Use of spray nozzles to recover dissolved methane from an Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) reactor effluent.

Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas and a source of energy. Recovering this gas means lower greenhouse gas emission and potential reduction of energetic costs. The lack of full-scale results, the use of different methodologies to detect dissolved methane (d-CH4) and the fact that no process to remove d-CH4 from anaerobic effluents is energetically or economically viable at full-scale urged a different approach to the problem. To avoid methodological interference and facilitate comparison of results the Standard Test Method number D8028-17 published by ASTM International can be used to determine d-CH4. The use of real anaerobic reactor effluent also helps results to be compared. In this study, 80 samples from a full-scale anaerobic reactor showed an average concentration of dissolved methane of 14.9 mg·L-1, meaning an emission of 229 kg of CO2 eq·h-1 and an average of 113.5 kW wasted. Using spray nozzles, an alternative to the methods being researched, the average methane recovery was 11.5 mg·L-1 of CH4, an efficiency of 81.6%, meaning 177 kg of CO2 eq·h-1 emissions avoided and 87.9 kW of recoverable energy.

An improved protocol for efficient transformation and regeneration of Setaria italica.

KEY MESSAGE: An efficient and improved transformation method for functional genetics studies in S. italica, being a boon for the Setaria scientific community and for crop improvement. Foxtail millet (Setaria italica) is a short life cycle C4 plant, with sequenced genome, and a potential model plant for C4 species. S. italica is also important on a global food security and healthiness context due to its importance in arid and semi-arid areas. However, despite its importance, there are just few transformation protocols directed to this species. The current protocols reached about 5.5-9% of efficiency, which do not make it a valuable model organism. Different types of explants were used in the above mentioned methods, such as immature and mature inflorescence and shoot apex. However, these techniques have many limitations, such as unavailability of explants throughout the year and a crucial, laborious and considerable time-consuming selection. Aiming a simplified and efficient methodology, we adopted dry mature seeds as explants, which are available in abundance, are constant along the year and well responsive to tissue culture, in addition to a differentiated approach that reaches on an average 19.2% transformation efficiency of S. italica. Thus, we propose a protocol that optimizes the transformation efficiency of this cereal crop allowing a high increase on transformation and regeneration rates. Our transformation protocol provides an interesting tool for Setaria community research as well as enables new strategies for breeding enhanced productivity in the species.

Full-length genomic and molecular characterization of Canine parvovirus in dogs from North of Brazil.

With the objective of characterizing Canine parvovirus (CPV) from some suspected fecal samples of dogs collected from the Veterinarian Hospital in Belém city, five positive samples were found by PCR assay and an update molecular characterization was provided of the CPV-2 circulation in Belém. Through sequencing of the complete DNA sequences (NS1, NS2, VP1, and VP2 genes), the CPV-2 strain was identified as CPV-2b (Asn426Asp) circulating in Belém. The CPV-2b strain with a different change at the position Tyr324Leu was detected in all samples assessed and thus reported for the first time for the scientific community. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that Belém CPV-2b and CPV-2a strains would be related to a cluster with samples after the 1990s, suggesting that CPV-2b in Belém originated from CPV-2a circulating in Brazil after the 1990s. Potential recombination events were analyzed using RDP4 and SplitsTree4; therefore, results suggest that CPV-2 sequences here described were not potentially recombination events. Continuous monitoring and molecular characterization of CPV-2 samples are needed not only to identify possible genetic and antigenic changes that may interfere with the effectiveness of vaccines but also to bring a better understanding of the mechanisms that drive the evolution of CPV-2 in Brazil.

Prevalence of human papillomavirus, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Trichomonas vaginalis infections in Amazonian women with normal and abnormal cytology.

Sexually transmitted infections are an important cause of morbidity among sexually active women worldwide, and have been implicated as cofactors in the pathogenesis of cervical cancer. We investigated the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV), and accessed the diversity of HPV in women with normal and abnormal cytology in Manaus, Brazil. We used polymerase chain reaction and HPV genotyping by direct sequencing. The chi-square test was used to calculate the absolute and relative frequencies of the categorical variables, and Fisher's test was used when P < 0.05. The level of significance was set at 5%. All statistical analyses were performed using R 2.9.0. There were statistically significant differences in age (P = 0.0395), education level (P = 0.0131), sexual partners (P = 0.0211), condom use (P = 0.0039), marital status (P < 0.0001), and pregnancy (P = 0.0003) between the normal and abnormal groups. HPV DNA was found in 36.56 and 93.88% of subjects in the normal and abnormal groups, respectively. A total of 19 genotypes were detected; HPV16 was the most common, followed by HPV58. The percentages of TV and CT DNA were 18.04 and 9.02% in the normal group, respectively. The percentages of HPV/TV and HPV/CT coinfection were 12.5% each in women with normal cytology. These findings improve our understanding of HPV, CT, and TV, and the distribution of HPV types, which may be relevant to vaccination strategies for protecting women from the north of Brazil from cervical cancers and precancerous lesions.

Masticatory muscle activity evaluation by electromyography in subjects with zygomatic implants.

BACKGROUND: Zygomatic implants are an alternative treatment in the rehabilitation of atrophic maxilla to promote stability in the stomatognathic system. The aim of this study was to compare the electromyographic (EMG) activity of masseter and temporalis muscles in controls and in individuals with complete implant-supported dentures anchored in the zygomatic bone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-four volunteers of both genders (mean age 52.5 years) were selected and distributed into two groups: Individuals with zygomatic implant (ZIG; n=27) and fully dentate patients (CG; n=27). MyoSystem-BR1 was used to assess masseter and temporalis muscles EMG activity in different mandibular movements: protrusion, clenching, maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) with Parafilm M®, right and left laterality and chewing (peanuts and raisins). Data was processed, normalized (MVC) and analyzed using the SPSS 21.0. Student t-test (P ≤ 0.05) was used for group comparison. RESULTS: The results were statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05) for protrusion, clenching, right and left laterality and raisin chewing. For the mandibular posture conditions, the ZIG obtained higher EMG activity patterns when compared to CG. For the masticatory performance during chewing of peanuts and raisins, the ZIG showed higher EMG mean values when compared to CG. CONCLUSIONS: The zygomatic implant promoted an active response of the muscle fibers (hyperactivity) during both mandibular posture and chewing conditions, probably due to the absence of periodontal receptors, which play a significant role for preparing a bolus for swallowing.

Prevention of esophageal stricture after endoscopic submucosal dissection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) of extensive superficial cancers of the esophagus may progress with high rates of postoperative stenosis, resulting in significantly decreased quality of life. Several therapies are performed to prevent this, but have not yet been compared in a systematic review. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis were performed using the MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, LILACS, Scopus, and CINAHL databases. Clinical trials and observational studies were searched from March 2014 to February 2015. Search terms included: endoscopy, ESD, esophageal stenosis, and esophageal stricture. Three retrospective and four prospective (three randomized) cohort studies were selected and involved 249 patients with superficial esophageal neoplasia who underwent ESD, at least two-thirds of the circumference. We grouped trials comparing different techniques to prevent esophagus stenosis post-ESD. RESULTS: We conducted different meta-analyses on randomized clinical trials (RCT), non-RCT, and global analysis. In RCT (three studies, n = 85), the preventive therapy decreased the risk of stenosis (risk difference = -0.36, 95 % CI -0.55 to -0.18, P = 0.0001). Two studies (one randomized and one non-randomized, n = 55) showed that preventative therapy lowered the average number of endoscopy dilatations (mean difference = -8.57, 95 % CI -13.88 to -3.25, P < 0.002). There were no significant differences in the three RCT studies (n = 85) in complication rates between patients with preventative therapy and those without (risk difference = 0.02, 95 % CI -0.09 to 0.14, P = 0.68). CONCLUSIONS: The use of preventive therapy after extensive ESD of the esophagus reduces the risk of stenosis and the number of endoscopic dilatations for resolution of stenosis without increasing the number of complications.

Rhizosphere bacteriome of the medicinal plant Sapindus saponaria L. revealed by pyrosequencing.

Sapindus saponaria L. of Sapindaceae family is popularly known as soldier soap and is found in Central and South America. A study of such medicinal plants might reveal a more complex diversity of microorganisms as compared to non-medicinal plants, considering their metabolic potential and the chemical communication between their natural microbiota. Rhizosphere is a highly diverse microbial habitat with respect to both the diversity of species and the size of the community. Rhizosphere bacteriome associated with medicinal plant S. saponaria is still poorly known. The objective of this study was to assess the rhizosphere microbiome of the medicinal plant S. saponaria using pyrosequencing, a culture-independent approach that is increasingly being used to estimate the number of bacterial species present in different environments. In their rhizosphere microbiome, 26 phyla were identified from 5089 sequences of 16S rRNA gene, with a predominance of Actinobacteria (33.54%), Acidobacteria (22.62%), and Proteobacteria (24.72%). The rarefaction curve showed a linear increase, with 2660 operational taxonomic units at 3% distance sequence dissimilarity, indicating that the rhizosphere microbiome associated with S. saponaria was highly diverse with groups of bacteria important for soil management, which could be further exploited for agricultural and biotechnological purposes.

A comparative study of five centrally acting drugs on the pharmacological treatment of obesity.

CONTEXT: No long-term studies have compared centrally acting drugs for treating obesity. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of diethylpropion (DEP), fenproporex (FEN), mazindol (MZD), fluoxetine (FXT) and sibutramine (SIB) in promoting weight loss. DESIGN AND SETTING: A prospective, randomized, placebo (PCB)-controlled study conducted at a single academic institution. PATIENTS: A total of 174 obese premenopausal women. INTERVENTION: Participants randomly received DEP 75 mg (n=28), FEN 25 mg (n=29), MZD 2 mg (n=29), SIB 15 mg (n=30), FXT 20 mg (n=29) or PCB (n=29) daily over 52 weeks. Diet and physical activity were encouraged. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary endpoints were changes in body weight and the proportion of women who achieved at least 5% weight loss by week 52 in the intent-to-treat population. Other measurements included anthropometry, safety, metabolic and cardiovascular parameters. RESULTS: Weight loss was greater than PCB (-3.1±4.3 kg) with DEP (-10.0±6.4 kg; P<0.001), SIB (-9.5±5.9 kg; P<0.001), FEN (-7.8±6.9 kg; P<0.01) and MZD (-7.4±4.9 kg; P<0.01) but not with FXT (-2.5±4.1 kg). Ten (33.3%) women lost⩾5% of their initial weight with PCB, compared with 20 (71.4%; P<0.001) with DEP, 20 (69%; P<0.02) with FEN, 21 (72.4%; P<0.01) with MZD, 22 (73.3%; P<0.001) with SIB and 10 (35.5%) with FXT. Each medically treated group experienced more adverse events compared with PCB (P<0.001). Compared with PCB, constipation was more prevalent with DEP, SIB and MZD (P<0.01); anxiety was more prevalent with DEP (P=0.01); and irritability occurred more frequently with DEP and FEN (P=0.02). Significant improvements in the depression and anxiety scores, binge-eating episodes and quality of life correlated with weight loss. CONCLUSION: The centrally acting drugs DEP, FEN, MZD and SIB were more effective than PCB in promoting weight loss in obese premenopausal women, with a satisfactory benefit-risk profile.

Investigation of colloidal stability and insulation characteristics of magnetic oils.

Superparamagnetic iron-oxide (SPIO) particles were synthesized by the co-precipitation method and the oleic acid-coated SPIO (OA-SPIO) was then obtained by a surface grafting procedure. A stock sample of magnetic oil (MO) with 1.6% particle volume fraction (VF) was obtained by dispersing the OA-SPIO in insulating naphthenic oil. The MO stock sample was diluted in the same naphthenic oil to yield MO with 0.1, 0.04, 0.02, and 0.01% VF. Moreover, the 0.04% VF MO sample was manipulated to yield MO samples with water content of 26, 37, and 63 mg L(-1). The spinel structure of OA-SPIO was assessed by XRD and the average diameter of 8.3 nm was provided by TEM analysis. The saturation magnetization at room temperature (RT) was 70 emu/g and no remanence or coercivity was observed. The average hydrodynamic diameter (D(H)) of the colloidal particles suspended within the 0.04% VF MO sample was 58 nm. After aging for 30 days at RT no change was observed for the lowest water content MO sample (26 mg L(-1)). However, D(H) equals to 270 nm was observed for the highest water content MO sample (63 mg L(-1)). The MO samples with 26 mg L(-1) water content were found stable under heating at 90 degrees C for all VF investigated. We found the insulation resistance dropping significantly as VF and temperature increases. The lowest value found was 11 GOhms for the 0.1% VF at 60 degrees C, which is an acceptable value for MO.

New microsatellite markers for bananas (Musa spp).

Thirty-four microsatellite markers (SSRs) were identified in EST and BAC clones from Musa acuminata burmannicoides var. Calcutta 4 and validated in 22 Musa genotypes from the Banana Germplasm Bank of Embrapa-CNPMF, which includes wild and improved diploids. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 14. The markers were considered highly informative based on their polymorphism information content values; more than 50% were above 0.5. These SSRs will be useful for banana breeding programs, for studies of genetic diversity, germplasm characterization and selection, development of saturated genetic linkage maps, and marker assisted selection.

Prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 variants and rare HPV types in the central Amazon region.

Infection by human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the primary causes of mortality by cancer in northern Brazil. Sexually active women from Manaus, Amazonas, without cytological alterations and women with pre-malignant and malignant cytological alterations were examined for HPV virus, identified via PCR and sequencing. The target region for this study was part of the L1 capsid gene of HPV. Twenty-three samples that were PCR-positive were sequenced. Analysis of 336 bp demonstrated a high incidence of high-risk HPV types in the population of Manaus, identified as HPVs 16, 33, 58, 66, 68. HPV type 16 was the most prevalent, presenting two variants similar to the Asian-American (AA) and East-Asian type (As) variants. A rare HPV type 13 related to "Heck's disease" was also detected. This preliminary provides important information about the HPV circulating in Amazonas State.

Implant-supported prosthesis following Brånemark protocol on electromyography of masticatory muscles.

This research evaluated the effects of Brånemark protocol on electromyography of the masseter and temporal muscles. The patients were divided into two groups: Group I: patients who wore an implant-supported prosthesis in the mandibular arch following Brånemark protocol, and maxillary removable complete dentures; Group II: dentate individuals (control). Electromyography was carried out at rest, right (RL) and left (LL) laterality, protrusion and maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). Data were compared by t-test. At rest, a higher electromyographic (EMG) activity was observed in Group I, and the values were significant in the right masseter and left temporal muscles. In RL, there were statistically significant differences for right masseter (P < 0·01), left masseter and temporal muscles and for the left temporal muscle in LL (P < 0·05). In protrusion, Group I presented a higher EMG activity, and there was a statistically significant difference for the right masseter muscle (RM) (P < 0·05). In MVC, the EMG values were higher in Group II (control), but significant just for the right temporal muscle (P < 0·05). In conclusion, individuals with mandibular fixed dentures supported according to the Brånemark protocol and maxillary removable complete dentures showed a higher activity of masticatory muscles during the mandibular postural clinical conditions examined; however, in the MVC, Group I presented lower values when compared to dentate group. Despite presenting different EMG values in all of the clinical conditions, both groups showed similar EMG patterns of muscle activation which demonstrates that the proposed treatment can be considered as a good option for oral rehabilitation.

Effect of congenital blindness on EMG activity of the facial muscles.

The aim of this work was to analyze electromyographically the facial muscles: orbicularis oris (upper and lower fascicles), orbicularis oculi (right and left lateral portions) and frontal, in blind and clinically normal (control) individuals, in various clinical conditions. Electromyographic averages of all data collected were normalized by maximal voluntary contraction of the studied muscles and statistical analysis was performed by Student's t test, using "Statistical Package for the Social Sciences" software--SPSS 12.0 (Chicago, IL). It was found that electromyographic alterations occur in the facial musculature that influences facial expressions of individuals. Results for the orbicularis oris muscle demonstrated that myoelectric activity among blind and control subjects was greater for the control group at muscular rest, blowing, and in labial projection. Electromyographic analysis of the orbicularis oculi among blind and control subjects in three clinical conditions studied demonstrated that activity was greater for the control group at muscular rest, blinking, and forced blinking. For the frontal muscles were demonstrated that electromyographic activity was greater for blind individuals. These data suggest the influence of congenital blindness on muscular development, including alterations in electromyographic activity of skin musculature in individuals with visual impairment.

The importance of excretion by Chironomus larvae on the internal loads of nitrogen and phosphorus in a small eutrophic urban reservoir.

Measurements of ammonium and phosphate excretion by the Chironomus larvae were conducted in order to evaluate the importance of these chironomids for the internal loads of a small eutrophic urban reservoir. Ammonium and phosphate excretion rates by Chironomus larvae of small size (6-10 mm total length) were significantly higher than those of the Chironomids having medium (9-11 mm) and large (11-16 mm) sizes. A dependence in relation to temperature was recorded for the ammonium and phosphate excretions that was significantly higher at 25 degrees C than at 20 and 15 degrees C. Through a linear relation between biomass (dry weight) and total length and, between excretion and biomass and, data on chironomids densities, after an intense sampling in 33 sites distributed all along the reservoir bottom, the mean phosphate and ammonium excretion rates corresponded to 2,014 +/- 5,134 microg.m(-2)/day and 1,643 +/- 3,974 microg.m(-2)/day, respectively. Considering the mean biomass (34 mg.m(-2)) of Chironomus, the lake area (88,156 m(2)) and the mean excretion rates, the contribution of benthic chironomids to the internal loads would be 181 KgP and 147 KgN. for the sampling months (October-November 1998). These values showed that the internal loads by excretion from Chironomus larvae correspond to approximately 33% of the external loads of phosphorus in the lake and, in the case of nitrogen, to only 5%.

Proteasome inhibitors block a late step in lysosomal transport of selected membrane but not soluble proteins.

The ubiquitin-proteasome pathway acts as a regulator of the endocytosis of selected membrane proteins. Recent evidence suggests that it may also function in the intracellular trafficking of membrane proteins. In this study, several models were used to address the role of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway in sorting of internalized proteins to the lysosome. We found that lysosomal degradation of ligands, which remain bound to their receptors within the endocytic pathway, is blocked in the presence of specific proteasome inhibitors. In contrast, a ligand that dissociates from its receptor upon endosome acidification is degraded under the same conditions. Quantitative electron microscopy showed that neither the uptake nor the overall distribution of the endocytic marker bovine serum albumin-gold is substantially altered in the presence of a proteasome inhibitor. The data suggest that the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway is involved in an endosomal sorting step of selected membrane proteins to lysosomes, thereby providing a mechanism for regulated degradation.

Electromyographic analysis of the masseter and temporal muscles in oralized deaf individuals.

Deaf individuals show a number of difficulties related to the functionality of the stomatognathic system, mainly by reason of the little or no use of facial musculature during speech either due to the use of sign language or to the difficulty that these individuals have in articulating words. The stomatognathic system muscles play important roles in functions such as mastication, deglutition, and phonation. This study aimed to assess, by means of computerized bilateral electromyography (EMG), masseter and temporal muscles of 12 oralized deaf individuals in clinical activities that involve part of this masticatory musculature and compare this system's functionality with that of 12 normal listening individuals, performing the same activities. An 8-channel K6-I EMG Light Channel Surface Electromyography device was used (Myo-Tronics Co.Seattle, WA, USA), in addition to disposable double electrodes covered with silver chloride (Duotrodes; Myo-tronics Co., Seattle, WA) containing a conductor gel (Myogel- Myo-tronics Co., Seatlle, WA). The averaged rectified EMG values were normalized with reference to the EMG amplitude induced by a maximum bite force. The statistical analysis confirmed that there were any significant differences between the groups, clinical activities, and muscles, and also effects of interaction among them. The analysis made use of Variance Analysis (ANOVA). Significant differences (p < 0.01) for both muscles were found among the clinical conditions, with deaf individuals showing greater electromyographic activity for both muscles for the clinical activity protrusion. Deaf individuals showed a lower muscular activity for clinical activities that demanded a greater masseter and temporal muscular activity such as mastication, mouth opening and closing, and dental compression. Greater electromyographic values were found for both deaf individuals and healthy controls during clinical activities of mastication and dental compression. Based on the obtained data, we concluded that deaf individuals showed a lower activity of the masticatory musculature than healthy individuals; the differences were significant at the level of p < 0.01 between the performed clinical activities; and all deaf individuals and healthy controls showed greater electromyographic values for mastication and dental compression.

Active surveillance and safety organizational goals to reduce central line-associated bloodstream infections outside the intensive care unit: 9 years of experience.

We performed a quasi-experimental, cohort study in the medical-surgical inpatient wards comparing central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rates and microbiologic characteristics in 3 phases. The CLABSI rates decreased 60% from phase 1 to 2 and 61.5% from phase 2 to 3. Gram-positive organisms were most frequently isolated in phases 1 and 3, and gram-negative bacilli were most frequently isolated in phase 2. The CLABSI surveillance and prevention program focusing on patient safety had a significant impact on CLABSI rates.

The interactive Web-based histology atlas system.

Molecular pathways and mechanisms underlying human cancer are frequently investigated in animal models. Studies to identify and dissect molecular pathways include the discovery of genes and their subsequent analysis in transgenic and 'knock-out' mice. A critical aspect in such investigations is the evaluation of organ integrity and histology upon the alteration or inactivation of specific genes. Results from such studies are usually published in scientific journals. However, due to print space and costs the display of large high quality images is limited. Furthermore, the printed media does not permit an easy comparison of histological images published in different journals and different years. The Internet provides a tool for the timely and inexpensive dissemination of scientific data to the research community. However, its potential for the analysis of histological images has not been explored. Here we present a web-based interactive histology atlas (http://histology.nih.gov) that permits the retrieval of annotated, high-resolution histology images via the Internet. This histology atlas also takes advantage of the interactive nature of the Internet to support the communication between different research groups. As an outline forum this atlas provides the framework to evaluate and understand cancer pathology, and to develop a consensus between veterinary and human pathologists.

Chronic Q Fever in a renal transplant recipient: a case report.

Q fever is a zoonosis caused by Coxiella burnetii that presents with a wide spectrum of acute and chronic manifestations. Progression to chronic Q fever is frequently associated with valve and vascular prosthesis, aneurisms, pregnancy, immunosuppression, and advanced chronic kidney disease. We present a case of a kidney transplant recipient with persistent fever of unknown origin, negative blood cultures, anemia, and increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Q fever serological tests were suggestive of chronic Q fever and the patient was diagnosed with probable chronic Q fever according to the Dutch Fever Consensus Group Guidelines. Initiation of doxycycline 200 mg/d and hydroxychloroquine 600 mg/d resulted in clinical remission. Chronic Q fever is a high-morbidity and -mortality disease if untreated and special attention has to be given to high-risk patients, such as kidney transplant recipients.

On the antibacterial mechanism of graphene oxide (GO) Langmuir-Blodgett films.

The Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) technique was used to immobilize flat graphene oxide (GO) sheets on a PET substrate to ascertain as to whether the edges of GO play an integral part in its antimicrobial mechanism. The observed antibacterial activity suggests that contact with the edges is not a fundamental part of the mechanism.