bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacterial Growth State Distinguished by Single-Cell Protein Profiling: Does Chlorination Kill Coliforms in Municipal Effluent?
Authors: Rockabrand David , Austin Teresa , Kaiser Robyn , Blum Paul
Published: December 2019

Municipal effluent is the largest reservoir of human enteric bacteria. Its public health significance, however, depends upon the physiological status of the wastewater bacterial community. A novel immunofluorescence assay was developed and used to examine the bacterial growth state during wastewater disinfection. Quantitative levels of three highly conserved cytosolic proteins (DnaK, Dps, and Fis) were determined by using enterobacterium-specific antibody fluorochrome-coupled probes. Enterobacterial Fis homologs were abundant in growing cells and nearly undetectable in stationary-phase cells. In contrast, enterobacterial Dps homologs were abundant in stationary-phase cells but virtually undetectable in growing cells. The range of variation in the abundance of both proteins was at least 100-fold as determined by Western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis. Enterobacterial DnaK homologs were nearly invariant with growth state, enabling their use as permeabilization controls. The cellular growth states of individual enterobacteria in wastewater samples were determined by measurement of Fis, Dps, and DnaK abundance (protein profiling). Intermediate levels of Fis and Dps were evident and occurred in response to physiological transitions. The results indicate that chlorination failed to kill coliforms but rather elicited nutrient starvation and a reversible nonculturable state. These studies suggest that the current standard procedures for wastewater analysis which rely on detection of culturable cells likely underestimate fecal coliform content.
Efficacy of Electrolyzed Oxidizing Water for Inactivating
Escherichia coli
O157:H7,
Salmonella enteritidis
, and
Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Venkitanarayanan Kumar S. , Ezeike Gabriel O. , Hung Yen-Con , Doyle Michael P.
Published: December 2019

The efficacy of electrolyzed oxidizing water for inactivating
Escherichia coli
O157:H7,
Salmonella enteritidis
, and
Listeria monocytogenes
was evaluated. A five-strain mixture of
E. coli
O157:H7,
S. enteritidis
, or
L. monocytogenes
of approximately 10
8
CFU/ml was inoculated in 9 ml of electrolyzed oxidizing water (treatment) or 9 ml of sterile, deionized water (control) and incubated at 4 or 23°C for 0, 5, 10, and 15 min; at 35°C for 0, 2, 4, and 6 min; or at 45°C for 0, 1, 3, and 5 min. The surviving population of each pathogen at each sampling time was determined on tryptic soy agar. At 4 or 23°C, an exposure time of 5 min reduced the populations of all three pathogens in the treatment samples by approximately 7 log CFU/ml, with complete inactivation by 10 min of exposure. A reduction of ≥7 log CFU/ml in the levels of the three pathogens occurred in the treatment samples incubated for 1 min at 45°C or for 2 min at 35°C. The bacterial counts of all three pathogens in control samples remained the same throughout the incubation at all four temperatures. Results indicate that electrolyzed oxidizing water may be a useful disinfectant, but appropriate applications need to be validated.
Vibrio cholerae OmpR Represses the ToxR Regulon in Response to Membrane Intercalating Agents That Are Prevalent in the Human Gastrointestinal Tract
Authors: Kunkle D. E. , Bina T. F. , Bina X. R. , Bina J. E.
Published: December 2019

Multidrug efflux systems belonging to the resistance-nodulation-division (RND) superfamily are ubiquitous in Gram-negative bacteria. RND efflux systems are often associated with multiple antimicrobial resistance and also contribute to the expression of diverse bacterial phenotypes including virulence, as documented in the intestinal pathogen
Vibrio cholerae
, the causative agent of the severe diarrheal disease cholera.
Mycobacterium bovisprosthetic joint infection following intravesical instillation of BCG for bladder cancer
Authors: Patel Ashka , Elzweig Joel
Published: December 2019

A 91-year-old man with a history of intravesicular BCG therapy for recurrent bladder cancer and bilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA) presented with left hip pain. He was noted to have a fluid collection over the left lateral hip and hip X-ray showed loosening of the prosthetic hip stem indicative of a prosthetic joint infection (PJI). He subsequently underwent removal of the THA and insertion of an antibiotic spacer. He was discharged on intravenous ceftriaxone for presumed culture negative PJI. Intraoperative acid fast bacillus culture later grewMycobacterium tuberculosis complex, which was then differentiated toM. bovis. TheM. bovisinfection was thought to be a complication of the patient’s prior BCG therapy. He was initially started on isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol pending cultures and sensitivities; pyrazinamide was discontinued afterM. boviswas isolated on culture and susceptibility data confirmed the expected inherent resistance ofM. bovisto pyrazinamide. The patient underwent successful THA revision and remains symptom-free at 1 year.
Validation of a predictive model for operative trauma experience to facilitate selection of trauma sustainment military–civilian partnerships
Authors: Hall Andrew , Qureshi Iram , Glaser Jacob , Bulger Eileen M , Scalea Thomas , Shackelford Stacy , Gurney Jennifer
Published: December 2019

Background

Trauma readiness is a Department of Defense requirement for military healthcare providers. Surgeons must maintain readiness to optimize surgical care on the battlefield and minimize preventable death. The objective of this study was to validate a predictive model for trauma operative exposure by applying the model prospectively.

Methods

The predictive model for operative trauma exposure was prospectively applied to predict the number of emergent operative cases that would be experienced over predetermined time periods at four separate trauma sustainment military–civilian partnerships (TS-MCP). Notional courses were designed to be 2 or 4 weeks long and consisting of 5 and 12 overnight call periods, respectively. A total of 51 separate 2-week courses and 49 4-week courses were evaluated using the model. The outcome measure was the number of urgent (occurring within a day of arrival) operative trauma cases.

Results

Trauma/general surgery case volumes during call periods of notional courses were within the predicted range at least 98% of the time. Orthopedic volumes were more variable with a range of 82%–98% meeting expectation depending on the course length and institution.

Conclusion

The previously defined model accurately predicted the number of urgent trauma/general surgery cases course participants would likely experience when applied prospectively to TS-MCP; however, the model was less accurate in predicting acute orthopedic trauma exposure. While it remains unknown how many cases need to be performed meet a trauma sustainment requirement, having a model with a predictive capability for case volume will facilitate metric development. This model may be useful when planning for future TS-MCP.

Level of evidence

Economic and Value Based Evaluations Level II
Geomechanical behaviour of gassy soils and implications for submarine slope stability: a literature analysis
Authors: Kaminski P. , Urlaub M. , Grabe J. , Berndt C.
Published: December 2019

Submarine slope failures pose a direct threat to seafloor installations and coastal communities. Here, we evaluate the influence of free gas on the soil's shear strength and submarine slope failures in areas with gassy soils based on an extensive literature review. We identify two potential destabilization mechanisms: gas bubbles in the pore space lead to a reduced shear strength of the soil and/or gas induces excess pore pressures that consequently reduce the effective stress in the soil. Our evaluation of the reported mechanical and hydraulic behaviour of gassy sediments indicates that the unfavourable impact of entrapped gas on a soil's shearing resistance is not sufficient to trigger large-scale slope failures. Liquefaction failure due to high gas pressures is, however, a viable scenario in coarse-grained soils. Transferring the gas influence on the soil mechanical behaviour to constitutive models is identified as the most important prerequisite for a successful future analysis of slope stability.
Evaluating the sealing potential of young and thin mass-transport deposits: Lake Villarrica, Chile
Authors: Moernaut Jasper , Wiemer Gauvain , Kopf Achim , Strasser Michael
Published: December 2019

Subaqueous mass-transport deposits (MTDs) can be important elements in hydrocarbon systems, forming potential reservoirs or seals. Most research has targeted outcrops or moderately to deeply buried MTDs and, therefore, the petrophysical properties of near-seafloor MTDs, and their influence in the trapping and release of shallow fluids, is poorly studied. Here, we investigate shallow MTDs in Lake Villarrica (Chile) by combining sub-bottom profiles, free-fall penetrometer data, pore pressure dissipation tests and geotechnical properties of sediment cores. Low undrained shear strength under a surficial MTD indicates underconsolidation caused by sudden loading and rapid sealing. Larger, buried MTDs show acoustic signatures of free gas at their base, indicating effective sealing. This is supported by degassing core gaps just below MTDs and by excess pore pressure ratios
c
. 30–70% within MTDs. Acoustic windows below rafted blocks suggest local fluid escape. MTDs exhibit elevated undrained shear strength and reduced porosity compared to surrounding sediments, but are comparable to upslope source sequences. This suggests that MTD sealing capacity in Villarrica relates to the apparently overconsolidated nature of the slope sequence, leaving a minor role for shear densification. This study shows that shallow MTDs can form a relatively rapid seal for fluid migration, locally degraded by rafted blocks.
Tectonic and geomorphic controls on the distribution of submarine landslides across active and passive margins, eastern New Zealand
Authors: Watson S. J. , Mountjoy J. J. , Crutchley G. J.
Published: December 2019

Submarine landslides occur on continental margins globally and can have devastating consequences for marine habitats, offshore infrastructure and coastal communities due to potential tsunamigenesis. Therefore, understanding landslide magnitude and distribution is central to marine and coastal hazard planning.

We present the first submarine landslide database for the eastern margin of New Zealand comprising >2200 landslides occurring in water depths from
c.
300–4000 m. Landslides are more prevalent and, on average, larger on the active margin compared with the passive margin. We attribute higher concentrations of landslides on the active margin to tectonic processes including uplift and oversteepening, faulting and seamount subduction. Submarine landslide scars are concentrated around canyon systems and close to canyon thalwegs. This suggests that not only does mass wasting play a major role in canyon evolution, but also that canyon-forming processes may provide preconditioning factors for slope failure.

Results of this study offer unique insights into the spatial distribution, magnitude and morphology of submarine landslides across different geological settings, providing a better understanding of the causative factors for mass wasting in New Zealand and around the world.
Tsunami-triggered dispersal and deposition of microplastics in marine environments and their use in dating recent turbidite deposits
Authors: Kawamura Kiichiro , Oguri Kazumasa , Toyofuku Takashi , Radakovitch Olivier , Fontanier Christophe , Sasaki Kenta , Fujii Minami , Murayama Masafumi
Published: December 2019

Microplastics have become widely dispersed throughout the marine environment in and around Japan since the 1960s, which corresponds to the onset of mass plastic production and use in this country. Our study documents a possible abrupt microplastic depositional event in continental shelf and deep-sea environments triggered by a tsunami. The sediment layers contaminated by microplastics correspond with sedimentary horizons where
137
Cs signals were measured, indicating deposition after 1960s nuclear tests. The microplastics were observed in the 2011 Tohoku-Oki tsunami deposits. Tsunamis can thus contribute to the wide dispersal of microplastics from coastal to deep-sea areas, and these anthropogenic particles can be used to date very recent turbidite deposits.
Undergraduate teaching assistants can provide support for reformed practices to raise student learning
Authors: Luckie Douglas B. , Mancini Benjamin W. , Abdallah Noor , Kadouh Ali K. , Ungkuldee Alisha C. P. , Hare Ashley A.
Published: December 2019

Graduate students who serve as teaching assistants are a critical part of STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) education and research at large universities in the U.S. Yet just like faculty, graduate students are not immune to the publish or perish paradigm, which can compete with one's dedication to teaching. While in recent years many STEM faculty members have become aware of how well undergraduates can assist instructors in their teaching, many, if not most, university faculty still teach in traditional settings, where graduate students are the norm and use of undergraduates is a completely unexploited opportunity. Undergraduates can serve as effective teaching assistants and may bring unique skills and experience to undergraduate instruction not held by graduate students. Undergraduate teaching assistants (UTAs) can provide additional support for reformed practices, which raise student learning. Based on cost, prior experience and success as students in same course, and shared vision with professors, a number of institutions have initiated UTA programs and reported increased student learning. The audience of this paper is faculty who are not familiar with the use of UTAs in university teaching, and the purpose is to review the literature on UTAs, contrast the contributions of UTAs and graduate teaching assistants, and examine the potential value of UTAs in undergraduate education.
Effects of testosterone suppression, hindlimb immobilization, and recovery on [3H]ouabain binding site content and Na+, K+-ATPase isoforms in rat soleus muscle
Authors: Altarawneh Muath M. , Hanson Erik D. , Betik Andrew C. , Petersen Aaron C. , Hayes Alan , McKenna Michael J.
Published: December 2019

We investigated the effects of testosterone suppression, hindlimb immobilization, and recovery on skeletal muscle Na+,K+-ATPase (NKA), measured via [3H]ouabain binding site content (OB) and NKA isoform abundances (α1–3, β1–2). Male rats underwent castration or sham surgery plus 7 days of rest, 10 days of unilateral immobilization (cast), and 14 days of recovery, with soleus muscles obtained at each time from cast and noncast legs. Testosterone reduction did not modify OB or NKA isoforms in nonimmobilized control muscles. With sham surgery, OB was lower after immobilization in the cast leg than in both the noncast leg (−26%, P = 0.023) and the nonimmobilized control (−34%, P  = 0.001), but OB subsequently recovered. With castration, OB was lower after immobilization in the cast leg than in the nonimmobilized control (−34%, P  = 0.001), and remained depressed at recovery (−34%, P = 0.001). NKA isoforms did not differ after immobilization or recovery in the sham group. After castration, α2 in the cast leg was ~60% lower than in the noncast leg ( P = 0.004) and nonimmobilized control ( P = 0.004) and after recovery remained lower than the nonimmobilized control (−42%, P = 0.039). After immobilization, β1 was lower in the cast than the noncast leg (−26%, P = 0.018), with β2 lower in the cast leg than in the noncast leg (−71%, P = 0.004) and nonimmobilized control (−65%, P = 0.012). No differences existed for α1 or α3. Thus, both OB and α2 decreased after immobilization and recovery in the castration group, with α2, β1, and β2 isoform abundances decreased with immobilization compared with the sham group. Therefore, testosterone suppression in rats impaired restoration of immobilization-induced lowered number of functional NKA and α2 isoforms in soleus muscle.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY: The Na+,K+-ATPase (NKA) is vital in muscle excitability and function. In rats, immobilization depressed soleus muscle NKA, with declines in [3H]ouabain binding, which was restored after 14 days recovery. After testosterone suppression by castration, immobilization depressed [3H]ouabain binding, depressed α2, β1, and β2 isoforms, and abolished subsequent recovery in [3H]ouabain binding and α2 isoforms. This may have implications for functional recovery for inactive men with lowered testosterone levels, such as in prostate cancer or aging.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation on Carbon Fiber‐Reinforced Polymer‐Strengthened Concrete Beam after High‐Temperature Action of Asphalt Paving Construction
Authors: Yuan Xin , Zhu Chaoyu , Zheng Wei , Tang Baijian
Published: December 2019

Numerical investigation of mechanical behavior of carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer‐ (CFRP‐) reinforced concrete beam after high‐temperature action of asphalt paving construction was carried out in this study. The debonding failure of the CFRP plate‐concrete interface was simulated by introducing the double debonding criterion. In order to compare with simulation results, specimens with different pavement schemes were tested to obtain experimental data. The load‐deflection relationship, CFRP strain distribution, and crack propagation of specimens were compared with the numerical simulation results. The numerical simulation results showed good agreement with the experimental results. Additionally, the interface bonding stress distribution model and the calculation formula of the debonding bearing capacity were proposed. The proposed calculation model was proved to have good accuracy in predicting the strain of intermediate cracking debonding and the debonding bearing capacity of the CFRP‐reinforced concrete beam after high‐temperature action.
Dynamic Stability Discrimination Method for Concrete Dam under Complex Geological Conditions
Authors: Zhang Liaojun , Ma Tianxiao , Zhang Hanyun , Chen Dongsheng
Published: December 2019

The instability of dams will bring immeasurable personal and property losses to the downstream, so it has always been a trendy topic worthy of investigation. Currently, the rigid body limit equilibrium method is the most commonly used method for the dynamic stability analysis of dams. However, under the action of earthquakes, the instability of the integral dam‐foundation system threatens the safety of the dams and is of great concern. In this paper, a stability analysis method that can reflect the complex geological structural forms of dam foundations is proposed in this paper. The advantages are that this method deals with the difficulty in assuming sliding surfaces and the lack of quantitative criteria for the dynamic instability analysis of dams with complex geological structural forms of dam foundations. In addition, through the method, the sliding channels that may appear in the dam foundations can be automatically searched under random earthquake action, and the safety factors of the dynamic instability of dams be quantitatively obtained. Taking a high RCC gravity dam under construction in China as an example, the proposed method is applied to the three‐dimensional finite element model of the dam‐foundation system of this dam, and then the dynamic stability calculation is carried out. Through this method, the formation process of the dam foundation’s plastic zone and the failure of sliding channels with different strength reduction coefficients are studied on and analyzed detailedly, and the quantitative acquisition of the safety factors is realized. The results show that the method is reasonable and feasible, and helps provide a new idea and method for the dynamic stability analysis of dams.
Product Design Evaluation Method Using Consensus Measurement, Network Analysis, and AHP
Authors: Yang Yan-pu , Tian Hong-liang , Jiao Sheng-jie
Published: December 2019

Product evaluation practices spread throughout from initial creative stages to final products before communicating them to the market. They emphasize on assessing design alternatives against specified criteria, which can help promote design process, ensure design quality, and diminish design risk before making a decision. However, how to identify and improve the reliability of product evaluation opinions toward design alternatives has an important role in adding additional insurance and reducing uncertainty to successful product design. Aiming at this issue, this study employs a consensus model by integrating network analysis and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method. The consensus model is constructed to measure the consistency of evaluators’ preferences and determine the rounds of evaluation. Complex network theory is integrated into the product evaluation process for network analysis of evaluators’ opinions, which can help determine evaluators’ weights in each evaluation round dynamically by changing the network topology. To obtain the weight of product evaluation indices, the AHP method is applied to avoid subjectivity given by evaluators. The process of the proposed method is presented, and the details are illustrated using a product evaluation example. The case study demonstrates that the proposed method is promising for improving the consensus level of evaluators’ opinions, reducing the influence of subjectivity, and finally improving the quality of design decision‐making.
Ligament Reconstruction for Recurrent Anterior Dislocation of the Radial Head
Authors: Hatta Taku , Shinagawa Kiyotsugu , Hayashi Kou , Hasegawa Kazushige , Miyasaka Yoshinori , Yamamoto Nobuyuki , Itoi Eiji
Published: December 2019

Isolated recurrent dislocation of the radial head (RH) is very rare, and there have been few reports describing the surgical treatment of this injury. We herein report the case of a 13-year-old girl who underwent ligament reconstruction surgery for isolated recurrent RH dislocation. Her symptoms included pain and apprehension at the elbow with the forearm in supination. A radiologic examination revealed anterior dislocation of the RH with the forearm in supination but complete reduction with the forearm in neutral to pronated positions. Surgical treatment to reconstruct the annular ligament and facilitate the radial collateral ligament was performed using an autograft with internal brace augmentation. At a 12-month follow-up examination, the patient had asymptomatic stability with recovery to sports activities. This case report describes a novel technique for the treatment of a rare pathological condition of the elbow.
A Comparative Study on Phenotypic versus ITS-Based Molecular Identification of Dermatophytes Isolated in Dakar, Senegal
Authors: Diongue Khadim , Bréchard Ludivine , Diallo Mamadou Alpha , Seck Mame Cheikh , Ndiaye Mouhamadou , Badiane Aida Sadikh , Ranque Stéphane , Ndiaye Daouda
Published: December 2019

Classically, dermatophytes are identified by phenotypic methods even if these methods, sometimes, remain difficult or uncertain. On the other hand, nucleotide sequence analysis of internal transcribed spacers (ITS) of rDNA has proved to be a useful method for identification of dermatophytes. The objective of this study was to compare the phenotypic method with DNA sequencing of the ITS regions for identification of dermatophyte species isolated in Dakar, Senegal. A collection of thirty-two strains of dermatophytes were isolated from patients suffering from dermatophytosis. Mycological identification revealed Trichophyton soudanense (n = 13), T. interdigitale (n = 10), Microsporum audouinii (n = 5), and one strain for each of the following species: T. rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, and M. canis and one unidentified strain. For comparison, ITS-based PCR and DNA sequencing were applied for identification of the isolated dermatophytes. ITS sequences showed, in BLAST search analysis, 99-100% of similarity. Identification of dermatophyte isolates by conventional methods was confirmed by DNA sequencing of the ITS regions in 84% of cases. Discrepancies concern mostly T. rubrum misidentified as T. interdigitale. PCR sequencing provided an excellent tool for identifying dermatophyte strains that do not present typical morphological characteristics. It was also able to give correct identification of an atypical strain of M. audouinii responsible of mycetoma of the scalp.
Testicular Rupture Following Blunt Scrotal Trauma
Authors: Blok Derek , Flannigan Matthew , Jones Jeffrey
Published: December 2019

Testicular rupture after blunt scrotal trauma is characterized by rupture of the tunica albuginea and extrusion of seminiferous tubules. This is a serious injury and appropriate evaluation and management are necessary both for symptom control, but also for preservation of the testicle. Clinical examination of the scrotum following trauma is difficult and may result in incorrect triage of patients for surgical exploration. This case study describes the assessment and management of blunt testicular trauma in an adolescent lacrosse player.
VII JORNADA DE INVESTIGACIÓN 2019 DIVISIÓN DE PEDIATRÍA
Authors: Católica de Chile Pontificia Universidad
Published: December 2019

"El objetivo de la Jornada de Investigación 2019 es estimular y fomentar el desarrollo de la investigación dentro de un entorno directo, con especial énfasis a estimular a los investigadores establecidos, ayudar a aquellos que han iniciado este camino, y motivar a aquellos académicos jóvenes que están en sus etapas iniciales.

Dado que la investigación es una de las actividades esenciales del quehacer universitario, esta jornada anual representa lo mejor de esta División, y por ello, resume la actividad científica del año 2018, y quiere reconocer el esfuerzo y crecimiento de las unidades, secciones y departamentos"

Dr. José Antonio Castro           

Presidente de la Comisión de Investigación

Ver en papel digital
Study of Biocompatibility of Membranes in Online Hemodiafiltration
Authors: Ojeda Raquel , Arias-Guillén Marta , Gómez Miquel , Vera Manel , Fontseré Néstor , Rodas Lida , Filella Xavier , Reverter Juan Carlos , Lozano Francisco , Villamor Neus , Maduell Francisco
Published: December 2019

Background: The biocompatibility of dialysis membranes is a determining factor in avoiding chronic microinflammation in patients under haemodialysis. Lower biocompatibility has been related to increased inflammatory status, which is known to be associated with cardiovascular events. Classically, cellulose membranes have been considered bioincompatible. A new-generation of asymmetric cellulose triacetate (CTA) membranes allows the performance of high convective transport techniques, but there have been no studies of their biocompatibility. The aim of the present study was to analyze and compare the biocompatibility characteristics of 4 membranes, including CTA, in online hemodiafiltration (OL-HDF) patients. Methods: We included 15 patients in ­OL-HDF. After a 2-week washout period with helixone membrane, each patient was treated with the 4 membranes (polyamide, polynephron, helixone and CTA) for 4 weeks in a randomized order. The other dialysis parameters were kept stable throughout the study. We studied changes in markers of the activation of the complement system, monocytes, platelets, and adhesion molecules with the 4 membranes, as well as inflammatory parameters. Results: Biocompatibility was similar among the membranes. There were no sustained differences in complement activation, measured by C3a and C5a levels, or in platelet activation, determined by levels of P-selectin and platelet-derived microparticles (CD41a+). No differences were observed in activated monocyte levels (CD14+/CD16+) or in plasma levels of interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-10 or high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, although tumour necrosis factor-α levels decreased when the patients were dialyzed with CTA. No significant differences were found in markers of endothelial damage, assessed by levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and adhesion molecules (intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1). Conclusion: The 4 membranes evaluated in this study in stable patients on OL-HDF, including the new-generation CTA, show similar biocompatibility with the methods applied.
Long-Term Relative Survival after Stroke: The Dijon Stroke Registry
Authors: Romain Gaëlle , Mariet Anne-Sophie , Jooste Valérie , Duloquin Gauthier , Thomas Quentin , Durier Jérôme , Giroud Maurice , Quantin Catherine , Béjot Yannick
Published: December 2019

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess long-term survival after stroke and to compare survival profiles of patients according to stroke subtypes, age, and sex, using relative survival (RS) method. Methods: All patients with a first-ever stroke were prospectively recorded in the population-based Dijon Stroke Registry from 1987 to 2016. RS is the survival that would be observed if stroke was the only cause of death. Ten-year RS was estimated using a flexible parametric model of the cumulative excess mortality rate, which was obtained by matching the observed all-cause mortality in the stroke cohort to the expected mortality in the general population. A separate model was fitted for each stroke subtypes, first fitted for each age and sex separately, and then adjusted for age and sex. Results: In total, 5,259 patients (mean age 74.9 ± 14.3 years, 53% women) were recorded including 4,469 ischemic strokes (IS), 655 intracerebral hemorrhages (ICH), and 135 undetermined strokes. In IS patients, unadjusted RS was 82% at 1 year and decreased to 62% at 10 years. Adjusted RS showed a lower survival in older age groups (p < 0.001), but no difference between men and women (p = 0.119). In ICH patients, unadjusted RS was 56 and 42% at 1 and 10 years, respectively, with a lower adjusted survival in older age groups (p < 0.001), but no sex differences (p = 0.184). Conclusion: This study showed that RS after stroke is lower in older than in younger patients but without significant sex differences, and survival profiles differ according to stroke subtypes. Since RS allows a better estimation of stroke-related death than observed survival does, especially in old patients, such a method is adapted to provide reliable information when considering long-term outcome.
La consécration politique des oeuvres littéraires: quels impacts sur l'éducation?
Authors: MAMADI Robert
Published: December 2019

La littérature tchadienne est l’une des plus riches en Afrique. La consécration politique de ses œuvres est d’une importance capitale au CNC. Nous avons étudié le processus d’insertion des œuvres au programme pour voir si cela permet de bien consommer la production locale. Résultats : Une seule personne manage les commissions spécialisées d’insertion des œuvres au programme ; les critères de sélection des œuvres liés à la disponibilité des ouvrages, à leur possession par les membres de la commission de sélection et à leur accessibilité en termes de coût posent problèmes ; la consécration politique ne concerne que des œuvres en réalité bien reçues, or ici le fonds et la forme sont discutables ; aussi, sur 115 textes au programme des cycles moyen et secondaire, 23 seulement sont tchadiens parmi lesquels 6 sont visibles mais pas toujours enseignés dans beaucoup d’établissements. La qualité de l’enseignement prend le coup. Une résolution de ces problèmes s’impose au CNC.
Direitos das pessoas com transtornos mentais: a perspectiva de quem cuida
Authors: Ventura Carla Aparecida Arena , Rodríguez Anna Maria Meyer Maciel , Bittencourt Elidia Aparecida Costa , Brito Emanuele Seicenti de
Published: December 2019

Este é um estudo empírico de abordagem qualitativa com o objetivo de identificar a compreensão de profissionais de saúde sobre os direitos humanos fundamentais das pessoas com transtornos mentais. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas com 26 profissionais de diversas categorias que participam do processo de internação dos usuários em um hospital especializado do interior paulista. As entrevistas foram gravadas, transcritas e interpretadas por meio de análise de conteúdo temática. Três unidades temáticas foram obtidas: profissionais de saúde mental e os direitos humanos das pessoas com transtornos mentais; conhecimento sobre os direitos humanos e o exercício da cidadania pelas pessoas com transtornos mentais; e atitudes profissionais com relação aos direitos humanos das pessoas com transtornos mentais. Concluiu-se que os profissionais reconheceram os direitos civis, políticos e sociais dos usuários, em especial o direito ao atendimento em saúde adequado e humanizado, à informação, à igualdade e à dignidade. Os profissionais afirmaram que a consciência sobre os direitos humanos permite cobrar e exigir sua garantia e respeito. Alguns trabalhadores admitiram seu papel de educadores quanto a esses direitos. Houve conexão entre conhecimento, conscientização e respeito aos direitos. Por outro lado, a falta de conhecimento e de compressão sobre os direitos e a falta de preparo dos trabalhadores pode interferir nas relações interpessoais no serviço, e a maioria deles presenciou situações de violações aos direitos humanos fundamentais.
A judicialização da saúde no Estado de Pernambuco: os antineoplásicos novamente no topo?
Authors: Barreto Antonio Angelo Menezes , Guedes Diego Medeiros , Rocha Filho José de Arimatea
Published: December 2019

Os medicamentos estão entre os bens de saúde mais demandados judicialmente. Os antineoplásicos  são a classe terapêutica mais demandada em alguns estados brasileiros em ações judiciais, cujo cumprimento confere um certo impacto financeiro ao Sistema Único de Saúde, uma vez que acarreta gastos excessivos e não programados. O presente artigo analisou as ações judiciais para aquisição de medicamentos antineoplásicos na Secretaria de Saúde do Estado de Pernambuco no ano de 2015. Realizou-se um estudo descritivo retrospectivo, com levantamento de todas as ações judiciais relativas a medicamentos antineoplásicos emitidas de janeiro a dezembro de 2015 na Secretaria de Saúde do Estado de Pernambuco. Analisou-se um total de 347 ações judiciais, referentes a uma variedade de 26 diferentes medicamentos antineoplásicos. A maior proporção tratava do subgrupo terapêutico dos inibidores de proteínas quinases (25,9%), seguidos dos anticorpos monoclonais (22,2%). O gasto da Secretaria de Saúde do Estado de Pernambuco com judicialização de antineoplásicos em 2015 foi superior a R$ 14 milhões. No que diz respeito à origem das prescrições, o maior percentual esteve relacionado às entidades sem fins lucrativos (57%). Foi encontrado um total de 58 diferentes patologias referidas para justificar as ações judiciais. O problema apresentou relevância (i) pela ampliação exponencial das neoplasias no mundo e no Brasil, em particular; (ii) pelo acelerado ritmo de inovações tecnológicas dominado pela indústria farmacêutica; e (iii) pela magnitude que o acesso a tratamentos via judicialização tem tomado no Estado de Pernambuco e seu reflexo nos gastos públicos.
Compreensão dos membros do Ministério Público do interior de Pernambuco sobre as políticas públicas de saúde
Authors: Santana Valdilene Josefa de , Nunes José Ronaldo Vasconcelos
Published: December 2019

A oferta do direito à saúde no Brasil, constitucionalmente prevista de forma universal e integral, possibilitou avanços no desenvolvimento das políticas públicas do setor. A atribuição delegada ao Ministério Público de fiscalizar e garantir a efetivação das referidas políticas vem exigindo, recentemente, uma atuação mais efetiva dessa instituição. O mesmo observa-se no cotidiano de trabalho do sistema judiciário. Este artigo objetiva descrever a compreensão dos membros do Ministério Público sobre as políticas públicas de saúde, utilizando-se de estudo qualitativo, realizado por meio de entrevistas com promotores de justiça de comarcas localizadas no interior do Estado de Pernambuco. Os dados coletados foram analisados pelas técnicas de análise de conteúdo e de análise temática. Encontraram-se na fala dos entrevistados três categorizações para interpretação. Na primeira, o Estado, incumbido de garantir a efetivação do direito subjetivo à saúde, vem apresentando fragilidade na concretização de seu papel de devedor, frente à condição de credor do cidadão. Essa vulnerabilidade reflete-se na segunda categoria: o aumento da judicialização da saúde, apontada como uma realidade crescente e complexa no trabalho cotidiano dos promotores. Identificou-se, como terceira categoria, que a formação acadêmica do bacharel em direito apresenta lacunas relacionadas ao estudo das políticas públicas sociais, dentre elas as relacionadas ao Sistema Único de Saúde. Existe uma fragilidade na compreensão dos membros do Ministério Público sobre as políticas públicas de saúde, tornando necessário o aprofundamento científico por meio de estudos que explorem a relação entre o Ministério Público e a saúde coletiva.
DISJUNÇÕES DA MALANDRAGEM: UMA LEITURA DE MEMÓRIAS DE UM SARGENTO DE MILÍCIAS
Authors: Lacowicz Stanis David
Published: December 2019

Partindo do romance Memórias de um sargento de milícias, de Manuel Antônio de Almeida, pretendemos analisar como a malandragem pode ser encarada nessa obra como uma prática mediadora da disjunção constitutiva da sociedade brasileira (a partir da reflexão proposta pelo pesquisador e professor Dr. Luís Bueno sobre a literatura brasileira). Para tanto, realizamos um percurso pelas proposições críticas e teóricas acerca do malandro e da dialética da malandragem, a partir de Candido (1993), Schwarz (1987), André Bueno (2008) e Edu Otsuka (2007), a fim de pensar a disjunção como articuladora de um modo de agir e olhar que conduz a narrativa.
ESQUEMA DE ANTONIO CANDIDO OU ESPELHAMENTO HERMENÊUTICO NOS MODOS DE LER MACHADO DE ASSIS
Authors: Almeida Rogério De
Published: December 2019

Trata-se de um estudo hermenêutico, a partir da descrição fenomenológica de "Esquema de Machado de Assis", do modo como Antonio Candido leu Machado. Ao nos aprofundarmos nos meandros do texto candiano e esmiuçar as perspectivas interpretativas que colhe no mapa da fortuna crítica de então, somos confrontados por sua tentativa de fazer emergir dos subterrâneos da escrita um tratamento crítico do tecido social brasileiro que o escritor teria escondido no universo oculto de sua prosa. O contributo de Candido, leitor de Machado, é no entanto muito maior que o de apresentar sua própria interpretação, pois ao flagrar nos seus críticos uma variedade de modos de interpretar, ampliou as possibilidade de espelhamentos hermenêuticos provocados por Machado, cada vez mais multifacetado pelos modos díspares com que é lido.
LITERATURA COMO PROJETO E MILITÂNCIA: ANTONIO CANDIDO E O ENSINO DE LITERATURA
Authors: Dias Ana Crélia
Published: December 2019

A morte de Antonio Candido, no ano de centenário de seu nascimento, trouxe para o meio acadêmico alguns caminhos para a revisão da obra deste que foi um dos maiores intelectuais que o país já teve. O propósito deste artigo é tecer algumas reflexões acerca da relação da obra de Antonio Candido com o ensino de literatura, buscando em diferentes textos o lastro do professor e do crítico, que discreta e tenazmente, volveu sua ação, nas salas de aulas e nos textos, para o entendimento das complexidades humanas representadas na literatura, por meio de uma prática pedagógica implicadora do papel social de seu público, os futuros professores.
OS MOMENTOS DECISIVOS DA TEORIA E CRÍTICA DA FORMAÇÃO
Authors: Mello Juliane Cardozo de
Published: December 2019

O presente artigo objetiva traçar um esboço dos conceitos expostos na Formação da literatura brasileira (1959), de Antonio Candido, relacionando-os a sua aplicação ao longo da obra. Com isso, visa-se abarcar pressupostos como: conceito de literatura, de sistema literário, a formação do cânone no estudo em análise, bem como a constituição dessa história da literatura como narrativa.
MicroRNA-144 Silencing Protects Against Atherosclerosis in Male, but Not Female Mice
Authors: Cheng Joan , Cheng Angela , Clifford Bethan L. , Wu Xiaohui , Hedin Ulf , Maegdefessel Lars , Pamir Nathalie , Sallam Tamer , Tarling Elizabeth J. , de Aguiar Vallim Thomas Q.
Published: December 2019

Objective:

Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of death in developed countries. MicroRNAs act as fine-tuners of gene expression and have been shown to have important roles in the pathophysiology and progression of atherosclerosis. We, and others, previously demonstrated that microRNA-144 (miR-144) functions to post-transcriptionally regulate ABCA1 (ATP binding cassette transporter A1) and plasma HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels. Here, we explore how miR-144 inhibition may protect against atherosclerosis.

Approach and Results:

We demonstrate that miR-144 silencing reduced atherosclerosis in male, but not female low-density lipoprotein receptor null (
Ldlr
−/−
) mice. MiR-144 antagonism increased circulating HDL cholesterol levels, remodeled the HDL particle, and enhanced reverse cholesterol transport. Notably, the effects on HDL and reverse cholesterol transport were more pronounced in male mice suggesting sex-specific differences may contribute to the effects of silencing miR-144 on atherosclerosis. As a molecular mechanism, we identify the oxysterol metabolizing enzyme CYP7B1 (cytochrome P450 enzyme 7B1) as a miR-144 regulated gene in male, but not female mice. Consistent with miR-144-dependent changes in CYP7B1 activity, we show decreased levels of 27-hydroxycholesterol, a known proatherogenic sterol and the endogenous substrate for CYP7B1 in male, but not female mice.

Conclusions:

Our data demonstrate silencing miR-144 has sex-specific effects and that treatment with antisense oligonucleotides to target miR-144 might result in enhancements in reverse cholesterol transport and oxysterol metabolism in patients with cardiovascular disease.
PTEN (Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog) Protects Against Ang II (Angiotensin II)-Induced Pathological Vascular Fibrosis and Remodeling—Brief Report
Authors: Lu Sizhao , Strand Keith A. , Mutryn Marie F. , Tucker Rebecca M. , Jolly Austin J. , Furgeson Seth B. , Moulton Karen S. , Nemenoff Raphael A. , Weiser-Evans Mary C.M.
Published: December 2019

Objective:

Pathological vascular remodeling and excessive perivascular fibrosis are major contributors to reduced vessel compliance that exacerbates cardiovascular diseases, for instance, promoting clinically relevant myocardial remodeling. Inflammation plays a significant role in both pathological vascular remodeling and fibrosis. We previously demonstrated that smooth muscle cell–specific PTEN depletion promotes significant vascular fibrosis and accumulation of inflammatory cells. In the current study, we aimed to determine the beneficial role of systemic PTEN elevation on Ang II (angiotensin II)-induced vascular fibrosis and remodeling.

Approach and Results:

Transgenic mice carrying additional copies of the wild-type
Pten
gene (super PTEN [sPTEN]) and WT littermates were subjected to Ang II or saline infusion for 14 or 28 days. Compared with WT, Ang II-induced vascular fibrosis was significantly blunted in sPTEN mice, as shown by histochemical stainings and label-free second harmonic generation imaging. The protection against Ang II was recapitulated in sPTEN mice bearing WT bone marrow but not in WT mice reconstituted with sPTEN bone marrow. Ang II-induced elevation of profibrotic and proinflammatory gene expression observed in WT mice was blocked in aortic tissue of sPTEN mice. Immunofluorescent staining and flow cytometry both indicated that perivascular infiltration of T cells and macrophages was significantly inhibited in sPTEN mice. In vitro induction of PTEN expression suppressed Ang II-induced Ccl2 expression in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Conclusions:

Systemic PTEN elevation mediates protection against Ang II-induced vascular inflammation and fibrosis predominantly through effects in resident vascular cells. Our data highly support that pharmacological upregulation of PTEN could be a novel and viable approach for the treatment of pathological vascular fibrosis.
Low‐Dose Aspirin Treatment Attenuates Male Rat Salt‐Sensitive Hypertension via Platelet Cyclooxygenase 1 and Complement Cascade Pathway
Authors: Jiang Xiaoliang , Liu Xue , Liu Xing , Wu Xianxian , Jose Pedro A. , Liu Min , Yang Zhiwei
Published: December 2019

Background

The role of platelets in the development of vascular inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of hypertension is well established at this time. Aspirin is known to relieve pain, decrease fever, reduce inflammation, impair platelet aggregation, and prevent clotting, yet its effect in the context of salt‐sensitive hypertension remains unclear. The present study investigated the importance of aspirin in inhibiting the abnormal activation of platelets and promoting the normal function of the vascular endothelium in a rat model of salt‐sensitive hypertension.

Method and Results

Dahl salt‐sensitive rats and salt‐resistant rats were fed a normal‐salt diet (4% NaCl), a high‐salt diet (8% NaCl), or a high‐salt diet with aspirin gavage (10 mg/kg per day) for 8 weeks. Blood pressure, platelet activation, vascular function, inflammatory response, and potential mechanism were measured. Low‐dose aspirin (10 mg/kg per day) decreased the high‐salt diet–induced elevation of blood pressure, platelet activation, leukocyte infiltration, and leukocyte–platelet aggregation (
CD
45+
CD
61+), as well as vascular endothelial and renal damage. These effects were related to the ability of aspirin to prevent the adhesion of leukocytes to endothelial cells via inhibition of the platelet cyclooxygenase 1 but not the cyclooxygenase 2 pathway. Aspirin also reversed the high‐salt diet–induced abnormal activation of complement and coagulation cascades in platelets.

Conclusions

These results highlight a new property of aspirin in ameliorating vascular endothelial dysfunction induced by platelet activation, which may be beneficial in the treatment of salt‐sensitive hypertension.