bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Turkmenistan in the modern world market
Authors: Kertiev Kerim , Jumaev Ruslan , Allamuradov Meylis
Published: March 2023

Over the past three decades, the socio-economic shape of the international community has changed and the structure of developing and developed countries has transformed. These changes were reflected in the distribution and reorientation of key economic and political forces between countries. Developing countries have become more stable and larger players in the world economy and have been able to influence the modification of macroeconomics. The study of modern economic conditions shows the characteristic specifics of development caused by the increasing dependence on the international economic space. Interrelations of the external environment of the states’ performance and internal economic processes have undergone essential transformation: transnational economic relations arising from the international division of various types of production come to the foreground, turning into the key mechanism of effective development of national economies. The foreign economic activity is extremely important for Turkmenistan, and therefore any steps aimed at changing it have to be analysed promptly and, where appropriate, science-based options of development in new conditions must be developed.
Consumer cynicism toward management’s handling of uncertainties a study in the aviation sector
Authors: Basal Murat , Suzen Ekrem
Published: March 2023

Managing uncertainty, which is an inevitable reality in the working life of businesses, will inevitably benefit the success of the company. Looking at the sources of the concept of uncertainty in businesses; It is handled in four different categories as marked variability, predictable uncertainty, unpredictable uncertainty and chaos. The emergency and additional are necessary condition for a manager to be able to identify uncertainty and learn. When the consumer buys a brand, there may be inconsistency between the promises of the brand and the experiences obtained. The fact that the consumer, who has many negative feelings about the brand, has these thoughts is called consumer cynicism in the marketing process. It can convey the negative situation experienced by the consumer to other consumers through word of mouth or communication with digital marketing channels. With this study, it is tried to determine the effect of the cynicism thoughts of the consumer against a brand or product in the process of coping with the uncertainties of the management. Data were obtained from 410 participants by convenience sampling method. In the findings, the situation of the manager was effective in the process of the cynical thoughts of the consumers in the process of managing the uncertainties of the enterprise. Another striking issue is that demographically; men have a more cynical attitude. This can be easily resolved by the manager. Among other variables, besides education level, cynical behaviors are observed in some of the sub-variables of managerial uncertainty and age.
Comparative analysis of digital services and their impact on the trade segment development
Authors: Pirogova Oksana , Zasenko Vilena
Published: March 2023

Modern technologies have penetrated into all spheres of human life. At the same time, digital technologies continue to develop at a rapid pace, some areas of activity have achieved high rates in the introduction and application of modern technologies. Digital platforms can be used by all participants in the real estate market. Services are actively used and developed that simplify the interaction between the developer, the buyer and banks, constructors to strengthen developers’ websites, technologies for construction and real estate management, services for appraising an apartment, obtaining a mortgage, legal support, checking debts, encumbrances and history of an apartment, tools for remote demonstration of objects. The ability to use, compare, choose the most appropriate service for a specific request is relevant in modern conditions. The aim of the work is to compare digital services in the field of real estate and make a forecast for the development of the retail segment. The work used the method of comparing the characteristics of the objects of study, correlation and regression analysis. As a result of the study, a sales price forecast for the retail segment was determined and the most informative digital platform in the real estate industry was identified.
Scientific and methodological approach to the assessment of the region financial and production structure
Authors: Kirilchuk Svetlana , Tsopa Natalya , Apatova Natalia , Nalyvaichenko Ekaterina , Gerasimova Svetlana , Burkaltseva Diana , Polskaya Svetlana , Polskaya Ludmila
Published: March 2023

The proposed methodology for assessing the system of indicators of the region financial and production structure includes 8 main components. The purpose of the study: to propose a scientific and methodological approach to assessing the region, taking into account the financial and production structure. The calculated indicators characterize how the region is provided with financial and production factors, as well as how financially stable and independent it is.
Project management in the context of environmental marketing
Authors: Fokina Olga , Mottaeva Angela , Turutina Tatyana
Published: March 2023

The aim of the work is to develop a methodology for an environmentally oriented marketing project in the restaurant business and the choice of tools for its implementation. In accordance with this goal, the
areas of project management in the field of restaurant marketing are considered, the advantages of implementing an environmentally oriented project approach in the restaurant business are revealed, the dynamics of
the ecological state of the environment and indicators of the development of the restaurant market in the Russian Federation are analyzed, examples
of projects of the restaurant industry of the country with reference to the implemented environmental strategy are given, the methodology of project
marketing management has been developed taking into account the ecological orientation of the restaurant and the tools of project management of sustainable marketing of the restaurant have been
proposed. The practical significance of the research results lies in the possibility of implementing a project approach to marketing management
of sustainable development in the restaurant business. The theoretical significance lies in the elaboration of the methodology of environmentally
responsible project management, the assessment of the possibility of applying a particular environmental strategy in the restaurant industry, the
applicability of individual project management tools in the implementation of the principles of environmentally responsible marketing.
Automatic sequences in negative bases and proofs of some conjectures of shevelev
Authors: Shallit Jeffrey , Shan Sonja Linghui , Yang Kai Hsiang
Published: March 2023

We discuss the use of negative bases in automatic sequences. Recently the theorem-prover Walnut has been extended to allow the use of base (—k) to express variables, thus permitting quantification over ℤ instead of ℕ. This enables us to prove results about two-sided (bi-infinite) automatic sequences. We first explain the theory behind negative bases in Walnut. Next, we use this new version of Walnut to give a very simple proof of a strengthened version of a theorem of Shevelev. We use our ideas to resolve two open problems of Shevelev from 2017. We also reprove a 2000 result of Shut involving bi-infinite binary words.
Der Mensch – die Medizin des Menschen?
Authors: Opalka Markus
Published: March 2023

Erst wenn der Heilpraktiker auch psychische und emotionale Aspekte des Patienten betrachtet, wird ihm ein ganzheitlicher Zugang zum Patienten möglich. Für den Therapeuten gilt es, fixierte Haltungen des Patienten aufzuweichen und gleichzeitig Zuversicht auf den Behandlungs-erfolg zu vermitteln. Dabei wird der Heilpraktiker nicht selten mit eigenen Unzulänglichkeiten konfrontiert, die es zu meistern gilt. Von der menschlichen Begegnung mit all ihren Facetten profi-tieren am Ende sowohl der Patient als auch der Therapeut, indem sie sich gegenseitig in ihrer Entwicklung während des Behandlungsprozesses unterstützen und stärken.
Das Mittel als Bindeglied
Authors: Stern Cornelia
Published: March 2023

Heilmittel dienen in der Naturheilkunde der Selbstregulation und stellen dabei den Patienten mit allen seinen Ressourcen in den Mittelpunkt. Das Mittel fungiert als vertrauensbildendes Bindeglied zwischen Therapeut und Patient – Wirkung und Vertrauen bedingen sich dabei gegenseitig. Auch abseits stofflicher oder energetischer Effekte stoßen Vertrauen und Heilungserwartung allein bereits eine regulatorische Selbstheilung an.
A Case of Oligospermic Male Infertility Successfully Treated with Personalised Homoeopathic Medicine Phosphoricum acidum
Authors: Dey Joy Kumar , Dey Sanjay Kumar , Pramanik Abhishek
Published: March 2023

A 25-year-old Indian, male being married for two years presented with complaints of low sperm count for one year at Homoeopathic Seva Niketan, Durga Park, New Delhi, India. The patient came to the clinic with complaints of oligospermia or oligozoospermia, headache, weak memory, and constipation. The couple had undergone various medical tests and sought the help from various infertility specialists and were told that the wife had no medical condition preventing them from having a child. The patient was treated on the wholistic concept of homoeopathy with specific doses of Phosphoricum acidum resulting in fruitful conception within three years. These were evident from the time to time semen analysis reports of the patient and presence of a live foetus in his wife's diagnostic reports.
Evidence-Based Homoeopathy: A Case Report of Bilateral Chronic Venous Leg Ulcer Effectively Treated by Individualised Miasmatic Medicines
Authors: Ravin D. Sampaul
Published: March 2023

Venous ulcers can occur when the veins in the legs do not push blood back to the heart. Blood backs up in the veins , building up pressure and accumulation of fluid prevents the nutrients and oxygen from getting to the tissues, resulting in cell death and formation of ulcer. Venous ulcer does interfere with quality of life and induces great deal of discomfort. Conventional medicine mentions chronic venous ulcer as surgical disease. In homoeopathy, this condition is treatable without surgery through individualised miasmatic approach. A successfully treated case of 57 years old male, suffering from bilateral chronic venous leg ulcer, complicated with two miasms is reported here.
Neuromuscular Complications of COVID-19: Evidence from the Third Year of the Global Pandemic
Authors: Suh Joome , Amato Anthony
Published: March 2023

Accumulating evidence in the third year of the global pandemic suggests that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can cause neuromuscular complications during or after the acute phase of infection. Direct viral infection and immune-mediated mechanisms have been hypothesized. Furthermore, in patients with underlying autoimmune neuromuscular diseases, COVID-19 infection may trigger a disease flare. COVID-19 vaccines appear to be safe and effective at preventing severe illness from COVID-19. Certain vaccines are associated with an increased risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome and possibly Bell's palsy, but the absolute incidence is low, and benefits likely outweigh the risks. Newer prophylactic therapies and treatments are also becoming available for patients who may not mount a sufficient response to vaccination or have contraindications. In this article, we discuss the current available evidence on neuromuscular complications of COVID-19 and clinical considerations regarding vaccination.
Gauge invariance and anomalies in condensed matter physics
Authors: Fröhlich Jürg
Published: March 2023

This paper begins with a summary of a powerful formalism for the study of electronic states in condensed matter physics called “gauge theory of states/phases of matter.” The chiral anomaly, which plays quite a prominent role in that formalism, is recalled. I then sketch an application of the chiral anomaly in 1 + 1 dimensions to quantum wires. Subsequently, some elements of the quantum Hall effect in two-dimensional (2D) gapped (“incompressible”) electron liquids are reviewed. In particular, I discuss the role of anomalous chiral edge currents and of the anomaly inflow in 2D gapped electron liquids with explicitly or spontaneously broken time reversal, i.e., in Hall and Chern insulators. The topological Chern–Simons action yielding transport equations valid in the bulk of such systems and the associated anomalous edge action are derived. The results of a general classification of “Abelian” Hall insulators are outlined. After some remarks on induced Chern–Simons actions, I sketch results on certain 2D chiral photonic wave guides. I then continue with an analysis of chiral edge spin-currents and bulk response equations in time-reversal invariant 2D topological insulators of electron gases with spin–orbit interactions. The “chiral magnetic effect” in 3D systems and axion-electrodynamics are reviewed next. This prepares the ground for an outline of a general theory of 3D topological insulators, including “axionic insulators.” Some remarks on Weyl semi-metals, which exhibit the chiral magnetic effect, and on Mott transitions in 3D systems with dynamical axion-like degrees of freedom conclude this review.
Machine learning meets Monte Carlo methods for models of muscle’s molecular machinery to classify mutations
Authors: Asencio Anthony , Malingen Sage , Kooiker Kristina B. , Powers Joseph D. , Davis Jennifer , Daniel Thomas , Moussavi-Harami Farid
Published: March 2023

The timing and magnitude of force generation by a muscle depend on complex interactions in a compliant, contractile filament lattice. Perturbations in these interactions can result in cardiac muscle diseases. In this study, we address the fundamental challenge of connecting the temporal features of cardiac twitches to underlying rate constants and their perturbations associated with genetic cardiomyopathies. Current state-of-the-art metrics for characterizing the mechanical consequence of cardiac muscle disease do not utilize information embedded in the complete time course of twitch force. We pair dimension reduction techniques and machine learning methods to classify underlying perturbations that shape the timing of twitch force. To do this, we created a large twitch dataset using a spatially explicit Monte Carlo model of muscle contraction. Uniquely, we modified the rate constants of this model in line with mouse models of cardiac muscle disease and varied mutation penetrance. Ultimately, the results of this study show that machine learning models combined with biologically informed dimension reduction techniques can yield excellent classification accuracy of underlying muscle perturbations.
Magnetic shielding up to 0.67 T at 77 K using a stack of high temperature superconducting tape annuli of 26 mm bore
Authors: Brialmont Sébastien , Dular Julien , Wéra Laurent , Fagnard Jean-François , Vanderheyden Benoît , Geuzaine Christophe , Hahn Seungyong , Patel Anup , Vanderbemden Philippe
Published: March 2023

In this work we demonstrate the magnetic shielding ability of a stack of YBa2Cu3O7 tape annuli. The annuli are cut from a 46 mm wide second generation coated conductor deposited on a Ni-5at.%W alloy ferromagnetic (FM) substrate. The inner bore of the stacked tapes is 26 mm and the outer diameter is 45 mm. Three samples with different height (24 mm, 14.9 mm, 9.9 mm) are studied. All the experiments are carried out at both room temperature and liquid nitrogen temperature (77 K). The shielding efficiency is investigated when the magnetic field is applied either parallel to the axis of the stack (axial shielding) or perpendicular to it (transverse shielding). Under an axial field, magnetic shielding is found to be effective (SF

>
3

) up to magnetic flux densities of 0.67 T. The presence of the FM substrates is found to have two important consequences. First, the stack of annuli is able to shield transverse flux densities in spite of its layered structure. Second, a finite magnetic shielding effectiveness is demonstrated at room temperature. In order to understand the contribution of the FM substrates to the shielding mechanism, we use the experimental field dependence of the magnetic permeability as determined independently from hysteresis loop measurements on the same substrates. A finite-element homogenized model solved with an H–φ formulation is shown to successfully reproduce the shielding factor of the stack at room temperature and 77 K, both under axial and transverse applied fields. These models are also used to assess the influence of the critical current density and the magnetic permeability on the shielding efficiency. Finally, the results are used to predict the magnetic shielding properties of higher stacks, demonstrating their significant potential to shield axial fields of

∼

0.93

 T (with SF

>
10

) at 77 K.
Twisted dust-acoustic waves in a self-gravitating dusty plasma with nonextensive q-distributed electrons and ions
Authors: Bukhari S , Irfan M , Ahmed Mubashar
Published: March 2023

We have investigated the twisted dust-acoustic waves (TDAWs) in an electrostatic self-gravitating dusty plasma whose electrons and ions are modelled by nonextensive q-distribution function while massive dust particles are Maxwellian distributed. A well-known kinetic theory is employed for this purpose where perturbed distribution function, electrostatic and gravitational potentials are expressed with Laguerre–Gauss functions. The governing equations of kinetic theory are solved together under paraxial approximations. The dispersion relations and instability growth rates are obtained for two situations; a) super-extensivity (q < 1) and b) sub-extensivity (q > 1). Significant modifications concerning the wave frequencies and growth rates are presented with respect to self-gravitation parameter, twist parameter, nonextensive parameter and streaming speed. It is observed that wave frequency and growth rate of TDAWs reduces in the presence of self-gravitating effects. Furthermore, the growth rates exhibit a significant enhancement in amplitude with the increase in twist parameter, q-parameter and streaming speed. Our present results may have applications in interstellar dust clouds and in the dusty plasma environments of Halley’s Comet.
Negative muons for the characterization of thin layers in Cultural Heritage artefacts
Authors: Cataldo M , Hillier A D , Porcinai S , Ishida K , Grazzi F , Clemenza M
Published: March 2023

Muonic atom X-ray Emission Spectroscopy (µ-XES) is a novel technique based on the detection of high-energy X-rays emitted after the interaction of a negative muon beam with matter. Thanks to the multi-elemental range, negligible self-absorption of the x-rays and the possibility of performing depth profile studies, the technique is a very powerful probe for the analysis of cultural heritage artefacts. By tuning the energy of the incident muon beam, indeed, it is possible to investigate the different layers that constitute a sample. In this work, we report preliminary results of the analysis on two fire-gilded surfaces, in which the data analysis is coupled with Monte Carlo-based simulation software. Here, to perform a depth profile characterization, the samples were analysed at different beam energies (or momentum). Each of the resulting x-ray spectra was then analysed and compared with the output of the simulations software and a remarkably good agreement was reached. The results of the work are promising and with this approach, it will be possible to enhance the capability offered by the technique, both in terms of data analysis and data interpretation.
Integration of arts and sciences using negative muon non-destructive analysis at J-PARC MUSE
Authors: Miyake Y. , Tampo M. , Takeshita S. , Umegaki I. , Strasser P. , Doiuchi S. , Hashimoto A. , Shimomura K. , Kutsuna T. , Saito T. , Kubo K. , Ninomiya K.
Published: March 2023

We have developed a non-destructive, position-selective, and quantitative elemental analysis method using negative muons at J-PARC MUSE. Our final goal is to establish a platform for integrating arts and science, where historical heritage can be analyzed non-destructively by combining quantum beam techniques utilizing muons, neutrons, or photons. At the symposium, the status of the negative muon non-destructive analysis held at J-PARC MUSE on old Japanese coins (Koban, Cho-gin), bell-shaped bronze vessels of the Yayoi period, and old horse harnesses will be introduced.
Magnetic properties and muon localization in Cr2S3
Authors: Isah Muhammad Maikudi , Renzi Roberto De , Onuorah Ifeanyi John
Published: March 2023

We investigate the magnetic ground state of rhombohedral chromium sulphide Cr2S3 by density functional theory. We identify the muon implantation sites, their hyperfine couplings and the role of charge states in this compound. Our calculations show that we can obtain a compensated ferrimagnetic ground state. We find that strong electronic correlations are required to correctly obtain the semiconducting band behaviour of Cr2S3 in agreement with experiment. Relying on earlier µSR measurements, our calculations suggest that the two muon local fields in Cr2S3 are due to distinct charge states for two very close but distinct muon sites bonded between two sulphur atoms. Further analysis of the static field at the muon allows to determine by µSR the average Cr magnetic moment in good agreement with experiment.
Identifying muon sites “by eye” in KPF6 and KBF4
Authors: Wilkinson J M , Lang F , Baker P J , Cottrell S P , Blundell S J
Published: March 2023

Molecular magnets are one of the key research themes of µSR, but locating the muon stopping site in these compounds using density functional theory is often very challenging as their unit cells tend to contain a very large number of atoms. Nevertheless, many molecular magnets contain the [PF6]− and [BF4]− molecular ions, which, due to their fluorine nuclei, produce a distinctive µSR spectrum, which can give information about the muon stopping site. This paper details the calculation of the muon sites in the much simpler materials KPF6 and KBF4, providing insights which can be applied to situations where these molecular ions are found in complicated molecular magnets.
Development and test of a next-generation positron detector
Authors: de Toro Sánchez M.V. , Kojima K.M. , Shoji M. , Miyahara M. , Honda R. , Tanaka M. M. , Ishida T.
Published: March 2023

This report is focused on the development and test of a TDC (time to digital converter) and amplifier circuit for a state-of-the-art positron detector with position sensitivity. A newly developed one chip amplifier-shaper-discriminator (ASD) circuit with 16 channels input and a high-resolution TDC with a timing resolution on the order of picoseconds were tested. Silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) were employed to give electric pulses for the optical input coming from a pulsed laser. We have successfully controlled the threshold level of the ASD circuit and measured the time structure of the SiPMs, as well as their multiple photon response from the pulse height histogram and the time over the threshold (TOT) histogram measured by the sub-nano second TDC. This is a technical basis for the next generation detector system with the positron tracking capability.
Precise measurement of the hyperfine splitting in muonium with a high intensity pulsed muon beam at J-PARC
Authors: Iwai R , Abe M , Fukumura S , Hiraishi M , Kanda S , Kawamura S , Nishimura S , Okabe H , Sasaki K , Strasser P , Shimomura K , Tada H , Teshima N , Torii H A
Published: March 2023

At J-PARC, the MuSEUM (Muonium Spectroscopy Experiment Using Microwave) collaboration aims to precisely measure the ground-state hyperfine splitting of muonium atoms arising from the muon and electron spins. The pulsed muon beam is stopped in a krypton gas cell to form muonium atoms. The transitions of spin states are induced with a microwave cavity, which are then measured by positron counters. After the previously performed successful measurements with a nearly-zero magnetic field, we are currently planning a measurement with the 2.9T magnetic field by measuring two Zeeman-split sub-levels, so that increased statistics will allow us to more precisely determine the transition frequency down to ∼1ppb. Moreover, a new microwave cavity with a unique geometry is being designed to perform the measurement at an even stronger field of 2.9T in the future.
Depth profiling of LE-µSR parameters with musrfit
Authors: Martins Maria Mendes , Suter Andreas , Salman Zaher , Prokscha Thomas
Published: March 2023

The study of thin-film and multi-layered structures with nanometer resolution is possible with low energy µSR (LE-µSR). Modeling of the measured µSR parameters such as diamagnetic asymmetry and relaxation rate as a function of sample depth can be obtained from a series of experimental implantation energy measurements and its correlation with the simulated stopping profiles. The fitting approach assumes a sharp transition between regions with distinct properties. The fitting method, previously developed in matlab, was implemented in musrfit, a free µSR data analysis framework written in C++. The main goal is to make this fitting method widely available for energy dependent measurements and to increase the modeling possibilities within musrfit.
Development of monitoring system for the muon rotating target at J-PARC using an infrared camera
Authors: Matoba S , Kawamura N , Makimura S
Published: March 2023

An infrared camera was installed in the proton beamline upstream of the muon-producing rotating target for real-time two-dimensional temperature imaging of the target. For the first time in a muon production facility, temperature profiles of the target during high-intensity proton beam irradiation were obtained. The observed temperatures were similar to the evaluated values. A moving image of the target was successfully taken during the rotation. Accumulation of moving image data is expected to provide information on the thermal conductivity change due to radiation damage, and is expected to make a significant contribution to the development of accelerators and nuclear materials.
Present status of J-PARC MUSE
Authors: Shimomura K , Koda A , Pant A D , Natori H , Fujimori H , Umegaki I , Nakamura J , Tampo M , Kawamura N , Teshima N , Strasser P , Kadono R , Iwai R , Matoba S , Nishimura S , Kanda S , Takeshita S , Yuasa T , Yamazaki T , Miyake Y , Kobayashi Y , Oishi Y , Nagatani Y , Ikedo Y , Higemoto W , Ito T
Published: March 2023

At J-PARC MUSE, since the µSR2017 conference and up to FY2022, there have been several new developments at the facility, including the completion of a new experimental area S2 at the surface muon beamline S-line and the first muon beam extraction to the H1 area in the H-line, mainly to carry out high-statistics fundamental physics experiments. Several new studies are also underway, such as applying negative muon non-destructive elemental analysis to the analysis of samples returned from the asteroid Ryugu in the D2 area of the D-line. This paper reports on the latest status of MUSE.
Progress report on Muon Source Project at CSNS
Authors: Bao Yu , Chen Jiaxin , Chen Cong , Cheng Hui , Deng Changdong , Fan Ruirui , Guo Yuhang , He Ning , Hu Haihao , Li Qiang , Li Yang , Liang Hao , Liu Lei , Lv You , Pan Ziwen , Tan Zhixin , Vassilopoulos Nikos , Wu Yuwen , Yang Tianyi , Zhang Gang
Published: March 2023

A Muon station for sciEnce, technoLOgy and inDustrY (MELODY) has been listed in the China Spallation Neutron Source upgrade plan, and the infrastructure construction is scheduled to start by the end of 2022. The 1.6 GeV double-pulsed proton bunch will be extracted from the Rapid Cycling Synchrotron (RCS) ring to a stand-alone target station. One surface muon and one decay muon beamline are designed to provide multi-terminals for applications. In this report, we describe the design of MELODY and prospect for future applications.
Enhancement of superconductivity at a quantum critical point in (Ca
x
Sr1−x
)3Rh4Sn13
Authors: Krieger J A , Guguchia Z , Khasanov R , Biswas P K , Li L , Wang K , Petrovic C , Morenzoni E
Published: March 2023

We report microscopic studies by muon spin spectroscopy of the superconducting properties as a function of chemical and hydrostatic pressure in the cubic ternary intermetallic (Ca
x
Sr1−x
)3Rh4Sn13 compounds. We find evidence of a quantum critical point at a critical pressure p
c
in the superconducting phase, where the superfluid density increases by a factor of two and the superconducting pairing strength displays a pronounced maximum. The enhancement of superconductivity is related to the structural phase transition at p
c
, which is accompanied by profound changes of the Fermi surface associated to the suppression of a charge density wave (CDW). The quantum critical point separates a superconducting phase coexisting with CDW from a pure superconducting phase, while in both phases superconductivity has a strong-coupling phonon-mediated BCS-like s-wave character. Together with the related isoelectronic compound (Ca
x
Sr1−x
)3Ir4Sn13, this system shows that conventional BCS superconductors in the presence of competing orders may display behaviour and characteristics of unconventional superconductors.
Smart collagen/xanthan gum-based hydrogels with antibacterial effect, drug release capacity and excellent performance in vitro bioactivity for wound healing application
Authors: Gutierrez-Reyes Jazmín E , Caldera-Villalobos Martín , Claudio-Rizo Jesús A , Cabrera-Munguía Denis A , Becerra-Rodriguez Juan J , Soriano-Corral Florentino , Herrera-Guerrero Adán
Published: March 2023

The design of hydrogels based on natural polymers that have modulation of antibacterial capacity, ideal performance in release capacity of encapsulated drugs, and desired bioactivity for applications in wound healing represents a modern trend in biomaterials. In this work, novel hydrogels of semi-interpenetrating polymeric networks based on collagen and xanthan gum (XG) were investigated. The linear chains of XG can semi-interpenetrate inside to matrix of crosslinked collagen with polyurethane under physiological conditions, generating amorphous surfaces with fibrillar-granular reliefs that have accelerated gelation time (about 15 min), super water absorption (up to 3100%) and high inhibition capacity of pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli (up to 100% compared to amoxicillin at 20 ppm). The increment of XG in the hydrogel (up to 20 wt.%) allows for improvement in the storage module, resistance to thermal degradation, slow the rate of hydrolytic and proteolytic degradation, allowing to encapsulate and controlled release of molecules such as ketorolac and methylene blue; besides, it shows to keep the metabolic activity of fibroblasts and monocytes at 48 h of evaluation, without observing cytotoxic effects. The bioactivity of these hydrogels is improved since they have excellent hemocompatibility and enhanced cell proliferation. Specifically, the hydrogel with 20 wt.% of XG shows to decrease the production of tumor necrosis factor-α and CCL-2 cytokines, increasing the production of transforming growth factor-β in human monocytes, which could be used to modulate inflammation and regenerative capacity in wound healing strategies.
Growth and applications of two-dimensional single crystals
Authors: Zhang Zhibin , Forti Stiven , Meng Wanqing , Pezzini Sergio , Hu Zehua , Coletti Camilla , Wang Xinran , Liu Kaihui
Published: March 2023

Two-dimensional (2D) materials have received extensive research attentions over the past two decades due to their intriguing physical properties (such as the ultrahigh mobility and strong light–matter interaction at atomic thickness) and a broad range of potential applications (especially in the fields of electronics and optoelectronics). The growth of single-crystal 2D materials is the prerequisite to realize 2D-based high-performance applications. In this review, we aim to provide an in-depth analysis of the state-of-the-art technology for the growth and applications of 2D materials, with particular emphasis on single crystals. We first summarize the major growth strategies for monolayer 2D single crystals. Following that, we discuss the growth of multilayer single crystals, including the control of thickness, stacking sequence, and heterostructure composition. Then we highlight the exploration of 2D single crystals in electronic and optoelectronic devices. Finally, a perspective is given to outline the research opportunities and the remaining challenges in this field.
The Role of Environmental Context and Physical Activity in Prescribed Opioid Use and Pain in Daily Life among Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain
Authors: Carpenter Ryan W , Acuff Samuel F , Meshesha Lidia Z
Published: March 2023

Background

Prescription opioids remain a primary treatment option for patients with chronic low back pain. However, little research has examined how patients take opioids in daily life. Behavioral economics suggest that the environmental context may contribute to patients’ decisions around opioid use.

Purpose

This study examined the association of self-reported environmental factors and physical activity with likelihood of taking opioids, opioid dosage, and physical pain.

Method

Patients with chronic low back pain on long-term opioid therapy (n = 34) without significant past-year opioid-related problems completed a two-week ecological momentary assessment protocol (nobservations = 1,714).

Results

Initial multilevel models revealed multiple associations for different specific contexts with opioid use and pain. In models that collapsed specific contexts into categories (where, with whom, doing what), greater occasion-level physical activity was associated with a greater likelihood of taking opioids and greater pain, and being somewhere (v. at home) was associated with taking a smaller opioid dose. At any given occasion, being with someone (v. alone) was associated with taking a larger opioid dose, but patients who spent more time with others over the entire study took fewer opioids overall. Multilevel mediation found that pain did not mediate the association of physical activity and opioid use.

Conclusion

Results suggest that prescribed opioid use in patients with chronic low back pain is not solely determined by pain, but influenced by environmental factors, including physical activity. Psychoeducation regarding environmental factors, including how factors may be associated with both increased and decreased use of opioids, may help patients take fewer opioids more effectively.
Strategies for improving infrared thermographic imaging with smartphone accessories in dermatology
Authors: Villa-Gonzalez Jose M , Pascual Ares Manuel , Díaz Ramón Jose L , Gardeazabal García Jesús , Mendieta Eckert Marta , Udondo González del Tánago Begoña , Gonzalez-Hermosa Maria R
Published: March 2023

Infrared thermography is an increasingly used technique in dermatology and therefore thermal camera accessories for smartphones have been developed. Two simple strategies to improve thermographic image acquisition are presented.
A patient’s experience of crusted scabies in the context of immunosuppression
Authors: Duff Eimear , Lyons Daniel , Eustace Karen , Collins Sinéad
Published: March 2023

In renal transplant recipients, immunosuppressive drugs disrupting T cell activity render transplant populations vulnerable to the development of crusted scabies because of uncontrolled mite proliferation. This condition is frequently misdiagnosed at initial presentation, and this patient viewpoint illustrates the significant impact that crusted scabies may have on patients’ quality of life.
Identification of recurrent atrial fibrillation using natural language processing applied to electronic health records
Authors: Zheng Chengyi , Lee Ming-sum , Bansal Nisha , Go Alan S , Chen Cheng , Harrison Teresa N , Fan Dongjie , Allen Amanda , Garcia Elisha , Lidgard Ben , Singer Daniel , An Jaejin
Published: March 2023

Aims

This study aimed to develop and apply natural language processing (NLP) algorithms to identify recurrent atrial fibrillation (AF) episodes following rhythm control therapy initiation using electronic health records (EHRs).

Methods and results

We included adults with new-onset AF who initiated rhythm control therapies (ablation, cardioversion, or antiarrhythmic medication) within two US integrated healthcare delivery systems. A code-based algorithm identified potential AF recurrence using diagnosis and procedure codes. An automated NLP algorithm was developed and validated to capture AF recurrence from electrocardiograms, cardiac monitor reports, and clinical notes. Compared with the reference standard cases confirmed by physicians’ adjudication, the F-scores, sensitivity, and specificity were all above 0.90 for the NLP algorithms at both sites. We applied the NLP and code-based algorithms to patients with incident AF (n = 22 970) during the 12 months after initiating rhythm control therapy. Applying the NLP algorithms, the percentages of patients with AF recurrence for sites 1 and 2 were 60.7% and 69.9% (ablation), 64.5% and 73.7% (cardioversion), and 49.6% and 55.5% (antiarrhythmic medication), respectively. In comparison, the percentages of patients with code-identified AF recurrence for sites 1 and 2 were 20.2% and 23.7% for ablation, 25.6% and 28.4% for cardioversion, and 20.0% and 27.5% for antiarrhythmic medication, respectively.

Conclusion

When compared with a code-based approach alone, this study's high-performing automated NLP method identified significantly more patients with recurrent AF. The NLP algorithms could enable efficient evaluation of treatment effectiveness of AF therapies in large populations and help develop tailored interventions.
Ovarian stimulation does not induce thyrotropin receptor autoantibodies in women with thyroid autoimmunity
Authors: Poppe Kris Gustave , Frommer Laura , Hatun Burak , Autin Candice , Wolff Fleur , Kahaly George Jean
Published: March 2023

Women of subfertile couples with thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) have an increased risk of miscarriage when pregnant after an assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment. This might amongst others be due to the presence of thyrotropin receptor antibodies (TSH-R-Ab) that can impede the development of the corpus luteum. TSH-R-Ab can be present in women with TAI and/or be induced by the ovarian stimulation procedure (OS) that is performed to initiate the ART. In this prospective pilot study, we determined the presence of both binding and functional TSH-R-Ab (stimulating or blocking) with five different assays before and after OS in ten women (eleven cycles) with TAI of subfertile couples and in one woman without TAI. Mean (SD) age was 38.8 (±3.2) years, median (range) cumulative OS dose 1413 (613-2925) IU/L. Median baseline serum levels of thyrotropin, free thyroxine, and thyro-peroxidase antibodies were 2.33 (2.23-2.61) mIU/L, 16.8 (14.4-18.5) pmol/L and 152 (86-326) kIU/L, respectively. Oestradiol levels increased during OS from 40 (26-56) ng/L to 963 (383-5095) ng/L; P < .01. TSH-R-Ab measurements in all subject samples were below the cut-off of the corresponding immunoassay and four bioassays before or after OS.
Malocclusions and quality of life among adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Göranson Emma , Sonesson Mikael , Naimi-Akbar Aron , Dimberg Lillemor
Published: March 2023

Background

Malocclusions in adolescents might have a negative impact on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Potential confounding variables (confounders) such as age, gender, caries, and socioeconomic status may skew the real relationship between malocclusions and OHRQoL.

Objectives

To analyse the effect of malocclusions in adolescents on OHRQoL, when controlled for potential confounders.

Search methods

Five databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Cinahl, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched up to 15 June 2022.

Selection criteria

Studies in which OHRQoL in 10–19-year olds with and without malocclusions were compared.

Data collection and analysis

Screening, data extraction, and quality assessments were performed by four investigators independently. Risk of bias was assessed according to the Swedish Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Assessment of Social Services (SBU) guidelines. To be included, studies had to control for confounders. Certainty of evidence was assessed with GRADE.

Results

Thirteen cross-sectional studies with low and moderate risk of bias were included in the qualitative synthesis. Four of these were also included in the quantitative synthesis (meta-analysis). The 13 studies in the qualitative synthesis displayed a large variation among the indices used for malocclusion ratings, as well as in instruments measuring OHRQoL. There was moderate quality of evidence that malocclusions have a negative effect on OHRQoL. The four articles included in the quantitative synthesis (meta-analysis) measured malocclusions with DAI and OHRQoL with CPQ 11–14 short form. There was moderate quality of evidence that malocclusions have a negative effect on OHRQoL (RR/PR 1.15, 95% CI 1.12–1.18, 3672 participants).

Conclusions

There is moderate quality of evidence that malocclusions in adolescents have a negative impact on OHRQoL, after taking relevant confounders into consideration. Future studies should ideally use standardized measures for malocclusion ratings and OHRQoL.

Registration

PROSPERO. CRD42020186152.
Murine herpesvirus-68-related growth factors treatment correlates with decrease of p53 and HIF-1α protein levels
Authors: Supolikova Miroslava , Novakova Eva , Donatova Karin , Olejnikova Petra , Labudova Martina
Published: March 2023

Murine herpesvirus 68 (MHV-68) belongs to the subfamily Gammaherpesvirinae of the family Herpesviridae. This exceptional murine herpesvirus is an excellent model for the study of human gammaherpesvirus infections. Cells infected with MHV-68 under nonpermissive conditions for viral replication produce substances designated as MHV-68 growth factors (MHGF-68), that can cause transformation of the cells, or on the other side, turn transformed cells into normal. It was already proposed, that the MHGF-68 fractions cause transformation, disruption of the cytoskeleton and slower growth of the tumors in nude mice. Here, we examined newly extracted fractions of MHGF-68 designated as F5 and F8. Both fractions proved to inhibit the growth of the spheroids and also tumours induced in nude mice. What more, the fractions caused the decrease of the protein levels of wt p53 and HIF-1α. Decreased levels of p53 and HIF-1α activity leads to decreased vascularization, slower tumour growth, and lower adaptation to hypoxic conditions. This would propose MHGF-68 fractions, or their human herpesvirus equivalents, as a potential anticancer drugs in combined chemotherapy.
Development and evaluation of health education resources for culturally and linguistically diverse populations: a systematic review
Authors: Gray Corie , Porter Georgia , Lobo Roanna , Crawford Gemma
Published: March 2023

People from culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) backgrounds in Australia generally experience poorer health outcomes, explained in part by low levels of health literacy. We conducted a systematic review to examine the development and evaluation of health education resources designed for CaLD populations. Five electronic databases were searched for English language, peer-reviewed studies published between 1980 and 2020. Thirty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-four different health education resources were described and broadly categorized into four types: media campaigns (n = 10), text-based materials (n = 5), films (n = 8) and radio (n = 1). Studies were assessed against domains adapted from a health literacy guideline incorporating: need, collaboration, audience, health literacy, theory, test and process and impact evaluation. All but one study met the majority of the domains. All studies reported positive evaluation outcomes; this may be due to studies involving community early in resource design and including health literacy considerations in their design. Reporting resource design and evaluation against standard practice controls is recommended to build a more robust evidence base for developing effective health education resources for use by audiences from CaLD backgrounds.
Artwork That Helps Frame History: Toward a Visual Historical and Sociological Analysis of Works Created by Prisoners from the Terezin Ghetto
Authors: Johnson Willa M
Published: March 2023

This article uses qualitative content analysis, historical archival data, and interviews with Holocaust survivors to examine artwork created during the Third Reich. It argues that these works are visual narratives that hold important empirical data about social conditions and structures during the Third Reich. These narratives, whether developed in prisons, camps, or ghettos, or in the aftermath of National Socialism, are key to understanding the victims’ perspectives. Many works disclose intimate aspects of daily life that only victims saw and experienced. Thus, this artwork is an extremely valuable source for understanding prisoners’ lives during the Third Reich. The article focuses on four examples: Karl Schwesig’s prewar experiences illustrated in a series of prints that tell about his torture and the torture of other German Communists in a Düsseldorf jail; Malvina Schalekova’s 1942–1944 drawings and paintings that expose daily life in the Terezin Ghetto; Fredrick Terna’s postwar recollections about the camp at Dachau near the end of World War II; and Yehuda Bacon’s 1945 retrospective of Auschwitz.
Identification of Lipocalin 2 as a Potential Ferroptosis-related Gene in Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Deng Liyan , He Shasha , Li Ying , Ding Rui , Li Xiaoling , Guo Nuoqing , Luo Lianxiang
Published: March 2023

Background

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic nonspecific inflammatory disease generally limited to the mucosa and submucosa of the colon. Recent studies suggest that ferroptosis is a novel programmed cell death that may be involved in the process of UC. However, the mechanism of ferroptosis in UC remains to be further investigated.

Methods

The genes associated with UC and ferroptosis were screened by bioinformatics methods, and a random forest model was constructed to identify the core genes of UC and validated with external data sets. Establishment of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) induced UC in an animal model in vivo. Interferon (IFN)-γ primed immortalized bone marrow-derived macrophages cells stimulated with Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) inflammation model and LPS-stimulated Caco-2 cells colitis model in vitro were constructed. The potential link between Lipocalin-2 (LCN2) and UC ferroptosis was explored by flow cytometry, Fe2+ assay, Western Blot, gene knockdown, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and immunohistochemistry staining.

Results

Analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) showed that LCN2 was highly expressed in UC. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks showed that ferroptosis-associated DEGs were highly correlated with the immune gene LCN2. The most important gene in the random forest model, LCN2, was identified as a core gene in UC. In the LPS/IFN-γ-induced inflammation model, LCN2 expression was elevated, lipid peroxidation, Fe2+, ACSL4 and COX-2 levels increased, whereas GPX4 and FTH1 expression decreased. Similarly, in the DSS-induced UC mouse model, Occludin, ZO-1, Claudin-1, and GPX4 expression were significantly decreased, but ACSL4 and LCN2 expression were elevated. In addition, the use of Ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) can significantly reverse its trend. More importantly, silencing of LCN2 suppressed ferroptosis events in both the LPS/IFN-γ-induced inflammation model and the LPS-stimulated colitis model.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our study demonstrates that LCN2 is a key factor in the regulation of ferroptosis in UC and provides additional evidence for the important role of ferroptosis in UC.