bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Call and Response: A Time-resolved Study of Chromospheric Evaporation in a Large Solar Flare
Authors: Sellers Sean G. , Milligan Ryan O. , McAteer R. T. James
Published: September 2022

We studied an X1.6 solar flare produced by NOAA Active Region 12602 on 2014 October 22. The entirety of this event was covered by RHESSI, IRIS, and Hinode/EIS, allowing analysis of the chromospheric response to a nonthermal electron driver. We derived the energy contained in nonthermal electrons via RHESSI spectral fitting and linked the time-dependent parameters of this call to the response in Doppler velocity, density, and nonthermal width across a broad temperature range. The total energy injected was 4.8 × 1030 erg and lasted 352 s. This energy drove explosive chromospheric evaporation, with a delineation in both Doppler and nonthermal velocities at the flow reversal temperature, between 1.35 and 1.82 MK. The time of peak electron injection (14:06 UT) corresponded to the time of highest velocities. At this time, we found 200 km s−1 blueshifts in the core of Fe xxiv, which is typically assumed to be at rest. Shortly before this time, the nonthermal electron population had the shallowest spectral index (≈6), corresponding to the peak nonthermal velocity in Si iv and Fe xxi. Nonthermal velocities in Fe xiv, formed near the flow reversal temperature, were low and not correlated with density or Doppler velocity. Nonthermal velocities in ions with similar temperatures were observed to increase and correlate with Doppler velocities, implying unresolved flows surrounding the flow reversal point. This study provides a comprehensive, time-resolved set of chromospheric diagnostics for a large X-class flare, along with a time-resolved energy injection profile, ideal for further modeling studies.
Exploring the diversity of Eupolyphaga Chopard, 1929 (Blattodea, Corydioidea): species delimitation based on morphology and molecular analysis
Authors: Han Wei , Qiu Lu , Zhu Jing , Wang Zong-Qing , Che Yan-Li
Published: September 2022

Eupolyphaga Chopard, 1929 is a cockroach genus mainly endemic to China. In this study, the species diversity of this genus is further explored through morphology and molecular analysis. Four species are described new to science: Eupolyphaga miracidia Qiu, sp. nov., Eupolyphaga udenostyla Qiu, sp. nov., Eupolyphaga reducta Qiu, sp. nov., and Eupolyphaga simila Qiu, sp. nov. New knowledge on some known species is added, including new distribution records and characteristics of females. Forty-five COI sequences were newly sequenced and a molecular species delimitation analysis was performed using ABGD method. Eighteen molecular operational taxonomic units were obtained by ABGD analysis, which are nearly consistent with the results of morphological delimitation.
Two new synonyms in the subfamily Theridiinae (Araneae, Theridiidae)
Authors: Zhong Rui , Liu Jie , Zhu Yang
Published: September 2022

Two new synonyms in the subfamily Theridiinae Sundevall, 1833 (Araneae, Theridiidae) are reported. Theridion hui Zhu, 1998 is proposed as a junior synonym of Theridion innocuum Thorell, 1875, and Theridion qingzangense Hu, 2001 is proposed as a junior synonym of Phylloneta impressa (L. Koch, 1881). Photos of habitus and copulatory organs are provided for both species.
Violences sexuelles et traumatisme. Réflexion sur une double paralysie de la pensée
Authors: Contini Jean-Christophe
Published: September 2022

Sensibiliser les professionnels du travail social en formation à la thématique des violences sexuelles implique d’aborder des mécanismes inconscients qui relèvent du déni et de la dénégation, ainsi que d’une sorte de paralysie de la pensée, alors que celle-ci doit pourtant servir l’élaboration de l’agir et son évaluation dans l’après-coup de l’intervention. C’est que les violences sexuelles touchent à la question sensible du trauma et, au-delà des conséquences vécues par les victimes, au rapport que tout un chacun, y compris les professionnels du soin, du travail social et de l’accompagnement au quotidien, entretient avec la sexualité et sa nature originellement traumatique. La sensibilisation à cette thématique exigeante et complexe en formation implique ainsi, au-delà de ses aspects spécifiques, de s’inscrire dans une approche plus globale et généraliste des différentes problématiques en jeu dans les métiers de l’humain. De l’importance de la formation et de ses contenus pourrait alors compléter le titre de cet article, entre témoignage et réflexion.
Dénoncer les violences sexuelles sur mineurs. Sortir de l’ombre, mais vers quelle lumière ?
Authors: Olivier Charline
Published: September 2022

Les premières communautés humaines considéraient déjà que la violence sexuelle était une atteinte à l’intégrité, exigeant un encadrement législatif. Ce n’était pas tant la prise illégale du corps d’un autre qui justifiait un châtiment, que la matérialisation d’un affront adressé à l’ordre politique. Par la suite, les victimes ont été stigmatisées ou ostracisées, mais toujours contraintes au silence pour ne pas troubler l’ordre, qu’il soit public ou intrafamilial. L’amorce d’une protocolisation d’accompagnement des victimes d’abus sexuels, à la charge d’une société cette fois protectrice, n’émerge qu’après la Deuxième Guerre mondiale. Cette ambition nécessite d’articuler en permanence les savoirs universitaires, les connaissances empiriques des professionnels et les évolutions législatives, afin de créer des dispositifs à la hauteur des besoins des victimes.
Flashback
Authors: Durand Dorothée
Published: September 2022

Il est communément admis que la formation est une respiration. Au-delà d’une accumulation de connaissances, quand il s’agit de questionner le pourquoi du comment on est là, l’aventure peut nous conduire en des territoires insoupçonnés.
La notion de juste et de bon dans l’institution sociale. De droit ou d’éthique ?
Authors: Benoit Didier , Jean Marc
Published: September 2022

Avec une approche de l’institution ricœurienne qui recouvre des espaces où se jouent les rapports humains participant à son fonctionnement, il s’agit de montrer une façon dont l’action sociale épouse une fonction réparatrice de ce que la vie fait peser comme inéquitable. Dans ce contexte, l’institution s’érige selon un système d’acteurs, fédéré par la symbolique de la solidarité. Cette visée ne prend sens que dans l’affirmation d’un projet politique qui transcende l’approche réductrice de l’institution comme simple espace de gestion du quotidien.
L’« expert du vécu » existe-t-il ?
Authors: Joffres Sébastien
Published: September 2022

Ce texte propose une réflexion critique quant aux notions – « experts du vécu », « personnes ressources » – qui visent à revaloriser la place des destinataires de l’action sociale au nom de leurs savoirs. De telles approches ne font que réaménager l’ordre existant qui reste donc clivant entre les différentes places. À partir de l’expérimentation de l’association La Petite Cordée, projet à destination de jeunes en sortie sèche de la protection de l’enfance, le texte propose plutôt de déconstruire cet ordre pour le repenser à partir du commun : nous sommes tous parties prenantes.
Physics-informed neural networks based on adaptive weighted loss functions for Hamilton-Jacobi equations
Authors: Liu Youqiong , Cai Li , Chen Yaping , Wang Bin
Published: September 2022

Physics-informed neural networks (PINN) have lately become a research hotspot in the interdisciplinary field of machine learning and computational mathematics thanks to the flexibility in tackling forward and inverse problems. In this work, we explore the generality of the PINN training algorithm for solving Hamilton-Jacobi equations, and propose physics-informed neural networks based on adaptive weighted loss functions (AW-PINN) that is trained to solve unsupervised learning tasks with fewer training data while physical information constraints are imposed during the training process. To balance the contributions from different constrains automatically, the AW-PINN training algorithm adaptively update the weight coefficients of different loss terms by using the logarithmic mean to avoid additional hyperparameter. Moreover, the proposed AW-PINN algorithm imposes the periodicity requirement on the boundary condition and its gradient. The fully connected feedforward neural networks are considered and the optimizing procedure is taken as the Adam optimizer for some steps followed by the L-BFGS-B optimizer. The series of numerical experiments illustrate that the proposed algorithm effectively achieves noticeable improvements in predictive accuracy and the convergence rate of the total training error, and can approximate the solution even when the Hamiltonian is nonconvex. A comparison between the proposed algorithm and the original PINN algorithm for Hamilton-Jacobi equations indicates that the proposed AW-PINN algorithm can train the solutions more accurately with fewer iterations.
Modelling and stability analysis of ASFV with swill and the virus in the environment
Authors: Song Haitao , Guo Lirong , Jin Zhen , Liu Shengqiang
Published: September 2022

African swine fever (ASF) is an acute, hemorrhagic and severe infectious disease caused by the African swine fever virus (ASFV), and leads to a serious threat to the pig industry in China. Yet the impact of the virus in the environment and contaminated swill on the ASFV transmission is unclear in China. Then we build the ASFV transmission model with the virus in the environment and swill. We compute the basic reproduction number, and prove that the disease-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable when $ R_0 < 1 $ and the unique endemic equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable when $ R_0 > 1 $. Using the public information, parameter values are evaluated. PRCCs and eFAST sensitivity analysis reveal that the release rate of ASFV from asymptomatic and symptomatic infectious pigs and the proportion of pig products from infectious pigs to swill have a significant impact on the ASFV transmission. Our findings suggest that the virus in the environment and contaminated swill contribute to the ASFV transmission. Our results may help animal health to prevent and control the ASFV transmission.
Investigation on effect of colloidal nano-silica on the strength and durability characteristics of red mud blended Portland cement paste through tortuosity
Authors: Athira K. , Shanmugapriya T.
Published: September 2022

A novel binder system for cement-based composites depending upon the strength and durability characteristics is introduced in this study. The possibility of calcined red mud cement pastes with and without colloidal nano-silica (CNS) over Ordinary Portland Cement paste (OPC) at three W/B ratios (0.3, 0.4, 0.5) is evaluated. The optimum percentage of cement replacement by red mud (15%) was selected from compressive strength values of different cement replacements (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%). Colloidal nano-silica (CNS) was added at 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2 % to the selected red mud cement paste. Water absorption, sorptivity, resistance to sulfate attack, and resistance to acid attack tests were conducted for optimum red mud cement paste with and without CNS. The experimental results are explained based on tortuosity with empirical formulas and mathematical models of pore network distribution. The tortuosity is directly proportional to the inter-connectivity of the pores. The mixes with 15% calcined red mud and 1.5% CNS replacement performed better strength and durability at all W/B ratios. The mix (R15NS1.5) with minimum tortuosity value results in the higher overall performance of the paste. The mixes with a 0.3 W/B ratio give high-performance cement paste compared to higher W/B ratios.
Evaluation of nanoparticulate consolidants applied to Novelda Stone (Spain)
Authors: Ripoll A. , Rojo A. , Ruiz de Argandoña V. G.
Published: September 2022

The main objective of this work is to test several nanoconsolidant treatments (pure Nano Estel, 1:1 diluted Nano Estel and Tecnadis ZR-110), with the aim of improving the intergranular cohesion of the Novelda Stone. The treatments were applied in laboratory by capillary suction and their effectiveness and depth of penetration have been evaluated on the basis of the petrophysical characteristics of the stone (petrography, elemental physical properties, hydric properties and ultrasound propagation), before and after consolidation. Subsequently, in order to estimate the durability of the treatments, accelerated ageing tests (salt crystallisation, freeze-thaw and wet-dry) were carried out. According to the results, we can conclude that none of the treatments is suitable for the treatment of Novelda stone. However, we consider that with further in-depth study Tecnadis ZR-110 could offer good results.
Detection of clinically-relevant EGFR variations in de novo small cell lung carcinoma by droplet digital PCR
Authors: Venkataram Rajesh , Shetty Vijith , Prasad Kishan , Kille Sonam , Srinivas Teerthanath , Chakraborty Anirban
Published: September 2022

Targeted therapy that utilizes tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), specific to epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) has changed the landscape of treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The success or failure of this approach depends on presence of certain variations in the tyrosine kinase domain of EGFR gene. Generally, patients diagnosed with Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) are considered ineligible for TKI therapy owing to the absence of EGFR variations. . However, there is evidence of these variations being detected in SCLCs, both in de-novo and in transformed SCLCs (TKI-treated adenocarcinomas). Despite the presence of clinically-relevant EGFR variations in SCLCs, the response to TKIs has been inconsistent.  Liquid biopsy is a well-established approach in lung cancer management with proven diagnostic, prognostic and predictive applications. It relies on detection of circulating tumor-derived nucleic acids present in plasma of the patient. In this study, a liquid biopsy approach was utilized to screen 118 consecutive lung cancer patients for four clinically-relevant variations in EGFR gene, which included three activating/sensitizing variations (Ex18 G719S, Ex19del E746-A750 and Ex21 L858R) and one acquired/resistance (Ex20 T790M, de novo) variation by droplet digital PCR, the most advanced third generation PCR technique. As expected, clinically-relevant EGFR variations were found in majority of the non-small cell lung cancer cases. However, among the handful of small cell lung cancer samples screened, sensitizing variations (Ex18 G719S and Ex21 L858R) were seen in almost all of them. Interestingly, Ex20 T790M variation was not detected in any of the cases screened.  The results of our study indicate that EGFR variations are present in SCLCs and highly sensitive liquid biopsy techniques like ddPCR can be effectively utilized for this purpose of screening EGFR variations in such samples.
Red blood cell distribution width to predict mortality in heart transplant recipients: a systematic review
Authors: Acuña-Chávez Luis Miguel , Cruzalegui-Bazán Claudia , Quispe-Vicuña Carlos , Saldarriaga Clara , Contreras Johanna , Chávez-Peche José A. , Alvarez-Vargas Mayita , Segura-Saldaña Pedro
Published: September 2022

Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) has been shown to have prognostic value in a number of different clinical settings, such as cardiovascular disease, including heart failure. However, its prognostic value in heart transplant (HT) recipients remains unknown. The aim of this systematic review is to determine the prognostic value of pre-transplant RDW for mortality in HT recipients. There is a pre-published protocol of this review. The terms "Heart transplant", "Red cell distribution width" and their synonyms were used in the search strategy. PubMed/Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science and LILACS were searched until May 17th, 2022, without date or language restrictions. Two authors independently carried out the selection, first by title and abstract, second by full-text revision. Discrepancies were discussed and resolved with three other authors. Quality of individual studies was assessed with Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) for cohorts. After removing the duplicates, 3885 articles were identified. Four articles were included in the qualitative synthesis. Three studies were classified as “good quality”: whereas one as “poor quality” according to NOS scale. All the included articles evaluated long-term mortality and one study also evaluated short-term mortality. In this one, a correlation between higher RDW values and short-term mortality was reported. Meanwhile, in all the studies, a high pre-HT RDW was a marker of long-term mortality following cardiac transplantation. Our review shows that an elevated on-admission RDW is associated with long-term mortality in heart transplantation recipients.
Air Pollution and Cerebrovascular Disorders with Special Reference to Asia
Authors: Taimuri Bushra , Lakhani Sohail , Javed Maryam , Garg Divyani , Aggarwal Vasundhara , Mehndiratta Man Mohan , Wasay Mohammad
Published: September 2022

Background:

Among the primary environmental issues affecting global health, air pollution is considered the leading cause of concern. Globally, around 800,000 deaths were attributed to air pollution according to WHO. Evidence suggests that there has been a strong association of air pollution with stroke. Approximately, 25% of stroke mortality was due to air pollution according to a study in 2013.

Objective:

The aim of this review was to analyze the association between stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, and subarachnoid hemorrhage and air pollution and its burden globally with a special focus on South Asia along with its association with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results:

There is growing research data linking air pollution to cardiovascular disorders including stroke. Short-term and long-term air pollution exposures have been shown to increase stroke incidence in epidemiological data. Air pollution, both gaseous and particle, show a strong and tight temporal relationship with stroke hospitalizations and death. The link between ICH and SAH to air pollution is less strong and less well studied as compared to ischemic stroke. Stroke and air pollution both are highly prevalent in South Asia. It is possible that the high prevalence of stroke in south Asia may be linked to the high frequency of air pollution in addition to other conventional risk factors. Decreased stroke admissions and mortality and reduced cardiovascular mortality reported during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID) lockdown may be attributable to decreased levels of air pollution.

Conclusion:

Even though air pollution poses a significant threat to human health, a great number of countries still fail to achieve internationally agreed air quality standards. Air pollution should be recognized among the most significant controllable risk factors for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease prevention and treatment.
Anesthetic management of primary cardiac tumor in the coronary sinus and right atrium
Authors: Yamada Ayu , Miyawaki Ikuko , Mima Hiroyuki
Published: September 2022

The patient presented with complete atrioventricular block and dyspnea. They had a primary cardiac tumor originating in the coronary sinus, a rare site of origin. It filled the sinus and involved the right atrium. The patient might have presented with complete atrioventricular block due to tumor invasion and respiratory distress due to elevated LVEDP as the tumor filled the coronary sinus. As for anesthesia management, in addition to the usual management, we observed CS obstruction and also considered myocardial protection methods. It is important to anticipate the risks and develop an appropriate anesthetic plan accordingly.
Access to pain medicines and follow-up consultation after radiofrequency ablation for trigeminal neuralgia during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Ramaprasannakumar Shwethashri Kondavagilu , Karan Nupur , Pruthi Nupur , Kamath Sriganesh
Published: September 2022

Background:

In the recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, follow-up of patients with trigeminal neuralgia post radio-frequency ablation (RFA) of the Gasserian ganglion was restricted because of closure of pain clinic services (PCSs) at our institution, travel restrictions, and fear of contracting COVID-19 infection by hospital visit. Periodic follow-ups are a must in this group of patients. Because the access to pain medications and consultations remained restricted, we tried identifying the factors predisposing to these difficulties in patients.

Methods:

We had contacted patients telephonically, who underwent RFA at our institution in the past 5 years as the PCS had not re-started to follow up with in-person consultation. Demographics, socio-economic factors, clinical factors, literacy status, distance to the health care system, and current health status were noted. Collected data were analyzed descriptively, and correlations were calculated between the predictors for difficulty in follow-up to access the medications and consultations.

Results:

Out of 121 patients who underwent RFA in the past 5 years, 73 were accessible on phone. Of these, 42.46% (31/73) patients had difficulty in accessing either medications or consultation. The literacy status of the patient was the strongest predictor (0.044) with a negative correlation (-1.216). Difficulty in accessing PCS was associated with a poor health status (p-0.032) and higher pain scores (0.066).

Conclusion:

Along with the clinical factors, we have to overlook other factors in predicting difficulty to access PCS in trigeminal neuralgia patients post the RFA status. Difficulty in access to pain medicines and/or consultations was associated with a poor health status and higher pain scores.
Cerebral air embolism through a central venous catheter in the absence of intracardiac shunt
Authors: Alshoubi Abdalhai , Scdden Mick'l
Published: September 2022

Central venous catheters are routinely placed on medically complex patients for a variety of reasons, including facilitating intravenous access in difficult intravenous (IV) access situations, accurate hemodynamic monitoring, large-volume resuscitation, medication administration, nutritional support, and continuous renal replacement. As with other invasive medical procedures, placement, maintenance, and discontinuation of central venous catheters introduces risk and potential complications. We report a case of bilateral cerebral infarct secondary to air embolism through the right internal jugular vein venous catheter in the absence of intracardiac shunt in a patient with ischemic colitis who underwent total abdominal colectomy.
Ketamine as the main analgesic agent during analgesia-based sedation for elective colonoscopy – A randomised, double-blind, control study
Authors: Kovačević Mirza , Rizvanović Nermina , Adilović Adisa Šabanović , Smajić Jasmina , Sijerčić Selma
Published: September 2022

Aim:

The aim of the study was to compare the analgesic effects of ketamine over fentanyl combined with propofol in analgesia-based elective colonoscopy with purpose of patient safety and satisfaction.

Methods:

This is a double-blinded prospective randomized controlled trial. Ninety patients were included and randomized to either fentanyl-propofol (Group FP, n: 30), ketamine-propofol (Group KP, n: 30) or propofol-control group (Group C, n: 30). Group FP patients received fentanyl and propofol, Group KP received ketamine and propofol and Group C, propofol. In all groups, incremental doses of propofol were used to maintain a Ramsay sedation score (RSS) of 5. Respiratory depression and hemodynamic parameters were monitored for the first minute and every 5 min during endoscopy. Fifteen minutes after the procedure, the degree of pain was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS), the quality of recovery according to the Aldrete score (ARS), complications during and after the procedure and additional doses of propofol were recorded.

Results:

Mean arterial pressure (MAP) at 5 and 30 min (p < 0.05), heart rate (HR) at 15, 25 and 30 min (p < 0.05) and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) at 30 min (p < 0.05) were statistically significant for Group FP. Desaturation (*p = 0.033), and weakness (*p = 0.004) was also significant for Group FP at 20, 25 and 30 min (p < 0.05). Pain was lower assessed for the Group KP according to the VAS (**p = 0.025).

Conclusion:

In analgesia-based colonoscopy, ketamine provides appropriate analgesia and less incidence of complications compared to fentanyl.
Anesthesia concerns for a patient with monkeypox requiring emergency surgery
Authors: Malviya Amit K. , Gupta Ankesh , Singh Abhishek , Gupta Anju
Published: September 2022

Monkeypox is a contagious disease that manifests as a smallpox-like skin rash. The disease has shown a sudden surge worldwide across several countries. These patients may present for emergency surgery. Anesthetic management of these cases in an emergency setting is challenging. There is not much literature on the anesthetic management of monkeypox patients. We aimed to discuss the anesthetic management of monkeypox in this review.
Bilateral pneumothorax in a parturient undergoing cesarean section under general anesthesia
Authors: Qassrawi Hisham , Taher Ameed , Malhis Alaa Aldin , Aburumh Hend
Published: September 2022

Pneumothorax is quite unusual to occur during or following cesarean section, as only six cases have been reported so far, and only one of them was bilateral. Here, we report a 19-year-old, previously healthy, non-smoking primigravida who underwent a cesarean section under general anesthesia, and whose oxygen saturation level quickly dropped to 81% following endotracheal intubation. Although an initial chest radiograph did not demonstrate pneumothorax, a CT scan performed on the following day showed the patient had developed bilateral pneumothorax. Chest tubes were inserted on both sides, and the patient was discharged on the sixth postoperative day in stable condition. This case underlines the need to include pneumothorax in the differential diagnosis when managing a patient with acute respiratory distress during cesarean section or in the immediate post-operative period.
Continuous local anesthetic wound infusion
Authors: AlFaraj Ahmed , AlFaraidy Mona , AlZaher Zaki , Al Wosaibai Adnan , AlShabeb Abduladem K. , AlHashim Hussain , AlKhulaif Zainab
Published: September 2022

Introduction:

Opioids are commonly used to control acute postoperative pain but their usage is associated with significant complications and the potential of addiction. This study was designed to assess the effect of a Continuous Local Anesthetic Wound Infusion Catheter (CLAWIC) on pain score and as an opioid-sparing agent in patients undergoing elective mastectomy.

Method:

The search was done using all patients' record from February 2013 to February 2018. The data were collected through the acute pain service database, operation room lists, surgical site infection database, acute pain service sheet, and anesthesia sheet. The patients inclusion criteria were adults who underwent elective mastectomy surgery at King Fahad Specialist Hospital. Patient age, sex, weight, and height were also recorded.

Result:

The opioid use intraoperatively and postoperatively was significantly lower in the CLAWIC than in the control group. Also, accumulative opioid use was significantly lower in the CLAWIC group. From transfer to the PACU until 48 hours postoperatively, the percentage of patients requiring opioids was significantly lower in the CLAWIC group. After 48 hours, there was no difference in opioid use between the two groups. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores were significantly lower in the CLAWIC than in the control group.

Conclusion:

CLWIC showed opioid-sparing effects following mastectomy, as shown by a significantly lower mean opioid dose and a lower percentage of subjects needing opioid analgesia. The procedure is easy to perform and relatively safe. CLWIC could reduce opioid consumption while maintaining good postoperative pain control.
Anti-inflammatory and memory-enhancing properties of Chinese herbal extracts: The possible application in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Varinthra Peeraporn , Suresh Pavithra , Chokkalingam Prithiviraj , Ibiayo Ayooluwa Gabriel , Liu Ingrid Y.
Published: September 2022

ABSTRACT

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive brain disease that causes cognitive impairment in seniors. The beta-amyloid (Aβ) deposition and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles are two pathological hallmarks of AD. The increase of AD hallmarks causes inflammatory response enhancement, reduction of synaptic plasticity, and impaired cognition. The percentage of the aging population is growing along with the number of AD patients; however, effective treatment of AD is still limited. Therefore, developing preventive and therapeutic drugs for AD with fewer adverse side effects is urgently needed. The crude extracts from herbs such as Centella
asiatica, Dendrobium
catenatum, Litsea
cubeba, Nardostachys
jatamansi, Convolvulus
pluricaulis, Melissa
officinalis, Magnolia
officinalis, Withania somnifera, and
Nigella
sativa improved memory performance and reduced inflammation response in various diseases. In addition, herbal blends usually have minimum aversive effects and can be mixed into diet and served as nutritional supplements. Hence, it is promising to develop Chinese herbal extracts to prevent or treat early AD. This review article highlights the currently available treatments of AD and the therapeutic effects of a group of crude extracts from Chinese herbs that can prevent cognitive decline and reduce the excessive inflammatory response. The possible clinical use of these Chinese herbal extracts in AD is also discussed.
Stem-cell therapy in stress urinary incontinence: A review
Authors: Li Pei-Chen , Ding Dah-Ching
Published: September 2022

ABSTRACT

The incidence of urinary incontinence (UI) is approximately 10%–40% in women, affecting one to two hundred million women worldwide. Stress UI (SUI) is characterized by involuntary urination due to increased abdominal stress and urine leakage without bladder contraction. Surgical treatments include midurethral slings, bulking agents, and Burch colposuspension to restore urethral continence. Nevertheless, an optimal treatment for all types of incontinence has not yet been established. Stem-cell therapy has emerged as a novel treatment for many diseases. Stem cells can self-renew and can differentiate into other cell types. Adult stem cells are suitable for clinical applications because they can be easily obtained noninvasively or minimal invasively. Stem-cell therapy for SUI has been studied preclinically and clinically. Muscle-derived progenitors have been used to treat SUI by promoting the regeneration of rhabdomyosphincters. The human trial used transurethral injection of autologous muscle-derived stem cells to improve sphincter contractility and function. Other sources of stem cells have also been studied in SUI treatment, such as umbilical cord blood, amniotic fluid, bone marrow, urine, and adipose tissue. The success rate of stem-cell therapy for SUI ranges from 13% to 100%. This review aimed to summarize the current status of stem-cell treatments for SUI, with respect to clinical trials, cell types, transplantation routes, and dosage volume and frequency.
Człowiek czy zwierzę? O dyskusjach wokół rodowodu ludzkości w polskim czasopiśmiennictwie drugiej połowy XIX wieku
Authors: Wrzesińska Katarzyna
Published: September 2022

Celem artykułu jest zobrazowanie dyskusji na ziemiach polskich na temat rodowodu ludzkości, których inspiratorem był Charles Darwin i kontynuatorzy jego myśli. Teoria ewolucji zmieniła sposób myślenia o człowieku, który traktowany był dotąd jako „korona stworzenia”. Główną oś niniejszego tekstu stanowi analiza recepcji prac Darwina poprzez pryzmat sporów nad rodowodem człowieka, tym samym więc rozwój nauki na ziemiach polskich w XIX wieku. Problematyka ta znalazła swoje odzwierciedlenie w naukowej (a także popularyzującej wiedzę) polskiej prasie doby zaborów. Przełom w myśleniu o człowieku polegał na odejściu od koncepcji kreacjonistycznej, uznającej wolę Stwórcy w powstaniu świata oraz na zakwestionowaniu dogmatu niezmienności gatunków. Pod wpływem teorii Darwina, nie bez polemik, wywiedziono wniosek o decydującej roli czynników naturalnych w powstaniu świata ludzkiego i jego zróżnicowania. Najbardziej kontrowersyjną tezą było uznanie pokrewieństwa człowieka z małpą. Budziła ona sprzeciw sfer konserwatywnych. Sam Darwin nie wyprowadzał tak bezpośredniego rodowodu. Natomiast jego następcy kusili się o często kontrowersyjne koncepcje, które również znalazły odzwierciedlenie w polskim czasopiśmiennictwie poprzez recepcję nauki zachodniej. Należy zaznaczyć, że pisma popularnonaukowe były ważnym źródłem informacji ze świata nauki i wywarły znaczący wpływ na postrzeganie teorii ewolucji pośród masowego odbiorcy. Często uprzystępniały one wiadomości na temat teorii Darwina oraz przedstawiały stan badań. Czyniły to w sposób wyważony i kompetentny. Ich autorami byli uznani polscy uczeni. W rezultacie więc, to całokształt dostępnych informacji zadecydował o upowszechnieniu teorii Darwina pośród polskiego społeczeństwa.
Between Westernization and Traditionalism: Central and Eastern European Academia during the Transformation in the 1990s
Authors: Surman Jan , Petushkova Daria
Published: September 2022

2021 saw the thirtieth anniversary of the collapse of the Soviet Union, and there is a growing interest in the historicization of the past 30 years of transformation. Taking this anniversary as a point of departure, we want to look into a specific area that has markedly changed in the last three decades – the scholarly community. The interest of analysing the academia in a period of transformation is not new, and the 1990s are amply covered by the literature scrutinising changes and forging plans for the future development, but we intend to enrich this discussion with approaches coming from the history of science and of scholarship. By looking at changes that happened in the decade following the end of the Socialist utopia, we propose to look into mechanisms of organizational and intellectual innovation and place them in the context of European and global integration. As we argue, looking at the 1990s in Central and Eastern Europe can help us to understand how scholarly systems change by oscillating between tradition and innovation, and we propose the notions of a selective Westernisation and an equally selective traditionalism for our case study.
Looking Forward, Looking Back: Re-Connecting of Urban Planning Education in Lviv
Authors: Otrishchenko Natalia
Published: September 2022

The article outlines the development of a new network assembled by the chair of urban planning at the Lviv Polytechnic institute after the collapse of the USSR. It focuses on the actions of individual people who contributed to institutional changes and used various resources to create and maintain a set of connections. The tradition of urban planning education in Lviv begins with a Chair of Urban Planning created in 1913 at Lviv Polytechnic. However, after WWII and the incorporation of the city into the Soviet state, Lviv Polytechnic went through radical changes. Urban planning was restored as an architectural sub-specialization only in 1966, while a separate department of architecture was organized only in 1971. After perestroika and the disintegration of the Soviet Union (1985‒1991), the Chair of Urban Planning relatively quickly reoriented its activities from Moscow’s to Kraków’s, Wrocław’s, Vienna’s or Berlin’s perspective. This was primarily due to personal contacts, which step by step became institutionalized, and due to the “imaginary continuity” between contemporary urban planners and the pre-war Lviv architectural school. Professors who left the city right after WWII gained symbolic importance and helped to establish a common ground between the milieu of Lviv Polytechnic and Polish technical schools in the 1990s. During the time of social and political changes, looking into the past became a quite successful strategy, which helped the institution to gain symbolic capital and survive. The history of Lviv Polytechnic, stripped from all potential conflicts and sharp divisions, helped to build new connections after the old ones no longer provided stable positions. Knowing foreign languages became one of the basic means or resources that people needed to feel connected and to participate in scientific exchanges. The sources of the article include oral history interviews with academics in the field of architecture, memoirs, and other published materials related to the history of the Chair of Urban Planning at Lviv Polytechnic.
Natural Sciences in Academic Vienna in the 1990s: From “[Peripheral] Outpost Near the Iron Curtain” to “Central Hub”
Authors: Kastenhofer Karen
Published: September 2022

In 1999, four editorials in the journal Biological Chemistry commemorate how, since the 1980s, Vienna has transformed from a “[peripheral] outpost near the Iron Curtain” to a “central hub” for life science research. A closer look at these texts reveals the explicit and implicit role of drawing maps for and within science, depicting centers, peripheries and ‒ in this case ‒ geopolitically real and allegorical “iron curtains”. Based on this observation and the issues it raises, I re-examine the pertinent empirical material covering relevant times, places, (sub-) disciplines and institutions, as well as the period after 2000. I deal with “molecularization” in biology, (sub)disciplinary differentiation, internationalization, as well as changes in public-private relations and a pair of complementary concepts of innovation and tradition. Thus, I retrace the establishment of a techno-epistemic culture in a local, disciplinary context. I conclude that guiding principles such as excellence and internationality are understood and implemented in academia in locally and historically bounded ways, and I argue that a critical re-examination of empirical material can substantially enrich our approach to such topics.
Cellular immune response to DNA vaccine encoding receptor-binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 S protein: dependence on the packing mode
Authors: Borgoyakova Mariya B. , Karpenko Larisa I. , Starostina Ekaterina V. , Volosnikova Ekaterina A. , Zadorozhny Alexey M. , Orlova Lyubov A. , Ilyichev Alexander A.
Published: September 2022

Massive vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 appears to be one of the most important steps towards solving the problem of the COVID-19 pandemic, which threatened the lives of millions of people over two and a half years. To create anti-COVID-19 vaccines, both traditional approaches (inactivated vaccines), and innovative efforts were used, including the nucleic acid-based vaccines (mRNA, DNA vaccines) which appeared on the market. We constructed a plasmid (DNA vaccine) encoding the gene for the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of spike protein (S) of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This DNA vaccine was named pVAXrbd. The polycationic carrier polyglucin-spermidine (PGS) and its recombinant RBD protein conjugate (PGS-RBD) were used to package pVAXrbd. By adding the negatively charged DNA pVAXrbd plasmid to polycationic PGS or PGS-RBD molecules, the complexes of polymers with plasmid DNA were formed by self-assembly, due to their non-covalent interaction. The aim of this work was to study cellular response induced by the DNA vaccine at various packaging options, as well as to analyze influence of the vaccine packaging upon development of the immune response. BALB/c mice were injected with DNA vaccine in three versions: naked pVAXrbd; plasmid pVAXrbd in PGS envelope; pVAXrbd in PGS-RBD wrapper. In control group, the animals were injected with the recombinant RBD protein. Cellular response was assessed by the IFN production using two methods, i.e., ELISpot and ICS using flow cytometry. It was shown that the DNA vaccine pVAXrbd, both per se, or as part of complexes, showed the ability to induce cellular immune response. The most effective cellular immune response was found in the group of animals immunized with pVAXrbd-PGS complex. Using ELISpot detection technique for this group, the largest number of cells responding by IFNrelease was registered upon stimulation with specific peptides; usage of ICS and flow cytometry for evaluation in this group showed higher percentage of IFN-producing CD4+ and CD8+T cells. This observed effect could be explained by DNA protection from nuclease action by the polyglucin-spermidine envelope. The pVAXrbd-PGS complexes may be also more efficiently recognized by antigen-presenting cells than naked plasmid DNA. The presented results show that the polyglucin-spermidine envelope provides an increase in immunogenicity of the DNA vaccine pVAXrbd, in terms of virus-specific T cell response.
Type III interferons in community-acquired pneumonia in children
Authors: Iziurova Natalia V. , Savochkina Albina Yu. , Uzunova Anna N. , Nikushkina Karina V.
Published: September 2022

The relevance of community-acquired pneumonia is due to its widespread prevalence in pediatric practice, due to high level of morbidity and mortality in this pathological condition. Anti-infectious protection is of great importance in prevention of community-acquired pneumonia, primarily, the state of innate immunity, including cellular and humoral immune response. Among the factors of innate immunity, cytokines play an important role, being the most important mediators that control and regulate immune and inflammatory responses via complex networks and serve as biomarkers of many diseases. A single cytokine may be secreted by different cells and exhibit both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory activity, depending on its context, thus causing multiple immune responses. Among cytokines, interferons play a significant role, being among sufficient factors of innate immunity. The study determined the level of type III interferons (IFN2 (IL-28A) and IFN3 (IL-28B)) in blood serum of 117 children with community-acquired pneumonia aged 1 to 18 years with an X-ray confirmed diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia, hospitalized at the Departments of Respiratory Infections at the Pediatric Clinical Hospitals No. 7 and 8 in Chelyabinsk. All children were represented by 3 age groups, according to the generally accepted critical periods of immune system maturation, i.e., 1 to 3 years old; 4 to 7, and 8 to 18 years old. The comparison group was recruited during routine medical examination of healthy children and consisted of 28 subjects who did not show any signs of acute respiratory viral infection at the time of examination, and had no detectable chronic diseases. The purpose of this study was to determine the concentration of type III interferons in blood serum of children with community-acquired pneumonia at different ages, and to assess changes in indices, depending on the severity of the disease. According to the results of the study, we have revealed that the serum concentrations of type III interferons, in particular, IFN2 (IL-28A) and IFN3 (IL-28B) among the children with community-acquired pneumonia, were significantly higher in the subgroup of children with severe pneumonia. Significant differences in concentrations of type III interferons were shown for the children in different age groups, which may be due to peculiar features of immune system activation at different age periods and immaturity of immune system in children.
Expression of chemotaxis in regulators of tissues of exudative lesions of Reinke’s space
Authors: Kovalev Michael A. , Davydovа Evgeniya V.
Published: September 2022

Exudative tumor-like neoplasms of the Reinke space in vocal folds are widespread in the population, more often among representatives of vocal professions, e.g., actors, singers, teachers, lecturers and represent a serious medical and social problem. In pathogenesis of such neoplasms, a key role is given to chronic phonotrauma, intoxication during smoking against the background of the nearly complete absence of lymphatic drainage in the Reinke space. Cellular factors of tissue and immune homeostasis are of great importance in morphogenesis of this disorder. Switching of immune responses aimed at maintaining tissue homeostasis is accompanied by increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, as well as chemotaxis regulators and growth factors. The aim of our work was to study the levels of chemokines (MIP-1, MIP-1, MIP-3, fractalkine, IL-8, I-TAC) in the tissues of exudative lesions from the Reinkes space (EPPR).

Forty tissue samples of exudative lesions from Reinkes space, in particular, vocal fold polyps, vocal nodules and neoplasms presenting as Reinkes edema were taken as biological material for the study. The samples were taken intraoperatively when the neoplasm was removed, using an Olympus TYPE 150 fiber bronchoscope (Germany) using an integrated Lumenis Acu Pulse CO2 laser (Israel). The content of chemokines was determined in the supernatants of the tissues homogenates, using multiplex analysis with MAGPIX-100 immunoanalyzer (Bio-Rad, USA). Statistical processing was carried out using Statistica 10.0 for Windows software package. The results are presented as medians (Q0.25-Q0.75).

Chronic phonotrauma and/or exposure to toxic factors leads to increased permeability of the vascular endothelium, tissue edema and activation of cells involved in tissue and immune homeostasis, e.g., fibroblasts, monocytes, endotheliocytes. The study of the chemokine expression in the tissues of various exudative lesions of Reinkes space enabled us to reveal the following features: (1) predominance of the CXC-chemokine content produced mainly by fibroblasts in dense neoplastic tissues, thus reflecting participation of the latter in the genesis of this pathology. (2) In the tissues of soft neoplasms with large proportion of liquid component, we have revealed increased concentrations of SS-chemokines and fractalkine. The latters are produced mainly by macrophages and endotheliocytes, thus, probably, reflecting a predominant role of these cells in development of myxoid polyps and Reinkes edema.
Dynamics of changes in the number of SARS-CoV-2 seropositive patients over two years of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kritsky Igor S. , Zurochka Vladimir A. , Hu Desheng , Sarapultsev Aleksey P.
Published: September 2022

Serological assays, being rapid and relatively inexpensive methods for detecting COVID-19, may play an important role in combating the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The aim of the present study was to assess dynamics of changes in the number of seropositive patients for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies over 2.5 years of the evolving COVID-19 pandemic. The study included 6051 persons (2840 women and 3211 males). Their mean age was 41.680.17 years (MSEM). At the time of this survey, all participants were residents of the Chelyabinsk region. General information was collected over the period from 06/01/2020 to 01/18/2022. Seropositivity for SARS-C0V-2 was assessed by test kits for IgG, IgM and IgA antibodies (JSC Vector-Best, Novosibirsk, Russia) against SARS-CoV-2 using indirect two-stage enzyme immunoassay (ELISA). Over the entire period, 27 cases were seronegative (20.45%); 99 samples were positive for IgA to SARS-CoV-2 (75%), and 6 samples (4.55%) yielded questionable ELISA results. IgG testing for SARS-Cov-2 antibodies was negative in 2433 cases (42.35%); 3245 samples (56.48%) were positive, and 67 specimens provided (1.17%) doubtful results using ELISA tests. IgM antibodies were not revealed in 2710 (70.41%) cases; 996 were positive (25.88%), and 143 specimens (3.72%) yielded doubtful results by ELISA technique. In general, the highest proportion of positive results was found in class A immunoglobulins. The wave-like distribution of the density among all antibody-positive patients was revealed, which, however, was not associated with peak values of COVID-19 morbidity in Chelyabinsk Region. Most waves of seroprevalence were detected before the waves of SARS-CoV-2 infection. A positive relationship was established between IgG and IgM seropositivity against SARS-CoV-2 with age and female gender. Conclusion. In general, serological testing and regular monitoring of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 may play an important role in assessing its prevalence during the coronavirus pandemic and immune response to the infection at a population level.