Sensitivity of cholinesterases and carboxylesterases to pharmaceutical products in Tinca tinca.

Discharges to the aquatic environment of pharmaceuticals represent a hazard to the aquatic organisms. Subchronic assay with 17-alpha-ethinylestradiol (EE2) and in vitro essays with pharmaceuticals of environmental concern were conducted to examine the sensitivity of tissue acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and carboxylesterase (CbE) activities of Tinca tinca to them. Subchronic exposure to 17-alpha-EE2 caused significant effects on brain, liver, and muscle CbE, but no on AChE activities. Most of the pharmaceuticals tested in vitro were considered as weak inhibitors of tissular AChE activity. Depending on the tissues, some compounds were classified as moderate inhibitors of CbE activity while other were categorized as weak enzymatic inhibitors. An opposite trend was observed depending on the tissue, while brain and liver CbE activities were inhibited, the muscle CbE activity was induced. Changes experienced on enzymatic activities after exposure to pharmaceuticals might affect the physiological functions in which these enzymes are involved. In vitro exposure to 17-alpha-EE2 in tench could be an informative, but not a surrogate model to know the effect of this synthetic estrogen on AChE and CbE activities.

Mechanistic Insights into the Oxidative Degradation of Formic and Oxalic Acids with Ozone and OH Radical. A Computational Rationale.

Gas-phase and aqueous oxidations of formic and oxalic acids with ozone and OH radicals have been thoroughly examined by DFT methods. Such acids are not only important feedstocks for the iterative construction of other organic compounds but also final products generated by mineralization and advanced oxidation of higher organics. Our computational simulation unravels both common and distinctive reaction channels, albeit consistent with known H atom abstraction pathways and formation of hydropolyoxide derivatives. Notably, reactions with neutral ozone and OH radical proceed through low-energy concerted mechanisms involving asynchronous transition structures. For formic acid, carbonylic H-abstraction appears to be more favorable than the dissociative abstraction of the acid proton. Formation of long oxygen chains does not cause a significant energy penalty and highly oxygenated products are stable enough, even if subsequent decomposition releases environmentally benign side substances like O2 and H2O.

The Role of Molossidae and Vespertilionidae in Shaping the Diversity of Alphacoronaviruses in the Americas.

Bats are reservoirs of diverse coronaviruses (CoVs), including progenitors of severe acute respiratory syndrome CoV (SARS-CoV) and SARS-CoV-2. In the Americas, there is a contrast between alphacoronaviruses (alphaCoVs) and betaCoVs: while cospeciation prevails in the latter, alphaCoV evolution is dominated by deep and recent host switches. AlphaCoV lineages are maintained by two different bat family groups, Phyllostomidae and Vespertilionidae plus Molossidae. In this study, we used a Bayesian framework to analyze the process of diversification of the lineages maintained by Molossidae and Vespertilionidae, adding novel CoV sequences from Argentina. We provide evidence that the observed CoV diversity in these two bat families is shaped by their geographic distribution and that CoVs exhibit clustering at the level of bat genera. We discuss the causes of the cocirculation of two independent clades in Molossus and Tadarida as well as the role of Myotis as the ancestral host and a major evolutionary reservoir of alphaCoVs across the continent. Although more CoV sampling efforts are needed, these findings contribute to a better knowledge of the diversity of alphaCoVs and the links between bat host species. IMPORTANCE Bats harbor the largest diversity of coronaviruses among mammals. In the Americas, seven alphacoronavirus lineages circulate among bats. Three of these lineages are shared by members of two bat families: Vespertilionidae and Molossidae. Uncovering the relationships between these coronaviruses can help us to understand patterns of cross-species transmission and, ultimately, which hosts are more likely to be involved in spillover events. We found that two different lineages cocirculate among the bat genera Molossus and Tadarida, which share roosts and have common viral variants. The bat genus Myotis functions as a reservoir of coronavirus diversity and, as such, is a key host. Although there were some spillovers recorded, there is a strong host association, showing that once a successful host jump takes place, it is transmitted onward to members of the same bat genus.

Two-dimensional layered carbon-based catalytic ozonation for water purification: Rational design of catalysts and an in-depth understanding of the interfacial reaction mechanism.

This review renewed insight into the existing complex and contradictory mechanisms of catalytic ozonation by two-dimensional layered carbon-based materials (2D-LCMs) for degradation toxic refractory organics in aqueous solution. Migration and capture of active electrons are central to catalytic ozonation reactions, which was not studied or reviewed more clearly. Based on this perspective, the catalytic ozonation potential of 2D-LCMs synthesized by numerous methods is firstly contrasted to guide the design of subsequent carbon based-catalysts, and not limited to 2D-LCMs. Matching ROS to active sites is a key step in understanding the catalytic mechanism. The structure-activity relationships between reported numerous active sites and ROS evolution is then constructed. Result showed that OH could be produced by -OH, -C=O, -COOH groups, defective sites, immobilized metal atoms, doped heteroatoms and photo-induced electrons; and O2- could be produced by -OH groups and sp2-bonded carbon. The normalized model further be used to visually compare the contribution degree of various regulatory methods to performance improvement. More importantly, this review calls for 2D-LCMs-based catalytic ozonation to be studied without circumventing the issue of structural stability, which would lead to many proposals of catalysts and its involved catalytic reaction mechanism being meaningless.

Human Rabies by Secondary Transmission in Argentina, 2021.

Rabies is a zoonotic disease caused by the rabies virus (RABV) that causes fatal encephalitis in mammals. Bats can transmit the disease to urban canines and felines, which rarely infect humans, establishing a secondary link. The last case of human rabies in Argentina was transmitted by a dog in 2008. We present the first case of human rabies originating from an insectivorous bat, Tadarida brasiliensis, transmitted by a feral cat in Buenos Aires province, Argentina.

A Novel Terrestrial Rabies Virus Lineage Occurring in South America: Origin, Diversification, and Evidence of Contact between Wild and Domestic Cycles.

The rabies virus (RABV) is characterized by a history dominated by host shifts within and among bats and carnivores. One of the main outcomes of long-term RABV maintenance in dogs was the establishment of variants in a wide variety of mesocarnivores. In this study, we present the most comprehensive phylogenetic and phylogeographic analysis, contributing to a better understanding of the origins, diversification, and the role of different host species in the evolution and diffusion of a dog-related variant endemic of South America. A total of 237 complete Nucleoprotein gene sequences were studied, corresponding to wild and domestic species, performing selection analyses, ancestral states reconstructions, and recombination analyses. This variant originated in Brazil and disseminated through Argentina and Paraguay, where a previously unknown lineage was found. A single host shift was identified in the phylogeny, from dog to the crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) in the Northeast of Brazil. Although this process occurred in a background of purifying selection, there is evidence of adaptive evolution -or selection of sub-consensus sequences- in internal branches after the host shift. The interaction of domestic and wild cycles persisted after host switching, as revealed by spillover and putative recombination events.

Photocatalytic ozonation in water treatment: Is there really a synergy between systems?

Numerous studies report on the synergy between ozonation and photocatalytic oxidation (TiO2/UVA), which could open the way to the application of photocatalytic ozonation (PCOz) in water treatment. With the aim of establishing the existence of this synergy and its origin, in this work, using TiO2 P25, 365 nm UVA LEDs and ozone transferred doses up to 5 mg (mg DOC0)-1 (DOC0 7 - 10 mg L-1), a systematic study has been carried out featuring the effect of pH, alkalinity and water matrix in each of the systems involved in PCOz, with special attention to the role of organics adsorption onto TiO2. In ultrapure water, an increase in pH and carbonates content exerted a slight negative effect on the photocatalytic degradation of primidone (low adsorption onto TiO2 and mainly abated by free HO•), this effect being higher on its mineralization. The negative effect of pH and alkalinity was much stronger for oxalic acid (high tendency to adsorb and mainly oxidized by positive holes). Accordingly, the results obtained at pH < pHpzc (point of zero charge of the catalyst) in ultrapure water cannot at all be extrapolated to secondary effluents, since their composition negatively affects the photocatalytic performance. At the experimental conditions applied, only for the secondary effluent a synergy between O3/UVA and TiO2/UVA systems was observed. This synergy would be related, on the one hand, to the generation, from the matrix itself, of reactive entities or intermediates that promote the decomposition of ozone into HO•; and, on the other hand, to an increase in catalyst activity as the matrix UVA absorption decreases, rather than from direct interactions between both systems. Despite de above, ozone requirement to achieve a significant reduction of DOC is high and would only be an interesting strategy for the elimination of ozone-refractory micropollutants.

Conserved genetic signatures parcellate cardinal spinal neuron classes into local and projection subsets.

Motor and sensory functions of the spinal cord are mediated by populations of cardinal neurons arising from separate progenitor lineages. However, each cardinal class is composed of multiple neuronal types with distinct molecular, anatomical, and physiological features, and there is not a unifying logic that systematically accounts for this diversity. We reasoned that the expansion of new neuronal types occurred in a stepwise manner analogous to animal speciation, and we explored this by defining transcriptomic relationships using a top-down approach. We uncovered orderly genetic tiers that sequentially divide groups of neurons by their motor-sensory, local-long range, and excitatory-inhibitory features. The genetic signatures defining neuronal projections were tied to neuronal birth date and conserved across cardinal classes. Thus, the intersection of cardinal class with projection markers provides a unifying taxonomic solution for systematically identifying distinct functional subsets.

Evaluation of Two Real-Time, TaqMan Reverse Transcription-PCR Assays for Detection of Rabies Virus in Circulating Variants from Argentina: Influence of Sequence Variation.

In rabies diagnosis, it is essential to count on a rapid test to give a quick response. The combined sensitivity and robustness of the TaqMan RT-PCR assays (qRT-PCR) have made these methods a valuable alternative for rabies virus (RABV) detection. We conducted a study to compare the applicability of two widely used qRT-PCR assays targeting the nucleoprotein gene (LysGT1 assay) and leader sequences (LN34 qRT-PCR assay) of RABV genomes, in all variants circulating in Argentina. A total of 44 samples obtained from bats, dogs, cattle, and horses, that were previously tested for rabies by FAT and conventional RT-PCR, were used in the study. All variants were successfully detected by the pan-lyssavirus LN34 qRT-PCR assay. The LysGT1 assay failed to detect three bat-related variants. We further sequenced the region targeted by LysGT1 and demonstrated that the presence of three or more mismatches with respect to the primers and probe sequences precludes viral detection. We conclude that the LysGT1 assay is prone to yield variant-dependent false-negative test results, and in consequence, the LN34 assay would ensure more effective detection of RABV in Argentina.

Heterogeneous taxonomic resolution of cytochrome b gene identification of bats from Argentina: Implications for field studies.

Bats are among the most diverse, widespread, and abundant mammals. In Argentina, 67 species of bats have been recorded, belonging to 5 families and 29 genera. These high levels of biodiversity are likely to complicate identification at fieldwork, especially between closely related species, where external morphology-based approaches are the only immediate means for a priori species assignment. The use of molecular markers can enhance species identification, and acquires particular relevance in capture-release studies. In this study, we discuss the extent of the use of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene for species identification, comparing external morphology identification with a molecular phylogenetic classification based on this marker, under the light of current bat systematics. We analyzed 33 samples collected in an eco-epidemiological survey in the province of Santa Fe (Argentina). We further sequenced 27 museum vouchers to test the accuracy of cytochrome b -based phylogenies in taxonomic identification of bats occurring in the Pampean/Chacoan regions of Argentina. The cytochrome b gene was successfully amplified in all Molossid and Vespertilionid species except for Eptesicus, for which we designed a new reverse primer. The resulting Bayesian phylogeny was congruent with current systematics. Cytochrome b proved useful for species-level delimitation in non-conflicting genera (Eumops, Dasypterus, Molossops) and has infrageneric resolution in more complex lineages (Eptesicus, Myotis, Molossus). We discuss four sources of incongruence that may act separately or in combination: 1) molecular processes, 2) biology, 3) limitations in identification, and 4) errors in the current taxonomy. The present study confirms the general applicability of cytochrome b -based phylogenies in eco-epidemiological studies, but its resolution and reliability depend mainly, but not solely, on the level of genetic differentiation within each bat genus.

Longitud cervical en la predicción de parto prematuro espontáneo y resultados perinatales en población de gemelos (dobles) en Hospital Provincial, Chile / Cervix measurement in spontaneous labor prediction and perinatal results in twins from a provincial hospital, Chile

RESUMEN Diversas publicaciones han demostrado que el acortamiento cervical es un elemento predictor de parto prematuro en embarazo gemelar. Los objetivos del presente trabajo fueron comparar los resultados perinatales de gestantes con longitud cervical (LC), entre las 20-24 semanas, ≤ 25mm y aquellas con LC > 25mm; y evaluar la capacidad predictiva para parto prematuro ≤ 32 semanas. Estudio analítico observacional, retrospectivo de cohorte, se recogieron los datos de las gestantes con embarazo gemelar doble, atendidas en el servicio de Obstetricia y Ginecología Hospital Las Higueras Talcahuano, durante los años 2010 al 2018; quienes se les había realizado al menos una evaluación cervical entre las 20 y 24 semanas; recolectando desde base de datos y ficha clínica sus datos perinatales. Se obtuvo los datos de 186 pacientes, la edad promedio de las pacientes fue 29 años, longitud cervical promedio fue 40,8 mm, parto promedio fue a las 35,6 semanas. El 71% de las gestantes fue gemelar Bicorial-Biamniótico y 29% Monocorial-Biamniótico. El 3,2% de los casos (n=6) tuvo longitud cervical ≤ 25mm en el segundo trimestre. En el grupo con longitud cervical ≤ 25 mm la EG al parto fue 30,7 semanas, con peso promedio de 1.555 gramos y una talla de 41,1 cm; mientras que estos mismos valores en el grupo con cérvix > 25 mm fueron 35,8 semanas, 2,527 gramos y 45,8 cm. La longitud cervical en relación a parto ≤ 32 semanas tuvo una sensibilidad de un 27,8%; especificidad de un 99,4%; VPP de 83,3% y un VPN de 92,8%. CONCLUSIÓN: Nuestros resultados muestran que la longitud cervical logra tener una gran especificidad, VPP y VPN en relación del parto prematuro ≤ 32 semanas, pero con una sensibilidad limitada. Pudiendo ser un buen método para identificar al embarazo gemelar en riesgo de parto prematuro ≤ 32 semanas.

ABSTRACT Several publications have shown that cervical shortening is a predictive element of premature delivery in twin pregnancy. The objectives of the present study were to compare the perinatal results of pregnant women with cervical length, between 20-24 weeks, ≤ 25mm and those with> 25mm; and evaluate the predictive capacity for premature delivery ≤ 32 weeks. An observational, cohort, retrospective, analytical study collected the data of pregnant women with double twin pregnancy treated at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Service Hospital Las Higueras Talcahuano during the years 2010 to 2018; who had at least one cervical measurement between 20 and 24 weeks of pregnancy; collecting perinatal data from database and clinical record. Data were obtained from 186 patients, the average age of the patients was 29 years, average cervical measurement was 40.8 mm, average delivery was 35.6 weeks. The 71% of pregnant women were twin BcBa and 29% McBa. The 3.2% (n = 6) had cervical measurement ≤ 25mm in the second trimester. In the group with cervical length ≤ 25 mm, the GA at delivery was 30.7 weeks, with an average weight of 1555 grams and a height of 41.1 cm; while these same values in the group with cervix > 25 mm were 35.8 weeks, 2527 grams and 45.8 cm. Cervical measurement in relation to childbirth ≤ 32 weeks had a sensitivity of 27.8%; specificity of 99.4%; PPV of 83.3% and a NPV of 92.8%. CONCLUSION: Our results show that cervical length has great specificity, PPV and NPV in relation to premature labor ≤ 32 weeks, but with limited sensitivity. It can be a good method to identify the twin pregnancy at risk of preterm birth ≤ 32 weeks.

Graphene-Based Catalysts for Ozone Processes to Decontaminate Water.

The use of graphene-based materials as catalysts in both ozone and ozone/radiation processes is creating interest among researchers devoted to the study of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for the degradation of organic pollutants in water. In this review, detailed explanations of catalytic and photocatalytic ozonation processes mediated by graphene-based materials are presented, focusing on aspects related to the preparation and characterization of catalysts, the nature of the water pollutants treated, the type of reactors and radiation sources applied, the influence of the main operating variables, catalyst activity and stability, and kinetics and mechanisms.

Treatment of slaughterhouse wastewater by acid precipitation (H2SO4, HCl and HNO3) and oxidation (Ca(ClO)2, H2O2 and CaO2).

The treatment of slaughterhouse wastewater was investigated by both acid precipitations and by oxidation processes. Precipitation tests were developed using three acids (H2SO4, HCl and HNO3) at different operating pH (1-6). A decrease of the precipitation pH led to an increase of the conductivity values of the supernatant. Precipitation processes allowed the removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) (41-97%), turbidity (56-99%) and total phosphorus (27-56%). Total phenols were removed (15-96%) from pH ≥ 2, depending on the precipitation process. Generally, precipitation processes decreased the hydroxide and bicarbonates species. Additionally, three different oxidation processes were tested at different concentrations (1-15 g L-1): Ca(ClO)2, H2O2 and CaO2. When Ca(ClO)2 and CaO2 were applied, an increase of the supernatant conductivity was achieved. COD removal ≥71% and turbidity elimination in the range of 85-100% were achieved by using oxidation processes. CaO2 was very effective to remove total phosphorus (81-96%). The increase of the oxidant concentration in H2O2 and Ca(ClO)2 oxidation processes led to a decrease in the removal of total phenols and bicarbonates species. Optical density of the microorganism cultures was efficiently eliminated (up to 100%) by oxidation processes. In addition, acid precipitation and oxidation allowed to remove total solids (TS), total volatile solids (TVS), total suspended solids (TSS), ammonia nitrogen, nitrates and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5). Acid precipitation and oxidation produced sludge rich in organic matter and nutrients (Ca, Mg, P, Cl, Na and K). Despite the high removal efficiencies, a post-treatment following the precipitation and oxidation processes can be required.

Ozone-Based Advanced Oxidation Processes for Primidone Removal in Water using Simulated Solar Radiation and TiO2 or WO3 as Photocatalyst.

In this work, primidone, a high persistent pharmacological drug typically found in urban wastewaters, was degraded by different ozone combined AOPs using TiO2 P25 and commercial WO3 as photocatalyst. The comparison of processes, kinetics, nature of transformation products, and ecotoxicity of treated water samples, as well as the influence of the water matrix (ultrapure water or a secondary effluent), is presented and discussed. In presence of ozone, primidone is rapidly eliminated, with hydroxyl radicals being the main species involved. TiO2 was the most active catalyst regardless of the water matrix and the type of solar (global or visible) radiation applied. The synergy between ozone and photocatalysis (photocatalytic ozonation) for TOC removal was more evident at low O3 doses. In spite of having a lower band gap than TiO2 P25, WO3 did not bring any beneficial effects compared to TiO2 P25 regarding PRM and TOC removal. Based on the transformation products identified during ozonation and photocatalytic ozonation of primidone (hydroxyprimidone, phenyl-ethyl-malonamide, and 5-ethyldihydropirimidine-4,6(1H,5H)-dione), a degradation pathway is proposed. The application of the different processes resulted in an environmentally safe effluent for Daphnia magna.

Sunlight driven photolytic ozonation as an advanced oxidation process in the oxidation of bezafibrate, cotinine and iopamidol.

This study investigates the efficacy of the system O3/sunlight radiation compared to dark ozonation when treating pharmaceuticals compounds of different reactivity, namely bezafibrate, cotinine, and iopamidol. Results show the beneficial effects of simulated sunlight radiation (300-800 nm) when treating ozone recalcitrant compounds such as cotinine and iopamidol. The system O3/sunlight radiation increased mineralization extent in all cases if compared to dark ozonation. Transformation products identified in individual runs suggest that amine oxidation and further alkyl chain attack is the main route of bezafibrate ozonation. Hydroxylation seems to be the preferential path in cotinine abatement while H abstraction from alcoholic moieties is suggested in the case of iopamidol. Toxicity of intermediates was approximately evaluated by QSAR methodologies and experimentally through Daphnia Magna survival after 24 h. As a rule of thumb, initial intermediates generated are even more toxic than parent compounds, however, after 120 min of treatment, toxicity significantly decreased. Amongst the most toxic compounds generated: 4-Chlorobenzoyltyramine, and 4-Chloro-N-[2-(3,4-dihydroxy-phenyl)-ethyl]-benzamide (from bezafibrate), and N-(2-Hydroxy-1-hydroxymethyl-ethyl)-N'-(1-hydroxymethyl-2-oxo-ethyl)-5-(2-hydroxy-propionylamino)-2,4,6-triiodo-isophthalamide, N,N'-Bis-(1-hydroxymethyl-2-oxo-ethyl)-5-(2-hydroxy-propionylamino)-2,4,6-triiodo-isophthalamide, and N-(1-Hydroxymethyl-2-oxo-ethyl)-5-(2-hydroxy-propionylamino)-2,4,6-triiodo-isophthalamide (from iopamidol) were identified.

Simulated solar driven photolytic ozonation for the oxidation of aqueous recalcitrant-to-ozone tritosulfuron. Transformation products and toxicity.

This work reports the combination of ozone and solar radiation as an advanced oxidation process to remove the herbicide tritosufuron (TSF) in water. Firstly, the recalcitrance of TSF has been assessed, obtaining an ozonation second order rate constant of 5-154 M-1 min-1 in the range of pH from 5 to 8; while the rate constant with HO was found to be (1.8-3.1)·109 M-1 s-1. Secondly, the simultaneous application of simulated solar radiation in between 300 and 800 nm and ozone resulted positive in the oxidation rate of TSF. Mineralization extent was also higher. Less effective oxidation was achieved after limiting the radiation to the range 360-800 nm or 390-800 nm; also completely inappropriate for mineralization. Thirdly, the detected transformation products (TPs) demonstrated the vulnerability of TSF molecule to be attacked by HO in the sulfonylurea bridge. The combination of ozone and radiation of 300-800 nm led to the most effective removal of the TPs. Finally, after the photolytic ozonation treatment toxicity was also evaluated in terms of phytotoxicity towards the germination and root elongation of Lactuca Sativa seeds, and toxicity by immobilization tests of Daphnia Magna.

El niño que sufre emocionalmente. El aumento de la psicopatología en la infancia del siglo XXI / The child who suffers emotionally. The increase of psychopathology in the infancy of the 21st century's / El nen que pateix emocionalment. L'augment de la psicopatologia en la infància del segle XXI

Los trastornos del espectro autista (TEA) y de trastorno por déficit de atención con o sin hiperactividad (TDA/H) ocupan un lugar cada vez más preponderante. Junto a ellos, y por otros motivos, la disforia de género (DG) completa el grupo de etiquetas diagnósticas que retratan el sufrimiento emocional del niño y del adolescente. A pesar de ello, las escasas estadísticas oficiales no sugieren la existencia de un incremento de la psicopatología en la infancia española en el siglo XXI. Se exploran algunas de las causas que contribuyen a dicha situación y se proponen aproximaciones diagnósticas alternativas

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity (AD / HD) occupy an increasingly preponderant place. Together with these and other reasons, gender dysphoria (GD) completes the group of diagnostic labels that show the emotional suffering of the child and the adolescent. Despite this, the scarce official statistics do not suggest the existence of an increase in psychopathology in Spanish childhood in the 21st century. Some of the causes that contribute to this situation are explored and alternative diagnostic approaches are proposed

Els trastorns de l'espectre autista (TEA) i de trastorn per déficit d'atenció amb o sense hiperactivitat (TDA/H) ocupen un lloc cada vegada més preponderant. Amb ells, i per altres motius, la disfòria de génere (DG) completa el grup d'etiquetes diagnòstiques que retraten el patiment emocional del nen i de l'adolescent. Malgrat aixó, les escasses estadístiques oficials no suggereixen l'existència d'un increment de la psicopatologia en la infáncia espanyola en el segle XXI. S'exploren algunes de les causes que contribueixen a aquesta situació i es proposen aproximacions diagnóstiques alternatives

Evaluation of a rapid immunochromatographic diagnostic test (RIDT) for diagnosis of rabies in samples from Argentina.

INTRODUCTION: Rabies is a globally widespread zoonosis of viral origin that causes fatal encephalitis in humans and animals. In countries where rabies is endemic and there is a lack of well-equipped diagnostic laboratories, a rapid immunochromatographic diagnostic test (RIDT) for detection of rabies could be an indispensable tool. In this study we evaluated the limit of detection, as well as specificity and sensitivity of RIDT, compared to the standard fluorescent antibody test (FAT). METHODOLOGY: A total of 174 samples were diagnosed by both RIDT and FAT. Fresh clinical samples, poorly conserved samples and brains in advanced state of decomposition generated under laboratory conditions were used to resemble field conditions. The sensitivity of RIDT was evaluated with CVS fixed strain of rabies virus (RABV), previously titrated in 21-day old albino mice and compared with the Reverse Transcription - Polimerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) technique in parallel. Additionally, the Mouse Inoculation Test (MIT) was used to perform the antigenic characterization of Rabies virus variants. RESULTS: The limit of detection of RIDT was 100 LD50 / 0.03 mL and its performance, as compared to that of FAT, showed a sensitivity of 97.96%, a specificity of 100% and a concordance by the Kappa test of 0.98 with 95% CI. CONCLUSIONS: RIDT provides results comparable to those of FAT and this test can be considered as an appropriate method under the field conditions, even in samples that are not suitable for FAT due to their state of decomposition.

Ecotoxicological efficiency of advanced ozonation processes with TiO2 and black light used in the degradation of carbamazepine.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the ecotoxicological efficiency of two advanced ozonation processes (AOzPs), the catalytic ozonation (O3/TiO2) and the photocatalytic ozonation (O3/TiO2/black light), in the remotion of carbamazepine. The ecotoxicological efficiency was assessed through the use of lethal and sublethal assays with species Vibrio fischeri and Daphnia magna. Results demonstrated that the AOzPs presented an efficiency of carbamazepine removal higher than 99% (carbamazepine < 2 µg/L) after 12 min of treatment. Relatively to ecotoxicological evaluation, application of acute assay to V. fischeri and chronic assay to D. magna allowed us to highlight that these technologies may form some transformation products that induce toxicity in the bacteria and the crustacean, once these organisms exposed to the undiluted solutions (100%) showed a decrease in the bioluminescence (vibrio) and end up dying before and during the first reproduction (daphnia). Despite that, when the chronic results obtained with the diluted solutions (50 and 25%; important to assess a more realistic scenario considering the dilution factor at the environment) were analyzed, no mortality at the mothers was observed. Compared to a carbamazepine solution (200 µg/L), diluted solutions improved of the reproduction parameters, and no toxic effects in the juvenoid system and in the embryonic development were observed. Relatively to the ecdysteroid effect of a carbamazepine solution (200 µg/L), only the photocatalytic ozonation treatment was able to remove the action of the drug. These results highlight the importance of complementing chemical analysis with ecotoxicological bioassays to assess the best technology to improve the surface water and effluent quality.

Solar or UVA-Visible Photocatalytic Ozonation of Water Contaminants.

An incipient advanced oxidation process, solar photocatalytic ozonation (SPO), is reviewed in this paper with the aim of clarifying the importance of this process as a more sustainable water technology to remove priority or emerging contaminants from water. The synergism between ozonation and photocatalytic oxidation is well known to increase the oxidation rate of water contaminants, but this has mainly been studied in photocatalytic ozonation systems with lamps of different radiation wavelength, especially of ultraviolet nature (UVC, UVB, UVA). Nowadays, process sustainability is critical in environmental technologies including water treatment and reuse; the application of SPO systems falls into this category, and contributes to saving energy and water. In this review, we summarized works published on photocatalytic ozonation where the radiation source is the Sun or simulated solar light, specifically, lamps emitting radiation to cover the UVA and visible light spectra. The main aspects of the review include photoreactors used and radiation sources applied, synthesis and characterization of catalysts applied, influence of main process variables (ozone, catalyst, and pollutant concentrations, light intensity), type of water, biodegradability and ecotoxicity, mechanism and kinetics, and finally catalyst activity and stability.