Physical units to report intensity of electromagnetic wave.

The aim of this work is to propose a consensus to scientific community that handles personal exposimeters, which measure intensity of an electromagnetic wave (W/m2). To express the intensity of an electromagnetic wave there is a duality in the way of expressing it. Some scientists prefer to use W/m2 while others use V/m, which is a unit of the electric field. There is also a duality in the name, sometimes it is called it power flux density and some other times, wave intensity. We believe that this second name is more appropriate from the point of view of physics. We suggest expressing intensity of an electromagnetic wave in W/m2 instead of giving the value of their electric field which is measured in V/m. There is a quadratic relation between electric field and intensity of the wave, and it is necessary to do a mathematical operation, so in our opinion, it is preferable to use W/m2 which directly gives us the value of the measured intensity. Furthermore, if the intensity is very low, it may be expressed in µW/m2 and with only three significant figures, due to sensitivity of the current exposimeters used.

The effects of repeated applications of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy in the treatment of residual periodontal pockets: a systematic review.

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of repeated applications of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) on the non-surgical periodontal treatment of residual pockets. This work was performed and reported according to the Cochrane and PRISMA recommendations, respectively, and registered at the PROSPERO registry (number CRD42017058403). An extensive search of the biomedical literature was conducted on four databases from January 1960 to August 2018, followed by hand searching. Analysis of the quality of the selected studies was based on the risk of bias. Only two randomised controlled clinical trials (RCTs) met the inclusion criteria although they had unclear risk of bias. One study showed that repeated applications of aPDT in association with conventional non-surgical treatment during periodontal maintenance improved all clinical outcomes after 6 months. The other study, which assessed the effects of repeated applications of aPDT in association with ultrasound debridement on periodontal pathogens, showed no significant reduction of the main pathogens after 3-6 months but reported reductions of probing pocket depth and C-reactive protein after 3 and 6 months, respectively, compared to mechanical therapy alone. Concluding, it was not possible to state that repeated applications of aPDT, in association with non-surgical treatment of residual pockets, have effective clinical effects in the periodontal maintenance therapy. Although one can consider that aPDT is a promising adjuvant therapy, it is still necessary to carry out more RCTs with low risk of bias in order to confirm or refute the benefits of multiple applications for residual periodontal pockets.

Microbial lipid production: screening with yeasts grown on Brazilian molasses.

Rhodotorula glutinis CCT 2182, Rhodosporidium toruloides CCT 0783, Rhodotorula minuta CCT 1751 and Lipomyces starkeyi DSM 70296 were evaluated for the conversion of sugars from Brazilian molasses into single-cell oil (SCO) feedstock for biodiesel. Pulsed fed-batch fermentations were performed in 1.65 l working volume bioreactors. The maximum specific growth rate (µmax), lipid productivity (Pr) and cellular lipid content were, respectively, 0.23 h(-1), 0.41 g l(-1) h(-1), and 41% for Rsp. toruloides; 0.20 h(-1), 0.27 g l(-1) h(-1), and 36% for Rta. glutinis; 0.115 h(-1), 0.135 g l(-1) h(-1), and 27 % for Rta. minuta; and 0.11 h(-1), 0.13 g l(-1) h(-1), and 32% for L. starkeyi. Based on their microbial lipid productivity, content, and profile, Rsp. toruloides and Rta. glutinis are promising candidates for biodiesel production from Brazilian molasses. All the oils from the yeasts were similar to the composition of plant oils (rapeseed and soybean) and could be used as raw material for biofuels, as well as in food and nutraceutical products.

An exhaustive analysis of the use of image moments for second-order calibration. A comparison with multivariate curve resolution-alternating least-squares.

BACKGROUND: the chemometric processing of second-order chromatographic-spectral data is usually carried out with the aid of multivariate curve resolution-alternating least-squares (MCR-ALS). Recently, an alternative procedure was described based on the estimation of image moments for each data matrix and subsequent application of multiple linear regression after suitable variable selection. RESULTS: The analysis of both simulated and experimental data leads to the conclusion that the image moment method, although can cope with chromatographic lack of reproducibility across injections, it only performs well in the absence of uncalibrated interferents. MCR-ALS, on the other hand, provides good analytical results in all studied situations, whether the test samples contain uncalibrated interferents or not. SIGNIFICANCE: The results are useful to assess the real usefulness of newly proposed methodologies for second-order calibration in the case of chromatographic-spectral data sets, especially when samples contain unexpected chemical constituents.

Silencing of P-glycoprotein increases mortality in temephos-treated Aedes aegypti larvae.

Re-emergence of vector-borne diseases such as dengue and yellow fever, which are both transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, has been correlated with insecticide resistance. P-glycoproteins (P-gps) are ATP-dependent efflux pumps that are involved in the transport of substrates across membranes. Some of these proteins have been implicated in multidrug resistance (MDR). In this study, we identified a putative P-glycoprotein in the Ae. aegypti database based on its significantly high identity with Anopheles gambiae, Culex quinquefasciatus, Drosophila melanogaster and human P-gps. The basal ATPase activity of ATP-binding cassette transporters in larvae was significantly increased in the presence of MDR modulators (verapamil and quinidine). An eightfold increase in Ae. aegypti P-gp (AaegP-gp) gene expression was detected in temephos-treated larvae as determined by quantitative PCR. To analyse the potential role of AaegP-gp in insecticide efflux, a temephos larvicide assay was performed in the presence of verapamil. The results showed an increase of 24% in temephos toxicity, which is in agreement with the efflux reversing effect. RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated silencing of the AaegP-gp gene caused a significant increase in temephos toxicity (57%). In conclusion, we have demonstrated for the first time in insects that insecticide-induced P-gp expression can be involved in the modulation of insecticide efflux.

Multi-omics network model reveals key genes associated with p-coumaric acid stress response in an industrial yeast strain.

The production of ethanol from lignocellulosic sources presents increasingly difficult issues for the global biofuel scenario, leading to increased production costs of current second-generation (2G) ethanol when compared to first-generation (1G) plants. Among the setbacks encountered in industrial processes, the presence of chemical inhibitors from pre-treatment processes severely hinders the potential of yeasts in producing ethanol at peak efficiency. However, some industrial yeast strains have, either naturally or artificially, higher tolerance levels to these compounds. Such is the case of S. cerevisiae SA-1, a Brazilian fuel ethanol industrial strain that has shown high resistance to inhibitors produced by the pre-treatment of cellulosic complexes. Our study focuses on the characterization of the transcriptomic and physiological impact of an inhibitor of this type, p-coumaric acid (pCA), on this strain under chemostat cultivation via RNAseq and quantitative physiological data. It was found that strain SA-1 tend to increase ethanol yield and production rate while decreasing biomass yield when exposed to pCA, in contrast to pCA-susceptible strains, which tend to decrease their ethanol yield and fermentation efficiency when exposed to this substance. This suggests increased metabolic activity linked to mitochondrial and peroxisomal processes. The transcriptomic analysis also revealed a plethora of differentially expressed genes located in co-expressed clusters that are associated with changes in biological pathways linked to biosynthetic and energetical processes. Furthermore, it was also identified 20 genes that act as interaction hubs for these clusters, while also having association with altered pathways and changes in metabolic outputs, potentially leading to the discovery of novel targets for metabolic engineering toward a more robust industrial yeast strain.

AMPA and angiotensin type 1 receptors are necessary for hemorrhage-induced vasopressin secretion.

Hypovolemia induced by hemorrhage is a common clinical complication, which stimulates vasopressin (AVP) secretion by the neurohypophysis in order to retain body water and maintain blood pressure. To evaluate the role of brain L-glutamate and angiotensin II on AVP secretion induced by hypovolemia we induced hemorrhage (∼25% of blood volume) after intracerebroventricular (icv) administration of AP5, NBQX, or losartan, which are NMDA, AMPA, and AT1 receptor antagonists, respectively. Hemorrhage significantly increased plasma AVP levels in all groups. The icv injection of AP5 did not change AVP secretion in response to hemorrhage. Conversely, icv administration of both NBQX and losartan significantly decreased plasma AVP levels after hemorrhage. Therefore, the blockade of AMPA and AT1 receptors impaired AVP secretion in response to hemorrhage, suggesting that L-glutamate and angiotensin II acted in these receptors to increase AVP secretion in response to hemorrhage-induced hypovolemia.

Lactic acid bacteria in the inhibition of Fusarium graminearum and deoxynivalenol detoxification.

AIMS: Considering the agronomic and industrial damage that is caused by the fungus Fusarium graminearum, as well as the serious health risks it poses to humans and animals exposed to F. graminearum-produced mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON), this study evaluated the ability of different lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains to inhibit fungal development and remove DON in vitro. METHODS AND RESULTS: The antagonistic effects of strains and commercial cultures of LAB were evaluated against F. graminearum IAPAR 2218 by the agar diffusion method. Additionally, the influence of the culture media, pH and the presence of lactic and acetic acid on these effects was tested. The capacity to remove DON by viable cells and heat-inactivated cells was analysed in liquid media and quantified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). All isolated strains and commercial cultures inhibited the fungus and removed DON. The pH and culture media concentration did not influence these abilities, but heat inactivation had a strong effect on the ability of bacteria to remove mycotoxin. CONCLUSIONS: The isolated bacteria are able to inhibit F. graminearum growth and remove DON in vitro. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study suggests potential application of the isolated LAB strains in the inhibition of F. graminearum IAPAR 2218 and DON removal in vitro.

Buprenorphine/naloxone versus methadone in opioid dependence: a longitudinal survey.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Buprenorphine and methadone are widely used for the treatment of opioid dependence, but their diversion and/or misuse are frequent. In principle, buprenorphine/naloxone combination therapy should be associated with a lower frequency of drug abuse/misuse than methadone. This study assessed the efficacy of the substitution of buprenorphine treatment with the buprenorphine/naloxone combination in opioid-dependent patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 3812 drug-addicted outpatients selected from 10 Italian Public Services for Addiction (Ser.T.) centres in Naples (Italy) were enrolled: 3105 (81.5%) were treated with methadone and 707 (18.5%) with buprenorphine. The buprenorphine treatment was switched to buprenorphine/naloxone (4:1), and the patients were followed for about 1 year. The number of subjects still on treatment after 1 year, their status according to social, educational and toxicologic (assessed by a urine toxicology test) parameters were assessed. RESULTS: 1 year after the therapy switch, the number of patients still on treatment was similarly reduced with methadone (2883; -7.5%) and buprenorphine/naloxone (632; -10.6%; p=0.369). However, in patients treated with buprenorphine/naloxone, a significant improvement was reported in social life status (63% versus 39% of the buprenorphine/naloxone and methadone treated subjects, respectively, were married/cohabiting p<0.001), in the educational level (43% of buprenorphine/naloxone treated versus 32% of the methadone treated subjects obtained at least a high school certificate, p<0.001) and in the toxicological conditions (53% of buprenorphine/naloxone treated subject versus 30% of methadone treated individuals had opioid- and cocaine- negative urine tests, p<0.001). DISCUSSION: These preliminary data suggest that buprenorphine/naloxone treatment of opioid dependence reduces the percentage of treated subjects similarly to methadone, and is associated with an improvement in social life, educational and toxicological conditions, compared with methadone treatment. However, we cannot exclude a selection bias, i.e. patients who were more likely to stabilize their opiate dependence switched to buprenorphine/naloxone.

17ß-Estradiol attenuates p38MAPK activity but not PKCα induced by angiotensin II in the brain.

17ß-Estradiol (E2) has been shown to modulate the renin-angiotensin system in hydromineral and blood pressure homeostasis mainly by attenuating angiotensin II (ANGII) actions. However, the cellular mechanisms of the interaction between E2 and angiotensin II (ANGII) and its physiological role are largely unknown. The present experiments were performed to better understand the interaction between ANGII and E2 in body fluid control in female ovariectomized (OVX) rats. The present results are the first to demonstrate that PKC/p38 MAPK signaling is involved in ANGII-induced water and sodium intake and oxytocin (OT) secretion in OVX rats. In addition, previous data from our group revealed that the ANGII-induced vasopressin (AVP) secretion requires ERK1/2 signaling. Therefore, taken together, the present observations support a novel concept that distinct intracellular ANGII signaling gives rise to distinct neurohypophyseal hormone release. Furthermore, the results show that E2 attenuates p38 MAPK phosphorylation in response to ANGII but not PKC activity in the hypothalamus and the lamina terminalis, suggesting that E2 modulates ANGII effects through the attenuation of the MAPK pathway. In conclusion, this work contributes to the further understanding of the interaction between E2 and ANGII signaling in hydromineral homeostasis, as well as it contributes to further elucidate the physiological relevance of PKC/p38 MAPK signaling on the fluid intake and neurohypophyseal release induced by ANGII.

Inactivated alpha toxin from Clostridium novyi type B in nano-emulsion protect partially protects Swiss mice from lethal alpha toxin challenge.

Nano-emulsions are promising carriers for antigen delivery. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of a water-oil nano-emulsion containing concentrated, inactivated Clostridium novyi (C. novyi) type B supernatant culture (nano-iCnB) in protecting Swiss mice against a lethal dose of alpha toxin concentrated extract. Proteins were confirmed in the nano-iCnB and their stabilities were determined according physical parameters such as Zeta Potential (ZP). Biochemical, hematological parameters and morphological appearance of liver, spleen and thigh muscle alterations were examined to determine the safety of the compound. Partial protection against lethal doses was achieved in immunized mice despite low IgG titers. These data suggest that our nano-emulsion is a simple and efficient method of promoting antigen delivery for toxin-related diseases.

Sediments in coffee extracts: Composition and control by enzymatic hydrolysis.

The water-insolubility of some coffee extract components is one of the major limitations in the production of instant coffee. In this work, fractions from coffee extracts and sediments were prepared, and their chemical composition determined. Based on the carbohydrate analysis, galactomannan was found to be the main polysaccharide component of the insoluble fractions and probably responsible for sediment formation. The suitability of twelve commercial enzymes for the hydrolysis of the insoluble fractions was investigated. Pectinase 444L was the most effective enzyme in releasing sugars, mainly mannose and galactose, from these substrates. Biopectinase CCM, Rohapect B1L, Pectinase 444L and Galactomannanase ACH were found to be the most effective enzymes for reducing the sediment of coffee extracts. The highest sediment reduction was obtained using Rohapect B1L and Galactomannanase ACH, at enzyme concentrations of 0.3 and 0.1mg protein/g substrate, respectively.

Arsenic enrichment in sediment on the eastern continental shelf of Brazil.

This study focuses on the vertical distribution of total and reactive As in two contrasted coastal sedimentary environments: the Abrolhos Continental Shelf (ACS), a carbonate and siliciclastic shelf sediment, and the Doce River Continental Shelf (DRCS), a submerged delta system. The Doce River was the location of a massive ore tailings dam collapsed in November 2015. Millions of liters of tailings were dumped into the river and reached the continental shelf, causing the country's biggest environmental disaster. We evaluated the As content in sediment of the DRCS before the dam collapse. At both sites, the total As background measured in bottom sediment revealed relative natural enrichment (above 8mg/kg). Content of As decrease with depth; reactive As showed surficial peaks which were associated with Fe and Mn oxides. The ACS sediment did not show significant enrichment or contamination of As, with an enrichment factor (EF) of approximately 2 and a geoaccumulation index (Igeo) near 0. In contrast, the DRCS exhibited severe As enrichment (EF=15) and contamination (Igeo between 3-4). This enrichment is attributed to long-term iron and gold exploitation in the Doce River watershed. The high levels of reactive As, up to 108 mg/kg, alert us to an environmental risk due to potential As bioaccessibility. These data provide an important perspective on the As contamination in continental shelves and encourage the monitoring of the ore mine environmental impacts.

AMPA and angiotensin type 1 receptors are necessary for hemorrhage-induced vasopressin secretion

Hypovolemia induced by hemorrhage is a common clinical complication, which stimulates vasopressin (AVP) secretion by the neurohypophysis in order to retain body water and maintain blood pressure. To evaluate the role of brain L-glutamate and angiotensin II on AVP secretion induced by hypovolemia we induced hemorrhage (∼25% of blood volume) after intracerebroventricular (icv) administration of AP5, NBQX, or losartan, which are NMDA, AMPA, and AT1 receptor antagonists, respectively. Hemorrhage significantly increased plasma AVP levels in all groups. The icv injection of AP5 did not change AVP secretion in response to hemorrhage. Conversely, icv administration of both NBQX and losartan significantly decreased plasma AVP levels after hemorrhage. Therefore, the blockade of AMPA and AT1 receptors impaired AVP secretion in response to hemorrhage, suggesting that L-glutamate and angiotensin II acted in these receptors to increase AVP secretion in response to hemorrhage-induced hypovolemia.

[Incidence of influenza and influenza vaccine effectiveness in the 2004-2005 season]. / Incidencia de la gripe y efectividad de la vacuna antigripal en la temporada 2004-2005.

BACKGROUND: To quantify the incidence of flu in different groups of the population of Navarra in the 2004-2005 season, and to evaluate the effectiveness of anti-flu vaccination. METHODS: The analysis of influenza cases in the system of compulsory notificable diseases was complemented by the individualised notifications in the network of sentinel doctors that covers a population of 22,339 inhabitants. The coverage and effectiveness of the vaccine was studied. RESULTS: Vaccine coverage in (3)65 year olds reached 62%. The incidence of influenza was 42.6 cases per 1,000 inhabitants. It reached a maximum in mid-January, exceeding 750 weekly cases per 100,000 inhabitants and 1,900 cases per 100,000 children. The highest rate of influenza was observed in under-15 year olds (49.4 cases per 1,000 inhabitants) and the lowest in non-institutionalised (3)65 year olds (2.6 per 1,000 inhabitants), although it was higher in geriatric residences (62.1 per 1,000; p<0.0001). Seventy-nine percent of the cases from 5 to 64 years resulted in absenteeism from school or work. The flu virus was identified in 42/65 (65%) nasopharyngeal smears, 90% being influenza virus A(H3). The incidence of influenza was 3.08% in the unvaccinated and 0.45% in the vaccinated (p<0.001). The global effectiveness of the anti-flu vaccine was 65%, and in (3)65 years old it was 73%. CONCLUSION: Although its effectiveness is not total, the vaccine is the main measure for preventing influenza. The network of sentinel doctors provide useful information for the coordination of care and public health activities against flu.

Prevention of CCL4-induced liver cirrhosis by silymarin.

The efficacy of silymarin treatment in preventing biochemical and histological alterations in CCL4-induced liver cirrhosis in rats was studied. Four groups of rats were treated with: (1) CCL4; (2) mineral oil; (3) CCL4 + silymarin; and (4) silymarin. All animals were sacrificed 72 h after the end of treatments. The activities of alkaline phosphatase (alk. phosp.), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase), and bilirubin content were determined in serum. Na+, K+-ATPase and Ca++-ATPase activities were measured in isolated plasma membranes. Lipoperoxidation, triglycerides (TG), and glycogen contents were also measured in liver homogenates. Liver cirrhosis was evidenced by significant increases in liver collagen, lipoperoxidation, serum activities of alk. phosp., GGTP, GPT, G6Pase, bilirubin content, and liver TG. Activities of ATPases determined in plasma membranes were significantly reduced, as was liver glycogen content. Silymarin cotreatment (50 mg/kg b.wt) completely prevented all the changes observed in CCL4-cirrhotic rats, except for liver collagen content which was reduced only 30% as compared to CCL4-cirrhotic rats. Silymarin protection can be attributed to the agent's antioxidant and membrane-stabilizing actions.

Mass transfer in aqueous two-phases system packed column.

The behavior of xylanase extraction in a packed column using polyethylene glycol (PEG) 4000 and dipotassium phosphate was studied. The possibility of using the packed column in continuous operations for enzyme extraction was studied since the previous work had only addressed the semi-continuous extraction of enzyme. The influence of several kinds of packings, Raschig rings, glass spheres and polystyrene rings were studied as well the superficial velocity ratio of the salt and the PEG phases. Packed column showed a good efficiency of overall mass transfer coefficient, around three times higher than sieve plate column, for xylanase extraction. The best selectivity was obtained with the polystyrene ring where 94% of xylanase was recovery to the polymeric whereas just 3% of contaminant was recovery to this phase. The residence time distribution was adjusted by the Model of Reactors in Series.

The effect of intravenous metoclopramide on blood pressure in normotensive and hypertensive subjects.

In the present study we evaluated the effect of intravenous metoclopramide on blood pressure in normotensive (untrained, football players, runners) and hypertensive subjects. There was a decrease in blood pressure only observed in untrained female subjects and this was greater in hypertensive subjects. In football players and runners the decrease in blood pressure was not statistically significant. There was no significant effect on heart rate. The probable mechanism of this new pharmacological effect of metoclopramide is unknown, however, research is now in progress to define its mechanism of action.