Anticipate, Target and Characterize: MS²-anticipated C-glycosylflavones from Erythrococca anomala

We herein report on the first chemical assessment of Erythrococca anomala (Juss. ex Poir.) Prain (Euphorbiaceae), a genus that was – to the best of our knowledge – not studied yet from a phytochemical perspective. A molecular networking strategy was implemented to rapidly identify the known specialized metabolites from untargeted MS/MS analyses of E. anomala leaves ethanolic extract. This strategy allowed for the identification of diverse C-glycosyl flavones and a cursory examination of MS/MS spectra could extend the GNPS-provided annotation to pinpoint the structural novelty of further derivatives. The isolation of the sought-after structures could be streamlined based on MS-guidance and their structures, determined through extensive NMR analyses, displayed structural features in line with MS²-based predictions. Anticipating sharp structural features at an early stage of the dereplication process through a critical assessment of the tandem mass spectrometric landmarks was essential to embark on the isolation of the newly reported structures owing to the elevated number of flavonoid glycosides isomers thereof formerly known, which would have deterred us from isolating them without the support of additional tandem mass spectrometric information. The isolation of the main components of the ethanolic extract completed the currently provided chemical report on E. anomala, also resulting in the description of a new phenylethanoid derivative (3) and of a new orcinol-based dimer (4). Anomaloflavone (1) exhibit significant activities with minimal inhibitory concentration values of 25 µg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus and Mycobacterium smegmatis while failing to exert an antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, while being devoid of cytotoxicity against SiHa cells.

The Responsibility of Engineers

Victor Weisskopf said “Human existence is based upon two pillars: compassion and knowledge. Compassion without knowledge is ineffective; knowledge without compassion is inhuman.” A cursory examination of how science and engineering have operated historically reveals a litany of instances where they serve oppression. Neither is inherently good. Both exist within the context of societal frameworks and cannot be isolated panaceas for challenges of the day. Whether to install pipeline infrastructure in Standing Rock or Flint results in disparate health and economic outcomes depending on race and class. Whether to introduce the class “Hacking 4 Defense” into curriculums, or one titled “Engineering Ethics and the Public,” trains engineers towards drastically different ends. Recognition of such frameworks may imbue us with the critical conscientiousness and political consciousness necessary to take commensurate action. Only then will science and engineering contribute to reimagining and remaking the world in an equitable fashion never seen before.

Oral Manifestations of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): An Overview

The grim milestone of three million deaths due to the global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was reached a few weeks ago. COVID-19 is a multi-system all-pervasive disease with protean manifestations, and its major signs and symptoms, such as the incessant dry cough, fever, and pneumonia, are well known. Yet, its mucocutaneous manifestations, particularly those of the oral cavity, appear to be little recognized. This may be due either to the rarity of oral manifestations of COVID-19, or poor detection of such symptoms by attending physicians who may do only a cursory examination of the oral mucosa because of the overwhelming gravity of the other major systemic presentations. Nevertheless, there are now a considerable number of reports, including systematic reviews, on oral manifestations of COVID-19 in the literature. These, apart from the now well-known dysgeusia of COVID-19, range from ulcers, erosions, bullae, vesicles, mucosal pustules, macules, papules and pigmentations, as well as haemorrhagic manifestations including petechiae, crusts and spontaneous bleeding. Unfortunately, the majority of these reports are anecdotal in nature and remain to be substantiated. Here, we provide a brief overview of the reported oral manifestations of COVID-19, and their management protocols. CPD/Clinical Relevance: To raise awareness of the currently reported major and minor oral manifestations of COVID-19 and their management protocols.

The Nigeria’s Presidentialism and the Burden of Profligacy in an Inchoate Constitutional Democracy

The Nigeria’s presidential democracy has largely failed to meet the yearnings of the people. The government is deficit in the much-needed infrastructural development. Indeed, most of the existing institutions are in a state of coma. A cursory examination of the political architecture depicts waste coupled with high cost of governance at all tiers of government namely local, state and federal. The cost of running presidential democracy is astronomically high bordering on extravagance in a country that is riddled with mass poverty, youth unemployment resulting in insecurity of life and property, kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry etc. The question is how can the state arrest waste and channel human and material resources towards projects that can impact positively on the socio-economic well-being of the citizenry. This work will respond to these interrogations. The paper will employ secondary data such as journals, books, magazines and periodicals to elicit information necessary for its analysis.

Catholic East and Pentecostal West (1800–Present)

The first part of this chapter examines Catholic missions among the Maasai, with particular attention given to the perennial issues raised by Vincent Donovan in his book Christianity Rediscovered. After a cursory examination of the role of missionary education as a vehicle of conversion, the discussion returns to the Maasai and, in particular, to the attraction of the Christian message to women. The second part of the chapter revisits West Africa with a brief glimpse of the Aladura movement in Yorubaland (Nigeria) before taking up Nigeria’s Pentecostal explosion in the mid-1970s. Expressed in multitudinous forms and organizations, the emergence of Spirit-centered movements took place within a local context of socioeconomic and political upheaval and a larger global context of exposure to modernizing influences, particularly those emanating from North American Pentecostalism. In addition to attracting young adults, women find that Pentecostalism is a boon to stable marriages and family life.

Miyako, Ishigaki, and Yonaguni, the Southern Ryūkyūan Languages

The Sakishima area in the southern Ryūkyūs consists of three main languages: Miyako (represented by Hirara, but with some data also drawn from Irabu), Ishigaki, and Yonaguni. While these three languages are mutually unintelligible, even a cursory examination demonstrates that these languages are related. After a brief outline to the historical connections, the phonology, morphology, syntax, and lexicon are described, comparing and contrasting data from these three languages. These languages are critical to a better understanding of the language history of the languages throughout the Japanese archipelago.

Examining Social Determinants of Health, Stigma, and COVID-19 Disparities

There is growing attention to disparities in the incidence, prevalence, and mortality associated with COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) in racial/ethnic communities. The conditions leading to these disparities may be a function of social determinants of health and stigma linked to the disease. It is important to examine how these factors may be implicated in COVID-19 onset, treatment, and outcomes. A brief overview of these issues allows for a cursory examination of the role of social determinants of health and stigma in COVID-19. Consideration is given to how understanding COVID-19 in the context of social determinants and stigma may be included in interventions to mitigate its transmission within vulnerable populations.

Neurotic symptoms in clinical practice: Mieczysław Kaczyński’s approach

The aim of this study is to acquaint the readers with some pieces of practical guidance on the therapy of neurotic disorders offered by Professor Mieczysław Kaczyński to his colleagues and students at the Lublin Clinic of Psychiatry. Patients who report so-called neurotic complaints are a group that requires a very thorough clinical analysis. Professor Kaczyński emphasized that it was necessary to make a distinction among patients with a neurotic reaction, a pseudoneurotic syndrome, and ‘neurosis proper’ or psychoneurosis. The first group includes patients who report a psychological trauma as a trigger of their complaints. Therapeutic intervention brings good outcomes leading to resolution of the condition. A group of patients that is very important from the point of view of diagnosis are those in whom neurotic complaints are masking an onset of a somatic or mental illness or an existing illness which is running a mild course. In such cases, a cursory examination leading to a mistaken diagnosis of neurosis can have devastating effects. A misdiagnosis is easy to make, for example, in patients with increased intracranial pressure (“the neurasthenic stage of a brain tumour”) or an onset of a mental illness (the pseudoneurotic syndrome of early schizophrenia). Therefore, often, before the final diagnosis is arrived at, multiple follow-up examinations are needed to monitor the structure and dynamics of the disease. Only when the first two diagnostic options have been excluded, can the physician classify the disorder as a neurosis (psychoneurosis). In such cases, it is necessary to find the etiological agent, which, more often than not, is a situation of conflict or frustration that the patient is unconscious of. A failure to analyze a case in this way may result in the patient’s resignation response, potentially leading to suicide. It appears that Professor Kaczyński’s remarks on the clinical picture of neurotic disorders largely round out the information provided in ICD-10 under F.40–F.48.

Violent and Criminal Non-State Actors

This chapter takes stock of the main scholarly and policy debates pertaining to the rise of violent and criminal governors. First, it delves into the reasons that drive these actors towards investing in governance; emphasizing the usefulness of governance provision to extract resources, enhance control, built legitimacy, and fulfil state-building aspirations. Second, the chapter briefly accounts for the main variations in the types of governance configurations established by criminal and violent actors, focusing on when and where these actors act as governors; what types of services they are likely to provide and to whom, as well as on how governance itself is delivered. This cursory examination, along with an analysis of the relationships these groups build while acting as governors, allows us to reflect on the impact of these non-state governors on the civilian population under their rule, as well as on the notions of sovereignty and statehood more broadly.

Reshaping the Global Climate Change Regime through the Paris Agreement

The Paris Agreement on Climate Change which aimed at halting climate change and limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, remains the most important piece of international diplomacy in years, since the Kyoto Protocol of 1992 and the Copenhagen Accord (which endorsed the continuation of the Kyoto Protocol) 2009. The signing of the Paris Agreement underlies the fact that climate change remains one of the greatest challenges of our time and calls for a strong political will to urgently combat climate change in accordance with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. This article looks at Paris Agreement’s resolve to peak global greenhouse-gas emissions as soon as possible and also undertakes a cursory examination of the global climate regime. The article also examines how the problem of climate change has altered since the 2009 Copenhagen Accord and concludes by emphasizing the need to take the Paris Agreement forward in spirit.