bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Response of transgenic tobacco with P5CS gene expression to polyethylene glycol-induced drought stress
Authors: RIDUAN AHMAD , SANTOSO DJOKO , SUDARSONO SUDARSONO 
Published: January 2025

Abstract. Riduan A, Santoso D, Sudarsono. 2024. Response of transgenic tobacco with P5CS gene expression to polyethylene glycol-induced drought stress. Biodiversitas 25: 3974-3984. Drought stress, a significant obstacle in plant growth and production, can be effectively addressed with the use of polyethylene glycol (PEG). This treatment has shown promise in screening plant germplasm responses to drought stress. The objectives of this experiment were to determine the effects of stress due to PEG treatment at 0%, 5%, or 10% concentration on growth, leaf proline content, and their correlation to stress responses in the T1 seedlings derived from five T0 transgenic Gombel Shili (GS) tobacco P5CS. Positive results of total nucleic acid PCR analysis in T1 seedling populations derived from each of the T0 plants indicated that the regenerated T0 plants were transgenic tobacco integrating P5CS transgene. Results of the experiment revealed that the effects of stress due to PEG treatment indicated stress due to PEG treatment (5% or 10%) reduced the growth plants of all tobacco plants. The stress sensitivity index categorized the T1 plants P5CS transgenic GS tobacco into tolerance, medium tolerance, and sensitivity against PEG-induced stress. Notably, the T1 plants P5CS transgenic GS tobacco exhibited better growth with higher plant height, leaf, biomass, and root dry weight compared to non-transgenic tobacco under stress and non-stress conditions. The over-expression of the P5CS gene led to a significant increase in leaf proline content after drought stress was observed in all transgenic tobacco compared to non-transgenic tobacco.
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding urinary tract infections among women in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Alhaj Shaikha Salah , Allami Sajad , Mohamadiyeh Amjad , Agha Ammar , Ali Abdul Kareem Abu , Habbal Joudi M. Bassam , Saeed Balsam Qubais 
Published: January 2025

Background
Urinary tract infections (UTIs), which are infections of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra, are a worldwide public health concern. As compared to men, women are more prone to UTIs. There have been several studies that explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of women regarding UTIs in different countries, but no such study has been conducted in the UAE; therefore, we conducted this study in the UAE setting.

Methods
This study was conducted using an online survey created on Microsoft Forms. The minimum sample size required for our study was 385. This study was conducted after obtaining ethical approval from the Research Ethics Committee at the University of Sharjah. A personally designed questionnaire consisting of 21 items, derived from previous research was used to record data. The data was analyzed using SPSS.

Results
A total of 475 females were included in the study. Most respondents were aged 18–30 years (47.4%). Our study found that a majority of the participants (69.7%) correctly identified bacteria as the most common cause of UTIs. With regards to practices undertaken during UTIs, among the participants with a history of UTI episodes, 32.6% waited 24–48 hours before seeking medical attention at a hospital or clinic, while 10% did not visit a hospital at all. Distinct trends were found when comparing demographic factors with knowledge levels. Most notably, the age group of 18–30 years showed the highest percentage of high-knowledge individuals (49%) compared to other age groups (p < 0.05). Education level was significantly (p = 0.003) associated with UTI knowledge. Going to the hospital/clinic was reported by 41% with high knowledge but only by 20% of those with poor knowledge. Moreover, a higher proportion of individuals with high knowledge sought medical attention immediately within 24 hours (47%).

Conclusion
Most of the participants possessed adequate knowledge regarding UTIs. Higher knowledge levels were associated with more proactive and appropriate health behaviors, such as seeking medical attention promptly and drinking more water.
Study of the cortico-anorectal neurophysiology in women with fecal incontinence
Authors: Mundet Lluís , Karunaratne Tennekoon Buddhika , Ortega Omar , Raventós Alba , Clavé Pere 
Published: January 2025

Background:
Fecal incontinence (FI) is a prevalent condition that disproportionately impacts women. Although sphincter biomechanics are well studied, the integrity of the cortico-anal motor pathway remains elusive. We evaluated the cortico-spino-anorectal pathway in women with FI against age-matched (AM-HV) and young healthy (Y-HV) volunteers.

Methods:
Observational study with 18 women with FI (mean age: 63.4±11.1), 15 AM-HV (60.7±9.01, and 15 Y-HV (24.2±5.39), conducted in a tertiary hospital. Participants underwent clinical evaluation, high-resolution anorectal manometry (HRAM), endoanal ultrasound, and transcranial/translumbosacral magnetic stimulation to assess anorectal motor evoked potentials (MEP). Clinical severity was measured with St. Mark’s score, and quality of life with FIQL and EQ5D.

Results:
Patients had longer MEP latencies than AM-HV in the cortico-anal (25.93±3.67 ms vs 22.89±1.38 ms) andright lumbo-rectal segments (5.64±1.35 ms vs4.39±1.27 ms; p<0.05) but not in the tibial segment (control)(33.35±2.88 ms vs 32.08±2.05 ms; p>0.05). However, tibial latencies were longer in AM-HV compared to Y-HV (32.08±2.05 ms vs 29.21±2.75 ms; p=0.003). In FI, 41.1% had cortico-anorectal impairments, 50% lumbo-anal, and 44.4% sacral. Overall, 82.4% showed delayed latencies in at least one of the 12 segments. HRAM revealed 83.24% had external anal sphincter (EAS) dysfunction, 40% internal sphincter dysfunction, and 23.57% both. MEP latencies inversely correlated with EAS squeeze strength. FI patients had significantly poorer EQ5D scores compared to both control groups.

Conclusion:
Women with FI show significant neuropathy in the cortico-spino-anorectal pathway linked to impaired anorectal function. These findings underscore the brain-gut axis’s role in FI pathophysiology, advocating for advanced neurophysiological diagnostics and targeted interventions.
Structural and policy overview of medical education in Germany
Authors: Xu Yaqian , Hao Yuqi , Chen Tiancheng , Li Xiangwei 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The current study provides a comprehensive analysis of the management and policy framework governing medical education in Germany, with a focus on aligning training programs with evolving societal needs and regulatory standards. Key areas of emphasis include medical training, admissions processes, residency programs, and continuing medical education, reflecting the dynamic interplay between technological advancements, policy reforms, and the demands of modern healthcare systems. Additionally, this study critically examines the structure, effectiveness, and inclusivity of Germany’s medical education programs, particularly their capacity to equip future healthcare professionals with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of contemporary healthcare. The analysis highlights the importance of equitable admission and residency selection criteria in fostering diversity within the medical workforce, alongside the role of ongoing professional development in enhancing healthcare quality. Recommendations are proposed to refine curricula, integrate interdisciplinary approaches, and incorporate contemporary medical practices, ensuring that medical education remains responsive to current and future healthcare challenges. Our study offers valuable insights into the strengths and limitations of Germany’s medical education system, providing evidence-based policy suggestions for stakeholders committed to advancing educational outcomes and optimizing healthcare delivery.
Association of life’s essential 8 with prevalence and all-cause mortality of chronic kidney disease among US adults: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2015–2018)
Authors: Chen Wei , Tang Yuanjun , Si Yachen , Tu Boxiang , Xiao Fuchuan , Bian Xiaolu , Xu Ying , Qin Yingyi 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background and Objectives
The association between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease has been previously evaluated. This study aimed to evaluate the association between the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 (LE8) and the prevalence and all-cause mortality of CKD in a nationally representative population of adults in the US.

Methods
This retrospective analysis included participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey spanning 2015–2018. We used multivariable survey logistic regression model to calculate the adjusted odds ratios (AORs) of the LE8 score for the prevalence of CKD. Survey-weighted Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate the adjusted hazards ratios (AHRs) of the LE8 score for the risk of all-cause mortality among participants with CKD.

Results
Of the 8907 included participants, 789 had stage 3 to 5 CKD, and 8118 were in the non-CKD group. The adjusted prevalence rate of CKD was 10.7% in the low LE8 score group, and lower in the moderate (7.9%) and high (7.7%) LE8 score groups. Compared with low LE8 scores, moderate LE8 score (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.628, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.463 to 0.853, P = 0.004) and high LE8 scores (AOR 0.328, 95% CI: 0.142 to 0.759, P = 0.011) were associated with lower prevalence rates of CKD. A similar association was found for health factors scores. Additionally, an increase in the LE8 score was associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] 0.702, 95% CI: 0.594 to 0.829, P < 0.001).

Conclusion
The results of this study suggest the association of higher LE8 and its subscale scores with a lower prevalence and all-cause mortality of CKD.
The Descent of Reason: Reading Plato’s Cave as Psychic Drama
Authors: Brown Ryan M. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Plato’s Republic is governed by an analogy drawn between the structures of cities and souls. Because the inner workings of souls are difficult to discern, we might better find the soul’s nature and virtues by looking at the city’s nature and virtues. Despite successfully using the analogy to discern the nature of the soul, its virtues, and its proper ordering, the Republic frequently obscures the very analogy that functions as its guiding thread, and it is not at all obvious whether the political material in Books V–VII has a psychological correlate. This essay develops a psychological reading of key moments in the dialogue where the city-soul analogy fades in favor of more apparently political content. Focusing on the Allegory of the Cave, it argues that when the Cave is read as a “psychic drama,” it discloses reason’s drama within the soul. Like the freed prisoner, reason must be liberated from imprisonment alongside the sub-rational elements of the soul so that it may see the truth by which it can be nourished. However, reason must also descend, like the prisoner, to the sub-rational elements of the soul in order to care for them, for its own sake and for theirs. Read this way, the Republic presents an account of reason which rules the passions in the “precise sense” of Book I, that is, for their sake, and not simply for its own liberation and well-being.
Persuasion of the Laws in Plato’s
Crito
: When Does It Happen?
Authors: Jirsa Jakub 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
In this paper, I argue against the institutional reading of the persuasion of the laws in Plato’s Crito. My interpretation focuses on how the clause “persuade or obey” may be read such as to allow citizens to disobey the law or its commands without such actions being unjust. I first summarize the authoritarian position of the laws and present the existing interpretations of the persuasion of the laws. I then show why I believe that none of the existing interpretations is satisfactory. Finally, I present my own interpretation of the persuasion of the laws, which follows Socrates’ own rule of following reason and the strongest available argument.
The Role of Vitamin C in a Comprehensive Approach to Optimizing the Reparative Process after Corneal Surgery
Authors: Maychuk N. V. , Naumtseva A. A. , Sarhadov N. Sh. 
Published: January 2025

Objective: to assess the role of vitamin C in the process of corneal healing after superficial refractive surgeries.Patients and methods. We conducted a literature review devoted to the analysis of possible options for optimizing the pharmacological support of de-epithelializing corneal surgery. The researchers demonstrated the important role of ascorbic acid (AA) in the proper healing of damaged tissue, as well as vitamin C deficiency states as a risk factor for delayed and distorted regeneration. A total of 46 patients (92 eyes) were examined at the Federal Center for Ophthalmology and Microbiology of the Russian Federation after transPRK surgery performed with the Schwind Amaris 1050 RS excimer laser (Germany) for moderate to high myopia. The average spherical equivalent of refraction was −6.89 ± 2.27 D. The average age of the patients was 27.50 ± 3.11 years. The patients were divided into 2 groups based on the presence of signs of subepithelial fibroplasia determined biomicroscopically and/or by optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the cornea in the form of a hyperreflectivity zone in the superficial layers of the corneal stroma. All patients underwent analysis of the vitamin C content in their blood plasma. Blood was collected on an empty stomach; all patients denied regular intake of vitamin and mineral complexes in the previous three months. The analysis revealed that despite the fact that all patients in both groups were within the reference range of normal vitamin C content regulated by the laboratory (4.0–20.0 μg/ml), a tendency towards lower levels of this indicator was noted in the group of patients with SEF: 11.91 ± 2.98 and 14.02 ± 4.11, respectively.Conclusion. Based on the literature search, a hypothesis was formulated about the possibility of compensating for AC deficiency when it is detected in patients at risk of developing subepithelial fibroplasia after PRK surgery. Thus, AC plays a significant role in reparative regeneration after corneal trauma, including surgical trauma. The corneal epithelium is the main depot of vitamin C in the eye tissues. During PRK and other corneal surgeries with removal of the superficial epithelium, the quality of the reparative process correlates with the rate of reepithelialization. Hypovitaminosis of vitamin C may underlie pathological regeneration of fibrous elements and lead to the development of SEF. The inclusion of biologically active additives AA is a promising direction for optimizing the comprehensive support of corneal surgery. The regimen, duration and recommended dosages of nutraceutical support require further study.
Valorization of coffee silverskin lignocellulosic waste
Authors: Martynov V. , Schemelinina T. , Anchugova E. 
Published: January 2025

Lignocellulosic waste represents the most abundant renewable raw material globally. The principles of a circular economy can be applied by optimizing the utilization of valuable properties from recycled materials. The objective of this study is to assess the potential of utilizing coffee silverskin, the sole by-product of coffee roasting, for submerged cultivation of xylotrophic basidiomycetes with subsequent enzyme production. The growth processes of Fomitopsis pinicola and Rhodofomes roseus became intensified along with the increased biosynthesis of enzymes in their mycelia in case of submerged cultivation on coffee silverskin, not during solid-phase cultivation. The Fomitopsis pinicola strain was observed to preferentially accumulate cellobiases (1800 units/g) and β-glucanases (1170 units/g), whereas the Rhodofomes roseus strain was found to accumulate xylanases (over 5000 units/g). Therefore, coffee silverskin can be recommended to be used as a promising substrate for the cultivation of xylotrophic basidiomycetes for the production of enzyme preparations.
Idade prospectiva e as novas medidas de envelhecimento populacional: indicadores para o Brasil e suas cinco regiões
Authors: Gonçalves Anderson , Correia Alves Luciana 
Published: January 2025

A discussão sobre a mensuração do envelhecimento é uma necessidade objetiva diante de um fenômeno cada vez mais presente na sociedade, sobretudo para a definição do público elegível a determinadas políticas públicas. Este artigo propõe uma revisão da análise sobre envelhecimento populacional no Brasil, partindo da abordagem que considera as novas formas de conceituar e mensurar o envelhecimento populacional e estabelecendo uma perspectiva subnacional que favoreça o estudo do processo de envelhecimento vigente no país. O objetivo é utilizar diferentes conceitos de idade para mensurar o envelhecimento populacional e evidenciar parte das desigualdades nesse processo. São utilizados dados do IBGE para o Brasil e suas cinco regiões, compreendendo o período entre 1980 e 2060. Os resultados indicam que o envelhecimento populacional é uma tendência para todas as regiões do Brasil, mas há diferenças importantes no estágio de envelhecimento de cada região, ou seja, existem regiões em estágio mais avançado no processo de envelhecimento populacional mensurado tanto com as medidas tradicionais como com as medidas prospectivas. Além disso, as medidas prospectivas apresentam um ritmo de envelhecimento mais lento quando comparadas com as medidas tradicionais.
Analisis Kesadaran Pekerja terhadap Penggunaan Alat Pelindung Diri (APD) pada Pekerjaan di Ketinggian dalam Proyek Konstruksi
Authors: Setiawan Andre Feliks , Fassa Ferdinand , Agnidjunaedi Nico 
Published: January 2025

<p>Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi oleh tingginya angka kecelakaan kerja di sektor konstruksi, khususnya insiden jatuh dari ketinggian yang sering terjadi akibat kurangnya kesadaran pekerja dalam penggunaan Alat Pelindung Diri (APD). Sektor konstruksi mencatat kontribusi signifikan terhadap kasus kecelakaan kerja di Indonesia, di mana pemahaman dan penerapan keselamatan kerja masih menjadi tantangan. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengidentifikasi tingkat kesadaran pekerja dalam penggunaan APD saat bekerja di ketinggian pada proyek konstruksi. Studi ini menggunakan metode survei dan analisis dengan pendekatan kuantitatif, di mana data dikumpulkan melalui kuesioner yang divalidasi oleh ahli di bidang K3. Sampel dalam penelitian ini melibatkan 90 pekerja konstruksi di wilayah Tangerang Selatan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat lima variabel utama yang mempengaruhi kesadaran pekerja terhadap penggunaan APD, yaitu arahan dari staf HSE, pengetahuan tentang APD, pemahaman penggunaan <em>body harness</em>, pemeriksaan kondisi <em>body harness</em>, dan kualitas peralatan yang disediakan oleh perusahaan. Dari analisis <em>Relative Importance Index (RII)</em>, diketahui bahwa faktor manusia, organisasi, dan peralatan menjadi faktor dominan yang mempengaruhi tingkat kesadaran pekerja. Penelitian ini memberikan rekomendasi untuk meningkatkan peran organisasi dalam pelatihan dan sosialisasi terkait penggunaan APD guna mengurangi risiko kecelakaan di ketinggian.</p>
The Effect of Nanoencapsulated Citrus sinensis Peel Extract in Drinking Water on Growth Performance of Broiler Chicken
Authors: Azmi Hanggara Haidar , Zuprizal Zuprizal - , Dono Nanung Danar , Abdel-Mageed Ahmad M , Sasongko Heru - , Ariyadi Bambang - 
Published: January 2025

This research aimed to investigate the characteristics of nanoencapsulated Citrus sinensis peel extract (NCSPE) applied in drinking water and its effect on broiler chickens' growth performance and jejunal histomorphology. The total of 192 Male Broiler chicken was distributed into six treatments with four replicates (Eight birds each replicate). The experimental treatments were control diet and drinking water added with no treatment (T0; negative control), tetracycline 50 mg/l (T1; positive control), CSPE (Citrus sinensis peel extract) 1,5% (T2), CSPE 3% (T3), NCSPE 1,5% (T4), and NCSPE 3% (T5). The variables evaluated in this research were characteristics of NCSPE, growth performance. Data were analyzed using ANOVA in a completely randomized design. All data with a significant difference were then tested again using the Duncan Test with a probability of less than 5%. Results showed that the size of NEPM was 13,70 nm with a spherical shape and negative charges with zeta potentials of -13.37 mV. Supplementing 1,5% and 3% of NCSPE affects on feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio. It concluded that both 1,5% and 3% supplementation of NCSPE had a positive effect on growth performances.
Surface morphology, internal structure and nucleation mechanism of graphite inclusions in ductile cast iron.
Authors: Pokrovsky A. I. 
Published: January 2025

The surface morphology and internal structure of graphite inclusions in ductile cast iron are investigated. Based on this, the theory of graphite nucleation on solid inclusions in the melt is confirmed. It is shown that the morphology of the outer surface of spherical graphite inclusions can vary from almost smooth to consisting of successively overlapping graphite flakes. It is suggested that, depending on the thermophysical conditions of crystallization, the growth of inclusions along one of the crystallographic planes prevails: [1010] for slow cooling (scaly surface morphology of the “cabbage head” type) and [0001] for faster cooling (smooth surface).Metallographic studies of the internal structure of the spherical graphite inclusion has revealed its segmental‑layered structure with characteristic concentric wavy lines. Inside the inclusion, characteristic zones are distinguished: the center, sectors with characteristic junctions diverging from the center, and sometimes inclusions of siliceous ferrite are found. The polycrystalline structure of the inclusion with characteristic boundaries between graphite pyramids has been confirmed. The EPMA method revealed anomalies in the distribution of carbon, magnesium, silicon, sulfur, and oxygen concentrations in the graphite inclusion. In the center, content of the magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen is significantly increased. This confirms the theory of graphite nucleation on sulfides and oxides. In some cases, an increase in the oxygen content was observed on the outer part of the inclusion, which may be due to the displacement of oxides to the periphery during the growth of the graphite inclusion in the melt. The obtained results provide clarifi ations and supplementations to the theory of heterogeneous nucleation of spheroidal graphite particles in ductile cast iron, where the central part of the spheroid is a conglomeration of complex sulfides and oxides.