bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Fast Track Investment Project on Household Income and Its Implication to Climate Change Adaptation in Gidami District, Western Ethiopia
Authors: Daka Yohannes Shifera , Dasa Samuel Shiferaw 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Agriculture is a science and art of producing crops and rearing animals. It supports the world populations even though highly affected by climate change and variability. Therefore, promoting climate smart agriculture is the solution. Climate Resilience Green Economy (CRGE) fast track project implemented crops and livestock production through climate smart agriculture in the study area. However, no study has evaluated the effect of climate smart agricultural practices or livelihoods of the farmers.This research had the aim of identifying crop and animal production adaptation options and assessing adaptation competence of respondents. In this study, 237 samples households (HHs) were selected and stratified by proportionality allocation to sample into CRGE participant (102 HHs) and Non-CRGE group (135 HHs). Data was collected from household survey, key informant and focus group discussions and meteorological data also obtained. The results of 20 years trends (1998–2017) of rainfall show that erratic rainfall trends while the temperature was increasing. Crop and animal production income, adaptation level of respondents before and after project and Non-CRGE group mean income in Ethiopian Birr (ETB) was identified. The mean income of HHs before CRGE project was 5,726.10 ETB and after project was 12,943.00 ETB and increased by 7,217.20 ETB. And mean income of Non-CRGE group in 2012–2014 and 2015–2017 were 5238 ETB and 5502.5 ETB respectively and increased by only 264.50 ETB. Therefore, the average income due to CRGE fast track investment among CRGE participants was increased by 6952.70 ETB when compared with Non-CRGE group. For the reason, adaptation capacity of CRGE fast track participants also increased. Finally, CRGE fast track investment needed for immediate response of adaptation and to diversify source of income. Therefore, promoting CRGE fast track is important since it promotes climate smart agriculture among small holders.
Concerning tetrahedrites: How much to lump and how far to split?
Authors: Johnson Neil E. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Currently, there are two related but distinct approaches to the classification of minerals. The traditional time-independent classification uses rules specified by the IMA-CNMNC that can carefully split mineral species but may elide valuable information about their formation. In contrast, an emerging time-dependent classification appears to be able to add to our knowledge about planetary evolution yet may lump minerals into broadly defined kinds even if important distinctions should be made. An examination of the tetrahedrite group provides valuable insights on both approaches. As newly redefined by Biagioni et al. (2020), the generalized tetrahedrite formula [A6(B4C2)D4Y12Z1] has six sites that can accommodate substitutions, and a systematic splitting of all possibilities could lead to more than 200 unique species. In contrast, applying guidelines for lumping, largely as suggested by Hazen et al. (2022), could lead to a single kind. Deciding how much to lump and how far to split may ultimately depend on the intentions of the observer.
Integrated spatial and temporal variability of the system water use efficiency in a lower Baro River watershed, Ethiopia
Authors: Befikadu Fiseha , Shetty Amba , Fufa Fekadu 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The Baro Akobo River is representative of lower Baro watersheds with lost soils. Under eight landscapes, the geospatial and temporal variability of system water use efficiency (sWUE) were examined in a total area of 20,325 km2. This study used GIS, RS, Cropwat8.0, and EasyFit software. The anticipated irrigation requirement for the selected crop's driest five months of May, February, March, January, and April was 1, 0.9, 0.78, 0.78, and 0.34 l/s/h, respectively. The sub-catchment had maximum critical test values of σ = 12.6, μ = 11.9, and γ = 0, while Sor Metu showed the smallest value of 0.80, 1.75, and −0.03. Across the watershed, the sWUE varies with runoff, with a coefficient of variation of 71%. The overall accuracy of the land cover change was 81%, the Landsat 8 images of the soil-adjusted vegetation index showed a maximum value of 0.87 and a minimum of −1.5. The normalized vegetation index ranged from a maximum of 0.58 to a minimum of −1. By 2050, the sWUE will be 10% lower temporally, but its spatial variability will be 25% higher. Therefore, soil infiltration and water storage improve, which decreases runoff and the water lost by ET and raises sWUE.
Bridging the data gap: using remote sensing and open-access data for assessing sustainable groundwater use in Kumasi, Ghana
Authors: Potter Estela Fernandes , Monney Isaac , Rutten Martine 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Groundwater use has significantly increased in the rapidly urbanising city of Kumasi, Ghana. But there is a lack of understanding of whether the groundwater system can sustain the growing demand in the future amidst climate change and rapid urbanisation. Using remote sensing datasets and a water balance approach, this study estimated the groundwater recharge and assessed how urbanisation has affected its groundwater sustainability. Sustainability is investigated by comparing multi-annual groundwater withdrawals to long-term average annual replenishment. Results show that while groundwater recharge has decreased by 80% from 1986 to 2020, mainly due to substantial (63%) loss of permeable land, groundwater consumption has seen a six-fold increase. Groundwater consumption in 2020 exceeded the long-term average groundwater recharge by 2.2Mm3, suggesting that the current groundwater use trends are unsustainable for future groundwater availability. Under a ‘business-as-usual’ scenario, a four-fold increase in groundwater consumption is predicted by 2050 while climate change and land-cover changes may reduce groundwater recharge by 10% and 55% respectively. Practical measures such as promoting artificial groundwater replenishment approaches, adopting low-impact development and instituting demand management measures must be implemented in the Metropolis. This should be informed by further studies to ascertain the exact condition of the groundwater.
Regional water demand forecasting based on shared socio-economic pathways in the Zhanghe River Basin
Authors: Wang Xiaoxu , Yu Mengling , Sun Dongying , Liu Gang 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Based on the framework of shared socio-economic pathways, this study predicts future population and economic conditions of the Zhanghe River Basin and combines with the water quota to predict future water demand. First, the localization parameter system is constructed. Furthermore, the water demand is calculated. The results show that (1) under regional competitive pathway, the population is the largest, while under uneven pathway, the population is the smallest. The largest economic forecast is obtained under fossil fuel development pathway, while the smallest economic forecast is obtained under regional competitive pathway. (2) The results for domestic and economic water use in the basin show that the annual water demand shows an increasing trend. Fossil fuel development pathway is the scenario with the highest socio-economic water demand, while regional competitive pathway is the scenario with the least. (3) The Zhanghe River Basin faces a high risk of water resource shortage in the future. Even under the situation of minimum socio-economic water demand, the total water demand is difficult to meet fully. The forecasting framework established in this paper has high application value and can provide a reference for water demand forecasting and prospective water demand management in river basins.
Parental Perceptions of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Services in the UAE
Authors: Alshuaibat Suha , Soubra Karina , Alhashmi Deena , Mohamed Fathumo , Moqbel Sarah , Almarzooqi Saeeda , Alloub Zeinab , Willis Sandra , Albanna Ammar 
Published: August 2023

Objective:
This qualitative study explored parental perceptions of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) services in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Methods:
Forty-one parents of children with ASD participated in five focus groups to explore their experiences with ASD services in the UAE. These moderated focus groups were recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results:
The following primary themes and subthemes were identified: (a) lack of awareness and support, (b) challenges in accessibility and affordability, (c) inconsistent quality of therapeutic services, and (d) Lack of educational inclusion and support.

Conclusion:
Findings of this study support the need for creating a comprehensive system of care for ASD that is coordinated, is person centered, and promotes continuity of care that improves the outcomes for those “navigating” the often-fragmented system of ASD in the UAE.
Lymphocyte Expression of Intracellular Cytokines and Heat Shock Proteins in
Peripheral Blood of Patients with Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Mahmoud Fadia , Haines David D. , Ibrahim Basel , Arifhodzic Nermina 
Published: August 2023

Introduction:
The present study evaluates expression by activated CD4+ T helper1 (Th1) and T
helper 2 (Th2) T lymphocytes of pro-inflammatory cytokines and cytoprotective heat shock proteins (HSPs) in
peripheral blood of atopic dermatitis (AD) patients.

Methods:
This research represents preliminary work by the authors to identify correlates between critical immune
parameters with the potential to serve as guidelines for the development of pharmacological strategies for
altering these factors to promote the restoration of healthy immune profiles in persons afflicted with major atopic
diseases. The major experimental strategy used in this research assessed immune activation by peripheral
blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 21 AD patients and 12 age- and gender-matched healthy control subjects
cultured with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and ionomycin (PMA/I), which are mutagenic immune activators,
to induce expression of pro-inflammatory biomarkers in CD4+ T cells differentiated to express Th1 or
Th2 cytokines and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) intracellularly (i). Evaluations were performed using an FC500
Beckman-Coulter flow cytometer. Elevated CD4+ T cell expression of cytokines, interleukin-4 (iIL-4), interleukin-
5 (iIL-5), interleukin-10 (iIL-10), interferon-gamma (iIFN-g), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (iTNF-α),
were observed.

Results:
Additionally, the heat shock proteins (HSP) iHO-1 and iHSP-70 were evaluated in cells from the blood
of AD patients versus the control subjects. The present study demonstrated an elevated expression of both Th1
and Th2-associated cytokines in CD4+ T cells of AD patients, with a significant direct correlation between Th1
and Th2 cell populations, thus yielding insight into the immune features of the AD-associated systemic inflammatory
profile.

Conclusion:
Finally, the observed increased iHO-1 and iHSP-70 expressions likely represent adaptive physiologic
countermeasures to AD-associated inflammatory tissue damage, suggesting that HSP inducers are promising
candidates for the management of atopic disorders.
NAD+ Protects against Hyperlipidemia-induced Kidney Injury in
Apolipoprotein E-deficient Mice
Authors: Pei Zuowei , Li Yu , Yao Wei , Sun Feiyi , Pan Xiaofang 
Published: August 2023

Background:
Hyperlipidemia is an independent risk factor for kidney injury. Several studies have shown that nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is an important coenzyme involved in normal body metabolism. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the possible protective effects of NAD+ against hyperlipidemia-induced kidney injury in apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE-/-) mice.

Methods:
Twenty-five eight-week-old male ApoE-/- mice were randomly assigned into four groups: normal diet (ND), ND supplemented with NAD+ (ND+NAD+), high-fat diet (HFD), and HFD supplemented with NAD+ (HFD+NAD+). The mice were subjected to their respective diets for a duration of 16 weeks. Blood samples were obtained from the inferior vena cava, collected in serum tubes, and stored at -80 °C until use. Kidney tissues were fixed in 10% formalin and then embedded in paraffin for histological evaluation. The remainder of the kidney tissues was snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen for Western blot analysis.

Results:
Metabolic parameters (total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen) were significantly higher in the HFD group compared to the other groups. Histological analysis revealed prominent pathological manifestations in the kidneys of the HFD group. The HFD+NAD+ group showed increased levels of oxidative stress markers (NRF2 and SOD2) and decreased levels of NOX4 compared to the HFD group. Furthermore, the HFD group exhibited higher levels of TGF-β, Smad3, Collagen I, Collagen III, Bax, and Bak compared to the other groups. NAD+ supplementation in the HFD+NAD+ group significantly increased the levels of SIRT3, HO-1, Bcl-2, and Bcl-xL compared to the HFD group. Additionally, NF-κB protein expression was higher in the HFD group than in the HFD+NAD+ group.

Conclusion:
These findings demonstrated that NAD+ may hold potential as a clinical treatment for kidney injury caused by hyperlipidemia.
Acute Toxicity, Anti-diabetic, and Anti-cancerous Potential of Trillium
Govanianum-conjugated Silver Nanoparticles in Balb/c Mice
Authors: Gulzar Nazia , Andleeb Saiqa , Raza Abida , Ali Shaukat , Liaqat Iram , Raja Sadaf Azad , Ali Nazish Mazhar , Khan Rida , Awan Uzma Azeem 
Published: August 2023

Background:
The current study aimed to develop an economic plant-based therapeutic
agent to improve the treatment strategies for diseases at the nano-scale because Cancer and Diabetes
mellitus are major concerns in developing countries. Therefore, in vitro and in vivo antidiabetic
and anti-cancerous activities of Trillium govanianum conjugated silver nanoparticles were
assessed.

Methods:
In the current study synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Trillium govanianum and
characterization were done using a scanning electron microscope, UV-visible spectrophotometer,
and FTIR analysis. The in vitro and in vivo anti-diabetic and anti-cancerous potential (200 mg/kg
and 400 mg/kg) were carried out.

Results:
It was discovered that Balb/c mice did not show any major alterations during observation
of acute oral toxicity when administered orally both TGaqu (1000 mg/kg) and TGAgNPs (1000
mg/kg), and results revealed that 1000 mg/kg is not lethal dose as did not find any abnormalities in
epidermal and dermal layers when exposed to TGAgNPs. In vitro studies showed that TGAgNPs
could not only inhibit alpha-glucosidase and protein kinases but were also potent against the brine
shrimp. Though, a significant reduction in blood glucose levels and significant anti-cancerous
effects was recorded when alloxan-treated and CCl4-induced mice were treated with TGAgNPs
and TGaqu.

Conclusion:
Both in vivo and in vitro studies revealed that TGaqu and TGAgNPs are not toxic at
200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg doses and possess strong anti-diabetic and anti-cancerous
effects due to the presence of phyto-constituents. Further, suggesting that green synthesized silver
nanoparticles could be used in pharmaceutical industries to develop potent therapeutic agents.
Dysprosium-containing Cobalt Sulfide Nanoparticles as Anticancer Drug
Carriers
Authors: Varalakshmi Govindaraj Sri , Pawar Charan Singh , Manikantan Varnitha , Pillai Archana Sumohan , Alexander Aleyamma , Akash Bose Allben , Prasad N. Rajendra , Enoch Israel V. M. V. 
Published: August 2023

Background:
Among various materials designed for anticancer drug transport, sulfide nanoparticles
are uniquely intriguing owing to their spectral characteristics. Exploration of newer nanoscale
copper sulfide particles with dysprosium doping is reported herein. It leads to a change in the physicochemical
properties of the sulfide nanoparticles and hence the difference in drug release and cytotoxicity.

Objective:
We intend to purport the suitably engineered cobalt sulfide and dysprosium-doped cobalt
sulfide nanoparticles that are magnetic and NIR-absorbing, as drug delivery vehicles. The drug loading
and release are based on the supramolecular drug complex formation on the surface of the nanoparticles.

Method:
The nanomaterials are synthesized employing hydrothermal procedures, coated with a biocompatible
poly-β-cyclodextrin, and characterized using the methods of diffractometry, microscopy,
spectroscopy, thermogravimetry and magnetometry. The sustained drug release is investigated in vitro.
5-Fluorouracil is loaded in the nanocarriers. The empty and 5-fluorouracil-loaded nanocarriers are
screened for their anti-breast cancer activity in vitro on MCF-7 cells.

Results:
The size of the nanoparticles is below 10 nm. They show soft ferromagnetic characteristics.
Further, they show broad NIR absorption bands extending up to 1200 nm, with the dysprosium-doped
material displaying greater absorbance. The drug 5-fluorouracil is encapsulated in the nanocarriers and
released sustainably, with the expulsion duration extending over 10 days. The IC50 of the blank and the
drug-loaded cobalt sulfide are 16.24 ± 3.6 and 12.2 ± 2.6 μg mL-1, respectively. For the drug-loaded,
dysprosium-doped nanocarrier, the IC50 value is 9.7 ± 0.3 μg mL-1.

Conclusion:
The ultrasmall nanoparticles possess a size suitable for drug delivery and are dispersed
well in the aqueous medium. The release of the loaded 5-fluorouracil is slow and sustained. The anticancer
activity of the drug-loaded nanocarrier shows an increase in efficacy, and the cytotoxicity is appreciable
due to the controlled release. The nanocarriers show multi-functional characteristics, i.e.,
magnetic and NIR-absorbing, and are promising drug delivery agents.
Antioxidants, Hormetic Nutrition, and Autism
Authors: Modafferi Sergio , Lupo Gabriella , Tomasello Mario , Rampulla Francesco , Ontario Marialaura , Scuto Maria , Salinaro Angela Trovato , Arcidiacono Antonio , Anfuso Carmelina Daniela , Legmouz Maria , Azzaoui Fatima-Zahra , Palmeri Agostino , Spano Sestina , Biamonte Francesca , Cammilleri Gaetano , Fritsch Tilman , Sidenkova Alena , Calabrese Edward , Wenzel Uwe , Calabrese Vittorio 
Published: August 2023

Abstract:
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) includes a heterogeneous group of complex neurodevelopmental
disorders characterized by atypical behaviors with two core pathological manifestations: deficits
in social interaction/communication and repetitive behaviors, which are associated with disturbed
redox homeostasis. Modulation of cellular resilience mechanisms induced by low levels of stressors
represents a novel approach for the development of therapeutic strategies, and in this context, neuroprotective
effects of a wide range of polyphenol compounds have been demonstrated in several in vitro
and in vivo studies and thoroughly reviewed. Mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine for
many years and have been associated with a long list of therapeutic properties, including antitumor,
immunomodulatory, antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, and hepatoprotective effects. Our recent studies
have strikingly indicated the presence of polyphenols in nutritional mushrooms and demonstrated
their protective effects in different models of neurodegenerative disorders in humans and rats. Although
their therapeutic effects are exerted through multiple mechanisms, increasing attention is focusing
on their capacity to induce endogenous defense systems by modulating cellular signaling processes
such as nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathways.
Here we discuss the protective role of hormesis and its modulation by hormetic nutrients in
ASD.
MSC-Derived Extracellular Vesicles against Pulmonary Fibrosis of Rodent Model: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhou Xinghong , Liu Ya , Xie Jiahui , Wen Ziqi , Yang Jiaqi , Zhang Hanyue , Zhou Zijing , Zhang Jinyu , Cui Huixian , Ma Jun 
Published: August 2023

Background:
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a fatal disease distinguished by structural destruction and dysfunction, accompanied by continuous accumulation of fibroblasts, which eventually leads to lung failure. Preclinical studies have shown that the administration of mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) may be a safe and effective treatment for PF. The purpose of our meta-analysis is to evaluate the efficacy of MSC-EVs therapy and identify therapeutic aspects related to PF.

Methods:
Our study (up to April 6, 2022) identified English and Chinese, preclinical, controlled, and in vivo studies to examine the application of MSC-EVs in the treatment of PF. The risk of bias (ROB) is assessed using the SYRCLE bias risk tool. The primary outcomes include collagen content, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), hydroxyproline (HYP) content, and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1).

Results:
Thirteen studies were included in this meta-analysis. Ten studies evaluated the collagen content, five studies evaluated the α-SMA, five studies evaluated the HYP content, and six studies evaluated the TGF-β1. Compared to the control group, MSC-EVs therapy was associated with a significant reduction of collagen accumulation, α-SMA, HYP content, and TGF-β1.

Conclusion:
The administration of MSC-EVs is beneficial for the treatment of rodent PF models. However, the safety and effectiveness of the application in human PF diseases have yet to be confirmed. The application of MSC-EVs in the treatment of PF needs to be further standardized in terms of source, route of administration, and culture method.
Co- and Triaxial Electrospinning for Stem Cell-based Bone Regeneration
Authors: Altundag Özlem , Öteyaka Mustafa Özgür , Çelebi-Saltik Betül 
Published: August 2023

Abstract:
Bone tissue is composed of organic minerals and cells. It has the capacity to heal for certain
minor damages, but when the bone defects surpass the critical threshold, they need fixing. Bone regeneration
through natural and synthetic biodegradable materials requires various steps, such as manufacturing
methods and materials selection. A successful biodegradable bone graft should have a high surface area/
volume ratio, strength, and a biocompatible, porous structure capable of promoting cell adhesion, proliferation,
and differentiation. Considering these requirements, the electrospinning technique is promising
for creating functional nano-sized scaffolds. The multi-axial methods, such as coaxial and triaxial electrospinning,
are the most popular techniques to produce double or tri-layered scaffolds, respectively. Recently,
stem cell culture on scaffolds and the application of osteogenic differentiation protocols on these scaffolds
have opened new possibilities in the field of biomaterials research. This review discusses an overview
of the progress in coaxial and triaxial technology through biodegradable composite bone materials.
The review also carefully elaborates the osteogenic differentiation using stem cells and their performance
with nano-sized scaffolds.