bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Green synthesis and multifaceted characterization of iron oxide nanoparticles derived from Senna bicapsularis for enhanced in vitro and in vivo biological investigation
Authors: Ahmad Zubair , Rauf Abdur , Zhang Haiyuan , Ibrahim Muhammad , Muhammad Naveed , Al-Awthan Yahya S. , Bahattab Omar S. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Iron oxide nanoparticles have garnered significant interest in recent years due to their diverse applications, particularly in the therapeutic field. We present a green synthesis method using the extract of Senna bicapsularis, the production of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs). The successful synthesis of IONPs was confirmed by UV–visible spectroscopy, revealing the characteristic peak at 295 nm. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy were employed to elucidate the functional groups involved in the synthesis and characterize the morphological features of the nanoparticles. Subsequently, the synthesized IONPs were subjected to biological assays to assess their anticancer, enzyme inhibitory, analgesic, and sedative activities, following standardized protocols. The IONPs exhibited potent anticancer activity against the MDR 2780AD cell line, with IC50 values of 0.85 (extract) and 0.55 (iron oxide nanoparticles). Remarkable inhibitory effects were also observed against urease (IC50 = 12.98 ± 0.98) and xanthine oxidase (IC50 = 96.09 ± 0.65). Additionally, they demonstrated moderate carbonic anhydrase II inhibition, with 42.09% inhibition at a concentration of 0.25 mM. Furthermore, the extract and IONPs demonstrated a significant analgesic effect in a dose-dependent manner, while the sedative effect was also significant (p < 0.001).
Comparison of polymerase chain reaction and next-generation sequencing with conventional urine culture for the diagnosis of urinary tract infections: A meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao Meng , Qi Shuang , Sun Yinuo , Zheng Xue 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The limitations of conventional urine culture methods can be avoided by using culture-independent approaches like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and next-generation sequencing (NGS). However, the efficacy of these approaches in this setting is still subject to contention. PRISMA-compliant searches were performed on MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Sciences, and the Cochrane Database until March 2023. The included articles compared PCR or NGS to conventional urine culture for the detection of urinary tract infections (UTIs). RevMan performed meta-analysis, and the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool assessed study quality. A total of 10 selected studies that involved 1,291 individuals were included in this meta-analysis. The study found that PCR has a 99% sensitivity and a 94% specificity for diagnosing UTIs. Furthermore, NGS was shown to have a sensitivity of 90% for identifying UTIs and a specificity of 86%. The odds ratio (OR) for PCR to detect Gram-positive bacteria is 0.50 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.41–0.61), while the OR for NGS to detect Gram-negative bacteria is 0.23 [95% CI 0.09–0.59]. UTIs are typically caused by Gram-negative bacteria like Escherichia coli and Gram-positive bacteria like Staphylococci and Streptococci. PCR and NGS are reliable, culture-free molecular diagnostic methods that, despite being expensive, are essential for UTI diagnosis and prevention due to their high sensitivity and specificity.
Secreted frizzled-related protein 5 protects against renal fibrosis by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin pathway
Authors: Deng Dai , Tian Dongli , Wang Yahui , Bai Yu , Diao Zongli , Liu Wenhu 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Renal fibrosis (RF) is an important pathogenesis for renal function deterioration in chronic kidney disease. Secreted frizzled-related protein 5 (SFRP5) is an anti-fibrotic adipokine but its direct role on RF remains unknown. It was aimed to study the protective effect of SFRP5 against RF and interference with Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway for the first time. First, the therapeutic efficacy of SFRP5 was evaluated by adenovirus overexpression in rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in vivo. Thirty-six rats were randomly divided into the sham, UUO, and SFRP5 (UUO + Ad-SFRP5) groups. Half rats in each group were selected at random for euthanasia at 7 days and the others until 14 days. Then, the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) was established in HK-2 cells in vitro. The cells were divided into four groups: the control group, the TGF-β1 group, the TGF-β1 + SFRP5 group, and the TGF-β1 + SFRP5 + anti-SFRP5 group. The makers of EMT and Wnt/β‐catenin pathway proteins were investigated. In the UUO model, expression of SFRP5 showed compensatory upregulation, and adenoviral-mediated SFRP5 over-expression remarkably attenuated RF, as demonstrated by maintenance of E-cadherin and suppression of α-smooth muscle actin (SMA). In vitro, SFRP5 was shown to inhibit TGF-β1-mediated positive regulation of α-SMA, fibronectin, collagen I but negative regulation of E-cadherin. Furthermore, SFRP5 abrogated activation of Wnt/β-catenin, which was the essential pathway in EMT and RF pathogenesis. The changes after a neutralizing antibody to SFRP5 confirmed the specificity of SFRP5 for inhibition. These findings suggest that SFRP5 can directly ameliorate EMT and protect against RF by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
Dreaming of a Jewish Democracy: Sammy Gronemann as High Judge and Chief Architect of the Pre-State Zionist Judiciary (1911–1946)
Authors: Kühne Jan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This article explores the history of the pre-state Zionist judiciary, focusing on Sammy Gronemann’s instrumental role as its high judge and chief architect from 1911 to 1946. In doing so, it addresses a significant gap in existing research. Despite extensive attention that has been paid to his contributions to German and Hebrew literature, Gronemann’s legal profession and judicial endeavors within the World Zionist Organization (WZO) have been largely overlooked in academic discourse. To provide context and illuminate Gronemann’s influential role, the first section of this article offers a concise historical account of the pre-state Zionist judiciary’s genesis. The second section delves into Gronemann’s disillusionment and suppressed critique of the WZO’s democratization initiatives. This is evident in his private writings, including a hitherto unknown letter correspondence with Theodor Heuss, the first president of West Germany. The exploration undertaken unveils the moral authority of Gronemann as representative of the institutionalized Zionist conscience, a role he embodied as the chief judge and architect of the Zionist pre-state judiciary.
Novel integrated structure and function of Mg–Gd neutron shielding materials
Authors: Le Yunlin , She Jia , Mao Jianjun , Jing Xuerui , Yang Jijun , Meng Xianfang , Tan Jun , Wu Lu , Zhang Wei , Yang Wenchao , Pang Xingzhi , Pan Fusheng 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
As the lightest metal structural materials, magnesium (Mg) alloys offer extensive application potential. Gadolinium (Gd), as the primary alloying element in Mg alloys and recognized for its notable thermal neutron capture cross-section, is considered one of the most efficient neutron absorbers. Thus, the Mg–Gd alloy is highly expected to emerge as a material with remarkable neutron absorption capacity. Hence, in this study, the thermal neutron-shielding capabilities of Mg–Gd alloys were comprehensively examined by fabricating four as-cast Mg–xGd alloys with varying compositions (x = 0, 5, 10, and 15 wt%). The obtained results were further corroborated by sophisticated modeling and calculations using SuperMC. The results revealed a direct correlation between the thermal neutron absorption capacity of the Mg–Gd alloys and the increase in Gd content, with a noteworthy neutron attenuation factor of 22.33. Moreover, in an Au ion irradiation experiment conducted at 200°C, the Mg–15Gd alloy exhibited exceptional radiation resistance, with a displacement per atom (dpa) of 10. The matrix and second-phase regions were devoid of any cavity formation. Instead, a finite number of dislocation rings were observed, forming both leaf-like and granular Gd-rich nanoscale precipitates. This study underscores the versatility of Mg–Gd alloys as efficient neutron shielding materials and structural materials tailored for applications demanding radiation resistance in diverse environments.
KSR1 knockout mouse model demonstrates MAPK pathway's key role in cisplatin- and noise-induced hearing loss
Authors: Ingersoll Matthew A. , Lutze Richard D. , Kelmann Regina G. , Kresock Daniel F. , Marsh Jordan D. , Quevedo Rene V. , Zuo Jian , Teitz Tal 
Published: March 2024

Hearing loss is a major disability in everyday life and therapeutic interventions to protect hearing would benefit a large portion of the world population. Here we found that mice devoid of the protein kinase suppressor of RAS 1 (KSR1) in their tissues (germline KO mice) exhibit resistance to both cisplatin- and noise-induced permanent hearing loss compared to their wild-type KSR1 littermates. KSR1 is a scaffold protein that brings in proximity the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) proteins BRAF, MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 and assists in their activation through a phosphorylation cascade induced by both cisplatin and noise insults in the cochlear cells. KSR1, BRAF, MEK1/2, and ERK1/2 are all ubiquitously expressed in the cochlea. Deleting the KSR1 protein tempered down the MAPK phosphorylation cascade in the cochlear cells following both cisplatin and noise insults and conferred hearing protection of up to 30 dB SPL in three tested frequencies in male and female mice. Treatment with dabrafenib, an FDA-approved oral BRAF inhibitor, protected male and female KSR1 wild-type mice from both cisplatin- and noise-induced hearing loss. Dabrafenib treatment did not enhance the protection of KO KSR1 mice, providing evidence dabrafenib works primarily through the MAPK pathway. Thus, either elimination of the KSR1 gene expression or drug inhibition of the MAPK cellular pathway in mice resulted in profound protection from both cisplatin- and noise-induce hearing loss. Inhibition of the MAPK pathway, a cellular pathway that responds to damage in the cochlear cells, can prove a valuable strategy to protect and treat hearing loss.Significance StatementTen percent of the world population suffers from hearing loss but this impairment may be preventable. We show that mice devoid of the KSR1 protein (KO) exhibit resistance to cisplatin- and noise-induced permanent hearing loss compared to wild-type littermates that harbor the protein. Removing KSR1 tempers down the MAPK phosphorylation cascade of BRAF-MEK-ERK induced in the cochlea following cisplatin and noise insults. Treatment of KSR1 wild-type mice following cisplatin or noise with an FDA-approved BRAF inhibitor, dabrafenib, protected the hearing and, importantly, did not confer additional protection to the KO KSR1 mice. Hence, the MAPK pathway has a unique role in responding to cochlear damage and removing KSR1 gene expression or drug inhibition of the pathway results in hearing protection.
Sex-Specific Developmental Scales for Surveillance
Authors: Sudry Tamar , Amit Guy , Zimmerman Deena R. , Tsadok Meytal Avgil , Baruch Ravit , Yardeni Hadar , Akiva Pinchas , Ben Moshe Dror , Bachmat Eitan , Sadaka Yair 
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND
Developmental surveillance, conducted routinely worldwide, is fundamental for early detection of children at risk for developmental delay. We aimed to explore sex-related difference in attainment rates of developmental milestones and to evaluate the clinical need for separate sex-specific scales.

METHODS
This is a cross-sectional, natiowide retrospective study, utilizing data from a national child surveillance program of ∼1000 maternal child health clinics. The main cohort, used for constructing sex-specific developmental scales, included all children born between January 2014 to September 2020, who visited maternal child health clinics from birth to 6 years of age (n = 839 574). Children with abnormal developmental potential were excluded (n = 195 616). A validation cohort included all visits between 2020 and 2021 (n = 309 181). The sex-differences in normative attainment age of 59 developmental milestones from 4 domains were evaluated. The milestones with a significant gap between males and females were identified, and the projected error rates when conducting unified versus sex-specific surveillance were calculated.

RESULTS
A new sex-specific developmental scale was constructed. In total, females preceded males in most milestones of all developmental domains, mainly at older ages. Conducting routine developmental surveillance using a unified scale, compared with sex-specific scales, resulted in potential missing of females at risk for developmental delay (19.3% of failed assessments) and over-diagnosis of males not requiring further evaluation (5.9% of failed assessments).

CONCLUSIONS
There are sex-related differences in the normative attainment rates of developmental milestones, indicating possible distortion of the currently used unified scales. These findings suggest that using sex-specific scales may improve the accuracy of early childhood developmental surveillance.
Family and personal identity among Roma students in Colleges for Advanced Studies: Identity preservation and change
Authors: Komolafe Cinderella , Dávid Beáta 
Published: March 2024

AbstractDuring their studies, Roma university students enter into a milieu different from their family environment and this can affect their identity. In our research, we used life story interviews (N = 108) to study Roma university students who attended Roma College for Advanced Studies (RCAS). We were interested in how their identities were formed and what role their family Roma identity strategy and the RCAS played in it. In our analysis, we divided the Roma students into five categories (separated, integrated, assimilated, negative, marginalized) and these identity strategies were also used to determine the respondents' family identity. In the sample, the largest proportion consisted of those who had an integrated personal and family Roma identity strategy. The majority of the respondents had not changed identity strategies and also interpreted their personal identity according to the family pattern. Some of the Roma university students went to RCAS specifically to strengthen their Roma identity. Overall, it can be said that the family Roma identity strategy can be linked to the development of personal identity, and the RCAS can have a role in preserving and strengthening the Roma identity of university students.
By-products of the Sawmill Process in a Forest Company: Their Physical, Chemical and Energetic Evaluation for Pellets and Briquettes
Authors: Reyes-rodríguez Lucero A. , Aviña-berumen Luis J. , Ruiz-aquiño Faustino , Rangel-méndez J. René , Andrade-martínez Gerardo J. , Rutiaga-quinones Jose G. 
Published: March 2024

Aim of study: The physical characteristics and the chemical and energetic properties of bark and sawdust from a sawmill were determined, in order to identify their potential to be used for bioenergy purposes.
Area of study: The pine lignocellulosic residues were collected at the Forestal Viscaya company in Mexico.
Material and method: 50 kg of each biomass was collected as follows: bark samples were taken from the bark mill, and sawdust samples were taken from main saw, edger, trimmer, and the chipper machine. Moisture, granulometry, density, and chemical analyses were determined. The calorific value and tons of oil equivalent were also calculated.
Main results: The results indicate that the bark could be used to make briquettes, while the sawdust to make pellets. Particularly, the average calorific value varied from 16.55 to 23.78 MJ/kg for bark, while for sawdust the results varied from 19.49 to 21.04 MJ/kg. Using the most conservative model to estimate the calorific value, and taking into account the amount of bark and sawdust generated per year, it was determined that 2.265 equivalent tons of oil could be substituted.
Research highlights: The results show the potential of biomass for its possible energy use within the forestry company.
Cuidado com a saúde sexual e reprodutiva: um olhar a partir da percepção de mulheres que fazem sexo com mulheres
Authors: Ferreira Beatriz Felix , Marques Silvia Badim , Andrade Juliane , Bruno Carla Targino da Silva 
Published: March 2024

Objective: This study is intended to understand the perception of women who have sex with women, regarding the care they receive in health services, within the scope of their sexual and reproductive health, in order to verify whether the care offered to them meets the integrality of their right to health and, also, highlight the role of health professionals in guaranteeing these rights. Methodology: A national literature review was carried out for the elaboration of the data collection instrument and qualitative and quantitative research through an individual form and individual interview via the internet. Results: 287 responses were obtained, the statements revealed the following categories: A- Physical violence suffered in health services, B- Negligence and lack of acceptance in gynecological consultations and health services, C- Presumption of heterosexuality in health services, D- Invisibility and, moral and psychological violence. Conclusion: It was evident that women who have sex with women still suffer a series of discrimination and violence in health services, when seeking comprehensive care, especially with regard to their sexual and reproductive rights.
Submission: 05/24/23| Review: 02/20/24| Approval: 02/21/24
Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii among Aborted Women Admitted to Erbil Maternity Teaching Hospital
Authors: Ahmed Zaynab , Khudhair Ahmed 
Published: March 2024

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite responsible for causing congenital toxoplasmosis. Congenital infection during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy may result in spontaneous abortion, mental retardation, and cerebral calcifications, while the severity of fetal damage is decreased during the third trimester.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis and its association with clinical-obstetric determinants and sociodemographic factors in aborted women.

Materials and Methods: The present study was a Hospital-based Cross-sectional Study comprised 100 women who admitted to Erbil Maternity Hospital with a spontaneous abortion. A questionnaire was filled by the researchers after verbal consent, and 5 ml of venous blood was collected from each participant, centrifuged at 3500 rpm, and stored in 2 Eppendorf tubes, and tested by ELISA and Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay by Cobas e 411 for Toxoplasma IgG and IgM according to Manufacturer’s instructions.

Results: The highest seroprevalence for toxoplasmosis was observed in illiterate females aged 26-35 and living in Erbil City's urban areas. A statistically significant association was recorded regarding seropositivity to Toxoplasma IgG and having a history of abnormal babies (P=0.023), Toxoplasma IgG seropositivity and a history of having toxoplasmosis (P=0.016), and seropositivity to Toxoplasma IgM and parity of the females (P=0.037).

Conclusions: Screening for toxoplasmosis during pregnancy is crucial for all women for the prevention of disease progression. Although there are various screening methods for the detection of toxoplasmosis, not all the methods are applicable and financially suitable for the patients.
Comment on “A Seismic Moment Magnitude Scale” by Ranjit Das, Mukat Lal Sharma, Hans Raj Wason, Deepankar Choudhury, and Gabriel Gonzalez
Authors: Gasperini Paolo , Lolli Barbara 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT
Moment magnitude Mw was first defined by Hiroo Kanamori in the late 1970s, when the availability of new force balance seismometers made it possible to measure the seismic moment M0 with virtually no limits in the frequency passband. For this reason, Mw does not become saturated even for the largest earthquakes ever recorded. Mw has been chosen in such a way that it coincides best with the previous definitions of magnitude (Ms, ML, mb, etc.) on certain ranges of values but can deviate significantly from them within other ranges. A few years ago, Das and colleagues proposed a new moment magnitude scale Mwg with the aim of better reproducing the values of mb and Ms over their entire range and to better predict the energy ES radiated by earthquakes. We show that there was no need to define such a new scale and that Mwg is not even optimal to achieve the goal of matching ES.
Dry fermented vegetable products of long-term storage and their integration into the diet of astronauts
Authors: Yanchenko E. V. , Zykin K. A. , Kaukhcheshvili N. E. , Gryzunov A. A. 
Published: March 2024

Relevance. Fermentation makes it possible to improve the properties of the final product, increase its nutritional value and organoleptic characteristics. It has been scientifically proven that the use of fermented foods (with high nutritional and biological value) on a regular basis has a positive effect on human health, increases immunity, improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Dry fermented products with a long shelf life can be recommended as part of the diet in space. The aim is to creation of a dry base for fermented long-term storage beverages based on cabbage and table carrots, applicable in the diet of space nutrition. Objects and methods of research. The objects of the study were the domestic hybrid of white cabbage F1 Severyanka and the domestic variety of carrot table Margosha, and the dry fermented products obtained from them. Results. It was found that, according to biochemical and organoleptic quality indicators, the domestic hybrid of white cabbage F1 Severyanka and the domestic carrot variety Margosha are suitable for various types of processing, including fermentation and manufacture of dried fermented products. The comparison of the number of microorganisms in fermented cabbage and cabbage dehydrated by LTVD (low temperature vacuum drying) and VFD (vacuum freeze drying methods was carried out. The survival rate of microorganisms was 1.62 times higher in LTVD. The ways of accelerating the fermentation process of table carrots are considered. The expediency of using starter cultures obtained on the basis of the fermented product has been confirmed. It has been found that using starter cultures in the form of a fermented product dried by the LTVD method accelerates fermentation and allows you to reach the desired pH level 1.33 times faster than the base one and does not affect the final organoleptic characteristics.