bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ritual and ceremonial functions of the Saryarka Kazakh food (20th–21st centuries)
Authors: Musagazhinova А.A. , Kabidenova Zh.D.
Published: June 2021

The study is aimed to identify the functions of the semiotic models in everyday food practices in the context of ritual and ceremonial activities. The objective of the research is the food practices extant in the modern Kazakh culture in the form of traditional beliefs and folklore. An ethnographic field research was carried out to collect ma-terials in the Northern and Central Kazakhstan by means of structured interview, photographic documenting, and video recording. Using specially designed questionnaires and focused checklists, 120 respondents were inter-viewed, 80 checklists completed, and 7 recipes and cooking technologies of traditional Kazakh cuisine characte-ristic to the region were recorded with respect to the traditional diet. The ethnicity of the respondents is Kazakhs. In our study, we used methods based on historical, cultural, ethnographic, semiotic, and hermeneutic analyses. The results of the research, collected during the field study, showed that in the modern everyday practices of the Kazakh ethnic group, there are established models of transfer of cultural experience from one generation to ano-ther. It has been found that the traditional ideas of the dietary culture have been preserved with the support of religious values. Rituals and ceremonies in the food culture of the modern Kazakh ethnic group are relevant for activities related to the life cycle of a person, from their birth, adulthood, to their funeral. Various types of beliefs and superstitions in food practices are considered, which in the traditional Kazakh culture reflect the close en-twinement of cosmogonic and religious worldviews within the triune of ‘Man, Nature, and God’. A set of ethical rules, related to the prohibitions and behavior at a meal in the food culture, is presented. Some surviving recipes of the traditional Kazakh cuisine have been identified. In the modern Kazakh society, along with the transforma-tion of the food culture, however, traditional cultural patterns and models prevail, notably, those formed during the pre-Islamic period and later on, taking into account the Islamic component.
Russian development and toponymy of the Pelym region according to written and field sources of the 18th–21st centuries
Authors: Dmitrieva T.N.
Published: June 2021

The paper is aimed at the study of the under-investigated Russian toponymy of the north of the Sverdlovsk Region, specifically, of the oikonyms — the names of villages — along the lower reaches of the Pelym River. The basin of the Pelym River, a tributary of the Tavda River, is of interest as the Mansi native territory. It is also an area of the early land development by the Russians beyond the Urals, which began at the end of the 16th century. The objective of this study is to establish the origins of the earliest layer of names of the Russian villages along the Pelym River and to trace the history of their functioning from the 18th century to the present day. The work is based on the material of historical documents (customs books of the town of Pelym of the second half of the 17th century), information from written, statistical, and cartographic sources (travel materials of academician G.F. Müller of 1742, expeditions of B. Munkácsi in 1888–1889, lists of the settlements of the Ural and Sverdlovsk regions, and modern maps of the region), as well as field materials of the 1960s collected by the Ural University Toponymic Expedition. Research methods include descriptive, etymological, comparative, reconstruction, and statistical analysis of linguistic material. It has been ascertained that almost all considered oikonyms have anthroponomical origins and are derived from the surnames of first settlers. They reflect the history of the deve-lopment of the Pelym region, including its active settlement by the Russian riflemen Streltsy (villages Krivonogova, Khudyakova, Kuznetsova, Tolmacheva etc.). The names of the Russian villages which were founded in the Mansi native territory were subjected to adaptation in the Mansi language, or the Mansi were gi-ving them their own names, which is clearly shown by the materials of B. Munkácsi of the late 19th century (Po-nomareva village → Panamarovskaya in Russian and Varaulėχ-pɵwėl in Mansi, Kadaulova (Kaidaulova) village → Khɵitėl-p. in Mansi etc.). Of the 17 Russian oikonyms of the lower Pelym known in the 18th century and recorded by G.F. Müller in the description of his travel in 1742, only one has survived to this day — the name of the village of Vekshina, which is still extant. The memory of the disappeared Pelym villages and their names are preserved by the local microtoponyms present on the modern maps, as well as by the surnames of the descendants of the inhabitants of these villages.
Semiyarka IV burial complex of the Middle Bronze Age (Eastern Kazakhstan)
Authors: Grushin S.P. , Merts I.V. , Merts V.K. , Ilyushina V.V. , Fribus A.V.
Published: June 2021

The paper is aimed at the analysis of the Middle Bronze Age materials from the Semiyarka IV burial ground in East Kazakhstan. In 2016–2018, two stone fences on the site were investigated by a joint expedition of the Altai and Pavlodar State Universities. The two fences contained human burials, inhumed in a wooden structure and in a composite stone cist box. The purpose of this work is to determine regional features and chronology of the Semiyarka IV funerary complex, as well as details of the ethnocultural development of the local population in the Middle Bronze Age. The research methodology includes analyses of the planigraphy and stratigraphy, compara-tive and typological study of the artifacts, anthropological investigation, examination of the pottery manufacturing technology, and radiocarbon dating. The technical and technological analysis of the pottery production was car-ried out using the method of A.A. Bobrinsky. Radiocarbon dates from wood and human bone samples were ob-tained by the liquid scintillation method in the archaeological technology laboratory of the Institute for the History of the Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The dates were then calibrated using CALIB 8.2 program and IntCal 20 calibration curve. The body of collected data allows us to conclude that the Andronovo burial ground of Semiyarka IV is distinguished by its syncretism which is manifested in two different cultural com-ponents. The first component, ‘Central Kazakhstan’, is represented by the architectural traditions of building stone fences and graves cemented with a clay mortar, as well as by the presence of chamotte in the pottery containing additives traditional for the population of Central Kazakhstan. The second component, ‘Siberian’, is represented by the tradition of building wooden crypts, and in the ceramics complex, by some peculiar ornamental patterns typical of the eastern Ob River valley. The site is dated to the turn of the 18th/17th –16th c. BC. The architectural similarities of the Semiyarka IV burial ground structures with the Yenisei sites suggest that their origin is associ-ated with the Irtysh River region. The migration period of the mobile Andronovo communities to the northeast is dated to the 17th c. BC.
The ornament of Tara and Baraba Tatars: archeological and ethnographic analysis
Authors: Istomina Yu.A.
Published: June 2021

The article concerns the ornament of the Turkic-speaking population of Western Siberia, namely, the Baraba and Tara Tatars. They represent local groups of Siberian Tatars and live in the territory of modern Novosibirsk and Omsk Regions. The issue of the development of the ornament of the Baraba and Tara Tatars is still open, as the materials of the 17th–18th centuries have yet been little touched upon. Since the end of the 20th century, due to the excavations, such opportunity has presented itself. The objective of this study is to identify ornamental ele-ments, to form a core of the ornament for the Baraba and Tara Tatars, and to consider what became of these elements. Two types of sources were used in the study: archaeological and ethnographic. The archaeological materials are represented by the ornamented ceramics and decorations from the monuments of the Omsk Irtysh and Barabinsk forest-steppe of the 17th–18th centuries. The ethnographic materials date mainly to the end of the 19th–20th centuries and include headdresses, clothes, shoes, and jewelry. We identified elements separately for each complex of objects of the Tara and Baraba Tatars, viz., archaeological and ethnographic, and, based on this, general tables were composed. The objective of the compilation was to identify similar ornamental base, which made it possible to identify common elements inherent to the Baraba and Tara Tatars, and elements spe-cific to only one group. As a result, significant similarity in the elements, motifs, zonality, and composition were observed. This similarity appears within the archaeologically recorded time and in the 19th–20th centuries. Ethno-cultural, social, family-marital relations, political and military actions, and migration to each other's territory were determining assimilation of the cultural traits. Meanwhile, the cultures of the Baraba and Tara Tatars had diffe-rences, which were due to their ethnocultural contacts. In the case of the Tara Tatars, this is manifested in a wider use of combed stamps. Their crockery featured a variety of compositions of the elements. Ceramics of the Baraba Tatars, on the contrary, was decorated with impressions and figured stamps. In the 19th–20th centuries, the orna-ment of the Baraba Tatars is distinguished by the use of wavy lines and corniform elements. Their ornamentation is characterized by geometrization (simple figures and complex elements). The ornament of the Tara Tatars is characterized by the use of floral motifs.
Human Activity Recognition with Deep Learning: Methods, Progress & Possibilities
Authors: Kumar Pranjal
Published: June 2021

Over the past decade, recognition of human activities (HAR) has become a vibrant field of research, in particular, the spread in our everyday lives of electronics such as mobile phones, smart cell phones, and video cameras. Furthermore, the advancement in the field of deep methodologies and other paradigms have enabled scientists to enable HAR in many areas, consisting of activities in fitness and wellness. For instance, HAR is one of many resorts to support older people through day-to-day activities to support their cognition and physicality. This study is centered on the key aspects deep learning plays in the development of HAR applications. Although numerous HAR examination studies were carried out previously, there have been no overall studies on this subject, in all the earlier studies there were only specific HAR-related subjects. A detailed review covering all the main subjects in this area is therefore essential. This study discusses the latest developments and works in HAR. It separates the methods and the advantages and disadvantages of each method group. This paper finally addresses many problems in the current HAR subject and provides recommendations for potential study.
Systematic Review of Centrifugal Valving Based on Digital Twin Modelling towards Highly Integrated Lab-on-a-Disc Systems
Authors: Ducrée Jens
Published: June 2021

Current, application-driven trends towards larger-scale integration (LSI) of microfluidic systems for comprehensive assay automation and multiplexing pose significant technological and economical challenges to developers. By virtue of their intrinsic capability for powerful sample preparation, centrifugal systems have attracted significant interest in academia and business since the early 1990s. This review models common, rotationally controlled valving schemes at the heart of such “Lab-on-a-Disc” (LoaD) platforms to predict critical spin rates and reliability of flow control mainly based on geometries, location and liquid volumes to be processed, and their experimental tolerances. In absence of larger-scale manufacturing facilities during product development, the method presented here facilitates the provision of efficient simulation tools for virtual prototyping and characterization to greatly expedite design optimization according to key performance metrics. This virtual in silico approach thus significantly accelerates, de-risks and lowers costs along the critical advancement from idea, fluidic testing, bioanalytical validation and scale-up to commercial mass manufacture.
Dimensions of knowledge in prototyping: a review and characterisation of prototyping methods and their contributions to design knowledge
Authors: Real Ricardo
Published: June 2021

Whilst prior works have characterised the affordances of prototyping methods in terms of generating knowledge about a product or process, the types, or ‘dimensions’ of knowledge towards which they contribute are not fully understood. In this paper we adapt the concept of ‘design domains’ as a method to interpret, and better understand the contributions of different prototyping methods to design knowledge in new product development. We first synthesise a set of ten dimensions for design knowledge from a review of literature in design-related fields. A study was then conducted in which participants from engineering backgrounds completed a Likert-type questionnaire to quantify the perceived contributions to design knowledge of 90 common prototyping methods against each dimension. We statistically analyse results to identify patterns in the knowledge contributions of different methods. Results reveal that methods exhibit significantly different contribution profiles, suggesting different methods to be suited to different knowledge generation. Thus, this paper indicates potential for new methods, methodology and processes to leverage such characterisations for better selection and sequencing of methods in the prototyping process.
Strategies to Inhibit Hepatitis B Virus Gene Transcription
Authors: Qu Bingqian , Brown Richard J. P.
Published: June 2021

Approximately 240 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV), despite four decades of an effective HBV vaccine. During chronic infection, HBV forms two distinct templates responsible for viral gene transcription: (1) episomal covalently closed circular (ccc)DNA and (2) host-genome integrated viral templates. Multiple ubiquitous and liver-specific transcription factors are recruited onto these templates and modulate viral gene transcription. This review details the latest developments in antivirals that inhibit HBV gene transcription, and their impact on the stability of viral transcripts. Notably, nuclear receptor agonists exhibit potent inhibition of viral gene transcription from cccDNA, small molecule inhibitors repress HBV X protein-mediated transcription from cccDNA and small interfering RNAs and single-stranded oligonucleotides result in transcript degradation from both cccDNA and integrant templates. These antivirals mediate their effects by reducing viral transcripts abundance, eventually leading to loss of surface antigen expression, and can potentially be added to the arsenal of drugs with demonstrable anti-HBV activity. Thus, these candidates deserve special attention for future repurposing or further development as anti-HBV therapeutics.
Application of the Generalized Nonlinear Constitutive Law in 2D Shear Flexible Beam Structures
Authors: Mrówczyński Damian , Gajewski Tomasz , Garbowski Tomasz
Published: June 2021

The paper presents a modified finite element method for nonlinear analysis of 2D beam structures. To take into account the influence of the shear flexibility, a Timoshenko beam element was adopted. The algorithm proposed enables using complex material laws without the need of implementing advanced constitutive models in finite element routines. The method is easy to implement in commonly available CAE software for linear analysis of beam structures. It allows to extend the functionality of these programs with material nonlinearities. By using the structure deformations, computed from the nodal displacements, and the presented here generalized nonlinear constitutive law, it is possible to iteratively reduce the bending, tensile and shear stiffnesses of the structures. By applying a beam model with a multi layered cross-section and generalized stresses and strains to obtain a representative constitutive law, it is easy to model not only the complex multi-material cross-sections, but also the advanced nonlinear constitutive laws (e.g. material softening in tension). The proposed method was implemented in the MATLAB environment, its performance was shown on the several numerical examples. The cross-sections such us a steel I-beam and a steel I-beam with a concrete encasement for different slenderness ratios were considered here. To verify the accuracy of the computations, all results are compared with the ones received from a commercial CAE software. The comparison reveals a good correlation between the reference model and the method proposed.
Effects of an equol-containing supplement on advanced glycation end products, visceral fat and climacteric symptoms in postmenopausal women: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yoshikata Remi , Myint Khin Zay Yar , Ohta Hiroaki , Ishigaki Yoko
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Equol, an isoflavone derivative whose chemical structure is similar to estrogen, is considered a potentially effective agent for relieving climacteric symptoms, for the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases, and for aging care in postmenopausal women. We investigated the effect of an equol-containing supplement on metabolism and aging and climacteric symptoms with respect to internally produced equol in postmenopausal women.Methods: A single-center, randomized controlled trial (registration number: UMIN000030975) on 57 postmenopausal Japanese women (mean age: 56±5.37 years) was conducted. Twenty-seven women received the equol supplement, while the remaining received control. Metabolic and aging-related biomarkers were compared before and after the 3-month intervention. Climacteric symptoms were assessed every month using a validated self-administered questionnaire in Japanese postmenopausal women.Results: Three months postintervention, the treatment group showed significant improvement in climacteric symptoms compared to the control group (81% vs. 53%, respectively, p=0.045). We did not observe any beneficial effect on metabolic and aging-related biomarkers in the intervention group. However, in certain populations, significant improvement in skin autofluorescence, which is a measurement of AGE skin products, and visceral fat area was observed, especially among equol producers.Conclusion: Women receiving equol supplementation showed improved climacteric symptoms. This study offered a new hypothesis that there may be a synergy between supplemented equol and endogenously produced equol to improve skin aging and visceral fat in certain populations.
Hydrogen Production from Biogas: Methods and Economic Analysis
Authors: Kumar Ravindra , Kumar Anil , Pal Amit
Published: June 2021

In present days, H2 is mainly produced via natural gas from thermochemical methods. The importance of renewable H2 production has increased due to energy issues, global environmental, fossil fuel depletion, and pure hydrogen demand. Biogas is produced from anaerobic digestion or carbon-based waste fermentation methods. It might be a substitute resource to the creation of hydrogen. Methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) are two significant constituents of biogas, and these are multipurpose feedstock materials for the generation of valuable chemicals and fuels. This paper presents major hydrogen generation techniques from biogas reforming in detail and a short discussion of biogas reforming's economic analysis. The effective operating parameters such as reaction temperature, gas hourly space velocity and O2/CH4 ratio are also discussed. Biogas has more potential; however, it needs more research on some issues such as deactivation of the catalyst, purification of biogas and removable of H2S. Various reforming methods can be nominated for H2 production depend on biogas composition, the need for hydrogen purity, investment availability and quantity of the desired hydrogen.
Comparison and toxicity assessment of co-composting process by pistachio wastes and date-palm straw combined with municipal sewage sludge
Authors: Parizi Habibe Jafariniya , Mokhtari Mehdi , Eslami Hadi , Madadizadeh Farzan , Jalili Mahrokh , Mobini Mohammad , Hosseini Abdolreza Nassab , Ebrahimi Ali Asghar
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to toxicity evaluate and compare the new co-composting process of pistachio dehulling waste combined with municipal sewage sludge (PW + SS) and date-palm straw combined with municipal sewage sludge (PS + SS). The process was evaluated over a 60-day period. During the process, physicochemical parameters (temperature, humidity, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), carbon to nitrogen ratio (C/N), ash and organic carbon (OC)), microbial indicators (parasite eggs, salmonella, E. coli), heavy metals (copper, zinc, Iron, manganese, lead, cadmium, nickel), and germination index were measured. The results showed that in the PW + SS reactor the maximum temperature reached 59°C on the 32th day and in the PS + SS reactor reached 39°C on 18th day. The pH level in PW + SS reached a minimum of 3.2 on the 14th day and then increased and finally reached a maximum of 9.5. The pH level in PS + SS had an increasing trend and finally reached 7.1. Ash percentage had an increasing trend in PW + SS and finally reached 27.5 and reached 19.1 in PS + SS (p = 0.038). EC, C/N and OC in both reactors had a significant decreasing trend. E. coli microbial indicator in both reactors decreased from ≥ 105 to zero at the end of the process. The amounts of heavy metals in both reactors had an increasing trend and were within the standard range. Toxicity assessment showed that the PS + SS compost was 100% in all concentrations and the PW + SS compost reached 100% by dilution; therefore, the product of PS + SS was less toxic than the product of PW + SS.
Technological Innovation and Green Growth: Evidence from South Asia
Authors: nosheen misbah , Shah Kashif Raza , Hasan Anam
Published: June 2021

Green growth means promote economic development and growth, while certify that natural assets continue to provide the resources and ecological. This research analyzes that how green growth is affected by technological innovation for South Asia (Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal) economies during 1990 to 2019. Basic econometric tests such as Cross-section dependence test, Panel unit root tests and Wester Lund co-integration test is applied. Furthermore, we use the FMOLS and DOLS models for estimating the impact of CO2 emissions on patent by resident, renewable energy consumption, foreign direct investment, and GDP per capita. The results of all panel unit root tests reveal that all the variables are stationary at a 1st difference. Westerlund panel co-integration test confirmed the long-run relationship. In both the FMOLS and DOLS models, the findings show that patent application by residents and renewable energy consumption have negative and statistically significant impacts on CO2 emissions. While GDP has positive and statistically significant effect on CO2 emissions and FDI has no effect on CO2 emissions in both the long run and short run. The results recommend that government needs to take sustainable energy related source, for instance, renewable energy consumption which are beneficial to ecosystem as it increases green economy.
Tear Osmolarity Changes Following External and Trans-Canalicular Dacryocystorhinostomy in Primary Acquired Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction
Authors: Gurez Ceren , Nacaroğlu Şenay Aşık , Yılmaz Ahu
Published: June 2021

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the tear osmolarity(TO) in patients with epiphora caused by primary acquired nasolacrimal-duct obstructions(PANDOs), before and one month after an external dacryocystorhinostomy(E-DCR) and trans-canalicular laser-assisted endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy(TLA-DCR).Material-Methods: Twenty eyes of 21 patients(16 women, 5 men) who suffered from epiphora and, 20 healthy eyes of the same subjects were included in this study. External(Group 1) or laser-assisted(Group 2) DCR were applied to all patients with PANDO.Results: The mean age of the subjects was 60.09±8.46 in Group 1, 57.50±9.41 in Group 2 and, 55.13±9.38 in healthy control subjects. The mean period for complaints of epiphora was 1.9±0.7 years. Nasolacrimal duct irrigation was successful in all patients at the first-month visit after surgery. Group 1 had a mean TO of 284.16±12.43 mOsm/l and, Group 2 had 286.70±10.46 mOsm/l before DCR, and this increased to 295.75±5.86 mOsm/l and, 298.70±8.76 mOsm/l one month after DCR, respectively. Preoperative TO values in both groups were significant hypoosmolar compared with the control group (292.27±9.65 mOsm/l). No significant differences were detected between postoperative and control group TO values.Conclusion: We found no significant osmolarity changes between surgery and control groups.
Comparison the Effect of Organized education by Group discussion and film screening on Anxiety and Contrast-induced nephropathy in Coronary catheterization Patients; A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Nastaran Majid , Aghebati Nahid , FalSoleiman Homa , Esmaily Habibollah , Jeddi Hossein
Published: June 2021

Background: Anxiety is one of the most prevalent psychological complications in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization that can be effective on the patients' understanding to do self-care to prevent some complications such as contrast induced nephropathy. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of education by group discussion with videotape on anxiety and contrast induced nephropathy of Coronary catheterization patients. Method: A randomized clinical trial was implemented with 213 patients in three groups at Javad-Al-Aemeh Hospital, Mashhad, Iran, during February to September 2018. An organized educational program was first developed based on an integrative review. The patients were randomly allocated to three groups: group discussion (n=71), film (n=73) and control (n=69) using randomized time blocks. Anxiety was assessed using Spiel Berger Inventory before and 1 hour after the education, before transferring to Cat Lab. The serum creatinine was assessed on arrival, 24 and 72 hours after the procedure. The data were analyzed using ANOVA, Tukey, repeated ANOVA, paired t test and chi square tests by SPSS16. Results: There was no significant difference in mean anxiety between groups before the intervention (P= 0.64), but the anxiety in the videotape group and group discussion decreased significantly after the intervention (p<0.001). There wasn't any significant clinical increase in serum creatinine in all three groups after 72 hours.Conclusion: Using Group discussion and film screening can be recommended to the community nurses to reduce the cardiac catheterization candidate patient's anxiety and prevent contrast-induced nephropathy.The present study was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials with a code of IRCT2016022626776N1.Registration date in IRCT : 2017-07-23, 1396/05/01https://www.irct.ir/trial/22094
Age- and gender-dependent differences in attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination and underlying psychological processes
Authors: Tanaka Toshiko , Nihonsugi Tsuyoshi , Ohtake Fumio , Haruno Masahiko
Published: June 2021

The most promising way to prevent the explosive spread of COVID-19 infection is to achieve herd immunity through vaccination. It is therefore important to motivate those who are less willing to be vaccinated. To address this issue, we conducted an online survey of 6232 Japanese people to investigate age- and gender- dependent differences in attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination and the underlying psychological processes. We asked participants to read one of nine different messages about COVID-19 vaccination and rate their willingness to be vaccinated. We also collected their 17 social personality trait scores and demographic information. We found that males 10-20 years old showed the minimum willingness to be vaccinated. We also found that prosocial traits are the driving force for young people, but the motivation in older people also depends on risk aversion and self-interest. Furthermore, an analysis of 9 different messages demonstrated that for young people (particularly males), the message emphasizing the majority’s intention to vaccinate and scientific evidence for the safety of the vaccination had the strongest positive effect on the willingness to be vaccinated, suggesting that the herding effect arising from the “majority + scientific evidence” message nudges young people to show their prosocial nature in action.
Superhydrophobic Materials With Good Oil/Water Separation And Self-Cleaning Prepared Through A Environment-Friendly And Two-Component Method
Authors: Lin Wensheng , Cao Mengting , Olonisakin Kehinde , Li Ran , Zhang Xinxiang , Yang Wenbin
Published: June 2021

A novel, versatile, environment-friendly, and economical method was developed to fabricate functional superhydrophobic surfaces on various substrates, including wood, bamboo, cotton, filter paper, sponge, glass, textile, and copper. This method involves synthesizing a two-component modifier solution consisting of SiO2 nanoparticles combination with poly(methylhydrogen)siloxane (PMHS) modification. The superhydrophobicity of the coated surfaces was created by PMHS combined with SiO2 nanoparticles to construct a rough hierarchical structure on the substrate surface. As a result, all superhydrophobic surfaces were maintained under an indoor environment and relative humidity (RH) of 50% for 30 days. Furthermore, the superhydrophobic surfaces were also maintained at environmental conditions of minus 20℃ for 24 hours. It was also confirmed that these surfaces exhibited excellent self-cleaning, oil/water separation, and elimination of underwater oil properties. The method for fabricating superhydrophobic materials proposed in this study will have great application potential in preparing large-scale superhydrophobic surfaces for use in ancient building protection.
Myth And Facts About The Evolving Role of Laparoscopic Splenectomy In Isolated High Grades Splenic Injuries In Hemodynamically Stable Patients With Blunt Abdominal Trauma. Randomized Controlled Trial.
Authors: Habeeb Tamer.A. A.M. , Osman Gamal , Ibrahim Amr , Riad Mohamed , Metwalli Abd-Elrahman M. , Mansour Mohamed . I. , mohamed Ahmed S. , negm Said . M. , Wasefy Tamer , Baghdadi Muhammad . A. , Sieda Bassem , elsayed Ashraf . a. , Amin Mohamed . F. , Abdalla Wael M , Elaidy Mostafa. M. , Mawla Walid A. , Mohammad Hatem , Habib Fady Mehaney , Abdelhamid Mohamed. I.
Published: June 2021

Background: Spleen is the most common intra-abdominal organ injury in blunt abdominal trauma. Splenectomy (open or laparoscopic) is the role in treatment of severe injuries of spleen or after failure of conservative treatment.Aim of the work: Compare the outcomes between open versus laparoscopic in high grade splenic injuries.Methods: This study includes 70 patients with various grades of splenic injuries in abdominal trauma. The patients were 15 years and older. They were categorized into two groups: open splenectomy group (35 patients) and laparoscopic splenectomy group (35 patients). The study was performed from January, 2012 to July 2017. Variables included demographics data, splenic injury graded by computerized tomography, duration of operation (in minutes), intra-operative blood loss (in ml), and intraoperative blood transfusion, length of hospital stay (in days), complications and mortality.Results: There was no significant difference or association between groups as regard age, sex and causes of splenic injury (p=0.374, 0.41, 0.38).Most cases were under 35 years old male patients exposed to motor car accidents. As regard intraoperative data, no statistically significant difference between both groups except for blood loss and transfusion that were statistically significant to the open group (p=0.039*).In the laparoscopic group, operational time was longer than open but no statistically significant (p=0.11).as regard conversion, we found that 14% of laparoscopic group (5 cases) had conversion. Most cases operated by laparoscopic approach were in grade III, IV with no cases tried in grade V (p=0.06). No statistically significant difference between both groups as regard postoperative variables except Pain (p=0.0003), and hospital stay(p=0.00) that were significantly longer among open group.The immediate postoperative complications showed that Wound infection, Missed injuries, pancreatic fistula and ileus were significantly higher among open group (p=0.00, 0.006, 0.02, 0.0004).The delayed postoperative complications where Incisional hernia (p=0.001) and Adhesive intestinal obstruction (p=0.00) were significantly associated with open group.Conclusion: In high-grade splenic injuries patients, this study found that laparoscopic splenectomy is safe.
Specific Serodiagnosis of Animal Brucellosis Based on A Recombinant Multiepitope Protein Antigen
Authors: Xu Linlin , Bai Qiongqiong , Zhang Jinpeng , Jiao Yang , Yin Dehui
Published: June 2021

Background: Brucellosis is a zoonotic infectious disease that causes substantial public health problems and endangers the development of animal husbandry in endemic areas, causing huge losses of personal property. Early diagnosis of sick animals is a crucial step in reducing the incidence of brucellosis.Objective: In this study, we designed a recombinant multiepitope protein (rMEP) as a serum diagnostic antigen for brucellosis and evaluated its diagnostic value in cattle and goats.Methods: An indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) was used to assess the new rMEP, and 159 goat and 153 bovine serum samples were measured, including brucellosis and nonbrucellosis samples. To better observe the effectiveness of rMEP, we performed receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.Results: Evaluation of the 159 goat serum samples showed that the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.9976, and compared with serum tube agglutination test (SAT) and the Rose Bengal plate agglutination test (RBPT), the positive and negative diagnostic accuracies of ELISA were 98.92% (92/93) and 96.97% (64/66), respectively. Evaluation of the 153 bovine serum samples showed that the AUC was 0.9974, and compared with those of SAT and RBPT, the positive and negative diagnostic accuracies of ELISA were 98.65% (73/74) and 96.20% (76/79), respectively.Conclusion: The results indicated that rMEP, as a protein antigen, can be used to diagnose brucellosis with high accuracy in both goats and bovines.
The Study on Angiotensin II Induced-Ferroptosis in Vascular Endothelial Cells
Authors: fang hong , liu Chi , Cavdar Omer , Shen Yi
Published: June 2021

PurposeTo verify the effect of Angiotensin II on ferroptosis in vascular endothelial cells and clarify the related mechanism. MethodsHUVECs were evaluated for p53, P21,ALOX12, VEGF, MDA,GSH. Molecular marker impact upon AngII-induced ferroptosis was evaluated with students’ t-test，one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).ResultsAs the concentration of Ang II increased，the level of ALOX12, P53,GSH and MDA increased in HUVECs. The expression of VEGFA in HUVECs is negatively correlated with dose of Ang II. Incubation of HUVECs in AngII and valsartan for 48hr reduces ALOX12, P21, GSH and MDA. Compared with the single AngII group, ALOX12, P21, GSH and MDA in valsartan group was decreased significantly（p=0.000）.In pifithrin-α hydrobromide-treated, ALOX12, P21, GSH and MDA was reduced significantly, as compared to valsartan group（p=0.000）. The most larger reduction in ALOX12, P21,GSH and MDA was pifithrin - α hydrobromide combined with valsartan group. In contrast, the expression of VEGFA increased significantly after HUVECs were treated with pifithrin - α hydrobromide and valsartan（p=0.000）.ConclusionsAngII can induce ferroptosis of vascular endothelial cells in a dose-dependent manner. The mechanism of AngII-induced ferroptosis may be regulated through the signal axis of ATR1,2-p53-ALOX12.
Cigarette Smoke-Induced Reduction of 14-3-3σ Expression Promotes The Progression of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Dai Longxia , Deng Quanwen , Liu Aibin , He Shuya , Chen Qiong , He Bixiu
Published: June 2021

Background Lung cancer is a common malignant tumour and the leading cause of cancer death. Smoking is closely related to lung cancer, which can not only induce the occurrence of lung cancer but also affect its progress and prognosis. Objectives To investigated the relationship between smoking and 14-3-3σ protein expression in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), investigated the relationship between 14-3-3σ expression and cell migration in A549 cells induced by cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and explored whether DNA methylation plays a role in the decreased expression of 14-3-3σ induced by CSE. Methods 14-3-3σ protein expression was examined by immunohistochemistry in 152 NSCLC tissue samples. In vitro experiments were divided into three groups: The current smoking group (CS), the ex-smoking group (ES) and the normal control group (NC). Cell transfection was used for 14-3-3σ protein overexpression. The mRNA and protein expression levels of 14-3-3σ were detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Cell migration was detected by Transwell and wound-healing assays, and the methylation of 14-3-3σ was detected by methylation-specific PCR. Results 14-3-3σ protein expression was decreased in NSCLC patients with a history of smoking. The expression of 14-3-3σ was decreased in A549 cells treated with CSE. The migration capacity of A549 cells treated with CSE was enhanced. DNA methylation in the cigarette smoke-treated A549 cells was higher than that in the untreated cells. Conclusion Cigarette smoke induced reduction of 14-3-3σ expression can promote the progression of non-small cell lung cancer.
Expression Patterns and Functional Analysis of E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Genes in Rice
Authors: zhang huijuan , Zheng Dewei , Song Fengming , Jiang Ming
Published: June 2021

Background: E3 ubiquitin ligases involve in many processes, containing the response to biotic and abiotic stresses. However, the functions of E3 ubiquitin ligases in rice were rarely studied.Results: In this research, 11 E3 ubiquitin ligase genes were selected and the function analysis was done in rice. These 11 E3 ubiquitin ligase genes showed different expression patterns under different treatments. The BMV:Os06g13870- infiltrated seedlings showed decreased resistance to Magnaporthe grisea (M. grisea) when compared with BMV:00-infiltrated seedlings, while BMV:Os04g34030- and BMV:Os02g33590-infiltrated seedlings showed increased resistance. They involved in the resistance against M. grisea maybe by regulating the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and expression levels of defense-related genes. The BMV:Os06g34390-infiltrated seedlings showed decreased tolerance to drought stress while BMV:Os02g33590-infiltraed seedlings showed increased tolerance, maybe through regulating proline content, sugar content and drought-responsive genes’ expression. BMV:Os05g01940-infiltrated seedlings showed decreased tolerance to cold stress by regulating malondial dehyde (MDA) content and cold-responsive genes’ expression.Conclusion: These results showed that E3 ubiquitin ligases involved in the resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses in rice.
Inhibition of the Extracellular Signal-regulated Kinase Pathway Restores the Discogenic Phenotype of Inflammatory Intervertebral Disc Cells
Authors: Tekari Adel , Marazza Alessandro , Gantenbein Benjamin
Published: June 2021

Background: Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a spinal disease caused by trauma and/or repetitive mechanical overloading of the spine which triggers inflammatory response pathways. Long-term disc inflammation may lead to development of spinal pseudoarthrosis. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the role of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway in inflammation-induced IVD cells. Methods: Inflammatory human nucleus pulposus cells (NPC) were stimulated using tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and the ERK pathway was blocked using a selective molecule-based inhibitor U0126. Gene expression of catabolic and anabolic events, pro-inflammatory, and NPC markers were investigated. The enzymatic activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)2/9 were determined by gelatin zymography. The cytoxicity of U0126 concentrations on NPC was quantified using resazurin assay, and the specificity of U0126 on ERK1/2 signaling was determined.Results: The pro-inflammatory cytokines like MMP3/13 and interleukin 6 in nucleus pulposus (NP) inflammatory conditions were down-regulated by U0126 and a trend towards an increase of the NP-specific collagen type 2, aggrecan and keratin 19 was observed suggesting a recovery of the NP phenotype. U0126 does not seem to have effect on prostaglandin production, aggrecanases and some anabolic genes. We confirmed that U0126 selectively blocks the ERK phosphorylation and U0126 affects the cells metabolic activity only for high concentrations. Conclusions: Inhibition of ERK signaling down-regulates important metalloproteinase, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and up-regulates NP markers in order to restore the discogenic phenotype of inflammatory NPC.
Naturally Occurring Antibodies Against Bim Are Decreased in Alzheimer’s Disease and Attenuate Ad-type Pathologies in a Mouse Model
Authors: Jian Jie-Ming , Fan Dong-Yu , Tian Ding-Yuan , Cheng Yuan , Sun Pu-Yang , Zeng Gui-Hua , He Chen-Yang , Wang Ye-Ran , Zhu Jie , Yao Xiu-Qing , Wang Yan-Jiang , Liu Yu-Hui
Published: June 2021

Background Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most popular neurodegenerative disease affecting cognitive functions of the elderly population. Neuronal apoptosis is an important pathological process during the development of AD. The Bcl-2-interacting mediator of cell death (Bim) mediates Amyloid-beta (Aβ)-induced neuronal apoptosis. Naturally occurring antibodies against Bim (NAbs-Bim) exist in human blood, with their levels and functions unknown in AD. Methods This study investigated the clinical relevance of plasma NAbs-Bim to AD in 55 AD patients, 28 patients with non-AD dementia, and 70 cognitively normal subjects. Furthermore, the pathophysiological functions of NAbs-Bim were explored in APP/PS1 mice and SY5Y cell lines overexpressing human amyloid precursor protein (APP). Results We found that plasma levels of NAbs-Bim were lower in AD patients in comparison with patients with non-AD dementia and cognitively normal controls. Plasma levels of NAbs-Bim were negatively associated with brain amyloid burdens and positively associated with cognitive functions. NAbs-Bim purified from intravenous immunoglobulin rescued behavioral deficits of APP/PS1 mice. NAbs-Bim ameliorated Aβ deposition, Tau hyperphosphorylation, microgliosis and neuronal apoptosis in APP/PS1 mice. In vitro investigations demonstrated that NAbs-Bim exerted neuroprotective effects against AD through neutralizing Bim-directed neuronal apoptosis and amyloidogenic processing of amyloid precursor protein. Conclusions The decrease of NAbs-Bim might contribute to the pathogenesis of AD and immunotherapies targeting Bim may hold promise for the treatment of AD.
Immediate Effects of the Dorsiflexion Angle of Hinged Ankle-foot Orthosis on the Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters of Children With Spastic Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Son IlHyun , Lee GyuChang
Published: June 2021

Background: It has been reported the effects of a hinged ankle-foot orthosis on the gait ability of children with cerebral palsy. However, no studies investigated the effects of the dorsiflexion angle of the hinged ankle-foot orthosis on the spatiotemporal gait parameters of children with cerebral palsy. This study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of a 10° dorsiflexion inducing ankle-foot orthosis the spatiotemporal gait parameters of children with spastic diplegia compared to barefoot and a hinged ankle-foot orthosis.Methods: This study was cross-over design. 10 children with spastic diplegia were walked with barefoot, a hinged ankle-foot orthosis, and a 10° dorsiflexion inducing ankle-foot orthosis. GAITRite was used to collect the spatiotemporal gait parameters including gait velocity, cadence, step length, stride length, single leg support, and double leg support. Results: It showed that a 10° dorsiflexion inducing ankle-foot orthosis significantly improved the gait velocity, cadence, step length, stride length, single leg support, and double leg support than barefoot and a hinged ankle-foot orthosis (p<.05). Conclusion: The results of this study implied that a 10° dorsiflexion inducing ankle-foot orthosis could improve the gait ability of children with spastic diplegia more than barefoot or a hinged ankle-foot orthosis. High quality future studies will need to examine the effects of hinged ankle-foot orthosis on gait ability according to dorsiflexion angles.
Determination of Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment for Management of Patients With COVID-19
Authors: Jung Jongtak , Song Kyoung-Ho , Jeong Hyeonju , Ham Sin Young , Kim Eu Suk , Kim Hong Bin
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Few studies have investigated the contamination of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the management of patients with severe to critical coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This study aimed to determine the necessity of coveralls and foot cover for body protection during the management of patients with COVID-19.
Methods

PPE samples were collected from physicians exiting a room after the management of a patient with severe to critical COVID-19 who was within 14 days after symptom onset. The PPE sites were categorized into coverall-only parts (the frontal surface of the head, anterior neck, dorsal surface of the foot cover, and back and hip) and gown-covered parts (the anterior side of the forearm and the abdomen). Environmental sampling was performed in patient rooms. We tried to identify significant differences in contamination with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) between the coverall-only and gown-covered parts.
Results

A total of 105 swabs from PPE and 28 swabs from patient rooms were collected. Of the PPE swabs, only three (2.8 %) swabs from gown-covered parts were contaminated by SARS-CoV-2. However, 23 of the total 28 sites (82.1%) from patient rooms were contaminated. There was significant difference in the contamination of PPE between coverall-only and gown-covered parts (0.0 vs 6.7%, p = 0.022).
Conclusions

Coverall contamination rarely occurred while managing severe to critical COVID-19 patients residing in negative pressure rooms in the early stages of the illness. Long-sleeved gowns may be used safely in the management of COVID-19 patients.