bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine’s Clinical Protocol #36 ‘The Mastitis Spectrum’ promote overtreatment and risk worsened outcomes for breastfeeding families? Commentary
Authors: Douglas Pamela
Published: September 2023

Background

In 2022 the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) published Clinical Protocol #36: The Mastitis Spectrum, which aims to update clinical approaches to management of benign lactation-related breast inflammation. The protocol has been timely because of the exponential increase in knowledge about the human milk microbiome over the past decade. This Commentary aims to continue respectful debate amongst clinicians and researchers within the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine and more broadly, confident that we share a fundamental commitment to promote breastfeeding and support the well-being of lactating women, their infants and their families.

Analysis

Although Clinical Protocol #36 offers advances, it does not fulfil the principles of best practice implementation science for translation of evidence into clinical guidelines. Clinical Protocol #36 inaccurately represents studies; misrepresents theoretical models as proven aetiologies; does not consistently attribute sources; does not reliably apply the SORT taxonomy; and relies upon single case reports. As a result, various recommendations in Clinical Protocol #36 lack an evidence-base or credible underlying theoretical model. This includes recommendations to use ‘lymphatic drainage’ massage, therapeutic ultrasound, and oral lecithin. Similarly, based on a contestable theoretical model which is presented as fact, Clinical Protocol #36 makes the recommendation to either reduce frequency of milk removal or to maintain current frequency of milk removal during an episode of breast inflammation. Although Clinical Protocol #36 limits this advice to cases of ‘hyperlactation’, the diagnosis ‘hyperlactation’ itself is undefinable. As a result, this recommendation may put breastfeeding women who present with breast inflammation at risk of worsened inflammation and decreased breast milk production.

Conclusion

Clinical Protocol #36 offers some advances in the management of breast inflammation. However, Clinical Protocol #36 also exposes clinicians to two international trends in healthcare which undermine health system sustainability: overdiagnosis, including by over-definition, which increases risk of overtreatment; and antibiotic over-use, which worsens the crisis of global antimicrobial resistance. Clinical Protocol #36 also recommends unnecessary or ineffective interventions which may be accessed by affluent patients within advanced economies but are difficult to access for the global majority. The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine may benefit from a review of processes for development of Clinical Protocols.
Circ_0005736 promotes tenogenic differentiation of tendon-derived stem cells through the miR-636/MAPK1 axis
Authors: Yang Guangzhao , Chen Fei , Zhang Chunyan , Gu Chenlin
Published: September 2023

Background

Tendon-derived stem cells (TDSCs) are one of stem cells characterized by greater clonogenicity, tenogenesis, and proliferation capacity. Circ_0005736 has been shown to be decreased in Rotator cuff tendinopathy. Here, we investigated the function and relationship of circ_0005736 in TDSC tenogenic differentiation.

Methods

Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) was used to induce the tenogenic differentiation in TDSC. Cell proliferation, invasion and migration were evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8, 5-Ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine, transwell, and wound healing assays, respectively. The detection of the levels of genes and proteins was performed by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The binding between miR-636 and circ_0005736 or MAPK1 (Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1) was verified using dual-luciferase reporter assay and RIP assays.

Results

TGF-β1 induced tenogenic differentiation by enhancing the production of tendon-specific markers and TDSC proliferation, invasion and migration. TGF-β1 treatment promoted circ_0005736 expression, knockdown of circ_0005736 abolished TGF-β1-induced tenogenic differentiation in TDSCs. Mechanistically, circ_0005736 acted as a sponge for miR-636 to up-regulate the expression of MAPK1, which was confirmed to be a target of miR-636 in TDSCs. Further rescue assays showed that inhibition of miR-636 could rescue circ_0005736 knockdown-induced suppression on TGF-β1-caused tenogenic differentiation in TDSCs. Moreover, forced expression of miR-636 abolished TGF-β1-caused tenogenic differentiation in TDSCs, which was rescued by MAPK1 up-regulation.

Conclusion

Circ_0005736 enhanced TGF-β1-induced tenogenic differentiation in TDSCs via increasing the production of tendon-specific markers and TDSC proliferation, invasion and migration through miR-636/MAPK1 axis.
Involvement of the Sch9/Rim15/Msn2 signaling pathway in the anti-aging activity of dendrobine from Dendrobium nobile Lindl. via modification of oxidative stress and autophagy
Authors: Wu Enchan , Lian Yiting , Zhao Sali , Li Yajing , Xiang Lan , Qi Jianhua
Published: September 2023

Background

Aging is an important pathogenic factor of age-related diseases and has brought huge health threat and economic burden to the society. Dendrobium nobile Lindl., a valuable herb in China, promotes longevity according to the record of ancient Chinese materia medica. This study aimed to discover the material basis of D. nobile as an anti-aging herb and elucidate its action mechanism.

Methods

K6001 yeast replicative lifespan assay was used to guide the isolation of D. nobile. The chronological lifespan assay of YOM36 yeast was further conducted to confirm the anti-aging activity of dendrobine. The mechanism in which dendrobine exerts anti-aging effect was determined by conducting anti-oxidative stress assay, quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot, measurements of anti-oxidant enzymes activities, determination of nuclear translocation of Rim15 and Msn2, and replicative lifespan assays of Δsod1, Δsod2, Δcat, Δgpx, Δatg2, Δatg32, and Δrim15 yeasts.

Results

Under the guidance of K6001 yeast replicative lifespan system, dendrobine with anti-aging effect was isolated from D. nobile. The replicative and chronological lifespans of yeast were extended upon dendrobine treatment. In the study of action mechanism, dendrobine improved the survival rate of yeast under oxidative stress, decreased the levels of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde, and enhanced the enzyme activities and gene expression of superoxide dismutase and catalase, but it failed to elongate the replicative lifespans of Δsod1, Δsod2, Δcat, and Δgpx yeast mutants. Meanwhile, dendrobine enhanced autophagy occurrence in yeast but had no effect on the replicative lifespans of Δatg2 and Δatg32 yeast mutants. Moreover, the inhibition of Sch9 phosphorylation and the promotion of nuclear translocation of Rim15 and Msn2 were observed after treatment with denrobine. However, the effect of dendrobine disappeared from the Δrim15 yeast mutant after lifespan extension, oxidative stress reduction, and autophagy enhancement.

Conclusions

Dendrobine exerts anti-aging activity in yeast via the modification of oxidative stress and autophagy through the Sch9/Rim15/Msn2 signaling pathway. Our work provides a scientific basis for the exploitation of D. nobile as an anti-aging herb.
MEsh FIxation in Laparoendsocopic Repair of Large M3 inguinal hernias: multicenter, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial—study protocol for a MEFI Trial
Authors: Zamkowski Mateusz , Śmietański Maciej
Published: September 2023

Background

International guidelines of groin hernia treatment strongly recommend to fixate the mesh in large M3 medial defects during TAPP/TEP procedures. The main purpose of fixation is to decrease the recurrence rate which is alarmingly high in case of those defects. In 2022, a team consisting of hernia surgeons and scientists from universities of technology conducted an experimental study with the use of 3D groin model to verify the hypothesis that fixation is not necessary in above cases. Experiment showed that rigid and anatomically shaped meshes are able to maintain its position in the groin without fixation. Similar conclusions were recently published in Swedish database registry analysis. To confirm above results, we decided to conduct a multicenter randomized controlled trial.

Methods

Main objective of MEFI Trial is to verify the hypothesis that non-fixation of spatial, standard polypropylene meshes is non-inferior to fixation of flat, polypropylene lightweight meshes in M3 hernias by laparoendoscopic approach. Eleven large surgery centers in Poland having proficiency in laparoendoscopic groin hernia repairs were recruited for this study. Recurrence in 12-month follow-up was set as a primary endpoint. Pain sensation (Visual Analog Scale) and incidence of other complications (hematoma, seroma, SSI) were also noted. Based on the statistical analysis, minimal sample size in both arms was established at 83–102. The first arm (control) consists of patients undergoing a repair with the use of a flat, macroporous mesh with fixation using histoacryl glue. In the second arm, patients will be operated with the use of anatomically shaped, standard-weight mesh without fixation. Study will be double-blinded (patient/surgeon). After the dissection of preperitoneal space, surgeon will open a sealed envelope and find out which technique he will have to perform. Follow-up will be performed by Study Secretary (also blinded to the method used) via phone call 3 and 12 months after surgery.

Discussion

Based on experimental study and recent registry analysis, we believe that the recurrence rate in both groups would be on the same level, giving hernia societies a strong argument for amending the guidelines.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05678465. Registered on 10 January 2023.
The association between lipid profile, oxidized LDL and the components of metabolic syndrome with serum mineral status and kidney function in individuals with obesity
Authors: Ardekani Abnoos Mokhtari , Nava Zahra Hamidi , Zaman Burhan Abdullah , Vahdat Sahar , Lame-Jouybari Amir-Hossein , Mivefroshan Azam
Published: September 2023

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is presented with a cluster of cardio-metabolic risk factors with widespread prevalence. In the present case-control study, we aimed to examine the relationship between several minerals and renal function tests with the components of MetS in individuals with obesity.

Methods

This study included 127 individuals with obesity of both gender with or without MetS as the case and control, respectively. MetS was characterized based on the Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) criteria. Anthropometric variables and blood pressure were recorded. Mineral status including serum magnesium, copper, calcium, phosphorous, and iron were measured using standard colorimetric methods. Also, the serum lipid levels, concentrations of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL), and renal function tests, including total protein, albumin, urea, creatinine, and uric acid were evaluated using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits.

Results

According to our results, individuals with obesity and MetS had higher levels of waist circumference (WC) and diastolic blood pressure (P < 0.05) compared to individuals with obesity and without MetS. Moreover, individuals with obesity and MetS had higher levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), insulin, and iron (P < 0.05). In individuals with obesity and MetS, iron and albumin showed a positive relationship with LDL cholesterol and TG concentrations, respectively (P < 0.05 for all of them). Also, there was a positive association between serum magnesium and Ox- LDL in individuals with obesity with MetS. While, in individuals with obesity and without MetS, only a positive association between urea and uric acid with WC was observed (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that disturbed serum lipids in obesity-metabolic syndrome is associated with homeostatic changes in the level of minerals or proteins that are involved in their metabolism. Although, further studies are needed to better explain and clarify the underlying mechanism of observed relationships.
Clinical and psychosocial factors associated with quality of life in patients with head and neck cancer: an analytical cross-sectional study from a lower-middle-income country
Authors: Zahid Nida , Martins Russell Seth , Dawood Zaiba Shafik , Zahid Wajeeha , Azam Iqbal , Ikram Mubasher , Hassan Aneesa , Bhamani Shireen Shehzad , Asad Nargis , Jabbar Adnan Abdul , Akhtar Shabbir , Siddiqui Moghira Iqbaluddin , Awan Mohammad Sohail , Ahmad Khabir
Published: September 2023

Introduction

The disease course of head and neck (H&N) cancer can severely impair patients’ quality of life (QoL). In Pakistan, a South Asian lower-middle-income country (LMIC), psychosocial factors may impact QoL. We aimed to assess QoL and associated factors amongst patients with H&N cancer in Pakistan.

Methods

An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted amongst adult (≥ 18 years) patients with H&N cancer who were ≥ 4 weeks post-initiation of treatment. The survey assessed QoL (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaires), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and social support (Enriched Social Support Instrument). Multivariable linear regression was performed for analysis.

Results

A total of 250 patients (mean age: 51.6 years) were included. The majority of patients were married (87%) and living with multigenerational/extended family households (53%). On multivariable linear regression, ongoing cancer treatment (beta coefficient: -13.93), having a tracheostomy (-10.02), and receiving adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (-8.17) were significantly associated with poorer global QoL. Additionally, poorer QoL was associated with depression (-24.37) and anxiety (-13.34). However, having more household family members was associated with better global QoL (0.34).

Conclusion

The QoL of patients with H&N cancer in Pakistan is affected by both the nature of cancer treatment as well as sociocultural factors such the number of household family members. Given that poorer QoL is associated with worse mental health outcomes, there is a need to develop and implement psychosocial interventions to improve the QoL of patients with H&N cancer in Pakistan, particularly during active treatment.
Study protocol of a randomized trial of STRIPES: a schoolyear, peer-delivered high school intervention for students with ADHD
Authors: Macphee Fiona L. , Brewer Stephanie K. , Sibley Margaret H. , Graziano Paulo , Raiker Joseph S. , Coxe Stefany J. , Martin Pablo , Van Dreel Shauntal J. , Rodriguez Mercedes Ortiz , Lyon Aaron R. , Page Timothy F.
Published: September 2023

Background

Youth with ADHD are at risk of academic impairments, dropping out of high school, and dysfunction in young adulthood. Interventions delivered early in high school could prevent these harmful outcomes, yet few high school students with ADHD receive treatment due to limited access to intervention providers. This study will test a peer-delivered intervention (STRIPES) for general education 9th grade students with impairing ADHD symptoms.

Methods

A type 1 hybrid effectiveness-implementation design will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of STRIPES and explore the intervention’s implementability. Analyses will test the impact of STRIPES vs. enhanced school services control on target mechanisms and determine whether differences in basic cognitive profiles moderate intervention response. The acceptability and feasibility of STRIPES and treatment moderators will also be examined.

Discussion

This study will generate knowledge about the effectiveness and implementability of STRIPES, which will inform dissemination efforts in the future. A peer-delivered high school intervention for organization, time management, and planning skills can provide accessible and feasible treatment targeting declines in academic motivation, grades, and attendance during the ninth-grade year.

Trial registration

This study is registered on OSF Registries (10.17605/OSF.IO/Q8V6S).
Molecular profiling of pre- and post-treatment pediatric high-grade astrocytomas reveals acquired increased tumor mutation burden in a subset of recurrences
Authors: Wood Matthew D. , Beadling Carol , Neff Tanaya , Moore Steve , Harrington Christina A. , Baird Lissa , Corless Christopher
Published: September 2023

Diffuse gliomas are a heterogeneous category of primary central nervous system tumors. Due to their infiltrative growth precluding complete surgical resection, most diffuse high-grade gliomas are treated with adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation. Recurrent/progressive diffuse gliomas may show genetic differences when compared to the primary tumors, giving insight into their molecular evolution and mechanisms of treatment resistance. In adult-type diffuse gliomas with or without isocitrate dehydrogenase gene mutations, tumor recurrence/progression can be associated with mutations in genes encoding DNA mismatch repair proteins, leading to a dramatic increase in tumor mutation burden. This phenomenon is closely linked to treatment with the DNA alkylating agent temozolomide, a mainstay of adult diffuse glioma chemotherapeutic management. Post-treatment mismatch repair deficiency and acquired high tumor mutation burden is relatively unexplored in pediatric patients who have recurrent high-grade gliomas. Here, we report a molecular and histological analysis of an institutional cohort of eleven pediatric patients with paired initial and recurrent high-grade astrocytoma samples with intervening temozolomide treatment. We identified three cases with evidence for increased tumor mutation burden at recurrence, including two cases of diffuse hemispheric glioma H3 G34-mutant (one previously reported). We also show that molecular analysis by next-generation DNA sequencing and DNA methylation-based profiling enabled an integrated diagnosis per 2021 World Health Organization criteria in 10 of 11 cases (91%). Our findings indicate that increased tumor mutation burden at post-treatment recurrence is relevant in pediatric-type diffuse high-grade gliomas. Diffuse hemispheric glioma H3 G34-mutant may be particularly susceptible to this phenomenon.
Non-O1/O139 Vibrio cholerae causes severe intestinal disease in bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana)
Authors: Liao Wenyu , Wei Dongdong , Liu Mingzhu , Ke Ke , Shi Deqiang , Li Bingzheng , Huang Shuaishuai , Jiang Jianbo , Yu Qing , Li Pengfei
Published: September 2023

Bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana) are amphibians with high economic value, but in recent years, bullfrog farming has encountered serious threats of bacterial diseases, and the “bullfrog economy” is facing a continuous decline. In this study, the dominant strain was isolated from diseased bullfrogs in a bullfrog farm in Nanning, Guangxi, and based on its morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics and analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences, the strain was identified as a non-O1/O139 group Vibrio cholerae and named TC1. Three virulence factors were identified in this strain, including hemolysin, outer membrane protein, and toxin-coregulated pili. Drug susceptibility testing showed that the strain resisted gentamicin, florfenicol, nitrofural, oxytetracycline, neomycin, penicillin, amoxicillin, doxycycline, and sulfamonomethoxine. The results of artificial infection experiments showed that TC1 caused serious pathologies such as abdominal swelling and anal prolapse in bullfrogs, especially severe intestinal bleeding. Histopathological observations revealed that the bullfrog intestine exhibited obvious pathological lesions. These results provide an essential epidemiological basis for controlling V. cholerae infections in aquatic animals and demonstrate the promise of bullfrogs as an amphibian model for studying the pathogenesis of V. cholerae.
Successful resection of a hypervascular paravertebral solitary fibrous tumor of pleura preserving the artery of Adamkiewicz, which was detected on preoperative angiography
Authors: Manabe Takehiko , Mori Masataka , Kanayama Masatoshi , Kuwata Taiji , Takenaka Masaru , Kuroda Koji , Fukumitsu Satoshi , Murakami Yu , Aoki Takatoshi , Nakayama Toshiyuki , Tanaka Fumihiro
Published: September 2023

Background

Solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura is rarely observed, accounting for 1% of all mediastinum tumors. There have been only a few reports of preoperative embolization for hypervascular tumors around the artery of Adamkiewicz (AKA). We report a rare case of solitary fibrous tumor for which transcatheter embolization was successfully performed before surgical resection.

Case presentation

A 66-year-old woman with sudden-onset back pain was referred to our hospital for the evaluation of a left intrathoracic abnormal shadow on chest X-ray. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) showed a large, posterior mediastinal, paravertebral, and well-demarcated mass with high contrast enhancement and significant vascularization fed by the intercostal artery (ICA), measuring 8.1 × 7.6 × 6.4 cm. Therefore, solitary fibrous tumor, unicentric Castleman disease, or paraganglioma was included in the differential diagnosis. The patient underwent preoperative transcatheter arterial embolization followed by surgical extirpation. Thanks to the appropriate assessment of the anatomy, we could resect the tumor safely. The pathological diagnosis was solitary fibrous tumor of pleura.

Conclusions

We recommend preoperative transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for hypervascular tumors close to the AKA that may require surgical removal; to reduce intraoperative hemorrhage, the AKA should be accurately detected during surgery.
The Talk to Granny initiative: societies world-wide seek whole society approaches to mental health
Authors: Michel Janet , Pham-Tan Odile , Tanner Marcel
Published: September 2023

There are nearly one billion people worldwide who suffer from some form of mental disorder. Of concern is that one in seven teenagers has a mental health issue and that pandemics such as COVID-19 precipitate mental health issues, while at the same time exacerbating pre-existing mental health conditions. The importance of mental health is increasingly being acknowledged. The inclusion of mental health in sustainable developmental goals (SDGs) is a case in point. 

One multi-country study revealed mental health as having taken the second spot as a health concern in most countries. Of utmost concern are findings that these waves of mental health issues we are currently seeing are not solely attributed to the pandemic. The rise in mental health issues has been associated with a rising trend of structural issues at the workplace for some time. At the same time, the health care workers, who are the supposed carers, are themselves burnt out, overworked and fighting the same battles of juggling parenthood, work pressures, insecurities and toxic work environments. In short, they too have not been spared from mental health issues. In our view, finding innovative means to address the mental health issue is an urgent task. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) proposes a multi-sectoral integrated approach to mental health, going beyond mental health specialists, to include multiple actors and sectors from schools, teachers, line managers and community actors. As societies in Europe seek whole society approaches to mental health, we propose the “Talk to Granny” initiative. This proposal involves encouraging individuals to have conversations with their grandmothers, a free, tried and tested mutually beneficial resource generations have turned to in times of difficulties in most cultures
Do stress and anxiety lead to belief in conspiracy theories?
Authors: Fox Nick , Williams Matt N.
Published: September 2023

Conspiracies happen, and some conspiracy theories are warranted by evidence. Nevertheless, a non-trivial proportion of the public express belief in conspiracy theories that are not warranted by evidence. Psychological research has therefore investigated the motives that might lead someone to believe a conspiracy theory even where the available evidence for the theory is weak. Two potential causes that have been proposed in the literature and embedded in theorising are psychological stress and anxiety. Prior studies have provided some evidence that stress and anxiety are positively correlated with belief in conspiracy theories, but it remains unclear whether this apparent effect might be accounted for by plausible confounding variables. Furthermore, there have been few preregistered examinations of the proposed effects of stress and anxiety, rendering it unclear to what degree this proposition has yet been subjected to a severe test. In two preregistered cross-sectional survey studies, we tested whether higher perceived stress and anxiety significantly predicted belief in conspiracy theories while controlling for plausible confounding variables (age, education, subjective social status, and political orientation). We analysed data using structural equation models, allowing measurement error to be explicitly modelled and accounted for. In Study 1 (N =502), a cross-sectional survey of Australasian participants indicated that perceived stress and anxiety did not have significant estimated effects on belief in conspiracy theories. In Study 2 (N =1020), a cross-sectional survey of US participants showed a small significant positive effect of perceived stress, but not anxiety, on belief in conspiracy theories. The present results provide very tentative evidence for an effect of perceived stress on belief in conspiracy theories. However, it is increasingly evident that this effect, if it exists at all, is not large.
Prenatal testing - diagnostic possibilities in the 21st century with special emphasis on the diagnosis of genetic defects and heart defects
Authors: Tarsa Grzegorz , Ben Rhaiem Rami , Sudelska Katarzyna , Sawińska Zuzanna , Kępka Przemysław , Łokczewska-Bojar Aleksandra , Kuziemkowska Daria , Kuźma Jan , Skotalczyk Magdalena , Łącka-Majcher Anna
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Prenatal diagnosis is a branch of medicine that deals with the detection of possible genetic and developmental abnormalities at the fetal life stage. Due to the rapid development of technology in recent decades, diagnostic capabilities at the prenatal stage have also changed their face.

Aim of the study: The aim of the study is to review the available scientific literature in order to systematize the current knowledge of prenatal diagnosis with particular emphasis on the diagnosis of genetic diseases and diagnosis of heart defects.

Results: Prenatal diagnosis is divided into invasive and non-invasive diagnostics. Non-invasive diagnostics include ultrasound, maternal blood biochemical tests and NIPT tests. Invasive diagnostics include tests such as amniocentesis and chorionic villus biopsy. Prenatal tests provide information on the risk of genetic diseases such as trisomy 21, 13 and 18 chromosome. In addition, serious structural heart defects such as tetralogy of Fallot are likely to be detected during prenatal diagnosis. Prenatal testing can also detect fetal heart rhythm abnormalities, which makes it possible to start treatment at an early stage.  Modern ultrasound technology also allows 3D imaging, which can also provide valuable diagnostic information.

Summary: Prenatal diagnosis is a highly developed field of medicine that combines knowledge from various specialties. Thanks to prenatal diagnosis, it is possible to detect various abnormalities at an early stage of fetal life, which enables early treatment.
Evidencias Internacionales de Fraude Fiscal y Blanqueo de Capitales a través de Paraísos Fiscales.
Authors: González-Martín José-Mauro , Salas-Suárez Alvaro-Antonio
Published: September 2023

Los efectos perjudiciales de los paraísos fiscales en la sociedad civil comenzaron a ser percibidos en el año 2000, cuando una organización británica, OXFAM, publicó un informe que sugería que estas jurisdicciones les costaban a los países en desarrollo, al menos, cincuenta mil millones de dólares anuales en ingresos perdidos. El objetivo de este estudio es investigar, analizar y evidenciar la vinculación de los paraísos fiscales con la evasión fiscal, la corrupción y el blanqueo de capitales a nivel internacional y sus implicaciones sobre la “justicia fiscal”. La metodología utilizada es empírica y teórica, apoyándose en el estudio de casos y análisis de los documentos presentados y publicados por diversas fuentes. Entre las conclusiones destaca la eficacia de las denuncias y filtraciones que se han producido entre 2007 y 2021 como instrumento ilustrador del funcionamiento de la trama de corrupción fiscal internacional de grandes fortunas o de empresas, relacionadas con paraísos fiscales y que ha posibilitado la apertura de expedientes e investigaciones precisas desde las administraciones públicas nacionales. Los Panama Papers (2016 y 2018) y los Pandora Papers (2021) destacan como las filtraciones más relevantes.
Impacto de la Derecha Radical sobre la Calidad de la Democracia en Europa (1980-2020).
Authors: Ortiz-Barquero Pablo , Aragón-Morales Alba-María , Polo-Artal Alba
Published: September 2023

El creciente protagonismo de partidos de derecha radical en Europa ha estado acompañado de estudios académicos sobre su rendimiento electoral y análisis de su discurso político. No obstante, la vía de estudio sobre las consecuencias y efectos de la presencia de estos partidos ha sido poco abordada. El objetivo de esta investigación es examinar el impacto de la derecha radical en la calidad de la democracia, poniendo el foco en 25 países europeos en el periodo 1980-2020. A través de técnicas multivariantes, se busca correlacionar la presencia de derecha radical en legislaturas con la evolución del índice de democracia liberal (que muestra la salud de los mecanismos políticos e institucionales), el índice de equal protection (que mide los derechos y libertades de los diferentes grupos sociales) y el índice de exclusión por género (que da cuenta del grado de consecución de la igualdad de género). Los resultados apuntan, aunque de forma modesta, que la presencia de los partidos de derecha radical está unida a un empeoramiento de la calidad democrática en algunos aspectos generales y específicos de derechos y libertades. No así, sin embargo, en lo relativo a la igualdad de género. Los hallazgos indican el interés de abordar una agenda comparativa de corte empírico sobre la cuestión.
Efectos del valor de la marca de servicios en un marca de comida rápida en Nigeria.
Authors: Moyosore Tijani Usman , Tosin Balogun Mustapha , Temiloluwa Oyekunle Olubusola
Published: September 2023

Companies with a strong brand are less vulnerable to competitors’ marketing methods, resulting in higher profit margins, both economically and socially. In addition, there is the issue of long-term customer loyalty and trust. Brands, in this sense, are intangible assets that play a key role in assessing customer needs and wants and offering them something better than the competition. Based on this premise, the objective of this study is to examine the relationship between service brand equity and brand strength. The methodology used was based on descriptive surveys, studying a group of individuals in a natural context, using primary sources. This was carried out in Lagos State, Nigeria. The results point to evidence of superior profits for companies with strong brands compared to their competitors, as their brands are widely known and respected. If consumers are attracted to a company’s brand and associate themselves favourably with it, these customers can become the company’s most lucrative clientele.
Apropiación de la planificación estratégica del marketing digital para emprendimientos gastronómicos en Guayaquil, contexto postpandemia.
Authors: Poveda Tatiana
Published: September 2023

En la actualiad el marketing digital es esencial para posicionar marcas, fidelizar clientes y así incrementar la utilidad por acción, sin embargo, para el sector gastronómico guayaquileño las estrategias de las MiPymes no son claras al respecto luego de superar un periodo de recesión producto de la pandemia del Covid 19 y mucho menos la forma de aplicarlas para así lograr beneficios concretos. En el estudio se utilizó un enfoque descriptivo, es decir, mediante la determinación de las características y el comportamiento de las empresas, sectores y consumidores, además de métodos observacionales, inductivos y analíticos, también se identificaron modelos de comportamiento y cualidades de la población investigada. En general, las MiPymes siguen prefiriendo las técnicas de boca en boca para dar a conocer sus marcas y no cuentan con presupuestos ni personal capacitado para campañas de marketing digital. En cuanto a los consumidores, se encontró que querían comunicarse con la agencia, escuchar las experiencias de otros clientes, y las publicaciones se emitían esencialmente por la noche en un idioma familiar con pocas palabras. Esto se debe tener presente antes de dar inicio una campaña de marketing digital para definir adecuadamente objetivos, tácticas y métricas. Con lo anterior, se pueden identificar los factores responden aspectos cruciales en las actividades de posicionamiento y marca digital, así como también se puede crear un perfil primordial para los consumidores digitales y un agregado de estrategias de marketing digital.
Obraz Anny Ostrogskiej w polskich drukowanych kazaniach pogrzebowych
Authors: Szatkowska Alicja Szatkowska
Published: September 2023

There is little information in the literature on Anna, Duchess of Ostrog (1575-1635). She was the daughter of Voivode of Sandomierz, Jan Kostka and Zofia Odrowąż. As a six-year-old girl, she became an orphan. Her uncle took care of Anna and she was brought up as a devout Catholic. In 1592, she married Aleksander Ostrogski (1570-1603), Voivode of Volhynia. During the 11 years of their marriage, Anna gave birth to seven children, of whom only three daughters lived to adulthood. In 1603 Anna became a widow. During her 31 years of widowhood, Ostrogska focused on charity and church activities. Based on the surviving funeral sermons, it can be concluded that Anna possessed all the qualities and virtues valued by the Catholic Church and worthy of emulation.
El odontograma como articulador de afectos: una aproximación etnográfica más allá de la representación
Authors: Daza Cardona Jorge Alexander , Martínez Medina Santiago
Published: September 2023

Introducción: este artículo ofrece una exploración empírica y conceptual del odontograma, un dispositivo usado cotidianamente en la práctica odontológica para evaluar el estado dental. Se tomaron como base los aportes del “giro ontológico” y algunos de las propuestas más recientes de las teorías del afecto para reflexionar más allá de las concepciones epistemológicas de la representación. El propósito del texto es comprender las relaciones materiales, corporales y afectivas puestas en acción en la formación odontológica en relación con el odontograma. Materiales y métodos: se tomó como caso de estudio un programa de educación odontológica ubicado en una ciudad intermedia de Colombia, particularmente lo ocurrido en prácticas clínicas y en reuniones de profesores. Para el análisis, se partió de la noción de “momento etnográfico” propuesta por Marilyn Strathern. Resultados: se encontraron diversas situaciones que muestran la capacidad que tiene el odontograma para articular afectos, tales como, discutir convenciones, diligenciar con lápiz los formatos de la historia clínica, mover la silla de la unidad odontológica para ver los dientes, secar con la jeringa triple, explicar diferencias sutiles entre anatomía y patología y evaluar los odontogramas hechos por los estudiantes. Conclusiones: la relación entre la boca del paciente y el odontograma es compleja y de mutuo exceso, lo cual posibilita una experiencia más rica de los dientes. Finalmente, se dejan abiertas preguntas especulativas sobre las posibilidades del odontograma en la búsqueda de desdibujar los límites entre lo biológico y lo social.
Upper temperature limit for nanograting survival in oxide glasses: publisher’s note
Authors: Xie Qiong , Cavillon Maxime , Poumellec Bertrand , Lancry Matthieu
Published: September 2023

This publisher’s note contains corrections to Appl. Opt. 62, 6794 (2023)APOPAI0003-693510.1364/AO.496351.
Electromagnetic characteristics of antisymmetric toroidal dipole array of plasmonic metasurfaces
Authors: Yu Yingying , Sun BO
Published: September 2023

An antisymmetric toroidal dipole array of plasmonic metasurfaces, whose unit cell consisted of a pair of physically connected asymmetric split-ring resonators, is presented in this study. Moreover, a new paradigm was established to control toroidal electric dipole properties. Toroidal electric dipoles and electric and magnetic hybrid pseudo-anapole states are excited owing to imperfect and perfect destructive interference, respectively, which leads to the spatial separation of the electric and magnetic fields and a distinct asymmetric Fano line shape in the transmission spectrum. The imperfect destructive interference was further modified by adjusting the relative position between the even and odd layers of the metasurfaces. The scattered power of the toroidal electric dipole is tuned continuously and linearly, which enables the tailoring of the electromagnetic response. The displacement sensitivity is approximately 0.13 GHz/mm over the range 0–8 mm. The modulation depth of the scattered power of the toroidal electric dipole can reach 740%, realising a toroidal electric-dipole-to-electric-dipole transition. The proposed plasmonic metasurfaces provide a platform to efficiently control near-field enhancement, far-field radiation, and electric-magnetic separation and find potential applications in frequency-selective surfaces, sensors, filters, spectroscopic tests, and many other areas.
Investigation on the ultraviolet spectral radiation characteristics of two-phase flow plume based on OH and alumina particles
Authors: Li Jingying , Chen Yang , Li Jinlu , Bai Lu
Published: September 2023

Ultraviolet detection has advantages over radar and infrared detection, such as low background radiation and high resolution. The UV spectral radiation characteristics of exhaust plume are of extremely great research significance as the main parameters for aircraft detection. We used the BEM-2 two-phase flow plume as the object of study, calculated the scattering characteristics of alumina particles and the UV absorption coefficient of OH in the plume based on the MIE theory and the line-by-line integration method, established the UV radiation transfer model of aircraft plume under gas-solid coupling, simulated the UV spectral radiation characteristics of the plume, and compared them with experimental results. The results show that due to the drastic changes of temperature and pressure at the Mach and non-Mach disks in the plume, the value of OH absorption coefficient fluctuates up and down along the axial direction with the position of the Mach disk; at 261nm, 282nm, and 306nm, the spectral radiation intensity of alumina particles accounts for approximately 96%, 85%, and 73% of the total spectral radiation intensity of the plume, respectively, which are much higher than the proportion of OH gas spectral radiation intensity, but in the infrared wave band, the influence of particle scattering characteristics on the spectral radiation intensity of the plume is much lower compared to the UV wave band; the overall radial range of the UV spectral radiation intensity of the plume is relatively narrow and its tail exhibits a converging shape, showing a good consistency with the experimental results.
Coherent beam combining of cylindrical vector beams for power scaling
Authors: Liu Shixin , Liu Hang , Qi Xuepeng , Peng Wanjing , Feng Yujun , Chen Li , Li Zhendong , Sun Yinhong , Ma Yi , Zhao Zhigang , Gao Qingsong , Liu Zhaojun , Tang Chun
Published: September 2023

Coherent beam combining (CBC) of cylindrical vector beams (CVBs) based on an active phase controller is proposed and demonstrated. Experimentally, two pieces of spatially variant wave plates (S-wave plate) were employed as vector mode convertors for two individual 1064-nm fiber amplifier channels. When the system was in a closed loop, a combined output power of 10 W and a CBC efficiency of higher than 94% were achieved, for both TM01 (radially polarized) mode and TE01 (azimuthally polarized) mode cases. Moreover, the laser system showed a high vector mode purity, which was measured to be ∼97.4% (TM01) and ∼97.3% (TE01). To the best of knowledge, this could possibly be the first demonstration of CBC of CVBs, which paves the way for power scaling of CVBs.
Gate-controlled Sb2S3 thin film photodetectors for logic switches
Authors: Deng Hui , Kang Yubin , Jia Yi , Chen Zekun , Wang Weihuang , Xia Yong , Lai Yunfeng , Cheng Shuying
Published: September 2023

Antimony sulfide (Sb2S3) photodetectors (PDs) have great potential in commercial applications. The performances are affected by photocarrier distribution and recombination. Here, the gate-controlled Sb2S3 thin film PD is fabricated on the TiO2/SiO2/Si substrate by the vacuum method. The p-channel Sb2S3 transistor obtained a threshold voltage of 0.6 V and a switching ratio of 1064, achieving an effective regulation by gate voltages. A negative gate voltage can enhance conductivity and can suppress recombination. The responsivity and detectivity of the PD reach 1.6 A/W and 1.2 × 1011 Jones, respectively. The device realizes logic outputs by the signal inputs of illumination and gate voltage.
Femtosecond laser printing-assisted etching tailored hard and brittle micro-convex surface
Authors: Liu Yang , Huang Ji , Yin Bin , Ye Yunxia , Liang Misheng , Chen Xiaozhe , Wang Feifei , Zhang Jingjing , Dai Zijie
Published: September 2023

We report a femtosecond laser print-assisted dry etching technology for high-efficiency, high-quality, and tailored fabricating of a micro-convex surface (MCS) on hard and brittle materials. Liquid ultraviolet curing adhesive (UVCA) was transferred from a donor substrate to a receiving substrate by femtosecond laser-induced forward transfer, and the transferred microdroplet spontaneously has a smooth surface under the action of surface tension. And then an MCS with a high-quality surface was formed on hard and brittle materials by UV curing and dry etching. The effects of laser parameters and receiving substrate surface free energy on MCS morphology were investigated. According to the variation of the numerical aperture, the two methods to change the morphology of the MCS were divided into independent/joint regulation of diameter and height. We showed that a hexagonal array containing a variety of MCS morphologies can be fabricated on a fused silica by setting the appropriate parameters. And the fabrication time of an MCS in a large-area array was only 1.1 s.
Fast polarization state tracking for dual-polarization direct detection with Jones-space field recovery
Authors: Wu Qi , Zhu Yixiao , Xu Zhaopeng , Wei Jinlong , Liang Junpeng , Yang Yu , Qiao Gang , Ji Honglin , Zhuge Qunbi , Hu Weisheng
Published: September 2023

Direct detection system is expected to possess the phase and polarization diversity in order to achieve high spectral efficiency and fiber impairment compensation such as chromatic dispersion and polarization rotation. In this Letter, we theoretically extend the concept of the proposed Jones-space field recovery (JSFR) to include a dynamic polarization rotation matrix and experimentally demonstrate the rapid polarization state tracking ability of the JSFR receiver based on a 3 × 3 optical coupler. Under a rotation of the state of polarization at a rate of 1 Mrad/s, we successfully transmit 59-GBd dual-polarization 16-ary quadrature-amplitude-modulation signals over an 80-km standard single-mode fiber based on a decision-directed least mean square (DD-LMS) or a recursive least square (DD-RLS), with a bit-error rate below the 14% hard-decision forward error correction threshold of 1 × 10−2. The experimental results indicate that the legacy polarization tracking algorithms designed for coherent optical communication are also applicable for this direct detection scheme. To our best knowledge, this work demonstrates the first polarization rotation-tolerant direct detection system with phase and polarization diversity, providing a low-cost and high-speed solution for short-reach communications.
Sub-nanometer scale depth patterning on sapphire crystal by femtosecond soft x-ray laser pulse irradiation
Authors: Mikami Katsuhiro , Ishino Masahiko , Motoyama Hiroto , Dinh Thanh-Hung , Yokomae Shunya , Yamaguchi Gota , Egawa Satoru , Sakaue Kazuyuki , Mimura Hidekazu , Higashiguchi Takeshi , Kubota Yuya , Owada Shigeki , Iwasaki Atsushi , Inubushi Yuichi , Nishikino Masaharu
Published: September 2023

Damage thresholds and structures on a metal aluminum and an aluminum oxide crystal induced by the soft x-ray free electron laser irradiations were evaluated. Distinctive differences in damage thresholds and structures were observed for these materials. On the aluminum oxide crystal surface, in particular, a novel, to the best of our knowledge, surface processing, which we suggest defining as “peeling,” was recognized. Surface structures formed by peeling had extremely shallow patterning of sub-nanometer depth. For the newly observed peeling process, we proposed a scission of chemical bond, i.e., binding energy model, in the crystal.
Multiplexing of bias-controlled modulation modes on a monolithic III-nitride optoelectronic chip
Authors: Zhang Hao , Ye Ziqi , Yan Jiabin , Shi Fan , Shi Zhiming , Li Dabing , Liu Yuhuai , Amano Hiroshi , Wang Yongjin
Published: September 2023

III-nitride optoelectronic chips have tremendous potential for developing integrated computing and communication systems with low power consumption. The monolithic, top–down approaches are advantageous for simplifying the fabrication process and reducing the corresponding manufacturing cost. Herein, an ultraviolet optical interconnection system is investigated to discover the way of multiplexing between emission and absorption modulations on a monolithic optoelectronic chip. All on-chip components, the transmitter, monitor, waveguide, modulator, and receiver, share the same quantum well structure. As an example, two bias-controlled modulation modes are used to modulate video and audio signals in the experiment presented in this Letter. The results show that our on-chip optoelectronic system works efficiently in the near ultraviolet band, revealing the potential breadth of GaN optoelectronic integration.
Scalable photonic integrated circuits for high-fidelity light control
Authors: Menssen Adrian J. , Hermans Artur , Christen Ian , Propson Thomas , Li Chao , Leenheer Andrew J. , Zimmermann Matthew , Dong Mark , Larocque Hugo , Raniwala Hamza , Gilbert Gerald , Eichenfield Matt , Englund Dirk R.
Published: September 2023

Advances in laser technology have driven discoveries in atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) physics and emerging applications, from quantum computers with cold atoms or ions, to quantum networks with solid-state color centers. This progress is motivating the development of a new generation of optical control systems that can manipulate the light field with high fidelity at wavelengths relevant for AMO applications. These systems are characterized by criteria: (C1) operation at a design wavelength of choice in the visible (VIS) or near-infrared (IR) spectrum, (C2) a scalable platform that can support large channel counts, (C3) high-intensity modulation extinction and (C4) repeatability compatible with low gate errors, and (C5) fast switching times. Here, we provide a pathway to address these challenges by introducing an atom control architecture based on VIS-IR photonic integrated circuit (PIC) technology. Based on a complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor fabrication process, this atom-control PIC (APIC) technology can meet system requirements (C1)–(C5). As a proof of concept, we demonstrate a 16-channel silicon-nitride-based APIC with (5.8±0.4)ns response times and >30dB extinction ratio at a wavelength of 780 nm.