Decrease In Growth Rate Research Articles

Growth in revenue and earnings management practices in Nigeria pre- and post-IFRS adoption periods

The purpose of the study is to examine the revenue growth and association with earnings management practices of firms in Nigeria pre- and post-International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) adoption years. The study uses 87 nonfinancial firms over 19 years, nine years pre-IFRS (2003 to 2011), and nine years post-IFRS (2012-2020) for a total of 1566 firm-year observations. The panel regression estimate (fixed effect and random effect) was used to test the association between revenue growth and discretionary accruals, while the paired sample t-test was used to test the effect of IFRS adoption. The finding shows that decreasing growth rates resulted in increasing earnings management practices, probably due to the desire to maintain steady published performance figures in the pre-IFRS era, while decreasing growth rates resulted in income-decreasing earnings management practices in post-IFRS years, a rather surprising result. The finding also suggests that the practice of earnings manipulation is higher post-IFRS, indicating lower earnings quality. While managers engaged in income-increasing earnings management practices pre-IFRS, surprisingly, income-decreasing earnings management practices were detected post-IFRS. The finding deviates from norms and popular assumptions and suggests that the adoption of global standards might not necessarily mean limiting the abilities of managers to manipulate the earnings of companies. While changing standards may affect the nature of earnings manipulation, it is unlikely to prevent or deter the practice in general. The implication is that the application of IFRS will not deter earnings management practices.

Sustainability Versus the Level of Development of Cities with County Rights in Poland in Terms of The Four-Capital Model

The study aims to assess the sustainability and level of development of cities with county rights in 2013-2022 and establish the relationship between these categories. The four-capital model (4C) is used to achieve the goal, according to which the sustainability of development is maintained if capital resources (economic, human, natural and social) are at a constant level or increase over time. The analysis shows that cities with county rights were characterized by sustainable growth, averaging 6.9% (with economic capital increasing by 9.4%, human by 3.1%, natural by 5.6%, and social by 9.4%). The Spearman correlation index of 0.81 (p<0.05) indicates that economic capital had the most significant impact on the final dynamics of urban development. The level of development of cities with county rights was determined using an aggregate measure calculated as the average value of standardized indicators (so-called Perkal index). From the research criteria point of view, the highest level of development was in Sopot (Perkal index = 3.0) and the lowest in Ruda Śląska (-1.0). The correlation analysis shows that the most significant impact on the final result had two capitals, i.e. economic and human, whose relationship with the aggregate measure amounted to 0.93 (p<0.05). The study showed that except for natural capital, for which it was impossible to establish a statistically significant correlation between sustainability and the level of development, in the remaining capitals, the direction was inversely proportional, and the intensity was moderate. The correlation coefficients were -0.33 for economic capital, -0.50 for human capital, and -0.51 for social capital. The relationship at the aggregate level (for the entire 4C model) was -0.52, which means that as the development level increases, the growth rate decreases and vice versa.

HKDC1 enhances the proliferation, migration and glycolysis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma and is linked to immune infiltration.

Background: Understanding the molecular mechanisms of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) development is vital for treating this disease, as the current prognosis and treatment options are highly discouraging. Objective: This study aimed to examine the involvement of Hexokinase Domain Containing 1 (HKDC1) in the progression of PAAD. Methods: The study utilized bioinformatics techniques to evaluate the relationship between the expression of HKDC1 and clinical characteristics. In vitro experiments were conducted to investigate the molecular mechanisms and biological functions of HKDC1 in PAAD. Results: The findings of this research indicate that the expression of HKDC1 was increased in various types of human cancers, and a significant correlation was observed between elevated HKDC1 expression in PAAD and unfavorable prognosis. According to the findings from univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses, HKDC1 could potentially serve as a standalone prognostic indicator for individuals diagnosed with PAAD. After performing calculations, we determined that the HKDC1 high-expression group exhibited lower immunologic score and higher ESTIMATE score, indicating a difference in immune infiltration score. In order to validate the expression of HKDC1 in PAAD cell lines, we analyzed the PAAD cell lines through qPCR and protein blotting. The expression of HKDC1 in human PAAD tissues was also detected by western blotting. Additionally, we explored the involvement of HKDC1 in PAAD by conducting experiments such as colony formation, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU), transwell, and wound healing assays. In our study, we discovered that disruption of HKDC1 expression in PAAD cell types resulted in a decrease in cell growth rate and inhibited cell movement and invasion. Conclusion: To conclude, our findings indicate that HKDC1 has a significant impact on the tumor microenvironment (TME) of PAAD and could potentially be a promising target for PAAD treatment, offering fresh perspectives on the management of PAAD.

Growth and fecundity of Palmer amaranth escaping glufosinate in soybean with and without grass competition

Abstract Field experiments were conducted at Clayton and Rocky Mount, North Carolina, during the summer of 2020 to determine the growth and fecundity of Palmer amaranth plants that survived glufosinate with and without grass competition in soybean crops. Glufosinate (590 g ai ha−1) was applied at early postemergence (when Palmer amaranth plants were 5 cm tall), mid-postemergence (7–10 cm), and late postemergence (>10 cm) and at orthogonal combinations of those timings. Nontreated Palmer amaranth was grown in weedy (i.e., intraspecific and grass competition), weed-free in-crop (WFIC), and weed-free fallow (WFNC) conditions for comparisons. No Palmer amaranth plants survived the sequential glufosinate applications and control decreased as the plants were treated at a larger size in both experiments. The apical and circumferential growth rate of Palmer amaranth surviving glufosinate was reduced by more than 44% compared with the WFNC Palmer amaranth. The biomass of Palmer amaranth plants that survived glufosinate was reduced by more than 87% compared with the WFNC Palmer amaranth. The fecundity of Palmer amaranth that survived glufosinate was reduced by more than 70% compared with WFNC Palmer amaranth. Palmer amaranth plants that survived glufosinate were as fecund as the WFIC Palmer amaranth in both experiments in soybean fields. The results prove that despite the significant vegetative growth rate decrease of Palmer amaranth that survived glufosinate, plants can be as fecund as nontreated plants. The trends in growth and fecundity of Palmer amaranth that survives glufosinate with and without grass competition were similar. These results suggest that glufosinate-treated grass weeds may not reduce the growth or fecundity of Palmer amaranth that survives glufosinate.

Salinity Induced the Growth and Proximate Composition of Euglena sp., Local Strain from Dieng, Indonesia

AbstractHigh salinity is a challenging environmental stress for organisms to overcome. This study studied the effect of NaCl and KCl with various concentrations (0, 100 mM and 200 mM) for 13 days to explore the physiological, morphological and proximate composition of Euglena sp. Euglena sp. exhibited a significant decrease in growth rate, photosynthetic pigment, and increasing salinity. Meanwhile, the highest biomass, protein and carbohydrate content were found in KCl 100 mM with values; of 0.586 mg/mL, 0.050 μg/mL and 904.589 mg/mL, respectively. The highest lipid content was found in treatment with 200 mM NaCl with 0.42 mg/mL. Euglena sp. treated with salt type NaCl and KCl with a concentration of 200 mM showed an increase in SFA content but a decrease in PUFA content. PUFA content shows many variations of fatty acids. Still, the number of fatty acids like methyl linoleate and methyl linolenate does not exceed the limit of 12% (wt) of the European B100 biodiesel standard. It shows that the salt stress approach with salt type NaCl and KCl effectively increases biofuel production in Euglena sp. Therefore, Euglena sp. is suitable for high-salinity cultivation and biofuel production.

THE CONSEQUENCES OF A FORCED MIGRATION SHOCK FOR THE ECONOMY OF A COUNTRY AT WAR: THE CASE OF UKRAINE

The full-scale war in Ukraine, which started with the Russian invasion in February 2022, has led to an unprecedented forced migration crisis not seen in Europe since the Second World War. The current Ukrainian forced displacement, which has no analogues in terms of its scale, geographical coverage, quantitative indicators and timeframe, represents an exceptional case to study in terms of its impact on the economic environment of the country of origin. The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyse the short- and long-term effects of the forced migration shock on the economy of a combatant country in the context of a full-scale war in Ukraine. Methodology. To address the task of classifying the economic consequences of a forced migration shock from the perspective of the country of origin, the publication uses the matrix diagram method. The matrix developed is based on two key characteristics that indicate the durability of the impact (short-term or long-term) and the nature of the impact (explicit or implicit). The analysis of the short-term and long-term effects of forced migration on the Ukrainian economy is based on macroeconomic statistics (key macroeconomic indicators, labour market indicators, public finance indicators, external sector statistics) in the pre-war period, the war period since 2022, and forecasts for 2024-2025. Results. Unlike regular labour migration, forced migration has a predominantly negative impact on the economy of a country of origin, both in the short and long term. The explicit effect of forced migration on the economic system of the country of origin is to damage the labour market. The implicit effects include a decrease in remittances, a reduction in production facilities, an increase in the budget deficit and regional budget imbalances, an increase in the level of external and internal debt, increased dependence on international aid, a decrease in consumption, investment and GDP growth rates. Practical implications. The practical results provide a basis for further research into policy measures to address the negative aspects of increasing migration processes in Ukraine, particularly with a view to the country's future post-war reconstruction. Value/Originality. The matrix developed to assess the impact of the forced migration shock provides a deeper understanding of the multifaceted effects of this phenomenon on the socio-economic system of a country at war.

Characteristics of stunting in children in the Kintamani III Community Health Center area, Bangli District

Background: Stunting is a chronic physical growth disorder in children characterized by a decrease in growth rate and is influenced by nutritional imbalances over a long period with a WHO MGRS z-score value of less than -2 SD. This condition has a fairly high incidence rate in Indonesia, especially in Bangli, Bali, which is caused by various factors. This research was conducted to determine the characteristics of stunting in children in the Kintamani III Community Health Center area, Bangli district. Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study from February to December 2022. The parameters assessed in this study are family income, maternal education, additional food, birth weight, history of infection, exclusive breastfeeding, high genetic potential, environmental sanitation, mother age, gender, and birth spacing. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 25.0 for Windows. Results: There were 70 children with stunting were involved in this research. The research subjects were mostly female (55.7%), the highest birth weight distribution was in the range of 2500-4000 grams (90%), there was no history of infection (88.6%), exclusive breastfeeding was given for 6 months or more ( 92.9%), birth interval more than or equal to 2 years (77.1%), additional food given 3 times a day (80%) which is higher in stunting population compare to severely stunting, average genetic potential height 159.36 + 8.03, mother's age 20-35 years (81.4%), maternal high school education (32.4%), family income above minimum wage (UMK) (87.1%). Conclusion: This research shows that patients with severe stunting tend to have a lower frequency of additional food.

Contribution of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) to Bone Development and Repair.

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a transcription factor activated canonically by numerous cytokines and other factors, with significant roles in immunity, immune diseases, and cancer. It has also been implicated in several human skeletal disorders, with loss-of-function (LOF) mutations associated with aberrant skeletal development. To gain further insights, two zebrafish STAT3 lines were investigated: a complete LOF knockout (KO) mutant and a partial LOF mutant with the transactivation domain truncated (ΔTAD). Consistent with other studies, the KO mutants were smaller, with reduced length in early embryos exacerbated by a decreased growth rate from 5 days postfertilization (dpf). They displayed skeletal deformities that approached 80% incidence by 30 dpf, with a significant reduction in early bone but not cartilage formation. Further analysis additionally identified considerable abrogation of caudal fin regeneration, concomitant with a paucity of infiltrating macrophages and neutrophils, which may be responsible for this. Most of these phenotypes were also observed in the ΔTAD mutants, indicating that loss of canonical STAT3 signaling was the likely cause. However, the impacts on early bone formation and regeneration were muted in the ΔTAD mutant, suggesting the potential involvement of noncanonical functions in these processes.

Pathogenically altered Colletotrichum lindemuthianum transformants help in understanding the biochemical defense and colonization dynamics in Phaseolus vulgaris

Colletotrichum lindemuthianum poses a serious threat to common bean production and impacts food security. It is essential to comprehend the intricate nature of the pathogen infection process and the underlying biochemical systems regulating plant defence to create tactics that effectively increase plant resistance. This study leveraged a stable C. lindemuthianum transformant library to examine these intrinsic mechanisms in a susceptible Phaseolus vulgaris cultivar, Jawala. Among the 57 mitotically stable transformants employed to screen for altered virulence, 51 were pathogenically similar to wild type and the remaining six transformants were either reduced or impaired. Nine transformants (three pathogenically similar and all impaired and reduced mutants) were selected for subsequent studies. These mutants exhibited an array of morpho-cultural variations. The biochemical studies of these mutants revealed free radicals as double-edged swords, exerting a pivotal influence on the infection process. The free radical (H2O2) elevated at an early stage (24 hpi) in the cases of reduced (CT-51) and impaired (CT-225) mutants. However, at the later stage (72 hpi), H2O2 was promoted in the case of R-2047 and equal to wild type (CT-101) transformant. Contrary, superoxide (O2−) increased considerably at 48 hpi in the incompatible interaction of reduced (CT-51) and impaired (CT-225) mutants. The microscopic images revealed how easily the wild type (CT-101) could germinate, penetrate, and infect the leaves. The pathogenically reduced transformant (CT-51), however, had delayed germination as well as a decreased growth rate and spore production. Additionally, the pathogenicity of the impaired transformant (CT-225) was completely lost, and its conidia failed to properly germinate. This is the first account of C. lindemuthianum in planta colonization with a GFP tag. This study increased our understanding of the mechanics of the reactions triggered by C. lindemuthianum and may be used to develop novel strategies for the effective control of bean anthracnose. Additionally, identifying the genes disrupted by the insertion of Agrobacterium T-DNA will help in identifying the genes necessary for bean plant colonization.

Time-kill kinetics of Piper betle L. ethanolic leaf extract on methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the main pathogens in community and hospital infections that could cause mild skin infections to severe life-threatening bacteremia. Piper betle has shown antibacterial activities against S. aureus but its pharmacodynamics remains unclear despite its widespread availability in many over-the-counter preparations. This study aimed to describe the time-kill kinetics of P. betle extract against methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 (MSSA). Time-kill kinetics were conducted to describe the killing rate of P. betle extract by its effects on MSSA lag time duration, growth rate, and maximum optical density. The surviving colonies at different time-points after exposure to P. betle extract at minimum bactericidal concentration were also determined. Subinhibitory concentrations elucidated its concentration-dependent antibacterial activity by maintaining a trend of increasing lag time, decreasing growth rate, and decreasing maximum optical density as the concentration increases. In particular, concentration at 1250 μg/mL or 0.5 x minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) showed consistent significant findings across these parameters. Concentrations at MIC and above did not show growth, indicating MSSA growth inhibition or death. P. betle extract’s bactericidal effect started immediately within two (2) hours and was sustained until no growth was observed from the eighth hour and beyond. P. betle extract maintained antibacterial activities against MSSA at subinhibitory concentrations and has also exhibited immediate and sustained bactericidal effect at minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC).

A Preliminary Study of Anti‐TNFα Therapy for Symptomatic Dolichoectatic Vertebrobasilar Aneurysms

Background Dolichoectatic vertebrobasilar aneurysms (DVBAs) carry high morbidity, and treatment options are limited. The tumor necrosis factor α signaling cascade is implicated in DVBA growth and rupture, but the role of anti–tumor necrosis factor α therapy in DVBA has not been studied. Methods A retrospective, case–control study of DVBA at a single institution was performed. Two patients with DVBA were treated with infliximab (tumor necrosis factor α inhibitor) as part of routine therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. Three additional patients diagnosed with DVBA were studied as a control group. Routine brain magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance angiography were measured by 2 blinded neuroradiologists to assess DVBA growth. Baseline comorbidities and clinical outcomes were assessed by chart review. Results The groups were similar with respect to baseline characteristics, and all patients were symptomatic at the time of DVBA diagnosis. One patient who started infliximab during the study period showed a reversal in DVBA growth rate trajectory, with a relative decrease in growth rate by 37% (0.49–0.18 mm 2 /day). Mean interval DVBA growth rates were lower during infliximab therapy than during noninfliximab observation intervals (0.13 versus 0.50 mm 2 /day; P = 0.09). Two patients in the control group died during the study period and 1 had a poor outcome (modified Rankin scale = 4). Both patients in the infliximab group had unchanged functional status (modified Rankin scale = 1) and no adverse events related to infliximab. Conclusion This study presents the first investigation of anti–tumor necrosis factor α therapy for DVBA. Infliximab was associated with low and decreasing DVBA growth trajectories with no treatment‐related adverse events. The effect of infliximab on clinical outcomes remains uncertain.

Bank Lending in Dual Narratives: Economic Policy Uncertainty and Interest-Rate Derivatives

This research aims to examine whether banks can employ interest-rate derivatives to mitigate or intensify the effects of economic policy uncertainty on bank lending. By testing two opposing hypotheses, it offers valuable insights into how the interplay between bank lending, interest-rate derivatives, and EPU can influence bank’s loan growth. Using a sample of 1,285 Bank Holding Companies (BHCs) for the period from 1986 to 2017, panel regression analysis confirms a negative relationship between EPU and Commercial Industrial (C&I) loan growth. This negative association is not only statistically significant but also economically meaningful. Specifically, when EPU increases by one standard deviation, bank holding companies (BHCs) experience a decrease in loan growth rate by 91 basis points. While derivative users exhibit a significantly higher mean loan growth compared to non-users, the interaction term between interest-rate derivative usage and EPU is negative and statistically significant. This suggests that the usage of interest-rate derivatives aggravates the negative impact of EPU on bank lending.

Multilevel analysis of copper resource reallocation in the anthroposphere through international trade

International trade forms a crucial component of copper utilization patterns in the anthroposphere and plays a key role in resource reallocation. In response to the gaps in current research, this study details the evolutionary characteristics of copper flows embedded in international trade from 2000 to 2020 at three scales, i.e., global, continental, and national, along the technological life cycle of copper and quantifies the redistribution of copper resource in the anthroposphere through trade. At the global level, the study highlights that copper volume contained in the international trade has risen from 21.9 Mt to 35.8 Mt during 2000–2020, but with a decreasing growth rate against the background of sluggish global economic growth. At the intercontinental level, natural resource endowments and development requirements determine the role in trade played by each region. Accumulatively, Asia imported a total of 134.2 Mt copper resources from other continents while South America met a total of 128.2 Mt copper demand from other continents. North America and Europe played an important role in both import and export of copper resources, but were basically net importers. At the national level, global copper trade was dominated by a few countries including China, the USA, Chile, Peru, etc., and the copper resource endowment of these countries has been greatly changed through international trade. With the possible tightening of global copper resources supply till 2050, resource competition could emerge among the major importing countries.

Xyloglucan-specific endo-β-1,4-glucanase (PdXEG1) gene is important for the growth, development and virulence of Penicillium digitatum

Penicillium digitatum is a necrotrophic fungus responsible for the most severe postharvest rots of citrus fruit. However, the precise mechanisms underlying the interaction between P. digitatum and citrus fruit are still unknown. In this study, the xyloglucan-specific endo-β-1,4-glucanase gene in P. digitatum, designated as PdXEG1, was identified and characterized. Bioinformatics analysis showed that PdXEG1 is a member of the glycoside hydrolase 12 (GH12) family of the plant cell wall degrading enzymes (CWDEs) and is highly homologous with other XEG proteins. The molecular docking analysis revealed that the PdXEG1 protein can potentially recognize xyloglucan structures and exhibit hydrolytic activity. The knockout strain exhibited decreased growth rate, conidial yield, and conidial germination rate on the callus induction medium (CIM) (supplemented with citrus pomace). However, no discernible impact of PdXEG1 knockout was observed when the strain was cultured on the potato dextrose agar (PDA). The ΔPdXEG1 strain also displayed reduced xylanase and endoglucanase activities and attenuated in vivo pathogenicity and expansion ability. Correspondingly, PdXEG1 complementation restored these effects. Additionally, transcriptome analyses revealed that PdXEG1 knockdown markedly downregulated the expression of genes encoding various CWDEs, development-related regulators and transporter proteins, in addition to affecting the basal substance metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids and fatty acids. In conclusion, these results suggested that the PdXEG1 gene is crucial for P. digitatum growth, spore production and pathogenicity during citrus fruit infection.

Continuous vs. discontinuous garnet growth in mylonitic micaschists from northeastern Sardinia, Italy: Evidence from LA-ICPMS trace element mapping

Garnet with complex, discontinuous zoning is a common occurrence in metamorphic terrains, and the relationship between major and trace element zoning can provide insight into the metamorphic evolution of the host rock. Mylonitic micaschists along the Posada-Asinara Shear Zone in the Axial Zone of the Sardinia Variscan chain contain garnet porphyroblasts, enveloped by the S2 schistosity, with distinct core and rim domains. A large garnet porphyroblasts was investigated by laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS) mapping. The major element compositional variation follows a bell-shaped zoning, with Ca and Mn contents progressively decreasing, and Fe and Mg increasing, from the core to the outer rim. LA-ICPMS mapping revealed a thin and sharp annular enrichment zone in Y, Sc, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm at the mantle-rim boundary. The trace element (TE) compositional profiles show a central enrichment area for HREE (Tm, Yb, Lu). This enrichment decreases progressively, as a function of atomic number, for Er, Ho and Dy. Elements with even lower atomic number (Tb, Gd, Eu and Sm), are depleted in this central domain, but their content increases in broad shoulders towards the garnet rim. The position of these lateral shoulders migrates progressively rimwards with decreasing atomic number. The REE distribution, trend and behavior in the growth zones of the garnet is an example of TE control during a continuous growth ruled by diffusion-limited REE uptake. The Y + HREE annular enrichment zone, interpreted as resulting from a decrease in the garnet growth rate, reflects a short-lived episode in the garnet growth history.

Spatiotemporal characteristics and influencing factors of carbon emissions from land-use change in Shaanxi Province, China.

Due to global warming, there evolves a global consensus and urgent need on carbon emission mitigations, especially in developing countries. We investigated the spatiotemporal characteristics of carbon emissions induced by land use change in Shaanxi at the city level, from 2000 to 2020, by combining direct and indirect emission calculation methods with correction coefficients. In addition, we evaluated the impact of 10 different factors through the geodetector model and their spatial heterogeneity with the geographic weighted regression (GWR) model. Our results showed that the carbon emissions and carbon intensity of Shaanxi had increased overall in the study period but with a decreased growth rate during each 5-year period: 2000-2005, 2005-2010, 2010-2015, and 2015-2020. In terms of carbon emissions, the conversion of croplands into built-up land contributed the most. The spatial distribution of carbon emissions in Shaanxi was ranked as follows: Central Shaanxi > Northern Shaanxi > Southern Shaanxi. Local spatial agglomeration was reflected in the cold spots around Xi'an, and hot spots around Yulin. With respect to the principal driving factors, the gross domestic product (GDP) was the dominant factor affecting most of the carbon emissions induced by land cover and land use change in Shaanxi, and socioeconomic factors generally had a greater influence than natural factors. Socioeconomic variables also showed evident spatial heterogeneity in carbon emissions. The results of this study may aid in the formulation of land use policy that is based on reducing carbon emissions in developing areas of China, as well as contribute to transitioning into a "low-carbon" economy.

Agricultural and resource economy of Ukraine and problems for economic growth

Ukraine’s economy is highly dependent on the agricultural sector; it is the main component of the country’s international specialisation in the international arena and is one of the main representatives of budget revenues. Thus, its research remains relevant, as does the investigation of historical prerequisites and prospects for this. The purpose of the study was to assess the latest trends in the development of the industry and, based on them, form recommendations for the development of the country, in particular, in wartime conditions. The main methods used in the study were analysis, historical analysis, forecasting, and abstraction. Within the framework of the study, some statistical data describing the latest trends in the development of the agricultural sector of Ukraine were analysed, including international trade in industry products, the amount of land planted with agricultural crops, the amount of livestock products produced. It was found that there were positive trends in the development of agriculture in the country, especially in the field of crop production. However, the events of 2014 and 2022 have led to political and economic instability in the country, resulting in stagnation (in the case of animal husbandry) and a decrease in growth rates (for crop production). Considering the difficulties that exist for the development of crop production in war conditions, separate recommendations were proposed for the development of national policy. These include minimising the negative impact of corruption (developing institutions), promoting innovation, and attracting investment. Although some such actions are already being implemented by the state in the form of various support measures, they are still not enough to solve all the problems of development in the sector. The paper brings new knowledge to the field of research in the agricultural sector, in particular in Ukraine. This knowledge will allow for more effective policy-making for both public sector representatives and entrepreneurs

NIMG-74. COMPARING VOLUMETRIC GROWTH-RATE AND RANO CRITERIA IN DETERMINING THE RESPONSE OF MENINGIOMA TO BEVACIZUMAB THERAPY

Abstract Meningioma is the most prevalent primary tumor in the central nervous system (CNS). Although mostly benign, 15- 20% are aggressive and tend to recur and progress despite surgery and adjuvant radiation. Recent publications show that bevacizumab, a vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor, effectively treats these refractory meningiomas. The standard method to monitor treatment’s effect on imaging is Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology criteria (RANO). Recently, an alternative tool called 3D volumetric growth rate (3DVGR) has emerged. Our aim is to compare the effectiveness of conventional RANO criteria and the 3DVGR measure in evaluating the response to bevacizumab treatment in patients with refractory meningiomas. We will also assess their correlation with clinical outcomes over a period of up to 9 months. 68 MRI scans of 20 patients with aggressive meningiomas treated with bevacizumab were evaluated. For each tumor both RANO and 3DVGR were conducted in two subsequent head MRI studies acquired prior to the initiation of bevacizumab treatment and then in at least one exam within 6 months post-treatment. Measurements were obtained using PACS and BRAIN LAB software by two radiologists. A total of 43 lesions derived from 20 patients were included in the analysis. The mean age was 65.5; mean number of radiation treatments was 2.66; mean number of pre-surgical treatments was 2.7 and mean number of bevacizumab cycles was 22.7. All lesions showed a decrease or stabilization in growth rate compared to baseline. More specifically, 34 out of 43 lesions (79%) showed a negative growth rate value indicating decrease in tumor size. Comparison of treatment response using RANO criteria was not always in concordance with the 3DVGR measurement and showed inaccurate correlation with clinical outcome. 3DVGR measure seems to be more precise compared to RANO criteria. Furthermore, our results show great promise for treatment of refractory meningiomas with bevacizumab.

The effect of resveratrol on aortic growth and function in patients with marfan syndrome

Abstract Background Patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS) have an increased risk of life-threatening aortic complications, mostly preceded by aortic dilatation. Resveratrol, a dietary supplement that intervenes in cellular metabolism has been shown to reduce aortic dilatation rate in a rodent study (1). Purpose To investigate if treatment with Resveratrol reduces aortic dilatation rate in patients with MFS. Methods In this investigator-initiated, prospective, pre-post observational, multicenter trial, we analysed Resveratrol treatment in adults with MFS. Primary endpoint was the change in aortic dilatation rate at five predetermined locations along the thoracic aorta following the daily intake of 500 mg Resveratrol for one year. Aortic dilatation rate was calculated using diastolic Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) aorta diameters acquired at three time points: the most recent MRI examination available prior to inclusion and two Dixon 3D examinations on a 3 Tesla MRI system acquired at baseline and after one year Resveratrol administration. Additionally, we quantified and investigated regional changes in aortic hemodynamics (wall shear stress (WSS), flow velocity and pulse wave velocity (PWV)) determined by 4D-flow MRI. Results A total of 57 participants, mean age of 37 ± 9 years, of which 28 males (49%) were included in the study. Twenty-six (46%) had undergone aortic root replacement prior to the study. All aortic dimensions remained stable after 1.2 ± 0.3 years follow-up. A significant decrease in growth rate (mm/year) in the ascending aorta was observed during the trial compared to pre-trial, from 0.54 (IQR: 0.09–1.39) to 0.00 (IQR: -0.99–0.67), p=0.004. Global PWV and regional mean WSS and velocity did not change after one year of Resveratrol use. PWV (m/s) was significantly higher for patients with a history of aortic root surgery (9.83 ± 1.8 versus 8.42 ± 1.91, p=0.034). Additionally, using Spearman’s ρ correlation coefficient, a positive correlation between PWV and age was found; r=0.452, p=0.003. Conclusion In adult patients with MFS, Resveratrol treatment shows promising results towards stabilizing aortic growth rate after 1.2 year follow up, without major changes in aorta hemodynamics. These findings may warrant a subsequent larger study with a longer follow-up period.RESVcue study summary figure

Extinction risk modeling predicts range-wide differences of climate change impact on Karner blue butterfly (Lycaeides melissa samuelis)

The Karner blue butterfly (Lycaeides melissa samuelis, or Kbb), a federally endangered species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act in decline due to habitat loss, can be further threatened by climate change. Evaluating how climate shapes the population trend of the Kbb can help in the development of adaptive management plans. Current demographic models for the Kbb incorporate in either a density-dependent or density-independent manner. We instead created mixed density-dependent and -independent (hereafter “endo-exogenous”) models for Kbbs based on long-term count data of five isolated populations in the upper Midwest, United States during two flight periods (May to June and July to August) to understand how the growth rates were related to previous population densities and abiotic environmental conditions, including various macro- and micro-climatic variables. Our endo-exogenous extinction risk models showed that both density-dependent and -independent components were vital drivers of the historical population trends. However, climate change impacts were not always detrimental to Kbbs. Despite the decrease of population growth rate with higher overwinter temperatures and spring precipitations in the first generation, the growth rate increased with higher summer temperatures and precipitations in the second generation. We concluded that finer spatiotemporally scaled models could be more rewarding in guiding the decision-making process of Kbb restoration under climate change.