bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Use of Waste from the Processing of Copper-Zinc Concentrates of the East Kazakhstan Region in the Production of Non-Fired Refractory Composites
Authors: Kairakbaev A.K. , Abdrakhimova E. S. , Abdrakhimov V.Z.
Published: May 2021

Creating waste-free technologies for the production of materials with high physical and thermal properties for the lining structures of thermal units is among the important environmental issues. Studies have shown that the waste of processing copper-zinc concentrates – ferrite-calcium slag crushed to pass through a sieve No. 0063 (the sieve residue is 1.2 % max.) can be used as a finely ground component of an iron phosphate binder. Studies have shown that under normal curing conditions at one-day age, refractory concretes based on an iron phosphate binder acquire strength sufficient for stripping, transportation, and installation of structures. At 7-day age, they acquire final strength, the value of which is determined by the aggregate properties. The iron phosphate binder refractoriness is 1,300 °C, and the working temperature of the concrete lining using expanded clay as coarse aggregate is 1,000 °C.
Extreme Modelling of Concrete Optimal Composition and Content of the Components
Authors: Lukuttsova N.P. , Pykin A.A. , Golovin S.N. , Artamonov P.A.
Published: May 2021

The optimal compositions of fine-grained concrete (FGC) with two-level reinforcement with fiber are determined via the extreme modelling of experimental data based on the Scilab engineering and scientific computing environment. At the macro level brass plated fibre of the wave profile FSW LV 15/0.3 made of steel grade 70-85 with the fiber length of 15 mm and the diameter of 0.3 mm was used for reinforcement. At the micro-level the halloysite nanotubes NN-RTE 200 with the particle sizes from 0.05 to 5 microns were applied. Having calculated the models the designed program Extr.sce determined the extrema of the required characteristics of fine-grained concrete Max_z and their coordinates max_x and max_y, corresponding to the contents of the brass plated fiber (x) and halloysite nanotubes additive (y). The graphic dependences of the compressive strength, bending strength and water absorption of fine-grained fiber concrete on the content of brass plated fibre and halloysite nanotubes additive with minimum, average and maximum cement content in it in the form of contour and 3d graphs of the interpolation surface are obtained. Two-level reinforcement of FGC, optimized by the program Extr.sce, proved that fine-grained concrete with 10% of brass plated fibre, 20% of halloysite nanotubes additives, and cement content of 600 kg had the maximum compressive strength of 70.26 MPa. In order to obtain FGC with maximum bending strength (17.43 MPa), there should be 5% of brass plated fibre, 10% of halloysite nanotubes additives, and 600 kg of cement in it. The fine-grained concrete without any reinforcement additives will have the minimum water absorption (3%).
Evaluation of Pozzolanic Activity of Metakaolin Chemometric Method According to the UV-VIS-NIR Spectroscopy
Authors: Platova R.A. , Rassulov V.A. , Platov Y.T.
Published: May 2021

It is introduced to use a portable spectrometer along with a calibration model for rapid quality control of metakaolin in situ. Verification of the calibration model for predicting the values of two indicators: total acid solubility and mass loss during calcination, indirectly characterizing the pozzolanic activity of metakaolin.
Statistical Model of a Thin Film Formation
Authors: Kuleshov E.L. , Plotnikov Vladimir S. , Pustovalov Evgenii V. , Ostachenova T.S.
Published: May 2021

This paper presents a model of a thin film formation process of an amorphous alloy as a sequential procedure when a conditional unit of substance is randomly thrown onto a substrate at each next step. The islands of a precipitant are generated on the substrate with an increase of number of steps (density defects of substance). We determine the probability distribution of an island area, which shows the maximum informational entropy. An algorithm for computing estimates of parameters of this distribution is obtained. The results of processing experimental data are presented. We demonstrate that the proposed distribution is more consistent with the experimental data than the Pareto distribution.
Finding the Specific Surface Area of an Organomineral Sorbent Produced by Electroplasma Treatment of Coal Flotation Waste
Authors: Kondratenko A.S. , Buyantuev S.L. , Shishulkin S.Yu.
Published: May 2021

This paper dwells upon finding the specific surface area of cake, a coal enrichment waste, exposed to electroplasma treatment; the goal is to make an organomineral porous material to be used as a sorbent for wastewater treatment. The research team used a monomolecular Langmuir adsorption model and surface tension of the surfactants before and after adsorption at the interface of solution and solid adsorbent. Another process considered herein was thermal activation of substances in the electroplasmic reactor for making organomineral porous materials from coal cakes. The paper presents the resulting specific surfaces area of the organomineral sorbent thus produced. Thus, the waste of flotation, i.e. coal cake, is fundamentally suitable for making porous substances by thermal destruction in an electroplasma reactor.
Shock Loading of Heteromodular Elastic Materials under Plane-Strain Condition
Authors: Dudko Olga V. , Mantsybora Alexandr A.
Published: May 2021

The paper discusses the results of mathematical modeling the two-dimensional nonlinear dynamics of heteromodular elastic materials. The resistance of these materials under tension and compression is various. The deformation properties of the heteromodular medium are described within the framework of the isotropic elasticity theory with stress-dependent elastic moduli. In the plane strain case, it is shown that only two types of the nonlinear deformation waves can appear in the heteromodular elastic materials: a plane-polarized quasi-longitudinal wave and a plane-polarized quasi-transverse wave. Basing on obtained properties of the plane shock waves, two plane self-similar boundary value problems are formulated and solved.
Investigation of Low-Cycle Fatigue on Structural Carbon Steel
Authors: Nasibullina O.A. , Rizvanov R.G. , Gaysin E.Sh.
Published: May 2021

It is possible to explain the phenomenon of fatigue destruction and the patterns that are observed only in the deep study of the processes taking place in the material under conditions of repeated-variable loading, i.e. in the development of the physical theory of metal fatigue. Despite the large number of work on this issue, there is currently no single interpretation of the process of fatigue destruction of metals, which is primarily due to the exceptional complexity of the problem. The purpose of the study is to study low-cycle corrosion fatigue of steel using the example of A 414 Grade A steel. The work solved problems, such as research of kinetics of crack development in conditions of low-cycle loading of metal structure made of carbon structural steel A 414 Grade A. Regression analysis has also been applied to predict a change in the thermodynamic stability of the metal during cyclic loading.
Analysis of fatigue crack development at alternating loading cycle was carried out. The results of calculations based on the proposed model of elastoplastic deformation near the top of the crack at the sign-alternating loading cycle can be described by non-linear dependence. The regression analysis revealed that the correlation coefficient of the selected model is-0.93, which indicates a relatively strong relationship between the variables. In experimental way it has been proved that reduction of thermodynamic stability of metal in corrosive medium is connected with increase of number of loading cycles, which leads to accumulation of fatigue damages.
Laparoscopic excision of a schwannoma arising in the psoas muscle
Authors: Premchandani Dhiraj , Singh Mansimrat Paul , Verma Naveen , Agarwal Manish , Bhandarkar Deepraj
Published: May 2021

Schwannoma occurring in the psoas muscle is rare. We report a 49-year-old male who presented to the orthopaedic oncosurgery team with persistent lower back pain radiating to the right lower limb following a fall on the back a few months ago. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a well-defined lesion in the right psoas muscle at the level of third lumbar vertebra (L3). He underwent a laparoscopic excision of this mass using one 10 mm and two 5 mm ports. Intraoperative frozen section after a complete excision showed this to be a benign schwannoma. He was discharged the day after surgery. His symptoms gradually reduced over a period of time and he remains well 3 years after surgery. This case highlights the feasibility and safety of minimally invasive treatment of this rare tumour.
Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis and Its Association with HIV in Patients Hospitalized in a Tertiary Care Center
Authors: Murthy Nitin Yashas , Umesh Soumya , Ravindran Gherard D.
Published: May 2021

Context:

Extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) presentation can be unusual, and the diagnosis may often be challenging when associated with HIV.

Aims:

This study was conducted to find out the pattern of newly diagnosed EPTB in hospitalized patients, the diagnostic modalities used to arrive at the diagnosis, frequency of HIV positivity among them, and its association with CD4 counts.

Settings and Design:

All patients newly diagnosed to have EPTB admitted in a tertiary care medical college hospital in various departments over 1 year were included.

Methods and Materials:

Clinical presentation, comorbidities, and investigations done to arrive at diagnosis of EPTB were recorded. They were classified based on the affected site. HIV was tested for all patients, and CD4 counts in positive patients.

Results:

A total of 230 patients were newly diagnosed to have EPTB. The median age was 35 years (IQR 29–45), and the proportion of males was 127 (55%). Imaging was used alone in 47 (20%) patients and in combination with cytology or biopsy in 133 (57.8%) patients to establish the diagnosis. Pleural effusion, 50 (21.7%) patients, peripheral lymph node TB (LNTB), 44 (19.1%) patients, and CNS TB, 37 (16.1%) patients, were the most common forms. HIV was associated in 61 (26.5%) patients and diabetes in 27 (11.5%) patients. Both diseases influenced the presentation of EPTB. There was an association between HIV positivity and type of EPTB with peripheral LNTB being the most common in HIV patients. High CD4 counts were associated with pleural effusion and low counts with disseminated forms.

Statistical Analysis Used:

chi-square, ANOVA, and Student t test.

Conclusion:

The pattern of EPTB changes with HIV and vigilance is required to detect severe and disseminated forms of EPTB with lower CD4 counts.
Targeted Liquid Biopsy Using Irradiation to Facilitate the Release of Cell-Free DNA from a Spatially Aimed Tumor Tissue
Authors: Noh Jae Myoung , Kim Yeon Jeong , Lee Ho Yun , Choi Changhoon , Ahn Won-Gyun , Lee Taeseob , Pyo Hongryull , Park Jee Hyun , Park Donghyun , Park Woong-Yang
Published: May 2021

Purpose We investigated the feasibility of using an anatomically localized, target-enriched liquid biopsy (TLB) in mouse models of lung cancer.Materials and Methods After irradiating xenograft mouse with human lung cancer cell lines, H1299 (NRAS proto-oncogene, GTPase [NRAS] Q61K) and HCC827 (epidermal growth factor receptor [EGFR] E746-750del), circulating (cell-free) tumor DNA (ctDNA) levels were monitored with quantitative polymerase chain reaction on human long interspersed nuclear element-1 and cell line-specific mutations. We checked dose-dependency at 6, 12, or 18 Gy to each tumor-bearing mouse leg using 6-MV photon beams. We also analyzed ctDNA of lung cancer patients by LiquidSCAN, a targeted deep sequencing to validated the clinical performances of TLB method.Results Irradiation could enhance the detection sensitivity of NRAS Q61K in the plasma sample of H1299-xenograft mouse to 4.5- fold. While cell-free DNA (cfDNA) level was not changed at 6 Gy, ctDNA level was increased upon irradiation. Using double-xenograft mouse with H1299 and HCC827, ctDNA polymerase chain reaction analysis with local irradiation in each region could specify mutation type matched to transplanted cell types, proposing an anatomically localized, TLB. Furthermore, when we performed targeted deep sequencing of cfDNA to monitor ctDNA level in 11 patients with lung cancer who underwent radiotherapy, the average ctDNA level was increased within a week after the start of radiotherapy.Conclusion TLB using irradiation could temporarily amplify ctDNA release in xenograft mouse and lung cancer patients, which enables us to develop theragnostic method for cancer patients with accurate ctDNA detection.
On the semiclassical spectrum of the Dirichlet–Pauli operator
Authors: Barbaroux Jean-Marie , Le Treust Loic , Raymond Nicolas , Stockmeyer Edgardo
Published: May 2021

This paper is devoted to semiclassical estimates of the eigenvalues of the Pauli operator on a bounded open set with Dirichlet conditions on the boundary. Assuming that the magnetic field is positive and a few generic conditions, we establish the simplicity of the eigenvalues and provide accurate asymptotic estimates involving Segal–Bargmann and Hardy spaces associated with the magnetic field.
A Morse lemma at infinity for nonlinear elliptic fractional equations
Authors: Abdelhedi Wael , Hajaiej Hichem , Mhamdi Zeinab
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we consider the nonlinear fractional critical equation with zero Dirichlet boundary condition

A_s u= K u^\frac{n+2s}{n-2s}

,

u>0

in

\Omega

and

u=0

on

\partial\Omega

, where

K

is a positive function,

\Omega

is a regular bounded domain of

\mathbb{R}^n

,

n\geq 2

and

A_s

,

s\in (0,1)

represents the spectral fractional Laplacian operator

(-\Delta)^s

in

\Omega

with zero Dirichlet boundary condition. We prove a version of Morse lemmas at infinity for this problem. We also exhibit a relevant application of our novel result. More precisely, we characterize the critical points at infinity of the associated variational problem and we prove an existence result for

s=\frac{1}{2}

and

n=3

.
Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of a quality of life questionnaire: the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation questionnaire
Authors: Bezerra T.F.P. , Padua F.G.M. , Pilan R.R.M. , Stewart M.G. , Voegels R.L.
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND: The Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) instrument is a disease-specific questionnaire for assessing the outcome of an intervention in nasal obstruction in trials. This instrument is only available in the English language and cross-culturally valid questionnaires are very important for all research, including nasal obstruction. The aim of the current study was to reproduce the cross-cultural adaptation process for the NOSE questionnaire in the Portuguese language (NOSE-p). METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL: Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the instrument were divided into two stages. Stage 1 involved four bilingual professionals, an expert committee and the author of the original instrument. In Stage 2, the NOSE-p was tested on 33 patients undergoing septoplasty for internal consistency, test-retest reliability, construct validity, discriminant validity, criterion validity, and response sensitivity. RESULTS: The cross-cultural adaptation process was completed and the NOSE-p was demonstrated to be a valid instrument with satisfactory construct validity. It showed an adequate internal consistency reliability and adequate test-retest reliability. It could discriminate between patients with and without nasal obstruction and it has a high response sensitivity to change. CONCLUSIONS: The cross-cultural adaptation and validation process demonstrated to be valid and the NOSE-p proved to be applicable in Brazil.
Effect of CPAP-therapy on bronchial and nasal inflammation in patients affected by obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
Authors: Lacedonia D. , Salerno F.G. , Carpagnano G.E. , Sabato R. , Depalo A. , Foschino-Barbaro M.P.
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) has been shown to be associated to upper and lower airways inflammation. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the elective treatment of OSAS. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of CPAP-therapy on airway and nasal inflammation. METHODS: In 13 non-smoking subjects affected by untreated OSAS and in 11 non-smoking normal volunteers, airway inflammation was detected by analyses of the induced sputum. In the OSAS group measurements were repeated after 1, 10 and 60 days of the appropriate CPAP treatment. In addition, in 12 subjects of the OSAS group, nasal inflammation was detected by the analysis of induced nasal secretions at baseline, and after 1, 10 and 60 days of CPAP treatment. RESULTS: OSAS patients, compared to normal controls, showed at baseline a higher percentage of neutrophils and a lower percentage of macrophages in the induced sputum. One, 10 and 60 days of appropriate CPAP-therapy did not change the cellular profile of the induced sputum. In addition, in the OSAS patients, the high neutrophilic nasal inflammation present under baseline conditions was not significantly modified by CPAP-therapy. Finally, no patients developed airway hyper-responsiveness after CPAP therapy. CONCLUSIONS: In OSAS subjects, the appropriate CPAP-therapy, while correcting the oxygen desaturation, does not modify the bronchial and nasal inflammatory profile.
IKK-2 inhibitor TPCA-1 represses nasal epithelial inflammation in vitro
Authors: Sachse F. , Becker K. , Basel T.J. , Weiss D. , Rudack C.
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND: Nasal polyposis (NP) is considered a subgroup within chronic rhinosinusitis. NP can be further subdivided into aspirin sensitive- and aspirin tolerant types (ASNP/ ATNP). Although the true etiology of NP has not been identified so far, it is agreed that NP represents an inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa. Alterations of cellular kinase activities including that of IKK-2 might play a role in this inflammatory process. METHODS: Paraffin sections of ASNP, ATNP and controls were immunostained with Phospho-IkB-α antibody that detects the direct IKK-2 product (IkB-α. Intensity of epithelial staining was analysed semi-quantitatively by two independent observers. In cultured nasal polyp epithelial cells (NPECs) epithelial derived cytokines IL-8 and GRO α were induced by TNF-α or Staphylococcal supernatants and subsequently repressed by IKK-2 inhibitor TPCA-1. RESULTS: Significant Phospho-IkB-α staining was observed in the nasal epithelium of ASNP compared to ATNP and controls suggesting strong IKK-2 activation in patients with ASNP in vivo. In vitro, pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-8 and GRO-α in NPECs were significantly repressed by TPCA-1. CONCLUSION: IKK-2 activity is increased in the subgroup of ASNP. IL-8 and GRO-α responses were repressed by IKK-2 inhibitor TPCA-1 in vitro. IKK-2 inhibitors might represent a potential target for anti-inflammatory intervention in ASNP.
Role of cAMP-PKA/CREB pathway in regulation of AQP 5 production in rat nasal epithelium
Authors: Wang W. , Zheng M.
Published: May 2021

OBJECTIVES: Aquaporin 5 (AQP5) is a water-specific channel protein. In this study, we investigated the possible role of the cyclic adenosine monophosphate-protein kinase A/cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein (cAMP-PKA/CREB) pathway in the regulation of AQP5 in nasal epithelial cells. METHODS: Rat nasal epithelial cells were cultured and treated with the PKA inhibitor H89 or cAMP inducing medicine forskolin for 12 or 24 hours in vitro. AQP5 and phosphorylated CREB (p-CREB) at serine133 (Ser133) were detected by immunocytochemistry, Western blotting or real-time PCR. Experiments were repeated 10 times. RESULTS: After treatment with H89 for 12 or 24 hours, the number of cells positive for AQP5 and p-CREB (Ser133) were decreased, p-CREB (Ser133) and AQP5 protein decreased, and AQP5 mRNA decreased. After treatment with forskolin for 12 or 24 hours, the number of p-CREB (Ser133) and AQP5 positive cells increased, p-CREB (Ser133) and AQP5 protein increased, and AQP5 mRNA was increased. CONCLUSION: Both H89 (PKA inhibitor) and forskolin (cAMP inducing medicine) regulate AQP5 production through the cAMP-PKA/CREB pathway, which could influence the secretory function of the submucosal glands in nasal epithelium.
Endoscopic treatment of maxillary inverted papilloma
Authors: Pagella F. , Giourgos G. , Matti E. , Canevari F.R. , Carena P.
Published: May 2021

OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic treatment in maxillary inverted papilloma (IP). METHODOLOGY: Between July 2002 - April 2008, 20 patients affected by maxillary localization of IP were treated in our Clinic. All patients underwent endoscopic treatment consisting of an endoscopic medial maxillectomy (simple or extended), or attachment-site endoscopic tumour surgery. RESULTS: The cohort was composed of 20 patients (male: 15, female: 5), mean age 58 years, and included 21 endoscopic resections of maxillary IP. Minimum follow-up: 24 months, mean follow-up: 50 months. We registered only 1 case of tumour persistence/recurrence after 15 months, which underwent a second endoscopic treatment. No association with malignant lesions was noted. The efficacy of the endoscopic treatment was 95% (19/20 cases) after primary surgery, and 100% after endoscopic revision. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience demonstrates the efficacy of endoscopic treatment in maxillary IP. Based On its reduced morbidity in comparison to external approaches and its good control of the disease, we consider it our standard treatment for maxillary-originated inverted papilloma.
Gustatory and olfactory dysfunction in older adults: a national probability study
Authors: Boesveldt S. , Lindau S.T. , McClintock M.K. , Hummel T. , Lundstrom J.N.
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND: Olfactory and gustatory functions have not been well characterized in older adults in the US. Consequently, their relationships to sociodemographic characteristics, as well as physical and mental health, were studied in a large national probability sample using brief validated tests of chemosensory function. METHODS: A five-odour identification test and taste-impregnated strips of filter paper (sweet, sour, bitter, and salty) assessed the ability to identify chemosensory stimuli. RESULTS: Severe gustatory dysfunction was more prevalent than severe olfactory dysfunction. Age, education and sex were independently associated with performance on both the olfactory and gustatory identification tasks. Higher scores were associated with female sex, higher level of education, and lower age. Odour identification scores exhibited a positive, albeit weak, correlation with BMI, and food-related odours were better identified than non-food odours. In addition, odour identification performance was also negatively associated with depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate a high prevalence of severe gustatory and, to a somewhat lesser extent, olfactory dysfunction in a population-based sample and demonstrate that even brief tests are capable of detecting correlations between both chemical senses and relevant health measures outside a clinical setting.
Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase expression is associated with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps and antrochoanal polyps
Authors: Honkanen T. , Luukkainen A. , Lehtonen M. , Paavonen T. , Karjalainen J. , Hurme M. , Myller J. , Huhtala H. , Rautiainen M. , Toppila-Salmi S.
Published: May 2021

Chronic rhinosinusitis without and with nasal polyps (CRSwNP and CRSsNP), and antrochoanal polyps are different phenotypes with different pathomechanisms. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is an enzyme expressed in many cells involved in the catabolism of the essential amino acid tryptophan to kynurenine. IDO might have a role in allergic airway inflammation. The aim was to evaluate if IDO expression is associated with CRSsNP, CRSwNP, or ACP. One hundred fifty specimens from the nasal cavity and sinus mucosa were immunohistochemically stained with mAb anti-IDO. The expression of epithelial and leukocyte IDO was associated with CRSwNP and ACP. The presence of ASA intolerance, asthma, atopy, smoking and use of medication did not significantly change the results. The different expression of IDO could putatively indicate the differences in the pathomechanisms of CRSsNP, CRSwNP and ACP. Further studies on the role of IDO in upper airways pathologies are required.
Altered expression of E-cadherin and β-catenin in malignant transformation of sinonasal inverted papillomas
Authors: Koo B.S. , Jung B.J. , Kim S.G. , Liang Z.L. , Yeong M.K. , Rha K.S.
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND: E-cadherin and β-catenin are molecules that mediate cell-cell adhesion in normal epithelium. Aberrant expression of these adhesion molecules results in the loss of intercellular adhesion, with possible cell transformation and tumour progression. We determined the role of E-cadherin and β-catenin in the pathogenesis of sinonasal inverted papilloma (IP) and its malignant transformation. METHODS: We determined the expression of E-cadherin and β-catenin by immunohistochemistry in paraffin-embedded tissue of 21 subjects with nasal polyps, 56 with IPs, 7 IPs with dysplasia and 18 IPs with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The clinicopathological variables of the IPs with SCC correlated with the degree of expression of E-cadherin and β-catenin. RESULTS: The degree of expression of E-cadherin and β-catenin in the cell membrane was significantly lower in IPs with SCC than in nasal polyps and IPs. The degree of expression of β-catenin was significantly lower in IPs with SCC with a malignant proportion > 50% compared to a malignant proportion ≤ 50%. However, there was no significant association between the degree of expression of E-cadherin and β-catenin and clinicopathological variables, such as age, gender, T stage, tumour differentiation, or SCC type (metachronous vs. synchronous). In addition, there was no significant relationship between recurrence or survival rate in IPs with SCC and the degree of expression of E-cadherin or β-catenin in the cell membrane or nuclear β-catenin. CONCLUSION: Decreased expression of E-cadherin and β-catenin in the cell membrane may be associated with carcinogenesis of IPs and help predict malignant transformation in sinonasal IPs.
Maat vs. The statue of Égalité: A critical analysis of Ataa Ayi Kwei Armah’s Wat Nt Shemsw: The way of companions
Authors: Kambon Ọbádélé , Songsore Lwanga , Mankatah Asare Yaw
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we endeavor to restore Mꜣꜥt ‘Maat’ as truth to her rightful place by challenging erroneous and demonstrably incorrect notions as they appear in Ataa Ayi Kwei Armah’s Wat Nt Shemsw: The Way of Companions. By cross-referencing Ataa Armah’s vague allusions to “ancient Egyptian” mythology with actual textual documentation from Kmt ‘Black Nation/Land of Blacks’ (so-called “ancient Egypt”), we will interrogate the assertions made about the myths of the kmt(yw) ‘Black people’. We find that where Ataa Armah’s statements are at odds with the texts of Kmt ‘Black Nation/Land of Blacks,’ it is necessary to bring this information to light so that the readers can learn the actual content of these myths for themselves. In conclusion, we find that to truly understand Kmt ‘Black Nation/Land of Blacks,’ Afrikan champions interested in restoring the truth of Mꜣꜥt ‘Maat’ must let the Ancestors speak without Eurasian interpreters or interpretations.
Effects of caffeoylxanthiazonoside on airway inflammation in an allergic asthma mice model
Authors: Wu Qian , Wang Hui , Che Xiaowen , Wang Wei
Published: May 2021

Purpose: To investigate the inhibitory effects of caffeoylxanthiazonoside (CYT) on airway inflammation in mice and its mechanism of action.

Methods: An allergic asthma mice model was established by intraperitoneal injection and aerosol nebulization with ovalbumin (OVA). After treatment with CYT, the blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were collected from the mice. The leukocytes were classified and counted with Giemsa solution. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the serum levels of IgE, and IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and IFN-γ in the BALF of mice. Lung tissues were obtained from the mice and MUC5AC protein expression was measured by western blot.

Results: CYT significantly decreased the serum level of IgE in asthmatic mice. Inflammatory cells in BALF of mice were markedly reduced (p < 0.05) by CYT treatment at varying doses (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg). Treatment with CYT also significantly suppressed the cytokines of IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 and increased the IFN-γ in the BLAF of OVA-induced allergic asthma mice (p < 0.05). Western blot results indicate that CYT treatment significantly decreased the expression of MUC5AC protein in the lung tissues of asthmatic mice. In addition, no significant effects on the body weight of the mice were found after CYT treatment.

Conclusion: Caffeoylxanthiazonoside inhibits airway inflammation in allergic asthma mice by altering Th1/Th2 via re-balancing of related cytokines and downregulation of lung MUC5AC protein expression. Therefore, this compound can potentially be developed for the therapeutic management of inflammation in allergic asthma.
Development of reduced-salt gel of silver carp meat batter using low frequency ultrasound: Effect on color, texture, cooking loss and microstructure
Authors: Nasyiruddin Riya Liuhartana , Navicha Willard Burton , Ramadhan Abuubakar Hassan , Yang Fang , Jiang Qixing , Xu Yanshun , Yu Peipei , Xia Wenshui
Published: May 2021

Purpose: To develop reduced-salt silver carp meat gels using low frequency ultrasound.

Methods: Silver carp meat batters were prepared with 0.5, 1 (reduced-salt) and 2 % (regular salt), and sonicated (20 KHz, 500 W) for 30 and 40 min, or unsonicated (control). Changes in gel properties were evaluated in terms of color, texture, cooking loss and microstructure using color measurement, puncture test, cooking loss and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis, respectively.

Results: Ultrasound and salt exposure led to marked effects on color, texture and cooking loss in fish meat gels (p < 0.05). Reduction in salt content increased the lightness (L*) and cooking loss; and also decreased the sample values of greenness (-a*), breaking force, rupture distance and gel strength. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) on regular-salt level samples showed that ultrasonic exposure decreased dense aggregates and increased the number and distribution of small cavity samples. Reduced-salt samples (1 % salt) subjected to 30 min sonication had better color (lighter) than control (0 min sonication), better texture (higher gel strength) and cooking loss comparable to that of regular-salt level sample subjected to 30 min sonication, and similar to microstructures from normal salt samples without ultrasound exposure.

Conclusion: Low frequency ultrasound is suitable for preparing reduced-salt fish meat gels under suitable ultrasonic conditions.
MiR-455-3p regulates glioma cell proliferation by targeting PAX6
Authors: Han Jizhong , Xiong Yu , Deng Huajiang , Zhou Jie , Peng Lilei , Xiang Wei , Ming Yang , Chen Ligang
Published: May 2021

Purpose: To investigate the role of miR-455-3p in gliomas.

Method: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to measure miR-455-3p and paired box 6 (PAX6) levels in glioma cell lines. Western blot analysis was used to determine the expression of cell cycle regulators. In addition to over-expression, silencing of miR-455-3p or PAX6 was performed to study the functions of miR-455-3p in gliomas.

Results: The levels of miR-455-3p were significantly up-regulated in glioma cell lines (p < 0.05), while miR-455-3p over-expression increased glioma cell proliferation and interfered with the progress of the cell cycle (p < 0.01). Furthermore, endogenous miR-455-3p silencing prevented glioma cell proliferation by regulating cell cycle progression (p < 0.05).The results also showed that PAX6 controlled the cell cycle while PAX6 silencing selectively regulated p21 expression (p < 0.01). Furthermore, miR-455-3p and PAX6 influenced p53 expression. Re-introduction of PAX6 expressing vector into glioma cells rescued the pro-tumoral effect of miR-455-3p overexpression.

Conclusion: These findings demonstrate the role of miR-455-3p as a tumour oncogene in gliomas via regulation of the cell cycle, indicating that miR-455-3p might act as a new treatment strategy for glioma cell tumours and a predictor of survival in glioma patients.
Combined effects of tenofovir and interferon α1b on viral load and levels of peripheral regulatory T cells in chronic hepatitis B subjects
Authors: Wu Wanfeng , Jiang Chengting , Cheng Cheng , Sun Yihang , Luo Ning , Ge Jinwen
Published: May 2021

Purpose: To study the combined effects of tenofovir and interferon α1b on viral load and peripheral blood regulatory T cell concentrations of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) subjects.

Methods: Patients with chronic hepatitis B (86 cases) were randomly assigned to two groups: control group and study group. In control subjects, tenofovir was given orally (300 mg/kg bwt/day). In addition to tenofovir, the study group received interferon α1b injection intramuscularly at a dose of 50 μg/kg thrice a week. Liver function, serum hepatitis B viral (HBV) load, and serum levels of peripheral blood regulatory T-lymphocytes were determined. Clinical effectiveness and adverse reactions in both groups were also assessed.

Results: After treatment, total effectiveness was higher in the study group (86.04 %) than in control patients (62.79 %) (p < 0.05). Serum aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and total bilirubin (TBIL) significantly decreased in the study group, relative to control, but HBV DNAnegative, HbeAg-negative and HbsAg-negative cells were markedly higher in patients in the study group (p < 0.05). Moreover, there were higher CD4+ T and CD8+ T counts, and CD4+ T/CD8+ T ratio in study subjects than in control subjects (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The combination of tenofovir with interferon α1b effectively improves liver functions in patients with CHB, reduces viral load, and exerts anti-HBV effect by regulating the levels of peripheral blood T-lymphocytes.
Tetrahydropalmatine reduces cell death and improves functional recovery after traumatic spinal cord injury in ratsTetrahydropalmatine reduces cell death and improves functional recovery after traumatic spinal cord injury in rats
Authors: Hao Haihu , Liu Qiang , Wu Dou , Xing Hao , Geng Yahui
Published: May 2021

Purpose: To investigate the effectiveness of tetrahydropalmatine (THP) in the treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats.

Methods: Adult Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 3 groups: normal control group, SCI group, and SCI group treated with THP (100 mg kg-1). The effect of THP on spinal cord water content, levels of inflammatory mediators, oxidative stress and apoptosis were determined. Locomotor activity in rats was measured using Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan (BBB) scores. Various oxidative stress markers as well as cytokine levels (NF-ĸB, IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α were determined. Apoptotic index was measured using TUNEL assay.

Results: After 72 h of treatment with THP, BBB scores in SCI group of rats significantly increased from 4.19 ± 0.41 to 8.89 ± 0.47 (p < 0.05). Tunel assay revealed a higher apoptotic index (42.50 ± 3.19) in the tissues of SCI rats than in SCI rats treated with THP (31.48 ± 1.19, p < 0.01). Expressions of inflammatory cytokines were significantly upregulated in SCI rats. However, THP administration resulted in significant downregulation of the expressions (p < 0.01).

Conclusion: These results indicate that THP attenuates traumatic SCI in rats via modulation of the levels of anti-inflammatory mediators. Thus, THP has a promising potential for the management of SCI.
Effect of naloxone hydrochloride on β-EP, CD4+, CD8+, IL2, MMP-9 and S100-B levels in peripheral blood after traumatic brain injury in rats
Authors: Du Feng , Zhang Dedong
Published: May 2021

Purpose: To study the influence of naloxone hydrochloride on traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Methods: Three groups of rats were used: normal control, TBI, and TBI + naloxone hydrochloride groups (12 rats/group). In the control group, only the osseous foramen was opened. Rats in TBI group were intraperitoneally injected with normal saline, while the naloxone group received naloxone hydrochloride injection at the same time. Changes in peripheral blood β-EP, CD4+, CD8+, IL-2, and S100-B levels; and brain tissue MMP-9 were assessed.

Results: The levels of β-EP in the TBI- and naloxone-treated rats were higher than control values, while levels of CD4+ in TBI and naloxone groups were significantly lower than those of control group (p < 0.01). At every time point, CD8+ level in naloxone group was significantly lower than that in TBI group (p < 0.01). Compared with control group, the levels of IL-2 in the TBI and naloxone groups were significantly lower. Higher levels of S100-B were seen in TBI- and naloxone-treated rats, relative to control value. In the naloxone group, MMP-9 expression was downregulated, when compared to the expression TBI rats (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Naloxone hydrochloride reduces β-EP, alleviates inflammation, protects nerve cells and reduces brain injury in TBI rats. There is, thus, a potential to develop naloxone for the management of brain injury
Militancy and Sustainable Development in the Niger Delta: Excerpts from the Fourth Republic
Authors: Mgbonyenbi Voke Charles , Emeni Frank C.A.
Published: May 2021

The resurgence of militancy in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria and Delta State in particular has reached a seemingly high level, which has contributed to the crumbling economy of Nigeria as these series of attacks on oil facilities have reduced the barrel production of crude oil per day in the region. This has posed an imminent threat with the ongoing economic meltdown in the country. The identified reasons have been the cutbacks on the amnesty arrangements, the environmental degradation and continuous deprivation of the oil rich regions from the proceeds of the oil derived from their region and demand for ownership of the region by residents which has affected sustainable development in Delta state. This work however, through the means of empirical study, pinpoints the several reasons for the resurgence of militancy in the Niger Delta region and its effect on sustainable development in Delta state and the viability of the group’s bluff in crippling the Nigerian economy. The Study is anchored on the frustration Aggression theory and adopted the primary method of data collection. The study recommends some viable solutions amongst which are; giving more credence to the importance of Niger Delta region, developmental projects that are supervised by stakeholders and disinterested organizations in the region and Delta state in Particular.

Keywords: Militancy, Sustainable Development, Security
Restructuring, Insecurity and the Challenges of Development in Nigeria
Authors: Efeurhobo Davis , Fredrick Christmas
Published: May 2021

The macabre of violence orchestrated by high degree of ethnic colouration and religious intolerance gave credence to this research topic. Overtime the Nigeria nation has been besieged by different altercations that have consequently retarded the pace of progress and development of the country. The study which adopted the frustration aggression theory and using the secondary data as a source submits that economic dissatisfaction arising from politics of exclusion, religious bias, leadership problem, insurgency among others have conspicuously created division among people who have agreed under one federating unit to live as one have rather consistently been denied their fair share of the "national cake". Consequently, this has led to bottled up anger, frustration and some level of disenchantment. It is against this backdrop that this paper seeks to interrogate-the nature and dimension of the Nigerian security situation and its slow pace development. The study concluded that the agitations for fair treatment, equal representation, effective governance are basic and necessary ingredients of restructuring that could help guarantee a peaceful co-existence devoid of rancour and acrimony. The study therefore among other things recommended that true federalism, good governance, justice would guarantee security and development in Nigeria.

Keywords: Restructuring, Insecurity, Development, Underdevelopment
Property Tax Exemptions for Polish Higher Education Institutions. Problems and Dilemmas
Authors: Świstak Marzena , Smoleń Paweł
Published: May 2021

The contemporary socioeconomic reality poses a number of new and difficult challenges for higher education. In this context, it is vital that a perfect fiscal and legal environment be created. A significant role is also played by local taxes on real property held by higher education institutions. On the one hand, it is commonly argued that a well-developed infrastructure facilitating modern forms of education and innovative research is a direct measure of a university’s development. On the other, one must not overlook the increase in fiscal obligations related to the same. This paper analyses the problems of legal cohesion in terms of the provisions of tax law, Commercial Law, and the system of higher education. With due reference to the scarce available literature, case law and decisions of fiscal authorities, the study provides a comprehensive analysis and verification of the structure of property tax exemptions applicable in this context. Given the legal character of said exemptions and ratio legis, the paper presents practical difficulties pertinent to the application of such legal instruments, flaws in their normative construction, and interpretative discrepancies – to arrive at specific conclusions and evaluations.
Detecting Persian mediation in Arabisms in Turkish
Authors: Stachowski Kamil
Published: May 2021

There is a sizeable group of words in Turkish whose ultimate origin is known to be Arabic but whose direct donor language is unclear. The paper analyses 69 such words, and compares the phonetic adaptations present in them, to those attested in Arabisms as well as to those found in Farsisms, in order to determine the probability of them belonging to one group or the other. The results are compared to the opinions of the main etymological dictionaries of Turkish, splitting them into two camps.
La traducción del argot: el lunfardo en las versiones polacas de Rayuela y Torito de Julio Cortázar
Authors: Nowak-Michalska Joanna
Published: May 2021

Translating slang: Lunfardo in the Polish translation of Julio Cortázar’s Rayuela and Torito The objective of this article is to study how selected Lunfardo words and expressions in the prose of Julio Cortázar have been translated into Polish by Zofia Chądzyńska. Lunfardo is an urban slang typical of the Río de la Plata region in Argentina. The works of Cortázar analysed for the purpose of this paper are: Rayuela (Hopscotch) and Torito, a short story which contains a comparatively large number of Lunfardisms. The paper examines how Lunfardo, a sociolinguistic phenomenon closely linked to Argentina and its culture, is reflected in the translation into Polish. It also identifies the strategies and techniques chosen by the translator and examines to what extent Chądzyńska allows the Polish reader to become aware of the existence of Lunfardo.
The International Factor in the Domestic Political Transformation in the Kosovo's* “Albanian World”
Authors: Entina E. G.
Published: May 2021

The Kosovo issue is predominantly researched in academic and expert literature from an international political perspective. However, in light of common socio-political processes taking place in Europe during the last ﬁ ve-seven years, the study of its internal political component, namely the political party transformation under the inﬂ uence of external factors and the international community, regional stabilization eﬀ orts is no less important. Based on J. Sartori’s classiﬁ cation of party systems and R. Harmel and K. Janda’s theory of party change, the article studies the role of international actors, in particular the European Union, played in the institutional transformation of the political party transformation in the Albanian Kosovo. It also studies what opportunities and barriers appeared as a result of the EU’s involvement. The paper explains why the complex conﬁ guration of the international mission in Kosovo in practice did not increase its legitimacy and establish an institutional system of governance but instead resulted in a loss of the mission’s credibility. The paper analyses and describes the process of political party transformation in Kosovo’s “Albanian world” and highlights the signiﬁ cant milestones in the development of a party system involving those that had been borne out of the Kosovo conﬂ ict. The article explains their possible ways of transformation in the future. It also explains the success factors of the populist “Self-Determination” movement and how sustainable this success has been in the changing international balance.
“Thaws” and “Freezes” of the Crimean Spring
Authors: Sokolov A. P.
Published: May 2021

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Chinese Reaction and Interpretation of 1991 Events in the Soviet Union
Authors: Zuenko I. Y.
Published: May 2021

The article is timed to coincide with two anniversaries: centenary of the Communist Party of China, and thirty years since the dissolution of the Soviet Union. According to the author’s idea, these two anniversaries correlate: analysis of the reasons and consequences of the USSR dissolution became one of the factors of current policy of Chinese communists. The article brings light to this coherence. A wide range of Chinese sources and literature regarding 1991 events in the USSR was used for the article. Another feature is the attention to historical context of the late 1980s – early 1990s, analysis of which helps to understand domination of conservative view to the USSR dissolution. The article shows how the Chinese state and party interest in the Soviet experience led to creation of a large bulk of works regarding historical, sociological and culturological aspects of the USSR dissolution. The analysis of the most impactful of these works shows a wide range of views regarding certain aspects (fi rst of all, the role of reforms in the fi nal dissolution of the state) and consensus regarding other aspects (negative role of Mikhail Gorbachev, labelling the dissolution of the USSR and the Communist Party as a ‘catastrophe’). Further analysis of the Soviet experience led to such measures by the Chinese leadership like strengthening of partocracy regime, conducting of media-covered anti-smuggling campaigns, establishing of harsh administrative and security control in areas with ethnic minorities, active counterpropaganda and struggling with foreign information infl uence. Appellation to the negative experience of the USSR and the Communist Party of the Soviet Union is using by the Chinese leadership in its propaganda as an argument for unacceptability of any political reforms regarding weakening of the party role.