bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A multi-center, international, randomized, 2-year, parallel-group study to assess the superiority of IVUS-guided PCI versus qualitative angio-guided PCI in unprotected left main coronary artery (ULMCA) disease: Study protocol for OPTIMAL trial
Authors: De Maria Giovanni Luigi , Testa Luca , de la Torre Hernandez Jose M. , Terentes-Printzios Dimitrios , Emfietzoglou Maria , Scarsini Roberto , Bedogni Francesco , Spitzer Ernest , Banning Adrian 
Published: January 2022

Background
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is used increasingly for revascularization of unprotected left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease. Observational studies and subgroup analyses from clinical trials, have suggested a possible benefit from the use of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) guidance when performing unprotected LMCA PCI. However, the value of imaging with IVUS has never been proven in an appropriately powered randomized clinical trial. The OPtimizaTIon of Left MAin PCI With IntravascuLar Ultrasound (OPTIMAL) trial has been designed to establish whether IVUS-guided PCI optimization on LMCA is associated with superior clinical outcomes when compared with standard qualitative angiography-guided PCI.

Methods
The OPTIMAL trial is a randomized, multicenter, international study designed to enroll a total of 800 patients undergoing PCI for unprotected LMCA disease. Patients will be randomized in a 1:1 fashion to IVUS-guided PCI versus angiogram-guided PCI. In patients allocated to the angiogram-guided arm, use of IVUS is discouraged, unless there are safety concerns. In patients allocated to the IVUS guidance arm, pre-procedural IVUS assessment is highly recommended, whilst post-procedural IVUS assessment is mandatory to confirm appropriate stenting result and/or to guide stent result optimization, according to predefined criteria. Patients will be followed up to 2 years after the index procedure. The primary outcome measure is the Academic Research Consortium (ARC) patient-oriented composite endpoint (PoCE) which includes all-cause death, any stroke, any myocardial infarction and any repeat revascularization at 2 years follow-up.

Discussion
The OPTIMAL trial aims to provide definitive evidence about the clinical impact of IVUS-guidance during PCI to an unprotected LMCA. It is anticipated by the investigators, that an IVUS-guided strategy will be associated with less clinical events compared to a strategy guided by angiogram alone.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04111770. Registered on October 1, 2019.
Understanding the epidemiological HIV risk factors and underlying risk context for youth residing in or originating from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region: A scoping review of the literature
Authors: Kteily-Hawa Roula , Hawa Aceel Christina , Gogolishvili David , Al Akel Mohammad , Andruszkiewicz Nicole , Vijayanathan Haran , Loutfy Mona 
Published: January 2022

Introduction
HIV is the second leading cause of death among young people globally, and adolescents are the only group where HIV mortality is not declining. Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is one of few regions seeing rapid increase of HIV infections (31.0%) since 2001. MENA youth are at particular risk of HIV due to dearth of research and challenges in accessing services.

Objective
The purpose of this scoping review is to establish the epidemiological HIV risk factors and underlying risk context for youth residing in or originating from the MENA region.

Methods
Online database searches were conducted using combination of search terms. Screening 5,853 citations, published between 1990–2019 with age groups 16 to 29, resulted in 57 studies included across 18 MENA countries.

Results
‘Key populations’ engage in risky behaviors, including: overlapping risky behaviors among youth who inject drugs (PWID); lack of access to HIV testing, condomless sex, and multiple sex partners among young men who have sex with men (MSM); and high and overlapping risk behaviors among young sex workers. Challenges facing other youth groups and bridging populations include: peer pressure, inhibition about discussing sexual health, lack of credible sex education sources, low condom use, and lack of access to HIV protection/prevention services, especially testing.

Conclusion
Poor surveillance coupled with scarcity of rigorous studies limit what is known about epidemiology of HIV among youth in MENA. Homophobia, stigma around PWID, and illegal status of sex work promote non-disclosure of risk behaviors among youth and curtail serving this population.
Comparison between 20 and 30 meters in walkway length affecting the 6-minute walk test in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A randomized crossover study
Authors: Saiphoklang Narongkorn , Pugongchai Apiwat , Leelasittikul Kanyada 
Published: January 2022

Background
A 30-m walkway length for the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) is the standard recommendation established by the American Thoracic Society to assess patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study aimed to compare between the distances of 20 and 30 m long corridor affecting 6MWT in COPD patients.

Methods
A randomized crossover study was conducted with patients. COPD patients were randomized 1:1 to either a 20-m or a 30-m walkway in the first test, then switched to the other in the second test. Physiologic parameters and 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) were recorded.

Results
Fifty subjects (92% men) were included: age 69.1±7.4 years, body mass index 22.9±5.5 kg/m2, FEV1 63.0±21.3%, and 50% having cardiovascular disease. The 6MWD in a 20-m and a 30-m walkway were 337.82±71.80 m and 359.85±77.25 m, respectively (P<0.001). Mean distance difference was 22.03 m (95% CI -28.29 to -15.76, P<0.001). Patients with a 20-m walkway had more turns than those with a 30-m walkway (mean difference of 4.88 turns, 95% CI 4.48 to 5.28, P<0.001). Also, higher systolic blood pressure was found in patients with a 20-m walkway after 6MWT (4.62 mmHg, P = 0.019). Other parameters and Borg dyspnea scale did not differ.

Conclusions
The walkway length had significant effect on walking distance in COPD patients. A 30-m walkway length should still be recommended in 6MWT for COPD assessment.

Clinical trial registration
Clinicaltrials.in.th number: TCTR20200206003.
Intention and practice on breastfeeding among pregnant mothers in Malaysia and factors associated with practice of exclusive breastfeeding: A cohort study
Authors: Shohaimi Nurul Mursyidah , Mazelan Majidah , Ramanathan Kanesh , Meor Hazizi Mai Shahira , Leong Yan Ning , Cheong Xiang Bin , Ambigapathy Subashini , Cheong Ai Theng 
Published: January 2022

Background
Exclusive breastfeeding rate in Malaysia is low despite its known health benefits. This study aims to determine the prevalence of intention to breastfeed among pregnant mothers, the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding practice after delivery, and factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding practice.

Methods
This was a prospective cohort study. All pregnant women at 36 weeks gestation or above from 17 antenatal health clinics in an urban district were invited to participate in the study. A self-administered questionnaire was used, encompassing sociodemographic, breastfeeding knowledge, attitude, and intention towards the practice of breastfeeding. The participants were followed up one month post-natal for their practice of breastfeeding via telephone or during their post-natal follow-up appointment.

Results
483 pregnant mothers participated in the study initially. 462 (95.7%) were contactable after one month. 99.4% (459/462) of participants intended to breastfeed. 65.4% (302/462) of participants practiced exclusive breastfeeding. There was no significant association between intention and practice of exclusive breastfeeding. Multiple logistic regression analysis shows, pregnant mothers with high breastfeeding knowledge (AOR = 1.138; 95% CI 1.008–1.284) and Malay ethnicity (AOR = 2.031; 95% CI 1.066–3.868) were more likely to breastfeed their infant exclusively.

Conclusions
Prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding practice at one month in the studied district was 65.4%. Malay mothers and mothers with high breastfeeding knowledge were more likely to breastfeed exclusively. Thus, we recommend targeted intervention towards non-Malay mothers and increasing breastfeeding knowledge to all pregnant mothers.
Semântica Cultural e Diversidade Linguística Regional
Authors: Rodrigues Liska Geraldo José , Correia Breno Oliveira 
Published: January 2022

Este artigo apresenta uma análise cultural do falar de uma das cidades do sul do estado de Minas Gerais, Campo do Meio. Informações sobre topônimos, tradições orais e expressões idiomáticas foram coletadas entre os falantes do munícipio a fim de demonstrar as peculiaridades linguísticas desse povo interiorano. Para isto, foi utilizado como referencial teórico a Semântica de Contextos e Cenários (SCC), concepção de semântica que toma como base a ideia de que uma língua natural é um sistema socializado e culturalmente determinado de representação de mundos e seus eventos. A pesquisa, realizada em etapas, culminou nos seguintes procedimentos: coleta de material bibliográfico, seleção de materiais, entrevistas e transcrição de dados. Buscamos demonstrar um trabalho sobre estudos linguísticos de caráter cultural e resgatar um pouco da cultura de um povo, perdida dia após dia.
Stresses and deformations of an osteosynthesis plate in a lateral tibia plateau fracture
Authors: Münch Matthias , Barth Tobias , Studt Annika , Dehoust Julius , Seide Klaus , Hartel Maximilian , Frosch Karl-Heinz 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
This study has the aim to investigate the strain and stress in an anterolateral locking plate applied for the fixation of a lateral split fracture. To simulate a complex fracture situation, three segments were separated. With a FEM analysis, representative places for strain and stress measurement were determined. A locked osteosynthesis plate was instrumented with strain gauges and tested on a fractured and a non-fractured Saw Bone model. To simulate different loading situations, four different points of force application, from the center of the condyles to a 15 mm posterior position, were used with a medial-lateral load distribution of 60:40. The simulations as well as the biomechanical tests demonstrated that two deformations dominate the load on the plate: a bending into posterior direction and a bulging of the plate head. Shifting the point of application to the posterior direction resulted in increasing maximum stress, from 1.16 to 6.32 MPa (FEM analysis) and from 3.04 to 7.00 MPa (biomechanical study), respectively. Furthermore, the comparison of the non-fractured and fractured models showed an increase in maximum stress by the factor 2.06–2.2 (biomechanical investigation) and 1.5–3.3 (FEM analysis), respectively.
Dynamic performance of optimized microwave assisted extraction to obtain Eucalyptus essential oil: energy requirements and environmental impact
Authors: Lainez-Cerón Elizabeth , López-Malo Aurelio , Palou Enrique , Ramírez-Corona Nelly 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
The dynamic performance of a microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) was studied during the extraction of eucalyptus essential oil. The effect of different process variables such as solid/liquid ratio (1:1, 1:3, or 1:5), stirring speed (0, 200, or 400 rpm), and power microwave output (360, 450, or 540 W) on obtained yield, energy requirements and environmental impact were assessed. The maximum yield was 1.26 ± 0.01% and the steam generation velocities between 4.8 and 8.8 g/min favor the extraction. In terms of environmental impact, the lowest EI99 value obtained was 6.93 ± 0.1 mPT/g. A multi-response optimization was performed to identify the operating conditions that maximize yield, while minimize energy requirements and environmental impact. Temperature dynamics and extraction kinetics were fitted to a second-order transfer function model, aimed to evaluate the role of heating patterns on the process performance. Finally, a controlled temperature experiment was carried out under the optimal conditions.
Preference between serum homocysteine and urinary periostin as early predictive biomarkers of renal dysfunction among uncontrolled diabetics
Authors: Taha Mona Mohamed , Mahdy-Abdallah Heba , Shahy Eman Mohamed , Mansour Nevine Abd El-Maksoud , Fouad Marwa Mohamed , Helmy Mona Adel 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Objectives
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represents a serious public health problem. Environmental toxins, other than infectious agents or exposures can stimulate immune responses which are associated with the occurrence of T2DM. Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a serious complication of diabetes that leads to changes in the structure and function of the kidneys. The study aimed to detect diagnostic biomarkers for (DN), at an early stage, to prevent disease progression in these patients and improve their outcomes.

Methods
This study was performed on 102 T2DM patients and 80 normal controls. Blood glucose, HbA1c, serum homocysteine (Hcy) and urinary periostin were assessed. Patients were divided into: controlled (n=46) (HbA1c <6.5%) and uncontrolled diabetics (n=56) (HbA1c >6.5%).

Results
The study results revealed a significant rise in blood glucose and HbA1c as well as serum Hcy levels in diabetic groups compared to controls. Also, urinary periostin exhibited significant elevation in diabetic groups. Serum glucose, HbA1c and serum Hcy revealed a highly significant difference between diabetic subgroups and control groups, while urinary periostin demonstrated a non-significant difference. Only, urinary periostin showed a significant increase in uncontrolled diabetics.

Conclusions
The highest levels of serum Hcy and urinary periostin were recorded only in the uncontrolled diabetics. Urinary periostin was demonstrated as a more preferable biomarker being a non-invasive sample for predicting renal insult in diabetic subjects. This biomarker could be performed regularly for early detection of DN. Also, it could be added to the periodic medical examinations of workers occupationally exposed to workplace pollutants inducing diabetes.
Effect of optical pulse shaping and adaptive equalization on the performance of 100G DP-QPSK WDM system
Authors: Sharma Neeraj 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Dual polarization quadrature phase shifting keying (DP-QPSK) modulation format along with coherent receiver helps in increasing the data carrying capability of existing optical networks without any major change in existing transmission infrastructure. The various linear and nonlinear fiber effects, frequency and phase errors are corrected in electrical domain at the receiver end with digital back propagation algorithms (DBP) instead of in-line compensation. In such a case the selection of optimum values of system parameters make the task easier for DBP algorithms. This paper highlights the importance of finding optimum operating point of continuous modulus algorithm (CMA) for better adaptive equalization (AE). The paper also discusses the optical pulse shaping using Gaussian optical band-pass filter to improve the spectral characteristics of DP-QPSK signal.
Degeneration and Entropy
Authors: Chua Eugene Y. S. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Lakatos’s analysis of progress and degeneration in the Methodology of Scientific Research Programmes is well-known. Less known, however, are his thoughts on degeneration in Proofs and Refutations. I propose and motivate two new criteria for degeneration based on the discussion in Proofs and Refutations – superfluity and authoritarianism. I show how these criteria augment the account in Methodology of Scientific Research Programmes, providing a generalized Lakatosian account of progress and degeneration. I then apply this generalized account to a key transition point in the history of entropy – the transition to an information-theoretic interpretation of entropy – by assessing Jaynes’s 1957 paper on information theory and statistical mechanics.
Classification of f-biharmonic submanifolds in Lorentz space forms
Authors: Du Li 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
In this paper, f-biharmonic submanifolds with parallel normalized mean curvature vector field in Lorentz space forms are discussed. When

f

f

is a constant, we prove that such submanifolds have parallel mean curvature vector field with the minimal polynomial of the shape operator of degree

≤
2

\le 2

. When

f

f

is a function, we completely classify such pseudo-umbilical submanifolds.
Optical metasurfaces for generating and manipulating optical vortex beams
Authors: Ahmed Hammad , Kim Hongyoon , Zhang Yuebian , Intaravanne Yuttana , Jang Jaehyuck , Rho Junsuk , Chen Shuqi , Chen Xianzhong 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Optical vortices (OVs) carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) have attracted considerable interest in the field of optics and photonics owing to their peculiar optical features and extra degree of freedom for carrying information. Although there have been significant efforts to realize OVs using conventional optics, it is limited by large volume, high cost, and lack of design flexibility. Optical metasurfaces have recently attracted tremendous interest due to their unprecedented capability in the manipulation of the amplitude, phase, polarization, and frequency of light at a subwavelength scale. Optical metasurfaces have revolutionized design concepts in photonics, providing a new platform to develop ultrathin optical devices for the realization of OVs at subwavelength resolution. In this article, we will review the recent progress in optical metasurface-based OVs. We provide a comprehensive discussion on the optical manipulation of OVs, including OAM superposition, OAM sorting, OAM multiplexing, OAM holography, and nonlinear metasurfaces for OAM generation and manipulation. The rapid development of metasurface for OVs generation and manipulation will play an important role in many relevant research fields. We expect that metasurface will fuel the continuous progress of wearable and portable consumer electronics and optics where low-cost and miniaturized OAM related systems are in high demand.
State-of-the-art review of fabrication, application, and mechanical properties of functionally graded porous nanocomposite materials
Authors: Barbaros Ismail , Yang Yongmin , Safaei Babak , Yang Zhicheng , Qin Zhaoye , Asmael Mohammed 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Functionally graded porous (FGP) nanocomposites are the most promising materials among the manufacturing and materials sector due to their adjustable physical, mechanical, and operational properties for distinctive engineering applications for maximized efficiency. Therefore, investigating the underlying physical and materialistic phenomena of such materials is vital. This research was conducted to analyze the preparation, fabrication, applications, and elastic properties of functionally graded materials (FGMs). The research investigated for both porous and nonporous synthesis, preparation, and manufacturing methods for ceramics, metallic, and polymeric nanocomposites in the first section, which is followed by deep research of the development of elastic properties of the above-mentioned materials. Main nano-reinforcing agents used in FGMs to improve elastic properties were found to be graphene platelets, carbon nanotubes, and carbon nanofibers. In addition, research studied the impact of nano-reinforcing agent on the elastic properties of the FGMs. Shape, size, composition, and distribution of nano-reinforcing agents were analyzed and classified. Furthermore, the research concentrated on modeling of FGP nanocomposites. Extensive mathematical, numerical, and computational modeling were analyzed and classified for different engineering analysis types including buckling, thermal, vibrational, thermoelasticity, static, and dynamic bending. Finally, manufacturing and design methods regarding different materials were summarized. The most common results found in this study are that the addition of reinforcement units to any type of porous and nonporous nanocomposites significantly increases materialistic and material properties. To extend, compressive and tensile stresses, buckling, vibrational, elastic, acoustical, energy absorption, and stress distribution endurance are considerably enhanced when reinforcing is applied to porous and nonporous nanocomposite assemblies. Ultimately, the review concluded that the parameters such as shape, size, composition, and distribution of the reinforcing units are vital in terms of determining the final mechanical and materialistic properties of nanocomposites.
Insights on magnetic spinel ferrites for targeted drug delivery and hyperthermia applications
Authors: Abdel Maksoud Mohamed Ibrahim Ahmed , Ghobashy Mohamed Mohamady , Kodous Ahmad S. , Fahim Ramy Amer , Osman Ahmed I. , Al-Muhtaseb Ala’a H. , Rooney David W. , Mamdouh Mohamed A. , Nady Norhan , Ashour Ahmed H. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractMagnetic spinel ferrite nanoparticles (SFNPs) attract high scientific attention from researchers due to their broad area for biomedicine applications, comprising cancer magnetic hyperthermia and targeted drug delivery. Uniquely, its excellent performance, namely, tuning size and surface morphology, excellent magnetism, extraordinary magnetically heat induction, promising biocompatibility, and specific targeting capacity, is essential for their effective utilization in clinical diagnosis and therapeutics of diseases. This review emphasizes the anticancer properties of nanoparticles of spinel ferrites with extra focus on the most recent literature. A critical review is provided on the latest applications of SFNPs in cancer therapy. Based on the results obtained from this review, SFNPs have the indefinite ability in cancer therapy through two mechanisms: (1) hyperthermia, where SFNPs, used as a hyperthermia mediator, elevated the tumor cells heat post-exposure to an external magnetic field and radiosensitizer during cancer radiotherapy; and (2) targeted drug delivery of cytotoxic drugs in tumor treatment. SFNPs induced apoptosis and cell death of cancer cells and prevented cancer cell proliferation.
On the Determinants of Online Short Videos’ Effectiveness Relative to Parents’ Attitudes, Behavioural Intentions and Consideration of Alternatives
Authors: Konstantoulaki Kleopatra , Rizomyliotis Ioannis , Lionakis Konstantinos , Chen Yiheng 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
The purpose of this research is to examine the key content factors of short videos and their influence on parents’ attitudes, behavioural intentions and consideration of alternatives in the education sector. In particular, the current study is the first to explore elements of online short videos (informative content, user interactivity, perceived usefulness, trust, entertainment and invasiveness) as predictors of parents’ attitudes toward, consideration of and intention to choose a nursery school. Using a sample of 178 participants, a conclusive research design applying structural equation modelling was employed to assess the effect of the aforementioned short videos’ key characteristics on attitude, intention and consideration. According to the results, short videos with informative and trusted content tend to enhance parents’ attitudes, consideration and behavioural intentions regarding the provider being promoted. Attitude is also affected by entertainment, while perceived usefulness, interactive features and lack of invasiveness increase scores pertaining to inclusion of alternatives in parents’ consideration choice sets and expression of intentions to ultimately select them. Managers in childcare operators should find a delicate balance among the aforementioned elements in order to include the appropriate ones into their videos depending on the promotional goals or indented outcomes and the targeted audience. Managerial implications and suggestions for future research are thoroughly discussed.