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Surgical site infection (SSI) rates are higher in low-resource countries (LRC) than in high-income counterparts. Prospective cohort study using the INICC Surveillance Online System, from 116 hospitals in 75 cities across 25 Latin-American, Asian, Eastern-European, and Middle-Eastern countries: Argentina, Bahrain, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Honduras, India, Kosovo, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mexico, Mongolia, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Turkey, Venezuela, Vietnam. CDC/NHSN definitions were applied. Surgical procedures (SPs) were categorized according to the International Classification of Diseases criteria. From 2014 to 2023, we collected data on 1,251 SSIs associated with 56,617 SPs. SSI rates were significantly higher in SPs of INICC compared to CDC/NHSN data: hip prosthesis (3.68% vs 0.67%, relative risk [RR]=5.46, 95% confidence interval [CI]=3.71-8.03, P <.001), knee prosthesis (2.02% vs 0.58%, RR=3.49, 95% CI=1.87-6.49, P <.001), coronary artery bypass (4.16% vs 1.37%, RR=3.03, 95% CI=2.35-3.91, P <.001), peripheral vascular bypass (15.69% vs 2.93%, RR=5.35, 95% CI=2.30-12.48, P <.001), abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (8.51% vs 2.12%, RR=4.02, 95% CI=2.11-7.65, P <.001), spinal fusion (6.47% vs 0.70%, RR=9.27, 95% CI=6.21-13.84, P <.001), laminectomy (2.68% vs 0.72%, RR=3.75, 95% CI=2.36-5.95, P <.001), among others. Elevated SSI rates in LRCs emphasize the need for effective interventions. • Surgical site infection rates are high in low-resource countries. • Prospective cohort study using the INICC Surveillance Online System, from 25 countries. • A study conducted from 2014 to 2013. • Elevated SSI rates in LRCs emphasize the need for effective interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caragobius urolepis exhibits vital ecological plasticity, living in brackish and freshwater habitats, including the Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD). Our observation revealed a notable decline in individual fish per catch due to the increased demands for food supply, which highlights the necessity of effective strategies to ensure long-term fish conservation. This study provided detailed information on testicular traits, sperm-releasing season, and length at first maturity of C. urolepis based on a collection of 354 specimens caught monthly through trawl nets at Dong Hai (Bac Lieu) and Dam Doi (Ca Mau). After dissection, testes were weighed for the determination of gonadosomatic index (GSI) and spawning pattern. Four developmental stages were detected. Analysis of the frequency of occurrence of mature testes and GSI revealed that the sperm-releasing season of C. urolepis was during wet months (with peaks in July, September, and November). The fish first matured at 18.0 cm in Bac Lieu and 18.7 cm in Ca Mau. The findings provided valuable insights for exploiting this species as a wild resource and may contribute to research on artificial reproduction. The study suggests avoiding the exploitation of this fish species during the spawning season to ensure future sustainable exploitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new acylphloroglucinol derivatives, borneensinones A-D (1–4) along with five known compounds (5 - 9) were isolated from the aerial parts of Syzygium borneense. Their structures were elucidated based on the interpretation of spectrometric and spectroscopic data (HRESI-MS, 1D- and 2D-NMR) and by comparison with literature data for known compounds. All acylphloroglucinol derivatives (1–6) were tested for their cytotoxic activities against four human cancer cell lines (KB, MCF-7, HepG-2, and A549). Among the six tested compounds, compound 6 exhibited the strongest inhibitory activity against four tested cancer cell lines, with IC 50 values ranging from 6.21 to 26.96 μM. Compound 1 was more active against KB and HepG2 comparing to the A549 and MCF7 cells. Compound 5 had a moderate cytotoxicity with IC 50 values ranging from 27.71 to 97.32 μM. [Display omitted] • Four new acylphloroglucinols were isolated from Syzygium borneense. • The structures were successfully determined by spectroscopic evidence. • Compound 1 showed weak cytotoxic activity against KB and HepG2 cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mystus albolineatus has a wide distribution range from freshwater to estuarine areas in the Mekong River system, including Can Tho and Soc Trang provinces in southwest Vietnam, where it plays an essential role in food resources. Recent findings, however, have shown a decreasing trend in the number of individuals caught per fishing effort. This study aimed to assess the exploitation status of this species in these provinces based on 778 fish samples collected using trawl nets with a length of 15 m, height of 3 m, and a code-end mesh of 2a = 1.5 cm from September 2022 to August 2023. Data analysis revealed that the fish population exhibited a male-to-female ratio of 0.97:1.00 and a von Bertalanffy curve of L = 15.7(1 − e-0.9(t+0.06)). The total mortality (Z) was 2.63 /year, with a natural mortality (M) of 2.05 /year and a fishing mortality (F) of 0.58 /year. The fish population remained within the acceptable exploitation limits, as the exploitation rate (E cur = 0.22) was lower than E 50 (0.386). The species population displayed a length at first capture of 9.9 cm, a maximum exploitation rate of 0.742, an optimal exploitation rate of 0.655, and a single recruitment event in May. In order to ensure sustainable exploitation of this species, fishers should avoid catching fish during its spawning season and below fish length of 9.9 cm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Global income inequality and disparities of healthcare resources have been exacerbated by the pandemic. • Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) causes severe respiratory distress as well as a slew of additional systemic consequences that affect several organ systems, including neurological complications. Ischemic stroke represents the most common neurological complication of respiratory failure due to COVID-19. • Stroke incidence per admitted days in patients with respiratory failure due to COVID-19 was low in high income countries (HICs) and low-middle income countries (LMICs) although the stroke risk was higher in LMICs. • Both LMIC status and stroke increased the risk of death in patients with respiratory failure due to COVID-19. We aimed to compare the incidence of stroke in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) versus high-income countries (HICs) in critically ill patients with COVID-19 and its impact on in-hospital mortality. International observational study conducted in 43 countries. Stroke and mortality incidence rates and rate ratios (IRR) were calculated per admitted days using Poisson regression. Inverse probability weighting (IPW) was used to address the HICs vs. LMICs imbalance for confounders. 23,738 patients [20,511(86.4 %) HICs vs. 3,227(13.6 %) LMICs] were included. The incidence stroke/1000 admitted-days was 35.7 (95 %CI = 28.4–44.9) LMICs and 17.6 (95 %CI = 15.8–19.7) HICs; ischemic 9.47 (95 %CI = 6.57–13.7) LMICs, 1.97 (95 %CI = 1.53, 2.55) HICs; hemorrhagic, 7.18 (95 %CI = 4.73–10.9) LMICs, and 2.52 (95 %CI = 2.00–3.16) HICs; unspecified stroke type 11.6 (95 %CI = 7.75–17.3) LMICs, 8.99 (95 %CI = 7.70–10.5) HICs. In regression with IPW, LMICs vs. HICs had IRR = 1.78 (95 %CI = 1.31–2.42, p < 0.001). Patients from LMICs were more likely to die than those from HICs [43.6% vs 29.2 %; Relative Risk (RR) = 2.59 (95 %CI = 2.29–2.93), p < 0.001)]. Patients with stroke were more likely to die than those without stroke [RR = 1.43 (95 %CI = 1.19–1.72), p < 0.001)]. Stroke incidence was low in HICs and LMICs although the stroke risk was higher in LMICs. Both LMIC status and stroke increased the risk of death. Improving early diagnosis of stroke and redistribution of healthcare resources should be a priority. ACTRN12620000421932 registered on 30/03/2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The absence of population-stratified cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) reference ranges from large cohorts is a major shortcoming for clinical care. This paper provides age-, sex-, and ethnicity-specific CMR reference ranges for atrial and ventricular metrics from the Healthy Hearts Consortium, an international collaborative comprising 9,088 CMR studies from verified healthy individuals, covering the complete adult age spectrum across both sexes, and with the highest ethnic diversity reported to date. CMR studies were analyzed using certified software with batch processing capability (cvi42, version 5.14 prototype, Circle Cardiovascular Imaging) by 2 expert readers. Three segmentation methods (smooth, papillary, anatomic) were used to contour the endocardial and epicardial borders of the ventricles and atria from long- and short-axis cine series. Clinically established ventricular and atrial metrics were extracted and stratified by age, sex, and ethnicity. Variations by segmentation method, scanner vendor, and magnet strength were examined. Reference ranges are reported as 95% prediction intervals. The sample included 4,452 (49.0%) men and 4,636 (51.0%) women with average age of 61.1 ± 12.9 years (range: 18-83 years). Among these, 7,424 (81.7%) were from White, 510 (5.6%) South Asian, 478 (5.3%) mixed/other, 341 (3.7%) Black, and 335 (3.7%) Chinese ethnicities. Images were acquired using 1.5-T (n = 8,779; 96.6%) and 3.0-T (n = 309; 3.4%) scanners from Siemens (n = 8,299; 91.3%), Philips (n = 498; 5.5%), and GE (n = 291, 3.2%). This work represents a resource with healthy CMR-derived volumetric reference ranges ready for clinical implementation. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastric heterotopia can occur in any part of the gastrointestinal tract but is rare in the rectum. This case of rectal gastric heterotopia is novel as the heterotopic mucosa contained fundic gland polyps, and there were histological changes in the gastric glands characteristic of proton pump inhibitor-related changes. These changes included apocrine-like luminal cytoplasmic protrusions in cystically dilated oxyntic gland parietal cells. These are well described in the native stomachs of PPI treated patients, but this is the first report of these changes in heterotopic gastric mucosa to our knowledge. The lesion was removed via transanal endoscopic operation (TEO) without prior biopsy due to its unusual irregular nodular appearance mimicking a high-risk rectal neoplasm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new phenolic glucosides, curculigoside J (1) and K (2), and seven known compounds, curculigoside B (3), curculigoside (4), curculigoside C (5), orchioside B (6), 3''-dehydroxynyasicoside (7), curculigine J (8), and curculigine B (9) were isolated from a methanolic extract of the roots of Curculigo orchioides. The structures of these compounds were elucidated using spectroscopic methods and comparison of their NMR data with those reported in the literature. In addition, all the isolated compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic effects. Compounds 1 , 2 , and 7 were characterized by moderate inhibition of the HepG2 and MCF7 cancer cell lines with IC 50 values ranging from 50.0 to 94.4 µM. [Display omitted] • Two new phenolic glucosides, curculigoside J (1) and K (2) were isolated from Curculigo orchioides. • The structures were successfully determined by spectroscopic evidence. • Compounds 1, 2, and 7 moderately inhibited HepG2 and MCF7 cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the effectiveness of the progestin-primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS) protocol versus the gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist (GnRH-ant) protocol in ovarian stimulation. In this retrospective cohort study, we included 804 patients who were treated between January 1st, 2022, and July 1st, 2023. Outcomes of ovarian stimulation were compared between the PPOS (n = 206) and GnRH-ant (n = 598). The primary outcome was the number of good cleavage embryos. Baseline characteristics were comparable in both groups. In both unadjusted and adjusted analysis, the mean number of good cleavage embryos in PPOS (6.33) was non-inferior to GnRH-ant (6.44; unadjusted ratio of two means 1.02, 95%CI 0.92, 1.13). The trigger-day estradiol level in patients with PPOS was higher than in patients with GnRH-ant (4,420 vs 3,830 pg/ml, respectively) despite similar total follicle stimulating hormone dose and fewer days of ovarian stimulation. The number of oocytes, MII oocytes, cleavage and blastocyst embryos were comparable between the two protocols. After the first transfer of embryos, the clinical pregnancy rate and implantation rate were higher in the PPOS group, while the pregnancy rate and ongoing pregnancy were not significantly different. None of the PPOS patients had an unexpected LH surge, and serum LH levels decreased slightly during ovarian stimulation. The PPOS protocol with dydrogesterone provided similar embryo outcomes to the GnRH-ant protocol, with notable distinctions in clinical pregnancy and implantation rate. The serum LH concentration during ovarian stimulation using PPOS was well-controlled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the transfer accuracy of a digital indirect bonding method for lingual brackets using double vacuum-formed trays in vivo. Twenty-five patients in need of lingual orthodontic treatment were consecutively recruited. Bracket placement was performed on ideal setups, followed by fabricating indirect bonding trays through vacuum-forming on 3-dimensional printed models. Transfer accuracy was measured at each bracket after superimpositions of postbonding scans and reference data. One-tailed t tests were used to determine whether bracket deviations were within the limit of 0.5 mm and 2° for linear and angular dimensions, respectively. A total of 611 lingual brackets were evaluated. Mean linear transfer errors were 0.06 mm, 0.09 mm, and 0.12 mm, with frequencies of deviations within the 0.5 mm limit of 99.7%, 99.8%, and 98.0% for mesiodistal, buccolingual, and occlusogingival dimensions, respectively. Regarding angular measurements, mean transfer errors were 1.28°, 1.73°, and 2.96°, with frequencies of deviations within the 2° limit of 81.0%, 68.9%, and 51.1% for rotation, tip, and torque, respectively. Mean errors fell within the clinically accepted limits for all linear dimensions and rotation but exceeded the limit for tip and torque. Lingual bracket indirect bonding using double vacuum-formed trays fabricated on 3-dimensional printed models has high transfer accuracy in the mesiodistal, buccolingual, and occlusogingival dimensions and rotation. However, the transfer of tip and torque is less accurate. • Transfer accuracy of lingual brackets using vacuum-formed trays was comparable to labial ones. • Lingual brackets were transferred with high accuracy in all linear dimensions and rotations. • Transfer accuracy of tip and torque remained questionable. • Failure bracket could be rebonded with equivalent accuracy using a nonsegmented original tray. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nicardipine is commonly used in the management of hypertensive crises, except those involving cardiac contractility defects despite its ability to reduce afterload and pulmonary congestion. Consequently, there is limited literature evaluating nicardipine's role for this indication. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of nicardipine in adults with reduced ejection fractions presenting with acute heart failure with hypertension (AHF-H). This was a retrospective study conducted at an academic Level 1 trauma center with an annual Emergency Department (ED) volume surpassing 100,000. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of nicardipine in adults with reduced ejection fractions presenting to the ED with AHF-H. Efficacy was determined by achievement of the physician prescribed blood pressure target range. The primary safety endpoints included the number of individuals who experienced bradycardia (< 60 beats per minute, bpm) or hypotension (systolic blood pressure, SBP, < 90 mmHg) while receiving nicardipine and for up to 15 min after its discontinuation. Patients were included if they were ≥ 18 years of age, received a continuous intravenous nicardipine infusion within six hours of presenting to the ED, and had an ejection fraction ≤ 40% per an echocardiogram obtained within three months of the study visit. Pregnant and incarcerated patients were excluded. Of the 500 patient charts reviewed, 38 met inclusion criteria. The median (interquartile, IQR) ejection fraction and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) were 35% (25–40) and 731 pg/nL (418–3277), respectively. The median baseline heart rate and SBP were 90 bpm and 193 mmHg, respectively. The median physician specified SBP goal was 160 mmHg and all patients met this endpoint in a median time of 18 min. One (2.6%) patient in the total population developed both hypotension and bradycardia. This patient had an ejection fraction of 20%, was intubated, and received nicardipine in addition to esmolol for an aortic dissection without experiencing an adverse event until 30 min after dexmedetomidine was initiated. In this non-interventional study evaluating the use of nicardipine in patients with reduced ejection fractions presenting to the ED with AHF-H, nicardipine was found to be safe and effective. To our knowledge this is the largest study to date evaluating nicardipine in this patient population and positively contributes to the existing literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spread of tuberculosis (TB), especially multidrug-resistant TB and extensively drug-resistant TB, has strongly motivated the research and development of new anti-TB drugs. New strategies to facilitate drug combinations, including pharmacokinetics-guided dose optimization and toxicology studies of first- and second-line anti-TB drugs have also been introduced and recommended. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) has arguably become the gold standard in the analysis of both endo- and exo-genous compounds. This technique has been applied successfully not only for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) but also for pharmacometabolomics analysis. TDM improves the effectiveness of treatment, reduces adverse drug reactions, and the likelihood of drug resistance development in TB patients by determining dosage regimens that produce concentrations within the therapeutic target window. Based on TDM, the dose would be optimized individually to achieve favorable outcomes. Pharmacometabolomics is essential in generating and validating hypotheses regarding the metabolism of anti-TB drugs, aiding in the discovery of potential biomarkers for TB diagnostics, treatment monitoring, and outcome evaluation. This article highlighted the current progresses in TDM of anti-TB drugs based on LC-MS bioassay in the last two decades. Besides, we discussed the advantages and disadvantages of this technique in practical use. The pressing need for non-invasive sampling approaches and stability studies of anti-TB drugs was highlighted. Lastly, we provided perspectives on the prospects of combining LC-MS-based TDM and pharmacometabolomics with other advanced strategies (pharmacometrics, drug and vaccine developments, machine learning/artificial intelligence, among others) to encapsulate in an all-inclusive approach to improve treatment outcomes of TB patients. [Display omitted] • LC–MS facilitates routine TDM and pharmacometabolomics toward precision dosing. • LC–MS-based bioassay methods of anti-TB drugs and metabolites was summarized. • Perspectives on numerous advancements in TB management were highlighted. • Comprehensive approach was proposed to enhance clinical outcomes and eradicate TB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the willingness to pay (WTP) for the fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and colonoscopy among the general population to provide evidence for policymakers in deciding whether to include them in the social health insurance benefit package and facilitate the pricing practice. The conventional double-bounded dichotomous choice contingent valuation survey was used to determine the WTP. We recruited 402 people aged 50 to 75 who came to 3 primary healthcare clinics in Hanoi from February 2019 to April 2019. The questionnaire was built based on the pilot research with a 5-bid design, that is, the starting bids of US $4.05, 6.75, 13.51, 21.01, and 36.47 for FOBT and US $21.01, 40.52, 54.03, 81.04, and 182.34 for colonoscopy. The data analysis was performed using the DCchoice package version 3.5.1. Cost in Vietnam dong is converted to 2022 US $using purchasing power parity method. A total of 7.2% of participants refused to pay for FOBT and colonoscopy. Analysis of the univariate model showed that the mean and median WTP for FOBT were US $62.08 and 45.28. The mean and median WTP for colonoscopy were US $101.61 and 78.61. When adjusting the WTP value by related factors, the mean and median WTP estimates for FOBT were almost the same. The choice of WTP for FOBT and colonoscopy was statistically associated with several variables. This study supports the inclusion of FOBT and colonoscopy into the social health insurance benefits package. This study also supports policymakers in pricing practice to optimize the uptake rate of colorectal cancer screening tests. • The study is the first contingent valuation study of cancer screening tests in Vietnam that provides valuable evidence of the willingness to pay (WTP) of the general population for fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and colonoscopy. • The study's results strongly advocate including FOBT and colonoscopy in the Vietnam social health insurance benefits package for colorectal cancer screening purposes because of the high valuation of the target population in terms of WTP for those services (the average WTP for FOBT and colonoscopy were 459 650 Vietnam dong (VND) (US $62.08) and 752 300 Vietnam dong (US $101.61), respectively). Future full economic evaluation should be conducted to further investigate the value for money of colorectal cancer screening interventions. • This study also provides evidence to facilitate the pricing practice to optimize the uptake rate of colorectal cancer screening tests. The future colorectal cancer screening program could also employ the study's results on the WTP associated factors to promote the colorectal cancer screening uptake rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study we aim to describe the three-dimensional analysis of condylar deformation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and morphological changes of the craniofacial jaw in patients with idiopathic condylar resorption (ICR). We also compare those with a control group that is healthy and matched for age and gender. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and cephalometric radiograph (X-ray) were conducted and analysis of craniofacial measurement, condylar width, length, height, and condylar axial angle changes were done three-dimensionally using ProPlan CMF™ 3.0 software (Materialise). The craniofacial jaw measurements of the ICR patients were significantly different than the control group and the significant changes in the mandible can be seen in ICR patients according to the results of this study. The results of smaller condylar width and height in the ICR group reflect the smaller size of the condyle compared with an unaffected condyle. Also, both right and left sagittal condylar angles (p = 0.001 and p = 0.003), respectively, and axial condylar angles (p = 0.01 and p = 0.02), respectively, displayed significant differences between the two groups. In conclusion, the vertical development of the condyle decreased along with reduced measurements in the width and height of the condyle in ICR patients, and differences in the morphology of the craniofacial jaw and condylar angles were observed between study groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new octanediol glycosides, 1,7-octanediol 1 -O - α - L -arabinopyranosyl-(1→6)- β - D -glucopyranoside (1) and 1,6-octanediol 1 -O - α - L -arabinopyranosyl-(1→6)- β - D -glucopyranoside (2), one new polyacetylene glucoside, (2 E)-tetradec-2-en-4,6-diyne-1,8,9,14-tetrol 8- O - β - D -glucopyranoside (3) and eight known compounds, (E)− 2-hexenyl O - α - L -arabinopyranosyl-(1→6)- β - D -glucopyranoside (4), (E)− 2-hexenyl O - β - D -glucopyranoside (5), (Z)− 3-hexenyl O - α - L -arabinopyranosyl-(1→6)- β - D -glucopyranoside (6), (Z)− 3-hexenyl O - β - D -glucopyranoside (7), cordifolioidyne B (8), 1-(1- β - D -glucopyranosyl)− 1 H -indole-3-carbaldehyde (9), tangshenoside II (10), and (6 S ,9 S)-roseoside (11) were isolated from the methanol extract of the roots of Codonopsis javanica (Blume) Hook.f. & Thomson. Their structures were elucidated by 1D- and 2D NMR spectroscopic analysis, HR-ESI-MS, and by comparing with the NMR data reported in the literature. All compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic effects using an MTT assay against the human liver cancer cell line (HepG2). None of them showed cytotoxic activity (IC 50 >100 μg/mL). [Display omitted] • Two new chalcone glycosides (1 and 2) were isolated from Codonopsis javanica. • One new polyacetylene glucoside (3) was isolated from Codonopsis javanica. • The structures were successfully determined by spectroscopic evidence. • The cytotoxic effect of all compounds was also evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most previous studies on the bioactivity of the major constituents (Lycopodium alkaloids and serratene-type triterpenoids) of Lycopodium species have focused on their interesting neurological activities related to the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The number of studies on their antidiabetic activity is limited. In this present study, two new serratene-type triterpenoids (1 and 2) and nine analogs [seven serratenes (3 – 5 , 7 – 10) and two serratanes (6 and 11)], together with one Lycopodium alkaloid (huperzine A, 12) were isolated and characterized from the methanolic extract of L. serratum. The structures of isolates were elucidated by the HRESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR analysis, and comparison with NMR data in the literature. Among the isolates, triterpenoids (4 – 6) showed significant inhibitory effects on PTP1B (protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B) with IC 50 values of 13.50, 17.65, and 16.64 µM, in comparison with that of the positive control, ursolic acid (IC 50 = 5.98 µM). While compounds 1 , 7 , and 8 exhibited moderate PTP1B inhibitory effects with IC 50 values ranging from 25.30 to 51.56 µM. Enzyme kinetic studies revealed that all these most active compounds (4 – 6) exhibited the same competitive PTP1B inhibition type with K i values of 7.9, 16.9, and 8.9 μM, respectively. In addition, the probable binding conformation of 4 – 6 within the PTP1B active site was studied through in silico molecular docking. The docking results demonstrated that these active triterpenoids could be docked stably into the catalytic site of the PTP1B enzyme with negative binding energies. [Display omitted] • Two new serratene triterpenoids were isolated from Lycopodium serratum. • Three serratene derivatives (4 – 6) showed significantly inhibitory effects on PTP1B. • Kinetic studies and molecular docking of compounds 4 – 6 on PTP1B were investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new neolignans, plagraneolignans A-B (1 - 2), in addition to eight known compounds, platycodin D (3), platycodin J (4), platycodin D 3 (5), platyconic acid A (6), platycoside E (7), chlorogenic acid (8), hexyl β -sophoroside (9) and tryptophan (10), were isolated from the roots of Platycodon grandiflorus. Their structures were elucidated by means of comprehensive spectroscopic analysis, including 1D, 2D and HRESIMS, as well as though comparison with published data. The antioxidant and hypolipidemic effects of all isolated compounds were evaluated. Compounds 1 - 2 , 8 and 10 exhibited the DPPH radical scavenging activity with IC 50 values ranging from 40.4 to 54.9 µM and the capacity of reducing intracellular lipid levels on the HepG2 cell line in the range of 21.79–32.40%. [Display omitted] • Two new neolignans, plagraneolignans A-B (1 - 2) were isolated from the roots of Platycodon grandiflorus. • Their structures were successfully determined by spectroscopic evidence. • Compounds 1 - 2 showed the antioxidant and hypolipidemic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developmental Defects of Enamel (DDE) such as Dental Fluorosis (DF) and Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) are a major public health problem. Their clinical aspects are extremely variable, challenging their early and specific diagnosis and hindering progresses in restorative treatments. Here, a combination of macro-, micro- and nano-scale structural and chemical methods, including, among others, Atom Probe Tomography recently applied on tooth enamel, were used to study and compare MIH, DF and healthy teeth from 89 patients. Globally, we show that DF is characterized by an homogenous loss of mineral content and crystallinity mainly disrupting outside layer of enamel, whereas MIH is associated with localized defects in the depth of enamel where crystalline mineral particles are embedded in an organic phase. Only minor differences in elemental composition of the mineral phase could be detected at the nanoscale such as increased F and Fe content in both severe DDE. We demonstrate that an improved digital color measurement of clinical relevance can discriminate between DF and MIH lesions, both in mild and severe forms. Such discriminating ability was discussed in the light of enamel composition and structure, especially its microstructure, organics presence and metal content (Fe, Zn). Our results offer additional insights on DDE characterization and pathogenesis, highlight the potentiality of colorimetric measurements in their clinical diagnosis and provide leads to improve the performance of minimally invasive restorative strategies. Developmental Defects of Enamel (DDE) are associated to caries and tooth loose affecting billions of people worldwide. Their precise characterization for adapted minimally invasive care with optimized materials is highly expected. Here In this study, first we propose the use of color parameters measured by a spectrophotometer as a means of differential clinical diagnosis. Second, we have used state-of-the-art techniques to systematically characterize the structure, chemical composition and mechanical optical properties of dental enamel teeth affected by two major DDE, Dental Fluorosis (DF) or Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH). We evidence specific enamel structural and optical features for DF and MIH while chemical modifications of the mineral nanocrystals were mostly correlated with lesion severity. Our results pave the way of the concept of personalized dentistry. In the light of our results, we propose a new means of clinical diagnosis for an adapted and improved restoration protocol for these patients. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The glide path instruments are the introductory instruments into the canals; thus, they should be durable enough to withstand torsional stress/screw-in force. This study aimed to investigate the torque and screw-in force of TruNatomy Glider (TN), ProGLIDER (PG), Hyflex EDM (EDM) and Dent Craft RE (RE) glide path instruments in single- and double-curved canals. Each instrument brand was divided into two groups (n = 7 each) according to the canal configuration. Torque and screw-in force were recorded during automated instrumentation of simulated resin canals with XSmart IQ cordless motor after the canal patency was checked with a #10 K-file. The values were statistically analyzed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test followed by the Kruskal Wallis test and the Mann-Whitney U test with Bonferroni correction (α = 0.05). TN produced significantly higher torque than RE in single-curved canals and PG in double-curved canals (P < 0.05). EDM yielded significantly higher screw-in force than TN and RE in single-curved canals (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in double-curved canals (P > 0.05). A significant effect of different canal configurations was only detected for screw-in force in EDM (P < 0.05). TN in single-curved canals and RE in double-curved canals yielded higher torque values, while EDM exhibited greater screw-in force in both canal configurations. No effect of different canal configurations was detected for torque, but a significant impact was detected for screw-in force in EDM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the 2-year outcomes of arthroscopic treatment with periportal capsulotomy closure for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) in patients with generalized ligamentous laxity (GLL). A retrospective analysis was performed from a prospectively collected database of FAIS patients undergoing hip arthroscopy. FAIS patients with GLL were identified as having Beighton score ≥4. FAIS patients with GLL were treated with arthroscopic labral repair, osteochondroplasty, via periportal capsulotomy with subsequent capsular closure. These patients were matched by age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) with a cohort of FAIS patients without GLL who underwent the same procedure via periportal capsulotomy without capsular closure. Preoperatively, and 2 years postoperatively, patients completed patient-reported outcomes (PRO) scores, including the Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), 12-item Short-Form survey (SF-12) and the visual analog scale (VAS). Forty patients (5 male, 35 female) with FAIS and GLL were included (age: 29.7 ± 9.0; BMI: 23.3 ± 4.1). FAIS patients with GLL demonstrated similar significant PRO score improvements compared to a matched cohort of FAIS patients without GLL at 2 years after surgery (VAS Pain: (−)2.5 ± 3.0, (−)2.7 ± 2.7; SF-12 PCS: 17.7 ± 14.2, 16.7 ± 15.0; HOOS-Symptoms: 26.3 ± 24.0, 20.6 ± 18.1; HOOS-Pain: 29.8 ± 20.4, 24.4 ± 9.0; HOOS-ADL: 24.9 ± 18.4, 22.0 ± 19.9; HOOS-Sports: 43.6 ± 26.1, 33.1 ± 29.8; and HOOS-QOL: 44.2 ± 27.6, 41.7 ± 27.1, respectively). Both cohorts achieved minimal clinically important differences (MCID) for each HOOS subscore at equivalent high rates (70-88%). Patients with GLL in the setting of FAIS can be effectively treated with arthroscopy via periportal capsulotomy and capsular closure. These patients demonstrate significant improvements in PRO scores at 2 years, similar to normal laxity FAIS patients undergoing arthroscopic treatment via periportal capsulotomy without capsular closure. Level III, retrospective comparative therapeutic trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new cyclobutane derivative 3-(2-butoxy-3-caffeoyl-1-hydroxycyclobutyl)− 3-hydroxypropanoic acid named as debutyldorycnic acid (1), and a new flavonoid glycoside named as adinanquercetiside (2), together with thirteen known compounds (3 - 15) were isolated from leaves of Adinandra megaphylla Hu. Their chemical structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic evidence. In the α -glucosidase activity evaluation, compounds 4 , 5 and 7 significantly inhibited enzyme activity with IC 50 values ranging from 13.67 ± 0.42 μg/mL to 27.52 ± 0.51 μg/mL. [Display omitted] • Two new compounds (1 - 2) together with thirteen known compounds (3 - 15) were isolated from the leaves of Adinandra megaphylla. • Isolated compounds were evaluated α -glucosidase inhibitory activity and cytotoxicity. • Compounds 4 - 5 and 7 showed significant α -glucosidase enzyme inhibition activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interprofessional education is acknowledged as an efficacious strategy for fostering collaboration among healthcare professionals, especially in developing countries where interdisciplinarity and cooperation among healthcare practitioners are notably deficient. The present study aimed to investigate the readiness among medical, pharmacy, public health, and nursing faculties for development of an IPE curriculum at a university in Vietnam. Employing a quantitative approach, the revised version of the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) questionnaire, comprising 19 items, was utilized to gather data from sixty-nine lecturers, including 26 medicine, 23 pharmacy, 11 public health, and 9 nursing faculties. Total scores and subscores (pertaining to teamwork and collaboration, professional identity, and roles and responsibilities) were subjected to comparison using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. Findings revealed a high level of readiness among all faculty members toward IPE with little difference between each faculty. However, nursing lecturers exhibited a more favorable attitude toward the roles and responsibilities associated with IPE in contrast to their counterparts in the medicine faculty (1.89 ± 1.02 vs 3.15 ± 0.63, p = 0.0048). Further study with deep interview methods should be done to explore the barriers of faculty members as well as of the leadership in developing IPE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, isogeometric analysis (IGA) is used for the first time to explore the free and forced oscillation of two-directional functionally graded porous (2D-FGP) curved nanobeams with arbitrary boundary conditions. Materials used in the production of curved beams have mechanical qualities that change in both the longitudinal and thickness directions of the beam, as well as microscopic porosities that are distributed according to various regulations. The whole curving beam is reinforced by Pasternak's foundation with two parameters in a hygro-thermal condition. Hamilton's essence is based on a quasi-3D beam model, and the nonlocal elasticity hypothesis is used to derive the governing equation of a 2D-FGP curved nanostructure. The validity of the suggested model is determined by comparing the results of the current study to those of reputable publications. By taking into consideration the free and forced oscillation responses of the curved nanobeam, the influences of parameters such as the power-law index, nonlocal parameter, porosity coefficient, temperature and moisture change, the opening angle of the beam, the stiffness of the elastic substrate, arbitrary boundary conditions, and the thickness-to-length ratio can be investigated. The benchmark solutions that have been detailed in this work may in the future be used as a reference for the free and forced behavior of 2D-FGP nanobeams that have a curved form, and this may be possible because of the findings of this study, especially for structural design engineers of this type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Head and neck cancer is notoriously challenging to treat in part because it constitutes an anatomically and biologically diverse group of cancers with heterogeneous prognoses. While treatment can be associated with significant late toxicities, recurrence is often difficult to salvage with poor survival rates and functional morbidity. 1,2 Thus, achieving tumor control and cure at the initial diagnosis is the highest priority. Given the differing outcome expectations (even within a specific sub-site like oropharyngeal carcinoma), there has been growing interest in personalizing treatment: de-escalation in selected cancers to decrease the risk of late toxicity without compromising oncologic outcomes, and intensification for more aggressive cancers to improve oncologic outcomes without causing undue toxicity. This risk stratification is increasingly accomplished using biomarkers, which can represent molecular, clinicopathologic, and/or radiologic data. In this review, we will focus on biomarker-driven radiotherapy dose personalization with emphasis on oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. This radiation personalization is largely performed on the population level by identifying patients with good prognosis via traditional clinicopathologic factors, although there are emerging studies supporting inter-tumor and intra-tumor level personalization via imaging and molecular biomarkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Workplace culture is often overlooked in interventions to improve the delivery of health care efficiency. Burnout and employee morale have been longstanding issues in health care and can negatively affect both provider and patient health. To address employee wellness and promote department unity, a culture committee was established within a radiation oncology department. After the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, burnout and social isolation among health care workers have increased substantially, affecting job performance and stress levels. This report revisits the efficacy of a workplace culture committee 5 years after its establishment, while also outlining its role during the pandemic and in the transition to a peripandemic workplace. The initiation of a culture committee has been pivotal to identifying and improving workplace stressors that may enable burnout. We suggest health care environments implement initiatives that encompass tangible and actionable solutions to feedback provided by employees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using conventional approach to examine stationary torque of nickel-titanium rotary instruments contradicts the clinical condition, and its validity for motions involving clockwise and counterclockwise rotations is questionable. This study aimed to examine the effect of different kinematics on the torsional behavior using a JIZAI instrument (#25/.04) under stationary/dynamic test conditions using clinical torque limit settings. In the stationary test, the 5-mm tip of JIZAI was fixed in a cylinder-shaped vise and rotated in continuous rotation (CR) with auto-torque-reverse, optimum-torque-reverse (OTR), or reciprocation (REC) until fracture (n = 10, each). In the dynamic test, straight and severe curved canals were instrumented with JIZAI using the single-length technique with CR, OTR, or REC (n = 10, each). The stationary torque at fracture, time to fracture (T f), dynamic torque, and screw-in force were recorded using automated-shaping-device with torque/force measuring unit. One-way ANOVA or Kruskal–Wallis test and Mann–Whitney U test with Bonferroni correction were used for statistical analysis (⍺ = 0.05). The kinematics did not influence the stationary or dynamic torques (P > 0.05); however, did influence the screw-in force in straight canals (P < 0.05). REC had significantly longer T f , and severe curved canals yielded significantly greater torque and screw-in force in CR (P < 0.05). Under the present experimental conditions, parameters other than torque showed significant effects on different kinematics. The dynamic torque and screw-in force of OTR were similar to the other rotational modes and not influenced by the canal curvature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the fact that Recommender Systems have been researched and developed for quite a while, they still hold some certain challenges, two of which are Cold Start and Data Sparsity. Being introduced as a savior, the Cross-domain Recommender system (CDR) owns the capacity to transfer knowledge across domains which makes it become the practical solution for the mentioned issues. In CDR approaches, the family of graph-based solutions is very effective, which builds graphs to illustrate the relationship between users, items, and other factors and learn their representations through graph representation learning. However, most graph-based approaches focus on extracting either domain-specific or domain-shared features and do not have the mechanism to prevent the transfer of private features, which can degrade the quality of vector representations. Moreover, the knowledge transfer process built on overlapping users makes the model biased toward these users, thus downgrading the performance on cold-start users. This paper proposes a meta-GRS framework that uses Graph Neural Network with Meta-Learning and Adversarial Learning for cross-domain recommendation. In meta-GRS, the representative user and item embeddings are improved thanks to the features extracted by the private and cross-domain graphs. Domain-shared features are learned under adversarial learning such that the domain discriminator is unable to determine whether the domain they came from can ensure the positive transfer. To optimize the model performance effectively, we use a Dynamic Weight Averaging algorithm to learn loss weights automatically. The model's parameters are optimized under the optimization-based meta-learning method provides our model the capability of generalization to the new users. Experiments on practical datasets illustrate that the meta-GRS leads the chart in the comparison of other state-of-the-art baselines in recommendation accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This investigation aims to study the reproductive traits, including sex ratio, spawning season and pattern, batch fecundity (F), and length at first maturity (L m), of the commercial catfish Mystus mysticetus living in the freshwater of the Mekong and Chao Phraya basins. A collection of 596 individuals was caught using trawl nets from Cai Rang, Can Tho (CT) and Long Phu, Soc Trang (ST) from October 2020 to September 2021. The results showed a female-biased sex ratio (0.64 males: 1.00 females) and a pattern of multi-spawner as ripe ovaries contained different developmental stages of oocytes. A combined analysis of gonadal occurrence frequency and gonadosomatic index showed that this fish spawned during the wet season with a peak in June-July at CT and September-October at ST. The F ranged from 4,470–22,457 eggs/female (CT) to 4,104–23,651 eggs/female (ST) and these values increased with fish size. The egg diameter ranged from 0.63 ± 0.06 to 0.64 ± 0.06 SD mm, and L m was higher in males (11.6 at CT and 11.2 at ST) than in females (10.9 at CT and 10.4 at ST). To conclude, it is recommended that the fish should be caught at length > L m and avoid fishing in the main spawning period in order to exploit this fish resource sustainably. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the queries techniques on encrypted character data in database have been interested which concentrate to searching keywords. In this paper, we propose Double Indexes Query - Searchable Symmetric Encryption (DIQ-SSE) schema which is performed in Proxy model. This schema allows effectively querying any substring on encrypted character field on outsource databases. The idea of this schema is that each plaintext A s at the safety zone of Proxy is encrypted with traditional encryption algorithms. In this time, two special index sets of Index1 and Index2 are built for supporting search. The tuple of (cipher, Index1, and Index2) that corresponding A s are stored on outsource database. To perform the queries, 4 phases are used. Firstly, the query command is transformed. Secondly, the query is performed on Index1. Then, the task is continued of querying on Index2 for data taken from phase 2. In the last phase, data is decrypted, and query on plaintext is performed. Beside of proposing algorithm of building indexes and queries on 4 phases, the paper also focuses on the protection analysis as well as experimental evaluations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new nor-chamigranes and a new bisabolane sesquiterpene, given the trivial names dactylomelanins C E (1 – 3), were isolated from the sea hare Aplysia dactylomela along with a known compound (4). Their structures and absolute configurations were elucidated by analysis of their HRESIMS, NMR and ECD spectroscopic data. The position of the bromine atom in the structure of 1 was established by quantum chemical calculations of the NMR chemical shifts and by analysis of DP4+ probability. Compounds 1 – 4 were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against three cell lines, A549, MCF-7, and HepG2. [Display omitted] • Three new sesquiterpenes were isolated from the sea hare Aplysia dactylomela. • Their structures were elucidated by analysis of their HRESIMS, NMR and ECD spectroscopic data. • The cytotoxicity of all isolates was evaluated against a small panel of human cancer cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Candida spp. has recently been introduced to interact with conventional carious bacteria, leading to dental caries progression and virulence ability. Evidence regarding the influence of Candida spp. on human dental pulp cell response remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Candida albicans mannans on cytotoxicity, cell proliferation, osteogenic differentiation, and inflammatory-related gene expression in human dental pulp cells (hDPCs). hDPCs were treated with cell wall mannans isolated from C. albicans , Candida krusei , Candida glabrata , Candida tropocalis , Candida parapsilosis , and Candida dubliniensis. Cell viability was performed using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide assay. Osteogenic differentiation– and inflammatory-related gene expression were determined using a real-time polymerase chain reaction. Mineralization was examined using alizarin red S staining. The treatment of mannans isolated from C. albicans , C. krusei , C. glabrata , C. tropocalis , C. parapsilosis , and C. dubliniensis at concentrations ranging from 10–100 μg/mL did not affect cytotoxicity or cell proliferation. Mannans isolated from C. albicans , C. glabrata , and C. tropocalis significantly attenuated mineralization. However, cell wall mannans isolated from C. krusei , C. parapsilosis , and C. dubliniensis did not significantly influence mineral deposition in hDPCs. C. albicans cell wall mannans significantly attenuated osteogenic differentiation–related gene expression (RUNX2 , ALP , and ENPP1). Interestingly, IL12 messenger RNA expression was significantly upregulated when treated with C. albicans cell wall mannans. The addition of recombinant IL12 significantly decreased mineralization in hDPCs. C. albicans cell wall mannans attenuated osteogenic differentiation in hDPCs and up-regulated inflammatory-related gene IL12 expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ga1 A new phenylethyl glycoside (1), (S)-1-phenylethyl-6- α -L-arabinopyranosyl- β -D-glucopyranoside), and a new dibenzocyclooctadiene lignan (7), Kasuracin A, together with seven known compounds, were isolated and identified from the leaves of Kadsura coccinea. Their structures were determined by analysis of multinuclear and multidimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), circular dichroism (CD), mass spectrometry, hydrolysis analysis, or comparison to those reported in the literature. Then, all the isolates 1 ‒ 9 were evaluated for their inhibitory eff ;ects against nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Among them, compounds 2 and 3 were isolated for the first time from this plant and compounds 3 , 7 , 8 , and 9 significantly inhibited NO production with IC 50 values of 36.4, 10.2, 12.3, and 21.7 μM, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Three new caesalatic acids A–C (1 - 3) were isolated from Caesalpinia latisiliqua (Cav.) Hattink. • Seven known compounds were also isolated. • The structures were successfully determined by spectroscopic evidence. Three new cassane- type diterpenoids, namely caesalatic acids A–C (1 ‒ 3), and seven known compounds, resveratrol (4), piceatannol (5), aromadendrin (6), taxifolin (7), 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde (8), methyl gallate (9), and loliolide (10) were isolated from the methanol extract of the Caesalpinia latisiliqua (Cav.) Hattink leaves. Their chemical structures were elucidated by 1D- and 2D-NMR, MS data, circular dichroism, and compared with NMR data in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The large-scale effects of duodenoscopes on the environment and public health have not been quantified. Our aim was to perform an exploratory life cycle assessment comparing environmental and human health effects of single-use duodenoscopes (SDs) and reusable duodenoscopes (RDs). We evaluated 3 duodenoscopes: conventional RDs, RDs with disposable endcaps, and SDs. The primary outcomes were impacts on climate change and human health, complemented by multiple environmental impacts. Performing ERCP with SDs releases between 36.3 and 71.5 kg of CO 2 equivalent, which is 24 to 47 times greater than using an RD (1.53 kg CO 2) or an RD with disposable endcaps (1.54 kg CO 2). Most of the impact of SDs comes from its manufacturing, which accounts for 91% to 96% of its greenhouse gas emission. The human health impact of RDs becomes comparable with the SD lower bound if disposable endcaps or other design modifications can reduce serious infection rates below a target rate of 23 cases per year (.0046%). Although SDs may provide incremental public health benefit compared with RDs, it comes at a substantially higher cost to the environment. As infection rates continue to decrease from more regimented cleaning protocols and enhanced designs such as disposable endcaps to facilitate cleaning, the negative impact to human health from contaminated RDs could be comparable with SDs. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study described characteristics of wounds caused by animal exposures and evaluated patient factors and wound factors associated with wound infiltration of human rabies immune globulin (HRIG).Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study evaluated wound characteristics among patients who had visible wounds and received HRIG or rabies vaccine for rabies postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) at 15 emergency departments from May 2016 to June 2018.Results: Of 110 included patients (9 children, 82 adults, and 19 older adults), 21% (n = 23) had ≥2 wounds, and 10% (n = 11) had infected wounds. Twenty-eight (25%) patients had severe wounds, defined as receiving sutures (n = 20) or reaching subcutaneous tissue or bone (n = 20). Wounds were present on upper extremities for 42% (n = 46) of patients, lower extremities for 35% (n = 38), head/face for 3% (n = 3), and in multiple locations for 21% (n = 23). Wounds were < 3 cm in length for 64% (n = 70) of patients. Puncture wounds were present in 60% (n = 66) of patients, abrasions in 45% (n = 49), and lacerations in 38% (n = 42). Among 108 wounds from 82 patients with documented HRIG administration sites, 57% (n = 62) of wounds received HRIG infiltration. Infiltration occurred less frequently for wounds on the face/head/torso (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.01 to 0.49), wounds on hands/fingers (aOR = 0.20, 95% CI = 0.06 to 0.65), and abrasion-only wounds (aOR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.08 to 0.80) after adjusting for age.Conclusions: Upon presentation for rabies PEP, most patients did not have severe wounds and did not require emergency services or complex wound management. Wounds on the face, head, torso, hands, or fingers and abrasions were less likely to receive HRIG infiltration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the effect of green-bond financing on energy efficiency investment for green economic recovery. The fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique was used to achieve the research objective. The study's findings showed that green bonds are currently the primary financing source for energy efficiency projects, enhancing economic growth by 4.9% and potentially increasing green economic recovery by approximately 17% per annum. The fuzzy analysis technique and alternative models of fuzzy modeling were applied in this study. An alternative to project-based financing is energy performance contracts (EPCs). Green bonds also invest in public and private funds for energy efficiency and economic growth. Alternatively, such bonds may finance environmental initiatives or companies. Testing energy-efficiency projects with low payback rates may be expensive. Expanding the green economy through green bonds is essential for financing to successfully promote energy efficiency finance and green growth. This study also has policy implications for stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the dynamic effects of counterparty risk on stock liquidity using data on unsecured creditors after a debtor has declared bankruptcy. Through matched pair fixed effect panel regressions, we find that liquidity for unsecured creditors reduces after such declarations but only in the short term. This is evidenced by increases in various spread measures and Kyle's (1985) lambda and decreases in the bid depth differentials between the stocks of the unsecured creditors and the matched firms. Additionally, we find the greater the credit exposure, the greater the decline in liquidity. In the long term, debtor bankruptcies appear to have no effect on spread measures. Rather, the market depth for unsecured creditor stocks improves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) offer promising green energy solutions for portable microelectronics in the Internet of Everything era. However, their practical applications are limited by low electrical output and stability in harsh environments. This study introduces an innovative antagonistic strategy to enhance TENG performance and stability using thermo-stable polyimide with customizable porous structures (ip- PI). By employing antagonistic solubility, we create ip- PI using chloroform as a solvent for PI and acetone as a solvent for the Poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF -co- HFP) template, whereas they both act as nonsolvents for their respective counterparts. Additionally, microbeads-patterned chitosan (mb- CS) is rationally designed and fabricated as morphologically and electrically antagonistic counter surfaces for ip- PI. The resulting antagonist-inspired TENG (AI- TENG) constructed from ip- PI and mb- CS achieves a remarkable average power density of 4 W·m−2, presenting an outstanding 200-fold increase in power compared to TENG made from unstructured flat surfaces. Furthermore, the ip- PI demonstrates excellent temperature resistance, enabling the TENG to operate at extremely high temperatures up to 250 °C, with promising durability of over 10,000 contact-separation cycles. Applications include self-powered machinery condition monitoring sensors and a wireless communication fire forest pre-warning system, showcasing significant advancements in flexible, high-performance TENGs suitable for industrial use in extreme environments. [Display omitted] ● A novel antagonistic solubility strategy for creating AI- TENG. ● Innovative design of Spi- TENGs for vibration detection. ● AI- TENG and Spi- TENG under 90 % relative humidity and temperatures up to 250 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haematococcus pluvialis (H. pluvialis) is a significant natural source of astaxanthin, garnering interest in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. However, astaxanthin production from H. pluvialis is constrained by factors such as a lengthy cultivation period and thick cell walls. Recent research has explored different strategies, such as optimising cultivation conditions, to enhance astaxanthin biosynthesis. This review paper aims to summarise the recent advancement of metabolic and genetic engineering in astaxanthin biosynthesis from H. pluvialis. The review would provide a comprehensive analysis of the molecular components and mechanism involved in the biosynthesis pathway of astaxanthin in H. pluvialis , revealing the specific genes responsible for governing its biosynthesis. Numerous metabolic methodologies are investigated, including manipulating light intensity, salinity, nutrient deficiency, and temperature to enhance microalgae biomass and astaxanthin accumulation. Genetic engineering strategies have recently been studied to manipulate specific genes (e.g. bkt, CrtR-b, pds) to increase astaxanthin production. However, the limitation of genetic engineering is still unclear due to its mechanism of astaxanthin esterification and the transport of secondary β-carotenoids from the chloroplast to the cytosol. This lack of understanding has posed a challenge to maximise astaxanthin production through genetic engineering. This review also provides recent insights and future research directions for genetic engineering by providing a holistic approach to the complex interplay of genetics, metabolism, and biotechnological strategies to maximise astaxanthin production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of pollen-bearing honey bees serves as a vital indicator for assessing colony balance and health. Despite its significance, prevailing detection techniques still rely heavily on manual observation and annotation, leading to time-consuming processes that cannot sustain long-term, continuous monitoring efforts. To facilitate automatic beehive monitoring, this study introduces an efficient method for pollen-bearing bee detection. Initially, we furnish a comprehensive dataset, dubbed VnPollenBee, meticulously annotated for pollen-bearing honey bee detection and classification. The dataset comprises 60,826 annotated boxes that delineate both pollen-bearing and non-pollen-bearing bees in 2051 images captured at the entrances of beehives under various environmental conditions. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the first dedicated dataset for pollen-bearing bee detection. The VnPollenBee dataset is publicly accessible to the research community at https://comvis-hust.github.io/datasets/pollenbee.html. Subsequently, we propose the incorporation of diverse techniques into two baseline models, namely YOLOv5 and Faster RCNN, to effectively address the imbalance that arises during the detection of pollen-bearing bees due to their number being typically much lower than the total number of bees present at hive entrances. The experimental results demonstrate that our proposed method outperforms the baseline models on the VnPollenBee dataset, yielding Precision, Recall, and F1 score of 99%, 93%, and 95%, respectively. Specifically, the improvements obtained are 3% and 2% in Recall and F1 score when using YOLOv5, and 3%, 2%, and 2% in Precision, Recall, and F1 score when using Faster RCNN. These findings confirm the potential of our approach to facilitate bee foraging behavior analysis and automated bee monitoring. • An image dataset, dubbed VnPollenBee, for pollen-bearing bees detection. • Tackling imbalance issue in pollen-bearing bee detection provides better detection results. • Tracking is intergrated to count the number of pollen-bearing bees from images captured at entrance of beehives [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has transformed the way people communicate, interact, and use information for growth. This study uses a three-year panel of 91 countries to examine how mobile phones as ICT affect economic growth directly through the communication and information channel, and indirectly through the FinTech and financial inclusion channel. We derive these effects of mobile phones using the Structural Equation Modeling approach, controlling for time-invariant heterogeneity at the country level. The results are then compared with the estimates using the commonly adopted stepwise fixed-effects regressions. The results indicate that the direct effect of mobile phones is more pronounced than the indirect effect. Although mobile phones promote FinTech applications for payments and savings, expanded mobile phone coverage is negatively associated with financial inclusion in terms of formal credit. In contrast to the majority of empirical evidence showing limited impacts on developing Sub-Saharan Africa, we consistently document greater impacts on this region, suggesting greater benefits to be achieved from ICT investments. Our results remain robust across different measurements of financial inclusion and estimation methods. • This study examines how mobile phones directly and indirectly affect economic growth. • The direct effect of mobile phones via communication and information is stronger than the indirect effect via Fintech and financial inclusion. • Expanded mobile phone coverage promotes Fintech applications, indirectly aiding economic growth through reduced transaction costs. • Sub-Saharan Africa disproportionately benefits from mobile phone expansion, supporting continued promotion and subsidies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]