Establishing targets for goal-directed anesthesia in renal transplantation: A cohort analysis of high-saliency surgical time courses.

Delayed graft function (DGF) increases morbidity and mortality in kidney transplant recipients. Operative parameters, including hemodynamic manipulation through vasopressors and fluids, can impact perfusion to the newly transplanted kidney and influence DGF incidence. We analyzed intraoperative time-series data in 5-minute intervals from kidney transplant recipient operations (N = 545) in conjunction with pretransplant characteristics and postsurgical outcomes, including DGF incidence, 60-day creatinine, and graft survival. Of the operations, 127 DGF events were captured in our cohort from a single academic transplant center (57/278 donations after brainstem death [DBDs], 65/150 donations after circulatory/cardiac death [DCDs], 5/117 live donations). In multiple regression, postanastomosis hypotension defined as mean arterial pressure (MAP) <75 mmHg was a risk factor for DGF independent of conventional predictors of DGF in DCD and DBD kidneys. DCD recipients with DGF had lower average postanastomosis MAP (DGF: 80.1 ± 8.1 mmHg vs no DGF: 76.4 ± 6.7 mmHg, P = .004). Interaction analysis demonstrated above-average doses of vasopressors and crystalloids were associated with improved outcomes when used at MAPs ≤75 mmHg, but they were associated with increased DGF at MAPs >75 mmHg, suggesting that the incidence of DGF can be highly influenced by intraoperative hemodynamic controls. This analysis of surgical time courses has identified potential new strategies for goal-directed anesthesia in renal transplantation.

Simultaneous removal of aliphatic and aromatic crude oil hydrocarbons by Pantoea agglomerans isolated from petroleum-contaminated soil in the west of Iran.

Hydrocarbons are considered as one of the most common and harmful environmental pollutants affecting human health and the environment. Bioremediation as an environmentally friendly, highly efficient, and cost-effective method in remediating oil-contaminated environments has been interesting in recent decades. In this study, hydrocarbon degrader bacterial strains were isolated from the highly petroleum-contaminated soils in the Dehloran oil field in the west of Iran. Out of 37 isolates, 15 can grow on M9 agar medium that contains 1.5 g L-1 of crude oil as the sole carbon source. The morphological, biochemical, and 16SrRNA sequencing analyses were performed for the isolates. The choosing of the isolates as the hydrocarbon degrader was examined by evaluating the efficacy of their crude oil removal at a concentration of 10 g L-1 in an aqueous medium. The results showed that five isolates belonging to Pseudomonas sp., Pseudomonas oryzihabitans, Roseomonas aestuarii, Pantoea agglomerans, and Arthrobacter sp. had a hyper hydrocarbon-degrading activity and they could remove more than 85% of the total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) after 96 h. The highest TPH removal of about 95.75% and biodegradation rate of 0.0997 g L-1 h-1 was observed for P. agglomerans. The gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis was performed during the biodegradation process by P. agglomerans to detect the degradation intermediates and final products. The results confirmed the presence of intermediates such as alcohols and fatty acids in the terminal oxidation pathway of alkanes in this biodegradation process. A promising P. agglomerans NB391 strain can remove aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons simultaneously.

Handling the inhibitory role of product accumulation during sophorolipid fermentation in a bubble column reactor with an in situ foam recovery.

Sophorolipid (SL) production by Candida catenulata from sunflower fatty acids was studied in a bubble column reactor (BCR). The specific oxygen uptake rate was 0.021 mg gcell-1 min-1 which indicates the importance of aeration in SL biosynthesis. The measurement of oxygen transfer rate (OTR) in the BCR showed a satisfactory OTR value of about 0.093 min-1 in the system. However, further SL production was stopped after 30 h in the BCR mainly due to the product accumulation in the culture and its inhibitory effects on cell growth and SL synthesis. Since an extensive foam was generated in the BCR under the absence of an antifoam agent, the development of an in situ foam recovery system provided the integration of production and separation of SL to handle the problem. The application of the foam recovery system enhanced biomass and titer SL concentration by 38.5 and 28.2% in comparison with the conventional BCR, respectively. Further studies in the system were performed by monitoring the size of bubbles and their effects on the biomass and SL enrichment in the foam stream at different aeration rates where the SL enrichment varied from 900 to 100% at 12 and 50 h of the fermentation.

The effects of eating frequency on changes in body composition and cardiometabolic health in adults: a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized trials.

BACKGROUND: Eating frequency may affect body weight and cardiometabolic health. Intervention trials and observational studies have both indicated that high- and low-frequency eating can be associated with better health outcomes. There are currently no guidelines to inform how to advise healthy adults about how frequently to consume food or beverages. AIM: To establish whether restricted- (≤ three meals per day) frequency had a superior effect on markers of cardiometabolic health (primary outcome: weight change) compared to unrestricted-eating (≥ four meals per day) frequency in adults. METHODS: We searched Medline (Ovid), Embase, CINAHL (EBSCO), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), CAB Direct and Web of Science Core Collection electronic databases from inception to 7 June 2022 for clinical trials (randomised parallel or cross-over trials) reporting on the effect of high or low-frequency eating on cardiometabolic health (primary outcome: weight change). Trial interventions had to last for at least two weeks, and had to have been conducted in human adults. Bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool 2.0. Standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for all outcomes. Certainty of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. RESULTS: Seventeen reports covering 16 trials were included in the systematic review. Data from five trials were excluded from meta-analysis due to insufficient reporting. 15 of 16 trials were at high risk of bias. There was very low certainty evidence of no difference between high- and low-frequency eating for weight-change (MD: -0.62 kg, CI95: -2.76 to 1.52 kg, p = 0.57). CONCLUSIONS: There was no discernible advantage to eating in a high- or low-frequency dietary pattern for cardiometabolic health. We cannot advocate for either restricted- or unrestricted eating frequency to change markers of cardiometabolic health in healthy young to middle-aged adults. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: CRD42019137938.

Key parameters optimization of chitosan production from Aspergillus terreus using apple waste extract as sole carbon source.

Chitosan is commonly obtained from shrimp and crab shell chitin by deacetylation; however, such supplies appear limitation. An alternative source of chitosan is cell wall in certain fungi. In this study, chitosan production through submerged fermentation of Aspergillus terreus on apple waste extract as sole carbon source was investigated. Monod equation with a maximum specific growth rate of 0.083 h-1 and half-saturation constant of 6.67 w/v% was best described the kinetic of growth. Results of response surface methodology showed the highest chitosan to substrate yield of 49.32 mg gsubstrate-1, chitosan to fungal biomass yield of 140.9 mg gcell-1, and fungal biomass to substrate yield of 0.387 gcell gsubstrate-1 were simultaneously obtained at temperature 30.0 °C, initial pH 5.98, and ammonium nitrate concentration 5.0 g L-1. The chitosan produced at the optimum condition was characterized by FTIR, TGA, and DSC analysis, and degree of deacetylation was 88.2%.

Novel pyridinecarboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazone conjugated magnetite nanoparticulates (MNPs) promote apoptosis in human lung cancer A549 cells.

The present study highlights the apoptotic activity of magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticulates functionalized by glutamic acid and 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (PTSC) toward human lung epithelial carcinoma A549 cell line. To this aim, the Fe3O4 nanoparticulates were prepared using co-precipitation method. Then, the glutamic acid and Fe3O4 nanoparticulates were conjugated to each other. The product was further functionalized with bio-reactive PTSC moiety. In addition, the synthesized Fe3O4@Glu/PTSC nanoparticulates were characterized by physico-chemical techniques including scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and zeta potential analysis. The effects of in vitro cell viability in Fe3O4@Glu/PTSC nanoparticulate indicated the anti-proliferative properties in a dose-dependent manner (IC50 = 135.6 µM/mL). The high selectivity for tumor cells and far below of activity in HEK293 non-tumorigenic cells is considered as an important feature for this complex (SI, 3.48). Based on the results, PTSC failed to reveal any activity against A549 cells alone. However, Fe3O4 nanoparticulates had some effects in inhibiting the growth of lung cancer cell. Furthermore, Bax and Bcl-2 gene expressions were quantified by real-time PCR method. The expression of Bax increased 1.62-fold, while the expression of Bcl-2 decreased 0.76-fold at 135.6 µM/mL concentration of Fe3O4@Glu/PTSC compared to untreated A549 cells. Furthermore, the Fe3O4@Glu/PTSC nanoparticulate-inducing apoptosis properties were evaluated by Hoechst 33258 staining, Caspase-3 activation assay and Annexin V/propidium iodide staining. The results of the present study suggest that Fe3O4@Glu/PTSC nanoparticulates exhibit effective anti-cancer activity against lung cancer cells.

Biohydrometallurgy as an environmentally friendly approach in metals recovery from electrical waste: A review.

Nowadays, large amount of municipal solid waste is because of electrical scraps (i.e. waste electrical and electronic equipment) that contain large quantities of electrical conductive metals like copper and gold. Recovery of these metals decreases the environmental effects of waste electrical and electronic equipment (also called E-waste) disposal, and as a result, the extracted metals can be used for future industrial purposes. Several studies reported in this review, demonstrated that the biohydrometallurgical processes were successful in efficient extraction of metals from electrical and electronic wastes. The main advantages of biohydrometallurgy are lower operation cost, less energy input, skilled labour, and also less environmental effect in comparison with pyro-metallurgical and hydrometallurgical processes. This study concentrated on fundamentals and technical aspects of biohydrometallurgy. Some points of drawbacks and research directions to develop the process in the future are highlighted in brief.

Experimentation and CFD modeling of continuous degradation of formaldehyde by immobilized Ralstonia eutropha in a semi-pilot-scale plug flow bioreactor.

This study focuses on continuous formaldehyde (FA) biodegradation by Ralstonia eutropha immobilized on polyurethane foam in a semi-pilot-scale plug flow packed-bed bioreactor. The stepwise increasing of the influent FA concentration from 43.9 to 1325.1 mg L-1 was studied in the bioreactor during 70 days of operation. A complete removal of FA was achieved for inlet concentration up to 425.5 mg L-1 and the initial specific biodegradation rate reached to its maximum value about 44.3 mg gcell-1 h-1 at 425.5 mg L-1. However, further increase of inlet concentration resulted in decrease of the biodegradation performance of the immobilized cells due to the inhibitory effect of FA on the enzymatic system involved in the biodegradation process. Based on kinetic modeling results, the Luong equation with the following constants could best describe the behavior of the bio-system: maximum specific FA biodegradation rate (qmax) of 124 mg gcell-1 h-1, half-saturation constant (KS) of 337.2 mg L-1, maximum degradable FA concentration (Smax) of 1582 mg L-1, and shape factor (n) of 1.49. Also, three-dimensional simulation of the bioreactor was performed using an integrated computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach that takes into account both the biokinetic constants of the immobilized system as well as the fluid properties under steady-state condition. Eulerian computations successfully anticipated the concentration gradients through the reactor for different inlet FA concentrations, and uniform vertical velocity pathlines and non-dispersed plug flow inside the reactor were verified by the presented velocity distribution and flow streamlines.

Ralstonia eutropha as a biocatalyst for desulfurization of dibenzothiophene.

The potential of Ralstonia eutropha as a biocatalyst for desulfurization of dibenzothiophene (DBT) was studied in growing and resting cell conditions. The results of both conditions showed that sulfur was removed from DBT which accompanied by the formation of 2-hydroxybiphenyl (2-HBP). In growing cell experiments, glucose was used as an energy supplying substrate in initial concentrations of 55 mM (energy-limited) and 111 mM (energy-sufficient). The growing cell behaviors were quantitatively described using the logistic equation and maintenance concept. The results indicated that 2-HBP production was higher for the energy-sufficient cultures, while the values of the specific growth rate and the maintenance coefficient for these media were lower than those of the energy-limited cultures. Additionally, the kinetic studies showed that the half-saturation constant for the energy-limited cultures was 2 times higher than the energy-sufficient ones where the inhibition constant (0.08 mM) and the maximum specific DBT desulfurization rate (0.002 mmol gcell-1 h-1) were almost constant. By defining desulfurizing capacity (D DBT) including both the biomass concentration and time to reach a particular percentage of DBT conversion, the best condition for desulfurizing cell was determined at 23% gcell L-1 h-1 which corresponded with the resting cells that were harvested at the mid-exponential growth phase.

Disparities and barriers to the access of biologics in moderate-to-severe adult psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin disorder that is associated with substantial physical and psychosocial comorbidity. Although biologic agents have offered transformative therapeutic advantages to those unresponsive to traditional treatments, data from recent literature indicate significant undertreatment of certain populations, highlighting potential barriers to access. This review aims to comprehensively elucidate barriers to biological therapy, addressing a recognized gap in the current literature. A search was conducted using MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science to investigate the obstacles and disparities that prevent access to biologic treatments in biologic-naïve psoriatic patients. Emergent themes were then systematically categorized into five primary domains: patient-level, prescriber-level, medicine-level, organizational-, and external environment-level factors. Our results demonstrate pronounced barriers and disparities encompassing increased age, race, socioeconomic status, rural location, cost and insurance, and insufficient knowledge that may hinder access to biologic treatments among psoriatic patients. Further research on how these barriers can be effectively addressed is needed to optimize treatment outcomes.

Dynamic mathematical models for biodegradation of formaldehyde by Ralstonia eutropha in a batch bioreactor.

Degradation of formaldehyde by Ralstonia eutropha was studied in a batch bioreactor operated in recycling mode (30 °C, initial pH of 6.5, aeration rate 0.5 vvm, and a recycling flow rate of 6 mL min(-1)). Growth kinetics equations were described using four substrate inhibition models, and the initial formaldehyde concentration ranged from 54.5 to 993.0 mg L(-1). In each case, model parameters were estimated interactively using nonlinear regression analysis and on the basis of the goodness of fit, the fitness of the model to the experimental data was obtained (i.e., the coefficient of determination and the percent of standard deviation). The estimated parameters according to the Luong equation were µmax = 0.101 h(-1), KS = 54.1 mg L(-1), Sm = 1329 mg L(-1), and n = 2.07. According to the maintenance energies explained by Pirt, cell maintenance was quantified with q = Aµ + B; where A and B are the associated and non-associated growth parts of substrate consumption, respectively. The importance of these terms was verified using the developed models, which would efficiently describe the dynamic nature of growth and formaldehyde biodegradation.

Degradation of formaldehyde at high concentrations by phenol-adapted Ralstonia eutropha closely related to pink-pigmented facultative methylotrophs.

The ability of the phenol-adapted Ralstonia eutropha to utilize formaldehyde (FD) as the sole source of carbon and energy was studied. Adaptation to FD was accomplished by substituting FD for glucose in a stepwise manner. The bacterium in the liquid test culture could tolerate concentrations of FD up to 900 mg L(-1). Degradation of FD was complete in 528 h at 30°C with shaking at 150 rpm (r = 1.67 mg L(-1) h(-1)), q = 0.035 g(FD) g(cell) (-1) h(-1). Substrate inhibition kinetics (Haldane and Luong equations) are used to describe the experimental data. At non-inhibitory concentrations of FD, the Monod equation was used. According to the Luong model, the values of the maximum specific growth rate (µ(max)), half-saturation coefficient (k(S)), the maximum allowable formaldehyde concentration (S(m)), and the shape factor (n) were 0.117 h(-1), 47.6 mg L(-1), 900 mg L(-1), and 2.2, respectively. The growth response of the test bacterium to consecutive FD feedings was examined, and the FD-adapted R. eutropha cells were able to degrade 1000 mg L(-1) FD in 150 h through 4 cycles of FD feeds. During FD degradation, formic acid metabolite was formed. Assimilation of FD, methanol, formic acid, and oxalate by the test bacterium was accompanied by the formation of a pink pigment. The carotenoid nature of the cellular pigment has been confirmed and the test bacterium appeared to be closely related to pink-pigmented facultative methylotrophs (PPFM). The extent of harm to soil exposed to biotreated wastewaters containing FD may be moderated due to the association between methylotrophic/oxalotrophic bacteria and plants.

Formaldehyde degradation by Ralstonia eutropha in an immobilized cell bioreactor.

The formaldehyde (FA) degradation ability of the loofa-immobilized Ralstonia eutropha cells in a packed bed reactor was modeled using a statistically based design of the experiment (DOE) considering application of response surface methodology (RSM). The simultaneous effects of four operative test factors on the cells performance in terms of FA degradation rate and extent of the chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal were monitored. The combination of factors at initial FA concentration of 629.7 mg L(-1)h(-1), recycling substrate flow rate of 4.4 mL min(-1), aeration rate of 1.05 vvm, and the system's temperature of 28.8°C resulted the optimal conditions for the FA biodegradation rate and COD removal efficiency. Loofa porous structure was found to be a protective environment for the cells in exposing to the toxic substances and the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed extensive cells penetration within this support. Oxygen transfer analysis in the form of evaluating K la value was also carried out and at the optimum conditions of the DOE was equaled to 9.96 h(-1)and oxygen uptake rate was 35.6 mg L(-1)h(-1).

Optimized fed-batch cultivation of Rhodotorula toruloides in a bubble column bioreactor progressed the ß-carotene production from corn steep liquor.

In this work, a new isolate yeast, namely Rhodotorula toruloides KP324973, was examined for ß-carotene production from corn steep liquor (CSL) as a sole carbon source because CSL as the by-product of corn wet-milling process mainly enriched from the water-soluble carbohydrates. The studies were preliminary performed at the shaken flasks, and then developed at batch and fed-batch modes in a bubble column reactor (BCR). Application of the BCR improved the carotenogenesis of the cells in comparison with shaken flasks and the specific ß-carotene production rate (Rp) and the yield of ß-carotene production from the total reducing sugars (YP/TRS) reached 2.23 mg gcell-1 h-1 and 36.82 mg gTRS-1, respectively. Further studies were carried out to optimize the operational factors of the BCR for a fed-batch production by the response surface methodology. An optimal condition at a feed flow rate of 2.5 mL h-1, temperature 11.7°C, and initial pH of 6.1 obtained the highest Rp = 12.31 mg gcell-1 h-1 and YP/TRS = 97.18 mg gTRS-1.

Prediction and multi-objective optimization of workability and compressive strength of recycled self-consolidating mortar using Taguchi design method.

Concrete is the most consumed material in the construction industry. Using recycled aggregates (RA) and silica fume (SF) in concrete and mortar could preserve natural aggregates (NA) and reduce CO2 emissions and construction and demolition waste (C&DW) generation. Optimizing the mixture design based on both fresh and hardened properties of recycled self-consolidating mortar (RSCM) has not been performed. In this study, multi-objective optimization of mechanical properties and workability of RSCM containing SF was performed via Taguchi Design Method (TDM) with four main variables including cement content, W/C ratio, SF content and superplasticizer content at three different levels. SF was used to decrease the environmental pollution caused by cement production as well as compensating the negative effect of RA on the mechanical properties of RSCM. The results revealed that TDM could appropriately predict the workability and compressive strength of RSCM. Also, mixture design containing W/C = 0.39, SF = 6%, cement = 750 kg/m3 and SP = 0.33% was found as the optimum mixture having the highest compressive strength and acceptable workability as well as low cost and environmental concerns.

Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Conjugated to Thiosemicarbazone Reduce the Survival of Cancer Cells by Increasing the Gene Expression of MicroRNA let-7c in Lung Cancer A549 Cells.

BACKGROUND: Cancer cells have a higher demand for iron to grow and proliferate. A new complex of iron nanoparticles and thiosemicarbazones was synthesized. Confirmation tests included UV-visible, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and zeta potential. METHODS: MTT assay, flow cytometry and qRT-PCR were used to investigate anti-proliferative effect, amount of apoptosis and the effect of Fe3 O4 @Glu/BTSC on changes in gene expression of microRNA let-7c (let-7c), respectively. The specifications of Fe3 O4 @ Glu/BTSC were confirmed at 5 nm. RESULTS: Fe3O4@Glu/BTSC was more effective than BTSC and Fe3 O4 on A549 cells (IC50=166.77 µg/mL) but its effect on healthy cells was smaller (CC50=189.15 µg/mL). The drug selectivity index (SI) was calculated to be 1.13. The initial apoptosis rate was 46.33% for Fe3 O4 @Glu/BTSC, 28.27% for BTSC and 26.02% for Fe3 O4 . BTSC and BTSC@Fe3 O4 inhibited the cell cycle progression in the Sub-G1 and S phases. let-7c expression was 6.9 times higher in treated cells compared to the control group. The expression rate was 2.2 with BTSC compared to the control group and 1.6 times for Fe3 O4. CONCLUSION: Fe3 O4 @Glu/BTSC has proper anti-proliferative effects against lung cancer cells by increasing the expression of let-7c and inhibiting the cell cycle with the apoptosis activation pathway.

Optical conductivity of triple point fermions.

As a low-energy effective theory on non-symmorphic lattices, we consider a generic triple point fermion Hamiltonian, which is parameterized by an angular parameterλ. We find strongλdependence in both Drude and interband optical absorption of these systems. The deviation of theT2coefficient of the Drude weight from Dirac/Weyl fermions can be used as a quick way to optically distinguish the triple point degeneracies from the Dirac/Weyl degeneracies. At the particularλ=π/6 point, we find that the 'helicity' reversal optical transition matrix element is identically zero. Nevertheless, deviating from this point, the helicity reversal emerges as an absorption channel.

Efficiency and perceived exertion of manual wheelchair propulsion: a physiological comparison of push vs pull wheeling.

Manual wheelchair users face a high prevalence of upper extremity pain and injuries associated with poor biomechanics and the relatively low mechanical efficiency of conventional push wheeling. Recently developed geared wheels, which permit the wheelchair user to propel forwards by pulling at the handrims using a 'rowing' motion, have been speculated to improve ergonomics and reduce operational energy costs. This study compared the gross mechanical efficiency (GME) and perceived exertion (RPE) of these geared wheels to standard wheelchair wheels after a motor skill-based training session was conducted to familiarise participants with using both wheels. Fourteen able-bodied males were enrolled in the study. A within-participants, repeated-measures design was used to assess oxygen uptake (VO2), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), energy expenditure (En) and RPE during 5-minute, steady-state wheeling trials. Total external power output (Pext) was obtained using a drag test protocol for comparison over En to determine GME ratio. Stroke frequency and movement pattern were assessed through video tracking and propulsion testing. Although geared wheels required fewer strokes, standard wheels resulted in significantly lower VO2, RPE and En (p ≤ 0.001). These findings suggest overall that standard wheels were more mechanically efficient, likely due to internal energy loss of the geared wheel system.

Topological phase diagram of the disordered 2XY model in presence of generalized Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction.

The topological index of a system determines its edge physics. However, in situations such as strong disorder where due to level repulsion the spectral gap closes, the topological indices are not well-defined. In this paper, we show that the localization length of zero modes determined by the transfer matrix method reveals much more information than the topological index. The localization length can provide not only information about the topological index of the Hamiltonian itself, but it can also provide information about the topological indices of the 'relative' Hamiltonians. As a case study, we study a generalized XY model (2XY model) further augmented by a generalized Dziyaloshinskii-Moriya-like (DM) interaction parameterized by [Formula: see text] that after fermionization breaks the time-reversal invariance. The parent Hamiltonian at [Formula: see text] which belongs to the BDI class is indexed by an integer winding number while the [Formula: see text] daughter Hamiltonian which belongs to class D is specified by a Z 2 index [Formula: see text]. We show that the localization length, in addition to determining Z 2, can count the number of Majorana zero modes leftover at the boundary of the daughter Hamiltonian-which are not protected by the winding number anymore. Therefore the localization length outperforms the standard topological indices in two respects: (i) it is much faster and more accurate to calculate and (ii) it can count the winding number of the parent Hamiltonian by looking into the edges of the daughter Hamiltonian.