THERMAL EXCHANGES IN A COVERED LAGOON BIODIGESTER TREATING PIG FARM EFFLUENT HEATED BY SOLAR ENERGY

ABSTRACT Covered lagoon biodigesters are widely used in Brazil for treatment of agro-industrial effluents; however, under natural conditions, they operate at temperatures below the ideal. Thus, external sources for heating the effluent can enhance reactor performance and optimize thermal exchanges between the biodigester and the environment. This study aimed to evaluate the thermal exchanges in the internal and external environments of a covered lagoon biodigester from the influence of effluent heating through solar energy. Mathematical modeling (EnergyPlus software) was used as a tool to simulate thermal exchanges and obtain heat transfer rates. To do so, two scenarios were considered: with and without heated effluent. The results showed that solar radiation is the primary source of heating for anaerobic reactors and that the high thermal inertia of the soil contributes to a small variation in temperature of the resident biomass over the course of the day, even in the scenario with heated effluent. The temperature of the resident biomass reached and stabilized at 30°C, even after thermal exchanges with biogas and soil, in both hot and cold periods when heating was applied

Estratégias de neuromodulação para o tratamento da depressão maior: desafios e recomendações de uma força-tarefa

The use of neuromodulation as a treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) has recently attracted renewed interest due to development of other non-pharmacological therapies besides electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), deep brain stimulation (DBS), and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). METHOD: We convened a working group of researchers to discuss the updates and key challenges of neuromodulation use for the treatment of MDD. RESULTS: The state-of-art of neuromodulation techniques was reviewed and discussed in four sections: [1] epidemiology and pathophysiology of MDD; [2] a comprehensive overview of the neuromodulation techniques; [3] using neuromodulation techniques in MDD associated with non-psychiatric conditions; [4] the main challenges of neuromodulation research and alternatives to overcome them. DISCUSSION: ECT is the first-line treatment for severe depression. TMS and tDCS are strategies with a relative benign profile of side effects; however, while TMS effects are comparable to antidepressant drugs for treating MDD; further research is needed to establish the role of tDCS. DBS and VNS are invasive strategies with a possible role in treatment-resistant depression. In summary, MDD is a chronic and incapacitating condition with a high prevalence; therefore clinicians should consider all the treatment options including invasive and non-invasive neuromodulation approaches.O uso de técnicas de neuromodulação para o tratamento do transtorno depressivo maior (TDM) tem despertado um renovado interesse nos últimos anos com o desenvolvimento de outras intervenções não-farmacólogicas além da eletroconvulsoterapia (ECT), como a estimulação magnética transcraniana (EMT), a estimulação transcraniana por corrente continua (ETCC), a estimulação cerebral profunda (DBS) e a estimulação de nervo vago (VNS). MÉTODO: Nós organizamos um grupo de trabalho com vários pesquisadores para discutir os avanços recentes e os principais desafios para o uso da neuromodulação no tratamento do TDM. RESULTADOS: O estado-da-arte da neuromodulação foi revisado e discutido em quatro seções: [1] epidemiologia e fisiopatologia do TDM; [2] uma revisão das técnicas de neuromodulação; [3] o uso das técnicas de neuromodulação na depressão que ocorre associada ou em virtude de condições não-psiquiátricas; [4] os principais desafios da pesquisa na neuromodulação e alternativas para superá-los. DISCUSSÃO: ECT é o tratamento de primeira linha para depressão grave. EMT e ETCC são estratégias com um perfil benigno de efeitos adversos; contudo, enquanto os efeitos da EMT são comparáveis ao das drogas antidepressivas para o tratamento da TDM, a eficácia da ETCC ainda precisa ser estabelecida por mais pesquisas clínicas. DBS e VNS são intervenções invasivas com um papel possível para a depressão refratária. Em resumo, TDM é uma condição crônica, incapacitante e de alta prevalência; portanto na prática clínica todas as opções de tratamento possíveis, incluindo as farmacológicas e não-farmacológicas, devem ser consideradas.University of São Paulo Department and Institute of PsychiatryHospital 9 de Julho Pain Center and Functional NeurosurgeryUniversity of Paulo Department of Physical Medicine and RehabilitationUniversity of Brasília Laboratory of Neurosciences and BehaviorColumbia UniversityFederal University of Minas Gerais Faculty of Medicine Department of Internal Medicine (Neurology Unit)Centro Brasileiro de Estimulação MagnéticaFederal University of São Paulo Department of PsychiatryUniversity MackenzieSpaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Laboratory of NeuromodulationHarvard Medical SchoolBerenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain StimulationHarvard Medical School Beth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterUNIFESP, Department of PsychiatrySciEL

Improved syntheses of aromatase inhibitors and neuroactive steroids efficient oxidations and reductions at key positions for bioactivity

An Henbest reduction, followed by the preparation of a silyl enol ether and oxidation in situ with m-CPBA has led to the neurosteroids 3[alpha]-hydroxy- and 3[alpha],21-dihydroxy-5[alpha]-pregnanolones. Using testosterone as starting material, a new short synthesis of an aromatase inhibitor, 4-OHA, has been achieved through hydroboration/oxidation followed by a Swern type oxidation and epimerization. Another aromatase inhibitor, androst-4-ene-3,6-17-trione, has been efficiently prepared using PCC on montmorillonite K10, under ultrasonic irradiation.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6THR-3WC46V7-8/1/5f915790e78df65f4c988ab78bf4f17

Craft beers fermented by potential probiotic yeast or lacticaseibacilli strains promote antidepressant-like behavior in swiss webster mice

This study aimed to produce a probiotic-containing functional wheat beer (PWB) by an axenic culture system with potential probiotic Saccharomyces cerevisiae var boulardii 17 and probiotic-containing functional sour beer (PSB) by a semi-separated co-cultivation system with potential probiotic Lacticaseibacillus paracasei DTA 81 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae S-04. Additionally, results obtained from in vivo behavioral tests with Swiss Webster mice treated with PWB or PSB were provided, which is scarce in the current literature. Although the use of S. boulardii to produce beers is not a novelty, this study demonstrated that S. boulardii 17 performance on sugar wort stills not completely elucidated; therefore, further studies should be considered before using the strain in industrial-scale production. Co-culture systems with lacticaseibacilli strain and S. cerevisiae have been reported in the literature for PSB production. However, lacticaseibacilli survivability in beer can be improved by semi-separated co-cultivation systems, highlighting the importance of growing lacticaseibacilli in the wort before yeast pitching. Besides, kettle hopping must be chosen as the method for hop addition to produce PSB. The dry-hopping method may prevent iso-alpha formation in the wort; however, a tendency to sediment can drag cells at the tank bottom and negatively affect L. paracasei DTA 81 viability. Despite stress factors from the matrices and the stressful conditions encountered during GI transit, potential probiotic S. boulardii 17 and potential probiotic L. paracasei DTA 81 withstood at sufficient doses to promote antidepressant effects in the mice group treated with PWB or PSB, respectively.The Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) provided financial support by national funds FCT/MCTES to CIMO (UIDB/00690/2020) and the Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Blueberry consumption challenges hepatic mitochondrial bioenergetics and elicits transcriptomics reprogramming in healthy wistar rats

An emergent trend of blueberries’ (BB) “prophylactic” consumption, due to their phytochemicals’ richness and well-known health-promoting claims, is widely scaled-up. However, the benefits arising from BB indiscriminate intake remains puzzling based on incongruent preclinical and human data. To provide a more in-depth elucidation and support towards a healthier and safer consumption, we conducted a translation-minded experimental study in healthy Wistar rats that consumed BB in a juice form (25 g/kg body weight (BW)/day; 14 weeks’ protocol). Particular attention was paid to the physiological adaptations succeeding in the gut and liver tissues regarding the acknowledged BB-induced metabolic benefits. Systemically, BB boosted serum antioxidant activity and repressed the circulating levels of 3-hydroxybutyrate (3-HB) ketone bodies and 3-HB/acetoacetate ratio. Moreover, BB elicited increased fecal succinic acid levels without major changes on gut microbiota (GM) composition and gut ultra-structural organization. Remarkably, an accentuated hepatic mitochondrial bioenergetic challenge, ensuing metabolic transcriptomic reprogramming along with a concerted anti-inflammatory pre-conditioning, was clearly detected upon long-term consumption of BB phytochemicals. Altogether, the results disclosed herein portray a quiescent mitochondrial-related metabolomics and hint for a unified adaptive response to this nutritional challenge. The beneficial or noxious consequences arising from this dietary trend should be carefully interpreted and necessarily claims future research.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

High-resolution genetic map and QTL analysis of growth-related traits of Hevea brasiliensis cultivated under suboptimal temperature and humidity conditions

Rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) cultivation is the main source of natural rubber worldwide and has been extended to areas with suboptimal climates and lengthy drought periods; this transition affects growth and latex production. High-density genetic maps with reliable markers support precise mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTL), which can help reveal the complex genome of the species, provide tools to enhance molecular breeding, and shorten the breeding cycle. In this study, QTL mapping of the stem diameter, tree height, and number of whorls was performed for a full-sibling population derived from a GT1 and RRIM701 cross. A total of 225 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and 186 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were used to construct a base map with 18 linkage groups and to anchor 671 SNPs from genotyping by sequencing (GBS) to produce a very dense linkage map with small intervals between loci. The final map was composed of 1,079 markers, spanned 3,779.7 cM with an average marker density of 3.5 cM, and showed collinearity between markers from previous studies. Significant variation in phenotypic characteristics was found over a 59-month evaluation period with a total of 38 QTLs being identified through a composite interval mapping method. Linkage group 4 showed the greatest number of QTLs (7), with phenotypic explained values varying from 7.67 to 14.07%. Additionally, we estimated segregation patterns, dominance, and additive effects for each QTL. A total of 53 significant effects for stem diameter were observed, and these effects were mostly related to additivity in the GT1 clone. Associating accurate genome assemblies and genetic maps represents a promising strategy for identifying the genetic basis of phenotypic traits in rubber trees. Then, further research can benefit from the QTLs identified herein, providing a better understanding of the key determinant genes associated with growth of Hevea brasiliensis under limiting water conditions

Anastomose esofagogástrica cervical em dois tempos: 5 anos de experiência do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre

OBJECTIVE: Cervical esophagogastric anastomosis (CEA) is a common procedure used to restore the continuity of the digestive tract following curative or palliative surgery for esophageal cancer. At the HCPA, we carry out CEA procedures in two steps: first, we carry out a lateral cervical esophagostomy and position the esophageal substitute in the neck; second, after one week, the esophageal remnant is sutured to the esophageal substitute. The choice of esophageal substitute is made according to gastric pull-up (GP) or greater curvature gastric tube (GCGT), depending on the possibility of resection of the lesion. The objective of this paper is to describe the early results (up to 30 days) of delayed cervical esophagogastric anastomosis after resection or esophageal bypass procedures due to esophageal neoplasia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-nine patients fulfilled the criteria for inclusion in our study, out of which there were 49 male and 55 white patients; the age average was of 51.5 years. Twenty-two patients were submitted to gastric pull-up. The risk factors for postoperative complications were similar for both groups. Tumor staging was the only difference between the two groups in preoperative examination; this difference was expected according to the criteria used for choosing the procedure. RESULTS: Seven patients (31.8%) of the GP group and in 9 patients (34.3%) from the GCGT group (RR 1.3; CI 95%: 0.5-3.0, P = 0.54) presented leakage. Two patients (9.1%) from the GP group and 1 (2.7%) from the GCGT group died (RR 3.4; CI 95%: 0.3-34.9, P = 0.54). One patient (4.5%) from the GP group and 7 (18.9%) patients from the GCGT group (RR 0.2; CI 95%: 0.1-1.8, P = 0.23) presented infections. There were no differences between the groups regarding occurrence of leakage, short-term postoperative death (until 30 days after surgery), and infections. CONCLUSIONS: Our results are similar to those of other services of reference for the treatment of esophageal cancer. In this study, we did not find any differences between the GP and GCGT groups regarding short-term postoperative complications.OBJETIVO: A anastomose esofagogástrica cervical é um procedimento utilizado para restaurar a continuidade do trato digestivo após cirurgias curativas ou paliativas para o câncer esofágico. O Grupo de Cirurgia do Esôfago, Estômago e Intestino Delgado do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre realiza o procedimento em 2 tempos cirúrgicos. No primeiro tempo, realiza-se uma esofagostomia cervical lateral e posiciona-se o substituto esofágico no pescoço. O segundo tempo é realizado uma semana após, com a sutura do esôfago remanescente no substituto elevado ao pescoço. Este substituto é escolhido entre os procedimentos de levantamento gástrico (LG) e tubo gástrico de grande curvatura (TGC), conforme a possibilidade ou não de ressecção da lesão esofágica. O objetivo do presente trabalho é de descrever os resultados precoces (até 30 dias) obtidos com a realização de anastomose esôfago-gástrica cervical retardada (postergada) após procedimento cirúrgico de ressecção ou bypass esofágico por neoplasia de esôfago. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Cinqüenta e nove pacientes preencheram os critérios de inclusão, sendo 49 homens, 55 brancos, com uma média de idade de 51,5 anos. Vinte e dois pacientes realizaram cirurgia de levantamento gástrico. Os fatores de risco conhecidos para complicações pós-operatórias foram similares entre os dois grupos. A única diferença entre os grupos na avaliação pré-operatória foi o estágio do tumor, o que era esperado, tendo em vista os critérios usados para a escolha do procedimento. RESULTADOS: A fístula cervical foi detectada em sete pacientes (31,8%) do grupo LG e em nove pacientes (34,3%) do grupo TGC (RR 1,3; IC 95%: 0,5-3,0, P = 0.54). Dois pacientes (9,1%) do grupo LG e um paciente (2,7%) do grupo TGC foram a óbito (RR 3,4; IC 95%: 0,3-34,9, P = 0,54). As complicações infecciosas ocorreram em um paciente (4,5%) do grupo LG e 7 pacientes (18,9%) do grupo TGC (RR 0,2; IC 95%: 0,1-1,8, P = 0,23). Não houve diferenças entre os grupos, levando em conta a ocorrência de fístula cervical no pós-operatório, mortalidade hospitalar precoce (30 dias após a cirurgia) e infecções. CONCLUSÕES: Os dados apresentados nesta série são semelhantes a outros serviços de referência para o tratamento do câncer de esôfago, e nessa série não houve diferença entre os LG e TGC em relação às complicações no pós-operatório precoce

Linkage disequilibrium and population structure in wild and cultivated populations of rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis).

Abstract: Among rubber tree species, which belong to the Hevea genus of the Euphorbiaceae family, Hevea brasiliensis (Willd. ex Adr.de Juss.) Muell. Arg. is the main commercial source of natural rubber production worldwide. Knowledge of the population structure and linkage disequilibrium (LD) of this species is essential for the efficient organization and exploitation of genetic resources. Here, we obtained single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using a genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) approach and then employed the SNPs for the following objectives: (i) to identify the positions of SNPs on a genetic map of a segregating mapping population, (ii) to evaluate the population structure of a germplasm collection, and (iii) to detect patterns of LD decay among chromosomes for future genetic association studies in rubber tree. A total of 626 genotypes, including both germplasm accessions (368) and individuals from a genetic mapping population (254), were genotyped. A total of 77,660 and 21,283 SNPs were detected by GBS in the germplasm and mapping populations, respectively. The mapping population, which was previously mapped, was constructed with 1,062 markers, among which only 576 SNPs came from GBS, reducing the average interval between two adjacent markers to 4.4 cM. SNPs from GBS genotyping were used for the analysis of genetic structure and LD estimation in the germplasm accessions. Two groups, which largely corresponded to the cultivated and wild populations, were detected using STRUCTURE and via principal coordinate analysis. LD analysis, also using the mapped SNPs, revealed that non-random associations varied along chromosomes, with regions of high LD interspersed with regions of low LD. Considering the length of the genetic map (4,693 cM) and the mean LD (0.49 for cultivated and 0.02 for wild populations), a large number of evenly spaced SNPs would be needed to perform genome-wide association studies in rubber tree, and the wilder the genotypes used, the more difficult the mapping saturation

Determinação da humificação da matéria orgânica de um latossolo e de suas frações organo-minerais

Laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy was used to determine the humification degree of the organic matter of a whole soil, that is, soil without any physical or chemical treatment. Particle size was determined in physically separated fractions. The humification of organic matter, the depth of the soil and the planting system can be correlated. On the surface of the soil, no tillage provided the smallest humification in comparison with the conventional tillage and reduced tillage. The fractions of the superficial layer of the soil (0-20 cm) indicated larger humification in the fraction from 20 to 53 µm and the smallest in the fraction of <2 µm