3D printing in the design of pharmaceutical dosage forms.

Three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies are manufacturing approaches with widespread use in industry (e.g. automotive, automobile, pharmaceutical industries). With regard to its use in pharmaceutical industry, 3D printing is demonstrating to be of added value attributed to the possibility of printing tailored pharmaceutical products, namely personalized medical devices, such as implants and other dosage forms. However, with the approval of the first 3D-printed drug-product in 2015, a new perspective has arisen, i.e. the use of this technology to produce solid oral dosage forms exhibiting complex drug release profiles and allowing for individual dosing. Technological hurdles and regulatory issues still have to be overcome before this technology can truly find its place in the healthcare sector, where it can certainly contribute to a personalized and patient-centered healthcare. This manuscript offers a comprehensive analysis of the most extensively used methods of 3D printing in the pharmaceutical field, with examples of solid oral dosage forms and other medical devices currently under development or already marketed.

Influence of parasite load on the diagnosis and occurrence of eosinophilia in alcoholic patients infected with Strongyloides stercoralis.

Alcoholic patients are more susceptible to Strongyloides stercoralis infection. The chronic use of alcohol raises the levels of endogenous corticosteroids, which regulates the development of larvae and stimulates the differentiation of rhabditiform into infective filariform larvae, thus inducing internal autoinfection. Therefore, early diagnosis is important to prevent severe strongyloidiasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of parasitological methods, according to the parasite load and the number of stool samples, for diagnosis of S. stercoralis infection, as well the peripheral blood eosinophil count in alcoholic patients. A total of 330 patients were included in this study. The diagnosis was established using three parasitological methods: agar plate culture, Baermann-Moraes method and spontaneous sedimentation. Peripheral eosinophilia was considered when the level was >600 eosinophils/mm3. The agar plate culture (APC) had the highest sensitivity (97.3%). However, the analysis of multiple samples increased the sensitivity of all parasitological methods. The sensitivities of the methods were influenced by the parasite load. When the larval number was above 10, the sensitivity of APC was 100%, while in spontaneous sedimentation the sensitivity reached 100% when the larval number was above 50. In the present study, 15.4% of alcoholic patients infected with S. stercoralis (12/78) had increased peripheral blood eosinophil count (above 600 eosinophils/mm3). For an efficient parasitological diagnosis of S. stercoralis infection in alcoholic patients, repeated examination by two parasitological methods must be recommended, including agar plate culture due to its higher sensitivity. Moreover, S. stercoralis infection was associated with eosinophilia, mostly in patients excreting up to 10 larvae/g faeces.

Lipid nanocarriers for the loading of polyphenols - A comprehensive review.

Polyphenols are secondary metabolites found in all vascular plants and constitute a large group of at least 10,000 unique compounds. Particular attention is currently being paid to polyphenols attributed to their beneficial effects in the protection and prevention of several diseases. While their use in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries is largely documented, several environmental conditions (e.g. light, temperature or oxygen) may affect the physicochemical stability of polyphenols, compromising their bioactivity in vivo. To overcome these limitations, the loading of polyphenols into nanoparticles has been proposed aiming at both increasing their bioavailability and reducing eventual side effects. Lipid nanoparticles offer several advantages, namely their biodegradability and low toxicity, with the additional capacity to modify the release profile of loaded drugs. This paper is a review of the recent advances of lipid nanocarriers commonly used for the encapsulation of polyphenols, highlighting their added value to increase bioavailability and bioactivity of this group of compounds as well as their application in several diseases.

Beyond liposomes: Recent advances on lipid based nanostructures for poorly soluble/poorly permeable drug delivery.

Solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) and hybrid nanoparticles, have gained increasing interest as drug delivery systems because of their potential to load and release drugs from the Biopharmaceutical classification system (BCS) of class II (low solubility and high permeability) and of class IV (low solubility and low permeability). Lipid properties (e.g. high solubilizing potential, biocompatibility, biotolerability, biodegradability and distinct route of absorption) contribute for the improvement of the bioavailability of these drugs for a set of administration routes. Their interest continues to grow, as translated by the number of patents being field worldwide. This paper discusses the recent advances on the use of SLN, NLC and lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles for the loading of lipophilic, poorly water-soluble and poorly permeable drugs, being developed for oral, topical, parenteral and ocular administration, also discussing the industrial applications of these systems. A review of the patents filled between 2014 and 2017, concerning the original inventions of lipid nanocarriers, is also provided.

d-α-tocopherol nanoemulsions: Size properties, rheological behavior, surface tension, osmolarity and cytotoxicity.

The aim of this study was the assessment of the physicochemical stability of d-α-tocopherol formulated in medium chain triglyceride nanoemulsions, stabilized with Tween®80 and Lipoid®S75 as surfactant and co-surfactant, respectively. d-α-tocopherol was selected as active ingredient because of its well-recognized interesting anti-oxidant properties (such as radical scavenger) for food and pharmaceutical industries. A series of nanoemulsions of mean droplet size below 90 nm (polydispersity index < 0.15) have been produced by high-pressure homogenization, and their surface electrical charge (zeta potential), pH, surface tension, osmolarity, and rheological behavior, were characterized as a function of the d-α-tocopherol loading. In vitro studies in Caco-2 cell lines confirmed the safety profile of the developed nanoemulsions with percentage of cell viability above 90% for all formulations.

Effects of immunosuppressive drugs on gastrointestinal transit of rats: effects of tacrolimus, cyclosporine, and prednisone.

Triple immunosuppressive therapy after organ transplantation may cause several gastrointestinal disturbances. It is difficult to identify which drug causes more complications, requiring an appropriate animal model. The aim was to compare the gastrointestinal transit in immunosuppressed rats under triple immunosuppressive therapy. Male rats were immunosuppressed by gavage during 14 days with tacrolimus (n = 10), cyclosporine (n = 12), and prednisone (n = 9). Animals received a magnetic pellet before (control) and after treatment that was monitored at predetermined intervals by AC biosusceptometry, a noninvasive and radiation-free technique. The following parameters were measured: creatinine serum, mean time of gastric emptying (MGET), mean time to reach cecum (MCAT), and mean transit time through small bowel (MSBTT). The differences were analyzed by ANOVA (Tukey). Our results showed that MGET of animals treated with prednisone, cyclosporine, and tacrolimus were reduced compared with control subjects (P < .03, P < .009, and P < .002, respectively). There was no difference in MCAT, whereas MSBTT was longer for tacrolimus and prednisone compared with control subjects (P < .004 and P < .004, respectively). Also, prednisone and tacrolimus presented a reduced MGET (P < .05 and P < .01, respectively) compared with cyclosporine. Our data showed a low serum creatinine level and no difference among groups regarding renal function. In summary, cyclosporine has less effect on the gastrointestinal transit; however, all of these drugs should be carefully prescribed to prevent gastrointestinal symptoms and improve quality of life after transplantation.

Nickel, manganese and copper removal by a mixed consortium of sulfate reducing bacteria at a high COD/sulfate ratio.

The use of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in passive treatments of acidic effluents containing heavy metals has become an attractive alternative biotechnology. Treatment efficiency may be linked with the effluent conditions (pH and metal concentration) and also to the amount and nature of the organic substrate. Variations on organic substrate and sulfate ratios clearly interfere with the biological removal of this ion by mixed cultures of SRB. This study aimed to cultivate a mixed culture of SRB using different lactate concentrations at pH 7.0 in the presence of Ni, Mn and Cu. The highest sulfate removal efficiency obtained was 98 %, at a COD/sulfate ratio of 2.0. The organic acid analyses indicated an acetate accumulation as a consequence of lactate degradation. Different concentrations of metals were added to the system at neutral pH conditions. Cell proliferation and sulfate consumption in the presence of nickel (4, 20 and 50 mg l(-1)), manganese (1.5, 10 and 25 mg l(-1)) and copper (1.5, 10 and 25 mg l(-1)) were measured. The presence of metals interfered in the sulfate biological removal however the concentration of sulfide produced was high enough to remove over 90 % of the metals in the environment. The molecular characterization of the bacterial consortium based on dsrB gene sequencing indicated the presence of Desulfovibrio desulfuricans, Desulfomonas pigra and Desulfobulbus sp. The results here presented indicate that this SRB culture may be employed for mine effluent bioremediation due to its potential for removing sulfate and metals, simultaneously.

Assessment of Intellectual and Visuo Spatial Abilities in Children and Adults with Williams Syndrome / Evaluación de habilidades intelectuales y visuoespaciales de niños y adultos con Síndrome de Williams

The Williams-Beuren syndrome (SWB), also known as Williams syndrome, is a contiguous gene deletion of the region 7q.11.23. The main clinical characteristics are typical faces, supravalvular aortic stenosis, failure to thrive, short stature, transient neonatal hypercalcemia, delayed language, friendly personality, hyperacusis and intellectual disability. The diagnosis of SWB is confirmed by the detection of micro deletion by different techniques of molecular cytogenetics, FISH, MLPA or polymorphic markers. This study assessed the verbal intelligence quotient (IQ) and performance and visuo-spatial skills in children and adults with WBS. The composed group was of 31 WBS patients (19 M and 12 F), whose ages ranged from 9 to 26 years (M 14.45 y). All patients had the diagnosis confirmed molecularly. The tests used were the WISC-III, WAIS-III and Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test. The results indicated a total IQ ranged from 51 to 86 (M 63): 22 with mild intellectual disability, 4 with moderate intellectual disability, 4 borderlines and 1 below the normal media. All patients had marked visual-spatial deficits. The results suggest nonverbal reasoning, visuo-spatial perception, spatial representation, working memory, motor planning and executive functions are very affected in this group.

El síndrome de Williams-Beuren (SWB), también conocido como síndrome de Williams, es un síndrome de deleción de genes contiguos de la región 7q.11.23. Se caracteriza por dimorfismo facial típico asociado a anomalías cardiovasculares, personalidad amigable, hiperacusia y deficiencia intelectual. El diagnóstico del SWB es confirmado por la detección de microdeleción a partir de las diferentes técnicas de citogenética molecular: FISH, marcadores polimórficos o MLPA. Este estudio evaluó el cociente intelectual verbal y manipulativo, así como las habilidades visuoespaciales en niños y adultos con SWB. El grupo estuvo formado por 31 pacientes con SWB (19 de sexo masculino y 12 de sexo femenino), cuyas edades variaron entre 9 y 26 años (media 14.45 años). Todos los pacientes tenían el diagnóstico confirmado molecularmente. Los test utilizados fueron las escalas WISC-III, WAIS-III y el Test Figuras Complejas Rey-Osterrieth. Los resultados indicaron un cociente intelectual que osciló de 51 a 86 (media 63), distribuido así: 22 con deficiencia intelectual leve, 4 con deficiencia intelectual moderada, 4 limítrofes, 1 en la media inferior. Todos los pacientes presentaron déficit visuoespacial. Los resultados sugieren que el razonamiento no verbal, la percepción visuoespacial, la representación espacial, la memoria de trabajo, la planificación motora y las funciones ejecutivas están muy comprometidos en el grupo estudiado.

Assessment of gastrointestinal motility in renal transplant recipients by alternate current biosusceptometry.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal (GI) complications are common after renal transplantation, mainly owing to immunosuppressive therapy. Assessment of GI transit time can facilitate rational management of these disorders. OBJECTIVE: We evaluate the GI transit parameters in renal transplant recipients taking tacrolimus, azathioprine, and prednisone with the use of the alternate current biosusceptometry (ACB) technique and compared them with healthy volunteers. METHODS: Ten renal transplant recipients and 10 healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study. After an overnight fast, patients and volunteers ingested a standard meal containing magnetic markers. The biomagnetic monitoring was performed at 10-minute intervals for at least 8 hours to obtain gastric emptying as well as the colonic arrival time-intensity curves. Mean gastric emptying time (MGET), mean colon arrival time (MCAT), and mean small intestinal transit time (MSITT) were quantified and compared between control and patient groups with results expressed as mean ± SD. RESULTS: The MGET measured by the ACB technique was 48 ± 31 minutes and 197 ± 50 minutes for patients and healthy subjects, respectively. MSITT and MCAT values calculated for patients versus volunteers were 171 ± 71 minutes versus 197 ± 71 minutes and 219 ± 83 minutes versus 373 ± 52 minutes, respectively. Renal transplant recipients showed significantly faster; gastric emptying and colon arrival times (P < .001) compared with normal volunteers; however, small intestinal transit time was not significantly different (P = .44). CONCLUSIONS: In stable renal transplant recipients, the GI transit parameters were significantly faster than in normal healthy volunteers. ACB sensors are versatile technologies that can be used for clinical research, because they offer an excellent opportunity to evaluate GI transit in a noninvasive manner without the use of ionizing radiation.

Molecular detection of hemoplasma infection among cats from São Luís island, Maranhão, Brazil

Hemoplasmas are bacteria that infect erythrocytes, attaching to the red blood cell. There is a need for more reports of hemoplasma infection prevalence and molecular characterization among cats in Brazil since there are only few published reports. The present work aimed to detect and molecularly characterize the presence of hemotrophic mycoplasmas in domestic cats with outdoor access from São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil. Twenty cats (10%) were positive for Candidatus M. haemominutum, five (2.5%) for M. haemofelis, and four (2.%) for M. turicensis based on 16S rRNA gene PCRs. Five cats (2.5%) were co-positive for Candidatus M. haemominutum and M. haemofelis. PCR diagnosis was confirmed by sequencing; and phylogenetic analysis was based on 16S rRNA and rnpb genes.

The Pht1;9 and Pht1;8 transporters mediate inorganic phosphate acquisition by the Arabidopsis thaliana root during phosphorus starvation.

• The activation of high-affinity root transport systems is the best-conserved strategy employed by plants to cope with low inorganic phosphate (Pi) availability, a role traditionally assigned to Pi transporters of the Pht1 family, whose respective contributions to Pi acquisition remain unclear. • To characterize the Arabidopsis thaliana Pht1;9 transporter, we combined heterologous functional expression in yeast with expression/subcellular localization studies and reverse genetics approaches in planta. Double Pht1;9/Pht1;8 silencing lines were also generated to gain insight into the role of the closest Pht1;9 homolog. • Pht1;9 encodes a functional plasma membrane-localized transporter that mediates high-affinity Pi/H⁺ symport activity in yeast and is highly induced in Pi-starved Arabidopsis roots. Null pht1;9 alleles exhibit exacerbated responses to prolonged Pi limitation and enhanced tolerance to arsenate exposure, whereas Pht1;9 overexpression induces the opposite phenotypes. Strikingly, Pht1;9/Pht1;8 silencing lines display more pronounced defects than the pht1;9 mutants. • Pi and arsenic plant content analyses confirmed a role of Pht1;9 in Pi acquisition during Pi starvation and arsenate uptake at the root-soil interface. Although not affecting plant internal Pi repartition, Pht1;9 activity influences the overall Arabidopsis Pi status. Finally, our results indicate that both the Pht1;9 and Pht1;8 transporters function in sustaining plant Pi supply on environmental Pi depletion.

Molecular and serological detection of Theileria equi and Babesia caballi in donkeys (Equus asinus) in Brazil.

Piroplasmosis in donkeys has been recognized as a serious problem of major economic importance, since the affected animals manifest loss of appetite and decreased working capacity. The present work is aimed at detecting infection or exposure of donkeys in São Paulo, Brazil to Theileria (T.) equi and Babesia (B.) caballi using molecular and serological approaches. EDTA-blood and serum samples were collected from 88 donkeys (Equus asinus). From 88 sampled donkeys, 65 (73.86%; 95% confidence interval, PI=63.41, 82.65) and 82 (93.2%; 95% confidence interval, PI=85.75, 97.46) animals showed IgG antibodies to T. equi (by ELISA) and B. caballi (by IFAT), respectively. Twenty-eight (31.81%; 95% confidence interval, PI=22.3, 42.61) and 18 (20.45%; 95% confidence interval, PI=12.6, 30.39) donkeys were positive to T. equi and B. caballi nested PCR assays, respectively. The results indicated that T. equi and B. caballi are prevalent among donkeys in Brazil.

Molecular detection of hemoplasma infection among cats from São Luís island, Maranhão, Brazil.

Hemoplasmas are bacteria that infect erythrocytes, attaching to the red blood cell. There is a need for more reports of hemoplasma infection prevalence and molecular characterization among cats in Brazil since there are only few published reports. The present work aimed to detect and molecularly characterize the presence of hemotrophic mycoplasmas in domestic cats with outdoor access from São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil. Twenty cats (10%) were positive for Candidatus M. haemominutum, five (2.5%) for M. haemofelis, and four (2.%) for M. turicensis based on 16S rRNA gene PCRs. Five cats (2.5%) were co-positive for Candidatus M. haemominutum and M. haemofelis. PCR diagnosis was confirmed by sequencing; and phylogenetic analysis was based on 16S rRNA and rnpb genes.

Qualitative modelling and formal verification of the FLR1 gene mancozeb response in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

BACKGROUND: Qualitative models allow understanding the relation between the structure and the dynamics of gene regulatory networks. The dynamical properties of these models can be automatically analysed by means of formal verification methods, like model checking. This facilitates the model-validation process and the test of new hypotheses to reconcile model predictions with the experimental data. RESULTS: The authors report in this study the qualitative modelling and simulation of the transcriptional regulatory network controlling the response of the model eukaryote Saccharomyces cerevisiae to the agricultural fungicide mancozeb. The model allowed the analysis of the regulation level and activity of the components of the gene mancozeb-induced network controlling the transcriptional activation of the FLR1 gene, which is proposed to confer multidrug resistance through its putative role as a drug eflux pump. Formal verification analysis of the network allowed us to confront model predictions with the experimental data and to assess the model robustness to parameter ordering and gene deletion. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis enabled us to better understand the mechanisms regulating the FLR1 gene mancozeb response and confirmed the need of a new transcription factor for the full transcriptional activation of YAP1. The result is a computable model of the FLR1 gene response to mancozeb, permitting a quick and cost-effective test of hypotheses prior to experimental validation.

A description of adaptive and maladaptive behaviour in children and adolescents with Cri-du-chat syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Psychological tests can be useful to record adaptive and maladaptive behaviours of children with intellectual disability. The objective of this study was to describe the adaptive and maladaptive behaviour of children and adolescents with Cri-du-chat syndrome. METHODS: The sample consisted of 10 children and adolescents with Cri-du-chat syndrome (mean chronological age=11.3 years, mean mental age=18 months). The developmental quotient was calculated through the Psychoeducational Profile - Revised. An observational protocol was used to record adaptive and maladaptive behaviours. RESULTS: The number of maladaptive behaviours observed was different among participants. However, all of them had high rates of adaptive behaviours, such as rule-following. CONCLUSIONS: These results, though preliminary, justify that we continue to think about the need for psychoeducational interventions aimed at stimulating the repertoire of adaptive behaviours, in people with Cri-du-chat syndrome.

Dilatação cística do úraco e uroperitônio em touros: relato de cinco casos / Cystic dilatation of the urachus and uroperitoneum in bulls: report of five cases

Descrevem-se os aspectos clínicos da dilatação cística do úraco e uroperitônio em cinco touros. Os animais apresentaram, em datas distintas, distensão abdominal e diminuição da ingestão de alimentos e água, até culminar com inapetência, cerca de duas semanas após o aparecimento dos primeiros sintomas. Ocorreu distensão abdominal bilateral progressiva, que, no início do processo, era discreta e restrita ao quadrante inferior do abdômen; com cerca de duas semanas de evolução, o abdômen assumiu forma arredondada semelhante à pera. Observou-se bruxismo, atonia ruminal e desidratação. A abdominocentese revelou a presença de líquido amarelado com concentração de ureia superior a 200mg/dL. A concentração de ureia no soro sanguíneo variou de 220 a 280mg/dL e a creatinina de 65 a 82mg/dL. A ligadura do divertículo do úraco próximo ao vértex da bexiga foi eficaz nos quatro touros operados.

The clinical findings and outcomes in five bulls with a perforation or rupture of the urachal diverticulum are described. All the bulls had a dilated round or pear-shaped abdomen, bruxism, ruminal atony, and dehidration. In all the bulls, abdominocentesis yielded a stream fluid and the serum concentrations of urea and creatinine were 220 to 280mg/dL and 65 to 82mg/dL, respectively. Peritoneal fluid concentration of urea was higher than 200mg/dL. In fours bulls, urachal diverticulums were closed next to the cranial pole of the bladders. After the surgery, the recovery was effective.

Refining current knowledge on the yeast FLR1 regulatory network by combined experimental and computational approaches.

Multidrug resistance is often the result of the activation of drug efflux pumps able to catalyze the extrusion of the toxic compound to the outer medium, this activation being frequently controlled at the transcriptional level. Transcriptional regulation in the model eukaryote S. cerevisiae is the result of the interaction and cross-talk between networks of transcription factors. This is the case of the transcriptional activation of the FLR1 gene occurring in response to stress induced by the agricultural fungicide mancozeb in yeast. FLR1 up-regulation depends on the integrated action of Yap1, a key regulator of oxidative stress response, Pdr3 and Yrr1, two of the transcription factors controlling multidrug resistance, and Rpn4, a regulator of proteasome gene expression, which interplay to produce the observed transcriptional up-shift. Based on the expression profiles of FLR1, YAP1, PDR3, YRR1 and RPN4 registered during yeast adaptation to stress induced by mancozeb and using a qualitative modeling approach, a model of the FLR1 regulatory network was built, and the response of S. cerevisiae to mancozeb stress was simulated. The use of a qualitative approach is especially useful to overcome the lack of enough quantitative data on kinetic parameters and molecular concentrations, permitting the immediate focus on the qualitative behavior of the system. This Systems Biology approach allowed the identification of essential features of the early yeast response to fungicide stress. The resulting model allowed the formulation of new hypotheses, in a quick and cost effective manner, on the qualitative behavior of the system following mancozeb challenge, some of which were validated experimentally. In particular, Pdr3 and Yrr1 were shown to directly control FLR1 up-regulation in mancozeb-challenged cells, based on the analysis of the effect of the inactivation of their putative binding sites in the FLR1 promoter. Furthermore, the inter-dependent role of Yap1 and Yrr1 in the regulation of PDR3 and RPN4 was brought to light, this joint activity possibly being extensible to eight other genes involved in multidrug resistance. The FLR1 network structure was revised, based on the comparison between simulated and experimental gene expression data in the double deletion mutant strains Δyrr1Δpdr3 and Δyrr1Δrpn4, and an additional, still unidentified, transcription factor was found to be required to fully explain the behavior of the network.

Asymptomatic Strongyloides stercoralis hyperinfection in an alcoholic patient with intense anemia.

Strongyloides stercoralis infection is endemic in many tropical and subtropical areas. The parasite has the unusual ability to multiply inside the host due to the transformation of rhabditiform larvae into infective filariforms. Several studies have shown that chronic alcoholism is an important factor that predisposes to strongyloidiasis. The increased susceptibility to S. stercoralis infections seen in alcoholic individuals could be explained by their increased exposure to the parasite, malnutrition, breakdown of local immune responses, and/or alterations in intestinal barriers. Moreover, ethanol intoxication can elevate human endogenous corticosterone, which, in turn, suppresses T cell function and increases the fecundity and survival of the parasite, mimicking the effect of worm ecdysteroides. Although chronic alcoholism is a risk factor for nematode infection, most cases of hyperinfection or dissemination are associated with the presence of hepatic cirrhosis or strongyloidiasis-related symptoms. The present study describes a case of S. stercoralis hyperinfection in a 51-yr-old male patient without gastrointestinal or pulmonary symptoms and with previous anemia and chronic alcoholism. He was not receiving glucocorticoid therapy and tested negative for HTLV and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but he had a history of alcohol addiction for more than 20 yr. Laboratory test results showed increased eosinophilia and a high immunoglobulin E (IgE) level, which may have temporarily protected the patient from dissemination of infection, but not prevented proliferation of the parasite, as shown by the large number of S. stercoralis larvae recovered using the Baermann method. Evaluation for strongyloidiasis should occur in alcoholics, especially in endemic areas, to prevent occult asymptomatic infections from progressing to life-threatening cases.

Manganese and limestone interactions during mine water treatment.

Manganese removal from mining-affected waters is an important challenge for the mining industry. Addressed herein is this issue in both batch and continuous conditions. Batch experiments were carried out with synthetic solutions, at 23+/-2 degrees C, initial pH 5.5 and 8.3 g limestone/L. Similarly, continuous tests were performed with a 16.5 mg/L Mn(2+) mine water, at 23 degrees C, initial pH 8.0 and 20.8 g limestone/L. Calcite limestone gave the best results and its fine grinding proved to the most effective parameter for manganese removal. In either synthetic solutions or industrial effluents, the final manganese concentration was below 1 mg/L. A change in limestone surface zeta potential is observed after manganese removal and manganese carbonate formation was suggested by IR spectroscopy. The conclusion is that limestone can remove manganese from industrial effluents for values that comply with environmental regulations.

Behavior profile of family members of donors and nondonors of organs.

UNLABELLED: Organ transplant shortage is a global problem caused by several factors, most of which are related to members of the family, who play a major role in the donation process. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the most determinant features in the donor profile that relate to positive decisions versus refusal of donation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-six families who were approached by the Organ Procurement Organization (OPO) from November 2004 to April 2006 agreed to participate in this work. To assess donor profiles, we used a structured interview. RESULTS: Parental involvement directly in decisions about donation lead to significantly less frequent consent (P = .005), young donor age was associated with a reduced probability of donation (P = .002), violent death negatively influenced donation consent, excluding suicide (P = .004). CONCLUSION: The present study showed violent death, young patient age, and parental donation consent to be the most important factors that make it harder to obtain consent organ donation. When a collateral relative (sibling/uncle) or children were responsible for the donation decision, there was more success of consent.