Positive Growth Research Articles

An Exploratory Study on the Effect of Macroeconomic Indicators on the Stock Market Performance among 6-ASEAN Countries

The stock market's performance has been impacted by the global economy's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigates the impact of various factors on stock market performance, with a focus on the global economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The stock market has experienced positive growth, driven by low interest rates, ample liquidity, and sustained investor optimism, despite concerns over rising inflation and interest rates. This research aims to analyze stock market performance across six ASEAN countries, using a range of data sources, including historical stock prices, financial reports, and macroeconomic indicators. The findings reveal that the real exchange rate exerts the most significant influence on stock market performance. The insights from this study provide valuable information for investors, policymakers, and government bodies, aiding in strategic decision-making and investment planning in these markets.

Post-Traumatic Growth Promoting and Inhibiting Factors Among Intimate Partner Violence Survivors: A Systematic Review.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a traumatic experience that is universally present across the globe. Undeniably, there are expected adverse outcomes. However, it is also conceivable that IPV survivors might see, feel, and experience a hopeful, positive future after their IPV experience. Notably experienced by IPV survivors is post-traumatic growth (PTG). PTG is a type of positive psychological change that occurs following the struggle with a traumatic experience. The changes are then reflected across five domains. As more studies on PTG among IPV survivors continue to rise, there must be a better understanding of the process. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol, this systematic review consolidated findings from existing literature guided by the research questions: (a) What areas of PTG do IPV survivors most experience positive psychological growth? (b) What factors are associated with PTG among IPV survivors? A total of 22 studies met the criteria and were included. Spiritual growth and new possibilities domains were experienced the most by adult IPV survivors. Contributing and inhibiting factors toward PTG were identified and categorized as interpersonal, contextual, or intrapersonal. Targeted interventions aiding the process toward PTG for IPV survivors were also identified, including commonly maladaptive coping strategies. This systematic review contributes to the literature by increasing knowledge that can be used for more effective support, interventions, and policies that promote PTG for adult IPV survivors.

A Single-Center Retrospective Study of Bacterial Infections After Acute Ischemic Stroke: The Prevalence Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background and Objectives: The management of ischemic stroke involves care that is integrated and comprehensive, including the prevention of infection complications. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and profile of bacterial infections after acute ischemic stroke both before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study examined the medical records of hospitalized acute ischemic stroke patients who had microbiological cultures taken at the National Brain Center Hospital Prof. Dr. dr. Mahar Mardjono, Jakarta, Indonesia, from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2021. The percentage of positive bacterial growth in the microbiological cultures was used to determine the prevalence of bacterial infection after acute ischemic stroke. Results: A total of 519 patients met the study criteria, including 48 and 471 patients with infections before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The prevalence of bacterial infection after acute ischemic stroke was 17.9%. There were significant differences in the prevalence of bacterial infection after acute ischemic stroke before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (87.5% vs. 10.8%). Staphylococcus sp. and Klebsiella sp. were the most frequently observed. The risk factors that influenced bacterial infection after acute ischemic stroke were intensive care stay (OR 0.22; 95%CI 0.13–0.39, p-value < 0.001), sepsis (OR 1.99; 95%CI 1.12–3.53, p-value = 0.019), COVID-19 infection (OR 4.81; 95%CI 2.64–8.76, p-value < 0.001), the use of steroids (OR 0.31; 95%CI 0.14–0.67, p-value = 0.003), and the use of TPN (OR 0.34; 95%CI 0.13–0.86, p-value = 0.022). Conclusions: Following the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a decrease in the prevalence of bacterial infections after AIS. Patients with bacterial infections had different profiles before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Estimation of the concentration of some biochemical parameters and bacterial profile in patients with periodontitis and its relationship with cardiovascular disease

Background: Concerning the widespread occurrence of hyperlipidemia, a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and unclear findings on the connection between periodontal disease and the levels of lipids in the blood. Aim of the study: This study aimed to isolation different bacterial type from periodontitis patients and evaluated level of lipid profile in the same patients Material and methods: The study included a collection age group of 90 samples swaps (patient and control), 60 samples from patients with periodontitis attending outpatient clinics and Balad General Hospitalthe sample were collected for different ages between 15-55 years old and both sexes, from july 2023to December 2024. The sample was taken using a sterile cotton swab (transport cotton swab). The blood samples were taking from their arms from (cubital vien), 5cc of venous blood taken from patients & control healthy individual, Samples were cultured directly using the plotting method on culture media suitable for bacterial growth, which included blood agar, MacConkey agar, mannitol salt agar, MSB agar, and chromo agar. The plates were incubated upside down at 37°C for 18–24 days. The bacterial isolates were identified based on physiological tests and biochemical tests. Result: The present study’s result showed About (60%) showed positive bacterial growth which were Prophyromonas gingivalis (30%), Staph. aureus (16.7%), Strep. pneumonia (11.7%), Staph. epidermidis (10%), Strep. pyogenes, Strep. Viridans, Strep. mutans (8.3% %) for them, and (6.7%) for Enterococcus fecalis that was diagnosed based on biochemical tests, and the diagnosis of some bacterial species was confirmed with the VITEK device., whereas (40%) showed no growth, And there were a high significant differences between the periodontitis patient compared with control group in mean level of cholesterol, HDL and LDL which scored (151.1±42.7, 139.9±41.4, 184.9±25.4) respectively in patient compared with controls (80.0±16.8, 46.2±14.6, 99.1±27.1). While Triglyceride and VLDL showed no differences between studied groups. Conclusion: This study concluded increase cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein in periodontitis patient, While no differences in Triglyceride and VLDL level

Co-expression of multiple transcription factors is associated with clinical features and endocrine prognosis in growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas.

The types of growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas are diverse, we have found that there are significant differences in clinical features and prognosis between PIT-1 single-cell spectrum growth hormone adenomas and growth hormone phenotypic polyhormonal adenomas. This study examined a cohort of 193 patients with growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma (GHPA), stratifying them into two groups: PIT-1 single transcription factor positive growth hormone adenoma (STF-GHPA) and Multiple transcription factor-positive growth hormone-secreting adenomas (MTF-GHPA). The objective was to compare these two groups' clinical characteristics. Within the MTF-GHPA group, we further subtyped them based on transcription factors to evaluate potential variations in clinical manifestations. Logistic regression analyses were employed to develop a risk factor model for investigating factors influencing hormone remission. There were no statistically significant differences in terms of age, gender, serum GH, and IGF-1 levels between patients diagnosed with MTF-GHPA and STF-GHPA. However, patients with MTF-GHPA exhibited a higher proportion of hypopituitarism compared to those with STF-GHPA. Furthermore, MTF-GHPA were characterized by smaller tumor size and less invasiveness, as indicated by lower Knosp classes. However, patients with MTF-GHPA have a lower rate of hormonal remission (30.8%) and more postoperative complications (31.0%), which means that STF-GHPA (hormonal remission:71.6%; postoperative complications:13.4%) has a better endocrine outcome than MTF-GHPA patients. Between the PIT-1 + SF-1+ and PIT-1 + TPIT+ subtypes within MTF-GHPA, significant differences were also observed in tumor size, endocrine outcomes, and postoperative complications. Risk factors influencing hormonal remission for GHPA included preoperative GH level, primary/recurrent, extent of resection, and transcription factor expression. Co-expression of multiple transcription factors is an important factor associated with clinical behavior and endocrine outcomes in patients with GHPA.

Length-weight relationship and condition factor of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fed diets supplemented with guava and star gooseberry leaf extract

Background Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is predominant cultured species in aquaculture. However, there is a scarcity of literature regarding relationship between guava and star gooseberry leaf extract and the condition factor. Thus, the present study aims to investigate the effect of guava and star gooseberry leaf extract-supplemented diets on the specific growth rate, length-weight relationship, and condition factor of Nile tilapia. Methods Six hundred and thirty Nile tilapia (8.7±0.4 g) were randomly distributed among twenty-one tanks (30 fish per tank) within a recirculation system. Over a 60-day period, the fish were fed diets supplemented with 5g/Kg and 10g/Kg of guava leaf extract (GLE-5, GLE-10), star gooseberry leaf extract (SGLE-5, SGLE-10), and a mixture of both (MxLE-5, MXLE-10). Subsequently, specific growth rate, length-weight relationship, and condition factor were determined. Results After 60 days, the specific growth rate was significantly higher in all the GLE, SGLE, and MxLE groups compared to the control group. The final lengths and weights differed significantly both in the control group and all the GLE, SGLE, and MxLE groups. The analysis of the regression equation indicated a positive correlation (r = 0.970, 0.977, 0.976, 0.974, 0.974, 0.974, and 0.969) between the length and weight of Nile tilapia in the control group and in all the GLE, SGLE, and MxLE groups. The regression exponent “b” values in all the GLE, SGLE, and MxLE groups were >3, indicating a positive allometric growth pattern in Nile tilapia compared to the control (b=2.866), which exhibited a negative allometry. The final condition factor values did not differ significantly in either the control group or any of the plant extract groups. Conclusions Nile tilapia exhibited positive allometric growth patterns and maintained good health when fed with GLE, SGLE, and MxLE groups. Therefore, these plant extracts demonstrate suitability for commercial Nile tilapia production.

Microbial Isolates and Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns in Adults with Inborn Errors of Immunity: A Retrospective Longitudinal Analysis of Sputum Cultures

Introduction: Individuals with inborn errors of immunity (IEI) are at increased risk of respiratory infection and frequently receive prolonged broad-spectrum antibiotics, leading to antibiotic resistance. The aim of this study was to identify respiratory pathogens and antibiotic resistance patterns in IEI patients. Methods: We retrospectively studied 36 IEI patients with positive bacterial growth in sputum cultures between 2014 and 2023. Data covered hospitalizations, respiratory infections, yearly antibiotic prescriptions, past sputum cultures, and antibiotic sensitivities. Patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) and bronchiectasis served as a control group. Results: A total of 314 sputum cultures were analyzed from patients with IEI, alongside 585 cultures from individuals with PCD and 113 cultures from patients with bronchiectasis. Patients with IEI had a median age of 23.5 years, with 61% male participants. The study compared the differences in bacterial isolates from sputum cultures and antibiotic resistance between patients with IEI and the control groups. The most common bacterial isolates across all groups were Haemophilus influenzae (159 isolates in IEI vs. 314 in PCD and 26 in bronchiectasis), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. In IEI patients, 992 symptomatic respiratory exacerbations and 43 pneumonia-related hospitalizations were recorded. Notably, H. influenzae in IEI patients showed high resistance rates to cefuroxime (82%), amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (66%), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (59%), and ampicillin/sulbactam (49%). P. aeruginosa in IEI patients displayed significant resistance to ciprofloxacin (85%), ceftazidime (42%), and aminoglycosides (23–33%). Additionally, all S. pneumoniae isolates in IEI patients were tetracycline resistant, with high resistance rates to penicillin, clindamycin, and erythromycin. It is essential to highlight the substantial resistance of common pathogens to oral antibiotics. In contrast, the control groups exhibited lower resistance rates across all bacterial isolates. Conclusion: Antimicrobial resistance is a growing concern among vulnerable IEI patients. We suggest conducting similar investigations in other regions to address this issue. The findings should inform future infection management guidelines for IEIs.

Early influences on development of sensory perception and eating habits.

Infancy and early childhood are important periods for the development of food choices and eating preferences that are tracked into adult life influencing weight gain, body composition, metabolism, and ultimately affecting the balance between health and disease. In this narrative review, we aimed at discussing studies focused on the effects of fetal programming and early food experiences, highlighting recent advances in the discovery of factors that contribute to the development of food preferences and eating behavior. Food preference can be influenced by early direct contact with flavors, textures, and aromas, as well as by environmental adversities during early development. Evidence suggests that exposure to intrauterine growth restriction is associated with an increased preferences for highly palatable foods such as those rich in carbohydrates and fats over the life-course. Early flavor experiences, whether from amniotic fluid or human milk, may also shape the development of food preferences. Finally, children are more likely to accept textures that they are able to manipulate, and early exposure to a range of textures facilitates the acceptance of foods of various textures later on. Improving diet habits during gestation (fetal) and postnatal periods is of critical importance for the establishment of positive eating habits and healthy growth in infants and should be an important focus of primary prevention efforts.

Assessment of Antimicrobial Resistance and Susceptibility Pattern of UTI-causing Microorganisms in Southern Punjab, Pakistan

Background: Bacterial resistance against antibiotics has become a global challenge and measures are needed to stop this. The aim of this study is to highlight this problem and to determine the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of organisms in Southern Punjab, Pakistan. Method: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Sheikh Zayed Medical Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan. The urine samples obtained from 4 different wards were sent for culture and sensitivity analysis. 9 antibiotics (Nitrofurantoin, Fosfomycin, Ciprofloxacin, Ceftriaxone, Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole, Norfloxacin, Linezolid, Amoxicillin, and Imipenem) were tested against 5 isolated strains of uropathogens using Kirby Bauer disk diffusion test. The sensitivity reports were obtained, and data points were entered into a spreadsheet and analysed using SPSS. Results: Out of 101 samples of uropathogens that showed positive growths (42.08%), 53 (52.4%) were from male patients and 48 (47.5%) positive growths were from females. Escherichia Coli had the highest positive growths (58%) followed by Pseudomonas (19%) Klebsiella (13%), Staphylococcus Aureus (7%) and Coagulase-negative staphylococci (3%). Imipenem was the most sensitive drug whereas the highest resistance by organisms was developed against TMP-SMX. No significant association(p>0.05) was found between any of the anti-microbial drugs and Escherichia coli, gram-positive uropathogens, and gram negative uropathogens. Conclusion: The high increasing rate of broad-spectrum antibiotics resistance suggests that diagnostic and culture tests should be encouraged in hospitals. Based on these test results, appropriate antibiotics should be prescribed. The limitations include the inability to distinguish between nosocomial and community-acquired urinary tract infections and also did not consider other demographic factors like age.

The Comparison of Stock Price Before and After Pandemic to Identify The Health of Sector Company

At the beginning of the Covid-19 outbreak in Indonesia, almost all activities in this country weredisrupted and economic activity was no exception. Indonesia's current economic growth is down2.07% in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic which has caused it to be reduced to a low and middleincome country. Based on the gross domestic product (GDP), most sectors of the Indonesian economyexperienced a decline in growth in 2020. Only 5 economic sectors showed positive growth. The sectorwith the largest positive growth was the health services sector and social activities, which amountedto 11.60%. This growth affects the stock price of health sector companies. Grounded on the IDXIndustry category (IDXHEALTH) from 2018-2022, there was an increase of 41.28%. The HealthSector which continues to grow is driven by the payment of Covid- 19 incentives. This study wasconducted to identify the Difference in Stock prices of Health Sector Companies before and afterCovid- 19 with the supposition that the Covid- 19 pandemic occurred in March 2020 by observingstock price fluctuations two years before and after the Covid- 19 Pandemic. Based on the PairedSample T-test, the stock prices of 3 companies from 6 companies have significant differences in thespecified sample period, namely DVLA, PRDA, and MERK companies where the stock prices ofDVLA and PRDA have increased. In addition, PRDA's stock price has the largest stock price amongother health sector companies, meaning that PRDA companies have good performance.

Life history of Mexican species of the genus <i>Tlaloc</i> (Cyprinodontiformes, Profundulidae)

Fish of the genus Tlaloc are distributed from southern Mexico to Central America and are a distinctive example of the endemic fauna of the Mesoamerican highlands, which has been scarcely studied in Mexico. The present study provides basic life-history data for the species Tlaloc hildebrandi, T. candalarius, and T. labialis, which are native to the headwaters of the Grijalva-Usumacinta basin in southeastern Mexico. We collected 918 specimens to determine their Length-Weight Relationship (LWR), Relative Condition Factor (Kr), sex ratio, Gonadosomatic Index (GSI), fecundity, and size at first sexual maturity. Both sexes of all species had positive allometric growth, except for T. candalarius females (isometric). Mean Kr and sex ratio values differed significantly among species. Females’ GSI values differed significantly among species but were highest during the dry season in all three species. Absolute fecundity was positively correlated with standard length and weight. Sexual maturity was reached at different lengths among species. Based on these results, we suggest that all three species present an opportunistic life strategy, which is very common in fish of the order Cyprinodontiformes. These results represent a first contribution on the life-history of this group of fish and provide basic information that is fundamental to ensuring their conservation.

Lack of Diagnostic Value from Fungal and Mycobacterial Cultures in Cases of Suspected Prosthetic Joint Infection

Abstract Introduction/Objective Infections of prosthetic joints cause significant morbidity and often result in removal of the infected joint. In many cases, an infectious etiology can be difficult to definitively identify. As a result, providers suspecting prosthetic joint infections (PJI) often place large order sets of microbiology tests, including fungal and mycobacterial cultures. Fungal and mycobacterial cultures are labor-intensive for the laboratory taking up to 28 days and 42 days, respectively, to complete. As a potential area for a diagnostic stewardship intervention, we wanted to evaluate how often a fungal or mycobacterial culture produced actionable information in cases of suspected PJI. Methods/Case Report Data reports were retrieved from both the Electronic Health Record (EHR) and the Laboratory Information System (LIS) from May 2022 to May 2023. As sources submitted by the provider often do not specify that the joint is prosthetic, data from LIS was evaluated to identify microbiology culture test sets ordered on joint sources, while data from EHR was examined to isolate patients with implanted joints. Using Microsoft Excel, data from both systems was compared in order to match microbiology culture test sets to the known implanted joints. LIS data from implanted joint sources was assessed to record negative (no growth) and positive (growth) cultures, and to register all organisms isolated. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) Of 794 order sets for cultures collected from prosthetic joint sources, 430 included requests for fungal culture and 79 included requests for mycobacterial culture. Of these 79 requests for mycobacterial culture, 0 organisms were isolated (0%). Of these 430 requests for fungal culture, 7 grew yeast (1.6%) and 7 out of 7 (100%) of these yeasts were also isolated on general (aerobic bacterial) culture. No molds were isolated. Conclusion Discontinuing the routine practice of ordering fungal and mycobacterial culture for prosthetic joint sources would have no negative impact on patient care but would reduce unnecessary work in the microbiology laboratory and potentially avoid additional costs to the patient. Education to the orthopedic provider group as well as best practice alerts in the EHR will be pursued, based on the findings from this study, in order to reduce unnecessary culture orders.

Posttraumatic Growth after Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection: A Mixed-Methods Study

Abstract Background: Heart attacks caused by spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) are traumatic events. While stressful, traumatic events can also be catalysts for positive growth. Aims: This study investigated the nature, prevalence, and correlates of posttraumatic growth (PTG) after SCAD. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was used. Part 1 involved seven focus groups with SCAD survivors (n = 30), the findings of which were analyzed thematically. Part 2 involved an online survey of SCAD survivors (n = 263), which included the PTG inventory (PTGI). Bivariate and multivariable analyses determined the significant correlates of PTG after SCAD. Results: Part 1 revealed four key themes, namely appreciating life and living in the moment, personal agency, new work-life balance, and spiritual clarity. Part 2 demonstrated that 79% of participants reported some degree of PTG. The mean total PTGI score was 46.4; standard deviation = 25.5. In terms of PTGI factors, the most common aspects of growth were appreciation of life and personal strength. PTG was significantly associated (P < 0.05) with education, partner status, living arrangements, presence of a close confidante, social support, time since SCAD, number of SCADs, and cardiac rehabilitation (CR) attendance. Variables retained in the multivariable model were younger age, mid-level education, high social support, being nondepressed, longer time since SCAD, greater number of SCADs, and CR attendance. Conclusion: This is the first study to demonstrate that, despite the associated stresses and challenges, there is a great potential for positive growth after SCAD. These findings have implications for the development and targeting of interventions to support post-SCAD recovery.

A study of Lau v. Nichols’ legacy: Examining the relationship between language support program availability and student trajectories

ABSTRACT The Lau v. Nichols ruling shows the importance of tailoring programs for local multilingual learners. We used longitudinal data from one school district in California to assess the relationship between attending a school with a language support program and English language arts (ELA) achievement. We found that students labeled an English learner had positive and significant average score changes over time when they attended a school with an academic language acquisition or a two-way bilingual program. Findings highlight how emerging multilingual learner access to high-quality bilingual programs can be associated with positive ELA growth over time.

Construction, assessment, and protection of green infrastructure networks from a dynamic perspective: A case study of Dalian City, Liaoning Province, China

The green infrastructure (GI) network, an important nature-based solution (NBS) strategy, is pivotal for sustainable urban development. However, current research perspectives focus on constructing a static GI network, and research on evaluating and protecting GI networks in the context of spatiotemporal changes has been limited. This research aims to comprehensively characterise the spatio-temporal changes in the GI network and protect its efficiency. We selected Dalian City as a case study and applied the Future Land-use Simulation (FLUS) model to predict its land use for 2030 and 2040. Based on predicted and historical land-use data, the 1990–2040 GI network of Dalian City was constructed utilising the Integrated valuation of ecosystem services and trade-offs (InVEST), morphological spatial pattern analysis (MSPA) and minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) model, while its spatiotemporal changes were evaluated. The results revealed that the hub area exhibited positive growth over time, whereas the link lengths showed an opposite trend. Furthermore, the overall position of the GI network shifted toward the southwest. The flatness indicator detected that the direction of the GI network shape gradually became less pronounced. Consequently, the structure of the GI network shifted from multi-centre to mono-centre. Additionally, priority protection for hubs is mainly in the northeast, while links are primarily in the coastal regions. The urgency of protection for both increases over time. This research developed a dynamic GI network construction and assessment method, providing a scientific basis and reference for future rational GI network planning, ecological protection planning, and related land policy formulation.

Economic Effects Assessment of Forest City Construction: Empirical Evidence from the County-Level Areas in China

Forests are both an irreplaceable natural resource and a vital economic asset for all humankind. Based on the data of counties in mainland China from 2007 to 2020, the article explores the direct impact and spatial spillover effects of the policy implementation on the economic growth of counties with the help of the forest city pilot policy and the policy evaluation model. The results reveal that policy implementation can have a positive economic growth effect on the pilot counties, which, in turn, can significantly increase the size of the county′s GDP, the level of GDP per capita, and the total amount of nighttime lighting brightness. The implementation of forest city construction can bring about 2.74% of total GDP size, about 2.63% of per capita GDP development level, and about 7.25% of nighttime light brightness to the county on average. Cost–benefit analysis also indicates that forest city construction can bring about a comprehensive economic benefit of approximately CNY 686.453 million (approximately USD 96.82 million) to the counties. The rapid improvement in labor productivity, significant influx of high-end factors, and continuous expansion of market potential are important mechanisms through which policy implementation promotes economic growth in pilot counties. While promoting economic growth in the pilot counties, forest city construction can also have positive spatial spillover effects on neighboring areas in the pilot counties. Furthermore, when the deficits in atmospheric vapor pressure and annual evapotranspiration are used as instrumental variables for forest city construction, the empirical estimates are not significantly altered. In the process of building forest cities, county governments should be wary of issues such as the high cost of forest maintenance. This study provides a Chinese model and policy reference for other countries and regions in the world to deal with the relationship between forest city construction and county economic growth.

Scientific Publications of Jadavpur University, West Bengal: Scientometric Analysis

[The present study analyses the scientific productivity of Jadavpur University for the study period from 2002 to 2021 using the SCOPUS database. The retrieved data has been analyzed on the following parameters; document-wise distribution of the publication, authorship pattern, Collaborative indices, most preferred journals, times series analysis, and Bradford's law test. Journal articles are the most preferred form of publication type of documents by the Jadavpur University. The highest growth rate of the Jadavpur University was found 0.28 with 450 publications during the year 2003. It is observed from the study that the relative growth rate has increased and the doubling time has decreased during the study. Time series analysis calculation proved that there is a positive growth in the research output of Jadavpur University publications.]

Enhancing Sustainability and Conservation of White Shrimp Penaeus schmitti in Northeast Brazil: Insights Into Life History, Reference Points, and Management Strategies for Beach Seining

ABSTRACTArtisanal fishing significantly not only contributes to socioeconomic development of numerous countries but also exerts pressure on natural populations. The white shrimp (Penaeus schmitti) is a key species in Brazilian artisanal fisheries, yet it is currently classified as data‐deficient. Conducting comprehensive studies on its population dynamics is essential to establish reference points that guarantee sustainable fishing. Therefore, we estimated population parameters to assess status of the white shrimp stock captured by beach seining in Northeast Brazil. Monthly samples of white shrimp were collected using a beach trawl. Based on population parameters, the white shrimp population in the study area, the sex ratio was 1 male to 1.29 females, with females larger and heavier than males. Weight–length relationships revealed positive allometric growth for males, females, and grouped sexes, with no significant difference between sexes. Asymptotic length, t_achor, and growth performance index also did not differ between sexes; however, the growth coefficient was higher for females. Beach trawling in northeastern Brazil predominantly targeted adult white shrimp, with carapace length at first capture (Lc50) averaging 2.12 cm for females and 2.19 cm for males. Mortality and exploitation rates were below maximum sustainable levels, so the stock was classified as underexploited. Overall, beach‐seine fishing was less harmful to this stock (F = 1.42) than motorized fishing and can be considered a sustainable fishing activity for the white shrimp population.

Updates in Systemic Treatment of Hormone Receptor-Positive Early-Stage Breast Cancer.

Hormone-receptor positive (HR +) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) negative early breast cancer (eBC) is a heterogeneous disease with several contributing factors for increased risk of recurrence, including tumor features, individual biomarkers, and genomic risk. The current standard approach in the management of HR + /HER2neg eBC includes chemotherapy and endocrine therapy (ET), and additional therapies based on risk profile, menopausal status, and genetics are sometimes appropriate. The risk of recurrence is more pronounced in patients with high-risk eBC including large tumor size, nodal involvement, high proliferative index, and genetic predisposition. In premenopausal patients with high-risk eBC, ovarian function suppression in combination with adjuvant ET improves survival. In postmenopausal patients, extended aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy can be considered. Recent trials have identified novel treatment approaches to reduce the risk of recurrence in high-risk HR + /HER2neg eBC including the addition of cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors to adjuvant ET. For patients with germline BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations, adjuvant poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors have been shown to improve overall survival (OS). However, despite these recent advances, the risk of recurrence remains substantial, highlighting an area of unmet need. There are several ongoing clinical trials further investigating the role of CDK 4/6 inhibitors and immunotherapy in high-risk HR + /HER2neg eBC.

A-264 Validation of a Novel Real-Time PCR Assay for Identification of Mycobacterium species Isolates Recovered from Clinical Culture

Abstract Background Historically, clinical mycobacteriology laboratories used the nucleic acid hybridization-based AccuProbe assay manufactured by Hologic, Inc., to rapidly rule in or rule out Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and members of the M. avium-intracellulare complex (MAC). The clinical value of this test was in its ability to rapidly rule in/out MTB from positive broth cultures and allow the initiation of appropriate antimicrobial therapy and infection prevention practices. Recent discontinuation of this commercial assay left a gap in testing available for the rapid identification of these organisms, which allowed us to develop an in-house real-time PCR test. Methods A replacement assay was developed by Labcorp R & D based on real-time PCR amplification of extracted nucleic acids from positive culture growth. Aliquots from positive AFB VersaTREK broth cultures were heat inactivated, and nucleic acids were extracted using the MagNA Pure 24 (MP24) instrument (Roche). Real-time PCR using published primer probe sets (Rocchetti, et al 2016) was performed on the QuantStudio™ 7 (QS7) instrument (Applied Biosystems®). The assay was designed with three independent primer/probe sequence targets: one for MTB Complex (IS6110), one for MAC (ITS), and one pan-target for the Mycobacterium genus (16s rRNA). Results Procedural verification was performed using 100 residual clinical specimens previously identified using the Hologic AccuProbe® assay. Categorical concordance was 97% (97/100). The three discrepant results were identified as MAC positive by PCR; however, these were not identified as MAC on the predicate assay. Analytical sensitivity for the PCR assay was established to be 1,000 CFU/mL for each target. Analytical specificity was assessed in vitro for nine Mycobacterium species, with no cross-reactivity observed. In vitro analysis of target detection in the presence of yeast (Candida glabrata) was also performed, and we saw no inhibition. Analysis of the primer/probe sets for all targets was performed in silico using XploreDB database of microbial genomes, with confirmed 100% matches for both MAC and MTB genomes compared to hundreds of species. By comparison, the PAN-Myco primer set showed decreased performance, having three mismatches (two on forward primer and one on the probe). As this target sequence is used as an Internal Control (IC) this was not problematic for overall assay performance. The assay demonstrated excellent precision (%CV) for each target: MTB = 0.74%, MAC = 1.10%, PAN-Myco = 3.19%. Conclusions Utilizing the depth of molecular methodologies available in our laboratories, we developed a rapid method for identification of MAC and MTB from positive broth cultures, which had excellent performance compared to the predicate assay. The PCR ID LDT test is now available and allows testing to continue with no interruption in patient care.