bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prunus padus L. bark as a functional promoting component in functional herbal infusions – cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects
Authors: Telichowska Aleksandra , Kobus-Cisowska Joanna , Szulc Piotr , Wilk Radosław , Szwajgier Dominik , Szymanowska Daria
Published: October 2021

The study assessed the health-promoting properties and the content of minerals in the bark of bird cherry (Prunus padus L.), which was then used as an ingredient in functional teas. The infusions were made with the use of Matricaria chamomilla L., Tilia cordata Mill., and Calendula officinalis L., and then combined with the bark in various proportions. The prepared infusions were tested for antioxidant activity, ability to reduce copper ions and iron ions, as well as the ability to scavenge hydroxyl radicals. In the next stage, the antimicrobial activity and the ability to inhibit the enzyme cycloxygenase-2 were assessed. Bird cherry bark contains a high potassium content of 19.457 ± 762 mg/kg d.m. In all the tests evaluating the antioxidant activity, infusions from the bark of bird cherry alone and with its 30% addition had the strongest properties. The analyzed infusions also have the ability to reduce Cu(ii) ions; they are active to reduce Fe(iii) ions and scavenge hydroxyl radical. The highest antimicrobial activity was found for teas with 20 and 30% bark, especially against Listeria monocytogenes (25.0–27.0 mm) (±3.0). The bark infusion was also found to have the highest inhibitory activity against cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) – 77.0%.
IOCD turns 40
Authors: Rosei Federico , Matlin Stephen A.
Published: October 2021

The International Organization for Chemical Sciences in Development (IOCD) passes an important milestone in 2021, as 1 July marked the 40th anniversary of its launch at a meeting hosted by UNESCO in Paris in 1981. Registered in Belgium, IOCD was originally established as the first non-governmental organization to focus on the need to develop opportunities for chemists in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) to progress professionally and work on projects of relevance to the development of their countries and regions [1].
IUPAC Top Ten Emerging Technologies in Chemistry 2021
Authors: Gomollón-Bel Fernando
Published: October 2021

IUPAC thrives to boost the impact of chemistry around the world. Recently, it established a new initiative—the Top Ten Emerging Technologies in Chemistry—to showcase the tremendous importance of the chemical sciences by highlighting developments on the verge of becoming game-changing commercial breakthroughs [1]. Some have been truly transformational for our society, such as RNA vaccines and rapid tests, both key technologies to enable a smooth transition to the new normal after the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, the Top Ten efforts continue—featuring a brand-new logo and further actions to disseminate and promote the project beyond this publication. The new selection of emerging technologies gathers both well-established, high-technology readiness level (TRL) applications and ground-breaking opportunities for the chemical industry. Of course, many of them still address the ongoing coronavirus crisis, focusing on new pharmaceutical solutions to prevent the spread of pathogens like SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, many tackle the climate crisis and provide new roadmaps to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) [2]. The consequences of global warming are here—heatwaves, floods, and wildfires devastate our planet constantly. Chemistry will provide pivotal tools towards a sustainable future [3], many included in this singular selection. IUPAC experts have selected the Top Ten Emerging Technologies in Chemistry 2021—ten ideas to catalyse industrial innovations and transform our world.
A study on the construction technology of the Seljuk minarets in Isfahan with focus on their geometric brick pattern
Authors: Safaeianpour Ali , Valibeig Nima
Published: October 2021

Using decorative elements is an inseparable aspect of Iranian architecture. Architectural ornaments in many buildings, including the minarets, represent the architect’s craftsmanship. As such, the minarets in Isfahan have different types of brickwork ornamentations, such as 90-degree herringbone (Khofteh-Rasteh), basket weave bond (Hasiri), and other complex types. Additionally, the highest minarets are usually constructed in a truncated conical shape to reduce their overall weight and ameliorate their stability against the wind, and lateral forces. Therefore, while the geometric integrity of brickwork patterns should be maintained, all the ornamentations are applied on a shrinking surface area. However, the practical solutions for the construction processes in these structures haven’t been sufficiently investigated. Hence, this study aims to explore the methods of brickwork projection on the minarets and analyse the changes in girih patterns at different height levels. Accordingly, after surveying the selected single minarets in Isfahan, they were modeled using drafting software applications and then analysed.
Origen and the Story of the Mother and Her Seven Sons: Reimagining Third-Century Caesarean Horizons
Authors: Rafael Anna-Liisa
Published: October 2021

This article employs Galit Hasan-Rokem’s notions of vertical and horizontal axes of transmission for the study of biblical reception history, presenting the reception of the story of the mother and her seven sons in Origen’s writings as a case study. I suggest that Hasan-Rokem’s vertical axis of intergenerational transmission corresponds to reception history: it also involves us and thus demands our critical awareness. The horizontal axis of intergroup transmission, then, calls for our sensitivity toward the diverse interpersonal and intercultural exchanges that reception history presents less frequently as authoritative or even manifest. My analysis scrutinizes Origen’s pronouncedly bookish relation to the story of the mother and her seven sons, and I provide a reading of this relation as entailing both (inter)personal and intercultural encounters. I use both Eusebius’ biography of Origen and recent studies on late antique rabbinic discourse as means by which to broaden our perspective on Origen’s horizon of expectation. In conclusion, I suggest that Origen’s portrayal of the mother indicates some ambivalence toward this figure: her words of wisdom have undisputed authority over Origen, while her embodied wisdom makes him reserved. Thus, the reception of the story of the mother and her seven sons in Origen’s writings could strengthen the prospect that the story was a living reality for Origen as well as for others in third-century Palestine.
Consciousness and mind in Peirce: distinctions and complementarities
Authors: Santaella Lucia
Published: October 2021

In a brief overview this article discusses that, in the multifaceted field of cognitive sciences, the problem of consciousness and mind is far from being resolved. The article then argues that this problem is worked out in careful detail in Peirce’s work. Intelligence, hence mind, for Peirce, is distinct from consciousness. Without being dissociable, they are, in fact, distinct but complementary. Hence, Peirce’s ideas should be recovered not only for the sake of their relevance, but also because cognitivists have a lot to learn from Peirce.
LAGERRECHTSORDNUNGEN. Rechtssoziologische Perspektiven auf Flüchtlingslager im Globalen Süden
Authors: Bochmann Annett
Published: October 2021

Dieser Artikel beantwortet die Frage, wie Rechtsordnungen ohne staatlich verfasste Rechtssysteme etabliert werden. Basierend auf ethnographischen Feldforschungen in burmesischen Flüchtlingslagern in Thailand wird gezeigt, dass lokale Gewohnheitsrechte in der Rechtspraxis und Fallbearbeitung dominieren, obwohl plurale Rechtssysteme präsent sind. Das Gewohnheitsrecht entwickelt sich über modifizierte Prä-Lagerstrukturen und -praktiken der Geflüchteten, passt sich an das Lagerleben an und transformiert sich über die zunehmende Präsenz internationaler sowie staatlicher Akteure. Ferner zeigt sich, dass weitere lagerspezifische Mechanismen einen entscheidenden Beitrag zur Aufrechterhaltung von Recht und Ordnung leisten. Indem diese rechtssoziologische Studie das Konzept des doing law in den Mittelpunkt der Analyse stellt, wird ein neues Verständnis von Rechtsordnungen in Flüchtlingslagern entwickelt, das die gängige Vorstellung von Lagern als rechtsfreie Räume in Frage gestellt.
Professionalisierung mittels Ambiguität. Die diskursive Konstruktion von Data Scientists in Wirtschaft und Wissenschaft
Authors: Dorschel Robert , Brandt Philipp
Published: October 2021

Der Beitrag fragt, welche Deutungsmuster mit der Konstruktion und Subjektivierung der aufsteigenden Berufsgruppe der ‚Data Scientists‘ einhergehen. Aus soziologischer Perspektive beruht ihre fortschreitende Institutionalisierung maßgeblich auf Objektivierungsprozessen sozialer Wissensbestände. Anhand einer diskursanalytischen Auswertung von Stellenanzeigen und Studiengangsbeschreibungen zeigen wir eine ambige Logik in der sozialen Konstruktion von Data Scientists auf. In Wirtschaft und Wissenschaft besteht einerseits Dissens über die Klassifikation und Einordnung von Data Scientists, während andererseits basale Deutungsmuster Data Scientists als GrenzgängerInnen, Anti-Nerds und WeltverbesserInnen diskursivieren. Die ambige Logik aus Dissens und Konsens interpretieren wir als einen strategischen Vorteil für die Professionalisierung: Ambiguität schafft Integrationsfähigkeit für unterschiedliche Erwartungshaltungen und Imaginationen. Der Beitrag legt die Subjektivierung ebenjener Professionals frei, die eine Schlüsselposition in der objektivierenden Digitalwirtschaft einnehmen.
NEW ASPECTS OF THE ENZYMATIC BREAKDOWN OF CHITIN: A REVIEW
Authors:   Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Institute of Biology, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Jankiewicz Urszula , Kochańska-Jeziorska Arletta , Gałązka Agnieszka
Published: October 2021

This review focuses on the enzymatic breakdown of chitin, taking into account the latest scientific reports on the activity of lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase (LPMO). Chitin is a natural, abundant polysaccharide of great practical importance in the environment. However, the insolubility in water and the tightly packed crystalline structure of chitin pose a serious obstacle to enzymatic degradation. This substrate can be converted into soluble sugars by the action of glycosidic hydrolases (GH), also known as chitinases. LPMO could prove to be helpful in enzymatic processes that increase the rate of chitin depolymerisation by improving the availability of substrates for chitinases. The unique action of LPMO is based on the ability to catalyse the oxidative cleavage of glycosidic chains present in complex, resistant crystal networks of chitin, and this cleavage facilitates the subsequent action of glycolytic hydrolases.
PREPARATION AND CHARACTERISATION OF NEW BIOMATERIALS BASED ON CHITOSAN IODIDE WITH BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE DYES
Authors:   Institute of Applied Physics, NAS of Ukraine,, Kalinkevich Oksana , Sklyar Anatoly , Kalinkevich Aleksei , Chivanov Vadym , Zinchenko Yevgen , Trofimenko Yana , Starikov Vadim , Sofronov Dmitry , Holubnycha Viktoriia ,   Sumy State Pedagogical University,   National Technical University “Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute”,,   State Scientific Institution “Institute for Single Crystals”, NAS of Ukraine,,   Sumy State University
Published: October 2021

New composite materials were obtained based on chitosan iodide and organic dyes – methylene blue and fuchsine in fucorcin (Castellani liquid) – by using a simple synthetic procedure. The materials were characterised by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, temperature-programmed desorption mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy and visible and ultraviolet light spectroscopy. The dyes in the composites were distributed uniformly and did not form separate phases. These composites could form structured porous sponges and films and therefore be used in various fields of application. The materials displayed antibacterial activity against antibiotic resistant gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
INFLUENCE OF PECTIN AND CHITOSAN ON THE PROPERTIES OF GELS PROTECTING THE OESOPHAGEAL MUCOSA
Authors:   Department of Drugs Form Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy The “Silesian Piasts” memorial Wroclaw Medical University, Małolepsza-Jarmołowska Katarzyna
Published: October 2021

Among the diseases of the digestive tract, gastro-oesophageal reflux is one of the most troublesome ailments. It is estimated that in highly developed countries, reflux symptoms occur in about 5%-10% of people every day. It has also been found that about 20% of people experience such symptoms once a week. The incidence of this disease increases with age, regardless of gender. The aim of the study was to investigate the physicochemical properties of gels intended for the protection of the oesophageal mucosa. Preparations containing 3.0% pectin showed the lowest pH. These gels can be used in the treatment of advanced alkaline reflux. The addition of chitosan to all tested gels increased their pH and dynamic viscosity. The texture tests showed the effect of pectin concentration on the adhesion work of the tested gels.
EMULSIFICATION PARAMETERS STUDY ON MICELLES FORMATION FROM HYDROPHOBICALLY MODIFIED CHITOSAN
Authors:   Faculty of Chemical Technology and Engineering, West Pomeranian University of Technology, Piegat Agnieszka , Niemczyk Agata , Goszczyńska Agata ,   Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics, West Pomeranian University of Technology,
Published: October 2021

A series of N,O-acylated chitosan derivatives were emulsified with different fatty acids. Hydrophobically modified chitosan derivatives were expected to exhibit self-assembly behaviour resulting in micelle formation. Several parameters of the oil-in-water emulsification process were investigated: mixing method, speed and duration, volume oil phase and addition of modifiers. Their influence on micellar Z-average diameter, size distribution and Zeta potential was analysed based on dynamic light scattering measurements. There were various relations between the hydrodynamic behaviour of chitosan derivatives, their chemical structure and the process parameters. Additionally, the obtained micelles could serve as active compound carriers because they encapsulated two model substances, namely ibuprofen and α-tocopherol.
The Suitability of the Health Belief Model as an Assessment Framework for Women With Breast Ill-Health
Authors: Ogunkorode Agatha , Holtslander Lorraine , Ferguson Linda , Maree Johanna  E. , Anonson June , Ramsden Vivian R. , Esan Deborah  T. , Owoeye Isaiah  D.
Published: October 2021

Objectives: Globally, breast cancer is the commonest cancer in women. Empirical literature indicate that it is the second cause of cancer-related mortality in high-resource regions, while it is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths among women in poor-resource regions. This study presents the suitability of the health belief model (HBM) as a framework for carrying out a comprehensive assessment of women with late-stage breast cancer in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This qualitative study employed interpretive description as its methodological approach, while the HBM was the conceptual framework. Two institutional review boards granted approval to conduct the study. Thirty women with advanced breast cancer were recruited for the study using purposeful sampling techniques. Components of the original HBM were identified to carry out the investigation. Data analysis was inductive. Results: Findings indicated that the participants viewed breast cancer as a definite threat- both as a spiritual attack – an arrow shot by the enemy, and as a killer disease. Many of their perceptions appeared to be culturally based, while others were based on their individual experiences. They perceived some benefits to both traditional and medical treatment options. Conclusions: Interventions that address people’s cultural and individual perceptions enables a comprehensive assessment of the patients with breast cancer, which can improve the treatment outcomes and survival rates of disease.
The Analgesic Effects of Bupivacaine and Magnesium Sulfate Combination, Bupivacaine, and Adrenaline Combination and Bupivacaine Alone on Post-cesarean Section Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Bouzari Zinatossadat , Rouhani Seyedeh Rabeeh , Alijanpour Ebrahim , Yazdani Shahla , Hasannasab Bahman , Hajian-Tilaki Karimollah
Published: October 2021

Objectives: The present study was performed to compare the analgesic effects of bupivacaine and magnesium sulfate combination on post-cesarean (C) section pain. Materials and Methods: The present single-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on 160 C-section candidates. The participants were randomly divided into four groups. When the fascia healed, the first group received 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine and the second group received 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine combined with subcutaneous adrenaline. In addition, both groups received 50 mL of intravenous normal saline. Further, the third group received subcutaneous bupivacaine and 50 mg/kg of magnesium sulfate and the fourth group received subcutaneous and intravenous normal saline as a placebo. The pain intensity was assessed 2, 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours after spinal anesthesia using the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain. The dose of pethidine (as a standard analgesic) and hemodynamic parameters (i.e., heart rate [HR] and blood pressure [BP]) was recorded as well. The obtained data were then analyzed utilizing ANOVA, Tukey’s HSD, and repeated measures ANOVA tests. Results: The intensity of pain and the dose of pethidine decreased significantly in the combination of bupivacaine with magnesium compared to the other groups at all times (P < 0.001). However, diastolic BP significantly increased in the bupivacaine + adrenaline group in comparison with the other groups (P = 0.02). Conclusions: Overall, bupivacaine combination with magnesium sulfate is suitable for controlling post-cesarean section pain.
Mefenamic Acid for the Prevention of Bleeding and Spotting From Depot-medroxyprogesterone Acetate: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Sothornwit Jen , Werawatakul Yuthapong , Saenbon Orathai
Published: October 2021

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of mefenamic acid for the reduction of bleeding and spotting in post-partum women initiating the use of depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) for contraception. Materials and Methods: This double-blind, placebo-controlled study included postpartum breastfeeding women in Khon Kaen, Thailand. Mefenamic acid or placebo was administered over the first 12 weeks of DMPA use. Then, participants completed a self-report bleeding diary. Results: Forty women, initiating the use of DMPA for postpartum contraception, were randomized to mefenamic acid (n=20) or placebo (n=20) group. The study was discontinued after 27 months because of suboptimal enrollment. The mefenamic acid group was less likely to have prolonged bleeding compared to placebo although this was not statistically significant (37.5% vs. 50%, respectively, P = 0.491). DMPA discontinuation rates were high at 50% in both groups although no participants in the mefenamic acid group stopped using DMPA due to bleeding side effects. Conclusions: The high discontinuation rates in the postpartum use of DMPA are attributed to the occurrence of bleeding/spotting side effects. Although mefenamic acid prophylaxis appeared to be beneficial to some women, a larger randomized controlled trial is required to confirm the effectiveness of this approach.
Associations Between COVID-19 Difficulties, Well-Being, and Personality Traits
Authors: Grigutytė Neringa , Engesser Kristina , Petraškaitė Karolina
Published: October 2021

During the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, everyday life has changed; people faced various difficulties and overcame them differently. This study aimed to identify how subjectively named difficulties, the ability to cope with these difficulties, and psychological well-being reported by individuals during the first quarantine of COVID-19 in Lithuania were related to gender, age, and personality traits. Three hundred fifty-one participants aged 18 to 70 years completed an online questionnaire. Results revealed that half of the respondents reported various difficulties, classified into six categories, related to the first COVID-19 quarantine. Furthermore, 51% of the participants indicated poor well-being; the well-being of women and young adults (aged 18–29) was significantly lower compared to the other groups. Those who indicated COVID-19 pandemic difficulties showed higher levels of Neuroticism, and Neuroticism was positively related to the severity of the difficulties. Coping with these difficulties and well-being were positively related to Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, and Openness, and negatively associated with Neuroticism. The manifestation of the particular personality traits in different groups of indicated difficulties is discussed in the article.
Family and Family Values on the Basis of Lithuanian and Polish Tatar Manuscripts
Authors: Miškinienė Galina
Published: October 2021

Family always was among the most important human values. Family subject became essential part of the ethnolinguistic researches. Child birth, wedding, death and funeral is the cycle of life, particularly tightly related to traditional culture. Description of family rituals and traditions highlights family relationships which is the basis of this paper. Kinship subject constantly found in stories about ethnic religiosity, rites of folk medicine, myths and legends. In her article I. A. Sedakova has noted that “any discussion on the topic of kinship has sufficiently relevant data for complex linguistic research” (Sedakova, 2009, 226).The comprehension of family and its values are reflected in a completely different way in Lithuanian Tatar manuscripts written in Slavic languages and Arabic characters. Emigrants from Golden Horde and Crimean khanate were the one of the first muslims to settle in Grand Duchy of Lithuania in 14th century. Three most important events in human life: birth, wedding, death and accompanying rites used by Lithuanian Tatars are different from the ones used by local residents. In general Lithuanian Tatar rites have common Muslim roots, even though they have traces of shamanism and perceptible influence from Christianity. One can talk about religious syncretism when the various teachings of faith and cult rites are combined in the interplay of religions and their historical development. In this article we try to reveal the whole network of connections and relationships that contain the concepts of family and family values, based on texts written in Lithuanian Tatar manuscripts in Slavic languages (Ruthenian and Polish).
Role of Polar vs Non-polar Configurations in the Decay of 268Sg* Compound Nucleus Within the Skyrme Energy Density Formalism
Authors: Mittal Rajni , Sandhu Kirandeep , Sharma M. K.
Published: October 2021

The effect of polar and non-polar configurations is investigated in the decay of 268Sg* compound nucleus formed via spherical projectile (30Si) and prolate deformed target (238U) using the dynamical cluster decay model. The SSK and GSkI skyrme forces are used to investigate the impact of polar and nonpolar (equatorial) configurations on the preformation probability P0 and consequently on the fission cross-sections of 268Sg* nucleus. For non-polar configuration some secondary peaks corresponding to magic shells Z=28 and N=50 are observed, whose magnitude is significantly suppressed for the polar counterpart. The effect of polar and non-polar configurations is further analyzed in reference to barrier lowering parameter ΔVB. The calculated fission cross-section find adequate agreement with experimental data for chosen set of skyrme forces.
Triton Scattering Phase-Shifts for S-wave using Morse Potential
Authors: Khachi Anil , Awasthi Shikha , Sastri OSKS , Kumar Lalit
Published: October 2021

In this paper, the phase-shifts for neutron-dueteron (n-d) scattering have been determined using the molecular Morse potential as theoretical model of interaction. The Triton (n-d) 2S1/2 ground state initially has been chosen as -7.61 MeV to determine the model parameters using variational Monte-Carlo technique in combination with matrix methods numerical approach to solving the time independent Schrodinger equation (TISE). The obtained potential is incorporated into the phase function equation, which is solved using Runge-Kutta (RK) 4,5 order technique, to calculate the phaseshifts at various lab energies below 15 MeV, for which experimental data is available. The results have been compared with those obtained using another molecular potential named Manning-Rosen (MR) and have been observed to fare better. Finally, the Triton ground state has been chosen as its binding energy (BE), given by -8.481795 MeV, as determined from experimental atomic mass evaluation data and the calculations are repeated. It has been found that these phase-shifts from BE data are slightly better matched with experimental ones as compared to those obtained using -7.61 MeV ground state for Triton (n-d two-body system) modeled using Morse potential.
Neutron-Proton Scattering Phase Shifts in S-Channel using Phase Function Method for Various Two Term Potentials
Authors: Khachi Anil , Kumar Lalit , Sastri O. S. K. S.
Published: October 2021

The scattering phase shifts for n-p scattering have been modeled using various two term exponential type potentials such as Malfliet-Tjon, Manning-Rosen and Morse to study the phase shifts in the S-channels. As a first step, the model arameters for each of the potentials are determined by obtaining binding energy of the deuteron using matrix methods vis-a-vis Variational Monte-Carlo (VMC) technique to minimize the percentage error w.r.t. the experimental value. Then, the first order ODE as given by phase function method (PFM), is numerically solved using 5th order Runge-Kutta (RK-5) technique, by substituting the obtained potentials for calculating phase shifts for the bound 3S1 channel. Finally, the potential parameters are varied in least squares sense using VMC technique to obtain the scattering phase-shifts for each of the potentials in the 1S0 channel. The numerically obtained values are seen to be matching with those obtained using other analytical techniques and a comparative analysis with the experimental values up to 300 MeV is presented.
Decay Analysis of 197Tl* Compound Nucleus Formed in 16O + 181Ta Reaction at above Barrier Energy Ec.m.~100 MeV
Authors: Sarkar Gayatri , Maiti Moumita , Kaur Amandeep , Sharma Manoj K.
Published: October 2021

The decay dynamics of 197Tl* compound nucleus has been studied within the framework of the dynamical cluster-decay model (DCM) at above barrier energy Ec.m. ≈ 100 MeV using quadrupole deformed configuration of decay fragments. The influence of various nuclear radius parameters on the decay path and mass distributions has been investigated by analysing the fragmentation potential and preformation probability. It is observed that 197Tl* nucleus exhibits the triple-humped mass distribution, independent of nuclear radius choice. The most preferred fission fragments of both fission modes (symmetric and asymmetric) are identified, which lie in the neighborhood of spherical and deformed magic shell closures. Moreover, the modification in the barrier characteristics, such as interaction barrier and interaction radius, is observed with the variation in the radius parameter of decaying fragments and influences the penetrability and fission cross-sections. Finally, the fission cross-sections are calculated for considered choices of nuclear radii, and the results are compared with the available experimental data.
Antithrombotics in Complex Percutaneous Coronary Interventions: Type and Duration of Treatment
Authors: Benetou Despoina-Rafailia , Varlamos Charalampos , Pappas Christos , Kolokathis Fotios , Alexopoulos Dimitrios
Published: October 2021

Patients undergoing complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are at an increased risk of atherothrombotic complications. Although dual antiplatelet therapy is the mainstay of treatment for patients undergoing PCI with stent implantation, deciding its type and duration in complex PCI patients has long been considered a challenge for clinicians. This is because the beneficial effects of prolonged treatment and/or more potent antiplatelet agents’ use in preventing ischemic events are hindered by a concomitant increase in bleeding complications. The aim of this review is to highlight current evidence regarding the optimal antithrombotic therapy regimens used in complex PCI patients, focusing on the evaluation of both safety and efficacy outcomes as well as addressing future perspectives.
„Między fuksją a penisem”. O scenach erotycznych w polskiej prozie kryminalnej
Authors: Orządała Olimpia
Published: October 2021

The aim of the paper was depiction the language of erotic scenes in Polish crime novels after 2000. The writers describe sex scenes in different ways. They use, among others, vulgarisms, euphemistic, metaphorical or biological and medical language. The analysis of the language was based on the books of such writers as Paulina Świst, Katarzyna Bonda, Małgorzata and Michał Kuźmińscy, as well as Gaja Grzegorzewska. Moreover, it was essential to describe these scenes’ functions and determine what the writers show in these scenes show and how they characterise the protagonists. The article includes references, among others theory of erotism of Georges Bataille.
K problematice převodu toponym mezi češtinou a polštinou – exonyma a endonyma
Authors: Grigová Marie
Published: October 2021

The article deals with the transfer of geographical names between Czech and Polish. It defines the terms endonymy and exonymy terminologically. It examines the scope of codification and official lists of geographical names and exonyms. It also discusses the issue of awareness of users of a given language of the existence of these lists and the frequency of their use.
Case report: pneumonia caused by lophomonas
Authors: López-Aguilar C.A. , León-Chávez G.H. , Anlehu-Tello A.
Published: October 2021

Lophomonas are protozoans that inhabit the intestine of termites and roaches, remaining in the environment as cysts. Once in the human body, these pathogens can cause infections at the level of any organ. This disease is characterized as an opportunistic infection of which have been documented by kidney allograft transplantation, use of corticosteroids, cytotoxic hemotherapy, liver transplantation, allogeneic transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells and infection with the human immunodeficiency virus. Because the mobile cilia could be easily identified as flagellated protozoa, it is considered that the bronchopulmonary samples should be submitted by trichrome stain, Pap smear and Giemsa stain as diagnostic test for pulmonary lophomoniasis. In this report of the clinical case, several immunosuppression factors such as pregnancy, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and systemic lupus erythematosus, which caused pulmonary lophomoniasis, are taken into account.
Demyelinating encephalomyelitis in a patient with renal insufficiency associated with anti-tnf therapy: adalilumab
Authors: Pérez-Moyano S. , Piñar-Morales R. , Borrego-García E.
Published: October 2021

Given the important use of biological treatments in rheumatologic / systemic diseases in recent years, secondary alterations to them on the nervous system are currently being diagnosed mainly of an inflammatory nature that can be confused with multiple sclerosis since they are both level clinical as in very similar image.
In this article we present a clinical case of a 44-year-old man who shows signs and symptoms compatible with cerebral demyelinating disease in relation to an Anti TNF-a called Adalimumab in the context of an ankylosing spondylitis resistant to infliximab after 4 years of biological treatment.
Abscess of the pontine dorsolateral tegmentum due to E. coli and influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus co-infection
Authors: Láinez Ramos-Bossini A.J. , Fernández-Navarro L. , Pérez-García M.C. , Rivera-Izquierdo M.
Published: October 2021

Brain stem abscesses are rare entities that predominantly affect the pons. A wide variety of microorganisms may be implied, depending on the focus of dissemination. We present the case of a female patient with multiple comorbidities who developed multi-lobar pneumonia due to influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus during the postoperative period after an emergent cholecystectomy, requiring mechanical ventilation (MV). Following clinical improvement and withdrawal of MV, the patient did not recover consciousness. Forty-eight hours later, imaging exams showed an abscess in the left pontine dorsolateral tegmentum –a region recently associated with coma-. Despite the administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics, the patient died five days later. This case illustrates the importance of considering pontine abscesses as a cause of poor neurological course in critically ill patients, as well as the need for doing imaging exams to rule out intracranial lesions, particularly in coma-associated areas.
Designing order–disorder transformation in high-entropy ferritic steels
Authors: Singh Prashant , Johnson Duane D.
Published: October 2021

Order–disorder transformations hold an essential place in chemically complex high-entropy ferritic steels (HEFSs) due to their critical technological application. The chemical inhomogeneity arising from mixing of multi-principal elements of varying chemistry can drive property altering changes at the atomic scale, in particular short-range order. Using density-functional theory-based linear-response theory, we predict the effect of compositional tuning on the order–disorder transformation in ferritic steels—focusing on Cr–Ni–Al–Ti–Fe HEFSs. We show that Ti content in Cr–Ni–Al–Ti–Fe solid solutions can be tuned to modify short-range order that changes the order–disorder path from BCC-B2 (Ti atomic-fraction = 0) to BCC-B2-L21 (Ti atomic-fraction > 0) consistent with existing experiments. Our study suggests that tuning degree of SRO through compositional variation can be used as an effective means to optimize phase selection in technologically useful alloys.

Graphic abstract
Van der Waals density functional study of hydrocarbon adsorption and separation in metal–organic frameworks without open metal sites
Authors: Quainoo Timothy , Lavan Sydney N. , Liu Zhen-Fei
Published: October 2021

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have received significant attention thanks to their promising features in the storage and separation of guest molecules. MOFs without open metal sites are emerging as they are often less susceptible to poisoning compared to those with open metal sites. However, a complete understanding of the binding and gas separation mechanisms in such materials is still missing. In this work, we perform a comparative study of two classes of vanadium-based MOFs without open metal sites: MFM-300-V$$^\text{(III)}$$

(III)

and MFM-300-V$$^\text{(IV)}$$

(IV)

, as well as MIL-47-V$$^\text{(III)}$$

(III)

and MIL-47-V$$^\text{(IV)}$$

(IV)

. We employ first-principles van der Waals density functional theory to find the optimal binding conformations and binding energies of a series of small hydrocarbons within the pores of the aforementioned MOFs. Our study provides insight into the host–guest interactions in such MOFs without open metal sites, especially the role played by the bridging hydroxyl group ($$\mu _2$$

μ
2

–OH). We conclude that the bridging –OH group acts as a pseudo open metal site in these MOFs.

Graphic abstract
Analysis of land use changes in the Tri-City metropolitan area based on the multi-temporal classification of landsat and rapideye imagery
Authors: Kwoczyńska Bogusława
Published: October 2021

The aim of the study was to diagnose the main trends of land cover changes around urban agglomerations over the last twenty years (1997–2016) on the example of Tri-City, and to present them statistically and graphically in the form of compilation of numerical maps. The research was performed on the basis of remotely sensed data: LANDSAT 5 TM satellite imagery from 1997 and RapidEye from two records (2011, 2016).
The metropolises of Gdańsk, Gdynia and Sopot, constituting the core of metropolitan area (MA), and municipalities belonging to the Tri-City MA located in its vicinity were selected for detailed analyses – the inner zone of 2 communes and the outer zone, also of 2 communes (MA outskirts). In the selected metropolitan area, communes with good and poor natural conditions for agricultural production were studied.
The analyses were performed on processed images (colour compositions), which were subjected to supervised classifi cation with the maximum likelihood technique. The quality control of supervised classifi cation showed an accuracy of 87.2% for LANDSAT 5 TM scene analyses and 93.8% for RapidEye imagery. The Kappa coeffi cient for the discussed classifi cation was, respectively: 0.85 (LANDSATTM) and 0.93 (RapidEye).
The conducted analyses showed that in the communes there were changes in the way of using arable land and grassland. The greatest changes took place in communes with a low Agricultural Production Space Valuation Ratio (APSVR). Grassland, and to a lesser extent areas with scattered development, replaced arable land. In Gdańsk, Sopot and Gdynia, belonging to the Tri-City, the greatest changes over 20 years took place in arable land, which altogether diminished by 17%, and forest land (13% in total). All this to the benefi t of grassland (increase by 23%) and built-up areas (10% in total in all cities).
ASSESSING EFFECTS OF CUCURBITURILS ON MONOCYTES AND NK-CELLS IN HEALTHY VOLUNTEERS
Authors: Aktanova A. A. , Pashkina E. A. , Kozlov V. A.
Published: October 2021

Nanotechnology in immunology is a prospectively developing area in fundamental and practical medicine. Cucurbiturils are macrocyclic cavitands with a definite amount of glycoluril fragments (n) that determine the size of the cavity of these compounds. Nowadays, there are six synthesized homologues: 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 14. They differ from each other in the portal size and the size of the cavities. They are characterized by special physicochemical and biological properties, such as biocompatibility, stability, high ability to encapsulate chemical compounds. It is known that cucurbiturils encapsulate molecules by forming guest-host complexes, which allow the substance to be released from the complex and increase the solubility of the compounds. These advantages allow using cucurbiturils as drug delivery systems. Immunomodulatory activity of cucurbiturils depends on its specific nanoscale characteristics: functional groups, shape, size, surface, solubility in various media. Each nanoparticle depending on these properties has different effects on cells. The effects of cucurbiturils can be different even for one subpopulation of cells, depending on the homologue or dosage. The interaction of innate immune cells with cucurbiturils are not yet sufficiently characterized.

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of cucurbit[n]urils (n = 6, n = 7, n = 8) on innate immune cells – monocytes, NK-cells, NKT-cells.

The immunological recearch included the isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy donors (n = 8) on the density gradient of ficoll-urografin and flow cytometry with the determination of the amount of immunocompetent cells according to the classic markers of differentiation of these cells – CD3- CD16+CD56+ for NK-cells, CD3+CD16+CD56+ for NKT-cells and CD3- CD14+ for monocytes. Monocyte activation was determined by the expression of surface HLA-DR.

The cells were cultured for 72 hours with the addition of cucurbiturils CB[6], CB[7] at concentrations of 0.1 mM, 0.3 mM, 0.5 mM and CB[8] at concentration of 0.01 mM, due to its poor solubility.

There were a significant decrease in the quantity of NK-cells (p < 0.01 for the test concentrations of CB[7]), an increase in the quantity of NKT-cells (p < 0.04 and p < 0.02 respectively for the concentrations of CB[6] and CB[7]). There was a tendency to increase the expression of HLA-DR on monocytes (p = 0.06 for CB[6]).

Considering a variative effects of cucurbiturils, in the future it is possible to consider a possibility of using cucurbiturils as an immunomodulators, antitumor agents, in autoimmune diseases.
A ROLE FOR CELLULAR IMMUNITY IN EARLY POSTPARTUM PERIOD
Authors: Panova N. A. , Skopichev V. G.
Published: October 2021

The functioning of the secretory organs is closely related to the activity of the immune system. As is well known, this participation is manifested in the fact that at certain stages of activity, the lymphoid cells migrating to the organ can be involved in the regulation of secretion. In addition, the products of the immune system and even its cellular elements can become components of a number of secrets. Colostrum and milk contain a large number of cells of a wide spectrum (up to 1/3 of the volume), of which the number of lymphocytes is up to 16% of leukocytes. Lymphocytes, in an immunologically active form, entering the newborn’s body with colostrum, activate the cellular immunity system. The transport of lymphokinin mediators plays a certain role in this process. Microphages, T- and B-lymphocytes, penetrating through the intercellular spaces into the lymphoid layer of the intestine, transmit immunoreceptors to the prolymphocytes of the newborn, "armed" with their activity to recognize genetically foreign ones. The lymphocytes contained in colostrum are the cells of the immune system that provide cellular and humoral immunity. They are mainly represented by T-cells, B-cells and killer cells. Milk T-cells produce a full spectrum of immune regulatory proteins such as interferon, tumor necrosis factor alpha. These cells are the cells of the immune memory. Newborns who received the first portion of colostrum no later than an hour after birth are characterized by an increased number of leukocytes, more pronounced phagocytosis, which indicates the stimulation of hemo- and lymphocytosis. When carrying out transmission and scanning electron microscopy in the epithelial layer of the intestine, cellular elements were found that got there from the intestinal lumen. Microsections show how cells of a lymphoid nature, pushing apart the structures of the epithelial layer, bypass natural barriers and, at the same time, retain their physiological usefulness. The possibility of penetration of immunocompetent cells of the mother’s colostrum into the bloodstream of the young is proved using the natural label of the female’s cells – sex chromatin. Naturally, sex chromatin-labeled cells were sought in male newborns. The detection of colostrum cells in the intestinal wall and bloodstream of the young is approximately 25% in the blood, 1% in the lymph, and about 70% in the intestine. There is no doubt that the leukocytes of colostrum are of exceptional importance in creating immunity in newborn animals.
BODY IMMUNOLOGICAL REACTIVITY IN OPIOMANIA
Authors: Kulmukanova K. K. , Baiduissenova A. U. , Akhmediyarova E. A. , Yktiyarov A. A. , Bekniyazova G. A. , Rakhmetova N. B. , Smaylova G. K.
Published: October 2021

Due to the general trend of changes in reactivity in many exogenous and endogenous diseases, more and more attention is currently being paid to changes in immunological reactivity in drug addiction. The expediency of assessing the state of immune mechanisms in opioid addiction is determined by the need to predict their course and outcome. The aim of the study was to study the immunological reactivity of the body in patients with opium addiction in a stage of abstinence. For this purpose, clinical and immunological studies were conducted in 80 patients who use opioid drugs. The duration of the disease ranged from 0.5-19 years. Of these, the disease duration is up to 3 years – 28 patients (group I), and over 3 years – 52 patients (group II). The number of subjects in the control group was n = 50. Authors carried out the assessment of the mental, narcological, somatic, and neurological status. In addition, they have studied the general clinical, biochemical and immunological parameters As a result of this study, it was found, that patients of group I had more pronounced T-lymphocytopenia. A persistent increase in the value of serum IgM was revealed both in the dynamics of abstinence and depending on the duration of the disease, which may indicate a strain on the humoral link of immunity in opium addiction. In addition, as the duration of chronic narcotization increases, there is a tendency to increase the relative number of B-lymphocytes. Thus, at the patients with opium addiction in a state of abstinence develop T-lymphocytopenia. Moreover, with an increase in the duration of the disease, an increase in the level of IgM by 2-2.6 times. The revealed changes in the immunological reactivity of the organism suggest the need to include immunocorrective therapy in the complex of therapeutic measures for opium addiction.
CIRCULATING BIOMARKERS OF SYSTEMIC INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE IN THE ASSESSMENT OF POSTPERICARDIOTOMY SYNDROME IN PATIENTS AFTER CARDIAC SURGERY
Authors: Gusakova A. M. , Suslova T. E. , Diakova M. L. , Kozlov B. N.
Published: October 2021

Postpericardiotomy syndrome (PCTS) is one of the most frequent cardiac surgery complications seen in 9-65% of patients. Despite its widespread occurrence, the mechanisms of the development of PCTS are still understudied. drug. The use of colchicine in cardiac surgery patients is of particular interest. Due to the ability of this drug the colchicine mechanisms of action are able to inhibit the mobilization of the NLRP3 inflammasome assembly, to suppress the activation of caspase-1. As a result, it can prevent the release of proinflammatory cytokines, namely IL-1β and IL-18. There are conflicting data on the effect of colchicine on the PCTS progression within the systemic inflammatory response after cardiac surgery. In this regard, it was important to study the dynamics of serum levels of IL-6, IL-10, IL-1β, and TNFα in patients before coronary artery bypass grafting (T1), 6 hours (T2), and 10 days (T3) after surgery, and to evaluate the effect of colchicine on the development of PCTS. The results of our research showed a significant increase of IL-10 in both groups 6 hours after surgery. However, on the 10th day, the increase in the level of IL-10, compared with the initial values, was higher in the 1stgroup – 2 times, compared with the 2nd group. In both groups, showed significant increase in serum concentration of IL-6 after 6 h surgery, with a subsequent decrease in the expression at the stage of T3, while the IL-6 levels in the 2ndgroup was statistically notably higher than T1. The incidence of pleurisy was lower in the group of patients taking colchicine. Only in the 1st group IL-6 levels were directly associated with IL-10. In patients with pleurisy, the level of released IL-10 and TNFα was significantly higher in the 2nd group. There were no significant intergroup differences in serum levels of IL-1β and TNFα, as well as significant changes in IL-1β between the stages of observation. Analysis of TNFα expression revealed significant differences in TNFα content in the 1stgroup between the T1-T3 and T2-T3 stages. In both groups, multiple positive associations were found between the studied indicators. Thus, data were obtained indicating the antiinflammatory effect of colchicine in cardiac surgery patients. This was clinically expressed in a tendency to a lower incidence of pleurisy, and was accompanied by increased expression of IL-10, which has an antiinflammatory and immunomodulatory effect against the background of the drug in the postoperative period.