bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
If You Are Not Part of the Solution, You Are the Problem: Article 37 of the EU Charter as a Defence for Climate Change and Environmental Measures in Investor-State Arbitrations – Joint 2nd Prize Winner Essay competition 2020
Authors: Humblet Florence , Duggal Kabir
Published: December 2020

Climate change is severely impacting the survival of humankind on earth. In the European Union (EU), the Charter of Fundamental Rights (EU Charter) codifies environmental protection as part of the EU’s corpus of fundamental rights protection and states that “a high level of environmental protection and the improvement of the quality of the environment must be integrated into the policies of the EU and ensured in accordance with the principle of sustainable development”. By virtue of this article, the EU has elevated environmental protection to the level of constitutionality. Environmental concerns have played a critical role in investor-state arbitration. This article submits that Article 37 of the EU Charter might be a viable defence for Member States of the EU (Member States) that adopt climate change and environmental measures. Such defence would not consist of a jurisdictional challenge based on the Achmea decision but of a defence based on the applicable law which protects the notion of sustainable investment enshrined in the applicable international investment agreement. Article 37 of the EU Charter could, therefore, operate a powerful tool to foster environmental protection in investor-state disputes and, therefore, address one of the most widespread complaints in the backlash against investor-state arbitration.
Environmental Claims by States in Investment Treaty Arbitration
Authors: Sharma Gaurav
Published: December 2020

Recent years have witnessed a number of counterclaims by State parties in investment treaty arbitrations based on environmental concerns and the need to protect local resources and safeguard the associated human rights of local communities. This article charts the development of the case law in this context, starting with the Urbaser v. Argentina award of December 2016, before examining its impact on the cases that followed in its wake, notably including the respective 2017 and 2018 awards in Burlington v. Ecuador and Aven v. Costa Rica. It concludes by considering whether these recent cases mark the beginning of a new era of international law claims which finds a parallel in the broader paradigm shift in public discourse on the critical role of all stakeholders in the conservation of the environment, and which may one day result in investors facing standalone claims as the respondent in future investment treaty claims brought by States.
Richard Wright, Simone de Beauvoir et Le Deuxième Sexe
Authors: Simons Margaret A. , Rouch Marine
Published: December 2020

L’ autrice analyse l’ influence de Richard Wright sur la philosophie féministe de Simone de Beauvoir. Après avoir observé le virage théorique et philosophique que représente Le Deuxième Sexe dans la pensée de Beauvoir, elle en interroge les influences possibles. C’ est chez Richard Wright que l’ autrice trouve les racines de la pensée beauvoirienne de l’ oppression des femmes, de l’ engagement de l’ écrivaine et du féminisme radical selon lequel les femmes doivent se constituer en groupe à part entière pour se libérer.
Low-cost polyaniline coated carbonized materials as support for Pt-based electrocatalysts for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC)
Authors: Dongmulati Naziermu , Maimaitiyiming Xieraili
Published: December 2020

Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC) technology has achieved commercial pre-feasibility, but its high cost and insufficient durability are the main obstacles to its full utilization. It has been determined that the problem of durability and high-cost has hindered the development of the carbon carrier used for Pt catalyst. Therefore, there is a great need to find low-cost and robust alternative support. In this paper, different carbonized materials were studied as supports for Pt-based electrocatalysts. Low-cost materials (lab-gown, toilet paper and filter paper) are carbonized with high temperature and modified by polyaniline to provide sufficient surface modification to improve Pt deposition on these supports. After comparison, it was found that carbonized lab-gown has better electrocatalytic performance than single-walled carbon nanotubes, carbonized toilet paper, and filter paper. The results provides an effective basis for replacing high cost and preparation of cumbersome carbon nanotubes with low cost and durable support materials.
Bio-genic synthesis of ultra-small Au particles loaded silica nanoparticles for effective wound healing agent for the nursing care in the femoral fracture during surgery
Authors: Wang Hai-Yan , Wu Zhang-You
Published: December 2020

In this study, Au?SiO2materials were synthesized by a simple biogenic approach using ultra-small Au nanoparticles (NPs) loaded on mesoporous SiO2NPs. The functional groups, crystalline behavior, morphological structure, and elemental compositions of synthesized nanomaterials were characterized and confirmed by various techniques such as ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope (TEM) with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) mapping, Zeta potential, and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis. The cell viability results also indicated that the nano Au NPs loaded on mesoporous SiO2NPs exhibited highly efficient biocompatibility and low toxicity. The wound healing rate of mesoporous SiO2and Au?SiO2NPs were 82% and 96%, respectively, at the end of 14 days, which were higher than that of the control samples. These results strongly support the possibility of using these Au particles loaded on mesoporous SiO2NPs as a promising wound healing agent for nursing care during femoral fracture surgery.
Sensing application of novel nanocomposite based on lanthanide functionalized nanoporous material and polymer matrix
Authors: Rong Yangxin , Wei Yongnian , Li Genliu , Liu Lijia , Li Qiuping , Jia Zhijian
Published: December 2020

Recently, lanthanide hybrid material has aroused great interest because of its wide range application in lighting material, bio-imaging, chemical/biological sensing and so on. Here, a binary lanthanide terbium/mesoporous silica hybrid material (Tb@MCM-41), and a ternary lanthanide terbium/mesoporous
silica/polyurethane hybrid material (Tb@MCM-41@PU) are reported. Typically, the lanthanide Tb3+ ions were connected onto the surface of mesoporous MCM-41 via the molecular bridge built by the synergy of silane coupling agent (APTEOS) and chelating reagent (DTPA), and then the resulted Tb@MCM-41
was encapsulated into a commercial polymer matrix (PU) to form Tb@MCM-41@PU composite film. The sensing experiments conducted in solution had proven that Tb@MCM-41 has good selective sensing ability to the dopamine molecular. And further experiments also indicated the Tb@MCM-41@PU composite
film can be used as a very convenient sensor tool towards dopamine.
Chitosan nanoparticle-mediated delivery of curcumin and phycocyanin for photodynamic therapy against biofilm forming bacteria
Authors: Rani Durairaj Jansi , Mala Rajendran , Mohan Preetha , Keerthana Ravichandran , Prasath Nagaiah Hari , Celsia Arul Selvaraj Ruby
Published: December 2020

Bacteria within biofilm display resistance to host defense and conventional antimicrobial agents. The present study was aimed to reduce biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using photodynamic therapy. Natural photosensitizers such as curcumin
and phycocyanin were encapsulated within chitosan nanoparticles synthesized by ionic gelation method. It was characterized by SEM, TEM, Particle size analyzer, UV-Vis analysis, FTIR, XRD and TGA. The antibacterial activity of curcumin and phycocyanin delivered through chitosan nanoparticles
against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa was investigated by well diffusion assay. Photodynamic antibiofilm activity was investigated by crystal violet assay. Generation of reactive oxygen species by photosensitizers was recorded using spectrophotometer. The chitosan nanoparticles
encapsulated with photosensitizers were spherical in shape with an average size of 20 nm. Encapsulation efficiency of chitosan nanoparticles was 36.45% for phycocyanin and 44.96% for curcumin. The antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of curcumin and phycocyanin increased with concentration.
Curcumin and phycocyanin reduced less than 0.5% of biofilm formed by S. aureus and P. aeruginosa in dark treatment. Illumination reduced 2.57% and 2.18% of biofilm formed by S. aureus and P. aeruginosa respectively. Photodynamic activity of curcumin and phycocyanin
delivered through chitosan nanoparticles at 100 _g/mL reduced 92% and 88% of biofilm formed by S. aureus and P. aeruginosa respectively. The dose dependent photodynamic antibacterial activity was found to be mediated through the formation of reactive oxygen species. The viability
of fibroblast cells was 90% in phycocyanin, 85% in curcumin, 98.5% in sham control CNPs and 88% in CNPs encapsulated with PS at 80 _g/mL. Thus, the study demonstrated the significant reduction of biofilm formed by clinical isolates through photodynamic therapy without detrimental effect to
human fibroblast cells.
Inter-gender murder in NSW, 1901–1955: Reconsidering the laws of the fraternity
Authors: Strange Carolyn , Fraser Fiona , Payne Collin
Published: December 2020

Contemporary studies that focus on intimate homicide assume that patterns of policing, prosecution and punishment were uniformly disadvantageous to women before feminist activists intervened in the 1970s. This article tests that assumption by drawing on the Prosecution Project’s digitisation of Australian criminal trial records. Using this resource, we selected all prosecutions ( n =  314) of men for murders of women and of women for murders of men in New South Wales, from Federation (1901) to 1955, the year the state abolished the death penalty. By coding victim–offender relationships and analysing them in relation to case outcomes, we found that men were far more likely than women to be convicted of murder, including seven men executed for intimate femicides. By contrast, women were more likely than men to be acquitted outright, rather than plead guilty to manslaughter of male intimates, a trend that feminist research has identified recently. This research provides new findings of use to critical appraisals of the charging and sentencing reforms that were meant to remedy ‘the laws of the fraternity’.
The impact of family engagement in opioid assisted treatment: Results from a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Al Ghafri Hamad , Hasan Nael , Elarabi Hesham Farouk , Radwan Doa , Shawky Mansour , Al Mamari Samya , Abdelgawad Tarek , El Rashid Abuelgasim , Kodera Ayman , Al Kathiri Helal , Lee Amanda J , Wanigaratne Shamil
Published: December 2020

Background:

Family interventions in substance use disorders (SUD) treatment is limited despite the evidence for benefits. Providing family interventions is hampered by patient resistance, social stigma, logistics and factors related to the capacity of the treatment programmes.

Aims:

The purpose of the study was to examine the association between family engagement in treatment, and opioid use defined by percentage negative opioid screen and rate retention in treatment defined by completion of study period.

Methods:

Data from a 16-week outpatient randomised controlled trial (RCT) of 141 adults with opioid use disorder (OUD) receiving Opioid Assisted Treatment (OAT) using buprenorphine/naloxone film (BUP/NX-F) was, used to examine the association between family engagement in and opioid use and rate of retention in treatment. Multiple logistic regression was, applied to examine the independent prediction of family engagement on opioid use and rate retention in treatment.

Results:

Family engagement was significantly associated with retention in treatment (Spearman’s rho 0.25, p < 0.01) and was subsequently found to increase the likelihood of retention in treatment by approximately 3-fold (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 2.95, 95% CI 1.31–6.65).

Conclusion:

Family engagement in treatment is an independent predictor of retention in treatment but not opioid use in adults receiving OAT. It is, recommended that SUD treatment programmes integrate family related interventions in mainstream treatment. Delivering a personalised multicomponent family programme using digitised virtual communications that has been increasingly utilised during the Covid-19 pandemic is highly suggested.
Polyolefinic nanocomposite foams: Review of microstructure-property relationships, applications, and processing considerations
Authors: Kumar Anish , Patham Bhaskar , Mohanty Smita , Nayak Sanjay Kumar
Published: December 2020

In this review, we survey the state of the art on polymeric foams incorporating nano-scale fillers. Particular focus of the review is on foams from polyolefinic nanocomposite formulations incorporating a wide variety of fillers. The nano-scale additives can influence the foam structure and properties in two ways: Firstly, they can act as composite reinforcement to enhance the mechanical properties and functionality of the matrix polymer; and secondly, they can act as foaming-processing aids through modification of the rheological, thermal and crystallization properties of the matrix as well as serving as heterogeneous nucleation sites. Through a combination of these influences, and using advanced processing techniques it is possible to achieve nanocomposite foams that have higher cell density, and more uniform cell size or controlled cell-size distribution. Such controlled foam morphologies, in turn, can yield better specific mechanical properties resulting in more effective light-weighting solutions. Further, the nano-scale additives can impart additional desired functionality resulting in multi-functional foams. In this article, we provide an overview of the mechanical, thermal and a few other relevant functional properties – such as piezoelectric sensitivity, acoustics, and filtration efficiency – of foams prepared using nanocomposite formulations, along with the processing considerations for achieving high quality foams using such materials.
Unilateral secession, international recognition, and great power contestation
Authors: Siroky David S , Popovic Milos , Mirilovic Nikola
Published: December 2020

Recognition of aspiring states from established countries is central to becoming a member state of the international system. Previous research suggests that great power recognition decisions regarding aspiring states rapidly converge toward either recognition or non-recognition, yet great power convergence has still not occurred in the case of Kosovo after more than ten years. Unilateral secessions typically remain wholly unrecognized, since they violate the norm of home state consent, yet Kosovo has now been recognized by more than 100 countries. Why do some countries extend recognition to unilateral secessions, and do so early, whereas others delay recognition or withhold it altogether? In the case of Kosovo, great power influence and contestation, rather than convergence, have played a key role in shaping recognition decisions. We argue that countries in the US sphere of influence, with strong economic and military ties, are more likely to recognize Kosovo and to do so relatively fast, whereas countries influenced by Russia are less likely to recognize Kosovo at all, or to do so only after an extended delay. However, great powers are not equal in influencing other states to adopt their preferred position, since the USA is more powerful than Russia and can benefit from working alongside allies within the Western-oriented world order. We estimate a non-proportional Cox model with new time-varying data on Kosovo recognition and provide evidence that US military ties influenced other countries in extending recognition to unilateral secession.
Caribbean Immigrant Youths’ Ethnic Identity and Academic Achievement: The Role of Academic Beliefs
Authors: Smith Naila A. , Thelamour Barbara , Booth Margaret X.
Published: December 2020

Ethnic identity (EI) can facilitate racially and ethnically marginalized youths’ academic achievement but the mediating process by which it exerts its influence is unclear. This study examines how EI is associated with academic achievement through academic beliefs in a sample of Caribbean first and second generation immigrant adolescents whose identities are connected to cultural groups outside of the U.S. Youth ( N = 128; 12–18 years old, M = 16.32, SD = 1.81; 69.3% second generation; 58.6% Black) reported on their EI affirmation and belonging and EI achievement, academic self-efficacy, academic aspirations, and grades. Results of our serial mediation model showed that stronger EI achievement was associated with higher academic self-efficacy and in turn higher academic aspirations, and higher grades. These findings offer potential targets (i.e., academic self-beliefs) for supporting the academic success of Black and Hispanic Caribbean immigrant students and have implications for their boosting educational outcomes.
Undergraduate Psychology Teaching and Education at Argentinian Universities: A Sociobibliometric Investigation (1999–2018)
Authors: Fierro Catriel , Cristina Di Doménico María , Klappenbach Hugo Alberto
Published: December 2020

This study is an empirical analysis of the recent past and current state of Argentinian undergraduate psychology education in the context of psychology programs’ ongoing evaluation and accreditation processes. We used six bibliometric parameters to retrieve the required listed readings ( N = 16,085) of the 452 compulsory undergraduate courses’ syllabi from Argentina’s 12 most populated psychology programs at public and prívate universities. We then compared our data with analyses from the 2000–2010 period and with official accreditation criteria. Results showed a marked obsolescence and a limited updating of required readings. Syllabi showed a clear hegemony of psychoanalytically-oriented authors and readings, dominance of books and faculty-written manuscripts over scholarly articles, and a very limited internationalization. Our findings suggest that accreditation processes have not modified Argentinian psychology’s main, historical characteristics.
The Impact of Custodial Grandparenting on Cognitive Performance in a Longitudinal Sample of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Authors: McKay Ian T. , Nadorff Danielle K.
Published: December 2020

There are currently 2.7 million grandparents raising grandchildren in the United States. As grandparent caregiving has become more prevalent, concerns have surfaced regarding the effect of additional caregiving responsibilities placed on an aging population. The following study uses an existing dataset of individuals who graduated from Wisconsin high schools in 1957. The present study examined the impact of grandparenting on measures of cognition, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Findings from the cross-sectional analysis show that custodial grandparents outperformed their noncustodial grandparent counterparts on the cognitive tests of word recall, category fluency, letter fluency, and cognitive similarities. Findings from the longitudinal analysis show that though custodial grandparents had initially performed worse on the digit ordering task, their scores declined at a much slower rate than non-custodial grandparents. By using a cross-sectional and longitudinal research design, this study provides a unique opportunity to examine the impact of grandparenting on cognitive performance.
The Emotional Nature of Birth Family Relationships for Care-experienced and Adopted Young People: A Longitudinal Perspective
Authors: Fargas-Malet Montserrat , McSherry Dominic
Published: December 2020

Research focused on relationships and contact with birth family for children and young people who were separated from them as infants has rarely acknowledged the emotional and dynamic nature of such interactions. Curiosity has been dominant in adoption research. However, in our longitudinal study of young people who entered care at a young age, a range of other feelings and combination of feelings emerged in the youths’ narratives, including contentment and mixed feelings such as anger, affection, loss, guilt, or worry. Type of placement, that is, whether the young people had been adopted, lived with kinship foster carers or non-relative foster parents, did not determine their emotional reactions to their birth family. The young people’s perspectives and emotions often changed over time. In this article, we describe the young people’s emotional responses to birth family, and highlight implications for theory, research, and practice.
Book review: Jadunath Sarkar, A History of the Dasnami Naga Sannyasis
Authors: Basu Raj Sekhar
Published: December 2020

Jadunath Sarkar, A History of the Dasnami Naga Sannyasis. Edited with an Introduction by Ananda Bhattacharyya (New Delhi, Manohar, 2018), 260 pp.
Book review: Sonja Thomas, Privileged Minorities: Syrian Christianity, Gender, and Minority Rights in Postcolonial India
Authors: Menski Werner
Published: December 2020

Sonja Thomas, Privileged Minorities: Syrian Christianity, Gender, and Minority Rights in Postcolonial India (Seattle: University of Washington Press, 2018), ix + 210 pp.
EphrinB2-EphB2 signaling for dendrite protection after neuronal ischemia in vivo and oxygen-glucose deprivation in vitro
Authors: Yu Zhanyang , Li Wenlu , Lan Jing , Hayakawa Kazuhide , Ji Xunming , Lo Eng H , Wang Xiaoying
Published: December 2020

In order to rescue neuronal function, neuroprotection should be required not only for the neuron soma but also the dendrites. Here, we propose the hypothesis that ephrin-B2-EphB2 signaling may be involved in dendritic degeneration after ischemic injury. A mouse model of focal cerebral ischemia with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) method was used for EphB2 signaling test in vivo. Primary cortical neuron culture and oxygen-glucose deprivation were used to assess EphB2 signaling in vitro. siRNA and soluble ephrin-B2 ectodomain were used to block ephrin-B2-Ephb2 signaling. In the mouse model of focal cerebral ischemia and in neurons subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation, clustering of ephrin-B2 with its receptor EphB2 was detected. Phosphorylation of EphB2 suggested activation of this signaling pathway. RNA silencing of EphB2 prevented neuronal death and preserved dendritic length. To assess therapeutic potential, we compared the soluble EphB2 ectodomain with the NMDA antagonist MK801 in neurons after oxygen-glucose deprivation. Both agents equally reduced lactate dehydrogenase release as a general marker of neurotoxicity. However, only soluble EphB2 ectodomain protected the dendrites. These findings provide a proof of concept that ephrin-B2-EphB2 signaling may represent a novel therapeutic target to protect both the neuron soma as well as dendrites against ischemic injury.
Serum progranulin level is associated with disease activity following orthopedic surgery in rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Kong Chunyu , Shi Yuquan , Xu Junhua , Xiu Zijuan , Qi Wufang
Published: December 2020

Background

Few studies have focused on the ability of progranulin to predict postoperative disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients who have undergone surgery. This study evaluated serum progranulin levels in active RA patients and analyzed its relationship with postoperative disease activity.

Methods

One hundred thirty-two patients with active RA and 72 healthy subjects were included in this study. Serum progranulin was measured, and clinical data were collected. The postoperative 1-year Disease Activity Score in 28 joints calculated with C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP) scores was evaluated as an indicator of disease activity. The predictive value of progranulin in postoperative 1-year disease activity in RA patients was also analyzed.

Results

Serum progranulin was significantly associated with the postoperative 1-year RA disease activity. The mean serum progranulin level in patients with a high disease activity was significantly higher than that of RA patients with low-to-moderate disease activity (54.2 ± 10.6 ng/mL vs. 46.7 ± 8.8 ng/mL). Serum progranulin was also evaluated as an independent predictive factor for postoperative 1-year RA disease activity in multivariate analysis (odds ratio [OR], 2.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02–8.85).

Conclusions

Serum progranulin levels may be a promising indicator of postoperative disease activity in RA patients who underwent orthopedic surgery.
Familial Interdependence, Socioeconomic Disadvantage, and the Formation of Familial Mentoring Relationships Within Black Families
Authors: Billingsley Janelle T. , Rivens Ariana J. , Hurd Noelle M.
Published: December 2020

This study used an explanatory sequential mixed-method design to explore the association between familial interdependence and familial mentoring relationship presence within black families. This study also examined how socioeconomic disadvantage may moderate the association between familial interdependence and familial mentoring presence. A sample of 216 black youth (59% girls; 41% boys) were surveyed, and a subsample of 25 participants were interviewed along with one of their parents, and one nonparental familial adult with whom the youth reported feeling emotionally close to learn more about the enactment of familial interdependence and the formation of familial mentoring relationships across social class. Logistic regression analyses revealed that greater valuing of familial interdependence was associated with a greater likelihood of having a familial mentoring relationship, but this association was present only among nonsocioeconomically disadvantaged youth. Data collected from participant interviews were analyzed to better understand this pattern of findings. These analyses provided some preliminary insights into why familial interdependence may predict familial mentor formation only among nonsocioeconomically disadvantaged youth. Implications of study findings for the promotion of familial mentoring relationships within black families are discussed.
Accountability through mutual attunement: How can parliamentary hearings connect the elected and the unelected?
Authors: Eriksen Andreas , Katsaitis Alexander
Published: December 2020

The increased authority delegated to independent agencies raises questions about the conditions of politically accountable governance, and specifically parliament’s role as a representative institution. Focusing on committee hearings as an accountability mechanism, we ask: How can a parliament employ hearings to ensure that the ends pursued by agencies have a democratic foundation? We propose a model of “mutual attunement” where accountability relations presuppose a process of working-out shared understandings of the ends, means and circumstances of policy needs. We test our argument through a case study assessing the interaction between the European Parliament’s Committee on Economic & Monetary Affairs and the European Securities and Markets Authority. Theoretically, we contribute to discussions on agency accountability and European governance, while providing a novel conceptual model and the first analysis of its kind.
Mathematical analysis of heat and mass transfer in a Maxwell fluid
Authors: Khan Muhammad Naveed , Nadeem Sohail , Ahmad Shafiq , Saleem Anber
Published: December 2020

The objective of current research is to analyze the MHD flow of a Maxwell fluid towards a stretching sheet with thermophoretic and stratification effects. The analysis of heat and mass transfer is presented in the presence of variable thermal conductivity and the Cattaneo-Christov theory. The Cattaneo-Christov theory is used instead of Fourier and Fick laws because Fourier and Fick's laws give parabolic equations, which propagate in the space with infinite speed. The under-consideration flow model is converted into a set of ordinary differential equations by using suitable transformation. The set of ODEs is numerically solved by adopting the bvp4c Matlab technique. Influences of emerging parameters on velocity profile, temperature, and concentration are discussed with graphs. It is observed that larger values of Deborah number induce a resistance, that declining the velocity of a fluid. Further, it is noticed that thermal stratification parameter and concentration stratification parameter reduce the temperature and concentration distribution.
Protective effects of Gamma Oryzanol on distant organs after kidney ischemia-reperfusion in rats: A focus on liver protection
Authors: Bagheri Yasin , Aghajani Shadi , Hosseinzadeh Mahla , Hoshmandan Farid , Abdollahpour Abdollah , Vahed Sepideh Zununi
Published: December 2020

Background:

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is the main clinical concern resulted from ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). Ample clinical data indicates that AKI is associated with distant organ dysfunctions and poor patients’ outcomes. Oxidative stress and inflammation have a critical role in the pathogenesis of organ injuries following IRI. The objectives of this study were to determine the impact of Gamma Oryzanol (GO), extracted from rice bran oil, on distant organs in rats after IRI.

Methods:

Twelve out of 24 Wistar rats were treated by one dosage of GO (100mg/kg) 1 h before I/R induction through both oral gavage and intraperitoneal injection. Then, the AKI model rats were induced by IRI. Oxidative stress and antioxidant protein levels were assessed in the brain, heart, and liver tissues in the experimental groups. Furthermore, the effects of GO on IRI-induced liver dysfunction, apoptosis, and inflammation were measured by Western blot.

Results:

GO pretreatment could significantly restore the levels and activity of antioxidant proteins in the brain, heart, and liver tissues (P < 0.05). Moreover, GO pretreatment could decrease the inflammatory cytokine (IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α) in the liver (P < 0.01). By reducing Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and down-regulating caspase-3, GO could significantly diminish apoptosis in the liver tissue after the kidney I/R (P < 0.01). Additionally, GO could significantly diminish the deterioration of liver function in the kidney I/R model.

Conclusion:

GO protects distant organs against renal IRI-induced oxidative stress. Furthermore, it ameliorates liver function and remarkably exerts anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic roles in the liver as an important detoxifying organ.
Family witnessed resuscitation and invasive procedures: Patient and family opinions
Authors: Fernández Eva de Mingo , Martín Guillermina Medina , Herrera María Jiménez
Published: December 2020

Background:

Family presence during invasive procedures and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (FPDR) is a highly controversial issue, with divergence of opinion among health professionals, with clinical evidence in favor, and with barriers to its implementation in comprehensive patient care. Many international organizations support health policies for its implementation, but it is not a widespread practice. Little research has been conducted on this subject from the perspective of patients and families.

Objective:

To learn opinions, perceptions, and desires of family members and patients in terms of family presence during invasive procedures and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Method:

Qualitative descriptive study, using semi-structured interviews with relatives and patients regarding their experiences and perceptions about FPDR (n = 18) from 8 October 2017 to 8 March 2018. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim for later analysis using the method of content analysis.

Ethical considerations:

This study has the approval of the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of the Fundació Unió Catalana d’Hospitals and ethical considerations were carefully regarded throughout the study.

Results:

Three significant categories were identified: knowledge, respect for rights, and accompaniment of the patient, relating FPDR to courage, emotional support, and trust in professionals.

Conclusion:

FPDR is an unusual practice; it is not offered to patients or their families, and it is not considered a patient’s right, although most of the interviewees support it. The desire for accompaniment is conditioned by the courage and knowledge of the accompanying persons, as well as the degree of invasiveness of the procedures. The results of this study provide information for a change of vision in patient-centered care.
Ethical care during COVID-19 for care home residents with dementia
Authors: Cousins Emily , de Vries Kay , Dening Karen Harrison
Published: December 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on care homes in the United Kingdom, particularly for those residents living with dementia. The impetus for this article comes from a recent review conducted by the authors. That review, a qualitative media analysis of news and academic articles published during the first few months of the outbreak, identified ethical care as a key theme warranting further investigation within the context of the crisis. To explore ethical care further, a set of salient ethical values for delivering care to care home residents living with dementia during the pandemic was derived from a synthesis of relevant ethical standards, codes and philosophical approaches. The ethical values identified were caring, non-maleficence, beneficence, procedural justice, dignity in death and dying, well-being, safety, and personhood. Using these ethical values as a framework, alongside examples from contemporaneous media and academic sources, this article discusses the delivery of ethical care to care home residents with dementia within the context of COVID-19. The analysis identifies positive examples of ethical values displayed by care home staff, care sector organisations, healthcare professionals and third sector advocacy organisations. However, concerns relating to the death rates, dignity, safety, well-being and personhood – of residents and staff – are also evident. These shortcomings are attributable to negligent government strategy, which resulted in delayed guidance, lack of resources and Personal Protective Equipment, unclear data, and inconsistent testing. Consequently, this review demonstrates the ways in which care homes are underfunded, under resourced and undervalued.
The Impact of Internet Information and Communication Literacy and Overload, as Well as Social Influence, on ICT Adoption by Rural Communities
Authors: Rumata Vience Mutiara , Sakinah Awit Marwati
Published: December 2020

The adoption of information and communications technology (ICT) for rural development remains a critical issue in developing countries like Indonesia. Broadband projects, both infrastructure- and literacy-related, have been launched to increase ICT access and usage in rural areas. However, the extent of ICT usage for community development in rural areas remains unclear, and therefore this deserves critical assessment. This article argues that the higher the ICT adoption (ICTA) in a rural community, the greater its benefits in terms of development. By exploring Internet information literacy (IIL), Internet communication literacy (ICL) and social influence (SI), this study aims to get a better understanding of the relative influence of these factors on ICTA in rural areas. Also, this study considers Internet information overload (IO) and communication overload (CO) as moderators between independent and dependent variables. This study has been conducted in Gubugklakah village, Malang, Indonesia, with a pre-existing telecentre in the community. Using the partial least squares (PLS) method, the study finds that the ICL and SI variables are considerably higher in terms of construct validity compared with other variables. Both IIL and ICL significantly determine ICTA behaviour. IO and CO may even weaken the relationship between information and communication literacy and ICTA.
Human Service Cartels: The Soft Repression of the Mediocracy
Authors: Stoesz David
Published: December 2020

Since the Progressive Era, professions have established cartels, allegedly to advance public wellbeing. Mental health, public welfare, and children’s services document damage to citizens even as the professions serving vulnerable populations have flourished. Abetted by civil service requirements, state licensing, university training programs, and accreditation, human service cartels have been immune from public accountability. Yet, economic destabilization has worsened the plight of the working- and welfare-poor, groups dependent on professionals to address stress attributed to the deteriorating circumstances of non-college educated workers. Thus, professionalization has been associated with rising ethno-nationalism. Corrections to professional cartels include evidence-based programming and more rigorous accreditation reform.
Approaches to Instructional Leadership: Organizational Influences in Contexts of (Mis)match
Authors: Jimerson Jo Beth , Quebec Fuentes Sarah
Published: December 2020

Instructional leadership efforts are complicated when leaders and teachers do not share areas of expertise. Leaders work to bridge this divide through a number of approaches, such as collaboration with specialist personnel and the development of leadership content knowledge (LCK). The purpose of this study was to explore the organizational factors that help shape the ways school leaders enact instructional leadership when supervising in areas of (mis)match. Interviews with n = 31 teachers and school leaders indicated that organizational factors influenced the ways in which leaders understood and enacted their roles related to instructional supervision. Evidence also suggested the presence of organizational structures that could be reframed as robust, intentional supports to help school leaders develop LCK.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of T10609C and C10676G Mutations of MitochondrialND4LGene Associated With Proton Translocation in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Cataract Patients
Authors: Destiarani Wanda , Mulyani Rahmaniar , Yusuf Muhammad , Maksum Iman Permana
Published: December 2020

The mutation rate of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is 17 times higher than nuclear DNA, and these mutations can cause mitochondrial disease in 1 of 10.000 people. The T10609C mutation was identified in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients and the C10676G mutation in cataract patients, with both mutations occurring in the ND4L gene of mtDNA that encodes ND4L protein. ND4L protein, a subunit of complex I in the respiratory complex, has been shown to play a role in the proton translocation process. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of both mutations on the proton translocation mechanism. Mutation mapping showed changes in amino acids M47T (T10609C) and C69W (C10676G). The 100 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulations performed on native and mutants of ND4L-ND6 subunits. It is revealed that the native model had a similar proton translocation pathway to that of complex I from other organisms. Interestingly, the mutant M47T and C69W showed the interruption of the translocation pathway by a hydrogen bond formation between Glu34 and Tyr157. It is observed that the mutations were restricting the passage of water molecules through the transmembrane region. These results could help to develop the computational assay for the validation of a specific genetic biomarker for T2DM and cataracts.
Representation of cultures and communities in a global ELT textbook: A diachronic content analysis
Authors: Keles Ufuk , Yazan Bedrettin
Published: December 2020

This study examines the representation of cultures and communities in the world across five editions of New Headway elementary level textbook (NHE). It conducts a diachronic content analysis to explore how the representation of cultures and communities has evolved in NHE across five editions since its first edition’s publication in 1993. Adapting Kachru’s model of concentric circles for data analysis, we utilized Yuen’s adaptation of ACTFL’s (1996) standards for language teaching via the categories of persons, perspectives, products, and practices. Our findings mainly indicate that the Inner Circle has maintained its dominance in NHE’s content over five editions. We found that there was an imbalance favoring European cultures against non-European cultures in the Expanding Circle. On the other hand, Expanding Circle / Non-European and Outer Circle are underrepresented with around 10% of the textbook content. These findings show that NHE’s cultural focus is on the Western, European, and Anglo-American world of English-speaking communities. Such an imbalance in representation of world cultures leads us to conclude that NHE’s writers do not sufficiently raise English learners’ global cultural consciousness since there has been little engagement with multicultural view of English language varieties. We invite teachers, learners, and material developers to critically approach, analyse, revise, and/or adapt textbook content as discursive constructions which shape the imagination of cultures and communities.
Effects of ACEI and ARB on COVID-19 patients: A meta-analysis
Authors: Xue Yang , Sun Shaoqing , Cai Jianing , Zeng Linwen , Wang Shihui , Wang Suhuai , Li Jingjie , Sun Lin , Huo Jianmin
Published: December 2020

Background:

The clinical use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARB) in patients with COVID-19 infection remains controversial. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis on the effects of ACEI/ARB on disease symptoms and laboratory tests in hypertensive patients infected with COVID-19 virus and those who did not use ACEI/ARB.

Methods:

We systematically searched the relevant literatures from Pubmed, Embase, EuropePMC, CNKI, and other databases during the study period of 31 December 2019 (solstice, 15 March 2020), and analyzed the differences in symptoms and laboratory tests between patients with COVID-19 and hypertension who used ACEI/ARB drugs and those who did not. All statistical analyses were performed with REVMAN5.3.

Results:

We included a total of 1808 patients with hypertension diagnosed with COVID-19 in six studies. Analysis results show that ACEI/ARB drugs group D-dimer is lower (SMD = −0.22, 95%CI: −0.36 to −0.06), and the chances of getting fever is lower (OR = 0.74, 95%CI: 0.55 to 0.98). Meanwhile, laboratory data and symptoms were not statistical difference, but creatinine tends to rise (SMD = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.41).

Conclusion:

We found that the administration of ACEI/ARB drugs had positive effect on reducing D-dimer and the number of people with fever. Meanwhile it had no significant effect on other laboratory tests (creatinine excepted) or symptoms in patients with COVID-19, while special attention was still needed in patients with renal insufficiency.
Preventing homelessness among women prison leavers in Wales
Authors: Gorden Caroline , Lockwood Kelly , Madoc-Jones Iolo , Dubberley Sarah , Hughes Caroline , Washington-Dyer Karen , Wilding Mark A , Ahmed Anya
Published: December 2020

Under the Housing (Wales) Act 2014, prison leavers are among those who are no longer considered a priority need. This article draws on interviews conducted with 17 women prison leavers and 10 professionals that formed part of a Welsh Government funded evaluation of homelessness services to adults in the secure estate (Madoc-Jones et al., 2018). The findings in this study lend support to previous research that indicates women who come into contact with the criminal justice system often have multiple and complex needs. The findings of the study support the need for gender-specific services and more availability of supported accommodation to ensure the effective resettlement of women prison leavers.
A novel plaster containing benzoyl peroxide microsponges: Formulation, development and evaluation
Authors: Atabay Nihal , Sariişik Ayse Merih , Karavana Sinem Yaprak , Rençber Seda
Published: December 2020

Benzoyl peroxide is a widely used active agent for acne vulgaris treatment that has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, keratolytic and wound-healing properties. The common complaints for benzoyl peroxide are skin irritation and dryness. To reduce these side effects, microsponge formulations are used as an effective tool in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. In this study, a medical plaster was developed containing benzoyl peroxide microsponges which gives an opportunity to explore the potential of the microsponge systems in textile industry. Benzoyl peroxide microsponge was obtained by using quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion method and characterized by SEM, FT-IR, particle size analysis and porosity studies. The microsponges were applied onto 100% cotton woven fabric by using dip-coating technique. In the treatment solution, different binding agents as acrylic binder, and cross-linking agents as poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether and 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid were used. Microsponges were around 78.4 µm in diameter and had a spherical porous surface. SEM analyses of the treated fabrics proved that the microsponges were succesfully transferred on cotton fabrics. The drug contents of the fabrics containing Benzoyl peroxide loaded microsponge were found to be within the range of 68.512–102.873%. The in vitro drug release results show that the release from both samples was more than 40% within 6 h. The water vapor permeability of plaster prepared with acrylic binder (S1) was significantly higher than the other plasters. This study presents a novel approach for acne treatment based on textiles containing microsponges. The results revealed that microsponges had a promising potential in textile field.
Genomic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 reveals local viral evolution in Ghana
Authors: Ngoi Joyce M , Quashie Peter K , Morang'a Collins M , Bonney Joseph HK , Amuzu Dominic SY , Kumordjie Selassie , Asante Ivy A , Bonney Evelyn Y , Eshun Miriam , Boatemaa Linda , Magnusen Vanessa , Kotey Erasmus N , Ndam Nicaise T , Tei-Maya Frederick , Arjarquah Augustina K , Obodai Evangeline , Otchere Isaac D , Bediako Yaw , Mutungi Joe K , Amenga-Etego Lucas N , Odoom John K , Anang Abraham K , Kyei George B , Adu Bright , Ampofo William K , Awandare Gordon A
Published: December 2020

The confirmed case fatality rate for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Ghana has dropped from a peak of 2% in March to be consistently below 1% since May 2020. Globally, case fatality rates have been linked to the strains/clades of circulating severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) within a specific country. Here we present 46 whole genomes of SARS-CoV-2 circulating in Ghana, from two separate sequencing batches: 15 isolates from the early epidemic (March 12–April 1 2020) and 31 from later time-points ( 25–27 May 2020). Sequencing was carried out on an Illumina MiSeq system following an amplicon-based enrichment for SARS-CoV-2 cDNA. After genome assembly and quality control processes, phylogenetic analysis showed that the first batch of 15 genomes clustered into five clades: 19A, 19B, 20A, 20B, and 20C, whereas the second batch of 31 genomes clustered to only three clades 19B, 20A, and 20B. The imported cases (6/46) mapped to circulating viruses in their countries of origin, namely, India, Hungary, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. All genomes mapped to the original Wuhan strain with high similarity (99.5–99.8%). All imported strains mapped to the European superclade A, whereas 5/9 locally infected individuals harbored the B4 clade, from the East Asian superclade B. Ghana appears to have 19B and 20B as the two largest circulating clades based on our sequence analyses. In line with global reports, the D614G linked viruses seem to be predominating. Comparison of Ghanaian SARS-CoV-2 genomes with global genomes indicates that Ghanaian strains have not diverged significantly from circulating strains commonly imported into Africa. The low level of diversity in our genomes may indicate lower levels of transmission, even for D614G viruses, which is consistent with the relatively low levels of infection reported in Ghana.