bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimization, Formulation, and Ex vivo Evaluation of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for Transdermal Delivery of Diltiazem Hydrochloride
Authors: Jaiswal Sandhya , Gupta Ghanshyam Das 
Published: October 2024

Background:
Cardiac arrhythmia, is a medical condition that reduces the heart’s efficiency
in pumping blood, and can be fatal, requires long-term management with conventional drugs, despite
their limited efficacy. Diltiazem hydrochloride, chosen as a model drug, has a short biological
half-life and extensive metabolism. Administering drug through skin is challenging, particularly due
to the penetration via stratum corneum. However, solid lipid nanoparticles as a particulate carrier
system can enhance its permeation and bioavailability.

Objective:
The study aimed to develop a matrix type transdermal patch with diltiazem hydrochloride
encapsulated in solid lipid nanoparticles

Methods:
The study used the solvent diffusion technique to prepare SLNs by mixing the drug and
solid lipid in an organic phase at 80°C, then slowly adding it to an aqueous phase with continuous
stirring for 45 minutes. The resulting nanodispersion was freeze-dried and analyzed for morphological
studies, encapsulation efficiency & drug content. A patch was formulated using solvent evaporation
technique, incorporating HPMC E50 (2% w/v), propylene glycol, and ethanolic oleic acid
(1.5% v/v). SLNs loaded with diltiazem hydrochloride taken equivalent to diltiazem hydrochloride
dose in the transdermal patch. The patch was then evaluated for In vitro and skin permeation studies.

Results:
The result showed a positive correlation between lipid concentration and particle size.
Probe sonication and homogenization increased particle size, while stirring speed reduced it. SEM
and TEM images confirmed spherical particles with a size of 488.1±4.01nm and an entrapment efficiency
of 55.03±1.99%. Drug release studies demonstrated 70.7% drug release from lipid matrix
over 24 hrs. The formulated patch with uniform SLN distribution, had a drug content 89.37 ±
0.04% with a surface pH of 6.1 ± 0.53, close to skin pH. The uniformity of content in 3x3 patch estimated
to be 14.587 ± 1.404 mg, close to the theoretical content 16.318 ± 1.08 mg, confirmed homogenous
distribution of diltiazem hydrochloride SLNs throughout the patch diameter. Cumulative
amount released from patch formulation at pH 5.6 and pH 7.4 was 518.1414μg/cm2 and 404.4466
μg/cm2. Synergistic flux enhancement was observed with oleic acid propylene glycol blend. Ex vivo
study of the patch showed steady-state flux of 6.9 μg/cm2/hr, permeability coefficient 0.00362
cm/hr, diffusion coefficient 0.000103 cm/hr, cumulative drug permeation (Dmax) 814.885 μg after
24 hrs, and followed a Higuchi-matrix release model.

Conclusion:
The developed patch possessed improved bioavailability with reduced dosing and enhanced
patient compliance.
Investigation of Stress and Wear Analysis for Aluminum-based Metal Matrix Composite Reinforced Silicon Carbide using ANSYS Software Package
Authors: Tiwari Shivam , Yadav Rakesh Kumar , Kumar Naveen , Singh Gurbhej 
Published: October 2024

Introduction:
This research paper examines the mechanical and wear properties of aluminium-
based cast composites, an exciting category of materials with many different uses. The
study aspires to understand more about the effectiveness of these composites under various conditions
and weights.

Method:
This investigation aims to identify the microstructural constituents that influence resistance
to wear and mechanical strength. The outcomes will provide fascinating knowledge regarding
possible applications of these composites in the field, notably manufacturing, aeroplanes,
and shipping, whereby lightweight materials with superior strength and resistance to wear are extensively
demanded. Whenever utilized, these reinforcements act like bearing structures that prevent
cracks. Aluminium lacks the characteristics needed for a wide range of engineering applications.

Results:
As a result, it is critical to produce aluminium-based alloys with all of the combinational
circuitry properties required to meet our relevant requirements.SEM (scanning electron microscopy)
anatomical assessments of aluminium, silicon carbide, and iron. The current inquiry examines
the implications of the particle stages on the microhardness, elastic modulus, and mechanical and
wear features of aluminium as the base material and silicon carbide as a reinforcement material for
composites. The sample’s microhardness and modulus of elasticity improve from 64 to 70 and 688
MPa to 719 MPa, correspondingly, when the weight percentage of silicon carbide (micro %15 and
nano%1, 2, 3, 4).

Conclusion:
The various test results are examined in this investigation and made available for correlation
with one another. The mechanical features and resistance to wear of aluminium matrix
composites manufactured using several methods have been explored.
Unveiling Usage Patterns and Explaining Usage of Symptom Checker Apps: Explorative Longitudinal Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Wetzel Anna-Jasmin , Preiser Christine , Müller Regina , Joos Stefanie , Koch Roland , Henking Tanja , Haumann Hannah 
Published: October 2024

Background
Symptom checker apps (SCA) aim to enable individuals without medical training to classify perceived symptoms and receive guidance on appropriate actions, such as self-care or seeking professional medical attention. However, there is a lack of detailed understanding regarding the contexts in which individuals use SCA and their opinions on these tools.

Objective
This mixed methods study aims to explore the circumstances under which medical laypeople use SCA and to identify which aspects users find noteworthy after using SCA.

Methods
A total of 48 SCA users documented their medical symptoms, provided open-ended responses, and recorded their SCA use along with other variables over 6 weeks in a longitudinal study. Generalized linear mixed models with and those without regularization were applied to consider the hierarchical structure of the data, and the models’ outcomes were evaluated for comparison. Qualitative data were analyzed through Kuckartz qualitative content analysis.

Results
Significant predictors of SCA use included the initial occurrence of symptoms, day of measurement (odds ratio [OR] 0.97), self-rated health (OR 0.80, P<.001), and the following International Classification in Primary Care-2–classified symptoms, that are general and unspecified (OR 3.33, P<.001), eye (OR 5.56, P=.001), cardiovascular (OR 8.33, P<.001), musculoskeletal (OR 5.26, P<.001), and skin (OR 4.76, P<.001). The day of measurement and self-rated health showed minor importance due to their small effect sizes. Qualitative analysis highlighted four main themes: (1) reasons for using SCA, (2) diverse affective responses, (3) a broad spectrum of behavioral reactions, and (4) unmet needs including a lack of personalization.

Conclusions
The emergence of new and unfamiliar symptoms was a strong determinant for SCA use. Specific International Classification in Primary Care–rated symptom clusters, particularly those related to cardiovascular, eye, skin, general, and unspecified symptoms, were also highly predictive of SCA use. The varied applications of SCA fit into the concept of health literacy as bricolage, where SCA is leveraged as flexible tools by patients based on individual and situational requirements, functioning alongside other health care resources.
Exploring and Predicting HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis Adherence Patterns Among Men Who Have Sex With Men: Randomized Controlled Longitudinal Study of an mHealth Intervention in Western China
Authors: Lin Bing , Li Jiayan , Liu Jiaxiu , He Wei , Pan Haiying , Zhong Xiaoni 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective strategy to reduce the risk of HIV infection. However, the efficacy of PrEP is highly dependent on adherence. Meanwhile, adherence changes over time, making it difficult to manage effectively.

Objective
Our study aimed to explore and predict the patterns of change in PrEP adherence among men who have sex with men (MSM) and evaluate the impact of the WeChat-based reminder intervention on adherence, thus providing more information for PrEP implementation strategies.

Methods
From November 2019 to June 2023, in a randomized controlled longitudinal study of the PrEP demonstration project in Western China (Chongqing, Sichuan, and Xinjiang) based on a mobile health (mHealth) reminder intervention, participants were randomly divided into reminder and no-reminder groups, with those in the reminder group receiving daily reminders based on the WeChat app. Participants were followed up and self-reported their medication adherence every 12 weeks for a total of 5 follow-up visits. We used the growth mixture model (GMM) to explore potential categories and longitudinal trajectories of adherence among MSM, and patterns of change in PrEP adherence were predicted and evaluated based on the decision tree.

Results
A total of 446 MSM were included in the analysis. The GMM identified 3 trajectories of adherence: intermediate adherence group (n=34, 7.62%), low adherence ascending group (n=126, 28.25%), and high adherence decline group (n=286, 64.13%). We included 8 variables that were significant in the univariate analysis in the decision tree prediction model. We found 4 factors and 8 prediction rules, and the results showed that HIV knowledge score, education attainment, mHealth intervention, and HIV testing were key nodes in the patterns of change in adherence. After 10-fold cross-validation, the final prediction model had an accuracy of 75%, and the classification accuracy of low and intermediate adherence was 78.12%.

Conclusions
The WeChat-based reminder intervention was beneficial for adherence. A short set of questions and prediction rules, which can be applied in future large-scale validation studies, aimed at developing and validating a short adherence assessment tool and implementing it in PrEP practices among MSM.
The MyGuide Web-Based Self-Management Tool for Concussion Rehabilitation: Mixed Methods Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Turcott Alyssa , Kang Ruthine , Yao Christopher , O'Melinn Colleen , Mahoney Patricia , Barlow Susan , Schmidt Julia 
Published: October 2024

Background
Web-based concussion self-management education programs for adolescents can improve functional outcomes, reduce concussion symptoms, and increase self-efficacy. However, there are a limited number of studies examining the perceptions and acceptance of these programs and the use of these tools in the adult concussion population.

Objective
This study aimed to investigate the perceptions and acceptance of clinicians and adults with concussions using MyGuide Concussion (Vancouver Coastal Health), a web-based concussion self-management tool.

Methods
Using a mixed methods sequential explanatory design, a convenience sample of 8 adults with concussions and 8 clinicians who used MyGuide Concussion over a 2-year period were interviewed, and their responses were analyzed.

Results
Participants reported two key benefits of using the web-based self-management tool: (1) the tool’s emphasis on the interconnectedness of physical and psychological symptoms, and (2) the ability to provide reassurance that symptom being experienced were a normal part of the concussion experience. Clinicians described the tool as being useful as a supplementary source of information for clients in addition to clinical sessions and believed the content was useful for increasing clients’ independence in managing their own recovery.

Conclusions
Overall, the evaluation of the MyGuide tool is an acceptable and well-perceived tool for adults with concussions who require a basic understanding of concussion recovery, particularly in the early stages of recovery. Future research may include optimizing MyGuide by targeting promotional strategies and addressing other barriers to use.
Optimization of a Web-Based Self-Assessment Tool for Preconception Health in People of Reproductive Age in Australia: User Feedback and User-Experience Testing Study
Authors: Dorney Edwina , Hammarberg Karin , Rodgers Raymond , Black Kirsten I 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Good preconception health reduces the incidence of preventable morbidity and mortality for women, their babies, and future generations. In Australia, there is a need to increase health literacy and awareness about the importance of good preconception health. Digital health tools are a possible enabler to increase this awareness at a population level. The Healthy Conception Tool (HCT) is an existing web-based, preconception health self-assessment tool, that has been developed by academics and clinicians.

Objective
This study aims to optimize the HCT and to seek user feedback to increase the engagement and impact of the tool.

Methods
In-depth interviews were held with women and men aged 18‐41 years, who spoke and read English and were residing in Australia. Interview transcripts were analyzed, and findings were used to inform an enhanced HCT prototype. This prototype underwent user-experience testing and feedback from users to inform a final round of design changes to the tool.

Results
A total of 20 women and 5 men were interviewed; all wanted a tool that was quick and easy to use with personalized results. Almost all participants were unfamiliar with the term “preconception care” and stated they would not have found this tool on the internet with its current title. User-experience testing with 6 women and 5 men identified 11 usability issues. These informed further changes to the tool’s title, the information on how to use the tool, and the presentation of results.

Conclusions
Web-based self-assessment tools need to be easy to find and should communicate health messages effectively. End users’ feedback informed changes to improve the tool’s acceptability, engagement, and impact. We expect that the revised tool will have greater reach and prompt more people to prepare well for pregnancy.
The Research on a Currency Board System: The Case of Hong Kong Region
Authors: Wu Jian 
Published: October 2024

The Currency Board System is a relatively old topic. But due to the successive increases of interest rates by the US Federal Reserve in 2022, the topic has received attention again. This paper will analyse the Currency Board System through a typical example-Hong Kong region. Firstly, the background of Currency Board System will be described. Then three conditions for the success of the Currency Board System will be analysed in the third part. After that, the suitable types of economy to apply the Currency Board System will be pointed out. Finally, it is recommend that different countries with different economic environment are better rationally implement the suitable exchange rate regime.
How Public Relation Exist and Operate in the Organisation?
Authors: Wu Jian 
Published: October 2024

With the development of technology and the change of life style, organisations are seeking more effectiveness and efficient way to practice the public relations. How public relation works in the organisations has been studies extensively. This essay will focus on how public relation exist and operate in the organisation from three different aspects which are traditional media, social media and stakeholder engagement which link one-way or two-way Grunig and Hunt’s models. The one-way or two-way Grunig and Hunt’s models will be explained in the essay as well. Moreover, the essay will take M&M’s chocolate, Brisbane City Council and Manila Water Company as three examples to testify how the three approaches working in the public relations in society. Finally, it is recommended that the organisations are better to choose the suitable method basing on the organisations’ strategy and which ethical framework they applied.
Gastric Precancerous Lesions: From Progenitor Cell and Microsatellite Instability to Clinical Interpretation of Gastric Cancer Risk
Authors: Kononov A. V. , Rubtsov V. A. , Parygina M. N. , Shimanskaya A. G. , Mozgovoi S. I. , Pomorgailo E. G. , Markelova M. V. , Fedotova Yu. A. 
Published: October 2024

Aim: to evaluate the possibility of the MMR-system status, microsatellite instability (MSI) usage in the differential diagnosis of gastric mucosa dysplasia, determination of the gastric adenocarcinoma development risk. Material and methods. The study included gastric mucosa specimens of 75 patients: 25 with high-grade dysplasia, 25 with low-grade dysplasia, 25 were indefinite for dysplasia. Gastrobiopsy specimens were examined histologically, immunohistochemically using mouse monoclonal antibodies (Diagnostic BioSystems, USA) to the MMR system proteins: MLH-1 (clone G168-15, dilution 1:50), MSH2 (clone DBM15.82, dilution 1:100), MSH6 (clone 44, dilution 1:50), PMS2 (clone A16-4, ready to use). MSI was studied with multiplex PCR evaluation of DNA microsatellites (NR-21, NR-24, NR-27, BAT-25, BAT-26) from paraffin sections, their analysis with capillary electrophoresis. The obtained data were processed with the Statistica 10.0 (StatSoft, USA), presented using descriptive, analytical statistics. VOSviewer (1.6.20) was used to visualize the bibliometric analysis. Results. MMR-deficient cases were found in low (2.8 %) and high-grade (2.8 %) dysplasia with the immunohistochemical evaluation of MMR-system proteins in gastric mucosa specimens. In all indefinite for dysplasia cases MMR-system proteins remained unaffected. Three MSI-positive cases (6.5 %) were detected by PCR with two low-grade dysplasia, one high-grade dysplasia cases. All identified cases were also immunohistochemically MSI-positive. Conclusion. Determination of MSI can be used as an auxiliary study within a panel of biomarkers aimed to support the decision-making of a pathologist in the alternative of “indefinite for dysplasia” or “definite dysplasia — obligate precancer”.
Metabolic Profiles of the Gut Microbiota in Patients with Different Stages of Metabolism Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Cao X. , Zolnikova O. Yu. , Maslennikov R. V. , Poluektova E. A. , Bueverova E. L. , Reshetova M. S. , Zharkova M. S. , Ivashkin V. T. 
Published: October 2024

Aim: to study the metabolic activity of the intestinal microbiota depending on the stage of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). Materials and methods. The study included 85 patients with MAFLD (27 patients with steatosis without steatohepatitis and fibrosis, 42 patients with steatohepatitis, 16 patients with cirrhosis as an outcome of MAFLD, Child — Pugh class A–B) and 20 healthy people who formed the control group. The level and spectrum of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) were determined by gas-liquid chromatography. Results. It was found that patients with MAFLD at the stage of steatosis and cirrhosis of the liver have unidirectional changes in the metabolic activity of the intestinal microbiota. We established a decrease in the absolute concentrations of SCFA — their total content, the level of acetate, propionate, butyrate, a decrease in the level of isoacids. The SCFA profiles showed an increase in the proportion of acetate and a decrease in propionate and butyrate. Moreover, changes in the named parameters of SCFAs are aggravated with progression to liver cirrhosis. At the stage of steatohepatitis, we identified two subgroups of patients with different levels of metabolic activity of the microbiota. Patients whose microbiota metabolism for SCFA production was high had correspondingly elevated SCFA levels. And, on the contrary, patients in whom the metabolic activity of the microbiota was reduced were characterized by a steady decrease in SCFAs and disease progression to liver cirrhosis. In the study, we showed an inverse correlation between the calculated prognostic indices of NFS and FIB-4, elastography values with the total level of SCFA, the level of acetate, propionate, butyrate. Thus, a decrease in the content of SCFA for patients with MAFLD can be considered as a prognostic marker of an unfavorable course of liver disease.
Metabolic syndrome increases the length of stay and medical complications after hip and knee arthroplasty: results from a prospective cohort study of 2,901 patients
Authors: Reinholdt Sørensen Rasmus , Timm Signe , Rasmussen Lasse Enkebølle , Brasen Claus Lohman , Varnum Claus 
Published: October 2024

Background and purpose: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) affects more than 60% of the patients having a hip or knee arthroplasty due to osteoarthritis. As it is debated whether metabolic syndrome increases the risk of complications, we aimed to investigate the length of stay (LOS) and risk of readmission at 30 and 90 days after surgery, including causes of readmission.Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study of 2,901 patients undergoing hip and knee arthroplasty from May 2017 to November 2019. Physical examination, blood samples, and medical history from national registries determined the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome from the International Diabetes Federation definition. We used multivariate linear regression to investigate differences in LOS according to MetS, and binary regression to investigate the risk and causes of readmission within 30 and 90 days, including 95% confidence intervals (CI) and P values.Results: Patients with MetS showed a slightly longer LOS (0.20 days, CI 0.10–0.29) and had an increased risk of readmission within 90 days (adjusted relative risk [RR] 1.2, CI 1.0–1.4; P = 0.02), but not within 30 days (adjusted RR 1.1, CI 0.9–1.4; P = 0.3) after surgery. Cardiovascular disease was the dominant cause of readmission.Conclusion: Although patients with MetS do not experience a clinically relevant longer LOS after hip and knee arthroplasty, they have an increased risk of 90-day readmission mainly due to cardiovascular complications, which should be considered when planning surgical care in this group of patients.
Flint arrowhead from a hoard in Papowo Biskupie, Chełmno district: comments on the discussion on the sacral function of lithic artefacts from the turn of the Iron Age
Authors: Gackowski Jacek 
Published: October 2024

The article presents a flint arrowhead from Papowo Biskupie, Chełmno district. Hoards from this place and many loose metal finds are interpreted as votive offerings deposited in the water. Numerous objects made in bronze are accompanied by abundant non-cremated human bones unearthed there. The archaeological site is dated back to a period from about 1000 to 400 BC. A traceological analysis of the flint arrowhead showed that it had never been used, and that it found its way into one of the hoards on purpose as an element of a set of many artefacts that were deposited with in a birch bark container. Therefore, it probably served a purpose similar to that attributed to flint artefacts discovered in Lusatian-culture cremation graves. The provenance of the arrowhead can be determined in the context of Scythian-style ornaments that were reaching Kuyavia and Chełmno Land, as they have been found more and more often in the Lusatian culture in the area of Tarnobrzeg.