bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of the Resident Subsidy on Regional Carrier Economies and the Environment in the Canary Interisland Air Traffic Network
Authors: Martín-Cejas Roberto
Published: June 2022

The existence of aviation subsidies can exacerbate congestion in airports that operate near their maximum threshold. One of the main operational issues in airports, that is, aircraft taxiing operations, could become more difficult and, therefore, produce negative effects on airport capacity management. Air carrier economies, touristic mobility (leisure travel), and the environment could also be negatively affected. Greenhouse gas emissions, passenger travel time, and air carriers’ fuel costs, for example, might rise due to aircrafts’ increased taxiing time. This paper seeks to analyse the impact of regional aviation subsidies for regional hub airports in the Canary Island air traffic network; specifically, the effect it has on airports’ capacity in terms of LTO (landing and taking off) cycle delays and its repercussions for passenger travel time, air carrier economics, and the environment. Therefore, to quantify the extent that the increased traffic from subsidies cause airport ground operations to delay flights, the disturbance between aircraft categories in landing and taking off operations must be considered. The disturbance between aircrafts will be evaluated by employing a simple model of landing intervals considering two aircraft categories (i.e., ATRs-72, ATRs-42, and B737/A320 aircraft families). The above-mentioned methodology provides an approximation of the average processing rate for take-off using the ultimate capacity concept for a variety of aircrafts landing on a single runway of the airport. As a result, it must be noted that there is a potential economic and environmental impact associated with the implementation of the subsidy increase for residents’ interisland travel and from the Canary Islands to the mainland. There is also a negative effect on runways for both airports due to the capacity constraints. These impacts, however, have to be balanced with the social and economic benefits that each regional inhabitant derives from the subsidy in terms of improvement of their mobility for any purpose.
Understanding Destination Value Co-Creation on Social Media: An Application of Travel Blog Analysis
Authors: Xu Han , Lovett Jon C. , Law Rob
Published: June 2022

The sharing of travel experiences through social media platforms reflects contemporary consumer culture, but it is still a phenomenon being researched in tourism literature. In this paper, we theorize that sharing travel experience through social media may operate as a distinct social communication process, and investigate how it contributes to the co-creation of destination value. A qualitative analysis of 97 travel blogs reveals three distinct themes that have the potential for co-creating destination value: motivation, memorable travel experiences, and advice. The results indicate that tourists and destination marketers interpret destination value differently in motivation. The sharing of memorable travel experiences and advice with readers and fellow tourists improves potential tourists’ cognition and emotional connection to the destination, thereby increasing the level of tourist destination engagement. The extension of the consumer socialization framework provides a deeper understanding of the destination value co-creation process, and provides useful insights for destination promotion and management.
Evaluating Phenotypic and Transcriptomic Responses Induced by Low-Level VOCs in Zebrafish: Benzene as an Example
Authors: Wu Chia-Chen , Blount Jessica R. , Haimbaugh Alex , Heldman Samantha , Shields Jeremiah N. , Baker Tracie R.
Published: June 2022

Urban environments are plagued by complex mixtures of anthropogenic volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as mixtures of benzene, toluene, ethylene, and xylene (BTEX). Sources of BTEX that drive human exposure include vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, off-gassing of building material, as well as oil spillage and leakage. Among the BTEX mixture, benzene is the most volatile compound and has been linked to numerous adverse health outcomes. However, few studies have focused on the effects of low-level benzene on exposure during early development, which is a susceptible window when hematological, immune, metabolic, and detoxification systems are immature. In this study, we used zebrafish to conduct a VOC exposure model and evaluated phenotypic and transcriptomic responses following 0.1 and 1 ppm benzene exposure during the first five days of embryogenesis (n = 740 per treatment). The benzene body burden was 2 mg/kg in 1 ppm-exposed larval zebrafish pools and under the detection limit in 0.1 ppm-exposed fish. No observable phenotypic changes were found in both larvae except for significant skeletal deformities in 0.1 ppm-exposed fish (p = 0.01) compared with unexposed fish. Based on transcriptomic responses, 1 ppm benzene dysregulated genes that were implicated with the development of hematological system, and the regulation of oxidative stress response, fatty acid metabolism, immune system, and inflammatory response, including apob, nfkbiaa, serpinf1, foxa1, cyp2k6, and cyp2n13 from the cytochrome P450 gene family. Key genes including pik3c2b, pltp, and chia.2 were differentially expressed in both 1 and 0.1 ppm exposures. However, fewer transcriptomic changes were induced by 0.1 ppm compared with 1 ppm. Future studies are needed to determine if these transcriptomic responses during embryogenesis have long-term consequences at levels equal to or lower than 1 ppm.
Cerebral Complications of Snakebite Envenoming: Case Studies
Authors: Huang Yu-Kai , Chen Yen-Chia , Liu Chia-Chun , Cheng Hui-Chun , Tu Anthony T. , Chang Kun-Che
Published: June 2022

There are an estimated 5.4 million snakebite cases every year. People with snakebite envenoming suffer from severe complications, or even death. Although some review articles cover several topics of snakebite envenoming, a review of the cases regarding cerebral complications, especially rare syndromes, is lacking. Here, we overview 35 cases of snakebite by front-fanged snakes, including Bothrops, Daboia, Cerastes, Deinagkistrodon, Trimeresurus, and Crotalus in the Viperidae family; Bungarus and Naja in the Elapidae family, and Homoroselaps (rare cases) in the Lamprophiidae family. We also review three rare cases of snakebite by rear-fanged snakes, including Oxybelis and Leptodeira in the Colubridae family. In the cases of viper bites, most patients (17/24) were diagnosed with ischemic stroke and intracranial hemorrhage, leading to six deaths. We then discuss the potential underlying molecular mechanisms that cause these complications. In cases of elapid bites, neural, cardiac, and ophthalmic disorders are the main complications. Due to the small amount of venom injection and the inability to deep bite, all the rear-fanged snakebites did not develop any severe complications. To date, antivenom (AV) is the most effective therapy for snakebite envenoming. In the six cases of viper and elapid bites that did not receive AV, three cases (two by viper and one by elapid) resulted in death. This indicates that AV treatment is the key to survival after a venomous snakebite. Lastly, we also discuss several studies of therapeutic agents against snakebite-envenoming-induced complications, which could be potential adjuvants along with AV treatment. This article organizes the diagnosis of hemotoxic and neurotoxic envenoming, which may help ER doctors determine the treatment for unidentified snakebite.
Scorpion Peptide Smp24 Exhibits a Potent Antitumor Effect on Human Lung Cancer Cells by Damaging the Membrane and Cytoskeleton In Vivo and In Vitro
Authors: Guo Ruiyin , Liu Junfang , Chai Jinwei , Gao Yahua , Abdel-Rahman Mohamed A. , Xu Xueqing
Published: June 2022

Smp24, a cationic antimicrobial peptide identified from the venom gland of the Egyptian scorpion Scorpio maurus palmatus, shows variable cytotoxicity on various tumor (KG1a, CCRF-CEM and HepG2) and non-tumor (CD34+, HRECs, HACAT) cell lines. However, the effects of Smp24 and its mode of action on lung cancer cell lines remain unknown. Herein, the effect of Smp24 on the viability, membrane disruption, cytoskeleton, migration and invasion, and MMP-2/-9 and TIMP-1/-2 expression of human lung cancer cells have been evaluated. In addition, its in vivo antitumor role and acute toxicity were also assessed. In our study, Smp24 was found to suppress the growth of A549, H3122, PC-9, and H460 with IC50 values from about 4.06 to 7.07 µM and show low toxicity to normal cells (MRC-5) with 14.68 µM of IC50. Furthermore, Smp24 could induce necrosis of A549 cells via destroying the integrity of the cell membrane and mitochondrial and nuclear membranes. Additionally, Smp24 suppressed cell motility by damaging the cytoskeleton and altering MMP-2/-9 and TIMP-1/-2 expression. Finally, Smp24 showed effective anticancer protection in a A549 xenograft mice model and low acute toxicity. Overall, these findings indicate that Smp24 significantly exerts an antitumor effect due to its induction of membrane defects and cytoskeleton disruption. Accordingly, our findings will open an avenue for developing scorpion venom peptides into chemotherapeutic agents targeting lung cancer cells.
Economic and Social Costs of Noma: Design and Application of an Estimation Model to Niger and Burkina Faso
Authors: Mpinga Emmanuel Kabengele , Srour Margaret Leila , Moussa Marie-Solène Adamou , Dupuis Marc , Kagoné Moubassira , Grema Maïna Sani Malam , Zacharie Ngoyi-Bukonda , Baratti-Mayer Denise
Published: June 2022

Background: While noma affects hundreds of thousands of children every year, taking their lives, disfiguring them and leaving them permanently disabled, the economic and social costs of the disease have not been previously estimated. An understanding of the nature and levels of these costs is much needed to formulate and implement strategies for the prevention and control of this disease, or to mitigate its burden. The objectives of our study were to develop a model for estimating the economic and social costs of noma and to provide estimates by applying this model to the specific contexts of two countries in the “noma belt”, namely Burkina Faso and Niger. Methods: Three main approaches were used. The estimation of prevalence levels of potential noma cases and of cases that should receive and actually do receive medical care was carried out using a literature review. The documentary approach made it possible to estimate the direct costs of noma by analyzing the database of a non-governmental organization operating in this field and present in both countries. Indirect costs were estimated using the human capital method and the cost component analysis technique. Results: The direct costs of care and management of noma survivors amount to approximately USD 30 million per year in Burkina Faso, compared to approximately USD 31 million in Niger. They mainly include costs for medical treatment, surgery, hospital stays, physiological care, psychological care, social assistance, schooling, vocational training and care abroad. Indirect costs are estimated at around 20 million in lost production costs in Burkina and around 16 million in Niger. Costs related to premature deaths are estimated at more than USD 3.5 billion in Burkina Faso and USD 3 billion in Niger. Finally, the costs to survivors who are unable to marry are around USD 13.4 million in Burkina and around USD 15 million in Niger. Intangible costs were not calculated. Conclusions: The neglect of noma and inaction in terms of prevention and control of the disease have enormous economic and social costs for households, communities and states. Future studies of this kind are necessary and useful to raise awareness and eradicate this disease, which impacts the health and well-being of children and results in lifelong suffering and severe economic and social costs to survivors and their families.
Investigating Alfvénic Turbulence in Fast and Slow Solar Wind Streams
Authors: D’Amicis Raffaella , Perrone Denise , Velli Marco , Sorriso-Valvo Luca , Telloni Daniele , Bruno Roberto , De Marco Rossana
Published: June 2022

Solar wind turbulence dominated by large-amplitude Alfvénic fluctuations, mainly propagating away from the Sun, is ubiquitous in high-speed solar wind streams. Recent observations performed in the inner heliosphere (from 1 AU down to tens of solar radii) have proved that also slow wind streams show sometimes strong Alfvénic signatures. Within this context, the present paper focuses on a comparative study on the characterization of Alfvénic turbulence in fast and slow solar wind intervals observed at 1 AU where degradation of Alfvénic correlations is expected. In particular, we compared the behavior of different parameters to characterize the Alfvénic content of the fluctuations, using also the Elsässer variables to derive the spectral behavior of the normalized cross-helicity and residual energy. This study confirms that the Alfvénic slow wind stream resembles, in many respects, a fast wind stream. The velocity-magnetic field (v-b) correlation coefficient is similar in the two cases as well as the amplitude of the fluctuations although it is not clear to what extent the condition of incompressibility holds. Moreover, the spectral analysis shows that fast wind and Alfvénic slow wind have similar normalized cross-helicity values but in general the fast wind streams are closer to energy equipartition. Despite the overall similarities between the two solar wind regimes, each stream shows also peculiar features, that could be linked to the intrinsic evolution history that each of them has experienced and that should be taken into account to investigate how and why Alfvénicity evolves in the inner heliosphere.
Cold Quark–Gluon Plasma EOS Applied to a Magnetically Deformed Quark Star with an Anomalous Magnetic Moment
Authors: Andrew Keith , Steinfelds Eric V. , Andrew Kristopher A.
Published: June 2022

We consider a QCD cold-plasma-motivated Equation of State (EOS) to examine the impact of an Anomalous Magnetic Moment (AMM) coupling and small shape deformations on the static oblate and prolate core shapes of quark stars. Using the Fogaça QCD-motivated EOS, which shifts from the high-temperature, low-chemical-potential quark–gluon plasma environment to the low-temperature, high-chemical-potential quark stellar core environment, we consider the impact of an AMM coupling with a metric-induced shape deformation parameter in the Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkov (TOV) equations. The AMM coupling includes a phenomenological scaling that accounts for the weak and strong field characteristics in dense matter. The EOS is developed using a hard gluon and soft gluon decomposition of the gluon field tensor and using a mean-field effective mass for the gluons. The AMM is considered using the Dirac spin tensor coupled to the EM field tensor with quark-flavor-based magnetic moments. The shape parameter is introduced in a metric ansatz that represents oblate and prolate static stellar cores for modified TOV equations. These equations are numerically solved for the final mass and radius states, representing the core collapse of a massive star with a phase transition leading to an unbound quark–gluon plasma. We find that the combined shape parameter and AMM effects can alter the coupled EOS–TOV equations, resulting in an increase in the final mass and a decrease in the final equatorial radius without collapsing the core into a black hole and without violating causality constraints; we find maximum mass values in the range 1.6 Mʘ < M < 2.5 Mʘ. These states are consistent with some astrophysical, high-mass magnetar/pulsar and gravity wave systems and may provide evidence for a core that has undergone a quark–gluon phase transition such as PSR 0943 + 10 and the secondary from the GW 190814 event.
Observability of HOFNARs at SRG/eROSITA
Authors: Khokhriakova Alena D. , Chugunov Andrey I. , Popov Sergei B. , Gusakov Mikhail E. , Kantor Elena M.
Published: June 2022

Neutron stars can appear as sources of different nature. In this paper we address the observability of a hypothetical class of neutron stars—HOt and Fast Non-Accreting Rotators, HOFNARs. These objects are heated due to the r-mode instability. With surface temperatures ∼106 K they are expected to be thermal soft X-ray emitters. We perform a population synthesis modeling of HOFNARs to predict the number of potentially detectable sources in the eROSITA all-sky survey. For surface temperatures ∼106 K we obtain ∼500 sources above the detection limit 0.01 cts s−1 and ∼100 easier identifiable sources with >0.1 cts s−1. Temperatures ≳1.2 × 106 K start to be in contradiction with non-detection of HOFNARs by ROSAT. Only for T ≲ 5 × 105 K numbers predicted for eROSITA turn out to be so low that identification does not look possible. We conclude that eROSITA has good chances to discover HOFNARs, if they exist. Non-detection will put very stringent limits on the properties of this type of neutron stars.
Instrumentation for Detecting Sulphur Isotopes as Biosignatures on Europa and Ganymede by Forthcoming Missions
Authors: Chela-Flores Julian
Published: June 2022

There has been remarkable progress in identifying a certain type of biosignature, both from the point of view of the payloads of forthcoming missions, and from the point of view of biogeochemistry. This progress has been due to the evolution of miniaturized mass spectrometry that can be used, under certain circumstances and for certain samples, to distinguish between putatively abiotic and biotic sulphur isotopes. These specific types of biosignatures are discussed in the context of Europa and Ganymede. Such instruments are sufficiently precise to differentiate between abiotic and biotic signatures. We reflect on new possibilities that will be available during this decade for exploring the nearest ocean worlds: Europa and Ganymede. We review arguments that point out the presence of intriguing sulphur patches on Europa’s icy surface that were discovered by the Galileo mission. These patches lead to a “sulphur dilemma”, which suggests not to focus future measurements exclusively on organics. We comment on the possibility of measurements of sulphur isotopes, as one kind of biosignature, to be complemented with additional biosignatures, in order to fully test biogenicity. These suggestions are intended to point out the best use of the available spacecrafts’ payloads during the planning of the forthcoming Jovian missions.
Statistical Properties of X-ray Flares in Gamma-ray Bursts
Authors: Shi Yong-Rui , Ding Xiao-Kang , Zhu Si-Yuan , Sun Wan-Peng , Zhang Fu-Wen
Published: June 2022

X-ray flares are frequently detected in the X-ray afterglow light curves and are highly correlated with the prompt emission of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). We compile a comprehensive sample of X-ray flares up to 2021 April, comprising 697 flares. We classify the total sample into four types: early flares (tp≤103 s), late flares (tp>103 s), long gamma-ray burst (LGRB) flares and short gamma-ray burst (SGRB) flares, and analyze the distributions and relationships of the flare parameters. It is found that the early flares have a higher frequency, shorter duration, and more asymmetrical structure. In addition, the distributions of the morphological parameters of the SGRB flares are similar to those of the LGRB flares. We also find that the durations and rising (decay) times of the early flares are positively correlated with the peak times, but the late flares follow the different dependent relations. There is a strong anti-correlation between the peak luminosities (LX,P) and the peak times of the flares, e.g., LX,p∝tp,z−1.45 for the LGRB flares, and LX,p∝tp,z−1.27 for the SGRB flares, respectively. Furthermore, the peak luminosity is highly dependent on the isotropic energy (EX,iso) for the early LGRB flares, the best fit is LX,p∝EX,iso1.06(r=0.89). We also find a tight three-parameter correlation, LX,p∝tp,z−1.03EX,iso0.92(r=0.96). All the late flares fall into the 3σ confidence region defined by the early flares. In terms of the point of kinematic arguments, both the SGRB and LGRB flares support a common scheme of internal origin. The SGRB flares have similar properties to the LGRB flares, suggesting that both of them share a similar physical mechanism from the late-time activity of central engine.
Multiple Populations in Star Clusters
Authors: Milone Antonino P. , Marino Anna F.
Published: June 2022

We review the multiple population (MP) phenomenon of globular clusters (GCs): i.e., the evidence that GCs typically host groups of stars with different elemental abundances and/or distinct sequences in photometric diagrams. Most Galactic and extragalactic clusters exhibit internal variations of He, C, N, O, Na, and Al. They host two distinct stellar populations: the first population of stars, which resemble field stars with similar metallicities, and one or more second stellar populations that show the signature of high-temperature H-burning. In addition, a sub-sample of clusters hosts stellar populations with different heavy-element abundances. The MP origin remains one of the most puzzling, open issues of stellar astrophysics. We summarize the scenarios for the MP formation and depict the modern picture of GCs and their stellar populations along with the main evolutionary phases. We show that the MP behavior dramatically changes from one cluster to another and investigate their complexity to define common properties. We investigate relations with the host galaxy, the parameters of the host clusters (e.g., GC’s mass, age, orbit), and stellar mass. We summarize results on spatial distribution and internal kinematics of MPs. Finally, we review the relation between MPs and the so-called second-parameter problem of the horizontal-branch morphology of GCs and summarize the main findings on the extended main sequence phenomenon in young clusters.
Fear of Illness and Convenient Access to Vaccines Appear to Be the Missing Keys to Successful Vaccination Campaigns: Analysis of the Factors Influencing the Decisions of Hospital Staff in Poland concerning Vaccination against Influenza and COVID-19
Authors: Susło Robert , Pobrotyn Piotr , Mierzecki Artur , Drobnik Jarosław
Published: June 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has lasted for two years as of 2022, and it is common knowledge that vaccines are an essential tool to mitigate the health, economic, and social fallout. Unfortunately, vaccine hesitancy is still a serious global problem, both in the general population and among healthcare workers. The authors used an original questionnaire to conduct an anonymous survey study in the University Clinical Hospital in Wrocław, Poland, in April and May of 2021 after acquiring consent from the Medical University of Wrocław, Poland Bioethical Committee. The study results demonstrate that, to a significant extent, the decisions concerning vaccinations are based on factors that are difficult to change with rational argumentation, including people’s personal opinions or beliefs concerning vaccinations and their earlier experiences with vaccinations. The study results suggest that the impregnating effect of one’s own opinions, beliefs, and experiences can be surmounted if vaccines are dispensed free and conveniently while the pathogen is irrationally and emotionally perceived as untamed and possibly severe and life threatening. It makes a significant difference as in such cases that the percentage of participants whose decisions concerning vaccination are influenced by the risks to life or health of one’s own or others rises by about 27 and 36 percent points, respectively. Therefore, in order to succeed, campaigns for vaccinations need to include strong subjective and emotional communication, appealing to negative emotions and exploiting the public’s fear of the unknown while stressing tangible and personal threats possibly resulting from acquiring a vaccine-preventable infectious disease.
Vaccine and Vaccination: On Field Research
Authors: Gallè Francesca , Napoli Christian
Published: June 2022

Historically, vaccinations have enabled the eradication, elimination, and control of many debilitating diseases [...]
A Case Presenting with Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder and Infectious Polyradiculitis Following BNT162b2 Vaccination and COVID-19
Authors: Kim Youngho , Heo Donghyun , Choi Moonjeong , Lee Jong-Mok
Published: June 2022

A 37-year-old woman presented with paraparesis and paresthesia in both legs 19 and 3 days after BNT162b2 vaccination and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, respectively. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, nerve conduction study, electromyography, magnetic resonance imaging, and autoantibody tests were performed. Neurological examination showed hyperesthesia below the T7 level and markedly impaired bilateral leg weakness with absent deep tendon reflexes on the knees and ankles. CSF examination revealed polymorphonuclear dominant pleocytosis and elevated total protein levels. Enhancement of the pia mater in the lumbar spinal cord and positive sharp waves in the lumbar paraspinal muscles indicated infectious polyradiculitis. In contrast, a high signal intensity of intramedullary spinal cord on a T2-weighted image from C1 to conus medullaris and positive anti-aquaporin-4 antibody confirmed neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). The patient received intravenous methylprednisolone, antiviral agents, and antibiotics, followed by a tapering dose of oral prednisolone and azathioprine. Two months after treatment, she was ambulatory without assistance. The dual pathomechanism of NMOSD triggered by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination and polyradiculitis caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection may have caused atypical clinical findings in our patient. Therefore, physicians should remain alert and avoid overlooking the possibilities of diverse mechanisms associated with neurological manifestations after SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination.
NK Cell-Based Immunotherapy in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Della Chiesa Mariella , Setti Chiara , Giordano Chiara , Obino Valentina , Greppi Marco , Pesce Silvia , Marcenaro Emanuela , Rutigliani Mariangela , Provinciali Nicoletta , Paleari Laura , DeCensi Andrea , Sivori Simona , Carlomagno Simona
Published: June 2022

Human Natural Killer (NK) cells are all round players in immunity thanks to their powerful and immediate response against transformed cells and the ability to modulate the subsequent adaptive immune response. The potential of immunotherapies based on NK cell involvement has been initially revealed in the hematological setting but has inspired the design of different immune tools to also be applied against solid tumors, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Indeed, despite cancer prevention screening plans, surgery, and chemotherapy strategies, CRC is one of the most widespread cancers and with the highest mortality rate. Therefore, further efficient and complementary immune-based therapies are in urgent need. In this review, we gathered the most recent advances in NK cell-based immunotherapies aimed at fighting CRC, in particular, the use of monoclonal antibodies targeting tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), immune checkpoint blockade, and adoptive NK cell therapy, including NK cells modified with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR-NK).
Enhanced In Vitro Expression of Filaggrin and Antimicrobial Peptides Following Application of Glycosaminoglycans and a Sphingomyelin-Rich Lipid Extract
Authors: Segarra Sergi , Naiken Tanesha , Garnier Julien , Hamon Valérie , Coussay Nathalie , Bernard François-Xavier
Published: June 2022

Filaggrin is an epidermal protein involved in skin barrier formation and hydration, whose expression is altered in canine atopic dermatitis (CAD). CAD patients also present an abnormal immune response with an altered expression of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), such as β-defensins and cathelicidins. Sphingolipids and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) have been reported to improve the skin barrier in several animal species, including dogs. Our objective was to evaluate the in vitro effects of a sphingomyelin-rich lipid extract (LE), a hyaluronic acid-rich GAG matrix, and their combination, on the expression of filaggrin and human β-defensin 2 (hBD-2). Filaggrin expression was quantified in a reconstructed human epidermis (RHE), and hBD-2 in normal human epidermal keratinocyte (NHEK) cultures. LE and GAGs were tested at 0.02 mg/mL, with or without adding a cytokine mix. A significant increase in mean hBD-2, compared to the control (99 pg/mL) was achieved with LE (138 pg/mL) and LE+GAGs (165 pg/mL). Filaggrin increased with GAGs (202% ± 83) and LE (193% ± 44) vs. the stimulated control, but this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05) only with LE+GAGs (210% ± 39). In conclusion, the tested GAGs and LE enhance filaggrin and AMP expression in vitro, which might benefit CAD patients if applied in vivo.
Recovery of Fecal Microbiome and Bile Acids in Healthy Dogs after Tylosin Administration with and without Fecal Microbiota Transplantation
Authors: Marclay Margaux , Dwyer Elizabeth , Suchodolski Jan S. , Lidbury Jonathan A. , Steiner Joerg M. , Gaschen Frederic P.
Published: June 2022

Antibiotics cause gut dysbiosis and bile acid dysmetabolism in dogs. The effect of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) on microbiome and metabolome recovery is unknown. This prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study included sixteen healthy purpose-bred dogs. All dogs received tylosin 20 mg/kg PO once daily (days 1–7) and were randomly assigned to either receive one FMT via enema (day 8), daily oral FMT capsules (days 8–21), or daily placebo capsules (days 8–21). Fecal samples were frozen at regular intervals until day 42. Quantitative PCR for 8 bacterial taxa was performed to calculate the fecal dysbiosis index (FDI) and fecal concentrations of unconjugated bile acids (UBA) were measured using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Tylosin altered the abundance of most evaluated bacteria and induced a significant decrease in secondary bile acid concentrations at day 7 in all dogs. However, most parameters returned to their baseline by day 14 in all dogs. In conclusion, tylosin markedly impacted fecal microbiota and bile acid concentrations, although return to baseline values was quick after the antibiotic was discontinued. Overall, FMT did not accelerate recovery of measured parameters. Further studies are warranted to confirm the value of FMT in accelerating microbiota recovery in antibiotic-associated dysbiosis in dogs.
Relationship between Ground Reaction Forces and Morpho- Metric Measures in Two Different Canine Phenotypes Using Regression Analysis
Authors: Della Valle Giovanni , Caterino Chiara , Aragosa Federica , Balestriere Caterina , Piscitelli Alfonso , Di Palma Cristina , Pasolini Maria Pia , Fatone Gerardo
Published: June 2022

Force plate analysis assesses gait symmetry and limb loading. However, as previously described, individual and breed variability (body size and conformation) is related to breeding, body conformation, and size. This prospective study aimed to evaluate the influence of morphometric measures on the speed (V), peak of vertical force (PVF), vertical impulse (VI), and stance time (ST) in healthy dolichomorph and mesomorph dogs and their combined effect on and interactions with V, PVF, VI, and ST in the same morphological types. Fifty dogs were enrolled in the current study, and specific morphometric measurements were recorded for each dog. A force platform was used to record the ground reaction forces (GFRs), including PVF and VI. Multiple linear regression models were used for the study purposes. According to our results, GFRs are influenced by morphometric measures (body weight, withers height, and speed) not so much as a single contribution, but by the interaction between them. It is not possible to compare GFRs in dogs that do not belong to the same breed. However, the subjective variabilities make this comparison difficult and poorly reliable. According to the author, the comparison should be made between canine morphological types rather than breeds.
Assessment of Nutrient Loads into the Ryck River and Options for Their Reduction
Authors: Trehan Mridul , Wichtmann Wendelin , Grygoruk Mateusz
Published: June 2022

A massive shift in agricultural practices over the past decades, to support exceptionally high yields and productivities involving intensive agriculture, have led to unsustainable agriculture practices across the globe. Sustenance of such high yields and productivities demand high use of organic and industrial fertilizers. This acts as a negative pressure on the environment. Excessive use of fertilizers leads to nutrient surplus in the fields, which, as a part of catchment runoff, flows into the water bodies as diffuse pollution. These nutrients through rivers are eventually passed into seas. High nutrients ending up into water bodies cause eutrophication. The situation is worsened when such unsustainable agricultural activities are carried out on drained peatlands. As a result, the nutrients that were not part of the nutrient cycle in the landscape for years begin to leach out due to mineralization of peatlands, thereby putting an additional load of nutrients on the environment, that was already under the negative impact of nutrient surplus. In view of the above, a small lowland catchment of the Ryck river in northeast Germany was assessed for its nitrogen losses from agricultural lands through empirical modelling. Initial empirical modelling resulted in an average annual total nitrogen loss of 14.7 kg ha−1 year−1. After a comparative analysis of these results with procured data, the empirical equation was modified to suit the catchment, yielding more accurate results. The study showed that 75.6% of peatlands in the catchment are under agricultural use. Subsequently, a proposal was made for potential wetland buffer zones in the Ryck catchment. Altogether, 13 peatland sites across 8 sub-catchments were recommended for mitigation of high nutrient runoff. In the end, nutrient efficiency of proposed WBZs in one of the sub-catchments of Ryck has been discussed. The results show that (i) the modified empirical equation can act as a key tool in application-based future strategies for nitrogen reduction in the Ryck catchment, (ii) restoration of peatlands and introduction of WBZs can help in mitigating the nutrient runoff for improved water quality of Ryck, and subsequently (ii) contribute to efficient reduction of riverine loads of nutrients into the Baltic Sea.
Impact of Moringa oleifera Seed-Derived Coagulants Processing Steps on Physicochemical, Residual Organic, and Cytotoxicity Properties of Treated Water
Authors: Chales Geane Garcia , Tihameri Beatriz Siqueira , Milhan Noala Vicensoto Moreira , Koga-Ito Cristiane Yumi , Antunes Maria Lúcia Pereira , Reis Adriano Gonçalves dos
Published: June 2022

This study explored the application of whole and defatted Moringa oleifera seed-derived coagulants in powder (P-MOS and DP-MOS), aqueous extraction (AEP-MOS and AEDP-MOS), and saline extraction (SEP-MOS and SEDP-MOS) in the treatment of a synthetic turbid water by coagulation, flocculation, and sedimentation in a jar test apparatus. The performance of M. oleifera seed-derived coagulants was quantified and compared with alum in terms of the ability to neutralize and restabilize the suspension charge, turbidity removal, effect on pH and electrical conductivity, residual organic matter, as well as cytotoxicity in the treated water. All evaluated forms of M. oleifera seed-derived coagulants were able to neutralize and restabilize (in overdose) the particles charges in the suspension. Saline extractions obtained the best turbidity removal results (90%) between the M. oleifera seed-derived coagulants, while alum removed 98% of turbidity. Differently from alum, increased dosage of M. oleifera seed-derived coagulants did not change pH value. Saline extractions and, to a lesser extent, alum increased the electrical conductivity with increasing coagulant dosage. M. oleifera seed-derived coagulants increased residual organic matter (DOC), unlike alum, which did not change this property with increasing dosage. Saline extractions at high dosages enhanced the cytotoxicity to mammalian cells. On the other hand, defatted seeds reduced water cytotoxicity when compared to whole seeds. Despite not being able to reduce the residual organic matter, the previous oil extraction proved to be an important step in the processing of M. oleifera seed-derived coagulants, not changing the turbidity removal capacity and reducing the cytotoxicity of the treated water in addition to generating a significant by-product (Ben oil). Although saline extractions have shown the best turbidity removal results, they should be used with caution due to increased electrical conductivity and cytotoxicity of the treated water at high dosages.
New Additions to the Guitar Family: Lego and Automatic Microtonal Guitars
Authors: CAN ACET Ruşen , BAŞAR Batuhan , ÇOĞULU Tolgahan , ÇOĞULU Atlas , ITALİA Tony , KESER Selçuk
Published: June 2022

One of the modern classical guitar’s biggest strengths is also one of its biggest weaknesses. The instrument depends on an equal temperament fretboard system that has lent itself to brilliant repertoire and ease of production, yet this same fretboard system does not lend itself to perfectly tuned notes and tuning systems not found in Eurocentric classical music. Many guitarists and luthiers have sought a fretboard system that marries the benefits of equal temperament with the rich possibilities of just intonation and other tuning systems. This paper presents two new fretboard designs and discuss their role in the history of guitar fretboard construction. Our first design is a fully functional fretboard made from the popular toy ‘Legos’ and solves many of the problems that previous designs had, including ease of use and production, affordability, and versatility. Our second design is a one-string prototype for an automatic (automated) fretboard that would allow performers to switch tuning systems instantly at the press of a button.
The problem of alcohol consumption and the prerequisites of alcoholism development in medical students
Authors:   Department of Psychiatry, Narcology, Psychotherapy and Clinical Psychology, «Saratov State Medical University n.a. Razumovsky» of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Filippova Natal’a Valer’evna , Azimova Shakhla Tofig kyzy ,   Faculty of Pediatrics, «Saratov State Medical University n.a. Razumovsky» of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Saratov, Aliev Rashad Ragif ogly ,   Faculty of Pediatrics, «Saratov State Medical University n.a. Razumovsky» of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Saratov
Published: June 2022

In many parts of the world, alcohol use, especially among young people, is a growing concern. Excessive alcohol consumption has a negative impact on various social aspects of life, social well-being and economic development in general, leading to the development of a range of mental and physical diseases, as well as causing injuries from road traffic accidents, suicide attempts and acts of violence. The results of an anonymous survey among students of the Saratov State Medical University named after V.I. Razumovsky of the Ministry of Health of Russia showed that despite sufficient awareness of the dangers of alcohol, young people continue to drink alcoholic beverages. This fact confirms the need for state regulation of alcohol consumption at the national and global levels. The harmful effects of alcohol consumption among young people can be reduced through the use of proven technologies and strategies for the prevention of alcohol dependence on the part of the state and society.
Giant pituitary adenomas, algorithm for selecting a treatment method: surgical, medical, radiological. Literature review
Authors:   Medical Institute, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, Abdelkhafez R.V. Abdelkhafez R.V. , Chmutin G.E. ,   Medical Institute, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, Chmutin E.G. ,   Medical Institute, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia
Published: June 2022

This article is devoted to the literature review on the topic of giant pituitary adenomas. The characteristics of giant pituitary adenomas and various methods of treating the disease will be considered. When diagnosing this disease, a clinical examination is not sufficient; it is necessary to use the neuroimaging method, which makes it possible to determine the degree of the tumor spread and the peculiarities of its location relative to the chiasm. The absolute method of choice for treating giant pituitary adenomas is surgical; other methods are used in special cases or as an adjunct. There is no single algorithm for surgical strategy for managing this disease; this applies to tumors which size exceeds 4 cm in diameter.
PENGARUH REKAYASA MODEL PEMBERDAYAAN MASYARAKAT TERHADAP POLA PEMBERIAN ASI
Authors: Djamilus Fauzia , Wahyuni Sri , Mulyati Sri , Astuti Maya
Published: June 2022

The target for achieving exclusive breastfeeding in 2025 globally is 50%. Exclusive breastfeeding coverage targeted in 2017 is 44%, the achievement of exclusive breastfeeding was only 35.7%. In West Java, the achievement of exclusive breastfeeding in 2016 was 46.4%., In Bogor City, the achievement of exclusive breastfeeding in 2017 was 49.5%. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of community empowerment engineering on breastfeeding patterns in Bogor Regency. The design used is a Quasi Experiment with a Non-Equivalent Group Design approach. The research population consists of, pregnant women in the third trimester, family assistants, midwives/nurses/nutritionists, cadres with a total sample of 60 segments each.. The intervention provided was an education in 4 segments in the form of breastfeeding education classes. The research area is determined based on the low level of achievement of exclusive breastfeeding. To find out if there is an increase in knowledge about breastfeeding and empowerment and breastfeeding patterns in each segment, it is tested with the Wilcoxon test. To determine the effect of community empowerment engineering on breastfeeding patterns, it was tested and analyzed using the Mann Whitney test. The results showed that there was a significant increase in knowledge of pregnant women, assistants, cadres and health workers after attending education. There is an effect of education on breastfeeding patterns.
Les interventions militaires étrangères récentes contre le terrorisme international – Seconde partie : droit applicable (jus in bello)
Authors: Van Steenberghe Raphaël
Published: June 2022

Recent foreign military interventions against international terrorism raise several questions with respect to international humanitarian law. Most of them concern the qualification of the hostilities between the intervening States and the terrorist groups and the identification of the rules of international humanitarian law applicable to those hostilities. Questions also arise about the geographical scope of application of such rules and the nature of the criminal prosecutions with respect to the people involved in the activities of the terrorist groups abroad. Different solutions may be given to answer those questions. The proposed approaches are intended to be consistent and are therefore mainly based on logic. Some of them imply a limited extension of international humanitarian law, in particular of the law of non-international armed conflict, while the other reject the applicability of some regulation considered as inappropriate.
Différend relatif à la délimitation de la frontière maritime entre le Ghana et la Côte d’Ivoire dans l’Océan atlantique – Arrêt de la chambre spéciale du TIDM du 23 septembre 2017
Authors: Kim Hyun Jung
Published: June 2022

L’arrêt du 23 septembre 2017 de la chambre spéciale du TIDM porte sur la délimitation maritime entre le Ghana et la Côte d’Ivoire et la responsabilité internationale du premier pour ses activités dans la zone contestée. En matière de délimitation maritime, la chambre spéciale s’est efforcée de renforcer la prévisibilité des décisions du TIDM par rapport à l’arrêt de 2012 relatif à la délimitation maritime entre le Bangladesh et le Myanmar. À cet effet, la chambre spéciale a réduit la flexibilité dans le choix de la méthode de délimitation et opté pour une position conservatrice quant à la détermination des circonstances pertinentes. Par ailleurs, la chambre spéciale avait l’occasion de contribuer au développement du droit de la mer au sujet de la question de la responsabilité internationale du Ghana ; néanmoins cette occasion n’a pas été saisie, ce qui est regrettable. L’arrêt s’avère toutefois novateur en ce qu’il attribue à la décision de délimitation maritime une nature «constitutive » . Cette innovation n’en reste pas moins contestable en ce qu’elle remet en question la nature juridique du titre sur le plateau continental.
La convention BEPS sur la fiscalité internationale : quoi de neuf pour le droit international ?
Authors: El Boudouhi Saïda
Published: June 2022

The article looks at the public international law aspects of the BEPS Convention adopted in 2016 and open for signature in 2017. This OECD and G20 Multilateral Instrument (MLI) raises first of all the question whether international tax law is a branch of public international like any other. To answer this question, the paper looks at the specificities of the Convention, through both its normative contents and the treaty law techniques that are used to craft this rather unusual instrument. The first part of the analysis thus draws on some of the substantive rules of the MLI such as the introduction of a new aim of fighting against the double non-imposition but it also critically assesses the procedural provisions relating to dispute settlement in international tax issues. In the second part, the paper particularly dwells upon the different flexibility clauses which amount to much more than the reservations system classically known in public international law. It also draws attention to the way in which the MLI relates to the bilateral tax conventions that it aims at modifying, thus questining the truly multilateral nature of the instrument.
The Effects of the Simulation Practice Education in Women’s Health Nursing through a Scoping Review
Authors:   Korean Society of Nursing Research, Park Sun Jung , Kwak Keun Hye
Published: June 2022

Purpose : The objective of this study is to arrange the educational foundation, which can be applied to the nursing practice education, through providing basic materials on the simulation practice education of women’s health nursing after analyzing the research trends on the simulation practice education in maternity nursing and systematically considering the characteristics of the program. Methods : The scoping review was applied for grasping 21 pieces of research trends on the simulation practice education in women’s health nursing, which were released domestically from 2011 to 2021. Results : A research on the effects of the delivery nursing education with the application of simulation based on the classification according to a research theme includes totally 12 pieces (57.1%). There were 3 pieces (14.3%) for a research with a comparison of the effects between the simulation practice and the clinical training education, 3 pieces (14.3%) for a research on the effects of the simulation education according to a learning method, 1 piece (4.8%) for a research on the effects of the integrated(maternal-child) simulation education, 1 piece (4.8%) for a research on a method of operating the maternal and child nursing simulation, and 1 piece (4.8%) for a research on educational effects of the patient role experience using a qualitative research. Conclusion : Simulation practice education in women’s health nursing, it is necessary to redesign various teaching and learning methods to improve the quality of practice content and composition, and to seek various strategies for students to practice without stress and achieve educational effects.