bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of diastolic pulmonary gradient and pulmonary vascular remodeling on survival after left ventricular assist device implantation and heart transplantation
Authors: Laimoud Mohamed , Hakami Emad , Maghirang Mary Jane , Mohamed Tahir 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
The left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are increasingly used for advanced heart failure as a bridge to heart transplantation or as a destination therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes of diastolic pulmonary gradient (DPG), pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and transpulmonary gradient (TPG) after LVAD implantation and their impact on survival after LVAD and heart transplantation.

Results
A total of 73 patients who underwent LVAD (HeartMate III) implantation between 2016 and 2022 were retrospectively studied. According to pre-LVAD catheterization, 49 (67.1%) patients had DPG < 7 mmHg and 24 (32.9%) patients had DPG ≥ 7 mmHg. The patients with a pre-VAD DPG ≥ 7 mmHg had higher frequencies of right ventricular (RV) failure (p < 0.001), RVAD insertion (p < 0.001), need for renal replacement therapy (p = 0.002), total mortality (p = 0.036) and on-VAD mortality (p = 0.04) with a longer ICU stay (p = 0.001) compared to the patients with DPG < 7 mmHg. During the follow-up period of 38 (12–60) months, 24 (32.9%) patients died. Pre-LVAD DPG ≥ 7 mmHg (adjusted HR 1.83, 95% CI 1.21–6.341, p = 0.039) and post-LVAD DPG ≥ 7 mmHg (adjusted HR 3.824, 95% CI 1.482–14.648, p = 0.002) were associated with increased risks of mortality. Neither pre-LVAD TPG ≥ 12 (p = 0.505) nor post-LVAD TPG ≥ 12 mmHg (p = 0.122) was associated with an increased risk of death. Pre-LVAD PVR ≥ 3 WU had a statistically insignificant risk of mortality (HR 2.35, 95% CI 0.803–6.848, p = 0.119) while post-LVAD PVR ≥ 3 WU had an increased risk of death (adjusted HR 2.37, 95% CI 1.241–7.254, p = 0.038). For post-transplantation mortality, post-LVAD DPG ≥ 7 mmHg (p = 0.55), post-LVAD TPG ≥ 12 mmHg (p = 0.85) and PVR ≥ 3 WU (p = 0.54) did not have statistically increased risks. The logistic multivariable regression showed that post-LVAD PVR ≥ 3 WU (p = 0.013), post-LVAD DPG ≥ 7 mmHg (p = 0.026) and RVF (p = 0.018) were the predictors of mortality after LVAD implantation. Pre-LVAD DPG ≥ 7 mmHg (p < 0.001) and pre-LVAD PVR ≥ 3 WU (p = 0.036) were the predictors of RVF after LVAD implantation.

Conclusions
Persistently high DPG was associated with right ventricular failure and mortality after LVAD implantation rather than after heart transplantation. DPG is a better predictor of pulmonary vascular remodeling compared to TPG and PVR. Further larger prospective studies are required in this field due to the growing numbers of patients with advanced heart failure, as possible candidates for LVAD implantation, and limitations of heart transplantation.
Mental health status of patients with bipolar disorder during COVID-19 lockdown: a cross-sectional study at El Khanka Psychiatric Hospital
Authors: Gabrielle Fiby F. , El-Shahawi Heba H. , Ghamry Reem H. El , Basha Marwa Y. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a number of measures including lockdowns and social distancing. These measures affected mental health in healthy individuals and mentally affected patients. Studies examining the effectiveness of such strategies are still limited, and those with bipolar disorder (BD) are an especially vulnerable population. The current research aimed to evaluate the mental health status of BD patients throughout the pandemic, particularly as regards increasing the rate of relapse and appearance of other psychiatric comorbidities, and to evaluate and contrast the acute stress and psychological association experienced by persons with BD and those without mental diseases through the pandemic.

Results
A total of 103 participants were involved in the study, 50 in the diseased group and 53 in the healthy group. Concerning demographic data, there was significant variation among the two groups concerning gender, marital status, education, employment, and socio-economic status. A study of COVID-19’s association with psychometric data revealed a significantly higher score of IES-R in healthy participants compared to diseased. A comparison of COVID-19-affected patients and COVID-19-not affected patients revealed a statistically significant association between the IES-R median score result and COVID-19 effects.

Conclusion
There was no significant distinction between healthy and diseased groups concerning scales of depression, anxiety, or insomnia. However, COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected routine life stress and acute stress measured by IES-R.
Translation and validation of the Arabic version of the Digital Stress Scale (DSS-A) with three Arabic-speaking samples
Authors: Krägeloh Christian U. , Medvedev Oleg N. , Alyami Hussain , Alammar Hetaf A. , Hamdan-Mansour Ayman , Alyami Emad , Alsoudi Sharif , Henning Marcus A. , Alyami Mohsen M. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Objective
Given the ubiquitous nature of digital technologies such as smartphones, research has increasingly focused on the health outcomes of prolonged use of such technologies. The Digital Stress Scale (DSS) has been developed recently, but it is currently only available in English and Chinese, and validations in other languages are warranted.

Methods
The 24-item DSS was translated into Arabic using the method of translation and back-translation. Using a general population sample (n = 1069) from Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Jordan, the psychometric properties of the Arabic DSS (DSS-A) were investigated using higher-order confirmatory factor analysis.

Results
The original five-factor structure was replicated for the DSS-A without the need for any modifications such as item deletion or reassignment of items to another factor. Reliability was excellent for the total scale score (α = 0.92) as well as for the five subscales (α ranged between 0.81 and 0.91). Convergent validity was supported by significant correlations between the DSS-A and psychological distress.

Conclusion
The strong psychometric properties of the DSS-A imply that this scale can now be used with high validity and reliability to explore the role of digital stress and its sub-characteristics in Arabic-speaking populations.
Co-existence of Morgagni’s cyst with a twisted vas aberrans and “bell clapper” deformity in a 15-year-old boy: a case report
Authors: Pegios Athanasios G. , Andronikou Apostolos P. , Georgakis Ioannis Ch. , Papouis George S. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
The testicular appendix is a residual of the paramesonephric and mesonephric duct, most commonly found close to the superior pole of the epididymis as Morgagni’s cyst. Torsion of such cysts is a common event in children, and the patient usually presents with a palpable testis with a tender mass in its upper pole. The co-existence of two or more appendices is very rare. In addition to the fact that Morgagni’s cyst was the non-twisted one and vas aberrans was, made clinical and radiological diagnosis difficult.

Case presentation
Our patient, a 15-year-old boy, presented with persistent pain in the right scrotum, a significant palpable mass accompanied by vomiting. Upon surgical exploration, a large dark cyst was found located on the right side of the right testicle with a 720-degree torsion. The cyst was straightened and excised along with a Morgagni’s cyst. The testis was fixed in the right hemiscrotum due to a “bell clapper” deformity that was also a finding.

Conclusions
Pathological findings were consistent with a twisted cyst of a testicular appendix (vas aberrans). Co-existence of two or more appendices is very rare in addition to the fact that Morgagni’s cyst was the non-twisted one. Usually and in very few cases, a second appendix is found randomly, during surgical exploration for acute scrotum due to torsion of Morgagni’s cyst.
Dissemination and implementation analysis of the Ross procedure in adults: time to update the guidelines?
Authors: Bilodeau Kyle S. , Mauchley David C. , DeRoo Scott , Burke Christopher R. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
The science of dissemination and implementation (D&I) aims to improve the quality and effectiveness of care by addressing the challenges of incorporating research and evidence-based practice into routine clinical practice. This lens of D&I has challenged the interpretation and incorporation of data, noting that failure of a given therapy may not reflect lack of efficacy, but instead reflect an imperfect implementation. The aim of this manuscript is to review the influence of the Ross procedure’s historical context on its D&I.

Methods
A contextual baseline of the Ross procedure was defined from the procedure’s original description in the literature to major publications since the 2017 valvular heart disease guidelines. D&I evaluation was conducted using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), using constructs from each of the five respective domains to define the main determinants.

Results
Each of the five CFIR domains appears to be correlated with a factor influencing the Ross procedure’s varied history of enthusiasm and acceptance. The complex nature of Ross required adaptation for optimization, with a strong correlation of center volume on outcomes that were not considered in non-contemporary studies. Outcomes later published from those studies influenced social and cultural contexts within the aortic surgery community, and led to further organizational uncertainty, resulting in slow guideline incorporation.

Conclusions
The D&I of the Ross procedure was a result of inadequate appreciation of technical complexity, effect of patient selection, and complex aortic surgery experience, resulting in dismissal of an efficacious procedure due to a misunderstanding of effectiveness.
Emerging new themes in green finance: a systematic literature review
Authors: Mudalige H. M. N. K. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThere is a need for an extensive understanding of the emerging themes and trends within the domain of green finance, which is still evolving. By conducting a systematic literature review on green finance, the purpose of this study is to identify the emerging themes that have garnered significant attention over the past 12 years. In order to identify the emerging themes in green finance, bibliometric analysis was performed on 978 publications that were published between 2011 and 2023 and were taken from the databases of Scopus and Web of Science. The author examined annual scientific production, journal distribution, countries scientific production, most relevant authors, most frequent words, areas where empirical research is lacking, words' frequency over time, trend topics, and themes of green finance. The outcome of the review identified the following seven themes: (i) green finance and environmental sustainability; (ii) green finance and investments; (iii) green finance and innovation; (iv) green finance policy/green credit guidelines; (v) green finance and economy; (vi) green finance and corporate social responsibility; (vii)trends/challenges/barriers/awareness of green finance. The analysis of these emerging themes will contribute to the existing corpus of knowledge and provide valuable insights into the landscape of green finance as it evolves.
The effect of 8-week warm-ups, static and dynamic stretching of hip flexors on flexibility, agility, and dynamic balance in junior field hockey players: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ramasamy Senthilkumar , Franklin John , Govindharaj Pitchaimani , Panneerselvam Suganya 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Hockey players mostly lack flexibility in the hips due to prolonged flexion during competition and overuse of hip extensors and external rotators. The lack of flexibility or dysfunction in the hips can negatively impact the dynamic balance and biomechanics of the lower extremities.

Objective
This study aimed to investigate the effect of adding dynamic stretching to the standard warm-ups and static stretching of hip flexors in junior field hockey players’ balance, flexibility, and agility.

Methods
In this randomized controlled trial, 30 junior field hockey players were randomly assigned into experimental (n = 15) and control groups (n = 15). The control group performed warm-ups, static stretching, and placebo-like stretching exercises. The experimental group performed the same warm-ups, static stretching exercises plus dynamic stretching to hip flexors. The exercise program was performed by alternating between the right and left lower limbs in both groups. The modified Thomas test, Illinois Agility Test, and modified star excursion balance test were used to measure hip muscle flexibility, agility, and dynamic balance after 8 weeks of interventions in both groups.

Results
In comparison with the post-test score of both the groups, the experimental group shows a highly statistically significant value in all three measurements of the modified Thomas test (right limb: Cohen’s d = 2.1, P < 0.001, left limb: Cohen’s d = 1.5, P < 0.001) Illinois Agility Test (Cohen’s d = 2.3, P < 0.001) modified star excursion balance test (composite score: right limb Cohen’s d = 1.3, P < 0.001, left limb Cohen’s d = 1.53, P < 0.001) respectively.

Conclusion
The findings of this study revealed that adding dynamic stretching of hip flexors in routine warm-ups and static stretching has significantly increased hip extension range of motion, agility, and dynamic balance in both the right and left limbs among junior field hockey players.
Divalent metal content in diet affects severity of manganese toxicity in Drosophila
Authors: Ghosn Zahraa A. , Sparks Kailynn M. , Spaulding Jacob L. , Vutukuri Sanjana , Ahmed Mirza J. J. , VanBerkum Mark F. A. 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT
Dysregulation of manganese (Mn) homeostasis is a contributing factor in many neuro-degenerative diseases. Adult Drosophila are sensitive to excessive levels of dietary Mn, dying relatively early, and exhibiting biochemical and mobility changes reminiscent of Parkinsonian conditions. To further study Mn homeostasis in Drosophila, we sought to test lower levels of dietary Mn (5 mM) and noted a striking difference in Canton-S adult survivorship on different food. On a cornmeal diet, Mn-treated flies live only about half as long as untreated siblings. Yet, with the same Mn concentration in a molasses diet, adults survive about 80% as long as untreated siblings, and adults raised on a sucrose–yeast diet are completely insensitive to this low dose of dietary Mn. By manipulating metal ion content in the cornmeal diet, and measuring the metal content in each diet, we traced the difference in lifespan to the levels of calcium and magnesium in the food, suggesting that these ions are involved in Mn uptake and/or use. Based on these findings, it is recommended that the total dietary load of metal ions be considered when assessing Mn toxicity.
Single-loop tunable PT-symmetric optoelectronic oscillator based on a phase modulator
Authors: Zhang Jiahong , Wang Yao , Ding Qihong 
Published: December 2023

In this paper, a single-loop tunable parity-time (PT) symmetric optoelectronic oscillator (OEO) based on a dual-mode optical phase modulator (PM) and a microwave photonic filter (MPF) has been proposed, analyzed, and designed. By adjusting the polarization angle θ between the input linearly polarized light and the z axis of the PM, the two-mode splitting ratio of the PM can be controlled, which results in a PT-symmetric structure based on a single physical loop. By adjusting the pump light wavelength, the center frequency of the stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS)-based MPF can be tuned, which enables a fine tunable output frequency. The results reveal that, by adjusting the pump light wavelength with a step size of 0.0001 nm, a frequency tuning accuracy of 12.5 MHz can be obtained. Simultaneously, the OEO output frequency can be tuned from 0.9 to 22 GHz, while the side-mode suppress ratio (SMSR) is 53 dB, and the phase noise is −133.8dBc/Hz at a frequency offset of 10 kHz.
Entre el trabajador asalariado y las MIPYMES.
Authors: Martí Juan Pablo 
Published: December 2023

El trabajo se inscribe en una línea de investigación que pone el foco en las políticas públicas que facilitaron u obstaculizaron el desarrollo del cooperativismo. En particular, se analizan las políticas públicas para el cooperativismo de trabajo en Uruguay. Se propone una periodización a partir de la evolución del marco legal y de la evolución de la institucionalidad de promoción y de control de estas cooperativas. En paralelo se analiza la incidencia del movimiento cooperativo en el desarrollo de la política pública.
La metodología se basa en un estudio histórico narrativo que describe y explica las reglas institucionales que limitaron o ampliaron la capacidad del Estado uruguayo para desplegar las políticas públicas hacia las cooperativas de trabajo. Se tomaron diversas fuentes de información: debate legislativo, legislación y decretos reglamentarios. También se recurrió al análisis de documentos y prensa y se realizaron entrevistas a informantes calificados.
Se proponen, analizan y fundamentan, seis grandes etapas para las políticas públicas para las cooperativas de trabajo desde los orígenes a la actualidad. Además, se concluye que las políticas públicas tuvieron problemas para reconocer la especificidad de las cooperativas de trabajo hasta la creación del INACOOP y su particular figura institucional. Finalmente, se observa que los avances producidos en las políticas públicas se relacionan con la movilización del movimiento cooperativo.
The Holobiontic Figure: Narrative Complexities of Holobiont Characters in Joan Slonczewski’s Brain Plague
Authors: Brandt Teun Joshua 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In this article, I propose to consider the holobiontic figure as a starting point for examining how literary narratives represent the holobiosis paradigm and its impact on narrative structure. A body of recent science fiction works is challenging the long-standing narrative of microbes as “bad germs” and the ever-evolving plot of the pandemic apocalypse by depicting humans as intricately interwoven with their microbial symbionts. The notion of the holobiontic figure, in this regard, serves as a point of reference for characters in the process of recognising themselves as holobionts. This article conducts a detailed exploration of the narratological aspects of the holobiontic figure through a reading of Joan Slonczewski’s novel Brain Plague. On the basis of this novel, two essential characteristics of the holobiontic figure are proposed and discussed: multiscalarity and multi-agency. With this, the article aims to provide answers to the question what happens when the scientific concept leaves the scientific discourse and moves between materials: how does it relate to the social world, what structures does it contest, and what conflicts does it provoke?
Variation in tungsten(vi) oxide particle size for enhancing the radiation shielding ability of silicone rubber composites
Authors: Aloraini Dalal A. , Almuqrin Aljawhara H. , Sayyed M. I. , Elsafi Mohamed 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In this work, the attenuation properties of silicon rubber (SR) composites reinforced by both micro- and nano-sized Tungsten trioxide (WO3) particles are studied. Different SR composites with different combinations of micro-WO3 and nano-WO3 have been prepared. The main composite, SR-(WO3)60m (40% SR containing 60% micro-WO3), and other compositions were prepared by replacing percentages of microparticles with nanoparticles of WO3. The linear attenuation coefficient for these composites was measured in the range of 0.06–1.333 MeV. The existence of micro and nanoparticles together may result in enhanced interactions with incoming photons, leading to greater shielding. In other words, micro-WO3 and nano-WO3 have various sizes and surface areas. At 0.06 MeV, we notice a distinguished decrease in the half value layer (HVL) from SR-W60m to SR-W60n. The sequence of reducing HVL values (SR-(WO3)60m > SR-(WO3)60n > SR-(WO3)40m20n > SR-(WO3)20m40n > SR-(WO3)30m30n) suggest that the inclusion of both micro- and nano-WO3 contributes to more efficient radiation shielding compared to the reference material. The radiation shielding efficiency (RSE) for SR-(WO3)30m30n at 0.662 MeV is 38.40%. This means that if a beam of photons with energy of 0.662 MeV interacts with SR-W40m20n sample, only 38.12% of the photons are successfully absorbed or stopped, whereas the remaining 61.88% can pass through this sample. At 1.333 MeV, the lowest RSE is observed, which means that the prepared composites have weak attenuation ability at higher energy levels.
Experimental studies on renewable hydrogen production by steam reforming of glycerol over zirconia promoted on Ni/Al2O3 catalyst
Authors: Ravuru Narasimha Reddy , Patel Sanjay , Kumar Amit 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The impact of ZrO2 as a catalytic promoter for nickel-based alumina supported catalysts has been studied for the hydrogen synthesis via glycerol steam reforming. Hydrogen is a promising contender of clean fuel and has a key significance in the quest of an environment-preservation, low emission and more sustainable energy approach. Glycerol is a by-product produced during production of biodiesel by trans-esterification of vegetable oils. The higher hydrogen content in glycerol makes it the potential renewable feedstock for hydrogen production. Steam reforming process is the best method available which is highest in energy efficiency and most importantly most economical. The production of catalysts was based on the wet impregnation and co-precipitation methods. The majority of the bulk and surface properties of different synthesized catalysts were considered and determined by several characterization techniques like X-ray diffraction technique, BET surface area and scanning electron microscopy. The performance of catalyst is based on glycerol conversion and hydrogen yield obtained from the steam reforming process taking place in the fixed bed catalytic reactor. The effect of different operating conditions like contact time, temperature, metal loading, and steam to glycerol ratio were investigated to produce maximum hydrogen and glycerol conversion. The results show that the incorporation of promoter 2 % ZrO2 improved the activity of Ni/Al2O3 catalysts significantly resulting 96 % glycerol conversion, 84 % hydrogen production and greater stability at contact time = 15 kg cat s/mol, temperature = 800 °C, steam to glycerol ratio = 9:1 mol/mol, and pressure = 1 atm.
Evaluative language in undergraduate academic writing: expressions of attitude as sources of text effectiveness in English as a Foreign Language
Authors: Valerdi Zárate Julio César 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to explore whether the use of attitudinal language stands as a potential source of effectiveness in undergraduate academic writing in English as a Foreign Language (EFL). In order to achieve this purpose, interpersonal features of a corpus of essays written by Mexican undergraduate students of English Language and Literature were analyzed. The model of appraisal (Martin, James R. & Peter R. R. White. 2005. The language of evaluation: Appraisal systems in English. Basingtoke: Palgrave Macmillan) was used to trace and contrast attitude resources of affect, judgement and appreciation in academic essays in relation to the grades they were granted by university professors at different levels of instruction. The results of the study confirm a significant relation between the use of resources of attitude and the perceived (in)effectiveness of the analyzed texts, as well as factors which potentially determine the nature of such relation and pose relevant implications for academic writing instruction in EFL in the context of the analyzed corpus.