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•Anodic oxidation is an efficient alternative to remove 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene from water.•Electrogenerated ⦁OH and/or SO4-• at PbO2 and BDD oxidize this herbicide.•BDD anode ...efficiently mineralizes 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene.•Electrochemical mineralization is higher with BDD than PbO2 at pH 3.•Hydroxyl radical production is reduced at BDD in alkaline medium.
The electrochemical removal of the 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB) herbicide, a potentially carcinogenic agent from aqueous solutions, was performed at PbO2 and BDD electrodes by bulk electrolysis under galvanostatic control (300 and 400 A m−2) and under two pH conditions (3 and 9). Results clearly indicated that a 62 % of mineralization was achieved with BDD anode at pH 3, while only a 46 % of electrochemical oxidation (EO) was achieved at PbO2 electrode. The mineralization current efficiency (MCE) depended on the electrode material, current density, and pH conditions; but, for both PbO2 and BDD, high MCE was achieved at pH 3 and 300 A m−2, obtaining 2.54 % and 1.99 % for BDD and PbO2, respectively. The EO pathway depended on the electrocatalytic properties of each one of the anodes to produce hydroxyl radicals which attacked the DNCB molecule as well as the deactivating effects of the chlorine and nitro groups attached to the aromatic ring on the DNCB structure. Finally, HPLC analyses also showed that phenolic intermediates as well as carboxylic acids were formed, at a different extent, during the electrolysis process on both electrodes.
•Investigation of the fish scales, largely available in the Brazilian coast.•Fish scales waste as feedstock for the clean energy production.•Different thermochemical processes (combustion or ...pyrolysis) for energy generation.•Advanced characterization of the thermal behavior and physicochemical properties.•First time of the proximate analysis for the fish scales by thermal analysis.
The replacement of fossil fuels by renewable sources has been discussed globally, because fossil fuels account for a large portion of the pollutant emissions into the atmosphere. Several cities along the Brazilian coast produce a variety of fish types, generating a large amount of waste, including viscera and fish scales, which are already used in several industrial processes. However, these cities still face a large environmental problem, i.e., residue disposal from commercial establishments, e.g., fishmongers, which are often discarded in a disordered and/or unplanned manner in inappropriate places. Within this scenario, the energy utilization of an animal biomass supplied by a fishery in the city of São Luís was investigated, submitting samples to combustion (synthetic air) and pyrolysis (100% N2) processes for the bioenergy generation. Physicochemical properties from fish scales were evaluated by proximate and ultimate analyzes, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The thermal behavior of samples was evaluated by thermogravimetry/derivative thermogravimetry (TG/DTG), differential thermal analysis (DTA) and calorimetry (HHV/LHV). It was verified that the fish scales have carbon and oxygen the major elements, and insignificant amounts of sulfur and heavy metals (lead, copper, chromium, lithium, zinc). This material also presented a large amorphous region (89%), in addition to the presence of collagen fibers and hydroxyapatite crystals. The thermal and physicochemical characteristics of this material were evaluated and compare it to other biomasses already in use, predicting its use for the bioenergy generation.
Introduction
The ACCM/PALS guidelines address early correction of paediatric septic shock using conventional measures. In the evolution of these recommendations, indirect measures of the balance ...between systemic oxygen delivery and demands using central venous or superior vena cava oxygen saturation (ScvO
2
≥ 70%) in a goal-directed approach have been added. However, while these additional goal-directed endpoints are based on evidence-based adult studies, the extrapolation to the paediatric patient remains unvalidated.
Objective
The purpose of this study was to compare treatment according to ACCM/PALS guidelines, performed with and without ScvO
2
goal-directed therapy, on the morbidity and mortality rate of children with severe sepsis and septic shock.
Design, participants and interventions
Children and adolescents with severe sepsis or fluid-refractory septic shock were randomly assigned to ACCM/PALS with or without ScvO
2
goal-directed resuscitation.
Measurements
Twenty-eight-day mortality was the primary endpoint.
Results
Of the 102 enrolled patients, 51 received ACCM/PALS with ScvO
2
goal-directed therapy and 51 received ACCM/PALS without ScvO
2
goal-directed therapy. ScvO
2
goal-directed therapy resulted in less mortality (28-day mortality 11.8% vs. 39.2%,
p
= 0.002), and fewer new organ dysfunctions (
p
= 0.03). ScvO
2
goal-directed therapy resulted in more crystalloid (28 (20–40) vs. 5 (0–20) ml/kg,
p
< 0.0001), blood transfusion (45.1% vs. 15.7%,
p
= 0.002) and inotropic (29.4% vs. 7.8%,
p
= 0.01) support in the first 6 h.
Conclusions
This study supports the current ACCM/PALS guidelines. Goal-directed therapy using the endpoint of a ScvO
2
≥ 70% has a significant and additive impact on the outcome of children and adolescents with septic shock.
Adhesive bonding has become more efficient in the last few decades due to the adhesives developments, granting higher strength and ductility. On the other hand, natural fibre composites have recently ...gained interest due to the low cost and density. It is therefore essential to predict the fracture behavior of joints between these materials, to assess the feasibility of joining or repairing with adhesives. In this work, the tensile fracture toughness (Gnc) of adhesive joints between natural fibre composites is studied, by bonding with a ductile adhesive and co-curing. Conventional methods to obtain Gnc are used for the co-cured specimens, while for the adhesive within the bonded joint, the J-integral is considered. For the J-integral calculation, an optical measurement method is developed for the evaluation of the crack tip opening and adherends rotation at the crack tip during the test, supported by a Matlab sub-routine for the automated extraction of these quantities. As output of this work, an optical method that allows an easier and quicker extraction of the parameters to obtain Gnc than the available methods is proposed (by the J-integral technique), and the fracture behaviour in tension of bonded and co-cured joints in jute-reinforced natural fibre composites is also provided for the subsequent strength prediction. Additionally, for the adhesively-bonded joints, the tensile cohesive law of the adhesive is derived by the direct method.
Glioblastoma is the most frequent and malignant brain tumor. The median survival for this disease is approximately 15 months, and despite all the available treatment strategies employed, it remains ...an incurable disease. Preclinical and clinical research have shown that the resistance process related to DNA damage repair pathways, glioma stem cells, blood-brain barrier selectivity, and dose-limiting toxicity of systemic treatment leads to poor clinical outcomes. In this context, the advent of drug delivery systems associated with localized treatment seems to be a promising and versatile alternative to overcome the failure of the current treatment approaches. In order to bypass therapeutic tumor resistance mechanisms, more effective combinatorial therapies should be identified, such as the use of cytotoxic drugs combined with the inhibition of DNA damage response (DDR)-related targets. Additionally, critical reasoning about the delivery approach and administration route in brain tumors treatment innovation is essential. The outcomes of future experimental studies regarding the association of delivery systems, alternative treatment routes, and DDR targets are expected to lead to the development of refined therapeutic interventions. Novel therapeutic approaches could improve the life's quality of glioblastoma patients and increase their survival rate.
•DNA repair activation is related to the failure of current treatments against GBM.•Clinical results with drugs that modulate the response to DNA damage in GBM are not highly promising.•Drug delivery systems demonstrate the potential of gene-based therapies to target brain cancer cells.
Achalasia is a primary esophageal motor disorder with a variety of causes. It is most common in Central and South America, where Chagas disease is endemic. In addition to the infectious etiology, ...achalasia can be idiopathic, autoimmune, or drug induced. It is an incurable, progressive condition that destroys the intramural nerve plexus, causing aperistalsis of the esophageal body and impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. The literature on the treatment of achalasia comparing pneumatic dilation (PD) and laparoscopic Heller's myotomy (LHM) shows conflicting results. Therefore, a systemic review and meta-analysis are needed. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of PD and LHM, based on the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses recommendations, was presented. The primary outcome was symptom remission based on the Eckardt score. Secondary outcomes were lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP), gastroesophageal reflux (GER), and perforation. A total of four studies were included in this analysis. The total number of patients was 404. Posttreatment symptom remission rates did not differ significantly between LHM and PD at 2 years (RD = 0.03, 95% CI -0.05, 0.12, P = 0.62), or 5 years (RD = 0.13, 95% CI -0.12, 0.39, P = 0.32). The posttreatment perforation rate was lower for LHM (RD = 0.04, 95% CI -0.08, -0.01, P = 0.03). There was no significant difference in terms of LESP or GER. For the treatment of esophageal achalasia, LHM and PD were found to be similar in terms of their long-term efficacy, as well as in terms of the posttreatment GER rates. However, the perforation rate appears to be lower when LHM is employed.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
► We study the joint effect of several factors on the workability and mechanical strength of alkali-activated metakaolin based mortars. ► The workability decreases with the concentration of sodium ...hydroxide and increases with the amount of calcium hydroxide and superplasticizer. ► The use of 3% of superplasticizer combined with a calcium hydroxide content of 10%, allows improving the mortar flow from less than 50% to over 90%.
This study has investigated the joint effect of several factors on the workability and mechanical strength of alkali-activated metakaolin based mortars. The factors analysed through a laboratory experiment of 432 specimens, pertaining to 48 different mortar mixes were, sodium hydroxide concentration (10
M, 12
M, 14
M, 16
M), the superplasticizer content (1%, 2%, 3%) and the percentage substitution of metakaolin by calcium hydroxide in the mixture (5%, 10%). The results show that the workability decreases with the concentration of sodium hydroxide and increases with the amount of calcium hydroxide and superplasticizer. The results also show that the use of 3% of superplasticizer, combined with a calcium hydroxide content of 10%, allows improving the mortar flow from less than 50% to over 90%, while maintaining a high compressive and flexural strength.
Primary familial brain calcifications (PFBC) compose a rare neurologic condition characterized by a bilateral pattern of hydroxyapatite deposits in basal ganglia, dentate nuclei, and thalamus. PFBC ...is identified through neuroimaging screenings such as computerized tomography. Patients with PFBC might present a wide variety of neurological symptoms such as mental and motor impairments, often misdiagnosed as Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, and migraine. Four genes were confirmed as causative of PFBC: SLC20A2, PDGFB, PDGFRB, and XPR1. Curiously, other studies made occasional links between XPR1 variations or expression changes, in a few neuropsychiatric models. This letter is an assembly on XPR1 variants and expression change pattern data that were published in recent scientific reports, even before the current connection between that gene and brain calcification.
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is considered a global emergency, resulting in an exacerbated crisis in the health public in the world. Although there are advances in vaccine development, it is still limited for ...many countries. On the other hand, an immunological response that mediates protective immunity or indicates that predict disease outcome in SARS-CoV-2 infection remains undefined. This work aimed to assess the antibody levels, avidity, and subclasses of IgG to RBD protein, in symptomatic patients with severe and mild forms of COVID-19 in Brazil using an adapted in-house RBD-IgG ELISA. The RBD IgG-ELISA showed 100% of specificity and 94.3% of sensibility on detecting antibodies in the sera of hospitalized patients. Patients who presented severe COVID-19 had higher anti-RBD IgG levels compared to patients with mild disease. Additionally, most patients analyzed displayed low antibody avidity, with 64.4% of the samples of patients who recovered from the disease and 84.6% of those who died in this avidity range. Our data also reveals an increase of IgG1 and IgG3 levels since the 8th day after symptoms onset, while IgG4 levels maintained less detectable during the study period. Surprisingly, patients who died during 8–14 and 15–21 days also showed higher anti-RBD IgG4 levels in comparison with the recovered (P < 0.05), suggesting that some life-threatening patients can elicit IgG4 to RBD antibody response in the first weeks of symptoms onset. Our findings constitute the effort to clarify IgG antibodies' kinetics, avidity, and subclasses against SARS-CoV-2 RBD in symptomatic patients with COVID-19 in Brazil, highlighting the importance of IgG antibody avidity in association with IgG4 detection as tool laboratory in the follow-up of hospitalized patients with more significant potential for life-threatening.
Patients with relapsed unresectable osteosarcoma represents an unmet need, so active and safe systemic treatments are required. Fas cell surface death receptor and mammalian target of rapamycin ...pathways are implicated in progressing osteosarcoma, and we had preclinical and clinical experience with a scheme that targets both pathways. Therefore, we designed a phase II trial with gemcitabine plus rapamycin, to determine the efficacy and safety, in this subset of patients.
A multicenter, single-arm phase II trial was sponsored by the Spanish Group for Research on Sarcoma. Osteosarcoma patients, relapsed or progressing after standard chemotherapy and unsuitable for metastasectomy received gemcitabine and rapamycin p.o. 5 mg/day except for the same day of gemcitabine administration, and the day before. The main end point was 4-month progression-free survival rate (PFSR), with the assumption that rates higher than 40% would be considered as an active regimen. Translational research aimed to correlate biomarkers with the clinical outcome.
Thirty-five patients were enrolled and received at least one cycle. PFSR at 4 months was 44%, and after central radiologic assessment, 2 partial responses and 14 stabilizations (48.5%) were reported from 33 assessable patients. The most frequent grade 3–4 adverse events were: neutropenia (37%), thrombocytopenia (20%), anemia (23%), and fatigue (15%); however, only three patients had febrile neutropenia. Positive protein expression of RRM1 significantly correlated with worse PFS and overall survival, while positivity of P-ERK1/2 was correlated with significant better overall survival.
Gemcitabine plus sirolimus exhibits satisfactory antitumor activity and safety in this osteosarcoma population, exceeding the prespecified 40% of 4-month PFSR. The significant correlation of biomarkers with clinical outcome encourages further prospective investigation.
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