bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indigenous Lands at Risk: Identifying Global Challenges and Opportunities in the Face of Industrial Development
Authors: Kennedy Christina M. , Fariss Brandie , Oakleaf James R. , Garnett Stephen T. , Fernández-Llamazares Álvaro , Fa Julia E. , Baruch-Mordo Sharon , Kiesecker Joseph
Published: January 2022

Indigenous Peoples’ (IP) stewardship has helped conserve biodiversity and maintain healthy ecosystems worldwide. Among many challenges to this role are mounting pressures from industrial development. By assessing the current ecological condition of Indigenous lands with their potential for future industrial development, we show that the ecological integrity of 22% (8.6 million km2) of Indigenous lands is highly threatened across five continents and 37 countries. We further find that the risk to Indigenous lands is greatest across West and Central Africa because of their high ecological threat and greater obstacles for Indigenous Peoples to realize self-determined and culturally-responsive development outcomes. Using a novel national-level framework that examines the security of IP’ rights and authority over their lands, their capacity to engage in decision-making, and support for facilitating sustainable development, we highlight potential challenges and opportunities for strategic investments and interventions to help IP safeguard their futures and rights, as well as the ecological integrity of their lands.
Characteristics and mechanism of reciprocal ST-segment depression in acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Gao Qijun , Bie Fangfang , Hu Yinfu , Chen Yafeng , Yang Bo
Published: January 2022

Background: At present, the mechanism of reciprocal ST-segment depression(RSTD) is still not clear.Methods: The electrocardiogram and angiography of 85 STEMI patients were retrospectively analyzed to summarize the characteristics of ST segment changes and explore the mechanism of RSTD.Results: A total of 85 patients were included, of which 75 were patients with RSTD (10 patients with anterior myocardial infarction had no RSTD), all 45 patients with inferior myocardial infarction had limb leads RSTD, and 37 of them had anterior lead ST segment depression.Thirty patients with anterior myocardial infarction were accompanied by mild ST segment changes in the limb leads. According to the characteristics of RSTD, it is speculated that the mechanism of RSTD is that the action potential of infarct area decreased , which could not offset the action potential in non-infarct area.Conclusion: the mechanism of RSTD in acute myocardial infarction maybe that the negative electrode action potential of the lead was weakened or disappeared, and the positive electrode action potential could not be completely offset, resulting in ST segment depression.
Derivation of Yarn Package Radius Measuring System for Yarn Winding Machines
Authors: Gelaw BELETE BAYE , Tesfaye Tamrat , Kasaew Esubalew
Published: January 2022

Decreasing waste materials through recycle has in the recent contributed to sustainable manufacturing in many textile industries for better resource utilization in textile mills. This has been given first priority in manufacturing, processing and finishing operations. Most of the time the yarn manufacturing and proper utilization of this material didn’t give attention in most companies. Especially yarn length variation of packages, weaving beams and copes have very critical impact on those companies which manufacture and utilize yarn products. This variation problem has great impact on their productivity and profitability. This paper describes the application of a new formula in the yarn packaging process and it is accomplished by derivation a new formula that can determine the radius of any package. The formula has integrated the basic characteristics of yarn and fiber including yarn diameter, yarn/ fiber density and mass of the yarn coiled on the cop. Finally we have concluded that package radius is the quadratic function of yarn density and package mass on the cope.
Choosing the Optimal Tissue Expander Size: A Single Center Randomized Clinical Trial on Chinese Microtia Patients’ Normal Ears Using 3D Scanning
Authors: Sun Hefeng , Sun Pengfei , Jiang Haiyue , Yang Qinghua , Li Tongtong , Pan Bo
Published: January 2022

The tissue expansion technique is the most suitable procedure for Chinese patients with microtia. However, it is difficult to determine whether the expanded flap is sufficient, and there are no clear or objective guidelines for determining the volume of the expander for different sizes of auricles. One hundred patients with unilateral microtia who visited our department in 2021 were randomly selected for auricular data collection using 3D scanning. The auricle length, width, projection, perimeter, and surface area were measured. Eight different volumes of expanders underwent CT and the surface areas of these expanders were measured. The surface areas of the auricles and expanders were compared and the correlation between them was explored. The average auricle parameters were calculated. The scatter plot showed a linear relationship between auricle length and auricle surface area (R2 = 0.9913), which demonstrated that the auricle area was approximately equal to the auricle length multiplied by 76.921. Additionally, the surface area of the expanders was measured and made into a table for selection against the surface area of the auricles. Using our equation, the auricle surface could be estimated by simply measuring the non-defective auricle length; therefore, the suitable volume of the expander could be determined.
Postprandial Levels of Branched-chain and Aromatic Amino Acids Associate With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: GAO BeiBei , SHEN Qiong , WU Ying , CAO MengDie , ZHANG QiWu , CHEN Lei
Published: January 2022

AimsSerum branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and aromatic amino acids (AAAs) are associated with obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We want to investigate the levels of these amino acids in women with GDM and subsequently examine their changes in response to an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Methods43 GDMs and 67 non-GDMs during their second trimester were recruited in this study. A 75-g OGTT was administered, and fasting, 1-h, and 2-h blood samples were obtained. Serum BCAA and AAA levels were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.ResultsThe differences of BCAAs and AAAs between women with GDM and controls during their second trimester were not evident during fasting, while became significant after a 75-g glucose load. Glucose ingestion decreased the levels of BCAAs and AAAs in both groups. Notably, GDMs showed a delayed and blunted decrease of these amino acids compared to non-GDMs. The risks of 2-h change of BCAAs and AAAs for GDM were significant.ConclusionsWe identified that the differences of BCAAs and AAAs between women with GDM and controls during their second trimester, which were not evident during fasting, could be provoked by performing OGTT.
Risk Factors for Visual Field Progression in New-diagnosed Exfoliation Glaucoma Patients in Sweden.
Authors: Ayala Marcelo
Published: January 2022

Purpose: The present study aimed to identify risk factors for visual field progression in new-diagnosed exfoliation glaucoma patients. Methods: Prospective non-randomized cohort study. The study included patients with new-diagnosed exfoliation glaucoma. All patients were followed for at least three years with reliable visual fields. Both risk factors at inclusion and during the three years follow-up were considered. For inclusion, five reliable visual fields were needed. Exfoliation glaucoma was defined based on the European Glaucoma Society guidelines. Visual field evaluation was performed using the 24-2 strategy of the Humphrey Field Analysis. Outcomes: Visual field progression. Three different approaches were used: mean deviation (MD), visual field index (VFI), and guided progression analysis (GPA). Results: The results were different in the three different models used (MD, VFI and GPA). The only variable that showed a significant association in the three models was age (p= 0.004; p=0.006; p=0.04). Significant variables in two models were: IOP at diagnose (p=0.02; p=0.04), IOP reduction in absolute terms (p=0.006; p=0.003), IOP reduction in relative terms (%) (p=0.04; p=0.009) and number of medicines (p=0.02; p=0.002). Significant variables in one model were: family history (p=0.04), smoking (p=0.03), cataract surgery (p=0.04) and SLT treatment (p=<0.001). Conclusion: Exfoliation glaucoma is fast progressive glaucoma. Age at diagnosing must be considered. Significant IOP reduction must be achieved to slow down progress in exfoliation glaucoma. The use of SLT treatment should be advised in exfoliation glaucoma patients.
Lymphedema as a Meteoropathic Disease Based on a Retrospective Study in a Single Institute: a Preliminary Report
Authors: Suzuki Motomu , Koukichi Koukichi , Mikami Taro , Yabuki Yuichiro , Asano Saori , Kitayama Shinya , Kagimoto Shintaro , Iwai Toshinori , Sugiyama Satomi , Yasumura Kazunori , Maegawa Jiro
Published: January 2022

Since cellulitis is one of the most important factors for the prognosis of lymphedema, the prevention and prediction of cellulitis are considered to be critical in controlling lymphedema. We hypothesized that patients with lymphedema might show meteoropathy, as abdominal aortic aneurysm ruptures are considered to be influenced by climatic conditions, and the lymphatic system is one of the circulation systems. Thus, we aimed to determine if the onset of cellulitis in limbs affected by lymphedema is related to climatic conditions. We reviewed the clinical records of patients with lymphedema admitted for cellulitis at our institute between January 2007 and December 2017. We identified 40 patients, 25 of whom lived in the same area. We examined the association between the number of patient admissions according to season and meteorological data obtained from the Japan Meteorological Agency database. Thirteen of 25 patients were admitted in summer, whereas only one patient was admitted in winter. Both higher temperature and lower atmospheric pressure around the day of admission were associated with the occurrence of cellulitis. Lymphedema may be regarded as a meteoropathic disease, as climatic conditions were shown to be associated with cellulitis in limbs affected by lymphedema.
Acetylated African Oil Bean Seed Pod For Crude Oil Spill Mop
Authors: Obi Amalachukwu Ifeyinwa , Ajiwe Vincent Ishmael
Published: January 2022

Oil spill remediation has continued to be a challenge in the world today. Thus efforts are still been made to develop more efficient oil spill mop up techniques. Natural adsorption with agricultural wastes, which otherwise constitute environmental pollution, has become an attractive technique for oil spill mop. Acetylation using acetic anhydride with iodine catalyst was carried out to improve the hydrophobicity of African oil bean seed pod (AOBSP), which is a lignocellulosic material and as such is naturally hydrophilic. Characterization of the raw and acetylated AOBSP were done using SEM, BET and FTIR analyses. Batch crude oil sorption tests were performed using both the raw and acetylated AOBSP. Isotherm, kinetic and thermodynamic studies were also carried out. FTIR analysis showed evidence of successful acetylation of AOBSP and adsorption of crude oil onto the raw and acetylated AOBSP. SEM and BET analyses showed improvement of the surface properties of AOBSP by the acetylation process. The BET surface area increased from 226.4 m2/g for the raw AOBSP to 310.0 m2/g for the acetylated AOBSP. Oil sorption was found to be by monolayer coverage, with monolayer sorption capacity of 5000mg/g and 12500mg/g for raw and acetylated AOBSP, respectively. The rate-controlling mechanism for the sorption processes was chemisorption. Negative values of ΔGo, ΔHo and ΔSo were obtained, showing that the sorption processes were feasible, spontaneous and exothermic, with a degree of orderliness at the solid–mixture interface. The results obtained from this study show that both raw and acetylated AOBSP are efficient oil sorbents with potentials for further improvement for oil spill mop.
Silk Microlens Array
Authors: Choi Seung Ho , Ho Tien Son , Effah Elijah , Nettey-Oppong Ezekiel Edward , Choi Seungyeop , Choi Ji Hyeon , Jung Byungjo , Lee Sang Woo , Kim Kee Young , Kim Seong-Wan , Byun Kyung Min
Published: January 2022

Optics that are capable of merging with biomaterials create a variety of opportunities for sensing disease, for therapeutics, and for augmenting brain-machine interface. The FDA has approved silk devices for sutures and reconstructive surgery. Recently, a silk product made from regenerated silk protein is FDA approved for orthopedic application, as the understanding of structure and processing technologies of silk fibroin has been improved. Here, we report a facile fabrication process to construct silk microlens array. The process includes preparation of regenerated silk solution and casting on a micropatterned poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) master. Due to the identical surface area of a unit patterned regime, the silk solution exhibits a partial wetting state in the vicinity of the silk solution–PDMS–vapor interface with same contact angle, and after drying, produces consistent radius of curvature within the microlens array. This in turn provides highly uniform focal length, focal spot diameter, and imaging performance of individual lens. Our results provide the foundation for biophotonic microlens adding new capabilities for implantable and degradable devices from regenerated silk protein.
Infant and Young child feeding practice and associated factors among 0-23 months of children in irrigated and non-irrigated area of Dangila district, North West of Ethiopia
Authors: Belayneh Melesse , Tirfie Mulat , Mekonen wasihun
Published: January 2022

Background

Infant and young child feeding practice is a cornerstone of care for child development mentally and growth physically. Failure to proper infant and young child feeding practice is associated with increased risk of childhood morbidity and mortality.
Objective

To assess the prevalence of infant and young child feeding practice among 0-23 months of age children in irrigated and non-irrigated area of Dangila Woreda, North-west Ethiopia, 2021.
Methods

Community based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from Dec 1, 2020 to Jun 1, 2021 with a total of 823 mothers who have infant and young children 0-23monthes of age in 9 selected Keebles were included in the study. Stratified sampling technic was implemented to select irrigated and non- irrigated kebeles and study units. Data was collected by face to face interview method. bivariate and multivariate analysis were used, variables with p<0.05, was taken as statistically significant and independently associated with infant and young child feeding practice. Adjusted odds ratio along with 95% confidence interval was used to assess the strength of the association.
Result

Among 823 households visited, 802 participants gave complete responses with response rate of 97.4%. The overall prevalence infant and young child feeding practice was 62.5%, of these 72.8%(95%CI: 67.5%, 76.1%)from irrigated and 52.2%(95%CI: 47.8%, 57.4%), from non-irrigated area had good practice of IYCF. Moreover, the study identified that ANC (AOR= 2.138, 95% CI: 1.085, 4.210), knowledge (AOR= 2.43, 95% CI: 0.275, 0.612), attitude (AOR= 1.687, 95% CI: 1.129, 2.520), PNC (AOR= 1.606, 95% CI: 1.154, 2.360) and women’s decision making (AOR= 1.941, 95% CI: 1.305, 2.888) were significant predictor for IYCF among 0-23months of age children.
Conclusion

The overall prevalence of infant and young child feeding practice was (62.5%) in the study area and had shown significant variation between irrigated and non-irrigated area. Infant and young child feeding practice is high as compared previous study. Women’s decision making, ANC follow up, PNC follow up, attitude and knowledge were identified as the intervention areas..
The Relationship Between Structural Analysis of the Hand and Clinical Characteristics in Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Pfeil Alexander , Heinz Marcus , Hoffmann Tobias , Weise Tobias , Renz Diane , Franz Marcus , Malich Ansgar , Driesch Dominik , Oelzner Peter , Wolf Gunter , Böttcher Joachim
Published: January 2022

Background:Up to now, there is only limited information available on a possible relationship between clinical characteristics and the mineralization of metacarpal bones and finger joint space distance (JSD) in patients with psoriasis arthritis (PsA). Computerized digital imaging techniques like digital X-ray radiogrammetry (DXR) and computer-aided joint space analysis (CAJSA) have significantly improved the structural analysis of hand radiographs and facilitate the recognition of radiographic damage. The objective of this study was to evaluate clinical features which potentially influence periarticular mineralization of the metacarpal bones and finger JSD in PsA-patients. Methods:201 patients with PsA underwent computerized measurements of the metacarpal bone mineral density (BMD) with DXR and JSD of all finger joints by CAJSA. DXR-BMD and JSD were compared with clinical features such as age and sex, disease duration, C-reactive protein (CRP) as well as treatment with prednisone and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).Results:A longer disease duration and an elevated CRP value were associated with a significant reduction of DXR-BMD, whereas JSD-parameters were not affected by both parameters. DXR-BMD was significantly reduced in the prednisone group (-6.6%), but prednisone showed no impact on finger JSD. Patients under the treatment with bDMARDs presented significant lower DXR-BMD (-9.1%), JSDMCP (-16.8%), and JSDPIP (-12.4%) values. Conclusion:Metacarpal BMD was influenced by inflammatory activity, prednisone use, and DMARDs. In contrast, finger JSD showed only a change compared to baseline therapy. Therefore, metacarpal BMD as well as finger JSD represent radiographic destruction under different aspects.
COVID-19 vaccination is highly effective to prevent SARS-CoV-2 circulation
Authors: Mattiuzzi Camilla , Lippi Giuseppe
Published: January 2022

Background: We provide here an analysis of effectiveness of primary coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination and COVID-19 vaccine booster doses in preventing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (COVID-19) infection.Methods: We retrieved information on COVID-19 vaccination and newly diagnosed cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection from the weekly official report of the Italian National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità, ISS; Last available update, January 1, 2022).Results: At the time of our analysis, 39.9 million people completed a primary COVID-19 vaccination cycle, of whom 13.6 million (34.0%) <5 months from the last dose, whilst 5.7 million had also received COVID-19 vaccine booster doses. The risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection was 71% (OR, 0.29; 95%CI, 0.29-0.29) and 86% (OR, 0.14; 95%CI, 0.14-0.14) lower in people who received primary vaccination <5 months and booster doses <5 months compared to the unvaccinated population, but was also half (OR, 0.49; 95%CI, 0.48-0.49) in those who received booster doses <5 months compared to those who completed the primary vaccination <5 months.Conclusions: These results attest that COVID-19 vaccines not only reduce the risk of developing severe illness in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, but shall also be considered reliable and effective means to limit virus circulation within the general population.
Nanoplasmonic Pyramidal Metamaterial Absorber at Optical Frequencies
Authors: Amin Muhammad , Basamed Saleh Abdullah , Qniqoon Ahmed Salem , Alshabibi Faisal Aied , Raean Saleh Mohammed Ba , Aldhlea Hamad Edhah
Published: January 2022

A pyramidal shaped metamaterial absorber (PMA) supports broadband and polarization independent resonant absorption at optical frequencies. The PMA is designed by stack of alternative plasmonic/dielectric multilayers. These nanoplasmonic pyramids offers resonant absorption characteristics at wide range of optical frequencies. The optimized PMA structure allows 76% spectral absorption and nearly perfect absorption (over 90%) at several bands between range of 400 nm – 1500 nm wavelength. These light absorption characteristics of PMA are useful for photodetection, thermal imaging, thermal emitters, and solar cells etc.
miR-489 Confines Uncontrolled Estrogen Signaling Through a Negative Feedback Mechanism and Regulates Tamoxifen Resistance in Breast Cancer
Authors: Soni Mithil , Saatci Ozge , Gupta Gourab , Patel Yogin , Raja Manikanda Raja Keerthi , Li Jie , Liu Xinfeng , Xu Peisheng , Wang Hongjun , Fan Daping , Sahin Ozgur , Chen Hexin
Published: January 2022

Background: Approximately 75% of diagnosed breast cancer tumors are estrogen-receptor (ER) positive tumors and are associated with better prognosis due to their response to hormonal therapies. However, around 40% of patients relapse after hormonal therapies. In the current study, we aim to evaluate miR-489 as a novel molecular target to combat tamoxifen resistance. Methods: Genomic analysis of gene expression profiles in primary breast cancers and tamoxifen resistant cell lines unveiled the potential role of miR-489 in regulation of estrogen signaling and development of tamoxifen resistance. We manipulated miR-489 expression in breast cancer cell lines by transient transfection of a miR-489 mimic or establishment of knockout cell lines using the CRISPR/Cas9 system to study the reciprocal regulation of miR-489 and estrogen/ER signaling pathways. Cell proliferation assays, Sphere-formation assays and flow cytometry analysis were conducted to investigate the role of miR-489 in estrogen-induced cell proliferation, cancer stem cell expansion and development of tamoxifen resistance. Results: miR-489 expression was significantly downregulated in tamoxifen-resistant cell lines. Low levels of miR-489 were associated with poor clinical outcomes in patients with hormone treatment. In vitro analysis showed that loss of miR-489 expression promoted tamoxifen resistance while overexpression of miR-489 in tamoxifen-resistant cells restored tamoxifen sensitivity. Mechanistically, we found that miR-489 is an estrogen regulated miRNA that negatively regulated estrogen receptor signaling by using at least the following two mechanisms: i) modulation of ER phosphorylation status by inhibiting MAPK and AKT kinase activities and downregulating SHP2 expression; ii) regulation of nucleus to cytosol translocation of estrogen receptor α (ERα) by decreasing p38 expression and consequently ER phosphorylation. In addition, miR-489 could break the positive feed-forward loop between the estrogen-ERα axis and p38 MAPK in breast cancer cells, which was necessary for its function as a transcription factor. Conclusion: Our study unveiled the underlying molecular mechanism by which miR-489 regulates estrogen signaling pathway through a negative feedback loop and uncovered its role in both the development of and overcoming of tamoxifen resistance in breast cancers.
Discrete Equilibrium Optimizer Combined with Simulated Annealing for Feature Selection
Authors: Guha Ritam , Ghosh Kushal Kanti , Bera Suman Kumar , Sarkar Ram , Mirjalili Seyedali
Published: January 2022

This paper proposes a binary adaptation of the recently proposed meta-heuristic, Equilibrium Optimizer (EO), called Discrete EO (DEO) to solve binary optimization problems. A U-shaped transfer function has been used to map the continuous values of EO into the binary domain. To further improve the exploitation capability of DEO, Simulated Annealing (SA) has been used as a local search procedure and the combination has been named as DEOSA. The proposed DEOSA algorithm has been applied over 18 well-known UCI datasets and compared with a wide range of algorithms. The results have been statistically validated using Wilcoxon rank-sum test. In order to test the scalability and robustness of DEOSA, it has been additionally tested over 7 high-dimensional Microarray datasets and 25 binary Knapsack problems. The results clearly demonstrate the superiority and merits of DEOSA when solving binary optimization problems.
Fuzzy Proximity based Robust Data Hiding Scheme with Interval Threshold
Authors: Singh Prabhas Kumar , Jana Biswapati , Datta Kakali
Published: January 2022

In 2020, Ashraf et al. proposed an interval type-2 fuzzy logic based block similarity calculation using color proximity relations of neighboring pixels in a steganographic scheme. Their method works well for detecting similarity, but it has drawbacks in terms of visual quality, imperceptibility, security, and robustness. Using Mamdani fuzzy logic to identify color proximity at the block level, as well as a shared secret key and post-processing system, this paper attempts to develop a robust data hiding scheme with similarity measure to ensure good visual quality, robustness, imperceptibility, and enhance the security. Further, the block color proximity is graded using an interval threshold. Accordingly, data embedding is processed in the sequence generated by the shared secret keys. In order to increase the quality and accuracy of the recovered secret message, the tampering coincidence problem is solved through a post-processing approach. The experimental analysis, steganalysis and comparisons clearly illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme in terms of visual quality, structural similarity, recoverability and robustness.
Beyond “Sex Prediction”: Estimating and Interpreting Multivariate Sex Differences and Similarities in the Brain
Authors: Sanchis-Segura Carla , Aguirre Naiara , Cruz-Gómez Álvaro Javier , Félix Sonia , Forn Cristina
Published: January 2022

Previous studies have shown that machine-learning (ML) algorithms can “predict” sex based on brain anatomical/ functional features. The high classification accuracy achieved by ML algorithms is often interpreted as revealing large differences between the brains of males and females and as confirming the existence of “male/female brains”. However, classification and estimation are quite different concepts, and using classification metrics as surrogate estimates of between-group differences results in major statistical and interpretative distortions. The present study illustrates these distortions and provides a novel and detailed assessment of multivariate sex differences in gray matter volume (GMVOL) that does not rely on classification metrics. Moreover, modeling and clustering techniques and analyses of similarities (ANOSIM) were used to identify the brain areas that contribute the most to these multivariate differences, and to empirically assess whether they assemble into two sex-typical profiles. Results revealed that multivariate sex differences in GMVOL: 1) are “large” if not adjusted for total intracranial volume (TIV) variation, but “small” when controlling for this variable; 2) differ in size between individuals and also depends on the ML algorithm used for their calculation 3) do not stem from two sex-typical profiles, and so describing them in terms of “male/female brains” is misleading.
Effects of Long-Acting Muscarinic Antagonists on Promoting Ciliary Function in Airway Epithelium
Authors: Katsumata Mineo , Fujisawa Tomoyuki , Kamiya Yosuke , Tanaka Yuko , Kamiya Chiaki , Inoue Yusuke , Hozumi Hironao , Karayama Masato , Suzuki Yuzo , Furuhashi Kazuki , Enomoto Noriyuki , Nakamura Yutaro , Inui Naoki , Maekawa Masato , Setou Mitsutoshi , Watanabe Hiroshi , Ikegami Koji , Suda Takafumi
Published: January 2022

Background

Mucociliary clearance (MCC) is an essential defense mechanism in airway epithelia for removing pathogens from the respiratory tract. Impaired ciliary functions and MCC have been demonstrated in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs) are a major class of inhaled bronchodilators, which are used for treating asthma and COPD; however, the effects of LAMAs on ciliary function remain unclear. This study aimed to identify the effects of LAMAs on airway ciliary functions.
Methods

Wild-type BALB/c mice were treated with daily intranasal administrations of glycopyrronium for 7 days, and tracheal samples were collected. Cilia-driven flow and ciliary activity, including ciliary beat frequency (CBF), ciliary beating amplitude, effective stroke velocity, recovery stroke velocity and the ratio of effective stroke velocity to recovery stroke velocity, were analyzed by imaging techniques. Using in vitro murine models, tracheal tissues were transiently cultured in media with/without LAMAs, glycopyrronium or tiotropium, for 60 min. Cilia-driven flow and ciliary activity were then analyzed. Well-differentiated normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells were treated with glycopyrronium, tiotropium, or vehicle for 60 min, and CBF was evaluated. Several mechanistic analyses were performed.
Results

Intranasal glycopyrronium administration for 7 days significantly increased cilia-driven flow and ciliary activity in murine airway epithelium. In the murine tracheal organ culture models, treatment with glycopyrronium or tiotropium for 60 min significantly increased cilia-driven flow and ciliary activity in airway epithelium. Further, we confirmed that 60-min treatment with glycopyrronium or tiotropium directly increased CBF in well-differentiated NHBE cells. In the mechanistic analyses, neither treatment with glycopyrronium nor tiotropium affected intracellular calcium ion concentrations in well-differentiated NHBE cells. Glycopyrronium did not increase protein kinase A activity in well-differentiated NHBE cells. Moreover, glycopyrronium had no effect on extracellular adenosine triphosphate concentration.
Conclusions

LAMAs exert a direct effect on airway epithelium to enhance ciliary function, which may improve impaired MCC in asthma and COPD. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of the effects of LAMAs on the promotion of airway ciliary function.
Pilimiction, A Rare Presentation of Ovarian Teratoma: A Case Report
Authors: Issack Feysel Hassen , Hassen Seid Mohammed , Hassen Seid Kedir , Gebreselassie Kaleab Habtemichael , Mummed Ferid Ousman , Hassen Ibsa Kedir
Published: January 2022

Background: Adnexal teratoma involving the urinary bladder is a very rare condition. Presentation is variable ranging from irritative LUTS (lower urinary tract symptoms) to pilimiction or trichiuria (passage of hair in the urine).Case presentation: We report a case of a 42-year-old woman who presented with pilimiction and lower abdominal pain. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan (CECT) and Cystoscopy were used for the diagnosis. Tumor markers were negative. Right side salpingo-oophorectomy and partial bladder wall excision were performed. Histopathology of the specimen showed features consistent with mature teratoma. The Patient-reported improvement of symptoms in the subsequent follow-up visits.Conclusion: Pilimiction is a pathognomonic sign of bladder teratomas. Therefore, it is wise to think of this pathology in patients who report the passage of hair through the urine (trichiuria or pilimiction), as in our case. Cystoscopy and cross-sectional imaging aided in the initial diagnosis. However, a definitive diagnosis was provided by histopathology.We performed right-side salpingo-oophorectomy and partial cystectomy. Transurethral resection is associated with a high recurrence rate and is not recommended for secondary bladder teratomas.
The Cultural Dimension of SLA
Authors: Grubor Jelena V.
Published: January 2022

Attitudes towards target language (TL) speakers present an aspect pertaining to the cultural dimension of learning a foreign language. Consequently, the main goals of the study were to determine the participants’ attitudes towards the British and Americans, and the degree of social distance the participants felt towards these groups by comparing evaluations of their willingness to identify with TL and L1 speakers. The participants included in the study (N=239) represented two age groups (secondary and tertiary students), and two educational profiles: philological (Phil) and non-philological (Non-Phil) groups. The main research instruments were an adapted Bogardus Social Distance Scale, which showed good internal consistency on all the subscales, and an English language contact scale, whose aim was to test the participants’ actual interaction with the target language speakers (the length of stay in a TL community, potential mobility via school/university exchange programmes). The main finding suggests that Phil groups, being more familiar with the TL culture, evaluated its speakers much more positively and were generally more willing to identify with TL members, even at the most intimate level (spouse). Accordingly, the practical implications would be to encourage foreign language teachers to keep acquainting learners with different cultural elements and work towards fostering positive attitudes to the TL and its culture. What our study has failed to determine, though, is whether the actual contact with real, flesh-and-blood people in contrast to indirect contact with ‘imaginary TL speakers’ that are the product of one’s perception makes a difference in attitudes.
SALDIRGAN TİCARİ UYGULAMALARIN TÜKETİCİ HUKUKUNDA İNCELENMESİ VE KONUNUN HAKSIZ REKABET BOYUTU
Authors: SİNANOĞLU Asena
Published: January 2022

Serbest piyasa ekonomisi düzeninde rakiplerin rekabeti hukuka ve dürüstlük kuralına uygun olarak gerçekleştirmesi gerekmektedir. Nitekim haksız rekabet oluşturan fiiller yalnızca rakiplerin menfaatlerini etkilememekte, aynı zamanda tüketicilerin menfaatlerini de etkilemektedir. Haksız rekabetin engellenmesi amacıyla hukukumuzda çeşitli düzenlemelere yer verilmiştir. 6102 sayılı Türk Ticaret Kanunu 54. maddesinde, haksız rekabet hükümleri ile, “bütün katılanların menfaatine, dürüst ve bozulmamış rekabetin sağlanması”nın amaçlandığını ifade etmektedir. Bu anlamda esasında tüketiciler de Türk Ticaret Kanunu düzenlemesi kapsamındadır. Ayrıca tüketicilerin haksız ticari uygulamalara karşı korunması 6502 sayılı Tüketicinin Korunması Hakkında Kanun m.62 vd. hükümleri ile ve Avrupa Birliği Hukuku'nda 2005/29/AT sayılı Direktif ile sağlanmaktadır. Tüketicinin Korunması Hakkında Kanun ve Direktif, tüketicilere yönelik haksız ticari uygulamaları yasaklamaktadır. Saldırgan ticari uygulamalar haksız ticari uygulamalardandır. Saldırgan ticari uygulamalar, Direktif’in 8. Maddesinde, “Bir ticari uygulama, kendi gerçekliği içerisinde tüm özellik ve koşulları dikkate alındığında, taciz, fiziksel güç kullanımı dahil olmak üzere, cebir veya nüfuzun kötüye kullanılması yoluyla ortalama bir tüketicinin ürünle ilgili seçim veya davranış özgürlüğünü ciddi şekilde bozuyor ya da bozma olasılığı mevcutsa ve aksi halde almayacağı bir satın alma kararı vermesine yol açıyorsa ya da yol açması olasılığı varsa saldırgan olduğu kabul edilir.” denilerek ifade edilmiştir. O hâlde, bir uygulamanın saldırgan olması için tanımda geçen şartları taşıması gerekir. Çalışmada öncelikli olarak ilgili hükümler incelenmiş, ardından bir uygulamanın saldırgan olup olmadığının tesbiti hususunda çalışılmıştır. Uygulamanın saldırgan olması, ortalama tüketicinin seçim özgürlüğünü bozacak ağırlıkta olması ve böylece tüketicinin normal şartlar altında taraf olmayacağı bir hukuki işleme taraf olması unsurları ele alınmıştır.
Modern Dance as an American Alternative to Classical Ballet
Authors: Portnova Tatiana
Published: January 2022

The choreographic art of the United States developed in a new direction and was looking for new forms corresponding to the trends of the modern era in many ways. By the beginning of the 20th century, the classical ballet of the USA rooted in Russian choreographic culture had experienced the lack of the means of expression that could reflect a new range of themes, images, philosophical and artistic concepts that had developed by that time and required a new dance style, genres, aesthetics. Modern dance emerged along with the development of the national political and artistic and creative self-consciousness of Americans in general, during the development of national musical, choreographic, and poetic traditions by cultural figures, who searched for their path in art. The study analyses the features of American modern dance. The artistic and aesthetic principles of modern dance are identified and the historical and cultural prerequisites for the development of the national choreographic school of the United States are revealed. The study uses theoretical methods such as visual and textual analysis of choreographic performances and music for performances, comparison of means of plastic expression, movements and figures of classical ballet and modern dance, principles of stage development of artistic images of performances. The empirical study is based on the generalisation of the practical experience of staging performances by leading American dancers of the 20th century. As a result, it is noted that the features of modern dance are completely different to those of the United States classical ballet, testifying to the desire of Americans to reflect the problems of modernity and convey the unique national character of the United States culture by using elements of African or Indian dances, as well as movements that are not characteristic of classical ballet but reflect the spirit of modernity. The materials of the study are of theoretical and practical value for specialists who work with the problems of culture and art of the 20th century, including modern choreography.
Treatment of industrial electroplating wastewater for metals removal via electrocoagulation continous flow reactors
Authors: Abdel-Shafy Hussein I. , Morsy Rehan M. M. , Hewehy Mahmoud A. I. , Razek Taha M. A. , Hamid Maamoun M. A.
Published: January 2022

A real industrial electroplating rinsing wastewater was collected and subjected to physical and chemical examination. The study showed that it can be categorized as high strength wastewater, at pH- 2, COD 1430 mg/l, and high level of metals above permissible limits, namely: 150, 30, 25, and 2.9 for Ni, Cu, Zn, and Fe mg/l respectively. Therefore, metals must be adequately removed before discharging to avoid any hazardous impact on the environment. Similar synthetic wastewater was prepared to study the effect of chemical coagulation for the precipitation of metals. The optimum removal rate was achieved by using a combination of lime and ferric chloride at 100 and 30 mg/l respectively. The chemically treated electroplating wastewater was subjected to an electrocoagulation study. A comparison between iron and stainless-steel electrodes for the removal of metals was investigated. Furthermore, the effect of different electric voltages, and contact time on metals removal efficiency were also examined. It was found that the optimum removal capacity was achieved when a stainless steel electrode was employed in the presence of ferric chloride as coagulant, at 10 volts, 30 min. contact time, and pH 9 for synthetic solution. In a batch treatment system, the real industrial wastewater was treated at the predetermined optimum operating conditions; the removal of metals was 92.1%, 87.8% and 82.9% for Ni. Zn, and Cu respectively. By employing a continuous flow reactor for the treatment of the same real wastewater and under the same operating conditions, metals removal rate increased to 98.9%, 97.4% and 96.6% for Ni. Zn, and Cu respectively. The level of metals in the final treated wastewater copes with Egyptian Environmental Regulation. The overall results confirmed that the electro-coagulation (EC) technology offers an effective alternative process in combination with the conventional chemical coagulation process for reaching high removal performance of toxic metals from the electroplating wastewater. The advantage of EC technique is achieving high treatment efficiency instead of expensive chemical reagents, high construction cost and/or other conventional processes. In addition, the final treated water can be reused for rinsing process in the electroplating industry and/or discharging without any environmental hazard effect. It is also recommended to employ solar energy instead of electricity to reduce cost of operation.
The CRO Laudato Si’ Project: Goals, Activities, and Social Outcomes
Authors: Brgles Miriam Mary , Turza Zoran , Žagmešter Marija
Published: January 2022

On the eve of 2020, and the fifth anniversary of the publication of the Encyclical Letter - Laudato Si’. On the care for the common home at the Catholic University of Croatia, the scientific-professional project CRO Laudato Si’ was launched. The project team was composed of scientists from different disciplines, and the project partners were the National Fraternity of the Franciscan Secular Order and the Franciscan Youth. As part of the project, scientific and practical activities were carried out. One of the main scientific activities was empirical scientific research, which was conducted, using a survey method over several months in 2020. The paper will present the results of the research, related to the role of the project in the knowledge of the encyclical Laudato Si’ and the awakening of interest in the encyclical, according to the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents. The results show that men have heard of the encyclical Laudato Si’ to a somewhat greater extent than women. The largest number of respondents, who heard about the encyclical for the first time through the project, are those who belong to the youngest age group, followed by those with high school education. Arousing interest in Encyclical Letter topics is more encouraged among women, those over 65 years old, respondents with completed primary school, and those who are self-employed or retired.
Sense of Balance in Indian Conceptualisation of Psychological Well-being
Authors: Swaminathan Joseph Jeyaraj , Crea Giuseppe , Formella Zbigniew
Published: January 2022

The concept of psychological well-being (PWB) engages the attention of those who live in the Global North, as well as those in the Global South. Similar to the Western concept of PWB, its Indian conceptualisation too, has a long history dating back to at least 3,000 years. This article accentuates that, in India, a ‘sense of balance’ (sama in Sanskrit) is an overarching principle that guides ecological, social, and personal well-being. This sense of balance is discussed in the exposition of concepts, such as hedonia and eudaimonia, which are found in both the Western and Indian concept of PWB. Major differences include the collectivist nature of Indians, their emphasis of spirituality and their belief that suffering and happiness are two dimensions of a single reality. Through a comparative narrative method, it is evidenced that Indian constructs, namely, Sama, Dharma, Sattva, Rajas and Tamas resonate meaningfully with universal principles, such as ethical living, social commitment, and spiritual awareness. In short, Indian conceptualisation of PWB holds that it is holistic, integrated, and balanced. An extended prospect of this sense of balance is its appropriateness in enabling people to achieve ecological balance, irrespective of their cultural affiliations.
The Phenomenon of (Sustainable) Tourism Activities on Farms in Slovenia During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Žibert Maja , Prevolšek Boris
Published: January 2022

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic is the reason why the development trends of the tourism industry are changing today. The purpose of this article is to address issues of future tourism industry development, linking it to elements of sustainable development trends. The article presents the main elements of the sustainable concept of rural and farm tourism. Using the method of compilation and description, we want to check, based on statistical data related to farm tourism activities in Slovenia (before and during the COVID-19 pandemic), whether it is possible to detect development trends in Slovenia, in the direction of sustainability that are linked to the concept of farm tourism. This study also aims to identify a number of measures that can improve sustainability at the farming tourism level in Slovenia, in a post-COVID phase. According to the findings of numerous comparisons and statistical analysis, it can be stated that the future development trends show a great need to develop the decarbonisation of the industry, digitalisation of industry, and the involvement of the local population in the provision of services. In the present global situation, we have reached a point where it will be necessary to focus on sustainable and digital forms of the industry, in order to further post-COVID development of the tourism industry.
Applications of Lipid-based Nanocarriers for Parenteral Drug Delivery
Authors: Santonocito Debora , Puglia Carmelo
Published: January 2022

This review describes the use of lipid-based nanocarriers (LNCs) for the parenteral
delivery of pharmaceutical actives. Firstly, the two generations of LNCs, namely
solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), are explained
in terms of preparation, characterization and stability. Although the use of LNCs through
parenteral administration has shown many benefits, their use is limited by opsonization,
an immune process that causes their short half-life (3-5 min). Therefore, many strategies
are discussed to realize “stealth” systems suitable for parenteral administration. The requirements
and applications of parenteral lipid nanoparticles are reviewed for the delivery
of natural compounds, synthetic drugs and genetic materials. Recently, the latter application
has been of remarkable interest due to the numerous benefits of mRNA
vaccines to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.
Association of Serum Malondialdehyde and C-reactive Protein Levels with
Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Abedini Atefeh , Kharazmi Amir Behnam , Kiani Arda , Barouti Shahriar , Mohammadi Shooka
Published: January 2022

Background:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is related to oxidant/antioxidant
imbalance and systemic inflammation.

Objective:

This study was conducted to evaluate associations of serum levels of C-reactive protein
(CRP) and malondialdehyde (MDA) with the severity and exacerbations of COPD.

Methods:

A matched case-control study was performed among 200 COPD patients (100 cases and
100 controls) who were referred to Masih Daneshvari Hospital in Tehran, Iran. Cases were exacerbators
with equal to or greater than two ambulatory exacerbations or one hospitalization; controls
were non-exacerbators who had one/no ambulatory exacerbation during the preceding 12 months.
Blood samples were collected for CRP, MDA, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) analysis.
In addition, spirometry, the COPD assessment test (CAT) score, the modified Medical Research
Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale, and the BODEx index were applied.

Results:

The mean (SD) age of the patients was 65.31 (8.46) years. Those with exacerbations had
significantly lower FEV1 and higher CRP, MDA, ESR, BMI, BODEx index, CAT, and mMRC
scores compared to non-exacerbators. There were significant differences in CRP, MDA, ESR,
FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, BMI, BODEx index, mMRC, and CAT scores between the GOLD
group. Moreover, multivariate analysis showed that higher levels of CRP (OR=0.61, p=0.023),
MDA (OR=0.28, p=0.001), ESR (OR=0.86, p=0.029), CAT score (OR=0.84, p=0.012), BODEx index
(OR=0.89, p <0.001), BMI (OR=0.42, p <0.001), and lower FEV1% (OR=0.77, p <0.001)
were independent risk factors for frequent exacerbations.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, elevated serum MDA and CRP levels in combination may serve as
prognostic indicators of the severity and exacerbation of COPD.