A review on recent developments in hydrodynamic cavitation and advanced oxidative processes for pretreatment of lignocellulosic materials.

Environmental problems due to utilization of fossil-derived materials for energy and chemical generation has prompted the use of renewable alternative sources, such as lignocellulose biomass (LB). Indeed, the production of biomolecules and biofuels from LB is among the most important current research topics aiming to development a sustainable bioeconomy. Yet, the industrial use of LB is limited by the recalcitrance of biomass, which impairs the hydrolysis of the carbohydrate fractions. Hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) and Advanced Oxidative Processes (AOPs) has been proposed as innovative pretreatment strategies aiming to reduce process time and chemical inputs. Therefore, the underlying mechanisms, procedural strategies, influence on biomass structure, and research gaps were critically discussed in this review. The performed discussion can contribute to future developments, giving a wide overview of the main involved aspects.

Recommendations for Vaccination in Adult Patients with Systemic Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases from the Portuguese Society of Rheumatology.

BACKGROUND: Serious infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in systemic inflammatory rheumatic disease (SIRD) patients. Although vaccination may prevent numerous infections, vaccination uptake rates are low in this group of patients. OBJECTIVES: To develop evidence-based recommendations for vaccination in SIRD patients. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE (until 31 October 2014) and EMBASE (until 14 December 2014) databases, as well as the ACR and EULAR congress abstracts (2011-2014). Patients with any systemic inflammatory rheumatic disease were included and all vaccines were considered. Any safety and efficacy outcomes were admitted. Search results were submitted to title and abstract selection, followed by detailed review of suitable studies. Data were subsequently pooled according to the type of vaccine and the SIRD considered. Results were presented and discussed by a multidisciplinary panel and systematic literature review (SLR)-derived recommendations were voted according to the Delphi method. The level of agreement among rheumatologists was assessed using an online survey. RESULTS: Eight general and seven vaccine-specific recommendations were formulated. Briefly, immunization status should routinely be assessed in all SIRD patients. The National Vaccination Program should be followed and some additional vaccines are recommended. To maximize the efficacy of vaccination, vaccines should preferably be administered 4 weeks before starting immunosuppression or, if possible when disease activity is controlled. Non-live vaccines are safe in SIRD, including immunosuppressed patients. The safety of live attenuated vaccines in immunosuppressed patients deserves further ascertainment, but might be considered in particular situations. DISCUSSION: The present recommendations combine scientific evidence with the multidisciplinary expertise of our taskforce panel and attained desirable agreement among Portuguese rheumatologists. Vaccination recommendations need to be updated on a regular basis, as more scientific data regarding vaccination efficacy and safety, emergent infectious threats, new vaccines as well as new immunomodulatory therapies become available.

Linfoma primario del sistema nervioso central: el aporte de las técnicas convencionales de diagnóstico por imágenes / Primary CNS lymphoma: The contribution of conventional diagnostic imaging techniques

El linfoma primario del sistema nervioso central (LPSNC) tiene una presentación predecible en las imágenes convencionales, tanto en pacientes inmunocompetentes como inmunodeprimidos. Analizamos las características imagenológicas que nos permiten reconocer ambos casos y realizamos una revisión de las formas clínicas más relevantes del LPSNC, así como su aspecto en las imágenes obtenidas con técnicas convencionales del Diagnóstico por Imágenes, basándonos en un análisis retrospectivo de nuestros archivos institucionales y la literatura actual. La revisión abarca todas las presentaciones relevantes de esta enfermedad poco frecuente para permitir un diagnóstico temprano, crucial para el adecuado tratamiento.

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) has a predictable imaging appearance on conventional imaging in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. The imaging features that enable both types of patients are discussed. The extensive imaging review presented here of the most relevant PCNSL clinical presentations and their imaging appearances using conventional imaging techniques is based on a retrospective analysis of our institutional files and on the current literature. The review covers all of the relevant appearances of this uncommon disease to enable early diagnosis, which is crucial for proper patient management.