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Purpose: This study explores the impact of external auditors' ethical behavior on audit quality, with a particular focus on the perspectives of internal auditors in publicly listed Pakistani companies. It aims to address the gap in literature concerning the interplay between ethical behavior, corporate ethical values, and perceived audit quality. Design/Methodology/Approach: Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), the study examines the direct and indirect effects of external auditors' ethics on audit quality, with corporate ethical values as a moderating factor. Data were collected via a mail survey and Google Forms from auditors in listed Pakistani firms, yielding 232 usable responses (61% response rate). The analysis utilized SPSS and AMOS for reliability, validity, factor analysis, regression, and correlation. Findings: Results reveal a positive relationship between ethical behavior and perceived audit quality, amplified by strong corporate ethical values. Companies prioritizing ethics reported enhanced audit quality, providing valuable insights for regulators and auditors. Implications/Originality/Value: This research contributes to the understanding of ethical behavior in audit quality, offering actionable insights for improving ethical standards in audit practices. The findings are pertinent for regulatory bodies, auditors, and policymakers aiming to strengthen financial disclosure integrity in Pakistan

Atypical spindle cell lipomatous tumors of the vulva are rare masses. We report a case of atypical spindle cell lipoma of the vulva and provide a succinct review of the current understanding of these benign masses. Specifically, this report describes a case of a 20-year-old nulligravid female who presented for evaluation of a labial mass that had been growing for one year. A pelvic MRI revealed a 7 cm fatty growth. The vulvar mass was surgically resected. This case report describes the pathologic staining pattern for these masses and reviews characteristics of these benign tumors such that they are not mistaken for malignancy.

Background: Additional to total protein content, the amino acid (AA) profile is important to the nutritional value of soybean seed. The AA profile in soybean seed is a complex quantitative trait controlled by multiple interconnected genes and pathways controlling the accumulation of each AA. With a total of 621 soybean germplasm, we used three genome-wide association study (GWAS)-based approaches to investigate the genomic regions controlling the AA content and profile in soybean. Among those approaches, the GWAS network analysis we implemented takes advantage of the relationships between specific AAs to identify the genetic control of AA profile. Results: For Approach I, GWAS were performed for the content of 24 single AAs under all environments combined. Significant SNPs grouping into 16 linkage disequilibrium (LD) blocks from 18 traits were identified. For Approach II, the individual AAs were grouped by five families according to their metabolic pathways and were examined based on the sum, ratios, and interactions of AAs within the same biochemical family. Significant SNPs grouping into 35 LD blocks were identified, with SNPs associated with traits from the same biochemical family often positioned on the same LD blocks. Approach III, a correlation-based network analysis, was performed to assess the empirical relationships among AAs. Two groups were described by the network topology, Group 1: Ala, Gly, Lys, available Lys (Alys), and Thr and Group 2: Ile and Tyr. Significant SNPs associated with a ratio of connected AAs or a ratio of a single AA to its fully or partially connected metabolic groups were identified within 9 LD blocks for Group 1 and 2 LD blocks for Group 2. Among 40 identified QTL for AA or AA-derived traits, three genomic regions were novel in terms of seed composition traits (oil, protein, and AA content). An additional 24 regions had previously not been specifically associated with the AA content. Conclusions: Our results confirmed loci identified from previous studies but also suggested that network approaches for studying AA contents in soybean seed are valuable. Three genomic regions (Chr 5: 41,754,397–41,893,109 bp, Chr 9: 1,537,829–1,806,586 bp, and Chr 20: 31,554,795–33,678,257 bp) were significantly identified by all three approaches. Yet, the majority of associations between a genomic region and an AA trait were approach- and/or environment-specific. Using a combination of approaches provides insights into the genetic control and pleiotropy among AA contents, which can be applied to mechanistic understanding of variation in AA content as well as tailored nutrition in cultivars developed from soybean breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Clinically, a dysbiotic vaginal microbiota (VMB) colonized with anaerobic species such as Gardnerella vaginalis has been linked to increased susceptibility to viral sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV-2). The mechanism is poorly understood due to the lack of small animal models. Methods: Mice were inoculated with 107 CFU of the eubiotic bacteria Lactobacillus crispatus , the dysbiotic bacteria G. vaginalis , or PBS as a negative control every 48 h for ten days. On day ten, mice were inoculated with 105 PFU WT HSV-2 333 and survival, pathology, and viral titers were assessed. To elucidate changes in the vaginal microenvironment following bacterial inoculations, vaginal tissue and washes were collected following ten days of inoculations. To assess barrier integrity, tissue was fixed and stained for the barrier protein Desmoglein-1 (DSG-1). To evaluate the immune microenvironment, tissue was processed for flow cytometry to examine tissue-resident T cells and cytokine production by T cells. Vaginal washes were used for multiplex cytokine/chemokine analysis. Results: G. vaginalis inoculated mice infected with HSV-2 had significantly decreased survival rates, increased pathology, and higher viral titers than PBS and L. crispatus inoculated mice. The vaginal epithelium of G. vaginalis inoculated mice showed decreased DSG-1 staining compared to other groups, indicating compromised barrier function. Decreased total numbers of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells expressing activated mucosal immune markers CD44, CD69, and CD103 were observed in the vaginal tract of G. vaginalis inoculated mice. They also showed increased proportions of T cells expressing inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IFN-γ, while L. crispatus inoculated mice had increased proportions and absolute counts of T cells expressing the regulatory cytokine IL-10. In the multiplex assay, vaginal washes from G. vaginalis mice had increased inflammatory cytokines and chemokines compared to L. crispatus and PBS groups. Discussion: These results suggest G. vaginalis inoculation may be increasing HSV-2 infection by disrupting the epithelial barrier, decreasing protective immune responses and increasing tissue inflammation in the vaginal tract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The most severe and least common side effects of shoulder dislocations are brachial plexus injury. Patients generally approach with a shoulder in abduction and external rotation, a behavior that orthopedic surgeons are accustomed to seeing in patients with an anterior type of shoulder dislocation. There are different viewpoints on whether surgery should be attempted to treat these old injuries with BPI and, if so, at what time. Material and Method: We had a 25-year male old patient who was admitted through an outdoor clinic with a ‘neglected locked anterior dislocation’ that had been unrecognized for the last two months. After consent and fitness, he was managed with an open reduction as well as the Latarjet technique, followed by neurotization for BPI upper trunk after four months had passed with no improvement. Result: The patient achieved 90 degrees of abduction and forward flexion in the 4th month of follow-up neurotization with a stable shoulder joint. Conclusion: We advocate that old stuck shoulder dislocations along with BPI be reduced right after using an open method, stabilized by using the Laterjet intervention if still unstable, and surgically handle the wounded nerves after four months of no sign of regeneration.

Purpose – The global economy is plagued by an unprecedented shock that has devastated economic growth under the coronavirus pandemic. The prolonged movement control orders, social distancing, and lockdowns have triggered the global economic downturn, disrupted the demand and supply chains, reduced the pool of workforce, and caused many jobs loss. This paper aims to analyze the global economic cost of the coronavirus pandemic, and its current and future implications. Design/methodology/approach – Based on contingency theory, this paper provides an in-depth analysis of the current situation on the global economic cost of the COVID-19 outbreak and gives insights from an organizational perspective. Findings – This paper found that the world has witnessed far-ranging economic consequences due to the coronavirus pandemic in four aspects: (i) decline in personal consumption; (ii) decline in the investments and stock prices in capital market; (iii) decline in government spending in developmental projects and increase in new borrowing; and (iv) decline of exports of goods to international markets. Originality/value – The novelty lies in investigating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on micro and macroeconomic levels — the components of GDP, consumer behavior, business investments, government spending, and global exports. The paper suggests the need for urgent actions by the world leaders to oversee, anticipate, and manage the risks and cushion the economic consequences. It concludes that the flexibility and adaptability of leaders, effectiveness, workforce protection, efficient use of modern technology, including automation and artificial intelligence, would enhance the resilience of supply chains which will support organizations to sustain in this critical time.

Depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) and Norethisterone Enanthate (NET-EN) are progestin-only injectable contraceptives widely used by women in sub-Sharan Africa, where incidence of HIV-1 and HSV-2 infection remains high. Studies indicate that DMPA usage can increase the risk of HSV-2 infection, but limited data indicate no increased risk with use of NET-EN. We therefore investigated the effects of NET-EN and DMPA on susceptibility to vaginal HSV-2 infection in ovariectomized (OVX) mice and effects on immune responses, particularly in the vaginal tract (VT). OVX mice, when treated with NET-EN and infected intravaginally, had delayed genital pathology, decreased viral shedding, and extended survival compared to DMPA- or untreated OVX mice. CD4+ T cells isolated from VT showed no significant change in frequency with either contraceptive. However, DMPA significantly decreased the total number of VT CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and the number of IFN-γ producing CD4 and CD8 T cells and increased the percentage of CD4 and CD8 T cells producing TNF-α compared to untreated mice. In contrast, NET-EN significantly enhanced percentages of CD8+ T cells compared to DMPA treated mice, and frequencies of IFN-γ+ CD4 and CD8 T cells in the VT compared to untreated mice. Comparative analysis of splenic lymphocytes indicated that DMPA treatment resulted in reduction of CD4+ T cell frequency, but enhanced TNF-α+ CD4 T cells compared to untreated mice. NET-EN enhanced the frequency of CD8 T cells, as well as IFN-γ+ and TNF-α+ CD4, and IFN-γ+ CD8 T cells in the spleen compared to untreated mice. Importantly, we found DMPA treatment that significantly reduced mucin production, whereas NET-EN enhanced expression of cell-associated mucin in VT. High levels of mucin in NET-EN mice were associated with lower levels of HSV-2 virus detected in the vaginal tract. This study provides the first evidence that NET-EN treatment can delay HSV-2 infection compared to DMPA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

R18‐14147 (Reg. no. GP‐528, PI 705143) is a high‐protein conventional soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] germplasm of maturity group Mid‐IV developed and released by the University of Arkansas System – Division of Agriculture Research & Extension in 2023. The germplasm is an F3:4 selection from the cross LG10‐3671‐1 × R09‐430. Plants of R18‐14147 have an indeterminate growth habit with purple flowers, gray pubescence, brown pod wall, and imperfect black hilum. Across 28 environments in Arkansas (2019–2022), R18‐14147 yield averaged 4482 kg ha−1, with broad adaptability and yield stability. Seed of R18‐14147 contains on average 429 g kg−1 and 191 g kg−1 of protein and oil on a dry weight basis, respectively, and seed weight is 15.2 g 100 seeds−1. The average seed protein content of this line is 8%–27% higher than the average protein content of the check cultivars used in various trials to evaluate R18‐14147. Additionally, R18‐14147 has been identified as resistant to stem canker. R18‐14147 presents soybean growers in the mid‐southern United States with a promising germplasm alternative combining high yield potential and elevated seed protein content for alternative crop rotation in herbicide‐tolerant cultivar systems, offering potentially seed‐saving cost benefits and serving as a valuable germplasm for new cultivar development. Core Ideas: R18‐14147 is a high‐protein soybean genotype that can support the growing market for plant‐based protein.R18‐14147 is a non‐GMO genotype with improved economically important traits that can maximize profit for growers.R18‐14147 is a well‐adapted germplasm that can be important in pre‐breeding activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

USDA‐N7007 is a non‐GM, maturity group (MG) VII soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] (Reg. no. GP‐529, PI 705147) germplasm released by the USDA Agricultural Research Service in conjunction with the North Carolina Agricultural Research Service in December of 2023. USDA‐N7007 is a high‐yielding, high‐protein germplasm derived from wild soybean (Glycine soja Siebold & Zucc; PI 366122) and small‐seeded MG VII USDA cultivar N7103. Over 47 combined testing environments of the USDA Southern Uniform and USB Protein Diversity Tests (2018–2021), USDA‐N7007 yielded 98% of the check mean and 102% of the test mean. The average protein content of USDA‐N7007 was significantly higher (432 g kg−1) than the average check means of 402 g kg−1 and 413 g kg−1 in the USDA Southern Uniform and USB Protein Diversity Tests, respectively. Across both tests (2019–2021), the release was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in protein (+7 g kg−1), with 9% higher seed yield (+242 kg ha−1) than the recurrent parent N7103. USDA‐N7007 is resistant to lodging, southern root‐knot nematode, and stem canker. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first US release clearly demonstrating that the wild soybean genome can be incorporated into an elite cultivar to increase seed protein without a negative effect on seed yield. This release is a truly novel and valuable resource for development of future US soybean cultivars because it will be useful to improve both genetic diversity and seed protein simultaneously without a negative effect on seed yield. Core Ideas: USDA‐N7007 demonstrates that wild soybean can be used in cultivar development without a yield drag.USDA‐N7007 is a valuable resource for development of future soybean cultivars to improve genetic diversity.USDA‐N7007 exhibits an increased protein content without a negative effect on yield.Expanding the genetic base of soybean is a vital factor for increasing sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSECervical cancer remains a major health challenge in low- to middle-income countries. We present the experiences of two centers practicing in variable resource environments to determine predictors of improved radiochemotherapy treatment.METHODS AND MATERIALSThis comparative review describes cervical cancer presentation and treatment with concurrent chemoradiotherapy with high-dose-rate brachytherapy between 2014 and 2017 at the National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Center (NRONMC) in Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana, and Moffitt Cancer Center (MCC), Tampa, FL.RESULTSMedian follow-up for this study was 16.9 months. NRONMC patients presented with predominantly stage III disease (42% v 16%; P = .002). MCC patients received para-aortic node irradiation (16%) and interstitial brachytherapy implants (19%). Median treatment duration was longer for NRONMC patients compared with MCC patients (59 v 52 days; P < .0001), and treatment duration ≥ 55 days predicted worse survival on multivariable analysis (MVA; P = .02). Stage ≥ III disease predicted poorer local control on MVA. There was a difference in local control among patients with stage III disease (58% v 91%; P = .03) but not in survival between MCC and NRONMC. No significant difference in local control was observed for stage IB, IIA, and IIB disease.CONCLUSIONAlthough there were significant differences in disease presentation between the two centers, treatment outcomes were similar for patients with early-stage disease. Longer treatment duration and stage ≥ III disease predicted poor outcomes.