bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A multivariate generalized linear model of the effect of matrix metalloproteinase-3 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in end-stage renal disease
Authors: Najm Asawer Hassan , Abdalsada Habiba Khdair , Moustafa Shatha Rouf , Al-Hakeim Hussein Kadhem 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is a serious disease that requires hemodialysis as the main regimen for supporting patients. The pathophysiology of the disease is still an interesting field of study. In the present study, matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP3), a tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP1), and vitamin D (VitD) were studied in ESRD. MMP3, TIMP1, VitD, and other related biomarkers were measured in 53 ESRD patients and compared with 33 healthy controls. The results showed a significant increase in serum MMP3 and TIMP1 and a significant decrease in serum VitD in ESRD patients compared with the control group. The multivariate GLM results revealed no significant effects of the covariates (sex, age, smoking and BMI) on the levels of MMP3, TIMP1 and VitD. ESRD was found to be the major factor affecting the measured parameters, with a huge effect size (Partial η2) of 0.824. According to our data, eGFR, Creatinine, Urea, phosphate, uric acid and VitD (as estimated glomerular filtration rate) are the top 6 factors highly affected by the presence of the disease. MMP3 and TIMP1 are important parameters in ESRD and may act as drug targets. As the patients also suffered from hypovitaminosis D and hypocalcemia, these factors also need intervention.
Vitamin D25-OH concentration in outpatient and hospitalized geriatric patients – retrospective study
Authors: Nieradko-Iwanicka Barbara 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
A majority of the Polish population was found to have vitamin D deficiency. The problem was expected to grow in the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic related lock down. The aim of the study was to compare concentrations of vitamin D in the blood sera of geriatric patients treated in outpatient clinics or hospitalized – and in the methods of treatment used. A retrospective study of the records of patients of the Rheumatology Outpatient Clinic and the Geriatrics Ward in Lublin was conducted.
In 2022, 80 people: 50 hospitalized women (HW) and 30 hospitalized men (HM) were admitted to the Geriatrics Ward in Lublin. Of these, 78 persons had vitamin D levels measured. From the Rheumatology Outpatient Clinic, medical histories of 68 outpatient women (OW) and 27 outpatient men (OM) 60+ were analyzed. In HW and HM, mean vitamin D concentration was 23 ng/ml and in OW and OM 25 ng/ml. The OW and OM with vitamin D concentration <30 received prescription for cholecacliferol 20 000 IU to be administered orally twice a week. The follow-up visit 2 was months later. Out of 47 OW, 17 came for the follow up and their results improved. Out of 21 OM, 100% returned, but their results were less satisfactory. The HW and HM received cholecalciferol 2000 IU. There was no follow-up.
In total, 41% of the outpatient elderly and 55% of the hospitalized had vitamin D concentration <20 ng/ml. Treatment of vitamin D deficiency with 20,000 IU cholecalciferol twice a week for two months is effective.
Formulation and development of Tacrolimus nanosponges-loaded hydrogel for the treatment of atopic dermatitis
Authors: Borse Janhavi D , Pawar Ashish Y , Bendkule Kanchan B , Shinde Prajwal S 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Targeted drug delivery to specific locations is a significant challenge encountered by researchers. Nanosponges have emerged as a promising solution for delivering drugs to their target sites. Nanosponges are nanoparticles with a large surface area, allowing for enhanced penetration compared to conventional drug delivery systems. This new technology offers controlled drug release and has several advantages over other methods. This project aimed to prepare and evaluate a Tacrolimus-loaded Nanosponges hydrogel. The goal was to create a dermatological gel suitable for local drug delivery after topical application, aiming for improved therapeutic effects, better dispersibility and good storage stability. Tacrolimus-loaded Nanosponge was prepared using beta-cyclodextrin and ethylcellulose as polymers, along with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a surfactant. The solvent emulsion diffusion technique is a method for preparing nanosponges, and the variations in the formulation using different polymers and drug-polymer ratios offer the opportunity to fine-tune the nanosponge’s properties to meet specific requirements for drug delivery applications. A Tacrolimus-loaded nanosponge hydrogel was formulated using carbopol 934. The results of the study indicated that the optimized batch of nanosponges with high entrapment efficiency was chosen for formulating the gel incorporating carbopol 934. The gel that was prepared was subjected to assessments for pH, viscosity, spreadability, in-vitro diffusion, permeation and stability. The findings suggest that Tacrolimus can be effectively formulated in low doses of nanosponges-loaded hydrogel for atopic dermatitis.
A diagnostic challenge – autoimmune encephalitis as paraneoplastic syndrome of ovarian teratoma. Current state of knowledge
Authors: Burdan Oliwia , Kurec Grzegorz , Szklener Katarzyna 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Autoimmune encephalitis (AE) is one of the paraneoplastic syndromes of ovarian teratoma. Insufficient knowledge about the evolution of the disease, as well as its manifestation in the form of non-specific clinical symptoms (such as significant deterioration of memory and cognitive functions of patients), is a common cause of a prolonged diagnostic process and delay in the introduction of targeted treatment. The aim of the study was to summarize the data available in the literature, as well as recent reports, to facilitate and accelerate the diagnosis of the syndrome and ensure better care for patients.
A literature review was performed in the PubMed, Google Scholar databases and the guidelines of the Polish Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians, by using keywords. Making a diagnosis of AE requires the cooperation of a team of specialists (including, among others, neurologists, gynecologists and oncologists). Justification for this is the manifestation of pathology comes in the form of non-specific clinical symptoms. Treatment includes surgery to remove the tumor, pharmacotherapy: corticosteroids and immunoglobulin infusions, in addition to allied modern plasmapheresis treatments – in severe cases.
Sorting out the non-specific symptoms of AE would facilitate faster and more accurate diagnosis, and this improve the functioning of patients suffering from ovarian teratoma. Pertinent tests are necessary to facilitate and optimize the differential diagnosis. Education of doctors about its alarming symptoms is important, as is cooperation between doctors of different specialties.
L-cysteine sequestering methyl glyoxal prevents protein glycation: a combined in vitro and in silico evaluation
Authors: Lavilla Misshell L. , Lavilla Charlie Jr Aguilar , Burnea Francis Kirby B. , Inutan Ellen D. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Reactive carbonyl species such as methylglyoxal (MGO) act as potent glycating agents that are implicated in several oxidative stress-induced diseases, including, but not limited to, cancer, diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. In the present study, a combined approach of initial computational studies and in vitro analysis was utilized to investigate the therapeutic benefit of L-cysteine (CYS), a thiol-containing compound. Based on the reactive analysis using global and local density functional theory (DFT) descriptors, the data reported here has revealed that CYS matches its electron-donating capacity with the electron acceptor, methylglyoxal, making the former a good candidate sequestering agent for the latter. Furthermore, in vitro analysis shows that CYS exhibits significant inhibitory effects towards damaging protein structural alteration and formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Such assessment came about through Congo red binding Assay and Antiglycation Assay using BSA-MGO and BSA-glucose model systems. Additionally, CYS also demonstrates a significant protective effect towards MGO-induced oxidative stress in mouse C2C12 myotubes. Therefore, this thiol-containing compound is a promising therapeutic tool for several glycation or AGEs-induced pathological conditions. The use of more relevant cellular and animal models of desired disease studies is recommended to better understand the mechanistic basis of CYS’s potential therapeutic effect. This study utilizing the combined approach of computational and in-vitro analysis, provides helpful data to maximize the potential impact of CYS by designing related molecules that could serve as novel treatment strategies that are effective, safe, and accessible to all in the future.
Ecological and Health Risk Assessment of Soil Heavy Metal Contamination Along National Highway 107 in China
Authors: Jin Xiaohua , Tong Xinru , Hua Shunheng , Xu Yang 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
This study investigates soil heavy metal contamination behind the green belts along National Highway 107 in China. Soil samples were collected from both sides of the highway to determine the concentrations of heavy metals such as copper, cadmium, chromium, lead, and zinc. The distribution patterns, ecological risks, and health hazards associated with these heavy metals were analysed. In order to provide more sample examples and data support for soil heavy metal pollution control. Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) was employed to detect the concentrations and speciation of these five heavy metals in the soil samples. The Geo-Accumulation Index method, the Nemerow pollution index method, and a health risk assessment model were used to evaluate the ecological and health risks of heavy metal pollution adjacent to the highway. Results indicated that: (1) The concentrations of Cu, Cd, Cr, Pb, and Zn in the soil decreased with the increasing number of protective forest layers, highlighting the significant role of protective belts in impeding the migration of heavy metals from the highway. (2) In terms of pollution assessment, the Geo-accumulation index method revealed prominent Cd contamination, the Geo-accumulation index of Cd peaked at 1.95 indicating a moderate to mild pollution level overall. Conversely, the Nemerow index method suggested a medium to extremely high risk of soil heavy metal Cd contamination. Specifically, the peak value of Cd single-factor pollution index in the study area reached 5.78, and the mean value of its Nemerow index (P) was 4.67. (3) In health risk assessment, it was found that children are more susceptible to heavy metal threats. The non-carcinogenic risk indices of all five heavy metals were less than 1, implying minimal risk. However, the total carcinogenic risk index for Cr ranged between 10–
6 and 10–4, posing a certain level of carcinogenic risk to humans.
Digital Empowerment and Enterprise Carbon Risk Management: Evidence from Manufacturing Sector
Authors: Han Yan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The paper addresses the imperative of empowering enterprises to achieve energy savings and emission reductions through digital development amidst the backdrop of peak carbon dioxide emissions and carbon neutrality. This study integrates digital empowerment and enterprise carbon risk management into a unified analytical framework, utilising panel data from listed companies spanning from 2011 to 2020 as research samples. The empirical investigation aims to ascertain whether there exist carbon risks impacting the operational performance of manufacturing enterprises and whether digital empowerment can mitigate these risks. The findings reveal that carbon intensity exerts an inhibitory influence on the enhancement of enterprise performance, indicating the presence of carbon risk issues faced by enterprises. Furthermore, it is observed that these carbon risk challenges escalate over time, a trend supported by robustness tests. Digital empowerment emerges as an effective mechanism in slowing down the carbon risks encountered by enterprises, albeit exhibiting characteristics of time lag. The study identifies notable heterogeneity in the role of digital empowerment in mitigating the carbon risks of enterprises.
Does the Chief Executive Officer Green Experience Contribute to the Low-Carbon Transition of the Organisation?
Authors: Xiong Xiaoliang 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
From the perspective of chief executive officer (CEO) green experience, this paper delves into the catalysts propelling corporate transitions toward lower carbon footprints, empirically evaluating these factors using listed company data from 2011 to 2020. The study reveals that CEO green experience contributes to diminishing corporate carbon intensity, thereby fostering the shift towards lower carbon operations. Notably, this finding persists even after subjecting the analysis to robustness tests. However, the impact of CEO green experience, while promoting corporate low-carbon transitions, is comparatively lesser than other influential factors. This discrepancy exhibits distinct variations within the ownership structure and pollution attributes of companies. Specifically, the significance of CEO green experience is more pronounced in non-state-owned enterprises and heavily polluting firms.
Photophysical Investigations of the Organic Compounds Synthesised from Waste Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate)
Authors: Kotowicz Sonia , Korzec Mateusz , Kapkowski Maciej , Pająk Agnieszka Katarzyna 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
This paper presents the photophysical investigations of two organic compounds synthesised directly by the aminolysis depolymerisation of the waste poly(ethylene terephthalate) (rPET) with aromatic amines, i.e., aniline and 3-amino-N-hexyl-1,8-naphthalimide without use of a catalyst. The chemical structure was confirmed by 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR, as well as FT-IR. The thermal, electrochemical and optical studies of the obtained derivatives were performed. The presented compounds were thermally stable up to 360 °C, and the glass transition temperature (T
g) occurred for the compound with the 1,8-naphthalimide units. The electrochemical investigations of the synthesised compounds have revealed one oxidation process and two reduction processes for the compound with the 1,8-naphthalimide fragments. The tested derivatives were characterised by a low-lying highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) level (below –6.09 eV) and an energy-band gap (E
g) below 3.10 eV. The obtained molecules were absorbed in the range of 204 nm - 445 nm and emitted light from a purple to a green spectral region deepened on the used solvent with low quantum yields. The blends with poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT), which is used as a donor in the bulk heterojunction solar cells (BHJ), and amide derivative with 1,8-naphthalimide fragments were made, and the emission quenching of poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT) was recorded. The presented results of the photophysical investigations have opened new possibilities for obtaining functional materials from recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (rPET).
The economic consequences of armed conflicts in selected Eurasian countries at the turn of the 21st century
Authors: Leśniewski Leszek 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Subject and purpose of work
The subject-matter of this paper is the economic situation in selected Eurasian countries affected by armed conflict at the turn of the 21st century. The aim of the paper is to assess the strength and impact of such conflict on the economic development of the affected countries from its outbreak until 2022.

Material and methods
The paper is based on an analysis of selected macroeconomic indicators using the Solow–Swan model by means of the Cobb-Douglas production function.

Results
Armed conflict had a significant impact on the economic situation in Ukraine and Bosnia and Herzegovina, affected Croatian economy to the most insignificant extent and had a moderate impact on socio-economic development in other states.

Conclusions
An armed conflict manifests itself in economic collapse, capital outflow and changes in the economic structure. What should be important for states emerging from an armed conflict is the development of technology and schooling on the one hand and the stabilisation of the implementation of economic policies aimed at avoiding a similar situation in the future on the other hand.
Marginal propensity to import and terms of trade: Panel granger causality evidence from the East African Community (EAC)
Authors: Nzeh Innocent Chile , Okoli Uju Victoria , Okolie David Ogomegbunam , Okolie Jonathan Ibekwe 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Subject and purpose of work
The nexus between the terms of trade and marginal propensity to import and the consequent policy options arising from it among economic blocs is an area that has not been given due attention in the literature. The focus of the current paper is to examine the link between the marginal propensity to import and the terms of trade in the East African Community (EAC).

Material and methods
The authors discuss and test a panel Granger causality model which is complemented with the test of impulse response function and variance decomposition using data from five EAC countries (Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Kenya and Burundi).

Results
The long-run result of the study indicated that causality runs from all the variables to the terms of trade. In the short-run, results reveal that both the marginal propensity to import and the export of manufactures Grangercaused terms of trade without a feedback. The results of the impulse response function revealed that the terms of trade responded positively to shocks in the marginal propensity to import only in the first period, but afterwards the response turned negative in all the other periods. The terms of trade were equally found to respond positively to shocks in inflation rate in all the periods. The variance decomposition results indicated that apart from shocks to itself which was 100% in the first period, marginal propensity to import contributed about 0.0458% of shocks to the terms of trade, and this rose continuously in all the periods.

Conclusions
The analysis shows that both in the long-run and the short-run, marginal propensity to import determines the terms of trade among the EAC countries.
Loan repayment behavior of beneficiary farmers in primary agricultural cooperative societies in Haryana (India)
Authors: Singh Suninder , Singh Abhey , Rani Sumista , Rani Mamta 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Subject and purpose of work
The study examined the loan repayment behavior of beneficiary farmers in Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies in the State of Haryana, India.

Material and methods
The findings were based on primary as well as secondary data. The secondary data was collected for the period of 2006-2007 to 2018-2019. The primary data was collected in the second quarter of 2022.

Results
The study concluded that year-wise the maximum percentage of defaulter farmers was 34.97% in 2008-2009 due to the debt relief scheme announced by the Government of India in 2008. Furthermore, it revealed that about 75% of beneficiary farmers repaid their loans regularly after receiving the benefit of interest subvention at 7% by the government of India and the state government. The findings on primary data concluded that most farmers have been repaying their loans regularly, and less than 10% of beneficiary farmers defaulted. The main reason for the default was a loan without security and the anticipation of a loan waive-off scheme. About 19% of beneficiary farmers have been repaying their loans irregularly due to the short time within which loan repayments needed to be made.

Conclusions
The short time of loan repayment is the main cause of irregular loan repayment behavior. The period of repayment of loans should be extended for one year and it should be considered from the loan issuance date.
EU Sanctions Against Third Countries Legal Basis for EU Sanctions against Russia and its Citizens
Authors: Trstenjak Verica 
Published: July 2024

Summary
The EU Treaties provide several possibilities to sanction EU Member States for failing to comply with EU law. The EU has a legal basis for so-called EU sanctions in Article 215 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, aimed at third countries (i.e. countries outside the EU) and their legal entities (e.g., in Belarus, Russia). Over recent years, sanctions against third countries have become increasingly frequent. This article delves into the legal framework for adopting EU sanctions, the potential legal protection available to sanctioned individuals, and the relevant case law of the Court of Justice of the EU. In this context, the question of whether Abramovich or some other Russian citizens on the sanctions list can access funds from EU bank accounts or enter the EU will be addressed.
Extraterritorial Case Law of the Court of Justice of the European Union in the Light of Modern Approaches
Authors: Falalieieva Liudmyla , Strilets Bohdan 
Published: July 2024

Summary
The European Union actively practices the implementation of extraterritorial jurisdiction, which is due to the need to ensure the proper functioning of the internal market and the legal order of the EU, compliance with its founding treaties. With this in mind, the article aims to define and analyse the extraterritorial case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) through the prism of different jurisdictional models. Regulatory provisions, modern case law, and doctrinal views on the discussed problem were considered, in particular, legal means of resolving jurisdictional conflicts in the EU were analysed in detail, the evolution of the practice of applying jurisdictional models by the CJEU was discussed, attention was focused on the territorial expansion of the EU law. The article also discloses the issue of non-recognition of such extraterritorial effect of legal norms on the part of third countries, as well as measures to prevent and resolve disputes arising on this ground.