After the first commercial applications of a new biological process for the removal of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from low pressure biogas, the need arose to broaden the operating window to also enable ...the removal of organosulfur compounds from high pressure sour gases. In this study we have selected microorganisms from a full-scale biodesulfurization system that are capable of withstanding the presence of thiols. This full-scale unit has been in stable operation for more than 10 years. We investigated the microbial community by using high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons which showed that methanethiol gave a competitive advantage to bacteria belonging to the genera Thioalkalibacter (Halothiobacillaceae family) and Alkalilimnicola (Ectothiorhosdospiraceae family). The sulfide-oxidizing potential of the acclimatized population was investigated under elevated thiol loading rates (4.5–9.1 mM d–1), consisting of a mix of methanethiol, ethanethiol, and propanethiol. With this biomass, it was possible to achieve a stable bioreactor operation at which 80% of the supplied H2S (61 mM d–1) was biologically oxidized to elemental sulfur. The remainder was chemically produced thiosulfate. Moreover, we found that a conventionally applied method for controlling the oxygen supply to the bioreactor, that is, by maintaining a redox potential set-point value, appeared to be ineffective in the presence of thiols.
This study aimed to compare four constructs from the three-minute all-out test (AO3)-end power (EP), the area above EP (WEP), maximum power (Pmax), and attained Formula: see text-to those derived ...from the classical CP model in tethered running. Seventeen male recreational runners underwent two experiments to test for reliability and agreement of AO3 parameters with those obtained from the classical CP model (Wꞌ and CP), a graded exercise test (Formula: see text) and a 30-second all-out test (AO30s; Pmax); all performed on a non-motorized treadmill (NMT). Significance levels were set at p<0.05. There were no significant differences between test-retest for Pmax (p = 0.51), WEP (p = 0.39), and EP (p = 0.64), showing generally close to zero bias. Further, retest ICC were high for Pmax and EP (ICC > 0.86) but moderate for WEP (ICC = 0.69). Pmax showed no difference between AO3 and AO30s (p = 0.18; CV% = 9.5%). EP and WEP disagreed largely with their classical critical power model counterparts (p = 0.05; CV%>32.7% and p = 0.23; CV%>39.7%, respectively), showing greater error than their test-retest reliability. Formula: see text from AO3 was not different (p = 0.13) and well related (CV% = 8.4; ICC = 0.87) to the incremental test Formula: see text. Under the studied conditions, the agreement of EP and WEP to CP and Wꞌ was not strong enough to assure their use interchangeably. Pmax and Formula: see text were closer to their criterion parameters.
Living cells are constantly exchanging momentum with their surroundings. So far, there is no consensus regarding how cells respond to such external stimuli, although it reveals much about their ...internal structures, motility as well as the emergence of disorders. Here, we report that twelve cell lines, ranging from healthy fibroblasts to cancer cells, hold a ubiquitous double power-law viscoelastic relaxation compatible with the fractional Kelvin-Voigt viscoelastic model. Atomic Force Microscopy measurements in time domain were employed to determine the mechanical parameters, namely, the fast and slow relaxation exponents, the crossover timescale between power law regimes, and the cell stiffness. These cell-dependent quantities show strong correlation with their collective migration and invasiveness properties. Beyond that, the crossover timescale sets the fastest timescale for cells to perform their biological functions.
The nuclear envelope (NE) is the central organizing unit of the eukaryotic cell serving as a genome protective barrier and mechanotransduction interface between the cytoplasm and the nucleus. The NE ...is mainly composed of a nuclear lamina and a double membrane connected at specific points where the nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) form. Physiological aging might be generically defined as a functional decline across lifespan observed from the cellular to organismal level. Therefore, during aging and premature aging, several cellular alterations occur, including nuclear‐specific changes, particularly, altered nuclear transport, increased genomic instability induced by DNA damage, and telomere attrition. Here, we highlight and discuss proteins associated with nuclear transport dysfunction induced by aging, particularly nucleoporins, nuclear transport factors, and lamins. Moreover, changes in the structure of chromatin and consequent heterochromatin rearrangement upon aging are discussed. These alterations correlate with NE dysfunction, particularly lamins’ alterations. Finally, telomere attrition is addressed and correlated with altered levels of nuclear lamins and nuclear lamina‐associated proteins. Overall, the identification of molecular mechanisms underlying NE dysfunction, including upstream and downstream events, which have yet to be unraveled, will be determinant not only to our understanding of several pathologies, but as here discussed, in the aging process.
Growing evidence has drawn attention to the nuclear envelope dysfunction as a hallmark of the aging process. Indeed, during aging and premature aging, several cellular alterations occur, including nuclear‐specific changes, particularly alterations in nuclear transport, chromatin organization, and telomere maintenance. Therefore, nuclear protein alterations are essential determinants of physiological and premature aging and may provide biomarkers for aging status and other pathologies like cancer.
Abstract
This study aimed to test the agreement of the incremental test's physiological responses between tethered running on a nonmotorized treadmill (NMT) to matched relative intensities while ...running on a conventional motorized treadmill (MT). Using a within-subject crossover design, nine male recreational runners (age = 22 ± 5 years; height = 175 ± 6 cm; weight = 68.0 ± 16.6 kg) underwent two test sessions: one was an incremental intensity protocol on an MT; the other was on an instrumented NMT. Intensity thresholds at
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2max
, respiratory compensation point (iRCP), and lactate threshold (iLT) were registered for analysis, together with
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2
,
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and blood lactate concentration (Lac). Comparisons were based on hypothesis testing (Student's T-test), effect sizes (Cohen's d), ICC, and Bland Altman analysis. Statistical significance was accepted at p < 0.05. Attained
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2max
(MT = 52.2 ± 7.3 mL·kg
-1
·min
-1
vs NMT = 50.1 ± 8.1 mL·kg
-1
·min
-1
) and
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at iRCP (MT = 46.3 ± 7.2 mL·kg
-1
·min
-1
vs NMT = 42.8 ± 9.3 mL·kg
-1
·min
-1
) were not different between ergometers (p = 0.15 and 0.13, respectively), with significant ICCs (0.84 and 0.70, respectively) and Pearson’s correlations (r = 0.87 and 0.76, respectively). The Lac at iLT presented poor agreement between conditions. Significant correlations were found (r between 0.72 and 0.83) for relative power values of i
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V
˙
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2max
(6.56 ± 1.28 W·kg
−1
), iRCP (4.38 ± 1.50 W·kg
−1
), and iLT (4.15 ± 1.29 W·kg
−1
) related to their counterpart obtained on MT. Results show that running on an NMT offers a higher glycolytic demand under the same relative internal load as running on an MT but with a similar aerobic response and correlated intensity determination.
Besides technical and tactical aspects, basketball matches involve high aerobic and anaerobic capacities, conferring the final performance of a team. Thus, the evaluation of physical and technical ...responses is an effective way to predict the performance of athletes. Field and laboratory tests have been used in sports. The first involving high ecological validity and low cost, and the second, greater control and accuracy but not easy application, considering the different preparation phases in a season. This study aimed, through complex networks analysis, to verify whether centrality parameters analysed from significant correlations behave similarly in distinct scenarios (laboratory and on-court), emphasizing aerobic and anaerobic physical parameters and technical performances. The results showed that, in a compelling analysis involving basketball athletes, the studied centralities (degree, betweenness, eigenvector and pagerank) revealed similar responses in both scenarios, which is widely attractive considering the greater financial economy and lower time when applying tests in the field.
Introduction
Thyrotropin stimulating hormone (TSH) suppression in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) aims to decrease the growth and proliferation of thyroid cancer cells. However, the ...effect of TSH-suppressive therapy on bone microarchitecture remains undefined.
Methods
Cross-sectional study including 43 women with DTC undergoing TSH-suppressive therapy (sTSH) compared to 20 women also on levothyroxine (LT4) therapy but with TSH in the low-normal range (nTSH) since the thyroid surgery. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and trabecular bone score (TBS) was evaluated using the TBS iNsigth software. Fracture risk assessed by FRAX, with and without TBS, was calculated. The relationship between suppressive therapy-related parameters and bone parameters was investigated
.
Results
The TBS mean values were not significantly different in the sTSH and nTSH groups (1.273 ± 0.12 vs 1.307 ± 0.14,
p
= 0.7197). In both groups, postmenopausal women had degraded microarchitecture (TBS 1.216 ± 0.11 vs 1.213 ± 0.09,
p
= 0.9333), while premenopausal women had normal microarchitecture (1.328 ± 0.11 vs 1.401 ± 0.12,
p
= 0.195). The percentage of all postmenopausal women with degraded TBS was 54.7%, while the percentage of osteoporosis diagnoses was 16.1%. The TBS-adjusted FRAX-probability of fracture was similar in sTSH and nTSH groups. Body mass index (BMI) and menopausal status were the only variables associated with TBS and BMD.
Conclusion
Trabecular microarchitecture assessed by TBS was similar between women on long-term suppressive therapy in DTC and those on LT4 replacement therapy aiming at a TSH level within the low-normal reference range. Low TBS values were observed in postmenopausal women of both groups, suggesting that not only suppressed TSH levels but also a low-normal TSH is associated with deteriorated bone microarchitecture in postmenopausal women following total thyroidectomy.
Background and Purpose- The increasing demand and shortage of experts to evaluate and treat acute stroke patients has led to the development of remote communication tools to aid stroke management. We ...aimed to evaluate the JOIN App smartphone system-a low-cost tool for rapid clinical and neuroimaging data sharing to expedite decision-making in stroke. Methods- Consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients treated at a University Hospital in Brazil from December 2014 to December 2015 were evaluated. The analysis included all patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke who underwent initial evaluation by neurology residents followed by JOIN teleconsultation with a stroke neurologist on call for management decisions. An expert panel of stroke neurologists and neuroradiologists revised all cases using a standard Picture Archiving and Communication System imaging workstation within 24 hours and analyzed the decision made with remote assistance during the emergency setting. Results- A total of 720 stroke codes were evaluated with 442 acute ischemic stroke qualifying. Seventy-eight (18%) patients were treated with intravenous thrombolysis. The main reasons for tPA (tissue-type plasminogen activator) exclusion were symptom onset >4.5 hours (n=295; 67%) and hypodense middle cerebral artery territory area >1/3 (n=31; 7%). The agreement rates between Picture Archiving and Communication System versus JOIN-based thrombolysis decisions were 100% for the stroke (unblinded) and 99.3% for the neuroradiologist (blinded) experts. The use of the application resulted in a significant reduction in the door-to-needle times across the pre- versus postimplementation periods (median, 90 interquartile range, 75-106 versus 63 interquartile range, 61-117 minutes;
=0.03). The rates of 90-day excellent outcomes (modified Rankin Scale, 0-1) were 51.3%; 90-day mortality, 2.6%; and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, 3.8%. Conclusions- The JOIN smartphone system allows rapid sharing of clinical and imaging data to facilitate decisions for stroke treatment. The remote application-based decisions seem to be as accurate as the physical presence of stroke experts and might lead to faster times to treatment. This system represents an easily implementable low-cost telemedicine solution for centers that cannot afford the full-time presence of stroke specialists.
Haloalkaliphilic microorganisms that grow optimally at high-pH and high-salinity conditions can be found in natural environments such as soda lakes. These globally spread lakes harbour interesting ...anaerobic microorganisms that have the potential of being applied in existing technologies or create new opportunities. In this review, we discuss the potential application of haloalkaliphilic anaerobic microbial communities in the fermentation of lignocellulosic feedstocks material subjected to an alkaline pre-treatment, methane production and sulfur removal technology. Also, the general advantages of operation at haloalkaline conditions, such as low volatile fatty acid and sulfide toxicity, are addressed. Finally, an outlook into the main challenges like ammonia toxicity and lack of aggregation is provided.
Aim
To evaluate the effect of alendronate (ALN) on the development of periapical lesions induced in ovariectomized rats.
Methodology
Twenty‐five rats were divided into three groups: sham (control), ...ovariectomy (OVX) and OVX + ALN. One day after OVX, animals from the OVX + ALN group received the medication via gavage. After 9 weeks, the first molars of all animals were submitted to periapical lesion induction. After 21 days, the animals were euthanized. Femurs were analysed for bone mineral density. The blocks of bone tissue containing the mandibular first molars were submitted to histotechnical processing and staining with haematoxylin and eosin (HE) for periapical lesion analysis under conventional microscopy. At the same time, the morphometric analysis of the periapical lesion area was performed in the fluorescence mode, as well as the histoenzimology for the quantification of osteoclasts and 4′‐6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole staining for the quantification of apoptotic osteocytes. In addition, the first maxillary molars were used for analysis of the gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines (IL‐1β, IL‐6 and TNF‐α) and osteoclastogenesis markers (RANKL/OPG). The results were submitted to ANOVA and Kruskal–Wallis tests and Tukey and Dunn post‐tests (significance level of 5%).
Results
Ovariectomy reduced bone mineral density of the femur, and treatment with ALN was able to prevent bone loss (P < 0.001). Regarding the microscopic analysis of the periapical region, the sham and OVX + ALN groups had moderately increased periodontal ligament and inflammatory infiltrate, while the OVX group had these parameters increased intensely. The periapical lesions of the OVX group were significantly larger in area in comparison to the other groups (P < 0.001). The OVX group had the largest amount of apoptotic osteocytes, and ALN was able to prevent the apoptosis of these cells, in addition to significantly reducing IL‐6 expression (P < 0.05). OVX and ALN had no effect on RANKL/OPG expression and did not influence the number of osteoclasts around the periapical lesion (P > 0.05).
Conclusion
The hypoestrogenic condition induced by OVX aggravated bone resorption, inducing the death of osteocytes and provoking larger periapical lesions. ALN treatment inhibited osteocyte apoptosis and inflammation via IL‐6, inhibiting bone resorption in periapical lesions of ovariectomized rats.
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