bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Efficacy of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Yiqi-Huayu-Tongsui Granule in Treating Mild or Moderate Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Xu Chongqing , Zhou Xiaoning , Tong Zhengyi , Ma Junming , Ye Jie , Xu Jinhai , Mo Wen
Published: July 2020

Background: Neck pain, sensory disturbance and motor dysfunction in most patients suffered cervical spondylotic myelopathy. However, some conservative treatments are limited by their modest effectiveness. In the other hand, surgical treatment is necessary when symptoms are refractory to conservative treatments and neurological function of the patients has deteriorated. Many patients use complementary and alternative medicine, including traditional Chinese medicine, to address their symptoms. The purpose of the present study is to examine effectiveness and safety of Yiqi-Huayu-Tongsui granule, a compound traditional Chinese herbal medicine, on symptoms in patients with mild or moderate cervical spondylotic myelopathy.Methods/Design: A randomized, double blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Yiqi-Huayu-Tongsui granule is proposed. 72 patients in Longhua Hospital with the diagnosis of mild or moderate cervical spondylotic myelopathy will be randomly allocated into two groups, and treated with Yiqi-Huayu-Tongsui granule or placebo. The prescription of the trial drugs (Yiqi-Huayu-Tongsui granule / placebo) is 20 grams twice a day for 3 months. The primary outcome measurements include VAS, JOA and NDI score. The secondary outcome measurements are electromyogram and Pfirrmann classification.Discussion: Yiqi-Huayu-Tongsui granule has been established and applied in Longhua Hospital for many years. As it has a potential benefit in treating mild or moderate cervical spondylotic myelopathy, we designed a double-blind, prospective, randomized controlled trial and would like to publish the results and conclusions later. If Yiqi-Huayu-Tongsui granule can alleviate neck pain, sensory disturbance, and even motor dysfunction without adverse effects, it may be a unique strategy for the treatment of mild or moderate cervical spondylotic myelopathy.Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ID: ChiCTR1900028192. Registered 15 December 2019, http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=46913&htm=4
Impact of Embryo Transfer on the phenotype of the offspring in pigs
Authors: Paris-Oller Evelynne , Matás Carmen , Romar Raquel , Lopes Jordana Sena , Gadea Joaquín , Cánovas Sebastián , Coy Pilar
Published: July 2020

BackgroundThe increased use of assisted reproductive technologies led to a higher risk of specific alterations in the offspring, as already described in human and other mammalian species. Nonetheless, it is yet to be totally understood how and which specific techniques are inducing these changes. The use of animal models may represent an advantage to find out answers to these questions due to the minimization of confounding factors. The pig is not only a great human reproductive model, but it is also of interest in the livestock industry to develop further technologies that may enhance meat production. This study was designed to decipher the impact of one of these technologies, namely embryo transfer, on mother´s reproductive performance and on the phenotype of the offspring in pigs.ResultsEmbryo transfer of in vivo derived embryos (ET) showed similar results in terms of pregnancy length, litter size and total litter weight per sow than sows artificially inseminated (AI). Bodyweight at birth was higher for ET-females than AI-females, but this difference was no longer observed at day 15 of postnatal life. Some of the major findings after haematological analyses were that concentration of red blood cells, haemoglobin and haematocrit in female-ET piglets at day 3 showed higher values than AI-females. Additionally, higher concentration of white blood cells was found at day 3 in both ET-derived piglets (males and females) in comparison to AI-piglets. Biochemical analysis showed a higher level of albumin at day 3 for ET-derived male piglets than AI but ET-females showed lower levels of bilirubin than AI in the same day. Despite the statistical differences between groups, all values were within the normal ranges, so that we cannot give them any clinical significance.ConclusionsPiglets derived from in vivo embryo transfer seem to be phenotypically similar, which provides evidence that the embryo transfer procedure is a safe technique, without relevant health implications to the offspring. Additionally, these findings may be of interest to the pig industry regarding the reference values provided for haematological and biochemical parameters in this species.
Predictive and Prognostic Role of Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Breast Cancer Patients With Different Molecular Subtypes: a Meta-Analysis
Authors: Gao Zhao-hua , Li Cun-xin , Liu Ming , Jiang Jia-yuan
Published: July 2020

Background Whether TILs plays different roles in different molecular subtypes breast cancer remains unknown. The prognostic and predictive value of TILs in different molecular subtypes breast cancer is still controversy. The aim of our meta-analysis is to assess the prognostic and predictive value of TILs in different molecular subtypes breast cancer by summarizing all relevant studies including multivariate analysis.MethodsPubMed, Embase, EBSCO, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Database and the Web of Science were comprehensively retrieved (until March 2020). Hazard ratio (HR), odds ratio (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used as effect measures to perform our meta-analysis. Random effect model was used. Stata software, version 15 (2017) (Stata Corp, College Station, TX, USA) was used to carried out statistical analysis. ResultsThirty-three studies including 18170 eligible breast cancer patients were analyzed. The meta-analysis showed that patients with high TILs expression were significantly correlated with increased pCR after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in HER2 enriched molecular subtype (OR = 1.137, 95% CI [1.061~1.218], p <0.001) and TNBC molecular subtype breast cancer (OR = 1.120, 95% CI [1.061~1.182], p <0.001). But, patients with high TILs expression were not significantly related to high pCR in luminal molecular subtype breast cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (OR =1.154, 95% CI [0.789~1.690], p = 0.460). We carried out this meta-analysis on HR for OS and DFS to assess the prognostic value of TILs in breast cancer with different molecular subtypes more deeply. Our meta-analysis confirmed that high TILs had relationship with a significantly improved DFS in HER2 enriched molecular subtype [HR=0.940, 95%CI (0.903~0.979), p=0.003] and TNBC molecular subtype breast cancer patients [HR=0.907, 95%CI (0.862~0.954), p<0.001]. However, high TILs was not correlated with a significantly better DFS in luminal molecular subtype breast cancer patients [HR=0.998, 95%CI (0.977~1.019), p=0.840]. Furthermore, the results confirmed that high TILs had significant relationship with a better OS in HER2 enriched molecular subtype [HR=0.910, 95%CI (0.866~0.957), p <0.001] and TNBC molecular subtype breast cancer patients [HR=0.869, 95%CI (0.836~0.904), p <0.001]. Conversely, the summarized results indicated that high TILs was significantly correlated with a poor OS in luminal molecular subtype breast cancer patients [HR=1.077, 95%CI (1.016~1.141), p=0.012].ConclusionsOur meta-analysis confirms that high TILs is correlated with favourable survival and predicts pathological complete response in breast cancer patients with TNBC molecular subtypes and HER2-enriched molecular subtypes.
HRD1 Elicitation of An Anti-Warburg Effect by Targeting PFKP to Inhibit Breast Cancer Growth and Progression
Authors: Fan Ya , Jia Wang , Xu Yuemei , Wang Yipin , Song Tao , Liang Xiubin , Feng Jin , Su Dongming
Published: July 2020

Background: Our previous studies have shown that the E3 ubiquitin ligase of HMG-CoA reductase degradation 1 (HRD1) functions as a tumor suppressor, as overexpression of HRD1 suppressed breast cancer proliferation and invasion. However, its role in breast cancer cell glucose metabolism was unclear. Here, our aim was to uncover the role and molecular mechanisms of HRD1 in regulating aerobic glycolysis in breast cancer. Methods: The effect of HRD1 on robic glycolysis in breast cancer cells were assessed. Then the proliferation, colony formation ability, invasion and migration of breast cancer cells were evaluated. The relationship between HRD1 and PFKP was validated by Mass spectrometry analysis, immunofluorescence and co-immunoprecipitation. The level of PFKP ubiquitination was measured using ubiquitylation assay. Furthermore, the tumor growth in vivo were observed by subcutaneous tumorigenesis in nude mice. Results: We found that upregulation of HRD1 clearly decreased aerobic glycolysis, and subsequently inhibited breast cancer proliferation and invasion. Mass spectrometry analysis results revealed a large HRD1 interactome, which included PFKP (platelet isoform of phosphofructokinase), a critical enzyme involved in the Warburg Effect in breast cancer. Mechanistically, HRD1 interacted and colocalized with PFKP in the cytoplasm, targeted PFKP for ubiquitination and degradation, and ultimately reduced PFKP expression and activity in breast cancer cells. Conclusions: Our findings reveal a new regulatory role of HRD1 in Warburg effect and provide a key contributor in breast cancer metabolism.
Microenvironmental Hypoxia Induces Dynamic Changes in Lung Cancer Synthesis and Secretion of Into Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Tse Shun Wilford , Tan Chee Fan , Park Jung Eun , Gnanasekaran JebaMercy , Gupta Nikhil , Low Jee Keem , Yeoh Kheng Wei , Chng Wee Joo , Tay Chor Yong , McCarthy Neil , Lim Sai Kiang , Sze Siu Kwan
Published: July 2020

Background: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) mediate critical intercellular communication within healthy tissues, but are also exploited by tumour cells to promote angiogenesis, metastasis, and host immunosuppression under hypoxic stress. We hypothesize that oxygen starvation in developing tumours induces specific hypoxia-sensitive proteins for packing into small EVs to modulate its microenvironment for cancer progression and enhance malignancy. Methods: We employed a heavy isotope pulse/trace quantitative proteomic approach to study hypoxia-sensitive EVs proteins (HSEPs) in hypoxic A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells derived small EVs (<200 nm). Proteomics data mining and pathway analysis were used to reveal potential roles of the HSEPs in enhancing tumour cell progression and in modulating host immunity. Functional clustering was applied to study enhanced EVs biogenesis and secretion in hypoxic cancer cells. Subsequent biochemical functional assays were performed in A549 and H1299 lung cancer cells to validate the hypoxic cancer-derived EVs in promoting cancer progression.Results: Results revealed that hypoxia stimulated cancer cells to synthesize EVs proteins involved in enhancing tumour cell proliferation (NRSN2, WISP2, SPRX1, LCK), metastasis (GOLM1, STC1, MGAT5B), stemness (STC1, TMEM59), angiogenesis (ANGPTL4), and suppressing host immunity (CD70). In addition, functional clustering analyses revealed that tumour hypoxia was strongly associated with rapid synthesis and EV loading of lysosome-related hydrolases and membrane-trafficking proteins to enhance EVs secretion. Moreover, lung cancer-derived EVs were also enriched in signalling molecules capable of inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition in recipient cancer cells to promote their migration and invasion. Conclusion: Together, these data indicate that lung cancer-derived EVs can act as paracrine/autocrine mediators of tumorigenesis and metastasis in hypoxic microenvironments. Tumour EVs may therefore offer novel opportunities for useful biomarkers discovery and therapeutic targeting of different cancer types and at different stages according to microenvironmental conditions.
Antibiotic susceptibility profile of bacterial pathogens isolated from febrile children under 5 years of age in Nanoro, Burkina Faso.
Authors: BONKO Massa dit Achille , Tahita Marc Christian , Kiemde Francois , Lompo Palpouguini , Yougbaré Sibidou , Some Athanase M. , Tinto Halidou , Mens Petra F. , Menting Sandra , Schallig Henk D. F. H.
Published: July 2020

Background: The curative power of antimicrobials is severely threatened due to emerging resistance to first-line antibiotics worldwide. With a limited reserve of antibiotics, increasing antimicrobial resistance has become a global concern, but there is a paucity of such data in Burkina Faso, and the West African region in general. Therefore, this study aims to determine the antibiotic susceptibility profile of bacterial species isolated from febrile children under 5 years of age in Nanoro (Burkina Faso). Methods: Clinical specimens (blood, stool, and urine) were collected from 1099 febrile children attending the peripheral health facilities and the referral hospital in Nanoro. Bacterial isolates from these clinical specimens were assessed for their susceptibility against commonly used antibiotics by standard disc diffusion procedure and minimal inhibitory concentration method (when appropriate). Results: In total, 141 bacterial strains were recovered from 127 febrile children of which 65 strains were isolated from blood, 65 from the stool, and 11 from urine. Predominant bacterial isolates were Salmonella species (56.7%; 80/141) followed by Escherichia coli (33.3%; 47/141). Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed Salmonella species were highly resistant to ampicillin (70%; 56/80), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (65%; 52/80), and chloramphenicol (63.8%; 51/80). E. coli isolates were highly resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (100%), ampicillin (100%), ciprofloxacin (71.4%; 10/14), amoxicillin-clavulanate (64.3%; 9/14), ceftriaxone (64.3%; 9/14), and gentamycin (50%; 7/14). Moreover, 7 out of 14 E. coli isolates were producers of the ß-lactamase enzyme, suggesting multi-drug resistance against b-lactam as well as non-b-lactam antibiotics. S. pneumoniae isolates were fully resistant to tetracycline and 50% to penicillin G. Multi-drug resistance was observed in 54.6% (59/108) of the isolates of which 56 (54.9%) were Gram-negative bacteria and 3 (50.0%) Gram-positive bacteria.Conclusions: The antibiotic susceptibility profiling showed an alarming high resistance to commonly used antibiotics to treat bacterial infections in the study region. The work prompts the need to expand antibiotic resistance surveillance studies in Burkina Faso, and probably the whole region (West Africa). Moreover, it implies the need of a revision of the antibiotic-treatment guidelines by the Ministry of Health in Burkina Faso to avoid further development of resistance.
An Exploratory Model of Competitive Advantage through Dynamic Capabilities and Differentiation Approach for Knowledge-Based Companies
Authors: Khaligh Alireza Abdolhosseini , Haghighi Mohammad , Nazari Mohsen , Hosseini Hamid Khodadad
Published: July 2020

The competitive struggles in high-tech environment have featured the necessity to infer how competitive advantage is gained. Dynamic capabilities emphasize the nature of future competition, acceleration in innovation growth, and the role of strategic management in adaption, integration, and reconfiguration of organizational skills, resources, and competences toward shifting environment. This inquiry is based on an inductive approach. The qualitative research is primarily started with exploratory purpose through grounded theory strategy. Then, it is continued with quantitative type of study, explanatory and descriptive purposes through survey and correlational research strategies. The probe concepts and variables are analyzed in 30 top knowledge-based companies of Iran working on electronics and informatics field. The results indicate that achieving knowledge-centricity main phenomenon through dynamic capabilities requires presence of value creation on the basis of resource orientation together with competences. The knowledge-based companies can reach the summit and sustainable success in the knowledge-centricity main phenomenon when they consider two specialized paths related to the differentiation and knowledge-based strategies. Environmental cognition, knowledge management, knowledge approaches, branding and brand management, and strategic agility are identified with a positive and significant effect on both strategies.
AGENTES PÚBLICOS DO SETOR DE LICITAÇÕES E A PSICODINÂMICA DO TRABALHO VIVÊNCIAS DE MEDO E SATISFAÇÃO
Authors: Bonora Rosicler Mari Camargo , D'Oliveira Érika Pessanha
Published: July 2020

A psicodinâmica do trabalho tem se tornado um estudo bastante frequente, já que versa sobre doença/saúde mental. Este artigo dedica-se à análise das vivências de prazer e sofrimento psíquico no cotidiano profissional dos agentes públicos limitados pelo medo da interpretação equivocada dos atos públicos pelos órgãos controladores e as estratégias de enfrentamento e de construção da saúde mental deste trabalhador. No primeiro momento utiliza-se um relato de experiência, onde se constatam as vivências subjetivas edificadas no exercício das funções de servidores que atuam no departamento de licitações de uma instituição pública. A partir do entendimento da indissociabilidade entre trabalho e vivências subjetivas, analisaram-se relatos sobre o cotidiano profissional que produz efeitos sobre os próprios sujeitos. Esses servidores convivem com as imposições das vivências de sofrimento no trabalho, ao tempo que procuram sentir prazer no meio profissional. A Psicodinâmica do Trabalho foi a abordagem adotada para análise das entrevistas semiestruturadas com servidores de dois órgãos distintos, especificamente do setor de licitações.  O enfoque da análise foi o levantamento das vivências de prazer e sofrimento psíquico no cotidiano profissional dos agentes públicos limitado pelo medo da má interpretação de seus atos pelos órgãos controladores. A análise dos resultados mostrou que os impactos gerados pelo medo causam o bloqueio e interferem diretamente nas decisões dos servidores, deixando de agir em prol a sociedade.
Cross-linked-substituted (esterified/etherified) starch derivatives as aqueous heavy metal ion adsorbent: a review
Authors: Akinterinwa Ayodele , Oladele Ebun , Adebayo Albert , Gurgur Emmanuel , Iyanu Omotunde Oluwatoyin , Ajayi Olubode
Published: July 2020

Starch is a biopolymer with outstanding economic and environmentally friendly attributes which has driven technological innovations to enhance its applications in food and non-food industries. Starch is constituted by O-H groups with valency and electronic characteristics that can initiate adsorption of aqueous heavy metal ions (AHMIs). However, this can be enhanced using various modification sequences. A common procedure is the cross-linking and substitution of the O-H groups via esterification and/or etherification reactions to produce starch derivative adsorbents (SDAs) with improved structural and functional properties for adsorption of AHMIs. The efficiency of SDAs developed using these procedures depends on the botanical source of the native starch base, porosity and structural stability of the derivative (i.e. degree of cross-linking), substituted functional group(s), degree of substitution and the steric/conformation effects of the substituted groups. Many works have been done to optimize these factors, and this review highlighted some of the tailored procedures and the results obtained.
Etyczne i prawne aspekty stosowania preparatu medycznego ellaOne czyli tzw. pigułki „pięć dni później”
Authors: Kobyliński Andrzej
Published: July 2020

The article focuses on ethical and legal aspects of the use of the postcoital contraception. In November 2014, The European Medicines Agency recommended a change in classification status from prescription to non-prescription for the emergency contraceptive ellaOne. This medicinal product has been authorized in the European Union since 2009. The European Medicines Agency found that ellaOne could be used safely and effectively without medical prescription, which means that this medicinal product could be obtained without a prescription in the EU. The decision opens up a new stage of public debate about the beginnings of human life and recognition of the human embryo as a human being from the very moment of conception.
Role of badger setts in life of other carnivores
Authors: Sidorchuk Natalia V. , Maslov Michail V. , Rozhnov Vyacheslav V.
Published: July 2020

A study of interspecific interactions of European (Meles meles) and Asian (M. leucurus) badgers with other carnivores at badger setts was carried out in Darwin Reserve (European part  of Russia) and in Ussuriisk Reserve (Russian Far East) in 2006-2011. We used camera traps for the registration of visits of carnivore mammals to the badger setts. Overall, 11 species were recorded. In both reserves, badger setts attract carnivore species during the whole year. Some predators visit badger setts regularly. The visitors can be divided into two groups: species searching shelter, or searching prey. The first group includes raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides and red fox Vulpes vulpes. Raccoon dog was the most frequent visitor in both study areas (34 visits in Darwin reserve and 73 in Ussuriisk reserve). The second group includes lynx Lynx lynx and wolf Canis lupus in Darwin reserve and Asiatic black bear Ursus thibetanus, brown bear U. arctos, yellow-throated marten Martes flavigula aterrima and lynx Lynx lynx in Ussuriisk reserve. Smaller predators are also included into the second group because they can find prey at badger setts too: leopard cat Prionailurus bengalensis euptilura, sable Martes zibellina and Siberian weasel Mustela sibirica in Ussuriisk reserve and European pine marten Martes martes in Darwin reserve. No cases of  aggressive interactions between the badgers and the visitors were recorded. But we noted two cases of change of sett owners and one case when raccoon dog removed dead badger cubs from the sett.
O moralnych obowiązkach ludzi wobec zwierząt. Etyka Gary’ego Francione
Authors: Probucka Dorota
Published: July 2020

The purpose of my article is to present and analyze the ethical views of Gary Francione – the leading, contemporary representative of the Animal Rights Movement. He built his theory by criticizing the views of two other supporters of the idea of animal liberation: Peter Singer and Tom Regan. In his opinion, neither of these philosophers did not escape from the anthropocentric paradigm binding the moral obligations to animals with the primacy of human interest. Singer believed that only humans have the ability to plan their own future, and only they want to live and extend their own existence. While according to Regan, in conflict situations, respect for human interest should be dominant. Francione agrees that only people understand a deeper meaning of their own existence, but it does not follow that only they want to live and do not want to die. The need to preserve and continue life is not the result of mental states, but it is a consequence of sensitivity – the biological trait which aims to safeguard and continuation of life. According to Francione, if every sensitive creature has an interest in preserving his own life and avoiding suffering it they also have a moral right to life and not being treated in a cruel manner.
The Possibility of Conducting Experiments on Animals. Moral Theologian’s Reflections
Authors: Smykowski Krzysztof
Published: July 2020

The Catholic moral theology acknowledges a person’s right to use animals in compliance with their nature, while putting the emphasis on the obligation to treat them with proper sensitivity and kindness. !is right includes the possibility to conduct experiments on animals. Such experiments are allowed after meeting a range of conditions. Justifiable hopes for scientific development or for achieving practical goals are required. Also, the number of used animals should be limited and the pain and stress the animals feel ought to be minimized. The right balance should be maintained between those factors. Moreover, moral theology elevates the value of intentions, i.e., the objective for which the test results will be used. It can modify the moral classification of experiments, which on their own are good or neutral.
Rudiments of axiology for sustainable tourism
Authors: Klimska Agnieszka , Klimková Andrea , Leźnicki Marcin
Published: July 2020

The present article raises the question of sustainable tourism in Poland and Slovakia, highlighting its significance, as well as its objectives and tasks. The situation of tourism in Poland is presented in relation to the issues of spatial economy, whereas Slovak example concentrates mainly on the importance of cultural heritage. Both interrelated aspects were considered crucial for the development of sustainable tourism. Pointing to the noticeably unsustainable character of modern tourism, the authors emphasized the urgent need to refer to ethical and axiological arguments in the process of implementing the principles of sustainable development and spatial order to tourism.
Edukacja leśna wsparciem kształcenia szkolnego
Authors: Strumińska-Doktór Anna , Jagodzińska Małgorzata
Published: July 2020

Artykuł poddaje analizie istotę edukacji leśnej w kontekście jej wpływu na kreowanie postaw dzieci. Odwołując się do przykładów zajęć prowadzonych w lesie, mniej ustrukturyzowanych od prowadzonych w szkolnych klasach, pozwalających na większą samodzielność dzieci, przekonuje do stosowania rożnych form edukacji leśnej, ponieważ bezpośredni kontakt z lasem daje lepsze możliwości poznania, odkrywania i zrozumienia przyrody oraz kształtowania kultury obcowania z lasem. Podkreśla się przy tym znaczenie form i treści edukacji leśnej dla kształtowania postaw prospołecznych. Dzieci posiadając większą swobodę działania, uczą się rozwiązywać problemy, podejmować decyzje, tworzyć reguły i przestrzegać ich oraz traktować z szacunkiem środowisko leśne, co przekłada się na szacunek wobec całej, otaczającej rzeczywistości.
Edukacja na rzecz etyki środowiskowej na terenach leśnych – idea Leave No Trace
Authors: Płoskonka Przemysław
Published: July 2020

Artykuł charakteryzuje jedną z popularnych na świecie koncepcji edukacji na rzecz etyki środowiskowej (etyka outdorowa) – Leave No Trace. Początkowo program był skierowany głównie do środowisk związanych z górami – przewodników, wspinaczy, turystów górskich – jako odpowiedź na dewastację i zaśmiecanie gór. Obecnie został on rozszerzony na inne obszary przyrodnicze, w tym środowisko leśne. Model etyki środowiskowej (outdoorowej) Leave No Trace promuje odpowiedzialne postawy (zwiększanie świadomości społecznej). Rdzeń koncepcji oparty jest na siedmiu uniwersalnych zasadach, które w połączeniu z przekazywaną wiedzą oraz nabywanymi umiejętnościami mają za zadanie minimalizować wpływ człowieka na środowisko przyrodnicze, w którym przebywa.
Emergencja i jej rozumienie w biologii
Authors: Bremer Józef
Published: July 2020

W pierwszej części artykułu zaprezentowano przegląd teorii redukcjonistycznych i teorii emergencji. Następnie przedstawiono rozumienie przez Piotra Lenartowicza SJ emergencji obserwowanej w organizmach żywych i jego nawiązanie do arystotelesowsko-tomistycznego pojęcia „duszy” („formy substancjalnej”). W konsekwencji zestawiono to rozumienie z współczesnymi, filozoficzno-biologicznymi teoriami emergencji odwołującymi się do roli ograniczeń biologicznych w utrzymaniu przy życiu i funkcjonowaniu organizmu. W zakończeniu artykułu wskazane zostały zasadnicze różnice w rozumieniu emergencji według Lenartowicza oraz twórców wspomnianych teorii.
Ocena aktywności biologicznej i parametrów fizykochemicznych gleby w pierwszym etapie renaturyzacji siedlisk murawowych na wydmie Łużowa Góra w Kampinoskim Parku Narodowym – badania wstępne
Authors: Augustyniuk-Kram Anna , Kram Karol J. , Ilieva-Makulec Krassimira
Published: July 2020

Badania przeprowadzono na północnym ramieniu wydmy śródlądowej Łużowa Góra w Kampinoskim Parku Narodowym, gdzie aktualnie na obszarze ok. 1,4 ha ma miejsce odtwarzanie siedlisk ciepłolubnych muraw napiaskowych z klasy Koelerio glaucae-Corynephoretea canescentis. Celem naszych badań była ocena wybranych parametrów fizykochemicznych (pH, wilgotność, zawartość materii organicznej) oraz aktywności biologicznej (aktywność enzymatyczna i oddechowa) piasku użytego do odtworzenia wydmy (warstwa o głębokości około 40 cm). Określono również liczebność bakterii oligotroficznych i kopiotroficznych oraz grzybów, a także liczebność i różnorodność troficzną nicieni. Na renaturyzowanym obszarze wyznaczono sześć stanowisk badawczych oraz dodatkowo dwa stanowiska z naturalną sukcesją roślinności w bezpośrednim sąsiedztwie badanych stanowisk. Próbki gleby pobrano trzykrotnie: pierwszy raz bezpośrednio po nawiezieniu świeżego piasku (w lipcu 2018 r.), a następnie po trzech i czterech miesiącach. Stanowiska badawcze różniły się wilgotnością i zawartością materii organicznej, co znalazło odzwierciedlenie w aktywności biologicznej piasku. Najniższą aktywność biologiczną oraz bardzo niskie zagęszczenie nicieni i liczebność bakterii stwierdzono w świeżym piasku. Jakkolwiek już cztery miesiące później zaobserwowano wzrost aktywności mikroorganizmów i tempa kolonizacji przez nicienie.
Mądrość jako (z)dewaluowana wartość rozwoju zrównoważonego
Authors: Łukaszewska Katarzyna
Published: July 2020

Celem tekstu jest przypomnienie kategorii mądrości jako podstawowego gwaranta rozwoju. Wartość mądrości rzadko pojawia się we współczesnym dyskursie; rzadko pojawia się w kontekście rozwoju czy to w znaczeniu osobistym, społecznym, czy tym bardziej gospodarczym. Przyzwyczailiśmy się bowiem do operowania językiem korzyści, zysków i efektów. Mądrość zaś nie wydaje się nam przydatna, nie jest rozwojowa, a poza tym wymaga tracenia czasu na myślenie. Tymczasem istnieje przecież, jak twierdzi Hannah Arendt, związek pomiędzy złem a brakiem myślenia. Skoro chcemy równoważyć rozwój tak, by nie zaprzepaszczał szans przyszłych pokoleń, to może warto przypomnieć, że mądrość jest gwarantem dobrego działania w wymiarze woli. To właśnie mądrość determinuje tę wolę.
Koncepcja usieciowienia jako etyczny klucz interpretacyjny zasady zrównoważonego rozwoju
Authors: Marczak Łukasz
Published: July 2020

Celem opracowania jest przedstawienie wypracowanej na gruncie chrześcijańskiej etyki społecznej koncepcji usieciowienia (Retinität), która stała się kluczem interpretacyjnym zasady zrównoważonego rozwoju. Artykuł prezentuje usieciowienie w ujęciu monachijskiego etyka społecznego Markusa Vogta uznającego tę koncepcję w chrześcijańskiej etyce społecznej za fundamentalną strategię działania na rzecz ochrony środowiska przyrodniczego. Koncepcja Retinität stała się jednym z uwarunkowań zasady zrównoważonego rozwoju wyłonionej na gruncie katolickiej nauki społecznej w wyniku analizy systemu zasad etyczno-społecznych sformułowanego przez przedstawiciela Lubelskiej Szkoły Katolickiej Nauki Społecznej Władysława Piwowarskiego.
Repurposing of Auranofin Against Bacterial Infections: An In silico and In vitro Study
Authors: Sharma Nidhi , Singh Arti , Sharma Ruchika , Kumar Anoop
Published: July 2020

Aim:

The aim of the study was to find out the role of auranofin as a promising broadspectrum
antibacterial agent.

Methods:

In vitro assays (Percentage growth retardation, Bacterial growth kinetics, Biofilm formation
assay) and In silico study (Molegro virtual docker (MVD) version 6.0 and Molecular operating
environment (MOE) version 2008.10 software).

Results:

The in vitro assays have shown that auranofin has good antibacterial activity against Gram
positive and Gram negative bacterial strains. Further, auranofin has shown synergistic activity in
combination with ampicillin against S. aureus and B. subtilis whereas in combination with neomycin
has just shown additive effect against E. coli, P. aeruginosa and B. pumilus. In vivo results have
revealed that auranofin alone and in combination with standard drugs significantly decreased the
bioburden in the zebrafish infection model as compared to control. The molecular docking study
have shown good interaction of auranofin with penicillin-binding protein (2Y2M), topoisomerase
(3TTZ), UDP-3-O-[3-hydroxymyristoyl] N-acetylglucosaminedeacetylase (3UHM), cell adhesion
protein (4QRK), β-lactamase (5CTN) and arylsulphatase (1HDH) enzyme as that of reference ligand
which indicate the multimodal mechanism of action of auranofin. Finally, MTT assay has
shown the non-cytotoxic effect of auranofin.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, auranofin in combination with existing antibiotics, could be developed
as a broad spectrum antibacterial agent; however, further studies are required to confirm its safety
and efficacy. This study provides the possibility of the use of auranofin apart from its established
therapeutic indication in combination with existing antibiotics to tackle the problem of resistance.
Bacterial Operational Taxonomic Units Replace the Interactive Roles of Other Operational Taxonomic Units Under Strong Environmental Changes
Authors: Kangabam Rajiv Das , Silla Yumnam , Goswami Gunajit , Barooah Madhumita
Published: July 2020

Background:

Microorganisms are an important component of an aquatic ecosystem and
play a critical role in the biogeochemical cycle which influences the circulation of the materials and
maintains the balance in aquatic ecosystems.

Objective:

The seasonal variation along with the impact of anthropogenic activities, water quality,
bacterial community composition and dynamics in the Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake of
North East India, located in the Indo-Burma hotspot region was assessed during post-monsoon and
winter season through metagenome analysis.

Methods:

Five soil samples were collected during Post-monsoon and winter season from the Loktak
Lake that had undergone different anthropogenic impacts. The metagenomic DNA of the soil samples
was extracted using commercial metagenomic DNA extraction kits following the manufacturer’s instruction.
The extracted DNA was used to prepare the NGS library and sequenced in the Illumina
MiSeq platform.

Results:

Metagenomics analysis reveals Proteobacteria as the predominant community followed by
Acidobacteria and Actinobacteria. The presence of these groups of bacteria indicates nitrogen fixation,
oxidation of iron, sulfur, methane, and source of novel antibiotic candidates. The bacterial members
belonging to different groups were involved in various biogeochemical processes, including fixation
of carbon and nitrogen, producing streptomycin, gramicidin and perform oxidation of sulfur, sulfide,
ammonia, and methane.

Conclusion:

The outcome of this study provides a valuable dataset representing a seasonal profile
across various land use and analysis, targeting at establishing an understanding of how the microbial
communities vary across the land use and the role of keystone taxa. The findings may contribute to
searches for microbial bio-indicators as biodiversity markers for improving the aquatic ecosystem of
the Loktak Lake.
Understanding the Plant-microbe Interactions in CRISPR/Cas9 Era: Indeed a Sprinting Start in Marathon
Authors: Prabhukarthikeyan Seenichamy Rathinam , Parameswaran Chidambaranathan , Keerthana Umapathy , Teli Basavaraj , Jagannadham Prasanth Tej Kumar , Cayalvizhi Balasubramaniasai , Panneerselvam Periyasamy , Senapati Ansuman , Nagendran Krishnan , Kumari Shweta , Yadav Manoj Kumar , Aravindan Sundaram , Sanghamitra Samantaray
Published: July 2020

Plant-microbe interactions can be either beneficial or harmful depending on the nature of the interaction. Multifaceted benefits of plant-associated microbes in crops are well documented. Specifically, the management of plant diseases using beneficial microbes is considered to be eco-friendly and the best alternative for sustainable agriculture. Diseases caused by various phytopathogens are responsible for a significant reduction in crop yield and cause substantial economic losses globally. In an ecosystem, there is always an equally daunting challenge for the establishment of disease and development of resistance by pathogens and plants, respectively. In particular, comprehending the complete view of the complex biological systems of plant-pathogen interactions, co-evolution and plant growth promotions (PGP) at both genetic and molecular levels requires novel approaches to decipher the function of genes involved in their interaction. The Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 (CRISPR-associated protein 9) is a fast, emerging, precise, ecofriendly and efficient tool to address the challenges in agriculture and decipher plant-microbe interaction in crops. Nowadays, the CRISPR/Cas9 approach is receiving major attention in the field of functional genomics and crop improvement. Consequently, the present review updates the prevailing knowledge in the deployment of CRISPR/Cas9 techniques to understand plant-microbe interactions, genes edited for the development of fungal, bacterial and viral disease resistance, to elucidate the nodulation processes, plant growth promotion, and future implications in agriculture. Further, CRISPR/Cas9 would be a new tool for the management of plant diseases and increasing productivity for climate resilience farming.
Ligand and Structure-based Virtual Screening of Lamiaceae Diterpenes with Potential Activity against a Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)
Authors: Rodrigues Gabriela Cristina Soares , dos Santos Maia Mayara , de Menezes Renata Priscila Barros , Cavalcanti Andreza Barbosa Silva , de Sousa Natália Ferreira , de Moura Érika Paiva , Monteiro Alex France Messias , Scotti Luciana , Scotti Marcus Tullius
Published: July 2020

Background:

The emergence of a new coronavirus (CoV), named 2019-nCoV, as an outbreak
originated in the city of Wuhan, China, has resulted in the death of more than 3,400 people this
year alone and has caused worldwide an alarming situation, particularly following previous CoV epidemics,
including the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003 and the Middle East Respiratory
Syndrome (MERS) in 2012. Currently, no exists for infections caused by CoVs; however, some
natural products may represent potential treatment resources, such as those that contain diterpenes.

Objective:

This study aimed to use computational methods to perform a virtual screening (VS) of candidate
diterpenes with the potential to act as CoV inhibitors.

Methods:

1,955 diterpenes, derived from the Nepetoideae subfamily (Lamiaceae), were selected using
the SistematX tool (https://sistematx.ufpb.br), which were used to make predictions. From the ChEMBL
database, 3 sets of chemical structures were selected for the construction of predictive models.

Results:

The chemical structures of molecules with known activity against SARS CoV, two of which
were tested for activity against specific viral proteins and one of which was tested for activity against the
virus itself, were classified according to their pIC50 values [-log IC50 (mol/l)].

Conclusion:

In the consensus analysis approach, combining both ligand- and structure-based VSs, 19
compounds were selected as potential CoV inhibitors, including isotanshinone IIA (01), tanshinlactone
(02), isocryptotanshinone (03), and tanshinketolactone (04), which did not present toxicity within the
evaluated parameters.
Activation of Myosin Phosphatase by Epigallocatechin-Gallate Sensitizes THP-1 Leukemic Cells to Daunorubicin
Authors: Tóth Emese , Erdődi Ferenc , Kiss Andrea
Published: July 2020

Background:

The Myosin Phosphatase (MP) holoenzyme is composed of a Protein Phosphatase type 1 (PP1) catalytic subunit
and a regulatory subunit termed Myosin Phosphatase Target subunit 1 (MYPT1). Besides dephosphorylation of myosin, MP has been
implicated in the control of cell proliferation via dephosphorylation and activation of the tumor suppressor gene products, retinoblastoma
protein (pRb) and merlin. Inhibition of MP was shown to attenuate the drug-induced cell death of leukemic cells by chemotherapeutic
agents, while activation of MP might have a sensitizing effect.

Objective:

Recently, Epigallocatechin-Gallate (EGCG), a major component of green tea, was shown to activate
MP by inducing the dephosphorylation of MYPT1 at phospho-Thr696 (MYPT1pT696), which might confer enhanced
chemosensitivity to cancer cells.

Methods:

THP-1 leukemic cells were treated with EGCG and Daunorubicin (DNR) and cell viability was analyzed.
Phosphorylation of tumor suppressor proteins was detected by Western blotting.

Results:

EGCG or DNR (at sub-lethal doses) alone had moderate effects on cell viability, while the combined
treatment caused a significant decrease in the number of viable cells by enhancing apoptosis and decreasing
proliferation. EGCG plus DNR decreased the phosphorylation level of MYPT1pT696, which was accompanied by
prominent dephosphorylation of pRb. In addition, significant dephosphorylation of merlin was observed when
EGCG and DNR were applied together.

Conclusion:

Our results suggest that EGCG-induced activation of MP might have a regulatory function in mediating the
chemosensitivity of leukemic cells via dephosphorylation of tumor suppressor proteins.
Angiotensin-(1-7) Improves Islet Function in a Rat Model of Streptozotocin- Induced Diabetes Mellitus by Up-Regulating the Expression of Pdx1/Glut2
Authors: Li Jingjing , Zhu Ruifang , Liu Yalin , Yang Jinhui , Wang Xiaoyan , Geng Lisha , Xu Tingting , He Junhua
Published: July 2020

Objective:

To observe the effects of angiotensin-(1-7) (Ang-(1-7)) on glucose metabolism,
islet function and insulin resistance in a rat model of streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus (DM)
and investigate its mechanism.

Methods:

Thirty-four male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: control group, which was
fed a standard diet, DM group, high-fat diet and injected with streptozotocin, and Ang-(1-7) group
receiving an injection of streptozotocin followed by Ang-(1-7) treatment. Blood glucose level, fasting
serum Ang II and insulin levels, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)
were measured. The pancreases were collected for histological examination, protein and gene expression
analysis.

Results:

Compared with the control group, fasting blood glucose, serum angiotensin II level, and
HOMA-IR value increased, while serum insulin level decreased in the DM group. Moreover, islet
structure was damaged, β cells were irregularly arranged, the cytoplasm was loose in the DM group.
Expressions of Pancreatic duodenal homeobox-1 (Pdx1), glucose transporter-2 (Glut2) and glucokinase
(Gk) were significantly decreased in the DM group compared with the control group. However, the
DM-associated changes were dramatically reversed following Ang-(1-7) treatment.

Conclusion:

Ang-(1-7) protects against streptozotocin-induced DM through the improvement of insulin
secretion, insulin resistance and islet fibrosis, which is associated with the upregulation of Pdx1,
Glut2 and Gk expressions.
Exploring the Effect of the Number of Characteristic Groups in Melaminebased Polymers on the Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Jiang Zhenhua , Ni Cailing , Zhou Yubing , Qin Yuancheng
Published: July 2020

:

Three polymers containing different numbers of thiophene groups were constructed. Degradation
experiments on the aqueous solutions of tetracycline and norfloxacin revealed that the polymer
with three thiophene groups in the monomer indicated the best degradation efficiency of
73.7% for tetracycline and 56.9% for norfloxacin. Moreover, this polymer had a relatively stronger
ability to separate and transport photocharging carriers under visible light. Therefore, the photocatalytic
performance of conjugated polymers could be regulated by changing the number of characteristic
groups.

Background:

Antibiotic residues in the environment are considered as one of the most serious
sources of environmental pollution. Although catalyst photodegradation is regarded as the most
promising strategy to solve environmental pollution-related problems, it still requires new and
advanced photocatalysts.

Objective:

To design new organic conjugated material structures.

Material and Methods:

Three polymers (ThME-1, ThME-2, and ThME-3) were prepared by the
condensation of melamine with 2, 5-thiophenedicarboxaldehyde, thieno[3, 2-b]thiophene-2,
5-dicarbaldehyde, and dithieno[3, 2-b:2’, 3’-d]thiophene-2, 6-dicarbaldehyde. The photocatalytic
performance of these polymers was investigated by testing their diffused light absorption capacity,
photocurrent response, AC impedance, specific surface area, fluorescence, and thermal stability.

Results:

ThME-3, containing three thiophene groups in the monomer, manifested the best degradation
efficiency of 73.7% for tetracycline and 56.9% for norfloxacin.

Conclusion:

The photocatalytic performance of conjugated polymers could be regulated by changing
the number of characteristic groups.
THREE INTERPRETATIONS OF THE ANTHROPOCENE: HOPE AND ANXIETY AT THE END OF NATURE
Authors: Moellendorf Darrel
Published: July 2020

After a short introduction into the recent discourse on the Anthropocene, I will discuss three different interpretations of the Anthropocene: the Anthropocene as promethean, as destruction and as inegalitarian. These interpretations cannot simply be settled by the facts since they concern the direction in which things might develop. Therefore, I will argue, they are not mere predictions based on theoretical reason. Because of the very fact that they are bound up with fundamental human interests and human moral concerns, they involve prospection based on practical reason and prospection is itself deeply associated with hope. The final part of my paper aims to show that we are justified to hold hope in the epoch of the Anthropocene.
CAN A WISE SOCIETY BE FREE? GILBERT, GROUP KNOWLEDGE AND DEMOCRATIC THEORY
Authors: Anderson Joshua
Published: July 2020

Recently, Margaret Gilbert has argued that it appears that the wisdom of a society impinges, greatly, on its freedom. In this article, I show that Gilbert’s negative argument fails to be convincing. On the other hand, there are important lessons, particularly for democratic theory, that can be drawn by looking carefully, and critically, at her argument. This article will proceed as follows. First, I present Gilbert’s argument. Next, I criticize her understanding of freedom, and then, using arguments from Christopher McMahon, criticize her understanding of a wise society. Finally, I discuss how what has been said can inform how one should think about democratic theory.
From Wollstonecraft’s dilemma to Nancy Fraser’s theory of gender justice: a proposal for the analysis of gender equality policies
Authors: Anarte Laura Flores
Published: July 2020

Social policies are an essential instrument for fighting against women’s discrimination and overcoming gender inequality. However, an agreement about what gender equality consists of has not been achieved yet and, consequently, neither has a consensus been reached about what the suitable meanings (speaking in terms of public policies) to reach that egalitarian paradigm. The main confrontation in this regard has been featured by the alternative positions held by the equality feminism and by the difference feminism. Based on the theoretical contributions developed by Nancy Fraser to try to overcome this dilemma, this paper aims to present some criteria that we consider key to the analysis of a given system of gender equality public policies when it comes to assessing its transformative-gender capacity, that is, the potential of these measures to subvert the unequal gendered power relations that lie on the basis of women’s subordination.