bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Moderating effect of institutional quality on the influence of debt on investment in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Ojeka Obaike John , Egbetunde Tajudeen , Okoduwa Gideon Oseibibi , Ojeyode Aisha Omobolanle , Jimoh Mumuni , Ogunbowale Gideon Oladele 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe relationship between external debt and economic growth has been extensively studied by researchers and policymakers. However, the link between external debt and domestic investment remains an underexplored area of research. Therefore, this paper investigates the nexus between external debt and domestic investment, using institutional quality as a moderator. The sample consists of 47 sub-Saharan African countries with data spanning from 1996 to 2021. The empirical findings from conventional and robust estimators indicate that external debt negatively and significantly hampers domestic investment, while institutional quality plays a significant moderating role in this relationship. Additionally, the benefits of debt can only be realized by the SSA region when the average quality of institutions is above − 1.174 on the scale of − 2.5 to 2.5. The in-depth analysis offers insights that high-quality institutions (above a certain threshold) can help countries leverage debt for positive outcomes by promoting efficient resource allocation and attracting further investment. Thus, policymakers are advised to uphold debt management strategies and institutional reforms, such as reducing corruption, improving property rights, and strengthening the rule of law, to ensure transparency in debt use and maintain a sustainable debt burden. This will create a more attractive environment for both domestic and foreign investment. The results remain robust to alternative methodologies.
Interleukin-17 as a biomarker for lupus nephritis: correlation with disease activity indices and histopathological classification
Authors: Ahmed Aya M. , Ahmed Abdullatif A. , Ismail Faten , Elsayed Sahar A. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the devastating manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It is a leading cause of death in SLE patients. Interleukin 17(IL-17) is involved in the development of several autoimmune diseases. It causes inflammation and organ damage by exaggerating the immune response and augmenting antibody production by B cells. We assessed the role of IL-17A in LN and its relation to other markers of disease activity and different histopathological classes.

Results
We evaluated serum IL-17A in forty LN patients and thirty SLE patients without LN (non-LN). We found that LN patients had a significantly higher IL-17A level in comparison to non-LN. In the LN group, IL-17A was positively correlated with the systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI), protein/creatinine (P/C) ratio, 24-hour urinary proteins, anti-nucleosome, and anti-dsDNA antibodies and negatively correlated with C3 and C4. IL-17A was higher in class III and IV compared to class II and V LN. ROC curve analysis of IL-17A revealed 75% sensitivity and 76.7% specificity for LN, and the AUC was 0.791.

Conclusion
Lupus nephritis patients have a higher serum level of IL-17A than those without LN, which is more pronounced in patients with class-III and IV LN. Moreover, IL-17A has good sensitivity and specificity for LN and correlates with the disease activity indices; hence, it may be a prognostic marker for LN in SLE patients.
Inadequate Glucagon Suppression During OGTT in Prediabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Chang Lina , Liu Ying , Gu Yian , Yan Siyu , Ding Li , Liu Ming , He Qing 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Context
Glucagon plays a role in the development of type 2 diabetes, yet its role in prediabetes (preDM) remains uncertain.

Objective
To evaluate glucagon levels in the fasting state and its response to glucose inhibition in preDM through meta-analysis.

Methods
A systematic search across Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library identified studies assessing glucagon levels during 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in both preDM and normal glucose tolerance (NGT) cohorts. Data on glucagon, glucose, and insulin were pooled using a random-effect model.

Results
Although glucagon levels decreased in both preDM and NGT groups upon glucose challenge, glucagon levels at 0 hours, 0.5 hours, 1 hour, and 1.5 hours in preDM were significantly higher compared to NGT, despite higher glucose levels at all time points and higher insulin levels at 0 hours, 1 hour, 1.5 hours, and 2 hours during OGTT. Subgroup analysis revealed that in studies using the radioimmunoassay method, glucagon levels in preDM were higher at 0.5 hours and 1 hour than NGT, while in studies using the ELISA method, glucagon levels were similar to those of the NGT group despite higher glucose in preDM compared to NGT. Fasting glucagon level was inadequately suppressed in both impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and impaired fasting glucose (IFG). Responsiveness to glucose inhibition was preserved in IFG, while glucagon level in IGT group at 0.5 hours after glucose intake was not suppressed and was higher than NGT.

Conclusion
Glucagon was not adequately suppressed during OGTT in preDM. Glucagon dysregulation is a contributing mechanism underlying both IFG and IGT.
Vitamin D Receptor Regulates Liver Regeneration After Partial Hepatectomy in Male Mice
Authors: Elangovan Harendran , Stokes Rebecca A , Keane Jeremy , Chahal Sarinder , Samer Caroline , Agoncillo Miguel , Yu Josephine , Chen Jennifer , Downes Michael , Evans Ronald M , Liddle Christopher , Gunton Jenny E 
Published: July 2024

AbstractVitamin D signals through the vitamin D receptor (VDR) to induce its end-organ effects. Hepatic stellate cells control development of liver fibrosis in response to stressors and vitamin D signaling decreases fibrogenesis. VDR expression in hepatocytes is low in healthy liver, and the role of VDR in hepatocyte proliferation is unclear. Hepatocyte-VDR null mice (hVDR) were used to assess the role of VDR and vitamin D signaling in hepatic regeneration.hVDR mice have impaired liver regeneration and impaired hepatocyte proliferation associated with significant differential changes in bile salts. Notably, mice lacking hepatocyte VDR had significant increases in expression of conjugated bile acids after partial hepatectomy, consistent with failure to normalize hepatic function by the 14-day time point tested. Real-time PCR of hVDR and control livers showed significant changes in expression of cell-cycle genes including cyclins D1 and E1 and cyclin-dependent kinase 2. Gene expression profiling of hepatocytes treated with vitamin D or control showed regulation of groups of genes involved in liver proliferation, hepatitis, liver hyperplasia/hyperproliferation, and liver necrosis/cell death. Together, these studies demonstrate an important functional role for VDR in hepatocytes during liver regeneration. Combined with the known profibrotic effects of impaired VDR signaling in stellate cells, the studies provide a mechanism whereby vitamin D deficiency would both reduce hepatocyte proliferation and permit fibrosis, leading to significant liver compromise.
The intracellular domain of Sema6A is essential for development of the zebrafish retina
Authors: Dumas Caroline M. , St. Clair Riley M. , Lasseigne Abagael M. , Ballif Bryan A. , Ebert Alicia M. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT
Semaphorin6A (Sema6A) is a repulsive guidance molecule that plays many roles in central nervous system, heart and bone development, as well as immune system responses and cell signaling in cancer. Loss of Sema6A or its receptor PlexinA2 in zebrafish leads to smaller eyes and improper retinal patterning. Here, we investigate a potential role for the Sema6A intracellular domain in zebrafish eye development and dissect which phenotypes rely on forward signaling and which rely on reverse signaling. We performed rescue experiments on zebrafish Sema6A morphants with either full-length Sema6A (Sema6A-FL) or Sema6A lacking its intracellular domain (Sema6A-ΔC). We identified that the intracellular domain is not required for eye size and retinal patterning, however it is required for retinal integrity, the number and end feet strength of Müller glia and protecting against retinal cell death. This novel function for the intracellular domain suggests a role for Sema6A reverse signaling in zebrafish eye development.
Lipid droplet dynamics are essential for the development of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Lee Jiwon , Matuschewski Kai , van Dooren Giel , Maier Alexander G. , Rug Melanie 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT
Lipid droplets (LDs) are organelles that are central to lipid and energy homeostasis across all eukaryotes. In the malaria-causing parasite Plasmodium falciparum the roles of LDs in lipid acquisition from its host cells and their metabolism are poorly understood, despite the high demand for lipids in parasite membrane synthesis. We systematically characterised LD size, composition and dynamics across the disease-causing blood infection. Applying split fluorescence emission analysis and three-dimensional (3D) focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM), we observed a decrease in LD size in late schizont stages. LD contraction likely signifies a switch from lipid accumulation to lipid utilisation in preparation for parasite egress from host red blood cells. We demonstrate connections between LDs and several parasite organelles, pointing to potential functional interactions. Chemical inhibition of triacylglyerol (TAG) synthesis or breakdown revealed essential LD functions for schizogony and in counteracting lipid toxicity. The dynamics of lipid synthesis, storage and utilisation in P. falciparum LDs might provide a target for new anti-malarial intervention strategies.
Knee joint injuries in football players: types of injuries, etiology, diagnostics and prevention
Authors: Makuch Rafal , Kucharski Adam , Pilarski Konrad , Chrościcka Alicja , Gała Kamil , Czajka Andrzej , Lenard Paweł , Michalska Sara , Dewicka Martyna , Wawrzyniak Alicja Maria 
Published: July 2024

Introduction
Football stands as the most widely embraced organized sport globally, boasting a staggering participation of over 200 million males and 21 million females officially registered under the auspices of the Fèdèration Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). Knee injuries are one of the most common health issues among soccer players at various levels of expertise. They arise from the intense nature of the game, which requires quick turns, running, jumping, kicking, and sudden changes in direction. These stresses can lead to strains and injuries in the structures of the knee joint, including ligaments, meniscus, tendons, and other soft tissues. This study gathers information about the most common types of knee injuries in soccer players, including situations in which these injuries occur, methods of diagnosis, treatment options, and strategies for injury prevention.
Aim
The aim of this study is to gather and analyse the studies about knee injuries in soccer players at various levels of expertise.
Materials and Methods
Review and summary of research studies available in databases on Google Scholar and PubMed. Databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar were searched using the keywords: ‘soccer knee injuries’, ‘soccer injuries’, ‘ACL tear’, ‘MCL injury’, ‘meniscus injury’, ‘PCL and LCL tear’.
Summary
Soccer, as a high-contact sport, inherently carries a significant risk of various injuries, particularly to the knees. The prevalence of knee injuries, such as ACL, MCL, and meniscus tears, underscores the importance of effective prevention strategies. Proper warm-ups and specialized preventive exercises, such as those in the FIFA 11+ program, are crucial in reducing the incidence of these injuries. Injuries can severely impact a player's career, leading to long-term health consequences. Therefore, timely and accurate diagnosis, along with appropriate treatment, is essential for recovery and career longevity.
Look past the bleed! A case of non-traumatic thoracic aortic pseudoaneurysm presenting as haemoptysis
Authors: Ansari Fawwad , Hamid Bilal , Mushtaq Fahad , Aftab Mubashira , Kiyani Zainab , Lloyd Benjamin , Gondal Muhammad Umer Riaz 
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Aortic pseudoaneurysms are a type of contained rupture where most of the aortic wall is breached, leaving only a thin rim of the remaining wall or adventitia to hold the blood. This condition carries a high risk of rupture and potentially fatal complications. Typically, patients present with chest pain; haemoptysis can also occur, though rarely. Case description: A 64-year-old male who presented with two episodes of haemoptysis, with no history of cardiovascular surgery or trauma. A chest computerized tomography (CT) followed by an aortogram revealed a thoracic aortic pseudoaneurysm and the patient underwent surgical aortic repair without any complications. This case underscores the rare presentation of thoracic aortic pseudoaneurysm. Discussion: Haemoptysis is a rare manifestation of thoracic aorta pseudoaneurysm and can be a warning sign of impending rupture. Haemoptysis may occur due to formation of aortopulmonary fistula or direct erosion of pseudoaneurysm into lung parenchyma. Conclusion: It is imperative for clinicians to recognise such manifestations early for prompt diagnosis and prevention of complications.
Family functioning, parental cancer-related emotions, and quality of life in childhood cancer patients
Authors: Andriastuti Murti , Fathinasari Anisa Dwi , Arafah Nurani Rahma , Asa Annisa Aditya , Salsabila Khansa , Primacakti Fitri 
Published: July 2024

Background Childhood cancer and its treatment affects not only children’s health, but also children’s and families’ psychosocial function, relationship, emotion, and quality of life. Several studies in developed countries have been conducted to address this issue using the Family Adaptation and Cohesion Scales (FACES) III and the Situation-Specific Emotional Reaction Questionnaire (SSERQ). Screening psychosocial problems is crucial as part of cancer comprehensive care.
Objective To investigate the dynamics of family functioning, parental cancer-related emotions, and to evaluate possible associations with the child's quality of life.
Methods This cross-sectional study was done in child with cancer aged 0-18 years. Parents completed the validated Indonesian versions of three sets of questionnaires regarding subjects’ quality of life (PedsQL), family function (FACES III), and family cancer-related emotions (SSERQ). Validity and reliability tests were done to assess the Indonesian versions of the questionnaires.
Results A total of 269 subjects were recruited. Parental proxy of PedsQL evaluations revealed that the 8-12-year-old age group had significantly lower score than the other groups (P=0.014). Solid tumor subjects had significantly lower PedsQL score compared to subjects with hematological malignancy (P=0.001). The FACES III questionnaire results showed that connected families tended to have better PedsQL score based on children’s evaluation compared to disengaged families (P=0.049). No significant difference was found between adaptability of family function and PedsQL score. The SSERQ revealed significant associations between negative emotions and lower PedsQL scores in the children (all P=0.000).
Conclusions Parental proxy of PedsQL scores were significantly lower in older children (8 to 12 years). Children with connected families have significantly higher PedsQL scores than disengaged families, for the PedsQL children’s evaluation. Parents’ emotions (loneliness, helplessness, and uncertainty) experienced by a family member of a child with cancer are also correlated with lower PedsQL scores by both evaluations.
Between Saying and Doing: Aristotle and Speusippus on the Evaluation of Pleasure
Authors: Cheng Wei 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
This study aims to provide a coherent new interpretation of the notorious anti-hedonism of Speusippus, Plato’s nephew and the second scholarch of the Academy, by reconsidering all the relevant sources concerning his attitude to pleasure, sources that seem to be in tension or even incompatible with each other. By reassessing Speusippus’ anti-hedonism and Aristotle’s response, it also sheds new light on the Academic debate over pleasure in which he and Aristotle participated. This debate is not merely concerned with the truth and credibility of the arguments for or against hedonism, but also with notable differences among the participants in their understanding of the practical significance of evaluating hedonic experiences. This new picture allows us to better understand Aristotle’s selective representation of the intra-school debate and some neglected features of his responses to different interlocutors.
Potential biomarkers of ASD a target for future treatments: oxidative stress, chemokines, apoptotic, and methylation capacity
Authors: Zaki Moushira , Youness Eman R. , Orban Hisham A. , Ahmed Hend M. , Moustafa Rehab S.I. , Alzaree Fatma A. , Ashaat Engy A. , El-Bassyouni Hala T. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objectives
The study aimed to assess the effect of these biomarkers on a sample of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to help in early diagnosis and intervention.

Methods
A total of 71 autistic patients and 65 normal controls were enrolled in this study. Their ages ranged from 5 to 11 years (mean ± SD 7.47 ± 3.81). Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) was assessed for all patients and controls. Assessment of oxidative stress, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, B-cell lymphoma 2, S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), and apelin was performed.

Results
Oxidative stress (oxidized low-density lipoprotein and malonaldehyde) increased while antioxidant paraoxonase (PON) decreased. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, B-cell lymphoma 2, and S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) were all elevated whereas, apelin was downregulated.

Conclusions
It is important to note that many factors that may contribute to ASD including genetic factors. To open the door for novel treatment strategies, it is still necessary to precisely understand how oxidative stress, chemokines, apoptosis, and methylation capability affect the metabolism of people with ASD.
Optimizing Fi-Wi network performance through advanced multiplexing techniques: a comparative analysis for enhanced quality metrics
Authors: Kaur Prabhjot , Saini Hardeep Singh 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Fi-Wi networks, emblematic of the convergence between optical fibers and wireless access, stand resolutely at the vanguard of the transformative redefinition of communication paradigms. As advanced communication networks persistently redefine the contours of connectivity, characterized by their unparalleled speed, minimal latency, and augmented capacity, the exigency for innovative approaches undergoes heightened intensification. The crux of this study pivots upon the methodical application of multiplexing techniques, notably wavelength division multiplexing (WDM), optical code division multiplexing (OCDMA), and optical time division multiplexing (OTDM), each deployed with precision to elevate the nuanced performance of the Fi-Wi network. The multifaceted optimization of these techniques not only imparts an impetus to data transfer rates, mitigates latency, and augments spectral efficiency but concurrently instigates the realm of wireless connectivity. The research undertakes a technical exploration of the deployed multiplexing strategies, delineating their idiosyncratic advantages. A discerning comparative analysis vis-a-vis the hybrid (Fi-Wi)-single model, precisely serving as the baseline, unequivocally delineates the superior performance of the proposed methods across metrics of Q-factor, eye height, and logarithmic bit error rate-Q factor.
Democritus, The Laughing Philosopher
Authors: Johnson Monte Ransome 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
I argue that a circa first century B.C./A.D. anonymous epistolary comic novel depicting a fictional interaction between Hippocrates of Cos and Democritus of Abdera contains an insightful imitation of Democritus that can cast light on the historical Democritus’s thought, including his thought on the touchy subject of appropriate and inappropriate laughter. The only thing certain about Democritus’s view of laughter is that he denounced laughter at human misfortune as inappropriate. The later legend of him as laughing at everything and everyone indiscriminately is a later distortion of his view which the author of the comic novel seems concerned to counteract.
The Contemptuous Laughter of Democritus and Nietzsche
Authors: Luft Eric v.d. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Ancient texts show Democritus as contemptuous and tradition represents him as a laugher. These two aspects of character are easily merged, as we see in Nietzsche, who in this regard is very much the heir of Democritus. The humor in Nietzsche's writings is not extraneous to his philosophy, but coextensive with his thought and an integral expression of his contempt for the targets of his philosophical attacks. Insofar as Nietzsche's humor is neither stylistic, rhetorical, nor intended to emphasize philosophical points antecedent to his process of joking about them, we cannot understand Nietzsche unless we get his jokes.
Joke Capital vs. Punching Up/Punching Down: Accounting for the Ethical Relation between Joker and Target
Authors: Gimbel Steven , Wilk Thomas 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The currently dominant view concerning humor ethics is punching up/punching down. According to this view, members of one community with less social capital are allowed to make jokes at the expense of another with more social capital as a means of achieving social justice, while those in a community with more social capital are forbidden from making jokes about those with less. The latter is considered an act of bullying, which further entrenches pre-existing social injustice. While there is value in the moral intuitions that underlay this view, it falls prey to several problems. A new approach, the joke capital approach, is introduced which has the virtue of accounting for the cases in which punching up/punching down is effective but also is capable of handling the problematic cases.
“You Must Be Joking!”: Theory, Religion, and The Domestication of the Ludic
Authors: Low Nicholas 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis article traces the valuation of the ludic themes of laughter and play in the work of Jonathan Z. Smith, as debated by two of his interpreters. The question at stake is whether “religious” or “secular” thinking is more playful and open to humor. Sam Gill argues that a special form of play animates both certain forms of religion as well as an ideal form of secular theory. Tyler Roberts counters that Gill “domesticates” the ludic, and in doing so misconstrues the playfulness of religion. However, lurking behind the religious/secular dichotomy is a more fundamental question about the nature of the ludic, and what sort of power it possesses to transform human life. I show that the claim that theory is “secular” stabilizes certain ontological parameters about what human life could be. I turn finally to Nietzsche to interrogate an expression of ludic thought that pushes decisively beyond the human.