Textile effluent treatment by reductive process using commercial steel wool followed by oxidative process.

Textile industries stand out as one of the main polluters of water resources, generating large amounts of liquid effluents with variable composition and intense coloration. The objective of this work is the integration of the reductive process using commercial steel wool, combined with oxidative processes, in the treatment of textile effluent. The effect of the variables of the reductive process were studied using a 32 factorial design. After 30 minutes, the reductive process allowed a reduction of 68% COD, 46% TOC, 62% true color and 72% of total phenols, but showed an increase in color apparent and turbidity, due to the iron species formed by the oxidation of steel wool during the process. With the combined process using sunlight, the reduction was 73% COD, 50% TOC, 97% phenols, 93% true color and 48% apparent color. With artificial light, the reduction was 94% COD, 63% TOC, 95% phenols, 98% true color and 65% apparent color. The evaluation of the acute toxicity against Daphnia magna indicated that after the proposed treatments, the effluent did not present toxicity or the toxicity was reduced. It is concluded that the combined process can be considered an efficient alternative for the treatment of textile effluent.

Shedding a light on the importance of photopatch testing: A 12-year experience in a dermatology unit.

BACKGROUND: Photopatch testing has been standardized for diagnosing photoallergic contact dermatitis but is still infrequently used. OBJECTIVES: To characterize photopatch test (PPT) results and their clinical relevance. METHODS: We collected retrospective data from patients photopatch tested in our Dermatology Unit (2010-2021), using the European PPT 'baseline' series, other allergens, and patient's own products, when appropriate. RESULTS: Out of 223 patients, 75 patients (33.6%) were reactive with 124 positive PPT reactions, considered relevant in 56/223 patients (25.1%) and in 72/124 reactions (58.1%). Most reactions were caused by topical drugs (n = 33; 45.8%), such as ketoprofen or promethazine, and 7 (9.8%) by systemic drugs, such as hydrochlorothiazide and fenofibrate. 'Classical' ultraviolet filters were responsible for six positive PPT reactions whereas there was only three relevant PPT to the 'newer' UV filters. Patients' sunscreens/cosmetics or plant extracts caused 10 positive PPT each. Additional patch test reactions were observed, mostly to Tinosorb® M. CONCLUSION: Contrary to the trend in ACD, most positive PPT reactions were caused by topical drugs, outweighing ultraviolet filters and cosmetics. We stress the low reactivity to the 'newer' UV filters included in the PPT series. PPT was occasionally positive in systemic drug photosensitivity, but overall PPT reactivity was low.

A closer look at allergic contact dermatitis caused by topical ophthalmic medications.

BACKGROUND: Allergic contact dermatitis caused by topical ophthalmic medications (OftACD) is frequently difficult to confirm with patch testing and, therefore, it is considered uncommon. METHODS: We collected retrospective data from a cohort of 65 patients with suspected OftACD patch tested in our Dermatology Unit (2005-2021) according to ESCD guidelines, using a series of topical drugs and excipients (Chemotechnique Diagnostics), including betaxolol and timolol 5% pet. kindly supplied by the pharmaceutical industry. Also, frequently used ophthalmic medications as well as patient's own products were also patch tested 'as is' in most patients. RESULTS: Positive patch tests to ophthalmic medications occurred in 44 patients (67.7%) (38F/6M; mean age 63.1 years), with 102 positive reactions. Most positive reactions were associated with active ingredients (n = 56), especially aminoglycoside antibiotics (n = 27), followed by excipients (n = 24) such as sodium metabisulfite (n = 7). There were also positive reactions to topical products tested 'as is' (n = 22), mostly containing beta-blockers, but only five of these reacted to the active ingredient. DISCUSSION: This study reinforces previous findings in OftACD, such as older age of onset, and the importance of antibiotics, contrasting with the progressively lower prevalence of excipients. In addition, it helps raising awareness for the sensitization to beta-blockers, which is probably underestimated. Patch test preparations for the diagnosis of OftACD may require protocol optimization.

Rare case of interstitial nephritis in a young adult under IgG therapy.

Immunoglobulin replacement therapy is an important therapeutic approach used in different diseases, such as immunodeficiency diseases. We report a case of a 19-year-old female patient with suspected common variable immunodeficiency who started replacement therapy with IgG. During the follow-up, she developed interstitial nephritis and the subsequent workup excluded other diseases or triggers except IgG therapy.

Kidney graft function before pregnancy as a predictor of graft, maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnant renal transplant recipients.

OBJECTIVES: Maternal and fetal complications can occur in pregnant kidney transplant recipients. Since these are high-risk pregnancies, they require a multidisciplinary follow-up to prematurely detect adverse events. Identifying factors that would affect fetal, maternal and graft outcomes is essential to further stratify the risk of pregnant kidney transplant recipients. METHODS: All pregnancies in kidney transplant recipients followed in a single center for 30 years were included. Data included previous transplant information and blood and urine tests performed before pregnancy. Impact of graft function on fetal, maternal and graft outcomes was evaluated. RESULTS: There were 41 pregnancies among 34 patients. Mean gestational age of 35 ± 3 weeks. Caesarean section was performed in 69.4% of patients. Five pregnancies were unsuccessful (12.2%). Four patients suffered an acute graft dysfunction (9.8%) and 12 (29.3%) had a serious maternal hypertensive disorder (preeclampsia, eclampsia or HELLP syndrome). Graft function before pregnancy showed significant correlation with adverse outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: A proteinuria >669 mg/g, serum creatinine >1.75 mg/dL and glomerular filtration rate <36.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 before pregnancy were correlated to graft dysfunction during pregnancy. Similar values of proteinuria were also associated with a risk of maternal hypertensive disorders and pregnancy failure. Therefore, in patients with proteinuria and graft dysfunction, follow-up should be stricter to quickly detect complications.

Borderline Changes in Renal Transplantation: Are We Aware of the Real Impact in Graft Survival?

BACKGROUND: Borderline changes suspicious for acute T-cell-mediated rejection (BC) are frequently seen on biopsy specimens, but their clinical significance and clinical management are still controversial. Our goal was to compare clinical outcomes of kidney transplant recipients with biopsy-proven BC vs acute T-cell-mediated rejection (aTCMR) and the influence of treating BC on graft outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed in all kidney transplant recipients with biopsy-proven BC and aTCMR between January 2012 and December 2018, according to Banff 2017 criteria; patients with concomitant antibody-mediated rejection were excluded. RESULTS: We included 85 patients, 30 with BC (35.3%) and 55 with aTCMR (64.7%). There was no difference between groups regarding demographics, HLA matching and sensitization, immunosuppression, or time of transplant. Treatment with steroids was started in 15 patients with BC (50%) and in all patients with aTCMR, with 4 of the latter additionally receiving thymoglobulin (7.2%). At 1 year post biopsy, overall graft survival was 71%, and despite presenting better estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at biopsy (33.3 ± 23.4 vs 19.9 ± 13.2 mL/min/1.73 m2, P = .008), patients in the BC group presented the same graft survival as the aTCMR group according to Kaplan-Meyer survival curves. When analyzing the BC group (n = 30) and comparing the patients who were treated (n = 15) vs a conservative approach (n = 15), graft survival at 1 year was 87% for treated patients and 73% for nontreated patients (P = .651), with no difference in eGFR for patients with functioning graft. However, at longer follow-up, survival curves showed a trend for better graft survival in treated patients (70.2 ± 9.2 vs 38.4 ± 8.4 months, P = .087). CONCLUSION: Our study showed that patients with BC did not present better graft survival or graft function at 1 year after biopsy or at follow-up compared with the aTCMR group, despite better eGFR at diagnosis. We found a trend for better graft survival in patients with BC treated with steroids compared with a conservative approach. These results reinforce the importance of borderline changes in graft outcomes and that the decision to treat can influence long-term outcomes.

Genetic and genomics in congenital heart disease: a clinical review / Genética e genômica na cardiopatia congênita: uma revisão clínica

Abstract Objective: Discuss evidence referring to the genetic role in congenital heart diseases, whether chromosomic alterations or monogenic diseases. Data source: LILACS, PubMed, MEDLINE, SciELO, Google Scholar, and references of the articles found. Review articles, case reports, book chapters, master's theses, and doctoral dissertations were included. Summary of findings: Congenital heart diseases are among the most common type of birth defects, afflicting up to 1% of the liveborn. Traditionally, the etiology was defined as a multifactorial model, with both genetic and external contribution, and the genetic role was less recognized. Recently, however, as the natural evolution and epidemiology of congenital heart diseases change, the identification of genetic factors has an expanding significance in the clinical and surgical management of syndromic or non-syndromic heart defects, providing tools for the understanding of heart development. Conclusions: Concrete knowledge of congenital heart disease etiology and recognition of the genetic alterations may be helpful in the bedside management, defining prognosis and anticipating complications.

Resumo Objetivo: Discutir as evidências referentes ao papel genético em cardiopatias congênitas, sejam alterações cromossômicas ou doenças monogênicas. Fonte de dados: Lilacs, PubMed, Medline, SciELO, Google Scholar e referências dos artigos encontrados. Artigos de revisão, relatos de casos, capítulos de livros, dissertações de mestrado e teses de doutorado foram incluídos. Síntese dos dados: As cardiopatias congênitas estão entre os tipos mais comuns de defeitos congênitos, afetando até 1% dos nascidos vivos. Tradicionalmente, a etiologia era definida como um modelo multifatorial, com contribuição tanto genética quanto externa, sendo o papel genético menos reconhecido. Recentemente, no entanto, à medida que a evolução natural e a epidemiologia das cardiopatias congênitas mudaram, a identificação de fatores genéticos tem adquirido importância crescente no tratamento clínico e cirúrgico de defeitos cardíacos sindrômicos e não-sindrômicos, fornecendo ferramentas para a compreensão do desenvolvimento do coração. Conclusões: O conhecimento concreto da etiologia das cardiopatias congênitas e o reconhecimento das alterações genéticas podem ser úteis no tratamento à beira do leito, definindo o prognóstico e antecipando as complicações.

Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow graft: A valid option in patients with central venous stenosis.

INTRODUCTION: Central venous stenosis can be the main obstacle to the creation of an autologous vascular access in the upper limbs. The Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow graft was developed to provide an upper limb vascular access option to such patients, avoiding alternative, less advantageous options, such as lower limb vascular accesses or central venous catheters. Its advantages include catheter avoidance and, in case of lower limbs accesses, reduction of the ischemic risk and iliac vein thrombosis, potentially compromising a future kidney transplant. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Revision of the clinical files of the four patients who were placed a Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow device in our Center, including demographic variables, implantation technique characteristics, surgical complications, episodes of infection and thrombosis of the access, and need to place a transitory central venous catheter to undergo hemodialysis treatment. RESULTS: Four Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow grafts were placed, which resulted in a significant improvement in the dialysis efficacy in all patients, with a median raise in the Kt/V of 36.7%. Two cases needed thrombectomy, one of which was unsuccessful. The actual time of patency varies between 3 and 28 months. CONCLUSION: Our experience with the Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow device showed that it was a safe option for patients with central venous stenosis and was associated with good clinical and analytic outcomes.

Arteriovenous graft in kidney transplant patients: Lookout for the rare but fearsome angiosarcoma.

INTRODUCTION: Angiosarcomas are rare tumors, comprising less than 1% of all sarcomas. However, they portend a poor prognosis, as they tend to metastasize early, being of uttermost importance a prompt diagnosis and treatment. CASE DESCRIPTION: We present the case of a 55-year-old female with history of kidney transplantation, immunosuppressed with tacrolimus, prednisolone, and mofetil mycophenolate. Fifteen years after the transplant, she developed an ulcerated lesion on the site of a nonfunctioning arteriovenous graft, which was excised. Histology was compatible with a high grade angiosarcoma that invaded the margins, and immunosuppression was switched to everolimus. Staging imaging exams revealed lymph node, muscle, and lung metastases. Shortly after, nodular lesions appeared compatible with local recurrence of the disease, and the patient showed severe deterioration of her clinical condition, being proposed for palliative chemotherapy. However, the disease showed an explosive progression and the patient died before starting the treatment. CONCLUSION: This case emphasizes the importance of including inspection of the vascular access (functioning or not) in regular post-transplant consultation and value any alterations in the attempt of a timely diagnosis. Although rare, angiosarcoma is an important entity that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of soft tissue masses arising from a vascular access, especially in immunocompromised patients. Aggressive treatment should be offered whenever possible.

Genetic and genomics in congenital heart disease: a clinical review.

OBJECTIVE: Discuss evidence referring to the genetic role in congenital heart diseases, whether chromosomic alterations or monogenic diseases. DATA SOURCE: LILACS, PubMed, MEDLINE, SciELO, Google Scholar, and references of the articles found. Review articles, case reports, book chapters, master's theses, and doctoral dissertations were included. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS: Congenital heart diseases are among the most common type of birth defects, afflicting up to 1% of the liveborn. Traditionally, the etiology was defined as a multifactorial model, with both genetic and external contribution, and the genetic role was less recognized. Recently, however, as the natural evolution and epidemiology of congenital heart diseases change, the identification of genetic factors has an expanding significance in the clinical and surgical management of syndromic or non-syndromic heart defects, providing tools for the understanding of heart development. CONCLUSIONS: Concrete knowledge of congenital heart disease etiology and recognition of the genetic alterations may be helpful in the bedside management, defining prognosis and anticipating complications.

Granulomatous interstitial nephritis: a rare diagnosis with an overlooked culprit.

Granulomatous interstitial nephritis (GIN) is a rare entity identified in <1% of native kidney biopsies. The most frequent aetiology is drug-related, followed by systemic granulomatous conditions. Among drugs implicated in GIN, antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most frequent. We report the case of a 45-year-old white man referred to a nephrology consult due to chronic kidney disease. He had a history of arterial hypertension with 10 years of evolution, hyperuricaemia, medicated with allopurinol and NSAID abuse for at least 20 years. Urine sediment was blunt, without proteinuria. Renal ultrasound was normal. A kidney biopsy revealed well-defined epithelioid granulomas with glomerular wrinkling and collapse. Infectious and systemic conditions were excluded, favouring the hypothesis of drug-induced GIN, probably related to NSAIDs. Kidney biopsy remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of GIN. Facing a patient with renal failure without significant proteinuria or active sediment, one should look for causes of tubulointerstitial injury.