bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spondias mombin flavonoids showed super-binder ability with Downstream Molecular Targets of Parkinson’s Disease: Folkloric-therapy assessment as a Scaffold for Structural Studies in Neurodegenerative disease
Authors: Olanrewaju John A. , Arietarhire Leviticus O. , Soremekun Oladimeji E. , Olugbogi Ezekiel A. , Afolabi Toluwanimi O. , Oyinloye Babatunji E. , Omotuyi Olaposi I. , Russell Steven 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Spondias mombin (S. mombin), a prominent botanical resource, has garnered recognition within folkloric therapy. Parkinson's disease (PD), characterized by dopaminergic neuron attrition in the substantia nigra, manifests as motor anomalies like tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia. This study capitalizes on S. mombin's reservoir of 100 characterized phytocompounds and employs computational methodologies to interrogate their potential 35 PD-associated target proteins. Employing a multifaceted approach, we engaged in molecular docking, ADMET predictions, Molecular Mechanics/Generalized Born Surface Area (MM/GBSA) evaluations, Density Functional Theory (DFT), and Molecular Dynamic Simulations (MDS). This comprehensive framework facilitated insightful structural assessments and predictive analyses. Impressively, flavonoids hailing from S. mombin, including quercetin, catechin, ellagic acid, and epicatechin, showcased optimal binding affinities for PD-relevant target proteins. Moreover, these identified ligands exhibited minimal signs of mutagenicity, tumorigenicity, or irritancy, except for quercetin, which displayed elevated tumorigenic potential. Notably, quercetin and dopamine exhibited varying band gap energies, with quercetin the lowest (3.63 eV) and dopamine the highest (5.76 eV) values. MDS result suggests a synergistic outcome based on the RMSD and RMSF graphs for quercetin highlighting it as the best of all including the co-ligand. In a collective sense, our findings present S. mombin as promising reservoirs of active pharmaceutical ingredients, warranting further exploration for novel PD therapeutic avenues. Consequently, this study underscores the enhanced efficacy of phyto-ligands sourced from S. mombin, advocating their optimization as potential drug candidates.
Exploring Economic Adaptations: Qualitative Insights into the Metal Industry Amidst Shifting Towards Renewable Energy
Authors: Reynolds Samantha , Anderson Lily 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This qualitative study delves into economic adaptations observed within the metal industry in response to the transition towards renewable energy sources. Through semi-structured interviews with key industry stakeholders, the research aimed to uncover strategic shifts, challenges, and opportunities encountered by metal companies amid this transformative phase. The methodology involved in-depth semi-structured interviews, allowing for comprehensive exploration of experiences, perspectives, and strategic maneuvers within the metal industry. Thematic analysis of these interviews offered insights into how companies are adapting their practices to align with the demands of renewable energy technologies. Findings from the study revealed a deliberate shift in the industry's focus towards critical metals essential for renewable energy applications, such as lithium and rare earth elements. This adaptation involves significant investments in retooling production lines and exploring novel extraction methods to meet the burgeoning demand. Challenges related to ensuring a resilient supply chain emerged prominently. The industry faces risks associated with geopolitical tensions and market fluctuations, prompting the exploration of diversified sourcing strategies and alternative reserves to fortify the supply chain against disruptions. The study's limitations lie in its qualitative nature, limiting broader quantitative assessments, and the snapshot nature of the research, capturing dynamics at a specific time frame. Practically, the research offers valuable insights for industry stakeholders, guiding strategic decision-making, supply chain fortification, and market diversification efforts. Socially, the alignment of the industry with renewable energy transitions holds promise for enhanced sustainability and reduced environmental impacts. This study contributes original insights into economic adaptations within the metal industry amidst the shift towards renewable energy sources, offering a nuanced understanding of industry responses and their implications. However, the qualitative approach may limit generalizability, and continuous monitoring is necessary to track long-term industry trends.
A review on medicinal and ethnomedicinal uses, biological features, and phytochemical constituents of Sesbania sesban L. Merr., a nitrogen-fixing plant native to the Republic of Chad
Authors: Mahamat Ousman Brahim , Younes Saoud , Otchom Boy Brahim , Franzel Steven , Hidjazi Al-Djazouli Ouchar Mahamat , Soumaya El Ismaili 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This study reports on a literature review of the leguminous tree Sesbania sesban (L.) Merr is found in the N'Djamena region, the Republic of Chad. The study focused on S. sesban’s medicinal and ethnomedicinal uses, biological features, and phytochemical constituents to assist in future evaluations. A literature review was conducted using academic websites, such as Science Direct and Springer, online international plant databases, and data from national herbaria. S. sesban is a perennial shrub or tree that measures 3–4 meters in height. This species is becoming rare in Ndjamena but can be found in the rainy season, while in winter, the species occurs mainly in ponds (called in the Chadian dialect "Bouta"), and in the shores of the Chari and Logone rivers. The local inhabitants in Chad use the species as medicine, livestock feed, fuelwood, and for improving soil fertility and repelling desert encroachment. Traditional healers use its leaves to treat breast cancer and edema. S. sesban is an essential species native to the Republic of Chad that needs conservation and valorization. Viewing its importance and rarity in N’Djamena, a strategy for replanting the species in gardens, homes, and fields around Ndjamena and other regions of Chad is recommended.
Yield and grain quality of oat (Avena sativa L.) varieties grown on typical chernozems
Authors: Kalenska S. M. , Fediv R. V. 
Published: December 2023

Purpose. To determine the yield potential and grain qua­lity of varieties of oat (Avena sativa L.) as a function of the nutritional and climatic conditions.
Methods. Field, laboratory (grain quality determination) and statistical methods were used in the research.
Results. Using different fertilization systems, seven oat varieties were studied, of which the most productive were ‘Ayvori’, ‘Lehin Nosivskyi’ and ‘Zakat’. The greatest increase in yield due to the use of fertilizers in 2022–2023 (1.24–2.73 t/ha with average increases of 0.32–2.83 t/ha) was observed for the cultivation of the ‘Ayvori’ variety. Additional increases due to the introduction of sulphur, compared to the options where only nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were used, were observed for the varieties ‘Neptun’ – 0. 26–0.39 t/ha; ‘Lehin Nosivskyi’ – 0.47–0.49; ‘Svitanok’ – 0.23–0.66; ‘Zakat’ – 0.39–0.64; ‘Zubr’ – 0.41–0.54; ‘Albatros’ – 0.58–0.78; ‘Ayvori’ – 0.34–0.66 t/ha. The average yield of the control varieties in 2021–2023 was as follows 2.28 t/ha – ‘Neptun’; 2.64 – ‘Lehin Nosivskyi’; 2.50 – ‘Svitanok’; 2.70 – ‘Zakat’; 2.71 – ‘Zubr’; 2.60 – ‘Albatros’; 2.81 t/ha – ‘Ayvori’. Increasing the rate of nutrient application to the soil helped to improve grain quality. Thus, with the addition of N30P30K30 + N30 BBCH32, the protein content in the grain was within 10.2–10.8%; N60P60K60 + N30 ВВСН32 – 10.4–11.2; N90P90K90 + N30 ВВСН32 – 11.0–11.8; N120P120K120 + N30 BBCH32 – 11.4–12.4%. The addition of sulphur to the fertilization system resulted in a more efficient use of nitrogen and therefore an increase in the protein content of the grain of 1.3–1.8% compared to the options where the rate of macronutrients was the same for all varieties. The content of albumins and globulins was higher in the grain of the control variant (17.0–19.3 and 20.1–21.6% respectively) and did not vary significantly between varieties. The amount of reserve proteins – prolamins and glutelins – increased (from 28.4–30.2 to 34.8–36.2%) with an increase in fertilizer rate, especially with the introduction of N120P120K120S45 + N30.
Conclusions. All investigated oat varieties are highly productive and give yields in the range of 3.33–5.54 t/ha, depending on the fertilizer rate. The variety ‘Neptun’ is slightly lower in yield than the others, but has grain with a significant content of biologically valuable protein fractions. The application of sulphur­containing fertilizers increases yield, improves grain quality and allows a more efficient use of nitrogen, which makes it possible to reduce the basic rate of addition of macronutrients to the soil.
Alternative pricing for irrigation water management in the context of climate change
Authors: Jeder Houcine 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Irrigation water pricing is an economic regulation instrument widely used in agriculture. Constant annual pricing is always criticized by local decision-makers as well as scientific researchers because it does not take into account the seasonal availability of water in the context of climate change. This study proposes a mathematical programming model to test alternative seasonal pricing scenarios in the context of climate change. This model is applied at farm level in the Kalâa Kebira region of East-Central Tunisia. The results show that summer seasonal pricing was economically beneficial for large farms, while winter pricing was beneficial for small and average farms. Water savings were only possible for small farms using 89% of available water in summer and for average farms using 93% of available water in winter. On the other hand, the sensitivity test proved that when water demand is elastic, increasing seasonal pricing of irrigation water by a rate between 20 and 30% generates water savings for different types of farms. This seasonal water saving is also accompanied by optimal use of agricultural labor and diversity of cultivated areas.
Accelerated anti-oxidant enzymes and phytochemical potential of Taxus wallichiana (Himalayan yew) under moist temperate forest of Himalayan, Pakistan
Authors: Satti Sanam Zarif , Siddiqui Samina , Shahzad Asim , Shah Wadood 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Taxus wallichiana (Himalayan yew) antioxidant potential enhances the release of secondary metabolites and enzymes under stress; over the last few decades owing to changes in climatic regimes, such species are under constant threat in the moist temperate Himalayan forests. The present study aims to evaluate the effect of change in land-use pattern on the antioxidant and phytochemical potential of T. wallichiana (Himalayan yew) in the moist temperate Himalayan Forest of Galiyat-Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa-Pakistan. Three leaf samples from each location of T.W were collected from high (Ayubiya, 2,970 m.a.s.l.) undisturbed, disturbed mid (Baragali, Dongagali, Kuldana, Chegagali, 2,617, 2,375, 2,455, 2,804 m.a.s.l.) and low (Murree, 2,000 m.a.s.l.) altitudes of moist temperate forest of Galiayt-Himalayan-Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa-Pakistan, DPPH assay, total flavonoids and phenolic content, total protein and proline content, catalase, superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities were analysed. The antioxidant activity (DPPH) response was more pronounced in low and mid altitude disturbed sites than the undisturbed site at high altitudes. Antioxidant enzymes and osmolyte content further supported the stress tolerance capacity of T. wallichiana to scavenge the ROS produced under oxidative stress conditions. In conclusion, Taxus wallichiana inhabiting in these sites could withstand long durations of drought, salinity, frost, high temperatures, and pathogenic attacks by activating the antioxidant enzymes.
Evaluation of woodchips-amended biosand filter for nitrate and MS2 bacteriophage reduction
Authors: Jang Chunhwa , Zhou Hongxu , Araud Elbashir , Nguyen Thanh H. , Bhattarai Rabin 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

In this study, two types of woodchip-amended biosand filters (Filter A sand: woodchip = 33%: 67% versus Filter B sand: woodchip = 50%: 50%, by volume) were constructed, and their abilities to remove MS2 bacteriophage and nitrate were investigated. The results indicated that Filter A and Filter B could reduce nitrate up to 40 and 36%, respectively, indicating that the nitrate reduction increased with the increase in woodchip proportion. The study underscores a positive correlation between nitrate reduction and proportional increase in woodchip content, implying the potential for fine-tuning nitrate removal by varying sand–woodchip compositions. W-BSFs could remove MS2 bacteriophage to 1.91-log10 (98.8%) by Filter A and 1.88-log10 (98.7%) by Filter B over 39 weeks. The difference in sand–woodchip proportion did not significantly impact the MS2 reduction, demonstrating that a single W-BSF can maintain its virus removal performance fairly well over a long-term period. These results indicated that the nitrate reduction could be adjusted by varying sand–woodchip contents without impacting virus removal performance. Microbial community analysis indicated that the nitrate removal by the W-BSFs could be attributed to the denitrifying bacteria, such as the family Streptomycetaceae, the genera Pseudomonas, and Bacillus, and relative abundances of the phylum Nitrospirae.
Assessing the genotoxic potential of wastewater effluents from three wastewater treatment plants in South Africa
Authors: Hendricks Rahzia , Du Preez Hein H. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Wastewater treatment plants are mainly monitored for quality in terms of their biological oxygen demand and microbiological constituents as stipulated in the specific discharge permit. Wastewater influents and effluents were taken from three WWTPs in South Africa over the summer and winter seasons. Previous toxicity tests such as the Vibrio fischeri bioluminescence assay and the Selenastrum capricornutum algal growth inhibition test have shown that the effluents displayed acute toxicity. To further investigate the quality of the effluent, the genotoxic potential was determined using the SOS Chromosome and UMU Chromosome test. The SOS Chromotest demonstrated induction factor values of above 1.5 for influents during both seasons indicating that the influents were genotoxic (p &lt; 0.05). Effluents discharged during winter and summer also had induction factors greater than 1.5 (p &lt; 0.05). A range of induction factors was detected with the UMU-Chromotest for influents and effluents (1.98 ± 0.38 and 2.40 ± 0.51, respectively). Findings show point sources in the area can lead to influents and effluents that are potentially genotoxic. Designing a monitoring programme that encompasses testing of both the regulatory determinants with additional specialized tests can provide a more holistic view of wastewater quality and the efficiency of WWTP to reduce the discharge of hazards.
Integrated hydrological modelling of two contrasting watersheds with a terminal reservoir in the Upper Tapi River basin, India
Authors: Munoth Priyamitra , Gehlot Lalit Kumar , Patel P. L. , Khandelwal Sumit , Timbadiya P. V. , Goyal Rohit 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

The present study developed an integrated hydrologic model for sustainable utilisation and water management in two complex watersheds with varying physioclimatic features and reservoirs. The soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) is used for predicting integrated inflows into the Hatnur reservoir from the Burhanpur and Purna watersheds of the Upper Tapi River basin, while outflows are simulated using a rule curve. The influence of watershed complexities on hydrological model parameters and the watershed processes are investigated using extensive multisite and multivariable calibration (1998–2007) and validation (2008–2013) approaches, including sensitivity and uncertainty analyses. The sensitive parameters are related to curve number (CN), groundwater, slope, and main channel characteristics. The annual streamflow (m3/km2/mm of rainfall) in the Burhanpur watershed is 568.7, which is 4.2 times higher than the Purna watershed's streamflow of 136.2. The hypsometric analysis, areal rainfall, and flow duration curves revealed a substantially different streamflow pattern and a larger coefficient of variation in the spatial distribution of water balance components over sub-watersheds in the Burhanpur watershed compared to the Purna watershed due to diverse topographic features. The developed model would be useful for planning controlled releases from the terminal reservoir to mitigate hazards in the downstream reaches of the Tapi River basin.
Advances in Research on Protein Arginine Methyltransferase 2: Functions
and Diseases
Authors: Min Zhen-Qi , Jiang Ming-Jun , Liu Xi-Lian , Yuan Su-Peng , Chen Ping-An , Wang Chu-Hao , Chen Ya-Jun , Dai Xian-Peng 
Published: December 2023

Abstract:
Protein arginine methylation stands as a prevalent post-translational modification process,
exerting vital roles in cellular signal transduction, gene expression, and cell cycle regulation.
Amidst the protein arginine methyltransferase (PRMT) family, PRMT2 stands as a less explored
constituent. Nonetheless, its regulatory roles in transcriptional regulation, post-transcriptional modification,
methylation activity regulation, immunoregulation, and developmental regulation have
garnered attention. These capabilities enable PRMT2 to exert pivotal regulatory functions in certain
malignancies, metabolic disorders, inflammatory diseases, and atherosclerosis. In this review,
we highlight the structure and functions of PRMT2, emphasizing its association with diseases. We
also discuss PRMT2 inhibitors and explore the potential for therapeutic targeting.
Nanocomposite Hydrogels-A Promising Approach towards Enhanced Bioavailability
and Controlled Drug Delivery
Authors: Shahid Nariman , Erum Alia , Hanif Sana , Malik Nadia Shamshad , Tulain Ume Ruqia , Syed Muhammad Ali 
Published: December 2023

Abstract:
Nanotechnology has emerged as the eminent focus of today’s research to overcome challenges related
to conventional drug delivery systems. A wide spectrum of novel delivery systems has been investigated
to improve the therapeutic outcomes of drugs. The polymer-based nanocomposite hydrogels (NCHs) that have
evolved as efficient carriers for controlled drug delivery are of particular interest in this regard. Nanocomposites
amalgamate the properties of both nanoparticles (NPs) as well as hydrogels, exhibiting superior functionalities
over conventional hydrogels. This multiple functionality is based upon advanced mechanical, electrical,
optical as well as magnetic properties. Here is a brief overview of the various types of nanocomposites,
such as NCHs based on Carbon-bearing nanomaterials, polymeric nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles, and
metal and metal-oxide NPs. Accordingly, this article will review numerous ways of preparing these NCHs
with particular emphasis on the vast biomedical applications displayed by them in numerous fields such as
tissue engineering, drug delivery, wound healing, bioprinting, biosensing, imaging and gene silencing, cancer
therapy, antibacterial therapy, etc. Moreover, various features can be tuned, based on the final application, by
controlling the chemical composition of hydrogel network, which may also influence the released conduct.
Subsequently, the recent work and future prospects of this newly emerging class of drug delivery system have
been enlisted.
Childhood Maltreatment and Dementia Risk Factors in Midlife: A
Prospective Investigation
Authors: Widom Cathy S. , Do Hang H. , Lynch Kristin S. , Manly Jennifer J. 
Published: December 2023

Background:
Previous studies have linked childhood adversities to dementia risk, yet
most studies are cross-sectional in design and utilize retrospective self-reports to assess childhood
experiences. These design characteristics make it difficult to establish temporal order and draw
firm conclusions.

Objective:
Using a longitudinal design, we sought to determine whether childhood maltreatment
predicts dementia risk factors in middle adulthood.

Methods:
Data have been obtained from a prospective cohort design study of children with documented
cases of childhood maltreatment (ages 0-11 years at case identification) and demographically
matched controls who were followed up and interviewed in middle adulthood. Outcomes
were assessed through a medical examination and interview, and 807 of the cases that included
blood collection at mean age 41. Dementia risk were investigated using 11 potentially modifiable
risk factors.

Results:
Compared to controls, individuals with histories of childhood maltreatment had a higher
risk of low educational attainment, low social contact, smoking, and clinical depression, and a
higher total number of dementia risk factors. In general, childhood maltreatment predicted a higher
risk of dementia for females, males, and Black and White participants. Black maltreated participants
had a greater risk for traumatic brain injury compared to Black controls. Physical abuse, sexual
abuse, and neglect, each predicted a higher number of dementia risk factors in mid-life.

Conclusion:
These findings provide evidence that childhood maltreatment increases the risk for
dementia in mid-life and has a demonstrable impact lasting over 30 years. Reducing the prevalence
of mid-life dementia risk factors could reduce the risk of later-life dementia.
Comparison of the Discrimination Performance of AI Scoring and the Brixia Score in Predicting COVID-19 Severity on Chest X-Ray Imaging: Diagnostic Accuracy Study
Authors: Tenda Eric Daniel , Yunus Reyhan Eddy , Zulkarnaen Benny , Yugo Muhammad Reynalzi , Pitoyo Ceva Wicaksono , Asaf Moses Mazmur , Islamiyati Tiara Nur , Pujitresnani Arierta , Setiadharma Andry , Henrina Joshua , Rumende Cleopas Martin , Wulani Vally , Harimurti Kuntjoro , Lydia Aida , Shatri Hamzah , Soewondo Pradana , Yusuf Prasandhya Astagiri 
Published: December 2023

Background
The artificial intelligence (AI) analysis of chest x-rays can increase the precision of binary COVID-19 diagnosis. However, it is unknown if AI-based chest x-rays can predict who will develop severe COVID-19, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

Objective
The study aims to compare the performance of human radiologist Brixia scores versus 2 AI scoring systems in predicting the severity of COVID-19 pneumonia.

Methods
We performed a cross-sectional study of 300 patients suspected with and with confirmed COVID-19 infection in Jakarta, Indonesia. A total of 2 AI scores were generated using CAD4COVID x-ray software.

Results
The AI probability score had slightly lower discrimination (area under the curve [AUC] 0.787, 95% CI 0.722-0.852). The AI score for the affected lung area (AUC 0.857, 95% CI 0.809-0.905) was almost as good as the human Brixia score (AUC 0.863, 95% CI 0.818-0.908).

Conclusions
The AI score for the affected lung area and the human radiologist Brixia score had similar and good discrimination performance in predicting COVID-19 severity. Our study demonstrated that using AI-based diagnostic tools is possible, even in low-resource settings. However, before it is widely adopted in daily practice, more studies with a larger scale and that are prospective in nature are needed to confirm our findings.