bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ameliorative activity of standardized Coccoloba uvifera leaves extract against streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats via activation of IRS-1/PI3K/AKT/GLUT2 pathway in liver
Authors: Mohamed Fatma Abdelhakim , Sayed Rabab H. , Khalil Mohammed N. A. , Salem Mohamed A. , El Senousy Amira S. , El-Halawany Ali M. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
Coccoloba uvifera L. (Family: Polygonaceae) known as sea grape is natively distributed in middle and south America. The aqueous leaf extract showed inhibitory activities against α-glucosidase and α-amylase in previous reports. Moreover, the hydroalcoholic leaves extract ameliorated hyperglycemia in the oral glucose tolerance test. Despite these promising results, the extracts used in these studies were not standardized, nor was their mechanism of action elucidated. The current study aims to standardize the ethanolic C. uvifera leaves extract (CU) using markers, and assess its ameliorative activity against diabetes and its hepatoprotective activity against diabetic complications.

Results
Standardized leaves’ ethanolic extract contained 0.09 ± 0.00057 and 0.23 ± 0.0011 mg/g gallic acid and rutin, respectively, as estimated by HPLC. Administration of CU (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) for 6 weeks ameliorated DM manifestations in STZ-induced diabetic rats in a dose-dependent manner. The ethanolic extract reduced fasting blood glucose, increased serum insulin and reduced elevated liver enzymes. CU counteracted oxidative stress, promoted glucose metabolizing enzymes and reduced gluconeogenesis enzymes. The underlying mechanism involved increased expression of IR, IRS-1, IRS-2 and GLUT2 in liver tissue through activation of PI3K/AKT signaling. The histopathological study demonstrated reduced inflammation and hepatocyte degeneration.

Conclusion
CU could be used as a promising antidiabetic drug with hepatoprotective activity in diabetes hepatic complications. The standardized CU ethanolic extract should be further assessed clinically alone or in combination with other antidiabetic remedies.
Effect of extracorporeal shockwave on gait parameters in patients with plantar fascitis: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Saleh Amir M. , ELNaggar Elham Mohammed Khairy , El Sayed Amro Saber , Abdallah Sahar Abdallah 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
Plantar fasciitis (PF) is the most common cause of heel pain affecting both young active patients and older sedentary individuals. It most often arises as a result of degenerative changes in the proximal plantar fascia.

Aim
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of extracorporeal shockwave on gait parameters in patients with plantar fasciitis.

Design
A randomized controlled clinical trial.

Setting
The outpatient physiotherapy clinic of the teaching hospital Shibin El Kom.

Methods
Participants were randomly divided into two equal groups. Group (A) (study group): received extracorporeal shockwave therapy one session per week and traditional treatment (ultrasound, stretching exercises, and strengthening exercises) three sessions per week for 4 weeks. Group (B)(the control group): received traditional treatment (ultrasound, stretching exercises, and strengthening exercises) 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks. The pre- and post-treatment development of the patients was evaluated by visual analog scale (VAS) to measure pain, foot function index (FFI) to measure foot function, and Kinovea software to analyze gait parameters (stride length, stride time, walking speed, and cadence).

Results
Both groups showed improvement in all study variables, but the study group showed more improvement. There was a statistically significant decrease in VAS (p = 0.001), a significant decrease in FFI (p = 0.001), a significant increase in stride length (p = 0.001), a significant decrease in stride time (p = 0.001), a significant increase in walking speed (p = 0.001), and a significant increase in cadence (p = 0.01) post-treatment compared to group (B).

Conclusion
Extracorporeal shockwave treatment is regarded as a useful treatment for improving gait parameters in patients with plantar fasciitis.

Clinical rehabilitation impact
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy improved gait parameters in patients with plantar fasciitis as it increases stride length, walking speed, cadence, and decreases stride time. So, it is recommended to be included in the rehabilitation program for patients with plantar fasciitis and gait disabilities.
Medical physicians’ awareness about pulmonary hypertension in Egypt
Authors: Elkorashy R. I. M. , Soliman Y. M. A. , Amin Wadgy , Aziz Ahmed Abdel , FathElbab Fatma Muhammad , AbouElghit Alaa Hassan , Nabil Afnan , Magdy Sally 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
The etiological diversity of pulmonary hypertension and its association with other accompanying unrelated symptoms is why this disease may be primarily diagnosed by physicians of different medical specialties.
In this study, we sought to evaluate the awareness of physicians regarding pulmonary hypertension across different regions in Egypt and among different medical specialties this is because we believed that pulmonary hypertension disease awareness differed among different specialties.

Methodology
The survey is conducted from January 2023 to April 2023 targeting certified physicians of different medical specialties in Egypt.
A self-administered questionnaire is designed to evaluate and capture information on the awareness of physicians of different medical specialties regarding the diagnosis and management of disease.
The questionnaire is offered through an online Google form link, that is made available in two languages English and Arabic for dissemination.

Results
A total number of 177 physicians of different medical specialties participated in the questionnaire, 97 (54.8%) participants were males, and 80 (45.2%) participants were females with a mean age of 36.88 ± 7.18.
Among different medical specialties, 89.4% (n = 76) of the pulmonologists and 91.9% (n = 34) of the cardiologists participating in the survey have satisfactory PH disease knowledge above 75% with a statistically high significant difference of 0.000, in addition, 87.1% (n = 74) of the pulmonologists and 94.6% (n = 35) of the cardiologists have satisfactory PH disease management knowledge above 75% with a statistically significant difference of 0.000.
Coincidentally most participants encountering PH patients in their daily clinical practice have satisfactory PH disease knowledge above 75% and satisfactory PH disease management knowledge above 75% with percentages of 84.8% and 82.3% respectively with statistically significant differences of 0.000 and 0.043 respectively.

Conclusions
Our research highlights the importance of appropriate awareness of the healthcare providers of different medical specialties regarding PH disease essential to abide by the current guidelines in management as well as prioritizing the establishment of geographically available designated expert centers enforcing proper clinical practice. Thus, aiming at reducing the prereferral malpractice noted as the prescription of targeted therapy based on the clinical and imaging assessment only without hemodynamic study.
Integrating theory and practice in value engineering within Egypt’s construction industry
Authors: Abdelrahman Sara Atef , Nassar Ayman Hamdy 
Published: September 2024

AbstractEgypt’s economy is unstable, marked by high unemployment, low incomes, and safety concerns, which impede its rapid development. One crucial sector that faces difficulties is construction, dealing with issues like funding shortages, payment disputes, and ineffective project management. Conventional project success criteria strongly emphasize efficient resource use and waste minimization. These criteria are symbolized by the iron triangle of cost, time, and quality. A key instrument for obtaining value for money in building projects is value engineering (VE). Even though VE is acknowledged in theory, its application is still limited in most developing countries, including the Egyptian construction industry. Therefore, to bridge the gap between theory and practice, this paper attempts to investigate the current state and application of VE in Egypt. The study further outlines strategies for integrating VE into construction practices and identifies obstacles to their implementation. This study employed both qualitative and quantitative research approaches to attain the research aim, beginning with a thorough literature review to assess the application of value engineering (VE) in both local and international construction industries. Then, a web-based survey was conducted to gather diverse perspectives on VE’s role and its current practice in Egyptian construction projects. The gathered data were analyzed mainly using descriptive and thematic analysis approaches. The paper’s findings revealed that there is a large gap between VE in theory and practice in Egypt. Reasons include lack of awareness and understanding, time and financial constraints, and resistance to change. Bridging the gap to enhance VE in Egypt includes a focus on the role of educational institutions and training, public awareness and recognition, and early project lifecycle integration. This research has gained insights about VE environment, process, duration, types of projects applied, and effectiveness, aiming to get a comprehensive overview of VE in Egypt. Furthermore, this research has identified a significant gap between VE theory and practice in Egypt. To bridge this gap and enhance the implementation of VE in Egypt, strategies such as focusing on the role of educational institutions, increasing public awareness and recognition, and integrating VE approach early in the project lifecycle are suggested. These findings will guide construction industry practitioners to deeply understand the current state of VE in Egypt and practically integrate VE in the construction industry to minimize unnecessary costs, enhance functionality requirements, and achieve value for client’s money.
Inequity in cardiometabolic hospital admissions and blood screening in New Zealand Indigenous Māori with psychosis
Authors: Monk Nathan J. , Cunningham Ruth , Stanley James , Fitzjohn Julie , Kerdemelidis Melissa , Lockett Helen , McLachlan Andre D. , Porter Richard J. , Waitoki Waikaremoana , Lacey Cameron 
Published: September 2024

Background
People with psychosis experience worse cardiometabolic health than the same-aged general population. In New Zealand, Indigenous Māori experiencing psychosis have greater risk of cardiometabolic and other physical health problems.

Aims
To identify a cohort of adults accessing secondary mental health and addiction services in New Zealand, with a previous psychosis diagnosis as of 1 January 2018, and compare odds of hospital admission outcomes, mortality and receipt of cardiometabolic blood screening between Māori and non-Māori in the following 2 years.

Method
Crude and adjusted logistic regression models compared odds of hospital admission outcomes, mortality and receipt of cardiometabolic blood screening (lipids and haemoglobin A1c) between Māori and non-Māori, occurring between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2019.

Results
A cohort (N = 21 214) of Māori (n = 7274) and non-Māori (n = 13 940) was identified. Māori had higher adjusted risk of mortality (odds ratio 1.26, 95% CI 1.03–1.54), and hospital admission with diabetes (odds ratio 1.64, 95% CI 1.43–1.87), cardiovascular disease (odds ratio 1.54, 95% CI 1.25–1.88) and any physical health condition (odds ratio 1.07, 95% CI 1.00–1.15) than non-Māori. Around a third of people did not receive recommended cardiometabolic blood screening, with no difference between Māori and non-Māori after covariate adjustment.

Conclusions
Māori experiencing psychosis are more likely to die and be admitted to hospital with cardiovascular disease or diabetes than non-Māori. Because of the higher cardiometabolic risk borne by Māori, it is suggested that cardiometabolic screening shortfalls will lead to worsening physical health inequities for Māori experiencing psychosis.
The Polish adaptation of the Self-Compassion Scale Short Form
Authors: Holas Paweł , Szewczuk Juliana , Rusanowska Marzena , Krejtz Izabela , Jankowski Tomasz , Nezlek John 
Published: September 2024

Cel pracyCelem pracy była polska adaptacja skróconej Skali Współczucia Wobec Siebie (SCS-SF) oraz ocena jej właściwości psychometrycznych i struktury czynnikowej.MetodaW badaniu wzięły udział 596 osoby dorosłe (wieku 18-50 lat) z populacji ogólnej w tym 459 kobiet oraz dodatkowo 47 osób które zbadano dwa razy z miesięcznym odroczeniem celem oceny stabilności narzędzia. Procedura adaptacji została przeprowadzona z zachowaniem wierności tłumaczenia oryginalnej wersji skali. Rzetelność pomiaru oceniono za pomocą wskaźnika spójności wewnętrznej alfa Cronbacha oraz metody test-retest. Trafność zbieżną oceniono za pomocą analizy współczynników korelacji między wynikami SCS-SF a nasileniem: uważności (mindfulness, rozumianej jako cecha), satysfakcji z życia, poczucia własnej wartości, akceptacji doświadczeń oraz poziomem lęku i depresji. Stabilność pomiaru oceniano za pomocą współczynników korelacji wewnątrzklasowej zastosowanych do dwóch kolejnych pomiarów. Trafność czynnikową zweryfikowano za pomocą konfirmacyjnej analizy czynnikowej.WynikiWyniki wykazały, że SCS-SF w wersji polskiej ma satysfakcjonującą spójność wewnętrzną oraz stabilność. Analiza konfirmacyjna sugeruje obecność jednego głównego czynnika – globalnej oceny współczucia wobec siebie.WnioskiSCS-SF mierzy globalny poziom współczucia do siebie i może służyć do jej pomiaru szczególnie w badaniach o dużych ograniczeniach czasowych. W celu uzyskania informacji o podskalach współczucia wobec siebie wskazane jest używanie pełnej wersji SCS.
Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) as a diagnostic tool for abscesses and fistulas of the anus. Anatomy and methodology of the TRUS examination
Authors: Łukaszewska Ewa , Jasiuk Ilona , Chrościński Kamil 
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) is a valuable imaging technique used to diagnose abscesses and fistulas in the anorectal region. It provides detailed visualization of soft tissues and anatomical structures, making it a crucial tool for assessing conditions that are often challenging to diagnose with other methods. Our work explores the anatomy relevant to TRUS and outlines the methodology of the examination, emphasizing its importance in the accurate detection and treatment planning of anorectal disorders.

Aim of the study

To evaluate the effectiveness of transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) as a diagnostic tool for identifying and assessing abscesses and fistulas in the anorectal region.

Methods and materials

This review was conducted based on available data published in the PubMed database, using the following phrases: "TRUS”, „abscess", „diagnosis of fistulas”, and ”anorectal disorders”.

Conclusion

Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) has proven to be a highly effective diagnostic tool for the detection and evaluation of abscesses and fistulas in the anorectal region. Its ability to provide clear visualization of soft tissues and complex anatomical structures enhances diagnostic accuracy, facilitating more precise treatment planning. By outlining the anatomical context and proper methodology for TRUS, this study highlights the technique’s value in improving clinical outcomes for patients with anorectal disorders. Further research and refinement of TRUS protocols may continue to optimize its diagnostic potential.
Ashwagandha as an Adaptogen: Its Influence on Sleep Patterns, Stress Response, and Anxiety in Modern Life
Authors: Haber Mateusz , Czachor Adrianna , Kula Paula , Juśkiewicz Adam , Grelewicz Olga , Kucy Natalia , Servaas Elwira , Kotula Alicja , Siemiątkowski Robert 
Published: September 2024

Background:
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), a prominent adaptogen in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, has gained substantial attention for its potential to enhance resilience to modern stressors, improve sleep quality, and alleviate anxiety. Preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated that Ashwagandha’s active compounds, particularly withanolides, influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to reductions in cortisol levels and a more balanced stress response.
Puropose: This review aims to consolidate current evidence on Ashwagandha’s efficacy in modulating stress response, improving sleep patterns, and reducing anxiety levels.
Material and methods: The review was based on the analysis of materials collected in the databases "Pubmed", Google Scholar, ResearchGate, books and other scientific articles. The search was conducted using keywords: “Ashwagandha”, “Withania somnifera”, “adaptogen”, “stress”, “anxiety”, “sleep”, “cortisol”. “HPA axis”.
Results: A review of the literature has shown Ashwagandha anxiolytic properties, with effects comparable to standard anti-anxiety medications but with fewer side effects. Additionally, Ashwagandha has been shown to significantly improve sleep onset latency, sleep duration, and overall sleep quality, particularly in individuals suffering from stress-induced sleep disorders.
Conclusions: Ashwagandha shows significant potential as a natural therapy for managing stress, improving sleep quality, and reducing anxiety, primarily through its effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and cortisol regulation. Clinical trials have demonstrated its efficacy in improving sleep patterns and reducing anxiety, with a generally favorable safety profile. However, there is a need for further research, particularly to better understand the long-term effects and safety of Ashwagandha supplementation.
Unleashing the Crowd: The Effect of Social Networks in Crowdfunding Markets
Authors: Peng Lin , Zhang Linyi 
Published: September 2024

We identify the crucial role social networks play in crowdfunding markets. Investors are 50% more likely to fund projects that their peers support and are 11.2% more likely to fund projects from regions where they share strong social ties, given a one-standard-deviation change in the variables. More influential peers exert a greater influence, especially in the case of riskier projects, and the peer effects are amplified in crowdfunding platforms that prioritize transparency and accountability. Social ties transmit information about economic conditions in project locations, and they complement the influence of peer effects. Furthermore, the social network effects affect project funding outcomes and can be particularly valuable in mitigating the adverse effects of natural disasters. Our findings suggest that social networks play a significant role in crowdfunding markets by increasing investor awareness, disseminating information, and ultimately influencing capital allocations. This paper was accepted by Kay Giesecke, finance. Funding: L. Peng acknowledges the Keynes Fund, the Krell research grant, and the Wassermann research grant for financial support. Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.01364 .
Vitamin D deficiency and thyroid cancer: is there a true association? A prospective observational study
Authors: Lanitis S , Gkanis V , Peristeraki S , Chortis P , Kalogeris N , Vryonidou A 
Published: September 2024

Introduction Literature data indicate a correlation between vitamin D deficiency and thyroid cancer (TC). We conducted this observational study to test this hypothesis. Methods We studied 327 consecutive thyroidectomy cases, and compared patients with TC and those who had benign thyroid disease (BTD). In total, 183 cases with well-differentiated TC (group B) were compared with 144 cases of BTD (group A). We defined 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)VitD) values <10ng/ml as severe vitamin D deficiency (15.4%), 10–30ng/ml as inadequacy (70.4%) and >30ng/ml as adequate (14.2%). We further used a cut-off point of 30ng/ml (used in a recent meta-analysis) to classify patients as vitamin D deficient or not. Results There was no statistically significant difference in the following: age, size of the thyroid gland, preoperative calcium levels, preoperative parathormone and vitamin D levels, body mass index and anti-thyroid antibodies. Only thyroid-stimulating hormone and weight of the thyroid gland were found to differ. There was no significant difference in mean vitamin D levels (group A = 19.82ng/ml [sd 9.59] vs group B = 19.69ng/ml [sd 11.34]; p = 0.917). The same was found when we compared the two groups according to the three categories of vitamin D values (deficiency, inadequacy, adequacy; p = 0.485) and when we performed the analysis based on all threshold levels (10, 20 and 30ng/ml; p = 0.328). Using various statistical methods, no correlation was found between vitamin D deficiency and differentiated TC (overall, microcarcinomas, macrocarcinomas). Conclusions Based on our results, no correlation between vitamin D deficiency and TC was confirmed, contradicting and questioning the results of two recent meta-analyses.
Joint carrier phase tracking and IQ imbalance tolerance with the dynamic adaption of a reference constellation for probabilistic-shaped signals
Authors: Mir Sameer Ahmad , Venkatasubramani Lakshmi Narayanan , Barry Liam , Venkitesh Deepa 
Published: September 2024

Probabilistic constellation shaping (PCS) has played a pivotal role in facilitating capacity enhancement towards Shannon limits. However, the higher cardinality PCS is susceptible to transmission system non-idealities such as transmitter IQ imbalance. In this paper, we demonstrate a phase noise correction algorithm that simultaneously adapts the ideal constellation points and, hence, the decision boundaries, using the gradient descent adaption to tolerate the transmitter IQ imbalance for PCS signals. The equalizer uses a common error signal obtained using the least mean square approach to recover the carrier phase and adapt the ideal constellation points. We numerically investigate the algorithm’s efficacy for 200 GBaud polarization multiplexed PCS-64QAM signal for a range of imbalance and entropy values. We also validate the performance of the proposed algorithm at various optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) values and at larger laser linewidth values. The proposed algorithm applies to any modulation format and does not require any pilot symbols, hence improving the spectral efficiency compared to traditional algorithms that employ pilot symbols.
Zero-cost upgrade to a multi-fiber network with partial lane-change capabilities
Authors: Karandin Oleg , Musumeci Francesco , Charlet Gabriel , Pointurier Yvan , Tornatore Massimo 
Published: September 2024

Growing capacity requirements are leading to the deployment of multiple fibers in each optical network link. Even though deploying state-of-the-art multi-fiber network architectures with stacked and independent fiber layers simplifies network design and control, spectrum can be used more efficiently if the optical-network nodes allow fiber layers to be interconnected, i.e., if the so-called lane change is enabled. Unfortunately, lane change in high-degree optical nodes requires wavelength selective switches (WSSs) with a high number of ports, which is prohibitively costly or even unfeasible with current WSS technology. Instead, lane change in low-degree optical nodes can be enabled at no extra cost, using WSS ports that are otherwise left empty. In this study, we describe our proposal for a multi-fiber network with partial lane-change capabilities and perform a simulative study to identify the advantages of this architecture, as well as discuss the emerging resource allocation challenges associated with it. We demonstrate that, by enabling lane change in degree-2 nodes, we can increase network throughput by 3% and restore 5%–8% more traffic in the case of single- and double-link failures at no additional equipment cost.