bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Foot function and strength of patients with diabetes grouped by ulcer risk classification (IWGDF)
Authors: Ferreira Jane S. S. P. , Panighel João P. , Silva Érica Q. , Monteiro Renan L. , Cruvinel Júnior Ronaldo H. , Sacco Isabel C. N.
Published: October 2019

Background

The stratification system from the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) was used to classify the participants as to the ulcer risk. However, it is not yet known what the classification groups’ individual deficits are regarding sensitivity, function, and musculoskeletal properties and mechanics. This makes it difficult to design proper ulcer prevention strategies for patients. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the foot function, foot strength and health of people with diabetes mellitus (DM)—with or without DPN—while considering the different ulcer risk classifications determined by the IWGDF.

Methods

The subject pool comprised 72 people with DM, with and without DPN. The patients were divided into three groups: Group 0 (G0), which comprised diabetic patients without DPN; Group 1 (G1), which comprised patients with DPN; and Group 2 (G2), which comprised patients with DPN who had foot deformities. The health and foot function of the subjects’ feet were assessed using a foot health status questionnaire (FHSQ-BR) that investigated four domains: foot pain, foot function, footwear, and general foot health. The patients’ foot strength was evaluated using the maximum force under each subject’s hallux and toes on a pressure platform (emed q-100, Novel, Munich, Germany).

Results

Moderate differences were found between G0 and G1 and G2 for the foot pain, foot function, general foot health, and footwear. There was also a small but significant difference between G0 and G2 in regards to hallux strength.

Conclusion

Foot health, foot function and strength levels of people with DM and DPN classified by the ulcer risk are different and this must be taken into account when evaluating and developing treatment strategies for these patients.
Chemical diversity in leaf and stem essential oils of Origanum vulgare L. and their effects on microbicidal activities
Authors: Khan Merajuddin , Khan Shams T. , Khan Mujeeb , Mousa Ahmad A. , Mahmood Adeem , Alkhathlan Hamad Z.
Published: October 2019

Essential oils (EOs) from the stems and leaves of Origanum vulgare L. grown in Saudi Arabia and Jordan were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and GC–flame ionization detector (FID) techniques on two different columns (polar and nonpolar). A detailed phytochemical analysis led to the identification of 153 constituents of these essential oils. Both Saudi and Jordanian plants are classified by chemotypes rich in cymyl-compounds. However, the Saudi Origanum contains carvacrol as the major component and is, thus, characterized as a carvacrol chemotype, while the Jordanian Origanum contains thymol as the major component, and, thus, it is classified as a thymol chemotype. In addition, the antimicrobial activities of the studied EOs and their major components, including carvacrol and thymol, were evaluated against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms. All the tested compounds exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against all the tested bacteria. Among them, thymol demonstrated superior activity against all the tested organisms, followed by carvacrol. Moreover, results on oil composition and oil yield of O. vulgare L. from different parts of the world is compared in detail with the present outcomes.
Molecular characterization of hypothetical scaffolding-like protein S1 in multienzyme complex produced by Paenibacillus curdlanolyticus B-6
Authors: Pason Patthra , Sermsathanaswadi Junjarus , Waeonukul Rattiya , Tachaapaikoon Chakrit , Baramee Sirilak , Ratanakhanokchai Khanok , Kosugi Akihiko
Published: October 2019

Paenibacillus curdlanolyticusB-6 produces an extracellular multienzyme complex containing a hypothetical scaffolding-like protein and several xylanases and cellulases. The largest (280-kDa) component protein, called S1, has cellulose-binding ability and xylanase activity, thus was considered to function like the scaffolding proteins found in cellulosomes. S1 consists of 863 amino acid residues with predicted molecular mass 91,029 Da and includes two N-terminal surface layer homology (SLH) domains, but most of its sequence shows no homology with proteins of known function. Native S1 (nS1) was highly glycosylated. Purified nS1 and recombinant Xyn11A (rXyn11A) as a major xylanase subunit could assemble in a complex, but recombinant S1 (rS1) could not interact with rXyn11A, indicating that S1 glycosylation is necessary for assembly of the multienzyme complex. nS1 and rS1 showed weak, typical endo-xylanase activity, even though they have no homology with known glycosyl hydrolase family enzymes. S1 and its SLH domains bound tightly to the peptide-glycan layer ofP. curdlanolyticusB-6, microcrystalline cellulose, and insoluble xylan, indicating that the SLHs of S1 bind to carbohydrate polymers and the cell surface. When nS1 and rXyn11A were co-incubated with birchwood xylan, the degradation ability was synergistically increased compared with that for each protein; however synergy was not observed for rS1 and rXynA. These results indicate that S1 may have a scaffolding protein-like function by interaction with enzyme subunits and polysaccharides through its glycosylated sites and SLH domains.
MRI signal changes and their association with intervertebral disc disease in canine vertebral endplates
Authors: Deards Emma , Clements Dylan N. , Schwarz Tobias
Published: October 2019

Background

This study was undertaken to determine the relationship between intervertebral endplate changes and intervertebral disc disease. This study was designed as a cross-sectional, observational study. Two hundred thirteen canine MRI scans performed between 2007 and 2014 were retrieved from a digital image archive. Scans which included any sagittal sections of the vertebral column from C1 to S1 were assessed for morphological changes to the vertebral endplate.

Results

There was found to be a significant association between vertebral endplate changes and intervertebral disc disease of the adjacent disc (P = 0.021). There was not found to be any significant association between dogs having vertebral endplate changes and having intervertebral disc disease (P = 0.38). There was found to be a highly significant association between discs with vertebral endplate changes on both associated vertebrae (bilateral) and having intervertebral disc disease (P = < 0.0001).

Conclusions

The presence of endplate changes should alert the observer to closely examine the disc, as intervertebral disc disease is mildly more likely to occur adjacent to these changes.
Fecal carriage of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in hospital and community settings in Chad
Authors: Ouchar Mahamat Oumar , Tidjani Abdelsalam , Lounnas Manon , Hide Mallorie , Benavides Julio , Somasse Calèbe , Ouedraogo Abdoul-Salam , Sanou Soufiane , Carrière Christian , Bañuls Anne-Laure , Jean-Pierre Hélène , Dumont Yann , Godreuil Sylvain
Published: October 2019

Background

Fecal carriage of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-PE) remains poorly documented in Africa. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of ESBL-PE fecal carriage in Chad.

Methods

In total, 200 fresh stool samples were collected from 100 healthy community volunteers and 100 hospitalized patients from January to March 2017. After screening using ESBL-selective agar plates and species identification by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, antibiotic susceptibility was tested using the disk diffusion method, and ESBL production confirmed with the double-disc synergy test. The different ESBL genes in potential ESBL-producing isolates were detected by PCR and double stranded DNA sequencing. Escherichia coli phylogenetic groups were determined using a PCR-based method.

Results

ESBL-PE fecal carriage prevalence was 44.5% (51% among hospitalized patients vs 38% among healthy volunteers; p < 0.05). ESBL-producing isolates were mostly Escherichia coli (64/89) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (16/89). PCR and sequencing showed that 98.8% (87/89) of ESBL-PE harbored blaCTX-M genes: blaCTX-M-15 in 94.25% (82/87) and blaCTX-M-14 in 5.75% (5/87). Phylogroup determination by quadruplex PCR indicated that ESBL-producing E. coli isolates belonged to group A (n = 17; 27%), C (n = 17; 27%), B2 (n = 9; 14%), B1 (n = 8; 13%), D (n = 8; 13%), E (n = 1; 1.6%), and F (n = 1; 1.6%). The ST131 clone was identified in 100% (9/9) of E. coli B2 strains.

Conclusions

The high fecal carriage rate of ESBL-PE associated with CTX-M-15 in hospital and community settings of Chad highlights the risk for resistance transmission between non-pathogenic and pathogenic bacteria.
Changes in pain following an interaction period of resistance training and green tea extract consumption in sedentary hypertensive women: impact of blood pressure swings
Authors: Arazi Hamid , Taati Behzad , Kheirkhah Jalal , Ramezanpour Samaneh
Published: October 2019

Background

Changes in blood pressure (BP) may affect pain. However, the interaction effect of resistance training and green tea on BP and pain has not been studied. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of resistance training and green tea extract (GTE) on pain variables in hypertensive patients. Secondary aim included determining the effects of BP alterations on pain responses.

Methods

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 30 middle-aged sedentary women were randomly divided into resistance training and green tea extract (GR, n = 8), resistance training (R, n = 8), green tea (G, n = 7), and control groups (C, n = 7). The study period consisted of 3 weeks of GTE (~ 245 mg total polyphenols) consumption twice a day followed by 6 weeks of interaction with resistance training. GR and R groups performed two circuits of training with ten repetitions at 50% of 1RM 2 days a week while other two groups had no any regular exercise training. R and C groups also received placebo capsules (maltodextrin) with the same timing. Pain threshold and perception, BP, and heart rate were recorded following the first and last session of training at rest and 5th and 15th minute.

Results

Pain perception of training groups after the last session was significantly higher than control conditions, and at this time, the magnitude of BP responses was lower in training groups. In proportion to pain threshold, there were no significant differences between groups.

Conclusion

It seems that training-induced hypotension can alter pain perception in hypertensive women through changes in baroreceptor activation.
Trans-foraminal endoscopic uniportal decompression in degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis: a technical and case report
Authors: Krishnan Ajay , Kulkarni Mahesh , Singh Mreetaunjay , Reddy Chaitanya , Mayi Shivanand , Devanand D. , Rai Ravi Ranjan , Dave Bharat R.
Published: October 2019

Background

Degenerative spondylolisthesis is a common spinal pathology. Traditionally, spinal fusion is an accepted standard surgical treatment for listhesis. But fusion is a major intervention with its known pitfalls. With technological progression, minimally invasive spinal fusion (MISF) procedures are becoming mainstream. Percutaneous trans-foraminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy/decompressions (PTELD) without stabilization has many advantages over even a MISF for select group of patients.

Case presentation

In this case report, we describe using a uniportal unilateral trans-foraminal approach (TFA) for stable listhesis with lumbar disc herniation (LDH) causing chronic bilateral radicular symptoms and back pain with acute exacerbation. Under local anesthesia, we used a flat entry for PTELD, which facilitates an approach to both disc sides ventrally and even dorsal aspect lateral recess decompression on the dominant ipsilateral side. No fixation was done. An excellent outcome is obtained immediately at 6 weeks and maintained at 39 months of follow-up.

Conclusion

PTELD is worth considering as an intermediate procedure before fusion is offered in lateral recess stenosis in stable listhesis patients who have consented and understand the progressive cascade of spinal degeneration.
Cyclic Pushover Method for Seismic Assessment under Multiple Earthquakes
Authors: Kagermanov Alexander , Gee Robin
Published: October 2019

A new method for the seismic performance assessment of structures subjected to a sequence of earthquakes is presented. The method is based on the cyclic pushover analysis of a multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) structure. Instead of relying on a single value of target displacement, as in the case of monotonic push-over methods, a simplified cyclic displacement history is derived from an equivalent single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) structure for the assessment of the MDOF one. The main advantage of the method is that it directly accounts for cyclic degradation of the actual MDOF system while retaining the simplicity and computational efficiency of SDOF systems for displacement demand evaluation, thus making it attractive for practical applications. The procedure is exemplified in detail using ductile and nonductile reinforced concrete (RC) frames as benchmark structures subjected to the Central Italy sequence. Further comparison with fully nonlinear time-history analysis and code-prescribed monotonic pushover is provided in order to assess the accuracy and advantages of the proposed method.
Effects of Business Recovery Strategies on Seismic Risk and Cost-Effectiveness of Structural Retrofitting for Business Enterprises
Authors: Donà Marco , Bizzaro Luca , Carturan Federico , da Porto Francesca
Published: October 2019

Recent earthquakes in Italy have significantly affected productive activities, particularly in business interruption (BI) and, consequently, heavy losses for companies, highlighting the need for appropriate seismic risk assessment and management. To estimate seismic risk accurately, both direct (repair/replacement) and indirect (BI) losses must be quantified. Companies’ balance sheets can be used to estimate BI losses, which, however, are very sensitive to business recovery strategies (BRSs) devised by corporate managers after the seismic event. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of BRSs on seismic risk estimates and consequently on structural retrofitting cost-effectiveness. A loss model (including direct and indirect costs and BRS effects) was defined, based on a real-life case study (a biomedical packaging company that was damaged by the 2012 Italian earthquake but recovered soon after) and was used in parametric risk analyses assessing several types of company vulnerabilities and seismic hazards. In areas with low-to-moderate seismicity, seismic retrofitting of existing reinforced concrete factories may be justified or otherwise, depending on whether BRSs are considered or not.
Building Structural Systems in Christchurch's Post-Earthquake Reconstruction
Authors: Bruneau Michel , MacRae Gregory
Published: October 2019

After the 2010–2011 Canterbury earthquakes, much of the Christchurch Central Business District was demolished, and a new city is in the process of emerging in its place. A series of interviews conducted with key professionals involved with the reconstruction, together with data collected from various sources (including Christchurch's City Council database), has made it possible to (1) quantify variations in the selection of a structural system as a function of various parameters and (2) identify some of the drivers that have influenced decisions about the selection of structural material and specific structural systems used. Key points on factors that may affect post-earthquake structural engineering practice are drawn from the data collected. As such, the Christchurch rebuilding experience provides insights into some of the mechanisms that can dictate structural engineering decisions during the post-earthquake reconstruction of a modern city.
Quantification of the Influence of Deep Basin Effects on Structural Collapse Using SCEC CyberShake Earthquake Ground Motion Simulations
Authors: Bijelić Nenad , Lin Ting , Deierlein Gregory G.
Published: October 2019

This paper examines the effects of earthquake ground motions in deep sedimentary basins on structural collapse risk using physics-based earthquake simulations of the Los Angeles basin developed through the Southern California Earthquake Center's CyberShake project. Distinctive waveform characteristics of deep basin seismograms are used to classify the ground motions into several archetype groups, and the damaging influence of the basin effects are evaluated by comparing nonlinear structural responses under spectrum and significant duration equivalent basin and nonbasin ground motions. The deep basin ground motions are observed to have longer period-dependent durations and larger sustained spectral intensities than nonbasin motions for vibration periods longer than about 1.5 s, which can increase structural collapse risk by up to 20% in ground motions with otherwise comparable peak spectral accelerations and significant durations. Two new metrics are proposed to quantify period-dependent duration effects that are not otherwise captured by conventional ground motion intensity measures. The proposed sustained amplitude response spectra and significant duration spectra show promise for characterizing the damaging effects of long duration features of basin ground motions on buildings and other structures.
Effect of Common U.S. Ground Motion Selection Methods on the Structural Response of Steel Moment Frame Buildings
Authors: Uribe Raul , Sattar Siamak , Speicher Matthew S. , Ibarra Luis
Published: October 2019

This study quantifies the impact of two common ground motion (GM) selection methods, included in U.S. standards, on the seismic performance evaluation of steel special moment frames. The methods investigated are a “traditional” approach, herein referred to as the target maximum considered earthquake (TMCE) method, and a newer approach known as the conditional mean spectrum (CMS) method. The TMCE method selects GMs using the risk-based maximum considered earthquake (MCER) spectrum as the target spectrum, while the CMS method uses the CMS that anchors the MCER at multiple conditioning periods. Three special steel moment frames of 4, 8, and 16 stories are designed in accordance with ASCE/SEI 7-10, and their seismic performance is assessed with the nonlinear dynamic procedure prescribed in ASCE/SEI 41-13 using GMs selected and scaled in accordance with the aforementioned methods. A comparison of statistical parameters for the reduced beam sections and column hinges is conducted using the normalized demand-to-capacity ratio ( DCR), as the output parameter. The buildings are evaluated at the collapse prevention performance level for a far-field site located in Los Angeles, CA. In general, the CMS method results in lower DCRs of the frame components and smaller output parameter dispersion. In addition to the spectral shape, the demands are largely influenced by the spectral accelerations prescribed for each evaluated method. The consideration of collapse realizations is also documented as well as the existing and proposed statistical methods to account for these realizations. The study shows that the GM selection process can cause significant differences in structural response that may lead to different retrofitting decisions.
Lower-limb joint mechanics during maximum acceleration sprinting
Authors: Schache Anthony G. , Lai Adrian K. M. , Brown Nicholas A. T. , Crossley Kay M. , Pandy Marcus G.
Published: October 2019

We explored how humans adjust the stance phase mechanical function of their major lower-limb joints (hip, knee, ankle) during maximum acceleration sprinting. Experimental data (motion capture and ground reaction force (GRF)) were recorded from eight participants as they performed overground sprinting trials. Six alternative starting locations were used to obtain a dataset that incorporated the majority of the acceleration phase. Experimental data were combined with an inverse-dynamics-based analysis to calculate lower-limb joint mechanical variables. As forward acceleration magnitude decreased, the vertical GRF impulse remained nearly unchanged whereas the net horizontal GRF impulse became smaller due to less propulsion and more braking. Mechanical function was adjusted at all three joints, although more dramatic changes were observed at the hip and ankle. The impulse from the ankle plantar-flexor moment was almost always larger than those from the hip and knee extensor moments. Forward acceleration magnitude was linearly related to the impulses from the hip extensor moment (R2=0.45) and the ankle plantar-flexor moment (R2=0.47). Forward acceleration magnitude was also linearly related to the net work done at all three joints, with the ankle displaying the strongest relationship (R2=0.64). The ankle produced the largest amount of positive work (1.55±0.17 J/kg) of all the joints, and provided a significantly greater proportion of the summed amount of lower-limb positive work as running speed increased and forward acceleration magnitude decreased. We conclude that the hip and especially the ankle represent key sources of positive work during the stance phase of maximum acceleration sprinting.
Reproducible Ionization of Gold Nanospheres and Nanostars in Gelatin Sections
Authors: Nishi Tomoki , Muko Daiki , Rabor Janice B , Niidome Yasuro
Published: October 2019

Gold nanospheres were dispersed in gelatin sections (10–100 µm thickness) and their laser desorption/ionization (LDI) efficiencies of gold ions (Au+, Au2+, Au3+) under pulsed-laser irradiation were examined. The mass signal intensities were linear to the surface densities ranging from 6 × 104 to 6 × 106 particles/mm2. When the thickness of the sections was thinner than or equal to 50 µm, the LDI efficiency of gold nanospheres was independent of the thickness. Thus, the mass intensity was dependent on the surface densities of gold nanospheres in the gelatin sections. It was also found that the LDI efficiencies were affected by the concentration of gelatin solutions. Based on the high reproducibility of mass signals obtained from gelatin sections, the LDI efficiencies of star-shaped gold nanoparticles (gold nanostars) were also evaluated. It was found that the nanostars showed higher LDI efficiencies than gold nanospheres, but the enhancement was not more than 25%.
Image-guidance triggered adaptive replanning of radiation therapy for locally advanced lung cancer: an evaluation of cases requiring plan adaptation
Authors: Appel Sarit , Bar Jair , Alezra Dror , Ben-Ayun Maoz , Rabin-Alezra Tatiana , Honig Nir , Katzman Tamar , Chatterji Sumit , Symon Zvi , Lawrence Yaacov Richard
Published: October 2019

Objectives:

Anatomic changes may occur during chemoradiation treatment for lung cancers, requiring adaptive replanning. Here we characterize these cases.

Methods:

We retrospectively studied lung cancer cases that underwent resimulation and adaptive replanning during 1/2016–3/2019. We compared first and second CT-simulation regarding tumor location, timing of change, tumor volume, anatomical alteration and change in simulation technique. We also compared dosimetric parameters between the plans, recorded local control, and overall survival outcomes.

Results:

Out of 281 patients, 58 underwent replanning (20.6%). Histology included small cell (22.4%) and non-small cell (77.6%). Stage III was in 91.4%. Mean radiation dose of 59.4 Gray (Gy) (range 50-66Gy).

Tumor location was peribronchial in 53.5%. Timing of replanning was in the first, second and final third of the treatment course in 26%, 43% and 31% respectively. Changes in gross tumor volume were observed in 74%; mean gross tumor volume was 276.7cc vs 192.7 cc (first vs second simulation, p = 0.001). Anatomical changes were identified in 35.4% including pleural fluid accumulation, atelectasis or pneumothorax alteration. Change in simulation technique was performed in 25.9%, including breath-hold or continuous positive airway pressure.

Changes in dosimetric parameters when the same technique was used: lung V20Gy 26% (standard deviation, SD 7.6) vs 25.3% (SD 6.6) (p = 0.36), mean lung dose 15.1 Gy (SD 3.7) vs 14.7Gy (SD 3.3) (p = 0.23), heart V40Gy 10.2% (SD13) vs 7.2% (SD 9.8) (p = 0.037). When simulation technique changed: lung V20Gy 30.8% (SD 8.2) vs 27.3% (SD 8) (p = 0.012), mean lung dose 17.3 Gy (SD 4.4) vs 15.3 Gy (SD 3.8) (p = 0.007), heart V40Gy 11.1% (SD 14.7) vs 6.5% (SD 6.7) (p = 0.014).

2 year local control was 60.7% (95% confidence interval, 34.5–79.2%), and median overall survival was 19.7 months.

Conclusion:

Adaptive replanning of radiation was performed in a fifth of locally advanced lung cancer patients. In most cases tumor volume decreased, or atelectasis resolved, causing mediastinal shifts, which, if unidentified and left uncorrected, may have led to local failure and increased toxicity. The heart V40Gy was reduced significantly in all cases, but significant reduction in lung doses was evident only if simulation technique was altered.

Advances in knowledge:

In locally advanced lung cancer image-guidance with cone beam CT can detect significant mediastinal shifts and gross tumor volume changes that raise the need for adaptive replanning. Image guidance-triggered adaptive replanning should be added to the armament of advanced radiation treatment planning in locally advanced lung cancer.
Interactions Between the Local and the Global: Brokers and go-betweens within the Portuguese State of India (1500 - 1700)
Authors: Polonia Amelia
Published: October 2019

It is commonplace to locate the First Global Age in the period between 1500 and 1800 and present the European Overseas Expansion as one of the main levers of this process. However, interactions occurred locally and many localities were involved in the process. Recent and not so-recent historiography has stressed how cross-cultural and cross-imperial relations as well as cooperation and self-organization mechanisms have to be taken into consideration in order to understand the dynamics and the outputs arising from such a globalization process. This paper argues that the achievements required for the building of a global world depended to a great extent on agents of mediation, operating as formal and informal brokers and go-betweens. Following the fruitful path opened long ago by Michael Pearson, this contribution will develop an empirical analysis of the performance of such agents, within the Portuguese State of India, in the domains of economy, society and knowledge transfer.
Granice Europy i granice Unii Europejskiej
Authors: Porębski Czesław
Published: October 2019

The Borders of Europe and the Borders of the European Union

The relationship between Europe and geography is extremely complicated. In consequence, one can distinguish many senses of “Europe”. Some of them are here identified and put in a historical perspective. This perspective might be helpful in present day discussions concerning the scope and limits of the European integration. Another perspective is, however, also utterly important: the global commitments that European Union has to accept follow not only from the European past, but also from the basic European values and cultural features.
Thémis jako kategoria graniczna
Authors: Gruszczyk Aleksandra
Published: October 2019

Thémis as a Liminal Category Thémis is a concept deeply rooted in the culture of ancient Greece. As a category delineating the limits of “what’s right” as well as a personification of this very concept in Themis, the Titaness ruling the sphere of eternal order, justice, laws and mores in the Greek religion, thémis in ancient Greece was the ultimate boundary of the social reality. Situated on the crossroads between two spheres: the sacrum and the profane, this concept also served as the foundation of an impassable axio‑normative barrier between that which is human and which is other‑than‑human: either god‑like or beast‑like. Thémis as a philosophical and axio‑normative notion still remains a valid scientific category, which can be successfully used in the explication and analysis of the processes of emergence and transformation of contemporary social and individual boundaries. The examination of the socio‑cultural aspects of thémis facilitates the analysis of the communal factors influencing the individual world‑views, as well as those forming the limits and content of the prevailing ethics.
Granice Państwa Kościelnego w II połowie VIII wieku w świetle wczesnych źródeł historycznych
Authors: Dawczyk Maciej
Published: October 2019

Borders of the Papal State in the Second Half of 8th Century in the Light of Early Sources

In 756 as the result of donation made by frankish king Pepin papacy formally controlled duchy of Rome, part of former exarchate of Ravenna (earlier directly submitted to Ravenna), larger part of duchy of the Pentapolis and probably duchy of Perugia. Papacy claimed belonged to Lombards territory of plenaria iustitiae (part of Pentapolis and duchy of Ferrara) as well. In 765 king Desiderius transfered to papacy not plenaria iustitiae but some parts of Tuscany, duchy of Benevento and duchy of Spoleto. In 774 took place frankish intervention which destroyed lombard kingdom. Frankish king Charlemagne conveyed to pope Hadrian I new territories (lombard Tuscany, Corsica, Spoleto, Benevento, Istria, Veneto) and confirmed old donations. However the pope had not possibility to really take over these lands. In 781 as the recompensation king conveyed to Hadrian southern part of Lombard Tuscany, territory of Sabina, part of Campania and confirmed territories in exarchate and Pentapolis. Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily were added as well. In 787 papacy received next part of Campania. Determination of the shape of the territories practically controlled by the pope is very difficult because in many lands there were problems with introduction of real papal reign.
Europa i jej wyobrażone granice w medialnym dyskursie chorwackim po 2012 roku
Authors: Mirocha Piotr
Published: October 2019

Europe and Its Imaginary Borders in the Croatian Media Discourse after 2012 Today Croatia is one of the countries situated on the border of the European Union. It joined the EU in 2013, i.a. already after the financial crisis of 2008 and just before the permanent crisis resulting from the indebtedness of the Southern peripheries of the EU, revealing of the humanitarian situation of migrants at the Mediterranean and Balkan borders of the Union, as well as a rise in xenophobia in numerous member states. Therefore, imaginary borders of Europe in the Croatian media discourse after 2012 can be a significant research field. This paper presents preliminary results of an analysis of a large corpus of articles from the Internet issue of a daily newspaper Večernji list from October 2012 until October 2017. The analysis is focused on the linguistic modelling of the notion of Europe (especially in the context of the European integration) and its limits (especially in the context of migration). A brief background concerning the cultural history of the notion of Europe in the Croatian cultural universe is also provided.
Granice w wizji politycznej współczesnej skrajnej prawicy w Niemczech
Authors: Kałabunowska Agata
Published: October 2019

Borders in the Political Vision of Contemporary Extreme Right in Germany

The article deals with the issue of broadly defined borders in political and ideological programmes of selected extreme right organisations in contemporary Germany (AfD, NPD, IBD). The starting point for the textual and content analysis of actual programs of these organizations is the author’s reflection on the importance of dichotomy in the broader political view of the extreme right. The author claims that the considerably strong focus of the selected right‑wing organisations on the issue of physical or cultural borders does not only derive from the timing of their activism – the so called migration crisis. It is rather pre‑defined by the ideological features of the far right in general. The core ideological elements ascribed to the far right as a stream of political thought, such as nationalism or authoritarianism, are based on the dichotomy and influence on the far right perception of the world.
Stosunek młodzieży do sąsiadów na pograniczach w Polsce, na Ukrainie i na Węgrzech
Authors: Długosz Piotr
Published: October 2019

Youth’s Attitudes Towards Neighbouring Countries in the Borderlands in Poland, Ukraine, and Hungary

The article presents the youth’s attitudes towards different nations. The research was conducted using the survey method. The auditorium questionnaire was carried out among secondary school students. The research sample was selected using quota sampling. The research was conducted in four borderlands in Poland, three borderlands in Ukraine and one borderland in Hungary. The results of the research have shown that in each of the researched countries, well‑developed and rich nations are valued more highly by the youth, whereas the poor, post‑communist nations are less appreciated. The youth was the least sympathetic towards Muslims. The analyses have shown that the main factors determining the attitudes towards neighbours were the historical background and socio‑political relations between the countries. Socio‑economical relations in the borderlands had little influence on the youth’s attitudes.
Przestrzeń fizyczna i bariery mentalne w doświadczeniu emigrantów rosyjskich ("Grzybowstąpienie" Zinowija Zinika)
Authors: Duda Katarzyna Anna
Published: October 2019

Physical Space and Mental Barriers in Russian Emigrants’ Experience ("The Mushroom Picker" by Zinovyi Zynyck)

Taking into account the novel "The Mushroom Picker" there are a lot of kinds of the word “frontier”. Their meaning depends on a question: what we would like to express using them. Not only does the Russian author write about space borders between countries but he considers mental barriers as well. In his opinion, the latter ones are drastically more dangerous because they often lead to arguments and even wars between nations which have no knowledge and understanding of different cultures. The main character of the novel shows the reader both Soviet and English reality. The capital cities of these countries – Moscow and London – are presented critically. The citizens of both countries do not trust each other, and do not even try to know anything about different conditions in which they live. The protagonists are proud only of their own culture and history, and do not respect other nations. There are not any spiritual values, friendship and agreement among people. In this way "The Mushroom Picker" turned to be very pessimistic.
Muzyka bez granic
Authors: Golemo Karolina
Published: October 2019

Music without Borders: Portuguese Fado in a Multicultural Space In 2011 fado was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List, but much before it started to function as a Portugal’s music trade mark. Fado lovers believe that it is a reflection of the Portuguese soul. The genre can be traced to the 19th century’s poor districts of Lisbon (Alfama, Mouraria), however some ethnomusicologists increasingly emphasize its earlier African‑Brazilian origins. For more than two hundred years of its existence, fado passed through different phases of development, reaching diverse public, first in Portugal and then abroad. In times of the dictatorship Antonio Salazar’s regime tried to influence fado by introducing censorship and specifying rigid rules of performance. The aim of this article is to show the evolution of the Portuguese fado and its modern interpretations, resulting from the fusion of this genre with other forms, such as bossa nova, jazz, folk, pop, or tango. This blurring and softening of the music boundaries is illustrated with the example of surprising connections between fado and Angolan, Capeverdean, Andalusian, Brazilian or Jewish music. The principal argument of the article is the idea that nowadays fado exceeds many borders: the limits of social groups, cultural and ethnic areas, countries and music genres.
Granice wyobrażone i rzeczywiste – ewolucja i transgresja
Authors: Kułaga Marta , Trzcionka Magdalena
Published: October 2019

Imaginary and Real Boundaries – Evolution and Transgression: The Change of an Organizational Model’s Paradigm Based on the Example of Leance – a Teal Organization from Krakow The article discusses issues related to the real and imaginary limitations of the functioning of teal organizations. Both categories of boundaries are thought constructs, and the proposed distinction is determined by the process of transgression. A crossed barrier becomes an imaginary boundary, the one to be defeated remains real. The analysis of boundaries and transgression was based on the theory of psychotransgressionism by Józef Kozielecki, and the case study concerned the Krakow teal organization – Leance. The primary focus was on the area of communication, relations and interactions.
Moving IS Project Control Research into the Digital Era: The “Why” of Control and the Concept of Control Purpose
Authors: Wiener Martin , Mähring Magnus , Remus Ulrich , Saunders Carol , Cram W. Alec
Published: October 2019

The control of information systems (IS) projects is central to creating and capturing value from digitalization. However, the current understanding of IS project control is too restrictive and not well attuned to the digital era, in which collaborative value creation in open-ended digital innovation and transformation efforts is critical to firm competitiveness, ecosystem evolution, and societal advancement. Reviewing earlier research, we find that the dominant view of IS project control emphasizes value capture/appropriation and virtually ignores value creation. To address this shortcoming, we introduce the concept of control purpose (why) and advocate for broadening control activities to encompass the two control purposes of value appropriation and value creation. This implies that practitioners need to strategically decide on and actively manage the balance between different purposes of control activities. By doing so, they will be better equipped to achieving success in digital innovation and transformation initiatives.
Tissue Engineering: New Paradigm of Biomedicine
Authors: Gautam Sneh , Ambwani Sonu
Published: October 2019

Tissue engineering is a multidisciplinary field of biomedicine that is being used to develop a new tissue or restore the function of diseased tissue/organ. The main objective of tissue engineering is to overcome the shortage of donor organs. Tissue engineering is mainly based on three components i.e. cells, scaffold and growth factors. Among these three components, scaffold is a primary influencing factor that provides the structural support to the cells and helps to deliver the growth factors which stimulate the proliferation and differentiation of cells to regenerate a new tissue. The properties of a scaffold mainly depend upon types of biomaterial and fabrication techniques that are used to fabricate the scaffold. Biofabrication facilitates the construction of three-dimensional complex of living (cells) and non-living (signaling molecules and extracellular matrices polymers etc.) components. Biofabrication has potential application especially in skin and bone tissue regeneration due to its accuracy, reproducibility and customization of scaffolds as well as cell and signaling molecule delivery. In this review article, different types of biomaterials and fabrication techniques have been discussed to fabricate of a nanofibrous scaffold along with different types of cells and growth factor which are used for tissue engineering applications to regenerate a new tissue. Among different techniques to fabricate a scaffold, electrospinning is simple and cost effective technique that has been mainly focused in the review to produce nanofibous scaffold. On the other hand, a tissue might be repair itself and restore to its normal function inside the body by applying the principle of regenerative medicine.
Nanorobots or Antitumor Nanotanks: The New Cancer Termination Strategies from Reality to Meth
Authors: Pambuk Chateen I. Ali , Muhammad Fatma Mustafa
Published: October 2019

Nanorobotics Nanorobotics is a technology for making machines, robots in nanometer scale. More specifically, nanorobotics largely refer to the still-hypothetical technique of nanotechnology in the design and construction of nanoparticles and devices that range in size from 0.1-10 micrometers and are constructed from own molecular components or the molecules like DNA. However, it is still a hypothetical idea. Terminology such as nanobots, nanoids, nanites, nanomachines, or nanomites are also being circulated to describe these devices under research and development. A new technique in medicine will open up new avenues of hope for cancer patients. This technique relies on cell differentiation and the destruction of cancer cells without destroying body cells in less than 24 hours Unlike destructive chemotherapy, this technique is based on a new science called "Nanotherapy", specifically Nano robots. The aim of this descriptive minireview, generally, is to shed light on the main Applications of Nanorobotics as Antitumornew strategies.
Genetic Polymorphismsin the Naga tribes of Nagaland with reference to Blood group
Authors: Kiewhuo Magdalene , Yanthan Rollen , Vese Milepo , Swu Mary , Kiso Medonguno , Imsong Meyisenla I , Pfote Pazhüni , R Nandakumar
Published: October 2019

Northern India is one of the oldest geophysical regions of human evolution and migration in the world. Genetic and anthropological studies have shown that the peopling the subcontinent is characterized by a complex history, contributed from different ancestral populations. Genetic level studies of polymorphisms always associated with health and diseases of population becoming the need of hours. The present study was aimed to explore the relationship of ABO blood groups association of populations and to assess the prevalence of blood groups in different categories of Northern India and to compare our results with other studies conducted in India. Blood samples from 155 unrelated individuals was collected from Naga tribal settlements Blood groups of individuals were evaluated with the presence of antigen using monoclonal antibody by a standard blood typing are protocol, Gene frequencies was calculated by Hardy-Weinberg method. The blood group O 67 (43.23%) was the commonest group prevalent in donors followed by group B 45 (29.03%), A 33(21.29%) and AB 10 (6.45%). The Rh negative was not observed in female donors, whereas in male it was found to be 1.3%.Data among tribal suggest their common origin as well as a drift from an original population due to the possible founder effect among tribal Naga Ten Tribal
Sputum Negative Tubercular Adults Spread Infection and Disease to Their Household Children
Authors: Khan Diwan Israr , Beig Farzana K , Ahmad Zuber , Ashraf Ghulam Md
Published: October 2019

To examine whether tuberculosis sputum negative adults can spread disease to their household children. A patient based study was conducted over a time period of one year, on children of those adults who were suspected case of “sputum smear positive” as well as “sputum smear negative” diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis at JNMCH, India. Various investigations like tuberculin test, chest X-ray, fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of lymph nodes, gastric aspirate, acid-fast bacilli (AFB) sputum smear examination and others were done to attain the goal of this study. Out of 129 children, 69 were in household contact of sputum smear positive and 60 in contact of sputum smear negative adults. Forty children were found to be Mantoux positive; of which the ratio of children that were in contact of sputum positive adult to those in contact of sputum negative adult was 2:1 (27 vs 13). A small percentage (6%) of asymptomatic children was found to be diseased. Sputum positivity, low socio-economic status as well as less than 3 years of age exhibited strong association with infection as well as disease; nonetheless the number of infected and diseased children in sputum smear negative group is not negligible. A considerable number of screened children that were in contact with sputum negative tubercular adult were found to be infected as well as diseased; hence this group should not be ignored. A portion of Mantoux positive children were found to be asymptomatic and one-third of diseased children were Mantoux negative, so Mantoux cannot be taken as a gold standard for diagnosis of tuberculosis.
Antiapoptic Activity of Cinnamon on Some Organs of 18 Days Rat Fetuses of Diabetic Mother
Authors: El-Beeh Mohamed E , Fouda Yousra A. , El-badry Dina A , El-Sayyad Hassan IH
Published: October 2019

Diabetes is a public health problem affected pregnant rats associated with developmental defects of their growing fetuses and histopathological abnormalities of their body organs. The traditional application of phytotherapy encourages author to develop the more safety plants which exerts antidiabetic activity and improve the histological structure. The present study aimed to evaluate the intensity of lesions induced in liver, kidney, heart and lingual mucosa of 18-day old fetuses of diabetic mother. Also, how can cinnamon-extract supplementation exert antiapoptic activity and improved the histological picture during in utero treatment. Twenty pregnant rats were used in the present work. They were categorized into four groups (n = 5); control, cinnamon extract group, diabetes, diabetes and cinnamon supplementation. Diabetes was developed by single i.p. administration of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg in citrate buffer pH 4.5 plus 100mg/kg nicotinamide). Cinnamon watery extract (300mg/kg body weight) was daily orally administrered from 6th day of gestation until 18th day of gestation. At the end of treatment, the mother was sacrificed, and their fetuses were removed and liver, kidney, heart and tongue were dissected and preserved in 10% phosphate buffered formalin pH 7.4. Also, immunohistochemistry of caspase 3 and P53 were carried out. At 18th day of gestation, maternal blood glucose levels were monitored in the investigated groups. The present findings revealed that diabetes induced damage of hepatocytes, deformation of renal tubules and renal corpuscles, fragility of myocardial muscles and damage of epithelium lining the lingual mucosa and retarded the differentiation of lingual papillae especially fungiform papillae. Increase average of apoptic cells were detected in the examined tissues of diabetic mother. Cinnamon-treatment reduced the incidence of apoptosis and improved the histological picture of liver, kidney, heart and tongue of fetuses maternally diabetic compared to the control. Image analysis revealed overexpression of immunohistochemical reaction of caspase 3 in liver, kidney and heart as well as caspase 3 and p53 in heart of fetuses of diabetic mother compared to those of diabetic mother supplemented cinnamon extract and control. The authors finally concluded that cinnamon extract showed a hypoglycaemic activity, reduced the streptozotocin associated diabetes and ameliorated the fetal liver, kidney, heart and tongue histological and immunohistochemical picture.