bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Financial Development, Institutional Quality and Earning Population on Sustainable Development of BRI Economies
Authors: Malik Muhammad Asad Saleem , Hashmi Shujahat Haider , Ullah Atta 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The main aim of this research was to explore the influence of financial development (FD), institutional quality (IQ), and the size of the earning population (EP) on sustainable development (SD) in 64 countries participating in the One Belt and One Road initiative (BRI) from 2005 to 2020. Employing a two-step generalized method of moments (GMM) analysis, the study revealed a consistent and favorable trajectory in the sustainable development of these nations, in line with established economic theories. The study revealed that financial development and institutional quality (measured by IQ-WDI and ICRG) had significant positive effects on sustainable development. However, earning population (EP) exhibited a negative yet significant influence on sustainable development. Additionally, control variables such as inflation, exchange rate, and unemployment rate negatively impacted SD, whereas current account balance (CAB) had a positive effect. The study also discussed policy implications and future directions, emphasizing the integration of One Belt and One Road countries as a pathway to successful sustainable development. These findings hold crucial implications for policymakers aiming for balanced and sustainable growth strategies.
The Natural History of Crohn’s Disease Leading to Intestinal Failure: A Longitudinal Cohort Study from 1973 to 2018
Authors: Wu Tian Hong , Brandt Christopher Filtenborg , Scheike Thomas , Burisch Johan , Jeppesen Palle Bekker 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims:
The natural history of Crohn’s disease leading to intestinal failure is not well characterised. This study aims to describe the clinical course of Crohn’s disease preceding intestinal failure, and compare disease activity and burden between Crohn’s disease patients with and without intestinal failure.
Methods:
Patients with Crohn’s disease complicated by intestinal failure from Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen (n=182) and a nationwide Danish Crohn’s disease cohort without intestinal failure (n=22,845) were included. Using nationwide medical and social registries in Denmark, disease activity was determined from hospitalisations, surgeries and outpatient medications, and disease burden was determined from employment and mortality data.
Results:
The 10-year cumulative incidence of intestinal failure following Crohn’s disease diagnosis declined from 2.7% prior to 1980 to 0.2% after 2000. Compared to Crohn’s disease patients without intestinal failure, those with intestinal failure experienced significantly longer duration of severe disease (50 vs. 19 years per 100 patient-years, p<0.01), secondary to greater corticosteroid use (71% vs. 60%, p=0.02), inpatient contacts (98% vs. 55%, p<0.01), and abdominal surgeries (99% vs. 48%, p<0.01). However, exposure to biologics was not different between the two groups (20.4% vs. 21%, p=0.95), and duration on biologics was shorter in Crohn’s disease patients with intestinal failure(2,068 vs. 4,126 days per 100 patient-years, p=0.02). Standard mortality ratio in Crohn’s disease patients with intestinal failurewas 3.66 [97.5% CI 2.79,4.72].
Conclusion:
Patients with Crohn’s disease complicated by intestinal failure experienced a more persistently severe preceding course of Crohn’s disease, but were not more likely to be treated with biological therapy.
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) recommendations in Clinical Practice Guidelines for open angle glaucoma and MIGS procedures: A scoping review.
Authors: Galvez-Olortegui Jose , Burgueño-Montañes Carmen , Silva-Ocas Isabel , Bernales-Urbina Susan , Galvez-Olortegui Tomas 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
To assess the recommendations of open angle glaucoma Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) addressing Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) or MIGS procedures CPG.
Methods:
A scoping review of CPG was conducted, based on an ongoing systematic review (CRD42024510656). A systematic literature search of CPG was carried out in November 2023, with an update in January 2024. CPG published in the last 8 years, full text available and addressing MIGS were selected. CPG details and recommendations concerning MIGS were extracted.
Results:
13 CPG addressing MIGS were selected (8 recovered from databases and 5 from registers). Four health Technology Assessments were assessed but recommendations were not considered. Finnish and Swedish guidelines, published in 2024, and Japanese guidelines, published in 2023, are English versions of their native language guidelines, but none of them make specific recommendations about MIGS. The Spanish Glaucoma Society – Advanced Glaucoma guideline (2023) describes the available techniques but does not make recommendations about MIGS. The European Glaucoma Society (2023) guideline only makes recommendations for 4 devices and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Interventional procedures guidance makes recommendations both for specific procedures and devices.
Conclusion:
MIGS is a relevant topic that has not been adequately addressed in terms of updated evidence, available procedures, and recommendations in open angle glaucoma CPG or MIGS procedures CPG.
Medicinal Assessment of Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.): Antibacterial, Phytochemical, and Nutritional Profiling
Authors: Sulaiman Mustapha , Abubakar Amina Lawan , Muhammad Ma’aruf Abdulmumin , Shafi’i Abubakar Muhd , Idris Inuwa Musa , Iya Naseer Inuwa Durumin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

While pharmaceutical drugs often come with detrimental side effects such as liver damage and addiction, the Hibiscus cannabinus L. (kenaf) plant has proven to be a promising traditional medicinal alternative. However, there are extremely few studies to investigate the variability of medicinal and nutritional parameters in Kenaf tissues. The phytochemicals, proximate composition, mineral content, amino acid content, and antibacterial activity of kenaf tissues have been studied and compared using advanced techniques. UPLC analysis reveals that leaves contain the highest concentration of caffeic acid (76.4 mg/100 g), which is also present in stem bark (51.3 mg/100 g). GC-MS analysis shows linoleic acid is predominant in seeds (46.23%) and stem bark (40.7%), while E-Phytol is mostly in leaves (33.5%) and hexadecanoic acid in flowers. Phenolic analysis indicates water as the most effective extraction solvent, with leaves showing the highest phenolic content (592.1 mg/100 g). Water remains the best solvent for flavonoid extraction, with flowers and leaves having the highest flavonoid concentrations (722.1 mg/100 g and 552.2 mg/100 g, respectively). Seed is the most nutritious, containing the highest amount of crude protein and nitrogen-free extract. Stem bark is rich in calcium (883 mg/kg) and potassium (3093 mg/kg). Amino acid analysis shows seeds are high in glutamic acid and aspartic acid, while proline is predominant in stem bark. Leaf tissue exhibits the strongest antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus, suggesting its potential use in antibacterial applications. This demonstrates the research's contributions to possible uses of Kenaf in health and nutrition.
Impacts of climate change and variability on drought characteristics and challenges on sorghum productivity in Babile District, Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Tolossa Abdisa Alemu , Dadi Diriba Korecha , Mirkena Lemma Wogi , Erena Zelalem Bekeko , Liben Feyera Merga 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Examining the characteristics of drought indices in the context of climate variability and change, particularly in semi-arid water-stressed regions, requires adaptation. Observed climate data of the Babile station from 1980 to 2009 were used as a baseline for climate projection. Future climate projection was established under two Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) climate scenarios for the 21st century. Two drought indices, namely standard precipitation index and standard evapotranspiration index (SPI and SPEI) were employed based on temperature and rainfall to characterize droughts. Our study revealed that drought severity and intensity are more likely to increase under RCP4.5 climate forcing in the middle of the 21st century. The average drought severity (S) was 1.1, 1.53, 1.55, and 1.8 in SPEI 3-month time scale; 1.51, 2.1, 2.38, and 2.29 in SPEI 4-month time scale; and 2.15, 2.77, 3.44, and 2.91 in SPEI 6-month time scale, whereas, the drought severity (S) was 1.33, 1.37, and 1.79 in SPEI 3-month time scale; 1.79, 2.05, and 2.19 in SPEI 4-month time scale; and 2.47, 3.19, and 2.69 in SPEI 6-month time scale in observed, near, mid and end of the 21st century under RCP4.5 and 8.5 scenarios, respectively. Increase in drought frequency and severity occurrences under RCP4.5 scenario would have a negative impact on sorghum crop productivity. We recommended further study on practical soil water conservation to drought management in the study area.
Enhanced photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye using CuO nanoparticles from the fruit extracts of Diplocyclos palmatus (L) C. Jeffrey for wastewater remediation
Authors: G. T. Parethe , P. Rajesh , V. Velmani , M. Balaji , S. Kavica 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

The degradation of synthetic organic dyes through photocatalysis requires structured nanoparticles (NPs). Copper oxide (CuO) NPs were used as the newest developed catalyst for the organic dye degradation under the irradiation of sunlight: The metal oxide NPs were synthesized using the fruit extract of Diplocyclos palmatus (L) C. Jeffrey. UV–visible light spectra showed an absorption band for CuO NPs at 277 nm. X-ray diffraction confirmed the monoclinic phase of CuO NPs. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed rod-shaped stacked particles. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectra indicating the presence of Cu in oxide form. For the degradation of methylene blue dye (MB), CuO NPs were used as photocatalyst for dye degradation under sunlight irradiation. This study confirmed the effects, such as irradiation time, concentration, pH, and catalyst dosage. The CuO NPs showed high photocatalytic degradation, degrading 90% of the dye in 120 min. The increased degradation of dye was observed on exposure to longer irradiation time. The increased concentration of dye resulted in a decreased rate of photodegradation. 95% degradation achieved at pH 9 showing that the pH medium also enhances the degradation. A higher dye degradation percentage was achieved by increasing the higher catalyst dosage of 0.013 g degraded 93% of dye. Thus in the treatment of wastewater containing pollutants, the synthesized CuO NPs acted as an efficient photocatalyst.
Water quality analysis, treatment, and economic feasibility of water services of the Neora River in the fringe area of Neora-Valley National Park, India
Authors: Mukherjee Sahana , Saha Jayeeta , Sharma Neha , Das Sovik , Chaturvedi Shiva Shankar 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Surface water assessment is essential for an accurate water management plan. The present investigation was focused on quality analysis, treatment, and economic feasibility of the River Neora, a raw water source in the fringe area of the Neora-Valley National Park, India. Pearson's correlations showed a positive correlation (0.629) between temperature and total solids (TS), whereas a negative correlation (−0.23) for dissolved oxygen with other parameters. In ANOVA, F-value (&gt;1) was obtained for all parameters except BOD5. The water quality index (WQI) was determined to find out whether the river water meets the drinking water requirements for local inhabitants in the lower fringe. A high coliform count (approximately 4.5/100 mL) downstream further warranted the design of an advanced treatment, the electrochemical oxidation batch reactor. To maintain the water quality grade, the estimation of water benefits was mandatory. The water consumption for domestic and non-domestic purposes was calculated at 5,314,400 and 1,470,000,000 L/yr, respectively. Obtainability and no tax coverage might have led to the overexploitation of water, which paved the way for monetary evaluation (US$695.29). This study provided an overview of the potential of River Neora, which can be restored in the long run by adopting the water development policies by the government.
Alkalinity control in sludge propels the conversion of concrete slurry waste into micro- and nano-sized biogenic CaCO3
Authors: Zhao Jinbo , Feng Jiacheng , Du Yifan , Yan Zhiyang , Li Xiaoguang , Qin Jinyi , Su Ming , Yang Min 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

The utilization of Bacillus sp. for the production of bio-CaCO3 in concrete crack repair and strength enhancement has attracted considerable attention. However, microbial-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) has yet to be explored as a precedent with activated sludge. Here calcium sourced from concrete slurry waste (CSW) and carbon from sludge microbial β-oxidation under alkaline were used to generate micro/nano CaCO3. The results indicate that the main crystalline form of the generated precipitated particles is calcite, with a particle size ranging from 0.7 to 10 μm. Minimal heavy metals were found in the supernatant following settling. And at the optimum pH of 8.5–9, carbon capture reached 743 mg L−1, and CaCO3 production reached 1,191 mg L−1, and dominant phylum were Proteobacteria and Bacteroidota, with Thauera being a prevalent genus adept in β-oxidation. Mass balance analysis showed that alkali promotes microbial β-oxidation of organisms to produce CO2 and facilitate storage. Thus, the alkaline regulation of metabolism between microbe and CSW provides a novel way of sludge to initiate MICP.
Kant e o sustento [Versorgung] dos pobres:
Authors: Dutra Delamar Volpato 
Published: July 2024

O presente texto faz dois movimentos interpretativos a respeito do sustento [Versorgung] dos pobres na RL.[1] O primeiro movimento visa a responder a seguinte questão: por que o Estado tem que sustentar os pobres? Para responder a esta questão, busca-se indicar, no texto de Kant, um espelhamento do Leviatã de Hobbes. Desse modo, pretende-se avançar a hipótese de que a posição kantiana reflete aspectos importantes da perspectiva hobbesiana, no sentido de que certos traços, os quais comporiam o que se poderia nominar como determinações metafísicas do direito, seriam explicáveis pela posição naturalizada de Hobbes, mormente no referente a certos caracteres que se poderiam remeter à natureza humana. Esse movimento permitirá uma leitura do texto em consonância com a interpretação dita instrumental ou prudencial, não obstante, agora pensada de modo peculiar. O segundo movimento visa a responder à seguinte questão: por que os pobres são excluídos por Kant da cidadania ativa? Para responder a esta questão, usa-se da distinção entre liberdade, igualdade e independência, feita no texto Contra Hobbes. Intenta-se, com isso, tornar coerentes os posicionamentos de Kant sobre a desigualdade de propriedade e sobre a distinção entre cidadania ativa e cidadania passiva. Tal estratégia determinará uma interpretação da situação dos pobres em termos de liberdade e de igualdade, mas não de independência. A maior vantagem desse posicionamento consiste em não confundir o princípio da liberdade com o princípio da independência, algo que alguns comentadores fizeram, como aqueles da Escola de Toronto.

[1] As referências a Kant, incluso no que diz respeito às abreviaturas, seguem a uniformização proposta pela Kant-Studien Redaktion, disponíveis em [http://www.kant.uni-mainz.de/ks/abhandlungen.html]. As citações literais são feitas a partir das traduções para o vernáculo das referidas obras
Prevalence of Nosocomial Infections and the Pattern of Microbial Resistance in
a Tertiary Care Referral Hospital (Alzahra), Isfahan, Iran
Authors: Tolou-Ghamari Zahra , Pourdad Arezoo , Foroughi Zahra , Ataei Behrooz , Palizban Abbas Ali 
Published: July 2024

Background:
Nowadays, the resistance to available antibiotics could be mentioned as a global threat to public health. The aim of this preliminary study was to
conduct a retrospective survey associated with the prevalence of Nosocomial Infections (NIs) and the pattern of microbial resistance in a tertiary
care referral hospital (Alzahra), Isfahan, Iran.

Methods:
The data between the years 2016 to 2022 were extracted from the official database of hospital NI records. The microbiological culture results,
represented by non-repetitive specimens, were further analyzed for pathogens and the pattern of antibiotic resistance. Then antibiotic susceptibility
testing was done using standard methods of disk diffusion or Phoenix M50. The recorded variables have been presented as mean ± standard
deviation, prevalence, and percentage. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.

Results:
For a duration of 5.5 years, the period prevalence of NIs was recorded as 2%, with more than 50% associated with ventilator-associated events and
urinary tract infections. Klebsiella pneumonia, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Staphylococcus were the main pathogens. Further study of specimens
from the year 2022 (n= 898) confirmed the most isolated bacteria as Klebsiella pneumonia (n = 290, 32%), Acinetobacter baumannii (n= 206,
23%), Enterococcus (faecium-fecalis n=125, 14%), Escherichia coli (n = 116, 13%), Staphylococcus aureus (n = 95, 11%), and Pseudomonas
aeruginosa (n = 66, 7%). Resistance (R%) in Isfahan versus the whole country was confirmed for Klebsiella pneumonia (third or fourth generation
of cephalosporins: R = 80.9 vs. 82%), fluoroquinolones (R = 76.6 vs. 73%), beta-lactamase inhibitors (R = 75 vs. 79%), carbapenems (R = 65.7 vs.
66%), and so on, respectively.

Conclusion:
There has been reported an increase in the proportion of isolates resistant to cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, and others. The variety of latent
pathogens resistant to frequently administered antibiotics highlights the significance of continued and homogenous antimicrobial evidence-based
pharmacotherapy investigations in Isfahan, Iran. Further studies in this direction are recommended.
LncRNA DERCNC in Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Cirrhosis
Aggravates Tumor Proliferation by Targeting SOX9
Authors: Wang Yun-Bing , Salameen Haitham , Hu Yi-Yu , Zhou Shi-Ji , Gong Jun-Hua 
Published: July 2024

Purpose:
This study aims to understand the role of cirrhosis in promoting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression by analyzing the differential expression of long noncoding
RNAs (lncRNAs) between cirrhotic hepatocellular carcinoma (CHCC) and noncirrhotic hepatocellular carcinoma (NCHCC).

Methods:
A transcriptional profile array was used to identify differentially expressed lncRNAs.
Subsequently, a specific lncRNA was selected to evaluate the clinical significance, potential
functions, regulatory targets, and pathways through both in vitro and in vivo experiments.

Results:
The study identified a lncRNA, which we termed DERCNC, an acronym for Differentially Expressed RNA between Cirrhotic and Non-Cirrhotic HCC. DERCNC was significantly
more highly expressed in CHCC than in NCHCC. Clinically, elevated levels of DERCNC expression were positively correlated with both the cirrhotic state and tumor stage and inversely
correlated with tumor differentiation. Furthermore, high expression of DERCNC was associated
with a poor prognosis for patients. Conditioned medium from the hepatic stellate cell (LX2) was
found to enhance DERCNC expression, SOX9 expression, and tumor proliferation. Overexpression of DERCNC similarly promoted tumor proliferation and increased SOX9 levels. Conversely, DERCNC silencing resulted in the opposite effects. Moreover, the pro-proliferative
function of DERCNC was reversible through the modulation of SOX9 expression. Further
mechanistic studies revealed that DERCNC upregulated SOX9 by increasing the enrichment of
H3K27ac modifications near the SOX9 promoter.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, DERCNC expression in CHCC has significant clinical implications
and can aggravate tumor proliferation by targeting SOX9. This represents a novel mechanism
by which cirrhosis promotes tumor progression.
Investigation on the Potential of Some N-phenylalkanehydrazides as Superoxide Anion Radical Scavengers and Glutathione Peroxidase Binders
with ADME Prediction: Comparison with Vitamin C
Authors: Mouada Hanane , Lanez Touhami 
Published: July 2024

Objective:
An investigation on the antioxidant activity and ADME properties of some
N-phenylalkanehydrazides (NPhs) in comparison with ascorbic acid was carried out.

Materials and Methods:
The power of the compounds to scavenge the superoxide anion radical
was examined using cyclic voltammetry. Furthermore, molecular docking was used to examine
how NPhs bind to the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Finally, ADME properties
were predicted using the SwissADME webserver.

Results:
The results showed that the studied compounds had significantly higher EC50 values than
Vitamin C and displayed spontaneous binding with GPx with binding energy similar to ascorbic
acid. Also, substantial values emerged from the predictive analysis of drug-likeness and bioavailability
characteristics.

Discussion:
First, the EC50 of the compounds under study was determined by assessing the decrease
in the anodic current peak intensity; this demonstrated significant radical scavenging activity.
Next, the electrostatic way of binding with ROS radical and with antioxidant enzyme was
disclosed by the binding free energies; however, the oxygen and nitrogen atoms in the compounds'
structures might make many conventional hydrogen bonds with amino acids. Finally,
NPh (a) followed all the rules for drug-likeness and bioavailability estimates, making it a promising
moiety for synthesising new antioxidant chemicals.

Conclusion:
The current study is a hybrid of experimental and computational methods that complement
each other perfectly.