bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decyzje Prezesa UOKiK w sprawach zmów przetargowych
Authors: Brzezińska-Rawa Anna
Published: September 2022

Przedmiotem zainteresowania autorki w niniejszym opracowaniu są decyzje Prezesa UOKiK. W tekście dokonano analizy z zakresu porozumień ograniczających konkurencję w postaci zmowy przetargowej z ostatnich dziesięciu lat. W tym czasie Prezes UOKiK wydał 75 decyzji z tego zakresu. Od tych decyzji w 32 przypadkach złożono odwołanie; w 64 decyzjach nałożono karę pieniężną, a w przypadku pozostałych 11 decyzji postępowanie umorzono albo odstąpiono od wymierzenia kary.

W artykule przeanalizowano kwestię oceny szkodliwości zmów przetargowych przez Prezesa UOKiK, zaistniałe formy zmów przetargowych i dowody świadczące o ich zawarciu, a ponadto przypadki odstąpienia od wymierzenia kary ze względu na precedensowy charakter sprawy. W swoich decyzjach Prezes UOKiK nie miał wątpliwości co do szkodliwości zmów przetargowych i naruszenia interesu publicznego w wypadkach, gdy zmowy te zostały zawarte. Licznie wykrywane były zmowy, które polegały na uzgodnieniu warunków składanych ofert, a także zmowy, w których działania przedsiębiorców zakładały rozstawianie i wycofywanie ofert. W analizowanych decyzjach Prezes UOKiK konsekwentnie formułował i podtrzymywał tezę o trudnościach dowodowych w wypadku praktyk uzgodnionych, gdy nie doszło do zawarcia umowy cywilnoprawnej między uczestnikami porozumienia.
Ugody w unijnym i amerykańskim prawie konkurencji
Authors: Maziarz Aleksander
Published: September 2022

Artykuł dokonuje analizy przepisów dotyczących zawierania ugód w prawie konkurencji UE oraz USA. Skupia się przede wszystkim na ustaleniu, jakie przesłanki należy spełnić, aby przedsiębiorstwo mogło skorzystać z tej formy zakończenia postępowania antymonopolowego. W opracowaniu zbadano również, czy udział w postępowaniu ugodowym jest dostępny potencjalnie dla każdego przedsiębiorstwa, które naruszyło prawo konkurencji, oraz czy wprowadzono wystarczające zachęty dla przedsiębiorstw, skłaniające je do udziału w takim postępowaniu. Zestawienie rozwiązań przyjętych w UE i USA pozwoliło na wskazanie elementów modelowego rozwiązania co do ugód w prawie konkurencji.
Interwencjonizm państwa członkowskiego Unii Europejskiej w gospodarce
Authors: Kosikowski Cezary
Published: September 2022

Do sytuacji państwa członkowskiego Unii Europejskiej odnoszą się równocześnie wszystkie trzy rodzaje współczesnego interwencjonizmu w gospodarce (międzynarodowy, unijny i państwowy). Pozostają one w związku współistnienia i zależności oraz się uzupełniają. Interwencjonizm międzynarodowy i unijny nie pozbawiają racji bytu interwencjonizmu krajowego wykonywanego przez państwa członkowskie UE. Jest to jednak interwencjonizm inny niż tradycyjny interwencjonizm państwowy z XIX i pierwszej połowy XX wieku.

Zadaniem współczesnego państwa jest bowiem osiągnięcie poziomu cywilizacyjnego rozwiniętych państw. Dlatego jego obowiązkiem powinno być dążenie do uzyskania członkostwa w najważniejszych organizacjach międzynarodowych i integracyjnych oraz ratyfikowanie innych, ważnych z punktu widzenia społeczeństwa i gospodarki, umów międzynarodowych. Dzięki temu społeczeństwo danego państwa może liczyć na to, że jego władze krajowe sięgną po nowoczesne wzorce i standardy rozwoju cywilizacyjnego. Obecnie dotyczą one nie tyle samej gospodarki i jej mechanizmów, ile szeroko rozumianego bezpieczeństwa (klimatycznego, energetycznego, zdrowotnego, demograficznego czy socjalnego). Bezpieczeństwo ma gwarantować właściwa polityka społeczna i gospodarcza państwa. Współczesny interwencjonizm państwowy polega zatem na wdrażaniu do prawa i praktyki krajowej standardów rozwiązań ustalonych w ramach prawa interwencjonizmu międzynarodowego i unijnego. Wiąże się też z koniecznością uzupełniania pewnych rozwiązań w drodze regulacji krajowych, o ile zezwalają na to przepisy prawa międzynarodowego i unijnego.
Para divertir paixões caseiras
Authors: Borges Sílvia Guimarães
Published: September 2022

Este artigo propõe uma leitura crítica da tese Para divertir paixões caseiras: azulejaria portuguesa do Convento de São Francisco, Salvador/ BA, defendida no Programa de Pós-Graduação em Artes Visuais/ Escola de Belas Artes/ Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. Apresenta análises dos painéis azulejares e avalia o resultado do processo de pesquisa, identificando motivações analíticas e raízes teóricas.
“Contar o tempo”
Authors: Jaremtchuk Dária
Published: September 2022

A mostra Contar o tempo, que ocorreu no Centro Maria Antônia da Universidade de São Paulo, reuniu trabalhos de arte que apresentam formas e materialidades diversas de percepção e apercepção do tempo. Partiu-se da ideia de que o tempo não é um fluxo contínuo, homogêneo e mensurável. Tampouco a experiência temporal pode ser considerada única, unidirecional e uniforme, pois as dimensões sociais, políticas, psicológicas e intelectuais interferem no que se compreende como tempo. A exposição procurou mostrar também a atuação da universidade pública na busca da produção e da circulação do conhecimento, demonstrando o papel e o comprometimento dessa instituição com as artes visuais, assim como com a sociedade. Desse modo, a reflexão que aqui se desenvolve apresenta os traços gerais dessa experiência e das obras expostas.
Perbandingan Detektor FID dan MS dalam Penentuan Sitronelal Minyak Atsiri Sereh Wangi
Authors: Ruwindya Yorfan
Published: September 2022

Perbandingan metode penentuan sitronelal dalam minyak sereh ini dilakukan untuk mengetahui perbandingan metode kromatografi gas detektor FID dengan kromatografi gas detektor MS. Kandungan sitronelal dalam sampel minyak sereh wangi yang diperoleh dengan detektor FID serta detektor MS masing-masing sebesar 49,34% dan 42,97%. Metode kromatografi gas detektor FID dan detektor MS memiliki nilai presisi yang baik dengan nilai %RSD kurang dari 2% yaitu sebesar 0,295% dan 1,114%. Hasil uji t diperoleh nilai t hitung > t tabel yang artinya Ho ditolak dan Hi diterima. Hasil uji t menunjukkan bahwa kedua metode memberikan hasil yang berbeda secara signifikan terhadap kandungan sitronelal dalam minyak sereh wangi tetapi masih dapat diterapkan pada laboratorium.
The Rebirth of Essentialism: William Bagley and Arthur Bestor's Perspectives on Basic Education
Authors: BAYRAK Beyhan
Published: September 2022

In the historical process, different educational theories have emerged and these theories have affected the education systems of countries. In this process, an essentialist approach has emerged, which describes education as the transfer of cultural values and advocates the transfer of basic disciplines by the teacher. Essensialism, especially in the early 20th century, became an organized movement and turned into a theory as a result of the reactions it showed against the progressive understanding. The progressive education approach criticized by the Essensialists has affected the education system of many countries as well as the Turkish and American education systems. According to Essensialist thinkers, while the standards and achievements of European schools have increased recently, the academic standards of American schools, which adopt a progressive approach and ignore disciplined basic education, have decreased. The aim of this study is to analyze the ideas of William Bagley and Arthur Bestor, who think that progressive and constructivist theories weaken and weaken the education system, and who are considered to be the founders of the 20th century Essentialist approach. In the study, Bagley's views on basic education and his war against the progressive understanding that prioritizes student experience will be examined. In the next process, the disciplined intellectual education approach created by Bestor within the framework of liberal education and his criticisms of the progressive understanding that characterizes education as preparation for life will be analyzed.
Literature review : macrohabitat metrics to identify presence of chiroptera on the landscape in the United States
Authors: Saltus Christina , Britzke Eric
Published: September 2022

This special report reviews current scientific literature to identify the most commonly cited metrics used to describe the macrohabitat criteria important for Chiroptera presence in the United States. The review evaluates 69 scientific articles from 1994 to 2018. The most commonly cited metrics were divided into four main categories: tree-species-level metrics, landscape-level metrics, distance metrics, and topographic and atmospheric metrics. Of all metrics found, the top six most common metrics noted across all articles were percent canopy cover, diameter at breast height (DBH), forest type, distance to water, distance to roads or other urban features, and tree density. In addition, 27 of the 47 (57%) bat species located within the United States were represented. These metrics provide important insight into the regional or national species-level distribution and assist with modeling the relationship between species distribution and habitat change.
ADSCs increase the autophagy of chondrocytes through decreasing miR-7-5p in Osteoarthritis rats by targeting ATG4A
Authors: zhao shu , wang Jian , wu baitong , yang danjing , wang guangming , xiu Guanghui , ling bing , wen yi , li huimin , du dajiang , xu jun
Published: September 2022

Background:Osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly degenerative joint disease, mainly companying with progressive destruction of articular cartilage. Adipose-derived stromal cells (ADSCs) therapy enhances articular cartilage repair, extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis and attenuates joints inflammation, but specific mechanisms of therapeutic benefit remain poorly understood. This study aimed to clarify the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of ADSCs on cartilage damage in keen joint of OA rat model.Methods:In vivo study, destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) and anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) surgery-induced OA rats were treated with allogeneic ADSCs by intra-articular injections for 6 weeks. The protective effect of ADSCs in vivo was measured using Safranin O and fast green staining, immunofluorescence and western blot analysis. Meanwhile, the miRNA-7-5p (miR-7-5p) expression was assessed by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The mechanism of increased autophagy with ADSCs addition through decreasing miR-7-5p was revealed using oligonucleotides, adenovirus in rat chondrocytes. The luciferase reporter assay were used to reveal the molecular role of miR-7-5p and autophagy related 4A (ATG4A). The substrate of mTORC1 pathway: (p-)p70S6 and (p-)S6 in OA models with ADSCs addition were detected by western blotting.Results:The ADSCs treatment repaired the articular cartilage and maintained chondrocytes ECM homeostasis through modulating chondrocytes autophagy in OA model, indicators of the change of autophagic proteins expression and autophagic flux. Meanwhile, the increased autophagy induced by ADSCs treatment was closely related to the decreased expression of host-derived miR-7-5p, negative modulator of OA progression. Functional genomics (overexpression of genes) in vitro studies demonstrates inhibition of host-derived miR-7-5p in mediating the benefit of ADSCs administration in OA model. Then ATG4A were defined as a target gene of miR-7-5p, and the negative relation between miR-7-5p and ATG4A were investigated in OA model treated with ADSCs. Furthermore, miR-7-5p mediated chondrocyte autophagy by targeting ATG4A in OA cell model treated with ADSCs was confirmed with the rescue trial of ATG4A/miR-7-5p overexpression on rat chondrocyte. Finally, the mTORC1 signaling pathways mediated by host-derived miR-7-5p with ADSCs treatment were decreased in OA rats.Conclusions:ADSCs promotes the chondrocytes autophagy through decreasing miR-7-5p in articular cartilage by targeting ATG4A and a potential role for ADSCs based therapeutics for prevention of articular cartilage destruction and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation in OA.
Risk factors of myocardial injury in liver cirrhosis associated esophagogastric variceal bleeding
Authors: Liu Bihan , Li Qi , Ding Huiguo , Wang Shanshan , Pang Lifang , Li Lei
Published: September 2022

Background and aim: Myocardial injury in liver cirrhosis associated esophagogastric variceal bleeding (EGVB) is a serious complication of liver cirrhosis, which burdens the disease. However, few studies have investigated this field. Here, we aimed to investigate risk factors for myocardial injury in liver cirrhosis associated EGVB.
Methods: 249 patients with liver cirrhosis associated EGVB were included in this retrospective cohort study. We divided these patients into liver cirrhosis associated EGVB with myocardial injury group and non-myocardial injury group. Clinical data from all the patients in the Department of Emergency at our hospital were collected and analyzed.
Results: 90 (36.2%) patients were diagnosed with combined myocardial injury, and 159 (63.8%) patients without myocardial injury in this study. Compared with non-myocardial injury group, more patients in myocardial injury group smoked, had moderate or severe esophageal varices, liver failure and liver function of Child-pugh C. Patients with myocardial injury had significantly higher level of ALT, AST, total bilirubin, INR and PT than those without myocardical injury. The 6-week mortality rate was 21% in myocardial injury group, which was markedly higher than 7% in the non-myocardial injury group. Liver failure, degree of esophageal varices and mean arterial pressure were independent risk factors for myocardial injury in liver cirrhosis associated with EGVB.
Conclusion: Patients with myocardial injury in liver cirrhosis associated EGVB have a significantly higher mortality rate than those without myocardial injury. Liver failure, degree of esophageal varices and mean arterial pressure are independent risk factors for myocardial injury in liver cirrhosis associated EGVB.
Super-Apollonian circles and lattices of Gaussian integers
Authors: Fleury Marc , Hannachi Nicolas
Published: September 2022

We study the circles of the Apollonian band circle super-packing, which are also the images of the real projective line by all linear fractional transformations of the group PLS (2 ,Z [ i ]) . This super-packing takes place on the torus rather than on the plane. We focus first on the connection between these circles and lattices in the ring of Gaussian integers. Then we explore the group structure of the set of such circles with given curvature. The end of this paper is more geometrically-minded and describes first a test to determine whether a Gaussian circle is Apollonian or not, then a process which yields quickly all Gaussian circles with curvature smaller than a given integer. We develop algorithms for each of the computational problems we encounter.
MSC Classification: 11E25 , 11G99 , 20K01 , 52C26
Newly Identified A-type Granite in Western Yangtze Block and Its Geochemistry Characteristics
Authors: Mabi Awei , Li Yanlong , Zhang Mingchun , Yang Zhengxi
Published: September 2022

Numerous Neoproterozoic granitic intrusions occur over a north-south distance of more than 700 km in western Yangtze Block. In this paper, we newly identified Shimian granitic pluton as A-type granite which was previously considered as S-type granite in the region, with presenting its zircon U-Pb age, Lu-Hf isotopic and whole-rock geochemical data. The selected fresh samples for this study are mainly porphyritic biotite monzogranites. They are weak peraluminous, A2-subtype granites, displaying high contents of SiO2 and K2O, low Cao and Na2O with the characteristics of high silica, rich potassium, and low sodium. They are enriched in incompatible trace elements, but low in trace elements compatible in mafic silicates and feldspars, and chemically characterized by having high REE and Ga abundances and low Al, Ni, Ba, Sr, and Eu abundances. The major and trace element behavior suggests that the granites are formed by advanced fractional crystallization. Zircon U-Pb age shows the Shimian granitic pluton was emplaced at 728 ± 20 Ma. The studied granites yield an average 176Hf/177Hf value of 0.282363 (εHf = 0.8) with a 94% confidence interval of 0.282334 to 0.282384 (εHf = -0.1 to 1.7), indicating that they are derived from remelting of juvenile continental crust. We suggest that this newly identified A-type granite at Shimian, southwestern China was more plausibly generated in an extensional setting as a result of slab window caused by a ridge subduction, which can account not only for the formation of voluminous granitoids, but also for the basalts, boninitic pillow lavas, and SSZ-type ophiolites in western Yangtze Block.
Investigation of Boron Addition to Dried Alfalfa In Vitro Ruminal Profile and Potential for Reducing Enteric Methane Emission
Authors: Yıldız Gültekin , AYDIN ÖZLEM DURNA , Toygar Ufuk
Published: September 2022

The aim of our study is to investigate the effects of increasing doses of boron on methane gas production amounts, short chain fatty acids level, protozoa number and organic matter digestibility in vitro with HFT (Hohenheim Futterwert Test) technique. In vitro incubation was performed in the Hohenheim Gas test method at 39°C for 24 hours in the study. Dried alfalfa was used as substrate for fermentation. Increasing doses of boron were used on fresh rumen fluid, buffer solution and dried alfalfa. In the study, 54 syringes were used for a total of 6 groups, including 1 control and 5 trial ( B1: 25 ppm boric acid, B2: 50 ppm boric acid, B3: 100 ppm boric acid, B4: 200 ppm boric acid, B4: 500 ppm boric acid). The measurement of methane gas at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 24th hours of boric acid addition at increasing doses was found to be significant the difference between the groups at each hour under in vitro rumen conditions. When we look at the effect of the dose; Increasing doses appear to reduce methane production for each measured hour. The difference between the measured hours (except the 24th hour) of each group was not significant. However, the difference between the groups was found to be significant in the methane measurement made only for the 24th hour. At the 24th hour of fermentation under in vitro rumen condition, acetic acid and total short chain fatty acid values were linearly and cubically affected. With increasing doses of boron, propionic acid, isobutyric acid, butyric acid and valeric acid values were linearly affected The total number of protozoa was not affected by the addition of increasing doses of boron at the 24th hour of fermentation under in vitro rumen conditions. Consequently, the addition of boric acid at increasing doses in in vitro rumen conditions decreased methane production and positively affected the amount of some short-chain fatty acids, organic matter digestibility and total short chain fatty acids. In the light of these findings, it was emphasized that boron has the potential to reduce methane emissions from ruminant animals, considering the greenhouse gas effect.
In-vitro gas production kinetics and methane emission potential of selected indigenous legume fodder tree and shrubs in the semi-humid condition of the southern Ethiopia
Authors: mihiretu getchew abraham , Kechero Yisehak , Andualem Dereje
Published: September 2022

The aim of the study was to determine the in-vitro gas production characteristics and methane emission potential of the indigenous legume fodder tree and shrub (ILFTS). The most common 11 ILFTS species were selected and the leaves, fruit and pod samples were collected, oven dried and ground for experimental analysis. The potential leaf biomass yield was estimated by measuring the stem diameter. The contents of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), ether extract (EE), crude protein (CP), acid detergent lignin (ADL), Ash, total phenolic (TP) and condensed tannin (CT) were analyzed. The Gross energy (GE), digestible crude protein (DCP), digestible energy (DE), total digestible nutrient (TDN), digestible carbohydrate (DCHO), digestible crude fat (DCF) and metabolizable energy (ME) were estimated. In-vitro gas production technique was used to determine the gas production characteristics and methane emission potential of the ILFTS. Metabolizable energy (ME, MJ /Kg DM), organic matter digestibility (OMD) and short-chain fatty acids (SCFA, µmol) were calculated using the values of proximate analysis and gas volume. The study indicated a wide variation in the nutritional value parameters among the ILFTS species. The potential leaf biomass yield, nutritive quality, gas volume, gas production characteristics and methane emission potential, OMD, ME, and SCFA revealed significant variation with species and agroecological zones. Moreover, GE, TDN, DE, TP and CT showed negative correlation with the gas volume unlike methane which showed positive correlation. In general, the gas volume, gas production characteristics and methane emission of the ILFTS species depends on their chemical and cell wall composition. Thus among the ILFTS species examined Acacia hocki leaf and Acacia tortilis pod in the lowland excelled in their nutritional quality for feeding ruminants however the midland species had comparable qualities.
Tissue distribution and correlations of heavy metals in wild birds from Southern Turkey: an ecologically important region on the west Palearctic migration route
Authors: Yipel Mustafa , TEKELİ İbrahim Ozan , İŞLER Cafer Tayer , ALTUĞ Muhammed Enes
Published: September 2022

The aim of the present study was to investigate concentrations of environmentally relevant heavy metals (As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Pb, Zn) in feathers, muscle, heart, kidney, and liver tissues of wild birds (golden eagle [Aquila chrysaetos], sparrowhawk [Accipiter nisus], and white stork [Ciconia ciconia]) from Hatay province, southern Turkey. Fe had the highest mean concentration, while Hg had the lowest mean concentration in all bird species and tissues. Compared to the literature Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn concentrations were lower; Cd, Fe, and Mn concentrations were higher. The highest mean concentrations (mg kg− 1) or accumulation levels in essential metals were 16.45 for Cu in feathers, 350.50 for Fe in kidney, 11.43 for Mn in kidney, 17.87 for Zn in muscle. The concentrations of non-essential metals were 1.66 for As in feathers, 1.13 for Cd in kidneys, 0.10 for Hg in muscle, and 2.50 for Pb in feather. The correlations between essential and non-essential metals were positively significant except for: As and Se; Cd and Cr, Mn, Se, Zn; Hg and Cr, Mn, Se; Ni and Se, Zn; Pb and Se. Monitoring contaminants in bioindicator wild animals (terrestrial and aquatic species) is an important technique for assessing and maintaining environmental health.
ELF5 promotes non-small cell lung cancer cell proliferation through regulating the expression of APC2
Authors: Wen Jing , Qin Genggeng , Jiang Zhaojing , Lin Zixun , Zhou Ruixin , Wen Chanjuan , Cui Zhong-Kai , Chen Weiguo , Song Qiancheng
Published: September 2022

ELF5 is known to regulate the specification and differentiation of epithelial cells in the embryonic lung. However, the pathological function of ELF5 in lung cancer remains elusive. In the present study, ELF5 expression was found to be significantly higher in lung adenocarcinoma than that in corresponding adjacent normal tissues. We performed cell and animal experiments to investigate the role of ELF5 in lung adenocarcinoma cells. The results indicated that the overexpression of ELF5 increased the proliferation of lung adenocarcinoma cells, on the contrary, the reduction of ELF5 decreased the proliferation of lung adenocarcinoma cells. Mechanistically, we advance ELF5 promoted lung cancer cell proliferation through inhibiting APC2 and increased Cyclin D1 expression which is a critical downstream target of Wnt pathway. Taken together, these findings supported that ELF5 plays an essential role in the proliferation of lung adenocarcinoma cells and may act as a candidate of therapeutic target to treat lung adenocarcinoma.
Correlation of Tibial Torsion With Hamstring Tightness and Waist Hip Ratio in Young Overweight Adults
Authors: Metgud Santosh , D'Silva Pamela , Babar Gargi
Published: September 2022

Background: Hamstring is the two joint muscles originating from the ischium and inserting on the tibia and fibula and skeletal structures are connected with the myokinetic chains in the body, change in the length of muscle fibers might lead to alteration in the biomechanics of the skeletal structures and might alter tibial torsion. On the other hand, increase in the obesity also imposes stress on the body structures which might lead to change in the kinematics of the joint. Study also aims to find correlation between hamstring tightness, waist hip ratio with tibial torsion.
Method: This was an observational study, including 125 participants aged between 18 to 21 having internal or external tibial torsion and BMI between 23 to 29.9. The participants were evaluated for the hamstring tightness and waist hip ratio.
Results: Study found significant correlation at 5% level with linear association between internal tibial torsion and hamstring tightness for both right and left side (p<0.001) and significant correlation between external tibial torsion and hamstring tightness for both right and left side (p<0.001). But results did not show significant correlation between tibial torsion and waist hip ratio.
Conclusion: There is a significant correlation between both internal and external tibial torsion with hamstring tightness concluding that tightness of the hamstring might lead to tibial torsion while on the other hand there is no correlation between waist hip ratio and tibial torsion which shows alteration in the waist hip ratio does not affect on the torsion of the tibia.
A Hospital Based Study of Attitude Toward the Concept of Brain Death and Organ Donation in Turkey
Authors: Hanoğlu Mine , Yulug Burak , Hanoglu Lutfu , Velioglu Halil Aziz , Tokac Mahmut
Published: September 2022

Background Brain death in Turkey was defined as death and was accepted by official and religious authorities in a relatively early period without sufficient discussion and social consensus. Thus, there is considerable distrust and hesitation about the concept of brain death and related organ donation in Turkish society. We created a sample story in which the concept will be clearly understood in detail. Herein, we targeted healthcare workers and evaluated their attitudes towars brain death. Moreover, we assessed the effects of race, religiousness, and political conservatism parameters on their attitude. Methods A total of 491 participants aged 18–70 hospital workers were included to this study in different fields. The participants were asked to answer the evaluation questions about their demographic characteristics and conservative and religious attitudes. Finally, they were evaluated with an example story about brain death that was clearly understood in detail, the participants were asked to answer the questions on a 5-point Likert scale. Results We observed that 49.6% of the answers showed a positive attitude before the explanatory story. Furthermore, we observed that a higher education level is the most determining factor for positive attitudes. When the concept of death is explained within the framework of a story, only 32.1% of respondents approved of donating their organs. However, if the person consents to donate their organs with their own decision, this rate increased to 75.2% with a high rate of agreement. If the person is a close relative with a positive request for donation, the approval rate of the donation was 63.4%. We also determined that a positive attitude towards organ donation was inversely correlated with a higher education level and religiosity. Conclusion There is considerable resistance in society to consider this as a biological death, although it is recognized both by medical and religious authorities as legal. Higher education and a liberal world perspective have a positive effect on attitude, while religious belief has a negative effect. Even when the brain death concept is clearly explained and the candidate donor has a positive view of brain death and organ donation, this obstacle can be overcome to a certain degree approaching rates reported in Western countries.
Hepatic venous pressure gradient after balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration and liver stiff measurement predict the prognosis of the patients with gastric varices
Authors: Shirane Yuki , Murakami Eisuke , Imamura Michio , Kosaka Masanari , Johira Yusuke , Miura Ryoichi , Murakami Serami , Yano Shigeki , Amioka Kei , Naruto Kensuke , Ando Yuwa , Uchikawa Shinsuke , Teraoka Yuji , Uchida Takuro , Fujino Hatsue , Ono Atsushi , Nakahara Takashi , Kawaoka Tomokazu , Miki Daiki , Yamauchi Masami , Okamoto Wataru , Tsuge Masataka , Chosa Keigo , Awai Kazuo , Aikata Hiroshi , Oka Shiro
Published: September 2022

Background
Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (B-RTO) is a treatment option for patients with gastric varices (GVs). This study aimed to clarify the clinical significance of portal hypertension estimated by the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG), subsequent exacerbation of esophageal varices (EVs), and prognosis of patients who underwent B-RTO for GVs.
Methods
Thirty-six patients with GVs treated with B-RTO were enrolled in this study, and their HVPG was measured before (pre-HVPG) and on the day after B-RTO (post-HVPG). After B-RTO, patients were followed-up for median 24.5 (3–140) months. Clinical factors related to EV exacerbation and prognosis after B-RTO were retrospectively analyzed.
Results
Post-HVPG increased from pre-HVPG in 21 out of 36 patients (58%), and overall post-HVPG was significant higher compared to pre-HVPG (P = 0.009). During the observation period, EV exacerbation was developed in 19 patients (53%), and the cumulative EV exacerbation rates at 1, 3, and 5 years after B-RTO were 27%, 67%, and 73%, respectively. Pre-HVPG was not correlated to EV exacerbation, but elevated post-HVPG of ≥ 13 mmHg (P < 0.01) and high level of serum aspartate aminotransferase (P < 0.05) were significant independent risk factors for EV exacerbation after B-RTO. Fourteen patients (38.9%) died during the observation period. Elevated liver stiffness measurement (LSM) of ≥ 21 kPa was the significant independent risk factor for poor prognosis after B-RTO (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
HVPG increases after B-RTO. HVPG after B-RTO predicts subsequent EV exacerbations more perceptively than HVPG before B-RTO. LSM is a potential prognostic parameter for patients who underwent B-RTO.
An investigation into arsenic speciation in a wetland impacted by acid mine drainage
Authors: Chetty Shaeen , Humphries Marc S , Blümlein Katharina , Pillay Letitia
Published: September 2022

The formation of acid mine drainage (AMD) and release of toxic contaminants, such as arsenic (As), is a serious environmental problem encountered worldwide. In this study, we investigate the crucial role the Klip River wetland system plays in attenuating As arising from gold mining activities within the Witwatersrand Basin in Johannesburg, South Africa. Mining operations in the region commenced over 130 years ago and have been associated with the widespread pollution of water resources by AMD. We investigated As concentrations, bioavailability and speciation in a peat core from the Klip River wetland as well as in samples from the main tributaries and tailing storage facilities (TSFs) in the upper catchment. Total As concentrations in tributary and TSFs samples ranged between 10.1 – 89.9 mg kg-1 and 77.4 – 106 mg kg-1, respectively, with concentrations in the wetland varying between 1.91 – 73.8 mg kg-1. In general, As bioavailability was low in both catchment (19%) and wetland (4%) samples, with elemental associations suggesting the majority is bound in an immobile form to organic matter and sulfide. As(v) was the predominant species detected in all samples (0.0901 – 16.6 mg kg-1), with As(iii), MMA and DMA present in lower concentrations. Strong correlations between As and S suggest that speciation and methylation are dependent on both chemical and microbial activity. The study highlights the vital role that wetlands can play in sequestering As in the environment.
Immunity Reaction by Chemotherapy Drug With DNP or penicillin Intratumoral Injection in Mice Bearing Tumor
Authors: Baofa Yu , Zhang Jian , Fu Qiang , Han Yan , Zheng Guoqin , Gao Feng , Jing Peng , Zhang Peicheng , Zhou Shengjun
Published: September 2022

Aim
To observe the abscopal effect related to immunity reactions induced by an intratumoral injection of a chemotherapy drug with DNP or penicillin.
Methods
The C57BL/6 mice melanoma injected by a difference drug with DNP or penicillin and dissected for qPCR assay of expression of immune genes.
Results
It showed that hapten combine drug induced inflammation for expression of the Colla1, CD4, IL12aÂ, TGFb1Â, Elastin, NFKB, Cox2, CD11b/c, CD8, TNFaÂ was detected at day1,4 and 7. The different drug and hapten induced a similarity expression of these genes. Both DNP or penicillin with the drugs of Adr, BLM or PYM, can induce the immunity reaction in tumor of mice. This difference may be attributed to the drug of Adr, BLM or PYM combined with DNP or penicillin. The combination plays a strong partnership in the haptenation with tumor antigens released from tumor cell damaged by Adr, BLM or PYM, and penicillin as hapten is reported in to stimulate haptenation. The results are a good indication an example of what to use for a generic drug as a new indication of cancer treatment.
Discussion
Use of drugs with DNP or penicillin can induce strong immunity expression of CD4, IL12aÂ, CD11b/c, CD8 and TNFaÂ. It is the most important of CD11b/c expression in acute inflammation for APC in tumor immunity while the drugs was killing the tumor to cut down of tumor load, bring their immunity to be relatively strong in against the remaindering of tumor cells which related abscopal effect.
Linking single nucleotide polymorphisms to metabolic risk and matrix remodeling in abdominal aortic aneurysms
Authors: Lim Chrysania , Pratama Muhammad Yogi , Silvestro Michele , Rivera Cristobal , Tsao Philip S. , Maegdefessel Lars , Gallagher Katherine A. , Maldonado Thomas , Ramkhelawon Bhama
Published: September 2022

Introduction:
Genetic hereditary predisposes to AAA. However, the pathobiological relevance of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to the development of AAA is not fully elucidated. The present study investigated 86 AAA SNPs from GWAS and clinical cohort studies to determine their phenotypical vulnerabilities in AAA.
Methods
SNPs from GWAS catalog and available clinical cohort were collected in this study. The SNPs were annotated using snpXplorer AnnotateMe tool to identify its chromosomal position, minor allele frequency (MAF), CADD (Combined Annotation Dependent Depletion)-annotation based pathogenicity score, variant consequence, & their affected gene. Gene enrichment analysis was performed on AAA-related genes using Gene Ontology (GO) terms and clustered using REVIGO. The plug-in GeneMANIA in Cytoscape was applied to reveal an association network integration of the SNPs with associated genes and functions.
Results
15 SNPs affecting 20 genes with a CADD pathogenicity score above 10 were identified. AAA SNPs were predominantly located on chromosome 3 and 9. Stop-gained rs5516 KLK1 obtained high frequency in AAA (17.8%) and was associated with proinflammatory and vascular remodeling phenotypes. Our clinical cohort identified significant positive association of the SNPs presence with aortic diameter (P = 2.003e− 05), hypertension (P = 0.013), dyslipidemia (P = 0.042), and smoking history (P = 0.037) in AAA groups. Gene-ontology and Network association analysis showed that AAA SNPs and their associated genes could regulate signaling pathways including lipid metabolism, extracellular matrix organization, smooth muscle cell proliferation, and oxidative stress, suggesting that these AAA traits could be inheritable.
Conclusion
We show a library of inborn SNPs and associated genes that manifest in the presence of risk factors and uncovered their pathological signaling traits that are likely transmitted through familial lineage culminating in AAA development.
Removal of Metals by Sorption with Metal Concentration Colour Sensitive Azotized Polyethylene Terephthalate Adsorbent
Authors: Mwangi Isaac , Cheruiyot Nicholas , Wanjau Ruth , Ngila Jane Catherine
Published: September 2022

This paper reports on the preparation and modification of azotized polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as a stable and colour sensitive absorbent for metals in aqueous media and its application in the removal of heavy metal ions from water. This study successfully functionalized PET to produce an azotized material which was confirmed by FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) analysis and its metal adsorption property confirmed by FAAS (flame atomic absorption spectroscopic) analysis. The modified material exhibited colour variations upon interaction with metal ions. The material was capable of indicating when exhausted, and was then applied for the removal of the metals from water. Sorption parameters were investigated and optimized at fixed temperature (25°C). The optimum pH for the adsorption of copper, lead and chromium was 6.0 except that of cadmium was that was adsorbed at a pH value of 5.5. The uptake of the metals studied was found to be very fast as about 90% was adsorbed within the first 10 min of contact time. The adsorption of lead and cadmium prescribed to first order kinetics thus monolayer adsorption implying a chemisorption process while the adsorption of copper and chromium was of second order kinetics of multilayer adsorption. This could also be due to copper and chromium being smaller species hence being more interactive than lead and cadmium. The adsorption capacities of copper, lead, cadmium and chromium were found to be 46.47, 33.65, 70.93 and 59.06 mg g− 1 respectively. The metal ions attached on the adsorbent were easily stripped of by the use of 1.0 M nitric acid, hence easily regeneratable. The results obtained confirmed that azotized PET has potential application as a colour sensitive sorbent for the removal of heavy metal pollutants from water.
Anatomical Features of Proximal Fifth Metatarsal Fracture: A Radiographic Study
Authors: Li Ming-hui , Chen Xu , Huang Lei , You Gui-xuan , Tang Xiao-gao , Li Bing-kun , Zhou Xin , Wang Ding-xuan , Zhang Lei
Published: September 2022

Background
The existing study is not in-depth enough to address the high risk of fifth metatarsal proximal fracture nonunion. The purpose of this study was to investigate basic anatomical structure characteristics of the fifth metatarsal and to provide a clinical anatomical basis for the prevention and treatment of basal fractures of the fifth metatarsal.
Methods
Medical records were obtained and retrospectively reviewed to determine the differences in foot type and metatarsal morphology between fractured and non-fractured participants. Some related indicators of the fifth metatarsal were measured and analyzed anatomical data for clinical support.
Results
Seventy normal metatarsals and one hundred and twenty-three patients were included in the analysis. In comparison between normal and proximal fractures of the fifth metatarsal, we found that there was a significant difference in the lateral separation angle on the foot oblique radiographs (P < 0.05). In addition, in fractures, there was no difference between different injured areas. All lengths except the length of interface between fifth metatarsal and fourth metatarsal had statistical difference between men and women in gender (P < 0.05), and there were statistical differences in the contact length of joint surface between fifth metatarsal and dice (P < 0.05), the length of interface between fifth metatarsal and fourth metatarsal (P < 0.05), the width of the fifth metatarsal (P < 0.05) and the fifth metatarsophalangeal angle (P < 0.05) on the measurement side.
Conclusion
In the prevention of proximal fifth metatarsal fractures, special attention should be paid to the prevention of left foot and the recovery of lateral separation angle. In addition, due to differences in length, auxiliary supports and screws should be used longer in males than in females during treatment.
Genetically engineered macrophage membrane-coated nanoparticles for enhanced tumor targeting and synergistic cancer therapy
Authors: Qin Weijun , Zhang Keying , Han Donghui , Wang Jingwei , Li Yu , Xu Chao , Yang Xiaojiang , Yang Fa , Liu Shaojie , Zhao Xiaolong , Li Hongji , Jiang Yao , Ma Shanjin , Zhang Jingliang , Jiao Jianhua , Bu Te , Zhang Qiang , Zhang Rui , Yang Angang , Zhang Ruili , Wang Zhongliang , Wen Weihong
Published: September 2022

The poor targeting capability of systemically administered drugs is a major hurdle in designing effective therapies with minimal off-target side effects. Here, as a proof of concept, we propose a genetic engineering strategy to embed a prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeting antibody fragment (gy-1) in the macrophage membrane, which is then coated onto core-shell Fe3O4@Au nanoparticles to produce a biomimetic nanoplatform, Magic. The results indicate that Magic exhibits not only high specificity and affinity towards prostate tumor cells in vitro and in vivo, but also effective immunomodulatory capability. Upon further encapsulation with the anti-tumor drug DM1, Magic shows superior synergistic effects in highly targeted chemo-photothermal therapy and potent immunotherapy, eliciting significant therapeutic efficacy against tumor growth, micro-metastasis and concomitant damage without overt toxicity. These findings reveal that Magic may provide a promising platform for enhancing cancer treatment by overcoming undesired drug delivery barriers and the tumor immune microenvironment.
Highly sensitive and selective detection of the pancreatic cancer biomarker CA 19-9 with the electrolyte-gated MoS 2 -based field-effect transistor immunosensor
Authors: Rahmani Hedyeh , Majd Samira Mansouri , Salimi Abdollah
Published: September 2022

Background: Since the evaluation of CA 19-9 antigen level in human serum is crucial for the early diagnosis of a vast range of diseases, especially pancreatic cancer, it is important to apply a simple, rapid and sensitive detection method. We employed an electrolyte-gated field-effect transistor with MoS2 nanosheets channel as an immunosensor for recognition of CA 19-9 tumor marker.
Method: To obtain MoS2nanosheets, the liquid-phase exfoliation method was carried out by dispersing MoS2 crystals in N, N-dimethylformamide. After that, the dispersed MoS2 nanosheets were dropped onto the region between the source and drain electrodes to create a semiconducting channel of MoS2. Later, the MoS2 channel surface was modified by employing 1-naphthylamine (NA) and glutaraldehyde (GA) for covalent immobilization of antibody 19-9 on the surface of the MoS2 nanosheets. The decreasing of source- drain current of the proposed FET in the presence of CA 19-9 antigen concentration measured.
Results: Electrical measurements revealed the depletion mode n-type behavior of MoS2nanosheets with the FET mobility of 0.02 cm2 V-1 s-1, current on/off ratio of 883.96, and the subthreshold swing of 795.54 mV/decade. Due to the n-type behavior of the MoS2-based FET immunosensor, increasing the concentration of the CA 19-9 antigen from 1.0×10-12 U/ml to 1.0×10-4U/ml resulted in the decrease of the source-drain currents. Compared to other techniques, using MoS2-based FET immunosensor for CA 19-9 antigen detection exhibited a lower detection limit of 2.8×10-13 U/ml and a wide linear range. The designed MoS2-based FET immunosensor, owning a great selectivity, was operated precisely for trace amounts of real human serum samples.
Conclusions: Possessing vast beneficial properties makes the MoS2-based FET immunosensor a marvelous alternative for detecting even the lowest concentration of CA 19-9 antigen in human serum samples in the early stages of pancreatic cancer, to improve the chance of curing the disease.
A prospective multicenter phase II study of FOLFIRINOX as a first-line treatment for patients with advanced and recurrent biliary tract cancer
Authors: Takahara Naminatsu , Nakai Yousuke , Isayama Hiroyuki , Sasaki Takashi , Morine Yuji , Watanabe Kazuo , Ueno Makoto , Ioka Tatsuya , Kanai Masashi , Kondo Shunsuke , Okano Naohiro , Koike Kazuhiko
Published: September 2022

Purpose: Given the promising activity and tolerability of FOLFIRINOX as a second-line treatment for advanced biliary tract cancer (BTC), it can be an attractive first-line treatment option as well.
Materials and Methods: This is a single-arm, open-label, multicenter phase II study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of FOLFIRINOX as a first-line treatment for patients with advanced BTC. Primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS), and the secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), tumor response and safety. This study defined primary endpoint might be met when the lower limit value of 80% confidence interval [CI] of the median PFS ≥ 6.0 months.
Results: Between June 2016 and March 2020, 35 BTC patients (21 intrahepatic, 10 extrahepatic, 2 gallbladder, 2 ampulla) including 26 unresectable and 9 recurrent disease were enrolled. After a median follow-up of 13.9 months, the median PFS and OS were 7.4 (80% CI, 5.5-7.5) and 14.7 (80% CI, 11.8-15.7) months, respectively. Complete response was achieved in 1 (2.9%) and partial response in 10 (28.6%), giving an objective response rate of 31.4% and disease control rate of 74.3%. Major grade 3-4 adverse events included neutropenia (54.3%), leukopenia (34.4%), febrile neutropenia (17.1%), thrombocytopenia (8.6%), cholangitis (8.6%), anemia, nausea, diarrhea, and peripheral sensory neuropathy (2.9% each).
Conclusion:.FOLFIRINOX was well tolerable in patients with advanced BTC, however, this study did not meet the primary endpoint to conduct a phase III trial. Thus, further explorations are required to find a subset of patients and/or certain clinical scenario which might be beneficial from FOLFIRINOX.
Impulse Noise Reduction using Isolated Vector Median Filtering using K- Means Clustering in Digital Color Images with Application to Medical Diagnosis of SARS-COV-2 Covid19 Disease and Visual Tracking
Authors: Gantenapalli Srinivasa R. , Choppala Praveen B. , Meka James S.
Published: September 2022

This paper proposes a new approach for filtering out impulse noise in digital color images. This work is of critical interest in biomedical imaging, visual tracking, etc. The conventional filtering methods operate by applying a noise reduction scheme, generally the vector median filtering approach and its variants, for the center pixel of a suitably chosen window that iteratively slides along the entire image. These methods consider the window in its entirety in the filtering process. This consideration, however, comprehends the noise within the noisy pixels in the filtering process and could prove detrimental to the overall output. The method proposed in this paper operates by clustering the pixels in the chosen window into two groups, one that corresponds to the pixel intensities that lie in the signal space and the other to those that lie in the noise space. The motivating rationale for this clustering scheme is to marginalize those pixels that lie in the noise space that seemingly do not contribute to the information in the image. The median filter is then applied to the pixels that contribute to the signal, in isolation of the color components, to filter out the impulse noise. Simulation results show that the proposed method outperforms conventional filtering methods in terms of noise reduction and structural similarity and thus validates the proposed approach. The proposed method is applied to analyze CT scans for improved diagnosis of SARS-COV-2 Covid19 disease. The method is also applied to a visual tracking example as a preprocessor.