bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Pore Defect Size and Location on Damage Tolerance of Aluminum Alloy Piston and Fiber Ring Groove
Authors: Tang Jin Jun , Liang Cui , Xu Chen Guang
Published: February 2022

The defects of high-power density piston aluminum alloy components involved in this paper include surface crack, internal crack, shrinkage cavity and cold shut. The service condition of piston components is 350°C-420°C, and the explosion pressure of piston crown is 28Mpa. The requirements for eddy current flaw detection of this component are in accordance with a and requirements in GB / T5126-2013 eddy current flaw detection standard, that is, it is not allowed to be greater than 0.12mm × 0.2mm × 3mm volumetric defects, and Ф1.0mm flat bottom hole equivalent point defect. For the piston components of 88kw / L high-power diesel engine, under the service conditions of temperature 350°C-420°C and piston top explosion pressure 28Mpa. Under the condition of thermal mechanical coupling, the typical NDT defects such as surface crack, internal crack, shrinkage cavity and cold shut of the first ring groove and internal position of the piston are studied. On scale, morphology and position sensitivity and their quantitative relationship. At the same time, numerical simulation analysis combined with relevant experimental verification is used to comprehensively analyze and evaluate the damage tolerance of defects, and scientifically evaluate the defects of different properties and sizes.
Thermally Conductive Cellulose/Coper Composite Rods for Tailoring the Characteristics of Cigarettes
Authors: Kong Hao Hui , Chen Sen Lin , Li Hong Wei , Wu Jun Zhang , Chen Cui Ling , Yang Fei
Published: February 2022

A new style of low temperature combustion cigarettes was prepared by implanting a thermally conductive cellulose/coper composite rod (TCCR) in the cut tobacco section, so as to explore the application feasibility at the low temperature environment. The burning temperature of the cigarettes was investigated by thermocouple to study the influence of the implanted TCCRs. The emission of conventional components and seven harmful components in mainstream smoke were also carried out to study the effect of TCCRs. The results show that implantation of TCCRs could reduce the burning temperature of cigarettes effectively, which decreased over 100 °C. In compared with conventional cigarettes, the amount of nicotine and nicotine-freed dry particulate matter (NFDPM) in mainstream smoke of TCCRs implanted cigarettes changed little, while the release of harmful components such as CO, HCN, NNK and phenol decreased over 20%. Moreover, the TCCRs, which made of copper paper with 2 g / 18 g weight ratio of pulp and copper, and 5 mm interval perforating, could reduce the burning temperature of cigarettes by 145 °C and the hazard index by 2.01.
Effects of the End-Zone Reinforcements and Strand-Debonding on the Temporal Changes of Principal Stresses at the Ends of the Hollow PC-Girders
Authors: Karimi Abdul Khaliq , Uchida Ryota , Fazli Agha Mohammad , Tomiyama Jun , Aasim Bashir Ahmad , Suda Yuya
Published: February 2022

Hollow PC-girders are hollow along the length of the girder; because of this, the possibility of developing horizontal cracking at their ends at the prestressing time is high. In this paper, a numerical analysis was performed to examine the effects of strand-debonding and end-zone reinforcements on the principal stresses, which is the leading cause to develop horizontal cracks at the ends of the hollow PC-girders. First, the length of the selected PC-girder was reduced to 4 m span which is necessary for enough prestressing; after that, with the help of the Midas FEA software, a detailed prestressing analysis was conducted. This study indicated that debonding four PC-strands at the ends of the girder and placing end-zone reinforcements could decrease the magnitude of principal stresses to the level to be less than the tensile strength of concrete, and therefore, horizontal cracks were eliminated at the ends of the hollow PC-girder.
A Four-Step model for Integrating Pedagogy to Technology in Fostering Students' Meaningful Learning
Authors: Thwin E. P. A.
Published: February 2022

No abstract available
E-Protein Inhibition in ILC2 Development Shapes the Function of Mature ILC2s during Allergic Airway Inflammation
Authors: Barshad Gilad , Webb Lauren M , Ting Hung-An , Oyesola Oyebola O , Onyekwere Oluomachi G , Lewis James J , Rice Edward J , Matheson Macy K , Sun Xiao-Hong , von Moltke Jakob , Danko Charles G , Tait Wojno Elia D
Published: February 2022

E-protein transcription factors limit group 2 innate lymphoid cell (ILC2) development while promoting T cell differentiation from common lymphoid progenitors. Inhibitors of DNA binding (ID) proteins block E-protein DNA binding in common lymphoid progenitors to allow ILC2 development. However, whether E-proteins influence ILC2 function upon maturity and activation remains unclear. Mice that overexpress ID1 under control of the thymus-restricted proximal Lck promoter (ID1tg/WT) have a large pool of primarily thymus-derived ILC2s in the periphery that develop in the absence of E-protein activity. We used these mice to investigate how the absence of E-protein activity affects ILC2 function and the genomic landscape in response to house dust mite (HDM) allergens. ID1tg/WT mice had increased KLRG1− ILC2s in the lung compared with wild-type (WT; ID1WT/WT) mice in response to HDM, but ID1tg/WT ILC2s had an impaired capacity to produce type 2 cytokines. Analysis of WT ILC2 accessible chromatin suggested that AP-1 and C/EBP transcription factors but not E-proteins were associated with ILC2 inflammatory gene programs. Instead, E-protein binding sites were enriched at functional genes in ILC2s during development that were later dynamically regulated in allergic lung inflammation, including genes that control ILC2 response to cytokines and interactions with T cells. Finally, ILC2s from ID1tg/WT compared with WT mice had fewer regions of open chromatin near functional genes that were enriched for AP-1 factor binding sites following HDM treatment. These data show that E-proteins shape the chromatin landscape during ILC2 development to dictate the functional capacity of mature ILC2s during allergic inflammation in the lung.
N Protein of Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia Virus Suppresses STAT1-Mediated MHC Class II Transcription to Impair Antigen Presentation in Sea Perch, Lateolabrax japonicus
Authors: Lu Xiaobing , Li Wenxi , Guo Jiasen , Jia Peng , Zhang Wanwan , Yi Meisheng , Jia Kuntong
Published: February 2022

Upon virus invasion of the host, APCs process Ags to short peptides for presentation by MHC class II (MHC-II). The recognition of virus-derived peptides in the context of MHC-II by CD4+ T cells initiates the adaptive immune response for virus clearance. As a survival instinct, viruses have evolved mechanisms to evade Ag processing and presentation. In this study, we discovered that IFN-γ induced endogenous MHC-II expression by a sea perch brain cell line through the STAT1/IFN regulatory factor 1 (IRF1)/CIITA signaling pathway. Furthermore, viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus infection significantly inhibited the IFN-γ–induced expression of IRF1, CIITA, MHC-II-α, and MHC-II-β genes. By contrast, although STAT1 transcript was upregulated, paradoxically, the STAT1 protein level was attenuated. Moreover, overexpression analysis revealed that viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus N protein blocked the IFN-γ–induced expression of IRF1, CIITA, MHC-II-α, and MHC-II-β genes, but not the STAT1 gene. We also found out that N protein interacted with STAT1 and enhanced the overall ubiquitination level of proteins, including STAT1 in Lateolabrax japonicus brain cells. Enhanced ubiquitination of STAT1 through K48-linked ubiquitination led to its degradation through the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway, thereby inhibiting the biological function of STAT1. Our study suggests that aquatic viruses target Ag presentation in lower vertebrates for immune evasion as do mammalian viruses.
Another rare facet of the ubiquitous mould
Authors: Rai Santosh , Alva Vinay , Pathak Priya , Acharya Vishak , Mendonca Jane
Published: February 2022

Pancoast syndrome is a commonly seen manifestation of lung malignancies, and benign causes are uncommon. We report a case of a patient without any known cause of immunosuppression who presented with Pancoast syndrome and a radiological mass like lesion in the lung apex, that was revealed be due to aspergillosis.
High expression of both desmoplastic stroma and epithelial to mesenchymal transition markers associate with shorter survival in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Sánchez-Ramírez Damián , Medrano-Guzmán Rafael , Candanedo-González Fernando , De Anda-González Jazmín , García-Rios Luis Enrique , Pérez-Koldenkova Vadim , Gutiérrez-de la Barrera Marcos , Rodríguez-Enríquez Sara , Velasco-Velázquez Marco , Pacheco-Velázquez Silvia Cecilia , Piña-Sánchez Patricia , Mayani Héctor , Gómez-Delgado Alejandro , Monroy-García Alberto , Martínez-Lara Ana Karen , Montesinos Juan José
Published: February 2022

Desmoplastic stroma (DS) and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) play a key role in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) progression. To date, however, the combined expression of DS and EMT markers, and their association with variations in survival within each clinical stage and degree of tumor differentiation is unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between expression of DS and EMT markers and survival variability in patients diagnosed with PDAC. We examined the expression levels of DS markers alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibronectin, and vimentin, and the EMT markers epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EPCAM), pan-cytokeratin, and vimentin, by immunohistochemistry using a tissue microarray of a retrospective cohort of 25 patients with PDAC. The results were examined for association with survival by clinical stage and by degree of tumor differentiation. High DS markers expression -α-SMA, fibronectin, and vimentin- was associated with decreased survival at intermediate and advanced clinical stages (p=0.006-0.03), as well as with both poorly and moderately differentiated tumor grades (p=0.01-0.02). Interestingly, the same pattern was observed for EMT markers, i.e., EPCAM, pan-cytokeratin, and vimentin (p=0.00008-0.03). High expression of DS and EMT markers within each clinical stage and degree of tumor differentiation was associated with lower PDAC survival. Evaluation of these markers may have a prognostic impact on survival time variation in patients with PDAC.
Prevalence and determinants of refractive status and related ocular morbidity among Indian school children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Yasir ZiaulHaq , Khandekar Rajiv , Balous Malek A. , Banaeem Abdulrahman S. , Al-Shangiti Ahmad K. , Basakran Fatimah A. , Alhumaid Nora A. , Al-Dhibi Hassan A.
Published: February 2022

PURPOSE:

We present the magnitude and determinants of refractive status of Indian school children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

METHODS:

This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2017–18 at a preparatory and secondary Indian school in Riyadh. A “Spot Screener” was used to determine if the child passed or failed a refraction test. Data were collected on refractive status in each eye, amblyopia, and strabismus. The type of refractive error (RE) was estimated and association to the gender, age group, and higher education was analyzed.

RESULTS:

We examined 770 students. The prevalence of RE in Indian school children was 50.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 51.3; 58.3). There were 51.1% of boys and 49.3% of girls. The prevalence of RE in preparatory and secondary grade students was 47.9% and 56.8%, respectively. The proportion of myopia and hyperopia among children with RE was 48% and 5%, respectively. Family history of RE was positively associated to RE in school children (odds ratio: 1.5 [95% CI: 1.1; 2.0]). The existing refractive services provided 47.4% coverage for children with RE. The current screening initiative could identify 22 (2.9%) new cases of RE who required visual aids and 38 (4.9%) students who needed a new prescription for RE. The compliance rate for using visual aid among students with RE was 78.9%. The prevalence of amblyopia and strabismus was 1.2% and 11%, respectively.

CONCLUSION:

A high proportion of Indian school students in Riyadh have RE. Periodic ocular assessment and refractive services are recommended for this group of school children.
Dry eye syndrome risk factors
Authors: I.Y. Hasan Zahra A.
Published: February 2022

Dry eye disease has been recognized to be a global public health problem, as it has many consequences starting from daily life activities restrictions to economical costs of management. At present, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the most important risk factors for eye dryness. This problem is becoming important worldwide especially with the increase use of technology, smartphones, computers, and contact lenses. The aim of this systematic review is to determine the most relevant factors associated with dry eye symptoms to help in its early recognition, prevention and reduce its subsequent implications. PRIMSA 2009 checklist was used to conduct this systematic review. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were implemented first. Then, PubMed Database was explored for articles. The data extraction was based on three categories: Sociodemographic, diseases, and medications in the form of odds ratios. Predictive values, confidence intervals, and prevalence were recorded when the data were sufficient. This systematic review included 6 Articles and 48 evaluated variables. Female gender, contact lenses, use of computers, thyroid abnormalities, hypertension, antidepressant, and antihistamine were identified to be the strongest and the most common risk factors for dry eye syndrome.
Micropulse laser trabeculoplasty and reduction of intraocular pressure
Authors: Phan Ryan , Bubel Kevin , Fogel Joshua , Brown Aaron , Perry Henry , Morcos Marcelle
Published: February 2022

PURPOSE:

The purpose of the study was to measure the change in intraocular pressure (IOP) after micropulse laser trabeculoplasty (MLT) and to evaluate subgroups based on initial IOP and severity of glaucoma.

METHODS:

This was a retrospective study of 34 eyes that were treated with MLT. Follow-up measurements were obtained at 3 months. Paired t-tests compared baseline to follow-up.

RESULTS:

IOP reduction approached significance (P = 0.055) for lower mean IOP from pre- to post-treatment. In the subset of those with baseline IOP >16, mean IOP was significantly lower (P = 0.001) from pretreatment (mean = 19.43, standard deviation [SD] = 2.48) to posttreatment (mean = 16.91, SD = 3.37). There were 34.8% (8/23) with a 20% reduction from baseline IOP. For patients with no glaucoma/early glaucoma, mean IOP was significantly lower (P = 0.003) from pretreatment (mean = 19.62, SD = 3.36) to posttreatment (mean = 16.62, SD = 3.01). In the subset of those with moderate/advanced glaucoma, there were no significant changes for mean IOP from pretreatment to posttreatment.

CONCLUSION:

Patients with higher initial IOP and in the early stages of glaucoma were more likely to benefit from MLT in lowering IOP. A randomized clinical trial is necessary to confirm these preliminary findings. We recommend that clinicians should consider MLT in the management of early glaucoma and among those with IOP >16 mmHg.
Microcatheter-assisted circumferential trabeculotomy in primary congenital glaucoma
Authors: M.Elwan Shaaban A. , A.Abdallah Raafat M. , Abdelhalim Ahmed S.
Published: February 2022

PURPOSE:

To study circumferential trabeculotomy for congenital glaucoma using Glaucolight illuminated microcatheter.

METHODS:

This was a prospective, uncontrolled, consecutive interventional study of 25 eyes of 25 patients with primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) underwent circumferential trabeculotomy done with an illuminated microcatheter through a period of 18–24 months in ophthalmology department, faculty of medicine, Minia University, Egypt. Patients’ data of 12 months’ follow-up were recorded. The primary target was the mean intraocular pressure (IOP) study in which complete success was defined as an IOP ≤21 mm Hg and at least a 30% reduction without the use of antiglaucoma drugs and a qualified success when medications were used to reach this aim. The secondary target was studying the corneal diameter and cup disc ratio change.

RESULTS:

The mean IOP (mm Hg) was reduced from 27.28 ± 3.46 preoperatively to 17.50 ± 5.09 at the final postoperative visit (P < 0.001). The mean follow-up period length was (18 months). A qualified success rate was reached to 88%, complete success in 76% and failure in 12%. No serious surgical complications were observed.

CONCLUSION:

Circumferential trabeculotomy accomplished by an illuminated microcatheter achieved a significant IOP lowering with either qualified or complete success in most of eyes with no significant ocular complications and it can be the first option in pediatric PCG surgery.
Identification and characterization of circular RNAs in the testicular tissue of patients with non-obstructive azoospermia
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Wu Han , Zheng Lin , Zhang Hai-Tao , Yang Yu-Zhuo , Mao Jia-Ming , Liu De-Feng , Zhao Lian-Ming , Liang Hui , Jiang Hui
Published: February 2022

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are highly conserved and ubiquitously expressed noncoding RNAs that participate in multiple reproduction-related diseases. However, the expression pattern and potential functions of circRNAs in the testes of patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) remain elusive. In this study, according to a circRNA array, a total of 37 881 circRNAs were identified that were differentially expressed in the testes of NOA patients compared with normal controls, including 19 874 upregulated circRNAs and 18 007 downregulated circRNAs. Using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis, we confirmed that the change tendency of some specific circRNAs, including hsa_circ_0137890, hsa_circ_0136298, and hsa_circ_0007273, was consistent with the microarray data in another larger sample. The structures and characteristics of these circRNAs were confirmed by Sanger sequencing, and fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed that these circRNAs were primarily expressed in the cytoplasm. Bioinformatics analysis was used to construct the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network, and numerous miRNAs that could be paired with circRNAs validated in this study were reported to be vital for spermatogenesis regulation. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses indicated that genes involved in axoneme assembly, microtubule-based processes, and cell proliferation were significantly enriched. Our data suggest that there are aberrantly expressed circRNA profiles in patients with NOA and that these circRNAs may help identify key diagnostic and therapeutic molecular biomarkers for NOA patients.
Parenting Styles in Borderline Personality Disorder
Authors: Shrivastava Apoorva , Manjula M , Vijaysagar K John , Thippeswamy Harish
Published: February 2022

Background:

Personality disorders (PDs) are often influenced by early circumstances such as parenting. Parenting remains a subjective experience which has not been well studied in the context of PDs from the perspectives of parents and their children.

Aims:

This study examined the parenting styles in the form of perceived parenting in youth with borderline PD (BPD) and parenting experiences of their parents.

Settings and Design:

We employed a mixed-methods cross-sectional study design to assess youth aged between 16 and 24 years diagnosed with BPD and their parents, who sought treatment at a tertiary care psychiatric hospital.

Methods:

Youth (n = 5) and their parents (n = 8) were assessed on the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM 5 for PD, MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview 7.0.2, and the Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire – Short Form. Two youth and two parents from the primary sample were selected for a semi-structured interview on parenting.

Statistical Analysis:

Parenting style scores were analyzed through descriptive statistics. Thematic analysis was used to interpret the interview data.

Results:

Youth with BPD perceived parenting as authoritarian and scored their parents lowest on the autonomy-granting dimension of authoritative parenting style. Verbal hostility was scored highest for parents. Parents of youth with BPD perceived their parenting style as authoritative, viewing themselves as warm and supportive. In the interviews, youth reported high criticality; they expressed dissatisfaction with parenting styles and need for support. The parents reported the negative influence of marital discord on parenting styles, and the need for open communication.

Conclusions:

Parenting styles are perceived differently by youth with BPD and their parents. Presence of psychopathology and individual personality traits of both youth and parents seem to play an important role in determining parenting, which needs further exploration.
The Art of Sim-Making
Authors: Lateef Fatimah , Peckler Brad , Saindon Eric , Chandra Shruti , Sardesai Indrani , Rahman Mohamed Alwi Abdul , Krishnan S Vimal , Wahid Ali Afrah Abdul , Goncalves Rose V , Galwankar Sagar
Published: February 2022

The components of each stage have similarities as well as differences, which make each unique in its own right. As the film-making and the movie industry may have much we can learn from, some of these will be covered under the different sections of the paper, for example, “Writing Powerful Narratives,” depiction of emotional elements, specific industry-driven developments as well as the “cultural considerations” in both.

For medical simulation and simulation-based education, the corresponding stages are as follows:

The art of sim-making has many similarities to that of film-making. In fact, there is potentially much to be learnt from the film-making process in cinematography and storytelling. Both film-making and sim-making can be seen from the artistic perspective as starting with a large piece of blank, white sheet of paper, which will need to be colored by the “artists” and personnel involved; in the former, to come up with the film and for the latter, to engage learners and ensure learning takes place, which is then translated into action for patients in the actual clinical care areas. Both entities have to go through a series of systematic stages.

For film-making, the stages are as follows:
Correlation of serum apelin level with carotid intima–media thickness and insulin resistance in a sample of Egyptian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: El Wakeel Mervat El Shahat , Ahmad Inass Hassan , Mohammed Marwa Abdelmonim , Ali Sally Mohamed Osama , El Wahab Marwa Khairy Abd , Shipl Walaa Mohamed
Published: February 2022

Background:

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a growing health problem in Egypt, with a significant impact on morbidity and mortality. Measurement of the carotid Intima-media thickness (CIMT) allows early detection of atherosclerotic blood vessel diseases. Apelin is an adipose tissue-derived hormone that may be associated with insulin resistance (IR). This study aimed to assess the level of serum apelin in patients with T2DM and its relation to IR and CIMT.

Materials and Methods:

A case-control study was conducted on 60 patients with T2DM and 30 healthy controls. T2DM was diagnosed based on American Diabetes Association criteria. The study was carried out at Al-Zahraa University Hospital, Cairo, Egypt, through the period from June to December 2019. The laboratory investigations included serum apelin and blood glucose hemostasis markers. CIMT was assessed using B-mode ultrasonography.

Results:

Patients’ group had a statistically significant higher apelin level than healthy controls (407.96 ± 291.07 versus 83.32 ± 10.55 ng/dL, P < 0.001). The correlation analysis showed that the serum apelin level correlated positively with glycemic indices, body weight, and waist circumference (P < 0.05). At cutoff value of >96 ng/dL, the serum apelin exhibited a sensitivity of 98.3% and specificity of 96.7%, positive predictive value of 98.1%, and negative predictive value of 96.5%, with a diagnostic accuracy of 95.1%. Serum apelin correlated positively with CIMT (r = 0.296, P = 0.022). Logistic regression analysis showed that systolic and diastolic blood pressures, Homeostasis Model Assessment of IR, and CIMT were independent predictors of serum apelin.

Conclusion:

Serum apelin may be correlated with the degree of carotid atherosclerosis and hence can be used as a prognostic biomarker.
Inguinal Herniotomy in Children: Retrospective Three Decades Experience
Authors: Agrawal Liladhar , Gupta Rahul , Sharma Shyam Bihari
Published: February 2022

ABSTRACT

Context:

Inguinal herniotomy is the most frequently performed operation in the pediatric age group. The clinical outcome of inguinal hernias and hydroceles in pediatric patients should be assessed periodically.

Aims:

This study aims to analyze the clinical presentation and outcome of a large series of pediatric inguinal hernias and hydroceles from a tertiary care institute.

Settings and Design:

A retrospective study performed on cohort of pediatric patients with inguinal hernias and hydroceles from January 1983 to December 2014.

Subjects and Methods:

Pediatric patients, aged <16 years with inguinal hernias and hydroceles were studied.

Results:

There were 8000 pediatric patients with 7350 (91.875%) males and 650 (8.125%) females (M:F = 11.3:1). Only 60 (0.75%) were in neonatal age group and 1770 (22.125%) were infants. Out of 8000, 170 (2.125%) patients presented with incarcerated inguinal hernia. A total of 8260 herniotomies were performed which included 260 cases with bilateral disease. Inguinal hernia constituted 6195 (75%) patients and hydrocele in 2065 (25%) cases. Associated genital anomalies and abdominal wall defects were present in 252 (3.15%) cases. In 80 (1%) patients, additionally ipsilateral orchiopexy were performed for unilateral undescended testis in 76 (0.95%) patients and unilateral ectopic testis 4 (0.05%) patients. Postoperative complications were present in 48 (0.6%) cases.

Conclusions:

Complications associated with inguinal hernias including those presenting with incarceration and strangulation are rare if they are managed in time and under the supervision of an experienced pediatric surgeon. We recommend a yearly clinical audit (assessment of morbidity and mortality statistics) of pediatric inguinal hernias and hydroceles managed with inguinal herniotomy.
Role of p53 and Her2/Neu as a Prognostic Biomarker in Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Gupta Anamika , Patil Bharat Umakant , Gangane Nitin M.
Published: February 2022

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

The purpose of this study is to determine if p53 and Her2/neu have prognostic value in recognizing more aggressive behavior and low prognostic breast cancer. p53 is involved in regulating cell proliferation-inducing apoptosis and enhancing chromosomal stability. In carcinogenesis, disturbance of these roles tends to play significant role. There is evidence that overexpression of Her2 and p53 is implicated in the development of breast cancer. Her2 (c-erbB2) encodes a membrane protein (p185) that, after interaction with its ligands, is phosphorylated by tyrosine. Overexpression of Her2 occurs by either gene amplification or by overexpression of mRNA.

Materials and Methods:

Fifty consecutive diagnosed cases of infiltrating duct carcinoma over a period of 2 years were reviewed from archived pathology records. Evaluation of p53 and Her2/neu staining was analyzed and staining was scored.

Results:

p53 and Her2/neu were both positive in 14% of cases, both were negative in 24% of cases. p53 positivity with Her2/neu negativity was seen in 52% of cases, whereas p53 negativity and Her2/neu positivity were seen in 10% of cases. Follow-up was available in 21 cases, and survival pattern of patients according to various clinicopathological parameters was done.

Conclusion:

A well-defined cutoff to label p53 overexpression will help in ascertaining the role of p53 as a prognostic marker. Her2/neu overexpression is associated with lymph node involvement.
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Its Clinical Applications
Authors: Mungmunpuntipantip Rujittika , Wiwanitkit Viroj
Published: February 2022

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a protein found in human beings. This protein is a member of the neurotrophic family of growth factors that relates to the canonical nerve growth factor (NGF). Its main biological process in human is on neurons of the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. This protein supports the survival of neurons and promotes growth and differentiation of new neurons and neurological synapses. This protein plays a role in many clinical disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, and aging. In this review, the authors summarize and provide insight into the molecular characteristics and clinical association with the objective to highlight and explore the potential clinical usefulness of BDNF in clinical medicine. The alteration of BDNF is seen in many disorders, especially for neurological diseases. The change of BDNF level is associated with clinical presentation of the patients. The increases or decreases of BDNF expression occur and further play a role in phenotypic expression, the clinical presentation. BDNF might be a new useful laboratory investigation for managing of patients, especially for those with neurological problems.
Deep learning architectures for nonlinear operator functions and nonlinear inverse problems
Authors: de Hoop Maarten V. , Lassas Matti , Wong Christopher A.
Published: February 2022

We develop a theoretical analysis for special neural network architectures, termed
operator recurrent neural networks
, for approximating nonlinear functions whose inputs are linear operators. Such functions commonly arise in solution algorithms for inverse boundary value problems. Traditional neural networks treat input data as vectors, and thus they do not effectively capture the multiplicative structure associated with the linear operators that correspond to the data in such inverse problems. We therefore introduce a new family that resembles a standard neural network architecture, but where the input data acts multiplicatively on vectors. Motivated by compact operators appearing in boundary control and the analysis of inverse boundary value problems for the wave equation, we promote structure and sparsity in selected weight matrices in the network. After describing this architecture, we study its representation properties as well as its approximation properties.We furthermore show that an explicit regularization can be introduced that can be derived from the mathematical analysis of the mentioned inverse problems, and which leads to certain guarantees on the generalization properties. We observe that the sparsity of the weight matrices improves the generalization estimates. Lastly, we discuss how operator recurrent networks can be viewed as a deep learning analogue to deterministic algorithms such as boundary control for reconstructing the unknown wave speed in the acoustic wave equation from boundary measurements.
The effect of the titanium butterfly implant on nasal patency and quality of life
Authors: van den Broek S.J.A.C. , van Heerbeek N.
Published: February 2022

Objective: The titanium butterfly implant seems to be a powerful technique to repair nasal valve insufficiency. However, the effect of these implants on nasal patency and quality of life has been controversial due to a lack of evidence. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the objective and subjective effect of the titanium butterfly implant on nasal patency and corresponding quality of life. Methods: Nasal patency and quality of life of 32 patients undergoing a titanium butterfly implant were evaluated by measuring peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) and completing three validated questionnaires: the NOSE, SNOT-22 and GBI, before surgery, six weeks and six months after surgery. Results: The mean PNIF increased significant after 6 weeks, as well as after 6 months. Both the NOSE and SNOT-22 questionnaire scores showed a significant decrease at both post-operative measurements. The GBI indicated a significant increase at 6 weeks and 6 months. There were no significant differences between both of the post-operative measurements. Conclusion: This is the first study indicating that the titanium butterfly implant provides a significant and clinically relevant increase in nasal patency and corresponding quality of life in patients with nasal valve insufficiency.
Anti-IL-5 immunomodulates the effect of Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin on T cell response in nasal polyps
Authors: Langier S. , Landsberg R. , Sade K. , Kivity S.
Published: February 2022

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a T helper-2 (Th2) inflammatory disease with considerable impact on the quality of life. Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins (SAEs) can induce and/or amplify inflammation. In this study, we investigated the immunomodulatory effect of SAEs on cytokine production by T cell obtained from nasal polyps (NPs) and examined whether neutralizing interleukin 5 (IL-5) can reverse the immunological effect mediated by those toxins. Methods: NP tissues were obtained from all patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery for CRSwNP. NP cells were isolated and stimulated in vitro with SAEs in the presence or absence of anti-IL-5. Flow cytometry (FACS) analyses were performed to measure specific T lymphocyte cytokine production. Results: Seventeen patients (mean age 48 years) were enrolled. SAEs significantly increased the IL-4, IL-5 (Th2) and interferon (INF)-γ (Th1) cytokines released from T lymphocytes of NPs. The addition of anti-IL-5 suppressed IL-4 and INF-γ release, which was most evident on NP tissue with high basal levels of IL-5. Conclusions: Neutralizing IL-5 is a potential therapeutic modality in patients with NPs, the effect of which is dependent on IL-5 levels.
Rhinophototherapy: gimmick or an emerging treatment option for allergic rhinitis?
Authors: Leong S.C.
Published: February 2022

Photodynamic therapy has been used in treating immune-mediated dermatological conditions such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. There are emerging reports on the efficacy of intranasal phototherapy in allergic rhinitis. The aim of this review was to assess intranasal phototherapy in the treatment of allergic rhinitis, with particular emphasis on clinical efficacy, scientific basis and safety. A structured search of the U.S. National Library of Medicine (PubMed), the Cochrane Collaboration library, Google Scholar and ISI Web of Knowledge database was undertaken using MeSH terms `phototherapy` and `rhinitis.` Fourteen full-text articles were available for review. Three different phototherapy medical devices were assessed: (1) Bionase(TM), (2) Allergy Reliever SN206 and (3) Rhinolight(®). Light wavelength used in these devices ranged from red light to ultraviolet. Clinical use of intranasal phototherapy appears to be safe and well tolerated. Most studies demonstrated symptomatic improvement and quality of life scores. No improvement in objective measures of nasal airflow was demonstrated. Beneficial effects of phototherapy on inflammatory markers remain equivocal. Phototherapy treatment results in DNA damage but does not appear to predispose to carcinogenesis. However, long-term prospective studies are required to verify this. The quality of published studies was variable and thus the current strength of recommending intranasal phototherapy is currently weak.
Collaboration between Chiefs and Local Government Actors in Combating Climate Change: Evidence from New Juaben, Ghana
Authors: Boateng Kwabena , Larbi Reuben Tete
Published: February 2022

Institutional barriers remain a constraint to efficient adaptation to climate change in many countries. Therefore, there is much to be desired regarding knowledge on the capacity and roles of local institutions in responding to climate change across sectors and locales. Drawing evidence from randomly selected chiefs and local government actors, and purposively selected officials of the Municipal Assembly, we examined how partnership between local government actors and informal institutions such as chieftaincy could enhance coordinated and integrated climate action and adaptation planning in local communities. All interviews were transcribed and analysed in themes generated from deductive codes. Participants demonstrated varied levels of knowledge on the causes and impacts of climate change. We observed the implementation of several unstructured climate change activities in local communities as actors of the two institutions individually and collaboratively implemented some adaptation and mitigation actions. We therefore conclude that when given the right attention, by addressing the problems which include financial allocation, low capacity of personnel, and the lack of coordination between units that confront the local institutions, informal institutions and local government actors, could spearhead lasting climate change adaptation and mitigation programmes, and produce equity and sustainability at the national level.
Effectiveness of nutrition education intervention on maternal nutritional knowledge among women of childbearing age in Ikenne local government area of Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors: Ngozi E. O. , John E.P. , Baderinwa T.J.
Published: February 2022

Background: Nutrient inadequacy during childbearing age and pregnancy is a major cause of intrauterine growth retardation of the foetus leading to other long-term health problems such as non-communicable diseases in later years. More so, child malnutrition and mortality can be majorly attributed to improper infant and young child feeding practices.

Objective: This study was carried out to assess the effectiveness of nutrition education intervention on maternal nutritional knowledge among women of childbearing age in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Materials and Method: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was employed for this study and 115 women of childbearing age were selected using simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire developed from the “Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices” nutrition education handbook by United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) which was administered pre and post the nutrition education. Data were vetted, coded and subjected to analysis using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. Tests were statistically significant at p ≤ 0.05.

Results: Below average (42.6%) of the respondents had good nutritional knowledge on breastfeeding, 42.6% had average on complementary feeding, while majority (61.8%) had good knowledge on health practices in the pre-test. The post-intervention test revealed significant improvement in their knowledge where 74.8%, 74.0% and 77.4% had good nutritional knowledge on breastfeeding, complementary feeding and health practices respectively. Testing the effectiveness of the nutrition education intervention, there was a significant difference between the pre and post nutritional knowledge test scores (p-0.00).

Conclusion: The study population had an average knowledge on breastfeeding and complementary feeding before the nutrition education intervention. The post-education tests result showed improvements on their knowledge from average to good on all the practices. This shows that the nutrition education was effective in improving their maternal nutritional knowledge.
Sprawa rozwiązania krakowskiej Rady Miejskiej w 1924 r.
Authors: Wałdoch Jacek
Published: February 2022

The Case of the Dissolution of the Kraków City Council in 1924

This study was devoted to the investigation of the case of the dissolution of the Kraków City Council in 1924 and the consequences resulting from this decision. After the death of the President of Kraków, Jan Kanty Federowicz, the supervisory authority (i.e. the voivode) decided to dissolve the City Council and appoint a government commissioner and a supervisory board. The commissioner was associated with the central government, while the members of the board mostly represented the ruling coalition. The councilors objected to this decision and appealed it to the Supreme Administrative Tribunal, which ultimately agreed with them. It was found that the voivode had issued the decision for dissolution in breach of the law. The controversial judgment was commented on by lawyers and criticized by those who contended that the Tribunal had errouneously based its decision rely on archaic legislation.
Kilka uwag na temat czeskiej recepcji polskiej tradycji reportażowej
Authors: Benešová Michala
Published: February 2022

Artykuł podejmuje refleksję nad wybranymi aspektami czeskiej recepcji tak zwanej polskiej szkoły reportażu. Na kilku konkretnych przykładach analizuje, jakie polskie teksty reportażowe ukazują się w czeskich przekładach, jak są one odbierane i jaki obraz polskiego reportażu wyłania się z takiej refleksji. Do analizy wybrane zostały przede wszystkim te materiały, które w jakiś sposób uwzględniają specyfikę gatunkową polskiego reportażu lub kulturowe różnice w odbiorze polskich tekstów reportażowych przez polskich i czeskich czytelników.

Few Remarks on the Topic of Czech Reception of the Polish Reportage Tradition

The article reflects on the chosen aspects of the Czech reception of the so called Polish school of reportage. Using a few specific examples, it analyses which Polish reportage texts appear in Czech translation, how are they received and which picture of Polish reportage emerges from such reflection. For analysis purposes chosen were first and foremost these texts, which in some way present the genre characteristics of the Polish reportage or the cultural differences in its reception by Polish and Czech readers.
Ryszard Kapuściński and the Fierce Debate on “Magical Journalism”
Authors: Serraller Calvo Amelia
Published: February 2022

As a journalistic genre, reportage is determined by the context in which it is produced. It transports the reader to a specific time and place, but, unlike the news, it does not depend on current events. Therefore, a reporter is not constrained by brevity and, like any other author, aims to develop their own style. This was the case of Ryszard Kapuściński, who was the Polish Press Agency’s only correspondent in Latin America from 1967 to 1972. After this experience, Kapuściński returned several times to the continent from 2001 to 2005 and gave lectures for the Fundacion Nuevo Periodismo Iberomericano, founded by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. His reportages about the continent are considered highly political (in fact Artur Domosławski describes him as a naive “true believer” in communism during his stay as a correspondent). This article, however, views the significance of his time on the new continent from a different perspective. Was the most important Latin American influence on Kapuściński actually the style and genre that he developed as he explored a new kind of reportage: ‘‘magical journalism”?

Reportaż jako gatunek dziennikarski jest zdeterminowany przez kontekst, w którym powstaje. Przenosi czytelnika w określony czas i konkretne miejsce, ale w przeciwieństwie do newsów nie jest zależny od bieżących wydarzeń. Dlatego reporter nie jest skrępowany wymogiem zwięzłości i jak każdy inny autor dąży do wypracowania własnego stylu. Tak było w wypadku Ryszarda Kapuścińskiego, który w latach 1967–1972 był jedynym korespondentem Polskiej Agencji Prasowej w Ameryce Łacińskiej. Po tym doświadczeniu Kapuściński kilkakrotnie wracał na ten kontynent w latach 2001–2005 i prowadził wykłady dla Fundacion Nuevo Periodismo Iberomericano, założonej przez Gabriela Garcię Marqueza. Jego reportaże o Ameryce Łacińskiej są uważane za wysoce polityczne (Artur Domosławski opisuje Kapuścińskiego korespondenta w tamtym regionie jako naiwnego „prawdziwego wyznawcę” komunizmu). W niniejszym artykule spojrzymy jednak na znaczenie jego pobytu na nowym kontynencie z innej perspektywy. Czy własny styl, który rozwinął, zgłębiając nowy rodzaj reportażu: „dziennikarstwo magiczne”, nie okazał się najważniejszym owocem jego zagłębiania się w świat latynoamerykańskiej kultury?
Белая горячка i White Fever. Jak za granicą (nie) czytają Jacka Hugo-Badera
Authors: Adamczewska-Baranowska Izabella
Published: February 2022

Artykuł jest próbą przeanalizowania zagranicznej recepcji książek reporterskich Jacka Hugo-Badera o byłym ZSRR. Przyglądając się sposobowi publikacji i promocji tłumaczeń przeznaczonych na rynek amerykański, autorka wskazuje na osadzanie tych tekstów w ramach globalnej genologii (kategorii survival non-fiction). Świadectwa profesjonalnego i nieprofesjonalnego odbioru Białej gorączki na Ukrainie (gdzie „polska szkoła reportażu” jest ważnym punktem odniesienia) stają się z kolei pretekstem do zarysowania kontekstu postkolonialnego. Za znaczący autorka uznaje brak przekładów książek Hugo-Badera w Rosji. Proponowane case study w szerszej perspektywie wskazuje na rożne możliwości zafunkcjonowania polskich reportaży za granicą.

Белая горячка and White Fever: How Jacek Hugo-Bader Is (not) Read Abroad

The article is an attempt at analysing the foreign reception of Jacek Hugo-Badera’s reportage books on the former USRR. Looking at the method of publishing and promoting the translations meant for the American market, the author points out the embedding of these texts in the global genology (the category of survival non-fiction). The testimonies of a professional and non-professional reception of White Fever in Ukraine (where the Polish school of reportage is an important point of reference) become in themselves a pretext to sketch out the post-colonial context. The author deems the lack of Russian translations of Hugo-Bader’s books to be important. From a wider perspective, the proposed case study indicates the different ways of the Polish reportages being relevant abroad.
Acciones de mejora de la inocuidad de los alimentos en el “Gran Hotel” de Camagüey
Authors: Cruz-Carbonell Mérida Esmunda , Zambrano-Cedeño Jessica Mariela , Guerra-Vázquez Lizbet , Agramonte-Corrales Amarilis
Published: February 2022

El turismo cultural urbano sustentable es una alternativa para el desarrollo económico, social y cultural de las comunidades, siendo necesario desarrollar servicios turísticos apropiados, como la restauración, prestar atención a la inocuidad de los alimentos, como uno de los cuatro grupos básicos de características junto con las nutricionales, organolépticas y comerciales componen la calidad de un alimento. El objetivo del trabajo es proponer acciones de mejora del servicio de restauración, para la inocuidad de los alimentos en el “Gran Hotel” de Camagüey. Se evaluó el cumplimiento de las buenas prácticas de elaboración de alimentos mediante varias herramientas, como la revisión de documentos de las últimas tres Inspecciones Sanitarias Estatales (ISE) realizadas por el Departamento de Higiene y Epidemiología. Se aplicaron encuestas a los empleados relacionados con el servicio de restauración en las temáticas de higiene y manipulación de alimentos. Se encuestaron clientes externos para conocer el grado de satisfacción con relación al servicio. Fueron identificadas deficiencias higiénico- sanitarias, insatisfacciones de clientes externos y errores de conocimientos básicos para la labor de los manipuladores de alimentos. La propuesta incluye sugerencias prácticas atendiendo a los clientes: internos y externos, de manera que se puedan satisfacer las necesidades y expectativas de ambos segmentos.

Palabras claves: servicio de restauración, inocuidad de los alimentos, acciones de mejoras.