Search

Fishing is one of the oldest activities developed by humans for both food subsistence and economic gain. Artisanal fishing has a great social impact; it helps satisfy basic nutritional needs and generates income for communities. Therefore, local ecological knowledge associated with such fishing practices is important because of its capacity to provide data on fishing research. Fishing in the study area is largely artisanal for subsistence, a consequence of the fact that there are no fishing associations or cooperatives which might empower local workers and help promote the sector. We based our study on a quantitative approach. Through this approach, we analyzed factors that influence future fishing decisions among artisanal fishers in a community in northern Colombia. We found that socioeconomic conditions and pollution were important considerations when respondents contemplated future fishing prospects. Respondents' perceptions of institutional support also influenced their attitudes about fishing. Most respondents planned to continue fishing. We encourage local authorities in such communities to address the challenges faced by artisanal fishers and develop strategies to improve the socioeconomic and environmental conditions in which such people work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypertrophic scar (HTS) formation is a common challenge for patients after burn injury. Dermal microvascular endothelial cells (DMVECs) are an understudied cell type in HTS. An increase in angiogenesis and microvessel density can be observed in HTS. Endothelial dysfunction may play a role in scar development. This study aims to generate a functional and expression profile of HTS DMVECs. We hypothesize that transcript and protein-level responses in HTS DMVECs differ from those in normal skin (NS). HTSs were created in red Duroc pigs. DMVECs were isolated using magnetic-activated cell sorting with ulex europaeus agglutinin 1 (UEA-1) lectin. Separate transwell inserts were used to form monolayers of HTS DMVECs and NS DMVECs. Cell injury was induced and permeability was assessed. Gene expression in HTS DMVECS versus NS DMVECs was measured. Select differentially expressed genes were further investigated. HTS had an increased area density of dermal microvasculature compared to NS. HTS DMVECs were 17.59% less permeable than normal DMVECs (p < 0.05). After injury, NS DMVECs were 28.4% and HTS DMVECs were 18.8% more permeable than uninjured controls (28.4 ± 4.8 vs 18.8 ± 2.8; p = 0.11). PCR array identified 31 differentially expressed genes between HTS and NS DMVECs, of which 10 were upregulated and 21 were downregulated. qRT-PCR and ELISA studies were in accordance with the array. DMVECs expressed a mixed profile of factors that can contribute to and inhibit scar formation. HTS DMVECs have both a discordant response to cellular insults and baseline differences in function, supporting their proposed role in scar pathology. Further investigation of DMVECs is warranted to elucidate their contribution to HTS pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to estimate the base temperature (Bt) of growth through the appearance of leaves and calculate the phyllochron for kikuyu grass, three plots were established on three farms in the Provincia of Ubaté (Cundinamarca, Colombia) located at different altitudes (2560, 2640, 3143 m. a. s. l.). Measurements were made in four cycles in a period of eight months. The Bt was estimated by the least coefficient of variation method using a second order regression model and the model obtained was validated by the cross-validation method. The Bt values for the first, second, third and fourth leaf were 4.02, 3.68, 3.93, and 3.62 °C, respectively. For the appearance of the first leaf, the kikuyu required more thermal time (TT) (97.5 accumulated growing degree days (AGDD)) than for the second (74.2 AGDD), third (73.8 AGDD) and fourth leaf (76.0 AGDD) (p <0.05). There were no differences in TT among farms (p> 0.05). There was a tendency to a greater number of days required to reach each leaf stage in the farm located at higher altitude and with lower mean temperature. The validation showed an adequate adjustment (r2 = 0.94) and a substantial concordance (CCC = 0.97) between the observed values and the predicted values for the estimated TT with the Bt value obtained for each leaf stage. The results of Bt for kikuyu grass obtained, will allow to make more precise predictions about the phyllochron and generate growth models close to reality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Burn wound healing can be significantly delayed by infection leading to increased morbidity and hypertrophic scarring. An optimal antimicrobial agent would have the ability to kill bacteria without negatively affecting the host skin cells that are required for healing. Currently available products provide antimicrobial coverage, but may also cause reductions in cell proliferation and migration. Cold atmospheric plasma is a partially ionized gas that can be produced under atmospheric pressure at room temperature. In this study a novel handheld Aceso Plasma Generator was used to produce and test Aceso Cold Plasma (ACP) in vitro and in vivo. ACP showed a potent ability to eliminate bacterial load in vitro for a number of different species. Deep partial-thickness and full-thickness wounds that were treated with ACP after burning, after excision, after autografting, and at days 5, 7, and 9 did not show any negative effects on their wound healing trajectories. On par with in vitro analysis, bioburden was decreased in treated wounds vs. control. In addition, metrics of hypertrophic scar such as dyschromia, elasticity, trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), and epidermal and dermal thickness were the same between the two treatment groups.It is likely that ACP can be used to mitigate the risk of bacterial infection during the phase of acute burn injury while patients await surgery for definitive closure. It may also be useful in treating wounds with delayed re-epithelialization that are at risk for infection and hypertrophic scarring. A handheld cold plasma device will be useful in treating all manner of wounds and surgical sites in order to decrease bacterial burden in an efficient and highly effective manner without compromising wound healing. • ACP showed a potent ability to eliminate bacterial load in vitro for a number of different species. • ACP was compatible with deep partial thickness burn wound healing. • ACP was compatible with full thickness burn wound healing after skin grafting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An interview with French social scientist Marcel Gauchet is presented. He discusses the fading role of religion as an organizing factor in society. When asked about the function of religion in democratic societies, he refers to individual religiosity. He also reflects on the importance of non confessional education and the role of religious education in democratic societies.

The article looks at political science and the concept of political power in modern society. Particular focus is given to decisions made by the democratic political system and its effect on society. The article also discusses the scientific ideas of philosopher Ernest Nagel on his beliefs concerning social sciences and democracy.

After the September 11 tragedy, the thoughts of Maquiavelo become more relevant in the present context. The questions that he raises over political experience are recognized every time they present a radical political conflict before the public arena. [TRANSLATION]

Claude Lefort is a contemporary classic of political thought. In this exclusive interview, the mythical founder of the journal "Socialisme ou Barbarie" analyzes in depth the political significance of the work of Maquiavelo and the keys to his break with the tradition of Western political philosophy. [TRANSLATION]

The dictatorship not only tries to take possession of the body, but--and more important--of the mind, of what it makes us individuals: the intimate freedom of thinking. Esteban Molina rescues in this essay the role that played the literature as vital space to unravel the meaning of the totalitarian phenomenon. [TRANSLATION]

For Ortega, the search of the excellence is a duty of the humanity; it consists of his chore, his destination. Even, the Spanish philosopher believed that the only way of facing the nihilistic threat of the relativism was there to be taken seriously the possibility of occurring excellent beings, since to avoid this destination is to fall down in the lowest steps of the humanity: where there is no difference between the human and the animal; where damina whim the life force. [TRANSLATION]

Nietzsche's writing draws historic connections and possible trends of unsettled weather in the storm of equality. After the flood of equality, nothing is going to be on the site. But Nietzsche is not left behind to surprise and discover new freedom of the old chains, and behind many idols irreligion. And is that Nietzchian work and style, as well sade Molina, are a way of protesting against those who have made a career of deception. [TRANSLATION]

Tocqueville's work is an example of writing carved by the indeterminacy of its object: the democratic society, in which he cuts as if it were a living environment that, as stated by Lefort, develops, tested for their division. Tocqueville tries to decipher the new forms of freedom of the signs of a new slavery and, in those same signs, the remedies that democracy makes available. The writing of the great classic underscores the indomitable character of democratic society, is that when nobody has the key to freedom, when the individual knows himself and others as well as unknown, when ultimately there is no past knowledge of humanity, society becomes a focus of political invention. [TRANSLATION]

The democratic legitimacy presupposes that the difference is constitutive of social space and identity of its inhabitants, and the totalitarian experience shows the high price to pay when representing the social difference, plurality of voices and ways of life exclusive division subject to the logic of tertium non datur. Just reducing the "One", to be identical with itself, is the principle of the dialectic exclusionary friend / enemy, you will know that Schmitt developed a theory A democracy that essentially repudiates his supposed liberal, representative for the German thinker who is actually a way to depoliticize it. As a target, Schmitt's conception of politics is analyzed here the significance of the image of the Leviathan State theory of Hobbes, and the assessment made by Schmitt symbolic efficiency of such an image. [TRANSLATION]

The French philosopher Claude Lefort Machiavelli discovers an elaboration of the division between society and political power that is not articulated in the social dislocation caused by industrial modernity, but the principle of the political establishment, which is based on the opposition of two wishes: that of the "greats" who want to oppress, and the people who do not want to be oppressed. Thus, the figure of the contract that exchanges obedience for protection to represent the relationship between the prince and the people are poor, being more accurate to speak of a Cesium of the village to its domination by the state for protection against the oppression of the greats. In this way, and to the unsustainability of absolute naive ex parte populi, the apparent resurgence complied with as a condition of instauración the exercise of political power, which must meet the symbolic function of the imaginary, of covering a gap that can not be fulfilled. [TRANSLATION]

The article discusses the contributions of political philosopher Carl Schmitt. It considers his work on collective identities and social difference, explores his conceptualization of the relationship between democracy and liberalism, and describes his views on social contracts and the political symbolism of the state. A list of works is given including "Die Diktatur," "Verfassungslehre," and "Der Leviathan in der Staatslehre des Thomas Hobbes Sinn und Fehlschlag eines politischen Symbols."

The article discusses the intellectual achievements and contributions of author George Orwell. It describes his literary critique of totalitarianism, comments on his depiction of its political propaganda, and reflects on the importance of his fiction for comprehending and unmasking its ideology and its influence in the 20th century. A list of his works in presented including "Homage to Catalonia," "Animal Farm," and "Nineteen Eighty-Four."

The article discusses the achievements and contributions of political philosopher Friedrich von Hayek. It discusses his critique of totalitarianism and its view of collectivism, explores his defense of liberalism and the foundational value of its respect toward the individual, and assesses his linking of liberal individualism and democratic individual freedoms. A list of his works is presented including "The Road to Serfdom," "The Constitution of Liberty," and "Law, Legislation and Liberty."

The article discusses the intellectual contributions of political philosopher Claude Lefort. It discusses his critique of communist ideology and its organic and totalitarian view of society, explores his views on the symbolic dimensions of modern democracy, and notes his attention to the symbolic significance of human rights and freedom. A list of his works is presented including "Le travail de l'oeuvre," "L'Invention démocratique," and "Écrire à l'épreuve du politique."

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has posed a huge challenge to healthcare systems and their personnel worldwide. The study of the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers (HCW), through prevalence studies, will let us know viral expansion, individuals at most risk and the most exposed areas in healthcare organizations. The aim of this study is to gauge the impact of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in our hospital workforce and identify groups and areas at increased risk. Methods and findings: This is a cross-sectional and incidence study carried out on healthcare workers based on molecular and serological diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Of the 3013 HCW invited to participate, 2439 (80.9%) were recruited, including 674 (22.4%) who had previously consulted at the Occupational Health Service (OHS) for confirmed exposure and/or presenting symptoms suggestive of COVID-19. A total of 411 (16.9%) and 264 (10.8%) healthcare workers were SARS-CoV-2 IgG and rRT-PCR positive, respectively. The cumulative prevalence considering all studies (IgG positive HCW and/or rRT-PCR positive detection) was 485 (19.9%). SARS-CoV-2 IgG-positive patients in whom the virus was not detected were 221 (9.1%); up to 151 of them (68.3%) did not report any compatible symptoms nor consult at the OHS for this reason. Men became more infected than women (25% vs 18.5%, p = 0.0009), including when data were also classified by age. COVID-19 cumulative prevalence among the HCW assigned to medical departments was higher (25.2%) than others, as well as among medical staff (25.4%) compared with other professional categories (p<0.01). Conclusions: The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on HCW of our centre has been 19.9%. Doctors and medical services personnel have had the highest prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection, but many of them have not presented compatible symptoms. This emphasizes the performance of continuous surveillance methods of the most exposed health personnel and not only based on the appearance of symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article analyses the main factors that affect the election of a high civil servant in the first level of hierarchy in Chile, according to a sociological perspective using the capital species concept. This paper provides a theoretical and descriptive travel on State modernization and professionalization of public management in Chile. Later, with a sample of 45 cases regarding high civil servants designated during the period of 2003-13, a maximum likelihood logit models were performed to determine the factors that influence the selection of these civil servants. It concludes that political capital is not a factor that gives advantage in the selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction in premenopausal and postmenopausal women with and without hormone replacement therapy (HRT). To determine the relationship between menopause and sexual activity, and the impact of HRT on sexual function. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of 231 Colombian-born women, aged 40–62 years. Sexual function was measured by self-questionnaire. The analysis was performed by using the χ2-test and multivariate regression analysis. The sexual function was divided in five domains: desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm and pain; in addition, questioning about sexual satisfaction was included in the research. Results: In the study 38.1% of women showed sexual dysfunction in the desire, and 25% in the arousal, these two being the most affected domains. Even though menopause marginally decreases all stages of sexual function, this association was statistically significant only for the lubrication and pain domains. HRT improves sexual function in the orgasm, lubrication and pain domains in a statistically significant manner. The level of sexual satisfaction was better on postmenopausal women with HRT than ones without HRT. Age negatively influences almost all sexual function domains in a significant manner. Conclusions: Menopause affects in a negative manner some domains of female sexual function. HRT improves some factors of the sexual function during menopause but it not improves desire and arousal which were the most affected domains. There is a negative association between age and female sexual response in middle-aged women. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]