Mathematical modeling for operative improvement of the decoloration of Acid Red 27 by a novel microbial consortium of Trametes versicolor and Pseudomonas putida: A multivariate sensitivity analysis.

In this work, it is presented a first approach of a mathematical and kinetic analysis for improving the decoloration and further degradation process of an azo dye named acid red 27 (AR27), by means of a novel microbial consortium formed by the fungus Trametes versicolor and the bacterium Pseudomonas putida. A multivariate analysis was carried out by simulating scenarios with different operating conditions and developing a specific mathematical model based on kinetic equations describing all stages of the biological process, from microbial growth and substrate consuming to decoloration and degradation of intermediate compounds. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis was performed by using a factorial design and the Response Surface Method (RSM), for determining individual and interactive effects of variables like, initial glucose concentration, initial dye concentration and the moment in time for bacterial inoculation, on response variables assessed in terms of the minimum time for: full decoloration of AR27 (R1 = 2.375 days); maximum production of aromatic metabolites (R2 = 1.575 days); and full depletion of aromatic metabolites (R3 = 12.9 days). Using RSM the following conditions improved the biological process, being: an initial glucose concentration of 20 g l-1, an initial AR27 concentration of 0.2 g l-1 and an inoculation moment in time of P. putida at day 1. The mathematical model is a feasible tool for describing AR27 decoloration and its further degradation by the microbial consortium of T. versicolor and P. putida, this model will also work as a mathematical basis for designing novel bio-reaction systems than can operate with the same principle of the described consortium.

Definition of unconformities based on radiometric tool.

The concentrations of U-238, Th-232, and K-40 measured with a portable gamma-ray spectrometer in cutting samples of two exploratory wells allowed the radiometric characterization of Cretaceous Rancheria sub-basin rocks and the definition of twelve (12) zones according to paleo-redox facies. The Th/Ua (authigenic uranium) and Th/U ratio greater than 7 (seven) indicates paleo-redox conditions related to oxygenation changes and detrital material input during deposition and terrestrial freshwater environment. However, the Lagunitas, Aguas Blancas, La Luna, and Molino formations characterize by facies from sub-oxic (dioxic) to anoxic redox. In the Aguas Blancas and Molino Formations, pyrite and the high uranium measurements determine an anoxic and euxinic environment. The high values of both + uranium and authigenic uranium in the La Luna and Molino formations relate to the conservation of organic matter, which is an essential factor in the generation of hydrocarbons. The abrupt changes of both K/U and Th/U identify potential sequential or genetic limit surfaces (e.g., maximum flooding surfaces), limiting such zones. Based on radiometric behavior, this research permitted identifying eight Cretaceous to Miocene unconformities in the area, three of them reported here for the first time.

Evaluation of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) in the soil, in a potential area for unconventional reservoirs in the Rancheria Sub-Basin.

Naturally occurring radioactive elements depend on lithology geogenic characteristics, such as depositional, environmental, or diagenetic. Thus, evaluating these elements constitutes a tool to define ionizing radiation effect from rocky sequences. This study carried out in the Rancheria Sub-Basin establishes both characterization and assessment of this kind of material, known as NORM. The sampling included uranium-238, thorium-232, potassium-40, radon-226, and radon-222 in soil samples, cutting samples from the Molino-1 well, and radon in surface water. Bases on a radiometric methodology with a gamma-ray spectrometer for uranium-238, thorium-232, and potassium-40 and emanometric with ionizing chambers for radio-226 and radon-222. The analysis and results of the activity concentrations in soil samples of U-238, Th-232, K-40, and Ra-226 are 11.7 BqKg-1, 33.0 BqKg-1, 424.5 BqKg-1, and 15.59 BqKg-1, respectively, among the acceptable global averages. However, in some areas, observed values indicate high activity concentrations of U-238, Th-232, K-40, Ra-226, and Rn-222 in the soil of 50.2 BqKg-1, 62.8 BqKg-1, 1596.3 BqKg-1, 44.25 BqKg-1, and 112546.79 Bqm-3, respectively. Those activity concentrations were associated with zone lithology.

ZnO-based nanofungicides: Synthesis, characterization and their effect on the coffee fungi Mycena citricolor and Colletotrichum sp.

In this work we compare the antifungal capacity of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) synthesized by a chemical route and a ZnO-based nanobiohybrid obtained by green synthesis in an extract of garlic (Allium sativum). To find out the characteristics of the materials synthesized, X-ray diffraction (XRD), IR spectroscopy and absorption in UV-Vis were used, as well as both scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy. The results showed that the samples obtained were of nanometric size (<100 nm), with a predominance of the wurtzite crystal phase of ZnO and little crystallization of the nanobiohybrids. Their antifungal capacity on two pathogenic fungi of coffee, Mycena citricolor (Berk and Curt) and Colletotrichum sp. was also evaluated. Both nanomaterials showed an efficient antifungal capacity, particularly the nanobiohybrids, with ~97% inhibition in growth of M. citricolor, and ~93% for Colletotrichum sp. The microstructural study with high resolution optical (HROM) and ultra-structural microscopy (using TEM) carried out on the fungi treated with the synthesized nanomaterials showed a strong nanofungicidal effect on the vegetative and reproductive structures and fungal cell wall, respectively. The inhibition of the growth of the fungi and micro and ultra-structural affectations were explained considering that the size of the nanomaterials allows them to pass easily through the cell membranes. This indicates that they can be absorbed easily by the fungi tested here, causing cellular dysfunction. Nanofungicide effects are also attributable to the unique properties of nanomaterials, such as the high surface-to-bulk ratio of atoms and their surface physicochemical characteristics that could directly or indirectly produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), which affect the proteins of the cell wall.

Microstructure of a granular amorphous silica ceramic synthesized by spark plasma sintering.

We study the microstructure of a granular amorphous silica ceramic material synthesized by spark plasma sintering. Using monodisperse spherical silica particles as precursor, spark plasma sintering yields a dense granular material with distinct granule boundaries. We use selective etching to obtain nanoscopic pores along the granule borders. We interrogate this highly interesting material structure by combining scanning electron microscopy, X-ray computed nanotomography and simulations based on random close packed spherical particles. We determine the degree of anisotropy caused by the uni-axial force applied during sintering, and our analysis shows that our synthesis method provides a means to avoid significant granule growth and to fabricate a material with well-controlled microstructure.

Diagnóstico de una neumonía organizativa criptogenética en pacientes con sospecha de neoplasia pulmonar / Crytogenetic organizing pneumonia diagnosis in patients with suspicion of lung cancer

La neumonía organizativa criptogenética (NOC) es una enfermedadpulmonar poco frecuente de origen desconocido con unaclínica, una radiología y una histología características. Aunque estípica su presentación en forma de patrón alveolar parcheado multifocalbilateral, existen otras múltiples formas inespecíficas quepueden simular otras enfermedades pulmonares. Presentamos dospacientes con una historia clínica y una presentación radiológicamuy sugestiva de neoplasia pulmonar diagnosticados de NOC. Suconfirmación histológica, buena respuesta al tratamiento y ausenciade recidiva obligan a su inclusión en el diagnóstico diferencialde este tipo de lesiones (AU)

Cryptogenic organising pneumonia (COP) is an infrequentpulmonary disease of unknown origin with a characteristic clinicalpicture, radiology and histology. Although its presentation in theform of a bilateral multi-focal patchy alveolar pattern is typical,other multiple non-specific forms exist that can simulate other pulmonarydiseases. We present two patients with a clinical historyand a radiological presentation very suggestive of lung cancerdiagnosed as COP. Their histological confirmation, good responseto the treatment and absence of recurrence makes us recommendtheir inclusion in the differential diagnosis of these types of lesions (AU)

Diagnóstico de una neumonía organizativa criptogenética en pacientes con sospecha de neoplasia pulmonar / Crytogenetic organizing pneumonia diagnosis in patients with suspicion of lung cancer

La neumonía organizativa criptogenética (NOC) es una enfermedad pulmonar poco frecuente de origen desconocido con una clínica, una radiología y una histología características. Aunque es típica su presentación en forma de patrón alveolar parcheado multifocalbilateral, existen otras múltiples formas inespecíficas que pueden simular otras enfermedades pulmonares. Presentamos dos pacientes con una historia clínica y una presentación radiológica muy sugestiva de neoplasia pulmonar diagnosticados de NOC. Su confirmación histológica, buena respuesta al tratamiento y ausencia de recidiva obligan a su inclusión en el diagnóstico diferencial de este tipo de lesiones

Cryptogenic organising pneumonia (COP) is an infrequentpulmonary disease of unknown origin with a characteristic clinical picture, radiology and histology. Although its presentation in theform of a bilateral multi-focal patchy alveolar pattern is typical, other multiple non-specific forms exist that can simulate other pulmonary diseases. We present two patients with a clinical history and a radiological presentation very suggestive of lung cancerdiagnosed as COP. Their histological confirmation, good response to the treatment and absence of recurrence makes us recommend their inclusion in the differential diagnosis of these types of lesions

Valoración de la realización y mejora de la historia clínica respiratoria del residente de neumología con el sistema Self-Audit / Evaluation of the making and improvement of the respiratory clinical history of the pneumology resident with the Self-Audit system

Objetivo: Analizar el contenido de la historia clínica respiratoria realizada por el residente de neumología y la posibilidad de mejora con el sistema de autoevaluación Self-audit.Métodos: Estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo de 17 historias clínicas respiratorias consecutivas realizadas por un residente de neumología en pacientes hospitalizados, al inicio de la rotación por su especialidad (grupo I) y a partir de 28 variablesestablecidas previamente. El análisis de estas variables se realizó con el mismo residente y fueron comparadas conel registro prospectivo de 20 nuevas historias (grupo II).Resultados: Los pacientes de los grupos I y II tenían una edad y sexo similares. En el grupo I, se registraron correctamente una media de15 variables (desviación estándar DE 4 y rango 9-21) y en el grupo II, 28 (DE 1 y rango 26-29) (p <0,0001). En ningún paciente del grupo I se registraron de forma correcta las 28 variables. En el grupo II, se registraron de forma correcta las 28 variables en 10 (50%) y 27 variables en 5 (25%). El sistema de autoevaluación permitió una mejorasignificativa de los registros de tabaquismo, antecedentes laborales, contacto con animales, broncorrea, sibilancias, hemoptisis, enfermedades pleurales, neoplasia pulmonar, historia de asma, atopia, EPOC, bronquiectasias, radiografía o TC previos, pruebas funcionales respiratorias, ingresos previos o en UCI, oxígeno domiciliario, patología del sueño yotras enfermedades respiratorias.Conclusiones: La historia clínica respiratoria realizada por un residente de neumología al llegar a su especialidad es susceptible de mejora. El sistema de autoevalución Self-audit ha sido muy útil para mejorar su realización

Objective: Analyze the contents of the respiratory clinical history made by pneumonology resident on the possibility of improvement with the self-audit self-evaluation system.Methods: Descriptive and retrospective study of 17 consecutive respiratory clinical histories made by the pneumology resident in hospitalized patients when initiating their rotation in the speciality (group 1) and based on 28 previously establishedvariables. The analysis of these variables were performed with the same resident and compared with the prospective registry of 20 new histories (group 2).Results: The age and gender of the group 1 and 2 patients were similar. In group 1, a measurement of 15 variables (standard deviation - SD - 4 and range 9-21) and in group 2, 28 (SD 1 and range 26.29) were correctly recorded (p < 0.0001).The 28 variables were not recorded correctly in any of the patients of group 1. In group II, the 28 variables were correctly recorded in 10 (50%) and 27 variables in 5 (25%). The self-evaluation system allowed for a significant improvement of the recording of smoking, work background, contact with animals, broncorrhea, high pitched wheezes, hemoptysis, pleural diseases, pulmonary neoplasm, background of asthma, atopy, COPD, bronchiectasis, previous X-ray or CT scan, respiratoryfunction tests, previous admissions or in ICU, domiciliary oxygen, sleep disorder and other respiratory diseases.Conclusions: The respiratory clinical history made by the pneumology resident on arriving to the speciality rotation can be improved. The self-audit self-evaluation system has been very useful to improve its performance

Hypercalciuria and recurrent urinary tract infection in Venezuelan children.

Recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) has not been widely recognized as a clinical manifestation of hypercalciuria in children. We studied 59 children with two or more episodes of UTI, a normal urinary tract, and with hypercalciuria. Clinical manifestations were fever, dysuria, straining with micturition, hematuria, polyuria, abdominal pain, and failure to thrive. Urinary calcium/creatinine ratio was 0.36+/-0.15 mg/mg. Renal function studies included serum bicarbonate (21+/-3 mmol/l), urinary/blood PCO2 difference (11+/-11 mmHg), urinary net acid excretion (63+/-3 micromol/min per 1.73 m2), uric acid fractional excretion (13%+/-12%), and maximal urinary osmolality (920+/-236 mosmol/kg). Treatment included promotion of fluid intake, avoiding excessive salt and protein, and keeping dietary calcium between 900 and 1,200 mg/day. Potassium citrate or hydrochlorothiazide were indicated if hypercalciuria persisted. With this treatment, in 95% of the children, no further episodes of UTI occurred once normocalciuria was achieved. It is possible that hypercalciuria may play a predisposing role for recurrent UTI in children by promoting the formation of microcrystals which damage the uroepithelium. We advocate the investigation of urinary calcium excretion in children with recurrent UTI and a normal urinary tract.

Estudo clínico e histopatológico de alteraçöes útero ovarianas de cadelas submetidas à ovariohisterectomia. II. Cistos foliculares / Clinical and histopatological study of ovarian and uterine alterations of bitches under ovariohistereomy. II. Folicular cysts

Descreve-se a ocorrência de cistos foliculares em cadelas provenientes do Hospital da Escola de Veterinária da UFMG e de clínicas veterinárias de Belo Horizonte. Do total de 70 animais, oito (11,43 por cento), entre seis e 10 anos, apresentaram tal patologia. Em todos os animais houve associaçäo do complexo hiperplasia endometrial cistico-piometrítico. Clinicamente, as cadelas apresentaram prostraçäo, anorexia, vômito, poliúria, polidipsia, secreçäo vaginal purulenta e metrorragia

Estudo clínico e histopatológico de alteraçöes útero ovarianas de cadelas submetidas à ovariohisterectomia. I. Tumor de células da granulosa / Clinical and histopathological study of ovarian and uterine alterations of bitches under ovariohisterectomy. I. Granulosa-cells tumour

Descreve-se a ocorrência de tumor de células da granulosa em cadelas provenientes do Hospital da Escola de Veterinária e de Clínicas Veterinárias de Belo Horizonte. No total de 70 animais, 16 (22,05 por cento) apresentaram o tumor com maior concentraçäo entre oito e 11 anos de idade. Houve associaçäo ao complexo hiperplasia endometrial cístico-piométrico em 11 casos, à hemorragia endometrial em quatro casos e ao leiomioma em um caso. Clinicamente, as cadelas apresentaram prostraçäo, anorexia, hipertermia, vômito, diarréia, poliúria, polidipsia, hiperplasia vaginal, secreçäo vaginal purulenta, metrorragia, alopécia, hiperpigmentaçäo da pele no dorso e regiäo dos membros posteriores

Gonadal function after 12-Gy testicular irradiation in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

Gonadal function was assessed in 15 boys with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) who had received testicular irradiation. The dose to the testes was 12 Gy in 12, 15 Gy in 1, and 24 Gy in 2 cases. All of those who had received 12 or 15 Gy had normal Leydig cell function, although high levels of gonadotropins suggest subclinical Leydig cell damage. The 2 who had 24 Gy had Leydig cell failure. All who were old enough to produce a semen specimen were azoospermic.

Bone scans in bone metastases from functioning thyroid carcinoma.

Sixty percent of differentiated thyroid carcinoma bone metastases identified by local radioactive iodide uptake and radiographic changes were negative in the bone scans. Another 20% of the bony metastases showed only a minimal increased uptake of bone imaging radionuclides. It is concluded that the bone scan is not a useful tool in the work-up for metastatic thyroid cancer.