Heterogeneous Batch Distillation Processes: Real System Optimisation

In this paper, optimisation of batch distillation processes is considered. It deals with real systems with rigorous simulation of the processes through the resolution full MESH differential algebraic equations. Specific software architecture is developed, based on the BatchColumn® simulator and on both SQP and GA numerical algorithms, and is able to optimise sequential batch columns as long as the column transitions are set. The efficiency of the proposed optimisation tool is illustrated by two case studies. The first one concerns heterogeneous batch solvent recovery in a single distillation column and shows that significant economical gains are obtained along with improved process conditions. Case two concerns the optimisation of two sequential homogeneous batch distillation columns and demonstrates the capacity to optimize several sequential dynamic different processes. For such multiobjective complex problems, GA is preferred to SQP that is able to improve specific GA solutions

Rapid and Highly Informative Diagnostic Assay for H5N1 Influenza Viruses

A highly discriminative and information-rich diagnostic assay for H5N1 avian influenza would meet immediate patient care needs and provide valuable information for public health interventions, e.g., tracking of new and more dangerous variants by geographic area as well as avian-to-human or human-to-human transmission. In the present study, we have designed a rapid assay based on multilocus nucleic acid sequencing that focuses on the biologically significant regions of the H5N1 hemagglutinin gene. This allows the prediction of viral strain, clade, receptor binding properties, low- or high-pathogenicity cleavage site and glycosylation status. H5 HA genes were selected from nine known high-pathogenicity avian influenza subtype H5N1 viruses, based on their diversity in biologically significant regions of hemagglutinin and/or their ability to cause infection in humans. We devised a consensus pre-programmed pyrosequencing strategy, which may be used as a faster, more accurate alternative to de novo sequencing. The available data suggest that the assay described here is a reliable, rapid, information-rich and cost-effective approach for definitive diagnosis of H5N1 avian influenza. Knowledge of the predicted functional sequences of the HA will enhance H5N1 avian influenza surveillance efforts

An assessment of the precision and confidence of aquatic eddy correlation measurements

The quantification of benthic fluxes with the aquatic eddy correlation (EC) technique is based on simultaneous measurement of the current velocity and a targeted bottom water parameter (e. g., O-2, temperature). High-frequency measurements (64Hz) are performed at a single point above the seafloor using an acoustic Doppler velocimeter (ADV) and a fast-responding sensor. The advantages of aquatic EC technique are that 1) it is noninvasive, 2) it integrates fluxes over a large area, and 3) it accounts for in situ hydrodynamics. The aquatic EC has gained acceptance as a powerful technique; however, an accurate assessment of the errors introduced by the spatial alignment of velocity and water constituent measurements and by their different response times is still needed. Here, this paper discusses uncertainties and biases in the data treatment based on oxygen EC flux measurements in a large-scale flume facility with well-constrained hydrodynamics. These observations are used to review data processing procedures and to recommend improved deployment methods, thus improving the precision, reliability, and confidence of EC measurements. Specifically, this study demonstrates that 1) the alignment of the time series based on maximum cross correlation improved the precision of EC flux estimations; 2) an oxygen sensor with a response time of <0.4 s facilitates accurate EC fluxes estimates in turbulence regimes corresponding to horizontal velocities <11 cm s(-1); and 3) the smallest possible distance (<1 cm) between the oxygen sensor and the ADV's sampling volume is important for accurate EC flux estimates, especially when the flow direction is perpendicular to the sensor's orientation

A strategy for the characterization of minute chromosome rearrangements using multiple color fluorescence in situ hybridization with chromosome-specific DNA libraries and YAC clones

The identification of marker chromosomes in clinical and tumor cytogenetics by chromosome banding analysis can create problems. In this study, we present a strategy to define minute chromosomal rearrangements by multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with whole chromosome painting probes derived from chromosome-specific DNA libraries and Alu-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products of various region-specific yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) clones. To demonstrate the usefulness of this strategy for the characterization of chromosome rearrangements unidentifiable by banding techniques, an 8p+ marker chromosome with two extra bands present in the karyotype of a child with multiple anomalies, malformations, and severe mental retardation was investigated. A series of seven-color FISH experiments with sets of fluorochrome-labeled DNA library probes from flow-sorted chromosomes demonstrated that the additional segment on 8p+ was derived from chromosome 6. For a more detailed characterization of the marker chromosome, three-color FISH experiments with library probes specific to chromosomes 6 and 8 were performed in combination with newly established telomeric and subtelomeric YAC clones from 6q25, 6p23, and 8p23. These experiments demonstrated a trisomy 6pter6p22 and a monosomy 8pter8p23 in the patient. The present limitations for a broad application of this strategy and its possible improvements are discusse

The APOE ε2 allele increases the risk of Earlier Age at onset in Machado-Joseph disease

Background. Machado-Joseph disease (MJD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder of late onset, caused by a (CAG)n expansion at the ATXN3 gene (14q32.1). Variation in age-at-onset is partially explained by the size of the (CAG)n tract in expanded alleles. The remaining variation should be the product of other factors, namely modifier genes. The genotype at the APOE locus has been described as a possible modifier in different neurological disorders, namely Parkinson (PD) and Huntington disease (HD). In the CNS, apolipoprotein E constitutes an important mediator of cholesterol transport/metabolism, which is essential for synaptic integrity and neuronal function. Objective. To investigate a modulating effect of the APOE polymorphism on age-at-onset of MJD. Design and Subjects. The APOE polymorphism was typed in a series of 192 MJD patients. Results. Cases with the ε2/ε3 genotype presented an earlier onset, when compared with those with ε3/ε3 or ε3/ε4. In this series of patients, the presence of an APOE ε2 allele implies a decrease of nearly 5 years in the age-at-onset. When combining, in a general linear model, several other predictors, namely the presence/absence of the APOE ε2 allele, with the size of the (CAG)n in expanded alleles, the model was significantly improved and the explanation of onset variance was raised from 59.8% to 66.5%. Furthermore, the presence of the ε2 allele was associated with an onset below 39 years (OR=5.00; 95% CI: 1.18-21.14). Conclusions. These findings indicate that the polymorphism at the APOE gene plays a role as a genetic modifier of MJD phenotype.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) - SFRH/BPD/63121/2009, SFRH/BPD/38659/2007, M3.1.3/F/004/2009, “Secretaria Regional da Ciência, Tecnologia e Equipamentos”.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) - “Transcriptional variation of the ATXN3 gene as modulator of the clinical heterogeneity in Machado-Joseph disease (MJD)” (PIC/IC/83074/2007)Institute of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (IBBA) - “High prevalence diseases in the Azores Islands” (M2.1.2/I/026/2008

Alterações psiquiátricas e qualidade de vida em pacientes com homocistinúria clássica

Caracterizar o quadro psiquiátrico e a qualidade de vida (QoL) em uma coorte de pacientes com Homocistinúria Clássica (HCU). Métodos: estudo transversal, através da aplicação das escalas BPRS, Escala de Ansiedade de Beck, Escala de Depressão de Hamilton e Escala de Depressão de Beck (BDI) em 8 pacientes não responsivos à piridoxina e estudo retrospectivo avaliando qualidade de vida por meio da aplicação do questionário WHOQOL-Brief em 11 pacientes com HCU. Resultados: 5 pacientes avaliados apresentaram sintomas de depressão mínimos, 2 pacientes apresentaram sintomas leves, e 1 paciente sintomas moderados a graves. Para ansiedade, 5 pacientes apresentaram sintomas mínimos, 1 paciente apresentou sintomas leves e 2 pacientes apresentaram sintomas moderados. Cinco pacientes apresentaram algum sintoma relacionado à esquizofrenia. Em relação a QoL, todos pacientes apresentaram diagnóstico tardio e apenas 2 tinham QI&gt;70 (Teste WASI). Os pacientes responsivos à piridoxina foram comparados com os não responsivos à piridoxina mostrando melhor pontuação nos aspectos psicológicos e sociais no primeiro grupo. Os 2 pacientes com tratamento foram comparados com os 9 sem tratamento mostrando um melhor escore no aspecto psicológico no primeiro grupo. Conclusão: este é o primeiro estudo que descreve QoL em pacientes HCU, mostrando uma diferença no aspecto psicológico e social, conforme o tipo de tratamentoFil: Donis, Karina C. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (Brasil).Fil: Kalil, Marco A.B. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (Brasil).Fil: Perrone, Solanger G. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (Brasil).Fil: Teruya, Kátia. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (Brasil).Fil: Vanz, Ana P. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (Brasil).Fil: Vairo, Filippo P. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (Brasil).Fil: Schwartz, Ida V.D. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (Brasil)

Regular dietary intake of palmitate causes vascular and valvular calcification in a rabbit model

Aims: Palmitic acid (PA) and oleic acid (OA) are two main dietary fatty acids. Dietary intake of PA has been associated with cardiovascular disease risk, and the effect of OA remains uncertain. Our study aimed to assess the effect of a short-term intake of lard, as source of PA and OA, on aorta and aortic valve.Methods and Results: Rabbits were fed with two lard-enriched diets, containing either elevated levels of PA or of both PA and OA as compared to chow diet. After 16 weeks of each diet, calcification was observed in the aortic intima and in the aortic valve. The extent of calcification did not differ between the two diets. In contrast, rabbits fed chow diet did not develop any calcification. In blood, PA enrichment resulted in decreased lymphocyte and monocyte counts and increased levels of hemoglobin and haematocrit. Levels of the calcification inhibitor fetuin-A were also diminished, whereas creatinine levels were raised. Of note, none of the diets changed cholesterol levels in LDL or HDL. Comprehensive quantitative lipidomics analysis identified diet-related changes in plasma lipids. Dietary PA enrichment led to a drop of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), in particular of linoleic acid in cholesteryl esters, triglycerides and diacylglycerols (DAG). Ratios of PA to 18-carbon PUFA in DAG were positively correlated with the extent of aortic valve calcification, and inversely with monocyte counts. PA content in blood correlated with aorta calcification.Conclusions: Regular dietary PA intake induces vascular and valvular calcification independently of traditional risk factors. Our findings raise awareness about PA-rich food consumption and its potential deleterious effect on cardiovascular health.Proteomic

Mucosal Priming of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-Specific Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Responses in Rhesus Macaques by the \u3ci\u3eSalmonella\u3c/i\u3e Type III Secretion Antigen Delivery System

Nearly all human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections are acquired mucosally, and the gut-associated lymphoid tissues are important sites for early virus replication. Thus, vaccine strategies designed to prime virus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses that home to mucosal compartments may be particularly effective at preventing or containing HIV infection. The Salmonella type III secretion system has been shown to be an effective approach for stimulating mucosal CTL responses in mice. We therefore tested ∆phoP-phoQ attenuated strains of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and S. enterica serovar Typhi expressing fragments of the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) Gag protein fused to the type III-secreted SopE protein for the ability to prime virus-specific CTL responses in rhesus macaques. Mamu-A*01+ macaques were inoculated with three oral doses of recombinant Salmonella, followed by a peripheral boost with modified vaccinia virus Ankara expressing SIV Gag (MVA Gag). Transient low-level CTL responses to the Mamu-A*01 Gag181-189 epitope were detected following each dose of Salmonella. After boosting with MVA Gag, strong Gag-specific CTL responses were consistently detected, and tetramer staining revealed the expansion of Gag181-189-specific CD8+ T-cell responses in peripheral blood. A significant percentage of the Gag181-189- specific T-cell population in each animal also expressed the intestinal homing receptor α4β7. Additionally, Gag181-189-specific CD8+ T cells were detected in lymphocytes isolated from the colon. Yet, despite these responses, Salmonella-primed/MVA-boosted animals did not exhibit improved control of virus replication following a rectal challenge with SIVmac239. Nevertheless, this study demonstrates the potential of mucosal priming by the Salmonella type III secretion system to direct SIV-specific cellular immune responses to the gastrointestinal mucosa in a primate model

Influenza A Virus (H3N8) in Dogs with Respiratory Disease, Florida

Genetic and antigenic characterization established the uniqueness of this virus circulating in dogs