bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuroendocrine differentiation in prostate cancer – a review
Authors:   Carol Davila Central Emergency Military Hospital, Bucharest, Popescu Robert , Bratu Ovidiu ,   Carol Davila Central Emergency Military Hospital, Bucharest,   Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Bucharest, Spînu Dan ,   Carol Davila Central Emergency Military Hospital, Bucharest, Marcu Dragos ,   Carol Davila Central Emergency Military Hospital, Bucharest, Farcaș Catalin ,   Carol Davila Central Emergency Military Hospital, Bucharest, Dinu Marius ,   Carol Davila Central Emergency Military Hospital, Bucharest, Mischianu Dan ,   Carol Davila Central Emergency Military Hospital, Bucharest,   Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Bucharest
Published: May 2022

Objectives: This review aims to provide practicing clinicians with the most recent knowledge of the biological nature of prostate cancer especially the information regarding neuroendocrine differentiation. Methods: Review of the literature using PubMed search and scientific journal publications. Results: Much progress has been made towards an understanding of the development and progression of prostate cancer. The prostate is a male accessory sex gland which produces a fraction of seminal fluid. The normal human prostate is composed of a stromal compartment (which contains: nerves, fibroblast, smooth muscle cells, macrophages) surrounding glandular acins – epithelial cells. Neuroendocrine cells are one of the epithelial populations in the normal prostate and are believed to provide trophic signals trough the secretion of neuropeptides that diffuse and influence surrounding epithelial cells. Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy in men. In prostate cancer, neuroendocrine cells can stimulate growth of surrounding prostate adenocarcinoma cells (proliferation of neighboring cancer cells in a paracrine manner by secretion of neuroendocrine products). Neuroendocrine prostate cancer is an aggressive variant of prostate cancer that commonly arises in later stages of castration resistant prostate cancer. The detection of neuroendocrine prostate cancer has clinical implications. These patients are often treated with platinum chemotherapy rather than with androgen receptor targeted therapies. Conclusion: This review shows the need to improve our knowledge regarding diagnostic and treatment methods of the Prostate Cancer, especially cancer cells with neuroendocrine phenotype.
Fever and abdominal tumoral masses
Authors:   Carol Davila Central Emergency Military Hospital, Bucharest, Dima Augustin , Artenie Teodor ,   Carol Davila Central Emergency Military Hospital, Bucharest, Florea Daniel ,   Carol Davila Central Emergency Military Hospital, Bucharest, Bold Florina ,   Carol Davila Central Emergency Military Hospital, Bucharest, Oprea Paul ,   Carol Davila Central Emergency Military Hospital, Bucharest
Published: May 2022

49 year-old man presented to our clinic for pain in the right hypochondrium, diarrhea, and fever. The clinical examination highlights a tumoral formation in the right side of the abdomen, with firm consistency, poorly defined margins, and present mobility in the deep structures. On biological exams, leukocytosis with neutrophilia, inflammatory syndrome, and hypoalbuminaemia were identified. The first computed tomography exam described parietal thickening of the ascending colon, with infiltrative aspect, and multiple local adenopathies, lomboaortic and interaortocave. Moreover, four nodular liver tumors, with hypodense image in native examination, were identified. The lab tests for infectious diseases were all inconclusives: three hemocultures, three stool samples, and three coproparasitological exams were all negatives. Interdisciplinary examinations, internal medicine and infectious diseases, sustained the diagnosis of colonic neoplasm with peritumoral abscess and liver pseudo-tumoral masses. The colonoscopy did not revealed any bowel lesions relevant for neoplasia. This result as well as the bio-clinical context imposed abstention from surgical intervention. Wide spectrum antibiotics and symptomatic treatment were initiated. But, ten days after hospitalization, the second computed tomography exam showed reduction of the ascending colon wall thickness associated with significant increases of the liver tumors is so revealed. The investigations for other possible etiologies were so continued.
Management of Helicobacter pylori infection – new insights
Authors:   Carol Davila Central Emergency Military Hospital, Bucharest, Gavrila Andrei , Popescu Andrada ,   Carol Davila Central Emergency Military Hospital, Bucharest, Nuta Petrut ,   Carol Davila Central Emergency Military Hospital, Bucharest, Costache Raluca ,   Carol Davila Central Emergency Military Hospital, Bucharest, Jinga Mariana ,   Carol Davila Central Emergency Military Hospital, Bucharest,   Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Bucharest", Bucurica Sandica ,   Carol Davila Central Emergency Military Hospital, Bucharest, Macadon Bogdan ,   Carol Davila Central Emergency Military Hospital, Bucharest, Patrasescu Mihaita ,   Carol Davila Central Emergency Military Hospital, Bucharest, Ionita Florentina ,   Carol Davila Central Emergency Military Hospital, Bucharest,   Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Bucharest"
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Our objective is to review current international guidelines for Helicobacter Pylori treatment and our department`s experience in this field. Materials and methods: Helicobacter pylori is a Gram-negative, microaerophilic bacterium that can be found mainly in the gastric mucus or on the inner surface of the gastric epithelium, infecting up to 50% of the population. Colonization with this bacterium is not a disease in itself, but can cause chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, gastric cancer and MALToma. Because of this, infection with H. pylori continues to be a major healthcare burden, especially in less-developed countries. A multitude of non-invasive tests are available for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection (blood antibody, stool antigen or urea breath test), but the most reliable method of diagnosis is histological examination from two sites after endoscopic biopsy, combined with either a microbial culture or rapid urease test. Treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection is becoming a challenge, as eradication following standard triple therapy is decreasing worldwide due to increased bacterial resistance against antibiotics, which has led to the development of newer therapies such as the sequential treatment in which a PPI and amoxicillin is given for 5 days followed by a PPI, clarithromycin and metronidazole for another 5 days, or the quadruple therapy based on a PPI, bismuth subcitrate, metronidazole and tetracycline for 10 days. Results and conclusion: H. pylori infection remains one of the most challenging infectious diseases, causing high morbidity and mortality, mainly because none of the actual antibiotic therapies can provide successful eradication.
Het enkele gebruik van cryptophones als basis voor procesrechtelijke concepten
Authors: van Toor D.A.G.
Published: May 2022

Het enkele gebruik van cryptophones als basis voor procesrechtelijke concepten

De laatste jaren gebruiken criminelen veelvuldig dure cryptodiensten. In het redactioneel wordt beoordeeld of het enkele gebruik van een speciale cryptodienst voldoende is om een redelijk vermoeden van schuld en het recidivegevaar als grond voor voorlopige hechtenis aan te nemen.
Bulkbevoegdheden en strafrechtelijk onderzoek
Authors: Galič M.
Published: May 2022

Bulkbevoegdheden en strafrechtelijk onderzoek: lessen uit de jurisprudentie van het EHRM voor de normering van grootschalige data-analyse

Bulkbevoegdheden, zoals bulkinterceptie van communicatie en bulk-hacking, worden steeds vaker gebruikt, niet alleen in zaken van nationale veiligheid, maar ook in strafrechtelijke onderzoeken naar zware criminaliteit. De EncroChat-hack is daar een recent voorbeeld van. De vraag die echter nog moet worden beantwoord is: hoe moeten deze bevoegdheden, die tot grootschalige data-analyse in strafrechtelijke onderzoeken leiden, worden genormeerd zodat zij in overeenstemming zijn met artikel 8 EVRM? Twee recente arresten van het EHRM met betrekking tot bulkinterceptie bieden enkele lessen. Zij laten zien dat bulkbevoegdheden moeten worden beschouwd als een proces dat ‘end-to-end-waarborgen’ vereist en een gedetailleerde regulering van alle verwerkingsfasen, te weten de verzameling, de selectie, de analyse en het gebruik (waaronder het delen) van de data.
Socio-Demographic and Psychological Predictors of Second Language Achievement: A Systematic Review
Authors: Poonam Vyas , Sangeeta Sharma
Published: May 2022

There is a considerable amount of research investigating the impact of variables such as age, gender, and cognitive ability on second language acquisition. In second language acquisition, besides such individual variables, equal importance should be given to the social demographic variables. Therefore, it is crucial to direct this focus towards socio-demographic and psychological factors because, after the critical period, the difficulties faced by the students due to such variables are profound (Krashen, 1981). Even though research frameworks encompassing previous literature exist, a recent theoretical framework to study the socio-demographic variables and SLA relationship in higher education is still missing. This systematic literature review was undertaken to propose a theoretical model comprising socio-demographic and psychological factors and their impact on SLA. Four electronic databases—ERIC, ProQuest, SAGE Journals, and Science Direct, were used to locate relevant articles to the topic. Thereafter, a thematic analysis of the literature from 2014 to 2021 was performed. Out of 1021 studies, 45 research papers were systematically analyzed. The study offers recommendations for English language teaching and learning, which include focusing on individuals, their social and cultural background as well as their state of mind.
Engaging, Impressing and Captivating Language Learners by Interactive Presentations – A Review of Mentimeter
Authors:   Shenzhen University, Zhang Danyang
Published: May 2022

Stimulating learners’ engagement in a large class is one of the most important issues for language educators (Lamb, 2017). The present review aims to offer a review of Mentimeter for creating interactive presentations in large language classrooms. Driven by the continuous development of mobile technologies, language educators and teachers apply ‘Bring Your Own Device’ (BYOD) approach in using technology in classes. BYOD allows teachers and students to use their personally owned device and invite them to actively participate in various forms of in-class activities (Stowell, 2015). Mentimeter is an engaging and interactive Learner Response System (LRS). It allows real-time interaction between language educators and learners via mobile devices. At present, Mentimeter has over 200 million users, and 90,000 customers across more than 220 countries and territories (Mentimeter, 2021), and the application of this tool in language education deserves a deep and critical review.
Speakometer: English Pronunciation Coach
Authors:   Iowa State University, Kurt Sebnem
Published: May 2022

Consonant and vowel sounds of English (segmentals) carry a significant weight in communication. Pronunciation instruction focusing on segmental features has been found to be highly effective (e.g., Thomson & Derwing, 2015). However, students with different first languages (L1) or even students from the same L1 backgrounds, have different pronunciation needs. With limited class time, teachers cannot be expected to cater to the pronunciation needs of every student. This has made individualized pronunciation instruction, which enables pronunciation instruction tailored for the needs of each second language (L2) learner, a requirement in today’s language classrooms (Levis, 2007). The growing number of computer-assisted pronunciation training (CAPT) tools have been responding to this need, making individualized pronunciation instruction, as well as individualized feedback more feasible and available for L2 speakers. Chun (2012) asserts that in order for a CAPT tool to be effective, it must contain “auditory and visualization features, automatic speech recognition (ASR), and appropriate and accurate feedback” (p. 8). Speakometer, an online application that provides segmental practice for its users, was built around Chun’s (2012) three pillars, with a strong auditory feature combined with an ASR to provide learners with relevant pronunciation feedback. The application uses an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm and ASR to rate the user’s spoken English pronunciation. It is targeted for all users who aim to improve their English pronunciation. The users are provided with immediate feedback, which appears on the screen as verbal (e.g., “Very good”), along with the image of a ‘speakometer’ displaying four colors for the rating: red, orange, yellow and green.
HUBUNGAN TINGKAT PENGETAHUAN TENTANG PENYAKIT INFEKSI MENULAR SEKSUAL DENGAN PERILAKU SEKS BEBAS PADA REMAJA DI KABUPATEN HALMAHERA UTARA
Authors: Bungan Jeversan , Blandina Olivia Asih , Fitria Pipit
Published: May 2022

This study aims to determine the level of knowledge about sexually transmitted infections with free sex behavior in adolescents in North Halmahera Regency by using a quantitative correlation method through a cross sectional approach to 396 respondents aged 12 to 21 years. The sampling technique used was simple random sampling method and data collection used a questionnaire that had been tested for validity and reliability. Based on the Spearman Rho test, there was no relationship between the level of knowledge about sexually transmitted infections and free sex behavior among adolescents in North Halmahera Regency (p = 0.954), with a description of the level of knowledge of adolescents in the category of "lack of knowledge" (49.8%), and adolescent free sex behavior in the "very high" category of sex behavior (35.1%). The possibility of the lack of knowledge and high free sex behavior among adolescents in North Halmahera Regency is caused by other factors, such as electronic media, friend of the same age, the environment, and the role of parents.
HUBUNGAN PENGETAHUAN IBU NIFAS DENGAN PELAKSANAAN MOBILISASI DINI POST SECTIO CAESAREA DI RUMAH SAKIT BETHESDA TOBELO
Authors: Christy Paparang Jessica , Asih Blandina Olivia , Fitria Pipit
Published: May 2022

This study aims to determine the relationship between the knowledge of post-partum mothers and the implementation of early post SC mobilization at Bethesda Tobelo Hospital using quantitative methods with correlation design through cross sectional approach to 32 respondents. Sampling using accidental sampling technique and data collection using a questionnaire that has been tested for validity and reliability. The results of the Spearman Rho test showed that there was a relationship between the knowledge of post-partum mothers and the implementation of post-SC early mobilization at Bethesda Tobelo Hospital with a very strong correlation strength, where the sig value was p = 0.000 and the value of r = 0.824, thus Ha was accepted and Ho was rejected. So it can be concluded that post-SC mothers with good knowledge about post-SC early mobilization can perform early post-SC mobilization.
Zufriedene Mitarbeitende sind eine starke Stimme
Authors: Dobbelstein Thomas , Kluger Florian , Locher Isabel
Published: May 2022

Die intrinsische Motivation ist ein Hauptfaktor für die Wahl eines sozialen Ausbildungsberufs. Das ergab eine Befragung von Nachwuchskräften in Baden-Württemberg. Zwei weitere überraschende Ergebnisse: Soziale Medien sind für den Erstkontakt nahezu bedeutungslos. Und für das Rekrutierungsmarketing ist die hohe Bekanntheit einer Institution bedeutsam.
Generationenwechsel auch beim Spenden
Authors: Fischer Kai
Published: May 2022

Allen Sondereffekten wie bei Katastrophen zum Trotze, zeigen sich beunruhigende Effekte beim Spenden. Insbesondere das Weben langfristiger Bindungen braucht neue Konzepte. Sofortige oder möglichst schnelle Reaktionen sowie einfache und intuitive Zugänglichkeit aller Informationen werden heute erwartet.
Inklusive Pädagogik und Ermöglichungsdidaktik als Perspektive
Authors: Eckstein Isa-Dorothe , Grottke Markus
Published: May 2022

Die Organisationen und Unternehmen der Sozialen Arbeit können einen Beitrag zur Transformation der Wirtschaft leisten und dabei gleichzeitig ihren Arbeitskräftemangel in Angriff nehmen.
Teilhabe lässt sich belegen
Authors: Blaudszun-Lahm Annette , Weber Harald , Eierdanz Frank
Published: May 2022

Das Bundesteilhabegesetz verlangt für den Abschluss von Leistungsverträgen einen Wirkungsnachweis der Angebote. Wie dies rechtssicher erfolgen kann, hat ein Projekt für Wohnangebote für behinderte Menschen zu erkunden gesucht. Anne Blaudszun-Lahm, Dr. Harald Weber und Dr. Frank Eierdanz vom Instituts für Technologie und Arbeit an der Universität Kaiserslautern stellen die sechs Module vor, die für einen praxisorientierten Einsatz entwickelt und evaluiert wurden.
Heart Rate Variability as a Marker of Homeostatic Level
Authors: Fernandes de Godoy Moacir , Lima Gregório Michele
Published: May 2022

Many variables have been used as homeostatic level markers. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) has been frequently cited as an indicator of homeostatic status. Low levels of HRV are associated with aging, disease, or increased risk of death. We present a study based on more than 10.5 million data collected from the literature, associating the degree of global clinical impairment of individuals, with their respective HRV data, seeking to establish a classification of Homeostatic Levels. Three specific variables were evaluated: heart rate (HR), the root-mean-square of successive differences between adjacent normal RR intervals in a time interval (RMSSD) and the HF band (HF ms2). It was possible to detect significant differences between the 83,927 data from healthy individuals and the 382,039 data from individuals with significant homeostatic impairment. It was demonstrated that the RMSSD is very sensitive to the worst homeostatic state, presenting a behavior independent of age and that the values found in the general population do not match the values of apparently healthy individuals. An alphanumeric classification of the homeostatic level in a three-level architecture was proposed, with three stages for each level, which may be extremely useful in prognostic assessment and decision-making about individual people.
Eco-Morphology of Some Decapod Crustaceans in a Tropical Coastal Marine Waters
Authors: O. Ajibare Adefemi , O. Olawusi-Peters Olaronke , O. Akinola Joshua
Published: May 2022

The relationship among the morphology, population of crustaceans and water quality of the coastal marine waters of Ondo State, Nigeria, was assessed in order to accentuate the sustainability of biodiversity in the coasts. Standard methods were employed to identify and examine the effect of the environment on the crustaceans. The DO (7.58 mg/l), temperature (29.53°C), pH (6.69), turbidity (44.03NTU), salinity (16.48‰), hardness (85.88 mg/l), biochemical oxygen demand (21.22 mg/l) and conductivity (41.55 μS cm−1). The population structure of decapod crustaceans follows the order Nematopalaemon hastatus > Farfantepenaeus notialis > Holthuispenaeopsis atlantica > Macrobrachium macrobrachion > Sanquerus validus > Ocypode africana > Callinectes marginatus. The sampled organisms (F. notialis, M. macrobrachion, N. hastatus and Holthuispenaeopsis atlantica) had mean total length (cm) (9.41 ± 1.62, 7.14 ± 0.77, 6.69 ± 0.81 and 11.78 ± 0.60) and body weight (g) of (3.21 ± 1.63, 2.37 ± 0.79, 1.34 ± 0.56 and 6.72 ± 0.47 g), respectively. C. marginatus, Ocypode africana and Sanquerus validus had a mean carapace length (cm) of 5.50 ± 0.71, 4.83 ± 1.27 and 8.31 ± 3.50, respectively, and mean body weight (g) of 4.69 ± 0.95, 3.41 ± 4.72 and 66.21 ± 50.45, respectively. PCA revealed strong correlation among BOD, DO and the morphological parameters of each species. Also, Single Factor and Comprehensive Pollution Indices revealed a slightly and moderately polluted aquatic ecosystem, respectively. Thus, adequate control of all activities in the ecosystem for healthy growth and survival of aquatic species is essential.
Harmony (QHV): Practical Experiences with an Additional Sensory Criterion for the Quality Assessment of the Grade “Extra Virgin Olive Oil”
Authors: Oberg Dietrich
Published: May 2022

Well over 100 laboratories and tester groups worldwide check about 2,4 Mio tons of olive oil according to the Reg. (EWG) 2568/91 in its actual version or according to the method COI/T20 Doc.No.15. Pursuant to the regulation around 50% is EVOO. In order to evaluate these versatile typical sensory characteristics, the additional criterion “Quantified Harmony Value” (QHV) was developed. The QHV assessment is evaluated for all EVOO with special focus on the mass market. The method is based on the relationship of smell to taste and the interplay with the attributes such as bitter and pungent, on the cleanliness of all attributes and flavor, on the evaluation of complexity and persistency. All these findings play an important role in olive oil competitions—organized exclusively for a small number of premium products. But the higher the quality, the lower the quantity. Therefore, large quantities of EVOO need as well objective differentiations. But for the largest share of EVOO produced for millions of consumers, there are officially no distinguishing criteria. The additional criteria QHV close this gap and make it objectively possible to discriminate all oils in the EVOO category at commercial level. The study at hand explains the relevant method and shows the positive development of the last 10 years using the example of the importing country Germany.
MicroRNAs as Future Treatment Tools and Diagnostic Biomarkers in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Chauhan Heena , Gupta Pawan , Saxena Bhagawati
Published: May 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder and is considered to be the most common form of dementia. This disorder is characterized by the formation of amyloid β (Aβ) plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and alterations in synaptic function, all of which cause memory loss and behavioral disturbances. Despite the high prevalence of AD, effective therapeutic and diagnostic tools remain unavailable. MicroRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) are regulatory non-coding RNAs that target mRNAs. MiRNAs are involved in the regulation of the expressions of APP and BACE1, Aβ clearance, and the formation of neuro-fibrillary tangles. Furthermore, there are evidences that show alteration in the expression of several miRs in AD. MicroRNA is emerging as a biomarker because they have high specificity and, efficiency, and can be detected in biological fluids such as cerebrospinal fluid, tear, urine, blood. Moreover, miRNAs may be acquired and measured easily by utilizing real-time PCR, next-generation sequencing, or microarray. These techniques are cost-effective in comparison with imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography. These features make miRNAs viable therapeutic as well as diagnostic tools in the treatment of AD. This review covers the regulatory function of miRNAs in AD, as well as their prospective applications as diagnostic biomarkers.
Green Space Association with Mental Health and Cognitive Development
Authors: Rao Prashanti , Islary Somaina , Natawadkar Kapil
Published: May 2022

Increasing urbanization has resulted in urban stress, which not only has affected the cognitive development of children in schools but also adults at workplace. Various research studies have been conducted in this field, and many computational tests were showcased to prove the facts. Still there is a huge gap while designing the school campus and workplace. This study is based on comprehensive portrayal of greenness at both these spaces. The findings of the study shall provide an insight to policymakers and architects with evidence for feasible and attainable besieged interventions such as improving green spaces not only outdoors but also integrating them with inside spaces at school campus and at workplace.
Perspective Chapter: Hypertension with a Focus on Comprehensive Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: E. Mitrousi Konstantina , C. Hart Emma , C.K. Hamilton Mark , E. Manghat Nathan
Published: May 2022

Arterial hypertension is a leading cause of mortality, affecting at least a quarter of the adult population, with its effects having devastating consequences to the global economy. Unfortunately, the underlying causes and pathophysiology of the disease often remain unclear. Ongoing research in this important field investigates the mechanisms involved in the genesis of hypertension. Magnetic resonance imaging is a well-established imaging technique that is widely used for anatomical organ and vascular evaluation. According to the latest European Society of Hypertension (ESC) guidelines, cardiovascular magnetic resonance can be used in the assessment of hypertensive patients. But the authors advocate a more comprehensive and multisystem use of the varied and novel sequences of MRI scanners to provide an even better understanding of the development of hypertension and its consequences. The extensive and detailed data that can be derived, with the additive focus on the concept of the ‘selfish brain hypothesis’, might further assist us in altering and providing a more individualised therapeutic approach to one of the greatest non-communicable causes of human mortality and morbidity.
Bayesian Inference as a Tool to Optimize Spectral Acquisition in Scattering Experiments
Authors: De Francesco Alessio , Scaccia Luisa , Bohem Martin , Cunsolo Alessandro
Published: May 2022

Nowadays, an increasing number of scattering measurements rely on the use of large-scale research facilities, which is usually granted after highly competitive peer-reviewing and typically for short-time lapses. The optimal use of the allocated time requires rigorous estimates on the reliability of the data analysis, as inferred from the limited statistical accuracy of the measurement. Bayesian inference approaches can significantly help this endeavor by providing investigators with much-needed guidance under challenging decisions on experimental time management. We propose here a method based on the real-time data analysis of running experiments, which fully exploits the core strengths of Bayes theorem. The procedure is implemented in sequential steps in which the spectral measurement is adjourned by summing to it successive acquisition runs, and the spectral modeling is upgraded accordingly. At each stage, the statistical accuracy of the measurement improves, and a more grounded joint posterior distribution is drawn and used as a prior in the subsequent data acquisition stage. The gradual reduction in the model parameters’ uncertainty down to the targets set a priori by experimenters provides a quantitative “success criterion,” which helps prevent oversampling during acquisition. A similar “on the fly” data modeling, might substantially change the way large-scale facilities operate.
Genetic Abnormalities, Melanosomal Transfer, and Degradation inside Keratinocytes Affect Skin Pigmentation
Authors: Razib Hossain Md. , Kimura-Sashikawa Miho , Komine Mayumi
Published: May 2022

Skin pigmentation is a specific and complex mechanism that occurs as a result of the quantity and quality of melanin produced, as well as the size, number, composition, mode of transfer, distribution, and degradation of the melanosomes inside keratinocytes and the handling of the melanin product by the keratinocyte consumer. Melanocyte numbers typically remain relatively constant. Melanin synthesis, melanosome maturation, and melanoblast translocation are considered to be responsible for hereditary pigmentary disorders. Keratinocytes play a significant role in regulating the adhesion, proliferation, survival, and morphology of melanocytes. In the epidermis, each melanocyte is surrounded by 30–40 keratinocytes through dendrites and transfers mature melanosomes into the cytoplasm of keratinocytes, which are then digested. Melanocytes are believed to transfer melanosomes to neighboring keratinocytes via exocytosis-endocytosis, microvesicle shedding, phagocytosis, or the fusion of the plasma membrane, protecting skin cells against ultraviolet (UV) damage by creating a physical barrier (cap structure) over the nucleus. An understanding of the factors of melanocytes and keratinocytes that induce pigmentation and the transfer mechanism of melanosomes to keratinocytes and how genetic abnormalities in keratinocytes affect pigmentary skin disorders will help us to elucidate hereditary pigmentary disorders more transparently and provide a conceptual framework for the importance of keratinocytes in the case of pigmentary disorders.
Pharynx Reconstruction and Quality of Life
Authors: Luiza Bejenaru Paula , Grigore Raluca , Popescu Bogdan , Nicolaescu Alexandru , Cojocărița-Condeescu Mihnea , Simion-Antonie Catrinel , Berteșteanu Gloria , Cirstea Anca , Diaconu Teodora , Taher Bianca , Rujan Simona , Popescu Dan , V.G. Berteșteanu Șerban
Published: May 2022

Patients who are diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the pharynx have a first delayed presentation, with advanced stages of the disease. Therefore, they frequently require a multimodal approach—by surgery, radio, and chemotherapy. Due to anatomic spatial limits and particularities, therapy can imply large organ resection with difficulties in reconstruction. Nowadays, there is a paradigm shift in the management of this pathology, with significant first referral to oncology departments and initiation as the first line of treatment of radio/radio-chemotherapy. As a consequence, salvage surgery may be mandatory in some selected cases. The proposed chapter will address the oncological particularities of the pharynx, with a focus on the oro- and hypopharynx, ways of reconstruction after oncological ablative surgery of these segments, and impact on quality of life (QoL) index. Speech, respiratory, and deglutition rehabilitation of these patients is essential and will be a distinct topic. This paper will have the structure of a literature review with clinical examples of reconstruction from ENT and Head and Neck Surgery Department of Coltea Clinical Hospital, Bucharest. Reconstruction methods used in our clinic are regional flaps and biocompatible prostheses in advanced stages. QoL index in our clinic is assessed with questionnaires developed by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer – EORTC QLQ C30.
Toxocariosis: From a One Health Perspective
Authors: Alba-Hurtado Fernando , Antonio Muñoz-Guzmán Marco
Published: May 2022

Toxocariosis is a neglected zoonotic infection caused by the nematodes Toxocara canis or Toxocara cati. The distribution of the disease is worldwide and mainly affects dogs and cats, and its larval stage can cause human infection with serious repercussions on the health of its hosts. The infection causes a delay in the development, digestive disorders, nonspecific nervous manifestations, and occasionally death of some puppies and kittens associated with hyperparasitosis. In humans, the infection produces clinical syndromes known as visceral larva migrans (VLM), ocular larva migrans (OLM), neurotoxocariosis and covert toxocariosis. The close contact of people with their pets and the environmental conditions that favor the transmission of this diseased place it within the context of one health. The One Health concept is defined as the collaborative efforts of multiple disciplines (medical personnel, veterinarians, researchers, etc.) that work locally, nationally, and globally to achieve optimal health for people, animals, and the environment, from this perspective, toxocariosis is a study model in which classic and recent knowledge of the medical and veterinary area must be combined for its full understanding, with a goal of establishing integrative criteria for its treatment, control, and prevention.
Investigation of Synthesis Methods for Improved Platinum-Ruthenium Nanoparticles Supported on Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube Electrocatalysts for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells
Authors: Nurudeen Adewunmi Adebare , Akindeji Jerome Sabejeje , Huaneng Su , Eudora Khotseng Lindiwe
Published: May 2022

This book chapter reports on various catalyst synthesis methods (impregnation, polyol, modified polyol, and microwave-assisted modified polyol methods) to determine which method would result in the most electrochemically active platinum-ruthenium (PtRu) electrocatalyst supported on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) for methanol oxidation reaction in an acidic medium. Different techniques were used to characterize the synthesized catalysts, including the high-resolution transmission electron microscope used for morphology and calculating particle sizes, and X-ray diffraction for determining crystalline sizes. The electroactive catalyst surface area, ECSA of the electrocatalysts was determined using cyclic voltammetry (CV), while the electroactivity, electron kinetics, and stability of the electrocatalysts towards methanol oxidation were evaluated using CV, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and chronoamperometry, respectively. The microwave-assisted modified polyol method produced the PtRu/MWCNT electrocatalyst with the most enhanced electrocatalytic activity compared to other PtRu/MWCNT catalysts produced by the impregnation, polyol, and modified polyol methods.
Improving the Compilation of English–Chinese Children's Dictionaries: A Children's Cognitive Perspective
Authors: Zhao Dan , Xu Hai
Published: May 2022

Children's dictionaries have existed for more than one thousand years in China, and play an important role in children's learning. However, many of those produced in China are deficient in the selection of the wordlist, in exemplification, and in definition. This paper aims at improving the compilation of English–Chinese children's dictionaries (ECCDs) from a children's cognitive perspective. Children's dictionaries should not only be an abridgement or simplification of dictionaries for adults, because their target user group is immature, uninformed and untrained children. Informed by some innovations in current English learner's dictionaries, this paper proposes that the making of ECCDs needs to be improved in the following aspects. Firstly, instead of lexicographers' intuition, the selection of headwords should be based on an English corpus for Chinese children. Secondly, the words used in examples should be congruent with children's limited cognitive and learning abilities. Thirdly, a multifaceted method of explanation should be provided in order to assist children in understanding the meaning of headwords.
Turning Bilingual Lexicography Upside Down: Improving Quality and Productivity with New Methods and Technology
Authors: Tarp Sven
Published: May 2022

This is a report from the real world. It informs about the outcome of a project, which the author conducted during a months-long research stay at the Danish company Ordbogen where he integrated its research and development (R&D) team. The first part of the project was to test machine translation and find out to what extent it is usable in the compilation of bilingual lexicographical databases. The hypothesis was that the technology was not yet mature. But surprisingly, it turned out that the accuracy rate is already so high that it is worth considering how to implement it. The second part of the project aimed at further developing an idea formulated by FuertesOlivera et al. (2018) on how to invert a dictionary without losing semantic content. The new vision is to compile a monolingual L2 database, bilingualize it to an L2–L1 database using machine translation, and then invert the relationship between L2 lemmata and L1 equivalents using the L1 definitions of the L2 lemmata as the axis. The third part of the project was to test this idea using a specially designed ad hoc program. The program automatically uploads relevant data from existing lexicographical databases, translates L2 definitions and example sentences into L1, suggests adequate L1 equivalents, and eventually inverts the relationship between the two languages. It worked, but the methodology still needs further refinement to be implementable on a large scale. The report concludes by listing some of the remaining challenges and defining the new role of the lexicographer in this type of project.
Slovenia as a Stress Test of the EU’s External Dimension of Energy Policy. Case Studies of Russian and American Influence
Authors: Crnčec Danijel , Bojinović Fenko Ana
Published: May 2022

The article focuses on Slovenia’s unique historical and geopolitical position, which makes the country a highly unusual EU (Central East European – CEE) member state and determines its stance on the EU’s energy policy with respect to the USA and Russia. It pursues the research question: how does Slovenia balance between the EU energy policy framework and its particular national energy interests related to Russia and the USA? Conceptually, the article builds on the Europeanization of foreign policy applying the downloading path to Slovenian external energy policy via three indicators: the increasing salience of the European political agenda, adherence to common (EU) objectives, and internalization of EU membership and its integration process. It employs a method of statistical data and content analysis of documents and secondary sources within two case studies of energy projects, namely the South Stream involving Russia, and long-term use of nuclear energy for electricity production involving the USA. The results substantiate that Slovenia has managed to balance between its energy-related national interests and the EU energy framework by formulating and legitimizing the former within the EU policy framework. However, the second case reveals that the open EU legal framework on the member states’ choice of nuclear energy cooperatives is a notable limitation to Europeanization due to the tendency for interests in national foreign policy and domestic politics – both performed by the government – to drift away from general EU values. In the conclusion, the article identifies two important implications arising from the case of Slovenia as a stress test of the EU’s external dimension of energy policy.
Internal Unity and Ideological Orientation in Latin American Parties (1993–2020)
Authors: Otero-Felipe Patricia , M. Ruiz Rodríguez Leticia
Published: May 2022

The internal unity of party organizations is an important aspect that impacts not only their dynamics but also their credibility in the eyes of the electorate. One commonly-used strategy for measuring this unity is to analyze the degree of intra-party agreement on policy issues. Despite this importance, there is a lack of up-to-date understanding of the internal unity of political parties in Latin America and of its determinants. In this article, we analyze the degree of agreement in the views of legislators’ ideological self-placement over the course of the last thirty years. Evidence suggests that this level of agreement is greater amongst members of left-wing parties than amongst their right-wing rivals. As has also been shown in Europe, in Latin America, the emphasis of these parties on ideology is a major influence on their dynamics, and the effects of this include more similar ideo­logical identities between their members.
Accountability Day for Governments in Slovakia. Defending the Mandate at a Disaggregated Spatial Scale
Authors: Plešivčák Martin
Published: May 2022

The aim of the article is to review the issue of performance voting in Slovakia on the national level but especially on the level of individual regions and districts. For this purpose, an ex-post index of government support is used. This indicator expresses the measure of growth or decline in a government’s (governing parties’) electoral support in parliamentary elections at the end of its functional period in comparison with its start, while also taking into consideration election turnout in the given elections. Governments in the period 2002–2020 are analyzed. In none of the five cases did the government manage to achieve a more favourable result at the end of its mandate than at the beginning. Government support on all levels showed a dramatic decline over time, particularly after 2010. An interesting finding is that on the sub-state level, while considering election turnout, differences in the evaluation of governments’ performance during their term were not, on average, particularly significant between districts. When evaluating the measure of government support, we can on the level of regions and districts talk about a moderately large to large decline in election support for the individual governments (with the exception of the 2006–2010 government). While in the first decade of the new millennium, economic reforms and the state of the economy played a key role in the reckoning for the government, after 2010 more specific political events defined by differences in values between governing parties, scandals or simply the need for change due to ‘material fatigue’ were behind the changes in government. In these cases, a great deal depended above all on the measure of party self-identification. The study showed that spatially disaggregated parts of the country (regions and districts) are similarly sensitive to these stimuli when compared to one another.
Questions in Action
Authors: Hoek Daniel ,   Journal of Philosophy Inc.
Published: May 2022

Choices confront us with questions. How we act depends on our answers to those questions. So the way our beliefs guide our choices is not just a function of their informational content, but also depends systematically on the questions those beliefs address. This paper gives a precise account of the interplay between choices, questions and beliefs, and harnesses this account to obtain a principled approach to the problem of deduction. The result is a novel theory of belief-guided action that explains and predicts the decisions of agents who, like ourselves, fail to be logically omniscient: that is, of agents whose beliefs may not be deductively closed, or even consistent.
Seeking to Understand
Authors: Siscoe Robert Weston , Odermatt Zachary ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: May 2022

It is no secret that we, as a society, struggle to have productive conversations about race and gender. Discussions about these issues are beset with obstacles, from the inherent power dynamics between conversation partners to the fear that participants feel about saying something harmful. One practice that can help address these difficulties is intergroup dialogue—sustained, small group discussions with participants from a variety of social identities. In this paper, we detail how we incorporated intergroup dialogue into a 120-student “Philosophy of Race, Class, and Gender” course, providing a blueprint for anyone who wants to help their students develop the ability to take part in fruitful conversations surrounding these challenging topics. We provide strategies for how to design intergroup dialogues to avoid many of the common pitfalls of such conversations, strategies that ultimately helped our students become more likely to initiate and participate in worthwhile discussions on race and gender. We expect our experiences to be especially helpful for instructors of large courses, where making time for small group dialogue is quite challenging, but many of the practices we used can also be adapted for smaller scale courses as well.
Network subgraph-based approach for analyzing and comparing molecular networks
Authors: Huang Chien-Hung , Zaenudin Efendi , Tsai Jeffrey J.P. , Kurubanjerdjit Nilubon , Ng Ka-Lok
Published: May 2022

Molecular networks are built up from genetic elements that exhibit feedback interactions. Here, we studied the problem of measuring the similarity of directed networks by proposing a novel alignment-free approach: the network subgraph-based approach. Our approach does not make use of randomized networks to determine modular patterns embedded in a network, and this method differs from the network motif and graphlet methods. Network similarity was quantified by gauging the difference between the subgraph frequency distributions of two networks using Jensen–Shannon entropy. We applied the subgraph approach to study three types of molecular networks,i.e., cancer networks, signal transduction networks, and cellular process networks, which exhibit diverse molecular functions. We compared the performance of our subgraph detection algorithm with other algorithms, and the results were consistent, but other algorithms could not address the issue of subgraphs/motifs embedded within a subgraph/motif. To evaluate the effectiveness of the subgraph-based method, we applied the method along with the Jensen–Shannon entropy to classify six network models, and it achieves a 100% accuracy of classification. The proposed information-theoretic approach allows us to determine the structural similarity of two networks regardless of node identity and network size. We demonstrated the effectiveness of the subgraph approach to cluster molecular networks that exhibit similar regulatory interaction topologies. As an illustration, our method can identify (i) common subgraph-mediated signal transduction and/or cellular processes in AML and pancreatic cancer, and (ii) scaffold proteins in gastric cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma; thus, the results suggested that there are common regulation modules for cancer formation. We also found that the underlying substructures of the molecular networks are dominated by irreducible subgraphs; this feature is valid for the three classes of molecular networks we studied. The subgraph-based approach provides a systematic scenario for analyzing, compare and classifying molecular networks with diverse functionalities.