Activity of the fungus Pleurotus ostreatus and of its proteases on Panagrellus sp. larvae

Biological control has been shown to be one of the possible biotechnological applications of fungi and their proteases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nematicidal activity of the fungus Pleurotus ostreatus and its proteases on Panagrellus sp. larvae. Proteolytic activity of P. ostreatus (PLO 06) was measured and characterized at different pHs, temperatures and in the presence of a inhibitor (PMSF). Daily samples of culture medium were collected in order to determine the period of maximum enzyme production. A zymogram showed the profile of several proteases. Predatory activity of the fungus P. ostreatus (PLO 06) was evaluated on Panagrellus sp. larvae (assay A) as well as the nematicidal activity of PLO 06 proteases on the same larvae (assay B). At pH 9 and 60°C, the activity of the proteases reached the maximum. In the presence of inhibitor, there was no proteolytic activity. A sample collected on the fifth day of incubation showed the highest enzyme activity. P. ostreatus demonstrated capture activity on larvae Panagrellus sp. The values of the reduction of the larvae (Assay A) were: day 1 (65.6%); day 2 (77.4%); day 3 (95.2%). The reduction of the larvae (Assay B) was 42%. P. ostreatus (PLO 06) and its proteases were very effective against Panagrellus sp. larvae, demonstrating great potential for use in integrated biological control.Keywords: Pleurotus, protease, Panagrellus sp., biological control, nematicidal. Abbreviation: PMSF, Phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride

ADJUSTMENT OF SOIL SOLUTE TRANSPORT PARAMETERS WITH MATLAB 6.5

The successful use of mathematical models in studies of solute transport in soil is dependent on the accuracy to which the transport parameters involved in this process can be specified. In general, these parameters are determined by using nonlinear optimization techniques to fit theoretical models to experimental data obtained in miscible displacement experiments. The use, therefore, of high-performance software to evaluate these parameters appears to be advantageous since, in addition to consistency and the availability of pre-existing numerical routines, such software allows for the incorporation of new routines that are specifically tailored for the phenomena being simulated. The main objective of this study was to develop a MATLAB 6.5 computational routine to optimize the evaluation of retardation factor (R) and dispersion coefficient (D) from miscible displacement data. This routine was applied to experimental data from three miscible displacement studies of potassium transport in columns filled with an Oxisol of sandy phase, with the setting quality being assessed by the coefficient of accuracy. The proposal routine gave excellent results, reinforcing the consistency of the numerical method used, and indicating that this routine can contribute to the advancement of theoretical studies of the solute-water dynamics in unsaturated porous media.3161064107

Portal Vein Embolization With N-Butyl-Cyanoacrylate Through an Ipsilateral Approach Before Major Hepatectomy: Single Center Analysis of 50 Consecutive Patients

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of portal vein embolization (PVE) with n-Butyl-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) through an ipsilateral approach before major hepatectomy. Secondary end-points were PVE safety, liver resection and patient outcome. METHODS: Over a 5-year period 50 non-cirrhotic consecutive patients were included with primary or secondary liver cancer treatable by hepatectomy with a liver remnant (FLR) volume less than 25% or less than 40% in diseased livers. RESULTS: There were 37 men and 13 women with a mean age of 57 years. Colorectal liver metastases were the most frequent tumor and patients were previously exposed to chemotherapy. FLR increased from 422 ml to 629 ml (P < 0.001) after PVE, corresponding to anincrease of 52%. The FLR ratio increased from 29.6% to 42.3% (P < 0.001). Kinetic growth rate was 2.98%/week. A negative association was observed between increase in the FLR and FLR ratio and FLR volume before PVE (P = 0.002). In 31 patients hepatectomy was accomplished and only one patient presented with liver insufficiency within 30 days after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: PVE with NBCA through an ipsilateral puncture is effective before major hepatectomy. Meticulous attention is needed especially near the end of the embolization procedure to avoid complications.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The physiotherapist as a professional to assist pregnant women

Control of pain during labor and childbirth are among the goals of the obstetric team to ensure the pregnant woman a safe and satisfactory delivery. There are several techniques that can be used by the physiotherapist as a member of the obstetric team to ensure relief from pain during childbirth. The physiotherapeutic assistance includes baths, cryotherapy, massage, breathing techniques, walking, vertical positions and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Bibliographical research conducted, revealed that the use of TENS for analgesic purposes is inconclusive, though all the other techniques are considered in the literature to be beneficial, and should be encouraged during dilation and delivery. Physiotherapists proved to be useful in assisting the pregnant woman during labor, helping to reduce the perception of pain and speeding up delivery.1673259326