Wunderlich syndrome as a rare complication of polyarteritis nodosa: a case report.

Spontaneous subcapsular and perirenal hemorrhage, known as Wunderlich syndrome (WS), is a rare clinical manifestation of polyarteritis nodosa (PAN). We report a case of a 48-year-old male with a history of recurrent episodes of leg muscle tenderness and dysesthesia, bilateral flank pain, painful nodular skin lesions in the lower limbs, weight loss, and difficult-to-control arterial hypertension. The abdominopelvic computed tomography angiography showed a large left perirenal hematoma, leading to the patient's admission to the intensive care unit. After the exclusion of infectious or neoplastic foci, the patient was diagnosed with PAN and started intravenous methylprednisolone pulses with a good response. Since WS is a rare initial clinical manifestation of PAN, an early diagnosis and aggressive treatment will significantly improve clinical outcomes.

Characterization of biofilm structure and properties via processing of 2D optical coherence tomography images in BISCAP.

MOTIVATION: Processing of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) biofilm images is currently restricted to a set of custom-made MATLAB scripts. None of the tools currently available for biofilm image processing (including those developed for Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy-CLSM) enable a fully automatic processing of 2D OCT images. RESULTS: A novel software tool entitled Biofilm Imaging and Structure Classification Automatic Processor (BISCAP) is presented. It was developed specifically for the automatic processing of 2D OCT biofilm images. The proposed approach makes use of some of the key principles used in CLSM image processing, and introduces a novel thresholding algorithm and substratum detection strategy. Two complementary pixel continuity checks are executed, enabling very detailed pixel characterizations. BISCAP delivers common structural biofilm parameters and a set of processed images for biofilm analysis. A novel biofilm 'compaction parameter' is suggested. The proposed strategy was tested on a set of 300 images with highly satisfactory results obtained. BISCAP is a Python-based standalone application, not requiring any programming knowledge or property licenses, and where all operations are managed via an intuitive Graphical User Interface. The automatic nature of this image processing strategy decreases biasing problems associated to human-perception and allows a reliable comparison of outputs. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: BISCAP and a collection of biofilm images obtained from OCT scans can be found at: https://github.com/diogonarciso/BISCAP. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

All-optical half-adder in a linear three-core fiber device.

The half-adder is one of the most useful combinational logic functions for data processing. Many research papers in the literature propose nonlinear all-optical half-adders. Few studies propose linear all-optical devices, and those that do usually employ microstructured 2D photonic crystals. This work presents the numerical acquisition of an all-optical half-adder using a linear three-core fiber device. The device presents high performance and acceptable values of fabrication and modulation tolerance. It can be made using any fiber technology and propagated by pulses of any wavelength. Depending on the type of fiber used, the precision needed to fabricate the device's smallest structures can range from 20 nm to 90 nm. This result is evidence of the possibility of obtaining nonlinear logical processing using only fiber design.

Two step calibration method for ozone low-cost sensor: Field experiences with the UrbanSense DCUs.

Urban air pollution is a global concern impairing citizens' health, thus monitoring is a pressing need for city managers. City-wide networks for air pollution monitoring based on low-cost sensors are promising to provide real-time data with detail and scale never before possible. However, they still present limitations preventing their ubiquitous use. Thus, this study aimed to perform a post-deployment validation and calibration based on two step methods for ozone low-cost sensor of a city-wide network for air pollution and meteorology monitoring using low-cost sensors focusing on the main challenges. Four of the 23 data collection units (DCUs) of the UrbanSense network installed in Porto city (Portugal) with low-cost sensors for particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), and meteorological variables (temperature, relative humidity, luminosity, precipitation, and wind speed and direction) were evaluated. This study identified post-deployment challenges related to their validation and calibration. The preliminary validation showed that PM, CO and precipitation sensors recorded only unreliable data, and other sensors (wind speed and direction) very few data. A multi-step calibration strategy was implemented: inter-DCU calibration (1st step, for O3, temperature and relative humidity) and calibration with a reference-grade instrument (2nd step, for O3). In the 1st step, multivariate linear regression (MLR) resulted in models with better performance than non-linear models such as artificial neural networks (errors almost zero and R2 > 0.80). In the 2nd step, the calibration models using non-linear machine learning boosting algorithms, namely Stochastic Gradient Boosting Regressor (both with the default and post-tuning hyper-parameters), performed better than artificial neural networks and linear regression approaches. The calibrated O3 data resulted in a marginal improvement from the raw data, with error values close to zero, with low predictability (R2 ∼ 0.32). The lessons learned with the present study evidenced the need to redesign the calibration strategy. Thus, a novel multi-step calibration strategy is proposed, based on two steps (pre and post-deployment calibration). When performed cyclically and continuously, this strategy reduces the need for reference instruments, while probably minimising data drifts over time. More experimental campaigns are needed to collect more data and further improve calibration models.

mm-wave Rydberg-Rydberg transitions gauge intermolecular coupling in a molecular ultracold plasma.

Out-of-equilibrium, strong correlation in a many-body system can trigger emergent properties that act to constrain the natural dissipation of energy and matter. Signs of such self-organization appear in the avalanche, bifurcation, and quench of a state-selected Rydberg gas of nitric oxide to form an ultracold, strongly correlated ultracold plasma. Work reported here focuses on the initial stages of avalanche and quench and uses the mm-wave spectroscopy of an embedded quantum probe to characterize the intermolecular interaction dynamics associated with the evolution to plasma. Double-resonance excitation prepares a Rydberg gas of nitric oxide composed of a single selected state of principal quantum number, n0. Penning ionization, followed by an avalanche of electron-Rydberg collisions, forms a plasma of NO+ ions and weakly bound electrons, in which a residual population of n0 Rydberg molecules evolves to a state of high orbital angular momentum, ℓ. Predissociation depletes the plasma of low-ℓ molecules. Relaxation ceases and n0ℓ(2) molecules with ℓ ≥ 4 persist for very long times. At short times, varying excitation spectra of mm-wave Rydberg-Rydberg transitions mark the rate of electron-collisional ℓ-mixing. Deep depletion resonances that persist for long times signal energy redistribution in the basis of central-field Rydberg states. The widths and asymmetries of Fano line shapes witness the degree to which coupling in the arrested bath (i) broadens the allowed transition and (ii) mixes the local network of levels in the ensemble.

All-optical digital multiplexer/demultiplexer in a linear three-core fiber device.

Digital multiplexers/demultiplexers (MUX/DEMUXes) are essential for computing, data transmission, and data processing. However, research on all-optical digital MUX/DEMUXes is scarce and generally proposes single-function nonlinear devices. This work presents the numerical acquisition of all-optical digital MUX/DEMUXes using a linear three-core fiber device. Our device, called the interchanging-cores planar three-core fiber coupler, is propagated by low-powered amplitude modulated pulses, can operate with pulses of any wavelength, and can be made using any fiber technology. This result is further evidence of the possibility of obtaining logical processing, even nonlinear logical processing, using fiber-only design.

Pythium and Phytopythium species associated with weeds collected in vegetable production fields in Brazil.

This study aimed to identify Pythium and Phytopythium species from weeds collected in vegetable fields and test their pathogenicity. Weeds with symptoms of damping-off, root rot or wilt were sampled in the Brazilian states of Ceará, Goiás and Pernambuco, as well as in the Distrito Federal, for isolation and identification of the causal agents. Once isolated, colonies with typical Pythium and Phytopythium characteristics grew in selective V8 medium. Procedures for species identification included morphology and amplification of the ITS and Cox II regions, which were compared with other accessions available at GenBank. The phylogenetic relationships among the isolates and pathogenicity to their original hosts were evaluated. Six Pythium species were identified: P. aphanidermatum, P. oopapillum, P. orthogonon, P. ultimum var. ultimum, P. myriotylum and P. sylvaticum, and two species of Phytopythium, Phy. chamaehyphon and Phy. oedochilum. In the pathogenicity tests, the 10 weed hosts showed symptoms of damping-off or root rot after inoculation, with exception of Portulaca oleraceae in which none of the isolates was pathogenic. Therefore, common weeds in vegetable fields areas can host different Pythium and Phytopythium species and play an important role in the epidemiology of vegetable diseases, in particular on pathogen survival and population increase.

Developing and validating high-value patient digital follow-up services: a pilot study in cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: The existing digital healthcare solutions demand a service development approach that assesses needs, experience, and outcomes, to develop high-value digital healthcare services. The objective of this study was to develop a digital transformation of the patients' follow-up service after cardiac surgery, based on a remote patient monitoring service that would respond to the real context challenges. METHODS: The study followed the Design Science Research methodology framework and incorporated concepts from the Lean startup method to start designing a minimal viable product (MVP) from the available resources. The service was implemented in a pilot study with 29 patients in 4 iterative develop-test-learn cycles, with the engagement of developers, researchers, clinical teams, and patients. RESULTS: Patients reported outcomes daily for 30 days after surgery through Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices and a mobile app. The service's evaluation considered experience, feasibility, and effectiveness. It generated high satisfaction and high adherence among users, fewer readmissions, with an average of 7 ± 4.5 clinical actions per patient, primarily due to abnormal systolic blood pressure or wound-related issues. CONCLUSIONS: We propose a 6-step methodology to design and validate a high-value digital health care service based on collaborative learning, real-time development, iterative testing, and value assessment.

Effects of dietary fibre intake in chemotherapy-induced mucositis in murine model.

Mucositis is an inflammation of the gastrointestinal mucosa resulting from high doses of radio/chemotherapy treatment and may lead to interruption of antineoplasic therapy. Soluble fibres, like pectin, increase SCFA production, which play a role in gut homoeostasis and inflammation suppression. Due to the properties of pectin, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a high-fibre (HF) diet on chemotherapy-induced mucositis in a murine model. C57/BL6 mice received control (AIN93M), HF, low/zero fibre (LF) diets for 10 d prior to mucositis challenging with irinotecan (75 mg/kg), or they were treated with acetate added to drinking water 5 d prior to and during the mucositis induction. Mice that received the HF diet showed decreased immune cells influx and improved histopathological parameters in the intestine, compared with mice that received the normal diet. Furthermore, the HF diet decreased intestinal permeability induced in the mucositis model when compared with the control group. This effect was not observed for acetate alone, which did not improve gut permeability. For instance, mice that received the LF diet had worsened gut permeability, compared with mice that received the normal diet and mucositis. The effects of the HF and LF diets were shown to modulate the intestinal microbiota, in which the LF diet increased the levels of Enterobacteriaceae, a group associated with gut inflammation, whereas the HF diet decreased this group and increased Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium (SCFA producers) levels. In conclusion, the results demonstrated the importance of dietary fibre intake in the modulation of gut microbiota composition and homoeostasis maintenance during mucositis in this model.

Saccharomyces boulardii as therapeutic alternative in experimental giardiasis.

AIMS: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of treatment with the probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii with or without metronidazole in experimental giardiasis. METHODS AND RESULTS: The effect of treatment with S. boulardii with or without metronidazole on the intestinal mucosa, the antioxidant defence system and the parasitic load was determined in experimental giardiasis. Eight groups of animals with infection and/or treatment with the probiotic and/or drugs for 1 week after infection with Giardia lamblia were used. A reduction of approximately 90% in the parasitic load was observed in all the treated groups. Saccharomyces boulardii attenuated the damage caused by infection in the intestinal mucosa preserving its architecture and inhibiting the oxidative stress induced by parasite and metronidazole. CONCLUSIONS: Saccharomyces boulardii was effective alone or in combination with metronidazole in resolving already established G. lamblia infection. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: These results suggest the use of S. boulardii as an alternative treatment for giardiasis mainly in cases of resistance or intolerance to conventional treatment.

Linear multi-functional logic gate in a three-core photonic crystal fiber.

The growth of transmission rates in optical fibers can increase the demand for devices that perform network node processing. Usually, such devices achieve complex optical signal processing through high non-linearity effects and optoelectronic devices. In this work, we present the numerical acquisition of a configurable multi-function logic gate in which the OR and AND gates can be enabled based on the logic values entered in a selector. Our device consists of a single piece of three-core PCF, with linear pulse propagation, and without the need for any other mechanisms. This result presents evidence that information processing within functional fibers is possible and might be achieved using only fiber design.

Can biochemical endpoints improve the sensitivity of the biomonitoring strategy using bioassays with standard species, for water quality evaluation?

The Water Framework Directive (WFD) was adopted in 2000 and is a common framework for water policy, management and protection in Europe. The WFD assesses specific parameters; however, it ignores indicators of ecosystem functioning and sub-individual performance. Reservoirs are strongly influenced by anthropogenic activities that promote their imbalance. Bioassays and biomarkers are useful tools to link the chemical, ecological and toxicological assessments in water quality assessments. These approaches can be complementary to WFD methodologies, allowing the detection of impacts on the ecosystem. This study evaluated if the biochemical parameters can improve the sensitivity of the biomonitoring strategy using bioassays with the standard species Daphnia magna, in the assessment of the ecological quality of water reservoirs. To this end, water samples of Portuguese reservoirs were analysed in three sampling periods (Autumn 2018 and Spring, Autumn 2019). In parallel, a physicochemical characterization of waters was performed. D. magna feeding rate assays were performed for 24 h. After exposure, metabolism, oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation biomarkers were evaluated. Feeding rate assays showed sensitivity to different reservoirs. Biomarkers showed a higher sensitivity and can therefore improve the sensitivity of the biomonitoring strategy using bioassays. Bioassays and biomarkers approach allowed to highlight potential sources of stress, more related to the quality of the seston than to chemical contamination. This work highlights the complementarity between bioassays and biomarkers to identify ecotoxicological effects of surface waters, and can be extremely useful, especially in cases where the biotic indices are difficult to establish, such as reservoirs.

Animal Models to Study Cancer and Its Microenvironment.

Cancers are complex tissues composed by genetically altered cancer cells and stromal elements such as inflammatory/immune cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells and pericytes, neuronal cells, and a non-cellular component, the extracellular matrix. The complex network of interactions and crosstalk established between cancer cells and the supportig cellular and non-cellular components of the microenvironment are of extreme importance for tumor initiation and progression, strongly impacting the course and the outcome of the disease. Therefore, a better understanding of the tumorigenic processes implies the combined study of the cancer cell and the biologic, chemical and mechanic constituents of the tumor microenvironment, as their concerted action plays a major role in the carcinogenic pathway and is a key determinant of the efficacy of anti-cancer treatments. The use of animal models (e.g. Mouse, Zebrafish and Drosophila) to study cancer has greatly impacted our understanding of the processes governing initiation, progression and metastasis and allowed the discovery and pre-clinical validation of novel cancer treatments as it allows to recreate tumor development in a more pathophysiologic environment.

Quantifying indoor air quality determinants in urban and rural nursery and primary schools.

Poor indoor air quality can adversely affect children's health, comfort and school performance, but existing literature on quantifying indoor air pollutants (IAP) determinants' in nursery and primary schools is limited. Following previous studies, this study mainly aimed to quantify determinants of selected IAP, in nursery and primary schools from both urban and rural sites, accounting for seasonal variations. In 101 indoor microenvironments (classrooms, bedrooms and canteens) from 25 nursery and primary schools, CO2, CO, HCOH, NO2, O3, total volatile organic compounds, PM1, PM2.5, PM10, total suspended particles (TSP), and meteorological/comfort parameters were continuously sampled (occupancy and background levels), from at least 24 h to 9 consecutive days (not simultaneously) in each studied room; in some cases weekend was also considered. Children faced thermal discomfort and inadequate humidity, respectively in 60.1% and 44.1% of the studied classrooms. They were also exposed to high levels of IAP, namely PM2.5 and CO2 respectively in 69.0% and 41.3% of the studied classrooms, mostly in urban sites, depending on season and on occupancy and activity patterns (different amongst age groups). As PM2.5 and CO2 were the major concerning IAP, multivariate linear regression models were built to quantify (explained variability and relative importance) their main determinants, in both occupancy and non-occupancy (background) periods. Models for occupancy periods showed higher explained variability (R2 = 0.64, 0.57 and 0.47, respectively, for CO2, PM2.5 and PM10) than for non-occupancy. Besides background concentrations (43.5% of relative importance), relative humidity (21.1%), flooring material (17.0%), heating (6.7%) and age group of the occupants (5.3%), adjusted for season of sampling (6.4%) were predictors in CO2 occupancy model. In the cases of PM2.5 and PM10 occupancy concentrations, besides background concentrations (71.2% and 67.2% of relative importance, respectively for PM2.5 and PM10), type of school management (8.8% and 15.2%) and flooring material (13.9% and 13.9%), adjusted for season of sampling (6.1% and 3.8%), were the main predictors. These findings support the need of mitigation measures to reduce IAP levels, and prevention actions to avoid children's exposure. Reducing the time spent indoors in the same microenvironment by doing more and/or longer breaks, improving ventilation and cleaning actions, and avoiding or making a better maintenance hardwood flooring materials, chalkboard use and VOC emitting materials, are practices that should be implemented and their impacts quantified.

Fermented whey dairy beverage offers protection against Salmonella enterica ssp. enterica serovar Typhimurium infection in mice.

Fermented whey dairy beverages are dairy products obtained by fermentation from a mixture of milk and whey. These beverages have important health benefits, which could be improved with the addition of probiotic cultures. This study assessed the protective effect of the cosupplementation of a probiotic culture (Lactobacillus casei 01) with a fermented whey dairy beverage against infection by Salmonella enterica ssp. enterica serovar Typhimurium in a murine model. Two fermented whey dairy beverages were prepared: conventional (FWB; starter culture) and probiotic (PFWB; starter and probiotic cultures). In the first set of experiments, Balb/C female mice were treated with FWB or PFWB, challenged with Salmonella Typhimurium, and analyzed for clinical signs, weight loss, and mortality for 20 d postinfection. In the second set of experiments, mice were treated with FWB or PFWB, challenged with Salmonella Typhimurium, and killed on d 10 postinfection. The liver, colon, and ileum were used for myeloperoxidase, eosinophil peroxidase, and histological analysis and translocation to the liver. The contents from the small intestine were used for secretory IgA determination. The FWB treatment showed a better effect on animal survival (70%), translocation of the pathogen to the liver (2 out of 10), histopathology (fewer lesions), and inflammation than PFWB, which presented 50% animal survival, translocation in 5 out of 10 animals, and higher lesions. The control group presented 40% animal survival, translocation in 6 out of 10 animals, and severe lesions. Therefore, FWB was deemed to have a greater protective effect against Salmonella Typhimurium infection in the murine model compared with PFWB.

Environmental and social valuation of shipping emissions on four ports of Portugal.

Maritime sector is expected to continue growing significantly in line with world trade, however its impacts on environmental, social and human health are not yet fully known. Thus, this study aimed to estimate the external costs of in-port shipping emissions (NOx, SO2, CO2, VOCs and PM2.5) and accomplish a comprehensive eco-efficiency evaluation of four ports in Portugal (Leixões, Setúbal, Sines and Viana do Castelo) during 2013. External costs were based on the external cost factors from BeTa, CAFE and NEEDS projects and from Song (2014). Eco-efficiency evaluation was based on environmental, social and economic criteria. Results showed higher externalities for Sines and Setúbal (2.0E+02 million €), followed by Leixões (1.8E+02 million €), and Viana do Castelo (6.3 million €). NOx, SO2, and PM2.5 were the pollutants with the highest externalities. Sines port showed the best overall eco-efficiency. Although Setúbal port showed higher performance than Viana do Castelo port based on the economic data, when social and environmental aspects were considered the results changed. This shows the importance of performing a more comprehensive analysis using social and environmental indicators. The combination of all these indicators is highly important to support the implementation of policies for the abatement of shipping in-port emissions.

In vitro evaluation of antagonism, modulation of cytokines and extracellular matrix proteins by Bifidobacterium strains.

A healthy skin provides a protective barrier against pathogenic micro-organisms. Recent studies have shown that probiotics, as those of Bifidobacterium genus, could act beneficially in dermatology, both when ingested and by topical use. In the present study, we evaluated by in vitro antagonism assays and using two skin cell lines the potential of four strains of Bifidobacterium spp. Among the four bifidobacteria, Bifidobacterium longum 51A was the only one able to inhibit the growth of the eight pathogenic indicators tested. Production of some cytokines and extracellular matrix proteins was determined when ccc or inactivated cells of the bifidobacteria were incubated with keratinocyte and/or fibroblast cell cultures. Significant results were observed only for IL-6, IL-8 and IL-18 production, and inactivated Bifidobacterium pseudolongum 1191A was the only one which significantly stimulated collagen production, whereas lumican was stimulated by treatments with live Bifidobacterium bifidum 1622A , B. longum 51A and B. pseudolongum 1191A . Highest adhesion and internalization capabilities were observed with B. bifidum 1622A and Bifidobacterium breve 1101A . Concluding, B. longum 51A was highlighted for its antagonistic capacity and B. bifidum 1622A and B. pseudolongum 1191A for stimulating the production of cytokines and proteins of the extracellular matrix. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The skin is the first line of defence against invasive micro-organisms, and its local microbiota provides additional protective functions based on antagonism against pathogenic micro-organisms and immunomodulation. Based on in vitro assays using Bifidobacterium spp. we demonstrated the antagonistic potential, as well as capacity in stimulating the production of cytokines and proteins of the extracellular matrix that these bacteria may exert on skin cells. This positive influence suggests the use of a consortium of these bifidobacteria in a topical product for dermatological treatments.

Comparison of simple sucrose and percoll based methodologies for synaptosome enrichment.

Synaptosomes are isolated nerve terminals. They represent an extremely attractive in vitro model system to study synaptic physiology since they preserve morphological and functional characteristics of the synapse. As such they have been used to investigate synaptic dysfunctions associated with neuropathologies like Alzheimer's disease. In the present work two simple methodologies for isolating synaptosomal-enriched fractions were compared for the first time. The starting points of both protocols were rat cortical or hippocampal homogenized tissues that underwent several differential centrifugation steps followed by a final purification of synaptosomal-enriched fractions using either a Percoll gradient or a Sucrose gradient. Comparison of the fractions obtained was carried out, using both biochemical and electron microscopy approaches. In the biochemical analysis the protein levels of pre-synaptic, post-synaptic, nuclear and mitochondrial markers were evaluated. Additional characterization of the synaptosomal-enriched fractions was performed using transmission electron microscopy. In summary, the results indicate that under the conditions tested the Sucrose based protocol is more efficient for the isolation of synaptosomal-enriched fractions from both neuronal tissues, being particularly efficient for hippocampus that is a less abundant brain tissue. Further, the sucrose protocol apparently results in a higher yield of viable synaptosomes suitable for further assays, including structural and functional studies of synapses; making this an attractive procedure to study processes associated with neuropathologies.

A bifurcation theorem for evolutionary matrix models with multiple traits.

One fundamental question in biology is population extinction and persistence, i.e., stability/instability of the extinction equilibrium and of non-extinction equilibria. In the case of nonlinear matrix models for structured populations, a bifurcation theorem answers this question when the projection matrix is primitive by showing the existence of a continuum of positive equilibria that bifurcates from the extinction equilibrium as the inherent population growth rate passes through 1. This theorem also characterizes the stability properties of the bifurcating equilibria by relating them to the direction of bifurcation, which is forward (backward) if, near the bifurcation point, the positive equilibria exist for inherent growth rates greater (less) than 1. In this paper we consider an evolutionary game theoretic version of a general nonlinear matrix model that includes the dynamics of a vector of mean phenotypic traits subject to natural selection. We extend the fundamental bifurcation theorem to this evolutionary model. We apply the results to an evolutionary version of a Ricker model with an added Allee component. This application illustrates the theoretical results and, in addition, several other interesting dynamic phenomena, such as backward bifurcation induced strong Allee effects.