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Abstract Background Dengue is an emerging disease in Argentina due to the colonization of Aedes aegypti, the mosquito vector. Buenos Aires Province is the biggest and most populated district in Argentina, suffering dengue outbreaks of growing magnitude. During epidemic periods, pyrethroid insecticides are used in this country to control adult mosquitoes. Pyrethroid resistance in dengue vectors has been reported worldwide, making it necessary to implement resistance management strategies. The voltage-gated sodium channel is the target site of pyrethroids. Mutations in the gene encoding this protein, called kdr mutations, are usually the molecular cause of pyrethroid resistance in insects. In Ae. aegypti from the Americas, three kdr substitutions were described: V410L, V1016I, and F1534C. The diagnostic of kdr mutations is recommended for the early detection of pyrethroid resistance as well as the consequent planning of evidence-based control policies. Methods We distributed ovitraps across 16 localities in Buenos Aires Province, collecting 22,123 eggs. A total of 522 mosquitoes were genotyped in positions 1016 and 1534 of voltage-gated channel using multiplex high-resolution melting and/or TaqMan probe methods. A subset of 449 samples was also genotyped by a singleplex high-resolution melting method developed ad hoc and/or Sanger sequencing. Results We have documented, for the first time to our knowledge in the central region of Argentina, the presence of the 1016Ikdr + 1534Ckdr allele. Additionally, our study reports the first identification of the V410L mutation in central Argentina. These results underscore a growing trend of pyrethroid resistance in Ae. aegypti, fueled by the widespread use of these insecticides. Conclusions We detected 1016Ikdr + 1534Ckdr and 410Lkdr mutations in central Argentina for the first time and improved the processivity and accuracy of kdr genotyping methods. The results are both a tool for resistance monitoring and a sign of alarm to direct efforts towards finding sustainable methods for vector control to complement or replace pyrethroids. Joint efforts between academia and authorities to develop and implement public policies for vector control are a productive way to transfer scientific results for their application in public health. Graphical Abstract

Successfully integrating renewable energy sources depends on eco-friendliness, financial technology, and economic growth (GDP). This paper examines the dynamic effect of innovative financial and green technology on renewable energy for 38 emerging economies from 2006 to 2021. Using the dynamic First-difference Generalized Method of Moments (FD-GMM) model, the analysis identifies a critical GDP threshold of 1831.772 US dollars, significant at the 1 % confidence level. Below this threshold, GDP negatively affects green energy adoption, while above it, GDP positively influences the shift to greener energy, supporting the predicted U-shaped relationship in the data. The results conclude that eco-friendly and financial technology positively and significantly influence renewable energy adoption, where the dynamics and barriers to adopting eco-friendly and financial technologies in emerging countries may differ from those in developed nations. Based on the findings, relevant energy policies have been recommended for energy stakeholders, Tech firms and decision-makers.

Since the Industrial Revolution, the economies have played well to make progress in economic growth. Besides, rapid growth has brought severe challenges, and environmental degradation is one of them. Therefore, the globe has introduced several green initiatives, such as the Kyoto Protocol, the Paris Agreement, and the Sustainable Development Goals, but the problem remains intact. Specifically, this study focuses on COP27 and highlights the key challenges and their best solutions. Undoubtedly, most nations have tried to meet their settled targets by 2030, but these have different priorities to facilitate their populace. Therefore, international cooperation has been introduced as a logical solution to collaborate across borders or within the region to deal with sustainability themes. However, developed nations have environmental problems due to industrial, income, and population growth, directly associated with environmental risks. Thus, under the SDGs, this empirical research tries to cover the critical problems (income, population aging, & industrial development) and their best alternative (public-private partnership, emission taxes & circular economy) to minimize environmental issues. Similarly, the current study utilizes an advanced series of estimators to investigate the study's objective for 17 developed nations from 2000 to 2021. Investigated outcomes describe income, population aging, and industrial activities that bring carbon emissions. Conversely, carbon policy and public-private partnerships support the sustainability theme for specified economies. Under the base model, the circular economy declines the environmental pressure by 0.016 %, 0.002 %, and 0.019 %, respectively, under the specified estimators. Moreover, this empirical research investigates the mediating role of carbon policy, public-private partnership & circular economy on industrial development. It brings a significant decline in emissions only for carbon policy & circular economy. However, this study also proposes some green policies to become clean & green shortly.

Abstract This study examined the interconnectedness and volatility correlation between cryptocurrency and traditional financial markets in the five largest African countries, addressing concerns about potential spillover effects, especially the high volatility and lack of regulation in the cryptocurrency market. The study employed both diagonal BEKK-GARCH and DCC-GARCH to analyze the existence of spillover effects and correlation between both markets. A daily time series dataset from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2021, was employed to analyze the contagion effect. Our findings reveal a significant spillover effect from cryptocurrency to the African traditional financial market; however, the percentage spillover effect is still low but growing. Specifically, evidence is insufficient to suggest a spillover effect from cryptocurrency to Egypt and Morocco’s financial markets, at least in the short run. Evidence in South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya indicates a moderate but growing spillover effect from cryptocurrency to the financial market. Similarly, we found no evidence of a spillover effect from the African financial market to the cryptocurrency market. The conditional correlation result from the DCC-GARCH revealed a positive low to moderate correlation between cryptocurrency volatility and the African financial market. Specifically, the DCC-GARCH revealed a greater integration in both markets, especially in the long run. The findings have policy implications for financial regulators concerning the dynamics of both markets and for investors interested in portfolio diversification within the two markets.

Background/Objectives: Annona squamosa is used in folk medicine to treat pain and arthritis. Palmatine is an alkaloid isolated from several plants, including A. squamosa leaves. The aim of the present study was to investigate the analgesic, anti-arthritic, and anti-inflammatory potential of the methanolic extract of A. squamosa (EMAS) and palmatine. Methods: The chemical profile of EMAS was evaluated by ultra high-performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization coupled to mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI/MS). EMAS and palmatine were evaluated in carrageenan-induced pleurisy, zymosan-induced joint inflammation, formalin-induced nociception, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-induced mechanical hyperalgesia in experimental models in mice. A cytotoxicity test of EMAS and palmatine was performed using a methylthiazolidiphenyl-tetrazolium (MTT) bromide assay. Results: The analysis of the chemical profile of the extract showed the presence of palmatine, liriodenine, and anonaine. Oral administration of EMAS and palmatine significantly reduced leukocyte migration and oxide nitric production in the carrageenan-induced pleurisy model. EMAS and palmatine reduced mechanical hyperalgesia, leukocyte migration, and edema formation in the joint inflammation induced by zymosan. In the formalin test, palmatine was effective against the second-phase nociceptive response, mechanical hyperalgesia, and cold allodynia. In addition, palmatine reduced mechanical hyperalgesia induced by TNF. EMAS and palmatine did not demonstrate cytotoxicity. Conclusions: The present study showed that A. squamosa and palmatine are analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents, and that the anti-hyperalgesic properties of palmatine may involve the TNF pathway. Palmatine may be one of the compounds responsible for the anti-hyperalgesic and/or anti-arthritic properties of this medicinal plant.

This study examines the intricate relationship between economic growth and European environmental degradation via the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC). Our results contest the traditional inverted U-shape model of the Environmental Kuznets Curve, indicating that the theory may not be consistently applicable across European countries. Utilizing CS-ARDL and MMQR modelling, we reveal substantial regional disparities. Western European nations demonstrate a typical Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) pattern in the short term, characterized by an initial increase in emissions alongside GDP development, followed by a subsequent fall. Conversely, Eastern and Balkan nations exhibit a U-shaped connection, described by an early decline in emissions followed by a subsequent increase as their development levels increase. The influence of renewable energy differs, as it decreases emissions in the short term in Western Europe. However, its long-term impacts are variable, especially when contrasted with its more pronounced effect on emissions in Eastern and Balkan countries. Furthermore, trade openness intensifies environmental degradation in the short-term across all regions, although its long-term impact diminishes, particularly concerning greenhouse gases (GHG). The relationship between renewable energy and trade openness is substantial for the short-term reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, but this effect declines with time. The results indicate that a uniform environmental policy throughout Europe may lack efficacy. Customized strategies to expedite the transition in Western Europe and more specific interventions in Eastern Europe are essential to harmonize economic progress with environmental sustainability. Future research should examine the determinants of the diminishing long-term effects of renewable energy and the interplay between trade and environmental policies.

Based on the perspective of industrial agglomeration, this paper employs a dynamic panel model and mediating effects model to investigate the impact of digital economy’s development on air pollution in 274 Chinese cities from 2011 to 2019. The main findings include: (1) The development of the digital economy reduces air pollution emissions in Chinese cities, and the elasticity of pollution reduction is greater in central and western China than in eastern China. (2) The nexus between industrial agglomeration and air pollution is inverted-N-shaped. (3) Mechanism tests show that the digital economy can effectively promote the degree of industrial agglomeration in each area, and it plays a positive role in abating pollution in eastern and central China through the positive externalities of industrial agglomeration, but the mediating effect of industrial agglomeration on pollution reduction is not significant in western China. (4) Diversified agglomeration is an active mediator of the digital economy’s pollution reduction effect in eastern and central China. Accordingly, some policy implications are put forward for simultaneously promoting the development of the digital economy and reducing air pollution, impelling industrial agglomeration, and accelerating the green transformation in China.

The decoction of Salvia lachnostachys Benth. leaves is used in Brazilian folk medicine for anti-spasmodic, antipyretic, and anxiolytic purposes. Some of the biological effects of an S. lachnostachys extract have been shown to be anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antidepressant effects. In addition, this medicinal plant produces several compounds including icetexane diterpenoids, such as fruticuline A and fruticuline B. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the anti-hyperalgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of fruticuline B (FRUT B) and the ethanolic extract obtained from the leaves of S. lachnostachys (EESL) in experimental mouse models. EESL (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg) and FRUT B (1 mg/kg) were evaluated in articular inflammation-induced models in Swiss mice. In articular inflammation induced by Zymosan, EESL (300 mg/kg) and FRUT B (1 mg/kg) significantly reduced mechanical hyperalgesia (83.17% inhibition for EESL and 81.19% for FRUT B); edema (68.75% reduction for EESL and 33.66% for FRUT B); leukocyte migration (81.3% for EESSL and 92.2% for FRUT B), and nitric oxide production (88.3% for EESL and 74.4% for FRUT B). The exposure to fruticuline B significantly inhibited the edema (51.5%), mechanical (88.12%) and cold hyperalgesia (80.8%), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) (63.4%) activity 24 h after CFA injection. In the pleurisy model, FRUT B reduced 89.1% of leukocyte migration and 50.3% in nitric oxide production. Four hours after carrageenan injection, FRUT B (1 mg/kg) diminished 89.11% of mechanical hyperalgesia, 65.8% of paw edema, and 82.12% of the response to cold hyperalgesia. In the MTT test, EESL and fruticuline B caused no cytotoxicity. The present study revealed, for the first time, the anti-arthritic and anti-nociceptive effects of FRUT B, pointing out the therapeutic potential of the species to control inflammation and nociception. Future studies are needed to evaluate other biological properties of fruticuline B and to better understand its mechanism of action.

Abstract Telomerase RNA (TERC) has a noncanonical function in myelopoiesis binding to a consensus DNA binding sequence and attracting RNA polymerase II (RNA Pol II), thus facilitating myeloid gene expression. The CR4/CR5 domain of TERC is known to play this role, since a mutation of this domain found in dyskeratosis congenita (DC) patients decreases its affinity for RNA Pol II, impairing its myelopoietic activity as a result. In this study, we report that two aptamers, short single-stranded oligonucleotides, based on the CR4/CR5 domain were able to increase myelopoiesis without affecting erythropoiesis in zebrafish. Mechanistically, the aptamers functioned as full terc; that is, they increased the expression of master myeloid genes, independently of endogenous terc, by interacting with RNA Pol II and with the terc-binding sequences of the regulatory regions of such genes, enforcing their transcription. Importantly, aptamers harboring the CR4/CR5 mutation that was found in DC patients failed to perform all these functions. The therapeutic potential of the aptamers for treating neutropenia was demonstrated in several preclinical models. The findings of this study have identified two potential therapeutic agents for DC and other neutropenic patients.

INTRODUCTION: Traditionally, it has been proposed that strength gains and muscle hypertrophy required distinct characteristics to be achieved with resistance training. However, current evidence shows that the obtaining of improvements of strength and hypertrophy can be obtained with a single resistance training protocol. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the existing body of literature pertaining to association between load during resistance training and their effects on strength gains and muscle hypertrophy. METHODOLOGY: Searches were conducted on Web of Science, PubMed/Medline, and Embase with no year restriction applied to the search strategy. Selected studies met the following inclusion criteria: (a) studies that included a combination of young and old males and females, with no known medical conditions or injuries; (b) including a resistance training with high-loads (≥60% of one-repetition maximum, 1RM) or low-loads (

With the emergence of technological innovations, digital finance with a blend of new models and the development of inclusive financial innovation shows great significance for business firms to emphasize innovative and competitive product market competition. Thus, financial digitalization and business environment directives help improve the financial performance of business enterprises. This study assesses the role of product market competitiveness on firm performance through the mediating role of digital financial innovation. The annual data of 90 companies from 2014 to 2020 is taken from the Pakistan stock exchange market. The empirical results are estimated using three paths by the Structural Equation Model (SEM) regression approach. The study identifies that product market competitiveness positively contributed to determining the firm performance. Besides, digital financial innovation serves as the mediator in the study, which partially positively determines firm performance. It shows that firm financial innovation fails to account fully for firm performance. This study does not include several other factors determining firm performance. The research results deliver a useful empirical and theoretical contribution to digitalization and product innovation. The findings help to uncover the antecedents of financial innovation and firm performance. This research model can assist researchers in designing robust strategies to appraise the impact on firm performance. Investigators may advance valuable insights by integrating this methodology. Concerning originality, these results indicate that digitalized innovation positively influences firm performance by offering innovative products and digitalization. The outcomes contribute to the literature on digital innovation, and the study recommends that business organizations should pay particular attention to improving financial innovation and digitization in business firms.

This paper evaluates the impact of the National Renewable Energy Action Plans (NREAP) that was prepared under the (2009/28/EC) Directive of the European Commission by using Türkiye as a case study. We aimed to reveal the causal impacts of the plan on renewable energy generation based on different technologies such as hydro, wind, and solar, along with the impacts on greenhouse gas emissions. To do this, we used the synthetic control method. The study's outcome indicates that NREAP has served as a promising treatment policy for Türkiye's deployment of renewable energy potential. The total treatment effect is 14%, mainly driven by increases in solar and wind shares, while no significant impact was observed on the hydro share of electricity. Moreover, our analysis found no treatment effect on greenhouse gas emissions, and placebo tests supported the robustness of these results. The analysis did not reveal any evidence of a treatment effect on greenhouse gas emissions.

Brazil is the largest global producer of sugarcane and plays a significant role-supplier of sugar and bioethanol. However, diseases such as brown and orange rust cause substantial yield reductions and economic losses, due decrease photosynthesis and biomass in susceptible cultivars. Molecular markers associated with resistance genes, such as Bru1 (brown rust) and G1 (orange rust), could aid in predicting resistant genotypes. In this study, we sought to associate the phenotypic response of 300 sugarcane accessions with the genotypic response of Bru1 and G1 markers. The field trials were conducted in a randomized block design, and five six-month-old plants per plot were evaluated under natural disease conditions. Genotypic information about the presence or absence of Bru1 (haplotype 1) and G1 gene was obtained after extraction of genomic DNA and conventional PCR. Of the total accessions evaluated, 60.3% (181) showed resistance to brown rust in the field, and of these, 70.7% (128) had the Bru1 gene present. Considering the field-resistant accessions obtained from Brazilian breeding programs (116), the Bru1 was present in 77,6% of these accessions. While alternative resistance sources may exist, Bru1 likely confers enduring genetic resistance in current Brazilian cultivars. Regarding the phenotypic reaction to orange rust, the majority of accessions, 96.3% (288), were field resistant, and of these, 52.7% (152) carried the G1 marker. Although less efficient for predicting resistance when compared to Bru1, the G1 marker could be part of a quantitative approach when new orange rust resistance genes are described. Therefore, these findings showed the importance of Bru1 molecular markers for the early selection of resistant genotypes to brown rust by genetic breeding programs.

Abstract This study investigates existing literature on decarbonization technology responsibility for sustainable business models in the shipping industry. Specifically, it considers the relationship between responsible innovation from green technology adoption in decarbonization management practices and gender equality to precisely target how decarbonization technology relates to gender mainstreaming, a key element of Sustainable Development Goal 5 in the UN 2030 Agenda. From the institutional theory perspective, this study conducted a systematic review of 114 articles published in the ISI Web of Science and Scopus databases from 1990 to 2022. The results highlight that green technology adoption can support low-carbon practices and gender equality in the shipping industry by contributing to decarbonization technology responsibility, sustainable business models, and responsible innovation. Ultimately, this study suggests that shipping management should provide training and workshops for women on technology adoption in decarbonization operational processes to support gender quality and technological development. It also presents a new conceptual framework and research propositions on significant issues that are currently neglected. The proposed framework may be treated as a decarbonization technology responsibility guideline in shipping management that can reshape the organizational culture to promote gender equality.

Since isometric training is gaining popularity, some devices are being developed to test isometric force as an alternative to the more expensive force plates (FPs); thus, the aim of this study was to test the reliability and validity of “GSTRENGTH” for measuring PF in the isometric belt squat exercise. Five subjects performed 24 contractions at three different knee angles (90°, 105° and 120°) on two occasions (120 total cases). Peak force data were measured using FPs and a strain gauge (SG) and analyzed by Pearson’s product–moment correlation coefficient, ICCs, Cronbach’s alpha, a paired sample t-test and Bland–Altman plots. Perfect or almost perfect relationships (r: 0.999–1) were found with an almost perfect or perfect level of agreement (ICCs: 0.992–1; α: 0.998–1). The t-test showed significant differences for the raw data but not for the predictions by the equations obtained with the SG values. The Bland–Altman plots, when significant, showed trivial to moderate values for systematic bias in general. In conclusion, “GSTRENGTH” was shown to be a valid alternative to FPs for measuring PF.

En este trabajo abordo un caso específico del problema clásico de la individuación en la Filosofía de la Biología: el de las colonias de insectos, y en particular, de hormigas. El carácter individual de un conjunto de hormigas que forman una colonia puede ser objeto de controversia, ya que, desde un punto de vista intuitivo, no parece constituir un individuo. Mi objetivo es demostrar que las colonias de hormigas son individuos biológicos. Para ello, me centro en dos de los tipos de individuos más estudiados en la Filosofía de la Biología: los funcionales y los evolutivos, y examino si las colonias de hormigas cumplen con las condiciones necesarias para ser consideradas individuos en estos términos.

Abstract Chronic inflammatory diseases are associated with hematopoietic lineage bias, including neutrophilia and anemia. We have recently identified that the canonical inflammasome mediates the cleavage of the master erythroid transcription factor GATA1 in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). We report here that genetic inhibition of Nlrp1 resulted in reduced number of neutrophils and increased erythrocyte counts in zebrafish larvae. We also found that the NLRP1 inflammasome in human cells was inhibited by LRRFIP1 and FLII, independently of DPP9, and both inhibitors regulated hematopoiesis. Mechanistically, erythroid differentiation resulted in ribosomal stress‐induced activation of the ZAKα/P38 kinase axis which, in turn, phosphorylated and promoted the assembly of NLRP1 in both zebrafish and human. Finally, inhibition of Zaka with the FDA/EMA‐approved drug Nilotinib alleviated neutrophilia in a zebrafish model of neutrophilic inflammation and promoted erythroid differentiation and GATA1 accumulation in K562 cells. In conclusion, our results reveal that the NLRP1 inflammasome regulates hematopoiesis and pave the way to develop novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of hematopoietic alterations associated with chronic inflammatory and rare diseases.

Objective: To assess the diagnostic agreement between smartphone-enabled otoscopy and rigid otoendoscopy in tympanic membrane and middle ear diseases. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out to analyze otoscopies in patients seen at a general otorhinolaryngology (ORL) outpatient clinic, from June to December 2019. Eighty-three images of patients obtained from otoscopies performed through a smartphone device and a rigid endoscope were included, recorded, and stored for further analysis. The images were first analyzed by an experienced otologist, who assigned his diagnostic impression (defined as the gold standard) on each of the images. After this analysis, the images were displayed to a group of secondary raters (an experienced otorhinolaryngologist, a second-year resident in ORL, and a general practitioner). A questionnaire was applied related to each image. Results: There was high agreement between the smartphone device and the otoendoscopy images for all professionals, with a Kappa coefficient of 0.97 (p

Summary: Background: While a low CD4/CD8 ratio during HIV treatment correlates with immunosenescence, its value in identifying patients at an increased risk for clinical events remains unclear. Methods: We analyzed data from the CoRIS cohort to determine whether CD4 count, CD8 count, and CD4/CD8 ratio at year two of antiretroviral therapy (ART) could predict the risk of serious non-AIDS events (SNAEs) during the next five years. These included major adverse cardiovascular events, non-AIDS-defining malignancies, and non-accidental deaths. We used pooled logistic regression with inverse probability weighting to estimate the survival curves and cumulative risk of clinical events. Findings: The study included 4625 participants, 83% male, of whom 200 (4.3%) experienced an SNAE during the follow-up period. A CD4/CD8 ratio

This study investigates the impact of environmental technological innovation, economic complexity, energy productivity, the use of renewable electricity generation, and environmental taxes on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the G-10 countries for the timeframe from 1995 to 2020. The purpose of the study is to examine the need for a clear plan or strategy to achieve environmental objectives in G-10 countries. In both short-term and long-term projections, the increased use of environment-based technology, economic complexity, and renewable electricity generation has a major positive impact on carbon emission reduction. Moreover, the results demonstrate both unidirectional and bidirectional causality from carbon emissions to renewable energy, electrical generation, and environment-based technologies, respectively. Based on the results, the study proposes a number of concrete policies, such as updating modernized tax systems, increasing tax collection, providing individuals with the means to finance the Sustainable Development Goals through incentive regulations, and making grants from international organizations and the private sector available to finance investments toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and carbon neutrality environment targets. This is the study's most significant contribution in order to attain a sustainable and low-carbon future in the G-10 countries, which has policy implications for governments and policymakers.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to compare the postoperative complications, perioperative course, and survival among patients from the multicentric Spanish Video-assisted Thoracic Surgery Group database who received video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy or video-assisted thoracic surgery anatomic segmentectomy. Methods: From December 2016 to March 2018, a total of 2250 patients were collected from 33 centers. Overall analysis (video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy = 2070; video-assisted thoracic surgery anatomic segmentectomy = 180) and propensity score–matched adjusted analysis (video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy = 97; video-assisted thoracic surgery anatomic segmentectomy = 97) were performed to compare postoperative results. Kaplan–Meier and competing risks method were used to compare survival. Results: In the overall analysis, video-assisted thoracic surgery anatomic segmentectomy showed a lower incidence of respiratory complications (relative risk, 0.56; confidence interval, 0.37-0.83; P = .002), lower postoperative prolonged air leak (relative risk, 0.42; 95% confidence interval, 0.23-0.78; P = .003), and shorter median postoperative stay (4.8 vs 6.2 days; P = .004) than video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy. After propensity score–matched analysis, prolonged air leak remained significantly lower in video-assisted thoracic surgery anatomic segmentectomy (relative risk, 0.33; 95% confidence interval, 0.12-0.89; P = .02). Kaplan–Meier and competing risk curves showed no differences during the 3-year follow-up (median follow-up in months: 24.4; interquartile range, 20.8-28.3) in terms of overall survival (hazard ratio, 0.73; 95% confidence interval, 0.45-1.7; P = .2), tumor progression–related mortality (subdistribution hazard ratio, 0.41; 95% confidence interval, 0.11-1.57; P = .2), and disease-free survival (subdistribution hazard ratio, 0.73; 95% confidence interval, 0.35-1.51; P = .4) between groups. Conclusions: Video-assisted thoracic surgery segmentectomy showed results similar to lobectomy in terms of postoperative outcomes and midterm survival. In addition, a lower incidence of prolonged air leak was found in patients who underwent video-assisted thoracic surgery anatomic segmentectomy.

Environmental quality and climate change have become hot topics among academics in all scientific fields in recent decades due to their impact on human health and economic development. Hence, this paper investigates the key factors of carbon dioxide emissions in India from 1970–2020 through the Bayer-Hanck test and Augmented ARDL framework on an augmented STIRPAT model, introducing uncertainty and globalization. We employ a set of unit-root tests and a combination of cointegration techniques (DOLS and FMOLS), which permit us to estimate the long-run and short-run relationships. Empirical findings confirmed that the series is I(1) series and there is the existence of a long-run relationship between our variables using three cointegration tests, meaning that the variables have the same behavior in the long run term. The findings revealed that India has an inverse U shape of the Environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) due to the positive association between GDP per capita and CO2 emissions until reaching a threshold, after which the link becomes inverse due to the negative impact of GDP square on CO2 emissions. Furthermore, the findings demonstrated a positive influence of uncertainty and a negative impact of globalization on long-term environmental degradation. Besides, energy consumption and population density are positively associated with CO2 emissions in the long and short run. We advocate for policies that promote more trade openness by entering new markets and cooperating with new trading partners.

Urinary tract infection is the most frequent non-respiratory bacterial infection in pediatrics. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of antibiotic activity in urine samples and to evaluate its possible influence on the clinical management of pediatric patients. One hundred and thirty-eight patients with clinical suspicion of urinary tract infection were included. There was previous use of antibiotics in 30 urine samples, but only in 18 of these samples antibiotic activity was found by bioassay. This study shows a high percentage of pediatric patients with antibiotic use prior to urine collection. Biochemical parameters of the urine, such as the presence of more than 25 leukocytes per field or positive nitrites, should alert us to the possibility of bacterial infection. The evaluation of the antibiotic activity in the urine of pediatric patients in parallel with microbiological culture and biochemical parameters allows the optimization of the antibiotic treatment.

Objective: To analyze the anatomical relationship between the lacrimal sac and the agger nasi cell on Computed Tomography (CT); to correlate the right and left sides on each scan. Methods: CT scans of adult patients were reviewed for pneumatization of the agger nasi and its relationship to the lacrimal sac. The degree of agreement between the right and left sides was also evaluated. Results: A total of 130 CT scans were examined. An agger nasi cell was found medial to the lacrimal sac in 59.23% of scans. On 86.15% of scans, pneumatization was similar on both sides. Conclusion: The agger nasi air cell is located medial to the lacrimal sac in more than half of individuals. The right and left sides exhibit the same pneumatization pattern in approximately 80% of cases. Level of evidence: 4.

The carbon emission trading scheme (ETS) is an important measure to implement China’s “double carbon” strategy.We use “China’s carbon emission trading pilot policy” as a quasi-natural experiment to identify theeffect of this market-based environmental regulation on a firm’s export and its impacting mechanisms.Based on the Propensity score matching and difference-in-differences (PSM-DID) method, we observe robust evidence that the carbon emissions trading pilot policy significantly increases the export of regulated firms. And also find that this policy positivelyaffects the exports of both SOEs and non-SOEs. Considering enterprise heterogeneity, the policy positivelyimpacts the exports of FDI firms, large firms, and low industrial concentrations. Moreover, we examine how environmental regulation could affect firmexport through technological innovation, productivity, and product research. The observable evidence leads us to cautiously conclude thatmarket-based environmental regulations in even developing countries could achieve export growth.Based on our findings, we suggest that: 1) policymakers should limit CO2 emissions quotas to ensure an appropriate increase in the price of CO2 emissions; 2) to design a unified carbon ETS market, researchers should explore ways to activate market-oriented environmental regulation tools based on the carbon emission price.

Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) maintains telomere homeostasis, thus ensuring chromosome stability and cell proliferation. In addition, several telomere‐independent functions of human TERT have been described. In this study, we report that TERT binds directly to the TCF binding elements located upstream of the oncomiR miR500A, and induces its transcription. This function was independent of the telomerase activity, as shown with experiments using catalytically inactive TERT and inhibitors of TERT and the TERT RNA component. miR500A was in turn found to target three key components of the Hedgehog signalling pathway: Patched 1; Gli family zinc finger 3; and Cullin 3, thereby promoting cell invasion. Our results point to the crucial role of the TERT–miR500A–Hedgehog axis in tumour aggressiveness and highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting noncanonical TERT functions in cancer.

The present study investigates the impact of economic growth, hydropower generation, and urbanization on Malaysia’s CO 2 emissions. This study applies Quantile Autoregressive Lagged (QARDL) technique for the period of 1965Q1 to 2018Q4. The Granger-causality in quantiles is applied to confirm the causal nexus among the modeled variables. The outcomes demonstrate that hydropower generation decreases the detrimental effects of CO 2 emissions at the range of high quantile levels. Furthermore, urbanization, except for higher quantiles, exhibits negative impacts on CO 2 emissions. Also, the QARDL coefficients confirm the presence of the Environmental Kuznets Curve hypothesis from median to higher quantiles. Besides, the Granger-causality test confirms the two-way causality among CO 2 emissions and hydropower generation in Malaysia’s economy and the same for the other series. The policymakers should enhance the market attractiveness of hydropower generation projects through incentives for the investors.

Introduction: Nasal congestion and obstruction are reported in the majority of continuous positive airway pressure users and are frequently cited as reasons for noncompliance. Baseline inflammation due to allergic rhinitis could increase or exacerbate the inflammatory effect of high airflow in the nasal cavity as the result of continuous positive airway pressure and lead to greater continuous positive airway pressure intolerance. In this setting, intranasal steroids would be expected to counteract the nasal inflammation caused by allergic rhinitis and/or continuous positive airway pressure. Objective: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of topical corticosteroid use on nasal patency after acute exposure to positive pressure. Methods: Ten individuals with allergic rhinitis were exposed to 1 h of continuous airway pressure (15 cm H2O) in the nasal cavity, delivered by a continuous positive airway pressure device. Visual analog scale, nasal obstruction symptom evaluation scale, acoustic rhinometry and peak nasal inspiratory flow were performed before and after the intervention. After 4 weeks topical nasal steroid (budesonide) application, positive pressure exposure was repeated as well as the first assessments. Results: Patients reported a statistically significant improvement both on the visual analog (p = 0.013) and obstruction symptom evaluation scales (p

Double conditional knockout of Meis1/2 in the limb forming region of mouse embryos results in the complete absence of limb, while embryos developed with one functional Meis allele, so identifying the role of Meis in antero-posterior and proximo-distal patterning.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. This disease is associated with leukocytosis with lymphopenia, neutrophilia, and elevated levels of d-dimer, and C-reactive protein, ferritin, procalcitonin, and lactate dehydrogenase. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical and analytical characteristics of hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and to identify prognostic factors of disease progression.

The causative agent of Chagas disease (Trypanosoma cruzi) is transmitted to mammals, including humans, mainly by insect vectors of the subfamily Triatominae (Hemiptera: Reduviidae). Also known as “kissing bugs”, the subfamily currently includes 157 validated species (154 extant and three extinct), in 18 genera and five tribes. Here, we present a subdataset (7852 records) of American triatomine occurrences; an update to the most complete and integrated database available to date at a continental scale. New georeferenced records were obtained from a systematic review of published literature and colleague-provided data. New data correspond to 101 species and 14 genera from 22 American countries between 1935 and 2022. The most important novelties refer to (i) the inclusion of new species, (ii) synonymies and formal transferals of species, and (iii) temporal and geographical species records updates. These data will be a useful contribution to entomological surveillance implicated in Chagas disease.

Many conservation projects relocate sea turtle eggs to hatcheries to protect the sea turtle nests from the anthropogenic and natural threats they face in the early stages of development. The Rescue Center for Endangered Marine Species (CREMA) manages four sea turtle conservation projects on the nesting beaches of the Southern Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica, where the predominant nesting activity is from olive ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea). Two of these nesting projects are based in Costa de Oro and San Miguel, which are adjacent beaches divided by an estuary. In this study, we compared the dynamics and rates of human and animal predation of nests prior to being relocated to the hatchery on both nesting beaches from 2012 to 2018. We hypothesized that human take and animal predation were compensatory threats, meaning that lower human take may result in higher animal predation, and vice versa, resulting in a similar number of nests lost to predation overall. We discuss the community-based conservation programs on both beaches, one of which has been monitored since 1998 (San Miguel) and the other of which has been monitored since 2012 (Costa de Oro). We found that Costa de Oro exhibited high rates of human take with up to 51% of nests being extracted per season, which has decreased since the conservation project was established. Human take was significantly higher than animal predation on both beaches and human take was significantly higher in Costa de Oro. While San Miguel exhibited higher animal predation, the difference was not statistically significant. Higher depredation by animals corresponded to higher overall nest abundance on both beaches. We were unable to find evidence that human take or animal predation increased in the absence of the other threat, suggesting a lack of compensatory effects of predation. Our findings support further analysis of animal predation and a continuation of patrol-based conservation efforts as well as community outreach to attempt to merge cultural values with sea turtle conservation.

Chagas disease is a neglected tropical disease and Trypanosoma cruzi (its etiological agent) is mainly transmitted by triatomines (Hemiptera: Reduviidae). All triatomine species are considered as potential vectors; thus, their geographic distribution and habitat information should be a fundamental guide for the surveillance and control of Chagas disease. Currently, of the 137 species distributed in the Americas (Justi and Galvão 2017), 17 species are cited for Argentina: Panstrongylus geniculatus, P. guentheri, P. megistus, P. rufotuberculatus, Psammolestes coreodes, Triatoma breyeri, T. delpontei, T. eratyrusiformis, T. garciabesi, T. guasayana, T. infestans, T. limai, T. patagonica, T. platensis, T. rubrofasciata, T. rubrovaria and T. sordida. Almost 20 years have passed since the publication of the “Atlas of the Triatominae” by Carcavallo et al. (1998), and no work has been done to provide an updated complete integration and analysis of the existing information for Argentinean triatomine species. Here we provided a detailed temporal, spatial and ecological analysis of updated occurrence data for triatomines present in Argentina.This is the first database of the 17 triatomine species present in Argentina (15917 records), with a critical analysis of the temporal, spatial and ecological characteristics of 9788 records. The information spans for the last 100 years (1918–2019) and it was mostly obtained from the DataTri database and from the Argentinean Vector Reference Center. As 70% of the occurrences corresponded to the last 20 years, the information was split into two broad periods (pre-2000 and post-2000). Occurrence data for most species show distribution ranges contractions, which from the pre-2000 to post-2000 period became restricted mainly to the dry and humid Chaco ecoregions. Concurrently, the highest species richness foci occurred within those ecoregions. The species T. infestans, T. sordida, T. garciabesi and T. guasayana mostly colonize human dwelling habitats. This study provides the most comprehensive picture available for Argentinean triatomine species, and we hope that any knowledge gaps will encourage others to keep this information updated to assist health policy makers to make decisions based on the best evidence.

Abstract Background The development of biomass crops aims to meet industrial yield demands, in order to optimize profitability and sustainability. Achieving these goals in an energy crop like sugarcane relies on breeding for sucrose accumulation, fiber content and stalk number. To expand the understanding of the biological pathways related to these traits, we evaluated gene expression of two groups of genotypes contrasting in biomass composition. Results First visible dewlap leaves were collected from 12 genotypes, six per group, to perform RNA-Seq. We found a high number of differentially expressed genes, showing how hybridization in a complex polyploid system caused extensive modifications in genome functioning. We found evidence that differences in transposition and defense related genes may arise due to the complex nature of the polyploid Saccharum genomes. Genotypes within both biomass groups showed substantial variability in genes involved in photosynthesis. However, most genes coding for photosystem components or those coding for phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylases (PEPCs) were upregulated in the high biomass group. Sucrose synthase (SuSy) coding genes were upregulated in the low biomass group, showing that this enzyme class can be involved with sucrose synthesis in leaves, similarly to sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) and sucrose phosphate phosphatase (SPP). Genes in pathways related to biosynthesis of cell wall components and expansins coding genes showed low average expression levels and were mostly upregulated in the high biomass group. Conclusions Together, these results show differences in carbohydrate synthesis and carbon partitioning in the source tissue of distinct phenotypic groups. Our data from sugarcane leaves revealed how hybridization in a complex polyploid system resulted in noticeably different transcriptomic profiles between contrasting genotypes.

Resumen: Se ha comprobado que los temas de actualidad y los puntos claves para el desarrollo de la neumología y cirugía torácica son comunes independientemente de la comunidad autónoma valorada, aunque con realidades bien distintas a la hora de afrontarlos. Esto hace que este tipo de foros, además de enriquecedores al poner de manifiesto las diferencias territoriales existentes, sean necesarios para diseñar estrategias de futuro comunes que puedan ser lideradas desde SEPAR a nivel nacional. Abstract: Current issues and key points in the development of pulmonology and thoracic surgery are the same among the different autonomous communities of Spain, although each community takes a very different approach in addressing these issues. As a result, forums that shed light on territorial differences are not only informative, but are also essential for designing common SEPAR-led strategies for the future at a countrywide level.

The identification of the factors that cause the multidimensional poverty is essential for obtaining an accurate view of the problems faced by society arising from this reality. In this sense, the main objective was to measure the multidimensional poverty and to analyze its evolution for the municipalities of Mato Grosso do Sul in the years 1991, 2000 and 2010. The Municipal Human Poverty Index (MHPI) was created based on health, education and access to basic household services variables. The results indicate that the municipalities of Japorã, Tacuru, Paranhos and Juti remain among the poorest in the studied period. The municipalities of Campo Grande, Chapadão do Sul, São Gabriel do Oeste and Dourados remain among the poorest. It was concluded that there was an improvement in the social well-being of the counties, as consequence of public policies adopted for the development and quality of life of the population.

Neste artigo, objetivamos refletir sobre a discursivização da lusofonia como um projeto integrador da diversidade cultural e linguística dos países lusófonos, problematizando como o ensino de língua portuguesa promove um ensino decolonial (MIGNOLO, 2011). Na perspectiva integracionista (HARRIS, 1998), defendemos uma visão de linguagem integrada aos contextos de uso assumindo a língua como prática social e pensando na internacionalização da língua portuguesa num projeto plural e integracionista. No âmbito universitário brasileiro, apresentamos algumas ações institucionais promovidas pela Universidade da Integração Internacional da Lusofonia Afro-brasileira que contribuem para a construção de uma educação linguística integracionista. Igualmente, discutimos o ensino de língua portuguesa no cenário político-linguístico do curso de Letras dessa universidade na perspectiva de letramentos ideológico (STREET, 2014), antirracista (NASCIMENTO, 2019) e de resistência (SOUZA, 2011). Concluímos que ainda há um longo percurso para criação e manutenção de políticas públicas que assumam o compromisso com um Ensino Superior integracionista e democrático.

The study explores the association between economic complexity, globalization, renewable and non-renewable energy consumption on the ecological footprint in the case of India from 1990–2018. The autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) is applied to measure the long-run elasticity, while the vector error correction model (VECM) is applied to classify the causal path. The empirical findings demonstrate that economic complexity, globalization process, and renewable energy consumption play a dominant role in minimizing environmental degradation. In contrast, economic growth and non-renewable energy consumption are more responsible for increasing the pollution level in both the short and long run. Furthermore, the VECM outcomes disclose that there is long-run causality between ecological footprint and economic complexity. Moreover, the empirical outcomes are robust to various robustness checks performed for analysis to the consistency of our main results. The Indian government/policymakers should encourage a more environmentally friendly production process and eco-friendly technologies in exports to minimize environmental degradation.

In Corozalito beach, Costa Rica, Olive Ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) nest both solitarily and in arribadas. The predation of solitary nests was monitored from 2008 to 2021, recording date, time, sector of the beach, zone, status of nest (predated or partially predated) and predator when possible. We recorded 4450 predated nests in total (N = 30,148 nesting events); predation rates showed a fluctuating trend, with recent percentages reaching up to 30%, with four distinctive dips in 2010, 2014, 2016 and 2017. The spatial distribution of predated nests along the beach showed significant differences among the sectors regardless of the seasons (Friedman test, chi-squared = 14.778, df = 2, p-value = 0.000), with most predated nests (47.62%) occurring in the northern sectors of the beach. Predators were identified by their tracks and/or direct observations (N = 896, 24.08%). The most conspicuous predators identified were raccoons (55.69%) and black vultures (22.77%). As seen in Corozalito, predation rates have increased in recent years despite established conservation efforts. A comprehensive assessment of all threats towards the overall hatching success for clutches is needed, considering predation during mass nesting events, poaching and beach erosion, among other factors, to fully understand the nesting dynamics occurring in this beach.

Green and blue infrastructure has gained importance for energy firms around the globe due to increased focus on addressing emerging challenges raised in the achievement of green innovation (GI) and the protection of the environment. Pollution reduction and green technology are key factors that help to accomplish GI. The aim of the current research was to examine how green and blue infrastructure and green technologies impact and improve energy firms’ business GI in Pakistan. Quantitative methods were used for the collection of data from 475 managers, policymakers, senior employees, owners, and CEOs. Findings demonstrated that green and blue infrastructure and GI were positively linked. The results also showed that pollution reduction played a mediating role between blue infrastructure and GI. Furthermore, findings also revealed that green technology played a moderating role between green and blue infrastructure and GI. Pollution reduction is a crucial factor in developing the GI performance of energy firms. These new outcomes extend green and blue infrastructure and GI literature and provide empirical proof for practitioners and policymakers. Our study suggests that green technology positively influences green and blue infrastructure, which in turn is associated with GI. This study is based on critical factors that have encouraging impacts on GI.

Currently, microalgae are used in fish diets, but their long-term growth effect is unknown. In this experiment, juvenile seabream specimens were fed with microalgae-enriched diets for three months, and then transferred to a microalgae-free diet for 10 months to assess long-term effects up to commercial size (≈27 cm and ≈300 g). The juvenile diets contained Nannochloropsis gaditana at 2.5 or 5% inclusion levels, either raw (R2.5 and R5 groups) or cellulose-hydrolyzed (H2.5 and H5 groups). The body length and weight were measured in 75 fish group−1 at commercial stage. The size, number, and fibrillar density of white muscle fibers and the white muscle transverse area were measured in nine fish group−1 at commercial stage. The results showed the highest body weight in H5 at commercial stage. The white muscle transverse area and the white fibres hyperplasia and density also showed the highest values in H5, followed by H2.5. In contrast, the highest hypertrophy was observed in C and R2.5, being associated with the lowest muscle growth in both groups. These results showed a microalgae concentration-dependent effect in hydrolyzed diets as well as an advantageous effect of the hydrolyzed versus raw diets on the long-term growth of Sparus aurata.

Multiple genes in sugarcane control sucrose accumulation and the biosynthesis of cell wall components; however, it is unclear how these genes are expressed in its apical culms. To better understand this process, we sequenced mRNA from +1 stem internodes collected from four genotypes with different concentrations of soluble solids. Culms were collected at four different time points, ranging from six to 12-month-old plants. Here we show differentially expressed genes related to sucrose metabolism and cell wall biosynthesis, including genes encoding invertases, sucrose synthase and cellulose synthase. Our results showed increased expression of invertases in IN84-58, the genotype with lower sugar and higher fiber content, as well as delayed expression of secondary cell wall-related cellulose synthase for the other genotypes. Interestingly, genes involved with hormone metabolism were differentially expressed across time points in the three genotypes with higher soluble solids content. A similar result was observed for genes controlling maturation and transition to reproductive stages, possibly a result of selection against flowering in sugarcane breeding programs. These results indicate that carbon partitioning in apical culms of contrasting genotypes is mainly associated with differential cell wall biosynthesis, and may include early modifications for subsequent sucrose accumulation. Co-expression network analysis identified transcription factors related to growth and development, showing a probable time shift for carbon partitioning occurred in 10-month-old plants.

Although previous related studies illustrate several factors that reduce and eliminate ecological pollution, empirical evidence that examines the impact of banking development on footprint ecological quality is missed. This study explores the impact of banking development, renewable energy consumption, and economic growth on the ecological footprint of 27 OECD countries spanning data from 1990 to 2018. Using the method of moments quantile regression (MMQR), the results indicated that a 1% increase in banking expansion is projected to augment the ecological footprint in the OECD nations across all quantiles (first to ninth). Thus, the results affirm that banking development dampens ecological sustainability in the OECD nations. In contrast, the results indicate that renewable energy promotes ecological sustainability in the OECD nations across all quantiles (first to ninth). The empirical findings suggest that OECD policymakers should regard banking and economic development as a “green energy fostering mechanism” while designing policies to promote ecological friend energy sources. Moreover, as part of their core mandates, central banks, and regulatory authorities should promote financial innovation in the banking sector to mobilize the required capital to facilitate nature conservation and restoration.

Childhood motor competence plays a fundamental role in long-term adherence to physical activity. Enjoyment levels and self-perception of physical fitness increase motivation, commitment, and participation in physical activity. The objective of this study was to assess the body mass index (BMI), weight percentile, health status, physical fitness, and enjoyment levels of physical activity. A sample of 138 persons, of whom 67 were males and 71 females, with a mean BMI of 20.04 (2.35) answered the questionnaires Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale and the International Fitness Scale–self-report of physical fitness in young people. Tests were administered to measure functional fitness and anthropometric characteristics. Statistical analysis included calculation of Cronbach’s alpha, ANOVA and Pearson’s bivariate test correlations. The data indicate the reliability of the International Fitness Scale. No significant differences by gender were observed for the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale. The BMI showed that significant positive correlations with 20 m sprint scores (p < 0.001, r = 0.367) and significant negative correlations with 6-minute lap scores (p < 0.001, r = −0.360) could be caused by an older physiological age. The overall physical fitness level of the children was medium-high, with most of the children enjoying physical education classes and slightly higher enjoyment values for males 40.88 (5.42) than females 40.31 (6.16).

The countries of Central and Eastern Europe, from the non-euro area, have completed the process of economic transition before joining the European Union. Achieving a certain level of economic development and membership in the European Union have generated their involvement in a new transition process, namely the energy transition. Concerns about promoting the low carbon economy have become increasingly complex for those countries that are interested in the environmental impact of economic activity. This study aims to analyze the process of energy transition in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe on the basis of the causality relationship among specific variables for the period 1990–2018. The study is based on cross-sectional panel data and the panel vector error correction model (PVECM). The efforts made by these countries by joining the European Union have generated economic development, with positive effects being recorded on the protection of the environment, a fact due to the strict regulations adopted and rigorous implementation at the national level. Foreign capital had a positive impact on the transition to a low carbon economy because most of the FDI flows attracted by the non-euro countries in the CEE come from Western Europe, i.e., from EU member countries, located either among the founders or among the countries that joined during the first waves of union expansion. Membership in the European Union facilitates the energy transition process for the non-euro countries of Central and Eastern Europe, but the new geopolitical events generate the reconfiguration of the European strategy of considering the need to ensure energy security.