KwaZulu-Natal has been ranked as having the fourth highest incidence of transmitted Multiple Drug Resistant-Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in sub-Saharan Africa. Substantial literature exists indicating the permanent damage that MDR-TB medication has on hearing abilities. The purpose of this study was to describe the hearing function of adults on long term MDR-TB treatment from Murchison Hospital MDR-TB unit in the Ugu District in rural KwaZulu-Natal. The primary aim of the study was to review the possible changes in hearing function in a group of adults on long-term treatment for MDR-TB. Secondly, the study aimed to estimate the number of adults who may present with changes following MDR-TB treatment and establish if relationships exist between the audiological findings and factors such as age and gender. The design of the study was a retrospective comparative data review of 68 patient records, all of which underwent audiological investigations from the start of MDR-TB treatment over a five-month period. The study made use of descriptive and inferential statistics to analyse the data. Specific inferential statistical analysis included analysis of covariance as well as regression analysis. Results from the study showed changes in hearing function in Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAEs) and Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) results at all five audiological sessions and across a range of frequencies. 84% of the total sample presented with overall refer readings for DPOAEs and 98.53% of the group of adults presented with criteria indicative of ototoxic hearing loss, specifically a bilateral mild-profound sloping SNHL on clinical PTA results. In the total sample of patient records reviewed in this study, all 68 records showed a change in hearing function, be that changes in DPOAE function and/or changes in PTA thresholds, following long-term treatment for MDR-TB. Variations in the effects of gender and ear difference were minimal and non-significant in all results. Similar presentation, to ototoxic hearing loss, of other degenerative conditions exists; however these conditions were accounted for as exclusion criteria in this study. Therefore the only remaining cause of possible hearing deficit was that of ototoxicity. The study provided valuable data regarding hearing function in a population of adults on long-term MDR-TB treatment in South Africa. Furthermore, the study has highlighted the need for the establishment of standardised audiological monitoring programmes sensitive to ototoxic hearing loss, within the South African context where the incidence of Tuberculosis (TB) and MDR-TB is reportedly high.

Este trabalho inova a aplicação de revestimentos duros usando o processo de soldagem SATG (Soldagem ao Arco Tungstênio com Atmosfera Gasosa) utilizando ligas, em forma de pó, incorporadas diretamente à poça de solda. Devido à boa resistência ao desgaste, utilizou-se a liga Stellite 6, no substrato SAE 1020. Dados de microdureza Vickers, taxa de deposição, diluição, análise micrográfica e desgaste foram comparados com resultados do PAT-P (Plasma por Arco Transferido-Pó) e permitiram avaliar a técnica proposta. Os resultados mostraram um revestimento pelo processo SATG-pó livre de poros, sem oxidação na superfície e diluição superior, ao processo PAT-P. Porém, o consumo de gás foi menor, devido à redução da vazão do gás de arraste e da não utilização de gás plasma. A análise microestrutural evidenciou uma microestrutura similar, para ambos os processos, mas o processo PAT-P apresentou uma microestrutura mais refinada. Obteve-se, pelo processo SATG-pó semi-automático, microdurezas entre 400 e 500 HV e uma taxa de diluição de 5%, próximas aos valores do processo PAT-P. Quanto ao desgaste, observaram-se valores também bem próximos para os três processos. / This work innovates the application of hardfacing by using the welding process GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding) using alloys in the powder form and directly embedded in the weld pool. Due to the good wear resistance it was used Stellite 6 alloy for hardfacing the substrate SAE 1020. Vickers hardness data, deposition rate, dilution, micrographic analysis and wear results were compared with the PTA-P (Plasma Transferred Arc-Powder) in order to evaluate the proposed technique. The results showed a coating produced by the process GTAW-powder free of pores, without surface oxidation and higher dilution in comparison with the PTA-P process. However, gas consumption was lower due to reduced flow of the carrier gas and as it was not used as plasma gas. Microstructural analysis showed a similar microstructure for both processes, but the PTA-P process presented a more refined microstructure. It was obtained, by the semi-automatic GTAW-powder process, micro hardness between 400 and 500HV and rate dilution of 5%, values close to the PTA-P process. As for the wear it was observed values very close too, for the three process.

Two main areas are considered in this manuscript. The first describes the synthesis of group 10 metal complexes incorporating the water-soluble 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane (PTA) ligand and the second deals with the preparation of Cr(salen)X catalysts for the copolymerization of CO2 and epoxides. In the first topic, the synthesis of nickel(II) and palladium(II) salicylaldiminato complexes incorporating PTA has been achieved employing two preparative routes. Upon reacting the original ethylene polymerization catalyst developed by Grubbs and coworkers (Organometallics, 1998, 17, 3149), (salicylaldiminato)Ni(Ph)PPh3, with PTA using a homogeneous methanol/toluene solvent system resulted in the formation of the PTA analogs in good yields. Alternatively, complexes of this type may be synthesized via a direct approach utilizing (TMEDA)M(CH3)2 (M = Ni, Pd), the corresponding salicylaldimine, and PTA. Polymerization reactions were attempted using the nickel-PTA complexes in a biphasic toluene/water mixture in an effort to initiate ethylene polymerization by trapping the dissociated phosphine ligand in the water layer, thereby, eliminating the need for a phosphine scavenger. Unfortunately, because of the strong binding ability of the small, donating phosphine (PTA) as compared to PPh3, dissociation did not occur at a temperature where the complexes are not subjected to decomposition. Additionally, the unexplored PTA derivative, 3,7-diacetyl-1,3,7-triaza-5-phosphabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane (DAPTA), prepared by the literature procedure, was fully characterized by NMR and X-ray analysis. DAPTA is found be similar to its parent (PTA) in coordination mode and binding strength, as supported by its representative group 6 and group 10 complexes The second main topic involves the copolymerization of CO2 and epoxides (i.e., cyclohexene oxide (CHO)) for the formation of polycarbonate using Cr(salen)X (X = Br, OPh) catalysts with one equivalent of PR3 as the co-catalyst. The use of these catalysts and cocatalysts results in the most active chromium-based catalytic systems to date. The . hr-1highest activities observed are on the order of 109 mol CHO consumed . mol Cr-1 using PCy3 as the co-catalyst, and is clearly seen in the in situ monitoring of copolymer formation. An advantage of these systems involves the lack of cyclic carbonate production and high CO2 incorporation (>99%) within the polymer.

Este trabalho inova a aplicação de revestimentos duros usando o processo de soldagem SATG (Soldagem ao Arco Tungstênio com Atmosfera Gasosa) utilizando ligas, em forma de pó, incorporadas diretamente à poça de solda. Devido à boa resistência ao desgaste, utilizou-se a liga Stellite 6, no substrato SAE 1020. Dados de microdureza Vickers, taxa de deposição, diluição, análise micrográfica e desgaste foram comparados com resultados do PAT-P (Plasma por Arco Transferido-Pó) e permitiram avaliar a técnica proposta. Os resultados mostraram um revestimento pelo processo SATG-pó livre de poros, sem oxidação na superfície e diluição superior, ao processo PAT-P. Porém, o consumo de gás foi menor, devido à redução da vazão do gás de arraste e da não utilização de gás plasma. A análise microestrutural evidenciou uma microestrutura similar, para ambos os processos, mas o processo PAT-P apresentou uma microestrutura mais refinada. Obteve-se, pelo processo SATG-pó semi-automático, microdurezas entre 400 e 500 HV e uma taxa de diluição de 5%, próximas aos valores do processo PAT-P. Quanto ao desgaste, observaram-se valores também bem próximos para os três processos. / This work innovates the application of hardfacing by using the welding process GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding) using alloys in the powder form and directly embedded in the weld pool. Due to the good wear resistance it was used Stellite 6 alloy for hardfacing the substrate SAE 1020. Vickers hardness data, deposition rate, dilution, micrographic analysis and wear results were compared with the PTA-P (Plasma Transferred Arc-Powder) in order to evaluate the proposed technique. The results showed a coating produced by the process GTAW-powder free of pores, without surface oxidation and higher dilution in comparison with the PTA-P process. However, gas consumption was lower due to reduced flow of the carrier gas and as it was not used as plasma gas. Microstructural analysis showed a similar microstructure for both processes, but the PTA-P process presented a more refined microstructure. It was obtained, by the semi-automatic GTAW-powder process, micro hardness between 400 and 500HV and rate dilution of 5%, values close to the PTA-P process. As for the wear it was observed values very close too, for the three process.

La compétence du laboratoire dans le domaine du transport électronique a été étendue par un travail métrologique permettant de préciser l’échelle de thermoélectricité notamment en corrigeant l’alumel. Dans une deuxième partie nous avons utilisé l’excellente précision du dispositif expérimental pour mesurer le Pouvoir Thermoélectrique Absolu (PTA) d’échantillons d’Arcelor auparavant caractérisés à haute température par résistivité. Puis nous avons déterminé, pour la première fois, les propriétés de transport électronique de 4 pseudo-alliages en fonction de la température et avons étudié l’effet de leur vieillissement à haute température / The competence of the laboratory in the field of electronic transport has been extended by a metrological work to specify the scale of thermoelectricity correcting that of alumel. In a second part, we used the excellent precision of the experimental device to measure the Absolute Thermoelectric Power (ATP) of Arcelor samples previously characterized at high temperature by resistivity. Then we determined, for the first time, the electronic transport properties of four pseudo-alloys as function of temperature and studied the effect of their ageing at high temperatures

Background: There is a direct emphasis on interprofessional learning and interprofessional education (IPE) at the accreditation and national level (IPE, 2016). There are, however, no studies on the effectiveness in the delivery of interprofessional collaboration in the academic setting, specific to occupational therapy assistant students. Therefore, the following research has been developed to address this area of need in occupational therapy assistant education. Methods: This research was conducted in the academic setting, through a simulated lab-based case with occupational therapy assistant and physical therapist assistant students as the participants. The perceived confidence and communication were measured through a pre and post survey using the Interdisciplinary Education Perception Scale (IEPS). Qualitative data was collected 10 months after the IP event in the form of a focus group. Results: Twenty-three students participated in the interprofessional event. The quantitative results while using a paired samples t-test indicated that IEPS pre-test mean scores (M = 90.08) were significantly different than the IEPS post-test mean scores (M = 97.95), (t [23] = 5.57, p < .001). The qualitative finding results resulted in the following themes: collaboration, building confidence and effective communication skills, during the IPE event, and student reflection of IPE. Conclusions: Many health program accreditation bodies include IPE within their educational standards. The results of this one-day interprofessional event demonstrated that the participants showed an improvement in their perceptions of affective domain components within an interdisciplinary education program. The results were IEPS and all four subscales within the IEPS were statistically significant indicating that student learning occurred in all domains. Occupational therapy assistant faculty need to continue to seek creative avenues to support and incorporate IPE in the academic setting to better prepare OT practitioners to work collaboratively in the workplace and with the clients they serve.

A vinca (Catharanthus roseus) é uma planta perene, arbustiva, pertencente à família Apocinaceae, cujas folhas e raízes possuem propriedades medicinais. A presença de sintoma de mosaico e deformação foliar em plantas dessa espécie, associados com a presença de partículas alongadas e flexuosas, característica de vírus pertencentes ao gênero Potyvirus, conduziu a estudos complementares para a identificação e caracterização desse vírus. No estudo da gama parcial de hospedeiras foram testadas 28 espécies, envolvendo oito famílias botânicas. Catharanthus roseus e Nicotiana benthamiana apresentaram sintomas de mosaico foliar e Chenopodium amaranticolor e C. quinoa apresentaram lesões locais cloróticas nas folhas inoculadas. A transmissão do vírus com afídeos foi avaliada com as espécies Aphis gossypii, Myzus nicotianae e Toxoptera citricidus. Apenas Aphis gossypii e Myzus nicotianae transmitiram o vírus. O antissoro policlonal produzido contra este potyvirus reagiu com o vírus homólogo e com o Passionfruit woodiness virus (PWV) e Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus (CABMV), mas não com o Lettuce mosaic virus (LMV), Papaya ringspot virus - type W (PRSV-W), Potato virus Y (PVY) e Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV). O peso molecular da proteína capsidial (CP) foi de aproximadamente 34 kDa. A reação de PCR realizada com os oligonucleotídeos universais de potyvirus e oligonucleotídeos específicos posteriomente confeccionados amplificaram três fragmentos de aproximadamente 0,8, 1,0 e 1,4 Kb, os quais após o seqüênciamento geraram um fragmento de 1654 nucleotídeos (nt) da região 3' terminal do genoma, que inclui parte do gene da replicase viral (Nib), a região codificadora completa do gene da proteína capsidial (CP), seguida de 286 nt da região 3' não traduzida (3'NTR). A identidade da seqüência de nucleotídeos do gene da CP variou de 67,0 a 76,0%, quando comparada com as de outros membros da família Potyviridae. A maior identidade foi com o Omphalodes virus Y (76,0%). A identidade dos aminoácidos deduzidos da proteína capsidial variou de 62,0 a 71,0%, sendo a maior com East Asian Passiflora virus (71%). Para a região não traduzida (3'NTR) a identidade variou de 16,8 a 28,6%. Em conjunto esses dados indicam que este vírus é uma nova espécie dentro do gênero Potyvirus, para o qual se propõe o nome de Vírus do mosaico do Catharanthus (Catharanthus mosaic virus - CatMV). / Catharanthus roseus is known as the common periwinkle or Madagascar periwinkle. It is a perennial, evergreen herb in the family Apocynaceae, which was originally native to the island of Madagascar, although both name and classification are contradictory in some literature. The plants grow up to 80 cm high; have glossy, dark green leaves and bloom during summer. The flowers range from white to hot pink to purple. The species has historically been used in popular medicine to treat a wide assortment of human diseases, as it contains more than 150 useful alkaloids. Plants of C. roseus exhibiting mosaic symptoms followed by malformation of the leaf blades and flower variegation were collected from a garden at the University of São Paulo, School of Agriculture (Piracicaba, State of São Paulo, Brazil). Preliminary electron microscopy exams of negatively stained leaf sap revealed that the symptoms were associated with potyvirus-like particles. The objective of the present work was to obtain further biological, immunological and molecular data to better characterize this species of the genus Potyvirus, family Potyviridae. Of 28 plant species from eight botanical families inoculated mechanically with this potyvirus, only C. roseus and Nicotiana benthamiana developed systemic mosaic, whereas Chenopodium amaranticolor and C. quinoa exhibited only chlorotic local lesions. The virus was transmitted by Aphis gossypii and Myzus nicotianae, but not by Toxoptera citricidus. Polyclonal antiserum raised against this potyvirus reacted with the homologous virus, Passion fruit woodiness virus (PWV) and Cowpea aphid borne mosaic virus (CABMV) in PTA-ELISA. The molecular mass of the coat protein (CP) was approximately 34 kDa. RT-PCR from viral RNA amplified a fragment of approximately 1654 nucleotides (nt) at the 3'-terminal of the viral genome, containing portion of the replicase gene (Nib), the entire CP gene and the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) (286 nt). When the nucleotide sequence of the CP gene was compared with other members of the Potyviridae family, identities varied from 67.0 to 76.0%. The highest identity was with Omphalodes virus Y. Identity of the deduced amino acid of the CP varied from 62.0 to 71.0%, with the highest for East Asian Passiflora virus. For the 3' UTR, identities varied from 16.8 to 28.6%. The name Catharanthus mosaic virus (CatMV) is proposed for this new potyvirus.

L'intégrité des portées d'étanchéité des robinets des centrales REP nécessite l'emploi de revêtements durs comme par exemple le Norem02, base Fe, déposé par soudage PTA (Plasma Transferred Arc). La prédiction de leur tenue en service nécessite la connaissance de leur état mécanique en fin de fabrication. Pour cela, la simulation numérique du procédé de dépôt doit être effectuée. La microstructure du Norem02 est essentiellement constituée d'une matrice austénitique parsemée d'ilôts de ferrite et de carbures. Son évolution et ses éventuelles transformations allotropiques sont étudiées durant des cycles thermiques représentatifs de ceux subis par le matériau au cours du dépôt, amenant à la conclusion que l'évolution métallurgique de l'alliage n'a que très peu d'influence sur ses propriétés mécaniques. En s'appuyant sur des essais jusqu'à 1000°C de dilatométrie libre, de traction isotherme, ainsi que de traction-compression, l'évolution des caractéristiques thermomécaniques est déterminée en fonction de la température et une loi de comportement élasto-plastique à écrouissage cinématique non linéaire est identifiée. Des mesures expérimentales de températures, déplacements, déformations et contraintes résiduelles lors d'essais de dépôt PTA sur des maquettes représentatives de la géométrie réelle d'un robinet permettent l'identification d'un chargement thermique équivalent. Enfin, des simulations numériques sont conduites en utilisant le code éléments finis développé au sein d'EDF R et D Code_Aster. Elles permettent la validation du caractère prédictif des modèles développés par comparaison entre les résultats mécaniques simulés et expérimentaux. Une excellente corrélation est ainsi observée entre les températures mesurées et simulées tout au long du procédé. De la même façon, à l'issue du refroidissement, les distorsions, déformations et contraintes résiduelles expérimentales et simulées sont en adéquation, validant ainsi la stratégie de modélisation proposée dans ces travaux.

A vinca (Catharanthus roseus) é uma planta perene, arbustiva, pertencente à família Apocinaceae, cujas folhas e raízes possuem propriedades medicinais. A presença de sintoma de mosaico e deformação foliar em plantas dessa espécie, associados com a presença de partículas alongadas e flexuosas, característica de vírus pertencentes ao gênero Potyvirus, conduziu a estudos complementares para a identificação e caracterização desse vírus. No estudo da gama parcial de hospedeiras foram testadas 28 espécies, envolvendo oito famílias botânicas. Catharanthus roseus e Nicotiana benthamiana apresentaram sintomas de mosaico foliar e Chenopodium amaranticolor e C. quinoa apresentaram lesões locais cloróticas nas folhas inoculadas. A transmissão do vírus com afídeos foi avaliada com as espécies Aphis gossypii, Myzus nicotianae e Toxoptera citricidus. Apenas Aphis gossypii e Myzus nicotianae transmitiram o vírus. O antissoro policlonal produzido contra este potyvirus reagiu com o vírus homólogo e com o Passionfruit woodiness virus (PWV) e Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus (CABMV), mas não com o Lettuce mosaic virus (LMV), Papaya ringspot virus - type W (PRSV-W), Potato virus Y (PVY) e Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV). O peso molecular da proteína capsidial (CP) foi de aproximadamente 34 kDa. A reação de PCR realizada com os oligonucleotídeos universais de potyvirus e oligonucleotídeos específicos posteriomente confeccionados amplificaram três fragmentos de aproximadamente 0,8, 1,0 e 1,4 Kb, os quais após o seqüênciamento geraram um fragmento de 1654 nucleotídeos (nt) da região 3' terminal do genoma, que inclui parte do gene da replicase viral (Nib), a região codificadora completa do gene da proteína capsidial (CP), seguida de 286 nt da região 3' não traduzida (3'NTR). A identidade da seqüência de nucleotídeos do gene da CP variou de 67,0 a 76,0%, quando comparada com as de outros membros da família Potyviridae. A maior identidade foi com o Omphalodes virus Y (76,0%). A identidade dos aminoácidos deduzidos da proteína capsidial variou de 62,0 a 71,0%, sendo a maior com East Asian Passiflora virus (71%). Para a região não traduzida (3'NTR) a identidade variou de 16,8 a 28,6%. Em conjunto esses dados indicam que este vírus é uma nova espécie dentro do gênero Potyvirus, para o qual se propõe o nome de Vírus do mosaico do Catharanthus (Catharanthus mosaic virus - CatMV). / Catharanthus roseus is known as the common periwinkle or Madagascar periwinkle. It is a perennial, evergreen herb in the family Apocynaceae, which was originally native to the island of Madagascar, although both name and classification are contradictory in some literature. The plants grow up to 80 cm high; have glossy, dark green leaves and bloom during summer. The flowers range from white to hot pink to purple. The species has historically been used in popular medicine to treat a wide assortment of human diseases, as it contains more than 150 useful alkaloids. Plants of C. roseus exhibiting mosaic symptoms followed by malformation of the leaf blades and flower variegation were collected from a garden at the University of São Paulo, School of Agriculture (Piracicaba, State of São Paulo, Brazil). Preliminary electron microscopy exams of negatively stained leaf sap revealed that the symptoms were associated with potyvirus-like particles. The objective of the present work was to obtain further biological, immunological and molecular data to better characterize this species of the genus Potyvirus, family Potyviridae. Of 28 plant species from eight botanical families inoculated mechanically with this potyvirus, only C. roseus and Nicotiana benthamiana developed systemic mosaic, whereas Chenopodium amaranticolor and C. quinoa exhibited only chlorotic local lesions. The virus was transmitted by Aphis gossypii and Myzus nicotianae, but not by Toxoptera citricidus. Polyclonal antiserum raised against this potyvirus reacted with the homologous virus, Passion fruit woodiness virus (PWV) and Cowpea aphid borne mosaic virus (CABMV) in PTA-ELISA. The molecular mass of the coat protein (CP) was approximately 34 kDa. RT-PCR from viral RNA amplified a fragment of approximately 1654 nucleotides (nt) at the 3'-terminal of the viral genome, containing portion of the replicase gene (Nib), the entire CP gene and the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) (286 nt). When the nucleotide sequence of the CP gene was compared with other members of the Potyviridae family, identities varied from 67.0 to 76.0%. The highest identity was with Omphalodes virus Y. Identity of the deduced amino acid of the CP varied from 62.0 to 71.0%, with the highest for East Asian Passiflora virus. For the 3' UTR, identities varied from 16.8 to 28.6%. The name Catharanthus mosaic virus (CatMV) is proposed for this new potyvirus.

Graduating sufficient numbers of healthcare providers to fill the needs of an aging population in the United States is a major social concern. To address this problem physical therapist assistant (PTA) programs need to improve their graduation rates to keep up with the demand for qualified personnel. Applying Senge's theory of effective systems, 1 medium-sized community college with an average pass rate of over 90% on the National Physical Therapist Assistant Examination (NPTAE) was selected to address the research question: What are the systems factors and how do they operate together to support student success in an associate degree PTA program? The method was a descriptive case study consisting of interviews, classroom observations, and document review using member checking and triangulation of data, with analysis by topic in order to yield Geertz's 'thick description' of efforts toward student success. A significant array of strategies and cooperative practices within the department were identified that may contribute to success on the NPTAE. Student success might be further enhanced if PTA faculty were even better connected to other College departments, and all successful retention strategies were disseminated throughout the College. While this case study cannot definitively establish a causal link between college-wide student success efforts and the high pass rate on the NPTAE, it is possible to conclude that it provides a context in which the success rate can be understood. The results of this study would suggest that other colleges that want to improve the NPTAE pass rate might consider this model to effect social change by meeting the growing health care needs and challenges in society of all people, especially an aging population.