bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A redescription of Syncarpa composita (Ascidiacea, Stolidobranchia) with an inference of its phylogenetic position within Styelidae
Authors: Hasegawa Naohiro , Kajihara Hiroshi
Published: June 2019

Two species of styelid colonial ascidians in the genus Syncarpa Redikorzev, 1913 are known from the northwest Pacific. The valid status of the lesser known species, Syncarpacomposita (Tokioka, 1951) (type locality: Akkeshi, Japan), is assessed here. To assess the taxonomic identity of S.composita, we compared one of the syntypes and freshly collected topotypes of S.composita with a syntype of S.oviformis Redikorzev, 1913 (type locality: Ul’banskij Bay, Russia). Specimens of S.composita consistently differed from the syntype of S.oviformis in the number of oral tentacles, the number of size-classes of transverse vessels, and the number of anal lobes. In this paper, S.composita is redescribed as distinct from S.oviformis, and its phylogenetic position inferred within Styelidae based on the 18S rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene sequences. In our phylogenetic tree, Syncarpa formed a well-supported clade together with Dendrodoa MacLeay, 1824. In Syncarpa and Dendrodoa, a single gonad is situated on the right side of the body, which is unique among Styelidae, and thus can be a synapomorphy for this clade.
Neurodevelopmental Outcomes Comparing Bevacizumab to Laser for Type 1 ROP
Authors: Rodriguez Sarah Hilkert , Peyton Colleen , Lewis Katherine , Andrews Bree , Greenwald Mark J. , Schreiber Michael D. , Msall Michael E. , Blair Michael P.
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate neurodevelopmental outcomes among infants treated for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) at the authors' institution.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Before-and-after retrospective chart reviews identified 40 infants treated with laser and 46 treated with primary intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB). Primary outcomes were death, hearing loss, bilateral visual impairment (BVI), and cerebral palsy (CP); odds ratios (ORs) were calculated to determine factors associated with CP. Secondary outcomes were mean Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (BSID-III) scores.

RESULTS:

Overall, there were no significant differences in primary outcome measures by treatment group. However, adjusted odds of BVI were significantly higher with laser compared to IVB (OR = 13.1;
P
= .038). Although IVB was not associated with CP, both hydrocephalus and BVI were strongly correlated with CP. Mean Bayley-III scores were similar when comparing nine laser-treated infants to 13 IVB-treated infants.

CONCLUSIONS:

Visual outcomes are an important aspect of neurodevelopment. IVB was not associated with severe developmental disabilities and may protect against vision loss in this analysis.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2019;50:337–343.]
Three-Year Findings on Intraocular Pressure Changes in The Prospective Retinal and Optic Nerve Vitrectomy Evaluation (PROVE) Study
Authors: Patel Shriji N. , Kim Stephen J. , Lalezary Maziar , Shah Rohan , Kuchtey Rachel W. , Joos Karen M. , Kammer Jeffrey A. , Cherney Edward F.
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

This paper reports 3-year intraocular pressure (IOP) outcomes of the Prospective Retinal and Optic Nerve Vitrectomy Evaluation (PROVE) study.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

The prospective, controlled, observational study included 80 eyes of 40 participants undergoing routine pars plana vitrectomy. Study patients underwent preoperative evaluation and multimodal testing of the study (surgical) and fellow (control) eye. This testing was repeated at 3 months postoperatively and then annually for 3 years.

RESULTS:

Thirty-two of 40 patients (80%) completed 3-year follow-up. At 3 years postoperatively, there was no difference in IOP measurements in surgical eyes overall from baseline (
P
= .36). Subgroup analysis of pseudophakic eyes at baseline showed a significant elevation in IOP from 14.3 mm Hg ± 2.9 mm Hg at baseline to 16.8 mm Hg ± 3.2 mm Hg at 3-year follow-up (
P
< .029). Fellow eyes did not experience a significant change from baseline.

CONCLUSION:

The authors' 3-year results show that IOP is consistently and significantly elevated in pseudophakic eyes compared to baseline following routine vitrectomy.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2019;50:371–376.]
Internal Limiting Membrane Transposition for Persistent Macular Holes Using Double Layers of Viscoelastic
Authors: Soliman Mohamed Kamel , Lingley Alexander J. , Tuli Raman , Morizane Yuki
Published: June 2019

Internal limiting membrane (ILM) grafting provides a useful option for repair of large and refractory macular holes that fail to close following prior ILM removal. However, current ILM graft techniques are associated with several challenges that may result in failure, most notably the difficulty in maintaining the graft in situ. In this video, the authors describe their modified technique for ILM grafting using a double layer of viscoelastic for stabilization in situ during the procedure. Four of five eyes managed with this technique demonstrated type 1 closure, and all eyes demonstrated improvement in visual acuity.
Multimodal Imaging Analysis of Acute Syphilitic Posterior Placoid Chorioretinitis: A Case Report
Authors: Cavallero Edoardo , Pirani Vittorio , Cesari Claudia , Carrozzi Giulia , Giovannini Alfonso , Mariotti Cesare
Published: June 2019

The authors report a multimodal imaging analysis of a case of acute syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinitis (ASPPC) occurring in a 51-year-old man. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.5 and 0.8 in the right and left eyes, respectively. The authors performed spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, fundus autofluorescence, fluorescein angiography, and indocyanine green angiography. All of the examinations were suggestive of the diagnosis of ASPPC, a rare manifestation of syphilis that has distinctive anatomical characteristics that are detectable early on with multimodal imaging. Moreover, serological tests were positive for syphilis infection, so the patient received intravenous penicillin G for 14 days. Final BCVA was 1.0 in the right eye and 0.9 in the left eye.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2019;50:e179–e184.]
Foveal Development After Use of Bevacizumab for Aggressive Posterior Retinopathy of Prematurity
Authors: Tiryaki Semra , Garcia-Gonzalez Jose M. , Zhang David L. , Shapiro Michael J. , Blair Michael P.
Published: June 2019

Foveal development can occur after intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) treatment for aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity (APROP). A 1,310 g male twin, born at 31 weeks, was diagnosed with APROP and undeveloped fovea at 33 weeks. IVB was injected in both eyes. Unfortunately, multiple surgical interventions were required to treat retinal detachment in the left eye, at which time, foveal development was studied in the right eye. Imaging revealed development of foveal capillary ring, avascular zone, and shallow pit. Although bevacizumab is an inhibitor of angiogenesis and delays vascular advancement, development of foveal capillary vascular network with foveal avascular zone and pit can proceed despite multiple treatments.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2019;50:e185–e187.]
Chronic Choroidal Neovascular Membrane in Choroideremia Treated With Intravitreal Bevacizumab
Authors: Chen Rachel C. , Traboulsi Elias I. , Rachitskaya Aleksandra
Published: June 2019

Choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM) is a rare complication of choroideremia. The authors report a case of a 13-year-old male presenting with metamorphopsia and decreased central vision of 1-year duration. Genetic testing was significant for a pathogenic c.1437dupA mutation in the
CHM
gene. Fundus biomicroscopy showed a subfoveal membrane; diagnosis of CNVM was substantiated with fluorescein angiography and swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA). The patient received six injections of intravitreal bevacizumab during a 13-month period with functional and anatomic improvement. Lesion area on SS-OCTA remained stable. CNVM should be suspected in young patients with choroideremia presenting with acute decrease in central vision. Treatment with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor should be considered even in chronic cases.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2019;50:e188–e192.]
Macular Hole Formation Secondary to Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Demonstrated With Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Hsieh Yi-Ting
Published: June 2019

The author presents two cases of macular hole (MH) retinal detachment in non-myopic eyes for which optical coherence tomography demonstrated a detached macula and a nearly full-thickness MH with only the elongated outer segments connecting at the fovea. Such images have rarely been observed in cases of MH retinal detachment in highly myopic eyes or secondary to vitreomacular traction. This implies that MH may form secondary to a macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, as it may result from the pushing forces of the subretinal fluid involving the macula.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2019;50:e193–e195.]
Statistical procedure for the composition of a sensory panel of blends of coffee with different qualities using the distribution of the extremes of the highest scores
Authors: Cirillo Marcelo Ângelo , Ramos Mariana Figueira , Borém Flávio Meira , Miranda Felipe Mesquita de , Ribeiro Diego Egídio , Menezes Fortunato Silva de
Published: June 2019

The identification and interpretation of discrepant observations in sensory experiments are difficult to implement since the external effects are associated with the individual consumer. This fact becomes more relevant in experiments that involve blends, which scrutinize coffees with different qualities, varieties, origins, and forms of processing and preparation. This work proposes a statistical procedure that facilitates the identification of outliers while also evaluating the discriminatory powers of a sensory panel concerning the differentiation of pure blends and coffees. For this purpose, four experiments were performed that tested coffees with different qualities and varieties. The results suggest that the statistical procedure proposed in this work was effective for discriminating the blends relative to the pure coffees and that the effects of the concentrations and types of processing did not interfere with the statistical evaluations.
Genetic parameters and agronomic characterization of elite barley accessions under irrigation in the Cerrado
Authors: Sayd Ricardo Meneses , Amabile Renato Fernando , Faleiro Fábio Gelape , Coelho Mateus Costa , Montalvão Ana Paula Leite
Published: June 2019

There is a demand for barley cultivars that are suitable for the malt industry as well as genotypes that are stable and better adapted for irrigation in the Cerrado. This study aimed to estimate the genetic parameters by assessing 69 barley genotypes from different countries, from 2012 to 2014, under irrigation in the Cerrado. Six agronomic characteristics were assessed: grain yield, plumpness kernel, thousand seeds weight, plant height, degree of plant lodging and days to heading. Analysis of variance, cluster test and phenotypic, genotypic and environmental correlations were performed. Significant effects were observed for genotypes, years and the G x E interaction. High values of broad-sense heritability (> 86%) were found for all the characteristics, which enabled direct selection. The Colombian accession MCU363PI402112 stood out for its agronomic characteristics. Genotype selection based on the phenotypic evaluations was possible due to their good experimental accuracy and precision. Precocious genotypes with high grain yields and homogeneous grain sizes were selected. Due to the environmental influence on the grain yield, additional studies concerning the components of yield in this environment are necessary to facilitate the selection of more productive genotypes.
O ensino rural e o desenvolvimento regional: propostas e atividades educacionais de Sud Mennucci – 1920 a 1948
Authors: Cardoso Maria Angélica , Hoff Sandino
Published: June 2019

O objeto de estudo é o ensino rural, proposto por Sud Mennucci (1892 – 1948) para o estado de São Paulo, de 1920 a 1948. O estudo examinou o tema, enquanto relação educativa, cujos objetivos foram captar as necessidades sociais da época e apreender as funções sociais do ensino rural. As fontes da pesquisa foram os escritos em livros, conferências, artigos de jornais e decretos por ele promulgados, quando foi Diretor-geral do Ensino. A metodologia seguiu a análise temática fundamentada na teoria histórico-crítica mediante a categoria singular/universal, tendo como eixos temáticos o trabalho didático, a ruralização do ensino e a pequena lavoura. Sua proposta cumpriu somente em parte a função social programada, contribuiu, entretanto, para a inovação e a universalização relativa do ensino rural.
Saberes tradicionais e língua materna Kaiowá e Guarani na educação escolar indígena na escola Ñandejara, reserva indígena Te’ýikue, Caarapó (MS)
Authors: Ramires Lídio Cavanha , Medeiros Heitor Queiroz
Published: June 2019

Este artigo é parte dos resultados da pesquisa desenvolvida no âmbito do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Educação da Universidade Católica Dom Bosco com o objetivo de descrever os saberes tradicionais Kaiowá e Guarani, a cosmologia e/ou princípios que fundamentam a educação indígena, mediados por sua língua materna, tendo em vista o seu uso no âmbito da Escola Municipal Indígena Ñandejara Pólo, da Reserva Indígena Te’ýikue, no município de Caarapó, em Mato Grosso do Sul. A metodologia para produção dos dados foi de cunho qualitativo e estruturada a partir da etnografia pós-moderna realizada através da participação nas reuniões das lideranças, da comunidade, entrevistas com mais velhos e em momentos de formação de professores. Os resultados do trabalho demonstram que a educação indígena Kaiowá e Guarani ocorre através do processo próprio de ensino-aprendizagem dos saberes tradicionais, das concepções sobre territorialidade e sustentabilidade constituindo-se a partir da cosmologia, potencializando os saberes tradicionais como ciência no campo da educação escolar indígena.
Práticas de resistência de alunos em uma escola pública: uma outra possiblidade de ver a indisciplina e a ‘defasagem’ de aprendizagem
Authors: Tedeschi Sirley Lizott , Pavan Ruth
Published: June 2019

Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar práticas de resistência que alunos/as desenvolvem contra os efeitos das relações de poder vigentes em uma escola pública. A análise toma como referência o campo teórico pós-estruturalista, entendendo-se com Foucault que, onde há relações de poder, há práticas de resistência e que estas nunca se encontram em relação de exterioridade ao poder; ao contrário, as práticas de resistência ocorrem ali mesmo onde há relações de poder. Nesta perspectiva, tanto as relações de poder quanto as práticas de resistência são produtivas e têm um potencial de criação e transformação. Por meio da análise de entrevistas com professores/as e da observação dos/as alunos/as, mostramos que aquilo que a escola entende como comportamento indisciplinado e como defasagem de aprendizagem dos conteúdos das propostas curriculares pode também ser visto como práticas de resistência de alunos/as à homogeneidade exigida na escola. Esses movimentos de resistência possibilitam criar espaços de tensão, de fissuras, de desestabilização e transformação nas relações de poder  instituídas. Desse modo, entendemos o contexto escolar além dos dispositivos de controle e normalização, ou seja, a escola constitui-se como um espaço privilegiado de práticas de liberdade.
Pedagogia científica, brasilidade e formação de professores na escola ativa capixaba em redes de sociabilidade: panoramas do cais
Authors: Simões Regina Helena Silva , Berto Rosianny Campos
Published: June 2019

Este estudo investiga redes de sociabilidade tecidas no processo de instituição da escola ativa no Espírito Santo (1928-1930), que envolveram o capixaba Attilio Vivacqua, o suíço Adolphe Ferrière, o paulista Deodato de Moraes e o carioca Garcia de Rezende. Utiliza como fontes publicações desses autores, documentos legislativos, relatórios de governo e matérias de periódicos. No cruzamento dessas fontes, analisa quatro eixos de sustentação da reforma do ensino no Espírito Santo: a observância de parâmetros universais da ciência ‘una e verdadeira’ (rigor científico); a adaptação da Escola Nova às necessidades e demandas locais (questão social), fugindo à mera reprodução de modelos importados (ideia de brasilidade); a universalidade de princípios científicos entre a ‘síntese nacional’ e o ‘espírito patriótico-nacionalista’ (viés doutrinário) e; a formação de professores com base na ‘pedagogia científica’ traduzida no modelo da escola ativa. Na reforma educacional investigada em redes de sociabilidade, Ferrière emprestou a matriz da escola ativa a ser desenvolvida no Espírito Santo. Vivacqua destacou-se pela atuação política e administrativa, Moraes pela orientação científica e pedagógica e Rezende pelo trabalho de difusão e circulação do projeto político-pedagógico da escola ativa capixaba e do ideal de modernidade que a movia.
Formação continuada de professores e regionalização educativa: uma análise das políticas do setor educacional do MERCOSUL
Authors: Dri Wisllayne Ivellyze de Oliveira , Silva Luciana Leandro da
Published: June 2019

Este artigo tem por objetivo analisar as políticas de formação continuada de professores em contexto de regionalização, especificamente identificar tais políticas nos planos de ação educativa do Setor Educacional do MERCOSUL.  Para tanto considera-se que tal região está inserida em um intenso processo de internacionalização e de regionalização educativa, no qual, além da influência de organismos internacionais, destaca-se a atuação do Setor Educativo do MERCOSUL. Na América Latina, assim como em outros contextos, a constituição de blocos econômicos colocou ênfase no papel da educação como fator de integração, influenciando e direcionando as prioridades nesse campo. A metodologia utilizada privilegiou uma abordagem qualitativa, pois, segundo Lüdke (1986), a pesquisa qualitativa supõe o contato direto e prolongado do pesquisador com o objeto a ser investigado, isto é, um intenso trabalho de campo, no qual os problemas são estudados no ambiente natural em que eles ocorrem, como fontes diretas de obtenção de dados. Como resultado, observou-se uma oferta formativa de caráter prioritariamente técnico, sujeita às vicissitudes dos governos. Tal formação está em conformidade com uma agenda internacional neoliberal despreocupada com a valorização dos profissionais da educação, ainda que considere tal formação um instrumento importante para a implementação dessa mesma agenda.
Perceptions of nursing professionals front the pain of newborns in a neonatal intensive therapy unit
Authors: Hertel Valdinéa Luiz , Colósimo Luana Aparecida Mendes , Silva Paula Rogéria da
Published: June 2019

Objective: This study aims to know the perceptions of nursing professionals regarding the identification of pain in the newborn, as well as to assess the level of knowledge of these professionals regarding the existence and applicability of pain assessment scales for newborns and possible nursing interventions to be performed. Methodology: This is a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and cross-sectional study conducted at the Intensive Care Unit of Hospital Escola in the city of Itajubá, State Minas Gerais. The present study counted on the participation of 20 professionals who answered two instruments to capture the data from March to June 2016. The analysis was done by the statistical program Excel version 2013 and as for the data, it was recorded by means of interview, it has been used the analysis of content proposed by Laurence Bardin. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Teresa D'Ávila University Center. Results: The following categories were listed: Yes, Venous Puncture, Crying, Non-pharmacological interventions, Yes, NIPS scale and Non-use of scale. Conclusion: This study will enable the critical reflection of professionals involved in the care of the neonate in pain situation, sensitizing them to interpret and minimize pain in the human being who is not yet able to verbalize it.
Production of fibrinogenolytic and fibrinolytic enzymes by a strain of Penicillium sp. isolated from contaminated soil with industrial effluent
Authors: Baggio Lillian Maria , Panagio Luciano Aparecido , Gasparin Fabiana Guillen Moreira , Sartori Daniele , Celligoi Maria Antonia Pedrine Colabone , Baldo Cristiani
Published: June 2019

Cardiovascular diseases associated with thrombosis are one of the main causes of death all around the world. Urokinase, streptokinase, and tissue plasminogen activator are the major thrombolytic agents used to treat thrombosis. However, the fact that these agents have several side effects and high prices has driven the search for safer and more economically viable compounds for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of fungi isolated from industrial effluents to produce fibrino(geno)lytic enzymes. The selection of the protease-producing strains showed that only the BF20 strain was able to produce proteolytic halos in milk agar. This strain identified as belonging to the genus Penicillium was cultivated in submerged fermentation. Different media composition were tested to evaluate proteolytic activity, and the results showed that the medium containing 0.1% yeast extract and 1% skim milk, pH 5.0, present higher azocaseinolytic activity (0.24 U mL-1 min.-1). This sample also showed the ability to degrade fibrinogen and fibrin after 15 and 120 min. of incubation, respectively. These results indicate that the BF20 strain has a thrombolytic potential, effectively degrading fibrinogen and fibrin, having great application in the health area.
Bio-sociodemographic and economic aspects and their connection to the oral health behavior of Brazilian and non-Brazilian academics
Authors: Farias Ana Gesselena Da Silva , Cruz Gabriela Silva , Rodrigues Juliana Costa , Benedito Francisco Cezanildo Silva , Sousa Daniel Freire de , Leite Ana Caroline Rocha de Melo
Published: June 2019

The objective of this study is to characterize, relate and compare bio-sociodemographic and economic aspects, hygiene perception, habits and behaviors in the oral health of students recently admitted to an international university. This is a descriptive and quantitative study conducted with 101 Brazilian and non-Brazilian academics. For that purpose, a questionnaire was applied. The data were analyzed and submitted to Fisher’s exact test and Chi-square test. Male and Brazilian students predominated, followed by Guineans. Regarding the perception about oral health, 50.5% of Brazilian academics and 63.3% of non-Brazilian students considered it regular. Of the total participants, more than half of Brazilian and non-Brazilian students brushed their teeth 3 times a day. About dental floss, 98% of Brazilians know it and 76% of non-Brazilian didn’t use it. There was a significant association between the students with age lower than or equal to 18 years and the search for dental care, as well as income above one minimum wage and demand for this type of care. There were similarities and discrepancies between the behavior of Brazilian and non-Brazilian academics. Factors such as age lower than or equal to 18 years and income above one minimum wage positively influenced the search for dental care.
Positional relationship between several performance tests and physical profile of Brazilian football athletes
Authors: Paz Gabriel Andrade , Maia Marianna De Freitas , Sant'Ana Haroldo , Miranda Humberto , Castro Juliana Brandão Pinto de , Lima Vicente Pinheiro
Published: June 2019

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between anthropometric (height and weight) and physical parameters in Brazilian football athletes and to determine if the relationship between various anaerobic indices of running anaerobic sprint test (RAST) and physical performance are dependent upon position. The present study is an observational, randomized cross-sectional research, where thirty-eight players (24.7 ± 3.9 years) performed a series of tests that consisted of physical fitness (horizontal jump, abdominal curl, push up, 10, 20 and 30 m sprint speed), anthropometric and RAST assessments. The players were classified into three groups: skill players (n = 14), big skill players (n = 10), and linemen (n = 14). One-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni test presented no difference between groups for anthropometric, horizontal jump, push up, T agility, 10, 20, and 30 m sprint speed tests and all anaerobic indices computed (p > 0.05). However, higher abdominal curl performance was noted under skill player versus big skill player group (p = 0.045). In big skill players group, the relationship between 10, 20 and 30 m sprint speed and muscle power reduction index was great. In conclusion, the results of the current study indicated that only agility and sprint tests presented an association with the anaerobic performance for all group analyzed.
Revisitando Whitney: das dimensões social e política no estudo da linguagem
Authors: Severo Cristine Gorski , Görski Edair Maria
Published: June 2019

Discorre-se sobre ideias do linguista norte-americano William Whitney (1827-1894), tendo em vista: (i) certo papel (não) atribuído a ele como precursor da linguística moderna; (ii) o contexto sociopolítico de suas produções; (iii) as articulações em torno da relação entre linguagem/língua, indivíduo e comunidade, instaurando a concepção da primeira como instituição humana/social; (iv) o papel político dos trabalhos de Whitney, com enfoque em sua concepção de educação e contribuições para as políticas linguísticas. A revisitação a trabalhos de Whitney é um passo importante para, por um lado, relativizar discursos genealógicos da linguística que apagam ou minimizam suas contribuições e, por outro, evidenciar a maneira como suas ideias dialogam com demandas e questões linguísticas contemporâneas. Ao darmos um passo atrás – valorizando escritos do século XIX –, podemos rever o presente de uma forma mais alargada, relativizando possíveis modismos ou avaliações apressadas sobre o que conta como ‘contemporaneidade’ nos estudos da linguagem.
Wavelet analysis of rainfall data of the aguapeí -peixe hydrographic basins (state of São Paulo)
Authors: Bomfim Osmar Evandro Toledo , Silva Djane Fonseca da
Published: June 2019

With the use of the Wavelet analysis, this study aimed to detect the dominant oscillations and phenomena that influence the occurrence of extreme rainfall events in the basins of the Aguapeí River and the Peixe River in order to generate information useful to water management. Rainfall data from 18 stations in the State of São Paulo were used, in the period from 1958 to 2013, obtained through the National Water Agency (ANA). The temporal scales that influence the rainfall and the occurrence of extreme events at each rainfall station of the basins were identified, in which the approximately 22-year scale related to the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) was the dominant in all rainfall stations. The study pointed out that the association of different temporal scales contributes to the increase in the rainfall index, on the other hand, the lack of them relates to years of low rainfall index.
The Impact of TCR Signal Strength on Resident Memory T Cell Formation during Influenza Virus Infection
Authors: Fiege Jessica K. , Stone Ian A. , Fay Elizabeth J. , Markman Matthew W. , Wijeyesinghe Sathi , Macchietto Marissa G. , Shen Steven , Masopust David , Langlois Ryan A.
Published: June 2019

Resident memory T cells (TRM) in the lung are vital for heterologous protection against influenza A virus (IAV). Environmental factors are necessary to establish lung TRM; however, the role of T cell–intrinsic factors like TCR signal strength have not been elucidated. In this study, we investigated the impact of TCR signal strength on the generation and maintenance of lung TRM after IAV infection. We inserted high- and low-affinity OT-I epitopes into IAV and infected mice after transfer of OT-I T cells. We uncovered a bias in TRM formation in the lung elicited by lower affinity TCR stimulation. TCR affinity did not impact the overall phenotype or long-term maintenance of lung TRM. Overall, these findings demonstrate that TRM formation is negatively correlated with increased TCR signal strength. Lower affinity cells may have an advantage in forming TRM to ensure diversity in the Ag-specific repertoire in tissues.
IL-36γ Promotes Killing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by Macrophages via WNT5A-Induced Noncanonical WNT Signaling
Authors: Gao Yuchi , Wen Qian , Hu Shengfeng , Zhou Xinying , Xiong Wenjing , Du Xialin , Zhang Lijie , Fu Yuling , Yang Jiahui , Zhou Chaoying , Zhang Zelin , Li Yanfen , Liu Honglin , Huang Yulan , Ma Li
Published: June 2019

Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which primarily infects mononuclear phagocytes, remains the leading bacterial cause of enormous morbidity and mortality because of bacterial infections in humans throughout the world. The IL-1 family of cytokines is critical for host resistance to M. tuberculosis. As a newly discovered subgroup of the IL-1 family, although IL-36 cytokines have been proven to play roles in protection against M. tuberculosis infection, the antibacterial mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrated that IL-36γ conferred to human monocyte-derived macrophages bacterial resistance through activation of autophagy as well as induction of WNT5A, a reported downstream effector of IL-1 involved in several inflammatory diseases. Further studies showed that WNT5A could enhance autophagy of monocyte-derived macrophages by inducing cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and in turn decrease phosphorylation of AKT/mTOR via noncanonical WNT signaling. Consistently, the underlying molecular mechanisms of IL-36γ function are also mediated by the COX-2/AKT/mTOR signaling axis. Altogether, our findings reveal a novel activity for IL-36γ as an inducer of autophagy, which represents a critical inflammatory cytokine that control the outcome of M. tuberculosis infection in human macrophages.
IL-1β Induces the Rapid Secretion of the Antimicrobial Protein IL-26 from Th17 Cells
Authors: Weiss David I. , Ma Feiyang , Merleev Alexander A. , Maverakis Emanual , Gilliet Michel , Balin Samuel J. , Bryson Bryan D. , Ochoa Maria Teresa , Pellegrini Matteo , Bloom Barry R. , Modlin Robert L.
Published: June 2019

Th17 cells play a critical role in the adaptive immune response against extracellular bacteria, and the possible mechanisms by which they can protect against infection are of particular interest. In this study, we describe, to our knowledge, a novel IL-1β dependent pathway for secretion of the antimicrobial peptide IL-26 from human Th17 cells that is independent of and more rapid than classical TCR activation. We find that IL-26 is secreted 3 hours after treating PBMCs with Mycobacterium leprae as compared with 48 hours for IFN-γ and IL-17A. IL-1β was required for microbial ligand induction of IL-26 and was sufficient to stimulate IL-26 release from Th17 cells. Only IL-1RI+ Th17 cells responded to IL-1β, inducing an NF-κB–regulated transcriptome. Finally, supernatants from IL-1β–treated memory T cells killed Escherichia coli in an IL-26–dependent manner. These results identify a mechanism by which human IL-1RI+ “antimicrobial Th17 cells” can be rapidly activated by IL-1β as part of the innate immune response to produce IL-26 to kill extracellular bacteria.
Isoniazid Preventative Therapy uptake for child household contacts of tuberculosis index cases, Kisumu County, Kenya, 2014-2015
Authors: Burmen Barbara , Mutai Kennedy , Malika Timothy
Published: June 2019

Isoniazid Preventative Therapy (IPT) is recommended for children aged less than 5 years that have been in contact with an open case of TB, and screen negative for TB, to prevent the risk of TB progression. We examined IPT uptake among child household contacts of TB index cases, within a TB case detection study, in a high TB burden region. A cross-sectional study involving all IPT-eligible children drawn from a TB case detection study was done in Kisumu County, Kenya between 2014 and 2015. By linking a subset of the study database to the TB program IPT register, we described Child contacts as initiated on IPT and TB index cases as having child contacts initiated on IPT based on whether their names or their child contacts names respectively, were found in the IPT register. Logistic regression analysis was used to describe index and contact characteristics associated with IPT initiation. Of 555 TB index cases recruited into the study, 243 (44%) had a total of 337 IPT-eligible child contacts. Forty-seven (19%) index cases that had child contacts initiated on IPT; they were more likely to have been diagnosed with smear positive TB compared to those who were diagnosed with smear negative TB (OR 5.1, 95% CI 1.1-23.2; P=0.03) and to reside in rural Kisumu compared to those in urban Kisumu (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.6-6.8; P<0.01). The 51 (15%) child contacts that were initiated on IPT were more likely to be were first degree relatives of the index case compared to those who were not (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.2-5.5; P=0.02) and to reside in rural Kisumu compared to those in urban Kisumu (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.2-5.1; P<0.01). IPT initiation, which is influenced by index and contact characteristics, is suboptimal. The TB program should provide health worker training, avail appropriate pediatric TB diagnostic tools, job aids and monitoring tools, and ensure continuous supply of medication, and to facilitate IPT implementation. Additionally, targeted health education interventions should be formulated to reach those who are unlikely to accept IPT.
Cavitation of the Ghon focus in an HIV-infected infant who acquired tuberculosis after the initiation of HAART
Authors: Innes S. , Schaaf H. S. , Cotton M. F.
Published: June 2019

Tuberculosis immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) may present as new or worsening cavitation. We present an HIV-infected infant in whom TB infection and subsequent cavitation of the Ghon focus appeared to coincide with immune reconstitution due to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). TB-IRIS in response to infection that occurs after starting HAART has not previously been described.
An interesting case of HSV pneumonia and PCP co-infection in a patient with AIDS: A diagnostic and management challenge
Authors: Mitha Mohammed , Reddy Kriban , Parboosing Raveen , Coovadia Yacoob
Published: June 2019

The advent of HIV and AIDS has brought about many diagnostic and management challenges regarding multiple opportunistic infections. Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) is a common presentation in patients with AIDS who are not on prophylaxis or highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Herpes simplex 1 virus (HSV-1) is a ubiquitous virus that mainly causes benign disease during primary infection. However, it is known to cause severe pneumonia and disseminated disease in the immunocompromised.1 We present a case of HSV-1 pneumonitis and PCP co-infection in an HIV-positive patient with respiratory failure. To the best of our knowledge, based on Pubmed and Google Scholar searches, this is the first case to be reported in the English language literature.
Exploring organisational diversity climate with associated antecedents and employee outcomes
Authors: McCallaghan Sean , Jackson Leon , Heyns Marita
Published: June 2019

Orientation: Organisations are consistently changing and diversifying; therefore, researchers and practitioners are viewing diversity as an essential part of organisational behaviour literature and practice.Research purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate a simple mediation model, with the diversity climate as the proposed mediator, transformational leadership as the model antecedent and organisational commitment as the outcome.Motivation for the study: The South African diversity climate research is limited, including mediation investigations. Increased organisational diversification requires constant and relevant information with regard to diversity management.Research approach/design and method: A quantitative approach using a cross-sectional design collected 230 responses from a convenience sample. Transformational leadership was considered through six key behaviours associated with transformational leadership. Organisational commitment was considered as per the Psycones questionnaire and the organisational diversity climate was determined using a single-dimension diversity climate instrument. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and a simple mediation model.Main findings: Correlation results revealed that both transformational leadership and a diversity climate demonstrated practical effects with organisational commitment. Results from a standardised regression coefficient confirmed that transformational leadership predicts the diversity climate significantly. Both transformational leadership and diversity climate predicted commitment. The simple mediation model revealed that the diversity climate can be considered a mediator in the relationship between transformational leadership and employee commitment.Practical/managerial implications: Organisations would benefit from leadership assessments for current and future employees, especially organisations that would like to prioritise a constructive diversity climate and employee commitment.Contribution/value-add: Contributions are made towards limited diversity climate investigations by providing empirical evidence of the mediating role of a diversity climate.
Nucleic acid amplification test
Authors: Datta Sanghamitra , Khillan Kamini , Ranjan Vivek , Wattal Chand
Published: June 2019

Background & objectives:

Nucleic acid amplification test (NAT) in blood donor screening not only detects window period (WP) donors but also those with chronic occult infections which are negative by routine serological screening. This study was conducted to determine the time trend of NAT positivity and seroprevalence of transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) through a period of six years and evaluate the strength of NAT as a supplementary test in identifying the cryptic carriers in blood donor population.

Methods:

A total of 1,01,411 blood donations were screened between January 2011 and December 2016 by the ELISA and individual donor (ID) NAT Procleix Ultrio Plus Assay. Additional molecular and serological assays were done on the NAT yield samples to differentiate the type of cryptic carriers.

Results:

NAT yields comprised 0.05 per cent (50/101411) of the total samples tested with a yield rate of 1/2028. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) contributed to 80 per cent of the total NAT yields and the rest 20 per cent due to hepatitis C virus (HCV). Majority of HBV NAT yields (75%) were from chronic occult donors and 25 per cent were WP donors. Both HBV and HCV NAT yields had a wide range of viral count. There was no HIV NAT yield. A significant decline in the prevalence rate of TTIs through the study period of six years was observed.

Interpretation & conclusions:

The cryptic infections found in blood donors increase the risk of TTIs. Blood screening by both serology and NAT can reduce this threat.
Knockdown of human telomerase reverse transcriptase induces apoptosis in cervical cancer cell line
Authors: Nagapoosanam Anantha Lakshmi , Ganesan Nithya , Umapathy Devan , Moorthy Rajesh Kannan , Arockiam Antony Joseph Velanganni
Published: June 2019

Background & objectives:

Human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) is the catalytic subunit of telomerase enzyme that maintains telomere ends by the addition of telomeric repeats to the ends of chromosomal DNA, and that may generate immortal cancer cells. Hence, the activity of telomerase is raised in cancer cells including cervical cancer. The present study aimed to validate the unique siRNA loaded chitosan coated poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticle targeting hTERT mRNA to knock down the expression of hTERT in HeLa cells.

Methods:

The siRNA loaded chitosan coated polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles were synthesized by double emulsion solvent diffusion method. The characterization of nano-formulation was done to determine efficient siRNA delivery. MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot were performed to evaluate silencing efficiency of nano-formulation.

Results:

Size, zeta potential and encapsulation efficiency of nanoparticles were 249.2 nm, 12.4 mV and 80.5 per cent, respectively. Sustained release of siRNA from prepared nanoparticle was studied for 72 h by ultraviolet method. Staining assays were performed to confirm senescence and apoptosis. Silencing of hTERT mRNA and protein expression were analyzed in HeLa cells by RT-PCR and Western blot.

Interpretation & conclusions:

The findings showed that biodegradable chitosan coated PLGA nanoparticles possessed an ability for efficient and successful siRNA delivery. The siRNA-loaded PLGA nanoparticles induced apoptosis in HeLa cells. Further studies need to be done with animal model.
Immunological detection assays for recombinant Shiga toxin & Shigella dysenteriae
Authors: Gupta Pallavi , Dhaked Ram Kumar
Published: June 2019

Background & objectives:

Shiga toxin (Stx) is produced by Shigella dysenteriae, a Gram-negative, facultative anaerobic bacillus that causes shigellosis, haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) and Reiter's syndrome. The detection methods for shiga toxin needs to be rapid, accurate, reliable and must be extensively evaluated under field conditions. The aim of this study was to develop rapid, sensitive and specific detection method for Stx.

Methods:

Mice and rabbits were immunized with purified recombinant Shiga toxin B (rStxB). Using these antibodies dot ELISA, sandwich ELISA and flow through assay were developed.

Results:

The high-titre antibodies specifically reacted with purified rStxB. Dot-ELISA, sandwich ELISA and flow-through assay were developed and standardized that could detect StxB with limit of detection (LOD) of 9.75, 9.7 ng/ml and 0.46 μg/cassette, respectively.

Interpretation & conclusions:

The rStxB was used to produce antibodies to avoid handling of pathogen. The Flow through assay ‘developed was specific, rapid and field amenable.
Rigidity and reconstruction for graphs
Authors: Cornelissen Gunther , Kool Janne
Published: June 2019

The edge reconstruction conjecture of Harary (1964) states that a finite graph

G

can be reconstructed up to isomorphism from the multiset of its edge-deleted subgraphs

G–e

(with

e

running over the edges of

G

). We put this conjecture in the framework of measure-theoretic rigidity, revealing the importance of the lengths of labeled closed walks for the problem.
Об измерении скоростей сходимости
в эргодической теореме Биркгофа
Authors: Kachurovskii Alexander Grigoryevich , Podvigin Ivan Viktorovich
Published: June 2019

В статье рассматриваются оценки скоростей сходимости
в эргодической теореме Биркгофа, справедливые п.в.
Для действия эргодического автоморфизма доказано
существование таких оценок, исследована их структура,
рассмотрены вопросы об их неулучшаемости.
Библиография: 20 названий.
Причинные свойства расслоенного пространства-времени
Authors: Yakovlev Evgeniy Ivanovich , Gonchar Tat'yana Arkad'evna
Published: June 2019

На пространстве главного расслоения заданы лоренцева метрика
и временная ориентация, инвариантные относительно действия
структурной группы. Они образуют расслоенное пространство-время
и в случае пространственноподобности слоев индуцируют такие же
конструкции на базе. Обсуждаются следующие условия причинности:
хронологичность, причинность, устойчивая и сильная причинность,
глобальная гиперболичность. Доказано, что если базовое
пространство-время удовлетворяет одному из указанных условий,
то это верно и для расслоенного пространства-времени.
Библиография: 16 названий.
Главный член асимптотики решений линейных дифференциальных уравнений с коэффициентами-распределениями первого порядка
Authors: Konechnaja Natalja Nikolaevna , Mirzoev Karakhan Agahan ogly
Published: June 2019

Пусть $a_1,a_2,…,a_n$ и $\lambda$ - комплексные числа,
$p_1,p_2,…,p_n$ - комплекснозначные измеримые
на $\mathbb R_+$ ($:=[0,+\infty)$) функции такие, что
$$
|p_1|+(1+|p_2-p_1|)\sum_{j=2}^n|p_j|
\in L^1_{\mathrm{loc}}(\mathbb R_+).
$$
В настоящей работе предложена конструкция, позволяющая
при выполнении этого условия корректно определить
дифференциальное уравнение
$$
y^{(n)}+(a_1+p_1(x))y^{(n-1)}
+(a_2+p'_2(x)) y^{(n-2)}+\dotsb
+(a_n+p'_n(x))y=\lambda y,
$$
где все производные понимаются в смысле теории
распределений. Используя эту конструкцию,
установлено, что главный член асимптотики при
$x\to +\infty$ фундаментальной системы решений
этого уравнения и их производных определяется,
как и в классическом случае, по корням многочлена
$$
Q(z)=z^n+a_1 z^{n-1}+\dotsb+a_n-\lambda,
$$
если функции $p_1,p_2,…,p_n$ удовлетворяют
определенным условиям интегрального убывания
на бесконечности. Отдельно и более подробно
рассмотрен случай, когда $a_1=\dotsb=a_n=\lambda=0$.
Библиография: 14 названий.
О разбиении матрицы на две подматрицы
с экстремально малой $(2,1)$-нормой
Authors: Kashin Boris Sergeevich , Limonova Irina Viktorovna
Published: June 2019

Рассматриваются условия на матрицу $A$
с единичной операторной $(2,1)$-нормой, которые обеспечивают
существование разбиения этой матрицы на две подматрицы
с $(2,1)$-нормами, близкими к $1/2$.
Библиография: 8 названий.
Короткие суммы Клоостермана с простыми числами
Authors: Korolev Maxim Aleksandrovich
Published: June 2019

В работе получена новая оценка суммы Клоостермана
с простыми числами по простому модулю $q$, число
слагаемых в которой может иметь порядок $q^{0.5+\varepsilon}$.
Эта оценка уточняет результаты, полученные ранее
Ж. Бургейном (2005) и Р. Бейкером (2012).
Библиография: 22 названия.
Media-driven polarization. Evidence from the US
Authors: Melki Mickael , Sekeris Petros G.
Published: June 2019

The authors use US data on media coverage of politics and individual survey data to document that citizens exposed to more politicized newspapers have more extreme political preferences. This polarization effect of media is mainly driven by individuals who harbor liberal opinions reading more newspapers, as opposed to individuals endorsing rather conservative positions. More politicized media also reinforce other aspects of citizens’ political sophistication such as political knowledge. This enhanced political sophistication materializes in observable involvement in politics, measured by campaign contributions.
Arbitragem internacional sob o anexo VII da Convenção das Nações Unidas sobre o Direito do Mar e as controvérsias mistas: análise de casos recentes
Authors: Pereira da Silva Alexandre
Published: June 2019

Nos últimos anos duas arbitragens internacionais constituídas sob o anexo VII da Convenção das Nações Unidas sobre o Direito do Mar (CNUDM) – “Arbitragem sobre a Área Marinha Protegida de Chagos (Maurício vs. Reino Unido)” e “Arbitragem do Mar da China Meridional (Filipinas vs. China)” – parecem ter emitido sinais contraditórios sobre a jurisdição dessas cortes arbitrais para lidar com as disputas mistas, ou seja, aquelas controvérsias que envolvem questões de direito do mar, mas também aspectos de soberania territorial. Uma terceira arbitragem instituída sob o mesmo regime jurídico da CNUDM – “Disputa Relativa aos Direitos do Estado Costeiro no Mar Negro, Mar de Azov e Estreito de Kerch (Ucrânia vs. Rússia)” –, ainda em andamento, também apresenta características de uma disputa mista e, como as anteriores, terá que enfrentar o dilema se tem ou não jurisdição para analisar os pedidos formulados pelo Estado demandante. Portanto, este artigo, que empregou os métodos dedutivo e comparativo, por meio de pesquisa bibliográfica e análise de decisões arbitrais, procura examinar como as duas primeiras arbitragens, já concluídas, trataram a questão das disputas mistas e como a terceira, em curso, poderá reagir frente a desafios similares.