A small-sized DSSC panel based on the Uruguayan national flower dye tested at the Antarctic Artigas Base

The construction of a small-sized panel based on anthocyanins from Erythrina crista-galli as sensitizers is reported in this work. The device, named KD12, was placed indoors at the Artigas Antarctic Scientific Base from March 2019 to December 2020. Here is released for the first time, the indoor installation of dye-sensitized solar cells based on pigments from the Uruguayan national flower at an Antarctic Base and the evaluation of their performance during nineteen months. The panel showed good stability and maintained its efficiency conversion performance over the period. The output power, voltage and conversion efficiency generated for this device mainly depended on irradiance and external factors as light reflection due to snow or artificial bulbs near the area. Additional protection was provided by the double-glass window in front of the panel, lowering lighting irradiance and changing spectral characteristics of the light incident the device. A new prospect raised here: the potential application of anthocyanins as sensitizers for indoor electricity generation in the Antarctic area with long term operability, where low temperatures are helpful considering the thermal stability of the dyes. These constitute an interesting first step of a low-cost alternative searching for clean energy generation sources, focusing on a cold region like Antarctica.

Modern solidarity and administrative repression

Modern society is based on the predominance of organic solidarity over mechanical solidarity and, consequently, on the predominance of the law, which ensures cooperation between autonomous subjects from repressive law, which sanctions, through penalty, any deviation from the standards of the common conscience. Modern society is “civilized”, i.e. it is firstly and foremost based on “civil” law, the repressive law only being exceptional, which translates into three principles: that of the subsidiarity of criminal law, that of the necessity and legality of offences and penalties, and that of the additional protection of individual freedom when the subject is criminally charged. The consequence thereof is that, in modern liberal democracies, all repressive law is criminal, that any charge which may lead to the application of a repressive sanction is a criminal charge and that the law-maker cannot assign to the administration the competence regarding the application of repressive sanctions. Under these circumstances, the transformation of some repressive norms into norms of administrative law is a violation of the fundamental principles that structure the legal order of modern liberal states. Nonetheless, this type of practice is becoming more common. In order to ensure individual freedom, this tendency must be corrected. As politicians are not willing to do so, naturally this is a task for the judicial courts, that can rely for this endeavour on the European Court of Human Rights’ constructive jurisprudence.

Ageing Resistance of Bi-Layer Coating Systems for Dry Lubrication of Premium OCTG Connections

The latest dope-free configuration combines an electrodeposited zinc-nickel (ZnNi) plating, which provides anti-galling and most of anticorrosion properties, and an organic topcoat which provides lubrication through its low friction coefficient. This dry lubrication constitutes an alternative to storage and running dope meanwhile it improves running performances, reduces operational costs on the yard and rig and avoids dope discharge to the environment. Since the technology is "rig-ready", it must withstand the different risks of degradation occurring along its whole lifecycle. The present study aims at assessing the robustness towards ageing along storage on yards, transportation to the rig and or service life in well conditions. The performances of the different layers were checked stepwise, first assessing the ZnNi plating alone, and then considering the additional protection brought by thermoset topcoat. Regarding atmospheric corrosion, the characterization path involved both accelerated laboratory tests (such as the VDA 233-102 cyclic corrosion test) and outdoor exposures, under plastic protectors and after their removal, in different climates: temperate, desertic and tropical. The specimens were inspected regarding at: (i) efficiency of cathodic protection provided by the metallic coating; (ii) paint blistering, (iii) propagation of corrosion from a scribe down to substrate. Regarding rig operations, some examples of rig-return were reported and the compatibility with completion fluids, encountered in case of misrun and subsequent pull-out of the column, was checked though immersion in alkaline brines. In respect to the service in simulated well conditions, the resistance to Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) in brines were carried out to complete the former autoclave tests to assess resistance of carbon and stainless steel to well conditions. Both the ZnNi plating and the bi-layer system revealed lifetimes in storage conditions ranging from 3 to more than 5 years before any sign of significant degradation such as red rust, paint blistering or disbonding. According to cyclic corrosion tests results, higher lifetimes could be even expected thanks to the additional anticorrosion protection of the topcoat. Regarding exposure to completion fluids, the bilayer coating was shown to withstand 3000h exposure with no more than scarce rust indications. These results testify of the technology robustness from storage on yards to rig operations. In the multiple service conditions in wells, it was shown that the corrosion and cracking resistance of the substrate was not deteriorated by the plating presence, but instead improved in the multiple assessed well service conditions. The present communication updates the results of atmospheric corrosion compared to the former one [1] and it details new results after rig-return and regarding the risks of cracking.

Protective effects of combining monoclonal antibodies and vaccines against the Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein

Combinations of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against different epitopes on the same antigen synergistically neutralize many viruses. However, there are limited studies assessing whether combining human mAbs against distinct regions of the Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) circumsporozoite protein (CSP) enhances in vivo protection against malaria compared to each mAb alone or whether passive transfer of PfCSP mAbs would improve protection following vaccination against PfCSP. Here, we isolated a panel of human mAbs against the subdominant C-terminal domain of PfCSP (C-CSP) from a volunteer immunized with radiation-attenuated Pf sporozoites. These C-CSP-specific mAbs had limited binding to sporozoites in vitro that was increased by combination with neutralizing human “repeat” mAbs against the NPDP/NVDP/NANP tetrapeptides in the central repeat region of PfCSP. Nevertheless, passive transfer of repeat- and C-CSP-specific mAb combinations did not provide enhanced protection against in vivo sporozoite challenge compared to repeat mAbs alone. Furthermore, combining potent repeat-specific mAbs (CIS43, L9, and 317) that respectively target the three tetrapeptides (NPDP/NVDP/NANP) did not provide additional protection against in vivo sporozoite challenge. However, administration of either CIS43, L9, or 317 (but not C-CSP-specific mAbs) to mice that had been immunized with R21, a PfCSP-based virus-like particle vaccine that induces polyclonal antibodies against the repeat region and C-CSP, provided enhanced protection against sporozoite challenge when compared to vaccine or mAbs alone. Collectively, this study shows that while combining mAbs against the repeat and C-terminal regions of PfCSP provide no additional protection in vivo, repeat mAbs do provide increased protection when combined with vaccine-induced polyclonal antibodies. These data should inform the implementation of PfCSP human mAbs alone or following vaccination to prevent malaria infection.

Alginate-amphotericin B nanocomplexes covered by nanocrystals from bacterial cellulose: physico-chemical characterization and in vitro toxicity

Nanocomplexes systems made up natural poylymers have pharmacotechnical advantages such as increase of water solubility and a decrease of drugs toxicity. Amphotericin B (AmB) is a drug apply as anti-leishmanial and anti-fungal, however it has low water solubility and high toxicity, limiting its therapeutic application. With this in mind, the present study aimed to produce nanocomplexes composed by alginate (Alg), a natural polymer, with AmB covered by nanocrystals from bacterial cellulose (CNC). For this reason, the nanocomplexes were produced utilizing sodium alginate, amphotericin B in a borate buffer (pH 11.0). The CNC was obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis of the bacterial cellulose. To CNC cover the nanocomplexes 1 ml of the nanocomplexes was added into 1 ml of 0.01% CNC suspension. The results showed an ionic adsorption of the CNC into the Alg-AmB nanocomplexes surface. This phenomena was confirmed by an increase in the particle size and PDI decrease. Besides, nanocomplexes samples covered by CNC showed uniformity. The amorphous inclusion of AmB complex into the polysaccharide chain network in both formulations. AmB in the nanocomplexes was in supper-aggregated form and showed good biocompatibility, being significantly less cytotoxic in vitro against kidney cells and significantly less hemolytic compared to the free-drug. The in vitro toxicity results indicated the Alg-AmB nanocomplexes can be considered a non-toxic alternative to improve the AmB therapeutic effect. All process to obtain nanocomplexes and it coat was conduce without organic solvents, can be considered a green process, and allowed to obtain water soluble particles. Furthermore, CNC covering the nanocomplexes brought additional protection to the system can contribut advancement in the pharmaceutical.

Bizarre morphology in extinct Eocene bugs (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae)

Newly discovered fossil bugs (Insecta: Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) from the Eocene of Messel (Germany) and Green River (North America) exhibit an exaggerated morphology including prominent spiny humeral and anterolateral angles of the pronotum and a spiny lateral abdominal margin. Especially the humeral angles are unique; they consist of expansive, rounded projections with strong spines, which is a rare trait among pentatomids. A hypothesis for the function of this extreme morphology is defence against small vertebrate predators, such as birds or reptiles. The same protuberances also produce a disruptive effect camouflaging the specimen in its environment and provide additional protection. Therefore, the extreme morphology provides primary as well as secondary anti-predator defence. The morphology of Eospinosus peterkulkai gen. et sp. nov. and E. greenriverensis sp. nov. resembles that of Triplatygini, which today occur exclusively in Madagascar, as well as that of Discocephalinae or Cyrtocorinae, which today occur in the Neotropics. Due to a lack of conclusive characters, it cannot be excluded that the fossil species may represent a case of remarkable convergence and are not related to either taxon. Phylogenetic analyses using parsimony as well as Bayesian algorithms confirmed that the new genus is a member of Pentatomidae, but could not solve its phylogenetic relationships within Pentatomidae.

Metal-Free Polymerizations of Microencapsulated Activated Alkynes for Autonomous Damage Visualization of Polymers

The development of autonomous materials with desired performance and built-in visualizable sensing units is of great academic and industrial significance. Although a wide range of damage indication methods have been reported, the “turn-on” sensing mechanism by damaging events based on microcapsule systems, especially those relying on chemical reactions to elicit a chromogenic response, are still very limited. Herein, a facile and metal-free polymerization route with an interesting reaction-induced coloration effect is demonstrated. Under the catalysis of 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO), the polymerizations of difunctional or trifunctional activated alkynes proceed very quickly at 0 oC in air. A series of polymers composed of stereoregular enyne structure (major unit) and divinyl ether structure (minor unit) are obtained. Both the catalyst and monomers are colorless while the polymerized products are deep-colored. This process can be applied for the damage visualization of polymers using the microencapsulation technique. Microcapsules containing the reactive alkyne monomer are prepared and mixed in a DABCO-dispersed polymer film. The mechanical damage of this composite film can be readily visualized once the reaction is initiated from the ruptured microcapsules. Moreover, the newly formed polymer automatically sealed the cracks with an additional protection function.

Factors that motivate men who have sex with men in Berlin, Germany, to use or consider using HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis—A multi-methods analysis of data from a multicentre survey

Background While our knowledge of what motivates men who have sex with men (MSM) to use HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has grown in recent years, quantitative survey-based studies have not asked MSM explicitly to name their motivations. We did so using a qualitative open-ended question and aimed to categorise the responses and explore whether these were related to where MSM were located along a conceptual continuum of PrEP care. Methods In a multicentre survey examining knowledge and use of PrEP among MSM in Berlin, Germany, we additionally asked an open-ended question about motivations for using or considering PrEP. Data were collected from 10/2017-04/2018. One researcher developed a thematic framework deductively from the literature and another did so inductively from the free-text data, and a merged framework was used to code responses independently. We used Fisher’s exact test to assess whether the frequency of motivations differed significantly between respondents using or considering PrEP. Results Of 875 questionnaires, 473 were returned and 228 contained a free-text response. Motivations in the following categories were reported: (1) Safety/protection against HIV (80.2% of participants, including general safety; additional protection to condoms), (2) Mental well-being and quality of life (23.5%, including reduced anxiety; better quality of life), (3) Condom attitudes (18.9% intent not to use condoms), (4) Expectations about sexuality (14.4%, including worry-free sex or more pleasurable sex, with explicit mention of sex or sexuality), (5) Norms/social perspectives (0.8%). The difference in frequencies of motivations between those using or considering PrEP was not statistically significant. Conclusions Safety and protection against HIV, particularly having additional protection if condoms fail, were the most common motivations for using or considering PrEP, followed by mental well-being and quality of life. Many respondents reported several motivations, and responses overall were heterogeneous. This suggests that approaches to increase PrEP uptake that focus exclusively on its effectiveness in preventing HIV are unlikely to be as successful as a holistic approach that emphasises multiple motivations and how these fit into the broader sexual and psychological health of MSM.

The Mucosal and Serological Immune Responses to the Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) Vaccines

BackgroundAlthough the serological antibody responses induced by SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are well characterized, little is known about their ability to elicit mucosal immunity.ObjectivesThis study aims to examine and compare the mucosal and systemic responses of recipients of two different vaccination platforms: mRNA (Comirnaty) and inactivated virus (CoronaVac).MethodsSerial blood and nasal epithelial lining fluid (NELF) samples were collected from the recipients of either Comirnaty or CoronaVac. The plasma and NELF immunoglobulins A and G (IgA and IgG) specific to SARS-CoV-2 S1 protein (S1) and their neutralization effects were quantified.ResultsComirnaty induced nasal S1-specific immunoglobulin responses, which were evident as early as 14 ± 2 days after the first dose. In 64% of the subjects, the neutralizing effects of NELF persisted for at least 50 days. Moreover, 85% of Comirnaty recipients exhibited S1-specific IgA and IgG responses in plasma by 14 ± 2 days after the first dose. By 7 ± 2 days after the booster, all plasma samples possessed S1-specific IgA and IgG responses and were neutralizing. The induction of S1-specific plasma antibodies by CoronaVac was IgG dominant, and 83% of the subjects possessed S1-specific IgG by 7 ± 2 days after the booster, with neutralizing effects.ConclusionComirnaty induces S1-specific IgA and IgG responses with neutralizing activity in the nasal mucosa; a similar response is not seen with CoronaVac.Clinical ImplicationThe presence of a nasal response with mRNA vaccine may provide additional protection compared with inactivated virus vaccine. However, whether such widespread immunological response may produce inadvertent adverse effects in other tissues warrants further investigation.

ABSOLUTE HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD OF HEALTHCARE: LEGAL GROUNDS FOR RESTRICTION

The article examines the legal nature of human rights in the field of health care. It has been substantiated that certain personal inalienable rights of an adult able-bodied patient are derived from the constitutional absolute human rights. These include the right to consent to medical intervention, the right to refuse medical intervention and the right to receive medical information about oneself. The status of law as an absolute constitutional presupposes certain objective differences in the exercise of this right by a person and in the mechanism of intervention of the state and other participants in relations in its exercise. Therefore, the enshrinement of constitutional human rights in special legislation should pursue the goal of providing additional protection of these rights and additional mechanisms for their implementation. In particular, the inclusion of constitutional human rights in civil law should provide additional legal safeguards for respect for the dignity and inviolability of the person in civil relations and additional civil remedies for the exercise of human autonomy in the field of medicine. The author proposes some civil remedies for the patient to exercise their absolute rights.