Application of microbial fuel cell technology for vinasse treatment and bioelectricity generation.

OBJECTIVE: Our study evaluated the performance of different two-chambered microbial fuel cell (MFC) prototypes, operated with variable distance between electrodes and Nafion membrane and specific inoculum concentration, applied for vinasse treatment. RESULTS: The performance of the developed MFC resulted in a maximum current density of 1200 mA m-2 and power density of 800 mW m-2 in a period of 61 days. MFC performed a chemical oxygen demand removal at a rate ranging from 51 to 60%. CONCLUSIONS: Taking our preliminary results into consideration, we concluded that the MFC technology presents itself as highly promising for the treatment of vinasse.

Part 5: Allogeneic HSCT in refractory SJIA with lung disease; recent cases from centers in North America & Europe.

It has been increasingly recognized that there is a subset of patients with refractory systemic JIA, who have failed all available medications and may benefit from HSCT. The increasing experience with HSCT in SJIA, suggests that despite the complicated post-HSCT course, short-term, the transplanted patients either achieved SJIA remission or reduced burden of disease. Longer follow-up, however, is needed to better define the long-term outcomes. The discussion at the NextGen 2022 conference was focused on the optimal timing for the procedure, the need for a good control of inflammatory SJIA activity prior to HSCT, and the role of the reduced intensity conditioning regimens as there was a remote concern that such regimens might increase the risk of SJIA relapse after the transplantation. There was unanimous agreement about the importance of long-term registries to address these questions.

A flat microbial fuel cell for decentralized wastewater valorization: process performance and optimization potential.

A very compact flat microbial fuel cell (MFC), with 64 cm2 each for the anode surface and the cathode surface and 1 cm3 each for the anode and cathode chambers, was tested for wastewater treatment with simultaneous electricity production with the ultimate goal of implementing an autonomous service in decentralized wastewater treatment systems. The MFC was operated with municipal wastewater in sequencing batch reactor mode with re-circulation. Current densities up to 407 W/m3 and a carbon removal of 83% were obtained. Interruption in the operation slightly decreased power density, while the re-circulation ratio did not influence power generation. The anode biofilm presented high conductivity, activity and diversity. The denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis band-pattern of the DNA showed the presence of several ribotypes with different species of Shewanellaceae and Geobacteraceae families.

Reactor Designs and Configurations for Biological and Bioelectrochemical C1 Gas Conversion: A Review.

Microbial C1 gas conversion technologies have developed into a potentially promising technology for converting waste gases (CO2, CO) into chemicals, fuels, and other materials. However, the mass transfer constraint of these poorly soluble substrates to microorganisms is an important challenge to maximize the efficiencies of the processes. These technologies have attracted significant scientific interest in recent years, and many reactor designs have been explored. Syngas fermentation and hydrogenotrophic methanation use molecular hydrogen as an electron donor. Furthermore, the sequestration of CO2 and the generation of valuable chemicals through the application of a biocathode in bioelectrochemical cells have been evaluated for their great potential to contribute to sustainability. Through a process termed microbial chain elongation, the product portfolio from C1 gas conversion may be expanded further by carefully driving microorganisms to perform acetogenesis, solventogenesis, and reverse ß-oxidation. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the various kinds of bioreactors that are employed in these microbial C1 conversion processes.

New findings useful for clinical practice using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography in the follow-up of active ocular toxoplasmosis.

BACKGROUND: Ocular toxoplasmosis is one of the most common causes of intraocular inflammation and posterior uveitis in immunocompetent patients. This paper aims to investigate swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) findings in eyes with active toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis. METHODS: This case series was conducted from November 2017 through October 2019 in two Brazilian centers. 15 eyes of 15 patients with active toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis were included, and were imaged at baseline and after at least 4 weeks of follow-up. All patients underwent ophthalmic examinations and multimodal imaging including SS-OCT and SS-OCTA before and after treatment of ocular toxoplasmosis. The differential diagnoses included toxoplasmosis, syphilis, and human immunodeficiency virus, which were eliminated through serologic and clinical evaluations. RESULTS: All 15 patients presented with positive anti-Toxoplasma gondii immunoglobulin G titers and three also presented with positive anti-T. gondii immunoglobulin M titers. The mean age at examination was 32.4 years ± 12.7 years (range 15-59 years). Sixty percent of the patients were female. In all eyes, the inner retinal layers were abnormally hyperreflective with full-thickness disorganization of the retinal reflective layers at the site of the active toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis. At baseline, 80% of eyes had focal choroidal thickening beneath the retinitis area, and all eyes had a choroidal hyporeflective signal. Before treatment, SS-OCTA showed no OCTA decorrelation signal next to the lesion site in all eyes, and flow signal improvement was noticed after treatment. Three eyes presented with intraretinal vascular abnormalities during follow-up. SS-OCTA showed retinal neovascularization in one patient and a presumed subclinical choroidal neovascular membrane in another patient. CONCLUSIONS: SS-OCT and SS-OCTA are useful for assessing unexpected structural and vascular retinal and choroidal changes in active and post-treatment toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis and these findings are useful for clinical practice.

Effects of Biofeedback in Preventing Urinary Incontinence and Erectile Dysfunction after Radical Prostatectomy.

In this study, we present a biofeedback method for the strengthening of perineal muscles during the preoperative procedures for radical prostatectomy, and we evaluate this technique as a prevention measure against complications such as urinary incontinence (UI) and erectile dysfunction (ED), which affect prostatectomy patients after surgery. In the experimental protocol, the patients performed specific exercises with the help of a device that provided the patient with visual biofeedback, based on a plot of the anal pressure. For the experimental protocol, we selected 20 male patients, with an average age of 64.0 years, and submitted them to ten therapeutic sessions each. A control group consisting of 32 men with an average age of 66.3 years, who were treated with the same surgical procedure but not with the preoperative procedures, also took part in the experiment. To evaluate UI and ED after the surgery in both control and experimental groups, we used two validated questionnaires-to assess UI, we used the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ) and, for ED, we used the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) Questionnaire. We compared the variables associated with UI and ED after the surgery for the control and experimental groups. The occurrence of UI after radical prostatectomy in the control group (100% of the patients) was higher than that for the experimental group (5% of the patients), with p < 0.0001. Likewise, the occurrence of erectile dysfunction after prostatectomy in the control group (48.6% of the patients) was higher than that for the experimental group (5% of the patients), with p < 0.0001. The number of nocturia events also decreased as a consequence of the intervention (p < 0.0001), as did the number of disposable underwear units for urinary incontinence (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, we compared, only for the experimental group, the anal pressure before the biofeedback intervention and after the surgery, and we verified that the anal pressure after surgery was significantly higher (p < 0.0001). The results strongly suggest that the preoperative biofeedback procedure was effective in decreasing urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy. As future work, we intend to extend this analysis for larger samples and considering a broader age range.

[Evaluation of segmentary contractility in Chagas' disease by using the integral of the myocardial velocity gradient (myocardial strain) obtained through tissue Doppler echocardiography]. / Avaliação da contratilidade segmentar na doença de Chagas utilizando a integral do gradiente intramiocárdico de velocidade (strain miocárdico) obtida pela ecocardiografia com Doppler tecidual.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the percentage of contractility of different myocardial segments in patients with Chagas' disease by measuring myocardial strain and to assess the differences in the radial and longitudinal ventricular contractile function in the undetermined and dilated forms of chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy as compared with those in a group of healthy individuals. METHODS: The study comprised 39 individuals [20 (51.3%) of the male sex] divided into the following 4 groups: 1) Nl: 17 (43.6%) healthy individuals; 2) Und: 7 (17.9%) patients with the undetermined form of Chagas' disease; 3) C1: 7 (17.9%) patients with the chronic form of Chagas' disease with ejection fraction < 50%; and 4) C2: 8 (20.5%) patients with the chronic form of Chagas' disease with ejection fraction > 50%. After performing baseline echocardiography, Doppler tissue images were recorded to measure myocardial strain in different segments on longitudinal and transversal parasternal, and apical 2- and 4-chamber views. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The percentage of contractility in the different myocardial segments, both the radial and longitudinal components, is greater in healthy individuals than in patients with the chronic form of Chagas' disease, and in those with the undetermined form of the disease as compared with that of chronic chagasic patients with EF < 50%. Left ventricular radial contractility is greater than left ventricular longitudinal contractility in all groups (Nl, Und, and Chronic). The data presented allow us to propose a progressive character of myocardial impairment in patients with Chagas' disease.

Tooth loss and subluxation in the primary dentition: a twelve-year follow-up case report.

The case of a five-year-old child is reported, who suffered dento-alveolar injury including subluxation of the right upper lateral incisor and avulsion of the upper central incisors and left upper lateral incisor and laceration in the mucosa. The case was followed for 12 years until complete root formation and alignment of the anterior permanent teeth.

Intracardiac thrombosis and mitral prosthesis dysfunction in systemic lupus erythematosus. A case report.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an inflammatory disease characterized by deposition of autoantibodies and pathogenic immune complexes in the cells and tissues of an organism, causing lesions. The heart is one of the most frequently involved organs, valvar involvement being common (27%) and of great clinical importance. Some studies suggest that valvar involvement is associated with the presence of a specific autoantibody, the antiphospholipid antibody (aPL). In these circumstances, major complications may occur such as arterial or venous thrombosis, thrombocytopenia, repeated spontaneous abortions and presence of lupus anticoagulant antibody. Among the semiologic methods for cardiac evaluation, echocardiography is the main instrument for investigating the anatomical and functional involvement of the heart in the great majority of systemic diseases like SLE. We report the case of a patient with SLE and aPL syndrome who underwent surgery for mitral valve replacement with a biological prosthesis and died nine months later due to massive intracardiac thrombosis and prosthesis dysfunction.

Coronary artery spasm during dobutamine stress echocardiography in a patient with angiographically normal coronary arteries.

Dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) has been extensively used for diagnostic and prognostic purposes in patients with suspected or known coronary artery disease. During DSE transitory alterations of myocardial wall mobility can occur in the absence of electrocardiographic alterations, or they can be associated with ST segment depression or even elevation on the electrocardiogram. ST segment elevation during DSE has been reported as an infrequent event, generally associated with previous myocardial infarction or coronary artery disease with critical lesions, since the positive inotropic and chronotropic effects of dobutamine produce an increase in myocardial oxygen demand, causing ischemia and segmental contractility abnormalities in patients with significant coronary stenosis. The present case relates to a patient referred for DSE after an ischemic treadmill exercise test. During DSE she presented ST segment elevation associated with chest pain. Subsequent coronary arteriography showed normal coronary arteries. We speculate that coronary spasm may have occurred in this patient, as a paradoxical response to the dobutamine-induced increase in coronary flow.

Study of the myocardial contraction and relaxation velocities through Doppler tissue imaging echocardiography: A new alternative in the assessment of the segmental ventricular function.

OBJECTIVE: Doppler tissue imaging (DTI) enables the study of the velocity of contraction and relaxation of myocardial segments. We established standards for the peak velocity of the different myocardial segments of the left ventricle in systole and diastole, and correlated them with the electrocardiogram. METHODS: We studied 35 healthy individuals (27 were male) with ages ranging from 12 to 59 years (32.9 plus minus 10.6). Systolic and diastolic peak velocities were assessed by Doppler tissue imaging in 12 segments of the left ventricle, establishing their mean values and the temporal correlation with the cardiac cycle. RESULTS: The means (and standard deviation) of the peak velocities in the basal, medial, and apical regions (of the septal, anterior, lateral, and posterior left ventricle walls) were respectively, in cm/s, 7.35(1.64), 5.26(1.88), and 3.33(1.58) in systole and 10.56(2.34), 7.92(2.37), and 3.98(1.64) in diastole. The mean time in which systolic peak velocity was recorded was 131.59ms (+/- 19.12ms), and diastolic was 459.18ms (+/- 18.13ms) based on the peak of the R wave of the electrocardiogram. CONCLUSION: In healthy individuals, maximum left ventricle segment velocities decreased from the bases to the ventricular apex, with certain proportionality between contraction and relaxation (P<0.05). The use of Doppler tissue imaging may be very helpful in detecting early alterations in ventricular contraction and relaxation.

Effects of very short pauses on electromyographic variables measured during fatiguing isometric contractions.

15 healthy men (26.6 ± 4.6 years old, weight of 70.7 ± 8.6 kg, and height of 1.750 ± 0.072 m) performed three 30-seconds isometric contractions at 60% MVC, with two 10-seconds resting intervals between them. The goal was to study the effect of the resting intervals on the variables that are most commonly used to analyze surface electromyographic (S-EMG) signals (conduction velocity [CV], root mean square [RMS], average rectified value [ARV], mean power frequency [MNF], and median power frequency [MDF]). For the first 30-second contraction, the S-EMG variables behaved exactly like described in the literature. However, after the first and second pauses, the CV variable ceased to behave like in the literature. In the first contraction, the conduction velocity had a statistically significant decreasing trend, in the second contraction, it had a statistically non-significant positive trend, and, in the third contraction, a statistically significant positive trend. These results suggest that short pauses between isometric constant-force contractions lead to changes in the recruiting strategies of the muscles involved in the contraction. The causes of these changes are not yet clear, and further work is needed in order to understand this effect.

Association between Morphodynamic Variables by Transesophageal Echocardiography and CHA2DS2-Vasc Values

In atrial fibrillation (AF), the CHA2DS2-VASc score calculates the risk for stroke. Di Biase classified the left atrial appendage (LAA), using magnetic resonance imaging, into 4 morphological types and correlated it with cerebrovascular events. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) also evaluates LAA and is a more widespread technique. Objective: To evaluate, using TEE, the possibility of characterizing LAA and to analyze its morphological aspects using the CHA2DS2VASc score. Methodology: A total of 247 patients were divided into three groups considering the CHA2DS2-VASc score: Group 1: 0 and 1; Group 2: 2 and 3 and, Group 3: ≥ 4 points. TEE produced the echocardiographic data. LAA was classified into thrombogenic and non-thrombogenic morphologies. In the analysis of statistical tests, a significance level of 5% was adopted. Results: The average age was 50 and 16.2% presented AF. In Group 1, we observed normal variables with a lower prevalence of AF (8.7%, p < 0.001). In group 2, spontaneous contrast was detected in 26.7%, (p < 0.001), thrombus in 6.7% (p = 0.079) and flow velocity in LAA < 0.4 m/s in 22.7% (p < 0.001) of the cases. Group 3 presented the highest percentages of AF (31.8%, p < 0.001), stroke/TIA (77.3%, p < 0.001), EF < 55% (18.2%, p = 0.010) and higher prevalence of thrombogenic type LAA (72.7%, p = 0.014). A higher occurrence of stroke/TIA was observed in patients with thrombogenic LAA (25.2%) compared to the non-thrombogenic group (11.2%), (p = 0.005). Conclusions: The thrombogenic morphology of LAA identified in TEE presented a higher risk of stroke regardless of the CHA2DS2VASc score. Patients with higher scores had greater abnormalities in echocardiographic variables

The presence of plasmids in Aeromonas hydrophila and its relationship with antimicrobial and heavy metal-resistance profiles / Presença de plasmídeos em Aeromonas hydrophila e sua relação com perfis de resistência aos antimicrobianos e metais pesados

ABSTRACT: Aeromonas hydrophila is a common fish pathogen that causes extensive damage to aquaculture. To develop and implement a more adequate strategy to farm fish, it is crucial to understand the bacterial-resistance levels and their transference dynamics. The objective of this study was to analyze the resistance profile of isolated Aeromonas hydrophila to antimicrobial agents and heavy metals and draw a correlation of the observed profiles with the presence of plasmids. Resistance of the isolated bacteria to antimicrobial agents (oxacilin, gentamicin, tetracycline, and nalidixic acid) and heavy metals (cadmium, lead, copper, and manganese) was verified using the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) standards. The Multiple Antibiotic Resistance Index (MAR Index) was calculated. Plasmids were extracted by using a common methodology described elsewhere. Mann-Whitney Test, implemented in the R environment, was used to determine the correlation between resistance and plasmids presence. A high resistance to almost all antimicrobial agents and heavy metals was observed, except to gentamicin and cadmium. The MAR index results showed resistance to all antimicrobial profiles. Of the isolated bacteria, 14 showed the presence of plasmids. However, no correlation was noted between the resistance profile and the plasmid presence for these isolates, indicating that the genes responsible for resistance to microbial agents and heavy metals are present in the cromossomic DNA, which in turn suggested the possibility of gene transfer between the isolated bacteria. The resistance to heavy metals can be linked to heavy utilization of fertilizers along the Sao Francisco River.

RESUMO: Bactérias da espécie Aeromonas hydrophila são patógenos que atacam peixes, causando grandes prejuízos à piscicultura. Entender os perfis de resistência dessa bactéria e a capacidade da mesma em transferir tal resistência é importante para implantação de um manejo adequado na produção de peixes. Os objetivos desse estudo foram analisar a resistência de isolados de Aeromonas hydrophila à antimicrobianos e metais pesados e, correlacionar os perfis encontrados com a presença de plasmídeos. A resistência dos isolados aos antimicrobianos (oxacilina, gentamicina, tetraciclina e ácido nalidíxico) e metais pesados (cádmio, chumbo, cobre e manganês) foi verificada pelas técnicas da Concentração Bactericida Mínima (CBM) e Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM). Foi calculado o Índice de Resistência Múltipla aos Antimicrobianos (IRMA). Os plasmídeos foram extraídos por metodologias descritas pela literatura. A relação entre a resistência aos antimicrobianos e metais pesados com a presença de plasmídeos foi determinada pelo teste de Mann-Whitney utilizando o ambiente R. Foi observada alta resistência aos antimicrobianos e metais pesados testados, com exceção à gentamicina e cádmio. No IRMA os isolados apresentaram resistência a todos os perfis de antimicrobianos possíveis. Quatorze isolados apresentaram plasmídeos, mas não foi encontrada relação dos perfis de resistência com a presença destes, o que indica que os genes de resistência a esses compostos estejam presentes no DNA cromossômico. Porém apontam a possibilidade de transferência dos genes de resistência entre os isolados. Estes resultados apontam alta resistência dos isolados e capacidade de transmissão dessa resistência a outras bactérias. A resistência aos metais pesados, pode estar ligada ao uso de fertilizantes nas plantações localizadas próximas as margens do Rio São Francisco.

Electromyographic study in 5 muscles during an isometric fatiguing protocol.

In this study, 12 healthy men aging 22.8 ± 2.2 years old were submitted to a protocol of isometric resistance to fatigue contemplating elbow flexion on three different angles: 45°, 90° and 135°. The objective was to study electromyographic median frequency (MDF) in the following muscles: i) Biceps Brachialis Long Head (BBL), Brachioradialis (BRD), Flexor Digitorum Superficialis (FDS), Triceps Brachialis Long Head (TBL), and Extensor Digitorum (ED). It was verified that, for all muscles, including the muscles that act in opposition to the contraction, fatigue presence was verified by the decrease of MDF value.

Comparação entre Técnicas de Block-Matching e Optical Flow na análise do Strain pela Ecocardiografia / Comparison of Block-Matching and Optical Flow in Strain Echocardiography Analysis

Introdução: Diferentes tecnologias têm sido utilizadas para avaliar a função sistólica do ventrículo esquerdo. De particular interesse, está a ecocardiografia com strain bidimensional (2DSTE). Dois métodos diferentes têm sido usados para quantificar a deformação miocárdica (strain miocárdico) pela 2DSTE: block matching e optical flow. Ambos estão presentes em ecocardiógrafos comercialmente disponíveis. Entretanto, não há consenso a respeito se as medidas do strain longitudinal por estes métodos são sobreponíveis. Objetivo: Comparar os valores de pico do strain miocárdico longitudinal obtidos através da 2DSTE pelos dois diferentes métodos (block matching x optical flow). Método: Foram realizadas as medidas do strain em 16 segmentos miocárdicos do ventrículo esquerdo, conforme orientação da Sociedade Americana de Ecocardiografia pela técnica do block matching (Vivid 7, GE, Horten, Noruega) e, imediatamente após, pela técnica do optical flow (My Lab 60, Esaote, Florença, Itália) de forma randomizada e seus valores foram comparados. Resultados: Houve 28 indivíduos com idade 27,9 ± 7,7 anos, sendo 50% do sexo masculino e todos com fração de ejeção superior a 55%. A medida do strain longitudinal global foi maior pela técnica de block matching (p = 0,02). Na análise dos 16 segmentos, houve 10 segmentos com valores diferentes, em especial os segmentos apicais. Conclusão: Os valores do strain miocárdico longitudinal obtidos por métodos diferentes não são sobreponíveis e devem ser usados com cautela. Sendo assim, valores de normalidade também variam de acordo com o fabricante e o método utilizado

Introduction: Different technologies have been used to evaluate left ventricular systolic function. Of particular interest is the two-dimensional strain echocardiography (2DSTE). Two different methods have been used to quantify myocardial strain by 2DSTE: block matching and optical flow. Both are present in commercially available echocardiographs. However, there is no consensus as to whether the longitudinal strain measures using these methods are overlapping. Objective: To compare the longitudinal myocardial strain peak values obtained through 2DSTE using two different methods (block matching x optical flow). Method: Strain measurements in 16 left ventricular myocardial segments were taken as recommended by the American Society of Echocardiography using block matching (Vivid 7, GE, Horten, Norway) and, immediately after, using optical flow (My Lab 60, Esaote, Florence, Italy) in a randomized way and their values were compared. Results: There were 28 individuals aged 27.9 ± 7.7, of whom 50% were male and all with an ejection fraction greater than 55%. Global longitudinal strain was higher using block matching (p = 0.02). In the analysis of the 16 segments, 10 segments had different values, especially the apical segments. Conclusion: Longitudinal myocardial strain values obtained by different methods are not overlapping and must be used with caution. Normality values also vary according to the manufacturer and the method used

In situ microbial fuel cell-based biosensor for organic carbon.

The biological oxygen demand (BOD) may be the most used test to assess the amount of pollutant organic matter in water; however, it is time and labor consuming, and is done ex-situ. A BOD biosensor based on the microbial fuel cell principle was tested for online and in situ monitoring of biodegradable organic content of domestic wastewater. A stable current density of 282±23mA/m(2) was obtained with domestic wastewater containing a BOD(5) of 317±15mg O(2)/L at 22±2°C, 1.53±0.04mS/cm and pH 6.9±0.1. The current density showed a linear relationship with BOD(5) concentration ranging from 17±0.5mg O(2)/L to 78±7.6mg O(2)/L. The current generation from the BOD biosensor was dependent on the measurement conditions such as temperature, conductivity, and pH. Thus, a correction factor should be applied to measurements done under different environmental conditions from the ones used in the calibration. These results provide useful information for the development of a biosensor for real-time in situ monitoring of wastewater quality.

A system for treatment of diabetic foot ulcers using led irradiation and natural latex

Abstract Introduction: We developed and tested a new system for inducing the healing of diabetic foot ulcers. The system relies on the regenerative properties of its two components: an insole with a sheet of natural latex and a device that contains a matrix of light emitting diodes with wavelength of 635 nm. Methods The electronic and latex based devices were developed, and a four weeks test was performed in one control group (CG) of five ulcers and one experimental group (EG) of eight ulcers. The CG was treated with a standard approach, based on a silver-releasing foam dressing, and the EG was treated with the system under test. For each ulcer, an index for quantifying the percentage ulcer recovery, named CRU(%), has been calculated; a CRU(%) = 0% means no healing, and a CRU(%) = 100% means total healing. Results There were statistically significant increases of CRU(%) of 51.8% (p = 0.022), for the CG, and of 78.4% (p < 0.001), for the EG. The increase in the EG was higher than the increase in the CG, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The results showed that the proposed method had, for these particular sets of ulcers, faster healing rates, than for the standard method. Conclusion The results hint that the proposed method seems promising as a future treatment method. However, the technique must undergo further testing before it can be considered for extensive clinical applications.