bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cytoprotective roles of epigallocatechin gallate and resveratrol on staurosporine-treated mesenchymal stem cells in in vitro culture
Authors: Burczak Arkadiusz , Kosiedowska Magdalena , Borkowska Paulina , Kowalski Jan
Published: November 2021

Introduction: There are many scientific reports on the beneficial effects of epigallocatechin gallate and resveratrol on the human body, e.g. antioxidant properties, a protective effect on the circulatory system and reduction of inflammation.

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of these substances on the survival of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in the presence of the pro-apoptotic factor staurosporine.

Methods: Cell viability WST-1 colorimetric assay.

Results: It was confirmed that both 25 µM/ml and 50 µM/ml of epigallocatechin and 50 µM/ml of resveratrol statistically significantly increased the MSC survival rate.

Conclusion: An excess supply of epigallocatechin gallate (50 µM/ml and higher) has a cytotoxic effect on MSC, which may have a negative impact on the body’s auto-regenerative capacity. Under toxic and stressful conditions, resveratrol and epigallocatechin gallate perform cytoprotective functions, thereby reducing the negative impact of toxic environmental conditions on the mesenchymal stem cells.
Challenges and chances by involving community interpreters in the regular health care of pregnant women and young mothers from third countries with language barriers. A qualitative study within the project RundUm – Transcultural network in the care of pregnancy and birth / Herausforderungen und Chancen bei der Hinzuziehung von Sprach- und Integrationsmittlerinnen in die Regelversorgung von Schwangeren und jungen Müttern aus Drittstaaten. Eine qualitative Erhebung im Rahmen des Projektes RundUm – Transkulturelles Netzwerk zur Begleitung bei Schwangerschaft und Geburt
Authors: Rocholl Angela , Lange Ute
Published: November 2021

Einleitung

Zur sprachlichen Verständigung und Partizipation an den Versorgungsstrukturen des Sozial- und Gesundheitswesens bei Menschen mit Sprachbarrieren und einem Migrations- oder Fluchthintergrund entwickelte sich der Tätigkeitsbereich der Sprach- und Integrationsmittler/-in in Abgrenzung zum/zur Dolmetscher/-in. Im Rahmen des Forschungsprojektes RundUm begleiteten Sprach- und Integrationsmittlerinnen des Sprachmittlerdienstes SprInt in Essen Schwangere und junge Mütter zu Terminen der Regelversorgung im Gesundheitswesen. Die Chancen und Herausforderungen innerhalb der geburtshilflichen Versorgung aus Sicht der Sprach- und Integrationsmittlerinnen sind Gegenstand der vorliegenden Studie.

Methode

Im Rahmen von qualitativen Experteninterviews wurden 14 Sprach- und Integrationsmittelnde des Sprachmittlerdienstes SprInt in Essen befragt. Die Transkripte wurden inhaltsanalytisch ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse

Herausforderungen zeigen sich in der Kontaktaufnahme zu den Klientinnen und in Aspekten der Zusammenarbeit mit professionellen Fachkräften und dem Verhältnis zwischen professionellen Akteuren/-innen der Regelversorgung und ihren Patientinnen/Frauen. Fehlende sprachliche Kompetenzen der Sprachmittlerin im Themengebiet der geburtshilflichen Versorgung, die Konfrontation mit interkulturellen Unterschieden und eine Unsicherheit der professionellen Akteure/-innen im Umgang mit Sprach- und Integrationsmittlung beeinflussen die Tätigkeit. Daneben bieten unterschiedlich praktizierte Rollenverständnisse der SprInterinnen Chancen und Konfliktpunkte in der Zusammenarbeit im Versorgungsnetzwerk Schwangerer und junger Mütter.

Diskussion

Die Bedeutung der Arbeit der Sprach- und Integrationsmittlerinnen für eine bedarfsgerechte geburtshilfliche Versorgung von Frauen mit Sprachbarrieren bietet Chancen für eine öffentliche Diskussion um die Anerkennung des Tätigkeitsprofils. Anpassung und Ausbau von themenspezifischen Qualifikationsmaßnahmen können dabei helfen, Kompetenzen zur Übernahme einer Brücken- und Lotsenfunktion im Sprachund Integrationsmittlungsprozess zu entwickeln und nachfolgend zu praktizieren. Dies impliziert abgesicherte Finanzierungsmöglichkeiten für die Hinzuziehung von Sprach- und Integrationsmittlerinnen in die Regelversorgung von Schwangeren und jungen Müttern und eine Implementierung in interprofessionelle Netzwerkstrukturen.
The Pathophysiology and Management of Diabetic Ketoacidosis in COVID-19 Patients: A Literature Review
Authors: Tilinca Mariana Cornelia , Gliga Maximilian Cosma , Varga Andreea
Published: November 2021

Diabetic individuals are considered a vulnerable population during the COVID-19 Pandemic, and several studies noted worse outcomes, including death, among those who get infected. Diabetic emergencies, such as ketoacidosis (DKA), are common and potentially life-threatening conditions in uncontrolled patients. While the pathophysiological background of the relationship between COVID-19 and DKA is not fully understood, early reports available so far indicate that patients with pre-existing diabetes who get infected with the SARS-CoV 2 virus are at higher risk of DKA. It was also suggested that DKA is a poor prognostic sign for infected patients, these being at higher risk of developing worse forms of COVID-19 disease and having high mortality. Therefore, healthcare personnel dealing with such patients face a considerable challenge, as the correct and safe emergency management of such cases is far from established. This article aimed to conduct a study that reviews the current published data available about patients with DKA and COVID-19.
The Predictive Potential of Elevated Serum Inflammatory Markers in Determining the Need for Intubation in CoVID-19 Patients
Authors: Windham Samuel , Hirsch Kellen , Peterson Ryan , Douin David , Chauhan Lakshmi , Heery Lauren , Fling Connor , Vukovic Nemanja , Holguin Fernando , Zimmer Shanta , Erlandson Kristine
Published: November 2021

Introduction

The predictive potential of demographics, clinical characteristics, and inflammatory markers at admission to determine future intubation needs of hospitalised CoVID-19 patients is unknown. The study aimed to determine the predictive potential of elevated serum inflammatory markers in determining the need for intubation in CoVID-19 Patients.

Methods

In a retrospective cohort study of hospitalised SARS-CoV2 positive patients, single and multivariable regression analyses were used to determine covariate effects on intubation odds, and a minimax concave penalty regularised logistic regression was used to build a predictive model. A second prospective independent cohort tested the model.

Results

Systemic inflammatory markers obtained at admission were higher in patients that required subsequent intubation, and adjusted odds of intubation increased for every standard deviation above the mean for c-reactive protein (CRP) OR:2.8 (95% CI 1.8-4.5, p<0.001) and lactate dehydrogenase OR:2.1 (95% CI 1.33.3, p=0.002). A predictive model incorporating C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, and diabetes status at the time of admission predicted intubation status with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.78 with corresponding sensitivity of 86%, specificity of 63%. This predictive model achieved an AUC of 0.83, 91% sensitivity, and 41% specificity on the validation cohort.

Conclusion

In patients hospitalised with CoVID-19, elevated serum inflammatory markers measured within the first twenty-four hours of admission are associated with an increased need for intubation. Additionally, a model of C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, and the presence of diabetes may play a predictive role in determining the future need for intubation.
A Case of Self-salvation in a Determined Chloroquine Suicide Attempt
Authors: Störmann Sylvère , Hoppe John , Steinert Daniela , Angstwurm Matthias W.
Published: November 2021

This report concerns a young man who attempted suicide by ingesting a cocktail with a lethal dose of chloroquine phosphate and large amounts of diazepam. On presentation, the patient was drowsy, unresponsive and in cardiogenic shock with severely impaired left ventricular function. Active charcoal and vasopressors were administered, and despite his intoxication with diazepam, a high-dose diazepam treatment was initiated in the hospital. It is concluded that diazepam in the cocktail played a vital role in the survival of this patient. With a rise in numbers, every emergency and intensive care physician should be familiar with chloroquine poisoning.
Pheochromocytoma, Fulminant Heart Failure, and a Phenylephrine Challenge. The Perioperative Management of Adrenalectomy in a Jehovah’s Witness Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Bachman Sarah A. , Peterson Ryan S. , Burrage Peter S. , Hickerson Leigh C
Published: November 2021

Perioperative management of pheochromocytoma in the setting of catecholamine-induced heart failure requires careful consideration of hemodynamic optimization and possible mechanical circulatory support. A Jehovah’s Witness patient with catecholamine-induced acutely decompensated heart failure required dependable afterload reduction for a cardio-protective strategy. This was emphasized due to the relative contraindication to perioperative anticoagulation required for mechanical circulatory support. A phenylephrine challenge clearly demonstrated adequate alpha blockade after only 24 hours of phenoxybenzamine treatment. This resulted in advancement of the surgery date. This case also highlights management of beta blockade, volume and salt loading, autologous blood transfusion, and profound post-operative vasoplegia in the setting of cardiogenic shock. Careful attention to hemodynamic optimization and cardio-protective strategies ultimately resulted in positive outcome for this challenging clinical scenario.
Methanol Poisoning Leading to Brain Death: A Case Report
Authors: Glowala Jakub , Richards Jeremy B.
Published: November 2021

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has put increased stress on medical systems, infrastructure, and the public in expected and unexpected ways. This case report summarises an unexpected case of methanol poisoning from hand sanitiser ingestion due to changes in industry regulations, increased demand for cleaning products and severe psychosocial stressors brought on by the pandemic. Severe methanol toxicity results in profound metabolic disturbances, damage to the retina and optic nerves, and potentially death.

Case Presentation

The patient was a 26-year-old male with alcohol use disorder who presented with one day of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain after consuming hand sanitiser. Within a few hours, the patient had suffered multiple seizures, cardiac arrests and required admission to the ICU for emergent management of methanol poisoning. EEG and brain perfusion imaging were performed to confirm brain death, given concerns about the cranial nerve exam after methanol poisoning.

Conclusions

While rare, methanol toxicity remains a potentially fatal poisoning in the United States and worldwide. When healthcare and public resources are strained, healthcare professionals must consider particularly abnormal presentations. In patients suspected of brain death from methanol toxicity, cranial nerve examination may be unreliable. Therefore, additional testing is necessary to confirm brain death.
Water repellency decreases with increasing carbonate content and pH for different biocrust types on sand dunes
Authors: Drahorad Sylvie Laureen , Felde Vincent J. M. N. L. , Ellerbrock Ruth H. , Henss Anja
Published: November 2021

Biocrusts are biological communities that occupy the soil surface, accumulate organic matter and mineral particles and hence strongly affect the properties of the soils they cover. Moreover, by affecting water repellency, biocrusts may cause a preferential infiltration of rainwater, with a high impact on the formation of local water pathways, especially for sand dunes. The aim of this study is to shed light on the connections between water repellency and pH, carbonate and organic matter content in two dune ecosystems with different biocrust types. For this, we used contact angle measurements, gas volumetric carbonate determination and organic matter characterization via FT-IR and TOF-SIMS. In both ecosystems, moss-dominated biocrusts showed higher water repellency and higher amounts of organic matter compared to algal or cyanobacterial biocrusts. Surprisingly, the biocrusts of the two dune systems did not show differences in organic matter composition or organic coatings of the mineral grains. Biocrusts on the more acidic dunes showed a significantly higher level of water repellency as compared to higher carbonate containing dunes. We conclude that the driving factor for the increase in water repellency between cyanobacterial and moss-dominated biocrusts within one study site is the content of organic matter. However, when comparing the different study sites, we found that higher amounts of carbonate reduced biocrust water repellency.
Relation of influencing variables and weather conditions on rainfall partitioning by birch and pine trees
Authors: Zabret Katarina , Šraj Mojca
Published: November 2021

General weather conditions may have a strong influence on the individual elements of the hydrological cycle, an important part of which is rainfall interception. The influence of general weather conditions on this process was analysed, evaluating separately the influence of various variables on throughfall, stemflow, and rainfall interception for a wet (2014), a dry (2015), and an average (2016) year. The analysed data were measured for the case of birch and pine trees at a study site in the city of Ljubljana, Slovenia. The relationship between the components of rainfall partitioning and the influential variables for the selected years was estimated using two statistical models, namely boosted regression trees and random forest. The results of both implemented models complemented each other well, as both indicated the rainfall amount and the number of raindrops as the most influential variables. During the wet year 2014 rainfall duration seems to play an important role, correlating with the previously observed influence of the variables during the wetter leafless period. Similarly, during the dry year 2015, rainfall intensity had a significant influence on rainfall partitioning by the birch tree, again corresponding to the influences observed during the drier leafed period.
Effects of slow and fast pyrolysis biochar on N2O emissions and water availability of two soils with high water-filled pore space
Authors: Balashov Eugene , Buchkina Natalya , Šimanský Vladimir , Horák Ján
Published: November 2021

Biochars, depending on the types of feedstocks and technological conditions of pyrolysis, can vary significantly in their properties and, therefore, it is difficult to predict biochar-induced effects on nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from various soils, their physical properties and water availability. The objectives of this study were (1) to quantify effects of slow pyrolysis biochar (BC) and fast pyrolysis biochar (PYRO) on physical and hydro-physical properties of sandy soil (Haplic Arenosol) and clayey loam soil (Gleyic Fluvisol), and (2) to assess corresponding N2O emissions from these two soils. The study included a 63-day long laboratory investigation. Two doses of BC or PYRO (15 t ha−1 and 30 t ha−1) were applied to the soils in combination or without nitrogen fertilizer (NH4NO3, 90 kg N ha−1). The obtained results have shown a significant decrease in the bulk density of sandy soil after it was amended with either rate of BC or PYRO. Water retention capacity of the soils in all the treatments with BC or PYRO increased considerably although no changes was found in the soil water-filled pore space (WFPS) which was higher than 60%. BC was increasing N2O emission rates from the sandy soil treated with N fertilizer, and reducing N2O emission rates from the clayey loam soil treated with N fertilizer. PYRO was more efficient and was reducing N2O emissions from both fertilized soils, but for the sandy soil the reduction was statistically significant only at higher dose (30 t ha−1) of the biochar.
Effect of mature spruce forest on canopy interception in subalpine conditions during three growing seasons
Authors: Jančo Martin , Mezei Pavel , Kvas Andrej , Danko Michal , Sleziak Patrik , Minďáš Jozef , Škvarenina Jaroslav
Published: November 2021

The interception process in subalpine Norway spruce stands plays an important role in the distribution of throughfall. The natural mountain spruce forest where our measurements of throughfall and gross precipitation were carried out, is located on the tree line at an elevation of 1,420 m a.s.l. in the Western Tatra Mountains (Slovakia, Central Europe). This paper presents an evaluation of the interception process in a natural mature spruce stand during the growing season from May to October in 2018–2020. We also analyzed the daily precipitation events within each growing season and assigned to them individual synoptic types. The amount and distribution of precipitation during the growing season plays an important role in the precipitation-interception process, which confirming the evaluation of individual synoptic situations. During the monitored growing seasons, precipitation was normal (2018), sub-normal (2019) and above-normal (2020) in comparison with long-term precipitation (1988–2017). We recorded the highest precipitation in the normal and above-normal precipitation years during the north-eastern cyclonic synoptic situation (NEc). During these two periods, interception showed the lowest values in the dripping zone at the crown periphery, while in the precipitation sub-normal period (2019), the lowest interception was reached by the canopy gap. In the central crown zone near the stem, interception reached the highest value in each growing season. In the evaluated vegetation periods, interception reached values in the range of 19.6–24.1% of gross precipitation total in the canopy gap, 8.3–22.2% in the dripping zone at the crown periphery and 45.7–51.6% in the central crown zone near the stem. These regimes are expected to change in the Western Tatra Mts., as they have been affected by windstorms and insect outbreaks in recent decades. Under disturbance regimes, changes in interception as well as vegetation, at least for some period of time, are unavoidable.
Biocrust effects on soil infiltrability in the Mu Us Desert: Soil hydraulic properties analysis and modeling
Authors: Guan Hongjie , Liu Xinyu
Published: November 2021

The presence of biocrusts changes water infiltration in the Mu Us Desert. Knowledge of the hydraulic properties of biocrusts and parameterization of soil hydraulic properties are important to improve simulation of infiltration and soil water dynamics in vegetation-soil-water models. In this study, four treatments, including bare land with sporadic cyanobacterial biocrusts (BL), lichen-dominated biocrusts (LB), early-successional moss biocrusts (EMB), and late-successional moss biocrusts (LMB), were established to evaluate the effects of biocrust development on soil water infiltration in the Mu Us Desert, northwest of China. Moreover, a combined Wooding inverse approach was used for the estimation of soil hydraulic parameters. The results showed that infiltration rate followed the pattern BL > LB > EMB > LMB. Moreover, the LB, EMB, and LMB treatments had significantly lower infiltration rates than the BL treatment. The saturated soil moisture (θs
) and shape parameter (α
VG) for the EMB and LMB treatments were higher than that for the BL and LB treatments, although the difference among four treatments was insignificant. Water retention increased with biocrust development at high-pressure heads, whereas the opposite was observed at low-pressure heads. The development of biocrusts influences van Genuchten parameters, subsequently affects the water retention curve, and thereby alters available water in the biocrust layer. The findings regarding the parameterization of soil hydraulic properties have important implications for the simulation of eco-hydrological processes in dryland ecosystems.
Hydrophysical characteristics in water-repellent tropical Eucalyptus, Pine, and Casuarina plantation forest soils
Authors: Leelamanie D.A.L. , Piyaruwan H.I.G.S. , Jayasinghe P.K.S.C. , Senevirathne P.A.N.R.
Published: November 2021

Soil water repellency (SWR) reduces the rates of wetting in dry soils and is known to interfere with water movement into as well as within the soils. The objective of this study was to investigate the hydrophysical characteristics of three water-repellent tropical exotic plantation forest soils in wet and dry seasons. The study sites were Eucalyptus grandis (EG), Pinus caribaea (PC), and Casuarina equisetifolia (CE) plantation forest soils located in the up-country intermediate zone (EG and PC), and low-country dry zone (CE). Field experiments were conducted to measure the infiltration rate, unsaturated hydraulic conductivity (k), water sorptivity (S
W). Laboratory experiments were conducted to measure the potential SWR and water entry value (h
we). All three soils showed higher SWR in the dry season, where CE soils showed the highest. The EG soils showed the highest SWR in the wet season. Although SWR in all soils decreased with increasing depth in the wet season, only CE soils showed a significant decrease in SWR with soil depth in the dry season. Compared with the wet season, the k(–1 cm) was lower and h
we was higher in the dry season. However, S
W did not show a significant difference between wet and dry seasons. Initial infiltration rate and k(–1 cm) showed a negative correlation with contact angle in all three soils. Soils showed positive linear correlations between k(–1 cm) and S
W, and negative linear correlations between S
W and h
we showing that surface water absorption is related to both subsurface unsaturated water flow and surface water entry pressure. It was clear that the water entry into soils and the subsurface water flow were hindered by the SWR. High water entry values in the dry season predict high potentials for intensified surface runoff and topsoil erosion. Future research will be required on the interactions between soil biology and soil properties such as pore structure that would influence water flow into and within soils.
The role of biocrust-induced exopolymeric matrix in runoff generation in arid and semiarid zones – a mini review
Authors: Kidron Giora J.
Published: November 2021

Although playing an important role in shaping the environment, the mechanisms responsible for runoff initiation and yield in arid and semiarid regions are not yet fully explored. With infiltration-excess overland flow, known also as Hortonian overland flow (HOF) taking place in these areas, the uppermost surface ‘skin’ plays a cardinal role in runoff initiation and yield. Over large areas, this skin is composed of biocrusts, a variety of autotrophs (principally cyanobacteria, green algae, lichens, mosses) accompanied by heterotrophs (such as fungi, bacteria, archaea), which may largely dictate the infiltration capability of the surface. With most biocrust organisms being capable of excreting extracellular polymeric substances (EPS or exopolymers), and growing evidence pointing to the capability of certain EPS to partially seal the surface, EPS may play a cardinal role in hindering infiltration and triggering HOF. Yet, despite this logic thread, great controversy still exists regarding the main mechanisms responsible for runoff generation (runoff initiation and yield). Elucidation of the possible role played by EPS in runoff generation is the focus of the current review.
Defining minimum runoff length allows for discriminating biocrusts and rainfall events
Authors: Lázaro Roberto , Calvo-Cases Adolfo , Arnau-Rosalén Eva , Rubio Consuelo , Fuentes David , López-Canfín Clément
Published: November 2021

The runoff coefficient (RC) is widely used despite requiring to know the effective contributing area, which cannot be known a priori. In a previous work, we defined runoff length (RL), which is difficult to measure. This work aimed to define the minimum RL (mRL), a quantitative and easy proxy of RL, for use in a pilot study on biocrusts in the Tabernas Desert, Spain. We show that RC decreases according to a hyperbola when the contributing area increases, the independent variable being the length of the effective contributing area and its coefficient involving the effects of rainfall and surface features and antecedent conditions. We defined the mRL as the length of the effective contributing area making RC = 1, which is calculated regardless of the area. We studied mRL from three biocrust types and 1411 events clustered in seven categories. The mRL increased with rain volume and intensity, catchment area and slope, whereas plant cover and biocrust succession (with one exception) had a negative effect. Depending on the plot, mRL reached up 3.3–4.0 m on cyanobacterial biocrust, 2.2–7.5 m on the most widespread lichens, and 1.0–1.5 m on late-successional lichens. We discuss the relationships of mRL with other runoff-related parameters.
Mapping past, present and future dew and rain water resources for biocrust evolution in southern Africa
Authors: Muselli Marc , Beysens Daniel
Published: November 2021

Biocrust sustainability relies on dew and rain availability. A study of dew and rain resources in amplitude and frequency and their evolution is presented from year 2001 to 2020 in southern Africa (Namibia, Botswana, South Africa) where many biocrust sites have been identified. The evaluation of dew is made from a classical energy balance model using meteorological data collected in 18 stations, where are also collected rain data. One observes a strong correlation between the frequency of dew and rain and the corresponding amplitudes. There is a general tendency to see a decrease in dew yield and dew frequency with increasing distance from the oceans, located west, east and south, due to decreasing RH, with a relative minimum in the desert of Kalahari (Namibia). Rain amplitude and frequency decreases when going to west and north. Short-term dew/rain correlation shows that largest dew yields clearly occur during about three days after rainfall, particularly in the sites where humidity is less.

The evolution in the period corresponds to a decrease of rain precipitations and frequency, chiefly after 2010, an effect which has been cyclic since now. The effect is more noticeable towards north. An increase of dew yield and frequency is observed, mainly in north and south-east. It results in an increase of the dew contribution with respect to rain, especially after 2010. As no drastic changes in the distribution of biomass of biocrusts have been reported in this period, it is likely that dew should compensate for the decrease in rain precipitation. Since the growth of biocrust is related to dew and rain amplitude and frequency, future evolution should be characterized by either the rain cycle or, due to global change, an acceleration of the present tendency, with more dew and less rainfalls.
Art, Aura, and Admiration in the Age of Digital Reproduction
Authors: Emison Patricia Anne
Published: November 2021

Walter Benjamin famously argued that the mass public of the twentieth century would necessarily correlate with a newly politicized art. But the world has changed considerably since Benjamin’s article was written, as Theodor Adorno and Max Horkheimer already were assessing less than a decade later. It is the purpose of this article to examine how the aesthetics of the Frankfurt school, though frequently still invoked, have lost some of their immediate relevance. The anti-establishment phase of the 60s, compounded by a pronounced taste for irony, rendered aura and exhibition outmoded values, while on the other hand, more recently, price escalation in the art market and digitization have made certain of the Frankfurt school arguments more pertinent than ever. Taking as examples Goldsworthy and Kentridge, this essay argues that a deliberate loosening of the artist’s control over both medium and reception displaces the warmed-over religious responses endorsed by Benjamin, positing instead increased intellectual agency on the part of viewers, whose identity as a mass public has become newly complicated.
Gatherings of Jewish Artists in Interwar Lithuania
Authors: Bukauskaitė Evelina
Published: November 2021

The main subject of this paper is the Jewish artists of interwar Lithuania and their efforts to unite. It analyses the aspirations of Jewish artists to unite into groups, to represent and present their art, and to maintain their national identity. The article introduces the main organisers, participants, circumstances and goals of the artists’ gatherings. It discusses three cases: the cultural policy pursued by National Jewish Council’s Section of Culture at the institutional level; Jewish artists who gathered on a social basis; and the Art Gallery of Neemiya Arbit Blatas as a unique exhibition space in inter-war Lithuania, which mainly exhibited the works of Jewish artists. The paper focuses not on the artistic legacy or its value, but rather on the processes of cultural life of Jewish artists in interwar Lithuania.
Uniate Sacral Architecture in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania: A Synthesis of Confessional Architecture
Authors: Buržinskas Žygimantas
Published: November 2021

The architectural legacy of the Unitarians in the former Grand Duchy of Lithuania has received little attention from researchers to this day. This article presents an architectural synthesis of the Uniate and Order of Basilians that reflected the old succession of Orthodox architectural heritage, but at the same time was increasingly influenced by the architectural traditions formed in Catholic churches. This article presents the tendencies of the development of Uniate architecture, paying attention to the brick and wooden sacral buildings belonging to the Uniate and Order of Basilians in the territory of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The early Uniate sacral examples reflected the still striking features of the synthesis, which were particularly marked in the formation of the Greek cross plan and apses in the different axes of the building. All this marked the architectural influences of Ukraine, Moldova and other areas of Central and South-Eastern Europe, which were also clearly visible in Orthodox architecture. Wooden Uniate architecture, as in the case of masonry buildings, had distinctly inherited features of Orthodox architecture, and in the late period, as early as the 18th century, there was a tendency to adopt the principles of Catholic church architecture, which resulted in complete convergence of most Uniate buildings with examples of Catholic church buildings. Vilnius Baroque School, formed in the late Baroque era, formed general tendencies in the construction of Uniate and Catholic sacral buildings, among which the clearer divisions of the larger structural and artistic principles are no longer noticeable in the second half of 18th century. The article also presents the image of baroque St. Nicholas Church, the only Uniate parish church in Vilnius city, which was lost after the reconstruction in the second half of the 19th century.
Architectural Criticism in Lithuanian Interwar Press: Preconditions of the Phenomenon
Authors: Petrulis Vaidas
Published: November 2021

The main goal of the article is to find out whether a specific genre of architectural criticism was formed in the public discourse of interwar Lithuania (1918–1940), and if so, to define the main tendencies of this phenomenon. After defining the critique of architecture as a public discourse in which, based on theoretical knowledge, reflections on the essence of architecture or evaluations of ongoing urban development and buildings are popularly presented, the article discusses such texts in interwar Lithuania. The publication will acquaint readers with the most creative reviewers of architecture and the thematic variety of publications attributed to architectural critics. The article will also reveal personalised, unexpected assessments of buildings that have already become objects of heritage.
Arctic Drama to Sámi Theatre – Cultural Clashes Towards Decolonisation: In Shared Dialogic Spaces
Authors: Arntzen Knut Ove
Published: November 2021

This article deals with the concept of Arctic Drama, which is about how there is a relationship between drama and cultural clashes in the perspective of shared cultures in the northern Scandinavian area, which is defined as arctic in the geographical sense. In this vast area the Sámi people historically and to the present day have been living from reindeer herding in a nomadic lifestyle, giving them a close relationship to nature.

Norwegians and Swedes colonised this area historically, especially the coast for fishing.There have been strong cultural clashes since the Viking ages, but colonisation mainly started later by introducing Christianity by force in the 16th century. Since the Romantic age, these ethno-cultural clashes have been reflected in drama and theatre, and some plays by Henrik Ibsen and Knut Hamsun echo these tensions. An independent theatre of the Sámi people as well as of other indigenous people in Greenland and Canada, like the Inuits, would also develop some theatrical strategies based in a dramaturgy that could be described as a “spiral dramaturgy”. Cultural independence has contributed to a decolonisation process, contributing to even out the cultural clashes in theatre and drama, which could be defined as postcolonial towards decolonisation. This article focuses on the area of arctic Scandinavia.
Performance Art Using Biometric Data
Authors: Griniuk Marija
Published: November 2021

This research analyzes performance art that uses biometric data, based on two concept perspectives – inhuman interconnections and transcorporeality – applied to examples of European performance art from Lithuania, Finland, Poland, and Denmark. The term performance art theoretically refers to all art that involves the human body, human biometric data, inhuman interconnections, transcorporeality, and liminal space. This study examines the differences between wide-scope interactive art and design and performance art involving biometric data created through the application of recent developments in consumer technology for live events. This research examined three case projects through the method of autoethnography. The data presented in the article was either collected during the author’s performance art events or at performances the author was attending as a visitor. The cases are analyzed by means of qualitative data analysis, utilizing terms representing human biometric data and interactivity adopted from research within the fields of interactive art and interactive design. The study examines the combination of biometric data and art to explain the phenomenon of humans meeting technology, revealed through data collected from a body and transmitted to an audience during a performance art event. The conclusion revisits the key terms – performance art, biometric data, inhuman interconnections and transcorporeality – as applied to artistic practices, where performance art and biometric data meet.
Celebration of the Hyperreal Nostalgia: Categorization and Analysis of Visual Vaporwave Artefacts
Authors: Dovydaitis Gytis
Published: November 2021

Vaporwave grabs the attention of internet voyager with harsh collages glued together in a technically primitive manner. It’s a cultural phenomenon which both originated and is active solely on the internet. In the context of general internet culture Vaporwave is exclusive in its aesthetics due to the domination of violet and pink colors, technically primitive quality of texts, fetishization of 8th and 9th decade mainstream commodities and acute nostalgic undertones. Vaporwave has been mostly explored as a music genre or sociological phenomenon, while its visual aspect has mostly remained unattended. This article seeks to analyze the conceptual aspects embodied within Vaporwave visuals, to briefly compare them with music, and to unpack the mechanism of nostalgia as an affective entry point to the movement. The interpretation is mainly lead by Jean Baudrillard’s theory of hyperreality, and interpretational principles of hermeneutics. Five Tumblr blogs were analyzed. Hermeneutic inquiry into the texts yielded seven distinct symbol categories differentiated by the affect they generate: nostalgic commodities, idyllic classics, melancholic landscapes, harsh distortions, gentle geometry, depressive texts, and ecstatic brands. Each of these categories here are elaborated in detail finally summarizing the multilayered symbolism of the movement. It can be described as nostalgically challenging visual conventions through harsh technical quality and opposing codes of behavior through open expressions of depression and melancholy, thus exposing the doubts of individual imprisoned in postmodern society. ’80s and ’90s here become hyperreal fantasy lands of the past where a nostalgic individual can find refuge. In comparison to music, the visual aspect of Vaporwave highlights the technology as central artefacts of nostalgia, introduces new ways to analyze late capitalist consumer culture, and brings an intimate dialogue with hyperreality to the front. The article suggests that Vaporwave is a post-ironic art movement which both celebrates and criticizes capitalism, finally remaining vague whether there are ways to escape the system, and whether these ways should even be looked for.
Selected Risks of the Decompression Process, Part II: Analysis of Selected Types of Risk
Authors: Kłos Ryszard
Published: November 2021

The safe transition from a higher pressure atmosphere to a lower pressure atmosphere is accomplished by planning the decompression process, typically through changes in pressure and/or composition of the breathing mix in a function of time. However, the decompression process is affected by a much greater number of inherent factors than changes in pressure and composition of the breathing mix. Their values should be kept within certain ranges, however, there are circumstances when it is not possible to maintain control over them. In this situation, they become elements of the residual risk of the decompression process. The safety of decompression should be ensured, inter alia, by analysing the residual risk for each execution of the decompression process.
Keeping Track of Scientific Dives in Countries with Incipient Diving Programmes: The Scidive Record Forms
Authors: Moreno Bernabé
Published: November 2021

Pre-dive checks and dive logs are fundamental documentation for any diving operation and must be incorporated as mandatory ‘good operating practices’ in scientific diving (SD) projects. Data included in dive logs may vary in detail, however, there is basic information to provide based on global standards. Differently to several developed countries in Europe, North America and Australasia, there are countries with incipient, sometimes non-regulated, SD programmes. In this article the importance of documentation in SD is highlighted and record forms are provided as templates, including versions both in English and Spanish. The Diving Supervisor (DS) is the designated person to fill the ‘Daily SciDive Log’ and ‘SCUBA & surface-supplied LogSheet’ (Table 1, 2 and 3, respectively), whilst every diver is responsible for filing their own ‘SciDiver’s Digital LogBook’ (Table 4). General and specific considerations for all tables are described throughout the text. This effort was done to facilitate systematic data management and start developing the bases towards solid national/regional standards on scientific diving operations, particularly for those countries with incipient (scientific) diving programmes.
Quality and Quantity Assessment of Groundwaters in the Vicinity of Kutno with Respect to Potability. Part I
Authors: Kubiak Patryk Tomasz , Siermontowski Piotr
Published: November 2021

The study presents the characteristics of drinking water sources and subsequently performs an analysis of the deviations from the norm in terms of ions of iron, manganese, ammonia, sodium, chlorides as well as other factors affecting the quality of drinking water in the years 2015 - 2017 occurring in individual water intake points in the Kutno district.
Effect of Bacteriophage-Derived Double Stranded RNA on Rat Peritoneal Macrophages and Microglia in Normoxia and Hypoxia
Authors: Pjanova Dace , Hurmach Yevheniia , Rudyk Mariia , Khranovska Natalia , Skachkova Oksana , Verhovcova Irina , Skivka Larysa
Published: November 2021

The involvement of tissue-resident macrophages (TRMs) in health and diseases makes them unique therapeutic targets. TRMs are activated through their surface pattern recognition receptors, such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs) that are essential sensors of danger signals. Here, we determine the activation status of rat peritoneal macrophages (PMs) and microglia (MG) cells under normal and hypoxic conditions and investigate the effect of TLR3 agonist bacteriophage-derived dsRNA (Larifan) on the metabolic profile of TRMs in vitro. We implemented the phenotypic markers CD14 and CD206, arginine metabolism, phagocytic activity and reactive oxygen species generation as metabolic characteristics to evaluate TRMs activation. We showed that normoxic TRMs from different tissue niches responded to Larifan exposure in different ways. PM exhibited signs towards M1 polarisation. In contrast, the MG activation pattern could be considered as neither pro-inflammatory nor anti-inflammatory. We also showed that TRMs, regardless of the tissue niche, responded to hypoxia with a phenotypic shift towards an anti-inflammatory (M2) state. Larifan could attenuate hypoxia-induced TRMs metabolic programming. However, hypoxic conditions could negatively affect the interaction of TRMs with danger signals.
Tear Osmolarity During the First Postoperative Month After Cataract Surgery
Authors: Elksnis Ēriks , Laganovska Guna , Erts Renārs
Published: November 2021

The purpose of this study was to evaluate tear osmolarity changes in a healthy ocular surface in an eye that had been operated on within the first month after cataract surgery. This aim was achieved by forming two groups from the included patients. Patients with one eye exposed to cataract surgery formed the study group, while the eyes of the same patients with no cataract surgery were set as the control group. Both the operated and non-operated eye of each patient were scanned before surgery, the following morning, one week and one month after surgery. Tear osmolarity did not differ between the groups before the operation. On the first day after the surgery, tear osmolarity significantly decreased, below the detection range of the TearLab device (< 275 mOsm/l). The osmolarity level in the control group did not change. One week after surgery, osmolarity in the study group increased to 312.64 mOsm/l, which was significantly different from that of the control group. One month after surgery, tear osmolarity in the study group had returned to the pre-operative level. Tear osmolarity is thus clearly affected by cataract surgery. The average values were seen to change quite significantly during the first postoperative month.
Pilot Study of Risk Group Human Seroprevalence to Coxiella burnetii (Q Fever) in Latvia
Authors: Grantiņa-Ieviņa Lelde , Bubula Ilga , Sergejeva Maija , Šteingolde Žanete , Boikmanis Guntis , Cīrule Dina , Kovaļenko Kaspars , Antāne Vita , Bērziņš Aivars
Published: November 2021

Q fever is an important zoonotic disease worldwide. The main sources of human infection are inhalation of aerosols containing Coxiella burnetii bacteria and exposition to infected materials during parturition or slaughtering. The high-risk group includes people who work directly with infected livestock, such as farmers, veterinarians, veterinary medicine students, slaughterhouse and laboratory staff. Here we present a pilot study of risk-group human seroprevalence to C. burnetii in Latvia. The study included 240 sera samples — 190 from the risk groups and 50 from the control group. Samples were tested with Coxiella burnetii (Q-fever) Phase 1 and 2 IgG ELISA kits. All sera from the control group were negative. The seroprevalence among risk group persons was 8.04–11.54%. No statistically significant differences were observed between genders. The highest percentage of seropositive and equivocal sera samples (25%) were detected in age categories 39–48 years and 49–58 years. Working as a practicing veterinarian or former veterinarian was the only risk factor identified as statistically significant, and belonging to the risk group in general. The geographical distribution of seropositive risk group participants indicated that they tend to located more in the northern, central, and eastern part of the country.
Cerebral Oximetry Measurements Results Depending on a Preclinical Skull Phantom Model
Authors: Leibuss Roberts , Reihmane Arnija , Baltace Lāsma , Baltacis Kārlis , Štelmahere Sabīne , Zemīte Vineta , Dekhtyar Yuri , Stradiņš Pēteris
Published: November 2021

It is more common to perform non-invasive examination during general anaesthesia to ensure effective perioperative patient care. To achieve these results, researchers and clinicians are seeking out different technologies and developing new equipment. One such apparatus is a cerebral oximeter, which is used during cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass for neuroprotection management for reducing risk of postoperative neurological injury (cerebral stroke, neurocognitive dysfunction, and cerebral haemorrhage). A cerebral oximeter performs non-invasive transcutaneous measurements using near infrared radiation to assess the oxygenation of tissues. The objective of the study was to determine if the angle and thickness of a patient’s skull affects measurements. Intralipid water solution, gelatine, and ink were used to make six phantoms with skull thickness ranging from 6 to 11 mm. All phantoms were bent froma0to20 degrees angle. The cerebral oximeter SOMETICS INVOS 5100C was used to perform regional oximetry measurements. For skull thickness of 11 mm, the rSO2 was 45.8% (SD 0.96); for skull thickness of 10 mm, the rSO2 was 45.25% (SD 2.22); for skull thickness of 9 mm, the rSO2 was 32% (SD 1.63); for skull thickness of 8 mm, the rSO2 was 17% (SD 1.83); for skull thickness of 7 mm, the rSO2 was 15% (SD 0); for skull thickness of 6 mm, the rSO2 was 15% (SD 0). No significant changes were observed regarding the angle of the skull phantom. The thickness of the bone layer of the skull phantom affected the regional oximetry results, whereas the angle of the skull did not affect it.
Inflammatory Cytokine IFNγ, IL-6, and IL-10 Association with Childhood Obesity
Authors: Kupča Sarmīte , Jurka Antra , Marksa Iveta , Rinkuža Irēna , Sipols Alfred J. , Rumba-Rozenfelde Ingrīda
Published: November 2021

Childhood obesity carries a high risk of serious life-threatening cardiometabolic diseases in adulthood, which are associated with low-grade inflammation. The aim of the present study was to measure serum cytokine concentrations in obese children recruited during endocrinology consultations and compared to lean control the results. Blood serum concentrations of interferon gamma (IFNγ), IL-1β, Interleukin 6 IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α were analysed applying Luminex xMap technology with Millipore reagent kits. Statistical analyses were performed using t-test comparisons and Spearman correlations. Obese children had highly significant increased levels of circulating IFNγ (p < 0.0001), IL-6 (p < 0.0001), and IL-10 (p < 0.0001), compared to lean controls. IL-1β and TNFα levels, however, were not elevated. Significant correlation of serum cytokines to per cent excess body mass was only observed with IL-6 (rs = 0.21, p < 0.03), although IL-1β (rs = 0.18, p < 0.08) results were suggestive of a trend. A significant association of obesity in childhood with serum concentrations of IFNγ, IL-6, and IL-10 is consistent with a role for low-grade inflammatory processes early in the aetiology of this disease. IL-6 further appears to be a candidate cytokine for assessment of degree of sub-acute inflammation associated with excess weight in the young.