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This article describes the development and validation of a test of vocabulary size and strength. The first part of the article sets out the theoretical rationale for the test, and describes how the size and strength constructs have been conceptualized and operationalized. The second part of the article focusses on the process of test validation, which involved the testing of the hypotheses implicit in the test design, using both unidimensional and multifaceted Rasch analyses. Possible applications for the test include determining the status of a learner's vocabulary development as well as screening and placement. A model for administering the test in computer adaptive mode is also proposed. The study has implications both for the design and delivery of this test as well as for theories of vocabulary acquisition.

The Jucusbamaba River, located in the northeastern region of Peru, flows through two towns that use its waters for agricultural activities. However, these activities generate waste discharged back into the river, which is additionally polluted by untreated domestic wastewater discharges. The main objective was to evaluate the ecological quality of this lotic system, analyzing biotic and abiotic parameters during two seasons. The biotic parameters included microinvertebrates and fecal coliforms, while the abiotic parameters encompassed temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, turbidity, total dissolved solids, and biochemical oxygen demand. Six sampling points were established where physicochemical and microbiological parameters were analyzed. Simultaneously, quantitative sampling of macroinvertebrates was carried out at the same points to evaluate their diversity using Shannon- Wiener, Margalef and Simpson indices. The Andean Biotic Index (ABI) and the Biotic Family Index (FBI) were calculated to determine the ecological quality of the river using macroinvertebrates. Finally, the spatio-temporal variation of macroinvertebrate composition and physicochemical and microbiological parameters were analyzed. Very high concentrations of BOD, total dissolved solids, and electrical conductivity were obtained in the dry season, while in the rainy season, they were pH, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity. 12548 individuals from 6 classes, 11 orders, and 26 families were collected. The greatest richness of macroinvertebrate families was found at points 1 and 2, with Trichoptera, Ephemeroptera and Plecoptera individuals predominating. There was evidence of temporal variation in physicochemical and microbiological parameters, as well as in macroinvertebrate composition. It was concluded that the ecological quality of the Jucusbamba River decreases as it follows its course due to anthropic disturbances. This research can be used to develop management plans, awareness-raising, and sanitation measures to ensure the protection and conservation of the Jucusbamaba River.

LGBT+ young people are especially vulnerable to distress. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between the perception of social isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the use of dating apps by LGBT+ young people. It also aimed to understand the factors related to the use of these platforms and the perception of LGBT+ young people about social isolation. An online survey was carried out in Brazil with 816 LGBT+ young people aged between 18 and 32 years old. A questionnaire proposed by the authors was used to measure the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their lives, the perception of social isolation, and the use of dating apps and other related platforms. LGBT+ young people feel emotionally affected by social isolation, and there is evidence of significant family discomfort regarding their LGBT+ identity. The use of dating apps was not associated with a higher break in social isolation; their use was strongly characterized as a mechanism of social interaction. The study highlighted specificities of social isolation for LGBT+ young people, mainly related to their mental health. Furthermore, dating apps were presented as a tool for coping and social interaction.

Las vasculitis de las arterias o vasculitis cerebelosas en el lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) son extremadamente infrecuentes y podrían estar inmersas o formar parte de los casos de LES neuropsiquiátrico (LESNP), stroke cerebeloso en el LES y grupo de vasculitis del sistema nervioso central (SNC ) por LES. La adición del manejo quirúrgico a esta entidad, mediante descompresión suboccipital, ha sido reportada en muy pocas publicaciones. Se presenta el caso de una paciente mujer de 18 años con LES, LESNP, stroke cerebeloso, con alta sospecha de vasculitis inflamatoria de las arterias cerebelosas a quien, a pesar del manejo médico, se le brindó descompresión suboccipital. La vasculitis inflamatoria de las arterias cerebelosas en el LES es una causa infrecuente de stroke cerebeloso de elevada mortalidad. Existe limitada evidencia científica en la realización de la descompresión suboccipital de esta entidad.

The reuse of wastewater from domestic sewage can contribute to forage production in regions with limited water availability. The aim was to study the agronomic performance of Gigante, Miúda, and Orelha de Elefante Mexicana cactus pear cultivars irrigated with treated sewage water; contents of macro- and micronutrients in plant tissues; export of nutrients and productivity. The study was conducted in an area near the domestic sewage treatment plant in the municipality of Guanambi, Bahia, Brazil. The experimental design was completely randomized blocks, with six replications. A drip irrigation system was used, with a flow rate of 1.6 L h−1 and a watering interval of three days, applying 33% of the reference evapotranspiration. The physical/chemical characteristics of the soil, dry matter content, nutritional content of the forage cactus pear, productivity, and soil quality were evaluated. Without soil correction or application of mineral or organic fertilizers, only with the application of wastewater, the forage cactus pear plants developed within expected standards. The ‘Orelha de Elefante Mexicana’ and the ‘Gigante’ show greater green mass productivity and irrigation water productivity for green mass when compared to the ‘Miúda’. The highest dry matter productivity is expressed by the Orelha de Elefante Mexicana cultivar. The decreasing order of macronutrient export by the forage cactus pear is K, Ca, N, Mg, S, and P, and Mn, Fe, Zn, B, and Cu for micronutrients. Irrigation with treated wastewater, using 33% of the reference evapotranspiration, maintains K contents within a sufficient range; however, for the other nutrients, it is insufficient for the forage cactus pear plants.

The study presents biochemical and cytological activities of synthetic dictyostatin, induces assembly of purified tubulin more rapidly than paclitaxel. It shows that dictyostatin inhibited the binding of radiolabeled discodermolide to microtubules more potently than any other compound examined, and dictyostatin and discodermolide had equivalent activity as inhibitors of the binding of both radiolabeled epothilone B and paclitaxel to microtubules.