bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
El TEDH y la delimitación del secreto de las comunicaciones: un caso de recepción revisable
Authors: Ocón Juan
Published: December 2020

Convenio de Roma y Constitución española garantizan la inmunidad de espacios comunes de disfrute de derechos. Sin embargo, esta protección se lleva a cabo a través de normas de objeto disímil: tal es el caso, entre otros, de los arts. 8 CEDH y 18 CE.

La disparidad de objetos protegidos condiciona al Tribunal Constitucional quien, por mandato constitucional (10.2 CE), debe interpretar los derechos fundamentales de conformidad con instrumentos internacionales, entre los que indiscutidamente se encuentra el CEDH.

Se analiza la doctrina del TEDH y su integración por el TC en la delimitación del derecho fundamental al secreto de las comunicaciones.

Se sugiere una revisión de la recepción practicada para la interpretación del art. 18.3 CE en dos aspectos: la protección de las comunicaciones finalizadas y de las conversaciones directas.

The Rome Convention and the Spanish Constitution declare rights that seek to guarantee the immunity of common spaces for the enjoyment of rights. However, this protection is carried out through norms whose objects are not homogeneous: such is the case, among others, of arts. 8 ECHR and 18 CE.

This difference of protected objects conditions the Constitutional Court that, by constitutional mandate (10.2 CE), must interpret fundamental rights in accordance with international instruments, among which is undoubtedly the ECHR.

This paper analyzes the doctrine of the ECtHR and the way of integration practiced by the TC in the delimitation of the fundamental right to the secrecy of communications.

In this sense, it is suggested that the reception of the doctrine of the ECtHR for the interpretation of art. 18.3 CE should perhaps undergo review in two aspects: the protection of completed communications and direct conversations
La prohibición de discriminación del artículo 14 del CEDH: ¿mera declaración de principios o norma imperativa?
Authors: Al Hasani Maturano Amir
Published: December 2020

La prohibición de discriminación del art.14 del CEDH, junto al Protocolo adicional nº12, reconoce el goce del conjunto de los derechos y libertades reconocidos en el Convenio referido, asegurando su aplicabilidad sin distinción alguna.

En la mayoría de Sentencias del TEDH, en lo que respecta a una valoración interpretativa del artículo 14, ha sido puesto en conjunción con otros derechos del Convenio. Asimismo, el artículo que analizamos ha sido manejado, en pocas ocasiones, de manera individual. Por ello, surgen dudas sobre su posible aplicabilidad. De este modo, el propósito es ofrecer una mayor precisión en la valoración de la construcción jurídico-normativa del art.14 del CEDH -tras la doctrina emanada del TEDH-.

The prohibition of discrimination in Article 14 of the ECHR, together with Additional Protocol No.12, recognizes the enjoyment of all the rights and freedoms recognized in the aforementioned Convention, ensuring their applicability without distinction.

In most of the ECHR Judgments, as regards an interpretative assessment of Article 14, it has been put in conjunction with other rights of the Convention. Likewise, the article that we analyze has been handled, on a few occasions, individually. Therefore, doubts arise about its possible applicability. In this way, the purpose is to offer greater precision in the assessment of the legal-normative construction of article 14 of the ECHR -after the doctrine emanating from the ECHR-.
medioambiente en la jurisprudencia del Tribunal Europeo de Derechos Humanos: la imparcialidad generacional en la perspectiva del constitucionalismo multinivel
Authors: Palombino Giacomo
Published: December 2020

Aunque el concepto de “responsabilidad de las generaciones presentes frente a las futuras” tenga su origen en el pensamiento filosófico, su dimensión jurídica es igualmente relevante, concretamente con referencia a la potencial existencia de los “derechos de mañana”. El principio de imparcialidad generacional es afirmado en varias Constituciones y Tratados internacionales, y muchos Tribunales nacionales e internacionales se refieren al mismo en su jurisprudencia. Sin embargo, no hay ninguna mención explícita al concepto de “futuro” en el Convenio Europeo de Derechos Humanos. A partir de esta base, el artículo quiere mostrar cómo el Tribunal Europeo de Derechos Humanos, tras su actividad interpretativa, ha construido – y está construyendo – una serie de mecanismos para proteger a las generaciones futuras. Y esto se apreciará, en particular, en relación con el derecho humano a un medioambiente sano, otro derecho no afirmado por el Convenio, que ha ido configurándose en base al derecho al respeto de la vida privada previsto por el artículo 8. En conclusión, una vez recorrido el proceso de formación de esta jurisprudencia, se intentará demostrar la relevancia del Ordenamiento constitucional multinivel en este ámbito de investigación.

Even though the concept of ‘responsibility of present generations towards future ones’ has its roots in philosophical thinking, its legal dimension is equally relevant and especially refers to the potential existence of ‘tomorrow’s rights’. More in detail, the principle of intergenerational equity is provided for in several constitutions and international treaties, and many national and international courts all over the world make reference to it in their case law. Quite the opposite, there is no explicit mention to the concept of “future” in the European Convention on Human Rights. Moving from these assumptions, this paper’s aim is to show how the European Court of Human Rights, by means of interpretation, has built – and is building – a series of “shields” in order to protect future generations. This is particularly true as far as the human right to a healthy environment is concerned, i.e. another right which is not mentioned in the Convention, but may inferred by the right to private life under its Art. 8 of the same Convention. In conclusion, after having inquired into that case law, an attempt will be made to prove how relevant the multilevel constitutional system is to this research field.
Evaluando el bienestar humano y los servicios de los ecosistemas en San Jacinto de Santay, Ecuador
Authors: Gómez de la Torre Hidalgo Daniel , Aguado Caso Mateo , Vallejo María Cristina
Published: December 2020

This research identifies the influencing factors on human well-being in the San Jacinto de Santay community by interpreting subjective satisfaction with life revealed by its inhabitants in a crosssectional study. The dependent variable was explained by age, social relationships, and time available for recreation activities. In addition, ecosystem services perceived as critical were identified: clean air and wild food (mainly artisanal fishing). The analysis of the results, using a Mann-Whitney test and analysis of covariance and redundancy, highlighted sustainable management and the importance of understanding the contributions of the natural environment.
La « féminitude » de Calixthe Beyala : négociation identitaire, entre négritude et féminisme
Authors: Coste Marion
Published: December 2020

Cet article se concentre sur la notion de « féminitude », développée par l’écrivaine franco-camerounaise Calixthe Beyala dans Lettre d’une Africaine à ses sœurs occidentales, en associant les notions de « négritude » et de « féminisme ». On montrera que Beyala promeut un féminisme qui essentialise à la fois les femmes et les Subsahariens, ces deux groupes qui auraient, d’après l’autrice, un rapport sensible et intuitif au monde, par opposition avec le féminisme occidental que Beyala juge trop intellectualisant. Ensuite, nous analyserons deux romans, Le Petit Prince de Belleville et Maman a un amant pour comprendre les spécificités des problématiques féministes qui se posent aux personnages d’immigrées subsahariennes en France : Maryam doit accepter une organisation misogyne de la famille pour avoir le droit symbolique d’appartenir à la communauté immigrée. Si elle refuse cette organisation, elle court le risque d’être exclue et de perdre ses enfants. Enfin, nous étudierons les lacunes du dialogue avec le féminisme occidental incarné par Mme Saddock.
La Sexualité, le Genre et l’Autre, dans les romans de Michel Houellebecq
Authors: Najjar Zeina
Published: December 2020

Dans cet article nous essayons d’analyser comment Houellebecq racialise les référents de certains concepts tels que : « race », « culture », « espèce », « ethnicité ». Dans ses romans, il décrit l’organisation sociale de la communauté humaine, comme un lieu de tension où se fondent les structures sociales de la société de consommation contemporaine. Il peint le paysage de l’imaginaire social de la sexualité et du genre qui est à l’origine de pratiques, mentalités, tendances, fantaisies et imagination, lesquelles nous invitent à déchiffrer un positionnement idéologique qui d’abord, présente en termes d’intempérance, la vie sexuelle dans la société, et ensuite, installe des aspects variés de la discrimination : occidental/ non-occidental, male / femelle.
Eros in the Hamsunian Male Figure
Authors: Yamasaki Lisa
Published: December 2020

Using a psychoanalytic perspective, I explore Knut Hamsun’s novels, Sult (1890), Mysterier (1892), Pan (1894), and Victoria (1898) and focus on the power that the women in fantasy have over the different male protagonists, whom I term the Hamsunian male. Within each fantasy, the women either dominate or exert supernatural power over the Hamsunian male. By undertaking such an investigation, I examine how the desired women in fantasy differ from the main female characters, in so far as they portray the Hamsunian male’s desire that ranges from intense eroticism to fear and death. While my focus on the female characters in the Hamsunian male differs from the discussions concerning the main female characters, I note that such women comment on the depiction of the masculine gender in Hamsun’s work. Furthermore, the discussion shows the power of women in fantasy, thus questioning whether they should continue to be disregarded as only superficially feminine.
Protest Song and Countercultural Discourses of Resistance in 1960s Colombia
Authors: Katz-Rosene Joshua
Published: December 2020

In Colombia, the tumultuous second half of the twentieth century kicked off with a fierce conflict between the Liberal and Conservative parties known as La Violencia (The Violence, ca. 1948-1958). Following a brief period of military rule (1953-1957), a bipartisan system of shared governance, the National Front (1958-1974), brought about some respite to the sectarian bloodshed. However, the exclusionary two-party system precipitated new lines of conflict between the state and communist guerrillas. Along with the political turmoil, the nation was also undergoing an era of profound cultural change. This essay examines three countercultural-oppositional movements that captivated a wide swath of youth in Colombia’s biggest cities during the 1960s: the canción protesta (protest song) movement, the rock and roll subculture denominated as nueva ola (new wave), and nadaísmo, a rabblerousing avantgarde literary movement. I analyze the correspondences and discontinuities in the ways adherents of these movements conceived of the ideal means to carry out social, cultural, and political resistance. While there were fundamental tensions between the “discourses of resistance” linked to these three countercultural streams, I argue that their convergence in the late 1960s facilitated the emergence of a commercial form of canción protesta.
Determinants of Adoption of Improved Cassava Technologies among Farmers in Benue State, Nigeria
Authors: Onyemma Juliet Ogadinma , Onyemauwa Nnaemeka Charles , Chioma Uwandu Queen , Nwafor Solomon Chimela
Published: December 2020

Aims: The study assessed the determinants of adoption of improved cassava technologies among farmers in Benue state, Nigeria

Study Design:  Survey design was used for the study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Benue State, between February 2019 to November 2020.

Methodology: the study comprised all farm families in Benue State. Cluster and simple random sampling techniques were used in the selection of 336 respondents for the study.

Results: The result clearly showed that most of the respondents were in their active and productive age group, both male and female were involved in the production of cassava with the number of male slightly higher than female and that 90% of the farmers have had one form of formal education or another with mean farming experience of 14 years with limited access to extension services. There is high awareness of improved cassava technologies among farmers in Benue state but with moderate to low adoption of improved cassava technologies. The major factors that determined the adoption level in the area included characteristics of an innovation which are availability of inputs 100%, affordability 100%, storability 80.3%, quality of the processed products 81%, and acceptability of the products 95% (349). Others include farming experience 98%, adequate knowledge of the technology 83% (303), extension contact 86%, age 86%, income 85%, marital status 76% and gender 81%.

Conclusion: The major factors that determine the adoption level in the area included characteristics of an innovation which are availability of inputs, affordability, quality of the processed products and acceptability of the products. Others include farming experience, adequate knowledge of the technology, extension contact. It was recommended that extension agents should ensure that improved cassava technologies are accessible by farmers and that farmers acquire the necessary knowledge and skills in using such technologies.
First Record of the Ichthyofaunal Diversity of Bhagar Oxbow Lake, in Dumraon, South Bihar, India
Authors: Prasad Suday
Published: December 2020

Fishes are very important food resources in developing countries, due to high protein content and its nutritional value. The present study deals with Ichthyofaunal diversity of Bhagar oxbow Lake, in Dumraon, District, Buxar. Total of 44 freshwater fish species were listed that belonging to 30 genera, 16 families and 7 orders, described in the present study from February, 2018 to January, 2020. Among them Cypriniformes was the dominant order in term of species diversity that represent (16 species) while the Puntius is the most dominant genus, and held a major portion of the lake. Siluriformes (11 species), Perciformes represented with 6 species, Channiformes (4 species), whereas Mastacembeliformes & Clupeiformes represented (3 species) each and Tetraodontiforme represented only (1 species). Fish of the family Cypriniformes was the most abundant 37.20% of the total fish species followed by the family Siluridae 25.58% and Perciformes 13.95% were reported. Order Channiformes represent 9.30%, followed by the family Clupeiformes 6.97%, Mastacembliformes, 4.3% and Tetrodontiform represented with 2.32% of the total fish species. In the Bhagar oxbow lake, a large number of fish species have edible as well as ornamental and medicinal values. The species composition of ichthyofaunal diversity can also be better understand by this paper. This is the first ever study on the fish diversity and would help in explore the fish fauna and to develop a sustainable fishery practices need to Bhagar oxbow lake in Dumraon.
Emergence of the Fifth Human Malaria Parasite, Plasmodium knowlesi: A New Threat to Public Health?
Authors: Bhattacharya Amit , Maurya Shashank Kumar , Bhattacharya Neetu
Published: December 2020

Malaria, a mosquito-borne, protozoan disease is caused by a protozoan parasite of genus Plasmodium (Phylum: Apicomplexan). Four species of malaria parasites are recognized to infect humans. However, a fifth species, Plasmodium knowlesi, has been reported to show potential zoonotic infection in humans as several cases have been testified throughout South East Asia and on the Nicobar and Andaman Islands of India. The most widespread species of macaque in Southeast Asia i.e. long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis) is the natural host for this zoonotic malaria species. Recent case reports have suggested knowlesi malaria are associated with comorbidities which leads to poor treatment outcome. In this review, we have searched the literature from PubMed and Google Scholar and tried to highlight the epidemiology, parasite biology and future challenges regarding this emerging zoonotic infection.
Interaction Effect of Nitrogen and Phosphorus on Curd Yield and Seed Production of Cauliflower
Authors: Sony Sonia Rashid , Islam Farzana , Akter Mahmoda , Rahman Md. Saidur , Rahman Md. Mofizur
Published: December 2020

Aims: This study aimed to investigate the interaction effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on curd yield and seed production of cauliflower.

Study Design: The experiment was laid out at a randomized complete block design with three replications.

Place and Duration of Study: Research farm of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur, from September 2016 to March 2017.

Methodology: The experiment consisted of two factors comprising three levels of nitrogen (270, 220,170 kg ha-1) and three levels of phosphorus (160,130,100 kg ha-1) with control of each nutrient. There were 10 treatment combinations resulting in 30 unit plots where each plot had two rows of 6 plants. Nitrogen and Phosphorus fertilizer were applied as per treatment in the form of Urea and TSP as a top dressing in two equal splits at the time of transplanting and 15 days after transplanting.

Results: All the characters related to growth and yield of cauliflower showed significant variation by nitrogen and phosphorus levels at different days after transplanting. Among the different treatment combinations, N270P160 produced maximum plant height (50 cm), leaf area (700 cm2), plant weight (1003 g), curd diameter (18.3 cm), marketable curd weight (601 g) and marketable curd yield (18.5 t) at harvesting compared to control where nitrogen and phosphorus were not used. Moreover, the largest number of leaves (21.3) and curd weight (346 g) was observed by treatment combinations N220P160 at harvesting. For seed production, the highest number of siliqua plant -1 (1461), 1000 seed weight (4 g), seed yield plant-1 (41.1 g) seed yield ha-1 (1.5 t) and germination (97.7%)was also found from N270P160while the maximum number of seeds siliqua-1(20.5) was revealed by N220P160 compared to control treatment. Considering a different point of view, treatment combinations N270P160 can be marked more convenient for cauliflower production than others.

Conclusion: It is concluded that the combinations of nitrogen (270 kg ha-1) and phosphorus (160 kg ha-1) would be appropriate for curd yield and seed production of cauliflower.
Design of an Intelligent Broken Window System for Dealing with Bus Fire Accidents
Authors: Guo Shuman , Li Henglei
Published: December 2020

In recent years, bus fires occur frequently and accidents are often accompanied by serious casualties. Aiming at this situation, in order to improve the shortage of the traditional way of escape for bus and reduce casualties, in this paper, an intelligent escape system for bus through broken Windows was designed. The system adopts modular design, and a large number of experiments and optimization are carried out in dangerous goods early warning, fire detection and broken window effect test. The results show that the system can effectively break windows and quickly open up multiple escape routes in the case of bus fire accident.
The innominate tubercle of the femur is a consistent surgical landmark and shows no variation between sex and side: An osteological study
Authors: Ward Michael H , Williams Rhodri L , Bekvalac Jelena , Bajada Stefan , Maheson Marci , Adds Philip J
Published: December 2020

Introduction

During direct anterior approach hip arthroplasty, the innominate tubercle (IT) of the femur is used as a reference point for femoral neck osteotomy. A recent study found that IT dimensions are unaffected by femoral length, neck‐shaft angle, and neck length. This study investigated the position of the tubercle relative to femoral side, sex and femoral neck dimensions.

Materials and methods

One hundred and ninety femora (95 pairs, complete with biographical data) from St. Bride's Church, London, were photographed with the apex of the tubercle marked. Using imaging software, axes were superimposed onto the image, allowing the X and Y co‐ordinates of the tubercle apex to be derived. Statistical analysis was carried out.

Results

The position of the tubercle did not vary significantly and did not correlate with femoral side (p > .05). P values for variation of the X and Y coordinates were 0.351 and 0.996 in left and right femora, respectively. The tubercle position did not vary significantly with sex (p > .05). p Values for variation of the X and Y coordinates were 0.254 and 0.634 in males and females, respectively. There was little variation between tubercle position and femoral neck dimensions: correlation coefficient −0.20 (x coordinate) and −0.12 (y coordinate).

Conclusions

The data showed that the position of the IT did not vary significantly with either sex or side and that, therefore, the tubercle can be considered a reliable surgical landmark during arthroplasty surgery.
Hydrogen‐Bromine Redox‐Flow Battery Cycling with Bromine Complexing Agent: on the Benefits of Nanoporous Separator Versus Proton Exchange Membrane
Authors: Saadi Kobby , Kuettinger Michael , Fischer Peter , Zitoun David
Published: December 2020

The reversible and fast redox kinetics of bromine/bromide makes it a desirable couple as a catholyte in redox‐flow batteries (RFBs). In principle, the highest possible energy density is obtained with hydrogen‐bromine RFBs. Bromine sequestration agents, also called bromine complexing agents (BCAs), bind bromine in a non‐miscible phase and can, therefore, reduce the vapor pressure of bromine, mitigate its crossover, and result in higher practical range of electrolyte concentration. Therefore, BCAs can enhance the battery's safety and competitivity by significantly decreasing the cost of components. To date, BCAs are commonly used in membrane‐free bromine systems, which cannot provide the high current density demonstrated in hydrogen‐bromine RFBs. Herein, the drastic limitations encountered are shown while operating a hydrogen‐bromine RFB with a standard perfluorinated sulfonic acid membrane due to the strong BCA–perfluorinated sulfonic acid interaction. On the other hand, the benefits of using a polyvinylidene difluoride‐silica (PVDF–SiO2) nanoporous separator are demonstrated, which does not interact with the BCA. In this approach, the hydrogen‐bromine RFB can sustain cycling, albeit at a more moderate current than a BCA‐free battery.
Cellulophaga algicola alginate lyase inhibits biofilm formation of a clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain MCC 2081
Authors: Mahajan Sonal , Ramya Thirumalai Nallan Chakravarthy
Published: December 2020

Alginate lyases are potential agents for disrupting alginate‐rich Pseudomonas biofilms in the infected lungs of cystic fibrosis patients but there is as yet no clinically approved alginate lyase that can be used as a therapeutic. We report here the endolytic alginate lyase activity of a recombinant Cellulophaga algicola alginate lyase domain (CaAly) encoded by a gene that also codes for an N‐terminal carbohydrate‐binding module, CBM6, and a central F‐type lectin domain (CaFLD). CaAly degraded both polyM and polyG alginates with optimal temperature and pH of 37°C and pH 7, respectively, with greater preference for polyG. Recombinant CaFLD bound to fucosylated glycans with a preference for H‐type 2 glycan motif, and did not have any apparent effect on the enzyme activity of the co‐associated alginate lyase domain in the recombinant protein construct, CaFLD_Aly. We assessed the potential of CaAly and other alginate lyases previously reported in published literature to inhibit biofilm formation by a clinical strain, Pseudomonas aeruginosa MCC 2081. Of all the alginate lyases tested, CaAly displayed most inhibition of in vitro biofilm formation on plastic surfaces. We also assessed its inhibitory ability against P. aeruginosa 2081 biofilms formed over a monolayer of A549 lung epithelial cells. Our study indicated that CaAly is efficacious in inhibition of biofilm formation even on A549 lung epithelial cell line monolayers.
Maternal yeast‐based nucleotide supplementation decreased stillbirth by regulating nutrient metabolism
Authors: Gao Lu‐Min , Zhou Tian‐Tian , Chen Zhong‐Pin , Wassie Teketay , Li Biao , Wu Xin , Yin Yu‐Long
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

As an enzymatic product of yeast, yeast‐based nucleotide (YN) is rich in nucleotides. To test the effects of maternal dietary supplementation with YN during late pregnancy on placental nutrient transport and nutrient metabolism in neonatal piglets, 64 pregnant sows (day 85 ± 3) were assigned into two groups: (i) control (CON) and (ii) treatment (YN; 4 g kg−1). Blood, placenta and liver samples of neonates during delivery were collected.

RESULTS

The results showed that maternal YN supplementation decreased stillbirth rate and intra‐uterine growth restriction rate (P < 0.05). In addition, maternal YN supplementation increased total serum protein, albumin and total cholesterol (P < 0.05). Furthermore, in neonatal piglets in the YN group, both serum amino acidand nucleotide profiles were affected, as well as liver amino acid, and fatty acid profiles were regulated (P < 0.05). Moreover, maternal YN supplementation increased liver mRNA expression of SLC28A3, SLC29A1, SLC29A2, PC, PCK1, FBP1, SREBP1c, HSL and CYP7a1 of neonatal piglets (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, there was a decrease in placental gene expression of EAAT2, EAAT3, LAT1 and PAT1, as well as lower protein expression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)γ, AKT, phosphorylated‐AKT, phosphorylated‐mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and Raptor, in the YN group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Taken together, these results indicate that maternal YN supplementation regulates placental nutrient transport by regulating the mTOR complex 1‐PPAR pathway, and affects the liver metabolism of nucleotides, amino acids and fatty acids in neonatal piglets, thereby improving the reproductive performance of sow to a certain extent. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Evidenz, Signifikanz und das kleine p
Authors: Passon Oliver , von der Twer Tassilo
Published: December 2020

In den letzten Jahren hat die Forderung nach „Evidenzbasierung“ in den Bildungswissenschaften zu einer vermehrten Anzahl quantitativer empirischer Untersuchungen geführt – etwa Interventionsstudien im Kontrollgruppendesign. Seit vielen Jahrzehnten gibt es jedoch eine Kontroverse darüber, wie so gewonnene Daten statistisch zu deuten seien. Insbesondere unterliegt die Interpretation des sog.$$p$$p-Wertes beim Hypothesentest zahlreichen Missverständnissen. Das führte jüngst zu einer Empfehlung der Amerikanischen Gesellschaft für Statistik, das Etikett „statistisch signifikant“ nicht mehr zu verwenden. Wir diskutieren einige dieser Schwierigkeiten bzw. Missverständnisse und geben Hinweise auf mögliche Lösungsansätze.
Octadecyl chain-bearing PEGylated poly(propyleneimine)-based dendrimersomes: physicochemical studies, redox-responsiveness, DNA condensation, cytotoxicity and gene delivery to cancer cells
Authors: Laskar Partha , Somani Sukrut , Mullin Margaret , Tate Rothwelle J. , Warzecha Monika , Bowering Deborah , Keating Patricia , Irving Craig , Leung Hing Y. , Dufès Christine
Published: December 2020

Schematic illustration of redox-sensitive, octadecyl chain-bearing PEGylated diaminobutyricpoly(propyleneimine)-based dendrimersomes (DAB-PEG-S-S-ODT) for drug and gene delivery to cancer cells.
Computational identification of potential chemoprophylactic agents according to dynamic behavior of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma
Authors: Yang Zhiwei , Zhao Yizhen , Hao Dongxiao , Wang He , Li Shengqing , Jia Lintao , Yuan Xiaohui , Zhang Lei , Meng Lingjie , Zhang Shengli
Published: December 2020

Offering a new strategy for resurrecting PPARγ-targeted therapeutics to chemoprevention, by taking the conformational plasticity of the receptor into account in the virtual screening procedure.
Design, synthesis and bioevaluation of novel 6-substituted aminoindazole derivatives as anticancer agents
Authors: Hoang Ngo Xuan , Hoang Van-Hai , Luu Thi-Thu-Trang , Luu Hung N. , Ngo Thien , Van Hieu Duong , Long Nguyen Huu , Anh Le Viet , Ngo Son Tung , Nguyen Yen Thi Kim , Han Byung Woo , Nguyen Thanh Xuan , Hai Dinh Thi Thanh , Hien Tran Thi Thu , Tran Phuong-Thao
Published: December 2020

In the present study, a series of 6-substituted aminoindazole derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for bio-activities.
Electron-assisted synthesis of g-C3N4/MoS2 composite with dual defects for enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalysis
Authors: Zheng Jingxuan , Zhang Bo , Wang Zhao
Published: December 2020

A N and S vacancies enriched g-C3N4/MoS2 composite was prepared by plasma that promoted the formation of heterojunctions of the composite.
Chemistry and applications of s-block metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Alnaqbi Mohamed A. , Alzamly Ahmed , Ahmed Salwa Hussein , Bakiro Maram , Kegere James , Nguyen Ha L.
Published: December 2020

Chemistry and applications of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) based on s-block metal ions have been comprehensively reviewed. This work underlines the importance of diversifying the structures of s-block MOFs for various applications.
A sequential template strategy toward hierarchical hetero-metal phosphide hollow nanoboxes for electrocatalytic oxygen evolution
Authors: Wang Yang , Sun Lizhi , Lu Longgang , Xu Dongdong , Hao Qingli , Liu Ben
Published: December 2020

This work reports a sequential template strategy to fabricate hierarchical and hetero-metal Co–Ni–Fe–P hollow nanoboxes and demonstrate their high efficiency as the active and stable electrocatalysts toward the oxygen evolution reaction.
A lysosomal targeted NIR photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy and two-photon fluorescence imaging
Authors: Zhou Yuping , Zhang Di , He Genghan , Liu Chuang , Tu Yinuo , Li Xiang , Zhang Qianbing , Wu Xu , Liu Ruiyuan
Published: December 2020

A lysosome-targeting NIR photosensitizer has been developed for two-photon fluorescence imaging and imaging-guided photodynamic therapy via lysosomal-damage-mediated apoptosis.
Analysis of microbiological and serological markers in laboratory diagnostics of animal listeriosis in a veterinary laboratory
Authors: Petrova O.G. , Alekseev A.D. , Milshtein I.M. , Drozdova L.I. , Kundryukova U.I.
Published: December 2020

The main goal of veterinary specialists is to prevent and eliminate particularly dangerous animal diseases, especially infections transmitted to humans. Listeriosis refers to natural focal diseases common to humans and animals and due to the fact that this infection can be asymptomatic, while the pathogen is stable in the environment, which is a risk of infection of animals and humans. The main task of veterinary specialists working in laboratories is to conduct research on regulatory documents and timely delivery of results. Laboratory diagnostics of animal listeriosis is the main link in preventing the spread of this disease, and proper selection and transportation of material can solve many problems of Listeria isolation and in some cases even reduce the time of diagnosis. The choice of the material research method also plays an important role.
Influence of propolis biologically active substances on blood biochemical parameters and morphometric indicators of intestines of store pigs
Authors: Gaponov N.V. , Yagovenko G.L. , Stepanova A.N. , Neverova O.P , Gorelik O.V.
Published: December 2020

The results of research in some cases allow to judge the change in the functional activity of the studied organs after the use of the preparation. The obtained factual material significantly supplements the information about the biological properties of the propolis water-alcohol emulsion. In practical veterinary medicine, the results of research can be taken into account when prescribing propolis for therapeutic and preventive purposes. Thus, as a result of the study, it was found that the most characteristic histological changes in the structural components of the intestinal wall are observed in the ileum of young pigs and pigs of the experimental groups. The height of this intestine villi in young pigs of the experimental group is 280.97 ± 3.37 microns, and in the control group - 193.89 ± 2.66 microns (p< 0.001). In pigs treated with the preparation, the villi also have a higher height - 256.89 ± 1.62 microns compared to 163.96 ± 0.61 microns in the control group. In young pigs and pigs of the control groups, the shape of the ileum villi is finger-shaped or bottle-shaped, and in animals of the experimental groups their forms are more differentiated - bottle-shaped, leaf-shaped and dome-shaped. This will allow store pigs receiving propolis preparation to better absorb the nutrients of the diet and gain weight faster. The research results are of interest to researchers developing propolis preparations for oral use.
Echocardiographic measures and subsequent decline in kidney function in older adults: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study
Authors: Ishigami Junichi , Mathews Lena , Hishida Manabu , Kitzman Dalane W , Coresh Josef , Solomon Scott D , Shah Amil M , Matsushita Kunihiro
Published: December 2020

Aims 

Heart failure increases the risk of kidney disease progression. However, whether cardiac function and structure are associated with the risk of incident chronic kidney disease (CKD) is not well characterized in a community setting.

Methods and results 

Among 4188 participants (mean age 75 years and 22% blacks) of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study without prevalent CKD in 2011–13, we examined the association of echocardiographic measures of left ventricular (LV) mass index, ejection fraction, left atrial volume index (LAVi), right ventricular (RV) fractional area change, and peak RV-right atrium (RA) gradient, with the subsequent risk of incident CKD, as defined by >25% decline to estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m2, hospitalization with CKD diagnosis, or incident end-stage kidney disease. Multivariable Cox regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs). The risk of incident CKD was monotonically increased with each of higher LV mass index [adjusted HR 2.61 (1.92–3.55) for highest quartile (Q4) vs. lowest (Q1)], lower ejection fraction [1.54 (1.17–2.04) for Q1 vs. Q4], higher LAVi [2.12 (1.56–2.89) for Q4 vs. Q1], and higher peak RV-RA gradient [2.17 (1.45–3.25) for Q4 vs. Q1] but not with RV function. The associations were consistent between subgroups by sex and race.

Conclusion 

Among community-dwelling older individuals, LV mass index, ejection fraction, LAVi, and peak RV-RA gradient were independently associated with the risk of incident CKD. Our results further support that heart disease is associated with the risk of kidney disease progression and suggest the value of echocardiography for assessing cardiac and kidney health in older populations.
Clinical Profile and Outcome of COVID-19 in 250 Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Multicenter Cohort Study From India
Authors: Kute Vivek B. , Bhalla Anil K. , Guleria Sandeep , Ray Deepak S. , Bahadur Madan M. , Shingare Ashay , Hegde Umapati , Gang Sishir , Raju Sreebhushan , Patel Himanshu V. , Jain Siddharth , Godara Suraj , Modi Pranjal , Gumber Manoj , Engineer Divyesh P. , Dalal Sonal , Darji Prakash , Balwani Manish , Patel Ansy H. , Mishra Vineet V.
Published: December 2020

Background.

There is a scarcity of data on the consequences of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) infections in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) from emerging countries.

Methods.

Here, we present a cohort study of 13 transplant centers in India including 250 KTR (226 living and 24 deceased donors) with polymerase chain reaction-confirmed COVID-19 positivity from March 23, 2020, until September 15, 2020. We detailed demographics, immunosuppression regimen, clinical profile, treatment, and outcomes.

Results.

Median age of transplant recipients was 43 years, and recipients presented at a median of 3.5 years after transplant. Most common comorbidities (94%) included arterial hypertension (84%) and diabetes (32%); presenting symptoms at the time of COVID-19 included fever (88%), cough (72%), and sputum production (52%). Clinical severity ranged from asymptomatic (6%), mild (60%), and moderate (20%) to severe (14%). Strategies to modify immunosuppressants included discontinuation of antimetabolites without changes in calcineurin inhibitors and steroids (60%). Risk factors for mortality included older age; dyspnea; severe disease; obesity; allograft dysfunction before COVID-19 infection; acute kidney injury; higher levels of inflammatory markers including C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 level, and procalcitonin; chest X-ray abnormality, and intensive care unit/ventilator requirements. Overall patient mortality was 11.6% (29 of 250), 14.5% (29 of 200) in hospitalized patients, 47% (25 of 53) in intensive care unit patients, and 96.7% (29 of 30) in patients requiring ventilation. KTRs with mild COVID-19 symptoms (n = 50) were managed as outpatients to optimize the utilization of scarce resources during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusions.

Mortality rates in COVID-19-positive KTR appear to be higher than those in nonimmunosuppressed patients, and high mortality was noted among those requiring intensive care and those on ventilator.
Evidence of alternative reproduction by drifting workers in the Japanese paper wasp, Polistes rothneyi Cameron, 1900 (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)
Authors: Nishimura Masakazu , Ono Masato
Published: December 2020

Intercolony drifting of the Japanese paper wasp, Polistes rothneyi Cameron, was observed using individual color marking of workers. No genetic relatedness was found by using microsatellite markers between drifting workers and the recipient colony. Genetic analysis of brood in the recipient colony revealed reproduction by non‐kin drifting worker(s) in the queenless host colony. The non‐kin broods were raised like broods of the recipient colony until the genetic analysis. This study is the first evidence of male production by non‐kin workers in temperate eusocial wasps. This natural event would compensate for fitness loss as an alternative reproductive strategy evolved under predation and climatic pressures, and is also discussed from the viewpoint of mutual help.
Epizootic neoplasia in a managed population of Atlantic bumper fish, Chloroscombrus chrysurus (Osteichthyes: Carangidae), at a public aquarium
Authors: Stilwell Justin M. , Boylan Shane M. , Vorbach Bryan , Camus Alvin C.
Published: December 2020

Advances in fish medicine and husbandry have increased the average lifespans of specimens in managed aquarium populations. As a result, an increased incidence and variety of neoplasia is expected. This work characterizes diverse neoplasms arising within a managed population of Atlantic bumper fish acquired via repeated collections from the Charleston Harbor region. A total of 76 neoplasms were evaluated histologically from 41 of 45 fish that died or were killed over a 46‐month period, including cutaneous hemangiomas and hemangiosarcomas, lepidocytomas and lepidosarcomas, fibromas, vertebral body or cutaneous osteomas, disseminated lymphomas, testicular leiomyomas, cutaneous or branchial fibrosarcomas, myxomas, fibroblastic lepidosarcoma, teratoid medulloepithelioma, ganglioglioma, malignant nerve sheath tumour, cardiac rhabdomyoma, cutaneous rhabdomyosarcoma, soft tissue sarcoma and renal adenoma. Perioral and cutaneous lesions of vascular and scale origin were observed most frequently. Other, often malignant, neoplasms arose within these benign lesions, resulting in extensive local tissue invasion. However, excluding disseminated lymphomas, metastasis was only detected in one case of hemangiosarcoma. These findings suggest early surgical intervention may limit tissue destruction and loss of display quality. This report details a variety of common and rare neoplasms in fish, as well as the first characterizations of neoplasia in Atlantic bumper and ganglioglioma in fish.
Rheumatologists in Ecuador: Results of a Survey
Authors: Maldonado Genessis , Intriago Maria , Guerrero Roberto , Rios Carlos
Published: December 2020

Introduction. Currently, there are no records of the current status of rheumatologists in Ecuador. Objective. The purpose of this study is to get to know the current status of rheumatologists in Ecuador, focusing on education, working conditions, productivity, distribution of time between work activities, and job satisfaction. Materials and Methods. A digital survey was created using the Google Forms platform. It was distributed to all rheumatologist members of the Ecuadorian Society of Rheumatology. The data analysis was carried out using the statistical program SPSS v.23®. Results. A total of 64 surveys were received. The response rate was 86.48%. 62.5% were men and 37.5% women, with an average age of 40.76 ± 9.18. The main workplace was state/public hospital (56.3%). The average working hours per week were 40.35 ± 25.72. Most rheumatologists in Ecuador (62.5%) received their training abroad. 79.7% of rheumatologists earn less than $ 49,000 annually. The mean retirement age was 66.51 ± 6.7, and 54.7% have a retirement plan. The average satisfaction of Ecuadorian rheumatologists was 5.4 ± 1.33 [0–7]; 17.2% are very dissatisfied with their annual income. Conclusions. This is the first recorded data on the characteristics of rheumatologists in Ecuador. Most rheumatologists obtained their specialist degree abroad. In general, rheumatologists in Ecuador are satisfied with their clinical practice and dissatisfied with their annual income and job security.
Segmental Scleral Buckle Surgical Technique for Repair of a Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment in Retinoblastoma: A Case and Review of the Literature
Authors: Wendt Sydney P. , Barrett Dianne A. , Chang Emmanuel Y. , Schefler Amy C.
Published: December 2020

Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe the surgical repair of a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) with a posterior break in a child with retinoblastoma (RB). Methods: Retrospective case report and review of the English language literature. Retrospective review of an 11-month-old male with bilateral retinoblastoma who developed a RRD with a posterior retinal break in his better-seeing eye after treatment with cryotherapy. A review of all published cases to date of RRD in patients with RB is presented. Results: The patient underwent a posterior segmental scleral buckle without subretinal fluid drainage with successful reattachment of the retina and no extraocular extension of RB. Conclusions: RRDs in RB patients may be successfully repaired with anatomic success and no extraocular tumor extension. Even for patients with a posterior break, a segmental scleral buckle without drainage of subretinal fluid is a viable option and long-term excellent vision is a possible outcome.
Decreased Circulating Transitional B-Cell to Memory B-Cell Ratio Is a Risk Factor for Relapse in Children with Steroid-Sensitive Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Ling Chen , Chen Zhi , Fan Jianfeng , Sun Qiang , Wang Xiaolin , Hua Lin , Gui Jingang , Liu Xiaorong
Published: December 2020

Introduction: A significant proportion of children with SSNS (steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome) experience recurrence. Reliable biomarkers to predict flare are currently lacking because the pathogenesis of SSNS remains obscure. Objective: Since B cells may be involved in the pathogenesis of SSNS, we aimed to identify perturbations of B-cell subsets that might predict SSNS relapse. Methods: We measured levels of circulating B-cell subsets in 69 SSNS children by flow cytometry, between 2018 and 2019. We divided them into a relapse group and a nonrelapse group according to whether a relapse occurred within 1 year of follow-up. We used Cox survival analysis to assess correlations between B-cell subsets and relapse. In addition, recurrence-free survival curves were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: The proportion of transitional B cells was significantly lower in the relapse group (5.3 ± 5.1% vs. 8.7 ± 4.3% in nonrelapse group, p = 0.007), while the proportion of memory B cells was significantly higher (8.4 ± 3.0% vs. 5.8 ± 3.3% in nonrelapse, p = 0.002). There was a significant decrease in the transitional B-cell to memory B-cell ratio (T/M) in the relapse group (p < 0.001). Univariate analysis revealed that transitional B cells, memory B cells, and the T/M ratio were significantly correlated with relapse in SSNS patients (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that only T/M ratio (hazard ratio 0.278, 95% confidence interval 0.085–0.908, p = 0.034) was an independent risk factor for recurrence-free survival in SSNS patients. A cutoff value for the T/M ratio of 1.16 resulted in a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 80% (area under the curve 0.909; p < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier curves of cumulative relapse-free survival, stratified by this cutoff value, were constructed, which showed that the cumulative relapse-free rates for cutoff values of >1.16 (n = 38) and ≤1.16 (n = 31) were 76.3 and 29.0%, respectively (χ2 = 18.416, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Decreased transitional B/memory B ratio is associated with SSNS recurrence in the reported cohort. Thus, it may prove to be a useful marker to predict SSNS relapse in children.
Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection Using EndoTrac, a Novel Traction Device
Authors: Kaku Hidetoshi , Toyonaga Takashi , Tanaka Shinwa , Takihara Hiroshi , Baba Shinichi , Tsubouchi Eiji , Ikeda Yoshio , Orita Hitoshi , Nakamoto Manabu , Horikawa Yohei , Chiba Hiroki , Ban Hiromitsu , Furumoto Youhei , Morita Ryushin , Kodama Yuzo
Published: December 2020

Background: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is recognized as a minimally invasive and curative treatment for superficial gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. However, ESD is still challenging and time-consuming with a high risk of adverse events such as bleeding and perforation. Various traction methods have been explored for maintaining good visualization of the submucosal layer during ESD. We developed a novel traction device (the EndoTrac) which can easily tie the thread and has the ability to change the towing direction. The aim of this study is to evaluate safety and feasibility of ESD using the EndoTrac for GI neoplasms. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 44 patients (45 lesions) with esophageal, gastric, duodenal, and colorectal neoplasms who had undergone ESD using the EndoTrac device between June 2018 and May 2019. Primary outcome measures were preparation time, procedural success using the EndoTrac device, and ease of ability to change towing direction. Results: Mean preparation time was 2 (2–5) min in esophagus, 3 (1–5) min in stomach, 6 (5–9) min in duodenum, and 4 (2–8) min in colorectum. The procedural success rate was 100% (8/8) in esophagus, 100% (21/21) in stomach, 100% (4/4) in duodenum, and 100% (12/12) in colorectum. The rate of successful towing to both proximal and distal sides was 100% (8/8) in esophagus, 100% (21/21) in stomach, 0% (0/4) in duodenum, and 100% (12/12) in colorectum. Conclusions: Use of the EndoTrac device appears to be a feasible approach to ESD for GI neoplasms.