bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
El Tribunal Europeo de Derechos Humanos, el Tribunal de Justicia de la UE y «le mouvement nécessaire des choses»
Authors: López Guerra Luis
Published: July 2018

El progresivo desarrollo de dos sistemas de protección internacional de derechos humanos en Europa, a partir del Convenio Europeo de Derechos Humanos de y de la Carta de Derechos Fundamentales de la Unión Europea, hace necesaria una coordinación entre ellos, y particularmente entre los órganos jurisdiccionales en la cima de cada sistema, es decir, los Tribunales de Estrasburgo y Luxemburgo. En el presente artículo se mantiene que, pese a la ausencia de mecanismos formales de coordinación, debido a la no adhesión, hasta el momento, de la Unión Europea al Convenio, esa coordinación se está produciendo mediante una concordancia práctica entre la jurisprudencia de ambos tribunales, que, en un proceso de diálogo formal e informal, van delimitando sus respectivos ámbitos de jurisdicción.The progressive development of two systems of international protection of Human Rights in Europe, one derived from the European Convention on Human Rights and the other from the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, requires coordination, particularly between the two main jurisdictional bodies of those systems, the Strasbourg and Luxembourg Courts. This article asserts that in spite of the lack of formal mechanisms of coordination due to the EU’s non-accession (for the time being) to the Convention, coordination is nevertheless achieved through a practical concordance between the case law of both courts, which in a process of both formal and informal dialogue is defining the scope of the two Courts’ respective jurisdictions.
Identidad nacional y legitimidad del tribunal de justicia
Authors: Azpitarte Sánchez Miguel
Published: July 2018

El presente trabajo plantea en qué medida la identidad nacional es utilizada para articular por parte del Tribunal de Justicia el conflicto centro/periferia. A estos efectos el núcleo central del trabajo estructura y analiza la jurisprudencia, intentando distinguir los elementos de teoría general y los ámbitos materiales en los que se manifiesta. Finalmente avanza de modo tentativo algunas conclusiones.This paper tries to know in which way national identity is being used by the European Court of Justice to adjust the center/periphery conflict in the European Union. To this porpoise the main part of the essay arranges and analyzes the jurisprudence, trying to distinguish the general theory elements and the substantive areas where the clause works. Finally, the paper attempts some conclusions.
La cuestión prejudicial europea ante planteamientos más que dudosos
Authors: Jimena Quesada Luis
Published: July 2018

El presente artículo toma como punto de partida la importancia de la cuestión prejudicial como instrumento fundamental del actual constitucionalismo europeo multinivel, en la medida en que a través de él cabe dotar de fuerza a los principios esenciales del Estado de Derecho y de la UE como comunidad de Derecho (especialmente seguridad jurídica, responsabilidad, tutela judicial efectiva y optimización de los derechos fundamentales). Con tal premisa, se efectúa un análisis crítico de estrategias más que dudosas (no siempre aparentemente guiadas por buena fe procesal) que, por acción o por omisión, vulneran el artículo 267 TFUE poniendo en entredicho la fluida articulación del sistema jurídico europeo (de las normas de producción nacional y supranacional) y el correcto reparto del poder judicial europeo (entre la Justicia nacional y supranacional) y, con ello, la óptima realización del sistema europeo de derechos fundamentales. Finalmente, el trabajo concluye con unas propuestas que pretenden mejorar el diálogo judicial supranacional a través de un verdadero espíritu de colaboración que tenga el respaldo de una sólida formación de la Judicatura en Derecho europeo, de una voluntad jurisdiccional positiva (inspirada en el principio favor libertatis), de una dinamización de la obligación de formulación la cuestión prejudicial en los casos previstos en el artículo 267 TFUE y de una disciplina precisa de la doble prejudicialidad (ante la Jurisdicción Constitucional nacional y ante el Tribunal de Justicia).This article takes as its starting point the importance of the preliminary ruling as a fundamental instrument of the current multi-level European constitutionalism, since it allows for strengthening the basic principles of the rule of law at both the State level and the EU level (especially legal certainty, responsibility, due process of law and optimization of fundamental rights). With such a premise, a critical analysis of more than dubious strategies (not always apparently guided by good procedural faith) is carried out. Indeed, these strategies, by action or omission, breach Article 267 TFEU by challenging the fluid articulation of the European legal system (of national and supranational provisions) as well as the correct distribution of the European judicial power (between national and supranational courts) and, as a result, the optimal realization of the European system of fundamental rights. Finally, the paper concludes with proposals that seek to improve supranational judicial dialogue through a true spirit of collaboration supported by a solid training of judges in European law, a positive jurisdictional will (inspired by the favor libertatis principle), a re-dimension of the obligation to submit the preliminary ruling in the cases referred to in Article 267 TFEU and a specific discipline of a double preliminary ruling (both before the national Constitutional Court and before the Court of Justice).
¡Alto ahí a la «identidad constitucional»! Un ejemplo (ya no tan) reciente de discontinuidad continuista en la jurisprudencia iuscomunitaria del TCFA
Authors: López Castillo Antonio
Published: July 2018

Mediante esta significativa decisión, el TCFA procede a activar su anunciado control de identidad constitucional. Al hacerlo, cuestiona de facto la primacía de aplicación del DUE y establece sobre bases ajenas a la exigencia iuscomunitaria su relación con el TJUE, procediendo a interpretar el DUE conforme a la dignidad de la persona, como elemento integrante de la incondicionada cláusula constitucional de identidad constitucional, sin sujetarse a un previo planteamiento de cuestión prejudicial, que —contra toda evidencia— se limita a considerar innecesaria en el caso.Through this significant decision, the TCFA proceeds to activate its announced constitutional identity control. In doing so, really does not care the primacy of application of the EUS and establishes on a basis extraneous to the Community requirement its relationship with the ECJ, proceeding to interpret the EUS according to the dignity of the person, as an integral element of the unconditional constitutional clause of Constitutional identity, without being subject to a previous preliminary ruling, which, against all evidence, is limited to consider unnecessary in the case.
Supremacía de la constitución versus primacía del derecho de la UE en materia derechos fundamentales: concordancias y discordancias entre el tribunal constitucional y el tribunal de justicia de la UE en el asunto Melloni
Authors: Donaire Villa Francisco Javier
Published: July 2018

Se analiza en este artículo el primer diálogo judicial directo entre el TC español y el Tribunal de Justicia de la UE, sobre la Euroorden y la interpretación del artículo 53 de la Carta de los Derechos Fundamentales de la UE cuando el nivel nacional de protección de los derechos es superior al dispensado por una norma de Derecho derivado de la Unión. Se ponen de manifiesto las posibles tensiones entre supremacía constitucional y primacía del Derecho de la Unión Europea, y la evocación por el Tribunal Constitucional de su doctrina de los derechos constitucionalmente reconocidos como límites a la integración en la Sentencia que cierra el diálogo con el Tribunal de Justicia en el Asunto Melloni.This paper surveys the first direct judicial dialogue between the Spanish Constitutional Court and the Court of Justice of the European Union on the European Arrest Warrant and the interpretation of Article 53 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU when the national level of protection of rights is higher than that provided by a rule of secondary legislation of the Union. It highlights the possible tensions between constitutional supremacy and primacy of European Union law, and the evocation made by the Constitutional Court of its doctrine on rights constitutionally recognized as limits to the European integration contained in the judgment which closes the dialogue between both Courts within the so-called Melloni case.
La posición de las sentencias del tribunal de justicia de la Unión Europea en el sistema constitucional de fuentes
Authors: Rodríguez-Izquierdo Serrano Miryam
Published: July 2018

Este artículo propone un análisis sistemático de la posición de las sentencias del Tribunal de Justicia en el sistema constitucional de fuentes. El análisis parte de dos premisas: la primera es la de que los órdenes normativos supranacional y estatal tienen autonomía formal, pero no material; la segunda es que la integración del Derecho de la Unión en el ordenamiento estatal no puede explicarse sin la jurisprudencia del Tribunal de Justicia. Se describen los efectos de las sentencias del juez europeo en el orden supranacional, para luego ver cómo se transfieren al sistema de fuentes estatal, teniendo en cuenta la función integradora de la Constitución tanto en el plano interior como en el exterior.This article is a review of the different kind of rulings made by the European Court of Justice, in order to find their function and position in the Spanish Law system. The analysis is made under two assumptions: the first one about the formal autonomy but material dependency between EU and Spanish law systems; the second one is that the European Court of Justice case law rules over the interaction between both systems. Formal and substantive effects of ECJ rulings over both systems are described and analysed, considering the integrating role of the Spanish Constitution.
La reforma del Tribunal General de la Unión Europea
Authors: Constantinesco Vlad
Published: July 2018

La reciente reforma del Tribunal General de la Unión Europea por parte del Reglamento 2015/2422 del Parlamento Europeo y del Consejo del 16 de noviembre de 2015 es digna de especial atención. Es susceptible de ser criticada desde diversos puntos de vista: al menos por la manera en la cual se condujo la reforma, su coste financiero, y finalmente la impresión que la reforma no llegara verdaderamente a alcanzar sus objetivos. Este artículo explica el alcance de la reforma y las diferentes críticas que cabe realizar a la misma.The recent reform of the General Court of the European Union by the 2015 regulation / 2422 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 November 2015 is worthy of special attention. It is likely to be criticized from various points of view: at least for the way in which led reform, financial cost, and finally the impression that reform did not come truly to achieve their goals. This article explains the scope of reform and various criticisms that can be performed to it.
Recensiones
Authors: Carrillo Marc , López Ulla Juan Manuel
Published: July 2018

RESEÑA de: Alain. "El ciudadano contra los poderes". Est. prel. y notas de Eloy García, traducción de Joaquín Ibáñez. Madrid: Tecnos, 2016.; RESEÑA de: Alonso Sanz, Lucía. "El estatuto constitucional del menor inmigrante". Madrid: Centro de Estudios Políticos y Constitucionales, 2016.
Informes de Resultados de 2016 y 2017 sobre las recomendaciones propuestas por el GRECO para la prevención de la corrupción judicial en España: crónica de incumplimientos
Authors: Camisón Yagüe José Ángel , Soriano Moreno Silvia
Published: July 2018

Este trabajo analiza los Informes de Cumplimiento de 2016 y 2017 del Grupo de Estados contra la Corrupción del Consejo de Europa (GRECO) sobre prevención de la corrupción en España y se centra en el estudio de sus aspectos judiciales. Estos informes alertan sobre los serios peligros, provocados por la injerencia política, que acechan a los Órganos del Poder Judicial y se proyectan en la elección de los Jueces de los Altos Tribunales. Finalmente, estos informes también indican que en España no se cumplen con las recomendaciones que GRECO dirigió al Estado en 2014 a este respecto.This paper analyses the 2016 and 2017 Compliance Reports of Group of States against Corruption of Council of Europe (GRECO) about corruption prevention in Spain and it is focused on the study of its judiciary aspects. These Reports warn about the dangers of corruption in the Organs of Judiciary Government and in the election of Judges for High Courts caused by the political interference and also indicate that in Spain is not accomplished at all with the recommendations that GRECO addressed to the State in 2014.
RESEÑA de: Oliver Araujo, Joan. "Las barreras electorales. Gobernabilidad versus representatividad". Valencia: Tirant lo Blanch, 2017
Authors: Fernández Esquer Carlos
Published: July 2018

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Constitucionalidad, soft law y elección de jueces para el TEDH: Comentario a la Sentencia de la Sala 3ª del Tribunal Supremo de 31 de mayo de 2017
Authors: Cancio Fernández Raúl C.
Published: July 2018

El alto grado de politización, la falta de transparencia y la ausencia de estándares mínimos en relación con la calidad de los jueces seleccionados para los Tribunales supranacionales, constituyen los reproches más habituales en esta clase de procedimientos selectivos. No es descabellado conjeturar que detrás de estos problemas de idoneidad pueda estar la desproprocionada presencia de normas de soft law o non binding norms en este tipo de procesoso cooptativos. El presente artículo analiza, de una parte, el acervo normativo «blando» que pauta estos procesos, en particular, el contemplado para la selección de jueces para el TEDH y, de otra, las consecuenias litigiosas que la recalcitrante observancia de estas normas acarrea, con la reciente Sentencia del Tribunal Supremo de 31 de mayo de 2017, que entendió conculcado por el Gobierno el artículo 14 CE al establecer en el Acuerdo por el que se establecen pautas para la elaboración de una terna de candidatos para la elección de Juez titular del TEDH una discriminación por edad carente de cobertura en el Instrumento internacional al que se refiere.The high degree of politicization, the lack of transparency and the absence of minimum standards in relation to the quality of the judges selected for supranational courts are the most common reproaches in this kind of selective procedures. It is not unreasonable to conjecture that behind these suitability problems may be the disproportionate presence of soft law or non binding norms in this type of cooptative process. The present article analyzes, on the one hand, the «soft» normative acquis that governs these processes, in particular, that contemplated for the selection of judges for the ECHR and, on the other, the litigious consequences that the recalcitrant observance of these norms entails, with the recent Supreme Court Decision of May 31, 2017, which the Government considered violated by Article 14 CE by establishing in the Agreement establishing guidelines for the preparation of a shortlist of candidates for the election of Head Judge of the ECHR discrimination by age lacking coverage in the international instrument to which it refers.
La reforma de los sistemas electorales autonómicos tras las elecciones de 24 de mayo de 2015: vectores políticos y jurídicos
Authors: García Mahamut Rosario
Published: July 2018

Este trabajo analiza el estado en el que se hallan las distintas reformas electorales que se han impulsado en diversos ordenamientos autonómicos tras las elecciones autonómicas de 2015. Los resultados de las mismas se han traducido en un escenario político profundamente fragmentado y, en buena parte, deudor del compromiso adquirido por los partidos con los ciudadanos de hacer efectivas las oportunas reformas electorales que garantizaran, entre otras, un sistema electoral más justo e igualitario. Se analizan y contextualizan los distintos instrumentos normativos a través de los cuales se están llevando a cabo, así como las distintasopciones sobre las que descansa la necesidad de la concreta reforma.This paper analyses the current status of the different electoral reforms which have been promoted in various regional legal systems after the autonomous elections of 2015. The results of these elections have led to a deeply fragmented political scenario and, largely, debtor of the commitment undertaken by the political parties with the citizenship to make effective the adequate electoral reforms that would guarantee, inter alia, a more equal and fair electoral system. Various standard-setting instruments are analysed and contextualised, as well as the alternative options on which the need for a concrete legal reform rely.
RESEÑA de: García-Escudero Márquez, Piedad ; Álvarez Rodríguez, Ignacio. "La presentación y proclamación de candidatos electorales". Madrid: CEPC, 2017
Authors: Aranda Álvarez Elviro
Published: July 2018

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RESEÑA de: Pérez-Moneo, Miguel ; Vintró Castells, Joan. (Coords.) "Participación política: deliberación y representación en las Comunidades Autónomas". Madrid: Congreso de los Diputados, 2017
Authors: Pérez Alberdi María Reyes
Published: July 2018

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Increased arterial stiffness causing resistant hypertension in an adolescent with Neurofibromatosis type 1
Authors: Cho Min Jung
Published: July 2018

Neurofibromatosis type 1 is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by the presence of café au lait spots, axillary and inguinal freckling, Lisch nodules, and neurofibromas. Hypertension is a relatively frequent complication, usually caused by renal artery stenosis or pheochromocytomas. We describe the case of a 15-year-old boy with neurofibromatosis type 1 who was also diagnosed with resistant hypertension. Despite an extensive evaluation, the etiology of his hypertension remained indeterminate. Estimation of the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity and ambulatory arterial stiffness index could validate the existence of arterial stiffness. Further, a combination of carvedilol and angiotension receptor blockers was administered, which successfully controlled his resistant hypertension. We propose that the estimation of the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity measure and ambulatory arterial stiffness index is a noninvasive method, and these two parameters are relatively simple tools that can be used for the detection of arterial stiffness due to neurofibromatosis type 1-related vasculopathy.
Changes in Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern of Blood Isolates at a University Hospital in the Kyungnam area during 2005-2014
Authors: Yang Dahae , Lee Woonhyoung
Published: July 2018

Objectives Blood culture is a one of the most important procedure for diagnosis and treatment of infectious disease, but distribution of pathogenic species and the antimicrobial susceptibility can be vary from pathogen, individual trait, regional or environmental features. In this study, we investigated the changes in frequency of occurrence and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of blood isolates from 2005 to 2014. Methods Data of blood isolates from Kosin Gospel Hospital during 2005 to 2014 were analyzed retrospectively. Blood isolates were cultured for 5 days using BACTEC Plus Aerobic/F and BACTEC lytic/10 Anaerobic/F. Identification and antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed using VITEK 1 system, VITEK 2 XL, PHOENIX 100 and conventional method. Results 9,847 isolates were identified during 10 years. Among the isolates aerobic or falcutative anaerobic bacteria were isolated in 99.5% specimens, anaerobic were 0.1%, and fugi were 0.4%. Most commonly isolated bacteria were coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) followed by Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Candida parapsilosis were most frequently isolated among fungi. The proportion of S. aureus, A. baumannii and E. faecium were increased, while Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus pneumoniae decreased over decennium. Imipenem resistant K. pneumoniae were identified. Vancomycin resistant E. faecium and imipenem resistant A. baumannii were increased (7.1% in 2005 to 12.3% in 2014, 0% in 2005 to 55.6% in 2014, respectively). Conclusions Over the last 10 year, CoNS were the most frequently isolated pathogen. Imipenem resistant K. pneumoniae was emerged. Vancomycin resistant E. faecium and imipenem resistant A. baumannii increased during this period.
Upgrade Evaluation of Traffic Signal Assets: High-resolution Performance Measurement Framework
Authors: Dakic Igor , Mladenovic Milos , Stevanovic Aleksandar , Zlatkovic Milan
Published: July 2018

Agencies that have large-scale traffic signal systems under their purview often have to face asset upgrade decisions. As one of the most advanced traffic control technologies, Adaptive Traffic Control Systems (ATCS) are among the options that must be taken into consideration. Having in mind the complexity of benefits and costs stemming from ATCS investments, there is a need for information-rich performance measures (PM) used in the evaluation and decision-making. However, individual PMs are often not suitable for evaluating the multidimensionality of ATCS operations, due the inherent variability of ATCS control parameters. To expand the range of PMs used in ATCS evaluation, this research develops a new PM, i.e., average arrivals on green ratio, and proposes a refinement of average delay PM to account for queue formation. The paper also presents an application framework for a multi-criteria analysis, assuming a combination of the proposed and existing PMs. In addition to presenting the analytical PM formulation, the evaluation methodology uses microsimulation for a case study comparison between actuated-coordinated and ATCS operations. The results include a comparison between previous and proposed PMs, based on the processed simulation data as well as field data. In conclusion, the proposed PMs have a high transferability potential, low data collection cost, and high data quality, thus being suitable for use in decision processes for signal asset investment. Finally, this research opens up further opportunities for advancing decision-support methods for traffic operations asset management.
Predictors of Responsible Drinking or Abstinence Among College Students Who Binge Drink: A Multitheory Model Approach
Authors: Sharma Manoj , Anyimukwu Chizoba , Kim Richard W. , Nahar Vinayak K. , Ford M. Allison
Published: July 2018

Context

Binge drinking is a salient problem on college campuses, with estimates as high as 40% of students engaging in it. Binge drinking is associated with numerous negative consequences among college students, such as suicide attempts, unsafe sex practices, property damage, and driving under the influence. Several behavioral approaches in this regard have had modest impact and only short-term effects, however.

Objective

To use the multitheory model (MTM) of health behavior change to predict initiation and sustenance of responsible drinking or abstinence among binge-drinking college students in a sample drawn from a large southern public university.

Methods

This cross-sectional survey study included a sample of college students who binge drank in the past 30 days. A 39-item face- and content-valid instrument was used. In addition, construct validity using confirmatory factor analysis and internal consistency reliability using the Cronbach α were established. Hierarchical regression modeling was used to build models.

Results

A total of 289 students participated. The Cronbach α for the scale and all subscales ranged from 0.81 to 0.94 and demonstrated acceptable internal consistency reliability. Construct validity using confirmatory factor analysis yielded 1-factor solutions for each of the subscales. On hierarchical regression modeling, gender (P=.05), race/ethnicity (P=.004), behavioral confidence (P=.029), and changes in physical environment (P=.001) were associated with intended initiation for drinking responsibly/abstinence behavior change. The addition of MTM constructs led to a significant increase in R
2 of 0.20 (F
3,194=18.1; P<.001). The sustenance constructs yielded a significant increase in R
2 of 0.20 (F
3,193=19.4; P<.001).

Conclusion

This study provides empirical justification for MTM constructs that can be used to inculcate the intention to drink responsibly or abstain among college students who binge drink. This predictive model may prove valuable in the design of interventions aiming to improve responsible drinking behavior in this population.
Applying sequential pattern mining to investigate cerebrovascular health outpatients’ re-visit patterns
Authors: Ou-Yang Chao , Wulandari Chandrawati Putri , Hariadi Rizka Aisha Rahmi , Wang Han-Cheng , Chen Chiehfeng
Published: July 2018

Background and Objective

Increases in outpatients seeking medical check-ups are expanding the number of health examination data records, which can be utilized for medical strategic planning and other purposes. However, because hospital visits by outpatients seeking medical check-ups are unpredictable, those patients often cannot receive optimal service due to limited facilities of hospitals. To resolve this problem, this study attempted to predict re-visit patterns of outpatients.

Method

Two-phase sequential pattern mining (SPM) and an association mining method were chosen to predict patient returns using sequential data. The data were grouped according to the outpatients’ personal information and evaluated by a discriminant analysis to check the significance of the grouping. Furthermore, SPM was employed to generate frequency patterns from each group and extract a general association pattern of return.

Results

Results of sequence patterns and association mining in this study provided valuable insights in terms of outpatients’ re-visit behaviors for regular medical check-ups. Cosine and Jaccard are two symmetric measures which were used in this study to indicate the degree of association between two variables. For instance, Jaccard values of variable abnormal blood pressure associated with an abnormal body-mass index (BMI) and/or abnormal blood sugar were respectively 47.5% and 100%, for the two-visit and three-visit behavior patterns. These results indicated that the corresponding pair of variables was more reliable when covering the three-visit behavior pattern than the two-visit behavior. Thus, appropriate preventive measures or suggestions for other medical treatments can be prepared for outpatients that have this pattern on their third visit. The higher degree of association implies that the corresponding behavior pattern might influence outpatients’ intentions to regularly seek medical check-ups concerning the risk of stroke. Furthermore, a radiology diagnosis (i.e., magnetic resonance imaging or neck vascular ultrasound) plays an important role in the association with a re-visit behavior pattern with respective 50% and 70% Cosine and Jaccard values in general behavior {f11}∧{f01}. These findings can serve as valuable information to increase the quality of medical services and marketing, by suggesting appropriate treatment for the subsequent visit after learning the behavior patterns.

Conclusions

The proposed method can provide valuable information related to outpatients’ re-visit behavior patterns based on hidden knowledge generated from sequential patterns and association mining results. For marketing purposes, medical practitioners can take behavior patterns studied in this paper into account to raise patients’ awareness of several possible medical conditions that might arise on subsequent visits and encourage them to take preventive measures or suggest other medical treatments.
Perfil epidemiológico da meningite bacteriana no Município de Vitória da Conquista - Bahia, no período de 2008 a 2015
Authors: Magalhães Romário Soares , Santos Milena Soares
Published: July 2018

Introdução: A meningite bacteriana é uma doença infecciosa que representa um importante desafio em saúde pública em todo o mundo. Objetivo: Determinar o perfil epidemiológico da meningite bacteriana e analisar as variáveis relacionadas aos casos confirmados no município de Vitória da Conquista-Bahia. Metodologia: Estudo de corte transversal, com base em informações secundárias, realizado no período de 2008 a 2015. Dados clínicos, epidemiológicos e laboratoriais foram obtidos através das fichas de notificação de meningite bacteriana do Sistema Nacional de Agravos de Notificação. As análises foram realizadas através de cálculo de incidência, medidas de tendência central e freqüência simples. Resultados: Foram confirmados 171 casos de meningite bacteriana, cuja incidência média para a população total foi de 6,2/100.000 habitantes, com variação de 10,6 em 2010 a 2,6 por 100.000 habitantes em 2014. A maior prevalência dos casos ocorreu entre mulheres (61,4%) e entre os indivíduos menores de 5 anos (30,4%). Os sinais e sintomas mais relatados foram febre, cefaleia e vômito (88,12%; 85,8%; 78,3%; respectivamente) e a tríade clássica de sintomas apareceu em mais da metade dos pacientes (57,8%; 77/131). A taxa de letalidade foi de 17,2% (28/162). Em relação à sazonalidade, houve maior frequência de casos nos meses de maio a outubro. Conclusão: Os dados demonstram declínio dos casos de meningite nos últimos anos e sugere impacto positivo das estratégias de prevenção implementadas no país. Ressaltamos a importância de novos estudos para avaliar o efeito das vacinas específicas sobre a população e do contínuo monitoramento e ações para o controle  da doença.
Análise dos fatores de risco para síndrome da apnéia obstrutiva do sono (SAOS) em motoristas de caminhão
Authors: Sá Renata Thamires Oliveira de , França Igor Macedo Lima de , Catão Carmem Dolores de Sá , Cruz Jackson Borba da
Published: July 2018

Objetivo. Verificar quais os fatores de risco relacionados à SAOS e sua associação com a chance de desenvolvê-la em motoristas de caminhão. Método. Foi realizado um estudo quantitativo, transversal e descritivo. A coleta de dados foi precedida do TCLE, questionário sintomatológico, questionário de Berlim e medidas antropométricas. A associação foi verificada pelo teste qui-quadrado de Pearson e pela análise de regressão logística univariada e multivariada. Resultado. A população constituiu-se de caminhoneiros de três empresas de transporte de cargas da cidade de Campina Grande-PB (n = 65). Detectou-se alteração em pressão arterial (PA), circunferência do pescoço (CP), circunferência abdominal (CA) e IMC em grande parte da população com grande prevalência de obesidade. Verificou-se, a partir do teste qui-quadrado, associação (p < 0,05) entre o risco de desenvolver SAOS, sono durante o dia, tabagismo, CP, CA e IMC. Além disso, foi observado, a partir da análise de regressão que PA diastólica ≥ 90 mmHg, CP ≥ 42 cm, CA ≥ 102 cm e IMC ≥ 30 estavam relacionados com maior propensão à desenvolver SAOS. Conclusão. A população estudada apresentou fatores de risco que podem interferir na qualidade de vida e em atividades laborais. 
Avaliação citotóxica, genotóxica e mutagênica do extrato de Morinda citrifolia em diferentes concentrações sobre o teste Allium cepa
Authors: Santos Ingridy Maria Cruz dos , Melo Híder Machado de , Carneiro José Klauber Roger , Oliveira Maria Auxiliadora Silva
Published: July 2018

Introdução: O uso de Morinda citrifolia (noni) realizado com várias finalidades, no entanto, sua eficácia ainda não é, plenamente, comprovada. Segundo a Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (2007), as publicações científicas sobre o suco de noni têm trazido muita controvérsia sobre sua segurança como alimento. Objetivos: O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar quais concentrações de Morinda citrifolia não apresentam efeitos citotóxicos, genotóxicos e mutagênicos, possibilitando seu uso em futuras formas farmacêuticas. Metodologia: Os frutos foram picados e desidratados em estufa. Em seguida o material foi pulverizado, obtendo-se o extrato seco. Foram utilizados bulbos de Alium cepa para testar as seguintes concentrações: controle negativo (água filtrada), 1 mg/mL (Tratamento 1), 1,5 mg/mL (Tratamento 2), 2 mg/mL (Tratamento 3), controle positivo (paracetamol 90 mg/mL). Resultados: Os resultados encontrados na análise dos dados do extrato aquoso, demonstram que as três concentrações testadas de Morinda citrifolia apresenta atividade tóxica pela inibição do comprimento e pela diminuição do ciclo celular das raízes. Além disso, a Morinda citrifolia apresenta atividade citotóxica, devido à redução do índice mitótico, em todas as concentrações analisadas. Bem como, apresenta atividade genotóxica, nas duas maiores concentrações do extrato (1,5 mg/mL e 2,0 mg/mL). Conclusão: O presente estudo demonstrou que os extratos de Morinda citrifolia apresenta atividade citotóxica e genotóxica em todas as concentrações analisadas. É necessário realizar outros trabalhos para a avaliação da Morinda citrifolia em concentrações menores, para assim se estabelecer quais são as concentrações seguras de utilização do suco desse fruto.
Medicina e Mulheres
Authors: Alves Crésio
Published: July 2018

Esse Resumo, resgata a memória histórica da luta das mulheres, no Brasil e no mundo, pelo direito de exercer a medicina, descreve o progresso crescente da participação feminina nessa profissão e faz uma homenagem a médicas pioneiras na medicina mundial e na Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia.
Development and Challenges of Functional Electrolytes for High‐Performance Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Wang Lili , Ye Yusheng , Chen Nan , Huang Yongxin , Li Li , Wu Feng , Chen Renjie
Published: July 2018

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries, as one of the most important candidates of next‐generation batteries, are famous for high energy density, low cost, and environmental friendly benignity. However, issues originating from polysulfide shuttle of common liquid electrolytes (e.g., capacity fade, poor cycle life, and safe issue) have hindered the applications of Li–S batteries in various occasions. This review summarizes the main efforts in the electrolytes of Li–S batteries, including liquid, solid state, and hybrid electrolyte systems. The development of functional electrolytes for Li–S batteries is hopeful to alleviate the problems Li–S batteries faced today. The liquid electrolytes circumvent the polysulfide shuttle and the resultant problems by utilizing different functional solvents, lithium salts, and additives. Solid‐state electrolytes as promising electrolytes are optimized to enhance the ionic conductivity at room temperature and decrease the interfacial resistance. Hybrid electrolytes that consist of two or more single electrolytes may be considered as unique categories because they have the potential advantages than the single electrolyte systems. Challenges and perspectives of Li–S electrolytes are also proposed based on the requirement for high‐performance Li–S batteries.
Uniform Core–Shell Nanoparticles with Thiolated Hyaluronic Acid Coating to Enhance Oral Delivery of Insulin
Authors: Tian Houkuan , He Zhiyu , Sun Chengxin , Yang Chengbiao , Zhao Pengfei , Liu Lixin , Leong Kam W. , Mao Hai‐Quan , Liu Zhijia , Chen Yongming
Published: July 2018

Oral delivery of protein drugs is an attractive route of administration due to its convenience for repeated dosing and good patient compliance. However, currently oral protein therapeutics show very low bioavailability mainly due to the existence of hostile gastrointestinal (GI) environments, including mucus layers and intestinal epithelial barriers. Herein, using insulin as a model protein therapeutic, the core–shell nanoparticles with thiolated hyaluronic acid (HA‐SH) coating (NPHA‐SH) are produced utilizing a two‐step flash nanocomplexation process to enhance oral delivery efficiency of insulin. A positively charged nanoparticle core is first generated by electrostatic complexation between insulin and N‐(2‐hydroxypropyl)‐3‐trimethyl ammonium chloride modified chitosan (HTCC), followed by surface coating with HA‐SH. The optimized NPHA‐SH shows an average size of 100 nm with high encapsulation efficiency (91.1%) and loading capacity (38%). In vitro and ex vivo results confirm that NPHA‐SH shows high mucus‐penetration ability, improved intestinal retention and transepithelial transport property due to its thiolated surface and the ability of HA‐SH coating to dissociate from the nanoparticle surface when across the mucosal layer. Oral administration of NPHA‐SH to Type 1 diabetic rats yields high efficacy and an average relative bioavailability of 11.3%. These results demonstrate that the HA‐SH coated core–shell nanoparticles are a promising oral delivery vehicle for protein therapeutics.
Metal Organic Framework Derived Materials: Progress and Prospects for the Energy Conversion and Storage
Authors: Indra Arindam , Song Taeseup , Paik Ungyu
Published: July 2018

Exploring new materials with high efficiency and durability is the major requirement in the field of sustainable energy conversion and storage systems. Numerous techniques have been developed in last three decades to enhance the efficiency of the catalyst systems, control over the composition, structure, surface area, pore size, and moreover morphology of the particles. In this respect, metal organic framework (MOF) derived catalysts are emerged as the finest materials with tunable properties and activities for the energy conversion and storage. Recently, several nano‐ or microstructures of metal oxides, chalcogenides, phosphides, nitrides, carbides, alloys, carbon materials, or their hybrids are explored for the electrochemical energy conversion like oxygen evolution, hydrogen evolution, oxygen reduction, or battery materials. Interest on the efficient energy storage system is also growing looking at the practical applications. Though, several reviews are available on the synthesis and application of MOF and MOF derived materials, their applications for the electrochemical energy conversion and storage is totally a new field of research and developed recently. This review focuses on the systematic design of the materials from MOF and control over their inherent properties to enhance the electrochemical performances.
Advances in Synthesis and Measurement of Charge Transport in DNA‐Based Derivatives
Authors: Zhuravel Roman , Stern Avigail , Fardian‐Melamed Natalie , Eidelshtein Gennady , Katrivas Liat , Rotem Dvir , Kotlyar Alexander B. , Porath Danny
Published: July 2018

Charge transport through molecular structures is interesting both scientifically and technologically. To date, DNA is the only type of polymer that transports significant currents over distances of more than a few nanometers in individual molecules. For molecular electronics, DNA derivatives are by far more promising than native DNA due to their improved charge‐transport properties. Here, the synthesis of several unique DNA derivatives along with electrical characterization and theoretical models is surveyed. The derivatives include double stranded poly(G)–poly(C) DNA molecules, four stranded G4‐DNA, metal–DNA hybrid molecular wires, and other DNA molecules that are modified either at the bases or at the backbone. The electrical characteristics of these nanostructures, studied experimentally by electrostatic force microscopy, conductive atomic force microscopy, and scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy, are reviewed.
Anelastic and Electromechanical Properties of Doped and Reduced Ceria
Authors: Wachtel Ellen , Frenkel Anatoly I. , Lubomirsky Igor
Published: July 2018

Room‐temperature mechanical properties of thin films and ceramics of doped and undoped ceria are reviewed with an emphasis on the anelastic behavior of the material. Notably, the unrelaxed Young's modulus of Gd‐doped ceria ceramics measured by ultrasonic pulse‐echo techniques is >200 GPa, while the relaxed biaxial modulus, calculated from the stress/strain ratio of thin films, is ≈10 times smaller. Oxygen‐deficient ceria exhibits a number of anelastic effects, such as hysteresis of the lattice parameter, strain‐dependent Poisson's ratio, room‐temperature creep, and nonclassical electrostriction. Methods of measuring these properties are discussed, as well as the applicability of Raman spectroscopy for evaluating strain in thin films of Gd‐doped ceria. Special attention is paid to detection of the time dependence of anelastic effects. Both the practical advantages and disadvantages of anelasticity on the design and stability of microscopic devices dependent on ceria thin films are discussed, and methods of mitigating the latter are suggested, with the aim of providing a cautionary note for materials scientists and engineers designing devices containing thin films or bulk ceria, as well as providing data‐based constraints for theoreticians who are involved in modeling of the unusual electrical and electromechanical properties of undoped and doped ceria.
Hollow Metal Nanocrystals with Ultrathin, Porous Walls and Well‐Controlled Surface Structures
Authors: Zhao Ming , Wang Xue , Yang Xuan , Gilroy Kyle D. , Qin Dong , Xia Younan
Published: July 2018

Recent developments of a novel class of catalytic materials built on hollow nanocrystals having ultrathin, porous walls, and well‐controlled surface structures are discussed, with a focus on platinum and the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). An introduction is given to the critical role of platinum in the proton exchange membrane fuel cells, and the pressing need to develop a strategy for achieving cost‐effective and sustainable use of this precious metal. How to maximize the mass activity of ORR catalysts based on platinum by rationally engineering the surface structure while increasing the utilization efficiency of atoms is then discussed. After reporting on the synthetic methods involving galvanic replacement and seed‐mediated growth followed by etching, respectively, a number of examples to demonstrate the enhancement in activity and durability for this new class of catalytic materials are showcased. The feasibility to have the methodology extended from platinum to other precious metals such as gold and ruthenium is highlighted. In conclusion, some of the remaining issues and emerging solutions are examined.
Ultraflexible Near‐Infrared Organic Photodetectors for Conformal Photoplethysmogram Sensors
Authors: Park Sungjun , Fukuda Kenjiro , Wang Ming , Lee Chulhyo , Yokota Tomoyuki , Jin Hanbit , Jinno Hiroaki , Kimura Hiroki , Zalar Peter , Matsuhisa Naoji , Umezu Shinjiro , Bazan Guillermo C. , Someya Takao
Published: July 2018

Flexible organic optoelectronic devices simultaneously targeting mechanical conformability and fast responsivity in the near‐infrared (IR) region are a prerequisite to expand the capabilities of practical optical science and engineering for on‐skin optoelectronic applications. Here, an ultraflexible near‐IR responsive skin‐conformal photoplethysmogram sensor based on a bulk heterojunction photovoltaic active layer containing regioregular polyindacenodithiophene‐pyridyl[2,1,3]thiadiazole‐cyclopentadithiophene (PIPCP) is reported. The ultrathin (3 µm thick) photodetector exhibits unprecedented operational stability under severe mechanical deformation at a bending radius of less than 3 µm, even after more than 103 bending cycles. Deliberate optimization of the physical dimensions of the active layer used in the device enables precise on/off switching and high device yield simultaneously. The response frequency over 1 kHz under mechanically deformed conditions facilitates conformal electronic sensors at the machine/human interface. Finally, a mechanically stretchable, flexible, and skin‐conformal photoplethysmogram (PPG) device with higher sensitivity than those of rigid devices is demonstrated, through conformal adherence to the flexuous surface of a fingerprint.
DNA Nanotweezers and Graphene Transistor Enable Label‐Free Genotyping
Authors: Hwang Michael T. , Wang Zejun , Ping Jinglei , Ban Deependra Kumar , Shiah Zi Chao , Antonschmidt Leif , Lee Joon , Liu Yushuang , Karkisaval Abhijith G. , Johnson Alan T. Charlie , Fan Chunhai , Glinsky Gennadi , Lal Ratnesh
Published: July 2018

Electronic DNA‐biosensor with a single nucleotide resolution capability is highly desirable for personalized medicine. However, existing DNA‐biosensors, especially single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) detection systems, have poor sensitivity and specificity and lack real‐time wireless data transmission. DNA‐tweezers with graphene field effect transistor (FET) are used for SNP detection and data are transmitted wirelessly for analysis. Picomolar sensitivity of quantitative SNP detection is achieved by observing changes in Dirac point shift and resistance change. The use of DNA‐tweezers probe with high‐quality graphene FET significantly improves analytical characteristics of SNP detection by enhancing the sensitivity more than 1000‐fold in comparison to previous work. The electrical signal resulting from resistance changes triggered by DNA strand‐displacement and related changes in the DNA geometry is recorded and transmitted remotely to personal electronics. Practical implementation of this enabling technology will provide cheaper, faster, and portable point‐of‐care molecular health status monitoring and diagnostic devices.
Repurposing Cyanine NIR‐I Dyes Accelerates Clinical Translation of Near‐Infrared‐II (NIR‐II) Bioimaging
Authors: Zhu Shoujun , Hu Zhubin , Tian Rui , Yung Bryant C. , Yang Qinglai , Zhao Su , Kiesewetter Dale O. , Niu Gang , Sun Haitao , Antaris Alexander L. , Chen Xiaoyuan
Published: July 2018

The significantly reduced tissue autofluorescence and scattering in the NIR‐II region (1000–1700 nm) opens many exciting avenues for detailed investigation of biological processes in vivo. However, the existing NIR‐II fluorescent agents, including many molecular dyes and inorganic nanomaterials, are primarily focused on complicated synthesis routes and unknown immunogenic responses with limited potential for clinical translation. Herein, the >1000 nm tail emission of conventional biocompatible NIR cyanine dyes with emission peaks at 700–900 nm is systematically investigated, and a type of bright dye for NIR‐II imaging with high potential for accelerating clinical translation is identified. The asymmetry of the π domain in the S1 state of NIR cyanine dyes is proven to result in a twisted intramolecular charge‐transfer process and NIR‐II emission, establishing a general rule to guide future NIR‐I/II fluorophore synthesis. The screened NIR dyes are identified to possess a bright emission tail in the NIR‐II region along with high quantum yield, high molar‐extinction coefficient, rapid fecal excretion, and functional groups amenable for bioconjugation. As a result, NIR cyanine dyes can be used for NIR‐II imaging to afford superior contrast and real‐time imaging of several biological models, facilitating the translation of NIR‐II bioimaging to clinical theranostic applications.