A simple and reliable proposal to determine the technical feasibility of biogas use and the energetic self-sustainability in UASB-based sewage treatment plants.

The biogas produced in UASB-based sewage treatment plants (STPs) is rarely used for energy purposes and its potential is often unknown. This study aimed to propose a simple and reliable method based on energy balance to determine the technical feasibility of biogas use and the energy self-sufficiency of UASB reactors. To this end, we considered (i) electric power production (E) and (ii) electric power consumption (Econ) ascribed to sewage pumping stations (SPSs) at different pressure heads (0 to 4 m, 4.1 to 8 m, 8.1 to 12 m, and 12.1 to 16 m). The technical feasibility of biogas use was assessed by evaluating if the flow of biogas produced in the STPs would be sufficient for the functioning of a commercial motor-generator. The linear model fit to estimate the biogas energy potential (y-axis) in STPs and the sewage flow (x-axis) is represented by y = 122.65x (R2 = 0.64). In total, 1,054 STPs in Brazil use UASB reactors as treatment units, of which nearly 31% are located in the southeast. However, only 11.2% of these STPs, which serve populations of over 29,981, presented technical feasibility to recover biogas. The mathematical equations proposed in this study to estimate the net electric power production in UASB-based STPs are relevant tools for sanitation companies and can enable studies to be performed for the implementation of energy self-sufficiency projects in Brazil.

Significance of glycolytic metabolism-related protein expression in colorectal cancer, lymph node and hepatic metastasis.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies and a leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Most cancer cells display high rates of glycolysis with production of lactic acid, which is then exported to the microenvironment by monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs). The main aim of this study was to evaluate the significance of MCT expression in a comprehensive series of primary CRC cases, lymph node and hepatic metastasis. METHODS: Expressions of MCT1, MCT4, CD147 and GLUT1 were studied in human samples of CRC, lymph node and hepatic metastasis, by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: All proteins were overexpressed in primary CRC, lymph node and hepatic metastasis, when compared with non-neoplastic tissue, with exception of MCT1 in lymph node and hepatic metastasis. MCT1 and MCT4 expressions were associated with CD147 and GLUT1 in primary CRC. These markers were associated with clinical pathological features, reflecting the putative role of these metabolism-related proteins in the CRC setting. CONCLUSION: These findings provide additional evidence for the pivotal role of MCTs in CRC maintenance and progression, and support the use of MCTs as biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets in primary and metastatic CRC.

Decentralized management of sewage using septic tanks and anaerobic filters and its potential to comply with required standards in a developing country: a case study in Brazil.

To investigate the feasibility of implementing decentralized sewage treatment systems aiming to meet environmental standards, the performance of three decentralized wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) comprising septic tanks and anaerobic filters (ST+AF) was evaluated. The ability of the WWTPs to comply with the provisions of the legislation and the technical literature was investigated by monitoring physical and chemical parameters at the entrance and exit of the WWTPs, from May 2017 to August 2018. Considering that factors such as operational routine, design of treatment systems, and the existence of pluvial contributions to the sewage network can influence the performance of WWTPs, an investigation of these factors was conducted. The results show that the ST+AF systems can meet the requirements of the legislation. The hypothesis raised in this study is that factors such as cleaning routine and dimensioning of the treatment units can influence the performance of the systems. The best performance was found in the WWTP submitted to frequent cleaning and whose ST dimensions were closest to those recommended by technical standards. The average annual efficiencies of removal of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) in this WWTP assumed values of 93 and 89%, while its solid effluents presented concentrations 82% below the limit established in legislation. Finally, no rainwater contributions were found in the WWTPs, which may be associated with the use of short collection networks in decentralized systems.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 infection is not detected in rectal carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Persistence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections is associated with squamous cell carcinomas of different human anatomic sites. Several studies have suggested a potential role for HPV infection, particularly HPV16 genotype, in rectal cancer carcinogenesis.. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of oncogenic HPV 16 viral DNA sequences in rectal carcinomas cases retrieved from the pathology archive of Braga Hospital, North Portuga. METHODS: TaqMan-based type-specific real-time PCR for HPV 16 was performed using primers and probe targeting HPV16 E7 region. RESULTS: Most of the rectal cancer patients (88.5%, n = 206 patients), were symptomatic at diagnosis. The majority of the lesions (55.3%, n = 129) presented malignancies of polypoid/vegetant phenotype. 26.8% (n = 63) had synchronic metastasis at diagnosis. 26.2% (n = 61) patients had clinical indication for neoadjuvant therapy. Most patients with rectal cancer were stage IV (19.7% patients), followed by stage IIA (19.3%) and stage I (18.5%). All cases of the present series tested negative for HPV16. CONCLUSION: The total of negative tests for HPV 16 infection is a robust argument to support the assumption that HPV 16 infection, despite of previous evidences, is not involved in rectal cancer carcinogenesis and progression.

Increased expression of monocarboxylate transporters 1, 2, and 4 in colorectal carcinomas.

Tumour cells are known to be highly glycolytic, thus producing high amounts of lactic acid. Monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs), by promoting the efflux of the accumulating acids, constitute one of the most important mechanisms in the maintenance of tumour intracellular pH. Since data concerning MCT expression in colorectal carcinomas (CRC) are scarce and controversial, the present study aimed to assess the expressions of MCT1, 2, and 4 in a well characterized series of CRC and assess their role in CRC carcinogenesis. CRC samples (126 cases) were analyzed for MCT1, MCT2, and MCT4 immunoexpression and findings correlated with clinico-pathological parameters. Expression of all MCT isoforms in tumour cells was significantly increased when compared to adjacent normal epithelium. Remarkably, there was a significant gain of membrane expression for MCT1 and MCT4 and loss of plasma membrane expression for MCT2 in tumour cells. Plasma membrane expression of MCT1 was directly related to the presence of vascular invasion. This is the larger study on MCT expression in CRC and evaluates for the first time its clinico-pathological significance. The increased expression of these transporters suggests an important role in CRC, which might justify their use, especially MCT1 and MCT4, as targets in CRC drug therapy.

PnTx2-6 (or δ-CNTX-Pn2a), a toxin from Phoneutria nigriventer spider venom, releases l-glutamate from rat brain synaptosomes involving Na+ and Ca2+ channels and changes protein expression at the blood-brain barrier.

PhTx2 is the most toxic fraction from the venom of the spider Phoneutria nigriventer, being responsible to sodium entry into cortical synaptosomes, increasing the release of neurotransmitters, such as l-glutamate (L-Glu) and; acetylcholine. In this study, we investigated the action of a toxin purified from; PhTx2 fraction, called PnTx2-6 or δ-CNTX-Pn2a, on L-Glu release from rat; brain cortex synaptosomes, as well as its ability to induce blood-brain barrier permeability. PnTx2-6 increased L-Glu release from rat cortical brain synaptosomes in a time- and dose-dependent manner (EC50 = ∼20 nM; Tm = 16min), as measured by a fluorimetric method. The increase of L-Glu by PnTx2-6 was inhibited by tetrodotoxin. And partially inhibited by EGTA. Calcium channel blockers ω-conotoxin MVIIC (P/Q-types) and ω-conotoxin GVIA (N-type), were able to reduce the PnTx2-6-induced release of L-Glu, while nifedipine (L-type) did not show any inhibition. These findings suggest that thew release of L-Glu by PnTx2-6 is due its primary action on sodium channels, well-known to be target of this toxin. PnTx2-6 is able to potentiate penile erection and this effect may be related with the release of l-glutamate from the CNS, besides a local effect on corpus carvenosum, as previously shown by our group. If L-Glu release and penile erection potentiation are indeed correlated, then this toxin should be able to cross the blood brain barrier (BBB). Results by immunoblotting assays indicated a change in the expression of proteins associated with the paracellular and transcellular transport at the blood-brain barrier, suggesting a BBB dysfunction mediated by PnTx2-6. Therefore, PnTx2-6 may induce the release l-glutamate in the central nervous system, when injected peripherally.

Ki-67 Expression in CRC Lymph Node Metastasis Does Not Predict Survival.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignancies and a leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Molecular markers may improve clinicopathologic staging and provide a basis to guide novel therapeutic strategies which target specific tumour-associated molecules according to individual tumour biology; however, so far, no ideal molecular marker has been found to predict disease progression. We tested Ki-67 proliferation marker in primary and lymph node metastasis of CRC. We observed a statistical significant difference between the positive rates of neoplastic cells positively stained by Ki-67 in both sites, with remarkable increased number of Ki-67 positive cells in primary tumor cells compared to cancer cells that invaded lymph nodes. We can speculate that the metastatic CRC in lymph node can be more resistant to the drugs that target cellular division.

Importância do farmacêutico na Atenção Primária / The importance of pharmacists in Primary Care

Objetivo: Verificar a presença do farmacêutico nas Unidades Básicas de Saúde, identificando as classes terapêuticas mais dispensadas e suas condições de armazenamento. Métodos: Estudo de campo, com caráter descritivo e abordagem qualiquantitativa, utilizando Graphpad Prism®, versão 5.03, e o Microsoft Excel 2010. Resultados: O farmacêutico estava ausente nas 96 Unidades Básicas de Saúde estudadas. Por meio de checklist aplicado em 18 Unidades Básicas de Saúde, 8 tinham algum tipo de fonte de calor; 4, umidade; 14 não controlavam temperatura para produtos termolábeis; 8 tinham medicamentos próximos do piso, da parede e do teto; 1 tinha medicamentos sujeitos a controle especial fora de um armário com chave. Todas as Unidades Básicas de Saúde apresentaram descarte correto das medicações vencidas. As classes medicamentosas mais dispensadas foram anti-inflamatórios não esteroides, anti-hipertensivos, antidiabéticos, anticoncepcionais, anti-helmínticos, antibióticos, antifúngicos, inibidores da bomba de prótons e psicotrópicos. Conclusão: A ausência do farmacêutico nas Unidades Básicas de Saúde estudadas possivelmente foi responsável pelas inconformidades nas condições de armazenamento dos medicamentos, regulamentada inclusive por Resolução da Diretoria Colegiada. As classes terapêuticas dispensadas estavam de acordo com o padrão da Atenção Primária, porém a não participação do farmacêutico pode gerar riscos aos pacientes. As autoridades devem se conscientizar da importância da participação desse profissional no ciclo primário de saúde. (AU)

Objective: To verify the availability of pharmacists in the Basic Health Units, and to identify the most dispensed types of drugs, and their storage conditions. Methods: This is a descriptive field study with a qualitative/quantitative approach, using GraphpadPrism ® version 5.03 and Microsoft Excel 2010. Results: The pharmacist was absent in 96 Basic Health Units studied. A checklist applied to the 18 Basic Health Units showed that 8 of them had heat sources; 4, humidity; 14 lacked control of temperature for thermolabile products; 8 kept drugs near the floor, wall, and ceiling; 1 kept prescription drugs out of lockable cabinets; all of them presented correct disposal of expired medications. The most dispensed drug types were: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antihypertensives, antidiabetic drugs, contraceptives, anthelmintics, antibiotics, antifungals, proton pump inhibitors, and psychotropics. Conclusion: The absence of pharmacists in the Basic Health Units studied was possibly responsible for nonconformities in the drugs maintenance conditions, which are regulated by an ANVISA's Board Resolution. The dispensed therapeutic classes are in accordance with the Primary Care standard, but the absence of a pharmacist can lead to risks to the patients. The authorities shall be aware of the importance of the participation of this professional in the primary health cycle. (AU)

Clinicopathological correlation and prognostic significance of VEGF-A, VEGF-C, VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 expression in colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common type of cancer and the fourth most frequent cause of cancer death. Literature indicates that vascular endothelial growth factor is a predominant angiogenic factor and that angiogenesis plays an important role in the progression of CRC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The present series consisted of tissue samples obtained from 672 patients who had undergone large bowel resection between 2005 and 2010 at the Braga Hospital, Portugal. Archival paraffin-embedded CRC tissue and normal adjacent samples were used to build up tissue microarray blocks and VEGF-A, VEGF-C, VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 expression was immunohistochemically assessed. RESULTS: We observed an overexpression of VEGF-C in CRC when tumour cells and normal-adjacent tissue were compared (p=0.004). In tumour samples, VEGF-C-positive cases were associated with VEGFR-3 expression (p=0.047). When assessing the correlation between VEGF-A, VEGF-C, VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 expressions and the clinicopathological data, it was revealed that VEGF-A positive cases were associated with male gender (p=0.016) and well-differentiated tumours (p=0.001); VEGF-C with colon cancers (p=0.037), exophytic (p=0.048), moderately-differentiated (p=0.007) and T3/T4 (p=0.010) tumours; VEGFR-2 with invasive adenocarcinoma (p=0.007) and VEGFR-3 with the presence of hepatic metastasis (p=0.032). Overall survival curves for CRC were statistically significant for rectal cancer, VEGF-C expression and stage III (p=0.019) and VEGFR-3 expression and stage IV (p=0.047). CONCLUSION: Quantification of VEGF-A, VEGF-C, VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 expression seems to provide valuable prognostic information in CRC and the correlation with clinicopathological data revealed an association with characteristics that contribute to progression, invasion and metastasis leading to poorer survival rates and prognosis.