New insights regarding the taxonomy and phylogeography of Onobrychis montana DC. subsp. transsilvanica (Fabaceae)

Onobrychis montana DC. Subsp. transsilvanica (Simonk.) Jáv. (Fabaceae) is a plant taxon, endemic to the South-Eastern Carpathians, whose taxonomic status is treated inconsistently by the classic taxonomy based on morphological traits. In a previous study, by sequencing several chloroplast DNA regions and AFLP genotyping, we tried to elucidate the controversy concerning its taxonomic status in relation to the more widespread O. montana DC., and determined its phylogeographic structure within the Carpathians. The present study, based on DNA fingerprinting by seven SSR markers, brings more insights on this problematic taxon by conferring higher resolution and sub-clustering previously identified phylogeographic groups. However, the newly SSR genetic data are in agreement with molecular evidence revealed by AFLP and chloroplastic SNPs and do not support O. montana DC. Subsp. transsilvanica (Simonk.) Jáv. As a distinct species from O. montana DC

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Modified 2-Deoxystreptamine Dimers

Aminoglycosides are powerful antibiotics, but the emergence of resistant bacterial strains has prompted the search for analogues with better pharmacological profiles. The synthesis of 2-deoxystreptamine (2-DOS) dimers linked by polyamines and analogues based on furylcarbopeptoid skeletons is described. Potent and selective ligands for bacterial 16S rRNA were identified using microarray techniques by determining the affinity of these derivatives toward bacterial and human ribosomal RNA

Effect of storage at -20°C on the sensory profile of vacuum packed semi-hard ewe´s milk cheeses

The objective of this research was to analyze the effect of storage (90 and 180 d at -20°C) on the sensory profile of vacuum-packed ripened (45 d) ewe’s milk cheeses. Fat content, total protein and moisture of the cheese were determined before freezing and after 90 d of frozen storage. A panel of trained sensory assessors evaluated 15 sensory descriptors: sheep odor, dry fruit odor, salty and sour tastes, flavor intensity, buttery flavor, sheep flavor, piquant, persistence, elasticity, hardness, friability, solubility, adhesiveness and creaminess, using an intensity scale of seven points by quantitative descriptive analysis. Storage at -20°C produced significant differences (P<0.05) in sensory profile with respect to the control, which was more pronounced at six than at three months of frozen storage. At six months, cheeses showed odor defects (butyric acid, rancid and/or alcohol) and off-flavor (butyric acid). In contrast, no significant differences (P>0.05) were found in the chemical variables analyzed after three months of storage. In conclusion, frozen storage for three months had minimal effects on the sensory attributes of the cheeses, with most of the defects occurring after six months of storage. Therefore, vacuum-packed ewe’s milk cheese ripened 45 d can be safely stored for three months at -20°C

Vida de prateleira de iogurte sabor café

This study aimed to determine the shelf life of yogurt flavored coffee through physical, chemical and microbiological analyzes. During processing of yoghurt, it was proceeded the homogenization of milk and sugar (10%), pasteurization (83ºC for 30 minutes) and cooling until the inoculation temperature (42°C to 45°C). Then, the thermophilic yeast was added. The fermentation was conducted at 45° C for 6 hours, and soon after, stored at a temperature of 4° C and was added by homogenizing the soluble coffee 0.2%. The yoghurt was stored at 4oC for 28 days. Observed linear reduction in pH of yogurt containing 0.2% soluble coffee during storage. The values L*, ho and C* (color analysis) of yoghurt were unchanged during storage, where the respective mean values were 68.11, 88.53 and 14.21. The storage time did not affect the levels of acidity, protein and fat yogurt, were 0.70% lactic acid, 3.76% and 5.2%, respectively. The yogurt containing 0.2% soluble coffee had 2.9 x 107 UFC.mL-1 lactic bacteria. The results of the analyzes of coliforms at 35°C and 45°C, molds and yeast yogurt stored for 28 days are in accordance to the microbiological standards established by legislation for fermented milks. The yogurt containing 0.2% soluble coffee can be stored at 4°C for 28 days, with physical, chemical and microbiological appropriate.  Objetivou-se determinar a vida de prateleira de iogurte sabor café, por meio de análises físicas, químicas e microbiológicas. Durante o processamento do iogurte, procedeu-se a homogeneização do leite e açúcar (10%), pasteurização (83ºC por 30 minutos) e resfriamento até à temperatura de 42ºC a 45ºC. Em seguida, foi adicionado o fermento termofílico. A fermentação foi conduzida a 45ºC por 6 horas, e logo após, armazenou-se à temperatura de 4ºC e adicionou-se, homogeneizando, o café solúvel a 0,2%. O iogurte foi armazenado a 4oC, por 28 dias. Observou-se redução linear nos valores de pH do iogurte contendo 0,2% de café solúvel durante o armazenamento. Os valores L*, ho e C* (análise de cor) do iogurte não sofreram alteração durante o armazenamento, onde as respectivas médias foram 68,11, 88,53 e 14,21. O tempo de armazenamento não afetou os teores de acidez titulável, proteína e gordura do iogurte, que foram, em média, 0,70% de ácido láctico, 3,76% e 5,2%, respectivamente. O iogurte contendo 0,2% de café solúvel apresentou 2,9 x 107 UFC.mL-1 de bactérias lácticas viáveis. Os resultados das análises de coliformes a 35°C e a 45°C e bolores e leveduras do iogurte armazenado por 28 dias estão em conformidade aos padrões microbiológicos estabelecidos pela legislação vigente para leites fermentados. O iogurte contendo 0,2% de café solúvel pode ser armazenado a 4oC por 28 dias, com características físicas, químicas e microbiológicas adequadas. 

Early Deformation of Deep Brain Stimulation Electrodes Following Surgical Implantation: Intracranial, Brain, and Electrode Mechanics

IntroductionAlthough deep brain stimulation is nowadays performed worldwide, the biomechanical aspects of electrode implantation received little attention, mainly as physicians focused on the medical aspects, such as the optimal indication of the surgical procedure, the positive and adverse effects, and the long-term follow-up. We aimed to describe electrode deformations and brain shift immediately after implantation, as it may highlight our comprehension of intracranial and intracerebral mechanics.Materials and MethodsSixty electrodes of 30 patients suffering from severe symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor were studied. They consisted of 30 non-directional electrodes and 30 directional electrodes, implanted 42 times in the subthalamus and 18 times in the ventrolateral thalamus. We computed the x (transversal), y (anteroposterior), z (depth), torsion, and curvature deformations, along the electrodes from the entrance point in the braincase. The electrodes were modelized from the immediate postoperative CT scan using automatic voxel thresholding segmentation, manual subtraction of artifacts, and automatic skeletonization. The deformation parameters were computed from the curve of electrodes using a third-order polynomial regression. We studied these deformations according to the type of electrodes, the clinical parameters, the surgical-related accuracy, the brain shift, the hemisphere and three tissue layers, the gyration layer, the white matter stem layer, and the deep brain layer (type I error set at 5%).ResultsWe found that the implanted first hemisphere coupled to the brain shift and the stiffness of the type of electrode impacted on the electrode deformations. The deformations were also different according to the tissue layers, to the electrode type, and to the first-hemisphere-brain-shift effect.ConclusionOur findings provide information on the intracranial and brain biomechanics and should help further developments on intracerebral electrode design and surgical issues

Redefining professional identity: the voice of a language teacher in a context of collaborative learning

Following a narrative and biographic approach, in this study, we present the case of an in-service language teacher and her professional learning trajectory in the context of the project ‘Languages and education: constructing and sharing train- ing’. This project aimed at the construction of a collaborative teacher education context for learning and transformation of experiences, views and practices in language education, and involved teachers, teacher educators and researchers. Based on a single case study, the analysis tries to disclose the teacher’s discur- sive displacements as hints of professional transformation while she reinterprets the learning taking place in the collaborative education process. The signs of change are visible in the way she constructs meanings regarding her professional identity, re-identifies her mission as a language teacher and reconsiders her pro- fessional identity. Finally, we reflect upon how collaborative teacher education scenarios may foster teachers’ personal professional learning and renewed self- images

The role of universities in the development of plurilingual repertoires: the voices of non-traditional adult students

The purpose of this paper is to present a study on the non-traditional adult students’ (NTAS) perceptions concerning the role of university in the development of their plurilingual repertoires. Data were collected through biographical interviews with NTAS with fewer and more plurilingual experiences. The results show that NTAS with more plurilingual experiences are more aware of their plurilingual repertoire and acknowledge higher education as an opportunity to further develop it. It also appears that if university promotes a favourable environment for the development of plurilingual repertoires, there may be a change in NTAS’ perception regarding lifelong language learning

Mepolizumab for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (SYNAPSE): in-depth sinus surgery analysis

Background: Patients with severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) often require repeat sinus surgery. Mepolizumab reduced the need for sinus surgery in the SYNAPSE trial; this analysis sought to provide a more in-depth assessment of surgery endpoints in SYNAPSE. Methods: SYNAPSE was a double-blind Phase III trial (NCT03085797) in adults with recurrent, refractory, severe, CRSwNP eligible for repeat sinus surgery despite standard of care treatments and previous surgery. Patients were randomized (1:1) to mepolizumab 100 mg subcutaneously or placebo, plus standard of care, every 4 weeks for 52 weeks. Time to first inclusion on a waiting list for sinus surgery and time to first actual sinus surgery (both up to week 52) were assessed; the latter endpoint was also analyzed post hoc according to time since last sinus surgery before study screening and baseline blood eosinophil count. Results: Among 407 patients (mepolizumab: 206; placebo: 201), mepolizumab versus placebo reduced the risk of being included on a waiting list for sinus surgery (week 52 Kaplan–Meier probability estimate [95% confidence interval]: 13.9% [9.8%, 19.5%] vs. 28.5% [22.7%, 35.4%]). Mepolizumab versus placebo reduced the risk of sinus surgery irrespective of time (<3 vs ≥3 years) since patients' last sinus surgery prior to study screening (hazard ratios [95% confidence intervals] 0.28 [0.09, 0.84] and 0.50 [0.26, 0.98], respectively) and baseline blood eosinophil count. Conclusions: Mepolizumab reduced the risk of further sinus surgery in patients with recurrent, refractory, severe CRSwNP, irrespective of the patient baseline characteristics assessed

Role of B lymphocytes in the infarcted mass in patients with acute myocardial infarction

Despite early reperfusion, patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) may present large myocardial necrosis and significant impairment of ventricular function. The present study aimed to evaluate the role of subtypes of B lymphocytes and related cytokines in the infarcted mass and left ventricular ejection fraction obtained by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging performed after 30 days of STEMI. This prospective study included 120 subjects with STEMI submitted to pharmacoinvasive strategy. Blood samples were collected in subjects in the first (D1) and 30th (D30) days post STEMI. The amount of CD11b+ B1 lymphocytes (cells/ml) at D1 were related to the infarcted mass (rho = 0.43; P=0.033), measured by cardiac MRI at D30. These B1 cells were associated with CD4+ T lymphocytes at D1 and D30, while B2 classic lymphocytes at day 30 were related to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Higher titers of circulating IL-4 and IL-10 were observed at D30 versus D1 (P=0.013 and P<0.001, respectively). Titers of IL-6 at D1 were associated with infarcted mass (rho = 0.41, P<0.001) and inversely related to LVEF (rho = -0.38, P<0.001). After multiple linear regression analysis, high-sensitivity troponin T and IL-6 collected at day 1 were independent predictors of infarcted mass and, at day 30, only HDL-C. Regarding LVEF, high-sensitivity troponin T and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were independent predictors at day 1, and B2 classic lymphocytes, at day 30. In subjects with STEMI, despite early reperfusion, the amount of infarcted mass and ventricular performance were related to inflammatory responses triggered by circulating B lymphocytes