bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indonesia Natural Zeolite as Heterogeneous Catalyst for Biodiesel Production
Authors: Sutrisno Bachrun , Muhammad Alif , Genta Zikriani , Hidayat Arif
Published: January 2021

The problem associated with biodiesel production is economic feasibility. The biodiesel cost will reduce when the low cost feedstock was used. Kapok seed oil (KSO) is a promising candidate as raw material for biodiesel synthesis. In this research, the investigation of biodiesel synthesis from KSO was studied using Indonesia Natural Zeolite as heterogeneous catalysts. The catalyst was tested to synthesize biodiesel from KSO. The reaction temperatures, KSO to methanol mole ratio, and catalyst amount were varied to examine their effects on biodiesel synthesis. The highest biodiesel yield of 84% were obtained at 65°C of reaction temperature, 1:16 of KSO to methanol mole ratio, and 10% of catalyst amount.
Analysis of the Effectiveness of the New Generation of Additives in Improving Physical and Mechanical Properties of Highway Subgrades
Authors: Trautvain Anna I. , Yakovlev Evgeniy A. , Gridchin Anatoly M.
Published: January 2021

At present, the introduction of only organic or inorganic binder is not always sufficient for the practical application of stabilized soils. The research investigated the effect of the stabilizing additives Chimston, Baustab and Dorstab on changing a number of parameters over time, such as: average density, water saturation, ultimate compression and tensile strength, and frost resistance. All the researched parameters were determined at intermediate and target age — 7, 14 and 28 days respectively. Tests to assess the effectiveness of various stabilizing additives in strengthening loamy soil have shown the feasibility of using Baustab and Chimston-3 additives (in the dosage of 2%). Introduction of additives into the soil composition allowed obtaining soil with high strength characteristics and higher frost resistance as compared to the control composition. Composition No.2 has the compressive strength of 5.1 MPa and the tensile strength of 1.6 MPa. Composition No.7 has the limit of compression strength of 5.4 MPa, and the limit of tensile strength of 1.27 MPa. Thus, both compositions have the strength grade M40. Such soil will be subject to minimal subsidence and loss of strength.
Characterization of Different Brazilian Soils for the Production of Ceramic Artifacts
Authors: Azevedo A.R.G. , Klyuev S.V. , Klimenko V.A. , Marvila M.T. , Fediuk Roman
Published: January 2021

The ceramic materials production industry produces a wide variety of products, such as sealing blocks, roof tiles and shackles, used in civil construction. However, one of the major problems related to the production of these artefacts is the large consumption of natural raw material, which are the clays that are calcined and acquire appropriate technological properties. Brazil is a country that has great prominence in the production of ceramic blocks, used to reduce the existing housing deficit, however the great variability in the characteristics of the soils in the country makes this process very difficult. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the physical and chemical characteristics of four different soils collected in deposits in the city of Campos dos Goytacazes, evaluating right after its technological parameters such as the flexural mechanical strength, water absorption and linear burning retraction of the calcined prismatic specimens at 750, 850 and 1100 °C. The results showed that the collected soils have adequate characteristics for the production of ceramic blocks at a temperature of 1100 °C.
Comparative Resistance of Concrete with Aggregates and Fillers of Different Composition
Authors: Rakhimbayev Shark M. , Tolypina Natalia M. , Khakhaleva Elena N. , Tolypin Daniil A.
Published: January 2021

The paper studies the influence of aggregates and fillers with negative and positive electrical surface properties on the corrosion resistance of concrete. The advantage of resistance of fine-grained concrete on marble sand in comparison with concrete on quartz sand, regardless of the type of aggressive environment, is established. At the same time, the stability of samples of powdered concrete with 10 and 30% of fine-grained filler changed little when replacing the quartz powder with marble one. It is shown that the resistance coefficients of powdered concrete samples with quartz filler (10%) do not differ from the resistance coefficients of samples of a similar composition with crushed marble filler, and with an increase in the dosage of the filler (30 %) slightly exceed. It was found that in powder concretes without aggregates, the contact layer between the cement matrix and the aggregate is absent, so the composition of the mineral powder plays a much smaller role in the corrosion processes of cement stone. The obtained results allowed establishing that electrokinetic phenomena play a secondary role, and the main influence on the stability of fine-grained concrete is the processes of pore colmation by chemical reactions, as well as the interaction of the surface layers of the aggregate with the cement matrix.
Effectiveness Evaluation Criteria of Using Fine Powders of Secondary Concrete as a Component of Composite Binder
Authors: Drozdyuk Tatiana , Ayzenshtadt Arkady , Aksenov Sergey
Published: January 2021

The paper considers the possibility of using energy criteria (surface activity, free surface energy) to quantify the efficiency of a highly dispersed system consisting of fine particles of secondary concrete as a component of composite binder of the hydration type of hardening. Using the G.A. Zisman method, the value of the critical surface tension was determined for secondary concrete fractions with different degrees of dispersion, which gives an idea of the free surface energy of a surface area unit. Based on the experimental data for determining the specific surface area and critical surface tension, the free surface energy and surface activity of the studied concrete powder were calculated, which can serve as criteria for quantitative energy characteristics of raw materials for the production of composite binders. Calorimetric studies related to measurements of the thermal effects of the hydration reaction of highly dispersed samples of secondary concrete have shown that this process is exothermic, the enthalpy of hydration of which is comparable to a similar parameter for cement. It was experimentally shown that fine powders of secondary concrete are effective as components of a composite binder, but they need to be pre-activated to optimal parameters, one of which is surface activity. In addition, the symbasis of changes in surface activity, the specific heat of the hydration reaction of highly dispersed concrete fractions and the compressive strength of fine-grained concrete samples made by using a composite binder containing a highly dispersed fraction of secondary concrete was established.
Effects of Calcination Temperature and Time on the Physical-Chemical Efficiency of Thermally Activated Clays in Cement Systems
Authors: Balykov Artemy S. , Nizina Tatyana A. , Volodin Vladimir V. , Kyashkin Vladimir M.
Published: January 2021

Introduction of finely disperse mineral additives of natural and man-made origin to Portland cement in order to improve the indicators of its physical-mechanical properties and partially replace clinker is one of the urgent directions for solving the resource and energy saving problems, as well as environmental protection problems in the production and application of building materials. The expansion of the raw material base of mineral additives can be achieved by using calcined polymineral clays, which are common in many regions of the Russian Federation, including the Republic of Mordovia. The article presents the results of research on the effects of calcination temperature and time of thermally activated polymineral clays of the Republic of Mordovia on their physical-chemical efficiency in cement systems. According to the study results of dehydration processes of clay minerals using the synchronous thermal analysis, it is established that the optimum calcination temperature for clays of Nikitsky and Staroshaigovsky deposits located in the area of 500–800 °C. This temperature range corresponds to the processes of the initial crystal structure restructuring of clay minerals of the kaolinite and illite groups, associated with their dehydroxylation, which contributes to the transition of these phases to the active form. The optimization of calcination parameters of polymineral clays based on the study results of influence of their additives on the mixed cement binder activity confirmed the thermal analysis data. It was found that the production of mineral additives with the highest values of the activity index is facilitated by 2-hour heat treatment of clays at 700 °C. At the specified calcination parameters, the replacement of 10% of Portland cement with the additive of thermally activated Nikitsky clay allows achieving the mixed binder activity that exceeds by 3 % the same indicator of mixed binder based on Portland cement and high-quality metakaolin.
The Effect of Composition and Fineness of Mineral Fillers on Structure of Asphalt Binder
Authors: Lebedev Mikhail S. , Kozhukhova Marina I. , Yakovlev Evgeniy A.
Published: January 2021

Ultra-fine filler or mineral powder is the main mineral component responsible for structure formation in the bitumen-mineral system, therefore mineral and chemical composition, chemical reactivity, surface area, fineness, particle shape, porosity and density are the crucial parameters for structure formation of the composite. This work studied the effect of fineness and chemical and mineral composition of fillers on the structure of asphalt binder. It was demonstrated that an increase in surface area boosts porosity, and void content of the filler, but reduces the porous size. For carbonate fillers such as limestone and chalk with high fineness it was investigated that compaction applied to asphalt binder specimens showed very low water saturation. This can be explained by the film effect of water impermeable bitumen in the matrix and by small porous size with mostly close pores. An increase in surface area of silicate fillers improves the compaction of structure but cannot reach the same level of compaction degree demonstrated by the specimens with carbonate fillers. SEM analysis of microstructural characteristics for the asphalt binder showed that the incorporation of fine-fractioned chalk filler resulted in the formation of asphalt binder with high density and micro-and nanoporous matrix.
Crack Resistance Increase of Bushings while Assembling Joints with Tension
Authors: Popov S.D. , Redreev G.V. , Sorokin A.N. , Shimokhin A.V. , Pomogaev V.M.
Published: January 2021

In order to restore worn parts during repair work, it is often used to press the repair bushings. While assembling joints, cracks may form in the spanning part (bushing), as it may have surface and structure defects. Therefore, an urgent task is to increase the crack resistance of joints with tension during its assembly. The paper examines the influence of the geometry of the spanning part on the process of cracking. To assess the effect of defects on the crack formation, the method of modeling defects with a surface crack of a semi elliptical shape was used. The crack resistance is estimated using the force criterion of fracture mechanics – the stress intensity coefficient. As a result, it was found that the ratio between the wall thickness of the enclosing sleeve and its outer diameter has a significant effect on the crack resistance of the joint with tension, which allows reducing the origin probability and crack development during its pressing by varying these parameters. While assembling joints, the following methods are often used: mechanical-using a press and thermal with heating of the covering part. When the method of joint with cooling of the covered part, the greatest strength of the joint is achieved, but the probability of cracking increases. This is because when the temperature of the enclosing sleeve decreases in contact with the cooled shaft, the critical stress intensity coefficient (fracture toughness), which is a mechanical characteristic of crack resistance, decreases. To reduce the effect of cooling the sleeve, you can use a combined method of assembling the joint, in which the covered part is cooled and the covering part is heated. It is shown that to assess the fracture resistance at low temperatures, it is optimal to conduct full-scale tests, where the cooling and heating temperatures of the press joint parts are the experimental factors.
Maternal and Cord Blood 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 Are Associated with Increased Cord Blood and Naive and Activated Regulatory T Cells: The Barwon Infant Study
Authors: Thorsen Steffen U. , Collier Fiona , Pezic Angela , O’Hely Martin , Clarke Michael , Tang Mimi L. K. , Burgner David , Vuillermin Peter , Ponsonby Anne-Louise ,   the Barwon Infant Study Investigator Group
Published: January 2021

Vitamin D has shown immune-modulatory effects but mostly in in vitro and animal studies. Regulatory T cells (Treg) are important for a balanced immune system. The relationship between vitamin D on the number of circulating neonatal Treg is unclear. We sought to investigate the association between maternal and neonatal vitamin D metabolites and cord blood (CB) Treg subsets. In a cohort of Australian infants (n = 1074), recruited using an unselected antenatal sampling frame, 158 mother–infant pairs had data on the following: 1) 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) measures in both maternal peripheral blood (28- to 32-wk gestation) and infant CB; 2) proportions (percentage of CD4+ T cells) of CB Treg subsets (CD4+CD45RA+ FOXP3low naive Treg, and CD4+CD45RA− FOXP3high activated Treg [aTreg]); and 3) possible confounders, including maternal personal UV radiation. Multiple regression analyses were used. The median 25(OH)D3 was 85.4 and 50.7 nmol/l for maternal and CB samples, respectively. Higher maternal 25(OH)D3 levels were associated with increased CB naive Treg (relative adjusted mean difference [AMD] per 25 nmol/l increase: 5%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1–9%), and aTreg (AMD per 25 nmol/l increase: 17%; 95% CI: 6–28%). Furthermore, a positive association between CB 25(OH)D3 levels and CB aTreg (AMD per 25 nmol/l increase: 29%; 95% CI: 13–48%) was also evident. These results persisted after adjustment for other factors such as maternal personal UV radiation and season of birth. 25(OH)D3, may play a role in the adaptive neonatal immune system via induction of FOXP3+ Tregs. Further studies of immune priming actions of antenatal 25(OH)D3 are warranted.
ADAP Y571 Phosphorylation Is Required to Prime STAT3 for Activation in TLR4-Stimulated Macrophages
Authors: Yang Naiqi , Xiong Yiwei , Wang Yan , Yi Yulan , Zhu Jingfei , Ma Feng , Li Jing , Liu Hebin
Published: January 2021

Adhesion and degranulation–promoting adapter protein (ADAP), originally identified as an essential adaptor molecule in TCR signaling and T cell adhesion, has emerged as a critical regulator in innate immune cells such as macrophages; however, its role in macrophage polarization and inflammatory responses remains unknown. In this study, we show that ADAP plays an essential role in TLR4-mediated mouse macrophage polarization via modulation of STAT3 activity. Macrophages from ADAP-deficient mice exhibit enhanced M1 polarization, expression of proinflammatory cytokines and capacity in inducing Th1 responses, but decreased levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines in response to TLR4 activation by LPS. Furthermore, overexpression of ADAP enhances, whereas loss of ADAP reduces, the LPS-mediated phosphorylation and activity of STAT3, suggesting ADAP acts as a coactivator of STAT3 activity and function. Furthermore, the coactivator function of ADAP mostly depends on the tyrosine phosphorylation at Y571 in the motif YDSL induced by LPS. Mutation of Y571 to F severely impairs the stimulating effect of ADAP on STAT3 activity and the ability of ADAP to inhibit M1-like polarization in TLR4-activated mouse macrophages. Moreover, ADAP interacts with STAT3, and loss of ADAP renders mouse macrophages less sensitive to IL-6 stimulation for STAT3 phosphorylation. Collectively, our findings revealed an additional layer of regulation of TLR4-mediated mouse macrophage plasticity whereby ADAP phosphorylation on Y571 is required to prime STAT3 for activation in TLR4-stimulated mouse macrophages.
Novel SIRPα Antibodies That Induce Single-Agent Phagocytosis of Tumor Cells while Preserving T Cells
Authors: Andrejeva Gabriela , Capoccia Benjamin J. , Hiebsch Ronald R. , Donio Michael J. , Darwech Isra M. , Puro Robyn J. , Pereira Daniel S.
Published: January 2021

The signal regulatory protein α (SIRPα)/CD47 axis has emerged as an important innate immune checkpoint that enables cancer cell escape from macrophage phagocytosis. SIRPα expression is limited to macrophages, dendritic cells, and neutrophils—cells enriched in the tumor microenvironment. In this study, we present novel anti-SIRP Abs, SIRP-1 and SIRP-2, as an approach to targeting the SIRPα/CD47 axis. Both SIRP-1 and SIRP-2 bind human macrophage SIRPα variants 1 and 2, the most common variants in the human population. SIRP-1 and SIRP-2 are differentiated among reported anti-SIRP Abs in that they induce phagocytosis of solid and hematologic tumor cell lines by human monocyte-derived macrophages as single agents. We demonstrate that SIRP-1 and SIRP-2 disrupt SIRPα/CD47 interaction by two distinct mechanisms: SIRP-1 directly blocks SIRPα/CD47 and induces internalization of SIRPα/Ab complexes that reduce macrophage SIRPα surface levels and SIRP-2 acts via disruption of higher-order SIRPα structures on macrophages. Both SIRP-1 and SIRP-2 engage FcγRII, which is required for single-agent phagocytic activity. Although SIRP-1 and SIRP-2 bind SIRPγ with varying affinity, they show no adverse effects on T cell proliferation. Finally, both Abs also enhance phagocytosis when combined with tumor-opsonizing Abs, including a highly differentiated anti-CD47 Ab, AO-176, currently being evaluated in phase 1 clinical trials, NCT03834948 and NCT04445701. SIRP-1 and SIRP-2 are novel, differentiated SIRP Abs that induce in vitro single-agent and combination phagocytosis and show no adverse effects on T cell functionality. These data support their future development, both as single agents and in combination with other anticancer drugs.
Different Interset Rest Intervals During the Nordic Hamstrings Exercise in Young Male Athletes
Authors: Drury Benjamin , Peacock Dan , Moran Jason , Cone Chris , Campillo Rodrigo Ramirez
Published: January 2021

Context

The Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) is known to reduce hamstrings injury risk in athletes. To optimize the NHE, it is important to understand how acute resistance-training variables influence its performance.

Objective

To examine the effects of different interset rest intervals (ISRIs) on force indices during performance of the NHE.

Design

Crossover study.

Setting

Laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants

Ten well-trained, young, male, team-sport athletes (age = 20.7 ± 2.3 years, height = 179.4 ± 5.5 cm, mass = 83.9 ± 12.4 kg).

Intervention(s)

Participants performed 2 sets of 6 repetitions of the NHE with either a 1- or 3-minute ISRI. All sets were performed using the NordBord.

Main Outcomes Measure(s)

Peak force (newtons), average force (newtons), percentage maintenance, and percentage decline were recorded for both the dominant and nondominant limbs, and interlimb force asymmetries (percentages) were calculated.

Results

No interactions or main effects (P > .05) were present between conditions or sets for any variables. However, individual repetitions showed reductions (P< .05; effect size range = 0.58–1.28) in peak force from repetition 4 onward.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that a 1-minute ISRI was sufficient to maintain force-production qualities and interlimb asymmetries between sets during the NHE in well-trained athletes. Nonetheless, practitioners should be aware of the potentially large decrements in peak force production that may occur within the set.
Comeback of ketamine: resurfacing facts and dispelling myths
Authors: Kumar Abhijit , Kohli Amit
Published: January 2021

Initially known as CI-581, ketamine was first synthesized in 1962 as a replacement from phencyclidine. It has since been used as an anesthetic and analgesic. In addition, it has bronchodilating, sedative, and amnestic properties, preserving airway reflexes and sympathetic nervous system tone. Since the discovery of ketamine, it has been a major topic of discussion due to controversies regarding its usage in particular sets of patients. In the past 50 years, despite its potential benefits, it is not commonly used because of concerns of “emergence phenomenon,” its use as a substance of abuse, and its systemic side effects. Since 2012, three World Health Organization reviews on ketamine have addressed its international control.Researchers have been studying this wonder drug for a decade worldwide. Many myths of ketamine regarding emergence phenomenon and its use in traumatic brain injury and open eye injury have been disproved in recent times. It is becoming popular in pre-hospital settings, critical care, emergency medicine, low-dose acute pain services, and adjuvant in regional anesthesia techniques. This review highlights the current consensus on the various applications of ketamine in the literature.
Plasmodium berghei-induced malaria decreases pain sensitivity in mice
Authors: Oyewole Aboyeji L. , Akinola Oluwole , Owoyele Bamidele V.
Published: January 2021

Various types of pain were reported by people with Plasmodium falciparum and were mostly attributed to a symptom of malarial infection. Neural processes of pain sensation during malarial infection and their contributions to malaria-related death are poorly understood. Thus, these form the focus of this study. Swiss mice used for this study were randomly divided into two groups. Animals in the first group (Pb-infected group) were inoculated with Plasmodium berghei to induce malaria whilst the other group (intact group) was not infected. Formalin test was used to assess pain sensitivity in both groups and using various antagonists, the possible mechanism for deviation in pain sensitivity was probed. Also, plasma and brain samples collected from animals in both groups were subjected to biochemical and/or histological studies. The results showed that Pb-infected mice exhibited diminished pain-related behaviours to noxious chemical. The observed parasite-induced analgesia appeared to be synergistically mediated via µ-opioid, α2 and 5HT2A receptors. When varied drugs capable of decreasing pain threshold (pro-nociceptive drugs) were used, the survival rate was not significantly different in the Pb-infected mice. This showed little or no contribution of the pain processing system to malaria-related death. Also, using an anti-CD68 antibody, there was no immunopositive cell in the brain to attribute the observed effects to cerebral malaria. Although in the haematoxylin and eosin-stained tissues, there were mild morphological changes in the motor and anterior cingulate cortices. In conclusion, the pain symptom was remarkably decreased in the animal model for malaria, and thus, the model may not be appropriate for investigating malaria-linked pain as reported in humans. This is the first report showing that at a critical point, the malaria parasite caused pain-relieving effects in Swiss mice.
Phase IIb trial comparing two concurrent
cisplatin schedules in locally advanced head and
neck cancer
Authors: Nair Lekha Madhavan , Kumar R. Rejnish , Thomachan Kainickal Cessal , Rafi Malu , George Preethi Sara , Krishna K.M. Jagathnath , Ramadas Kunnambath
Published: January 2021

Background: Concurrent chemoradiation
with 3 weekly cisplatin (100 mg/m2) is the
standard of care for locally advanced head and
neck cancer. However, this regimen has been shown
to be associated with lesser compliance and higher
toxicities. Hence, there is a need to explore
alternative concurrent cisplatin regimens.
Objectives: The objective of this study was to
compare the efficacy and toxicities of 3 weekly
cisplatin (100 mg/m2) with weekly cisplatin (40
mg/m2) concurrently with radiation in patients
with locally advanced head and neck cancer.
Patients and Methods: This phase IIb trial
randomized 56 patients with Stage III and IV
squamous cell carcinoma of oropharynx,
hypopharynx, and larynx to Arm A or Arm B. Arm A
received cisplatin 100 mg/m2 3 weekly and Arm B
received cisplatin 40 mg/m2 weekly concurrently
with radiation. The primary end point was
disease-free survival (DFS) and secondary end
points were overall survival (OS) and acute
toxicity. DFS and OS were estimated using
Kaplan–Meier method, and log-rank test was used to
assess the difference in these distributions with
respect to treatment. Results: The 2-year DFS in
Arm A and Arm B was 64.5% and 52.8%, respectively
(P = 0.67). The OS at 2 years was 71% and 61.1% in
Arm A and Arm B, respectively (P = 0.61). There
were no significant differences in acute
hematological, renal, or mucosal toxicities
between the two arms. Conclusion: This study
showed a nonsignificant improvement in DFS and OS
in the 3 weekly cisplatin arm over the weekly arm
with comparable toxicities. The trial is
registered with Clinical Trial Registry of India
(CTRI registration number: CTRI/2013/05/003703,
URL-http://ctri.nic.in).
Megakaryocytic morphology in Janus kinase 2
V617F positive myeloproliferative neoplasm
Authors: Ghai Shuchi , Rai Sharada
Published: January 2021

Context: Alterations in megakaryocyte
morphology are the hallmark of myeloproliferative
neoplasms (MPNs). These neoplasm are also
associated with Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) V617F
mutation in nearly 95% patients with polycythemia
vera (PV), 40% patients of essential
thrombocythemia (ET) and 50% patients of
myelofibrosis (MF). The utility of megakaryocyte
morphology in these disorders in correlation with
JAK2 V617F remains unresolved. Aims: The aim of
the study was to assess the morphology of
megakaryocytes in bone marrow aspirates (BMAs) and
bone marrow biopsies of patients of BCR-ABL
negative MPNs with JAK2 V617F mutation. Settings
and Design: This study was a retrospective and
prospective, hospital-based study undertaken for a
period ranging from January 2011 to April 2015.
Subjects and Methods: Assessment of morphological
features of megakaryocytes in 15 BMAs and their
respective biopsies which included seven cases of
PV, three cases of ET, and five cases of MF with
JAK2 V617F mutation. Statistical Analysis Used:
Chi-square test and Fisher exact test were used to
compare the different features of megakaryocytes.
Software version SPSS 13.0 was used. Results:
Megakaryocytes in ET were found to have
characteristically large size with staghorn
multinucleated nuclei and exhibiting large amount
of cytoplasm. MF showed dense clustering of
megakaryocytes with staghorn nucleus along with
sinusoidal dilatation and intrasinusoidal
hematopoiesis. PV showed loose and dense
clustering of megakaryocytes with a predominance
of cloud-like nuclei. Few of the megakaryocytic
morphologic features showed overlap between MF and
PV and between ET and early MF. Conclusions:
Megakaryocytic morphology can aid in the accurate
diagnosis of the different subcategories of MPNs.
This would help in categorization of clinically
suspicious patients of JAK2 V617F negative
patients.
Analysis of semen quality of 38 905 infertile male patients during 2008–2016 in Wenzhou, China
Authors: Wu Zhi-Gang , Chen Wei-Kang , Fei Qian-Jin , Liu Yan-Long , Liu Xiao-Dong , Huang Hong , Shang Xue-Jun
Published: January 2021

This study analyzed the trend in semen quality of infertile male patients in Wenzhou, China, based on the data obtained from 38 905 patients during 2008–2016 in The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University (Wenzhou, China). The results showed that only 24.9% of the patients had normal semen quality. For the semen quality of infertile male patients, that of the workers and 40-year-olds was significantly worse than the other occupational and age groups. For all the infertile patients, low semen volume, asthenozoospermia, and teratozoospermia accounted for 8.4%, 50.5%, and 54.1%, respectively. During 2008–2016, the annual mean percentage of fast forward motile spermatozoa, percentage of total forward motile spermatozoa, and percentage of spermatozoa with normal morphology decreased linearly with slopes of −2.11, −2.59, and −0.70, respectively. The proportion of patients with asthenozoospermia and multi-abnormal spermatozoa increased during 2008–2016 with slopes of 4.70 and 4.87, respectively, while for low semen volume, it decreased with a slope of −0.47 in the same time period. The proportion of patients with teratozoospermia increased from 2008 to 2011 and from 2011 to 2016 with slopes of 17.10 and 2.09, respectively. In general, the deteriorating trend of semen quality of infertile male patients in Wenzhou was obvious. Future efforts should be made to reveal the adverse influences on semen quality, such as occupational exposure, environmental quality, and living habits. Furthermore, more pervasive reproduction health education is necessary.
Analysis of Top ten-Cited Articles Published in the Journal of Indian Association of Pediatric Surgeons Over a 10-Year Period
Authors: Dhua Anjan Kumar , Jain Divya , Goel Prabudh , Jain Vishesh , Yadav Devendra Kumar , Bajpai Minu
Published: January 2021

Aim:

The objective was to identify, analyze, and categorize the characteristics (the type of article, country of origin, institution, authorship, topic, and the number of citations) of the articles published in the Journal of Indian Association of Pediatric Surgeons (JIAPS) from 2008 to 2017, with particular focus on the top ten-cited articles.

Materials and Methods:

The above characteristics of the individual articles were tabulated in the Microsoft Excel® sheet. The number of citations of an article was obtained from three databases (CrosssRef, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar). A final tally was obtained after removing common entries in the databases.

Results:

The total number of articles published was 613. There were 255 case reports, 209 original articles and review articles, and 149 brief communications. The top five countries of origin of the articles were India, United Kingdom (UK), Turkey, Iran, and Saudi Arabia, with 526, 14, 9, 7, and 6 articles, respectively. The institution, authorship, and topics of the top ten-cited articles were noted.

Conclusion:

Case reports are the most common type of articles published in JIAPS. Most of the articles originated from India, followed by the UK and middle-east countries. This analysis may provide insights to the editorial board and the members of IAPS about the trend of research and publications among the pediatric surgeons of India.
Factors Accountable for Unabated Obstruction Following Pyeloplasty
Authors: Chatterjee Uday Sankar , Basu Ashoke Kumar , Mitra Debashis , Chatterjee Subir Kumar
Published: January 2021

Purpose:

Split renal function (SFR) and frusemide washout (FWO) are assessed by the DTPA renogram to measure the renal parenchymal functions as well as the evidence of obstruction, both for diagnosis and to treat the pelviureteric junction obstruction. In good number of renal units, both these parameters remain unaltered even after surgery and cause anguish to parents and referring physicians and are usually attributed toward “defective pyeloplasty.” In this study, we have tried to single out the bona fide responsible factor for the bad outcome; either the nonreversible kidney or the restenosis of pyeloplasty.

Patients and Methods:

We studied file of 69 patients in whom a double “J” (DJ) stent was left in situ for internal drainage for a duration of 8 weeks in the postoperative period. DTPA scans were performed preoperative, at 8 weeks with a stent in place, and at 12 and 24 months postremoval of the stent to assess renal function.

Results:

In our study, 45 patients (65.2%) showed improvement either in SRF or in FWO or in both after 8 weeks following pyeloplasty and 24 of 69 units (34.8%) did not show any change in renal function with DJ stent in place. Only in six units (8.7%), out of 69 units had deterioration of renal function after removal of DJ stent.

Conclusions:

In our opinion, no improvement of renal function found in 24 units (34.8%) even with internal drainage with DJ indicates irreversible renal damage. In 45 units (65.2%), renal function reversed after pyeloplasty and DJ stent. However, after the removal of the DJ, functions deteriorated in six units (8.7%) due to restenosis following pyeloplasties.
Congenital Intrahepatic Arterioportal Fistula
Authors: Anand Sachit , Jain Vishesh , Agarwala Sandeep , Gupta Chabi Ranu , Kandasamy Devasenathipathy , Gamanagatti Shivanand
Published: January 2021

Congenital intrahepatic arterioportal fistulas are rare causes of presinusoidal portal hypertension in children. A rare case of arterioportal fistula in an infant is being reported. This report also highlights the need for long-term surveillance in such cases, despite being a benign pathology.
Supramaximal Recession and Resection Surgery in Large-Angle Strabismus
Authors: Talebnejad Mohammad Reza , Johari Mohammad Karim , Khalili Mohammad R , Zare Mousa
Published: January 2021

Purpose:

To assess the postoperative surgical outcomes and the changes in deviation in patients treated by supramaximal recession and resection (R&R) of rectus muscles to correct the large-angle exotropia and esotropia.

Methods:

This study was a prospective interventional case series, and patients with esotropia of ≥65 prism diopter (PD) or exotropia of ≥60 PD who had undergone supermaximal R&R in non-fixating eye with lower vision in unilateral strabismus or bilateral medial rectus (BMR) recession up to 8.5 mm for esotropia and bilateral lateral rectus (BLR) recession up to 12.5 mm for exotropia in bilateral strabismus were enrolled. Successful results were achieved if postoperation deviation was <10 PD for esotropia and <15 PD for exotropia during their final examinations.

Results:

A total of 131 cases (48 patients with esotropia and 83 patients with exotropia) were included. The mean ages of the patients with esotropia and exotropia were 16.83 ± 15.06 and 23.19 ± 11.29 years, respectively. The mean preoperative esodeviations for bilateral and unilateral surgeries were 69.5 ± 6.5 and 80.7 ± 10.3, respectively, and these values for bilateral and unilateral exodeviations surgeries were 67.3 ± 7.6 and 74.2 ± 12.1, respectively. The overall successful outcomes were achieved in 50% of the esotropic patients and 79.5% of the exotropic patients. At final follow-up examination, no patient had diplopia on lateral gazes.

Conclusion:

Based on our surgical results, it is possible to consider monocular recession-resection surgery in non-fixating eye (with poor vision) or BLR and BMR recession in both eyes as a viable option for surgical treatment of large angles deviations.
Evaluation of the Initial Optical Coherence Tomography Parameters in Anticipating the Final Visual Outcome of Central Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Ozer Muhammet Derda , Batur Muhammed , Mesen Selma , Tekin Serek , Seven Erbil
Published: January 2021

Purpose:

To evaluate the predictive and associated factors in determining the visual outcome in patients having central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO)-related macular edema (ME).

Methods:

The charts of the patients who were treated due to CRVO-related visual disturbance were reviewed. The optical coherence tomography (OCT) images of eyes were analyzed, and disorganization of retinal inner layers (DRILs), ellipsoid zone (EZ) and external limiting membrane (ELM) disruption length, hyper-reflectivity of retinal inner layer (HRIL) existence, baseline and final visual acuity (VA), subfoveal thickness (SFT), subretinal fluid (SRF), and injection numbers were noted. The regression and correlation analyses were applied.

Results:

Thirty eyes of thirty patients were included in the study. The mean follow-up time was 17.5 ± 11 (8–47) months. The mean baseline VA was 1.4 ± 0.7 (0.2–3.1) logMAR. A total of 87 intravitreal injections were applied for the treatment of ME during the follow-up. The initial mean central subfield thickness was 795 ± 264 (1470–398) μm. HRIL and SRF were observed in 16 and 23 eyes at the initial visit, respectively. The final mean VA was 1.2 ± 0.9 (0.1–3.1) logMAR. At the final visit, additional OCT parameters were evaluated. The mean DRIL length was 463 ± 324 μm. The mean disruption length of EZ and ELM was 367 ± 247 μm and 414 ± 327 μm, respectively. The final mean SFT was 290 ± 91 μm. SRF presence at the initial visit was found to be associated with elongated EZ and ELM disruption length at the final visit (P = 0.03 and P = 0.04, respectively). On linear regression analyses, none of the baseline features (SRF, SFT, and HRIL) except baseline poor best corrected visual acuity were found to be predictive in anticipating the final visual outcome (P = 0.04). On linear bivariate analysis, the final poor visual outcome was found to be affected by EZ disruption length of ≥500 μm at the last visit (P = 0.02).

Conclusion:

Baseline VA was the only predictive factor in anticipating the final visual outcome. At the final visit, extensive disruption length of EZ in the subfoveal area was associated with a poor visual outcome.
Efficacy of preoperative chemoradiotherapy
in downstaging rectal cancer and its impact on the
long-term outcome
Authors: Manur Janaki Gururajachar , Patel Rahil Bharatbhai , Chandramouli Sathish
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Response to preoperative
chemoradiation (PRTCT) for rectal cancer predicts
the long-term outcome. Context: Tertiary care
hospital. Aims: The aim is to study the factors
affecting the response to chemoradiation. Settings
and Design: Retrospective. Materials and Methods:
Twenty-three patients of rectal cancer undergoing
PRTCT followed by surgery and adjuvant
chemotherapy were followed up for 20–56 months.
Postoperative response, tumor downstaging and
nodal downstaging were correlated with the disease
status. Results: Tumor downstaging was seen in 11
(50%) and nodal downstaging in 12 (63.15%)
patients. Nodal downstaging was statistically
significant with P = 0.004. Pathological complete
response (PCR) was seen in one patient and partial
response (PR) in 17 patients. Thirteen (72.2% of
patients) were alive and disease free and the
negative nodal status correlated with long-term
control with P = 0.04. Conclusion: Most patients
of rectal cancer show PR to PRTCT, and the benefit
is more for node-positive patients. Nodal PCR is
associated with a higher chance of long-term
disease control.
Efficacy and safety of concurrent
chemoradiotherapy with or without Nimotuzumab in
unresectable locally advanced squamous cell
carcinoma of head and neck: Prospective
comparative study - ESCORT-N study
Authors: Kumar Ashok , Chakravarty Nilotpal , Bhatnagar Sharad , Chowdhary G. S.
Published: January 2021

Background: Nimotuzumab is an
anti-epidermal growth factor receptor monoclonal
antibody which can be added to chemoradiotherapy
(CRT) to improve efficacy for management of
locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the
head and neck (LASCCHN). We prospectively
evaluated the efficacy and safety of nimotuzumab
with CRT for LASCCHN and compared with CRT alone.
Materials and Methods: In this prospective study,
29 LASCCHN (Stage III–IVb) patients received
Nimotuzumab plus CRT or CRT alone. Treatment
included six cycles of cisplatin (40–50 mg/week)
or carboplatin (area under the curve-based),
nimotuzumab (200 mg/week), and radiotherapy (60–70
Gy). Tumor response was evaluated as per response
evaluation criteria in solid tumors criteria. MoS
was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method.
Toxicity and adverse events (AE's) were assessed
as per CTCAE v 4.0. Results: At 24 weeks after
completion of treatment, the tumor response rate
(complete response, partial response, stable
disease) was 53.3% and 35.7% favoring nimotuzumab
arm while progression of disease was 40% and 35.7%
in Nimotuzumab plus CRT and CRT groups,
respectively. However, the objective response rate
was 57% and 30% in favor of nimotuzumab arm. At
median follow-up of 45.5 months, MoS was 33 months
in Nimotuzumab plus CRT and 27 months in CRT
group. The 5-year survival rate was 33.3% in
Nimotuzumab plus CRT versus 7.1% in CRT group.
Nimotuzumab was observed to be safe with no
additional AE's such as hypersensitivity,
hypomagnesemia, and allergic reaction was
reported. Conclusion: Addition of Nimotuzumab to
standard CRT showed improved survival rate in
unresectable, LASCCHN patients without producing
additional toxicity.
Poincaré inequalities and uniform rectifiability
Authors: Azzam Jonas
Published: January 2021

We show that any

d

-Ahlfors regular subset of

\mathbb R^n

supporting a weak

(1, d)

-Poincaré inequality with respect to surface measure is uniformly rectifiable.
Primacy, polemic, and paradox in Ken Bugul’s The abandoned baobab
Authors: Asaah Augustine H.
Published: January 2021

Arguably considered the prototype of African postcolonial feminist writing by reason of its poignant depiction of taboo subjects such as lesbianism, prostitution, drugs, and suicide, Ken Bugul’s The abandoned baobab has elicited sustained interest from the academy. This paper seeks to contribute to the debate by examining the strands of counter-discourse and postcolonial complicity within the context of the primacy ascribed to myths, the baobab, and the mother. It is driven by nativism and postcolonial theory. Far from constituting impregnable defense systems against hegemony, these primal forces prove to be limited in their protection of the protagonist. The paper concludes that even if the narrative foregrounds the mirage of hermetic identities and norms, it also defends Afrocentric development in the postcolony.
Związki Jędrzeja Śniadeckiego z farmacją
Authors: Urbanik Monika
Published: January 2021

Jędrzej Śniadecki’s links with pharmacy Jędrzej Śniadecki owed his first contact with pharmacy to Jan Andrzej Szaster (1746–1793), a pharmacist from Kraków and the owner of a pharmacy called “Pod Słońcem”(“Under the Sun”), the first professor of pharmacy and medical matters in Poland. It took place during Śniadecki’s studies at the Principal School of the Realm in Kraków. He broadened his knowledge of medicinal products during his studies abroad. Upon his arrival in Vilnius in 1797, he became the head of the department of chemistry and pharmacy at Vilnius University, where he taught pharmacy in the years 1797–1804. Handwritten texts of his lectures have been preserved in the Archive, thanks to which we can precisely understand their scope today. On behalf of the university, Jędrzej Śniadecki managed the transformation of the former Jesuit Pharmacy into the University Pharmacy.
Jędrzej Śniadecki i jego dziedzictwo. Sesja Nadzwyczajna podczas 61. Zjazdu Naukowego Polskiego Towarzystwa Chemicznego
Authors: Wyka Ewa
Published: January 2021

Jędrzej Śniadecki and his legacy. Extraordinary Session at the 61st Scientific Meeting of the Polish Chemical Society The year 2018 marked the 250th birthday anniversary of Jędrzej Śniadecki (30 Nov 1768–11 May 1838), a renowned Polish chemist, doctor and columnist. Jędrzej, the younger brother of Jan Śniadecki, a Polish mathematician and astronomer, was born in Radlewo near Żnin in Greater Poland. His family and professional life was associated with Vilnius. From 1803, he was a professor of chemistry and medicine at the Principal School of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, which then became the Imperial University of Vilnius. He was the author of the first chemistry textbook in Polish (1800) and an innovative work entitled Teoria jestestw organicznych (Theory of Organic Beings) (1804). The birthday of Jędrzej Śniadecki was celebrated in the three countries to which his fate was tied: Belarus, Lithuania and Poland. Celebrations in Poland: The year-long celebrations in Poland started on 28 January 2018 with a concert at the Main University Auditorium of the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań. It was organized by the PoznańSociety of Jędrzej Śniadecki, Karol Olszewski and Zygmunt Wróblewski. In March 2018, celebrations were inaugurated by the town of Żnin, with the event being attended by descendants of the Śniadecki family: Prof. Antonina Magdalena Śniadecki-‑Kotarska, Senator Piotr Łukasz Juliusz Andrzejewski and Krzysztof Śniadecki-Lempke. A lecture on Jędrzej Śniadecki and the Society of Rascals was delivered by Emilia Maria Iwaszkiewicz, PhD, from Vilnius University. The University of Science and Technology in Bydgoszcz (UTP) also commemorated the scholars it has chosen as its namesakes, that is Jan Śniadecki and Jędrzej Śniadecki. A report on the event and an article by Emilia M. Iwaszkiewicz, PhD, are available in Magazyn UTP Format 2.0 No. 3 from July 2018. In Kraków, during the 61st Scientific Meeting of the Polish Chemical Society, a session was organized entitled “Jędrzej Śniadecki and his legacy”. During the session, five papers were delivered which presented Jędrzej Śniadecki, his academic and journalistic output and memorabilia related to him. Celebrations in Lithuania: On 10 September 2018, Vilnius City Hall held a conference attended by Urszula Doroszewska, the Polish ambassador to Lithuania, and Edyta Tamošiūnaitė, the Deputy Mayor of Vilnius, as well as Polish and Lithuanian scholars. On 11–13 October 2018, at the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences was held the 4th Oxygenalia International Conference. Belarus: The memory of Jędrzej Śniadecki is also cherished in Belarus, especially in Gorodniki where he is buried and at the nearby school in Kolchuny, which houses a small museum commemorating him and other scholars with ties to this region.
Późnoantyczne tkaniny jedwabne z Achmim w zbiorach Muzeum Uniwersytetu Jagiellońskiego w Krakowie
Authors: Głowa Anna
Published: January 2021

Late Antique silk fabrics from Akhmim in the collection of the Jagiellonian University in Kraków The paper presents so-far unpublished fragments of Late Antique silk fabrics in the Jagiellonian University Museum (MUJ). According to the archival documentation they derive from the collection of the Alsatian archaeologist, Robert Forrer (1866–1947), who was one of the pioneering collectors and dealers in Late Antique textiles from Egypt. Silks in the MUJ belong to the group of “Zachariasstoffe”, said to be found in Akhmim in Upper Egypt. Parallel fragments can be found in many European and American museums.
Trauma Zagłady a seksualność. Wspólnota matki i córki w prozie biograficznej Helen Epstein
Authors: Kasińska Paulina
Published: January 2021

Holocaust Trauma and Sexuality: Mother-Daughter Relationship in Helen Epstein’s Biographical Prose In Children of the Holocaust (1979), Where She Came From: A Daughter’s Search for Her Mother’s History (1997) and The Long Half-Lives of Love and Trauma (2017), Helen Epstein shows an unusual bond created between her and her mother – Franci Epstein, a Jewish Holocaust survivor. The bond was so strong that it led to the phenomenon of identification which resulted in many negative consequences. On the one hand, it put the daughter’s experiences in danger of being appropriated by her mother, but on the other, it contributed to the developing bodily symptoms that seem to have been inspired by the camp experience of her mother. The relationship between Franci and Helen proves that the community can be seen not only as a way of restoring bonds of transgenerational communication, even if they appear as a form of postmemory (Marianne Hirsch) or rememories (Toni Morrison), but it can also create completely new traumas.