Comparison of Four Natural Ventilation Systems in a Mediterranean Greenhouse

Ventilation is one of the most important tools for controlling the greenhouse climate, influencing the environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide concentration, which affect the development and production of the crop. Natural ventilation is the result of the action of two natural forces, wind and thermal buoyancy. The main objectives of this study were to: 1). compare the behaviour of internal air parameters such as air temperature and humidity in a greenhouse with different management of natural ventilation and 2). calibrate and validate a climatic model. The study was based on experiments carried out in a greenhouse located at the ETSIA-Universidad Politecnica de Madrid, with floor area of 132 m2. The greenhouse was equipped with roof and side vents along the entire length. Four different systems (S) were studied, both roof and side openings (S1, A1=21.3 m2) and only roof openings (S2, A2=12.3 m2; S3, A3=7.9 m2 and S4, A4=4.4 m2). External and internal climatic parameters, such as air temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation and wind speed were measured and recorded using a data logger. All the data were recorded during several days for the different systems. Data of internal air temperature and water vapour pressure difference were analysed and compared between the different systems. In this study, ventilation rates were calculated using a model based on wind and buoyancy forces, assuming that total ventilation is due to the combined effect of both natural forces. Ventilation rates were then related to internal air conditions. Temperature differences between inside and outside varied within a range of 3.3 ºC (S1) and 10.6 ºC (S4), presenting an inverse proportionality to the ventilation area. The vapour pressure difference presented the highest value (0.111 kPa) for S2 and the lowest (0.011 kPa) for S3. A climatic model, based on energy and mass balances, allowing the prediction of internal air temperature and relative humidity, was calibrated and validated for the different ventilation systems. Partial data were used to calibrate the model and another set of data from different periods was used for model validation. Measured and predicted data were comparatively close

Transmission of information and synchronization in a pair of coupled chaotic circuits: an experimental overview

We propose a rationale for experimentally studying the intricate relationship between the rate of information transmission and synchronization level in active networks, applying theoretical results recently proposed. We consider two non-identical coupled Chua's circuit with non-identical coupling strengths in order to illustrate the proceeding for experimental scenarios of very few data points coming from highly non-coherent coupled systems, such that phase synchronization can only be detected by methods that do not rely explicitely on the calculation of the phase. A relevant finding is to show that for the coupled Chua's circuit, the larger the level of synchronization the larger the rate of information exchanged between both circuits. We further validate our findings with data from numerical simulations, and discuss an extension to arbitrarily large active networks

Quantification of alpha-amanitin in biological samples by HPLC using simultaneous UV- diode array and electrochemical detection

α-Amanitin is a natural bicyclic octapeptide, from the family of amatoxins, present in the deadly mushroom species Amanita phalloides. The toxicological and clinical interests raised by this toxin, require highly sensitive, accurate and reproducible quantification methods for pharmacokinetic studies. In the present work, a high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method with in-line connected diode-array (DAD) and electrochemical (EC) detection was developed and validated to quantify α-amanitin in biological samples (namely liver and kidney). Sample pre-treatment consisted of a simple and unique deproteinization step with 5% perchloric acid followed by centrifuga tion at 16,000. ×g, 4. °C, for 20. min. The high recovery found for α-amanitin (≥96.8%) makes this procedure suitable for extracting α-amanitin from liver and kidney homogenates. The resulting supernatant was collected and injected into the HPLC. Mobile phase was composed by 20% methanol in 50. mM citric acid, and 0.46. mM octanessulfonic acid, adjusted to pH 5.5. The chromatographic runs took less than 22. min and no significant endogenous interferences were observed at the α-amanitin retention time. Calibration curves were linear with regression coefficients higher than 0.994. The overall inter- and intra-assay precision did not exceed 15.3%.The present method has low interferences with simple and fast processing steps, being a suitable procedure to support in vivo toxicokinetic studies involving α-amanitin. In fact, the validated method was successfully applied to quantify α-amanitin in biological samples following intraperitoneal α-amanitin administration to rats. Moreover, human plasma was also used as matrix and the purposed method was adequate for detection of α-amanitin in that matrix. The results clearly indicate that the proposed method is suitable to investigate the pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution of α-amanitin. Additionally, the method will be very useful in the development of novel and potent antidotes against amatoxins poisoning and to improve the knowledge of α-amanitin toxicity.This work received financial support from the European Union (FEDER funds through COMPETE) and National Funds (FCT, Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia) through project Pest- C/EQB/LA0006/2013. Juliana Garcia and Vera Marisa Costa thank FCT - Foundation for Science and Technology - for their PhD grant (SFRH/BD/74979/ 2010 ) and Post-doc grant (SFRH/BPD/63746/2009), respectively.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Specific gene correction of the AGXT gene and direct cell reprogramming for the treatment of Primary Hyperoxaluria Type 1

P428 Primary Hyperoxaluria Type 1 (PH1) is an inherited rare metabolic liver disease caused by the deficiency in the alanine: glyoxylate aminotransferase enzyme (AGXT), involved in the glyoxylate metabolism. The only potentially curative treatment is organ transplantation. Thus, the development of new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of these patients appears as a priority.We propose the combination of site-specific gene correction and direct cell reprogramming for the generation of autologous phenotypically healthy induced hepatocytes (iHeps) from skin-derived fibroblast of PH1 patients. For the correction of AGXT mutations, we have designed specific gene editing tools to address gene correction by two different strategies, assisted by CRISPR/Cas9 system. Accurate specific point mutation correction (c.853T-C) has been achieved by homologydirected repair (HDR) with ssODN harbouring wild-type sequence. In the second strategy, an enhanced version ofAGXTcDNAhas been inserted near the transcription start codon of the endogenous gene, constituting an almost universal correction strategy for PH1 mutations. Direct reprogramming of fibroblasts has been conducted by overexpression of hepatic transcription factors and in vitro culture in defined media. In vitro characterization of healthy induced hepatocytes (iHeps) has demonstrated hepatic function of the reprogrammed cells. PH1 patient fibroblasts and , ,

Renal Artery Angioplasty

Efectuámos angioplastia transiuminal percutânea (ATP) da artéria renal em 59 doentes hipertensos e houve benefício inicial na tensão arterial em 91,5% e tardio em 79,6%. Obtivemos melhores resultados nas lesões unilaterais (81,4%) do que nas bilaterais (72,7%); nas lesões fora do ostium (82,5%) do que nas do ostium (7 1,4%); nas lesões de origem fibromuscular (88,9%) do que nas de origem aterosclerótica(75%); e nos doentes com idade igual ou inferior a 55 anos (84,8%) do que em doentes com idade superior (71,4%). Estas diferenças não foram contudo significativas. Os bons resultados da ATP da artéria renal na hipertensão renovascular levam-nos a considerar esta forma de intervenção como uma alternativa do seu tratamento

Amanita phalloides poisoning: Mechanisms of toxicity and treatment

Amanita phalloides, also known as 'death cap', is one of the most poisonous mushrooms, being involved in the majority of human fatal cases of mushroom poisoning worldwide. This species contains three main groups of toxins: amatoxins, phallotoxins, and virotoxins. From these, amatoxins, especially α-amanitin, are the main responsible for the toxic effects in humans. It is recognized that α-amanitin inhibits RNA polymerase II, causing protein deficit and ultimately cell death, although other mechanisms are thought to be involved. The liver is the main target organ of toxicity, but other organs are also affected, especially the kidneys. Intoxication symptoms usually appear after a latent period and may include gastrointestinal disorders followed by jaundice, seizures, and coma, culminating in death. Therapy consists in supportive measures, gastric decontamination, drug therapy and, ultimately, liver transplantation if clinical condition worsens. The discovery of an effective antidote is still a major unsolved issue. The present paper examines the clinical toxicology of A. phalloides, providing the currently available information on the mechanisms of toxicityinvolved and on the current knowledge on the treatment prescribed against this type of mushrooms. Antidotal perspectives will be raised as to set the pace to new and improved therapy against these mushrooms.This work was supported by the Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT ) – project PTDC/DTPFTO/4973/2014 – and the European Union (FEDER funds through COMPETE) and National Funds (FCT, Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia) through project Pest-C/EQB/LA0006/2013. Juliana Garcia and Vera Marisa Costa thank FCT for their PhD grant (SFRH/BD/74979/2010) and Post-doc grants (SFRH/BPD/63746/2009 and SFRH/BPD/110001/2015), respectively.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Floppy closing door epiglottis treated successfully with an mhealth application based on myofunctional therapy: a case report

We introduce the first case reported to date of a floppy closing door epiglottis in an OSA (obstructive sleep apnea) patient treated successfully with an Mhealth smartphone application based on myofunctional therapy

Co-ingestion of amatoxins and isoxazoles-containing mushrooms and successful treatment: A case report

Mushroom poisonings occur when ingestion of wild mushrooms containing toxins takes place, placing the consumers at life-threatening risk. In the present case report, an unusual multiple poisoning with isoxazoles- and amatoxins-containing mushrooms in a context of altered mental state and poorly controlled hypertension is presented. A 68-year-old female was presented to São João hospital (Portugal) with complaints of extreme dizziness, hallucinations, vertigo and imbalance, 3 h after consuming a stew of wild mushrooms. The first observations revealed altered mental state and elevated blood pressure. The examination of cooked mushroom fragments allowed a preliminary identification of Amanita pantherina. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) showed the presence of muscimol in urine. Moreover, through high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV) analysis of the gastric juice, the presence of α-amanitin was found, showing that amatoxins-containing mushrooms were also included in the stew. After 4 days of supportive treatment, activated charcoal, silybin and N-acetylcysteine, the patient recovered being discharged 10 days post-ingestion with no organ complications. The prompt and appropriate therapy protocol for life-threatening amatoxins toxicity probably saved the patient's life as oral absorption was decreased and also supportive care was immediately started.This work received financial support from the European Union (FEDER funds through COMPETE) and National Funds (FCT, Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia) through project Pest-C/EQB/LA0006/2013. Juliana Garcia and Vera Marisa Costa thank FCT e Foundation for Science and Technology e for their PhD grant (SFRH/BD/74979/2010) and Post-doc grant (SFRH/BPD/63746/2009), respectively.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The alpha-galactosidase A p.Arg118Cys variant does not cause a Fabry disease phenotype: data from individual patients and family studies

Acessível em: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4423738/Lysosomal α-galactosidase A (α-Gal) is the enzyme deficient in Fabry disease (FD), an X-linked glycosphingolipidosis caused by pathogenic mutations affecting the GLA gene. The early-onset, multi-systemic FD classical phenotype is associated with absent or severe enzyme deficiency, as measured by in vitro assays, but patients with higher levels of residual α-Gal activity may have later-onset, more organ-restricted clinical presentations. A change in the codon 118 of the wild-type α-Gal sequence, replacing basic arginine by a potentially sulfhydryl-binding cysteine residue - GLA p.(Arg118Cys) -, has been recurrently described in large FD screening studies of high-risk patients. Although the Cys118 allele is associated with high residual α-Gal activity in vitro, it has been classified as a pathogenic mutation, mainly on the basis of theoretical arguments about the chemistry of the cysteine residue. However its pathogenicity has never been convincingly demonstrated by pathology criteria. We reviewed the clinical, biochemical and histopathology data obtained from 22 individuals of Portuguese and Spanish ancestry carrying the Cys118 allele, including 3 homozygous females. Cases were identified either on the differential diagnosis of possible FD manifestations and on case-finding studies (n=11; 4 males), or on unbiased cascade screening of probands' close relatives (n=11; 3 males). Overall, those data strongly suggest that the GLA p.(Arg118Cys) variant does not segregate with FD clinical phenotypes in a Mendelian fashion, but might be a modulator of the multifactorial risk of cerebrovascular disease. The Cys118 allelic frequency in healthy Portuguese adults (n=696) has been estimated as 0.001, therefore not qualifying for "rare" condition