Design of a sensor to estimate suspended sediment transport in situ using the measurements of water velocity, suspended sediment concentration and depth.

- The sediment transport plays a major role in every aquatic ecosystem. However, the lack of instruments to monitor this process has been an obstacle to understanding its effects. We present the design of a single sensor built to measure water velocity, suspended sediment concentration and depth in situ, and how to associate the three variables to estimate and analyse sediment transport. During the laboratory calibrations, the developed instrument presented a resolution from 0.001 g/L to 0.1 g/L in the 0-12 g/L range for the measurement of suspended sediment concentration and 0.05 m/s resolution for 0-0.5 m/s range and 0.001 m/s resolution for 0.5-1 m/s range for the measurement of water velocity. The device was deployed for 6 days in an estuarine area with high sediment dynamics to evaluate its performance. During the field experiment, the sensor successfully measured the tidal cycles and consequent change of flow directions, and the suspended sediment concentration in the area. These measurements allowed to estimate water discharge and sediment transport rates during the different phases of tides, and the daily total volume of water and total amount of sediment passing through the estuary.

Care Technologies to Improve Treatment Adherence in Patients Undergoing Organ Transplant: A Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to map care technologies being developed to improve treatment adherence in patients undergoing organ transplant. METHODS: A scoping review was developed according to the Joanna Briggs Institute manual. The research question was developed according to the population, concept, and context strategy. Searches were conducted independently in 6 databases between June and August 2021. The data were evaluated and organized together. The review protocol was published. RESULTS: Fifteen articles were part of the study, mostly published in the United States (33.3%) and in 2016 (33.3%). The main research method identified was clinical studies (80%). Most of the care technologies identified are in relation to medication adherence in the post-transplant setting. Another intervention identified was health education action with the support of mobile apps, electronic monitoring systems, and a card game. CONCLUSIONS: The results present technologies directed at the importance of post-transplant drug adherence; however, it is important to adapt the technologies to the reality experienced by the patient, as well as to train patients so that they can introduce these technologies in their daily lives. Furthermore, it is important that technologies are developed that include other aspects of adherence to post-transplant treatment.

Development of an automated sensor for in-situ continuous monitoring of streambed sediment height of a waterway.

The sedimentary processes play a major role in every aquatic ecosystem, however, there are few automated options for in-situ monitoring of sediment displacement in the streambed of waterways. We present an automated optical instrument for in-situ continuous monitoring of sediment deposition and erosion of the streambed that requires no calibration. With a production cost of 32€, power consumption of 300 µA in sleep mode, and capacity to monitor the bedform of a waterway, the sensor was developed to evaluate the sediment dynamics of coastal areas with a wide spatial and temporal resolution. The novel device is intended to be buried in the sand and uses 32 infrared channels to monitor the streambed sediment height. For testing purposes, a maximum measuring length of 160 mm and 5 mm resolution was chosen, but these values are scalable. Sensors can be built with different ranges and precision according to the needs of the fieldwork. A laboratory experiment was conducted to demonstrate the working principle of the instrument and its behaviour regarding the turbidity originated by suspended sediment and the settling and deposition of the suspended particles. The device was deployed for 119 days in an estuarine area and was able to detect patterns in the sediment deposition and resuspension during the tidal cycles. Also, abnormal events occurred during the experiment as floods and algae blooms. During these events, the sensor was able to record exceptional erosion and sediment deposition rates. The reported automated instrument can be broadly used in sedimentary studies or management and planning of fluvial and maritime infrastructures to provide real-time information about the changes in the bedform of the watersheds.

Dielectric spectroscopy of melt-extruded polypropylene and as-grown carbon nanofiber composites.

In this work, different weight contents of as-grown carbon nanofibers (CNFs), produced by chemical vapor deposition, were melt-extruded with polypropylene (PP) and their morphologic, structure and dielectric properties examined. The morphologic analysis reveals that the CNFs are randomly distributed in the form of agglomerates within the PP matrix, whereas the structural results depicted by Raman analysis suggest that the degree of disorder of the as-received CNFs was not affected in the PP/CNF composites. The AC conductivity of PP/CNF composites at room temperature evidenced an insulator-conductor transition in the vicinity of 2 wt.%, corresponding to a remarkable rise of the dielectric permittivity up to [Formula: see text] 12 at 400 Hz, with respect to the neat PP ([Formula: see text] 2.5). Accordingly, the AC conductivity and dielectric permittivity of PP/CNF 2 wt.% composites were evaluated by using power laws and discussed in the framework of the intercluster polarization model. Finally, the complex impedance and Nyquist plots of the PP/CNF composites are analyzed by using equivalent circuit models, consisting of a constant phase element (CPE). The analysis gathered in here aims at contributing to the better understanding of the enhanced dielectric properties of low-conducting polymer composites filled with carbon nanofibers.

Design of a Multipoint Cost-Effective Optical Instrument for Continuous In-Situ Monitoring of Turbidity and Sediment.

A cost-effective optical instrument for continuous in-situ monitoring applications is presented. With a production cost in raw materials of 38 €, a power consumption of 300 A in sleep mode and 100 mA in active mode (5 ms reading), and a capacity to monitor turbidity and sedimentary displacement at eight different depths in the water column, the sensor was developed for sediment monitoring in coastal areas. Due to the extent and dynamics of the processes involved in these areas, observations require a wide spatial and temporal resolution. Each of the eight monitoring nodes uses one infrared backscatter channel, to estimate turbidity and sediment concentration, and one ultraviolet with one infrared transmitted light channels to distinguish organic/inorganic composition of the suspended material load. An in-lab calibration was conducted, using formazine to correlate turbidity with the electronic outputs of the instrument. An analysis of the influence of external light sources and correction techniques were performed. Moreover, an in-lab experiment was conducted to study the behaviour of the sensor-to-sediment transport, wash load and sediment accumulation. The device was deployed, with a water level sensor, in an estuarine area with high sediment dynamics. The monitoring data were analysed, showing the potential of the device to continuously monitor turbidity, sediment processes, and distinguish between organic and inorganic matter, at the different depths in the water column.

Development of a Cost-Effective Optical Sensor for Continuous Monitoring of Turbidity and Suspended Particulate Matter in Marine Environment.

A cost-effective optical sensor for continuous in-situ monitoring of turbidity and suspended particulate matter concentration (SPM), with a production cost in raw materials less than 20 €, is presented for marine or fluvial applications. The sensor uses an infrared LED and three photodetectors with three different positions related to the light source-135º, 90º and 0º-resulting in three different types of light detection: backscattering, nephelometry and transmitted light, respectively. This design allows monitoring in any type of environment, offering a wide dynamic range and accuracy for low and high turbidity or SPM values. An ultraviolet emitter-receiver pair is also used to differentiate organic and inorganic matter through the differences in absorption at different wavelengths. The optical transducers are built in a watertight structure with a radial configuration where a printed circuit board with the electronic signal coupling is assembled. An in-lab calibration of the sensor was made to establish a relation between suspended particulate matter (SPM) or the turbidity (NTU) to the photodetectors' electrical output value in Volts. Two different sizes of seashore sand were used (180 µm and 350 µm) to evaluate the particle size susceptibility. The sensor was tested in a fluvial environment to evaluate SPM change during sediment transport caused by rain, and a real test of 22 days continuous in-situ monitoring was realized to evaluate its performance in a tidal area. The monitoring results were analysed, showing the SPM change during tidal cycles as well as the influence of the external light and biofouling problems.

My Loved One Was Not an Organ Donor: Ethical Dilemmas for Family Members of Deceased Potential Donors When Making the Decision on Donation.

OBJECTIVE: The study focuses on the experience of family members of deceased potential donors in deciding to refuse donation when their loved one had expressed his or her wish in life not to donate organs and tissues for transplantation. METHOD: This is a qualitative study that uses social phenomenology as the theoretical reference, interviewing 8 family members of deceased potential donors. RESULTS: The family members' experiences were represented by the following categories: beliefs related to donation, fear in the face of the loved one's death, and the ethical dilemma of deciding to refuse the donation. The meaning of the refusal to donate was represented by the following categories: respect for the loved one's wishes and the family's peace of mind with the decision. CONCLUSIONS: The study shed light on the experience of family members of deceased potential donors in making the decision to refuse donation. The concerns that motivate refusal were elucidated and the meanings of the decision's intentionality were unveiled. The resulting knowledge about these families' experiences provides backing for experts in donation and transplantation who work in different realities, pointing to strategies for improving care for such family members.

Family Interview to Enable Donation of Organs for Transplantation: Evidence-based Practice.

BACKGROUND: In this study we propose a theoretical and practical basis for the best practices for interviewing relatives of brain-dead eligible organ donors. METHODS: This investigation was a reflective study of the methodologic factors of the family interview that affect their decision regarding the donation of a deceased patient's organs for transplantation. The articles that formed the empirical basis of the trial were obtained from PubMed, which is a free-access tool of the MEDLINE database of the United States National Library of Medicine. Published articles that allowed us to reflect on evidence-based family interview practice were selected. RESULTS: Thirty-six scientific articles were used to guide our assessment the family interview, providing evidence for its adequate execution in view of the following prerequisites: When should the family interview be performed? Where should it be done? How many and which people should participate in the interview? Who should perform it? How should it be done? CONCLUSION: Scientific studies offer evidence to donation and transplantation specialists that can help them in their daily work regarding their interactions with relatives in the process of decisionmaking and family consent.

Beliefs of Nursing Professionals in the Organ Donation Process for Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: This study sought to discover the beliefs of nursing professionals in the organ donation process and to establish a relationship between the training and the beliefs of these professionals. METHODS: This was a quantitative and exploratory study composed of 611 nursing professionals. The sample characteristics and the response frequencies were presented through the use of descriptive statistics. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to evaluate the different results between the professional categories. RESULTS: When evaluating the association between professional nursing, technical and nursing auxiliaries, and beliefs in the donation process, significant differences were found regarding the belief that the transplant improves the quality of life of the recipient, that there is no death while there is a heartbeat, that people are hijacked for organ withdrawal, and that it is possible to buy an organ for transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: For the beliefs presented by nursing professionals, it is evident that there is a need for educational programs to deconstruct negative beliefs and promote change in the professionals' posture.

Hypoadiponectinaemia in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease obese women is associated with infrequent intake of dietary sucrose and fatty foods.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between adiponectinaemia and food intake among obese women with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHODS: In total, 60 obese women were examined by abdominal ultrasound for liver steatosis and subcutaneous and visceral adiposity. A standard interview (including questions about alcohol intake, medical history and physical activity), a physical examination (including height, weight, body mass index, waist and hip circumferences, waist-to-hip ratio, and body composition) and biochemical and clinical parameters (including serum glucose and insulin, homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance, lipid profile, aminotransferases, C-reactive protein, adiponectin, leptin, resistin, tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 levels and blood pressure) were performed. Food intake was evaluated by a qualitative food frequency questionnaire. RESULTS: Twenty-four NAFLD patients and thirty-six controls were analysed. The Mann-Whitney test showed lower adiponectin levels in the liver disease group compared to controls (P < 0.05). The Pearson correlation coefficient indicated that adiponectinaemia was negatively correlated with lipid profile and serum tumour necrosis factor-α (P = 0.05) and was positively associated with adiposity measures and serum leptin (P < 0.05). By simple linear regression, all of these variables predicted serum adiponectin levels. Chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests indicated that, in both groups, food intake showed no differences, although sucrose and fatty foods were associated with lower adiponectin levels in the liver disease group (P < 0.05 and P < 0.05, respectively), as well as in the control group (P = 0.05 and P < 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Hypoadiponectinaemia in NAFLD was associated with dietary sucrose and fatty food intake, emphasising the important role of diet in the occurrence of this disease.

Brewer's yeast and sugarcane yeast as protein sources for dogs.

Brewer's yeast (BY), autolysed sugarcane yeast (ASCY) and integral sugar cane yeast (ISCY) were studied in two experiments as ingredients for dog diets. In the first experiment, 28 dogs were randomly assigned to four diets; one reference diet and three test diets containing 15% of BY, ASCY or ISCY and 85% of the reference diet (as-fed basis). The digestibilities of the yeasts were calculated by the substitution method. In the second experiment, 35 dogs were randomized to five diets with similar chemical composition but different levels of sugarcane yeast inclusion (0%, 7.5% ASCY, 15% ASCY, 7.5% ISCY and 15% ISCY). In both experiments, the coefficient of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of nutrients was determined through total collection of faeces. During experiment, two additional analyses of food palatability, nitrogen balance and urea postprandial responses were performed. The data were submitted to analysis of variance, and the means were compared by orthogonal or polynomial contrasts or Tukey's test (p < 0.05). In experiment 1, CTTAD of protein was lower for both sugarcane yeasts than for BY (p = 0.012), as was metabolizable energy content (p = 0.025). In experiment 2, a linear reduction in energy digestibility with ASCY inclusion (p = 0.05) was verified. Furthermore, faecal score and DM content were reduced with ISCY inclusion (p < 0.003). No effect of yeast inclusion on nitrogen balance or postprandial urea response was found. Also, the inclusion of 7.5% of ASCY or ISCY increased diet palatability (p < 0.01). Yeasts present adequate digestibility by dogs, but its effect on faecal formation needs to be considered. No clear advantage for the use of ASCY over ISCY was found. In conclusion, we find that sugarcane yeast is suitable for inclusion in dog food and can enhance the overall palatability of the diet.

Design and development of a prototype electrotherapy device.

This article describes a complete prototype system that can be used in electrotherapy treatments, that is, in medical treatments involving electric currents. The system is composed of two main blocks: the master and the slave. The Master block, whose main component is a CPU, controls the user interface. The Slave block, which is composed of a microcontroller and a wave generator, produces the appropriated voltages and currents compatible with the desired treatment. The whole system is powered by a 12 V power supply and the output signal voltage ranges between -100 V and 100 V. Despite the prototype being able of performing all the electrotherapy treatments in the low-medium frequency ranges, it was tested in aesthetic mesotherapy, namely in anticellulite, located anticellulite, antistretch, and antiflaccidity. In these treatments, the output signal is composed of an overlap of two frequencies: the first one is selected in the range of 1.2 kHz - 1.8 kHz and the second in the range of 0.07 Hz - 2 Hz. The system was tested in a clinical environment with real patients. It showed good results both in effectiveness of treatments and in terms of pain suffered by the patients.

Estatística espacial de varredura na detecção de áreas de risco para a cisticercose bovina no estado da Bahia / Spatial scan statistic in the detection of risk areas for bovine cysticercosis in the state of Bahia

No intuito de classificar a distribuição geográfica da procedência dos animais infectados e mensurar as áreas quanto ao risco de se contrair a cisticercose bovina, foi utilizada a análise espacial de varredura para identificação de aglomerados de risco a partir dos casos positivos para o Cysticercus bovis registrados no período de 2006 a 2007, provenientes de seis matadouros frigoríficos do Serviço de Inspeção Federal, distribuídos para fins administrativos em Territórios de Identidade do estado da Bahia. O número de bovinos abatidos foi de 825.951, dentre os quais (0,7%) 5.395 foram diagnosticados positivos para a doença, mediante a inspeção post mortem dos animais. A análise espacial de varredura, por meio do teste da razão de verossimilhança, demonstrou que a distribuição da cisticercose bovina se concentra, com menor probabilidade de ter ocorrido ao acaso, em área geográfica definida, com risco estimado em 13,6, englobando 101 municípios do estado pertencentes aos territórios de Itapetinga, Litoral Sul, Médio Rio de Contas, Vitória da Conquista e Extremo Sul.

In order to identify the spatial geographical distribution of the infected animals and measure the areas under risk of contracting bovine cysticercosis, spatial scan analysis was used to identify clusters of positive bovine for Cysticercus bovis recorded in the period from 2006 to 2007, from six slaughterhouses under the Federal Inspection Service. The number of slaughtered cattle was 825,951, of which (0.7%) 5,395 were diagnosed as positive for the disease, through post-mortem inspection. The spatial scan analysis through the likelihood ratio showed the spatial distribution of bovine cysticercosis concentrated in defined a geographic area less likely to have occurred by chance, with an estimated risk of 13.6. This specific area encompasses 101 municipalities that belong to Itapetinga, Litoral Sul, Médio Rio de Contas, Vitória da Conquista and Extremo Sul Territories of Identification in Bahia State.

Molecular characterization of a neutralizing murine monoclonal antibody against Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom.

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against Tityus serrulatus venom were obtained by the fusion of SP2/0 murine myeloma cells and spleen cells from BALB/c mice immunized with a toxic fraction (TstFG50) of the Tityus venom (this G50 chromatography fraction represents most of the toxicity of the crude venom) conjugated to bovine serum albumin (BSA) with glutaraldehyde. From the initial screening of over 200 hybridoma fusion wells, a panel of 9 anti-TstFG50 secreting hybridomas was established. The capacity of mAbs to neutralize the TstFG50 toxic fraction toxic was determined by in vitro neutralization assays and by inhibition of the binding of 125I-TsVII to its site on rat brain synaptosomes. Only mAbTs1 neutralized 50% of the toxic effects produced by scorpion venom and showed 35% inhibition of the binding of 125I-TsVII at 10(-7) M. To map the epitope recognized by the protective mAbTs1, we prepared a comprehensive series of overlapping 15-mer synthetic peptides covering the amino acid sequences of the four Tityus proteins. MAbTs1 reacted with peptide 26 of TsIV (KKSKDKKADSGYSYW), peptide 30 of TsVII (KKGSSGYSAWPASYS) and peptide 31 of TsNTxP (KKGSSGYSAWPASYS). MAbTs1 was not reactive with any peptide from TsII. The N-terminal lysine residue from the epitope was found to be critical for mAbTs1 binding. The epitope was positioned on the available three-dimensional structure of TsVII together with the recently identified residues from the pharmacophore of beta-scorpion toxins. The neutralizing properties of mAbTs1 might be explained by spatial vicinity of epitope residues with pharmacophore residues.

Virulence for BALB/c mice and antigenic diversity of eight Toxoplasma gondii strains isolated from animals and humans in Brazil.

With the purpose of establishing alternative parameters to determine the virulence of Toxoplasma gondii strains, the antigenic diversity of eight strains of the parasite isolated in Brazil was evaluated. BALB/c mice were inoculated i.p. with 10(0), 10(1), 10(2) and 10(3) tachyzoites from each strain. The mortality and time to death of the animals showed that T. gondii strains may be divided in three groups: three strains resulted in 100% of mortality, 5-10 days post inoculation (DPI); three strains resulted in 100% of mortality, 7-19 DPI and brain cysts were observed in the mice which were inoculated; two strains resulted in 0% of mortality, 30 DPI. The analysis of the antigenic profile of different T. gondii strains through Western blotting, using rabbit antiserum to T. gondii, revealed that most antigens are similar to all strains. The mAb 4C3H4 recognized antigens only in the RH, N, AS28 and ME49 strains.

Vertical toxoplasmosis in a murine model. Protection after immunization with antigens of Toxoplasma gondii incorporated into liposomes.

Distinct Toxoplasma gondii antigens were entrapped within liposomes and evaluated for their ability to protect Balb/c mice against congenital transmission: soluble tachyzoite antigen (L/STAg), soluble tissue cyst antigen (L/SCAg), soluble tachyzoite plus tissue cyst (L/STCAg) or purified 32kDa antigen of tachyzoite (L/pTAg). Soluble tachyzoite antigen alone in PBS (STAg) or emulsified in Freund's Complete Adjuvant (FCA/STAg) was also evaluated. Dams were inoculated subcutaneously with these antigens 6, 4 and 2 weeks prior to a challenge with four tissue cysts of the P strain of T. gondii orally between 10 and 14 days of pregnancy. Significant diminution differences were observed between the frequency of infected pups born of the dams immunized with the antigens incorporated into liposomes and that of pups born of the dams immunized with antigen emulsified in FCA or non immunized group (p<0.05). There was a significant decrease in the number of pups born dead in the groups L/STAg, L/SCAg and L/pTAg when compared with pups from all other groups (p <0.05). All dams immunized with or without adjuvant showed an antibody response and a proliferation of T-cells. However, no correlation was found between immune response and protection against the challenge.

Production and characterization of a panel of monoclonal antibodies for the identification of antigens of Babesia bovis.

A panel of monoclonal antibodies was produced and characterized by an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blotting with the aim of identifying antigens of Babesia bovis. After fusion, the resultant hybrids were selected by the IFAT, cloned, maintained in culture in vitro, and cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen. Ten clones producing monoclonal antibodies were found to react against the entire merozoites, three reacted on the surface of the merozoites, and one clone reacted against the polar region of the merozoites. All monoclonal antibodies reacted in ELISA, with the optical density varying from 0.368 to 0.502 (cut off = 0.022). The bands recognized by the monoclonal antibodies in Western blotting had molecular weights ranging from 162 to 19 kDa. Four clones recognized a single band of 73 kDa, and another four did not react in Western blotting.

Neutralization of the hemorrhagic activity of Bothrops and Lachesis snake venoms by a monoclonal antibody against mutalysin-II.

One mAb reactive with mutalysin-II, a hemorrhagic metalloproteinase isolated from Lachesis muta muta venom, was produced in mice immunized with L. m. muta venom. Indirect ELISA was employed to compare the antigenic cross-reactivity among the venoms from Bothrops snakes. The mAb anti-mutalysin-II efficiently neutralized the hemorrhagic effect of both mutalysin-II and L. m. muta crude venom. Furthermore, the mAb were cross-reactive with B. alternatus, B. atrox, B. itapetiningae, B. jararaca and B. neuwiedii and showed variable potencies in neutralizing the hemorrhagic activity of several bothropic venoms.

Protection against toxoplasmosis in mice immunized with different antigens of Toxoplasma gondii incorporated into liposomes.

Different toxoplasma antigens were entrapped within liposomes and evaluated, in this form, for their ability to protect Swiss mice against toxoplasma infection: soluble tachyzoite antigen (L/TAg), tissue cyst (L/CAg), tachyzoite plus tissue cyst (L/TCAg) or purified antigen of tachyzoite (L/pTAg). The protein used in L/pTAg was purified from tachyzoites using a stage-specific monoclonal antibody which reacted at a molecular weight of 32 kD in SDS PAGE and silver stain using reduced condition. To compare the immuno-adjuvant action of liposomes and of Freund's Complete Adjuvant (FCA), another group of mice was immunized with soluble tachyzoite antigen (STAg) emulsified in FCA (FCA/TAg). Control groups were inoculated with (STAg) alone, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), FCA with PBS (FCA/PBS) and empty liposomes (L/PBS). Mice were inoculated subcutaneously with these antigens six, four and two weeks before a challenge with 80 tissue cysts of the P strain of Toxoplasma gondii orally. All mice immunized with or without adjuvant showed a humoral response, as measured by Elisa. However, no correlation was found between antibody titer and protection against the challenge. All mice immunized with L/pTAg or L/TCAg survived (100), whereas 80% and 90% of mice from groups which received respectively PBS or FCA/PBS and L/PBS died. All mice immunized with antigens entrapped within liposomes (L/TAg, L/CAg, L/TCAg and L/pTAg) showed low numbers of intracerebral cysts.