia pseudoamudarjensis, new species, is described from the middle portion of the Great Fergana Canal in the Fergana Valley. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by having a complete lateral line with 84–86 pores, a slenderer caudal peduncle, a smaller dorsal and anal fin depth, and a wider interorbital distance. A key to Dzihunia species is provided.
Optimal Planning of Renewables Energies Management in Power Energy Systems
Authors: Yao Bokovi , Moyème Kabe , Sedzro Kwami , Pidéname Takouda , Yendoubé Lare
Published: October 2024

Optimal management of renewable energy resources is a priority, especially in a global energy mix where fossil fuels are increasingly exploited. The major challenge associated with these renewable resources lies in their intermittency. Complementarity and optimal management of these resources are therefore essential. This article proposes a model for managing renewable energies in power grid systems with a storage system. The resulting model has been tested. Python 3.10 programming language was used to solve the optimization problem, using mixted integer linear programming. To test the model, a special case study was carried out in the South of Togo, representing almost 96% of the country's electrical loads. In this study, resources were first evaluated for one year, then compared according to their evolution over the years. The results showed that the country's energy potential is considerable, but unevenly distributed. The study showed that in the north and center of the country, solar energy and biomass are the main resources available. In the south, on the other hand, energy potential is based on solar, wind, hydro and biomass. The optimization results obtained for the south of the country have enabled to plan better the management of these resources over the course of the year. The results show a composition of maximum load satisfaction, with 39% from grid compared with 8% from hydro, 10% from wind, 12% from batteries systems and 31% from photovoltaic systems. The storage required for energy management is estimated at 220 kWh, with an optimal annual value for the objective cost function of around 67885.10212 USD. The model thus obtained provides a decision-making tool for the optimal management of renewable resources.
The Positive and Negative Effects of Exit Exams in Higher Education: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Teshome Samson
Published: October 2024

Exit exams in higher education are given before students graduate having multiple purposes. Exit exams affect higher education either positively or negatively. This systematic literature review aimed to synthesize the existing literature on the positive and negative effects of exit exams in higher education. In the literature search, the researcher used different electronic databases. Search terms were formulated and applied to the online databases. The databases used were ERIC, Google Scholar, JSTOR, and Researchgate. A total of 111 study articles were identified, and 20 studies were included in the study after applying inclusion, exclusion, and quality assessment criteria. The review process was guided by the principal research question—what are the positive and negative effects of exit exams in higher education? Problem Intervention Comparisons Outcome (PICO) was used to formulate the research question. The paper was prepared using the planning, protocol, extraction, analysis, and reporting stages. This systematic review followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) criteria and used Zotero for reference management. The systematic literature review revealed that exit exams have both positive and negative effects on the students, instructors, administrators, curriculum, and higher education intuitions. To this effect, attempts must be made to maximize the positive and minimize the negative effects of exit exams in higher education.
A Computational Model for Water Quality Analysis and Assessment in Tanzania
Authors: Mrema Cuthbert , Mtisi Expeditho
Published: October 2024

Research on water quality has received much attention in both developing and developed countries. This is because of the fact that, the effects of poor quality of water are detrimental to human beings, animals and the environment. This study is about a computational model for water quality analysis and assessment in Tanzania. Water quality can be understood as the measure of suitability of water based on physical, chemical and biological attributes. Water quality analysis and assessment face several challenges due to population growth, urban land use, agricultural activities, and industrialization. Besides, attempts have been made by the scholars to address the challenges. However, the tools used like titrimetric, electrometric, pH-meter, thermometer and turbidity meter are yet to come up with effective solutions. Because of these, the researcher was compelled to adopt computational model which uses Statistical Analysis System (SAS) software in order to come up with effective solutions concerning water quality analysis and assessment. In this study therefore, the secondary data were collected from Lake Victoria littoral stations under the auspices of the Ministry of Water in Tanzania with the objective to get sufficient information concerning water quality analysis and assessment. Additionally, the collected data were coded in SAS software to analyse independent and dependent variables. SAS software therefore, was employed to obtain central tendency and dispersion as benchmarks in determining quality of water. Also, the Multivariate Linear Regression Model was run to obtain coefficients of estimation, 95% confident limits and p-value. Statistical findings from central tendency and dispersion indicate that, the mean for potential of Hydrogen (pH) was 8.165; for total suspended solids was 3.065 mg/l; chloride displayed a mean of 6.494 mg/l; calcium displayed a mean of 6.421 mg/l; iron had a mean of 0.188 mg/l; magnesium displayed a mean of 3.331 mg/l and sulphate had mean of 2.326 mg/l. Looking closely at all of the above-mentioned water quality parameters, they all align with a Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) and World Health Organization (WHO) as shown on table 1. Findings from the Multivariate linear regression model shows that: First, iron had a p-value of 0.0153, magnesium 0.0347 and total hardness had a p-value of 0.001. All of these were statistically significant in the analysis and assessment of water quality as shown on table 2. The study concludes that, the water quality in Lake Victoria complies with both TBS and WHO standards as explained above.
Cost of Productions and Partial Budget Analysis of Coffee (Coffea arabica L.) Seedling Across Various Pot Sizes and Biochar-Based Media Preparations
Authors: Gebisa Leta
Published: October 2024

Coffee cultivation mainly lies in the production of coffee seedlings with desirable characteristics under the recommended nursery management operations. Any improper handling made at early stage would remain to cause poor field performances. Biochar is considered as a soil conditioner and a carrier for plant nutrients, which improve the different soil functions, as an amendment to improve soil fertility, soil pH, available phosphorus, organic carbon, and water retention. The experiment was conducted to provide detail information on production costs and gross net profits of reduced sizes poly bag and biochar application used for coffee seedling production under small scale farmers. Biochar to topsoil blended at 1:3 ratio was found to increase (SVI) over the local and standard practice by 66.50% and 7.50%, respectively. Hence, combined effects of reduced pot size (13x19cm) with biochar mixed topsoil 1:3 noticed to significantly improve soil chemical conditions and growth response of coffee seedlings under nursery conditions at the study area. Besides, the result of simple partial budget analysis indicated the cost effectiveness with reduced polybag sizes as compared to the conventional pot sizes, especially for production, transportation and early stage field transplanting of quality coffee seedlings in large quantities. However, it is imperative to assess the effects of the present promising pot size and pot media treatments under field performance by considering growth, yield, and quality performances and profitability to smallholder coffee farmers over locations and year in the study area and other similar agro ecological zones in the country.
No Difference in Systolic Dysfunction from Left Ventricular Pressure-Volume Loop’s Area and Stroke Work Between Chronic Late Load vs. Early Systolic LV Load in Porcine Model
Authors: Sofija Popevska
Published: October 2024

Background: in increased LV afterload as in hypertension, early systolic LV dysfunction (SD) in late compares to early peak systolic LV load for P-V area, stroke work, potential energy with effective LV work (EW) is not being defined (aortic stenosis, arterial hypertension or coarctation of the aorta) in LVH remodeling. Objectives: to assess in porcine model how LV stroke work, PVA and EW are related to LVH remodeling in developing early SD with HF, between 4th vs 8th week in chronic LL compares to EL. It is suggested that reduced proximal thoracic or asc. aortic compliance results with myocardial ischemia. However, difference for LV O2 demand and effective LV work in different LV afterload is not understood in early development systolic HF. Methods: in fourteen domestic male pigs (28±3 kg) with moderate descending aortic banding having chronic late LV load (LL=8) or ascending aortic stenosis with early systolic LV load (EL=6) SD was assessed, from PVA, in invasive LV pressure-volume loops’ measurements, at 4th vs. 8th week, to assess LV maximal ESPVR, with Millar 5Fr P-V pig-tailed conductance catheter. LV stroke work, and pressure-volume area PVA, reflecting the maximal LV O2 demand were assessed in chronic LL compares to EL from nonlinear regression analysis of maximal LV end-systolic stiffness, in special software. For variance analysis, two-way repeated measures ANOVA was performed, with normality assessment. Results are means±(SEM) or medians for significant p<0.05. Results: LV PVA was not different, in LL compared to EL at 4th vs. 8th week. LV stroke work with effective works were not different and potential energy, neither were changed between 4th vs. 8th week. No difference was found in different LV afterload, in both indexed and absolute LVO2 demand, in LL vs. EL at 4th or 8th week. Indexed PVA parameters with LV stroke work, effective work and potential energy were not different or changed in LL compares to EL between 4th vs. 8th weeks, normalized per body surface-area (in m2). Conclusion: Both absolute and indexed LV stroke work, potential LV energy, PVA with EW and maximum LV O2 demand are not different in LL compares to EL at 4th vs. 8th week of LVH remodeling, indicating no difference in early SD development in increased late vs. early LV afterload.
The Impact of Capital Expenditure on Ethiopian Economic Growth
Authors: Mekonnen Wondimu
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the effect of disaggregated capital expenditure on economic growth in Ethiopia over the period from 1981 to 2021. An autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model, combined with a Granger causality test, is used for the econometric analysis. The empirical results reveal that capital expenditure on economic development (CAEE), recurrent expenditure (RCE), and the inflation rate (CPI) have significant positive impacts on economic growth in both the long run and short run. However, capital expenditure on administrative and general development (CEAG) has a significant negative effect on economic growth in the long run. The Granger causality test further indicates unidirectional causality from economic growth (GNI) to capital expenditure on economic development (CAEE). Based on these findings, the study recommends that the Ministry of Finance should increase its budget allocations for capital expenditures aimed at economic development in order to further stimulate economic growth. Additionally, the government should implement stricter follow-up and monitoring mechanisms to ensure the proper management of budget allocations, particularly regarding capital expenditures on social development and administrative and general development. These measures are crucial for sustaining long-term economic growth in Ethiopia.
Passive House Design: A Possible Energy Efficient Option in the Building Sector of Nepal
Authors: Bhandari Sangam , Shrestha Shubha , Baral Bivek
Published: October 2024

The diversified geography of Nepal creates huge variations in the country's climatic zones; however, the building industry has so far used standardized methods that tend to neglect local climate conditions. Most of these standards then rely on energy-intensive mechanical systems to maintain indoor thermal comfort, without considering more viable and climate-responsive design methods. In this light, the development of a climate classification related to building design will help develop and encourage energy- and climate-effective building architecture in Nepal. The existing energy-saving practice in the building sector of the country is reviewed in this paper, and it outlines ways to improve the adaptation of energy-efficient methodology. It shows that passive houses are performing much better in comparison with modern constructions that are behind in terms of energy efficiency when compared with traditional homes. The study outlines the climate-specific design criteria and methodologies for various regions and sets the path for exploration of the passive house design process challenges and opportunities that might exist for wider diffusion. Also discussed are strategies to overcome the barriers and promote passive house construction, offering a pathway toward sustainable building practices in Nepal.
Assessing the Quality of an Innovative Learning Path for BIM Education: The DIGITAL DECATHLON
Authors: Calcagno Gisella , Alves Sharina , Grunwald Gregor
Published: October 2024

The Erasmus+ funded project DIGITAL DECATHLON addresses the urgent need to modernize educational practices in the construction industry, especially in the field of Building Information Modeling (BIM). This study investigates how interdisciplinary, international and game-based learning can improve the BIM skills of students from different academic backgrounds and institutions in Europe. The study investigates whether an immersive simulation game involving students from five universities in Germany, Finland, Italy and Poland can effectively develop BIM skills and promote international and intercultural collaboration. The research uses a mixed methods approach that includes observational analysis, expert evaluations and surveys to assess the effectiveness of learning methods used in the game, to exploit for the optimization of the second game experience foreseen by the project. The results show that the simulation successfully engages students and improves their practical BIM skills. Nevertheless, there are areas that need improvement. Key challenges include harmonizing disciplines, improving the understanding of project management and ensuring consistent and equal communication between teams. These findings emerge from both qualitative feedback and quantitative performance data. This makes it clear that the existing simulation game is well suited to teaching the basics of the BIM methodology, but that some improvements are still needed, which will be incorporated in a second run, again subject to evaluation for capitalization and future replication.
The Impact of Financial Technology on Accounting Measurement to Enhance Capital Markets to Reduce Tax Avoidance: An Empirical Study
Authors: Ebrahim Nabil
Published: October 2024

Many countries of the world have turned to the use of financial technology in advanced economies, as this trend imposed by the fourth technology revolution that the world has known in recent years has allowed to improve the quality of financial services provided to the public of customers, reduce their cost, and provide them to the class of customers that were previously financially excluded. FinTech applications have replaced the human factor in financial institutions and financial systems in general, from managing financial risks, providing financial services to clients, and other tasks that require processing a huge amount of information and data, in a way that enhances the role played by financial technology innovations in Preparing and presenting the financial statements of companies providing these services quickly and with high accuracy in accordance with the requirements of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), in a way that contributes to reducing financial corruption and audit failures, and limits tax avoidance, and that financial technology innovations lead to adaptation with electronic tax systems, and the researcher prepared An applied study on a sample of financial technology companies, and it became clear to the researcher the existence of a set of challenges represented in accounting and tax problems, the researcher provided solutions to them, and the researcher prepared a field study on the same sample, and it was found from the statistical study, the rejection of the study’s hypotheses and therefore there are no differences between the categories The study was based on the outputs of the SPSS program, Chi-Square, and the study ended with a set of results and recommendations.
‘Vaping is a break from all of that’: Exploring attitudes, harm perceptions, cessation barriers and social dynamics among people who vape
Authors: Piatkowski Timothy , Clarke Cheya , Puljević Cheneal , Caudwell Kim M
Published: October 2024

Objective:

Vaping, initially a smoking cessation aid, is now a widespread recreational activity sometimes associated with perceived health concerns. This study explored attitudes, harm perceptions and cessation barriers in the context of participants’ vaping behaviours, guided by the theoretical lens of fundamental social causes.

Design and Setting:

The study focused on a subset of 571 current adult vapers from a larger survey investigating vaping attitudes. It analysed open-text survey responses relating to vaping behaviours. To analyse the responses, we employed layered analyses, using deductive conceptual mapping to inform an inductive thematic content analysis.

Results:

Participants mentioned nuanced vaping risks, citing cancer and respiratory concerns, often comparing them to tobacco’s well-known harmful effects. Despite acknowledging vaping’s potential harms, participants perceived the practice to be less harmful than smoking, emphasising relative safety. Some viewed vaping positively for former smokers, contingent on regulated products. This complex attitude balance reflected the intricate interplay between health concerns and social dynamics. Recurrent vaping symbolised consistent engagement, with cravings and widespread availability associated with quitting challenges.

Conclusions:

Participants’ nuanced perceptions of health risks reflect a harm duopoly, resembling illicit drug harm tiering. There is a complex interplay between health knowledge and social influences in the context of vaping behaviours. Study findings underscore the need for messaging interventions discouraging vaping among those who do not smoke tobacco to consider these health and social dynamics, leveraging collaborative design.
Clinical Outcomes Associated with the Implementation of a Dedicated Clinical Pharmacy Service in a Resource-Limited Neurocritical Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Sa Eunyoung , Cho Yoonsook , Suh Sung Yun , Park Tae Eun , Rhie Sandy Jeong
Published: October 2024

Background: Patients in neurocritical care units are particularly vulnerable to medication errors and adverse drug events, necessitating specialized care and comprehensive pharmacological management. Despite this need, the scarcity of clinical pharmacist specialists in South Korean hospitals results in limited direct patient care within multidisciplinary teams. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a dedicated pharmacy service program in the neurocritical care intensive care unit (neuro-ICU) on patient outcomes and to propose a clinical pharmacy service model tailored for resource-limited settings. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study comparing neuro-ICU mortality rates and length of stay between periods with and without the presence of a dedicated neurocritical care pharmacist (d-NCP) from May 1, 2016, to December 31, 2017. The study also assessed the frequency and nature of pharmacy interventions alongside factors associated with patient outcomes. Results: The analysis included 769 patients in the group with d-NCP and 676 patients in the group without d-NCP. The presence of a d-NCP was associated with significantly shorter neuro-ICU stays (3.4 ± 8 days vs 3.5 ± 6.4 days, P = .012). Multivariate analysis indicated that the involvement of a d-NCP correlated with reduced length of neuro-ICU stay (β coefficient −0.077, 95% CI: −0.148 to −0.006, P = .033), whereas the number of prescribed medications was linked to longer stays (β coefficient 0.004, 95% CI: 0.014 to 0.005, P < .001). Conclusion: The implementation of a dedicated pharmacy service program in the neuro-ICU leads to improved patient outcomes and mitigates drug-related complications. This model offers a feasible and effective approach for enhancing care in hospitals with limited resources.
Welfare ruination, debris and Europeans’ make-shift practices: A research agenda
Authors: van den Berg Marguerite
Published: October 2024

The mainstream literature on welfare retrenchment, austerity and post-welfare states proposes that since the mid 1970s, welfare states are in a state of ‘permanent austerity’. To offer an alternative to such stories of loss and their problematic nostalgic retelling of recent European history, leaving out its imperial histories, this article proposes to look instead at welfare as the object of ruination. This approach builds on literatures that focus on the experience of austerity and institutional violence to take a step further towards everyday responsive practices. Building on the work of Ann Laura Stoler, studying ruination and debris opens up the possibility to look at (1) the long durée of the colonial heritage of welfare, (2) ruination as an active and violent process and (3) welfare debris and how European dwellers use it and live in it. For Europeans, living amidst ruins and in a time of ruination, then, the question is: how can they build a life with the welfare debris that they are left with? Who is able to navigate the ruins and who is not? For researchers, this perspective can inform a new research agenda: a redirection of attention from welfare as ‘organized provision’ to, instead, how people organize the provisional, improvising with the rubble that remains.
Introduction to a review series on peripheral T-cell lymphomas: salutary complexity?
Authors: Armand Philippe
Published: October 2024

Peripheral T-cell lymphomas are rare and have poorer prognoses than more common B-cell lymphomas. It is therefore appropriate to highlight the current state of knowledge about this heterogeneous cluster of lymphoproliferative diseases. Associate Editor Philippe Armand introduces this series of 5 reviews covering the biology, diagnosis, and treatment of this multitude of distinct entities, including T-cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia.
Exercise intensity and mortality in overweight and obese patients with chronic kidney disease: longitudinal analysis (1999–2016)
Authors: Qian Chuyue , Zhou Fengjun , Lu Dandan , Huang Jingda , Sun Mindan
Published: October 2024

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and overweight/obesity are significant global public health issues. Appropriate free-time physical activity (PA) is essential for overweight/obese patients with chronic kidney disease, but specific guidelines are lacking. The present study was conducted to determine the association between PA and all-cause mortality in these patients.

Methods

Data from 3,434 overweight/obese adults with CKD from the 1999–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys were analyzed. Associations between clinical/laboratory findings and PA intensity (moderate and vigorous) were investigated. The all-cause mortality of patients in different PA categories were compared by Kaplan–Meier analysis. Factors associated with all-cause mortality were determined using a Cox proportional hazards model. A restricted cubic spline was employed to obtain a more flexible and detailed representation of the relationship between PA intensity and all-cause mortality, with better predictive capability.

Results

The Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that greater all-cause mortality was associated with < 10 min/week moderate/vigorous PA (log-rank p < 0.001). A greater survival probability was associated with ≥ 150 min/week vigorous PA or 10–149 min/week moderate PA (log-rank p < 0.001). Age, gender, vigorous PA, smoking status, alcohol consumption, diabetes status, eGFR, serum albumin level, uric acid level, and blood urea nitrogen level were identified as factors associated independently with mortality in the Cox proportional hazards analysis. The restricted cubic splines revealed that these relationships were non-linear (all p < 0.05). Kaplan–Meier analysis of data from patients who engaged in 10–450 min/week moderate/vigorous PA revealed significant differences between the 0–74-min/week and other vigorous PA groups (all log-rank p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Extended durations of vigorous PA are associated with reduced all-cause mortality in overweight/obese patients with CKD. Clinicians should recommend vigorous free-time PA to these patients, and public health interventions should target this goal to maximize patient health.
Proteomic analysis of APOEε4 carriers implicates lipid metabolism, complement and lymphocyte signaling in cognitive resilience
Authors: Walker Keenan A. , An Yang , Moghekar Abhay , Moaddel Ruin , Duggan Michael R. , Peng Zhongsheng , Tian Qu , Pilling Luke C. , Drouin Shannon M. , Espeland Mark A. , Rapp Stephen R , Hayden Kathleen M , Shadyab Aladdin H. , Casanova Ramon , Thambisetty Madhav , Rapp Peter R. , Kapogiannis Dimitrios , Ferrucci Luigi , Resnick Susan M.
Published: October 2024

Background

Apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele is the strongest genetic risk factor for late onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This case-cohort study used targeted plasma biomarkers and large-scale proteomics to examine the biological mechanisms that allow some APOEε4 carriers to maintain normal cognitive functioning in older adulthood.

Methods

APOEε4 carriers and APOEε3 homozygotes enrolled in the Women’s Health Initiative Memory Study (WHIMS) from 1996 to 1999 were classified as resilient if they remained cognitively unimpaired beyond age 80, and as non-resilient if they developed cognitive impairment before or at age 80. AD pathology (Aß42/40) and neurodegeneration (NfL, tau) biomarkers, as well as 1007 proteins (Olink) were quantified in blood collected at study enrollment (on average 14 years prior) when participants were cognitively normal. We identified plasma proteins that distinguished between resilient and non-resilient APOEε4 carriers, examined whether these associations generalized to APOEε3 homozygotes, and replicated these findings in the UK Biobank.

Results

A total of 1610 participants were included (baseline age: 71.3 [3.8 SD] years; all White; 42% APOEε4 carriers). Compared to resilient APOEε4 carriers, non-resilient APOEε4 carriers had lower Aß42/40/tau ratio and greater NfL at baseline. Proteomic analyses identified four proteins differentially expressed between resilient and non-resilient APOEε4 carriers at an FDR-corrected P < 0.05. While one of the candidate proteins, a marker of neuronal injury (NfL), also distinguished resilient from non-resilient APOEε3 homozygotes, the other three proteins, known to be involved in lipid metabolism (ANGPTL4) and immune signaling (PTX3, NCR1), only predicted resilient vs. non-resilient status among APOEε4 carriers (protein*genotype interaction-P < 0.05). Three of these four proteins also predicted 14-year dementia risk among APOEε4 carriers in the UK Biobank validation sample (N = 9420). While the candidate proteins showed little to no association with targeted biomarkers of AD pathology, protein network and enrichment analyses suggested that natural killer (NK) cell and T lymphocyte signaling (via PKC-θ) distinguished resilient from non-resilient APOEε4 carriers.

Conclusions

We identified and replicated a plasma proteomic signature associated with cognitive resilience among APOEε4 carriers. These proteins implicate specific immune processes in the preservation of cognitive status despite elevated genetic risk for AD. Future studies in diverse cohorts will be needed to assess the generalizability of these results.
Astaxanthin improves assisted reproductive technology outcomes in poor ovarian responders through alleviating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Shafie Anahid , Aleyasin Ashraf , Saffari Mojtaba , Saedi Mojtaba , Rostami Sahar , Rezayi Saeede , Mohammadi Seyed Danial , Amidi Fardin
Published: October 2024

Background

Poor ovarian response (POR) to controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) remains challenging, especially in advanced-age women with diminished ovarian reserve, resulting in low live birth rates. Many patients prefer to conceive with their eggs, underscoring the need for improved treatments. This study explores astaxanthin potential as a COS adjuvant to improve ovarian response and assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes, considering its impact on oxidative stress (OS), inflammation, and apoptosis, which are key factors in POR.

Methods

In this randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 60 infertile POR patients from POSEIDON Group 4 (the poorest prognosis category, age > 35 and poor ovarian reserve (anti-müllerian hormone < 1.2 ng/ml or antral follicle count < 5) undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection were enrolled. Patients were assigned to receive either 12 mg/day AST or placebo for eight weeks. All patients underwent a gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist regimen for COS. ART outcomes were compared between groups. Blood serum and follicular fluid (FF) were analyzed for OS markers (superoxide dismutase [SOD], total antioxidant capacity [TAC], and malondialdehyde [MDA]), and pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6 [IL-6], interleukin-8 [IL-8], and vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF]) via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits, and cell-free DNA [cfDNA] (apoptotic marker) via ALU quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results

After the intervention, the AST group exhibited a significant elevation in serum (P = 0.013) and TAC (P = 0.030), accompanied by a significant reduction in serum MDA (P = 0.005). No significant differences between AST and placebo groups were observed in OS markers in FF. AST group showed significant reductions in the serum IL-6 (P < 0.001), IL-8 (P = 0.001), and VEGF (P = 0.002) levels following AST therapy. In the AST group, FF levels of IL-6 (P = 0 < 001), IL-8 (P = 0.036), VEGF (P = 0.006), and cfDNA (P < 0.001) were significantly lower than in the placebo group. Between-group comparisons showed significant differences in the alterations of serum SOD (P = 0.027), IL-6 (P < 0.001), and IL-8 (P = 0.035) levels between AST and placebo groups. The AST group showed significant increases in the number of retrieved oocytes (P = 0.003), MII oocytes (P = 0.004), frozen embryos (P = 0.037), and high-quality embryos (P = 0.014) compared to the placebo group.

Conclusion

AST shows promise as a COS adjuvant therapy, potentially enhancing some ART outcomes in POR through alleviating OS, inflammation, and apoptosis.

Trial registration

Clinical trial registration number: IRCT20230223057510N1, URL: https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/trial/68870, registration date: 2023 March 16.

Graphical Abstract
SPARC activates p38γ signaling to promote PFKFB3 protein stabilization and contributes to keloid fibroblast glycolysis
Authors: Liu Yining , Zhang Wei , Lin Nan , Yang Zelei , Liu Yanxin , Chen Huaxia
Published: October 2024

Background

Keloids are currently challenging to treat because they recur after resection which may affect patients’ quality of life. At present, no universal consensus on treatment regimen has been established. Thus, finding new molecular mechanisms underlying keloid formation is imminent. This study aimed to explore the function of secreted protein acidic and cysteine rich (SPARC) on keloids and its behind exact mechanisms.

Methods

The expression of SPARC, p38γ, 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3), α-SMA, and Ki67 in patients with keloid and bleomycin (BLM)-induced fibrosis mice was assessed utilizing western blot, qRT-PCR, and immunohistochemical staining. After transfected with pcDNA-SPARC, si-SPARC-1#, si-SPARC-2#, and si-p38γ, and treated with glycolytic inhibitor (2-DG) or p38 inhibitor (SB203580), CCK-8, EdU, transwell, and western blot were utilized for assessing the proliferation, migration, and collagen production of keloid fibroblasts (KFs).

Results

SPARC, p38γ, and PFKFB3 were highly expressed in patients with keloid and BLM-induced fibrosis mice. SPARC promoted the proliferation, migration, and collagen production of KFs via inducing glycolysis. Moreover, SPARC could activate p38γ signaling to stabilize PFKFB3 protein expression in KFs. Next, we demonstrated that SPARC promoted the proliferation, migration, collagen production, and glycolysis of KFs via regulating p38γ signaling. In addition, in BLM-induced fibrosis mice, inhibition of p38γ and PFKFB3 relieved skin fibrosis.

Conclusions

Our findings indicated that SPARC could activate p38γ pathway to stabilize the expression of PFKFB3, and thus promote the glycolysis of KFs and the progression of keloid.
Outcomes of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia requiring lung resections in a third-level hospital
Authors: Sánchez-Pereda Diego , Gomez-Portugal Emmanuel Peña , Canto-Losa Jorge , Jaspersen-Álvarez Jorge , Anaya-Ayala Javier E.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Currently, there is little evidence on the surgical management of pulmonary complications of COVID-19 pneumonia. This study aimed to give insight into common complications arising in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia that require lung resections.

Methods

This is a retrospective single-center study looking at conditions arising in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia who required lung resection for resolution between March 2020 and March 2021. Clinical presentation, indications to undergo surgery, and factors associated with increased mortality were analyzed. Analysis of nominal variables was performed using nonparametric statistical tests.

Results

Twelve men (92.3%) and one woman (7.7%) were included in the analysis; the age of included participants ranged from 27 to 72 years, with the mean age being 52. The most common presenting signs and symptoms were dyspnea and tachypnea, which were present in all patients, most common cause for surgery was pneumatocele with 6 cases, followed by lung abscess; patients who underwent surgery because of persistent air leak were more likely to require surgical reintervention (p = 0.005). The overall mortality in our sample was 23%. Increasing age (p = 0.014), myalgias (p = 0.035), elevated D-dimer (p = 0.007), and pulmonary embolism (p = 0.014) were associated with increased mortality.

Conclusions

Lung resections to treat pulmonary complications in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia appear to be safe, with a survival rate of 77%. Recognizing clinical characteristics such as age, myalgias, elevated D-dimer and pulmonary embolism can aid in identifying those at increased risk.
Visual colorimetric immunosensor for sensitive detection of 4-Chlorophenoxyacetic based on TMB2+-mediated etching of Au NRs
Authors: Han Jinzhi , Peng Cheng , Wen Jiayan , Cao Xueming , Wang Yu , Meng Jingnan , Xu Zhenlin
Published: October 2024

4-Chlorophenoxyacetic acid (4-CPA), a synthetic plant regulator, has been banned due to its cumulative toxicity to humans. However, unqualified sampling remains common in the market. To address the poor sensitivity of 4-CPA antibodies reported previously, a highly sensitive monoclonal antibody specific to 4-CPA was produced by redesigning and synthesizing a novel hapten in this study. Additionally, a visual colorimetric immunosensor based on TMB2+ mediated etching of gold nanorods (Au NRs) was developed. The ∆λ of the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) peak exhibited a linear dependence on the 4-CPA concentration in the range of 0.2–6.25 ng mL−1, with a low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.2 ng mL−1. Recovery tests (85.0% to 108%) and HPLC validation demonstrated the immunosensor’s accuracy and precision. This visual colorimetric immunosensor illustrates significant potential for rapid detection of 4-CPA in biological environments.
Unusual Resistance to Intravenous Anesthetic Drugs in a Rachipagus Infant: A Case Report
Authors: Singla Deepak , A Anija , Aneja Parag , Singh Shreya
Published: October 2024

In conjoined twins when one of the twins is incompletely formed and is dependent on the healthy counterpart for survival, they are described as heteropagus (parasitic) twins. Rachipagus is a type of parasitic twin joined at the spine above the sacrum. Such neonates can present with complex problems related to anesthesia. We encountered one such infant for a routine contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) angiography under sedation. The infant was resistant to multiple anesthetic drugs like fentanyl, propofol, and ketamine. Later general anesthesia was induced with thiopentone sodium, and the procedure went on uneventfully.
Downward Revision of Investment Decisions after Corporate Tax Hikes
Authors: Link Sebastian , Menkhoff Manuel , Peichl Andreas , Schüle Paul
Published: October 2024

This paper estimates the causal effect of corporate tax hikes on firm investment based on more than 1,400 local tax changes. By observing planned and realized investment volumes in a representative sample of German manufacturing firms, we can study how tax hikes induce firms to revise their investment decisions. On average, the share of firms that invest less than previously planned increases by 3 percentage points after a tax hike. This effect is twice as large during recessions. (JEL D22, E32, G31, H25, H32, H71, L60)
Managers’ Productivity and Recruitment in the Public Sector
Authors: Muñoz Pablo , Prem Mounu
Published: October 2024

Governments face many constraints in attracting talented managers to the public sector, which often lacks high-powered incentives. In this paper, we study how a civil service reform in Chile changed the effectiveness of a vital group of public sector managers: school principals. First, we estimate principal effectiveness by using an extension of the canonical teacher value-added model. Then we evaluate the effect of the reform on principal effectiveness using a difference-in-differences approach. We find that public schools appointed more effective managers and improved their students’ outcomes after increasing the competitiveness and transparency of their selection process. (JEL D73, H83, I21, J24, J45, O15)
In search of a post-conventional administrative ethics in the context of Brazilian public organizations
Authors: Santos Laís Silveira , Serafim Mauricio C.
Published: October 2024

This theoretical paper presents a debate on the moral action of public agents, aiming to indicate propositions for post-conventional administrative ethics in Public Administration. The expression “post-conventional ethics” originates from the Theory of Moral Development, constructed from research into the development of moral reasoning. At the post-conventional level of development, individuals are capable of making judgments about their own society, from an outside perspective, based on universal foundations. Based on this theoretical basis and the ethical competence of public agents to act consciously and make judgments, the possibility of postconventional administrative ethics is discussed. As suggestions and recommendations, in the sense of propositions, the following are presented: the integration of descriptive and normative ethics in the decision-making process; the virtue of phronesis and the search for the right way in ethical decision-making; and education for moral action.
Indicadores do serviço de acompanhamento farmacoterapêutico para idosos hipertensos e/ou diabéticos
Authors: Anastácia de Oliveira Batista Renata , Alencastro Curado Filipi , Felix Souza Bruno , Corrêa Batista Hugo , Moreira da Costa Josiane , Aline de Andrade Renata
Published: October 2024

Objetivo: avaliar o desempenho do serviço de AF oferecido a pacientes idosos com hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) e/ou diabetes mellitus (DM). Métodos: trata-se de um estudo descritivo, longitudinal, quantitativo e retrospectivo de base populacional, no qual os participantes foram submetidos ao Acompanhamento Farmacoterapêutico baseado no método Dáder, entre 2017 e 2019. Utilizou-se o instrumento de indicadores de desempenho para serviços de AF prestados a pacientes ambulatoriais. Foram analisados os indicadores “Consultas farmacêuticas realizadas”, “Problemas relacionados à farmacoterapia resolvidos” e “Situação Clínica dos pacientes” de 54 pacientes com média de idade de 69 anos, todos hipertensos e 28 (51,85%) diabéticos. Os critérios de inclusão dos pacientes incluíram idade igual ou superior a 60 anos e diagnóstico de HAS e/ou DM, sendo atendidos em uma farmácia básica, no município de Diamantina, Minas Gerais. Resultados: ao avaliar o serviço de AF para pacientes com três consultas ou mais, identificou-se uma melhora expressiva dos resultados, exceto para o indicador “Problemas relacionados à farmacoterapia resolvidos”. As prioridades identificadas para melhorar a qualidade do serviço incluem o aumento da resolutividade dos problemas relacionados à farmacoterapia e a continuidade do acompanhamento farmacêutico. Conclusões: os resultados obtidos permitiram identificar as prioridades a serem trabalhadas para melhorar a qualidade do serviço.
Altered coagulation profile of patients with high-grade glioma: clinical study with control group.
Authors: Quispe-Pastor Natalia Jeanette , Gorritti-Rubio Ana Paula , Fernández-Rodríguez Lissett Jeanette
Published: October 2024

Background Disregulation of coagulation is a common phenomenon in patients with high-grade glioma, a primary malignant brain tumor. Objective Identify if there is an alteration in the coagulation profile in patients with high-grade glioma compared to other patients with benign brain tumors. Methods Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) preformance status at admission, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, international normalized ratio, platelet count, and blood panel results of 21 high-grade glioma patients (cases) and 42 meningioma patients (controls) from northern Peru were reviewed. Bivariate and multivariate analysis with logistic regression were performed to determine which factors are associated with glioma. Results Both groups had high proportions of high blood pressure (29%) and diabetes mellitus (14%). According to multivariate analysis, altered values for prothrombin time, platelet count, and ECOG score were associated with glioma (p=0.01). Furthermore, alterations in the blood panel were observed in both cases and controls but failed to reach statistical significance. We also observe that some glioma patients have increased prothrombin time compared to reference values. Conclusion Patients with high-grade glioma seem to suffer more from altered coagulation states than other patients with benign brain tumors, suggesting careful vigilance, measurement, and treatment of abnormal coagulation.
Terminal efficiency of Peruvian university students in the second specialty programs of a dental school over seven years
Authors: Cabanillas-Yllesca Karen Llajaida , Avalos-Baltodano Karla Lucero , León-Manco Roberto Antonio , Garcés-Elías María Claudia , Rojas-Senador Cesar David
Published: October 2024

Background Concerns regarding academic efficiency at the postgraduate level in university programs require attention from those responsible for making university administrative decisions. This study aimed to determine the terminal efficiency of Peruvian university students enrolled in second specialty programs in a dental school over seven years. Methods This cross-sectional study considered all records of documents submitted for obtaining a title of second professional specialty in the programs offered by a dental school, published in its institutional repository between 2017 and 2023. The study variable was terminal efficiency (TE), considered both as a quantitative and qualitative variable. Additionally, some covariates were included, such as the year of formal document submission, the mode of document preparation, the second professional specialty in dentistry, and sex. Descriptive analysis was conducted to obtain absolute and relative frequencies. Bivariate analysis was performed using Chi-square, Mann-Whitney U, and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results From the evaluation of TE between 2017 and 2023, it was observed that 72.09% (n=186) of students with a document submitted for obtaining a title of second professional specialty and published in the repository had a TE categorized of “Up to 1 year”. Likewise, the mean TE was 0.95 years (SD=1.25), with a statistically significant difference (p<0.001) between medians when evaluated based on the year of formal document submission and the dental specialty program. Conclusion The mean terminal efficiency of Peruvian university students in second specialty programs in a dental school over seven years was 0.95 years.