bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Detailed Review of Management of Coronary Perforations by Gelfoam Closure
Authors: Das Debasish , Acharya Debasis , Singh Jogendra , Pramanik Subhas
Published: December 2021

We report a rare case of inadvertent distal small diagonal branch perforation noted postleft anterior descending coronary artery revascularization, rescued by Gelfoam closure in a 43-year diabetic male presenting with acute anterior wall ST elevated myocardial infarction. Intermittent balloon inflation for 30 min was not able to seal off the perforation; because of impending late (3–6 h) cardiac tamponade, we closed the perforation with Gelfoam embolization through Caravel microcatheter. Although rarely practiced, this armamentarium should be there in the interventional cardiology laboratory to deal with small vessel perforation (<2 mm), for which traditionally covered stents are not available in size.
Clinical and Angiographic Profile of Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients (<40 Years) and Short-Term Prognosis
Authors: Varun Nivargi , Ajitkumar Jadhav
Published: December 2021

Background:

The rapidly changing economic stature and lifestyle choices of young individuals have affected healthcare in India. An increased prevalence of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in young individuals has been observed.

Aims and Objectives:

The present cross-sectional, observational study was designed to record the clinical and angiographic profiles of young individuals (<40 years) with ACS.

Materials and Methods:

This cross-sectional, observational study was also designed to analyze the associations of lifestyle risk factors such as obesity, smoking, and alcohol on the occurrence of ACS and short-term (1 month) prognosis (rehospitalization and mortality). The inclusion criteria were age between 18 and 40 years with angina pectoris or equivalent at presentation and later diagnosed ACS per the consensus paper from the European Society of Cardiology/American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association/World Heart Federation joint task force. Patients with a previous history of ACS/coronary revascularization, atypical chest pain, valvular heart disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and/or congenital heart disease were excluded.

Results:

Out of the 403 patients that were screened, 162 young patients (18–40 years, mean ± standard deviation: 31.5 ± 4.64) were enrolled from a single tertiary cardiac care center located at Pune, Maharashtra, from May 2014 to May 2016. Most of the patient population were males (n [%]:151 [93.2]) of which 50% had positive addiction status for alcohol and smoking, family history of coronary artery disease (CAD) and a quarter of the patients had comorbidities of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and/or abnormal lipid profile. The majority of the young ACS patients had ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI: 87%), wherein anterior wall myocardial infarction was the most common electrocardiogram presentation, and primary angioplasty in myocardial infarction (PAMI) was the preferred modality of treatment in most of the young patients (61.7% vs. 38.3% thrombolysis).

Conclusion:

The prevalent angiographic profile of this study participants included obstructive CAD, single vessel disease, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <45, Angina Class IV, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class I, and Killip class I. Low LVEF, NYHA class IV, and Killip class IV showed association with short-term outcomes (mortality). The present study adds to the pool of information related to the western Indian population. However, a larger cohort study with a long-term follow is warranted to analyze the detailed ACS progression status in young individuals.
Evaluation of the Hepatoprotective Effect of Different Doses of Curcumin and Vitamin c in Methotrexate-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Mice
Authors: Khudair Dhekra Hasan , Al-Gareeb Ali I.
Published: December 2021

Background:

Methotrexate, the antineoplastic and immunosuppressive drug, is used in the treatment of different types of cancers and the management of chronic inflammatory diseases. Hepatotoxicity is one of its major side effects.

Objectives:

The present study assesses the hepatoprotective effect of different doses of curcumin and Vitamin C in methotrexate-induced hepatotoxicity.

Materials and Methods:

The prospective experimental study was conducted at the College of Medicine, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq, and in the animal's house of the Iraqi Center for Cancer Research, Baghdad-Iraq, from November 2020 to June 2021, and comprised Swiss albino female mice aged 3–4 months and weighing 30–40 g each. The mice were divided into 6 groups, the first group was considered as control which received only distilled water, the second group was considered as methotrexate group, third and fourth groups orally supplemented with 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg curcumin, respectively, fifth and sixth groups orally supplemented with 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg Vitamin C, respectively, The experiment continued for 10 days, and on the 10th day all groups, except the control one, received 20 mg/kg methotrexate intraperitoneally to induce hepatotoxicity. Parameters measured were serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and liver tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase, and glutathione. SPSS 16 was used for data analysis.

Results:

The results show significant hepatoprotection produced by curcumin reflected by a decrease in LDH and MDA. Vitamin C also produced a significant hepatoprotection demonstrated by a decrease in ALT, ALP, LDH, and MDA.

Conclusion:

Curcumin and Vitamin C were found to provide hepatoprotection against methotrexate-induced hepatotoxicity through the modulation of oxidative stress biomarkers in a dose-dependent manner.
Comparison of Serum Interleukin-37 Level in Obese, Nonobese Type II Diabetic Patients and Healthy Controls
Authors: Alhayali Fadwa E. , Yücel Ayşegül A , Ashoor Zainab F.
Published: December 2021

Backgroud:

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) is a metabolic disease resulting from the genetic and environmental factors and which causes insulin dysfunction on peripheral tissues, as well as in the pancreatic β-cell. Underlying pathologies such as overweight and obesity are the main factors for the development of T2DM. Interleukin-37 (IL-37) is an anti-inflammatory cytokine and also called as a “dual function.”

Aim of study:

This study has demonstrated was elevated in the obese T2DM patients and IL-37 protects from obesity-induced leading to development of T2DM. Fifty-eight patients who visited to the National Center for Diabetes Research and Treatment in the İraq/Baghdad with the age of <40–>60 years were employed in this study. Patient groups were 29 obese T2DM and 29 nonobese T2DM patients, and they when compared with 29 individuals as healthy control groups. In this study, serum IL-37 levels were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.

Results:

In obese T2DM patients, the mean serum level of IL-37 was elevated and significantly higher (mean ± standard deviation [SD], 5.594 ± 3.421 pg/ml; P < 0.0001) in comparison with nonobese T2DM patients (mean ± SD, 1.851 ± 0.417 pg/ml; P < 0.0001) and healthy control group (mean ± SD, 0.777 ± 0.099 pg/ml).

Conclusions:

In this study, obese T2DM patients had higher serum IL-37 levels but lower serum IL-37 levels in nonobese diabetic patients as compared to the healthy controls. This result led to the supposition that the rise in serum IL-37 level is related with obesity. Further, it suggests that IL-37 being an anti-inflammatory mediator might be responsible for some underline changes, which may develop the progress of T2DM.
Acquired partial auricular defect rehabilitation aided by four-part mold technique and spectrophotometer
Authors: Ramya S. , Agrawal Kaushal Kishor , Singh Saumyendra Vikram , Chand Pooran
Published: December 2021

Patients with auricular defects benefit greatly by an ear prosthesis. However, during the fabrication of auricular prosthesis, difficulties can be faced in obtaining a satisfactory outcome, such as tearing of the prosthesis, fracture of the mold and poor color matching. An 18 year old male lost part of his left auricle in an assault and battery because of which the patient was suffering from adverse psychosocial impact. Surgical reconstruction was ruled out because of patient's desire and financial constraints. Partial auricular prosthesis using four part mold technique and spectrophotometer was fabricated leading to a desirable outcome. Four part mold technique prevented fracture of mold and made retrieval of prosthesis easier. Spectrophotometer reduced the duration of patient visit and the artistic skill required for colour matching in tral and error method.
Gingival exophytic lesions as first oral manifestation of primary lung adenocarcinomas
Authors: Donís Sergio Piñeiro , García Abel García , Vila Pilar Gándara , Carrión Andrés Blanco , Jornet Pía López , Peñaranda José M Suárez , Sayáns Mario Pérez
Published: December 2021

Metastases from malignant tumors in the oral cavity are rare and comprise approximately 1% of all oral neoplasms, being more frequent in the jaws than in the soft tissues. The presentation of a gingival metastasis as the first manifestation of a primary tumor in the oral cavity is extremely rare. The objective of this review is to update the diagnosis and management of oral metastasis being the first clinical manifestation of the tumor and review all the cases published to date, providing a new original clinical case with very specific histopathological characteristics. We systematically reviewed the literature in order to find all the cases of primary lung tumors that appeared with a gingival metastasis as the first manifestation. The search process involved a total of 1916 articles. After reading the latter, 15 (one of them with two different cases) met the inclusion criteria. Of the 15 articles, 6 were rated as medium quality (40%) and 9 as high quality (60%). We present a lung adenocarcinoma that first manifested as a metastasis in the gum, simulating a benign lesion. The unusually high growth rate of this lesion should conduct to have other diagnostic possibilities, and histopathological confirmation is essential.
Effect of platelet-rich fibrin versus chitosan-based Axiostat hemostatic agent following dental extraction in cardiac patients on antiplatelet therapy
Authors: Rajendra Kamala , Vempalli Swetha , Kadiyala Mithileswer , Sharma Vidushi , Karipineni Swetha , Gunturu Srikanth , Patil Dipak Baliram
Published: December 2021

Background:

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a biomaterial that promotes wound healing. It has a fibrinous matrix wherein platelets, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and various growth factors along with few cells are entrapped while Chitosan is a naturally occurring cationic biopolymeric material that is derived from an animal product, chitin. It has demonstrated biological properties which include acceleration in wound healing, hemostasis, enhancement of immunological response, mucosal adhesion by eliciting biological responses, and anti-microbial action.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of PRF and Axiostat (A chitosan-based product) on hemostasis after tooth extraction among cardiac patients on antiplatelet medication.

Materials and Methods:

This prospective study was carried out on 300 patients undergoing tooth extraction. Participants were divided into two categories (n = 150, respectively) as Group I (PRF dressing) and Group II (Axiostat dressing). Time to achieve hemostasis was observed using a stopwatch. Average pain score calculation was performed using visual analog on the 7-day postoperative period. Descriptive statistics were done, and data analysis was performed using the Mann–Whitney U-test. P < 0.5 and < 0.001 were considered statistically significant and extremely significant, respectively.

Results:

Average pain score was 1.86 ± 0.06 in Group I and 1.05 ± 0.87 in Group II. Thus, lower postoperative pain was seen with Axiostat dressing. Hemostasis was achieved in Group II participants in 1.25 ± 0.06 min and in 1.89 ± 0.54 min in Group I. P < 0.01 was obtained, although no statistically significant difference in postoperative pain scores (P = 0.8) was seen.

Conclusion:

Chitosan is a superior wound dressing material in achieving hemostasis in cardiac patients on antiplatelet medication after tooth extraction.
A comparative evaluation of bone regeneration using mesenchymal stem cells versus blood coagulum in sinus augmentation procedures
Authors: Gupta Akash Sanjay , Aurora Jitender Kumar , Dubey K. N. , Chauhan Himanshu , Saxena Mohit , Ganvir Sagar Ramesh
Published: December 2021

Objective:

The present study evaluated the quality and quantity of new bone formation in the maxillary sinus lift procedures and stability of implants in posterior atrophic maxilla.

Materials and Methods:

This prospective randomized controlled split-mouth study included 20 patients (16 males and 4 females having a mean age of 36.7 years) having atrophic maxilla. They were divided randomly into two groups: Group A using mesenchymal stem cells and Group B into blood coagulum. They were radiographically evaluated using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for residual bone height preoperatively and availability of new bone formation around implants, density, and stability of implants 6 months postoperatively.

Results:

The placement of dental implants in posterior maxilla is challenging due to rapid resorption of alveolar bone after extraction of teeth due to pneumatization of maxillary sinuses. In both the groups, more pain and swelling were observed in the 2nd postoperative day which gradually decreased over a period of 7 days. Membrane perforation occurs in only four cases (20%). A significant gain in alveolar bone height was observed in Group A (7.69 mm ± 2.5 mm) and Group B (9.32 mm ± 2 mm) after 6 months. On comparing both the groups, there is a similar significant increase in bone density in Hounsfield units postoperatively at various levels buccally and palatally. Total 40 sinuses were lifted and 42 implants were placed, respectively. All implants showed primary stability.

Conclusions:

Such findings provide a significant contribution in future perspective studies that the use of stem cells had the same success rate as blood coagulum.
Antibiotic therapy for the prevention of osteoradionecrosis following tooth extraction in head-and-neck cancer patients postradiotherapy
Authors: Palma Luiz Felipe , Marcucci Marcelo , Remondes Cíntia Maria , Chambrone Leandro
Published: December 2021

Introduction:

One of the most important complications of radiotherapy (RT) for head-and-neck cancer (HNC) is osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the jaws, which mostly arises from tooth extractions. The ORN treatment still represents a great challenge; therefore, the prevention is of paramount importance. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate retrospectively a perioperative systemic antibiotic therapy protocol for the prevention of ORN following tooth extraction in head-and-neck patients post-3D conformal RT.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective medical record review was performed considering HNC patients submitted to RT in the period between 2008 and 2019. They necessarily received oral antibiotic therapy with Clindamycin 300 mg every 8 h for 10 days, with the first dose 3 days before the tooth extraction.

Results:

Forty-nine patients met the study criteria, with a total of 107 teeth extracted. Regarding the 47 patients who did not develop ORN, 103 tooth extractions were identified (96.3%). Only two patients developed ORN at two adjacent teeth sites (3.7%).

Conclusion:

The proposed perioperative systemic antibiotic therapy protocol seems to be efficient to prevent ORN following tooth extraction in postirradiated HNC patients.
Temporomandibular joint ankylosis
Authors: Mishra Nitesh , Sharma Naresh Kumar , Dhiman Neeraj Kumar , Jaiswara Chandresh , Tiwari Preeti , Singh Akhilesh Kumar
Published: December 2021

Introduction:

Limitation of mouth opening can be caused by bony or fibrous ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) as a sequel to trauma, infection, or autoimmune diseases. The incidence of TMJ ankylosis differs significantly in different parts of the world. The purpose of this study was to analyze the etiological incidence of TMJ ankylosis at our tertiary-level center, which covers a huge population from parts of Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Materials and Methods:

This study was conducted from July 2016 to April 2019, and a total of 1607 children were screened in the duration of 33 months. Participants were included in this study as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results:

After screening of the 1607 children, 128 TMJ ankylosis cases were identified. Out of the 128 cases of TMJ ankylosis, 33 cases were bilateral and 95 cases were unilateral (48 left sided and 47 right sided). Most of the patients (83.5%) were in the 10–15-year-old age group (mean age was 12.1 ± 2.83 years). There was a female preponderance, and the male-to-female ratio was 7:10. Overall, the most common cause of ankylosis was found to be childhood trauma.

Conclusion:

The major etiologic factor of TMJ ankylosis was found to be birth/childhood trauma. TMJ ankylosis cases were detected in significant numbers in this study. This increased prevalence may be due to the lack of knowledge about this pathological entity among the general population and health-care professionals at primary level, which leads to poor initial management.
Primary Tracheal Cancer
Authors: Babbar Pooja , Rudresha A. H. , Lokanatha D. , Arjunan Ravi , Jacob Linu , Babu M. C. Suresh , Lokesh K. N. , Rajeev L. K. , Saldanha Smith C. , Abhilash G. H. , Pandey Amit
Published: December 2021

Background:

Primary tracheal cancers (PTC) are uncommon, and the treatment methods vary considerably.

Aim:

The aim of the present study was to explore the clinical features, management, and prognosis of PTC in an Indian context.

Methods:

Nineteen patients of PTC were retrieved from the medical records over a period from January 2013 to December 2019. The clinical profile, histological features, and treatment details were recorded and outcomes are analyzed in terms of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results:

Histological distribution for the cases were squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (n = 12), adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) (n = 6) and small cell carcinoma (n = 1). All the patients were symptomatic. SCC was located more (7 out of 12 cases; 58.33%) in the lower third of the trachea than ACC (2 out of 6 cases; 33.33%). At initial diagnosis, five patients had metastatic disease and all the cases were of SCC histology (4 cases treated with palliative chemotherapy and 1 case received best supportive care). Among nonmetastatic cases (n = 14), 4 patients (SCC: 2; ACC: 2) were considered for primary surgery and the rest were considered unresectable and treated with other modalities except one case of ACC who did not come for treatment after diagnosis. The median PFS for ACC patients was higher than SCC (32 months vs. 10 months; P = 0.013). The median OS for ACC was higher than SCC cases (34.5 months vs. 11.2 months; P = 0.009).

Conclusions:

SCC followed by ACC are the most common histology types for PTC. ACC has a better prognosis compared to SCC.
Primary Ureteral Mucinous Adenocarcinoma with Xanthogranulomatous Pyelonephritis Masquerading as a Giant Renal Mass
Authors: Kanbur Ajay Shyam , Mokashi Atul J. , Dutta Supriya , Hase Aniket N.
Published: December 2021

Primary ureteral carcinoma is rare among all urogenital malignancies, with transitional cell carcinoma being the most common histology followed by squamous cell carcinoma. Adenocarcinoma is extremely rare. Herein, we report a case of primary mucin secreting adenocarcinoma of the right lower ureter in a 67-year-old male. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) scan showed a large cystic mass occupying the whole abdomen along with a mass in the lower third of the right ureter mimicking as a giant renal mass. Ureteroscopy followed by laparotomy including right nephroureterectomy with bladder cuff excision was performed. On histopathological examination, the CECT scan-based suspected giant renal mass revealed to be xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis of the kidney along with primary mucin secreting adenocarcinoma of the ureter.
Artificial floating islands as a tool for the water quality improvement of fishponds
Authors: Osti João Alexandre Saviolo , Rodrigues Claudinei José , Carmo Clovis Ferreira do , Peixoto Ana Carolina , Schalch Sergio Henrique Canello , Marcantonio Adriana Sacioto , França Fernanda Menezes , Mercante Cacilda Thais Janson
Published: December 2021

In this study, the ecotechnology artificial floating islands (AFIs), colonized by Eichhornia crassipes, have been tested as a tool for water quality improvement of fishponds. The experiment was carried out in semi-intensive production during the grow-out period of Nile tilapia, comprising one production cycle. It was completely randomized with two treatments (with and without AFIs) and three replications. Temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, pH, turbidity, total dissolved solids (TDS), transparency (Secchi) and concentrations of chlorophyll a (CL a), total nitrogen (TN), total ammonia nitrogen (TAN), total phosphorus (TP) and orthophosphate (PO43--P) were analyzed fortnightly in the fishponds. Two groups ordered based on environmental characteristics were formed by applying the Principal Component Analysis (70.68% of explicability). The fishponds with AFIs were assigned to higher values of Secchi and lower values of pH, turbidity, TDS and concentrations of nutrients. On the other hand, the fishponds without AFIs were assigned to the highest values of these variables, except for Secchi. In 30 days, the AFIs showed the lowest concentrations of TP and PO43--P, and for CL a, TN and TAN, the differences were recorded after 90 days. The use of AFIs has demonstrated potential to conserve water quality in fishponds, notably for biologically assimilable elements (PO43--P  and TAN) and for those directly related to eutrophication (P and N). Artificial floating islands should be encouraged for small and medium-sized farmers as tool to improve water quality in fishponds. However, new AFIs coverage rates must be evaluated, as well as the control of hydraulic retention rates.

Keywords: aquaculture, ecotechnology, free-floating aquatic macrophytes.
Perception of Undergraduate Students on Availability and Utilization of Interactive White Board on Performance in Biology
Authors: Mataz Suleiman Sa’adu
Published: December 2021

The aim of this research is to assess availability and utilization of Interactive White Boards (IWBs) in teaching and learning of  Biology among Undergraduate students in Sokoto State. The research is a descriptive survey with a population of 587 and a sample size of 234 100 level students of Science and Vocational Education department who are offering biology courses at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto. A self-designed questionnaire tagged „Assessment of the use of Interactive White Board in Teaching and Learning Biology‟ (AIWBTLB) and Biology Performance Test (BTP) were used as instruments for data collection. The instruments were validated by experts and exhibited reliability index of 0.87 and 0.77 using Cronbach alpha and split half method respectively. The data generated was statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Findings revealed that the required IWBs for teaching and learning Biology were not available; and the available IWBs were not adequately utilized. Equally important, a positive relationship was found between IWBs utilization and undergraduate students‟ performance in biology. It was however recommended among others that, government; management of universities should as a matter of urgent importance provide adequate IWBs devices for the teaching and learning of Biology in the universities; and to provide modalities in which students are encouraged to make full use of IWBs in the teaching and learning of Biology.
Current Trends in Sustainability Education and the Future of Sustainability Education in Nigeria
Authors: Akinsemolu Adenike A. , Arijeniwa Foluke V.
Published: December 2021

This article examines the current trends in sustainability education and the future of sustainability education in Nigeria. It contends that development and environment are intertwined and thus should be systematically embedded into educational activities to yield environmentally responsible and accountable policies and citizens in the quest for sustainable development. The significant roles of Environmental Education (EE) as a tool for propagating United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs) have been identified within Nigeria's national guidelines and policy visions. While there is this recognition, implementing and delivering EE programs remains significantly affected by various practical implementation challenges. Despite various studies documenting the value of EE for the achievement of the SDGs, challenges related to governance and laws limiting the roll-out of these programs in Nigeria continue to pose implementation challenges. Thus, this article seeks to look at the various institutional and legal challenges arising with the implementation of these programs within Nigeria and how to practically address them. The main challenges identified in this study are inadequate funding, capacity gaps, insufficient facilities, inadequate infrastructure, and the lack of EE in national strategies and plans. Recommendations for addressing these challenges are provided, along with conclusions on the future outlook.
Towards the International Standardization of Carbon Dioxide Capture, Transportation, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) Technologies: Current Challenges and Future Directions
Authors: Gallo Alexandre , Pereira Eduardo G. , Fossa Alberto , Hylton-Edwards Hannah , Muinzer Thomas , Dos Santo Edmilson Moutinho , Dybwad Clara , Liaw Cylon
Published: December 2021

Climate change poses a serious threat to the development of the current and future generations. Therefore, Carbon Dioxide Capture, Transportation, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) has emerged as an essential tool to mitigate such impacts of global warming along with other  initiatives and strategic decisions such as energy transition and conservation, sustainable practices amongst others. This article is focused on the  CCUS practices and more specifically the peculiarities of CCUS vis-à-vis the standardization rules at the International Organization for  Standardization (ISO). The main question this article aims to address is to determine if CCUS should have its own standing technical committee (TC)  or if it should be somehow related to the existing Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technical committee.
Harmonizing Commercial and Investment Arbitration: Conflict Dynamics
Authors: Vasudevan Jaya
Published: December 2021

This article provides an independent analysis of the scope and extent of arbitration under investment agreements, and the implications of the possible convergence in the process of harmonization of international commercial arbitration law.The successful settlement of any dispute depends on the compatibility of the nature of the dispute with the technique to which it is submitted for resolution. In the last decade, there was a constant increase in the number of disputes that were subjected to arbitration and a major chunk of those disputes covered a comparatively new but known area called international investment law. With economic globalization allowing the free flow of foreign direct investment (FDI) in and out of a country, the existing regulatory framework in international law to standardize investment liberalization is often seen as ineffective, hence the consequent disputes. Here, arbitration offers a suitable framework for the amicable settlement of commercial disputes covering investment agreements with the assistance of bilateral or multilateral agreements between the states. Preferential trade agreements pertaining to investment often contain an arbitration clause for the settlement of future disputes between parties. At this juncture, one may find that there exists a fundamental dilemma in ascertaining the true nature of investment arbitration and how it is different from commercial arbitration. For example, the protection being offered to human rights under the purview of investment arbitration may generate doubts in the minds of investment arbitrators. In commercial arbitration, divergences in a pluralistic order become particularly relevant whereas the diverse legal cultures supported by individual constitutional frameworks have a direct impact on investment arbitration due to their practical application. The article also discusses the need for harmonized rules governing arbitration procedures while maintaining the functional dissimilarities between commercial and investment arbitration.
Characterization of bilayered matrix-type mucoadhesive buccal films containing tizanidine hydrochloride and piroxicam
Authors: Begum M. Yasmin , Alqahtani Ali
Published: December 2021

Purpose: To formulate and characterize tizanidine hydrochloride (TZN) and piroxicam (PRX)-loaded bilayer mucoadhesive buccal films with an intention to improve the bioavailability and patient compliance in pain management.Methods: Bilayer buccal films were prepared by solvent evaporation technique using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) 15cps and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K30 as immediate release (IR) layer forming polymers and HPMC K15 M, PVP K 90 along with various muco adhesive polymers (Carbopol P934, sodium alginate, etc), as sustained release (SR) layer forming polymers. The prepared films werecharacterized for thickness, weight variation, folding endurance, surface pH, swelling index,mucoadhesive strength, in vitro residence time, in vitro drug release, ex vivo permeation and drug release kinetics.Results: The prepared films were of largely uniform thickness, weight and drug content. Moisture loss (%) and folding endurance were satisfactory. Surface pH was compatible with salivary fluid. Disintegration time was 85 s for F1 and 115 s for F2 of IR films. In vitro dissolution studies showed 99.12 ± 1.2 % (F1) and 90.36 ± 1.8 % (F2) were released in 45 min. Based on the above results, F1 was chosen as the optimum formulation to be combined with SR layer of TZN. Amongst the SR layers of TZN in vitro drug release. The findings show that of F2 was 98.38 ± 0.82 % and correlated with ex vivo release. Drug release followed zero order release kinetics and mechanism of drug release was non-Fickian type diffusion. In vitro residence time was greater than 5 h.Conclusion: The findings show that the bilayer buccal films demonstrate the dual impact of deliveringPRX instantly from the IR layer, with good controlled release and permeation of TZN from the SR layer, thus providing enhanced therapeutic efficacy, drug bioavailability and patient compliance.
Anti-asthmatic effect of Ping-Chuan Formula in asthmatic mice, and its molecular mechanism of action
Authors: Ming Xi , Xu Wanchao , Liu Yazun , Zhang Xinguang , Bai Li , Xue Zheng , Yu Jianer
Published: December 2021

Purpose: To investigate the anti-asthmatic effect of Ping-Chuan Formula (PCF) in a mouse model, and the associated molecular mechanisms.Methods: Asthma mice were induced using ovalbumin (OVA), and PCF (600 mg/kg) was administered to the mice for 4 weeks. Sections of lung tissues were examined microscopically. The expressions of interleukins (ILs), interferon (IFN)-γ, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β were assayed, while lung tissue expressions of Toll like receptor (TLR)-4, GATA binding protein (GATA)-3, Ox40 ligand (OX40L), indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), and forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) determined. The T box expressed in T cells (T-bet) was evaluated using western blotting. The expressions of MHC II and co-stimulators (CD 11c, CD 80 and CD 86) of dendritic cells (DCs) were determined by flow cytometry.Results: PCF decreased inflammation in lung, and also down-regulated IL-4, -6, -17 and TGF-β (p < 0.01), whereas IL-10 and IFN-γ expressions were up-regulated (p < 0.01). Moreover, PCF decreased the expressions of TLR-4, GATA-3 and OX40L in lung tissue, and promoted Foxp3, IDO and T-bet. Besides, PCF decreased the levels of MHC II and co-stimulators (CD 80 and CD 86) on the surface of DCs.Conclusion: PCF exerts anti-asthmatic effect in mice via inhibition of inflammation, and modulation of MHC II and co-stimulators on the surface of DCs. These findings suggest that PCF is a promising candidate drug for treating asthma in humans.
Effect of dexmedetomidine on miR-144-3p expression and epithelial mesenchymal transition in gastric cancer cells
Authors: Chen Zong , Ding Yong , Zeng Ying , Chen Zhifeng , Zhang Xueping , Chen Jianyan
Published: December 2021

Purpose: To investigate the effect of dexmedetomidine (DEX) on epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) in gastric cancer cells, and the role of microRNA-144-3p (miR-144-3p) in the process.Methods: The effect of DEX on miRNA expression profile was analyzed using GEO database(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gds/). Human gastric cancer cells were cultured in vitro, and one group of cells was treated with saline for 48 h (control group). Cells treated with DEX at doses of 0.01, 0.1 and 1.0 μmol/L for 48 h were marked as low-, medium- and high-DEX concentration groups. The mRNA expression levels of miR-144-3p, ZEB1, E-cadherin and vimentin were determined using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), while the protein expressions of ZEB1, E-cadherin and vimentin were assayed with Western blotting. Cell proliferation was determined with CCK-8 assay, while metastasis was measured using Transwell assay.Results: The GEO database demonstrated that the expression of miR-144-3p in rat cardiomyocytes was significantly decreased after DEX treatment (p < 0.05). The expression of miR-144-3p was decreased in all groups, when compared to the control group, but the expressions of ZEB1 and vimentin were increased, while that of E-cadherin was down-regulated (p < 0.05). Cell proliferation in the high-DEX concentration group was decreased (p < 0.05). The degrees of cell invasion and migration were increased in the medium- and high-DEX concentration groups (p < 0.05).Conclusion: DEX promotes the metastasis of gastric cancer cells by regulation of epithelialmesenchymal transition (EMT) and the expression of miR-144-3p. This finding provides a new insight into the treatment of gastric cancer.
Safety of low-dose dobutamine stress test in coronary slow flow phenomenon
Authors: Wu Jian , Huang Rongchong , Meng Shuang , Yang Yanzong
Published: December 2021

Purpose: To investigate the feasibility and safety of a low-dose dobutamine stress test in coronary slow flow phenomenon (CSFP) patients.Methods: One hundred and forty-two CSFP patients, and forty-four patients without CSFP or significant epicardial coronary stenosis who served as the control group, were retrospectively reviewed. All patients were infused intravenously with dobutamine at an initial infusion rate of 5 μg/kg/min which was then increased at 8-min intervals to 10, 15, and 20 μg/kg/min. Symptoms and echocardiography were monitored simultaneously.Results: Patient tolerance decreased as the doses of dobutamine increased. No termination of the test occurred without dobutamine or at the infusion rate of 5 μg/kg/min. Nonetheless, when the infusion rates were adjusted to 15 and 20 μg/kg/min, the incident of side effects reached up to 30.9 %, and a few patients experienced ST-segment depression in precordial electrocardiographic leads. There were no induced arrhythmias without dobutamine, while the incidence of arrhythmias was highest at the infusion rate of 20 μg/kg/min. Malignant arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation and sustained ventricular tachycardia, were not detected. No significant differences were showed in echocardiogram result for left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) between CSFP and control group (63.7±7.9 in the CSFP group, versus 64.3±7.2 in the control group; p = 0.63).Conclusion: A low-dose dobutamine stress test is safe and feasible in CSFP patients.
Octreotide ameliorates hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced cerebral infarction by inhibiting oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis, and via inhibition of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway
Authors: Hou Yanbin , Lou Zhongze , Ji Yunxin , Ruan Liemin , Gao He
Published: December 2021

Purpose: To explore the effects of octreotide (OCT) on oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced cerebral infarction.Methods: The in vitro model of cerebral infarction was established by treating N2A cells with hypoxia for 4 h and reoxygenation for 24 h. The viability of N2A cells was determined by CCK-8 assay. The cells were divided into 3 groups: control group, H/R group, and H/R+OCT group. The cells in H/R+OCT group were pretreated with OCT (60 ng/mL) before H/R treatment. The oxidative stress of N2A cells were assessed by determining the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx), catalase (CAT), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Inflammation of N2A cells was evaluated by evaluating the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8, while the apoptosis of N2A cells was assessed by flow cytometry. Western blot analysis was used to determine the expression of Bcl-2, Bax, TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB.Results: Octreotide treatment significantly reduced the level of oxidative stress. The inflammation of N2A cells caused by hypoxia/reoxygenation was inhibited by treatment with octreotide. Apoptosis of N2A cells was also inhibited by octreotide treatment. Hypoxia/reoxygenation activated TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway, while octreotide inhibits the activation of this pathway.Conclusion: The results reveal that octreotide inhibits hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced oxidative stress,as well as the inflammation, and apoptosis of N2A cells by inhibiting TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. Thus, these findings may provide new insights into the treatment of cerebral infarction.
Dexmedetomidine mitigates myocardial ischemiareperfusion injury via regulation of HMGB1-TLR4-NF-κB signaling axis
Authors: Wen Ting , Liu Ia , Chen Shibiao , Hou Benchao , Li Gan , Yu Chaxiu
Published: December 2021

Purpose: To study the effect of dexmedetomidine (Dex) on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI), and the associated mechanism of action.Methods: Sixty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were assigned to sham, ischemia-reperfusion (I/R), Dex, and MD groups (methyllycaconitine prior to injection with Dex), with 15 rats in each group. Pathological changes in myocardial tissues were determined in all groups. Protein expression levels of HMGB1, TLR4, NF-κB and myeloid differentiation protein 88 (MyD88) in serum and myocardial tissues were assayed and compared.Results: Protein levels of HMGB1, TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB were significantly higher in heart muscle I/R rats than those in sham group, but lower in heart muscle of rats in Dex group than in heart muscle of I/R rats (p < 0.05). However, they were significantly up-regulated in MD group, relative to Dex group (p< 0.05).Conclusion: Dex exerts a protective effect against ischemia/reperfusion-induced myocardial damage via HMGB1-TLR4-NF-κB signal axis via CAP, and thus, is a potential agent for the management of myocardial disease.
Artystki i miłośniczki sztuki – kobiety w żydowskim życiu artystycznym międzywojennej Warszawy. W kręgu Żydowskiego Towarzystwa Krzewienia Sztuk Pięknych
Authors: Piątkowska Renata
Published: December 2021

Artists and Art Lovers: Women in the Jewish Artistic Life of Interwar Warsaw. In the Circle of The Jewish Society for the Encouragement of Fine Arts Research on Jewish artistic life in interwar Warsaw, especially in the context of the activities of the Jewish Society for the Encouragement of Fine Arts (Żydowskie Towarzystwo Krzewienia Sztuk Pięknych), reveals active and numerousparticipation of women, both artists and art lovers (by and large a group of professionals, bourgeois, political and social activists, Jewish art collectors). In the article, special attention is paid to Tea Arciszewska and Diana Eigerowa, a collector and philanthropist, the founder of the Samuel Hirszenberg scholarship for students of the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw. The author, using selected examples, discusses the role of artists in the artistic community, their individual exhibitions in the Jewish Society for the Encouragement of Fine Arts (Stanisława Centnerszwerowa, Regina Mundlak), a group of young artists living in Paris (Alicja Hohermann, Zofia Bornstein, Pola Lindenfeld, Estera Karp), as well as a circle of art lovers and patrons, some of whom—such as Tea Arciszewska and Paulina Apenszlak—also dealt with art criticism.
Marian Turski – pamięć przeciwko upokorzeniu i obojętności
Authors: Liszka Katarzyna
Published: December 2021

Marian Turski, XI Nie bądź obojętny. XI Thou Shalt Not Be Indifferent, Wydawnictwo Czarne, Stowarzyszenie Żydowski Instytut Historyczny w Polsce, Wołowiec–Warszawa 2021, ss. 253.
Miłość – świadectwo osobowej dojrzałości. Perspektywa filozoficzno-pedagogiczna
Authors: Boużyk Maria M.
Published: December 2021

Love: An Indicator of Personal Maturity. A Philosophical and Pedagogical Perspective

The article is a philosophical analysis of the problem of love from the perspective of human maturity. It aims to recall the philosophical theses (including those by Aristotle, Pieper, Plato, and Wojtyla) that are pedagogically oriented. The article consists of six parts, arranged in six questions, which allow us to define love as a pedagogically desirable attitude. The ontic factors of love are primarily considered, but so too is the contemporary cultural situation that constitutes a context of human relationships. The determinants of this context are individualism, consumerism, metaphysical indifference, and more recently also pandemic-induced isolationism. In Part 1, love is defined as the „being together” of people governed by a personalistic norm. In Part 2, the emphasis is on its corporeal-sensual-spiritual complexity and, in particular, on the aptitude of the will and the intellect. Part 3 considers the principle of love: love is governed by an affirmation, not of a personal feature (or set of features), but of the person’s existence as a person. In Part 4, love is analyzed in terms of its inherent aspect of giving: giving to someone and being given to. Attention is drawn to the need to combine both attitudes in mature love. Part 5 is about friendship, the most perfect form of love. It is noted that although it binds a small group of people (it is exclusive), it also has a socially-oriented vector. Part 6 is devoted to the issue of the deficit of love (indifference, hatred) and its sources in the decline of existential thinking among contemporary people.
Konteksty społeczne początku XX wieku a poradnictwo dla rodziców w zakresie opieki i wychowania na ziemiach polskich
Authors: Ostafiński Witold
Published: December 2021

Social Contexts of the Beginning of the 20th Century and Counseling for Parents in the Field of Care and Education in Poland

The beginning of the 20th century was a period of great popularity of guidebooks for parents, which often dealt with issues related to the care and upbringing of children in the family, and the authors focused especially on the role of the mother, assigning it a special meaning. The aim of the article is to present the content of counseling for parents on the care and upbringing of children at the beginning of the 20th century in Poland. The article also presents the position of the educators and psychologists of the time on the issues related to the upbringing and care of children in the family environment. The analyzes include publications that appeared in Poland in a period of political change that initiated changes in the approach to the tasks of the family regarding upbringing and childcare. The independence of Poland enabled the development of native pedagogical thought, which resulted in the implementation of new ideas and the creation of new concepts of education.
Rola lekcji filozofii wobec programu nieoficjalnego w szkole
Authors: Rutkiewicz Wojciech
Published: December 2021

The Role of Philosophy Lessons in Context of Non-Official Curriculum in School Bohdan Chwedeńczuk has asked provocatively: what is the purpose of doing philosophy? We can treat this question as a philosophical one. Nevertheless in this article I would like to treat it as a question concerning education. Polish philosophical community basically agrees that providing philosophy lessons would be a valuable supplement for general education in Poland. However there is no agreement in case of how and what exactly we should teach in philosophy class. I argue that philosophy lessons are beneficial for students. My argumentation is based on critical theory in educational research, in which key theme is educational curriculum’s inquiry. I separate three kind of educational curriculum: hidden curriculum, null curriculum and informal curriculum. I’m going to argue that philosophy lessons are not only beneficial for future students’ lives, but also helpful for coping with school routine.
Kształt polskiej pedagogiki narodowej według Wiktora Wąsika
Authors: Charzyński Rafał
Published: December 2021

The Shape of Polish National Pedagogics according to Wiktor Wąsik

The article aims to demonstrate the validity of Wiktor Wąsik’s assertions regarding the existence of a national Polish pedagogy. An analysis of the views of these thinkers shows that there are many essential pedagogical features common across these scholars, even though they lived in different epochs. This analysis also allows us to see their work as both specifically Polish and simultaneously well-harmonized within European thought.
Porozumienia sierpniowe. Dlaczego „Szczecin podpisał pierwszy” i jakie to miało znaczenie?
Authors: Siedziako Michał
Published: December 2021

Porozumienia sierpniowe często bywają utożsamiane z tylko jednym dokumentem – porozumieniem podpisanym 31 sierpnia 1980 roku między Komisją Rządową wicepremiera Mieczysława Jagielskiego a Międzyzakładowym Komitetem Strajkowym na czele z Lechem Wałęsą w Gdańsku. Tymczasem dzień wcześniej analogiczne porozumienie z przedstawicielami władz podpisał kierowany przez Mariana Jurczyka MKS w Szczecinie. Stało się tak mimo podjętych uprzednio między oboma strajkującymi ośrodkami ustaleń o wspólnym, solidarnym strajkowaniu. Było to następstwem zarówno określonego splotu okoliczności w finałowych godzinach strajku w stolicy Pomorza Zachodniego, jak również relacji strajkujących gdańszczan i szczecinian w szerszym ujęciu. Porozumienie szczecińskie miało też znaczące konsekwencje. W szkicu podjęto drobiazgową analizę nakreślonych powyżej zagadnień.

Abstract

The August Agreements are often identified with one very specific document – the agreement signed on 31 August 1980 in Gdańsk between the Government Commission of the Deputy Prime Minister Mieczysław Jagielski and the Inter-Enterprise Strike Committee (MKS) headed by Lech Wałęsa. One day before, an analogous agreement with representatives of the authorities was signed by MKS led by Marian Jurczyk in Szczecin. This happened despite the arrangements, previously made between the two striking centers, on joint and solidary strike. It was the result of both specific circumstances in the final hours of the strike in the capital of Western Pomerania, and of the accounts of the striking residents of Gdańsk and Szczecin in a broader approach. The Szczecin Agreement also had significant consequences. This paper presents a detailed analysis of the problems outlined above.