Reductive decolorization of the azo dye RR2 in the absence and presence of redox mediator and the electrons acceptor nitrate

This paper aimed at evaluating the effect of nitrate on anaerobic azo dye reduction by using mesophilic bioreactors, in the absence and in the presence of redox mediators. Two anaerobic bioreactors were operated in parallel with a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of ten hours; ethanol was used as co-substrate. The results showed that the bioreactors were efficient on dye reduction, and the ethanol showed to be a good electron donor to sustain it. The redox mediator AQDS increased the rates of reductive decolourisation, but its effect was not so remarkable compared to the previous experiments conducted. Contrary to the raised hypothesis that nitrate addition could decrease the colour removal efficiency and catalytic properties of the redox mediators, no effect of nitrate was observed in the bioreactor

El proceso de planificación del alta en centros de rehabilitación: sistemas de información para la evaluación de pacientes

IV Congreso Nacional de Informática de la Salud; 2001 Mar 28-30; Madrid; organizado por la Sociedad Española de Informática de la Salud[Resumen] La planificación del alta es un proceso que debe comenzar desde el mismo momento del ingreso. Debe ser sistemático, interdisciplinario y coordinado por un especialista sanitario. Debe involucrar al paciente y a su familia e incluir la valoración de su entorno de vida, soporte familiar, valoración de la discapacidad y posibilidades de llevar a cabo una rehabilitación vocacional. Todas las decisiones que se tomen en el proceso del alta deben implicar y reflejar el consenso de la familia y el propio paciente con el equipo médico (1). Por lo tanto, surge la necesidad de utilizar algún sistema de medición de incapacidad, dada la gran variedad de patologías que abarca la Medicina Física y Rehabilitación y la existencia de cuadros nosológicos muy diferentes en cuanto a su etiología, gravedad y pronóstico. En este contexto, se hace necesaria la utilización de escalas de valoración funcional, que simplifiquen este trabajo y posibiliten un mayor control de todo el proceso desde su inicio. Existen múltiples escalas de valoración, tanto específicas como de propósito general, siendo la más utilizada la Functional Independence Measure (FIM) de la Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation. A partir de estas escalas se han desarrollado diferentes sistemas de datos: el Union Data System (UDS) y el TBI Model Systems National Database del National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research entre los más destacados. En este artículo, además de exponer las distintas fases del proceso de planificación del alta, se hará un estudio de los distintos sistemas de información desarrollados, así como de las escalas de valoración utilizadas

Polinização de pepino, Cucumis sativus L. (Cucurbitales: Cucurbitaceae), pelas abelhas sem ferrão Scaptotrigona aff. depilis moure e Nannotrigona testaceicornis lepeletier (Hymenoptera: Meliponini) em casas de vegetação

When for a successful fruit development the fertilization of flowers is necessary, bees can be used as crop-pollinators in greenhouses. In the present study, we investigated the effectiveness of the stingless bees Scaptotrigona aff. depilis Moure and Nannotrigona testaceicornis Lepeletier as pollinators of cucumber plants (Cucumus sativus var. caipira) in greenhouses during the Brazilian winter season. The study was conducted in four greenhouses (GH), of which two greenhouses contained bee colonies to ascertain pollination of the cucumber plants (GH I, with S. aff. depilis, GH II, with N. testaceicornis), whereas the other two greenhouses (GH III, GH IV) had no bee colonies and served as control groups. Furthermore, we planted cucumbers in an open field plot (OA) where pollination by any/various visiting insects could occur. Each of the experimental areas measured 87.5 m². Without pollination (GH III, GH IV), the plants produced a low number of cucumbers, and the fruits were smaller and less heavy than in those experimental areas where pollination occurred. In the open field area, not protected against unfavorable climatic conditions, the plants produced fewer flowers than the plants in the greenhouses. The highest cucumber yield (with the highest amount of perfect fruits) was found in those greenhouses which housed the stingless bees as pollinators (GH I, GH II). Our results demonstrate that stingless bees can be successfully and efficiently used as pollinators of greenhouse cucumbers during the winter season.Quando a fertilização de flores é necessária para o desenvolvimento de frutos, abelhas podem ser utilizadas como polinizadores sob cultivo protegido. No presente estudo, a efetividade das abelhas sem ferrão Scaptotrigona aff. depilis Moure e Nannotrigona testaceicornis Lepeletier como polinizadoras de pepino (Cucumis sativus var. caipira) foi investigada sob cultivo protegido durante o inverno. O estudo foi conduzido em quatro casas de vegetação (GH), das quais duas continham colônias de abelhas para averiguar a polinização dos pepinos (GH I, com S. aff. depilis, GH II, com N. testaceicornis), e duas (GH III, GH IV) não continham colônias e serviram como grupos controle. Além disso, pepinos foram plantados numa área aberta (AO) onde polinização por vários insetos poderia ocorrer. Sem polinização (GH III, GH IV), as plantas produziram menor número de pepinos, e os frutos eram menores e menos pesados do que aqueles nas áreas experimentais onde a polinizacão ocorreu. Na área aberta, não protegida contra condições climáticas desfavoráveis, as plantas produziram menos flores do que as plantas nas casas de vegetação. A maior produção de pepinos (com a maior quantidade de frutos perfeitos) foi encontrada nas casas de vegetação com as abelhas como polinizadoras (GH I, GH II). Os resultados demonstraram que abelhas sem ferrão podem ser usadas com sucesso e eficiência como polinizadoras de pepinos sob cultivo protegido durante o inverno.FAPESPCoordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior (CAPES)CNP

Automatic Counting of Aedes aegypti Eggs in Images of Ovitraps

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Comportamento de variedades de arroz de sequeiro em diferentes populações de plantas, com e sem irrigação suplementar

Four experiments were carried out in a cerrado soil to study the effect of row spacing and seed density on rice (Oryza sativa) yield and some byometric characteristics, with and without supplemental sprinkler irrigation. Two experiments used the Araguaia variety and the other two, the Guarani variety. Irrigation enhanced in 90 and 35% the yield of the varieties Araguaia and Guarani, respectively. Irrigation significantly affected biometric characteristics. The highest yield of Guarani v. was obtained with 30 cm row spacing and density of 130 seeds per m², and its harvest index (HI) was linearly and positively correlated with grain yield. The highest yield of Araguaia v. was obtained with 40 cm spacing, independently of the density and presence of irrigation. The variety Guarani showed to be more competitive than the Araguaia, having smaller HI and its grain yield being more affected by plant population.Visando determinar os efeitos do espaçamento entre linhas (30, 40 e 50 cm) e da densidade de semeadura (50, 100 e 150 sementes/m²) sobre o rendimento de grãos e algumas características biométricas de duas variedades de arroz (Oryza sativa L.), com e sem irrigação suplementar, foram conduzidos quatro experimentos em solo de cerrado, sendo dois com a variedade Araguaia e os outros com a 'Guarani'. A irrigação propiciou incremento de 90 e 35% no rendimento de grãos das v. Araguaia e Guarani, respectivamente, influenciando significativamente todas as características biométricas estudadas. A v. Guarani apresentou maior produção de grãos no menor espaçamento e na densidade de 130 sementes por m², e o seu índice de colheita (IC) foi correlacionado linear e positivamente com o rendimento de grãos. Na v. Araguaia, o maior rendimento de grãos foi observado no espaçamento de 40 cm, independente da irrigação e da densidade de semeadura. A 'Guarani' mostrou ser uma variedade mais competitiva que a 'Araguaia', apresentando menor IC e maior influência da densidade de semeadura, sobre o rendimento de grãos

Stress concentration targeted reinforcement using multi-material based 3D printing

Topological engineering (3D printing into complex geometry) has emerged as a pragmatic approach to develop high specific strength (high strength and low density) lightweight structures. These complex lightweight structures fail at high-stress concentration regions, which can be, replaced with soft/tough material using 3D printing. It can improve mechanical properties such as strength, toughness and energy absorption etc. Here, we have developed stress concentration targeted multi-material schwarzite structures by 3D printing technique. The soft (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) material is reinforced at high-stress concentration regions of hard (Polylactic acid) schwarzite structures to enhance the specific yield strength and resilience. The mechanical properties and responses of these structures were then assessed via uniaxial compression tests. The multi-materials 3D printed composite structure shows improved mechanical properties compared to single materials architecture. The specific resilience of composites demonstrates remarkable enhancements, with percentage increases of 204.70 %, 596.50 %, and 1530.99 % observed when compared to hard primitives, and similarly impressive improvements of 182.45 %, 311.64 %, and 477.75 % observed in comparison to hard gyroids. The obtained experimental findings were comprehensively examined and validated with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The promising characteristics of these lightweight multi-material-based Schwarzites structures can be utilized in various fields such as energy harvesting devices, protective, safety gears, and aerospace components

Real world preventative drug management of migraine among Spanish neurologists

BACKGROUND: Many different preventatives have showed efficacy in the treatment of migraine. National guidelines differ in their recommendations and patients' characteristics are usually taken into account in their selection. In Spain, real life use of preventive therapies seems to be heterogeneous. We aimed to evaluate differences in clinical practice and adherence to national guidelines among Spanish neurologists. METHODS: Observational descriptive study. A survey was conducted among neurologists ascribed to the Spanish Society of Neurology. Participants were differentiated in accordance with their dedication to headache disorders. We analysed socio-demographic parameters and evaluated 43 questions considering migraine management as well as therapeutic choices regarding migraine sub-types and finally, neurologists' personal perception. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-five neurologists participated from 17 different regions, 43.4% of them female and 53.3% under 40¿years of age. 34.9% confirmed headache disorders as their main interest. The first choice for preventive therapy in chronic migraine among participants was topiramate (57%) followed by amytriptiline (17.9%) and beta-blockers (14.6%). However in episodic migraine, the preferred options were beta-blockers (47.7%), topiramate (21.5%) and amytriptiline (13.4%). Regarding perceived efficacy, topiramate was considered the best option in chronic migraine (42.7%) followed by onabotulinumtoxinA (25.5%) and amitryptiline (22.4%). Where episodic migraine was concerned, surveyed neurologists perceived topiramate (43.7%) and beta-blockers (30.3%) as the best options. When we evaluated the duration of treatment use with a view to adequate therapeutic response, 43.5% of neurologists preferred 3¿months duration and 39.5% were in favour of 6¿months duration in episodic migraine. However, considering the preferred duration of treatment use in chronic migraine, 20.4% recommended 3¿months, 42.1% preferred 6¿months and 12.5% and 22.4% opted for 9 and 12¿months respectively. When considering onabotulinumtoxinA therapy, the number of prior therapeutic failures was zero in 7.2% of neurologists, one in 5.9%, two in 44.1%, three in 30.9% and four or more in 11.9%. Following an initial treatment failure with onabotulinumtoxinA, 49% of subjects decided against a second treatment. The number of OnabotA procedures before considering it as ineffective was two in 18.9% of neurologists, three in 70.8% and four in 10.4%. CONCLUSIONS: The initial management of migraine among Spanish Neurologists is in line with most guidelines, where first choice preventative drugs are concerned. The Management of episodic migraine differed from chronic migraine, both in terms of neurologist preference and in their perceived efficacy

Isolation and characterization of a human cementocyte-like cell line, HCY-23

Cementum is the mineralized tissue covering the tooth root that functions in tooth attachment and post-eruptive adjustment of tooth position. It has been reported to be highly similar to bone in several respects but remains poorly understood in terms of development and regeneration. Here, we investigate whether cementocytes, the residing cells in cellular cementum, have the potential to be protagonist in cementum homeostasis, responding to endocrine signals and directing local cementum metabolism. Cells from healthy erupted human teeth were isolated using sequential collagenase/EDTA digestions, and maintained in standard cell culture conditions. A cementocyte-like cell line was cloned (HCY-23, for human cementocyte clone 23), which presented a cementocyte compatible gene expression signature, including the expression of dentin matrix protein 1 ( DMP1 ), sclerostin ( SOST ), and E11/gp38/podoplanin ( E11 ). In contrast, these cells did not express the odontoblast/dentin marker dentin sialoprotein ( DSPP ). HCY-23 cells produced mineral-like nodules in vitro under differentiation conditions, and were highly responsive to inorganic phosphate (Pi). Within the limits of the present study, it can be concluded that cementocytes are phosphate-responsive cells, and have the potential do play a key role in periodontal homeostasis and regeneration33CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICO - CNPQFUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO - FAPESP304680/2014-12015/07232-0; 2015/06372-

Immunization with rP22 induces protective immunity against Schistosoma mansoni: Effects on granuloma down-modulation and cytokine production

AbstractSchistosomiasis remains a significant public health problem in tropical countries and it is recognized as the most important human helminth infection in terms of morbidity and mortality. Although the existing antischistosomal drugs are highly effective, they do not prevent against reinfection or granuloma formation. Therefore, vaccine strategies are essential for the control of schistosomiasis. Our group recently identified the recombinant (r) P22 protein, a component of the adult worm protein fraction PIII that has been shown to engender protective and immunomodulatory effects on murine schistosomiasis. A cDNA clone encoding rP22 was isolated from a Schistosoma mansoni adult worm cDNA library using anti-PIII rabbit serum; it exhibited complete identity with S. mansoni Sm21.7 EF-hand antigen. Confocal microscopy revealed that rP22 is a tegument protein localized on the surface of S. mansoni miracidia and adult worms. Mice immunized with rP22 exhibited a 51% and 22.5% decrease in adult worm burden and in hepatic eggs, respectively. Additionally, rP22 vaccine produced a reduction in 60% of liver granuloma size and 71% of fibrosis in mice, suggesting that rP22 might contribute to down-modulate granulomatous hypersensitivity to S. mansoni eggs. Protective immunity in mice was associated with high titers of rP22-specific IgG antibodies; elevated production of IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-10; and a reduced level of IL-4. In conclusion, these findings indicate that rP22-based vaccines could be useful to elicit protection and reduce pathology associated to schistosomiasis