bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Empagliflozin Improves Diastolic Function in HFpEF by Restabilizing the Mitochondrial Respiratory Chain
Authors: Schauer Antje , Adams Volker , Kämmerer Susanne , Langner Erik , Augstein Antje , Barthel Peggy , Männel Anita , Fabig Gunar , Alves Paula Ketilly Nascimento , Günscht Mario , El-Armouche Ali , Müller-Reichert Thomas , Linke Axel , Winzer Ephraim B. 
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND:
Clinical studies demonstrated beneficial effects of sodium-glucose-transporter 2 inhibitors on the risk of cardiovascular death in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). However, underlying processes for cardioprotection remain unclear. The present study focused on the impact of empagliflozin (Empa) on myocardial function in a rat model with established HFpEF and analyzed underlying molecular mechanisms.

METHODS:
Obese ZSF1 (Zucker fatty and spontaneously hypertensive) rats were randomized to standard care (HFpEF, n=18) or Empa (HFpEF/Empa, n=18). ZSF1 lean rats (con, n=18) served as healthy controls. Echocardiography was performed at baseline and after 4 and 8 weeks, respectively. After 8 weeks of treatment, hemodynamics were measured invasively, mitochondrial function was assessed and myocardial tissue was collected for either molecular and histological analyses or transmission electron microscopy.

RESULTS:

In HFpEF Empa significantly improved diastolic function (E/é: con: 17.5±2.8; HFpEF: 24.4±4.6;
P
<0.001 versus con; HFpEF/Empa: 19.4±3.2;
P
<0.001 versus HFpEF). This was accompanied by improved hemodynamics and calcium handling and by reduced inflammation, hypertrophy, and fibrosis. Proteomic analysis demonstrated major changes in proteins involved in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Cardiac mitochondrial respiration was significantly impaired in HFpEF but restored by Empa (V
max
complex IV: con: 0.18±0.07 mmol O
2
/s/mg; HFpEF: 0.13±0.05 mmol O
2
/s/mg;
P
<0.041 versus con; HFpEF/Empa: 0.21±0.05 mmol O
2
/s/mg;
P
=0.012 versus HFpEF) without alterations of mitochondrial content. The expression of cardiolipin, an essential stability/functionality-mediating phospholipid of the respiratory chain, was significantly decreased in HFpEF but reverted by Empa (con: 15.9±1.7 nmol/mg protein; HFpEF: 12.5±1.8 nmol/mg protein;
P
=0.002 versus con; HFpEF/Empa: 14.5±1.8 nmol/mg protein;
P
=0.03 versus HFpEF). Transmission electron microscopy revealed a reduced size of mitochondria in HFpEF, which was restored by Empa.

CONCLUSIONS:
The study demonstrates beneficial effects of Empa on diastolic function, hemodynamics, inflammation, and cardiac remodeling in a rat model of HFpEF. These effects were mediated by improved mitochondrial respiratory capacity due to modulated cardiolipin and improved calcium handling.
Fragments of Armenian Miniature Art of the Ninth Century (Bagratid Kingdom Era)
Authors: Manukyan Seda , Chatyan Gohar 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Regrettably, numerous examples of early Armenian miniatures have not survived to the present day. The era of Arab dominance had a negative impact on Armenian manuscript art, leading to the loss of the manuscripts copied between the VII and IX centuries and only a handful of copies and guard-leaf sewn into the manuscripts have survived from this period.
In this study, we will focus on a particular guard-leaf fragment affixed into the Matenadaran manuscript (ms. M963), which is a palimpsest. The initial manuscript, employed as the foundation for the new one, is a Gospel written in բոլորգիծ երկաթագիր/bolorgits erkat’agir (the Armenian circular uncial script).
The new manuscript dates back to the fourteenth century and is a Mashtots’ (ritual book). Deacon Յովհաննէս/John is its scribe and miniaturist, and it was commissioned by Bishop Stepanos. The guard-leaves found in the manuscript are believed to be remnants of the earlier Armenian uncial script manuscript into which the Mashtots’ was transcribed. This inference is drawn from a comparative analysis of the remaining traces of writing on other pages of the manuscript.
The guard-leaves in the M963 manuscript are notable for their resemblance to Byzantine miniatures. These fragments represent another instance of Armenian miniatures from the ninth century, a comparative examination of which suggests the possibility that they were created in one of the scriptoria of the Bagratid kingdom, where familiarity with Byzantine artistic traditions was evident.
Émilie Du Châtelet’s Theory of Simple Beings
Authors: Carus Clara 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The first part of this paper investigates the purpose, methodological approach, and fundamental thesis of Du Châtelet’s theory of simple beings. The paper shows that ‘simple beings’ in Du Châtelet is a theory concerned with the understanding of extended bodies. The second part of the paper shows that her theory of simple beings, while it has important roots in both Leibniz and Wolff, is remarkably different from theirs. Thus, contrary to a common thread in the literature, Du Châtelet’s theory of simple beings does not commit her to an ontology that can be equated with that of Leibniz or Wolff. Instead, her theory of simple beings is faculty-centred and draws a fundamental and novel distinction between the phenomenal realm of the senses and ‘real’ substances, which can only be grasped through the understanding.
صورة المسيح في التراث الإسلاميّ
Authors: عبده خالد محمّد 
Published: June 2024

الملخص
‫يسلّط هذا المقال الضوء على الصورة التي نُسجت للسيّد المسيح عليه السلام في تراثنا الإسلاميّ، بغية تعريف القارئ بها، ذلك أنّ تلك الصورة لم تبرز بالشكل اللائق بها في الأدبيّات العربيّة، بقدر ما ظهر المسيح موضوعًا للجدل الدينيّ والعقائد. وقد كانت تلك الصورة منذ زمن طويل موضوعًا للبحث والمناقشة في الأدبيات الغربيّة. فكتبَ كثيرٌ من المستشرقين في هذا الموضوع باللغات الإنجليزيّة والفرنسية والإسبانيّة والألمانيّة، عن الأشكال التي يتصور فيها المسلمون المسيح، كما جُمعت روايات المسلمين للإنجيل سواء ما اعتمدوا فيه على نسخ قديمة للأناجيل الأربعة أو نقلوا مروياتهم عن الأناجيل المنحولة أو الروايات الشفاهيّة. كانت كلُّ صورةٍ ترسم عالمًا جديدًا يتّسم بالرحابة في النظرة الإسلاميّة للمسيح. فالمسيح مثال للورع والتقوى والزهد، ومثال للمعلم المربّي للسالكين، ومثال للروح الرقيقة التي تمثّلت بشرًا من أجل الإيمان. وعى العلماء المسلمون هذه الصور، ورسم كلّ واحد منهم رواية لحياة المسيح بحسب ذوقه. قدّمت هذه الروايات تأويلات تتّسم بالجدّة والطرافة، لذا ستحاول هذه الدراسة لفت النظر إلى بعض هذه الروايات، نظرًا لأهميّتها ودورها في الكشف عن ثراء التصوّرات الإسلاميّة على تنوّعها وتعدّدها.‬
Trauma Program Value Assessment at an Academic Health Network System Over 12 Years
Authors: Abdelmasseh Michael , Cuaranta Araceli , Thompson Errington , Finley Robert K. , Payne Barbara , Tian Jing , Gorka Alexei , Willis Jonathan , Kadiyala Vineela , Sanabria Juan R. 
Published: June 2024

Background Trauma is a leading cause of global death, with 200 000 deaths and over 3 million non-fatal injuries/year in the United States. We aim to assess trauma care value for patients who underwent urgent laparotomies (LAP) and thoracotomies (THO) in our Health Network System. Methods Clinical variables (v = 84) from trauma patients (>18 yo) were retrieved retrospectively (Jan-2010 to July-2016) and prospectively (Aug-2016 to Sept-2021) from a Health System warehouse under IRB-approved protocols. Patients were divided according to their Injury Severity Score (ISS) into mild/moderate cases (ISS <15) and severe cases (ISS >15). Value was assessed using quality and cost domains. Quality surrogates included graded postoperative complications (PCs), length of stay (LOS), 30-day readmission (RA), patient satisfaction (PS), and textbook (TB) cases. Total charges (TCs) and reimbursement index (RI) were included as surrogates for cost. Value domains were displayed in scorecards comparing Observed (O) with Expected (E) (using the ACS risk calculator) outcomes. Uni-/multivariate analyses were performed using SPSS. Results 41,927 trauma evaluations were performed, leading to 16 044 admissions, with 528 (3.2%) patients requiring urgent surgical procedures (LAP = 413 and THO = 115). Although the M:F ratio (7:3) was similar in LAP vs THO groups, age and BMI were significantly different (41.8 ± 19.1 vs 51.8 ± 19.9 years, 28.6 ± 9.9 vs 27.4 ± 7 Kg/m2, respectively, P < .05). Blunt trauma was involved in 68.8/77.3% of the LAP/THO procedures, respectively ( P < .05). Multivariate analyses showed ISS, age, ASA class, and medical center as factors significantly predicting PC ( P < .05). Postoperative complication grades from the LAP/THO groups showed above-average outcomes; nonetheless, LOS was higher than the national averages. Conclusions The Trauma Program holds high value in our Health Network System. Protocols for decreasing LOS are being implemented.
Boston Naming Test as a Screening Tool for Early Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction in Elderly Patients After Major Noncardiac Surgery
Authors: Chen Zhang , Meng Bo , Li Xiaoyu , Lu Bo , Zhai Xiaojie , Wang Ruichun , Chen Junping 
Published: June 2024

Purpose The Boston naming test (BNT), as a simple, fast, and easily administered neuropsychological test, was demonstrated to be useful in detecting language function. In this study, BNT was investigated whether it could be a screening tool for early postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). Methods This prospective observational cohort study included 132 major noncardiac surgery patients and 81 nonsurgical controls. All participants underwent a mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and BNT 1 day before and 7 days after surgery. Early POCD was assessed by reliable change index and control group results. Results Seven days after surgery, among 132 patients, POCD was detected in 30 (22.7%) patients (95% CI, 15.5%-30.0%) based on MMSE, and 45 (34.1%) patients (95% CI, 26.3%-41.9%) were found with postoperative language function decline based on BNT and MMSE. Agreement between the BNT spontaneous naming and MMSE total scoring was moderate (Kappa .523), and the sensitivity of BNT spontaneous naming for detecting early POCD was .767. Further analysis showed that areas under receiver operating characteristics curves (AUC) did not show statistically significant differences when BNT spontaneous naming (AUC .862) was compared with MMSE language functional subtests (AUC .889), or non-language functional subtests (AUC .933). Conclusion This study indicates the feasibility of implementing the BNT spontaneous naming test to screen early POCD in elderly patients after major noncardiac surgery.
Integrated care models for youth mental health: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: McHugh Catherine , Hu Nan , Georgiou Gabrielle , Hodgins Michael , Leung Sarah , Cadiri Mariyam , Paul Nicola , Ryall Vikki , Rickwood Debra , Eapen Valsamma , Curtis Jackie , Lingam Raghu 
Published: June 2024

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of integrated models of mental healthcare in enhancing clinical outcomes, quality of life, satisfaction with care and health service delivery outcomes in young people aged 12–25 years. A secondary objective was to identify common components of integrated mental health interventions. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published 2001–2023 that assessed clinical or health service use outcomes of integrated care, relative to treatment as usual, for any mental health condition in 12–25 years old accessing community-based care. Results: Of 11,444 titles identified, 15 studies met inclusion criteria and 6 studies were entered in the meta-analysis. Pooled effect size found integrated care was associated with a greater reduction in depressive symptoms relative to treatment as usual at 4–6 months (standardised mean difference = −0.260, 95% confidence interval = [−0.39, −0.13], p = 0.001). Of the seven studies reporting access or engagement, all reported higher rates of both in the intervention arm. The most frequent components of integration were use of a multidisciplinary team (13/15 studies), shared treatment planning (11/15) and workforce training in the model (14/15). Conclusions: Integrated models of mental healthcare are associated with a small, but significant, increase in effectiveness for depressive symptoms relative to treatment as usual. Given integrated care may increase access and engagement, future research should focus on assessing the impact of integrated care in a wider range of settings and outcomes, including clinical and functional recovery, satisfaction with care and system-level outcomes such as cost-effectiveness.
Risk prevalence, readiness and confidence to change lifestyle risk factors among clients of community mental health services
Authors: Stettaford Tegan , Fehily Caitlin , Campbell Elizabeth , Barker Daniel , Oldmeadow Christopher , McKeon Emma , Love Sophie , Lawn Sharon , Castle David , Bowman Jennifer 
Published: June 2024

Objective: People with mental health conditions have high rates of chronic physical diseases, partially attributable to lifestyle risks factors. This study examined risk prevalence among community mental health service clients, their readiness and confidence to change, and associations with participant characteristics. Methods: Cross-sectional survey of adult clients from 12 community mental health services across 3 local health districts in New South Wales, Australia, collected from 2021 to 2022. Participants ( n = 486) completed a telephone interview determining five risk factors, and readiness and confidence to change these. Multiple binary logistic regression models determined associations between readiness and confidence (for each risk), and participant characteristics (demographics and diagnosis). Results: Participants most commonly reported a diagnosis of schizophrenia (36.7%) or depression (21.1%). Risk factors were prevalent: ranging from 26% (harmful alcohol use) to 97% (poor nutrition). High readiness was greatest for smoking (68%), weight (66%) and physical inactivity (63%), while confidence was highest for changing alcohol use (67%). Two significant associations were identified; females were more likely than males to have high readiness to change nutrition (odds ratio = 1.14, confidence interval = [1.13, 2.34], p = 0.0092), with males more likely to have high confidence to change physical activity (odds ratio = 0.91, confidence interval = [0.45, 0.99], p = 0.0109). Conclusions: Many participants were ready and confident to change risk factors. Gender influenced readiness to change nutrition and physical activity confidence. Training to upskill mental health clinicians in provision of preventive care that builds confidence and readiness levels may aid in supporting positive behaviour change.
Trajectory and Determinants of Quality of Life Among Postpartum Women
Authors: Lee Li-Chun , Hung Chich-Hsiu , Wu Wan-Ru 
Published: June 2024

Background: The postpartum period is a critical phase in which postpartum women experience dynamic changes in their physiology, psychology, and family status. Objective: This study investigated the changes in women’s quality of life (QoL) during the first, third, and sixth months of the postpartum period and their associated factors. Methods: A single-group repeated-measure design was used to collect data from 282 postpartum women recruited from a regional hospital in Taiwan. We used the brief World Health Organization Quality of Life scale, Social Support Scale, and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale to assess postpartum women’s quality of life, social support, and postpartum depressive symptoms, respectively. The data were analyzed using trajectory analysis and generalized estimating equations. Results: The trajectory analysis indicated that postpartum women could be categorized into low, medium, and high QoL groups. Although the medium and high QoL groups maintained stable QoL levels, the low QoL group experienced a linear decrease in QoL over time. Moreover, the determinants of postpartum women’s QoL were immigrant status, employment status, family type, social support, and postpartum depression. Conclusions: Health care providers should assess these determinants of postpartum QoL in perinatal women to identify those at risk of low postpartum quality of life. Early assessment and intervention by health care providers could significantly improve the health status of women after childbirth.
Study on the curing characteristics and properties of phthalonitrile resin cured with organic guanidine
Authors: Ding Nanyang , Wang Chengzhong 
Published: June 2024

Bisphenol A-based phthalonitrile resin was synthesized by nucleophilic substitution reaction from bisphenol A and 4-nitrophthalonitrile, and then the obtained resin was cured with sulfaguanidine as a novel curing agent. The curing characteristics, kinetics, thermal stability and dynamic mechanical property were studied by standard thermal analysis techniques including DSC, TGA, and DMA. The peak temperature of exothermic peak ( Tp) and apparent activation energy ( Ea) of sulfaguanidine cured phthalonitrile resin were 263.20°C and 76.6 kJ·mol−1 respectively, much lower than those of traditional aromatic diamine cured resin. Moreover, the resin cured by sulfaguanidine showed excellent thermomechanical properties and thermal stability. The glass transition temperature ( Tg) was 284.8°C, the initial thermal decomposition temperature ( Td,5%) was 439.6°C, and the char yield at 800°C was 62.1% in nitrogen atmosphere. To sum up, organic guanidine cured phthalonitrile resin exhibits excellent curing characteristics (low Tp and Ea) and high thermal properties, which provides a promising approach to preparing phthalonitrile resin with high comprehensive performance.
Carbon Emissions Pricing: Linkages Between EU ETS Spot and Future Prices and Completeness of EU ETS Market
Authors: Mondal Saikat , Pradhan Rudra P. , Madhavan Vinodh , Chatterjee Debaleena , Varghese Ann Mary 
Published: June 2024

The study examines the relationship and linkages between spot and future prices of European Union Emission Trading Systems (EU-ETS) during 2019–2021. Dynamic conditional correlation specification of multivariate generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (MGARCH) model was employed to examine the time-varying correlation between spot and future prices. Also, vector autoregression mean model and MGARCH-Baba-Engle-Kroner-Kraft volatility model was jointly estimated to model the spillover between EU ETS spot and future prices in the first and second moments. Lastly, we utilize the variance-covariance matrix of joint mean-variance model estimation to derive the optimal conditional hedge ratio as well as the hedge effectiveness of EU ETS future contracts. Our findings reveal a high conditional correlation and significant spillover between carbon spot and future markets in EU. Further, our study uncovers a high degree of hedge effectiveness for EU ETS future contracts. This is possibly the first study that examines the linkages between EU ETS spot and future prices pertaining to the recent transition stage of phase III and the initial stage of ongoing phase IV of the ETS market. Our findings pinpoint to ETS markets becoming more complete and in turn offering optimal hedging avenues. JEL Codes: G15, C58, Q38
The Potency of Financial Inclusion for Income Inequality Reduction in BRICS Economies: Does Institutional Quality Matter?
Authors: Onatunji Olufemi G. 
Published: June 2024

While the global economy has witnessed robust economic performance over the past few years, millions of households remain financially deprived. This indicates that universal access to financial services is critical for the global community to achieve the United Nations’ sustainable development goals (SDGs). Although there is a burgeoning body of literature on the nexus between financial inclusion and income inequality, empirical evidence on the contribution of financial inclusion and institutional quality to income inequality remains sparse. This research, therefore, examines the effect of financial inclusion and institutional quality on income inequality in Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) economies from 2004 to 2015. The empirical analysis employed the cross-sectional autoregressive distributed lag (CS-ARDL) and common correlated effects mean group (CCEMG) techniques to obviate cross-sectional dependency and heterogeneity concerns. The empirical outcome demonstrates that financial inclusion promotes income inequality reduction in BRICS economies in the long and short run. Additionally, improvements in institutional quality further enhance the accessibility and usage of financial services by financially excluded individuals, thereby fostering equitable income distribution in the BRICS countries. Based on these findings, BRICS economies need to increase their awareness of the available financial services, effective microfinance, financial capability, and infrastructural access in rural areas to improve financial inclusivity and thus promote equitable income distribution. JEL Classification D02, D33, E02, G21, O15
Unveiling the Uncommon: Gastrointestinal Basidiobolomycosis of the Colon and its Distinctive Splendore-Hoeppli Phenomenon
Authors: Shaker Nada , Mansoor Ibrahim , Saleem Nasir , Sangueza Omar P. , Shaker Nuha 
Published: June 2024

Background Basidiobolomycosis is a rare fungal infection caused by Basidiobolus ranarum. Case Presentation A 53-year-old man from Saudi Arabia with a known history of diverticulosis presented with severe abdominal pain and diarrhea. A CT scan revealed circumferential wall thickening of the descending and sigmoid colon with surrounding fat stranding, suggesting a diagnosis of complicated diverticulitis. Additional thick fluid was observed around the affected area. Surgical excision was pursued. A gross examination of two received large bowel segments disclosed marked ulcerated mucosa and wall thickening with exudate-covered serosal surfaces and adhesions. Microscopic examination unveiled significant infiltration by eosinophils, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and granulomatous inflammation. Thin-walled, broad fungal hyphae of Basidiobolus, surrounded by eosinophilic material, were identified. Granulomas displayed abundant multinucleated giant cells and palisading histiocytes around central necrosis or abscess formation. Thin-walled, broad fungal hyphae of Basidiobolus, with sparse septations, are surrounded by a radiating, intensely eosinophilic cuff (Splendore-Hoeppli phenomenon). These hyphae, visible with hematoxylin and eosin staining, were further highlighted with periodic acid-Schiff and Gomori methenamine silver staining. Discussion Basidiobolomycosis may mimic neoplastic lesions. Histologically, the characteristic features include broad, thin-walled septate hyphae surrounded by eosinophilic material, a finding that is accentuated by the Splendore-Hoeppli phenomenon. Microscopic examination, along with special stains such as periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and Gomori methenamine silver, is essential for accurate diagnosis. Conclusion Prompt recognition and appropriate antifungal therapy are vital for favorable patient outcomes. This report highlights the distinctive features of Basidiobolomycosis to raise awareness and understanding of this infrequent yet clinically significant fungal infection.