bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determinants of diabetic retinopathy in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Azagew Abere Woretaw , Yohanes Yeneabat Birhanu , Beko Zerko Wako , Ferede Yohannes Mulu , Mekonnen Chilot Kassa 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionDiabetic retinopathy (DR) is the primary retinal vascular complication of diabetes mellitus and a leading cause of visual impairment and blindness. It affects the global diabetic population. In Ethiopia, about one-fifth of diabetic patients were affected by DR, but there were inconsistent finding across studies about the determinants factors of DR. Therefore, we aimed to identify the risk factors for DR among diabetic patients.MethodsWe have accessed previous studies through an electronic web-based search strategy using PubMed, Google (Scholar), the Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library with a combination of search terms. The quality of each included article was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Assessment Scale. All statistical analyses were carried out using Stata version 14 software. The odds ratios of risk factors were pooled using a fixed-effect meta-analysis model. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochrane Q statistics and I-Square (I2). Furthermore, publication bias was detected based on the graphic asymmetry test of the funnel plot and/or Egger’s test (p< 0.05).ResultsThe search strategy retrieved 1285 articles. After the removal of duplicate articles, 249 articles remained. Following further screening, about 18 articles were assessed for eligibility, of which three articles were excluded because of reporting without the outcome of interest, poor quality, and not full text. Finally, fifteen studies were reviewed for the final analysis. Co-morbid hypertension (HTN) (AOR 2.04, 95%CI: 1.07, 3.89), poor glycemic control (AOR = 4.36, 95%CI: 1.47, 12.90), and duration of diabetes illness (AOR = 3.83, 95%CI: 1.17, 12.55) were found to be confirmed associated factors of diabetic retinopathy.ConclusionIn this study, co-morbid HTN, poor glycemic control, and longer duration of diabetes illness were found to be the determinant factors of DR. Aggressive treatment of co-morbid HTN and blood glucose, and regular eye screening should be implemented to reduce the occurrence of DR.Trial registrationThe review protocol was registered in the international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO) with registration number PROSPERO:CRD42023416724.
In-silico modelling of the impact of hypertension on the mean transvalvular gradients in aortic stenosis
Authors: Liebenberg Jacques , Doubell Anton , Laubscher Ryno , Herbst Philip 
Published: June 2023

Introduction
The influence of hypertension on the diagnostic assessment of aortic stenosis (AS) severity is unclear, yet clinically relevant. To clarify the effect of hypertension on transvalvular gradients, requires a better understanding of the impact that blood pressure change has on mean flow rate. Also, the effect of various degrees of AS severity, the valve geometry and intrinsic left ventricular contractile function (elastance) on this interaction, needs to be clarified. The current work aims to assess this interaction and the magnitude of these effects.

Methods
A validated, zero-dimensional electro-hydraulic analogue computer model of the human cardiovascular circulatory system was generated. It was used to assess the impact of blood pressure changes on left ventricular pressure and transvalvular gradients at various flow rates, left ventricular elastances, a range of aortic valve areas and for different aortic valve morphologies.

Results and discussion
The magnitude of the impact of hypertension induced changes on the mean gradient (MG) is influenced by the mean flow rate, the AS severity, the hydraulic effective valve orifice area and the left ventricular elastance. Generally, for a given change in systemic arterial pressure, the impact on MG will be the most marked for lower flow rate states such as is expected in more severe degrees of AS, for worse intrinsic left ventricular (LV) contractility, shorter ejection times and lower end diastolic LV volumes. Given the above conditions, the magnitude of the effect will be more for a larger aortic sinus diameter, and also for a typical degenerative valve morphology compared to a typical rheumatic valve morphology.

Conclusion
The interaction between hypertension and mean gradients in AS is complex. The current work places previous recommendations in perspective by quantifying the magnitude of the effect that the changes in blood pressure has on mean gradient in various pathophysiological states. The work creates a framework for the parameters that should be considered in future clinical research on the topic.
Association between pseudoexfoliation and Alzheimer’s disease-related brain atrophy
Authors: Jeong Won Cheol , Min Jin-Young , Kang Tae Gu , Bae Heewon 
Published: June 2023

Background/aimsPseudoexfoliation (PEX) syndrome is an age-related disorder characterized by the accumulation of extracellular material in the anterior eye segment. PEX pathogenesis is not fully understood, but amyloid which accumulates in the brain of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a PEX component. PEX deposition shares features with amyloid aggregation in AD, and brain atrophy is a common AD feature, with β-amyloid accumulation among contributing factors. This study investigated whether PEX syndrome is associated with AD-related brain atrophy.MethodsWe reviewed the medical records of patients diagnosed with PEX at the Veterans Health Service Medical Center between January 2015 and August 2021. This retrospective cohort study included 48 patients with PEX and 48 healthy age- and sex-matched controls. Patients with PEX were divided into two groups: with and without glaucoma. The main outcome measure was brain atrophy, using a visual rating scale, and AD incidence. Brain atrophy was measured using the Scheltens scale for medial temporal atrophy, the posterior cortical atrophy scale for parietal atrophy, and the Pasquier scale for global cortical atrophy.ResultsThe percentage of participants with medial temporal atrophy was 56.3% in the PEX group and 35.4% in the control group. The global cortical atrophy and parietal atrophy scores were significantly higher in the PEX group (P<0.05), whereas the PEX and PEX glaucoma groups showed no difference. Among the 96 participants, 16 and 5 participants in the PEX and control groups, respectively, were diagnosed with dementia. Patients with PEX glaucoma tended to have lower Mini-Mental State Examination scores, indicating impaired cognitive function, than those without glaucoma.ConclusionPEX is associated with brain atrophy, reflecting the risk of developing AD. Patients with PEX glaucoma may present with advanced AD stages. Our results suggest that PEX may be a predictor of AD.
Infraestructura de transporte y modelos de acumulación en la región centro de Argentina. Aportes para el estudio del Corredor Bioceánico Porto Alegre- Santa Fe- Coquimbo
Authors: Acebal Anahí , Álvarez Álvaro 
Published: June 2023

Durante la primera década del siglo XXI, luego del colapso del modelo de acumulación neoliberal, se desarrollaron en América Latina planes y programas de infraestructura que buscaron re-adaptar la infraestructura existente a las nuevas dinámicas de circulación de flujos, sobre todo a partir de un aumento en la exportación de commodities y un incremento de la demanda internacional de materias primas.
Estos planes, iniciativas y programas – la Iniciativa para la Integración en Infraestructura Regional Suramericana, el Plan Puebla Panamá, el Consejo Suramericano de Infraestructura y Planeamiento, entre otros- fueron re-diseñando la geografía regional en función de nuevos corredores. En tal sentido, en la actualidad, la logística multimodal y la bi-oceanidad en la circulación son aspectos destacados del transporte regional y se emplazan en los territorios infraestructuras de gran porte con el objetivo de garantizar fluidez (puertos, aeropuertos, autovías, túneles, vías férreas, ductos, gasoductos, etc).
La región centro de la Argentina –integrada por las provincias de Entre Ríos, Santa Fe y Córdoba- es un importante ejemplo de esa re-adaptación en la circulación con la pretensión de construir un corredor bi-oceánico articulado multimodalmente con la hidrovía Paraguay- Paraná, que es la vía exportadora más importante de la Argentina.
El siguiente trabajo analiza cómo la infraestructura exportadora se articula y desarrolla en un territorio nodal en la expansión del modelo de acumulación dominante en la Argentina caracterizado por la reprimarización productiva, la concentración económica y la extranjerización.
Con ese propósito analítico el objetivo general de este trabajo es estudiar la manera en que las actividades productivas y fundamentalmente el comercio internacional, en un contexto histórico marcado por la fragmentación de la producción y de incremento de los flujos globales, impulsan la construcción de determinados macrosistemas de infraestructura, que son condicionantes en la organización social y económica del territorio.

La pregunta metodológica que guió esta investigación es qué infraestructura se promueve en la región centro y para qué modelo de acumulación. El resultado al que arriba este trabajo, se abona con otras investigaciones desarrolladas y en curso, y pone de manifiesto que los programas de infraestructura hegemónicos no promueven la integración del territorio regional -por el contrario, fragmentan territorialidades preexistentes- sino la articulación de la producción primaria de la región con las necesidades de los principales centros industrializados.
Determinants of joint stiffness and jumping height during drop jump
Authors: Kosaka Takehiro , Sasajima Shuhei , Yasuda Ayaka , Mino Soushi , Kubo Keitaro 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe present study aimed to examine the effects of muscle‐tendon mechanical properties and electromyographic activity on joint stiffness and jumping height and to explore the determinants of joint stiffness and jumping height. Twenty‐nine males performed unilateral drop jumps at three drop heights (10, 20, and 30 cm) using only the ankle joint on the sledge apparatus. Ankle joint stiffness, jumping height, and electromyographic activity of the plantar flexor muscles were measured during drop jumps. Active muscle stiffness of the medial gastrocnemius muscle was calculated according to changes in the estimated muscle force and fascicle length during fast stretching at five different angular velocities (100, 200, 300, 500, and 600 deg s−1) after submaximal isometric contractions. Tendon stiffness and elastic energy were measured during ramp and ballistic contractions. Active muscle stiffness was significantly correlated with joint stiffness, except for a few conditions. Tendon stiffness measured during ramp and ballistic contractions was not significantly correlated with joint stiffness. The ratios of electromyographic activity before landing and during the eccentric phase to that during the concentric phase were significantly correlated with joint stiffness. In addition, jumping heights at 10 and 20 cm (except for 30 cm) drop heights were strongly associated with the tendon elastic energy, whereas no other measured variables showed significant correlations with jumping heights. These results suggested that (1) joint stiffness is determined by active muscle stiffness and electromyographic activity patterns during jumping, and (2) jumping height is determined by tendon elastic energy.
Performance optimization of geopolymer mortar blending in nano-SiO2 and PVA fiber based on set pair analysis
Authors: Zhang Peng , Zhang Xuemei , Yuan Peng , Hu Shaowei 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The method of set pair analysis was used to evaluate the comprehensive performance of geopolymer mortar (GM) based on metakaolin and fly ash modified by nano-SiO2 (NS) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber, and the design of mix proportion for GM was optimized. According to the experimental results, the addition of the NS and PVA fiber can improve the comprehensive properties of GM. The properties of GM are better when the NS content is 1.5% and PVA fiber content is 0.6%. The comprehensive performance of GM included workability, mechanical properties, fracture properties, and durability, and the typical performance parameters were selected as slump flow, compressive strength, bending strength, fracture energy, loss ratio of compressive strength after cycles of freezing-thawing, and electric flux values. The results show that the weights of each indicator derived from the method of set pair analysis have reduced subjective arbitrariness, improved the evaluation accuracy, and made the conclusions obtained from the set pair analysis method more scientific and reasonable. The method of set pair analysis combines the mechanical properties, durability, and workability of GM blending in PVA fiber and NS to achieve a comprehensive qualitative and quantitative evaluation, which can provide a new method for assessing the comprehensive performance of the GM composites blending in PVA fiber and NS in the future.
Network pharmacology combined with molecular docking and experimental validation to reveal the pharmacological mechanism of naringin against renal fibrosis
Authors: Zhong Yanan , Li Xiang , Xie Juan , Zhang Yiyuan , Li Hailun , Zheng Donghui 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
To explore the pharmacological mechanism of naringin (NRG) in renal fibrosis (RF) based on network pharmacology combined with molecular docking and experimental validation. We used databases to screen for the targets of NRG and RF. The “drug-disease network” was established using Cytoscape. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses of targets were performed using Metascape, and molecular docking was performed using Schrödinger. We established an RF model in both mice and cells to validate the results of network pharmacology. After screening the database, we identified 222 common targets of NRG and RF and established a target network. Molecular docking showed that the target AKT had a good interaction with NRG. We found that the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathway was enriched by multiple targets and served as a target for experimental validation through GO and KEGG. The results revealed that NRG ameliorated renal dysfunction, reduced the release of inflammatory cytokines, decreased the expression of α-SMA, collagen I, and Fn, and recovered the expression of E-cad by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Our study used pharmacological analysis to predict the targets and mechanisms of NRG against RF. Furthermore, experiments proved that NRG inhibited RF effectively by targeting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
Some Practical Aspects of Nanocellulose Film: Characterization, Expansion and Shrinking Tests, and Techniques to Create Remoistenable Nanocellulose
Authors: Canham Robin , Murray Alison , Hill Rosaleen 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC), commonly referred to as nanocellulose, is an emerging conservation material with significant potential for application in a wide range of conservation treatments. Due to its properties of transparency and mechanical strength, nanocellulose film offers novel potential when thin tissues may not be suitable. However, when water or aqueous adhesives are applied to nanocellulose, it loses stability and becomes pulpy, making practical use problematic. Additionally, nanocellulose film can shrink upon drying, causing planar deformation. For these reasons, adhesives used with nanocellulose are limited in published treatments to date. The nanocellulose film used in this study was characterized and expansion and shrinking tests were conducted to better understand how nanocellulose film reacts when water and ethanol are introduced. The potential of using nanocellulose film in a remoistenable form is also explored. Results found that nanocellulose film behaved differently than Japanese tissue when water was introduced. While each expanded when water was introduced, the nanocellulose film shrunk 11 % from its initial size when dry, whereas the Japanese tissue returned to its initial size. Practical techniques are recommended to create remoistenable nanocellulose film with a selection of adhesives. Notably, remoistenable nanocellulose films created with methylcellulose and gelatine showed promising initial results.
Cooperação educacional China-Brasil: situação atual, desafios e perspetivas
Authors: Zhang Fangfang , Pang Ruoyang 
Published: June 2023

Resumo
À medida que as relações entre a China e o Brasil se aprofundam, as duas partes reforçam a sua cooperação nos domínios político, econômico e comercial. Neste processo, os intercâmbios culturais e educacionais têm sido valorizados por ambas as partes como uma via importante de promover o contato interpessoal e a aprendizagem mútua entre as duas culturas. Desde 1985, ano em que foi assinado o primeiro acordo de intercâmbio no domínio da educação entre os dois países, a cooperação educacional sino-brasileira começou a se expandir e têm se destacado as seguintes características: diversificação de conteúdos e formas de cooperação educacional; formação de um enquadramento de cooperação que engloba atores e níveis diversificados; aumento de quantidade e qualidade do ensino de línguas; e a ascensão da educação temática como instrumento de promover a aprendizagem mútua entre as culturas chinesa e brasileira. Nas últimas décadas, a cooperação educacional China-Brasil alcançou resultados variados, porém, esta continua enfrentando alguns desafios práticos, tais como a falta de institucionalização, a necessidade de alargar constantemente a sua quantidade e qualidade e a exigência de um conhecimento mútuo mais aprofundado sobre as realidades de educação das duas partes. No futuro, os dois países poderão reforçar a cooperação educacional e beneficiar ambos os povos por meio de promover a construção de mecanismos de cooperação relevantes, se focar mais na garantia de qualidade da cooperação, aprofundar os respetivos estudos sobre países e regiões, estabelecer banco de recursos de educação online e reforçar a cooperação no ensino profissional.
Synthesis, structure, and reactivity of the ferrocene-based N-heterocyclic stannylene [Fe{(η
5-C5H4)NC6H3-2,6-iPr2}2Sn]
Authors: Weyer Nadine , Bruhn Clemens , Siemeling Ulrich 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The N-heterocyclic stannylene [Fe{(η
5-C5H4)NC6H3-2,6-iPr2}2Sn] (1) has been synthesised from SnCl2 and the lithium amide [Fe{(η
5-C5H4)NC6H3-2,6-iPr2}2Li2]. Compound 1 is inert towards H2, CO, CO2, and MeI under ambient conditions. Immediate hydrolysis and ammonolysis was observed with H2O and NH3, respectively. While oxidation reactions of 1 with chalcogens (O2, S8, Se8) afforded only intractable material, the reaction with Ph2Se2 cleanly furnished [Fe{(η
5-C5H4)NC6H3-2,6-iPr2}2Sn(SePh)2] (2). Compounds 1 and 2 have been structurally characterised by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 2 exhibits an intramolecular CH⋯Se contact compatible with a weak hydrogen bond.
Análisis de política exterior en un contexto cambiante: Una aproximación
Authors: Murillo-Zamora Carlos 
Published: June 2023

The foreign policy constitutes a particular field of study, attracting the attention of academics and research centers due to its intermestic nature (formulated in the internal or domestic sphere and implemented in the international or external sphere) and because it results from the contributions of International Relations, Political Science and Public Administration. Thus, it constitutes a bridge discipline of International Relations. In addition, its definition and characterization are complex since depend on how the State that formulates and implements it perceives itself; but also, because it relies on the type of State actor in question. A great power is not the same as a small State; necessary to highlight more than three-quarters of the countries in the international system are small agents. For this reason, since the mid-twentieth century, the interest of international analysts has focused on this field. In the same way, the analysis of foreign policy, as a research space, has shown an important evolution, requiring novel approaches and methodologies. On the other hand, the changes in the international system, particularly the end of the Cold War and the attacks of the so-called 9-11, introduced variants in the approach to this issue. However, it was with the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and the war in Ukraine that reality has become more complex and demands new perspectives for analyzing foreign policy, especially of great powers and small states. Then, this article reviews the main texts on foreign policy, from the mid-last century and up to what was published this year (2023). The intention is to offer a sort of state-ofthe-art, for those who are interested in dabbling in the analysis of foreign policy and identifying the main ideas and approaches for subsequent research work
Reproducción experimental del proceso de producción de cerámicas calcolíticas de la Extremadura portuguesa
Authors: De Carvalho Amaro Gonçalo , Anunciação Carlos 
Published: June 2023

Muy sucintamente podemos definir la Extremadura portuguesa como la región que se encuentra delimitada, geográfica y geológicamente, al norte por el macizo de la Sierra de Aire y Candeeiros y al sur por la Sierra de Arrábida; al oeste por el Atlántico y al este por el valle del Tajo. Abarca tradicionalmente los distritos de Leiria, Lisboa y Setúbal (pudiendo también incluirse una pequeña parte del distrito de Santarém), agrupando prácticamente todo el litoral centro de Portugal
Material piroclástico en vasijas arqueológicas: replicación y experimentación en la búsqueda de caracterizar la cerámica de tiempos Inka en el Noroeste Argentino
Authors: Páez María Cecilia , Giovannetti Marco Antonio 
Published: June 2023

Las investigaciones arqueológicas desarrolladas en las últimas décadas en el Noroeste Argentino (NOA) han puesto de manifiesto que las inclusiones piroclásticas (material geológico de origen volcánico) en altas proporciones constituyen un componente significativo en la composición de las pastas asociadas cronológicamente al momento incaico (Cremonte 1991, 1994; Páez et al. 2007; Páez y Arnosio 2009; Páez 2009 y 2010).