bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early prediction of left ventricular function improvement in patients with new-onset heart failure and presumed non-ischaemic aetiology
Authors: Goh Ze Ming , Javed Wasim , Shabi Mubien , Klassen Joel R L , Saunderson Christopher E D , Farley Jonathan , Spurr Melanie , Dall’Armellina Erica , Levelt Eylem , Greenwood John , Halliday Brian , Plein Sven , Swoboda Peter 
Published: August 2023

ObjectivesTo determine baseline characteristics predictive of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) recovery in patients diagnosed with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and presumed non-ischaemic aetiology.MethodsWe prospectively recruited patients who were diagnosed with HFrEF (LVEF ≤40%) on echocardiography and subsequently underwent cardiac MRI. Patients were excluded if they had a known history of coronary artery disease (>70% on invasive coronary angiography), myocardial infarction, coronary revascularisation or anginal symptoms. At cardiac MRI assessment, patients were categorised as either ongoing HFrEF or heart failure with improved ejection fraction (HFimpEF, LVEF >40% with ≥10% of absolute improvement). Clinical characteristics were compared between the groups. Logistic regression was performed to identify variables that were associated with LVEF recovery. Optimal cut-offs in QRISK3 score and baseline LVEF for prediction of LVEF recovery were identified through receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.ResultsA total of 407 patients were diagnosed with HFrEF, and 139 (34%) attained HFimpEF at cardiac MRI assessment (median 63 days, IQR 41–119 days). Mean age of the patients was 63±12 years, and 260 (63.9%) were male. At multivariate logistic regression, both QRISK3 score (HR 0.978; 95% CI 0.963 to 0.993, p=0.004) and baseline LVEF (HR 1.044; 95% CI 1.015 to 1.073, p=0.002) were independent predictors of HFimpEF. Among patients with baseline LVEF ≤25%, only 22 (21.8%) recovered. In patients with baseline LVEF 25–40%, QRISK3 score >18% was associated with lack of recovery (HR 2.75; 95% CI 1.70 to 4.48, p<0.001). Additionally, QRISK3 score was associated with the presence of ischaemic late gadolinium enhancement (HR 1.035; 95% CI 1.018 to 1.053, p<0.001).ConclusionsThe QRISK3 score helps identify patients with HFrEF with undiagnosed vascular disease. Patients with either a very low baseline LVEF or a high QRISK3 score have less chance of left ventricular recovery and should be prioritised for early cardiac MRI and close monitoring.
Spotlights on the Amended Jordanian Arbitration Law of 2018: Is There Room for Further Amendments?
Authors: Ababneh Hisham 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
This article analyses some of the recent amendments made to the Jordanian Arbitration Law which came into effect in 2018. It highlights the Law’s degree of success in achieving the aspirations of both academics and practitioners in the field of arbitration. While this article concedes that the 2018 amendments were indeed a step forward to a more modern and up-to-date arbitration legal framework in Jordan, it takes the position that there remains some room for further development to overcome the shortcomings and issues that have not been addressed. This article concludes that the Jordanian legislature should aim at adopting the most recent trends and developments in international arbitration through feedback from all stakeholders in the arbitral process to achieve Jordan’s main goals of attracting foreign investment, stimulating the economy, and enhancing the use of arbitration as a tool for the settlement of disputes.
Privacy and the Standing to Hold Responsible
Authors: Radzik Linda 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
In order to be held responsible, it is not enough that you have done something blameworthy; someone else must also have the standing to hold you responsible. But a number of critics have claimed that this concept of ‘standing’ does not hold up to scrutiny and that we should excise it from our analyses of accountability practices. In this paper, I examine James Edwards’ (2019) attempt to define standing. I pose objections to some key features of Edwards’ account and defend an alternative. Reflecting on examples of meddling blame and privacy norms, I argue, helps us see that the concept of standing is useful after all.
The genus Tibicina Kolenati, 1857 in Morocco (Hemiptera: Cicadidae: Tibicininae): taxonomic assessment from integrative research
Authors: PUISSANT STEPHANE , GURCEL KEVIN 
Published: August 2023

A new subspecies, Tibicina quadrisignata pilleti Puissant ssp. nov. is described from Morocco. This cicada is similar to Tibicina quadrisignata (Hagen, 1855) but differs mainly in the body color of the males and some acoustic parameters, notably in the courtship song. A complete pipeline is developed for detailed analysis of the morphology and acoustic behavior of the two Tibicina taxa currently known in Morocco, i.e. Tibicina quadrisignata (Hagen, 1855) pilleti Puissant ssp. nov. and Tibicina maldesi Boulard, 1981. Biology, ecology and distribution are presented for the first time for both taxa. Tibicina maldesi emits an abnormally high carrier frequency relative to its size. It could be an adaptation to avoid acoustic interference with a sympatric Tibicina species yet to be discovered or extinct.
Nomogram for predicting survival of patients with gastric cancer and multiple primary malignancies: a real-world retrospective analysis using the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database
Authors: Mei Linhang , Feng Jie , Zhao Lingdan , Zheng Xiaokang , Li Xiao 
Published: August 2023

Objectives Gastric cancer combined with multiple primary malignancies (GCM) is increasingly common. This study investigated GCM clinical features and survival time. Methods Patients with GCM and GC only (GCO) were selected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. Survival was compared between GCM and GCO groups using propensity score matching. Then, the GCM group was divided into a training cohort and a validation cohort. These cohorts were used to establish a nomogram for survival prediction in patients with GCM. Results Survival time was significantly longer in the GCM group than in the GCO group. All-subsets regression was used to identify four variables for nomogram establishment: age, gastric cancer sequence, N stage, and surgery. The concordance index and time‐dependent receiver operating characteristic curve indicated that the nomogram had favorable discriminative ability. Calibration plots of predicted and actual probabilities showed good consistency in both the training and validation cohorts. Decision curve analysis and risk stratification showed that the nomogram was clinically useful; it had favorable discriminative ability to recognize patients with different levels of risk. Conclusions Compared with GCO, GCM is a relatively indolent malignancy. The nomogram developed in this study can help clinicians to assess GCM prognosis.
Mini-laparotomy in-situ pyeloplasty for repair of the ureteropelvic junction obstruction: Outcome of 150 cases
Authors: El Moghazy Hazem , Mahmoud Tarek , Mamdoh Ahmed , Rashed El Nisr , Eissa Mohamed 
Published: August 2023

Objective: To evaluate the functional and cosmetic outcomes of using the mini-laparotomy technique In Situ pyeloplasty to repair UPJ obstruction in young infants less than 6 months. Materials and methods: Between January 2014 and March 2020, 150 young infants (less than 6 months) diagnosed with unilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) and treated by mini-laparotomy In Situ pyeloplasty were included in this analysis. Once the UPJ has been identified, it was grasped by an Allis forceps for gentle traction. Two facing transverse incisions were made in the dilated pelvis facing the upper ureter. The transverse ureteric incision was then opened longitudinally. An anastomosis was done between the most dependent part of the lower lip of the pelvis and the apex of ureteric spatulation using 6/0 polyglactin (Vicryl®) sutures in the direction of “out-in-in-out.” Follow-up was scheduled for 1 month and then every 3 months for a year with abdominal ultrasonography. DTPA was done for all patients 1 year after repair. Results: The mean age was 3 ± 0.5 months, and the mean follow-up was 1.5 ± 0.3 years. Our technique was done in all included patients with a functional success of 96% (all patients restored normal function, and no obstruction was reported). Parents were satisfied with the cosmetic appearance of the wound in 91% of cases. Major complications occurred in 4% of cases. Conclusion: Successful repair of ureteropelvic junction obstruction in young infants can be achieved by using mini-laparotomy In Situ pyeloplasty technique with satisfactory functional and cosmetic outcomes.
Efficacy and Safety of Topical Flutamide 1% Gel as an Adjunctive Therapy in the Treatment of Patients With Acne Vulgaris
Authors: Nassar Amany , Sayed Ayman El , Samy Afnan , Essam Reham 
Published: August 2023

Background Acne vulgaris is a worldwide dermatological condition that has a complex pathophysiology in which androgens play an important role. Flutamide is a first-generation non-steroidal antiandrogen that can be used for acne treatment. Aim To evaluate the potential therapeutic efficacy and safety of topical flutamide in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Methods A andomized controlled study included two equal groups, each had 27 patients, with a total of 54 patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris having inflammatory (papules and pustules) and non-inflammatory (comedones) lesions. For eight weeks, Group (A) received 1% Flutamide topical gel on the face twice daily, whereas Group (B) served as the control group. Result After 8 weeks of topical Flutamide 1% gel application twice daily, there was a significant reduction in papules count, and a highly significant reduction in pustules number from baseline. Limitations We recommend that topical Flutamide 1% gel be tried on a larger number of patients with acne vulgaris, for longer therapeutic duration and follow up periods after treatment. Conclusion Patients with acne vulgaris may find topical Flutamide 1% gel to be a viable, efficient, and safe solution with few adverse effects.
Baseline Characteristics of Canadian Patients in the Psoriasis Longitudinal Assessment and Registry (PSOLAR)
Authors: Gooderham Melinda J. , Bissonnette Robert , Kalia Sunil , Papp Kim A. , Guenther Lyn C. , Gulliver Wayne P. , Ho Vincent , Shear Neil H. , Vender Ron , Gniadecki Robert , Prajapati Vimal H. , Turchin Irina , Langholff Wayne , Parnell Kim , Simpson Scott D. , Abbarin Nastaran , Lakhani Omair , Alhusayen Raed 
Published: August 2023

Background The Psoriasis Longitudinal Assessment and Registry (PSOLAR) is a global, prospective, longitudinal, disease-based registry. It serves as a post-marketing safety commitment with a focus on patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy. Objectives To describe the baseline disease demographics and clinical characteristics of a Canadian subgroup of participants enrolled in PSOLAR. Methods Baseline demographic/disease characteristics, medical histories, and previous psoriasis treatments for Canadian patients in PSOLAR were summarized using descriptive statistics. Results There were 1896 patients analyzed in the Canadian subgroup at 37 clinical sites, accounting for 15.7% of the global PSOLAR population. Baseline disease and clinical characteristics were as expected for a moderate to severe psoriasis population and were generally similar to the global PSOLAR population. Two distinctions were noted in the Canadian subgroup versus those enrolled globally: a higher proportion of patients were overweight/obese (84.7% vs. 80.4%) and male (61.4% vs. 54.7%). In addition, the Canadian subgroup had numerically higher historical peak disease activity (PGA score 3.35 vs. 3.1) and longer disease duration (22.3 years vs. 17.5 years). Canadian PSOLAR patients reported a variety of comorbidities, including psoriatic arthritis (31.5%), hypertension (34.6%), hyperlipidemia (24.3%), mental illness (24.1%), and inflammatory bowel disease (1.6%). Conclusion The Canadian subgroup of PSOLAR patients was generally similar to those enrolled globally with respect to baseline disease demographics and clinical characteristics. Multiple comorbidities are noted in the Canadian subgroup, underscoring the need for a holistic approach to the treatment of psoriatic patients.
Virtual Delivery of Stepped-Care Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Cancer Related Fatigue: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Williams Lauren K. , Ftanou Maria , Pearson Elizabeth J. 
Published: August 2023

Purpose: About 1 in 3 people experience persistent fatigue after cancer treatment. People with severe fatigue describe a disabling lack of stamina, anxiety, depression and distressing cognitive changes. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is recommended for people with severe fatigue after cancer treatment, however due to limited resources and lack of available clinicians very few people with cancer have access. This study explored feasibility of a virtual stepped-care CBT program. Methods: English speaking adults experiencing persistent fatigue who had either completed cancer treatment, or with stable disease on maintenance therapies were recruited. All participants engaged in a 6-week supported self-help program using a CBT workbook targeting fatigue (STEP 1). After the self-help program, participants with severe ongoing fatigue were stepped-up to a telehealth CBT group focused to fatigue led by a Clinical Psychologist (STEP 2). Feasibility and perceived changes were assessed at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks. Results: Of 19 participants, 17 completed STEP 1 and 8 completed STEP 2. Remotely delivered CBT was feasible with high retention, adherence, participant feasibility and satisfaction scores. Cost to deliver STEP 1 was AUD $145 and STEP 2, AUD $280 per participant. Overall, fatigue and self-efficacy improved significantly following STEP 1. Participants with higher baseline fatigue achieved limited improvements with self-help alone, requiring guidance to set achievable goals and reframe cognitions. Fatigue, self-efficacy and mood improved with STEP 2. Conclusions: Remotely delivered CBT for cancer fatigue was feasible. The effectiveness of stratified rather than stepped CBT approach, based on fatigue severity should be trialed. Trial Registration: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN # 11 12622000420741).
Age and Red Blood Cell Parameters Mainly Explain the Differences Between HbA1c and Glycemic Management Indicator Among Patients With Type 1 Diabetes Using Intermittent Continuous Glucose Monitoring
Authors: Azcoitia Pablo , Rodríguez-Castellano Raquel , Saavedra Pedro , Alberiche María P. , Marrero Dunia , Wägner Ana M. , Ojeda Antonio , Boronat Mauro 
Published: August 2023

Background: Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is the gold standard to assess glycemic control in patients with diabetes. Glucose management indicator (GMI), a metric generated by continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), has been proposed as an alternative to HbA1c, but the two values may differ, complicating clinical decision-making. This study aimed to identify the factors that may explain the discrepancy between them. Methods: Subjects were patients with type 1 diabetes, with one or more HbA1c measurements after starting the use of the Freestyle Libre 2 intermittent CGM, who shared their data with the center on the Libreview platform. The 14-day glucometric reports were retrieved, with the end date coinciding with the date of each HbA1c measurement, and those with sensor use ≥70% were selected. Clinical data prior to the start of CGM use, glucometric data from each report, and other simultaneous laboratory measurements with HbA1c were collected. Results: A total of 646 HbA1c values and their corresponding glucometric reports were obtained from 339 patients. The absolute difference between HbA1c and GMI was <0.3% in only 38.7% of cases. Univariate analysis showed that the HbA1c-GMI value was associated with age, diabetes duration, estimated glomerular filtration rate, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), red cell distribution width (RDW), and time with glucose between 180 and 250 mg/dL. In a multilevel model, only age and RDW, positively, and MCV, negatively, were correlated to HbA1c-GMI. Conclusion: The difference between HbA1c and GMI is clinically relevant in a high percentage of cases. Age and easily accessible hematological parameters (MCV and RDW) can help to interpret these differences.
Use of a Hindfoot Nail Without Separate Subtalar and Tibiotalar Joint Preparation to Treat Geriatric Ankle and Distal Tibia Fractures: A Case Series
Authors: Duvvuri Priya , Trout Sally May , Bub Christine Decker , Goldman Ariel Tenny 
Published: August 2023

Introduction Ankle fractures in geriatric patients can be devastating injuries, as they limit an individual’s mobility, autonomy, and quality of life. This study examines the functional outcomes and complications related to hindfoot nails (HFN) in geriatric patients who have suffered an ankle malleolar or distal tibia fracture. Materials and Methods This is a single-surgeon case-series of patients who underwent HFN for acute fixation or delayed reconstruction after an ankle or distal tibia fracture. Demographic information, comorbidities, baseline functional status, AO/OTA classification, surgical indications, need for external fixation, total operative time, length of stay (LOS), ambulation at discharge, and discharge disposition were recorded. Primary outcomes included 30-day complications, ambulation at follow-up, and time to fracture union and fusion. Results There were 22 patients, with average age 80.8 years. Mean LOS was 7.0 days, and 68.2% were discharged to subacute rehabilitation. Within 30 days, 1 patient developed a deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli, and 2 experienced wound dehiscence requiring antibiotics. At 6-weeks, 1 patient sustained a fall with periprosthetic fracture requiring HFN revision, and another developed cellulitis necessitating hardware removal. Fracture healing was seen in 72.7% at 19.4 weeks, while radiographic fusion occurred in 18.2% at 43.0 weeks. 72.7% were ambulating with an assistive device at discharge, and 100.0% at 12-weeks post-operatively or last follow-up. Upon final examination, all patients were ambulating without pain. Discussion HFNs provide a reliable alternative to traditional open reduction internal fixation and have the ability to improve quality of life for geriatric patients through a faster return to weight-bearing. Additionally, radiographic fusion rates show that patients have favorable functional outcomes even without formal arthrodesis. Conclusion HFN is beneficial for elderly patients with low functional demand and complex medical comorbidities, as it allows for early mobility after sustaining an ankle or distal tibia fracture.
Quantification of macroplastic litter in fallow greenhouse farmlands: case study in southeastern hungary
Authors: Saadu Ibrahim , Farsang Andrea , Kiss Timea 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Plastic greenhouse farming has become widespread worldwide because of its contributions to various agricultural production. However, it also generates plastic waste in large quantities and pollutes farmlands. Contrary to studies on microplastics, few studies have quantified macroplastic contamination in agricultural farmlands despite its contribution to the production of microplastics through fragmentation. Thus, there is a paucity of knowledge on the levels and characteristics of macroplastics in greenhouse environments. Thus, this study aimed to quantify and examine the macroplastic litter on soil surfaces under fallow greenhouse farmlands.

Results
The study was conducted at three sites in Southern Hungary, where the usage of plastic greenhouses is very common for cultivating vegetables. On the studied fallow plots, the overall mean abundance of macroplastics was 431 pieces/ha or 6 kg/ha. Most of the fragments had 0.5- to 5-cm sizes. The macroplastic fragmentation in the area was well detected and was an ongoing process. The dominant plastic types were polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride in the form of films and fragments. The results showed that agricultural litter comprised 90% of the total contamination, whereas nonagricultural litter (10%) due to illegal littering also appeared on the plots.

Conclusions
Given that macroplastics were found in the studied greenhouse farmlands, we recommend the following: (1) careful cleaning and disposal of plastics on greenhouse farmlands and (2) prevention of greenhouse farmland contamination by external and nonagricultural contaminants. Besides, further research is needed to elucidate the duration of macroplastic fragmentation to microplastic contaminants in greenhouse environments.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Green synthesis of oncolytic Newcastle disease virus-loaded thiolated chitosan nanoformulation for CD44 targeted delivery and sustained release of virus in cervical cancer xenografts
Authors: Kousar Kousain , Naseer Faiza , Abduh Maisa S. , Anjum Sadia , Ahmad Tahir 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Newcastle disease virus (NDV) Lasota strain has proven oncolytic activity. One shortcoming associated with this treatment modality is the immune neutralization of the virus in body, mediated by natural killer cells and macrophages. This study aims at encapsulating the oncolytic virus in thiolated chitosan nanoparticles, surface functionalized with hyaluronic acid for CD44 targeted delivery and sustained release of NDV in cervical cancer tumors. These nanoparticles were tested for oncolytic potential in HeLa cells and cervical cancer xenograft model.

Results
NDV-loaded nanoparticles were prepared using TCs concentration of 1.0 mg/mL, HA at 0.5 mg/mL, with a half dose (not less than 500 TCID units) of NDV by using green synthesis approach through ionic gelation method. Viral quantification in nanoparticles was done by TCID50 (50% tissue culture infectious dose) and MOI (multiplicity of infection) determination. Ex vivo NK cell activity was analyzed by quantifying levels of IFN-γ. In vivo analysis was performed on wistar rats, immunocompromised by using ketoconazole (10 mg/kg) and cyclosporin (30 mg/kg) along with 0.1 μg/mL of amoxicillin. WBC profiling on day 7 confirmed immunosuppression, which was followed by tumor implantation. Zeta analysis of NDV nanoparticles showed that nanoparticles are 286.9 nm in size with a zeta potential of 18.1 mV and PDI of 0.241. For estimation of anticancer potential, MTT and trypan blue exclusion assay revealed a higher cytotoxic potential of the encapsulated virus, while TCID50 of HA-TC-NDV was 4.1 as compared to naked NDV virus which had TCID50 of 6.0 on HeLa cells. Histopathology of organs from NDV nanoparticle-treated rats showed syncytia formation in tumors, immunohistochemical analysis showed decrease in expression of TNF-α, COX-II and NF-ƙB which was also confirmed by ELISA. RT-PCR showed high viral copy number in tumor tissue and viral accumulation in lungs and liver. Lower IFN-γ in nanoparticles treated rats showed suppression in immunoreactivity of virus-loaded nanoparticles.

Conclusion
Our findings suggest that encapsulation of the virus in thiolated chitosan and CD44 targeting enhanced retention and sustained release of the virus in tumors as compared to pure NDV, with increased oncolytic effect both in vitro and in vivo.