bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Financial Development, Institutions, and Technological Innovation in Africa
Authors: Adekoya Oluwasegun B. , Kenku Oluwademilade T. , Al‐Faryan Mamdouh Abdulaziz Saleh 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTMost African countries are notably confronted with inefficient financial systems, weak institutional arrangements, and low technological innovations. This motivates this study to examine if financial development has any implications on technological innovation in the region, while putting the direct and nonlinear role of institutional quality into consideration. We find that, excluding institutional quality, financial development has a negative impact on technological innovation. The findings are not altered when the influence of institutional quality is linearly examined. The threshold results, however, show that financial development positively affects technological innovation at the low institutional quality level, whereas financial development has no significant impact on technological innovation at higher institutional quality levels. This paradox, although in contrast to expectation, explains the reality of the institutional arrangements in the African countries. They are not just weak, but very restrictive, thereby concentrating the financial means into the hands of few elites who then discretionarily engage in innovative activities. The direct impact of institutional quality on technological innovation is heterogeneous, as it depends on the specific institutional quality indicators and their threshold levels. These findings have crucial policy implications for the governments of the African countries.
Effects of magnetized ionized water and Bacillus subtilis on water and salt transport characteristics and ion composition in saline soil
Authors: Jiang Zhanbo , Wang Quanjiu , Ning Songrui , Wei Kai , Hu Xiaoqin 
Published: December 2024

AbstractMagnetized ionized water and Bacillus subtilis are essential for enhancing soil salinity leaching and improving soil structure. To explore the combined effects of magnetized ionized water and B. subtilis on water–salt transport in saline soil, a one‐dimensional vertical infiltration experiment was conducted. This study evaluated the soil water and salt distributions, infiltration model parameters and composition of exchangeable base ions with magnetized ionized water (M) and nonmagnetized‐ionized water, alongside varying amounts of B. subtilis [B0 (0%), B1 (1.5%), B2 (3.0%), B3 (4.5%), B4 (6.0%)]. The results showed that magnetized ionized water increased the infiltration volume and wetting front depth. As the application amount of B. subtilis increased, the changes in these two indicators initially increased but then decreased. The sorptivity parameter (S) mirrored this trend, whereas the shape coefficient (α) showed the opposite pattern. Compared with the B0 treatment, the MB1 treatment increased the 0–20 cm soil water content by 14%, decreased the salt content by 13% and improved the desalination rate by 98%, with the efficiency increasing by 62%. Moreover, the total exchangeable base ions increased, with the highest (Ca2++ Mg2+) and lowest Na+ contents observed under B1. MB1 notably enhanced infiltration and water–salt transport, demonstrating significant desalination effects.
Enhancing Email Security: A Real‐Time Machine Learning‐Based Spam Detection System
Authors: Yadav Dharmveer Kumar , Raj Abhishek , Rajlakshmi  , Kumar Neeraj , Kumari Ritu 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTSpam emails pose a persistent threat to online security and productivity. To combat this menace, we propose a robust machine learning‐based spam email detection system, leveraging algorithms like Naive Bayes, Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Random Forest (RF). Our system integrates Python's Natural Language Processing (NLP) library and cloud sourcing to achieve unparalleled accuracy and adaptability. Advanced feature extraction techniques, including Term Frequency‐Inverse Document Frequency (TF‐IDF) and N‐grams, enable comprehensive analysis of email content. Real‐time scanning and detection capabilities ensure immediate protection, while continuous learning allows the system to evolve and counter emerging spam tactics. Our system demonstrates exceptional performance, achieving accuracy rates of up to 97.58% with SVM. Comparative analysis of 11 machine learning algorithms reveals notable performance variations. By minimizing false positives and negatives, our system provides reliable protection against unwanted and harmful emails. This research contributes to the development of effective spam detection solutions, offering insights into optimal algorithms, time complexity‐accuracy trade‐offs, and scalable system design. Our system has significant implications for enhancing email security, safeguarding users from security breaches, and mitigating the economic impacts of spam.
Finances and employment domains are strong determinants when screening for unmet social needs in a predoctoral dental clinic: A preliminary assessment
Authors: Mays Keith A. , Ouyang Isabelle , Cooper Antea , Wang Qi 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIntroductionRecent efforts by advocates and policy makers have articulated the importance of gaining a deeper understanding of determinants of health to improve health outcomes and reduce health disparities. Social determinants of health (SDOH) are routinely taught in oral health professions curriculum; however, there are limited studies assessing clinical implications. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of SDOH in dental school clinics and associations with socioeconomic and demographic data and health literacy (HL).MethodsPredoctoral clinical patients were surveyed using a 28‐item, using Likert scale, multiple choice, open text, and binary yes/no items. Associations between unmet social needs (USNs) and gender, age, race/ethnicity, annual household income, zip code, and HL were evaluated. The data were descriptively and statistically analyzed (p‐values < 0.05).ResultsThere were 204 respondents, males (48%) and females (50%), with 2% non‐binary reporting 331 USN cumulatively and 76% reporting one or more USN. The greatest domains were employment (27.5%), finance (23.0%), food (27.5%), and transportation (18.6%), with significant associations for employment (p < 0.0001), finance (p < 0.0001), food (p < 0.0001), and transportation (p < 0.0001). A total of 80.79% of the respondents had adequate HL, and individuals with zero and one USN had higher mean HL score versus three USNs (p = 0.0014 and 0.041, respectively).ConclusionScreening for USNs in dental clinics is an excellent method to gather non‐medical information that can be used to improve health outcomes. Within the limits of this study dental clinic patients have unmet need across the SDOH domains, with the highest in finance, employment, transportation, and food insecurities.
Malnourished but Not Destitute: The Spatial Interplay Between Nutrition and Poverty in Madagascar
Authors: Matekenya Dunstan , Mulangu Francis , Newhouse David 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTHidden hunger is a global issue that affects an astounding 2 billion people, demanding targeted interventions for better resource allocation. However, conventional methods for identifying high‐prevalence areas often prove impractical in developing countries. This study introduces a cost‐effective and practical approach to detecting hidden hunger, combining household budget data with health surveys and applying these methods to Madagascar. By using small‐area estimation techniques, the study achieves precise commune‐level estimates, addressing the limitations of survey data representativeness. The findings challenge poverty‐based targeting, revealing that 17.9% of stunted children belong to non‐poor households. Additionally, 21.3% of non‐stunted children are found in impoverished households, supporting Sen's argument that malnutrition extends beyond destitution. The analysis further highlights key commune‐level determinants of hidden hunger, including access to healthcare, improved roads, telecommunication networks and productive agricultural activities.
Bilateral waveform analysis of gait biomechanics presurgery to 12 months following ACL reconstruction compared to controls
Authors: Büttner Christin , Lisee Caroline , Bjornsen Elizabeth , Buck Ashley , Favoreto Natália , Creighton Alexander , Kamath Ganesh , Spang Jeffrey , Franz Jason R. , Blackburn Troy , Pietrosimone Brian 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to compare gait biomechanics between limbs and to matched uninjured controls (i.e., sex, age, and body mass index) preoperatively and at 2, 4, 6, and 12 months following primary unilateral anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Functional mixed effects models were used to identify differences in gait biomechanics throughout the stance phase between the a) ACLR limb and uninvolved limb, b) ACLR limb and controls, and c) uninvolved limb and controls. Compared with the uninvolved limb, the ACLR limb demonstrated lesser knee extension moment (KEM; within 8–37% range of stance) during early stance as well as lesser knee flexion moment (KFM; 45–84%) and greater knee flexion angle (KFA; 43–90%) during mid‐ to late stance at all timepoints. Compared with controls, the ACLR limb demonstrated lesser vertical ground reaction force (vGRF; 5–26%), lesser KEM (7–47%), and lesser knee adduction moment (KAM; 12–35%) during early stance as well as greater vGRF (39–63%) and greater KFA (34–95%) during mid‐ to late stance at all timepoints. Compared with controls, the uninvolved limb demonstrated lesser KFA (1–56%) and lesser KEM (12–54%) during early to mid‐stance at all timepoints. While gait becomes more symmetrical over the first 12 months post‐ACLR, the ACLR and uninvolved limbs both demonstrate persistent aberrant gait biomechanics compared to controls. Biomechanical waveforms throughout stance can be generally described as less dynamic following ACL injury and ACLR compared with uninjured controls.
The Impact of Near‐Infrared Autofluorescence Imaging on the Ability of Surgical Trainees to Identify Parathyroid Glands
Authors: Akgun Ege , Ibrahimli Arturan , Memisoglu Edip , Sehnem Ludovico , Heiden Katherine , Berber Eren 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackground and ObjectivesParathyroid gland detection is a fundamental skill in endocrine surgery that is enhanced with experience. This study aims to investigate the impact of near‐infrared autofluorescence (NIRAF) imaging on a surgical team's ability to recognize parathyroid glands during thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy procedures across different training levels.MethodsPatients who underwent thyroidectomy or parathyroidectomy under NIRAF guidance by three surgeons between March and June 2024 were included. Attending surgeons, endocrine surgery fellows, and general surgery residents were assessed regarding their ability to recognize parathyroid glands before and after NIRAF imaging during the procedures. Wilcoxon and Chi‐Square tests were used for statistical analyses.ResultsAssessments were made in 32 thyroidectomy and 53 parathyroidectomy procedures, with eventual intraoperative identification of a total of 255 parathyroid glands. A total of 896 collective assessments were made. There were 250 assessments involving junior trainees, 288 involving senior trainees (fellows), and 358 involving the primary surgeon. Parathyroid detection rates for junior trainees, senior trainees, and attending surgeons before versus after NIRAF imaging were 46.5% versus 94.8%, 68% versus 97%, and 80% versus 100%, respectively (p < 0.0001). For the same groups, respectively, NIRAF imaging detected 48.3%, 29%, and 20% of parathyroid glands not initially visible on conventional view (p < 0.0001) and increased the confidence for 51.7%, 71%, and 80% of parathyroid glands that were already recognized on conventional view (p < 0.0001). Overall, for junior trainees, senior trainees, and attending surgeons, NIRAF made a positive impact in the recognition of 82.6% (n = 142/172), 62% (n = 124/200), and 42% (n = 107/255) of the total number parathyroid glands, ultimately identified during the surgical procedures respectively, (p < 0.0001).ConclusionsOur results show that NIRAF imaging improved the whole surgical team's ability to recognize parathyroid glands, with the degree of impact inversely related to the level of surgical training.
Global, Regional, and National Burden of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma from 1990 to 2021
Authors: Wu Tong , Miao Wenjie , Qukuerhan Ayihen , Alimu Nilipaer , Feng Juan , Wang Cansi , Zhang Hua , Du Huimin , Chen Lin 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundThis study analyzes nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) from 1990 to 2021 across 204 countries, focusing on prevalence, incidence, mortality, and disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs). It examines gender disparities, regional variations, age dynamics, and temporal trends to provide insights for health policy and resource allocation.MethodsWe used the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) approach to assess NPC's health burden, including incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALYs. Trends from 1990 to 2021 were illustrated using estimated annual percent change (EAPC). Subgroup analysis revealed variations by gender, age, Socio‐Demographic Index (SDI), GBD classification, and country. Age‐period‐cohort (APC) and Bayesian age‐period‐cohort (BAPC) models predicted future trends.ResultsIn 2021, there were 118,878 new NPC cases globally (1.38 per 100,000), with a prevalence of 525,219 cases (6.14 per 100,000), 75,359 deaths (0.87 per 100,000), and 249,019 DALYs (28.91 per 100,000). Males had higher rates across all metrics. Incidence peaked at ages 50–54, mortality at 70–74, and DALYs at 50–54. High SDI regions, especially East and Southeast Asia, showed higher burdens. Despite decreasing age‐standardized incidence rates, absolute cases are rising, necessitating improved prevention and treatment strategies.ConclusionsNPC prevalence has increased due to better diagnosis and aging populations, despite decreasing age‐adjusted incidence rates. Lower mortality rates indicate improved treatment. Males, especially in East and Southeast Asia, bear a higher NPC burden. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions and tailored public health policies in high‐risk regions.Level of EvidenceIII Laryngoscope, 2024
Epigenetic Suppression of miR‐137 Induces RNF4 Expression, Facilitating Wnt Signaling in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Wu Yazhou , Li Hanhua , Long Yin , Zhang Zhenzhen , Zhang Fanping , Pan Runyu , Meng Leijun , Ma Zhan , Wang Kaijing , Zheng Bing , Qie Zhonghong , Gao Wei 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTColorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant health issue worldwide. Recent studies highlight the critical role of miRNAs in CRC development, particularly miR‐137, which acts as a key tumor suppressor. Despite its known role, further exploration of miR‐137's downstream signaling is needed to understand its biology and therapeutic potential. We examined the methylation status of miR‐137 using one TCGA data and three GEO data sets. A clinical validation cohort of 78 samples was analyzed using MSP for miR‐137 promoter methylation. Various in vitro molecular/cellular and animal experiments were conducted to elucidate miR‐137's role in CRC. Bioinformatic analysis indicated frequent methylation of miR‐137 in CRC tissues, correlating with suppressed expression. EZH2‐mediated H3K27 trimethylation silences miR‐137 in CRC cells by increasing chromatin compaction, reversible by EZH2 siRNA or inhibitor GSK343. miR‐137 inhibits CRC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and xenograft tumor growth, confirming its tumor‐suppressive role. Using the miRWalk repository showed that miR‐137 regulates the Wnt signaling pathway by reducing typical protein expression in HCT116 and SW480 cells. miR‐137 directly targets RNF4, leading to its downregulation at transcriptional and protein levels, with an observed inverse correlation in CRC tissues. miR‐137 accelerates c‐Myc and β‐catenin degradation by inhibiting RNF4, impacting protein stability and Wnt pathway inhibition. miR‐137 is epigenetically silenced through DNA methylation and EZH2‐mediated H3K27 trimethylation. It regulates the Wnt signaling pathway by targeting RNF4, leading to c‐Myc and β‐catenin destabilization. Restoring miR‐137 or inhibiting RNF4 suppresses CRC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumor growth, highlighting its therapeutic potential in CRC.
Antibiotic Overprescription for “Urinary Tract Infections” Is Associated With Poor Diagnostic Stewardship and Low Adherence to Guidelines
Authors: Murray Kristen , Shimabukuro Julianna , Khalfay Nuha , Chiang Jeffrey N. , Lenore Ackerman A. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTPurposeWhile urinary tract infections (UTIs) are thought to be common among women, as many as 65% of UTI diagnoses may be inaccurate. To identify strategies to improve antibiotic stewardship, we sought to determine the clinical and laboratory factors associated with overdiagnosis and overtreatment of UTIs.MethodsElectronic health records identified patients bearing an isolated diagnostic code for UTI within a single healthcare system during July 2019. Demographic, clinical, and microbial data were collected by manual chart review. Regression analyses were utilized to determine factors associated with guideline non‐concordant UTI diagnosis and treatment utilizing R statistical software (version 4.3.1).ResultsIn patients diagnosed with UTI, 64% were treated with antibiotics despite only 28% having symptoms consistent with UTI diagnostic criteria. Of patients diagnosed with a UTI who were treated in an emergency room (ER) setting, 95% were given antibiotics compared with only 55% of patients in an outpatient setting. Even without any urinary symptoms, 95% of patients in the ER and 27% of patients in outpatient settings were treated with antibiotics. Patients who presented to the ER for non‐localizing symptoms, such as mental status changes (MSC), were more likely to be diagnosed with UTI compared with those in an outpatient setting.ConclusionThe results of this study demonstrate that patients were frequently diagnosed with and treated for a UTI despite not meeting diagnostic criteria. This pattern of overdiagnosis leads to overtreatment, particularly in acute care settings, contributing to worsening antibiotic resistance in conjunction with incomplete evaluation of patients' primary complaints.
Determinants of vertebrate species identification skills: A cross‐age study
Authors: Horniaková Michaela , Píšová Markéta 
Published: December 2024

AbstractVertebrate species knowledge is one of the predictors of pupils’ understanding of biodiversity. This study will describe vertebrate species identification skills of pupils from the Czech Republic. Altogether, the research tool included 30 vertebrate species, out of which five were fish, three were amphibians, three were reptiles, nine were birds, and 10 were mammals. The research tool consisted of 22 pictures, three footprints, two silhouettes, and three sounds. In addition, we evaluated the influence of variable factors on vertebrate species knowledge, which the research tool also contained. The paper will describe the percentage success rate of vertebrate species knowledge of 1537 respondents. On average pupils could identify nearly 15 species. The results showed that differences in species knowledge were statistically significant mostly by pupils’ expectations (self‐efficacy) or their results and educational level. In general, younger students identified animals worse than students of higher levels of education. Moreover, significant differences were confirmed between the five classes of vertebrates. Mammals were the best‐identified class, followed by amphibians and fish; reptiles and birds were the least correctly identified. While educational level played a significant role in identification skills, the results revealed that the pupils’ hometown did not play a significant role.
Inference of functional differentiation of intestinal microbes between two wild zokor species based on metagenomics
Authors: Zou Yao , Zou Xuan , Lin Chen , Han Chongxuan , Zou Quan 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDCurrently, there are fewer studies on the intestinal microbes of wild zokors, and it is unclear how zokors adapt to special underground environments by regulating their intestinal microbes. Here, we explored the function of intestinal microbes of Eospalax cansus and Eospalax rothschildi based on metagenomics.RESULTSBoth zokor species have similar intestinal microbial composition, but E. cansus has a higher proportion of bacteria involved in carbohydrate degradation. Functional analysis based on KEGG and CAZy databases indicated that the intestinal microbes of E. cansus harboured stronger carbohydrate degradation ability, mainly in starch and sucrose metabolism, and further in cellulose degradation. Furthermore, the cellulase activity was significantly higher in E. cansus than that in E. rothschildi. Eospalax cansus has a stronger microbial fermentation ability due to an increase in fibre‐degrading bacteria like unclassified_f_Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcus, and Clostridium. In addition, the dominant bacteria isolated from zokor were Bacillus, some of which could degrade both cellulose and hemicellulose.CONCLUSIONMetagenomic analysis and bacterial isolation experiments indicate that E. cansus has a stronger microbial cellulose‐degrading capacity, possibly as an adaptation to its limited food resources underground. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Recent Advances in the Anti‐Obesity Benefits of Phytoconstituents: From Phytochemistry to Targeting Novel‐Systems
Authors: Xian Jing , Huang Yu , Bai Jinrong , Liao Qian , Chen Qiyan , Cheng Weijian , Su Ziye , Li Siyao , Wu Yihan , Li Jingjing , Zhang Jinming 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTObesity is a metabolic disorder that has become a global health concern. The existing pharmaceutical drugs for treating obesity have some side effects. Compounds from natural sources are prospective substitutes for treating chronic diseases such as obesity, with the added advantages of being safe and cost‐effective. However, due to factors such as poor solubility, low bioavailability, and instability in the physiological environment, the therapeutic efficacy of phytoconstituents is limited. Nowadays, developing nanoscaled systems has emerged as a vital strategy for enhancing the delivery and therapeutic effect of phytoconstituents. The present study discusses and categorizes phytoconstituents with anti‐obesity effects and concludes the main mechanisms underlying their effects. Importantly, strategies used to develop phytoconstituent‐based nano‐drug delivery systems (NDDS) for obesity treatment that show improved efficacy relative to traditional administration routes are reviewed. Finally, the progress of research on phytoconstituent‐based NDDS for obesity treatment is summarized to provide a reference for the development of safe and effective treatment strategies for obesity.