26 research outputs found
Taxonomic notes on the genus Stephania (Menispermaceae) in southern Africa
No full textAbstractA review of the genus Stephania in southern Africa is presented. Stephania is represented by one species (Stephania abyssinica) and two infraspecific taxa in this region. A key to the infraspecific taxa, the complete synonymy and the formal descriptions are given. Taxon accounts are supplemented with geographical distribution records, notes on the ecology and known traditional uses. The two varieties of S. abyssinica can easily be distinguished as the stems and leaves of S. abyssinica var. abyssinica are glabrous while those of S. abyssinica var. tomentella are pubescent. The correct author citation of the varietal name (var. tomentella) is also provided
Modulation of in vitro SARS-CoV-2 infection by stephania tetrandra and its alkaloid constituents
No full textBotanical natural products have been widely consumed for their purported usefulness against COVID-19. Here, six botanical species from multiple sources and 173 isolated natural product compounds were screened for blockade of wild-type (WT) SARS-CoV-2 infection in human 293T epithelial cells overexpressing ACE-2 and TMPRSS2 protease (293TAT). Antiviral activity was demonstrated by an extract from Stephania tetrandra. Extract fractionation, liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS), antiviral assays, and computational analyses revealed that the alkaloid fraction and purified alkaloids tetrandrine, fangchinoline, and cepharanthine inhibited WT SARS-CoV-2 infection. The alkaloids and alkaloid fraction also inhibited the delta variant of concern but not WT SARS-CoV-2 in VeroAT cells. Membrane permeability assays demonstrate that the alkaloids are biologically available, although fangchinoline showed lower permeability than tetrandrine. At high concentrations, the extract, alkaloid fractions, and pure alkaloids induced phospholipidosis in 293TAT cells and less so in VeroAT cells. Gene expression profiling during virus infection suggested that alkaloid fraction and tetrandrine displayed similar effects on cellular gene expression and pathways, while fangchinoline showed distinct effects on cells. Our study demonstrates a multifaceted approach to systematically investigate the diverse activities conferred by complex botanical mixtures, their cell-context specificity, and their pleiotropic effects on biological systems
Say on pay: is anybody listening?
No full textFor the last two decades there has been quite a bit of debate about whether executives receive excessive compensation and if so, how to control it. A number of countries have instituted some type of Say on Pay rules, affording shareholders the right to vote on executive compensation. Much of this regulatory activity and debate is predicated on the notion that shareholder voting actually influences executive compensation for the better. Although Say on Pay continues to grow as a regulatory tool, the effectiveness of it as a mechanism to effect change remains an open and controversial question, and academic research has been inconclusive. Some prior studies find no change in the level of CEO pay around the adoption of Say on Pay in the U.S. and the U.K. (e.g., see Ferri & Maber (2013) for the U.K. and Iliev & Vitanova (2013) for the U.S.), whereas other studies provide strong evidence that Say on Pay is associated with lower CEO pay. (e.g., see Correa & Lel (2013)). The primary purpose of this dissertation is to investigate the impact of Say on Pay by addressing an important question: Do firms alter executive compensation after the enactment of Say on Pay? I conduct a meta-analysis on the impact of Say on Pay on executive compensation, comprising prior tests derived from 29 primary studies. Impact is measured for the firm by comparing the level of executive compensation and its growth rate; pay-performance sensitivity; pay dispersion (between the CEO and other top executives); and composition of executive compensation in the pre- and post-Say on Pay periods. I find that Say on Pay does not reduce executive compensation; however it does change the composition of the compensation. These results are inconsistent with the public interest theory of regulation, which posits that regulation is implemented to improve some public good (reduce executive compensation). In addition, I construct an international comparative analysis of Say on Pay votes outlining the history of compensation, political trends, and corporate governance characteristics that led to the specific legislation in each jurisdiction in order to evaluate the impact of Say on Pay by type and find that binding votes lead to larger CEO compensation reduction.Ph.D.Includes bibliographical referencesby Stephania Maso
Targeting hepatic kisspeptin receptor ameliorates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
No full textNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common liver disease has become a silent worldwide pandemic. The incidence of NAFLD correlates with the rise in obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. A hallmark feature of NAFLD is excessive hepatic fat accumulation or steatosis, due to dysregulated hepatic fat metabolism which can progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis and cirrhosis. Currently, there are no approved pharmacotherapies to treat this disease. Here we have identified that activation of the kisspeptin receptor (KISS1R) signaling pathway has therapeutic effects in NAFLD. Using high fat diet-fed mice, we demonstrated that a deletion of hepatic Kiss1r exacerbated hepatic steatosis. In contrast, enhanced stimulation of KISS1R protected against steatosis in wild-type C57BL/6J mice and decreased fibrosis using a diet-induced mouse model of NASH. Mechanistically, we found that hepatic KISS1R signaling activates the master energy regulator, AMPK, to thereby decrease lipogenesis and progression to NASH. In NAFLD patients and in HFD-fed mice, hepatic KISS1/KISS1R expression and plasma kisspeptin levels were elevated, suggesting a compensatory mechanism to reduce triglyceride synthesis. These findings establish KISS1R as a therapeutic target to treat NASH.Ph.D.Includes bibliographical reference
Amnesty in the context of transitional negotiated process.
No full textEl presente trabajo tiene como trasfondo la pregunta referida a cómo lograr la paz, una vez culminado un conflicto armado de relevancia internacional. Pretende reflexionar específicamente acerca de la viabilidad de algún tipo de amnistía en el marco de un proceso de justicia de transición, como medida que delimite razonable, objetiva y proporcionalmente la persecución penal en el contexto de negociaciones de paz con las que se busque imponer un punto final a un conflicto armado. Evidentemente, la aplicación de una amnistía representa una muy seria contradicción con las obligaciones internacionales de investigar, juzgar y sancionar por la comisión de crímenes internacionales en el territorio del Estado. En este trabajo se toma como elemento de análisis la doctrina internacional y la jurisprudencia interamericana, en especial la sentencia de la Corte IDH (sentencia en el caso Mozote) en la cual al parecer el juez García-Sayán, en su voto concurrente, deja abierta la posibilidad de que el Estado pueda recurrir a una amnistía con el objetivo de poner fin a un
conflicto armado interno.The following article poses as a background the question about how to achieve peace once an armed conflict comes to an end. The author reflects about the viability of some type of amnesty in the framework of a transitional justice process, as a measure which permits a reasonable, objective and proportional delimitation of a criminal prosecution in the context of peace negotiations aimed at the finalization of an armed conflict. Clearly, the implementation of an amnesty represents a serious contradiction with the international duties
of the State, consisting in investigate, judge and penalize the perpetration of international crimes in the territory of the aforementioned State. In this research the author analyzes the international jurisprudence and the Latin American case law, especially the sentence of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights in the Mozote case, in which the Judge García-Sayán, in its concurring opinion, leaves open the possibility of an implementation of an amnesty in order to achieve peace and therefore ends an armed conflict
Using Clinical Pattern Recognition to Demystify Cervico-Thoracic and Shoulder Complex Problems
No full textIt is evident from the scarcity of literature using clinical pattern recognition to demystify problems in the cervico-thoracic spine and shoulder complex that many healthcare providers do not adequately manager this area. Exam and treatment approaches have been published in isolation but these were not presented as a combined sports, manual and movement approach to providing patient-centered care. It is a common pitfall that the interplay between these three regions is often missed leading to less than optimal interventions. This course aims to provide the missing link in how to correctly identify contributions from these three regions and from manual therapy and movement science examination approaches so that specific interventions are targeted to the cause and source of the problem thereby achieving desired outcomes. NFL/MLB cases will be presented by an ESPN analyst to help attendees better comprehend how the author successful applied these concepts in her practice environment
Tetrandrine, an antihypertensive alkaloid, improves the sleep state of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs)
No full textEthnopharmacological relevance: Radix of Stephania tetrandrae S. Moore has been used since antiquity in China as an antirheumatic, antihypertension, analgesic and antipyretic agent. Tetrandrine is the major component of Stephania tetrandrae. This study aims to evaluate the antihypertensive and hypnotic effect of tetrandrine on spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and the possible mechanisms. Materials and methods: Electroencephalography (EEG) and electromyography (EMG) were recorded in freely moving rats and the sleep parameters were analyzed with SleepSign software. The levels of serotonin (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA) and their metabolites were examined to investigate the underlying mechanisms by using HPLC-ECD. Blood pressure was measured by non-invasive blood pressure tail cuff test. Results: Tetrandrine (100 mg/kg, i.g.) significantly suppressed blood pressure of SHR rats day by day during three days treatment. Meanwhile, tetrandrine remarkably improved the sleep efficiency by increasing total sleep time, rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and non-REM (NREM) sleep (including deep sleep and light sleep) time from the first day. Three days treatment of tetrandrine induced 5-HT concentration decrease in DRN, 5-HIAA concentration increase in LC and 5-HIAA/5-HT ratio increase in VTA and LC. In contrast, no changes in NE and DA concentrations in the DRN, VTA and LC occurred in SHR after tetrandrine treatment. These results indicate that modulation of 5-HT, its metabolite 5-HIAA and the 5-HIAA/5-HT ratio in DRN, VTA and LC are likely the mechanism of antihypertensive and hypnotic effects of tetrandrine at least in part. Conclusion: This is the first observation that tetrandrine possesses both anti-hypertension and hypnotic effects in SHR and suggested that tetrandrine may be useful for the treatment of hypertension patients who accompanied with short sleep time and poor sleep efficiency. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.Plant SciencesChemistry, MedicinalIntegrative & Complementary MedicinePharmacology & PharmacySCI(E)[email protected]
Trabalho em saúde sob o olhar de quem cuida: experiência das profissionais de enfermagem de um hospital universitário sob o contexto da COVID-19
No full textIn Brazil, there are more than 2.5 million nursing professionals, and the profession is structured into four categories: nurse, nursing technician, nursing assistant and midwife. Nursing is a profession with multiple applicability, as it involves assistance, public health, prevention and health promotion. The Covid-19 pandemic has overwhelmed nursing, a profession that is mostly female. OBJECTIVE: This article aims to identify the experiences of nursing professionals at a university hospital in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. METHODOLOGY: This research is based on a qualitative and descriptive approach. 40 female nursing professionals were interviewed. We chose to use interviews with a semi-structured script and Bardin's content analysis. This is research with a qualitative and descriptive approach, semi- structured interviews were carried out, questions were applied that involve the intended scope of the interview. The objective of the interview was to obtain individual perceptions from the interviewees on the topic studied. The research location was a large public hospital. To achieve the objective, nursing professionals were interviewed, valuing the subjects' point of view, their experiences and perceptions in relation to their activity. Self-writing was brought as a theoretical-methodological element, and we chose the interview and field diary as instruments. Hannah Arendt was the author used to reflect on the narrative of women and health workers, because, despite women moving from the private to the public sphere, they were able to access the public world, that is, they now had the right to see and be seen, to speak and be heard, and listening to them is still a challenge in current times, especially their experiences as workers, caregivers, women. Given this, it was decided to work with the narrative which, according to Arendt, allows reflection on the paths of experience. RESULTS: In this way, the pandemic unmasked the difficulties that nursing professionals face in their work routine. There were countless challenges caused by the pandemic mentioned by nursing workers, such as: dealing with an unknown disease, problems with the use of personal protective equipment (whether excessive use or lack thereof), deaths, lack of professionals and structure, management ineffective or dehumanized behavior, changes in routine, family or social withdrawal and harassment or prejudice. Furthermore, in relation to working women who had children under their care, four thematic categories were found: 1- domestic work and the difficulty of reconciling this with work in the hospital; 2- motherhood: being a mother and a worker during the pandemic period; 3- the multiple shifts, overload and loneliness of working women; and 4- the naturalization of practices and discourses. CONCLUSION: We must, as a society, rethink the quality of life of this group composed mainly of women, as in the face of inequalities in gender roles, it was concluded that they became even more evident during the period of the Covid-19 pandemic, when women were still more burdened with tasks related to taking care of the home and children, in addition to the increased work demands of the research subjects, nursing workers. Given the challenges faced by nursing workers, in this research, we realized, through reports on their daily lives, that these women face numerous factors that can compromise their physical and mental health.No Brasil, existem mais de 2,5 milhões de profissionais de enfermagem, sendo a profissão estruturada no conjunto de quatro categorias: enfermeiro, técnico de enfermagem, auxiliar de enfermagem e parteira. A enfermagem é uma profissão de múltipla aplicabilidade, pois está na assistência, na saúde pública, na prevenção e na promoção da saúde. A pandemia da Covid-19 sobrecarregou a enfermagem, uma profissão majoritariamente feminina. OBJETIVO: Este artigo tem como objetivo identificar as experiências das profissionais de enfermagem de um hospital universitário no contexto da pandemia de Covid-19. METODOLOGIA: Esta pesquisa baseia-se em uma abordagem qualitativa e descritiva. Foram entrevistadas 40 mulheres profissionais de enfermagem. Optou-se por utilizar entrevistas com roteiro semiestruturado e análise de conteúdo de Bardin. Trata-se de pesquisa com abordagem qualitativa e descritiva, foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas, aplicadas perguntas que envolvem o escopo pretendido com a entrevista. O objetivo da entrevista foi obter percepções individuais dos entrevistados sobre o tema estudado. O local da pesquisa foi um hospital público de grande porte. Para atingir o objetivo, foram entrevistadas as profissionais de enfermagem, valorizando o ponto de vista dos sujeitos, as suas experiências e percepções em relação à sua atividade. A escrita de si foi trazida como elemento teórico-metodológico, e escolhemos a entrevista e diário de campo como instrumentos. Hannah Arendt foi autora utilizada para refletir sobre a narrativa da mulher e trabalhadora de saúde, pois, apesar das mulheres terem da esfera privada para a pública, puderam aceder o mundo público, ou seja, passaram a ter o direito de verem e serem vistas, de falar e serem ouvidas, e ouvi-las ainda é um desafio em tempos atuais principalmente suas experiências como trabalhadoras, cuidadoras, mulheres. Diante disso, decidiu-se trabalhar com a narrativa que, conforme Arendt, possibilita reflexão sobre os caminhos da experiência. RESULTADOS: Desse modo, a pandemia desmascarou as dificuldades que os profissionais de enfermagem enfrentam na sua rotina laboral. Inúmeros foram os desafios ocasionados pela pandemia mencionados pelas trabalhadoras de enfermagem como: lidar com uma doença desconhecida, problemas com o uso de equipamentos de proteção individual (seja uso excessivo ou a faltas deles), os óbitos, a falta de profissional e estrutura, gestão ineficaz ou desumanizada, mudanças de rotina, afastamento familiar ou social e assédios ou preconceitos. Além disso, em relação as mulheres trabalhadoras que tinham filhos sobre seus cuidados foram achados quatro categorias temáticas: 1- trabalho doméstico e a dificuldade de conciliar esse com o trabalho no hospital; 2- maternidade: ser mãe e trabalhadora no período da pandemia; 3- as múltiplas jornadas, a sobrecarga e a solidão da mulher trabalhadora; e 4- a naturalização das práticas e dos discursos. CONCLUSÃO: Devemos, como sociedade, repensar a qualidade de vida desse grupo composto principalmente por mulheres, pois diante das desigualdades dos papéis de gênero, concluiu-se que ficaram ainda mais evidenciados no período da pandemia de Covid- 19, quando as mulheres ficaram ainda mais sobrecarregadas com os afazeres em relação ao cuidado com a casa e os filhos, além das demandas aumentadas de trabalho das sujeito da pesquisa, trabalhadoras da enfermagem. Diante dos desafios enfrentados pelas trabalhadoras de enfermagem, nesta pesquisa, percebemos, com o relato sobre o seu cotidiano, que essas mulheres enfrentam inúmeros fatores que podem comprometer sua saúde física e mental
SOCIAL LEGAL PRACTICE IN THE TENTH LOCAL PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN FLORIDABLANCA IN THE LEGAL INVESTIGATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE APPLICATION OF THE PRINCIPLE OF OPPORTUNITY
No full textEl presente trabajo de grado se proyecta como el resultado de una práctica jurídico social en el despacho de la Fiscalía Décima Local de Violencia Intrafamiliar de Floridablanca que tuvo como objetivo principal el de brindar apoyo jurídico en los procesos penales que fueran asignados. Partiendo de esto, dicho proyecto se centró en el principio de oportunidad frente al delito de Violencia Intrafamiliar como figura introducida al ordenamiento jurídico colombiano a través de la Ley 906 de 2004, por promulgación del Acto Legislativo 03 de 2002, y respecto de la cual se ventila la discusión de, si al ser aplicada, se atenta contra el principio de legalidad y la protección constitucional que el Estado Social de Derecho le ha otorgado a la familia como núcleo fundamental de la sociedad.
Para llevar a cabo lo anterior, se partió de un análisis de casos que totalizaban los procesos penales frente a los cuales había sido aplicada alguna causal del principio de oportunidad desde la creación del despacho, y así mismo, se tuvo en cuenta aquellos a los cuales el autor realizó labores como proyecciones de escritos de acusación, proyecciones de órdenes a policía judicial y constancias. De igual manera, se realizó una investigación de la figura jurídica de principio de oportunidad y su aplicación en diversas fuentes como jurisprudencia, directivas y manuales de procedimientos de la Fiscalía General de la Nación, entre otras, en donde se pudo destacar la importancia del enfoque basado en género, como quiera que en Colombia, en los procesos penales de Violencia Intrafamiliar, la gran mayoría de víctimas son mujeres, de conformidad con el Boletín de comportamiento del delito de violencia intrafamiliar (VIF) 2016-2023, presentado en 2024 por el Ministerio de Justicia.PregradoAbogadoThis degree project is the result of a social legal practice at the Tenth Local Prosecutor's Office for Domestic Violence in Floridablanca, whose main objective was to provide legal support in the criminal proceedings assigned to it. Based on this, the project focused on the principle of opportunity in relation to the crime of domestic violence, as introduced into Colombian law through Law 906 of 2004, enacted by Legislative Act 03 of 2002, and which has sparked debate as to whether, when applied, it violates the principle of legality and the constitutional protection that the social rule of law has granted to the family as the fundamental nucleus of society.
To carry out the above, I began with an analysis of cases that totaled the criminal proceedings in which some grounds for the principle of opportunity had been applied since the office was created. We also took into account those cases in which the author worked on draft indictments, draft orders to the judicial police, and records. Similarly, research was conducted on the legal concept of the principle of opportunity and its application in various sources, such as case law, directives, and procedural manuals of the Attorney General's Office, among others, which highlighted the importance of a gender-based approach, given that in Colombia, in criminal proceedings involving domestic violence, the vast majority of victims are women, according to the 2016-2023 Bulletin on Domestic Violence (VIF) Crime Behavior, presented in 2024 by the Ministry of Justice
