Improved reductive transformation of iopromide by magnetite containing reduced graphene oxide nanosacks as electron shuttles.

The novel application of magnetite containing reduced graphene oxide nanosacks (MrGO-N) as electron shuttles to improve the reductive degradation of pharmaceutical pollutant, iopromide (IOP), was evaluated. The MrGO-N were synthesized by ultrasonicated nebulization process, and their physicochemical characterization was performed by potentiometric titrations, zeta potential, high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), X-ray diffraction, as well as by Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies. Results demonstrated the thermal reduction of precursor graphene oxide sheets, the removal of different oxygenated groups, and the successful assembly of magnetite nanoparticles (MNP) in the graphene sacks. Also, reduction experiments revealed 72 % of IOP removal efficiency and up to 2.5-fold faster degradation of this pollutant performed with MrGO-N as redox catalysts in batch assays and with sulfide as electron donor. Chemical transformation pathway of IOP provides evidence of complete dehalogenation and further transformation of aromatic ring substituents. Greater redox-mediating ability of MrGO-N was observed, which was reflected in the catalytic activity of these nanomaterials during the reductive degradation of IOP. Transformation byproducts with simpler chemical structure were identified, which could lead to complete degradation by conventional methodologies in a complementary treatment process. Redox-mediating activity of MrGO-N could potentially be applied in wastewater treatment systems in order to facilitate the biodegradation of priority contaminants.

Novel application of magnetic nano-carbon composite as redox mediator in the reductive biodegradation of iopromide in anaerobic continuous systems.

The redox-mediating capacity of magnetic reduced graphene oxide nanosacks (MNS) to promote the reductive biodegradation of the halogenated pollutant, iopromide (IOP), was tested. Experiments were performed using glucose as electron donor in an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor under methanogenic conditions. Higher removal efficiency of IOP in the UASB reactor supplied with MNS as redox mediator was observed as compared with the control reactor lacking MNS. Results showed 82% of IOP removal efficiency under steady state conditions in the UASB reactor enriched with MNS, while the reactor control showed IOP removal efficiency of 51%. The precise microbial transformation pathway of IOP was elucidated by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectroscopy (HPLC-MS) analysis. Biotransformation by-products with lower molecular weight than IOP molecule were identified in the reactor supplied with MNS, which were not detected in the reactor control, indicating the contribution of these magnetic nano-carbon composites in the redox conversion of this halogenated pollutant. Reductive reactions of IOP favored by MNS led to complete dehalogenation of the benzene ring and partial rupture of side chains of this pollutant, which is the first step towards its complete biodegradation. Possible reductive mechanisms that took place in the biodegradation of IOP were stated. Finally, the novel and successful application of magnetic graphene composites in a continuous bioreactor to enhance the microbial transformation of IOP was demonstrated.

A rural environment does not protect against asthma or other allergic diseases amongst Mexican children.

INTRODUCTION: The commonly held notion that a rural environment decreases the frequency of allergic diseases has proven to be inconsistent amongst children. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to contrast the prevalence of bronchial asthma (BA), allergic rhinitis (AR), and atopic dermatitis (AD) between children that live in a rural environment and those that live in urban areas. METHODS: We carried out a cross-sectional study amongst children aged six to seven; they were selected through probabilistic, stratified and conglomerated sampling. The prevalence of BA, AR, and AD was identified with the use of the questionnaire provided by The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood, additionally, we inquired about each child's family history of atopy, their exposure to farm animals, the intake of unpasteurised cow's milk, and the number of siblings related to every child. We used logistic regression and multivariate analysis to determine the correlation between asthma, allergic diseases, and rural environment. RESULTS: We included 189/1003 (18.8%) children from a rural environment, and 814/1003 (81.2%) from an urban area. BA and AR were associated to a family history of atopy (OR=2.15, p=0.001; OR=2.58, p=0.002, respectively). BA was more prevalent in males (OR=1.92, p=0.007). Notably, a higher number of siblings seems to protect against AR (OR=0.45, p=0.008). A paternal history of allergies was associated to AD. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, we were unable to find protective factors in a rural environment that might decrease the prevalence of asthma or allergic diseases.

Biofilm development during the start-up of a sulfate-reducing down-flow fluidized bed reactor at different COD/SO4(2-) ratios and HRT.

In sulfate-reducing reactors, it has been reported that the sulfate removal efficiency increases when the COD/SO4(2-) ratio is increased. The start-up of a down-flow fluidized bed reactor constitutes an important step to establish a microbial community in the biofilm able to survive under the operational bioreactor conditions in order to achieve effective removal of both sulfate and organic matter. In this work the influence of COD/SO4(2-) ratio and HRT in the development of a biofilm during reactor start-up (35 days) was studied. The reactor was inoculated with 1.6 g VSS/L of granular sludge, ground low density polyethylene was used as support material; the feed consisted of mineral medium at pH 5.5 containing 1 g COD/L (acetate:lactate, 70:30) and sodium sulfate. Four experiments were conducted at HRT of 1 or 2 days and COD/SO4(2-) ratio of 0.67 or 2.5. The results obtained indicated that a COD/SO4(2-) ratio of 2.5 and HRT 2 days allowed high sulfate and COD removal (66.1 and 69.8%, respectively), whereas maximum amount of attached biomass (1.9 g SVI/L support) and highest sulfate reducing biofilm activity (10.1 g COD-H2S/g VSS-d) was achieved at HRT of 1 day and at COD/sulfate ratios of 0.67 and 2.5, respectively, which suggests that suspended biomass also played a key role in the performance of the reactors.

Effect of surfactant and oil additions in the biodegradation of hexane and toluene vapours in batch tests.

The biological treatment of gaseous emissions of hydrophobic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) results in low rates of elimination partially because of the low solubility of VOCs in water. Recently, the use of two-phase partition bioreactors (TPPBs) was proposed to increase the bioavailability and consequently the elimination capacities of this kind of VOC. In the present study, TPPBs operating in a batch feed mode were tested for biodegradation of hexane and toluene vapours with a microbial consortium. The results obtained were compared with single-phase systems (control experiments). The liquid phase used was silicone oil (organic phase) with the surfactant Pluronic F-68. Experiments were named F1 and F2 for one and two phases, respectively, and F(1S) and F(2S) when the surfactant was included. The maximum specific rates (S(rates)) of hydrocarbon consumption for hexane and toluene were 539 and 773 mg(hydrocarbon)/(g(protein) x h), respectively. For both substrates, the systems that showed the highest S(rates) of hydrocarbon consumption were F2 and F(2S). In experiment F(1S) the surfactant Pluronic F-68 increased the solubility of hydrocarbons in the liquid phase, but did not increase the S(rates). The maximum percentages of mineralization were 51% and 72% for hexane and toluene, respectively. The results showed that simultaneous addition of silicone oil and surfactant favours the mineralization, but not the rate ofbiodegradation, of toluene and hexane vapours.

[Preoperative concentration of plasma fibrinogen as a predictor of bleeding in total hip arthroplasty]. / Concentración preoperatoria de fibrinógeno plasmático como predictor de sangrado en artroplastía total de cadera.

INTRODUCTION: Total hip arthroplasty is popular for its success in treating coxarthrosis, its associated with substantial blood loss. Significant bleeding causes complications such as increase in hospitalization days, higher costs, exposing the patient to complications associated with blood transfusion. The aim of the study is to investigate the association between preoperative plasma fibrinogen concentration and trans-surgical bleeding and determine fibrinogen level cut-off to present greater trans-surgical bleeding. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective, observational, analytical study, from June to December 2020, including 227 patients with Kellgren and Lawrence scale IV coxarthrosis undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty, beneficiaries, older than 18 years, without liver or hematological diseases, and history of significant surgical bleeding. RESULTS: Mean preoperative hemoglobin value was 14.6 ± 1.3 g/dl, after surgery (48 hours) 10.5 ± 1.4 g/dl; decrease of 4.1 ± 1.2 g/dl (p 0.0001). Mean preoperative hematocrit value 43% [41-45], after the procedure; 32% [29-35]; decrease of 11% [8-14] (p 0.0001). 98 patients had intraoperative bleeding 300 ml, 129 had 300 ml; 61.2% of patients with bleeding greater than 300 ml had fibrinogen values below the cut-off point (388 mg/dl). CONCLUSION: In postoperative patients, preoperative fibrinogen levels 388 mg/dl and age 58 years were associated with an increased risk of OR = 0.18 (95% CI 0.10-0.32) of presenting trans-surgical bleeding 300 ml, with a decrease in Hb of 4.1 ± 1.2 g/dl (p = 0.0001) and Hto of 11% [8-14] (p = 0.0001) between the pre and postoperative period in 48 hours.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La artroplastía total de cadera tiene popularidad debido al éxito en el tratamiento de coxartrosis; son procedimientos asociados a la pérdida de sangre. Un sangrado importante provoca complicaciones como aumento en días de estancia intrahospitalaria, mayor costo de la enfermedad, exponiendo al paciente a complicaciones asociadas a transfusión sanguínea. El objetivo del estudio es investigar asociación entre concentración de fibrinógeno plasmático preoperatorio con sagrado transquirúrgico y determinar el nivel de corte de fibrinógeno para presentar mayor sangrado transquirúrgico. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo, observacional, analítico, de Junio a Diciembre de 2020, incluyendo 227 pacientes con coxartrosis IV de la escala de Kellgren y Lawrence sometidos a artroplastía total primaria de cadera, derechohabientes, mayores de 18 años, en ausencia de enfermedades hepáticas o hematológicas y antecedente de sangrado quirúrgico importante. RESULTADOS: El valor promedio de hemoglobina preoperatoria fue 14.6 ± 1.3 g/dl, posterior a cirugía (48 horas) 10.5 ± 1.4 g/dl; observando descenso de 4.1 ± 1.2 g/dl (p 0.0001). Valor promedio del hematocrito prequirúrgico 43% [41-45], posterior al procedimiento 32% [29-35]; se observó descenso de 11% [8-14] (p 0.0001); 98 pacientes presentaron sangrado transquirúrgico 300 ml; 129 tuvieron sangrado 300 ml; 61.2% de pacientes con sangrado mayor de 300 ml mostraron valores de fibrinógeno debajo del punto de corte (388 mg/dl). CONCLUSIÓN: En pacientes postoperados los niveles preoperatorios de fibrinógeno 388 mg/dl y edad 58 años se asociaron al aumento en el riesgo del OR = 0.18 (IC 95% 0.10-0.32) de presentar sangrado transquirúrgico 300 ml, con descenso de la Hb de 4.1 ± 1.2 g/dl (p = 0.0001) y Hto de 11% [8-14] (p = 0.0001) entre el preoperatorio y el postoperatorio en 48 horas.

Incidence and risk factors for acute kidney injury: a prospective, randomized, single-blind clinical trial comparing total knee arthroplasty with and without tourniquet.

PURPOSE: Identify the incidence and risk factors for acute kidney injury (AKI) following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with and without tourniquet. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 100 patients were randomized into two groups. Postoperative AKI was defined as the postoperative creatinine level 0.3 mg/dl compared with baseline. Potential variables associated with AKI were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression model to identify the AKI risk factors in TKA patients with and without tourniquet. RESULTS: AKI rate was 22%, tourniquet use (OR = 2.66, p = 0.014), blood loss > 500 cm3 (OR = 3.99, p = 0.001), postoperative Hb < 10 g/dl (OR = 2.68, p = 0.008), blood transfusions (OR = 2.86, p = 0.012) and diabetes (OR = 2.80, p = 0.006) were associated with increased risk of postoperative AKI. CONCLUSIONS: The use of tourniquet should be indicated with caution and should not be used routinely in patients with other risk factors for the development of acute kidney dysfunction, other measures to achieve trans-surgical hemostasis should be implemented in our environment to reduce the incidence of acute kidney dysfunction related to the use of the tourniquet.

PROPÓSITO: Identificar la incidencia y factores de riesgo para lesión renal aguda (LRA) después de la artroplastia total de rodilla (ATR) con y sin uso de torniquete. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se dividieron 100 pacientes en dos grupos. Se definió la LRA como una elevación postoperatoria de la creatinina 0.3 mg/dl comparada con el nivel basal preoperatorio. Las potenciales variables asociadas con la DRA fueron analizadas con un modelo de regresión logística multivariada para identificar los factores de riesgo de DRA en pacientes sometidos a ATR con y sin torniquete. RESULTADOS: La incidencia de LRA fue de 22%. El uso de torniquete (OR = 2.66, p = 0.014), pérdida sanguínea > 500 cm3 (OR = 3.99, p = 0.001), Hb postoperatoria < 10 g/dl (OR = 2.68, p = 0.008), transfusión sanguínea (OR = 2.86, p = 0.012) y la diabetes (OR = 2.80, p = 0.006) fueron asociados a un mayor riesgo postoperatorio de LRA. CONCLUSIONES: El uso de torniquete debe estar indicado con precaución y no debe utilizarse de forma rutinaria en pacientes con otros factores de riesgo para el desarrollo de disfunción renal aguda, otras medidas para lograr la hemostasia transquirúrgica deben implementarse en nuestro entorno para reducir la incidencia de disfunción renal aguda relacionada con el uso del torniquete.

European LeukemiaNet 2020 recommendations for treating chronic myeloid leukemia.

The therapeutic landscape of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) has profoundly changed over the past 7 years. Most patients with chronic phase (CP) now have a normal life expectancy. Another goal is achieving a stable deep molecular response (DMR) and discontinuing medication for treatment-free remission (TFR). The European LeukemiaNet convened an expert panel to critically evaluate and update the evidence to achieve these goals since its previous recommendations. First-line treatment is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI; imatinib brand or generic, dasatinib, nilotinib, and bosutinib are available first-line). Generic imatinib is the cost-effective initial treatment in CP. Various contraindications and side-effects of all TKIs should be considered. Patient risk status at diagnosis should be assessed with the new EUTOS long-term survival (ELTS)-score. Monitoring of response should be done by quantitative polymerase chain reaction whenever possible. A change of treatment is recommended when intolerance cannot be ameliorated or when molecular milestones are not reached. Greater than 10% BCR-ABL1 at 3 months indicates treatment failure when confirmed. Allogeneic transplantation continues to be a therapeutic option particularly for advanced phase CML. TKI treatment should be withheld during pregnancy. Treatment discontinuation may be considered in patients with durable DMR with the goal of achieving TFR.

Essential thrombocythemia in young individuals: frequency and risk factors for vascular events and evolution to myelofibrosis in 126 patients.

The frequency of vascular events and evolution to myelofibrosis (MF) in young individuals with essential thrombocythemia (ET) is not well known. The incidence and predisposing factors to such complications was studied in 126 subjects diagnosed with ET at a median age of 31 years (range: 5-40). Overall survival and probability of survival free of thrombosis, bleeding and MF were analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method and the presence of the Janus Kinase 2 (JAK2) V617F mutation correlated with the appearance of such complications. The JAK2 mutation (present in 43% of patients) was associated with higher hemoglobin (Hb) (P<0.001) and lower platelets at diagnosis. With a median follow-up of 10 years (range: 4-25), 31 thrombotic events were registered (incidence rate: 2.2 thromboses/100 patients/year). When compared with the general population, young ET patients showed a significant increase in stroke (odds ratio 50, 95% CI: 21.5-115) and venous thromboses (odds ratio 5.3, 95% CI: 3.9-10.6). Thrombosis-free survival was 84% at 10 years, with tobacco use being associated with higher risk of thrombosis. Actuarial freedom from evolution to MF was 97% at 10 years. In conclusion, young ET patients have thrombotic events, especially stroke and venous thrombosis, more frequently than generally considered, whereas they rarely transform to MF.

A unified definition of clinical resistance/intolerance to hydroxyurea in essential thrombocythemia: results of a consensus process by an international working group.

A widely accepted definition of resistance or intolerance to hydroxyurea (HU) in patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET) is lacking. An international working group (WG) was convened to develop a consensus formulation of clinically significant criteria for defining resistance/intolerance to HU in ET. To this aim, an analytic hierarchy process (AHP), a multiple-attribute decision-making technique, was used. The steps consisted of selecting the candidate criteria for defining resistance/intolerance; identifying the motivations that could influence the preference of the WG for any individual criterion; comparing the candidate criteria in a pair-wise manner; and grading them according their ability to fulfill the motivations. Every step in the model was derived by questionnaires or group discussion. The WG proposed that the definition of resistance/intolerance should require the fulfillment of at least one of the following criteria: platelet count greater than 600,000/micro l after 3 months of at least 2 g/day of HU (2.5 g/day in patients with a body weight over 80 kg); platelet count greater than 400,000/micro l and WBC less than 2500/micro l or Hb less than 10 g/dl at any dose of HU; presence of leg ulcers or other unacceptable muco-cutaneous manifestations at any dose of HU; HU-related fever.

Effect of nitrate on the reduction of Reactive Red 2 by mesophilic anaerobic sludge.

This research aimed to evaluate the effect of nitrate on anaerobic azo dye reduction by using mesophilic bioreactors, in the absence (reactor R2) and in the presence (reactor R1) of redox mediators. The azo dye Reactive Red 2 (RR2) and the redox mediator anthraquinone-2,6-disulphonate (AQDS) were selected as model compounds. The results showed that the bioreactors were efficient on RR2 reduction, in which ethanol showed to be a good electron donor to sustain dye reduction under anaerobic conditions. 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 the nitrate addition could decrease decolourisation rates and catalytic properties of the redox mediators, no effect of nitrate was observed in the bioreactors, suggesting that the presence of nitrate in textile wastewaters will not decrease the capacity of anaerobic reactors supplemented or not with redox mediators to decolourize azo dyes.

Coding sequence and intron-exon junctions of the c-myb gene are intact in the chronic phase and blast crisis stages of chronic myeloid leukemia patients.

The c-myb gene encodes a transcription factor required for proliferation, differentiation and survival of normal and leukemic hematopoietic cells. c-Myb has a longer half-life in BCR/ABL-expressing than in normal cells, a feature which depends, in part, on PI-3K/Akt-dependent regulation of proteins interacting with the leucine zipper/negative regulatory region of c-Myb. Thus, we asked whether the stability of c-Myb in leukemic cells might be enhanced by mutations interfering with its degradation. We analyzed the c-myb gene in 133 chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients in chronic phase and/or blast crisis by denaturing-high performance liquid chromatography (D-HPLC) and sequence analysis of PCR products corresponding to the entire coding sequence and each exon-intron boundary. No mutations were found. We found four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and identified an alternatively spliced transcript lacking exon 5, but SNPs frequency and expression of the alternatively spliced transcript were identical in normal and CML cells. Thus, the enhanced stability of c-Myb in CML blast crisis cells and perhaps in other types of leukemia is not caused by a genetic mechanism.

Mortality due to lung cancer in Mexico.

The highest mortality due to cancer worldwide for both genders corresponds to lung cancer (1,179,000 deaths). In Mexico, the crude mortality rate due to lung cancer was of 5.01 per 10(5) inhabitants in 1979. The most important risk factor is smoking. The present study was aimed at analyzing the mortality due to lung cancer in Mexico, assessing data from each of the states constituting the Mexican Republic during the 1998-2004 period. Data were obtained from the National Institute of Statistics, Geography and Informatics (INEGI, for its initials in Spanish) corresponding to deaths due to lung cancer (1998-2004). We estimated the mean annual mortality rate (MAMR) for each of the 32 states of Mexico. We used the "World Population Standard". The MAMR was standardized according to age (ARS) direct method, and the standard error was determined by Poisson's approximation at a 95% confidence interval. To know the excess risk due to mortality, we calculated the standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) of ARS for each federal state, using the national rate as reference. In this period, 397,400 deaths due to malignant neoplasms were recorded, corresponding 45,578 (11.5%) to lung cancer; for men, 31,025 (68.1%) with MAMR of 8.9 and the respective ARS of 13.2 both x10(5) inhabitants. For women, results were 4553 (31.9%) deaths with MAMR of 4.1 and ARS of 5.4 both x10(5) inhabitants. The highest mortality rates due to lung cancer in both genders were observed in the north of Mexico, whereas for women this was observed in the central states. Although smoking is the main risk for lung cancer, there are other factors such as environmental pollution or exposure to toxicants that could be associated to this cancer. The years potentially lost due to lung cancer were 258,550 for men and 133,315 for women, with a total of 391,865 according to histopathology registry neoplasm malignant RHNM (1985-1995). Studies focused on the characterization and measurement of polluting agents would be a good start to determine the level of participation of air pollution in the development of lung cancer.

Frequency and risk factors for thrombosis in idiopathic myelofibrosis: analysis in a series of 155 patients from a single institution.

Thrombosis is a frequent complication of polycythemia vera and essential thrombocythemia, but its incidence and predisposing factors in idiopathic myelofibrosis (IM) are unknown. In 18 (11.6%) of 155 patients diagnosed with IM in a single institution, 31 thrombotic events (19 arterial, 12 venous) were registered after a mean follow-up of 4.2 (s.d.: 4.5) years. In six patients, the thrombosis was simultaneous to or appeared a few months before IM diagnosis and 14 had one or more thrombotic episodes. When compared with the general population, a significant increase was observed in the incidence of venous thrombosis (odds ratio 17.5, 95% confidence interval: 10.3-31.4). At multivariate analysis, the initial variables associated with an increased risk of thrombosis were thrombocytosis (platelets >450 x 10(9)/l, P=0.001), presence of one cardiovascular risk factor (arterial hypertension, smoking, hypercholesterolemia, or diabetes, P=0.003), cellular phase of myelofibrosis (P=0.005), and Hb >11 g/dl (P=0.02). Considering post-diagnosis events, the 5-year thrombosis-free survival probability was 90.4% in the series, 80.6% for patients with platelets >450 x 10(9)/l, 82.6% for patients with one cardiovascular risk factor, and 85.1% for those in cellular phase. These results indicate an increased thrombotic risk for IM patients with hyperproliferative features and/or coexistent cardiovascular risk factors.

Qualitative and quantitative determination of a humic model compound in microbial cultures by cyclic voltammetry.

The humic model compound, anthraquinone-2,6-disulfonate (AQDS), was characterized and measured in microbial cultures by cyclic voltammetry (CV). Under the experimental conditions, the formal reduction potential (E(o')) of the couple AQDS/AHQDS was found to be of -0.520 V vs. SCE (standard calomel electrode) at pH value of 7.0. Control experiments showed that there were no interferences of the culture medium or the microbial consortium on the quantitative determination of the quinone. The linear equation E(o') = -0.294 - 0.032 pH was found, showing that the pH used (7.0-7.8) did not affect significantly the AQDS determination by CV and AHQDS was the predominant hydroquinone formed. A calibration curve was obtained by plotting current response versus AQDS concentration with a linear correlation (r = 0.999) from 0.2 to 10 mM of AQDS. This technique was applied in a denitrifying culture to establish kinetic profiles for AHQDS formation coupled to acetate and p-cresol oxidation. CV results showed that organic matter oxidation by the denitrifying sludge was stoichiometrically associated to AQDS reduction into AHQDS-. CV was shown to be a useful tool for monitoring oxidation/reduction processes of quinones occurring in complex microbial media.

Which patients with myelofibrosis should receive ruxolitinib therapy? ELN-SIE evidence-based recommendations.

Ruxolitinib is an oral Janus-activated kinase 1 (JAK1)/JAK2 inhibitor approved for the treatment of patients with myelofibrosis based on the results of two randomized clinical trials. However, discordant indications were provided by regulatory agencies and scientific societies for selecting the most appropriate candidates to this drug. The European LeukemiaNet and the Italian Society of Hematology shared the aim of building evidence-based recommendations for the use of ruxolitinib according to the GRADE methodology. Eighteen patient-intervention-comparator-outcome profiles were listed, each of them comparing ruxolitinib to other therapies with the aim of improving one of the three clinical outcomes: (a) splenomegaly, (b) disease-related symptoms, and (c) survival. Ruxolitinib was strongly recommended for improving symptomatic or severe (>15 cm below the costal margin) splenomegaly in patients with an International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS)/dynamic IPSS risk intermediate 2 or high. Ruxolitinib was also strongly recommended for improving systemic symptoms in patients with an MPN10 score >44, refractory severe itching, unintended weight loss not attributable to other causes or unexplained fever. Because of weak evidence, the panel does not recommend ruxolitinib therapy for improving survival. Also, the recommendations given above do not necessarily apply to patients who are candidates for allogeneic stem cell transplant.

A clinical-molecular prognostic model to predict survival in patients with post polycythemia vera and post essential thrombocythemia myelofibrosis.

Polycythemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythemia (ET) are myeloproliferative neoplasms with variable risk of evolution into post-PV and post-ET myelofibrosis, from now on referred to as secondary myelofibrosis (SMF). No specific tools have been defined for risk stratification in SMF. To develop a prognostic model for predicting survival, we studied 685 JAK2, CALR, and MPL annotated patients with SMF. Median survival of the whole cohort was 9.3 years (95% CI: 8-not reached-NR-). Through penalized Cox regressions we identified negative predictors of survival and according to beta risk coefficients we assigned 2 points to hemoglobin level <11 g/dl, to circulating blasts ⩾3%, and to CALR-unmutated genotype, 1 point to platelet count <150 × 109/l and to constitutional symptoms, and 0.15 points to any year of age. Myelofibrosis Secondary to PV and ET-Prognostic Model (MYSEC-PM) allocated SMF patients into four risk categories with different survival (P<0.0001): low (median survival NR; 133 patients), intermediate-1 (9.3 years, 95% CI: 8.1-NR; 245 patients), intermediate-2 (4.4 years, 95% CI: 3.2-7.9; 126 patients), and high risk (2 years, 95% CI: 1.7-3.9; 75 patients). Finally, we found that the MYSEC-PM represents the most appropriate tool for SMF decision-making to be used in clinical and trial settings.

Potentials of high-temperature anaerobic treatment and redox mediators for the reductive decolorization of azo dyes from textile wastewaters.

The discharge of dye-colored wastewaters in surface water represents a serious environmental problem because it may decrease the water transparency, therefore having an effect on photosynthesis, and a public health concern because dyes and their reducing products are carcinogenic. In recent years, big achievements have been made in the use of anaerobic granular sludge not only on colored wastewaters but also on the detoxification of other xenobiotics compounds. This paper compiles some important findings related to the potentials of high-temperature anaerobic treatment and redox mediators on the reductive decolorization of azo dyes from textile wastewaters.

The role of sulphate reduction on the reductive S decolorization of the azo dye reactive orange 14.

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of a broad range of sulphate concentrations (0-10g SO4(-2) L(-1)) on the reduction of an azo dye (reactive orange 14 (RO14)) by an anaerobic sludge. An increase in the sulphate concentration generally stimulated the reduction of RO14 by sludge incubations supplemented with glucose, acetate or propionate as electron donor. Sulphate and azo dye reductions took place simultaneously in all incubations. However, there was a decrease on the rate of decolorization when sulphate was supplied at 10g SO4(-2) L(-1). Abiotic incubations at different sulphide concentrations (0-2.5 g sulphide L(-1)) promoted very poor reduction of RO14. However, addition of riboflavin (20 microM), as a redox mediator, accelerated the reduction of RO14 up to 44-fold compared to a control lacking the catalyst. Our results indicate that sulphate-reduction may significantly contribute to the reduction of azo dyes both by biological mechanisms and by abiotic reductions implicating sulphide as an electron donor. The contribution of abiotic decolorization by sulphide, however, was only significant when a proper redox mediator was included. Our results also revealed that sulphate-reduction can out-compete with azo reduction at high sulphate concentrations leading to a poor decolorising performance when no sufficient reducing capacity is available.