Eastward Voyages and the Late Medieval European Worldview

This thesis explores the nature of the late medieval European worldview in the context of the thirteenth- and fourteenth-century European journeys to Asia. It aims to determine the precise influence of these journeys on the wider European Weltbild. In lending equal weight to the accounts of the eastward travellers and the sources authored by their counterparts in Europe, who did not travel to Asia, the present study draws together two related strands in medieval historiography: the study of medieval European cosmology and worldview, and the study of medieval travel and travel literature. This thesis treats the journeys as medieval Europe’s interaction with Asia, outlining how travellers formed their perceptions of ‘the East’ through their encounters with Asian people and places. It also explores the transmission of information and ideas from travellers to their European contemporaries, suggesting that the peculiar textual culture of the Middle Ages complicated this process greatly and so minimised the transfer of ‘intact’ perceptions as the travellers originally formed them. The study contends instead that the eastward journeys shaped the late medieval European world picture in a different way, without overturning the concepts that underpinned it. Rather, this thesis argues, thirteenth- and fourteenth-century eastward voyages subtly altered how Europeans were inclined to understand these underpinning concepts. It suggests that the journeys intensified and made the concepts more immediate in Europeans’ minds and that they ‘normalised’ travel itself to the point where it became an essential part of the way Europeans could most readily make sense of the vast and kaleidoscopic world around them

Results obtained with EVOagri technology to improve yield using filtered water in Africa, Tibet, Italy and Bulgaria

The effectiveness of the application of EVOagri technology for purification of water and its use in agriculture in some African countries (Zimbabwe, Burundi, Egypt and Uganda), Nepal (Asia) and in Europe (Italy and Bulgaria) was evaluated. The performance of EVOdrop turbine for water filtration was analysed and the physicochemical composition of water was tested. This was determined in compliance with Ordinance No. 9/2001, published in the Official State Gazette, issue 30, and decree No. 178/23.07.2004, Bulgaria, European Union on the quality of water intended for drinking and household purposes. The results showed a significant increase in production yield of the tested Solanum spp. and lettuces in Zimbabwe, as well as of dill, spinach and onions in Egypt. Treatment of high-salt irrigation water in Burundi with EVOagri reduced its toxic effect upon vegetable plants. In Uganda, plants absorbed 23% less water, when filtered with EVOagri technology. In Italy, 21% water conservation was achieved through the usage of EVOagri technology. Stimulation of seed-germination after soaking with EVOagri water was established in Burundi and Nepal. The importance of the type and composition of irrigation water for crop growth was proved by the experiments in Bulgaria. In Bulgaria, onion seeds were planted in two separate pots. The first one was watered with tap water and this was taken as the control sample with tap water. The second one was watered with EVOdrop filtered water which was saturated with EVOdrop hydrogen technology (EVOwater). In Bulgaria, under natural conditions, Evodrop water was also tested in beans and the growth result was 11 % better than the control sample

Adjuvant Treatment in Colon Cancer

Worldwide, more than 1 million people develop colorectal cancer (CRC) annually. CRC is a major health problem in the Western world and the second most common cause of cancer mortality. To improve performance, the role of chemotherapy for CRC has increased dramatically over the last decade. The vast majority of CRC patients now receive chemotherapy with multiple agents that are currently approved for the treatment in the appropriate setting [1]. However, it is a complex process to select the optimal chemotherapy for each patient and practice evidence gap is still a problem. Some guidelines for the treatment of CRC have been developed to promote the standardization of CRC treatment. Postoperative, or “adjuvant,” systemic therapy has become standard for stage III colon cancer. Adjuvant therapy should also be strongly considered in stage II patients. It is generally recommended for any medically fit patient with stage II cancer with unfavorable factors. The hypothesis that the antitumor activity of the combination agent, including oxaliplatin, irinotecan, bevacizumab, cetuximab in metastatic cure rates, would result in increased adjuvant proved to be often wrong. Although new drug development takes years, targeted drug use can occur more quickly with advanced tests and will be a focus of future work. In addition, efforts will focus on identifying biomarkers that predict response to systemic therapy so that tailored therapy can be initiated. The future of oncology will come with the better understanding of the biology and genetics of the tumor and its host. This will help to develop tailored approach to the patients, including more specific systemic therapy, aimed at molecular targets of the malignant tumor, thus reducing the negative effects. At that time, the treatment of oncological diseases will experience a new era, comparable to the introduction of antibiotics

Theoretical Analysis of Hydrogen Bonds, Energy Distribution and Information in a 1 % Rosa damascena Mill Oil Solution

The method of Non-equilibrium Energy Spectrum (NES) was applied in measurement of hydrogen bonds energy distribution in 1% Rosa damscena L. oil solution in deionized water. Local maxima in this spectrum were identical with these obtained in investigations of other biologically active solutions and related to particular bio effects as follows: (-0.1387 eV; 8.95 µm; 1117 cm-1). This local maximum is typical for antibacterial, anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory effects. The local maxima at (-0.1212 eV; 10.23 µm; 978 cm-1) and (-0.1262 eV; 9.82 µm; 1018 cm-1) are typical for anti-inflammatory effects and this at (-0.1112 eV; 11.15 µm; 897 cm-1) is typical for effects on the nervous system and nerve conductivity. Information theoretical analysis was performed using the values of Shannon entropy and Transformational information entropy, pointing to hydrogen bonds distribution similarities between Rosa damscena L., V. myrtillus L. and Salvia divinorum Epling. The possible chemical causes of these similarities were identified as antioxidant activity and polyphenols concentration

Research on the structuring of water clusters in Chlorella vulgaris water suspension

Many bioactive compounds of natural origin have beneficial effects on human health and are used to treat different diseases. Chlorella is a genus of green algae with a high potential for producing biologically active substances. Exposure to extreme conditions can enhance its antioxidant activity and the production of concrete metabolites. C. vulgaris is cultivated in plantations. It is accessible in pharmacies and drugstores. The Health Act of 2005 in Bulgaria allows the therapeutic and prophylactic use of herbs, both independently by patients and as prescribed by a doctor. This study performed comparative spectral analyses of C. vulgaris using a 1% suspension of C. vulgaris in deionized water (v/v) by the methods of Non-equilibrium energy spectrum (NES) and Differential non-equilibrium energy spectrum (DNES). The research was performed in order to make indirect studies of the biological effects of C. vulgaris, which are connected with calcium conductivity and anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects. The effects of structuring of water clusters by C. vulgaris were examined. The data from spectral analyses, connected with a peak at (E =-0.1312 eV)(?=9.45 ?m) (?=1058 cm-1), revealed anti-inflammatory effects. The anti-oxidant and anti-tumor effects of C. vulgaris were shown at (E=-0.1387 eV)(?=8.95 ?m)(?=1117 cm-1). The results showed effects of improvement of calcium conductivity and anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antitumor effects of C. vulgaris on human health

Different concepts for creating antibacterial yet biocompatible surfaces: Adding bactericidal element, grafting therapeutic agent through COOH plasma polymer and their combination

Antibacterial coatings have become a rapidly developing field of research, strongly stimulated by the increasing urgency of identifying alternatives to the traditional administration of antibiotics. Such coatings can be deposited onto implants and other medical devices and prevent the inflammations caused by hospital-acquired infections. Nevertheless, the design of antibacterial yet biocompatible and bioactive surfaces is a challenge that biological community has faced for many years but the "materials of dream" have not yet been developed. In this work, the biocompatible yet antibacterial multi-layered films were prepared by a combination of magnetron sputtering (TiCaPCON film), ion implantation (Ag-doped TiCaPCON film), plasma polymerization (COOH layer), and the final immobilization of gentamicin (GM) and heparin (Hepa) molecules. The layer chemistry was thoroughly investigated by means of FTIR and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies. It was found that the immobilization of therapeutic components occurs throughout the entire thickness of the plasma-deposited COOH layer. The influence of each type of bactericide (Ag+ ions, GM, and Hepa) on antibacterial activity and cell proliferation was analyzed. Our films were cytocompatible and demonstrated superior bactericidal efficiency toward antibioticresistant bacterial E. coli K261 strain. Increased toxicity while using the combination of Ag nanoparticles and COOH plasma polymer is discussed

Burnout among surgeons before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: an international survey

Background: SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has had many significant impacts within the surgical realm, and surgeons have been obligated to reconsider almost every aspect of daily clinical practice. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study reported in compliance with the CHERRIES guidelines and conducted through an online platform from June 14th to July 15th, 2020. The primary outcome was the burden of burnout during the pandemic indicated by the validated Shirom-Melamed Burnout Measure. Results: Nine hundred fifty-four surgeons completed the survey. The median length of practice was 10 years; 78.2% included were male with a median age of 37 years old, 39.5% were consultants, 68.9% were general surgeons, and 55.7% were affiliated with an academic institution. Overall, there was a significant increase in the mean burnout score during the pandemic; longer years of practice and older age were significantly associated with less burnout. There were significant reductions in the median number of outpatient visits, operated cases, on-call hours, emergency visits, and research work, so, 48.2% of respondents felt that the training resources were insufficient. The majority (81.3%) of respondents reported that their hospitals were included in the management of COVID-19, 66.5% felt their roles had been minimized; 41% were asked to assist in non-surgical medical practices, and 37.6% of respondents were included in COVID-19 management. Conclusions: There was a significant burnout among trainees. Almost all aspects of clinical and research activities were affected with a significant reduction in the volume of research, outpatient clinic visits, surgical procedures, on-call hours, and emergency cases hindering the training. Trial registration: The study was registered on clicaltrials.gov "NCT04433286" on 16/06/2020

Research of Water Molecules Cluster Structuring during Haberlea rhodopensis Friv. Hydration

Gesneriaceae plant family is comprised of resurrection species, namely Boea hygrometrica and Paraboea rufescens, that are native to the Southeast Asia and Haberlea rhodopensis, Ramonda myconi, and Ramonda serbica, which are mainly found in the Balkan Peninsula. Haberlea rhodopensis is known to be able to survive extreme and prolonged dehydration. Study was carried out after the dried plant Haberlea rhodopensis Friv. had been hydrated and had reached its fresh state. Two juice samples were collected from the plant blossom: The first sample was prepared with 1% filtered water through a patented EVOdrop device. Then the sample was saturated with hydrogen with EVOdrop booster to a concentration of 1.2 ppm, pH = 7.3, ORP = −390 mV. This first sample was prepared with filtered tap water from Sofia, Bulgaria. The second sample, which was a control one, was developed with tap water from Sofia, Bulgaria, consisting of 1% solutions of Haberlea rhodopensis. A study revealed that during the drying process in H. rhodopensis the number of free water molecules decreases, and water dimers are formed. The aim of our study was to determine the number of water molecules in clusters in 1% solutions of hydrated H. rhodopensis plants. Results were analyzed according to the two types of water used in the experiment. Th EVOdrop device is equipped with an ultranano membrane and rotating jet nozzle to create a vortex water and saturation thanks to a second device EVObooster to obtain hydrogen-rich water. In the current study Hydrogen-rich water is referred to as Hydrogen EVOdrop Water (HEW). Research was conducted using the following methods—spectral methods non-equilibrium energy spectrum (NES) and differential non-equilibrium energy spectrum (DNES), mathematical models, and study of the distribution of water molecules in water clusters. In a licensed Eurotest Laboratory, the research of tap water before and after flowing through the EVOdrop device was proven. Studies have been carried out on the structuring of water molecule clusters after change of hydrogen bond energies. The restructuring comes with rearrangement of water molecules by the energy levels of hydrogen bonds. Local extrema can be observed in the spectrum with largest amount of water molecules. The structural changes were tested using the NES and DNES spectral methods. The conducted research proved that the application of EVOdrop device and EVObooster changes the parameters of water to benefit hydration and health