Temporal and environmental factors associated with owl in the Selva El Ocote reserve, Chiapas, Mexico

Los búhos son usualmente poco visibles en la oscuridad de selvas y bosques por lo que sus llamados o vocalizaciones son la forma de detectarlos y estudiarlos. Sin embargo, algunas vocalizaciones pueden variar durante la noche en asociación con factores ambientales. En este estudio se evaluó la frecuencia de llamados de búhos durante la noche y se determinaron variables ambientales que pueden estar asociadas a los llamados del Tecolote Vermiculado (Megascops guatemalae), el Tecolote Bajeño (Glaucidium ridgwayi) y el Búho Café (Strix squamulata) en la Reserva de la Biosfera Selva El Ocote, Chiapas, México. Se realizaron muestreos durante 12 noches por mes en 4 transectas en 3 horarios, registrando diferentes condiciones ambientales (posición de la luna, nubosidad, iluminación ambiental, fase lunar e iluminación de la luna). La frecuencia de llamados de Megascops guatemalae y de Glaucidium ridgwayi varió entre horarios y fue mayor en el crepúsculo del amanecer. Las variables ambientales influyeron en la frecuencia de llamados, aunque su intensidad varió entre especies. La mayor frecuencia de llamados fue explicada por la posición de la luna y la iluminación ambiental en Megascops guatemalae y en Strix squamulata, y por la posición y la iluminación de la luna en Glaucidium ridgwayi. Los horarios y los factores ambientales que influyen en la frecuencia de llamados de los búhos constituyen información básica para entender la relación entre las especies y el ambiente, así como para mejorar los diseños de muestreo en estudios ecológicos de rapaces nocturnas.Owls are difficult to see in dark tropical forests so their calls or vocalizations are used to detect and study them. However, vocalizations may vary during the night in association with environmental factors. We evaluated variations in owl calling at night and environmental variables associated with them for the Vermiculated Screech-Owl (Megascops guatemalae), the Ridgway’s Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium ridgwayi) and the Mexican Wood-Owl (Strix squamulata) in the Biosphere Reserve of Selva El Ocote, Chiapas, Mexico. Field surveys were carried out along 4 transects during 12 nights per month at 3 different time periods, recording environmental conditions (moon position, cloudiness, environmental lighting, moon phase and moon lighting). The frequency of calls of Megascops guatemalae and Glaucidium ridgwayi differed between time periods and was higher in the twilight of dawn. Environmental variables were associated with the frequency of calls although its intensity varied among species. The frequency of calls was explained by moon position and environmental lighting in Megascops guatemalae and Strix squamulata, and by moon position and lighting in Glaucidium ridgwayi. Time periods and environmental conditions associated with call frequency constitute basic information to understand the relationships between owl species and the environment, but also to improve sampling design in ecological studies on nocturnal raptors

Trisomy 21 dysregulates T cell lineages toward an autoimmunity-prone state associated with interferon hyperactivity

Trisomy 21 (T21) causes Down syndrome (DS), a condition characterized by high prevalence of autoimmune disorders. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms driving this phenotype remain unclear. Building upon our previous finding that T cells from people with DS show increased expression of interferon (IFN)stimulated genes, we have completed a comprehensive characterization of the peripheral T cell compartment in adults with DS with and without autoimmune conditions. CD8+ T cells from adults with DS are depleted of naïve subsets and enriched for differentiated subsets, express higher levels of markers of activation and senescence (e.g., IFN-γ, Granzyme B, PD-1, KLRG1), and overproduce cytokines tied to autoimmunity (e.g., TNF-α). Conventional CD4+ T cells display increased differentiation, polarization toward the Th1 and Th1/17 states, and overproduction of the autoimmunity-related cytokines IL-17A and IL-22. Plasma cytokine analysis confirms elevation of multiple autoimmunity-related cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL17A–D, IL-22) in people with DS, independent of diagnosis of autoimmunity. Although Tregs are more abundant in DS, functional assays show that CD8+ and CD4+ effector T cells with T21 are resistant to Treg-mediated suppression, regardless of Treg karyotype. Transcriptome analysis of white blood cells and T cells reveals strong signatures of T cell differentiation and activation that correlate positively with IFN hyperactivity. Finally, mass cytometry analysis of 8 IFN-inducible phosphoepitopes demonstrates that T cell subsets with T21 show elevated levels of basal IFN signaling and hypersensitivity to IFN-α stimulation. Therefore, these results point to T cell dysregulation associated with IFN hyperactivity as a contributor to autoimmunity in DS.Fil: Araya, Paula. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Córdoba. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología; ArgentinaFil: Waugh, Katherine A.. University Of Colorado. School Of Medicine.; Estados UnidosFil: Sullivan, Kelly D.. University Of Colorado. School Of Medicine.; Estados UnidosFil: Núñez, Nicolás. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Córdoba. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología; ArgentinaFil: Roselli, Emiliano. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Córdoba. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología; ArgentinaFil: Smith, Keith P.. University Of Colorado. School Of Medicine.; Estados UnidosFil: Granrath, Ross E.. University Of Colorado. School Of Medicine.; Estados UnidosFil: Rachubinski, Angela L.. University of Colorado; Estados UnidosFil: Enriquez Estrada, Belinda. University Of Colorado. School Of Medicine.; Estados UnidosFil: Butcher, Eric T.. University of Colorado; Estados UnidosFil: Minter, Ross. University of Colorado; Estados UnidosFil: Tuttle, Kathryn D.. University of Colorado; Estados UnidosFil: Bruno, Tullia C.. University Of Colorado. School Of Medicine.; Estados UnidosFil: Maccioni, Mariana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Córdoba. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología; ArgentinaFil: Espinosa, Joaquín M.. University Of Colorado. School Of Medicine.; Estados Unido

Association between convalescent plasma treatment and mortality in COVID-19: a collaborative systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

Funder: laura and john arnold foundationBACKGROUND: Convalescent plasma has been widely used to treat COVID-19 and is under investigation in numerous randomized clinical trials, but results are publicly available only for a small number of trials. The objective of this study was to assess the benefits of convalescent plasma treatment compared to placebo or no treatment and all-cause mortality in patients with COVID-19, using data from all available randomized clinical trials, including unpublished and ongoing trials (Open Science Framework, https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/GEHFX ). METHODS: In this collaborative systematic review and meta-analysis, clinical trial registries (ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform), the Cochrane COVID-19 register, the LOVE database, and PubMed were searched until April 8, 2021. Investigators of trials registered by March 1, 2021, without published results were contacted via email. Eligible were ongoing, discontinued and completed randomized clinical trials that compared convalescent plasma with placebo or no treatment in COVID-19 patients, regardless of setting or treatment schedule. Aggregated mortality data were extracted from publications or provided by investigators of unpublished trials and combined using the Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman random effects model. We investigated the contribution of unpublished trials to the overall evidence. RESULTS: A total of 16,477 patients were included in 33 trials (20 unpublished with 3190 patients, 13 published with 13,287 patients). 32 trials enrolled only hospitalized patients (including 3 with only intensive care unit patients). Risk of bias was low for 29/33 trials. Of 8495 patients who received convalescent plasma, 1997 died (23%), and of 7982 control patients, 1952 died (24%). The combined risk ratio for all-cause mortality was 0.97 (95% confidence interval: 0.92; 1.02) with between-study heterogeneity not beyond chance (I2 = 0%). The RECOVERY trial had 69.8% and the unpublished evidence 25.3% of the weight in the meta-analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Convalescent plasma treatment of patients with COVID-19 did not reduce all-cause mortality. These results provide strong evidence that convalescent plasma treatment for patients with COVID-19 should not be used outside of randomized trials. Evidence synthesis from collaborations among trial investigators can inform both evidence generation and evidence application in patient care

Mitochondrial physiology

As the knowledge base and importance of mitochondrial physiology to evolution, health and disease expands, the necessity for harmonizing the terminology concerning mitochondrial respiratory states and rates has become increasingly apparent. The chemiosmotic theory establishes the mechanism of energy transformation and coupling in oxidative phosphorylation. The unifying concept of the protonmotive force provides the framework for developing a consistent theoretical foundation of mitochondrial physiology and bioenergetics. We follow the latest SI guidelines and those of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) on terminology in physical chemistry, extended by considerations of open systems and thermodynamics of irreversible processes. The concept-driven constructive terminology incorporates the meaning of each quantity and aligns concepts and symbols with the nomenclature of classical bioenergetics. We endeavour to provide a balanced view of mitochondrial respiratory control and a critical discussion on reporting data of mitochondrial respiration in terms of metabolic flows and fluxes. Uniform standards for evaluation of respiratory states and rates will ultimately contribute to reproducibility between laboratories and thus support the development of data repositories of mitochondrial respiratory function in species, tissues, and cells. Clarity of concept and consistency of nomenclature facilitate effective transdisciplinary communication, education, and ultimately further discovery

Controle e coerção: a pedagogia do olhar na espacialidade do teatro e das organizações

Este ensaio aborda o tema da coerção e do controle, amplamente tratado no campo dos estudos críticos em Administração, privilegiando o espaço físico. Porém o faz numa perspectiva alternativa: toma a evolução histórica da espacialidade teatral e estabelece analogias com a espacialidade nas organizações. Para tanto, são analisados o anfiteatro grego, o teatro de Roma, os palcos medievais, o palco italiano e, adicionalmente, a sala de cinema. O objetivo é argumentar que no espaço físico controla-se, pedagogicamente, o olhar do indivíduo para que propósitos políticos, econômicos e culturais sejam realizados. Tal acontece tanto pelo emprego de modos coercitivos e diretos de controle quanto de modos normativos, mais sutis

Mitochondrial physiology

As the knowledge base and importance of mitochondrial physiology to evolution, health and disease expands, the necessity for harmonizing the terminology concerning mitochondrial respiratory states and rates has become increasingly apparent. The chemiosmotic theory establishes the mechanism of energy transformation and coupling in oxidative phosphorylation. The unifying concept of the protonmotive force provides the framework for developing a consistent theoretical foundation of mitochondrial physiology and bioenergetics. We follow the latest SI guidelines and those of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) on terminology in physical chemistry, extended by considerations of open systems and thermodynamics of irreversible processes. The concept-driven constructive terminology incorporates the meaning of each quantity and aligns concepts and symbols with the nomenclature of classical bioenergetics. We endeavour to provide a balanced view of mitochondrial respiratory control and a critical discussion on reporting data of mitochondrial respiration in terms of metabolic flows and fluxes. Uniform standards for evaluation of respiratory states and rates will ultimately contribute to reproducibility between laboratories and thus support the development of data repositories of mitochondrial respiratory function in species, tissues, and cells. Clarity of concept and consistency of nomenclature facilitate effective transdisciplinary communication, education, and ultimately further discovery

Naturaleza y cultura en Ámerica Latina

La concreción del XVIII Foro de Estudiantes Latinoamericanos de Antrología y Arqueología: Cultura y naturaleza en América Latina: escenarios para un modelo de desarrollo no civilizatorio, efectuado en Quito desde el 17 al 23 de julio del 2011, se constituyó en un acontecimiento sumamente significativo para la antropología latinoamericana debido a dos motivos. Primero porque coincidió con la emergencia del movimiento universitario estudiantil latinoamericano que expresaba sus tendencias, propuestas y exigencias de cambios tanto de las prácticas académicas como de los patrones civilizatorios que rigen las relaciones actuales. Segundo, porque se inscribía en un contexto de consolidación de las nuevas democracias de los países andinos, de carácter antineoliberal y basadas en los sujetos de derecho entre los cuales se incluye la naturaleza. Estos contextos determinaron que el Foro no ponga en escena certidumbres teóricas o metodológicas, ni se preste al exhibicionismo estéril de los avances disciplinares. Más bien, la convocatoria de la antropología y la arqueología fue apenas un pretexto para hablar, con su lenguaje, de nosotros mismos, de lo que somos, de lo que pensamos, de lo que aspiramos y sentimos sobre nuestra Latinoamérica. Lo que hemos visto, oído y compartido, en realidad, no han sido solamente ideas o conceptos sino opciones y toma de posiciones respecto a múltiples encrucijadas. Posición ante situaciones que amenazan la vida, la justicia y los derechos de todos, un desafío epistemológico todavía en ciernes y que no termina de cuajar aún en nuestras prácticas académicas

Immunoglobulin, glucocorticoid, or combination therapy for multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children: a propensity-weighted cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), a hyperinflammatory condition associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, has emerged as a serious illness in children worldwide. Immunoglobulin or glucocorticoids, or both, are currently recommended treatments. METHODS: The Best Available Treatment Study evaluated immunomodulatory treatments for MIS-C in an international observational cohort. Analysis of the first 614 patients was previously reported. In this propensity-weighted cohort study, clinical and outcome data from children with suspected or proven MIS-C were collected onto a web-based Research Electronic Data Capture database. After excluding neonates and incomplete or duplicate records, inverse probability weighting was used to compare primary treatments with intravenous immunoglobulin, intravenous immunoglobulin plus glucocorticoids, or glucocorticoids alone, using intravenous immunoglobulin as the reference treatment. Primary outcomes were a composite of inotropic or ventilator support from the second day after treatment initiation, or death, and time to improvement on an ordinal clinical severity scale. Secondary outcomes included treatment escalation, clinical deterioration, fever, and coronary artery aneurysm occurrence and resolution. This study is registered with the ISRCTN registry, ISRCTN69546370. FINDINGS: We enrolled 2101 children (aged 0 months to 19 years) with clinically diagnosed MIS-C from 39 countries between June 14, 2020, and April 25, 2022, and, following exclusions, 2009 patients were included for analysis (median age 8·0 years [IQR 4·2-11·4], 1191 [59·3%] male and 818 [40·7%] female, and 825 [41·1%] White). 680 (33·8%) patients received primary treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin, 698 (34·7%) with intravenous immunoglobulin plus glucocorticoids, 487 (24·2%) with glucocorticoids alone; 59 (2·9%) patients received other combinations, including biologicals, and 85 (4·2%) patients received no immunomodulators. There were no significant differences between treatments for primary outcomes for the 1586 patients with complete baseline and outcome data that were considered for primary analysis. Adjusted odds ratios for ventilation, inotropic support, or death were 1·09 (95% CI 0·75-1·58; corrected p value=1·00) for intravenous immunoglobulin plus glucocorticoids and 0·93 (0·58-1·47; corrected p value=1·00) for glucocorticoids alone, versus intravenous immunoglobulin alone. Adjusted average hazard ratios for time to improvement were 1·04 (95% CI 0·91-1·20; corrected p value=1·00) for intravenous immunoglobulin plus glucocorticoids, and 0·84 (0·70-1·00; corrected p value=0·22) for glucocorticoids alone, versus intravenous immunoglobulin alone. Treatment escalation was less frequent for intravenous immunoglobulin plus glucocorticoids (OR 0·15 [95% CI 0·11-0·20]; p<0·0001) and glucocorticoids alone (0·68 [0·50-0·93]; p=0·014) versus intravenous immunoglobulin alone. Persistent fever (from day 2 onward) was less common with intravenous immunoglobulin plus glucocorticoids compared with either intravenous immunoglobulin alone (OR 0·50 [95% CI 0·38-0·67]; p<0·0001) or glucocorticoids alone (0·63 [0·45-0·88]; p=0·0058). Coronary artery aneurysm occurrence and resolution did not differ significantly between treatment groups. INTERPRETATION: Recovery rates, including occurrence and resolution of coronary artery aneurysms, were similar for primary treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin when compared to glucocorticoids or intravenous immunoglobulin plus glucocorticoids. Initial treatment with glucocorticoids appears to be a safe alternative to immunoglobulin or combined therapy, and might be advantageous in view of the cost and limited availability of intravenous immunoglobulin in many countries. FUNDING: Imperial College London, the European Union's Horizon 2020, Wellcome Trust, the Medical Research Foundation, UK National Institute for Health and Care Research, and National Institutes of Health