bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does the textual quality of prospectuses affect gross spread in seasoned equity offerings?
Authors: Nagarajan Nandu J. , Nerur Sridhar Panchapakesan , Srinidhi Bin , Yu Xiaoxiao
Published: August 2024

We examine how expositional quality (measured by discretionary readability and lexical focus—new measures) in the textual content of prospectuses preceding seasoned equity offerings affects the gross spread after controlling for the quality of numerical information. We measure the gross spread as the difference between the offer price and the underwriter's purchase price per share, expressed as a percentage of the offer price. We find that the gross spread is higher in firms whose prospectuses have lower discretionary readability, while the discretionary readability of the preceding 10‐K has little effect. Further, when the prospectus readability is lower than that of the preceding 10‐K, the gross spread increases more than it decreases when readability is higher by the same amount. Low focus (lexical focus) in the Use of Proceeds section of the prospectus results in a higher gross spread. However, low prospectus focus is associated with higher gross spread only in the bad‐news subsample. Overall, our results show that the gross spread is incrementally associated with textual obfuscation over the numerical quality of earnings. Moreover, our findings indicate that investors get distinctly different and useful information from different measures of textual quality in different parts of the text. Finally, we present novel insights showing that investors respond differently to different measures of textual quality, for example, readability and lexical focus, depending on whether there is good or bad news.
Social capital and economic growth: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Xue Xindong , Reed W. Robert , van Aert Robbie C. M.
Published: August 2024

This research provides a comprehensive, quantitative synthesis of the empirical literature on social capital and economic growth. It assesses 957 estimates from 83 studies. While our preferred estimate of the overall mean effect is close to zero and statistically insignificant, the main finding of our analysis is the substantial degree of effect heterogeneity. We find that social capital effects can range from large negative to large positive, suggesting that its impact on economic growth varies substantially depending on the context. However, our investigation was unable to trace the sources of this heterogeneity to any observable data, estimation, and study characteristics. This suggests that other factors, not included in our study, are responsible. Our analysis did uncover significant publication bias, indicating that the estimates of social capital's effects in the empirical literature are overstated. A further finding from our analysis is that we found no evidence that different types of social capital have different effects on economic growth.
Construction of a decision model for donor testing in cases of suspected antibody‐mediated transfusion‐related‐acute‐lung‐injury
Authors: Latham Tom , Bentley Andrew , Grey Sharran , Malhotra Puneet , Davis Peter J. , Clarkson Jill , Poles Anthony , Narayan Shruthi
Published: August 2024

Objective

To propose a rational basis for donor testing in cases of suspected antibody‐mediated transfusion‐related lung injury (AMT).

Background

Anti‐leukocyte antibodies in donated blood are established causes of transfusion‐related lung injury (TRALI). However, the question of whether to test donors for antibodies is not identical to whether the case meets definition criteria for TRALI. There is a balance between the potential benefits of testing and the costs of donor deferral and investigation. We propose that a decision‐making process based on optimising the balance between risk and benefit requires a subjective choice of the relative value of different outcomes of testing.

Methods

We have developed a formal decision model to illustrate how these choices affect testing decisions.

Results

Using a Bayesian probability model, we show that the diagnostic benefit and TRALI prevention benefit of testing donors have a complex interrelationship with the number of implicated donors and clinical suspicion of antibody‐mediated TRALI (AMT) and that rational testing choices vary according to value assigned to outcomes.

Conclusions

The challenges to the use of a formal decision model for clinical testing are discussed and conclude that a formal model is a useful consensus‐building tool for improving consistency and openness in decision making.
Uroabdomen secondary to spontaneous bladder rupture in a dog with dystocia
Authors: Lim Sukjung , Hennig Geoffrey Stuart , Niedzwecki Alicia , Yankin Igor
Published: August 2024

Objective

To describe the development of uroabdomen secondary to spontaneous bladder rupture in a dog with dystocia.

Case Summary

A 2‐year‐old intact female Boston Terrier was referred for prolonged labor of 72 hours. At presentation, the dog had delivered 8 puppies at home, with the last pup being stillborn. The dog was in hypovolemic shock and had free abdominal effusion. Abdominal radiographs showed no evidence of remaining fetuses. Abdominal fluid analysis revealed a fluid potassium that was 1.8 times higher than the peripheral blood potassium. Retrograde positive contrast cystography identified leakage of contrast into the abdomen, consistent with uroabdomen secondary to bladder rupture. Bloodwork abnormalities included a mild monocytic leukocytosis with a left shift, moderate azotemia, mild hyperbilirubinemia, mild increase of alkaline phosphatase activity, moderate hyponatremia, and moderate hypochloremia. The dog was resuscitated with IV fluids and received IV antimicrobials out of concerns for septic peritonitis and sepsis. An exploratory laparotomy revealed a moderate volume abdominal effusion, uterine enlargement with no identifiable fetuses, and a small rupture of the urinary bladder wall apex. The bladder wall defect was repaired, and the dog underwent an ovariohysterectomy. Perioperative systemic hypotension was treated with a norepinephrine constant rate infusion and resolved within 24 hours. The dog was discharged 5 days later. The combined peritoneal fluid and uterine fluid culture and sensitivity testing revealed Enterococcus spp. and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, both susceptible to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and enrofloxacin. Bladder wall histopathology revealed severe mural congestion, edema, and hemorrhage, without evidence of neoplasia, cystitis, or urolithiasis.

Unique Information Provided

This is the first case report of a dog with uroabdomen secondary to a bladder wall rupture associated with dystocia. Early recognition of this rare phenomenon and vigilance in treatment is essential for a good prognosis and outcome.
A note on the squarefree density of polynomials
Authors: Vaughan R. C. , Zarhin Yu. G.
Published: August 2024

The conjectured squarefree density of an integral polynomial in variables is an Euler product which can be considered as a product of local densities. We show that a necessary and sufficient condition for to be 0 when is a polynomial in variables over the integers, is that either there is a prime such that the values of at all integer points are divisible by or the polynomial is not squarefree as a polynomial. We also show that generally the upper squarefree density satisfies .
Towards spatially selective efferent neuromodulation: anatomical and functional organization of cardiac fibres in the porcine cervical vagus nerve
Authors: Thompson Nicole , Ravagli Enrico , Mastitskaya Svetlana , Challita Ronald , Hadaya Joseph , Iacoviello Francesco , Idil Ahmad Shah , Shearing Paul R. , Ajijola Olujimi A. , Ardell Jeffrey L. , Shivkumar Kalyanam , Holder David , Aristovich Kirill
Published: August 2024

Spatially selective vagus nerve stimulation (sVNS) offers a promising approach for addressing heart disease with enhanced precision. Despite its therapeutic potential, VNS is limited by off‐target effects and the need for time‐consuming titration. Our research aimed to determine the spatial organization of cardiac afferent and efferent fibres within the vagus nerve of pigs to achieve targeted neuromodulation. Using trial‐and‐error sVNS in vivo and ex vivo micro‐computed tomography fascicle tracing, we found significant spatial separation between cardiac afferent and cardiac efferent fibres at the mid‐cervical level and they were localized on average on opposite sides of the nerve cross‐section. This was consistent between both in vivo and ex vivo methods. Specifically, cardiac afferent fibres were located near pulmonary fibres, consistent with findings of cardiopulmonary convergent circuits and, notably, cardiac efferent fascicles were exclusive. These cardiac efferent regions were located in close proximity to the recurrent laryngeal regions. This is consistent with the roughly equitable spread across the nerve of the afferent and efferent fibres. Our study demonstrated that targeted neuromodulation via sVNS could achieve scalable heart rate decreases without eliciting cardiac afferent‐related reflexes; this is desirable for reducing sympathetic overactivation associated with heart disease. These findings indicate that understanding the spatial organization of cardiac‐related fibres within the vagus nerve can lead to more precise and effective VNS therapy, minimizing off‐target effects and potentially mitigating the need for titration.

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Key points

Spatially selective vagus nerve stimulation (sVNS) presents a promising approach for addressing chronic heart disease with enhanced precision.

Our study reveals significant spatial separation between cardiac afferent and efferent fibres in the vagus nerve, particularly at the mid‐cervical level.

Utilizing trial‐and‐error sVNS in vivo and micro‐computed tomography fascicle tracing, we demonstrate the potential for targeted neuromodulation, achieving therapeutic effects such as scalable heart rate decrease without stimulating cardiac afferent‐related reflexes.

This spatial understanding opens avenues for more effective VNS therapy, minimizing off‐target effects and potentially eliminating the need for titration, thereby expediting therapeutic outcomes in myocardial infarction and related conditions.
Supplemental Material: Late Paleozoic slab rollback events in the southeastern part of the Central Asian orogenic belt: Implications for Paleo-Asian Ocean subduction and continental crust growth
Authors: Gao Qiang , Yan Mao-Qiang
Published: August 2024

Supplemental Text S1: Analytical methods; Figure S1: Plots of variation of selected trace elements vs. Zr to check for element mobility during postmagmatic alteration; Table S1: Zircon U-Pb data sources for Paleozoic to early Mesozoic intrusive rocks in central Inner Mongolia; Tables S2 and S3: Whole-rock major-element and trace-element geochemistry, and Sr-Nd isotopic compositions; Tables S4 and S5: Zircon U-Pb-Hf isotopic data; Table S6: EPMA results of amphibole from the late Carboniferous Mandula intermediate to acidic composite pluton; and Table S7: Summary of crustal thickness calculation in central Inner Mongolia.
Quality Prediction of Cultural Industry Development Based on Big Data and Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Su Yunxia
Published: August 2024

The core of the development of the cultural industry is product content, and the traditional cultural industry usually accomplishes the analysis and prediction of industrial data with the help of manual power, which not only has high economic costs, but also has certain limitations and large errors in the prediction results. In view of this situation, this paper proposes a prediction system for the development quality of cultural industry based on big data and artificial intelligence, which reduces the error of cultural industry hierarchical time series through the constructed TCN time series prediction model and DNN interlayer error reconciler and improves the stability and quasi-degree of prediction of industrial development. The experimental results of the prediction model performance show that compared with other prediction models, the prediction model in this paper has higher accuracy, stability and reliability, and obviously reduces the inter-level error. The experimental results show that compared with other prediction models, the prediction model proposed in this paper has improved average prediction accuracy. The interlayer error is effectively reduced, demonstrating higher prediction accuracy and stronger stability. In addition, the prediction system can effectively analyze the macro-development of the cultural industry, regional development, academic research hotspots, investment and financing in the application experiments, and present the visualized prediction results to help users understand the development quality of the cultural industry more intuitively and clearly.
EHLERS–DANLOS SYNDROME — A CASE OF MULTIDIRECTIONAL SHOULDER INSTABILITY REHABILITATION
Authors: Diniz João Rego , Sousa Rui Moreira , Bernardo Inês Rocha , Aroso Pedro
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a hereditary and heterogeneous syndrome that affects conjunctive tissue, due to collagen production compromise. Hypermobile EDS (hEDS) is the most common subtype of this syndrome and can cause shoulder joint instability, which can lead to chronic pain and significant functional impairment.

Methods: A case report of a patient with hEDS followed in our local health unit was made. The authors describe their clinical insight regarding the case, as well as the rehabilitation program the patient was submitted to.

Results: Female patient, 32 years old. Functionally autonomous in every daily living activity. Clinically diagnosed with hEDS in 2013, after reporting bilateral shoulder instability. The patient presented herself in a Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine consultation, 6 months after being submitted to the third surgical intervention of the right shoulder. She presented an overall limited range of motion, decreased muscle strength and positive apprehension and drawer tests. An extensive rehabilitation program was prescribed, focusing on joint mobilization, dynamic stabilizers strengthening and proprioceptive training. After 12 weeks, the patient presented reduced shoulder pain and a better functional status.

Conclusion: hEDS compromises the integrity of the static and dynamic stabilizers of the shoulder. Clinical management of these cases involves a multidisciplinary approach with early and adequate rehabilitation care treatments.
Chemical Profiling of the White and Brown Teff (Eragrostis tef (Zuccagni) Trotter) Injera and Their Nutritional Properties
Authors: Yisak Hagos , Yaya Estifanos Ele , Redi-Abshiro Mesfin , Chandravanshi Bhagwan Singh
Published: August 2024

Teff (Eragrostis tef (Zuccagni) Trotter) is one of the underutilized crops that can contribute to food security with distinct nutritional values. The present study was aimed to determine the total phenolic content, total fat content, and fatty acid profiles and evaluate the nutritional values of the white and brown Injera (ready‐to‐eat food) using UV‐Vis and GC‐MS methods. The determined free total simple phenolic compound contents, bound total simple phenolic compound contents, and total flavonoid contents were 169.48 ± 3.36–178.52 ± 7.5, 53.13 ± 1.92–60.38 ± 0.82, and 85.18 ± 1.14–117.59 ± 4.31 mg QE/100 g, respectively, in white Injera, and 193.86 ± 6.38–204.90 ± 4.04, 70.25 ± 3.56–82.13 ± 3.12, and 97.31 ± 1.22–107.42 ± 3.29 mg QE/100 g, respectively, in brown Injera. The free total simple phenolic compound contents and bound total simple phenolic compound contents were found higher and lower, respectively, in white and brown Injera. Compared to the reported teff grains and other cereal grains, low linoleic acid (ω‐6) (21.1–24.8%) and high content of α‐linolenic acid (ω‐3) (16.3–18.9%) were found in the white and brown Injera, respectively. This value has much improved the ω‐6/ω‐3 in the white Injera (1.5 : 1) and brown Injera (1.2 : 1) and was surprisingly found consistent with the suggested 1‐2 : 1 ratio. Moreover, the lipid quality of teff Injera was found to be superior to that of other cereal grains, showing that this food product actually contains novel food components with substantial nutritional and health advantages. The results of this study may therefore aid teff consumers, processors, and researchers in raising knowledge of the nutritional value and health advantages of the white and brown Injera, as well as their contents of free and bound phenolics and fatty acid profiles.
Parameter‐Uniform Convergent Numerical Approach for Time‐Fractional Singularly Perturbed Partial Differential Equations With Large Time Delay
Authors: Kumie Habtamu Getachew , Tiruneh Awoke Andargie , Derese Getachew Adamu
Published: August 2024

In this study, we consider a parameter‐uniform convergent numerical approach for a class of time‐fractional singularly perturbed partial differential equations (TF‐SPDPDEs) with large delay in time that exhibits a regular exponential boundary layer on the right side of the spatial domain. An arbitrary very small parameter ε(0 < ε < <1) multiplies the highest‐order derivative term of these singularly perturbed problems. The time‐fractional derivative is considered in the Caputo sense with order α ∈ (0, 1). The numerical scheme comprises the L1 scheme and nonstandard finite difference method (FDM) for discretizing the time and space variables, respectively, on a uniform mesh. To show the parameter uniform convergence of the proposed method, the truncation error and stability analysis are discussed. The method is shown to be parameter‐uniform convergent of order O((Δt)2−α + Δx), where Δt and Δx are the step sizes in the time and space directions, respectively. In order to confirm the theoretical predictions, two numerical examples are presented, and the numerical results support the theoretical concepts discussed. Finally, to show the advantage of the proposed scheme, we made comparisons with the existing numerical methods in the literature, and the numerical results reveal that the present scheme is more accurate.
Genetic Evaluation of Heteroresistance among Carbapenem‐Susceptible Clinical Isolates of Enterobacterales
Authors: Koçer İpek , Eri̇nmez Mehmet , Zer Yasemin
Published: August 2024

Carbapenems currently serve as the last line of defense when treating serious infections caused by multidrug‐resistant Enterobacterales species; however, heteroresistance of these species is thought to cause failure in the treatment with these broad‐spectrum antibiotics. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of carbapenem heteroresistance and associated genotypic modifications among phenotypically meropenem‐susceptible Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates. A total of 204 isolates of E. coli (n: 118) and K. pneumoniae (n: 86) from various clinical samples were included in this prospective experimental study. Identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of the isolates were performed by VITEK® (bioMérieux, France). Strains that were found susceptible to carbapenem group antibiotics (meropenem, imipenem, and ertapenem) with automated system were further investigated by disk diffusion method. The isolates with discrete colony growth within the clear inhibition zone among phenotypically meropenem‐susceptible strains were tested for heteroresistance with the “gold standard” population analysis profile‐area under the curve (PAP‐AUC) method. In addition, heteroresistant isolates were analyzed for the presence of carbapenemase genes with in‐house PCR method. The heteroresistance prevalence rate was 3.5% for E. coli and 18.1% for K. pneumoniae. The presence of heteroresistance in a total of 10 meropenem‐susceptible isolates (E. coli, n: 4; K. pneumoniae, n: 6) was confirmed by the PAP‐AUC method. The most frequently detected carbapenemase in heteroresistant isolates was OXA‐48 (6/10), followed by NDM‐1 (2/10). Meropenem is frequently preferred as initial empirical monotherapy in most of Gram‐negative infections in adult and pediatric patients. The presence of heteroresistance against meropenem is too important to ignore, and for this reason, it seems beneficial to prefer combined treatment regimens in clinical practice.
Diagnosis and Management of Aggressive/Refractory Growth Hormone‐Secreting Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Zhang Xiaojuan , Chen Yu , Yu Yerong , Li Jianwei
Published: August 2024

The majority of acromegaly and gigantism are caused by growth hormone‐secreting pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs). Most cases can be cured or controlled by surgery, medical therapy, and/or radiotherapy. However, a few of these tumors are resistant to traditional therapy and always have a poor prognosis. The title aggressive/refractory is used to differentiate them from pituitary carcinomas. To date, there is no definitive conclusion on how to diagnose aggressive/refractory growth hormone‐secreting PitNETs, which may have slowed the process of exploring new therapeutical strategies. We summarized the literature described diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Potential disease markers and prospective therapies were also included.
Genotype Selection from Azide‐Induced Rice Mutants Using Multitrait Genotype–Ideotype Distance Index (MGIDI): Unveiling Promising Variants for Yield Improvement
Authors: Al Mamun S. M. Abdullah , Ivy Nasrin Akter , Khan Mohammad Ashik Iqbal , Rehana Sayda , Sultana Mst. Sabiha , Adhikary Sanjoy Kumar , Islam Md. Monirul
Published: August 2024

Development of high‐yielding rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a crucial need for succeeding food security that needs the presence of great genetic variability to be used in breeding programs. Creating new variants through sodium azide mutagenesis can be a better alternative in advancing plant breeding issues. The generation and characterization of mutants represent an effective method for choosing genotypes with desired attributes. In this study, we focused on inducing mutations in the genetic base of a mega rice variety (BRRI dhan28) using sodium azide, evaluating the genetic diversity of the mutants, and identifying promising genotypes among the mutants using quantitative trait analysis and genetic criteria. The mutants exhibited substantial variation, as evidenced by descriptive statistics and analysis of variance. The estimated heritability and genetic advance indicated that nearly all traits had a high level of heritability and followed a complex pattern of inheritance. The strong correlations observed between grain yield and flag leaf length, branch panicle−1, grain panicle−1, 100‐grain weight, straw yield hill−1, and harvest index indicate that prioritizing these traits during selection could substantially improve other desirable characteristics. Additionally, we employed the principal component analysis which revealed that the first two components collectively accounted for 32.16% of the total variation, providing essential information about the genetic relatedness of the mutants. The Multitrait Genotype–Ideotype Distance Index (MGIDI) analysis revealed that out of 100 mutants, only eight exhibited noteworthy performance. These findings provide insights into the efficiency of azide in creating genetic variations in rice traits and offer valuable resources for future breeding programs aimed at developing high‐performing rice varieties.
Psychometric Properties under EFA, CFA, Measurement Invariance, and IRT Models for Older Adults’ First Aids Knowledge Scale among Iranian Grandparents: The Modified Scale
Authors: Rahim Atefeh , Asadollahi Abdolrahim , Mojadam Mehdi , Šparovec Eva Dolenc , Kashfi Mansour , Nazari Mahin
Published: August 2024

This research aims to create and evaluate an assessment tool termed Older Adults’ First Aid Knowledge Scale, which measures the knowledge and attitude of Iranian grandparents about first aid. In accordance with COSIM guidelines, 485 individuals in southern Iran completed the instrument as part of a psychometric investigation. Rasch partial credit model (PCM), exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were used to analyze the results. The final version of OFAKS consisted of 18 items that were validated through EFA, CFA, and item response theory (IRT) analysis. All items showed measurement invariance and consecutive response groupings in the predictable order, and the instrument had strong internal consistency. Although Rasch’s analysis demonstrated the significance of OFAKS, further investigations and testing in different settings are required to confirm the validity of the tool.
Hemostatic Interventions and All‐Cause Mortality in Hemodynamically Unstable Pelvic Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Zheng XuWen , Chen MaoBing , Zhuang Yi , Xu Jin , Zhao Liang , Qian YongJun , Shen WenMing , Chu Ying
Published: August 2024

Objective. To conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the all‐cause mortality associated with the most commonly used hemostatic treatments in patients with hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures. Methods. Up to April 30, 2023, we searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane, including the references to qualified papers. A meta‐analysis was performed on studies that reported odds ratios (ORs) or the number of events needed to calculate them. The PROSPERO registration number was CRD42023421137. Results. Of the 3452 titles identified in our original search, 29 met our criteria. Extraperitoneal packing (EPP) (OR = 0.626 and 95% CI = 0.413–0.949), external fixation (EF) (OR = 0.649 and 95% CI = 0.518–0.814), and arterial embolism (AE) (OR = 0.459 and 95% CI = 0.291–0.724) were associated with decreased mortality. Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) (OR = 2.824 and 95% CI = 1.594–5.005) was associated with increased mortality. A random effect model meta‐analysis of eight articles showed no difference in mortality between patients with AE and patients with EPP for the initial treatments for controlling blood loss (OR = 0.910 and 95% CI = 0.623–1.328). Conclusion. This meta‐analysis collectively suggested EF, AE, or EPP as life‐saving procedures for patients with hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures.
Voltage and Current Balancing of a Faulty Photovoltaic System Connected to Cascaded H‐Bridge Multilevel Inverter
Authors: Djermouni Kamel , Berboucha Ali , Tamalouzt Salah , Ziane Djamel
Published: August 2024

A healthy operation of photovoltaic installations (similar to all electrical systems) is always limited by breakdown, degradation due to aging, or imbalance caused by weather conditions. In this context, producing the maximum energy possible with an acceptable form factor is a significant challenge for autonomous systems, especially those connected to the grid. In this paper, we have two main issues to address. The first is determining the maximum power point of an unbalanced photovoltaic field (due to a defect or nonuniform weather conditions affecting the photovoltaic generators). For such a system, the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm remains highly effective because it can easily handle the existence of multiple maxima simultaneously to provide the best possible solution. The second challenge is managing the imbalance between the three phases of the photovoltaic system. In this context, the results of conducted studies propose two approaches to balance and maximize the power supplied by the photovoltaic generator and converters. In addition, the presence of a battery storage system plays dual roles: firstly, compensating the power fluctuations due to nonuniform operating conditions between phases, and secondly, ensuring system power supply during periods of no sunlight exposure. The proposed approaches take into account the constraints imposed on DC voltages and currents to ensure optimal integration with the multilevel inverter stage (cascaded H‐bridge multilevel inverters). This is achieved through selective harmonic elimination control without the need for a filtering system. A comparative study between these two approaches will be conducted to assess their advantages and disadvantages. The battery‐based storage system efficiently absorbs excess energy and provides energy during deficits, thanks to a flexible control mechanism that allows easy switching between different battery groups and phases.
Repurposing the Antibacterial Activity of the Drug Teniposide Against Gram‐Positive Bacteria
Authors: Dell’Annunziata Federica , Folliero Veronica , Marca Roberta Della , Palma Francesca , Sanna Giuseppina , De Filippis Anna , Pagliano Pasquale , Manzin Aldo , Franci Gianluigi , Galdiero Massimiliano
Published: August 2024

Drug repurposing is sparking considerable interest due to reduced costs and development times. The current study details the screening of teniposide, an antitumor drug, for its antibacterial activity against both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative strains, with a focus on Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis), the primary causative agent of nosocomial and transplant‐related infections. The cytotoxicity was evaluated through 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and hemolysis assays on immortalized human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells and human erythrocytes. After 20 h of treatment, the recorded concentrations causing 50% cytotoxicity (CC50) and hemolysis (HC50) were 33.63 and 121.55 μg/mL, respectively. The antibacterial screening employed disk diffusion, the broth microdilution method, LIVE/DEAD staining, and a time‐killing test. The drug induced a growth inhibitory area in the 22–25 mm range for all Gram‐positive strains. The minimum concentration that inhibited 90% of bacteria (MIC90) was 6.25 μg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis and 12.5 μg/mL versus Enterococcus faecalis, exhibiting bactericidal action. Treatment resulted in S. epidermidis cell morphology deformities and damage to the cell membrane, observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Mechanism analysis revealed alterations in the selective permeability of the cell membrane, observed under the fluorescence microscope by the absorption of propidium iodide (PI). The synergistic effect of teniposide in combination with fosfomycin and gentamicin was documented by disk diffusion and checkboard assay, recording a fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) of 0.28 and 0.37, respectively. The drug’s action on S. epidermidis biofilm biomass was investigated using crystal violet (CV) and MTT. Teniposide affected biofilm viability in a dose‐dependent manner, inducing, at a concentration of 3.12 μg/mL, a matrix inhibition of about 42% and 61%, with a sessile metabolic activity of 54% and 24% recorded after 2 and 24 h, respectively. Overall, this study suggests the potential repurposing of the anticancer drug teniposide as a therapeutic agent to counteract S. epidermidis infections.
Supplementary Table 2 from Role of Forkhead Box P3 in IFNγ-Mediated PD-L1 Expression and Bladder Cancer Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Zhang Hanwei , Ly Ann , Chou Emily , Wang Liang , Zhang Paul , Prado Kris , Gu Yiqian , Pellegrini Matteo , Chin Arnold I.
Published: August 2024

FDRs and p-values of IFNgamma induced genes
Supplementary Table 1 from Role of Forkhead Box P3 in IFNγ-Mediated PD-L1 Expression and Bladder Cancer Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Zhang Hanwei , Ly Ann , Chou Emily , Wang Liang , Zhang Paul , Prado Kris , Gu Yiqian , Pellegrini Matteo , Chin Arnold I.
Published: August 2024

GSEA FDR and p-values
Supplementary Figure 6 from Role of Forkhead Box P3 in IFNγ-Mediated PD-L1 Expression and Bladder Cancer Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Zhang Hanwei , Ly Ann , Chou Emily , Wang Liang , Zhang Paul , Prado Kris , Gu Yiqian , Pellegrini Matteo , Chin Arnold I.
Published: August 2024

Generation of MB49 FOXP3 knockout cells by flow cytometry and Western blot. Immunofluorescence of chromogranin A and NSE.
Non-Cirrhotic Portal Hypertension in Turner’s Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Jamali Arsia , Ajumobi Adewale
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Involvement of the gastrointestinal system is less common in Turner’s syndrome. Hepatic derangements have been reported in individuals with Turner’s syndrome due to nonalcoholic steatosis, steatohepatitis, and less commonly due to viral hepatitis and alcoholic hepatitis. Portal hypertension is typically associated with cirrhosis; however, in a minor fraction of individuals, it occurs in the absence of cirrhosis. Portal hypertension is rare in Turner’s syndrome and is even more rarely observed in the absence of cirrhosis in individuals with Turner’s syndrome. Case Presentation: Herein, we report a case of liver biopsy-proven non-cirrhotic portal hypertension due to portosinusoidal vascular disease. Conclusion: High index of clinical suspicion can lead to early diagnosis and treatment of portal hypertension in individuals with Turner’s syndrome, reducing the burden of complications of portal hypertension.
Two Decades of Thyroid Nodule Cytology in Children: Malignancy Risk Assessment at a Tertiary Care Center
Authors: Pino Consuelo , Dominguez José Miguel , Solar Antonieta , Zoroquiain Pablo , Cruz Francisco , García Cristian , De Barbieri Florencia , Mosso Lorena , Lustig Nicole , Gonzalez Hernán , León Augusto , Goñi Ignacio , Contreras Andy , Grob Francisca
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Pediatric thyroid nodules exhibit higher malignancy rates compared to adults and are associated with increased incidences of metastases and recurrences. The American Thyroid Association recommends surgery for indeterminate thyroid biopsies in children based on these higher malignancy risks, though this approach may lead to overtreatment. However, there remains a lack of comprehensive pediatric data to inform clinical decisions. This study examines the risk of malignancy (ROM) in pediatric thyroid nodules using the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC) and assesses the diagnostic accuracy of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy compared to histological outcomes. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was performed on patients under 19 years with thyroid nodules who underwent FNA and thyroidectomy at a tertiary care center. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and ROM of cytological biopsies were evaluated using TBSRTC criteria, with histology serving as the gold standard. Two analyses were conducted to assess diagnostic accuracy: (a) TBSRTC II as negative and TBSRTC VI as positive and (b) TBSRTC II as negative with TBSRTC V and VI as positive. For neoplasia detection, TBSRTC II was deemed negative, while TBSRTC IV, V, and VI were considered positive. TBSRTC categories III and I were excluded from the performance analysis and evaluated separately. Follicular neoplasm or lesions suspicious for follicular neoplasm (FN/SFN) were treated as positive outcomes, correlated with the presence of adenoma or carcinoma in the surgical specimen. Results: Of 75 nodules from 73 patients, 28 (37.3%) were benign and 47 (62.6%) malignant. No significant differences in gender or age were noted between groups. The ROM in each TBSRTC was Bethesda I 0/2, 0%; II 0/13, 0%; III 2/7, 29%: IV 6/14, 43%; V 10/10, 100%, and VI 29/29, 100%. A sensitivity of 78.38% and specificity of 100% for FNA in detecting malignancy was found, with an even higher sensitivity (100%) for detecting neoplasia in TBSRTC IV. Conclusions: This study reveals that indeterminate thyroid nodules in pediatric patients exhibit a higher rate of malignancy compared to adults, yet align with rates previously reported in the pediatric population. These findings highlight the critical need for guidelines tailored specifically to the management of thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer in children.
Diversity of vascular epiphytes on preferred shade trees in tea gardens of sub-Himalayan tracts in West Bengal, India
Authors: Chowdhury Roshni , M. Chowdhury
Published: August 2024

Tea gardens are the main economic backbone of the Terai & Dooars region and intermingle with forest areas of northern Bengal in India. The study aims to explore the vascular epiphytic diversity and their zone-wise assemblage pattern on 10 dominant shade trees in the tea gardens. Four years (March 2018–September 2022) of surveys recorded a total of 6,704 individuals that belong to 74 species of 20 families of vascular epiphytes. Considering life forms, the majority of them are holoepiphytes (62.16%), followed by hemiepiphytes (20.27%), accidental epiphytes (13.51%), and facultative epiphytes (2.7%). The predominantly recorded families are Orchidaceae (21 spp.), Araceae (11 spp.), Apocyanaceae with six species, and Piperaceae & Pteridaceae with three species each. Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth. hosts a maximum of 737 vascular epiphytic assemblages (VEAs), whereas, Gmelina arborea Roxb. has a minimum of 450 VEAs. Vascular epiphytes were also studied for their host specificity using interpolation and extrapolation analyses. The findings of the study show that vascular epiphytic assemblage upon the shade trees of the tea garden has a remarkably high potential to contribute toward epiphytic diversity of this region other than forest and contribute significant ecological impacts.
Declining trends of over-summering shorebird populations along the southeastern coasts of Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: H. Byju  , H. Maitreyi  , N. Raveendran  , S. Ravichandran
Published: August 2024

Over-summering of shorebirds refers to the phenomenon where certain species of shorebirds, primarily migratory, remain on their non-breeding grounds during the summer months for one or more years instead of migrating to their breeding grounds. The present study investigates the presence and abundance of over-summering shorebird species at four distinct sites covering 24 scanning points along the southeastern coasts of Tamil Nadu for 2017–2023. A total of 13 species were observed over-summering, with Lesser Sand Plover being the most dominant species, followed by Greater Sand Plover. Notably, 10 species were found across all four sites, while three species—Black-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, and Common Sandpiper—were exclusive to Dhanushkodi Lagoon, observed only during 2023. The study examined the year-wise abundance of these species, revealing a decline in over-summering shorebirds across all study sites. The Eurasian Curlew, Curlew Sandpiper, Bar-tailed & Black-tailed Godwits are the ‘Near Threatened’ species observed during the study. Furthermore, the research highlighted variations in Shannon species diversity index (H) location-wise and year-wise – Manoli Island (H = 2.25) in 2023; Dhanushkodi Lagoon (H = 1.8) in 2023; Valinokkam Lagoon (H = 1.63), and Pillaimadam Lagoon (H = 2.08) in 2017. Key findings are that among the study sites, in Pillaimadam Lagoon all 10 species’ abundance declined; in Valinokkam Lagoon, Greater Sand Plover and Little Stint marginally increased, and eight species declined; Common Redshank and Ruddy Turnstone marginally increased in Manoli Island, while other eight species declined; Grey Plover population increased in Dhanushkodi Lagoon along with a marginal decrease in Common Redshank and Ruddy Turnstone as other species declined, over the years of study.
Ophioglossum jaykrishnae S.M.Patil et al. (Pteridophyta: Polypodiophyta: Ophioglossaceae): a new distribution record from Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh, India
Authors: Nayi Tarun , Bhagwat Mayur , Saini Sanjay , Haldikar Soham , Patel Ishtayaque , Chavan Shivaji , Nudrat Zawar Sayed  , Sunil Kumar Singh
Published: August 2024

During the course of recent field visits to the Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh, India, the authors collected an interesting specimen of Ophioglossum L. On the critical examination of the specimen with relevant literature, it was identified as Ophioglossum jaykrishnae S.M.Patil, S.K.Patel, V.M.Raole & K.S.Rajput. This recently described taxon is so far known only from its type locality Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat, and from Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, Maharashtra, India. The present collection from Kanha National Park represents a new addition to the flora of Madhya Pradesh, India.
Occurrence of a female melanistic leopard Panthera pardus delacouri (Linnaeus, 1758) (Mammalia: Carnivora: Felidae) in Ulu Sat Permanent Forest Reserve, Machang, Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia from camera traps reconnaissance survey 2023
Authors: Wan Mohammad Hizam Wan Hafizin Idzni , Ab Razak Muhammad Hamirul Shah , Husain Hazizi , Amir Aainaa , Kamarul Hambali
Published: August 2024

The Indochinese leopard, Panthera pardus delacouri is classified as Critically Endangered in the Red List of Threatened Species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The subspecies has been recorded for the first time in Ulu Sat Permanent Forest Reserve (USPFR). Camera trap records show the presence of a female melanistic leopard, which is of additional biological interest. It is hoped that these observations will stimulate long-term studies on leopards of USPFR and promote conservation efforts in the area.
Established and Emerging Nucleic Acid Therapies for Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Damase Tulsi R. , Sukhovershin Roman , Godin Biana , Nasir Khurram , Cooke John P.
Published: August 2024

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disease that leads to elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and risk of coronary heart disease. Current therapeutic options for FH remain relatively limited and only partially effective in both lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and modifying coronary heart disease risk. The unique characteristics of nucleic acid therapies to target the underlying cause of the disease can offer solutions unachievable with conventional medications. DNA- and RNA-based therapeutics have the potential to transform the care of patients with FH. Recent advances are overcoming obstacles to clinical translation of nucleic acid–based medications, including greater stability of the formulations as well as site-specific delivery, making gene-based therapy for FH an alternative approach for treatment of FH.
Do Autocrats Need a Foreign Enemy? Evidence from Fortress Russia
Authors: Hale Henry E. , Lenton Adam C.
Published: August 2024

Conventional thinking suggests that autocrats need enemies and thus have incentives to create them. Russia's Vladimir Putin is often thought to reap domestic legitimacy from belligerence. We examine multiple public opinion datasets collected in Russia that span Putin's presidency to confirm that he gains popularity from a sense of Western threat. But findings indicate that until 2021, these gains came primarily from a carefully cultivated domestic reputation for responding to threats with moderation instead of bellicosity. Our survey experiment further suggests that Putin wins as much support when he is prudent and cooperative as when he is hostile and aggressive. These findings add to evidence that Russia's full-scale 2022 invasion of Ukraine was not a war of domestic political necessity. They also help explain why Putin felt that he had to promote the invasion at home as a careful, limited, defensive act rather than something glorious for which the Russian population should fully mobilize. Even the most aggressive autocrats may still cater to public preferences for moderate foreign policy.
The Iron Dice: Fatalism and War
Authors: Tierney Dominic
Published: August 2024

Leaders in international relations often exhibit fatalism, or the belief that events are guided by forces beyond their control. In some cases, fatalism may reflect reality, or be rhetoric to boost support. But there is also an important psychological explanation: fatalism can help leaders avoid responsibility for costly outcomes and protect their self-image. Fatalism is more likely: (1) in regard to bad outcomes versus good outcomes; (2) when war is seen as imminent versus far-off; and (3) in nondemocratic regimes versus democratic regimes. The concept of fatalism is central to philosophy, religion, medicine, sociology, and psychology, but has been neglected by scholars in international relations. Fatalism may be an important cause of war, especially when combined with a perceived window of opportunity. This research contributes to democratic peace theory by helping explain the lack of war between representative regimes. If elected leaders are less prone to extreme fatalism about war, democracies may have more room to maneuver in a crisis. I use case studies of the origins of World War I and World War II to probe the argument.
Baby Bumps in the Road: The Impact of Parenthood on Job Performance, Human Capital, and Career Advancement
Authors: Healy Olivia J. , Heissel Jennifer A.
Published: August 2024

This paper explores whether and why a maternal “child penalty” to earnings would emerge even without changes in employment and hours worked. Using a matched event study de-sign, we trace monthly changes in determinants of wages (job performance, human capital accumulation, and promotions). Data come from a usefully unusual setting with required multiyear employment and detailed personnel data: the United States Marine Corps. Mothers' job performance initially declines, and gaps in promotion grow through 24 months postbirth. Fathers' physical fitness performance drops somewhat but recovers. These patterns lead mothers to earn relatively lower wages, even absent changes in employment postbirth.
Immigration and Worker-Firm Matching
Authors: Orefice Gianluca , Peri Giovanni
Published: August 2024

Positive assortative matching increases both the wages of more productive workers and wage dispersion. We study the effect of immigration on positive assortative matching using French employer-employee data from 1995 to 2005. We find that increases in the share of immigrants, driven by historical networks across local labor markets, generated stronger positive assortative matching between workers and firms. We present evidence suggesting that this effect was associated to higher wages for more productive workers and that the findings are consistent with increased workers' screening by firms.
What's Missing in Environmental Self-Monitoring: Evidence from Strategic Shutdowns of Pollution Monitors
Authors: Mu Yingfei , Rubin Edward , Zou Eric Yongchen
Published: August 2024

Regulators often rely on regulated entities to self-monitor compliance, creating strategic incentives for endogenous monitoring. This paper builds a framework to detect whether local governments skip air pollution monitoring when they expect air quality to deteriorate. The core of our method tests whether the timing of monitor shutdowns coincides with the counties' air quality alerts – public advisories based on local governments' own pollution forecasts. Applying the method to a monitor in Jersey City, NJ, suspected of a deliberate shutdown during the 2013 “Bridgegate” traffic jam, we find a 33% reduction of this monitor's sampling rate on pollution-alert days. Building on large-scale inference tools, we then apply the method to test more than 1,300 monitors across the U.S., finding 14 metro areas with clusters of monitors showing similar strategic behavior. We assess geometric imputation and remote-sensing technologies as potential solutions to deter future strategic monitoring.
Multi-Product Exporters: Verifying Stylized Facts
Authors: Sheveleva Lena
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we propose a statistical model to characterize the null hypothesis of the random product size distribution for multi-product exporters. It serves as a benchmark to test the empirical facts and model predictions. We ask which stylized facts that characterize multi-product exporters and motivate such theories as core competencies, productivity being a driver of both scope and scale, and economies of scope among others, are spurious, and which are informative. The benchmark model also provides alternative moments to test the validity of these theories.