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The environmental and economic impact of an oil spill can be significant. Biotechnologies applied during a marine oil spill involve bioaugmentation with immobilised or encapsulated indigenous hydrocarbonoclastic species selected under laboratory conditions to improve degradation rates. The environmental factors that act as stressors and impact the effectiveness of hydrocarbon removal are one of the challenges associated with these applications. Understanding how native microbes react to environmental stresses is necessary for effective bioaugmentation. Herein, Micrococcus luteus and M. yunnanensis isolated from a marine oil spill mooring system showed hydrocarbonoclastic activity on Maya crude oil in a short time by means of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) at 144 h: M. luteus up to 98.79 % and M. yunnanensis 97.77 % removal. The assessment of Micrococcus biofilms at different temperature (30 °C and 50 °C), pH (5, 6, 7, 8, 9), salinity (30, 50, 60, 70, 80 g/L), and crude oil concentration (1, 5, 15, 25, 35 %) showed different response to the stressors depending on the strain. According to response surface analysis, the main effect was temperature > salinity > hydrocarbon concentration. The hydrocarbonoclastic biofilm architecture was characterised using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Subtle but significant differences were observed: pili in M. luteus by SEM and the topographical differences measured by AFM Power Spectral Density (PSD) analysis, roughness was higher in M. luteus than in M. yunnanensis. In all three domains of life, the Universal Stress Protein (Usp) is crucial for stress adaptation. Herein, the uspA gene expression was analysed in Micrococcus biofilm under environmental stressors. The uspA expression increased up to 2.5-fold in M. luteus biofilms at 30 °C, and 1.3-fold at 50 °C. The highest uspA expression was recorded in M. yunnanensis biofilms at 50 °C with 2.5 and 3-fold with salinities of 50, 60, and 80 g/L at hydrocarbon concentrations of 15, 25, and 35 %. M. yunnanensis biofilms showed greater resilience than M. luteus biofilms when exposed to harsh environmental stressors. M. yunnanensis biofilms were thicker than M. luteus biofilms. Both biofilm responses to environmental stressors through uspA gene expression were consistent with the behaviours observed in the response surface analyses. The uspA gene is a suitable biomarker for assessing environmental stressors of potential microorganisms for bioremediation of marine oil spills and for biosensing the ecophysiological status of native microbiota in a marine petroleum environment.
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Nuclear proliferation marker MIB-1 (Ki-67) immunohistochemistry (IHC) is used to examine tumor cell proliferation. However, the diagnostic or prognostic value of the Ki-67 nuclear staining intensity and location, defined as nuclear gradient (NG), has not been assessed. This study examined the potential association between Ki-67 NG and cell cycle phases and its effect on the prognosis of pulmonary typical carcinoid (PTC) tumors. We propose a method for classifying the NG of Ki-67 during the cell cycle and compare the results between PTC, pulmonary adenocarcinoma (PAD), and breast ductal carcinoma (BDC). A literature review and objective analysis of IHC-stained paraffin sections were used to determine the Ki-67 labeling index and composed a stratification of the NG into NG1, NG2, and NG3/4 categories. A semi-automated image analysis protocol was established to determine the Ki-67 NG in PTC, PAD, and BDC. High intraobserver consistency and moderate interobserver agreement were achieved in the determination of Ki-67 NG in tumor specimens. NG1 and NG2 were lower in PTC than in PAD and BDC. Cox multivariate analysis of PTC after adjusting for age and number of metastatic lymph nodes showed that Ki-67 NG1 and NG2 significantly predicted clinical outcomes. The semi-automated method for quantification of Ki-67 nuclear immunostaining proposed in this study could become a valuable diagnostic and prognostic tool in PTC.
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Antígeno Ki-67 , Imuno-Histoquímica , Antígeno Ki-67/metabolismoRESUMO
Nuclear proliferation marker MIB-1 (Ki-67) immunohistochemistry (IHC) is used to examine tumor cell proliferation. However, the diagnostic or prognostic value of the Ki-67 nuclear staining intensity and location, defined as nuclear gradient (NG), has not been assessed. This study examined the potential association between Ki-67 NG and cell cycle phases and its effect on the prognosis of pulmonary typical carcinoid (PTC) tumors. We propose a method for classifying the NG of Ki-67 during the cell cycle and compare the results between PTC, pulmonary adenocarcinoma (PAD), and breast ductal carcinoma (BDC). A literature review and objective analysis of IHC-stained paraffin sections were used to determine the Ki-67 labeling index and composed a stratification of the NG into NG1, NG2, and NG3/4 categories. A semi-automated image analysis protocol was established to determine the Ki-67 NG in PTC, PAD, and BDC. High intraobserver consistency and moderate interobserver agreement were achieved in the determination of Ki-67 NG in tumor specimens. NG1 and NG2 were lower in PTC than in PAD and BDC. Cox multivariate analysis of PTC after adjusting for age and number of metastatic lymph nodes showed that Ki-67 NG1 and NG2 significantly predicted clinical outcomes. The semi-automated method for quantification of Ki-67 nuclear immunostaining proposed in this study could become a valuable diagnostic and prognostic tool in PTC.
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In this paper we investigate quasinormal modes (QNM) for a scalar field around a noncommutative Schwarzschild black hole. We verify the effect of noncommutativity on quasinormal frequencies by applying two procedures widely used in the literature. The first is the Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin (WKB) approximation up to sixth order. In the second case we use the continuous fraction method developed by Leaver. Besides, we also show that due to noncommutativity, the shadow radius is reduced when we increase the noncommutative parameter. In addition, we find that the shadow radius is nonzero even at the zero mass limit for finite noncommutative parameter.
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BACKGROUND: Choroid plexus papilloma represents 1-4% of pediatric brain tumors, mostly located in the ventricular atrium.[1] Intraventricular tumors represent a challenge due to the poor visualization of the surgical field and damage to surrounding structures.[2] Use of tubular retraction reduces cerebrovascular trauma to the surrounding parenchyma by distributing pressure uniformly, allowing less invasive corticotomy, and more stability on surgical corridors that allow the surgeon to use both hands and external visualization devices.[2-5]. CASE DESCRIPTION: We present the case of a 3-year-old boy with progressive headache, vomiting, and loss of control in the left hand for 3 months, with a history of ventricular shunt placement for acute obstructive hydrocephalus. The MRI revealed large lobulated lesion, which was hypointense on T1, hyperintense on T2, marked enhancement on T1 C+ (Gd) within the atrium of the right lateral ventricle, and spectroscopy with a peak of choline. Written consent for the use of photos and videos on this work was obtained from the patient's mother. A high-definition two-dimensional exoscope (VITOM® Karl Storz, Tuttlingen) was used during the surgical approach and throughout tumor removal, which was aided by ViewSite Brain Access System (VBAS®; Vycor Medical Inc.).[3] We performed a transparietal minimally invasive transsulcal parafascicular approach through the Frazier point for direct access to the ventricular atrium. Histological examination confirmed atypical choroid plexus papilloma. Postoperative imaging shows no residual tumor. The postoperative course was satisfactory with improvement of the headache and control of the left hand, leading to discharge home 1 week after surgery. CONCLUSION: The tubular transparietal minimally invasive approach obviates the need for traditional approaches to the atrium. This technique is safe and effective for the treatment of intraventricular and periventricular lesions, thus making this challenging target in more accessible to neurosurgeons, avoiding structure damage and any associated morbidity or mortality.
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BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization has reported that 1.35 million people die on the roads every year due to road traffic accidents. This paper focuses on exploring a passive safety system that reduces lesions in the overtaking run-over scenario. METHODS: Head Injury Criterion (HIC) and Combined Thoracic Index (CTI) were evaluated through numerical simulations using LS-Dyna®; in order to compare the computed results, three different speed scenarios were carried out (velocity of running over 40, 50, 60 km/h). RESULTS: The computed results were divided into groups, A for the run-over test without a passive security system and B for the run-over test with a passive security system. For case A.1, the HIC15 was 3325. For case A.2, the HIC15 was 1510, and for case A.3, the HIC 15 was 1208. For case B.1, the HIC15 2605, for case B.2, the HIC15 was 1282, and for case B.3, the HIC was 730. CONCLUSION: The comparative results show that the passive safety system installed on the bicycle has an increased benefit impact on the severity of the injury on vulnerable road users, decreasing the probability of cranioencephalic lesions in all study cases. In addition, the thorax injuries are cut down only in the impact scenario at a speed of 40 km/h.
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BACKGROUND: Tuberculum sellae meningiomas have an incidence from 5 to 10% of all intracranial meningiomas[2] and tend to be surgically difficult and challenging tumors given their proximity to important structures such as the internal carotid artery (ICA), anterior cerebral artery (ACA), and optic nerves.[3] Typically, their growth is posteriorly and superiorly oriented, thereby displacing the optic nerves and causing visual dysfunction, which is the primary indication for surgical treatment.[1] The main goals of the treatment are the preservation or restoration of visual abilities and a complete tumor resection.[1] Conventionally, surgical approaches to tuberculum meningiomas involve largely invasive extended bifrontal, interhemispheric, orbitozygomatic, pterional, and subfrontal eyebrow approaches. The supraorbital craniotomy, however, is a minimally invasive transcranial approach that offers a similar surgical corridor to conventional transcranial approaches, using a limited craniotomy and minimal brain retraction that can be used for tumoral and vascular pathologies,[4,5] offering added cosmetic outcomes.[1] We present the case of a patient undergoing a supraorbital transciliary craniotomy with a tuberculum sellae meningioma causing bitemporal hemianopsia. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 70-year-old female with chronic headaches and progressive vision loss and visual field deficit for about 1 year. On ophthalmological evaluation, she was able to fixate and follow objects with each eye, light perception was only present in the right eye, and the vision in the left eye was 0.2 decimal units. Her visual fields demonstrated severe campimetric deficits. Her extraocular movements were intact and bilateral pupils were equal, round, and reactive to light. MRI of the brain demonstrated tuberculum sellae meningioma with bilateral optic canal invasion, displacing the chiasm, and extending ≥180° around the medial ICA wall and anterior ACA wall. The patient underwent supraorbital transciliary keyhole approach for total resection of the tumor. Postoperatively, visual acuity and visual field were significantly improved. CONCLUSION: Performing a supraorbital transciliary keyhole craniotomy for tuberculum sellae meningiomas requires an adequate and meticulous preoperative planning to determine the optimal surgical corridor to the lesion. The use of supraorbital craniotomy is safe with good cosmetic results and potentially lower morbidity allowing for adequate exposure, resection, and release of neurovascular structures.
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The dynamics of volatilomes emitted during the interaction between plant-growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) and the phytopathogen Fusarium solani were evaluated for 5 days. The first screening was done to evaluate the antagonist activity of volatile compounds emitted by PGPB against F. solani. Volatilomes from 11 PGPB were determined individually and together with F. solani by using solid-phase microextraction coupled to gas-chromatography-mass spectrometry. Isolates of PGPB belonged to the Bacillus genus and inhibited from 18 to 24% the fungal mycelium growth. The isolates also induced morphological alterations of fungal hyphae, like small globular vesicles and the formation of chlamydospores, suggesting a stress mechanism response by the fungus. Volatilome profile showed 49 different compounds that appeared in the bacterial-fungal interaction, such as ketones, sesquiterpenes, monoterpenoids, alkanes, alkenes, carboxylic acids, and fatty acids. Some ketones and alcohols were detected in high abundance only in the interaction PGPB-fungus at 3 and 5 days. Bacillus circulans A19, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens A21, and Bacillus wiedmannii S18 shared a group of emitted alcohols and ketones when they were exposed to F. solani. F. solani produced its own volatilome profile, with the presence of sesquiterpenes, such as α-cubebene and caryophyllene, which increased significantly in co-incubation with the tested bacteria, suggesting chemical communication between them.
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Antifúngicos/farmacologia , Bactérias/metabolismo , Fenômenos Fisiológicos Bacterianos , Fusarium/efeitos dos fármacos , Interações Microbianas/fisiologia , Desenvolvimento Vegetal/fisiologia , Compostos Orgânicos Voláteis/farmacologia , Alcanos/farmacologia , Alcenos/farmacologia , Antifúngicos/química , Bacillus , Bacillus amyloliquefaciens , Bactérias/efeitos dos fármacos , Ácidos Carboxílicos/farmacologia , Ácidos Graxos/farmacologia , Fusarium/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Fusarium/patogenicidade , Cetonas/farmacologia , Interações Microbianas/efeitos dos fármacos , Monoterpenos/farmacologia , Micélio/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Doenças das Plantas/microbiologia , Sesquiterpenos/farmacologia , Microbiologia do Solo , Compostos Orgânicos Voláteis/químicaRESUMO
A facile and greener methodology to obtain pure chitosan-based 3D porous structures in the form of monoliths and films is proposed. It is based on a modified evaporation-induced phase separation process in a chitosan solution precursor. In this approach, a deep eutectic solvent (DES) is used as the nonsolvent system and an ecofriendly, cost effective, simple and versatile alternative for the production of highly structured chitosan materials. The porous heterogeneous structure can be fine-tuned by varying the chitosan content in the precursor solution and chitosan/DES ratio, and enabled the structured polymer to absorb large amounts of water to form hydrogels. This is a versatile and unexplored approach to design porous chitosan with tailored morphology in the absence of crosslinkers, which, based on preliminary studies on V. cholerae biofilm formation, is expected to open new avenues for various applications in biomedical, catalysis, water purification, filtration and other areas where the control of bacterial biofilm formation is critical.
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Biopolímeros/química , Quitosana/química , Solventes/química , Fenômenos Químicos , Extração Líquido-Líquido , Porosidade , Espectroscopia de Infravermelho com Transformada de Fourier , TermogravimetriaRESUMO
Patient-specific computer simulations can be a powerful tool in clinical applications, helping in diagnostics and the development of new treatments. However, its practical use depends on the reliability of the models. The construction of cardiac simulations involves several steps with inherent uncertainties, including model parameters, the generation of personalized geometry and fibre orientation assignment, which are semi-manual processes subject to errors. Thus, it is important to quantify how these uncertainties impact model predictions. The present work performs uncertainty quantification and sensitivity analyses to assess the variability in important quantities of interest (QoI). Clinical quantities are analysed in terms of overall variability and to identify which parameters are the major contributors. The analyses are performed for simulations of the left ventricle function during the entire cardiac cycle. Uncertainties are incorporated in several model parameters, including regional wall thickness, fibre orientation, passive material parameters, active stress and the circulatory model. The results show that the QoI are very sensitive to active stress, wall thickness and fibre direction, where ejection fraction and ventricular torsion are the most impacted outputs. Thus, to improve the precision of models of cardiac mechanics, new methods should be considered to decrease uncertainties associated with geometrical reconstruction, estimation of active stress and of fibre orientation. This article is part of the theme issue 'Uncertainty quantification in cardiac and cardiovascular modelling and simulation'.
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Modelos Cardiovasculares , Incerteza , Função Ventricular Esquerda , Fenômenos Biomecânicos , Sístole/fisiologiaRESUMO
An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
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Understanding the life cycle and dietary requirements of laboratory-reared insects is critical for optimizing resources (including time) and can provide more reliable ecological basis for using such biological control agents in realistic programs. Here, we evaluated the complete development and the predatory abilities of Belostoma anurum (Herrich-Schäffer, 1848) (Hemiptera: Belostomatidae), an aquatic predator widely distributed in Neotropical region, when reared at different diets. We firstly investigated the predatory performance of B. anurum nymphs upon mosquito larvae (i.e., larvae of Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1758) or Culex sp. (Diptera: Culicidae)) and, second, whether the immature diets (i.e., arthropod-based diet (mosquito larvae and adults of Notonectidae) or vertebrate (fish larvae)-based diet) affect the predatory behavior of B. anurum adults. The B. anurum egg-to-adult developmental time was 85.1 days in an arthropod-based diet. However, when a fish-based diet was offered after nymphs reached 3rd instar, we recorded up to 50% reductions on the B. anurum developmental time. Interestingly, B. anurum adults could live more than 1 year under laboratory conditions, independently of the immature diet regime. Furthermore, the fish diet-experienced B. anurum adults spent less time feeding on fish larvae when compared with adults that never experienced this type of diet. Predatory results revealed that 2nd instar B. anurum were more efficient to catch and consume larvae of A. aegypti than of Culex sp. Collectively, our findings show that B. anurum is long-lived aquatic predators, and demonstrate the impacts of dietary regime on the life history traits and predatory performance of these insects.
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Agentes de Controle Biológico , Dieta/veterinária , Heterópteros/fisiologia , Características de História de Vida , Aedes , Animais , Culex , Feminino , Larva , Masculino , Mosquitos Vetores , Ninfa/fisiologia , Comportamento PredatórioRESUMO
Temperature affects the development, population dynamics, reproduction and population size of insects. Thaumastocoris peregrinus Carpintero et Dellape (Heteroptera: Thaumastocoridae) is a eucalyptus pest. The objective of this study was to determine biological and life table parameters of T. peregrinus on Eucalyptus benthamii at five temperatures (18 °C; 22 °C; 25 °C; 27 °C and 30 °C) with a relative humidity (RH) of 70 ± 10% and photoperiod of 12 hours. The duration of each instar and the longevity of this insect were inversely proportional to the temperature, regardless of sex. The nymph stage of T. peregrinus was 36.4 days at 18 °C and 16.1 days at 30 °C. The pre-oviposition period was 5.1 days at 30 °C and 13.1 days at 18 °C and that of oviposition was 7.6 days at 30 °C and 51.2 days at 22 °C. The generation time (T) of T. peregrinus was 27.11 days at 22 °C and 8.22 days at 30 °C. Lower temperatures reduced the development and increased the life stage duration of T. peregrinus. Optimum temperatures for T. peregrinus development and reproduction were 18 and 25 °C, respectively.
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Heterópteros/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Animais , Eucalyptus , Feminino , Heterópteros/genética , Tábuas de Vida , Longevidade , Masculino , Ninfa , Oviposição , Periodicidade , Controle de Pragas/métodos , Fotoperíodo , Dinâmica Populacional , Reprodução , TemperaturaRESUMO
This study aimed at characterizing a biosurfactant from Candida utilis, and use it in the preparation of salad dressings. The biosurfactant was produced in mineral medium supplemented with 6% glucose and 6% waste frying canola oil. The crude biosurfactant was then tested for stability in different conditions of pH, salt concentration, heating time and temperature. The critical micelle dilution, chemical composition, and structural analysis were determined. The compound was resistant to extreme conditions and presented stable surface tension and emulsification activity in alkaline pH and was characterized as a carbohydrate-lipid-protein complex showing the best formulation and consistency at 0.7% (w/v) with guar gum indicating potential applicability in food emulsions.
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Candida , Tensoativos , Bandagens , Biodegradação Ambiental , EmulsõesRESUMO
A novel continuous flow system with "flat geometry" composed by two completely mixed aerobic tanks in series and a settler was used to promote the formation of aerobic granular sludge. Making similarities of this system with a typical sequencing batch reactor (SBR), for aerobic granules cultivation, the value of the tank 1/tank 2â¯vol ratio and the biomass recirculation rate would correspond with the feast/famine length ratio and the length of the operational cycle, respectively, while the settler upflow liquid velocity imposed would be related to the settling time. From the three experiments performed the best results were obtained when the tank 1/tank 2â¯vol ratio was of 0.28, the sludge recycling ratio of 0.25 and the settler upflow velocity of 2.5â¯m/h. At these conditions the aggregates had settling velocities between 29 and 113â¯m/h, sludge volume index at 10â¯min (SVI10) of 70â¯mL/g TSS and diameters between 1.0 and 5.0â¯mm.
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Reatores Biológicos , Esgotos , Aerobiose , Biomassa , Eliminação de Resíduos LíquidosRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Cervicouterine cancer (CC) is a health problem worldwide and is the fourth most common cancer in women, with a greater proportion of individuals affected by advanced stages of the disease in developing countries. OBJECTIVE: To determine the sensitivity and specificity of the TruScreen™ opto-electronic device vs. conventional cytology in CC screenings. METHODOLOGY: This is a prospective observational study that included individuals who presented for the first time at the Dysplasia Clinic of the Instituto Nacional de Cancerología from March 1 through April 30, 2016, and those referred due to abnormal conventional cytology. The patients were evaluated with the TruScreen™ device, conventional cytology, colposcopy and, if necessary, cervical biopsy. The results were analyzed by descriptive statistics as well as the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of the TruScreen™, using conventional cytology as the standard. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients were included who met the inclusion criteria. The average age of the patients was 40 years (range, 23-61 years). For the diagnosis of high-grade intraepithelial lesions, the TruScreen™ device showed a 43% sensitivity, a 92% specificity, a PPV of 60%, and a NPV of 85%, whereas evaluation via cervical biopsy exhibited a 33% sensitivity, an 86% specificity, a 33% PPV, and an 86% NPV. The Kappa agreement index of the TruScreen™ with the colposcopies was 0.70. CONCLUSIONS: TruScreen™ demonstrated low sensitivity and high specificity compared with conventional cytology, which had a high NPV.
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We measured and compared mercury (Hg) and other ions in rainwater collected in San Joaquin (mining zone) and Juriquilla (urban area), central Mexico, from 2009 to 2012. A total of 274 rainwater samples were collected and analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity, [Formula: see text] Cl-, [Formula: see text] Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and Hg. Mercury concentrations in rainwater varied from 24.21 to 248.89 (x-bar = 86.97 ± 10.77) µg L- 1 in San Joaquin (mining zone) and 11.26 to 176.91 (x-bar = 81.51 ± 10.24) µg L- 1 in Juriquilla (urban area). Rainwater sample were collected over periods 1-3 days, depending upon precipitation frequency. Significant correlations (p < 0.05) were found between [Formula: see text] Cl-, [Formula: see text] Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and Hg at the San Joaquin site. Significant correlations were obtained between [Formula: see text] Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and Hg at the Juriquilla site. In order to determine if there were significant differences among each measured parameter in rainwater collected in San Joaquin and Juriquilla, Kruskal-Wallis test was applied to data. We emphasized that the distribution and concentrations of Hg and the studied ions in rainwater samples were affected by atmospheric dust and local meteorological conditions of wind-speed and direction.
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Íons/análise , Mercúrio/análise , Mineração , Poeira , Monitoramento Ambiental/métodos , MéxicoRESUMO
A wide variety of abiotic and biotic factors act on insect pests to regulate their populations. Knowledge of the time and magnitude of these factors is fundamental to understanding population dynamics and developing efficient pest management systems. We investigate the natural mortality factors, critical pest stages, and key mortality factors that regulate Chrysodeixis includens populations via ecological life tables. The total mortality caused by natural factors was 99.99%. Natural enemies were the most important mortality factors in all pest stages. The critical stages of C. includens mortality were second and fourth instars. The key mortality factors were predation by ants in the second instar and predation by Vespidae in the fourth instar. The elimination of these factors can cause an increase of 77.52 and 85.17% of C. includens population, respectively. This study elucidates the importance of natural enemies and other natural mortality factors in C. includens population regulation. These factors should be considered in developing and implementing C. includens management strategies and tactics in order to achieve effective and sustainable pest control.