GLOBAL CIVILIZATION INITIATIVE HELPS RESET THE GLOBAL ORDER

The rollout of the Global Civilization Initiative(GCI)in 2023 introduced a new public good to humanity.This Chinese initiative has driven home a clear message that all nations have the right to choose their own development paths in their pursuit of modernization,which is not necessarily synonymous with Westernization,as demonstrated by China’s example.

GLOBAL SECURITY INITIATIVE:A BOON IN THE HUMAN RIGHTS GOVERNANCE

While the world remains committed to upholding the principle of human rights protection,this universal sacrosanct value of humanity has been endlessly put to severe tests in the prevailing global governance.The incoherent global response to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 was merely the proverbial last straw that broke the camel’s back.

BRI: ENTERING A NEW PHASE The Belt and Road Initiative has come to a new age of going multi-dimensional in meeting the rising aspirations of the partnering countries

The 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative(BRI)marks its coming of age amid rising geopolitical tensions.The ambitious mega endeavor weathered through its first decade of inception with vigor.The multitude of orchestrated disinformation designed to discredit it with such malicious labels as“debt trap”fails to impede the BRI momentum worldwide as the initiative snowballs into more areas,notably in the developing Global South.

Congratulatory Letter from the Center for the Promotion and Development of Belt and Road Initiative,Bosnia and Herzegovina

To:Chinese Association for International Understanding (CAFIU)CONGRATULATIONS LETTER Dear friends,I was glad to receive the news that your institution,our long-term partner,is celebrating its 40th anniversary since the founding of the Association.In the past few years,our two institutions as part of the non-govemmental sector.have jointly done several projects aimed at getting to know each other and especially on the promotion and construction of President Xi Jinping’s big Initiative,"One Belt and One Road".

TAKING THE INITIATIVE

The growing traction of the Belt and Road Initiative(BRI),a China-proposed initiative to boost connectivity along and beyond the ancient Silk Road routes,across the world after a decade-long implementation is in itself a good testament to its relevance in current global governance.

Foeniculum vulgare Mill.inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced microglia activation and ameliorates neuroinflammation-mediated behavioral deficits in mice

Objective:To investigate the effect of Foeniculum vulgare extract against lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced microglial activation in vitro as well as cognitive behavioral deficits in mice.Methods:LPS-activated BV-2 cell viability was measured using MTT assay and reactive oxygen species(ROS)was studied using DCF-DA assay.The antioxidative enzymes and pro-inflammatory mediators were analyzed using respective ELISA kits and Western blotting.For in vivo testing,LPS(1 mg/kg,i.p.)was given daily for five days in male Swiss albino mice to produce chronic neuroinflammation.Cognitive and behavioral tests were performed using open-field,passive avoidance,and rotarod experiments in LPS-induced mice.Results:Foeniculum vulgare extract(25,50 and 100μg/mL)significantly attenuated the LPS-activated increase in nitric oxide(NO),ROS,cyclooxygenase-2,inducible NO synthase,IL-6,and TNF-alpha(P<0.05).Moreover,LPS-induced oxidative stress and reduced antioxidative enzyme levels were significantly improved by Foeniculum vulgare extract(P<0.05).The extract also regulated the NF-κB/MAPK signaling in BV-2 cells.In an in vivo study,Foeniculum vulgare extract(50,100,and 200 mg/kg)markedly mitigated the LPS-induced cognitive and locomotor impairments in mice.The fingerprinting analysis showed distinctive peaks with rutin,kaempferol-3-O-glucoside,and anethole as identifiable compounds.Conclusions:Foeniculum vulgare extract can ameliorate LPS-stimulated neuroinflammatory responses in BV-2 microglial cells and improve cognitive and locomotor performance in LPS-administered mice.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Hypertension among People Living with HIV Receiving Care in Three Large HIV Clinics in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

In the last decade, the long-term survival among people living with HIV (PLHIV) has significantly improved. This is accompanied by an increased burden of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension due to the combined effect of the aging population and the metabolic effect of the Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) virion and antiretroviral therapy. This study aims to assess the prevalence and factors associated with hypertension among people living with HIV in three large health facilities in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study employed a multistage sampling technique to select 309 adults with HIV, 18 years and above, receiving HIV care in three large health facilities in Nasarawa State. The outcome variable was the participants’ self-reported history of hypertension, confirmed through a positive history of hypertension treatment. Exposure variables included the participant’s socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, and HIV care and treatment history. Data were presented using frequency tables. Factors associated with hypertension were assessed using binary logistic regression at a 0.05 level of statistical significance. A total of 309 adults living with HIV were sampled. A larger percentage of the participants were married 228 (73.8%), female, 191 (61.8%), within the age group 41 - 50 years, 141 (45.6%). Most of the participants had no family history of hypertension, 188 (60.8%). The prevalence of self-reported hypertension was 11.0% (34/309). Factors associated with hypertension at the bivariate level were age group 21 - 30 years, 41 - 50 years, being widow/widower, divorced, retired from employment or with family history of hypertension. Only participants age group 31 - 40 years [Adjusted Odd Ratio (AOR): 0.18, 95%CI: 0.04 - 0.91, p = 0.04] and family history of hypertension [(AOR): 83.44, 95%CI: 15.75 - 442.11, p < 0.01] were found to predict hypertension among the study participants after adjusting for confounders. In conclusion, Hypertension remains a public health issue among PLHIV. Factors associated with hypertension among PLHIV include age and family history of hypertension. Regular screening for hypertension, its appropriate treatment and optimal control are essential in PLHIV.

COVID-19 Vaccination Uptake and Associated Factors in Selected Communities in Two Southwestern States in Nigeria

Introduction: COVID-19 vaccine uptake and acceptance have been a major global concern due to the prevalent misinformation and disinformation that has characterized the vaccine rollout worldwide. This study aimed to assess COVID-19 vaccine uptake and acceptance, and associated factors among selected community members in two states in southwestern Nigeria. Method: We conducted a cross-sectional study using a multistage sampling technique. Fifty catchment settlements of 10 health facilities in each of Oyo and Ogun States targeted for a COVID-19 infection prevention and control intervention were randomly selected. Four households were targeted per settlement. All households that refused access were replaced, to ensure a minimum of four households randomly selected per settlement. The primary household decision-maker was interviewed in each household. Information elicited included respondents’ sociodemographic characteristics, health history, knowledge, risk and benefit perception about the COVID-19 vaccine, vaccine uptake, and willingness to be vaccinated. The study was conducted from July–August 2021. Data were analyzed using SPSS IBM version 23. Result: Four hundred household decision-makers were surveyed in Oyo and Ogun states, after replacement. The mean age of the respondents was 43.0 ± 11.0 years. The majority, 346 (86.5%) had heard about COVID-19 vaccination, but only 47 (13.6%) had received a COVID-19 vaccination. Of the 299 respondents who reported not receiving a COVID-19 vaccination, 166 (55.5%) were willing to be vaccinated. In univariate analysis, respondents who were female had tertiary education, perceived that COVID-19 vaccines are free and accessible, perceived that COVID-19 vaccines have minimal side effects, and perceived higher benefits of COVID-19 vaccination had higher odds of being vaccinated. In contrast, younger respondents, respondents with higher knowledge scores on COVID-19 preventive measures, and with chronic illness had lower likelihoods of being vaccinated. In multivariate analysis, only the respondent’s age, perception score on COVID-19 vaccine benefits, knowledge score on IPC measures, and positive response on accessibility and safety were significant after adjusting for other factors. Conclusion: COVID-19 vaccine uptake rate as well as willingness to receive vaccination were low in the study setting. There is an urgent need for policymakers to embark on well-designed campaigns to address barriers to COVID-19 vaccination to increase vaccine uptake.

Hepatitis B Surface Antigen and Hepatitis C Virus Antibodies among Drug Users in Burkina Faso

Introduction: The epidemiology of both hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections among drug users (DUs) is little known in West Africa. The study aimed to assess the prevalence of hepatitis B and C viruses among drug users in Burkina Faso. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional biological and behavioral survey conducted between June and August 2022, among drug users in Ouagadougou and Bobo Dioulasso, the two main cities of Burkina Faso. A respondent-driven sampling (RDS) was used to recruit drug users. Hepatitis B surface antigen was determined using lateral flow rapid test kits and antibodies to hepatitis C virus in serum determined using an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Data were entered and analyzed using Stata 17 software. Weighted binary logistic regression was used to identify the associated factors of hepatitis B and C infections and a p-value Results: A total of 323 drug users were recruited with 97.5% males. The mean age was 32.7 years old. The inhaled or smoked mode was the most used by drug users. The adjusted hepatitis B and hepatitis C prevalence among study participants were 11.1% and 2.3% respectively. The marital status (p = 0.001), and the nationality (p = 0.011) were significantly associated with hepatitis B infection. The type of drug used was not significantly associated with hepatitis B infection or hepatitis C infection. Conclusion: The prevalence of HBsAg and anti-HCV antibodies among DUs are comparable to those reported in the general population in Burkina Faso. This result suggests that the main routes of contamination by HBV and HCV among DUs are similar to those in the population, and could be explained by the low use of the injectable route by DUs in Burkina Faso.

Electronic properties of 2D materials and their junctions

With an extensive range of distinctive features at nano meter-scale thicknesses,two-dimensional(2D)materials drawn the attention of the scientific community.Despite tremendous advancements in exploratory research on 2D materials,knowledge of 2D electrical transport and carrier dynamics still in its infancy.Thus,here we highlighted the electrical characteristics of 2D materials with electronic band structure,electronic transport,dielectric constant,carriers mobility.The atomic thinness of 2D materials makes substantially scaled field-effect transistors(FETs)with reduced short-channel effects conceivable,even though strong carrier mobility required for high performance,low-voltage device operations.We also discussed here about factors affecting 2D materials which easily enhanced the activity of those materials for various applications.Presently,Those 2D materials used in state-of-the-art electrical and optoelectronic devices because of the extensive nature of their electronic band structure.2D materials offer unprecedented freedom for the design of novel p-n junction device topologies in contrast to conventional bulk semiconductors.We also,describe the numerous 2D p-n junctions,such as homo junction and hetero junction including mixed dimensional junctions.Finally,we talked about the problems and potential for the future.

Lecanemab Unveiled:Exploring Alzheimer’s Treatment Advancements,Assessing Strengths,Limitations,and Its Therapeutic Landscape Position

In the ever-evolving landscape of Alzheimer’s treatment,lecanemab(Leqembi)has emerged as a promising drug.Unlike conventional therapies that merely alleviate symptoms,lecanemab is a humanized monoclonal antibody with a distinct focus.It targets protofibrils,insoluble fibrils,amyloid oligomers,and soluble amyloid-beta protofibrils,which are known to be especially damaging to neurons,with high accuracy.

Prognosis value of heat-shock proteins in esophageal and esophagogastric cancer:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Heat shock proteins(HSPs)are molecular chaperones that play an important role in cellular protection against stress events and have been reported to be overex-pressed in many cancers.The prognostic significance of HSPs and their regulatory factors,such as heat shock factor 1(HSF1)and CHIP,are poorly understood.AIM To investigate the relationship between HSP expression and prognosis in esophageal and esophagogastric cancer.METHODS A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA recommend-ations(PROSPERO:CRD42022370653),on Embase,PubMed,Cochrane,and LILACS.Cohort,case-control,and cross-sectional studies of patients with eso-phagus or esophagogastric cancer were included.HSP-positive patients were compared with HSP-negative,and the endpoints analyzed were lymph node metastasis,tumor depth,distant metastasis,and overall survival(OS).HSPs were stratified according to the HSP family,and the summary risk difference(RD)was calculated using a random-effect model.RESULTS The final selection comprised 27 studies,including esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(21),esophagogastric adenocarcinoma(5),and mixed neoplasms(1).The pooled sample size was 3465 patients.HSP40 and 60 were associated with a higher 3-year OS[HSP40:RD=0.22;95%confidence interval(CI):0.09-0.35;HSP60:RD=0.33;95%CI:0.17-0.50],while HSF1 was associated with a poor 3-year OS(RD=-0.22;95%CI:-0.32 to-0.12).The other HSP families were not associated with long-term survival.HSF1 was associated with a higher probability of lymph node metastasis(RD=-0.16;95%CI:-0.29 to-0.04).HSP40 was associated with a lower probability of lymph node dissemination(RD=0.18;95%CI:0.03-0.33).The expression of other HSP families was not significantly related to tumor depth and lymph node or distant metastasis.CONCLUSION The expression levels of certain families of HSP,such as HSP40 and 60 and HSF1,are associated with long-term survival and lymph node dissemination in patients with esophageal and esophagogastric cancer.

Study on the Textual Coherence Function of Conjunctions in Political Texts and Their Translation Reconstruction

The assessment of translation quality in political texts is primarily based on achieving effective communication.Throughout the translation process,it is essential to not only accurately convey the original content but also effectively transform the structural mechanisms of the source language.In the translation reconstruction of political texts,various textual cohesion methods are often employed,with conjunctions serving as a primary means for semantic coherence within text units.

Markers of Oocyte Quality to Enhance Human IVF Outcomes: A Bibliographic Review

The markers of oocyte quality have remained a major controversy in the field of embryology due to the subjectivity of the different methods of oocyte assessment. Various scholars use oocyte quality and oocyte competence interchangeably. Oocyte quality can be defined as the overall health of an oocyte whereas oocyte competence refers to the ability of an oocyte to be fertilized and develop into a healthy embryo. Diminished oocyte quality is believed to be a result of alterations in oocyte growth and maturation processes that stem from several pelvic and systemic factors before and after oocyte retrieval. In this review, we focus on the morphological and nonmorphological markers of oocyte quality. Strict restrictions that limit the number of oocytes fertilized in various countries have triggered researchers around the world to come up with the most appropriate and noninvasive markers that enhance oocyte selection and optimize IVF outcomes. PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library were used to search for peer-reviewed, original articles about oocyte quality markers. The review was written in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Morphological markers are commonly used, but they are subjective, and no single marker can be used exclusively to predict oocyte competence and subsequent embryonic development potential. Furthermore, transcriptomics of differentially expressed genes in cumulus cells and assessment of metabolomics and other contents of follicular fluid have shown greater precision. However, their specificity to the different quality determinants needs further research.

Rice-wheat comparative genomics:Gains and gaps

Rice and wheat provide nearly 40%of human calorie and protein requirements.They share a common ancestor and belong to the Poaceae(grass)family.Characterizing their genetic homology is crucial for developing new cultivars with enhanced traits.Several wheat genes and gene families have been characterized based on their rice orthologs.Rice–wheat orthology can identify genetic regions that regulate similar traits in both crops.Rice–wheat comparative genomics can identify candidate wheat genes in a genomic region identified by association or QTL mapping,deduce their putative functions and biochemical pathways,and develop molecular markers for marker-assisted breeding.A knowledge of gene homology facilitates the transfer between crops of genes or genomic regions associated with desirable traits by genetic engineering,gene editing,or wide crossing.

Path to Inclusive Globalization The Belt and Road Initiative leads the way to new global economic governance

The rise of protectionism in recent years has accompanied dramatic changes taking place in the world and has left global leaders and scholars anxious about the future of globalization.Since the 2008 international fi nancial crisis and especially after 2016,the globalization trend has taken a sudden downturn marked by Brexit and a series of protectionist policies implemented by the United States.

Looking Back and Into the Future of the Belt and Road Initiative Tax Administration Capacity Enhancement Group

As an important platform to implement the initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China of building a community with a shared future for mankind,the Belt and Road Initiative(BRI)is increasingly becoming“a belt of prosperity”and“a path towards happiness”that benefits the world and its people and injects confidence of development into the international community.

Selected fermented indigenous vegetables and fruits from Malaysia as potential sources of natural probiotics for improving gut health

In the Peninsular Malaysia and Northern Borneo island of Malaysia, various rich indigenous leafy vegetables and fruits grow and contribute to the nutritional and dietary values of the population. They have high water contents, thus, naturally vulnerable to rapid food spoilage. Food preservation and processing play a vital role in the inhibition of food pathogens in fruits and vegetables that are prevalent in Malaysia. Lactic acid fermentation is generally a local-based bioprocess, among the oldest form and well-known for food-processing techniques among indigenous people there. The long shelf life of fermented vegetables and fruits improves their nutritional values and antioxidant potentials. Fermented leaves and vegetables can be utilized as a potential source of probiotics as they are host for several lactic acid bacteria such as Lactobacillus confusus, Weissella paramesenteroides, Enterococcus faecalis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus buchneri, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus pentosus, Pediococcus acidilactici, Pediococcus pentosaceus and Leuconostoc mesenteroides. These strains may be more viable in metabolic systems whereby they can contribute to a substantial increase in essential biologically active element than industrial starter cultures. This review is aimed to address some essential fermented fruits and vegetables in Malaysia and their remarkable reputations as a potential sources of natural probiotics.

Hydrogen-induced optical properties of FC/Pd/Mg films:Roles of grain size and grain boundary

Nanomodification is an effective method to solve the thermodynamic and kinetics limitation of Magnesium(Mg)-based materials,which shows promising application prospects in hydrogen energy field.However,the role of the grain size of pure Mg on the hydrogen-induced performance of the hydrogen sensitive thin film under cyclic hydrogen loading/unloading process at room temperature has rarely been studied systematically.To study the relationship between the structure of Mg layer and the hydrogen-induced optical performance of fluorocarbon(FC)/Pd/Mg films,a series of Mg with different internal structures were prepared by changing the velocity of sputtered atoms under different sputtering powers.The FC/Pd/Mg(40 W)film with fine nanostructure showed faster hydrogenation/dehydrogenation kinetics as well as a larger optical conversion range,which can be attributed to the large population of grain boundaries with high grain boundary energy and more hydrogen diffusion path.As sputtering power gradually increased from 40 W to 300 W,the grain inside films grew larger.The FC/Pd/Mg(300 W)film had more columnar-like regions inside and less grain boundaries with lower energy contributing to slower hydrogen absorption/desorption kinetics and lower optical conversion range.

Top-down control of bottom-up material synthesis@nanoscale

In a recently published paper in Opto-Electronic Advances,Mangirdas Malinauskas and his colleagues at Vilnius University report on a new high resolution inorganic material synthesis pathway using 3D laser printing and calcination.3D metamaterials(beyond what exist in nature)emerge from research in high-resolution 3D polymerisation/printing where proportions of inorganic parts of a composit can be widely tuned1.By adding a high temperature annealing(HTA)post-fabrication step of sintering/calcination in air/oxygen flow2−5 after the 3D polymerisation,a new glass and/or ceramic 3D structure with nanoscale features and large down-sizing can be produced6 as shown in Fig.1.