bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time and space in Sigbjørn Obstfelder’s prose poetry
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Ermakova Olga , Taratonkina Irina ,   St. Petersburg State University
Published: January 2023

The article dwells upon the time and space in Sigbjørn Obstfelder’s prose poetry. The genre of prose poetry came to Scandinavia at the end of the 19th century, on the peak of the French symbolism popularity. The strong influence of the French symbolist Charles Baudelaire is obvious in Obstfelder’s works. The most significant feature that defines the chronotope of Obstfelder’s poems is opposition between man and nature. By a person the author means not a lyrical hero but other people, the whole society, the essence of which can be described as “the abode of many people”. “Other people” are synonymous with the concept of “city”, and this chronotope is clearly seen in many of his poems. The poet describes both nature and city in details and the chaos of the city extremely contrasts with the rich and harmonious life of nature. The opposition of harmony and chaos, sincerity and alienation is emphasized by the contrast between the sounds of nature and the city: between weeping, sobbing, screaming, roaring and the sound of drops, the rustling of leaves and the singing of birds. Despite the beauty and harmony of nature the lyrical hero still cannot exist outside the city for a long time. Perhaps he can exist only in a borderline state — between people and nature, harmony and chaos, trying to combine, unite in the mind both worlds, but staying alone in both of them. The common feature of all his prose poems is transition and border crossing and it can explain the originality of Obstfelder’s prose poems.
The EU normative power in development policy
Authors:   National Research Tomsk State University, Pogorelskaya Anastasia
Published: January 2023

The article examines the peculiarities of EU normative power application in its development policy towards the countries of the Global South. Despite the controversial results of seventy years of efforts by the European Economic Community and then the European Union to promote development, the international situation and the difficulties inside the EU are making the EU intensify its development policy and look for more effective tools. The author tries to identify the reasons for the transformation of approaches in the EU development policy by taking into account the influence of both external and internal factors affecting the EU’s ability to exercise its normative power. It is concluded that, firstly, the internal factors including the EU enlargements, solidarity crisis and Brexit are currently changing the EU’s ability to serve as a normative power in its development policy. Secondly, the EU has not found any alternatives to development policy in solving both global and its own difficulties in normative and geopolitical aspects. Thirdly, the EU is still looking for more effective tools to both facilitate development and exercise its normative power. The practical significance of the research is to create a basis for elaborating and upgrading Russian development policy approaches since it is very limited, but it could be beneficial for Russia in the world arena.
Systematic Analysis of the Mechanism of Polygoni Multiflori Caulis in Improving Depressive Disorder in Mice via Network Pharmacology Combined
with Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Quadrupole Exactive Orbitrap Mass Spectrometer
Authors: Xiong Wei , Xu Qing , Wen Lingmiao , Wei Guihua , Altamirano Alvin , Yin Qiaozhi , Zhang Tian-e , Yan Zhiyong
Published: January 2023

Background and Objective:

Depressive disorder (DD) is a common chronic and highly
disabling disease. Polygoni Multiflori Caulis (PMC), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been
listed in the 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Here, the antidepressant effects and
mechanisms of PMC were explored for the first time.

Methods:

We observed the safety of PMC at a 10-fold clinically equivalent dose. Depressed mice
were induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) and were used to evaluate the antidepressant
effects of PMC via the sucrose preference test and the tail suspension test. The composition
of PMC was identified by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole
exactive orbitrap mass spectrometer, and the active components, important targets, and potential
mechanism of PMC in DD treatment were predicted via network pharmacology. Investigation
included active compounds and DD-related targets screening, Gene Ontology (GO) analysis,
Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) annotation, PMC-compound-target-pathway-
DD network construction, and Molecular docking.

Results:

In the safety evaluation of PMC, no toxic side effects or deaths occurred. There were no
significant differences in liver function (ALT, AST, and TP; P > 0.05) and kidney function (BUN,
CRE, and UA; P > 0.05) in each group of mice. Compared to the control group, the model group
of mice showed significantly decreased sucrose preference and significantly increased immobility
time (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, the mice in the PMC low, medium,
and high dose groups showed a significant decrease in immobility time and a significant increase
in sucrose preference. In the PMC-Compound-Target-Pathway-DD network, 54 active compounds,
83 common targets, and 13 major signaling pathways were identified for the treatment of DD. Molecular
docking verified that the active compounds could effectively bind with the hub targets.

Conclusion:

PMC is a relatively safe antidepressant herbal medicine with its potential mechanism
involving multiple compounds, targets, and pathways.
Effects of CYP2B6 Genetic Variants on the Propofol Dose and Response among
Jordanian Arabic Patients Undergoing General Anesthesia
Authors: Alrabayah Mustafa , Massad Islam Mohammad , Imraish Amer , Jarrar Yazun , Massad Faysal , Guzu Hasan , Abufares Basil , Al-Oran Afnan , Alkharabsheh Malik Mohammad , Haroon Nour , Ismail Mohammad Asa'ad , Qaqish Bara'a , Zihlif Malik
Published: January 2023

Background:

Propofol is the most commonly used general anesthetic drug in many countries, including Jordan. However, there is a wide variation in the propofols' dose and response among the patients. Genetic variation in the cytochrome (CYP) 2B6 gene affects propofol metabolism and might affect propofol dose and response.

Aims:

This study aimed to determine the influence of major genetic alleles of the CYP2B6 gene, CYP2B6*2A, *6A, *3, *4A, and *5A, on the required propofol dose and response among Jordanian Arabic patients attending The University of Jordan Hospital.

Methods:

A total of 155 patients were administrated propofol. The propofol response was evaluated by monitoring the time to reach the bispectral index of 60 (BIS60) for every patient. The CYP2B6 genetic variants were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction through specific enzymes for CYP2B6 variants

Results:

It is found that patients with variant CYP2B6*2A and *4A alleles required significantly (P < 0.05) lower propofol doses, while patients with variant CYP2B6*6A, *3, and *5A alleles required higher propofol doses in comparison with patients carrying the wild CYP2B6 alleles. Patients with variant CYP2B6*2A and *3 alleles needed a significantly (P < 0.05) shorter while patients with variant CYP2B6*5A allele needed longer time of BIS60 than patients with wild CYP2B6*2A, *3, and *5A alleles.

Conclusion:

It is concluded that CYP2B6 genetic variants affect propofol dose and can explain, at least partly, the inter-individual variation in the propofol response. Further clinical studies with a larger sample size are needed to confirm the findings of this study.
DFT, FMO, ESP, Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulations
of Bis-2-(2-Phenethyl)Chromone as a Potential PPAR Agonist
Authors: Wu Aiqun , Qiu Yingqi , Lai Wuji , Feng Yu , Zhu Qinghua , Wang Yuanmeng , Jiang Lihe , Lei Fuhou , Shen Liqun
Published: January 2023

Globally, chronic diseases are becoming the leading cause of death. Because of the large
number of patients, high medical cost, long duration of illness and the great demand for services. Diabetes
is one of them and the prevalence is still rising, causing a serious physical burden to patients; it
also affects a great economic burden on society. Therefore, the development of more effective antidiabetic
medication is of great importance. To screen the rare chromone dimer compounds and study
their inhibitory effects on type 2 diabetes mellitus. The structure was geometrically optimized and its
thermodynamic properties were analyzed by DFT B3LYP-D3(BJ)/6-31G(d,p); molecular docking and
molecular dynamics simulation were used to investigate the interaction of PPARγ with their ligands.
In addition, its ESP and FMO were analyzed. The bis-2-(2-phenethyl)chromone derivatives have high
molecular docking fractions and stable molecular dynamics simulation results, indicating that the extracts
from Agarwood species bi-2-(2-phenethyl)chromone derivatives have good interactions with
PPARγ. This implies that bis- 2-(2-phenethyl)chromone derivatives have good interactions with
PPARγ. It is suggested that BPEC may be a natural agonist of PPARγ, which is expected to exert a
more efficient hypoglycemic effect and avoid more drug side effects, laying a foundation for the research
and development of anti-type 2 diabetes drugs.
Development and Characterization of Enteric Polymer-based Solid
Dispersion for Cholecalciferol Delivery
Authors: Rawat Neha , Singh Shashank K. , Baldi Ashish
Published: January 2023

Background:

The deficiency of vitamin D is a global concern affecting individuals of all age
groups. Insufficient exposure to sunlight and disease conditions can lead to cholecalciferol (vitamin D3)
deficiency.

Objective:

Cholecalciferol is a lipophilic crystalline molecule, and it is highly susceptible to degradation
under environmental conditions, including light, temperature, and oxygen, and its degradation rate is high
in the low pH range. Therefore, an enteric solid dispersion-based formulation was developed in the present
study for the oral delivery of cholecalciferol.

Method:

Enteric polymer hydroxypropylmethylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS)-based solid dispersion
was developed and characterized by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential
scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction analysis. The
effect of various concentrations of cholecalciferol formulations on the viability of Caco-2 cells was determined
using an MTT assay. A dissolution and stability study of the product was also performed.

Result:

An amorphous form of cholecalciferol in the solid dispersion was reported. The drug content of
solid dispersions was in the order of 90%. The viability assay indicated that the surfactant used in the
developed solid dispersion of cholecalciferol had no cytotoxic effect on Caco-2 cells. A dissolution study
on enteric solid dispersion in two-stage dissolution under a biomimetic medium indicated the pHdependent
release of cholecalciferol from the HPMCAS-based solid dispersion. Moreover, the stability
study showed no significant changes in the cholecalciferol content in the developed formulation under
storage at experimental conditions.

Conclusion:

The enteric solid dispersion of cholecalciferol was developed, which exhibited compatibility
with Caco-2 cells, improved dissolution, and acceptable stability profile, and represented a potential option
for efficient delivery of cholecalciferol.
In vitro Cholinesterase Inhibitory Activities of Piper betle Stem and their Correlation with In silico Docking Studies of its Phytoconstituents
Authors: Madeswaran Arumugam , Lakshmi Menon , Mohan Sellappan
Published: January 2023

Background:

Worldwide, millions of people are affected by neurodegenerative diseases. Even
though treatment may help to reduce some of the mental or physical symptoms connected with neurodegenerative
diseases, there is at present no way to slow disease development and no recognized cure.

Objective:

The current study was carried out to explore the cholinesterase (ChE) inhibitory properties of
the stem of Piper betle and correlate them with in silico docking results of its phytoconstituents.

Methods:

The dried Piper betle stem was used to be extracted with purified water by using the maceration
technique. The resultant was assessed for ChE inhibitory activity using Ellman’s method. The inhibitory
profile of the aqueous extract of Piper betle (AEPB) stem was compared with rivastigmine, which is
a standard cholinesterase inhibitor. The phytoconstituents of AEPB were procured from various literature
studies. In silico docking studies were carried out with the help of AutoDock 4.2 software.

Results:

AEPB considerably inhibited AChE and BuChE with the inhibition constant values of 0.437 ±
0.62 μg/ml and 0.371 ± 0.62 μg/ml, respectively, in a dose-dependent manner. In computational evaluation,
the selected phytoconstituents exhibited excellent binding interactions prevailing with cholinesterase
targets than the standard rivastigmine.

Conclusion:

Based on the in vitro and in silico evaluations, Piperol A showed notable concentrationdependent
inhibition of AChE and BuChE. These in vitro analyses and molecular docking studies will be
helpful for the development of potent ChE inhibitors for the management of Alzheimer’s disease.
Characterization and Antibacterial Activity of Melanin Pigment from
Marine Bacterium Actinoalloteichus cyanogriseus
Authors: Kotakonda Muddukrishnaiah , Marappan Makesh , Biswas Bhaskar
Published: January 2023

Introduction:

Marine microbes are known to produce novel bioactive compounds. In this
work, the bacterium Actinoalloteichus cyanogriseus, AU-RM-4, isolated from marine soil sediment, capable
of producing high amounts of black extracellular melanin pigment when grown on anaerobic actinomycetes
agar is reported. The maximum melanin production was approximately 2.5 mg/mL.

Methods:

The melanin pigment was recovered using acid treatment and the characteristic melanin absorption
peaks at 253 nm and 291 nm were observed in the UV range. The antibacterial activity of the melanin
pigment against a range of clinically infectious bacteria was assayed in vitro by disc diffusion and serial
dilution methods.

Results:

The A. cyanogriseus melanin showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and
Klebsiella pneumoniae (MIC value -500 μg/mL). The effects of the AU-RM-4 melanin on the morphology
of pathogenic bacteria were observed under scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy
(TEM). It is concluded that A. cyanogriseus isolate AU-RM-4 is a promising melanin-producing marine
bacterium, whose melanin pigment has antibacterial activity against certain pathogenic bacteria (S. aureus
and K. pneumoniae).

Conclusion:

Melanin produced by A. cyanogriseus AU-RM-4 could have commercial potential in the
pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries for the production of pharmaceutical formulations, and also in the
food industries as a colouring and antibacterial agent.
A Comprehensive Review of Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Pre-clinical Animal
Models in Addition to Herbal Treatment Options and Multi-modality
Imaging Strategies
Authors: Sharma Rahul Kumar , Kaur Navneet , Singh Kushwah Ajay , Singh Nisha , Thakur Shilpa
Published: January 2023

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is distinguished by ventricular chamber expansion, systolic dysfunction, and normal left ventricular (LV) wall thickness, and is mainly caused due to genetic or environmental factors; however, its aetiology is undetermined in the majority of patients.
The focus of this work is on pathogenesis, small animal models, as well as the herbal medicinal approach, and the most recent advances in imaging modalities for patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. Several small animal models have been proposed over the last few years to mimic various
pathomechanisms that contribute to dilated cardiomyopathy. Surgical procedures, gene mutations,
and drug therapies are all characteristic features of these models. The pros and cons, including heart
failure stimulation of extensively established small animal models for dilated cardiomyopathy, are
illustrated, as these models tend to procure key insights and contribute to the development of innovative treatment techniques for patients. Traditional medicinal plants used as treatment in these
models are also discussed, along with contemporary developments in herbal therapies. In the last
few decades, accurate diagnosis, proper recognition of the underlying disease, specific risk stratification, and forecasting of clinical outcome, have indeed improved the health of DCM patients. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is the bullion criterion for assessing ventricular volume and ejection fraction in a reliable and consistent direction. Other technologies, like strain analysis and 3D
echocardiography, have enhanced this technique's predictive and therapeutic potential. Nuclear imaging potentially helps doctors pinpoint the causative factors of left ventricular dysfunction, as with
cardiac sarcoidosis and amyloidosis.
Manganese-Iron Mixed Oxides of Spinel Structure as Soot Combustion
Catalysts
Authors: Legutko Piotr , Zwada Natalia , Kozieł Marcin , Michalik Marek , Adamski Andrzej
Published: January 2023

Background:

An abatement of emission of particulate matter (mainly soot) is a challenge
for the scientific community. An active and cheap catalytic system for soot combustion can
help solve this problem.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the composition of a series of
Mn3-xFexO4 (x = 0 - 3) oxides of spinel structure on their catalytic properties in soot combustion.

Methods:

Samples were synthesized by coprecipitation followed by a consecutive thermal treatment.
Their structure was verified by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The obtained
catalysts were tested in model soot oxidation (Printex U) in both tight and loose contact modes.

Results:

It was found that different mechanisms of soot combustion occurred dependently on a
chosen contact mode.

Conclusion:

It was confirmed that in the case of tight contact (TC), a coexistence of divalent
manganese and iron species was decisive for the catalytic activity, whereas a presence of trivalent
manganese centers was crucial in the case of loose contact (LC). Mn1.2Fe1.8O4 was found to be the
most active catalyst.
Post-synthetic Modification and Engineering of Metal Nodes and Organic Ligands of MOFs for Catalytic Applications
Authors: Ejsmont Aleksander , Chełmińska Agata , Kotula Martyna , Kubiak Anita , Kotschmarów Marcelina , Galarda Aleksandra , Olejnik Anna , Goscianska Joanna
Published: January 2023

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) emerged as adjustable and multipurpose
materials, which are now intensively investigated worldwide. They are composed of a
wide range of organic and inorganic building units which are a susceptible base for
various post-synthetic modifications (PSMs). In the last years, altering MOFs
composition has significantly contributed to their broad application in many fields,
especially in heterogeneous catalysis. PSMs are employed to improve the
physicochemical properties of MOFs such as stability or selectivity, but mostly to
generate catalytically active sites. Here, we report diverse methods of metal-
(exchange, doping, redox transformations) and ligand-based (functionalization,
exchange, installation, removal) PSMs of MOFs, which can be effectively used for
catalytic purposes. PSMs can either extend the MOF framework with catalytically
active functionalities or contribute to defect engineering for open metal site formation.
Moreover, combining different modifying procedures has been introduced as a tandem
approach when various reactions prompt several changes in the framework. Epitaxial
growth was also presented as PSM, which can govern catalytically beneficial features
mostly for thin films, unattainable to achieve by conventional methods. Recent MOFs’
PSM findings were reviewed to show new pathways and a continuously developing
field of reticular chemistry which come across with the expectations for novel and
more efficient catalysts. 
Immunomodulatory Potential of Himalayan Plant: Withania somnifera
Authors: Kavita Bentham Science Publisher , Rajak Naina , Kumar Praveen , Singh Shikha , Garg Neha
Published: January 2023

Withania somnifera, a herb used in Ayurveda since ancient times, is commonly found in the Himalayan belt. Withania somnifera is reported to be useful in fever, arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, tuberculosis, syphilis, and cancers. Its leaves are found to be effective against swelling, chest pain, sores, and ulcers. Withania possesses antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-stress, anti-bacterial, antimicrobial, anti-fungal, anti-tumor, adaptogenic, and memory-enhancing properties. Among the bioactive compounds present in Withania, Withaferin A is the most important and well-explored compound having anti-cancer activity among several other activities. Many studies have reported the anti-inflammatory action of Withania somnifera and isolated Withaferin A. In this chapter, we have summarized the antiinflammatory activities exhibited by this multifaceted medicinal plant.
Tools and Techniques to Tap the Potential of Himalayan Bioactive Molecules
Authors: Shagun Shagun , Masakapalli Shyam Kumar
Published: January 2023

Tools and techniques leading to drug discovery from natural compounds are of immense interest. Studies related to the identification and isolation of bioactive phytochemicals and their associated therapeutic potential are routinely adopted for the discovery and development of new drug molecules against various diseases. In this chapter, we discussed the latest tools and techniques that can be adopted to exploit the potential of bioactive phytochemicals from Medicinal Plants. In a case study, the focus is laid on the in silico screening of bioactive phytochemicals from Rhododendron arboreum petals sourced from the Himalayan origin against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) polyketide synthase-13, a critical enzyme for the synthesis of mycolic acid of the cell wall. Inhibition of this enzyme could be a potential target to inhibit the growth of Mtb, a leading cause of tuberculosis disease. The overall workflow is adoptable to study the potential of bioactive phytochemicals leading to drug discovery and development.
The influence of physical education teacher performance on elementary students’ character building
Authors: Pramono Harry , Nurafiati Suastika , Rahayu Tandiyo , Sugiharto Sugiharto
Published: January 2023

Students’ character building will be influenced by the school environment as well as their physical education (PE) teachers’ performance. The aim of this research is to analyse and verify the influence of school environment and PE teacher performance on elementary students’ character building. There are 20 elementary schools in Semarang, including 10 public schools and 10 private schools that are used as research samples. The research samples are taken based on cluster random sampling, which is divided into five sectors in Semarang. The qualitative method is applied in this research. The finding shows that the physical education subject gives significant advantages to the development of the students as well as supporting the students’ daily activity based on evaluations by the teacher, school headmaster, and parents. The conclusion attributed to the research is that having a supportive school environment, including facilities and infrastructure, a good proportion of objective competition, a suitable physical education teaching model that is in line with the curriculum, and a supportive and well-competent teacher working in a linear field will have a positive impact on students’ character building. This impact will be visible not only in school but also when the students are home as well
Online civic engagement through social media: An analysis of twitter big data
Authors: Mulyono Budi , Affandi Idrus , Suryadi Karim , Darmawan Cecep
Published: January 2023

The development of social media and internet networks has stimulated new scientific interest in terms of online civic engagement, resulting in a redefinition of deliberative politics and the public sphere. On the other hand, all aspects of human life today have been translated into big data and recorded in their activities on social media. The shift from using humans as the unit of study to using algorithms creates a new problem for academics in social science. This online civic engagement research aims to find out the topic of discourse for digital citizens in the discourse of moving the nation's capital city (IKN) and what the ideology behind the discourse is by utilizing Twitter big data. This study used a mixed method with a sequential explanatory design type. The quantitative method used is topic modeling with the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) technique, while the qualitative method used is the Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) method from Norman Fairclough, who sees language as a practice of power. Findings from the topic modeling analysis revealed that there were four themes in the IKN discourse: agreeing to move the state capital, objecting to move the state capital, supporting the discourse on moving the state capital, and the fourth theme, law and eradication of corruption. From the results of critical discourse analysis, it is known that there is a diametrical division in the IKN issue as a result of identity politics that emerged after the 2014 Presidential Election. In every discussion on the IKN discourse, there is a conflict between Islamic populism and Nationalist-Secular populism.
Factor de forma para árboles del Bosque Seco Tropical (bs-T) en el norte del Departamento del Tolima – Colombia
Authors: Lozano Botache Luís Alfredo , Bonilla Vargas Jeimy Lorena
Published: January 2023

The high biodiversity can make it difficult to select dendrometric models for each ecosystem. In order to contribute to these models, a relict tropical dry forest of approximately 100 hectares was selected in the valley of the Magdalena River, located in the central region of Colombia. This forest relict is in the municipality of Venadillo, department of Tolima. A sample of 36 trees of different species with a normal diameter greater than 10 centimeters were randomly selected. All trees were measured using a non-destructive method. Diameters with bark were measured on the trunks of the standing trees at different heights from the base of the tree to its commercial height using Field Map equipment and technology. With the information collected, a tree form factor was determined to be used as a forestry decision tool or as an element of comparison with similar ecosystems. The form factor for the calculated commercial volume was 0.8.
The Effects of Ge Substrate Surface States and Au Catalyst Layer Thickness on the Growth of Different GexOy Nanomaterials and Nanocrystals Configurations Using Vapor-Liquid-Solid Method with two Steps Temperature Mode
Authors: DAO Khac An , PHAM Hong Trang , HOANG Van Vuong
Published: January 2023

Recently the GexOy nanomaterials have been studied intensively due to their interesting electronic materials, which have many particular properties and applications in nanotechnology and nano-devices fabrication. Much work has been done on many different synthesis methods and their properties of Ge and GexOy nanomaterials. However, the effects of the different Ge substrate surface states and Au catalyst layer thicknesses on the formation of different forms/morphologies of nanomaterials (nanowires, nanorods, nanoparticles, and nanocrystals particularly) have yet to be discussed more in detail. This paper outlines the synthesis methods to grow the different GexOy nanomaterials on the different Ge surface states at different Au catalyst layer thicknesses such as mechanically polished surface, deep Chemical etched surface, chemical polishing surface, and initial rough surface. The morphological, and structural properties of GexOy nanomaterials have been investigated using SEM, EDX, and TEM techniques. The formation of different morphological, and structural properties of different GexOy nanomaterials grown have been explained by the effects of the Au/Ge/O droplets/clusters formation situations and surface defects on the Ge substrate surface caused. The growth mechanisms have been explained by the model of the VLS growth method with the Oxide Assist Growth mechanism. The results showed that the effects of the different Ge substrate surface states and Au catalyst layers’ thickness strongly influence the formation of GexOy materials in terms of the sizes, structures, and percentages of elements. The results of the controllable different GexOy nanomaterials have many significant meanings for both theoretical and practical applications in nanomaterials and nano-device fabrication.
A Video-Observed Treatment Strategy to Improve Adherence to Treatment Among Persons Who Inject Drugs Infected With Hepatitis C Virus: Qualitative Study of Stakeholder Perceptions and Experiences
Authors: Karasz Alison , Merchant Krupa , Arnsten Julia , Feinberg Judith , Kim Arthur Y , Lum Paula J , McKee Melissa Diane , Mehta Shruti H , Meissner Paul , Norton Brianna L , Page Kimberly , Pericot-Valverde Irene , Singh Reena , Stein Ellen , Taylor Lynn E , Tsui Judith I , Wagner Katherine , Litwin Alain
Published: January 2023

Background

Direct-acting antiviral medications have the potential to eliminate the hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemic among people who inject drugs; yet, suboptimal adherence remains a barrier. Directly observed treatment (DOT), an effective strategy for optimizing adherence, has been frequently implemented in opioid treatment programs but less commonly in community health settings due to the heavy burden of daily visits. An alternative is video-observed therapy (VOT), which uses mobile health technology to monitor adherence. VOT has not been widely studied among people who inject drugs with HCV.

Objective

This qualitative study, part of a larger implementation evaluation, investigates stakeholder perceptions and experiences with VOT in Project HERO (Hepatitis C Real Outcomes), a multisite pragmatic trial testing treatment delivery models for people who inject drugs with HCV. Our goal was to understand the potential barriers and facilitators to the implementation of the VOT technology.

Methods

Qualitative interviews were conducted with 27 Project HERO study staff and 7 patients. Interviews focused on perceptions and experiences with the VOT app and barriers and facilitators to implementation. Team meeting minutes over the first 2 years of the project were transcribed. A coding system was developed and applied to the data. We summarized thematic data and compared participant perceptions to generate a close understanding of the data.

Results

Frequent barriers to VOT included mechanical failure, stolen or lost phones, and a steep learning curve for participants and study staff. In sites with older and less technically skilled participants, staff found it difficult to implement the VOT app. Research staff found that the routine monitoring of app use led to closer engagement with participants. This was both a benefit and a potential threat to the validity of this pragmatic trial. Patient participants reported mixed experiences.

Conclusions

VOT may be a useful alternative to DOT for some patients, but it may not be feasible for all. Significant staff involvement may be required.
Implementing a Machine Learning Screening Tool for Malnutrition: Insights From Qualitative Research Applicable to Other Machine Learning–Based Clinical Decision Support Systems
Authors: Besculides Melanie , Mazumdar Madhu , Phlegar Sydney , Freeman Robert , Wilson Sara , Joshi Himanshu , Kia Arash , Gorbenko Ksenia
Published: January 2023

Background

Machine learning (ML)–based clinical decision support systems (CDSS) are popular in clinical practice settings but are often criticized for being limited in usability, interpretability, and effectiveness. Evaluating the implementation of ML-based CDSS is critical to ensure CDSS is acceptable and useful to clinicians and helps them deliver high-quality health care. Malnutrition is a common and underdiagnosed condition among hospital patients, which can have serious adverse impacts. Early identification and treatment of malnutrition are important.

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the implementation of an ML tool, Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST)–Plus, that predicts hospital patients at high risk for malnutrition and identify best implementation practices applicable to this and other ML-based CDSS.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative postimplementation evaluation using in-depth interviews with registered dietitians (RDs) who use MUST-Plus output in their everyday work. After coding the data, we mapped emergent themes onto select domains of the nonadoption, abandonment, scale-up, spread, and sustainability (NASSS) framework.

Results

We interviewed 17 of the 24 RDs approached (71%), representing 37% of those who use MUST-Plus output. Several themes emerged: (1) enhancements to the tool were made to improve accuracy and usability; (2) MUST-Plus helped identify patients that would not otherwise be seen; perceived usefulness was highest in the original site; (3) perceived accuracy varied by respondent and site; (4) RDs valued autonomy in prioritizing patients; (5) depth of tool understanding varied by hospital and level; (6) MUST-Plus was integrated into workflows and electronic health records; and (7) RDs expressed a desire to eventually have 1 automated screener.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that continuous involvement of stakeholders at new sites given staff turnover is vital to ensure buy-in. Qualitative research can help identify the potential bias of ML tools and should be widely used to ensure health equity. Ongoing collaboration among CDSS developers, data scientists, and clinical providers may help refine CDSS for optimal use and improve the acceptability of CDSS in the clinical context.
How to alleviate job burnout of primary medical staff? A path analysis with conservation of resources theory (Preprint)
Authors: Chen guimei , Wang Jing , Huang Qian , Sang Lingzhi , Yan Jing , Chen Ren , Zhang Dongmei , Ding Hong
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

Job burnout is a prevalent and emerging challenge in the health system, which causes a mass turnover, especially for primary healthcare workers. Little attention has been paid to the research about multidimensional characteristics of job burnout (emotional exhaustion, disintegration of personality, and reduction in sense of achievement) among primary healthcare workers. From the perspective of conservation of resource theory, social support and psychological capital as basic resources are likely to be valued to diminish burnout.

OBJECTIVE

Our study examined the correlations between two types of resources (social support and psychological capital) and three subdivisions of job burnout. Meanwhile, this study also tested the impact of multidimensional job burnout on primary healthcare workers’ turnover intention. Hence, based on the results effective management strategies to improve the work stability of primary healthcare workers are discussed.

METHODS

Multi-stage cluster random sampling combined with a questionnaire method was used to collect data in the Anhui Province of China. The main information of the survey questionnaire contains demographic characteristics and questions about construction measurement. A total of 1132 valid questionnaires were obtained ultimately, and the structural equation modeling method was used for data analysis.

RESULTS

The findings of our study were that social support was negatively associated with emotional exhaustion (β=-0.088, P<0.05), the disintegration of personality (β=-0.235, P <0.001), and reduction in sense of achievement (β=-0.075, P<0.05). Psychological capital also had the same effect on emotional exhaustion (β=-0.079, P<0.05), the disintegration of personality (β=-0.156, P<0.001), and reduction in sense of achievement (β=-0.432, P<0.001). Moreover, all three sub-dimensions of job burnout positively affected turnover intention (H3a: β=0.246, P<0.001; H3b: β=0.076, P<0.05; H3c: β=0.119, P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

As the results shown in this study that both social support and psychological capital can reduce primary medical workers’ job burnout, which indicates personal physical and psychological concerns given by the organization, family, and friends are essential as well as the measures to improve primary healthcare workers’ psychological energy.
The Impact of active social media use on the mental health of the older adults (Preprint)
Authors: Wei Ning , Sun Dingqiang , Huang Wenhao
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

With the rising population age and the development of information technology in China, a growing number of older adults use social media as a means of social participation. The impact of posting on WeChat Moments on the mental health of older adults is worthy of attention.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to identify posting on WeChat Moments as an active social media use and analyze its impact on the mental health of older adults.

METHODS

Using the survey data from the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, we defined posting on WeChat Moments as an active social media use and used propensity score matching to analyze the impact of such posting on the mental health of older adults.

RESULTS

The results of the study showed that posting significantly improved the depression, self-rated health, and health satisfaction of older adults, implying that older adults who used WeChat and posted on WeChat Moments benefited from the active social media use. Heterogeneity analysis showed that the female older-adult population and the younger older-adult population derived the most mental health benefit from posting on WeChat Moments.

CONCLUSIONS

The government should help older adults actively integrate into digital life at the policy level and guide them to use social media rationally and scientifically.
Digital measurement-based care reduces depression and anxiety in children and adolescents: A retrospective study of Bend Health (Preprint)
Authors: Huffman Landry Goodgame , Lawrence-Sidebottom Darian , Huberty Jennifer , Roots Monika , Roots Kurt , Parikh Amit , Guerra Rachael , Weiser Jaclyn
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

A growing body of evidence supports the efficacy of measurement-based care (MBC) for children and adolescents experiencing mental health concerns, particularly depression and anxiety. In recent years, MBC has increasingly transitioned to online spaces in the form of digital mental health interventions (DMHIs), which renders high-quality mental health care more accessible nationwide. Although extant research is promising, the emergence of MBC DMHIs means that much is unknown regarding their effectiveness as a treatment for anxiety and depression, particularly among children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVE

The current study uses data from children and adolescents participating in an MBC DMHI administered by Bend Health, a virtual collaborative care mental health company, to assess changes in depressive and anxiety symptoms during participation in the MBC DMHI, as well as their association with demographic and methodological factors.

METHODS

: Caregivers of children and adolescents participating in Bend Health for depressive and/or anxiety symptoms reported measures of their children’s symptoms every 30 days throughout the duration of participation in Bend Health. Data from 107 children and adolescents ages 2 to 17 were used for the depressive and/or anxiety symptom analyses (depressive symptom group: n = 56, anxiety symptom group: n = 94).

RESULTS

Among children and adolescents participating in Bend Health care, group-level depressive symptoms decreased from moderately severe to less than mildly severe (median decrease of 28.2, P < .001), and anxiety symptoms decreased from moderately severe to mildly severe (median decrease of 5.4, P < .001) between first and last assessments. Both depressive and anxiety symptoms decreased as a function of length of involvement and number of sessions per month (all P < .001). Moreover, biological sex, ethnicity, age, and number of sessions per month were uniquely associated with depressive and anxiety symptom severity over time.

CONCLUSIONS

As an increasing number of young people and families seek out DMHIs over traditional mental health treatments due to their accessibility and affordability, this study offers timely and compelling evidence that MBC DMHIs such as Bend Health are effective for treating depressive and anxiety symptoms in those younger than 18.
CHARACTERISTIC EEG PATTERNS IN AGING AND DRUG ADDICTION
Authors:   Dagestan State University, Rabadanova Aminat I. , Gamidova Djamilay M. ,   Dagestan State University
Published: January 2023

Aging and drug addiction are two of the most pressing problems of our time. Individually, they are well studied, the mechanisms of their course are disclosed and attempts are being made to find ways to reduce their pathological manifestations. At the same time, many processes that occur with aging and drug addiction have a similar tendency, except that with drug addiction they proceed at a faster pace. This allows us to consider drug addiction as an accelerated model of aging and forms the purpose of this study: to identify the degree of similarity of changes in the electrical activity of the brain during aging and drug addiction. The research was carried out on the basis of the psychophysiological laboratory of the Department of Developmental Psychology and Professional Activity of DSU. 62 men took part in the experiment, which were divided into 3 groups: 1) control (healthy young people aged 25–35 years); 2) experimental group 1 (elderly people aged 61–75 years); 3) experimental group 2 (drug addicts aged 25–35 years). In the selected groups, EEG was recorded in the form of a continuous recording of the values of the potential difference between two points of the brain. The conducted studies of brain activity among senile people and drug addicts revealed signs of similarity of EEG patterns, manifested in slowing down the main rhythms, destabilization of cortical activity and a decrease in response to functional tests. The EEG of senile people and drug addicts is characterized by a disorganized EEG pattern with a predominance of spectral power and the alpha rhythm intensity index with a shift towards slow-wave activity. Changes in the severity of EEG waves of senile people and drug addicts are accompanied by a violation of the stabilization of cortical activity and a weakening of the response to functional tests. The revealed changes in the EEG may be associated with the activation of synchronizing brain systems.
DYNAMICS, INFORMATIVITY AND PREDICTIVE VALUE OF BODY TEMPERATURE AT SULFUR MUSTARD INTOXICATION IN RATS
Authors:   State Scientific Test Research Institute of Military Medicine, Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, Sidorov Sergey P. , Sergeev Anatoly A. ,   State Scientific Test Research Institute of Military Medicine, Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, Bulka Kirill A. ,   Military Medical Academy of S. M. Kirova, Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, Chepur Sergey V. ,   State Scientific Test Research Institute of Military Medicine, Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, Kuzmin Andrey A. ,   State Scientific Test Research Institute of Military Medicine, Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, Shiryaeva Alyona I. ,   State Scientific Test Research Institute of Military Medicine, Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
Published: January 2023

Introduction. In experimental toxicology, the selection of criteria characterizing the toxicological process play an important role in evaluating the effectiveness of the means of prevention and treatment of intoxication. Aim of the study: study of the dynamics, informativity and prognostic significance of rectal temperature at sulfur mustard intoxication in rats. Results of the study. The results showed that intramuscular injection of sulfuric mustard in rats in the range of doses from minimally lethal to absolutely lethal is accompanied by a dose-dependent decrease in rectal temperature at 3-days of intoxication. In the studied sample, the dividing capacity (AUC) of the rectal temperature index at the intoxication peak (3-d day) for mortality was 0,94 (95 % CI 0,8–0,91), which corresponds to excellent predictive ability. The sensitivity and specificity parameters for rectal temperature were 0,86 (95 % CI 0,8–0,91) and 0,90 (95 % CI 0,83–0,95), respectively. Conclusions. Rectal temperature values reflect the dynamics and severity of sulfur mustard intoxication in rats. This criterion has a high informative and predictive value in relation to the death and can be reasonably included in the program of evaluation of the effectiveness of the developed means of prevention and treatment of sulfur mustard.
Altaian Folklore Motifs about Shunu-Batyr
Authors:   Gorodovikov Kalmyk State University, Sadalova Tamara ,   National Committee for UNESCO in the Altai Republic
Published: January 2023

Introduction. The article analyzes folklore motifs of Altaian historical legends associated with the name of the famous historical figure — ShunuBatyr. The study proves topical enough since texts of historical legends in the Altaian oral tradition tend to reflect actual historical events, and thus are of particular interest. Goals. The article aims to examine texts of Altaian legends about Shunu-Batyr from the perspective of folklore historicism manifested therein. Materials and methods. The paper deals with samples of oral narratives recorded at different times. The employed research methods include the comparative/historical and comparative/descriptive ones. Results. The work reveals that a characteristic feature of the considered legends is a fairly high degree of ‘historicity’ manifested both in the character proper that has a real historical prototype, and in plot episodes associated with certain historical events. The legends of Shunu-Batyr summarize a series of conflicts pertaining to a specific historical event — struggle for power in the Dzungar Khanate. Our analysis reveals that the historicity of Altaian legends proves reliable enough, though events of the past tend to be interpreted in oral texts through traditional views and representations inherent to Altaian folklore.
Classic Forced Labor Camp Prose in Contemporary Russian Literature: The Transformation Revisited
Authors:   North-Caucasus Federal University, Ivanova Irina
Published: January 2023

Introduction. In the classic sense, forced labor camp prose includes fiction and documentary texts created by immediate participants of the events described (Stalin’s purges of the 1920s–1950s), and thus being usually autobiographical by nature. The bulk of such prose works were created in the 1950s–1970s by such writers as A. Solzhenitsyn, V. Shalamov, E. Ginsburg, Yu. Dombrovsky, A. Zhigulin, etc. Goals. The paper attempts an analysis of features inherent to manifestations of the forced labor camp theme in contemporary Russian fiction, and relates such texts to existing visions of such prose. Results. As is evident, there can be no camp prose — in the mentioned sense — in 21st-century Russian literature but the sociocultural trauma experienced by individuals (and communities) proves so deep and fundamental for their consciousness and subconsciousness that it persists in Russian literary discourse to date. Family memories, archival documents, search for identity, keen interest in national and regional history, official and social mythology give birth to various author’s strategies of addressing this sensitive issue and working with it. These yield narratives that greatly vary in authors’ ideological and aesthetic viewpoints and give rise to enormous — and sometimes violent — controversy in contemporary cultural environment.