Moisture content monitoring in industrial-scale composting systems using low-cost sensor-based machine learning techniques.

Moisture is a key aspect for proper composting, allowing greater efficiency and lower environmental impact. Low-cost real-time moisture determination methods are still a challenge in industrial composting processes. The aim of this study was to design a model of hardware and software that would allow self-adjustment of a low-cost capacitive moisture sensor. Samples of organic composts with distinct waste composition and from different composting stages were used. Machine learning techniques were applied for self-adjustment of the sensor. To validate the model, results obtained in a laboratory by the gravimetric method were used. The proposed model proved to be efficient and reliable in measuring moisture in compost, reaching a correlation coefficient of 0.9939 between the moisture content verified by gravimetric analysis and the prediction obtained by the Sensor Node.

Anti-ophidian activity of Bredemeyera floribunda Willd. (Polygalaceae) root extract on the local effects induced by Bothrops jararacussu venom

Bredemeyera floribunda roots are popularly used to treat snakebites in the semiarid region of Northeast Brazil, and previous studies indicate the anti-ophidian actions of triterpenoid saponins found in its roots. To assess B. floribunda root extract (BFRE) activity against the effects of Bothrops jararacussu venom (BjuV), antiphospholipasic, antiproteolytic, antihemorrhagic, antinecrotic, and anti-edematogenic activities were investigated in mice. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, and sugars, with rutin and saccharose being the major constituents of BFRE. Acute toxicity was determined and BFRE was nontoxic to mice. Phospholipase A2 and proteolytic activities induced by BjuV were inhibited in vitro by BFRE at all concentrations tested herein. BFRE (150 mg/kg) inhibited paw edema induced by BjuV (50 µg/animal), reducing total edema calculated by area under the curve, but carrageenan-induced paw edema was unchanged. Hemorrhagic and necrotizing actions of BjuV (50 µg/animal) were considerably decreased by BFRE treatment. Thus, BFRE blocked the toxic actions of B. jararacussu venom despite having no anti-inflammatory activity, which points to a direct inhibition of venom's toxins, as demonstrated in the in vitro assays. The larger amounts of rutin found in BFRE may play a role in this inhibition, since 3′,4′-OH flavonoids are known inhibitors of phospholipases A2.

Anti-ophidian activity of Bredemeyera floribunda Willd. (Polygalaceae) root extract on the local effects induced by Bothrops jararacussu venom.

Bredemeyera floribunda roots are popularly used to treat snakebites in the semiarid region of Northeast Brazil, and previous studies indicate the anti-ophidian actions of triterpenoid saponins found in its roots. To assess B. floribunda root extract (BFRE) activity against the effects of Bothrops jararacussu venom (BjuV), antiphospholipasic, antiproteolytic, antihemorrhagic, antinecrotic, and anti-edematogenic activities were investigated in mice. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, and sugars, with rutin and saccharose being the major constituents of BFRE. Acute toxicity was determined and BFRE was nontoxic to mice. Phospholipase A2 and proteolytic activities induced by BjuV were inhibited in vitro by BFRE at all concentrations tested herein. BFRE (150 mg/kg) inhibited paw edema induced by BjuV (50 µg/animal), reducing total edema calculated by area under the curve, but carrageenan-induced paw edema was unchanged. Hemorrhagic and necrotizing actions of BjuV (50 µg/animal) were considerably decreased by BFRE treatment. Thus, BFRE blocked the toxic actions of B. jararacussu venom despite having no anti-inflammatory activity, which points to a direct inhibition of venom's toxins, as demonstrated in the in vitro assays. The larger amounts of rutin found in BFRE may play a role in this inhibition, since 3',4'-OH flavonoids are known inhibitors of phospholipases A2.

More than words: The association of childhood emotional abuse and suicidal behavior.

BACKGROUND: All types of abuse and neglect have been associated with suicide attempts. However, the association between the level of each type of childhood trauma and suicidal behavior severity (including the progression from ideation to attempts), adjusting for their co-occurrence, is not yet clear. METHODS: We used a cross-sectional web-based survey collected from the Brazilian Internet Study on Temperament and Psychopathology (BRAINSTEP) to investigate the isolated effects of each type of childhood trauma on suicidal behavior severity. The sample consisted of 71,429 self-selected volunteers assessed with the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) and the following key question: "Have you ever thought about or attempted to kill yourself?" (Suicidal Behavior Questionnaire, SBQ-17). RESULTS: After adjusting for demographic variables, and childhood trauma subtypes, severe emotional abuse (EA) was associated with suicidal ideation and attempts, mainly for serious suicide attempts (OR, 22.71; 95% CI, 2.32-222.05). We found associations of smaller magnitude for severe emotional neglect (EN) with serious suicide attempts, and for severe physical neglect (PN) and sexual abuse (SA) with attempts without really meaning to die. No meaningful trend for physical abuse (PA) was found. Using as reference group ideators, EA was associated with serious suicide attempts, with a peak at the 95th percentile (OR, 4.39; 95% CI, 2.04-9.41). We found associations of smaller magnitude for PN and SA, and no meaningful trend for EN and PA. CONCLUSIONS: Suicidal behavior was strongly associated with emotional abuse in childhood, even when compared with ideators, suggesting that it is a relevant factor for the progression from ideation to attempts.

Evaluation of the microbiological quality of reclaimed water produced from a lagooning system.

The use of lagooning as a complementary natural method of treating secondary effluents of wastewater treatment plants has been employed as an affordable and easy means of producing reclaimed water. However, using reclaimed water for some purposes, for example, for food irrigation, presents some risks if the effluents contain microbial pathogens. Classical bacterial indicators that are used to assess faecal contamination in water do not always properly indicate the presence of bacterial or viral pathogens. In the current study, the presence of faecal indicator bacteria (FIB), heterotrophic bacterial counts (HBC), pathogens and opportunistic pathogens, such as Legionella spp., Aeromonas spp., Arcobacter spp., free-living amoeba (FLA), several viral indicators (human adenovirus and polyomavirus JC) and viral pathogens (noroviruses and hepatitis E virus) were analysed for 1 year in inlet and outlet water to assess the removal efficiency of a lagooning system. We observed 2.58 (1.17-4.59) and 1.65 (0.15-3.14) log reductions in Escherichia coli (EC) and intestinal enterococci (IE), respectively, between the inlet and outlet samples. Genomic copies of the viruses were log reduced by 1.18 (0.24-2.93), 0.64 (0.12-1.97), 0.45 (0.04-2.54) and 0.72 (0.22-2.50) for human adenovirus (HAdV), JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) and human noroviruses (NoV GI and GII), respectively. No regrowth of opportunistic pathogens was observed within the system. FLA, detected in all samples, did not show a clear trend. The reduction of faecal pathogens was irregular with 6 out of 12 samples and 4 out of 12 samples exceeding the EC and IE values, specified in the Spanish legislation for reclaimed water (RD 1620/2007). This data evidences that there is a need for more studies to evaluate the removal mechanisms of lagooning systems in order to optimize pathogen reduction. Moreover, surveillance of water used to irrigate raw edible vegetables should be conducted to ensure the fulfilment of the microbial requirements for the production of safe reclaimed water.

Structural and thermal investigations of an amorphous GaSe9 alloy using EXAFS, cumulant expansion, and reverse Monte Carlo simulations.

In this article, we investigated structural and thermal properties of an amorphous alloy of the Ga-Se system. The amorphous GaSe9 alloy was produced by mechanical alloying and it was studied using EXAFS spectroscopy and cumulant expansion method. We also made reverse Monte Carlo simulations using the total structure factor S(K) obtained from x-ray diffraction and the EXAFS χ(k) oscillations on Se and Ga K edges as input data. Several parameters, such as average coordination numbers and interatomic distances, structural and thermal disorders, asymmetry of the partial distribution functions gij(r), and Einstein and Debye temperatures, were determined. The gij (E)(r) functions were reconstructed from the cumulants C1, C2, and C3 obtained from the Einstein model, and they were compared to the gij (RMC)(r) functions obtained from the simulations. The simulations also furnished the partial bond angle distribution functions Θijℓ(cosθ), which describe the angular distribution of bonds between first neighbors, and give information about the kind of structural units present in the alloy.

Effect of thermal treatment on free-living amoeba inactivation.

AIMS: To evaluate the effect of temperature on two amoeba strains of the genera Acanthamoeba and two amoeba strains of the genera Hartmannella separately treated depending on their life stage, trophozoite or cyst, when cells are directly exposed under controlled conditions. METHODS AND RESULTS: For thermal treatments, three temperatures were selected 50, 60 and 70°C, and a microcosm was designed using dialysis bags. The inactivation of each strain was determined using a method based on the most probable number quantification on agar plates. The results showed that for all amoeba strains, thermal treatment was more effective against trophozoites compared with cyst stages. The inactivation patterns showed statistical differences between the two genera analysed at temperatures above 50°C. The effectiveness of the thermal treatments at 60 and 70°C was higher for both life stages of Hartmannella vermiformis strains compared with Acanthamoeba strains, being the most resistant Acanthamoeba cysts. CONCLUSIONS: Free-living amoebae have been isolated in a wide range of environments worldwide due to their capacity to survive under harsh conditions. This capacity is mainly based on the formation of resistant forms, such as double-walled cysts, which confers a high level of resistance as shown here for thermal treatments. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY: Free-living amoebae survival can promote a rapid recolonization of drinking water systems and is a likely source of emerging opportunistic pathogens such as Legionella. Because of that a better understanding of the factors that affect micro-organism inactivation in water systems would allow more efficient application of disinfection treatments.

Central nervous system involvement in dengue: a study in fatal cases from a dengue endemic area.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the frequency of CNS infection by dengue virus (DENV) in individuals with fatal outcomes. METHODS: Samples of 150 individuals suspect of an infection disease and with fatal outcomes were investigated for evidence of the presence of DENV. The sampling was made up of 150 CSF, 120 tissue samples, and 109 blood specimens. The tests used were viral isolation, reverse transcriptase PCR, immunohistochemistry, nonstructural 1 antigen, and immunoglobulin M detection. RESULTS: Out of 150 studied patients, 84 were dengue positive. Evidence of the presence of DENV was found in 41 CSF, showing the following neurologic diagnosis: 46.3% encephalitis, 34.1% meningoencephalitis, and 19.5% meningitis, giving a frequency of 48.8% of the 84 dengue-positive cases. The major clinical manifestations observed on these individuals were fever, headache, mental irritability, breathless, vomiting, muscle pain, tiredness, abdominal pain, somnolence, restlessness, dizziness, cough, seizure, coma, and neck stiffness. CONCLUSION: Clinical manifestations and laboratory-positive results in CSF that may indicate the presence of DENV led to consider the invasion of CNS by DENV in these fatal cases studied, and showed that neurologic pathology was an important fatal complication in dengue cases.

Semi-automated potentiometric titration method for uranium characterization.

The manual version of the potentiometric titration method has been used for certification and characterization of uranium compounds. In order to reduce the analysis time and the influence of the analyst, a semi-automatic version of the method was developed in the Brazilian Nuclear Energy Commission. The method was applied with traceability assured by using a potassium dichromate primary standard. The combined standard uncertainty in determining the total concentration of uranium was around 0.01%, which is suitable for uranium characterization.

Detection of the dengue non-structural 1 antigen in cerebral spinal fluid samples using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

The involvement of the central nervous system in dengue infections has been reported in countries where the disease in endemic. The purpose of this study was to determine whether an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit designed to detect the dengue NS1 antigen in serum was able to detect this antigen in cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) samples from patients with fatal outcomes. To evaluate the sensitivity of the kit, 26 dengue-positive CSF samples were used. The Pan-E Dengue Early kit was able to detect the NS1 antigen in 13 of 26 dengue-positive CSF samples, resulting in a sensitivity of 50% (95% confidence interval, 29.9-70.1%) and specificity of 100% (95% confidence interval, 75.3-100%). The kit was able to detect the NS1 antigen in CSF of individuals who had died of dengue. When used in combination with IgM, the detection rate rose to 92.3%. This study reports a method for rapidly detecting the dengue virus in CSF, thereby increasing the diagnosis of dengue fever cases with unusual neurological manifestations.

Candida parapsilosis meningitis as the first manifestation of AIDS: case report.

Candida meningitis is a rare condition that occurs more frequently in premature infants, immunocompromised patients or patients after neurosurgery. We describe a case of a previously healthy 41-year-old man with Candida parapsilosis meningitis associated with oropharyngeal candidiasis as the first manifestation of AIDS.

Matrix isolation FTIR spectroscopic and theoretical study of 3,3-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoropropane (HCFC-243).

The molecular structure and infrared spectrum of the atmospheric pollutant 3,3-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoropropane (HCFC-243) were characterized experimentally and theoretically. The theoretical calculations show the existence of two conformers, with the gauche (G) and trans (T) orientation around the HCCC dihedral angle. Conformer G was calculated to be more stable than form T by more than 10 kJ mol (-1). In consonance with the large predicted relative energy of conformer T, only the G form was identified spectroscopically in cryogenic argon (10 K) and xenon (20 K) matrices prepared from room-temperature equilibrium vapor of the compound. The observed infrared spectra of the matrix-isolated HCFC-243 were interpreted with the aid of high-level density functional theory calculations and normal coordinate analysis. For experimental identification of the weakest IR absorption bands, the spectrum of HCFC-243 in the neat solid state at 145 K was obtained. This spectrum also confirmed the sole presence of the G conformer in the sample. Natural bond orbital and atomic charge analyses were carried out for the two conformers to shed light on the most important intramolecular interactions in the two conformers, in particular those responsible for their relative stability.

Identification of genes related to mechanical stress in human periodontal ligament cells using microarray analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Differential expression of genes in human periodontal ligament (PDL) under mechanical stress, such as orthodontic force, is thought to be involved in the remodeling of PDL cells and periodontal tissues. However, little is known about the genes expressed in PDL cells under mechanical stress. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We employed microarray analysis to assess, in a comprehensive manner, the gene expression profiles in PDL cells compressed by a static force using an in vitro three-dimensional culture system. Six genes were selected and validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis, consistent with the microarray data. RESULTS: The microarray data revealed that 108 of 30,000 genes tested were differentially expressed by mechanical force loading. Among them, 85 genes were up-regulated by mechanical stress, while 23 genes were down-regulated, judging by the thresholds of a two-fold increase/decrease compared with the controls. Thirty-two of the up-regulated and eight of the down-regulated genes, well-characterized in protein function, were involved in numerous biological processes including cell communication, cell signaling, cell cycle, stress response, and calcium release. However, several genes differentially expressed in our microarray data have not been well defined as stress-response molecules. CONCLUSION: Our microarray is the first to show the gene profile in PDL cells caused by mechanical stress; however, further studies to clarify the physiological function of these molecules in PDL cells are required.

Tuberculosis control in conflict-affected East Timor, 1996-2004.

SETTING: East Timor has undergone major political changes in the past 10 years. Tuberculosis (TB) control has flourished, despite chronic low tension conflict, a brief but intense period of high-level conflict and post-conflict reconstruction. OBJECTIVE: To assess TB control in East Timor from 1996 to 2004. DESIGN: Data were collected from a variety of sources. Key TB programme indicators were analysed with reference to WHO targets to assess the performance of the three TB control programmes that operated during the study period. RESULTS: Before 1999, a non-governmental TB control programme was established in several districts in parallel with the government TB programme, and showed optimistic results. External donor funds, technical assistance and local control strategies were key components. In 1999, conflict led to complete disruption of both programmes. In 2000, a National Tuberculosis Control Programme (NTP) was established from the non-governmental programme in collaboration with other partners. The smear-positive TB case notification rate of 108 per 100000 population is the highest in the region and reflects high population coverage. The cure rate of 81% is close to reaching the WHO target. CONCLUSION: High-quality TB control has been introduced in conflict-affected East Timor. Further research is needed to examine Timorese approaches to inform other, similar settings.

Microleakage and nanoleakage: influence of laser in cavity preparation and dentin pretreatment.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to verify if the application of the Nd:YAG laser following pretreatment of dentin with adhesive systems that were not light cured in class V cavities and were prepared with Er:YAG laser would promote better sealing of the gingival margins when compared to cavities prepared the conventional way. BACKGROUND DATA: Previous studies had shown that the pretreatment of dentin with laser irradiation after the application of an adhesive system is efficient in achieving higher shear bond and tensile bond strength. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Er:YAG laser (Kavo-Key, Germany) with 350 mJ, 4 Hz, and 116.7 J/cm2 was used for cavity preparation. The conventional preparation was made with diamond bur mounted in high-speed turbine. Dentin treatment was accomplished using an Nd:YAG laser (Pulse Master 1000, ADT. USA) at 60 mJ, 10 Hz, and 74.65/cm2 following application of the adhesive system. The cavities were stored with Single Bond/Z100 and Prime & Bond NT/TPH. Eighty bovine incisors were used, and class V preparations were done at buccal and lingual surfaces divided into eight groups: (1) Er:YAG preparation + Prime & Bond NT + TPH; (2) Er:YAG preparation + Single Bond + Z100; (3) Er:YAG preparation + Single Bond + Nd:YAG + Z100; (4) Er:YAG preparation + Prime & Bond NT + Nd:YAG + TPH; (5) conventional preparation + Prime & Bond NT + TPH; (6) conventional preparation + Single Bond + Z100; (7) conventional preparation + Single Bond + Nd:YAG + Z100; (8) conventional preparation + Prime & Bond NT + Nd:YAG + TPH. All specimens were thermocycled for 300 full cycles between 5 degrees C+/-2 degrees C and 55 degrees C+/-2 degrees C (dwell time of 30 sec), and stored in 50% silver nitrate solution for 24 h soaked in photodeveloping solution and exposed to fluorescent light for 6 h. After this procedure, the specimens were sectioned longitudinally in 3 portions and the extension of microleakage at the gingival wall was determined following a criteria ranging from 0 to 4 using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The medium portion sectioned of each specimen was polished and prepared for nanoleakage avaliation by SEM. RESULTS: Kruskall-Wallis and Miller statistical tests determined that group 3 presented less microleakage and nanoleakage. CONCLUSION: Application of the Nd:YAG laser following pretreatment of dentin with adhesive Single Bond non-photocured Single Bond adhesive in cavities prepared with Er:YAG promote better sealing of the gingival margins.

Oxygen consumption of rats with broad intestinal resection.

The study was performed to investigate possible alterations in oxygen consumption in an animal model with broad intestinal resection. Oxygen consumption and the thermal effect of a short meal were measured in rats subjected to short bowel syndrome. Four groups of rats were used. Group I was the control group, group II was sham operated, group III was submitted to 80% jejunum-ileum resection, and group IV was submitted to 80% jejunum-ileum resection with colon interposition. Ninety days after surgery, oxygen consumption was measured over a period of 6 h with the animals fasted overnight. The thermal effect of feeding was determined in another session of oxygen consumption measurement in animals fasted for 12 h. A 12-kcal meal was then introduced into the animal chamber and oxygen consumption was measured for a further 4 h. No differences in fasting oxygen consumption or in the thermal effect of the meal were detected among the groups studied. It is concluded that short bowel syndrome does not affect the overall energy expenditure of rats.

Oxygen consumption of rats with broad intestinal resection

The study was performed to investigate possible alterations in oxygen consumption in an animal model with broad intestinal resection. Oxygen consumption and the thermal effect of a short meal were measured in rats subjected to short bowel syndrome. Four groups of rats were used. Group I was the control group, group II was sham operated, group III was submitted to 80 percent jejunum-ileum resection, and group IV was submitted to 80 percent jejunum-ileum resection with colon interposition. Ninety days after surgery, oxygen consumption was measured over a period of 6 h with the animals fasted overnight. The thermal effect of feeding was determined in another session of oxygen consumption measurement in animals fasted for 12 h. A 12-kcal meal was then introduced into the animal chamber and oxygen consumption was measured for a further 4 h. No differences in fasting oxygen consumption or in the thermal effect of the meal were detected among the groups studied. It is concluded that short bowel syndrome does not affect the overall energy expenditure of rats

A retrospective look at esthetic resin composite and glass-ionomer Class III restorations: a 2-year clinical evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: A restorative material for Class III cavities must, besides being functional, be esthetically satisfactory, providing good working conditions and several shade and color options. A clinical evaluation was initiated to compare the suitability of resin composite and glass-ionomer cement materials for such restorations. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Forty-two Class III conservative cavities, esthetically important because of facial extensions, were selected. Resin composite restorations were placed in 21 cavities, and the remaining 21 were restored with glass-ionomer cement. The following characteristics were studied: color or esthetics, anatomic shape, surface texture, staining, marginal infiltration, dental plaque retention, and occurrence of fracture. After 24 months, the restorations were evaluated. RESULTS: The only statistically significant difference between the resin composite and glass-ionomer cement restorations in the experimental period involved color or esthetics. CONCLUSION: Resin composites and glass-ionomer materials provide excellent functional and esthetic results in Class III cavities when properly indicated.

Phages of enteric bacteria in fresh water with different levels of faecal pollution.

Levels of somatic and F-specific coliphages, and phages infecting Bacteroides fragilis were measured in 257 samples collected in different freshwater environments with different levels and characteristics of faecal pollution. In samples with recent pollution of domestic origin, the numbers of the three groups of phages were highly correlated, thus showing that their excretion is fairly constant. In this set of samples somatic coliphages, which were the most abundant, and F-specific coliphages outnumbered significantly Bact. fragilis phages. Normalized lines of the numbers of the three groups of phages in water samples and their sediments show that they settle similarly. The correlation between the values of the three groups of phages was not observed in waters with intermediate levels of pollution. An increase in the relative numbers of coliphages with respect to numbers of phages infecting Bact. fragilis was observed. In waters with persistent faecal pollution a dramatic change was recorded in the relative numbers of the different groups of phages. Phages infecting Bact. fragilis suffered the lowest reduction in numbers.

Distribution of Aeromonas species in waters with different levels of pollution.

Strains of Aeromonas spp. (883) were isolated from 10 stations in the north-west of Spain. Biotyping of the strains gave: 55% Aeromonas caviae, 34% A. hydrophila, 6% A. sobria and 5% Aeromonas spp. Phenotypic characters that have been claimed to be related to virulence such as haemolysis and the Voges-Proskauer reaction were detected mostly in A. hydrophila and A. sobria. The distribution of the species was significantly related to levels of faecal pollution in waters. Aeromonas caviae predominated in sewage and waters with a high degree of faecal pollution. In less polluted waters, either fresh or marine, A. caviae and A. hydrophila were almost equally distributed. In waters with low or no faecal pollution, the proportion of A. sobria to other species increased considerably.