The fundamental role of pH in CH4 bioconversion into polyhydroxybutyrate in mixed methanotrophic cultures

Climate change and plastic pollution are likely the most relevant challenges for the environment in the 21st century. Developing cost-effective technologies for the bioconversion of methane (CH4) into polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) could simultaneously mitigate CH4 emissions and boost the commercialization of biodegradable polymers. Despite the fact that the role of temperature, nitrogen deprivation, CH4:O2 ratio or micronutrients availability on the PHA accumulation capacity of methanotrophs has been carefully explored, there is still a need for optimization of the CH4-to-PHA bioconversion process prior to becoming a feasible platform in future biorefineries. In this study, the influence of different cultivation broth pH values (5.5, 7, 8.5 and 10) on bacterial biomass growth, CH4 bioconversion rate, PHA accumulation capacity and bacterial community structure was investigated in a stirred tank bioreactor under nitrogen deprivation conditions. Higher CH4 elimination rates were obtained at increasing pH, with a maximum value of 50.4 ± 2.7 g CH4·m-3·h-1 observed at pH 8.5. This was likely mediated by an increased ionic strength in the mineral medium, which enhanced the gas-liquid mass transfer. Interestingly, higher PHB accumulations were observed at decreasing pH, with the highest PHB contents recorded at a pH 5.5 (43.7 ± 3.4 %w·w-1). The strong selective pressure of low pH towards the growth of Type II methanotrophic bacteria could explain this finding. The genus Methylocystis increased its abundance from 34 % up to 85 and 90 % at pH 5.5 and 7, respectively. On the contrary, Methylocystis was less abundant in the community enriched at pH 8.5 (14 %). The accumulation of intracellular PHB as energy and carbon storage material allowed the maintenance of high CH4 biodegradation rates during 48 h after complete nitrogen deprivation. The results here obtained demonstrated for the first time a crucial and multifactorial role of pH on the bioconversion performance of CH4 into PHA.

Congenital Juvenile Xanthogranuloma in the Perioral Region: A Case Image

Juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) is the most common form of non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis in childhood. It often presents with cutaneous involvement and exhibits a predilection for the head and neck region. This article illustrates a case of congenital JXG in a 5-month-old boy, characterized by a solitary, well-circumscribed nodule above the left upper lip. Histopathologically, the lesion exhibited histiocytes with eosinophilic cytoplasm and Touton giant cells. Immunohistochemistry revealed histiocytes positive for CD68 and Factor XIIIa, while negative for S-100 protein. Clinicians should become familiar with the broad clinical spectrum of cutaneous JXG, particularly its congenital presentation, in order to ensure timely and accurate management.

Analysis of the prognostic value of emergency blood tests in ischaemic stroke

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to evaluate the prognostic value of emergency blood test results in patients with acute ischaemic stroke.

METHODS

We evaluated 592 prospectively patients with neuroimaging-confirmed ischaemic stroke admitted to our stroke unit between 2015 and 2018. We gathered emergency blood test results and calculated the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and the neutrophil-to-platelet ratio (neutrophils × 1.000/platelets). The association between blood test results and functional prognosis (as measured with the modified Rankin Scale) and such complications as haemorrhagic transformation was evaluated by logistic regression analysis. The additional predictive value of blood test parameters was assessed with receiver operating characteristic curves and the net reclassification index.

RESULTS

An neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio ≥ 3 at admission was associated with a two-fold increase in the risk of functional dependence at 3 months (OR: 2.24; 95% CI: 1.35-3.71) and haemorrhagic transformation (OR: 2.11; 95% CI: 1.09-4.05), while an neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio ≥ 3.86 resulted in an increase of 2.4 times in the risk of mortality at 3 months (OR: 2.41; 95% CI: 1.37-4.26) after adjusting for the traditional predictors of poor outcomes. Patients with neutrophil-to-platelet ratio ≥ 32 presented 3 times more risk of haemorrhagic transformation (OR: 3.17; 95% CI: 1.70-5.92) and mortality at 3 months (OR: 3.07; 95% CI: 1.69-5.57). Adding these laboratory parameters to standard clinical-radiological models significantly improved discrimination and prognostic accuracy.

CONCLUSIONS

Basic blood test parameters provide important prognostic information for stroke patients and should therefore be analysed in combination with standard clinical and radiological parameters to optimise ischaemic stroke management.

AB0326 USEFULNESS OF THE INTIMA-MEDIA THICKNESS INDEX BY CAROTID DOPPLER IN PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS OF HOSPITAL DOCENTE PADRE BILLINI, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Background:

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisistemic autoimmune disease. 1There are studies where the increase in the thickness of the intimate/media average in carotid (IMT) is valued, most have shown increase2. Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of morbidity, especially due to its precocity, which occurs in women during the fertile potential, is associated with a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), due to accelerated atherosclerosis3,4,5. Patients with rheumatic diseases have an increased cardiovascular risk due to systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, which promotes accelerated atherosclerosis2. Values below 0.9mm of IMT are considered normal.

Objectives:

Evaluate the thickness of the intimate/media average in carotid in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Methods:

Prospective, Observational, cross-sectional study. Carotid Doppler was performed on patients in the outpatient clinic with a diagnosis of SLE from November 2019 to 2020 of the rheumatology service of the Hospital Docente Padre Billini and healthy controls. Inclusion criteria: > 18 years old, SLE diagnosis with ACR 2007 classification criteria, carotid Doppler, measurement of IMT. Controls without disease, matched by sex and age. The data was analyzed with SPSS V23.

Results:

116 patients with SLE. 95 patients met inclusion criteria;95 healthy controls were included. 97.8% female. Average disease of 6.23 years. 71. 57% (68) use glucocorticoids, antimalarials 70.52% (67), 38.94% (37) mofetil mycophenolate, 20% (19) methotrexate, 11. 57% (11) rituximab, 5.26% (5) azathioprine, 1.05% (1) cyclosporine, 1.05% (1) cyclophosphamide and 0.86% (1) tacrolimus. Dyslipidemia (63.1%) (73), obesity 34.7% (33), high blood pressure 23.1% (22), diabetes 3.44% (4), smokers 0% (0). The carotid doppler with SLE showed 17.89% (17) atheromatous plates, 29.4% (5) calcified plates, Carotid Doppler in healthy controls showed 20% (19) atheromatous plates, 36.84% (7) calcified plates. The activity rate using SLEDAI showed 68.96% (80) without activity, 13.79% (16) low, 11.20% (13) moderate, 6.03% (7) high activity. 78% (75) patients with SLE had increased IMT mean (SD) 2.15mm (0.99). About control 71.57% (68) had an increase of IMT, mean (SD) 1.27mm (1.07) (p-0.046).

Conclusion:

Our study found that most patients with SLE had IMT increase. The activity ratio of SLE showed that the vast majority of our patients are in low activity. Alterations in IMT were associated with low SLEDAI and glucocorticoid use. There was no significant difference in the intima-media carotid thickness index with respect to the control group. We suggest the realization of Doppler in patients with SLE despite being in low activity for evaluation and monitoring of cardiovascular risk.

References:

[1]Hernández Muñiz, Y, Guibert Toledano, Z. and Reyes Llerena, G., 2015. Correlation of C Reactive Protein Figures and Atherosclerosis in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

[2]Saldarriaga Rivera, L., Ventura Ríos, L., Hernández Díaz, C. and Pineda Villaseñor, C., 2016. Measurement of the thickness of the intimate-half carotid: utility and ultrasound diagnosis of subcline atherosclerosis in rheumatic diseases. Literature review. Rev Col Reum, 23(2), pp.92-101.

[3]Telles, R., Lanna, C., Ferreira, G., Souza, A., Navarro, T. and Ribeiro, A., 2008. Carotid atherosclerotic alterations in systemic lupus erythematosus patients treated at a Brazilian university setting. Lupus, 17(2), pp.105-113.

[4]Nienhuis, H., by Leeuw, K., Bijzet, J., van Doormaal, J., van Roon, A., Smit, A., Graaff, R., Kallenberg, C. and Bijl, M., 2010. Small artery elasticity is decreased in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus without increased intima media thickness. Arthritis Research & Therapy, 12(5), p.R181.

[5]Frerix et al. Arthritis Research & Therapy 2014, 16: R54

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

AB0325 FREQUENCY OF ATHEROMATOUS PLAQUES IN CAROTID ARTERIES BY DOPPLER IN PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS, SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Background:

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystemic autoimmune disease. 1 Atherosclerosis is considered an alteration of the arteries by the abnormal deposit of lipids and fibrous tissue. 2 Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality, especially due to its precocity, which occurs in women during childbearing age, is associated with a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), due to accelerated atherosclerosis3,4,5. Patients with rheumatic diseases have an increased cardiovascular risk due to systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, which promotes accelerated atherosclerosis2.

Objectives:

Evaluate the frequency of atheromatous plaques in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Methods:

Observational, prospective, cross-sectional study. Carotid Doppler was performed on patients with SLE from the external consultation of the rheumatology service from November 2019 to 2020. Inclusion criteria: > 18 years old, diagnosis SLE with the classification criteria ACR 2007, realization of Doppler. Controls: no disease, equated by age and sex. The data was analyzed with SPSS V23.

Results:

116 patients met inclusion criteria, including 116 female controls. Mean sick time was 6.23 years. 14.65% (17) had atheromaus plates, 29.4% calcified plates (5). 34.7% Dyslipidemia (63.1%) (73), obesity 34.7% (33), high blood pressure 23.1% (22), diabetes 3.44% (4), smokers 0% (0). The activity rate using SLEDAI showed 68.96% (80) without activity, 13.79% (16) low, 11.20% (13) moderate, 6.03% (7) high activity. About control group (116), 19.82% (23) showed atheromatous plates, 39.13% (9) calcified plates.

Conclusion:

Our study shows that less than a quarter of patients have atheromatous plaques in the carotid Doppler. In relation to LES activity, the vast majority are in low activity. We suggest the realization of Carotid Doppler in patients with low activity SLE for evaluation and monitoring of cardiovascular risk. Our study showed that there is no increased risk of atheroma plaque formation in SLE patients, compared to the general population.

References:

[1]Hernández Muñiz, Y., Guibert Toledano, Z. and Reyes Llerena, G., 2015. Correlation of C Reactive Protein Figures and Atherosclerosis In Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

[2]Saldarriaga Rivera, L., Ventura Ríos, L., Hernández Díaz, C. and Pineda Villaseñor, C., 2016. Measurement of the thickness of the intimate-half carotid: utility and ultrasound diagnosis of subcline atherosclerosis in rheumatic diseases. Literature review. Rev Col Reum, 23(2), pp.92-101.

[3]Telles, R., Lanna, C., Ferreira, G., Souza, A., Navarro, T. and Ribeiro, A., 2008. Carotid atherosclerotic alterations in systemic lupus erythematosus patients treated at a Brazilian university setting. Lupus, 17(2), pp.105-113.

[4]Nienhuis, H., by Leeuw, K., Bijzet, J., van Doormaal, J., van Roon, A., Smit, A., Graaff, R., Kallenberg, C. and Bijl, M., 2010. Small artery elasticity is decreased in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus without increased intima media thickness. Arthritis Research & Therapy, 12(5), p.R181.

[5]Frerix et al. Arthritis Research & Therapy 2014, 16: R54.

[6]Marta, M., Joan T., Stefano B., Chapt 2 - Assessment of Disease Activity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Mosby, 2007.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

POS0550 EVALUATION OF THE INTIMA-MEDIA THICKNESS INDEX BY CAROTID DOPPLER IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS AT HOSPITAL DOCENTE PADRE BILLINI, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Background:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease systemic, affects 0.5 - 1% of the world population, predominantly female. (1) Carotid Doppler is used to detect endothelial dysfunction by measuring intima-media thickening, flow velocities, subclinical atherosclerosis markers, and vascular tone.(2,3) Measurement of carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) is useful in assessing cerebrovascular disease and cardiovascular risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (4) Intima-media thickness value> 0.9mm and presence of plaques Atheromatous cells in the carotid artery are predictive of increased cardiovascular risk and silent heart disease. (5.6)

Objectives:

To evaluate the carotid intima-media thickness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Methods:

A prospective, observational, cross-sectional study. Carotid Doppler was performed on outpatient patients with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis from November 2019 to 2020 of the rheumatology service of the Hospital Docente Padre Billini and healthy controls. Inclusion criteria:> 18 years, diagnosis of RA according to ACR / EULAR 2010 classification criteria, carotid Doppler with measurement of the carotid intima-media thickness. Controls without disease, matched by sex and age. The data were analyzed with SPSS V23.

Results:

Of 251 patients with a diagnosis of RA, 100 met criteria inclusion, 96.2% female, 100 healthy controls were included. Average evolution of the disease 7.5 years, 88%(88) Positive rheumatoid factor, 33% (33) Positive anti-CCP. 82% (82) concomitant scDMARD, 70% (70) bDMARD, 18% (18) ctDMARD. 53% (53) Dyslipidemia, 23% (23) obesity, 10% (10) hyperglycemia, 8% (8) smokers. DAS28 showed 57% (57) low activity, 20% (20) moderate activity, 15% (15) remission, 8% (8) high activity. Carotid Doppler in patients with RA showed 32% (32) atheromatous plaques, 18.75% (6) calcified plaques, 1.44% (1) stenosis bilateral carotid. C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate high 35% (35) / 58% (58) respectively. Carotid Doppler in healthy controls revealed 17% (17) atheromatous plaques, 47.05% (8) calcified plaques. 69% (69) of RA patients had increased cIMT, mean (SD) cIMT 3.82mm (1.11), controls 58% (58) increase in cIMT, Mean (SD) 3.12mm (0.93) (p = 0.0435).

Conclusion:

Our study showed that 69% of patients with Arthritis Rheumatoid featured increased intima-media thickness associated with low DAS28, we recommend assessing cardiovascular risk using carotid Doppler in patients with low to moderate activity. It was observed that in patients with RA and healthy controls more than half present increased carotid intima-media thickness.

References:

[1]JAMA. 2018;320(13):1360-1372.

[2]Villa-Forte, B.F. Mandell / Rev Esp Cardiol. 2011;64(9):809–817.

[3]Meune, C., Touzé, E., Trinquart, L., Allanore, Y. Trends in cardiovascular mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis over 50 years: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies. Rheumatology 2009; 48 (10): 1309-13.

[4]Choi, HK., Rho, Y-H., Zhu, Y., Cea-Soriano, L., Aviña-Zubieta, JA., Zhang, Y. The risk of pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis in rheumatoid arthritis: A UK population-based outpatient cohort study. Ann Rheum Dis. 2013; 72 (7): 1182-7.

[5]Gkaliagkousi, E., Gavriilaki, E., Doumas, M., Petidis, K., Aslanidis, S., Stella, D. Cardiovascular risk in rheumatoid arthritis: Pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management. J Clin Rheumatol Pract Rep Rheum Musculoskelet Dis. 2012; 18 (8): 422-30.

[6]Corrales, A., González-Juanatey, C., Peiró, ME., Blanco, R., Llorca, J., González-Gay, MA. Carotid ultrasound is useful for the cardiovascular risk stratification of patients with rheumatoid arthritis: Results of a population-based study. Ann Rheum Dis. 2013.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

AB0635 EVALUATION OF THE INTIMA-MEDIA THICKNESS INDEX BY CAROTID DOPPLER IN PATIENTS WITH MONOSODIUM URATE DEPOSITION ARTHRITIS OF THE HOSPITAL DOCENTE PADRE BILLINI, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Background:

Hyperuricemia and gout are risk factors for atherosclerosis subclinical and cardiovascular complications. (1) However, it is still debated whether uric acid is an independent predictor of cardiovascular risk. (2) Vascular Doppler and in particular the measurement of the intima-media thickness and the detection of plaques are useful in the evaluation of cerebrovascular disease and cardiovascular risk. (3) An intima-media thickness greater than 0.9 mm and / or the presence of atheromatous plaques in the carotid are predictive of high cardiovascular risk and silent heart disease. (4) Gouty arthritis has been associated with alteration of the carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) and subclinical atherosclerosis. Cukurova et al studied patients with gout, finding an increase in cIMT compared to patients with asymptomatic hyperuricemia. (5)

Objectives:

Assess the carotid intima-media thickness in patients with monosodium urate deposits arthritis

Methods:

Prospective, observational, cross-sectional study. Carotid Doppler was performed on patients in the outpatient clinic with a diagnosis of gout from November 2019 to 2020 of the rheumatology service of the Hospital Docente Padre Billini and healthy controls. Inclusion criteria, patients> 18 years, diagnosis of monosodium urate deposits arthritis according to the ACR / EULAR 2015 classification criteria, carotid Doppler, measurement of the cIMT. Controls without disease, matched by sex and age. The data was analyzed with SPSS V23 for Windows 10.

Results:

Of 37 patients with a diagnosis of arthritis due to deposition of monosodium urate crystals, (34) met inclusion criteria, 100% male, 34 healthy controls. Average of 61.5 years. Average of the disease 8.2 years. Distribution 61% (21) intercritical gout, 32% (11) chronic tophaceous gout, 0.5% (2) acute gouty arthritis. Comorbidities 67% (23) dyslipidemia, 35% (12) hyperglycemia. 26% (9) presented arterial hypertension. 20% (7) have diabetes mellitus. 58% (20) are alcohol drinkers, 11% (4) smokers. Mean uric acid 8.6 mg / dl at Doppler, 52% (18) elevated serum creatinine. Carotid Doppler in patients with gout showed a 55% (19) increase in the cIMT > 0.9mm, with a mean of 2.03mm (1.95 SD). Carotid Doppler in healthy controls 17% (6) increased cIMT, mean of 1.8mm (2.2 SD) (P = 0.040). Patients with gout had 29% (10) atheromatous plaques, 17% (6) calcified plaques versus 14% (5) atheromatous plaques, 8% (3) calcified in healthy controls.

Conclusion:

Our study showed that half of the patients with gout had increased cIMT compared to a third of the healthy controls. The presence of atheromatous and calcified plaques was mainly associated with dyslipidemia, so we can conclude that the evaluation of the intima-media thickness by carotid Doppler allows it to be a predictor of cardiovascular disease in patients with gout.

References:

[1]Choi HK, Curhan G (2007) Independent impact of gout on mortality and risk for coronary heart disease. Circulation 116:894–900

[2]Feig DI, Kang DH, Johnson RJ (2008) Uric acid and cardiovascular risk. N Engl J Med 359:1811–1821

[3]Choi, HK. Rho, Y-H., Zhu, Y., Cea-Soriano, L., Aviña-Zubieta, JA. Zhang, Y. The risk of pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis in rheumatoid arthritis: A UK population-based outpatient cohort study. Ann Rheum Dis. 2013; 72 (7): 1182-7

[4]Gkaliagkousi, E., Gavriilaki, E., Doumas, M., Petidis, K., Aslanidis, S., Stella, D. Cardiovascular risk in rheumatoid arthritis: Pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management. J ClinRheumatolPract Rep Rheum Musculoskelet Dis. 2012; 18 (8): 422-30

[5]Cukurova S, Pamuk ÖN, Ünlü E, Pamuk GE, C¸ akir N. Subclinical atherosclerosis in gouty arthritis patients: a comparative study. Rheumatol Int. 2012; 32(6):1769–73.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared.

Evaluation of tava program to improve the quality of life in young adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD)

Introduction

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD), is a population that does not usually receive specific treatment.

Objectives

The main objective of the present study is to evaluate whether specific interventions within the TAVA program (transition program to adult life for patients with ADS), produce significant improvements in the quality of life of young adults with ASD.

Methods

This is a prospective randomized clinical study of patients with ASD (according to DSM-5 criteria) seen in outpatient of the Parc Tauli University Hospital in Sabadell (Barcelona) since September 2017. We compared the quality of life, functionality, caregiver burden, and comorbidity of patients in TAVA program (beneficiaries of group therapy and specific medical and psychosocial interventions), with that of control patients (treatment as usual), after 2 years of intervention.

Results

Our sample is composed of 12 patients with ASD. The average age is 18.4 years. 83% of the sample are men (n = 10). 5 of the patients belonged to TAVA and the other 7 were controls. Overall, TAVA patients presented improvement in the ZARIT and BAI scales compared to control patients. The control patients evolved less favorably in the AAA, SRS and RAAS levels compared to TAVA.

Conclusions

Specific interventions in adults with ASD, improve the caregiver’s feeling of overload and the patients anxiety, compared to the usual interventions. The lack of regulated interventions produces an unfavorable evolution of the core symptoms of autism. More studies are needed to specify efficient interventions to improve the quality of life of adults with ASD.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Bioactive Metabolites from the Endophytic Fungus Aspergillus sp. SPH2

In the current study, an ethyl acetate extract from the endophytic fungus Aspergillus sp. SPH2 isolated from the stem parts of the endemic plant Bethencourtia palmensis was screened for its biocontrol properties against plant pathogens (Fusarium moniliforme, Alternaria alternata, and Botrytis cinerea), insect pests (Spodoptera littoralis, Myzus persicae, Rhopalosiphum padi), plant parasites (Meloidogyne javanica), and ticks (Hyalomma lusitanicum). SPH2 gave extracts with strong fungicidal and ixodicidal effects at different fermentation times. The bioguided isolation of these extracts gave compounds 1-3. Mellein (1) showed strong ixodicidal effects and was also fungicidal. This is the first report on the ixodicidal effects of 1. Neoaspergillic acid (2) showed potent antifungal effects. Compound 2 appeared during the exponential phase of the fungal growth while neohydroxyaspergillic acid (3) appeared during the stationary phase, suggesting that 2 is the biosynthetic precursor of 3. The mycotoxin ochratoxin A was not detected under the fermentation conditions used in this work. Therefore, SPH2 could be a potential biotechnological tool for the production of ixodicidal extracts rich in mellein.

Double neurophysiological certification of the filum terminale during sectioning surgery in pediatric population

Background:

Surgery of thickened-fibrolipoma filum terminale (FT) is performed routinely and without conflict but is not a risk-free surgical procedure. Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring with mapping techniques can help to certify the FT before sectioning. However, a tailored surgical approach to cauda equina and a low threshold of surrounding nerve roots can confuse the final surgical decision. The aim is to demonstrate the usefulness of this double methodology for FT certification.

Methods:

A prospective study collected and reviewed retrospectively, from 2015 to 2018, 40 patients undergoing an FT surgery section were included in the study. After opening the dura mater and under the microscope, the cauda equina mapping is performed and the recording of muscles of the lower limbs and the external anal sphincter. In addition, a high-intensity stimulation of constant current of an isolated FT for a short period of time and in a dry surgical field, obtaining a bilateral-polyradicular-symmetrical response of cauda equina nerve roots.

Results:

Traditional motor mapping identified FT in 65% (26/40) of patients. Although, 35% (14/40) of the patients still have low-intensity stimuli response (<1 mA) of a muscle, especially anal sphincter. When this happens, the optimization of the dissection around FT is performed. After that, 25% (10/40) of the patients still having a muscle response in spite of seem isolated FT. Increasing the stimulation intensity up to 20 mA evoked a cauda equina response in all cases. No postoperative neurological impairment was observed in this series.

Conclusion:

This proposed methodology accurately confirms the FT so that it can be safely found and cut. The Double Neurophysiological Certification improves the gap of the traditional mapping techniques of cauda equina and can be used in a variety of more complex surgeries in this area.

Crystal structure of 5,4′-dihydroxy-7,3′-dimethoxyflavanone, C17H16O6

C17H16O6, orthorhombic, P212121 (no. 19), a = 5.2601(3) Å, b = 12.7161(6) Å, c = 22.0116(11) Å, V = 1472.31(13) Å3, Z = 4, R gt(F) = 0.0430, wR ref(F 2) = 0.1089, T = 296(2) K.

Multi-production of high added market value metabolites from diluted methane emissions via methanotrophic extremophiles

This study constitutes the first-proof-of-concept of a methane biorefinery based on the multi-production of high profit margin substances (ectoine, hydroxyectoine, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) and exopolysaccharides (EPS)) using methane as the sole carbon and energy source. Two bubble column bioreactors were operated under different magnesium concentrations (0.2, 0.02 and 0.002 g L^-1) to validate and optimize this innovative strategy for valorization of CH₄ emissions. High Mg²⁺ concentrations promoted the accumulation of ectoine (79.7-94.2 mg g biomass^-1), together with high hydroxyectoine yields (up to 13 mg g biomass^-1) and EPS concentrations (up to 2.6 g L culture broth^-1). Unfortunately, PHA synthesis was almost negligible (14.3 mg L^-1) and only found at the lowest Mg²⁺ concentration tested. Halomonas, Marinobacter, Methylophaga and Methylomicrobium, previously described as ectoine producers, were dominant in both bioreactors, Methylomicrobium being the only described methanotroph. This study encourages further research on CH₄ biorefineries capable of creating value out of GHG mitigation.

Simultaneous TAPP inguinal repair and laparoscopic cholecystectomy: results of a case series

BACKGROUND

Cholecystectomy and inguinal hernioplasty are the most frequent surgeries in Chile and the world. Laparoscopic inguinal hernioplasty, being a clean surgery, reports mesh infection rates of less than 2% and adding a simultaneous laparoscopic cholecystectomy is controversial due to an increase in the risk of mesh infection. The aim of this paper is to report the results of simultaneous TAPP hernioplasty with laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

METHOD

Retrospective analysis of the digestive surgery database. We identified cases in which laparoscopic inguinal TAPP repair and simultaneous laparoscopic cholecystectomy were performed. Demographic, clinical information, hernia type and size, data from the surgery and its complications were also retrieved and analyzed.

RESULTS

We identified 21 patients, 86% male and with an average age of 61 years range 46-84. 72% of the hernias were unilateral, predominating indirect 50%, direct 28% and the remaining were femoral and mixed. The average hernia size was 2.2 cm. The meshes used were 56% polypropylene, 37% polyester and 5% PVDF. We report one gallblader perforation. At a median time of 40 months of follow-up (range 4-89 months), one hernia recurrence was found (3.7%), there were no reoperations at the time of the interview and there were no cases of mesh infection. Complications of surgery includes one ipsilateral testicular atrophy 4.8% and 1 ipsilateral inguinal seroma 4.8%.

CONCLUSIONS

In this series of cases, adding clean contaminated surgery to the inguinal TAPP hernioplasty was not associated with an increase in the infection of the mesh.

Community-based screening of hepatitis C with a one-step RNA detection algorithm from dried-blood spots: Analysis of key populations in Barcelona, Spain

Alternative strategies are required to enhance the diagnosis of silent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections in key populations at risk. Among them, HCV prevalence and bio-behavioural data are scarce for HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM) and men and trans-women sex workers. We sought to describe and assess the potential benefits of a community-based one-step HCV screening and confirmatory strategy for these populations in Barcelona. The screening strategy based on a real-time RT-PCR assay for HCV-RNA detection in dried-blood spots (DBS) was validated and implemented in addition to an antibody point-of-care test in a community centre. HCV prevalence was assessed, and bio-behavioural data were collected. The molecular assay was precise, reproducible, sensitive and specific. Four HIV-negative MSM reported being currently infected (0.75% HCV self-reported prevalence). Implementation of DBS testing was easy, and acceptability was >95%, but no silent HCV case was diagnosed (N = 580). High-risk sexual practices and drug use for sex were reported frequently. HIV prevalence was 4.7% in MSM and 10% in sex workers. Self-reported prevalence of other STIs ranged from 11.3% to 36.2%. In conclusion, HCV-RNA testing in DBS showed a good performance, but the assessed one-step strategy does not seem beneficial in this setting. Although no silent HCV infections were detected, the observed high-risk behaviours and prevalence of other STIs suggest that HCV spread should be periodically monitored among these populations in Barcelona by means of behavioural surveillance, rapid antibody testing and molecular confirmation in DBS.

Combined antibacterial/tissue regeneration response in thermal burns promoted by functional chitosan/silver nanocomposites

We report the combined antibacterial/tissue regeneration responses to thermal burns promoted by functional chitosan/silver nanocomposites (CS/nAg) with ultralow silver content (0.018wt.%, 7-30nm). Our approach allows one to produce CS/nAg nanocomposites without silver nanoparticles (nAg) agglomeration, with bactericide potency higher than 1wt.% of nAg (ca. 10nm) content and, promoting the healing process in controlled thermal burns. CS/nAg films exhibit high antibacterial activity against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa after 1.5h of incubation, demonstrating the bacterial penetration into hydrated films and their interaction with nAg. Additionally, exceptional healing of induced thermal burns was obtained by increasing myofibroblasts, collagen remodeling, and blood vessel neoformation. These factors are associated with epiderma regeneration after 7days of treatment with no nAg release. Our results corroborate the controlled synthesis of nAg embedded in CS matrix with combined antibacterial/biocompatibility properties aiming to produce functional nanocomposites with potential use in wound dressing and health care applications.

Low Temperature Metal Free Growth of Graphene on Insulating Substrates by Plasma Assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition

Direct growth of graphene films on dielectric substrates (quartz and silica) is reported, by means of remote electron cyclotron resonance plasma assisted chemical vapor deposition r-(ECR-CVD) at low temperature (650°C). Using a two step deposition process- nucleation and growth- by changing the partial pressure of the gas precursors at constant temperature, mostly monolayer continuous films, with grain sizes up to 500 nm are grown, exhibiting transmittance larger than 92% and sheet resistance as low as 900 Ω·sq^-1. The grain size and nucleation density of the resulting graphene sheets can be controlled varying the deposition time and pressure. In additon, first-principles DFT-based calculations have been carried out in order to rationalize the oxygen reduction in the quartz surface experimentally observed. This method is easily scalable and avoids damaging and expensive transfer steps of graphene films, improving compatibility with current fabrication technologies.

Crystal structure of 5,7,4′-trihydroxy-3,8,3′-trymethoxyflavone, C18H16O8

C18H16O8, monoclinic, P21/n, (no. 14), a = 7.9253(3) Å, b = 16.8928(6) Å, c = 11.8439(5) Å, β = 92.387(2)°, V = 1584.29(11) Å3, Z = 4, R gt(F) = 0.043, wR ref(F2) = 0.102, T = 295(2) K.

Crystal structure of 11-(p-coumaroyloxy)-tremetone, C22H20O5

C22H20O5, orthorhombic, P212121 (no. 19), a = 6.2039(3) Å, b = 13.1634(8) Å, c = 22.8258(12) Å, V = 1864.06(17) Å3, Z = 4, R gt(F) = 0.053, wR ref(F 2) = 0.117, T = 297(2) K.

Bioactivation of Phytoestrogens: Intestinal Bacteria and Health

Phytoestrogens are polyphenols similar to human estrogens found in plants or derived from plant precursors. Phytoestrogens are found in high concentration in soya, flaxseed and other seeds, fruits, vegetables, cereals, tea, chocolate, etc. They comprise several classes of chemical compounds (stilbenes, coumestans, isoflavones, ellagitannins, and lignans) which are structurally similar to endogenous estrogens but which can have both estrogenic and antiestrogenic effects. Although epidemiological and experimental evidence indicates that intake of phytoestrogens in foods may be protective against certain chronic diseases, discrepancies have been observed between in vivo and in vitro experiments. The microbial transformations have not been reported so far in stilbenes and coumestans. However, isoflavones, ellagitanins, and lignans are metabolized by intestinal bacteria to produce equol, urolithins, and enterolignans, respectively. Equol, urolithin, and enterolignans are more bioavailable, and have more estrogenic/antiestrogenic and antioxidant activity than their precursors. Moreover, equol, urolithins and enterolignans have anti-inflammatory effects and induce antiproliferative and apoptosis-inducing activities. The transformation of isoflavones, ellagitanins, and lignans by intestinal microbiota is essential to be protective against certain chronic diseases, as cancer, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and menopausal symptoms. Bioavailability, bioactivity, and health effects of dietary phytoestrogens are strongly determined by the intestinal bacteria of each individual.

Pharmacokinetics, efficacy prediction indexes, and residue depletion of ribavirin in Atlantic salmon's (Salmo salar) muscle after oral administration in feed

Ribavirin is an antiviral used in human medicine, but it has not been authorized for use in veterinary medicine although it is effective against infectious salmon anemia (ISA) virus, between others. In this study, we present a pharmacokinetic profile of ribavirin in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), efficacy prediction indexes, and the measure of its withdrawal time. To determine the pharmacokinetic profile, fishes were orally administered with a single ribavirin dose of 1.6 mg/kg bw, and then, plasma concentrations were measured at different times. From the time-vs.-concentration curve, Cmax = 413.57 ng/mL, Tmax  = 6.96 h, AUC = 21394.01 μg·h/mL, t1/2  = 81.61 h, and K10  = 0.0421/h were obtained. Ribavirin reached adequate concentrations during the pharmacokinetic study, with prediction indexes of Cmax /IC50  = 20.7, AUC/IC50  = 1069.7, and T>IC50  = 71 h, where IC is the inhibitory concentration 50%. For ribavirin depletion study, fishes were orally administered with a dairy dose of 1.6 mg/kg bw during 10 days. Concentrations were measured on edible tissue on different days post-treatment. A linear regression of the time vs. concentration was conducted, obtaining a withdrawal time of 1966 °C days. Results obtained reveal that the dose of 1.6 mg/kg bw orally administered is effective for ISA virus, originating a reasonable withdrawal period within the productive schedules of Atlantic salmon.

Integral approaches to wastewater treatment plant upgrading for odor prevention: Activated Sludge and Oxidized Ammonium Recycling

Traditional physical/chemical end-of-the-pipe technologies for odor abatement are relatively expensive and present high environmental impacts. On the other hand, biotechnologies have recently emerged as cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternatives but are still limited by their investment costs and land requirements. A more desirable approach to odor control is the prevention of odorant formation before being released to the atmosphere, but limited information is available beyond good design and operational practices of the wastewater treatment process. The present paper reviews two widely applicable and economic alternatives for odor control, Activated Sludge Recycling (ASR) and Oxidized Ammonium Recycling (OAR), by discussing their fundamentals, key operating parameters and experience from the available pilot and field studies. Both technologies present high application potential using readily available plant by-products with a minimum plant upgrading, and low investment and operating costs, contributing to the sustainability and economic efficiency of odor control at wastewater treatment facilities.

Ovine HSP90AA1 gene promoter: functional study and epigenetic modifications

When environmental temperatures exceed a certain threshold, the upregulation of the ovine HSP90AA1 gene is produced to cope with cellular injuries caused by heat stress. It has been previously pointed out that several polymorphisms located at the promoter region of this gene seem to be the main responsible for the differences in the heat stress response observed among alternative genotypes in terms of gene expression rate. The present study, focused on the functional study of those candidate polymorphisms by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and in vitro luciferase expression assays, has revealed that the observed differences in the transcriptional activity of the HSP90AA1 gene as response to heat stress are caused by the presence of a cytosine insertion (rs397514115) and a C to G transversion (rs397514116) at the promoter region. Next, we discovered the presence of epigenetic marks at the promoter and along the gene body founding an allele-specific methylation of the rs397514116 mutation in DNA extracted from blood samples. This regulatory mechanism interacts synergistically to modulate gene expression depending on environmental circumstances. Taking into account the results obtained, it is suggested that the transcription of the HSP90AA1 ovine gene is regulated by a cooperative action of transcription factors (TFs) whose binding sites are polymorphic and where the influence of epigenetic events should be also taken into account.

[Common bile duct stricture caused by vascular ring: a case report]

INTRODUCTION

The most common congenital malformations of the bile duct are biliary atresia and choledochal cyst. In addition, the most common liver anatomical variation is the right hepatic artery aberration. The goal of this study is to characterize a patient with this disease and propose the hepatoduodenal anastomosis as surgical treatment.

CASE REPORT

One-month-old patient with suspected congenital biliary atresia due to progressive jaundice and acholia since birth. Liver tests consistent with a cholestatic pattern and brain MRI scan consistent with biliary atresia. Periods of decreased bilirubin and sporadic slight pigmentation of depositions were described. The surgical finding was a bile duct stricture due to a vascular ring caused by aberrant right hepatic artery. Resection of bile duct and hepatic-duodenal bypass were performed. The patient evolved satisfactorily from this condition.

CONCLUSION

There are few reports of biliary obstruction due to vascular malformations. It is important to keep in mind that not all neonatal jaundice episodes are caused by biliary atresia or choledochal cyst. The clinical course, laboratory tests and imaging should be considered and in the case of suspicion, further exploration should take place.

Metabolic impact of an NADH-producing glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in Escherichia coli

In Escherichia coli, the oxidative branch of the pentose phosphate pathway (oxPPP) is one of the major sources of NADPH when glucose is the sole carbon nutrient. However, unbalanced NADPH production causes growth impairment as observed in a strain lacking phosphoglucoisomerase (Δpgi). In this work, we studied the metabolic response of this bacterium to the replacement of its glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) by an NADH-producing variant. The homologous enzyme from Leuconostoc mesenteroides was studied by molecular dynamics and site-directed mutagenesis to obtain the NAD-preferring LmG6PDH(R46E,Q47E). Through homologous recombination, the zwf loci (encoding G6PDH) in the chromosomes of WT and Δpgi E. coli strains were replaced by DNA encoding LmG6PDH(R46E,Q47E). Contrary to some predictions performed with flux balance analysis, the replacements caused a substantial effect on the growth rates, increasing 59 % in the Δpgi strain, while falling 44 % in the WT. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis of the zwf locus showed that the expression level of the mutant enzyme was similar to the native enzyme and the expression of genes encoding key enzymes of the central pathways also showed moderate changes among the studied strains. The phenotypic and qPCR data were integrated into in silico modelling, showing an operative G6PDH flux contributing to the NADH pool. Our results indicated that, in vivo, the generation of NADH by G6PDH is beneficial or disadvantageous for growth depending on the operation of the upper Embden-Meyerhof pathway. Interestingly, a genomic database search suggested that in bacteria lacking phosphofructokinase, the G6PDHs tend to have similar preferences for NAD and NADP. The importance of the generation of NADPH in a pathway such as the oxPPP is discussed.

Assessing carbon and nitrogen removal in a novel anoxic-aerobic cyanobacterial-bacterial photobioreactor configuration with enhanced biomass sedimentation

The carbon and nitrogen removal potential of an innovative anoxic-aerobic photobioreactor configuration operated with both internal and external recyclings was evaluated under different cyanobacterial-bacterial sludge residence times (9-31 days) during the treatment of wastewaters with low C/N ratios. Under optimal operating conditions, the two-stage photobioreactor was capable of providing organic carbon and nitrogen removals over 95% and 90%, respectively. The continuous biomass recycling from the settler resulted in the enrichment and predominance of rapidly-settling cyanobacterial-bacterial flocs and effluent suspended solid concentrations lower than 35 mg VSS L(-1). These flocs exhibited sedimentation rates of 0.28-0.42 m h(-1) but sludge volumetric indexes of 333-430 ml/g. The decoupling between the hydraulic retention time and sludge retention time mediated by the external recycling also avoided the washout of nitrifying bacteria and supported process operation at biomass concentrations of 1000-1500 mg VSS L(-1). The addition of additional NaHCO3 to the process overcame the CO2 limitation resulting from the intense competition for inorganic carbon between cyanobacteria and nitrifying bacteria in the photobioreactor, which supported the successful implementation of a nitrification-denitrification process. Unexpectedly, this nitrification-denitrification process occurred both simultaneously in the photobioreactor alone (as a result of the negligible dissolved oxygen concentrations) and sequentially in the two-stage anoxic-aerobic configuration with internal NO3(-)/NO2(-) recycling.

Production and characterization of a tributyrin esterase from Lactobacillus plantarum suitable for cheese lipolysis

Lactobacillus plantarum is a lactic acid bacterium that can be found during cheese ripening. Lipolysis of milk triacylglycerols to free fatty acids during cheese ripening has fundamental consequences on cheese flavor. In the present study, the gene lp_1760, encoding a putative esterase or lipase, was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) and the overproduced Lp_1760 protein was biochemically characterized. Lp_1760 hydrolyzed p-nitrophenyl esters of fatty acids from C2 to C16, with a preference for p-nitrophenyl butyrate. On triglycerides, Lp_1760 showed higher activity on tributyrin than on triacetin. Although optimal conditions for activity were 45°C and pH 7, Lp_1760 retains activity under conditions commonly found during cheese making and ripening. The Lp_1760 showed more than 50% activity at 5°C and exhibited thermal stability at high temperatures. Enzymatic activity was strongly inhibited by sodium dodecyl sulfate and phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride. The Lp_1760 tributyrin esterase showed high activity in the presence of NaCl, lactic acid, and calcium chloride. The results suggest that Lp_1760 might be a useful tributyrin esterase to be used in cheese manufacturing.

Hexane abatement and spore emission control in a fungal biofilter-photoreactor hybrid unit

The performance of a fungal perlite-based biofilter coupled to a post-treatment photoreactor was evaluated over 234 days in terms of n-hexane removal, emission and deactivation of fungal spores. The biofilter and photoreactor were operated at gas residence times of 1.20 and 0.14min, respectively, and a hexane loading rate of 115±5gm(-3)h(-1). Steady n-hexane elimination capacities of 30-40gm(-3)h(-1) were achieved, concomitantly with pollutant mineralization efficiencies of 60-90%. No significant influence of biofilter irrigation frequency or irrigation nitrogen concentration on hexane abatement was recorded. Photolysis did not support an efficient hexane post-treatment likely due to the short EBRT applied in the photoreactor, while overall hexane removal and mineralization enhancements of 25% were recorded when the irradiated photoreactor was packed with ZnO-impregnated perlite. However, a rapid catalyst deactivation was observed, which required a periodic reactivation every 48h. Biofilter irrigation every 3 days supported fungal spore emissions at concentrations ranging from 2.4×10(3) to 9.0×10(4)CFUm(-3). Finally, spore deactivation efficiencies of ≈98% were recorded for the photolytic and photocatalytic post-treatment processes. This study confirmed the potential of photo-assisted post-treatment processes to mitigate the emission of hazardous fungal spores and boost the abatement performance of biotechnologies.

Withdrawal times of oxytetracycline and tylosin in eggs of laying hens after oral administration

Antimicrobials administered to laying hens may be distributed into egg white or yolk, indicating the importance of evaluating withdrawal times (WDTs) of the pharmaceutical formulations. In the present study, oxytetracycline and tylosin's WDTs were estimated. The concentration and depletion of these molecules in eggs were linked to their pharmacokinetic and physicochemical properties. Twenty-seven Leghorn hens were used: 12 treated with oxytetracycline, 12 treated with tylosin, and 3 remained as an untreated control group. After completion of therapies, eggs were collected daily and drug concentrations in egg white and yolk were assessed. The yolk was used as the target tissue to evaluate the WDT; the results were 9 and 3 days for oxytetracycline and tylosin, respectively. In particular, oxytetracycline has a good oral bioavailability, a moderate apparent volume of distribution, a molecular weight of 460 g/mol, and is lightly liposoluble. Tylosin, a hydrosoluble compound, with a molecular weight of 916 g/mol, has a low oral bioavailability and a low apparent volume of distribution, too. Present results suggest that the WDTs of the studied antimicrobials are strongly influenced by their oral bioavailability, the distribution, and the molecular weight and solubility, and that these properties also influence the distribution between the egg yolk and white.

Evaluating odour control technologies using reliability and sustainability criteria--a case study for water treatment plants

Technologies for odour control have been widely reviewed and their optimal range of application and performance has been clearly established. Selection criteria, mainly driven by process economics, are usually based on the air flow volume, the inlet concentrations and the required removal efficiency. However, these criteria are shifting with social and environmental issues becoming as important as process economics. A methodology is illustrated to quantify sustainability and robustness of odour control technology in the context of odour control at wastewater treatment or water recycling plants. The most commonly used odour abatement techniques (biofiltration, biotrickling filtration, activated carbon adsorption, chemical scrubbing, activated sludge diffusion and biotrickling filtration coupled with activated carbon adsorption) are evaluated in terms of: (1) sustainability, with quantification of process economics, environmental performance and social impact using the sustainability metrics of the Institution of Chemical Engineers; (2) sensitivity towards design and operating parameters like utility prices (energy and labour), inlet odour concentration (H2S) and design safety (gas contact time); (3) robustness, quantifications of operating reliability, with recommendations to improve reliability during their lifespan of operations. The results show that the odour treatment technologies with the highest investments presented the lowest operating costs, which means that the net present value (NPV) should be used as a selection criterion rather than investment costs. Economies of scale are more important in biotechniques (biofiltration and biotrickling filtration) as, at increased airflows, their reduction in overall costs over 20 years (NPV20) is more extreme when compared to the physical/chemical technologies (chemical scrubbing and activated carbon filtration). Due to their low NPV and their low environmental impact, activated sludge diffusion and biotrickling filtration are in general the most cost-effective, and probably the technologies to be considered first for odour treatment in a wastewater treatment or water recycling plant. When, in an economical and risk evaluation, the reliability is counted to be as relevant as the overall costs, a hybrid technology (biotrickling filtration with activated carbon polishing) would be comparable to biotrickling filtration and activated sludge diffusion as the most preferred technologies, when all technologies are designed to have a 99% reduction of H2S and a 95% reduction of the odour concentration.

A membrane bioreactor for the simultaneous treatment of acetone, toluene, limonene and hexane at trace level concentrations

The performance of a flat-membrane biofilm reactor (MBR) for the removal of acetone, toluene, limonene and hexane at concentrations ranging from 1.3 to 3.2 mg m(-3) was investigated at different gas residence times (GRT): 60, 30, 15 and 7 s. A preliminary abiotic test was conducted to assess the mass transport of the selected volatile organic compounds (VOCs) through the membrane. A reduced transport of limonene and hexane was observed with water present over the dense side of the membrane. The presence of a biofilm attached on the dense side of the membrane following bioreactor inoculation significantly increased VOC transport. High acetone and toluene removals (>93%) were recorded in the MBR regardless of the GRT. To remediate the low hexane removal performance (RE < 24%) recorded at the initial stages of the process, a re-inoculation of the membrane with a hexane-degrading consortium embedded in silicon oil was performed. Although hexane removal did not exceed 27%, this re-inoculation increased limonene removals up to 90% at a GRT of 7 s. The absence of inhibition of hexane biodegradation by substrate competition confirmed that hexane removal in the MBR was indeed limited by the mass transfer through the membrane. Despite the low carbon source spectrum and load, the microbiological analysis of the communities present in the MBR showed high species richness (Shannon-Wiener indices of 3.2-3.5) and a high pair-wise similarity (84-97%) between the suspended and the attached biomass.

Experimental demonstration of an OpenFlow based software-defined optical network employing packet, fixed and flexible DWDM grid technologies on an international multi-domain testbed

Software defined networking (SDN) and flexible grid optical transport technology are two key technologies that allow network operators to customize their infrastructure based on application requirements and therefore minimizing the extra capital and operational costs required for hosting new applications. In this paper, for the first time we report on design, implementation & demonstration of a novel OpenFlow based SDN unified control plane allowing seamless operation across heterogeneous state-of-the-art optical and packet transport domains. We verify and experimentally evaluate OpenFlow protocol extensions for flexible DWDM grid transport technology along with its integration with fixed DWDM grid and layer-2 packet switching.

A comparison of direct and pattern recognition control for a two degree-of-freedom above elbow virtual prosthesis

Individuals with a transhumeral amputation have a large functional deficit and require basic functions out of their prosthesis. Myoelectric prostheses have used amplitude control techniques for decades to restore one or two degrees of freedom to these patients. Pattern recognition control has also been investigated for transhumeral amputees, but in recent years, has been more focused on transradial amputees or high-level patients who have received targeted muscle reinnervation. This study seeks to use the most recent advances in pattern recognition control and investigate techniques that could be applied to the majority of the transhumeral amputee population that has not had the reinnervation surgery to determine if pattern recognition systems may provide them with improved control. In this study, able-bodied control subjects demonstrated that highly accurate two degree-of-freedom pattern recognition systems may be trained using four EMG channels. Such systems may be used to better control a prosthesis in real-time when compared to conventional amplitude control with mode switching.

Inter-layer traffic engineering with hierarchical-PCE in MPLS-TP over wavelength switched optical networks

We present the implementation and validation of an Inter-layer Traffic Engineering (TE) architecture based on a hierarchical path computation element (PCE), where the parent PCE is notified of established optical layer Label Switched Paths that induce packet traffic engineering (TE) links, thus not requiring full topology visibility. We summarize the architecture, the control plane extensions and its experimental evaluation in a control plane testbed.

Biochemical methane potential of microalgae: influence of substrate to inoculum ratio, biomass concentration and pretreatment

The anaerobic digestion of three microalgae mixtures was evaluated at different substrate to inoculum (S/I) ratios (0.5, 1 and 3), biomass concentrations (3, 10 and 20gTS/kg) and pretreatments (thermal hydrolysis, ultrasound and biological treatment). An S/I ratio of 0.5 and 10gTS/kg resulted in the highest final methane productivities regardless of the microalgae tested (ranging from 188 to 395mL CH(4)/gVS(added)). The biological pretreatment supported negligible enhancements on CH(4) productivity, while the highest increase (46-62%) was achieved for the thermal hydrolysis. The optimum temperature of this pretreatment depended on the microalgae species. The ultrasound pretreatment brought about increases in CH(4) productivity ranging from 6% to 24% at 10,000kJ/kgTS, without further increases at higher energy inputs. The results here obtained confirmed the lack of correlation between the solubilization degree and the methane enhancement potential and pointed out that anaerobic digestion of algae after thermal pretreatment is a promising technology for renewable energy production.

Central sleep apnea is associated with increased risk of ischemic stroke in the elderly

OBJECTIVES

Sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome is a well-recognized independent risk factor for stroke in middle-aged population, but controversy remains in older subjects. We examined the possible association between different respiratory parameters and risk of stroke in a prospective population-based cohort of 394 stroke-free elderly subjects.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Fully overnight polysomnography was performed at baseline. Over the 6 year follow-up period, 20 ischemic strokes occurred. Differences in stroke-free survival between subjects according to central apnea index (CAI) were assessed.

RESULTS

We just observed association with incident ischemic stroke on central sleep apnea (CSA) episodes. Obstructive sleep apnea, time passed under 90% oxygen saturation, or arousal index were not associated. The event-free survival was lowest in the highest CAI group. This association was independent of any other vascular risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

CSA is the specific respiratory event associated with stroke in the elderly. Additionally, CSA could be a marker of silent brain ischemia, as a sign of disturbed regulation of central respiratory mechanisms, tentatively of ischemic origin.