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In this work, entrapped activated carbon was mixed with wastewater from sugarcane using different liquid/solid ratio, pH, and time of operation. Experiments were run in Erlenmeyer flasks at room temperature and 100 rpm. Color reduction of wastewater was evaluated by the decrease in the absorbance at 420, 520, and 620 nm. Best results were achieved using a liquid/adsorbent ratio 0.5:1 (measured as volume of wastewater from sugarcane/volume of entrapped activated carbon), at pH = 6.5–7, and 2 hours of treatment. Under these conditions, about 90% of dye compounds were removed from the sugarcane wastewater. Moreover, results were compared with those achieved in previous works where entrapped carbon was used to remove dyes from vinasses coming from winery industry, observing that entrapped activated carbon is effective to remove dyes independently from the industrial wastewater. Consequently, the results obtained in this study verify the potential application of entrapped activated carbon beads in the design of new eco-friendly, efficient, and low-cost adsorbents for the treatment of wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Due to their crystalline nature, the encapsulation of hydrophobic corticosteroids within polymeric nanoparticles by o/w solvent evaporation method is often difficult to achieve. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of both process and formulation parameters on the encapsulation of a model corticosteroid: methylprednisolone (MP). For this purpose, a 32factorial design was performed evaluating the effects of the concentration of emulsifiers and sonication time on the manufactured nanoparticles, followed by a multiresponse optimization. The study also included the evaluation of other parameters such as the type of organic solvent used, polymer characteristics and the initial mass of drug. The optimal nanoparticle formulation using 0.25% (w/v) of emulsifying agent (Polyvinyl-alcohol, PVA) and 5 min of sonication was then characterized. The highest encapsulation was obtained with an organic phase consisting of acetone: dichloromethane (1:1), polyD,L-lactide- co-glycolide (PLGA) 50:50 as polymer and an initial mass of 6.6 mg of methylprednisolone. Nanoparticles size and ζ potential of optimized formulation were respectively around 230 nm and −14 mV. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) demonstrated that the drug was molecularly dispersed within the nanoparticles. Release study showed that MP-loaded nanoparticles sustained drug release for up to 120 h. This study reflects the importance of factorial design to optimize the manufacture of nanoparticles encapsulating hydrophobic drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is undergoing very rapid development with one of the highest construction rates in the world. A number of studies of the seismic hazard in the UAE have been published in recent years, presenting diverse interpretations of the earthquake threat in this country of relatively low local seismicity, creating confusion regarding appropriate seismic design levels. Although there is inevitably considerable uncertainty associated with the assessment of seismic hazard in such a region, those studies indicating rather high levels of ground motion associated with a 475-year return period are found to be the result of inappropriate seismic source zonations that spread seismicity from the Zagros region of Iran into the Arabian Peninsula. A new probabilistic seismic hazard analysis is performed within a logic-tree framework, and the results displayed as uniform hazard spectra for rock sites in the cities of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Ra's Al Khaymah in the UAE. The results support the UBC 1997 classification of the two former cities in Zone 0 (no seismic design required) whereas in Ra's Al Khaymah Zone 1 would be appropriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lees coming from the white and red wine making technology were used in different concentrations (10, 20, 30 or 40 g/L) as an economic nutrient, in both synthetic broths or using trimmings of vineshoots as a carbon source. In this last case, trimmings were hydrolyzed under a prehydrolysis process with 3% H2SO4 during 15 min. The results were compared with those obtained when using the general broth of Lactobacillus. With the purpose of not diluting the hydrolysates, lees were freeze-dried. When using lees coming from the white wine making technology, the lactic acid concentrations were similar or even higher than those achieved when the general broth of Lactobacillus was used. Yields in these fermentations oscillated between 0.43 and 0.59 g/g. The volumetric productivities of these fermentations, calculated after 33 h, show also similar values. © 2004 Altaga. All rights reserved. Resumen Lías procedentes del proceso de elaboración de vinos blancos y tintos se emplearon en distintas concentraciones (10, 20, 30 ó 40 g/L) como nutrientes económicos, tanto en medios sintéticos como empleando podas de sarmiento como fuente de carbono. En este último caso, las podas se sometieron a un proceso de prehidrólisis con H2SO4 al 3% durante 15 min. Los resultados se compararon con los obtenidos al emplear el medio general de Lactobacillus. Con el fin de no diluir los hidrolizados, las lías se sometieron a un proceso de liofilización. Al utilizar las lías procedentes de vino blanco se obtuvieron concentraciones de ácido láctico similares o incluso superiores a las alcanzadas utilizando el medio general de Lactobacillus. Los rendimientos estuvieron comprendidos entre 0,43 y 0,59 g/g. Las productividades volumétricas de estas fermentaciones, calculadas a las 33 h, muestran también valores similares. © 2004 Altaga. Todos los derechos reservados. Palabras clave: Azúcares hemicelulósicos, ácido láctico, Latobacillus Pentosus Resumo Borras procedentes do proceso de elaboración de viños brancos e tintos empregáronse en distintas concentracións (10, 20, 30 ó 40 g/L) como nutrientes económicos, tanto en medios sintéticos como empregando podas de bacelo como fonte de carbono. Neste último caso, as podas sometéronse a un proceso de prehidrólisis con H2SO4 ó 3% durante 15 min. Os resultados comparáronse cos obtidos ó empregar o medio xeral de Lactobacillus. Co fin de non dilui-los hidrolizados, as borras sometéronse a un proceso de liofilización. Ó emprega-las borras procedentes de viño branco obtivéronse concentracións de ácido láctico parecidas ou incluso superiores ás obtidas empregando o medio xeral de Lactobacillus. Os rendementos estiveron comprendidos entre 0,43 e 0,59 g/g. As productividades volumétricas destas fermentacións, calculadas ás 33 h, mostran tamén valores parecidos.© 2004 Altaga. Tódolos dereitos reservados. Palabras chave: Azucres hemicelulósicos, ácido láctico, Latobacillus Pentosus [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

New low-cost media for lactic acid fermentation are desired to enhance the economics of the d-lactic acid production by Lactobacillus coryniformis. The aim of this work was to optimize the production of d-lactic acid from glucose by L. coryniformis in a reduced nutritional medium composed of corn steep liquors (CSL), yeast extract (YE) and peptone (P). Response surface methodology has been successfully used to modelling and optimizes the d-lactic acid production at variable fermentation times (20, 31, 44, 53, 72 and 96 h). The models predicted a maximum d-lactic acid concentration (58.9 g/l) at 96 h using 5 g CSL/l, 3.6 g YE/l and 10 g P/l. However, the maximum economic yield (10.14 $/$) was obtained at 96 h using 5 g CSL/l as a sole nutrient and the maximum economic productivity (0.22 $/h$) was obtained by reducing the fermentation time at 44 h. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Presents a case of desmin-related myopathy. Focal or diffuse deposition of desmin that characterizes the disease; Ultrastructural and immunohistochemical examination of muscle biopsies; Theoretical significance of the study.

Growing morbidity and mortality rates call for research towards more effective methods of preventing asthma. During the last decade several groups have reported the results of natural history and asthma prevention studies. However, the attempt to prevent development of asthma in genetically predisposed children, has not resulted in a generally accepted management scheme. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of ketotifen in preventing the onset of asthma in infants considered to be at high risk of developing the disease, but who had no history of respiratory obstruction. These children have been described as preasthmatic. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study. 100 infants with a family history of major allergy and elevated serum IgE levels, but with no history of branchial obstruction, were treated with either ketotifen (n = 50) or placebo (n = 50) over a 3-year period. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups with regard to age, sex, degree of hereditary allergy, levels of serum IgE upon joining the study, and family smoking habits. At the end of 3 years, only four of the 45 infants who had received ketotifen had developed asthma (9%). Of the 40 children given placebo, 14 had developed asthma (35%) (P = 0.003). These results suggest that ketotifen is effective in preventing the onset of asthma in preasthmatic children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By using a rat model of presymptomatic Parkinson's disease (PD) we have reported early and transient increases in brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in substantia nigra (SN). These changes could modify, in turn, the expression of vesicle-related proteins in SN, in order to facilitate transmitter release from remaining undamaged cells, following partial dopamine cell population disappearance. We have now evaluated, by means of immunohistochemical (IHC) techniques, the expression in SN of BDNF receptors, trkB and p75, at earlier stages of our presymptomatic PD model. In parallel we have studied the expression in SN of the synaptic vesicle-related protein synapsin i. Ipsilateral intrastriatal 6-OH-DA injection was used to partially damage the nigro-striatal DA pathway. After one day of the neurotoxin injection, an increase in the number of phosphorylated synapsin I-immunoreactive (IR) cells was found in the ipsilateral SN. However, at this time period, no changes were detected in trkB, p75 and synapsin I IR. In contrast, one week after 6-OH-DA injection we observed a decrease in the expression of both trkB and synapsin I IR in the SN. At this last time-period we detected no IR changes for p75 in the ipsilateral SN of 6-OH-DA pretreated rats. These results indicate that during the first stages of this rat presymptomatic model of PD, transient increases of BDNF expression as well as phosphorylated synapsin IR in SN precede a decrease in the expression of the trkB receptor, whereas the expression of the p75 receptor in SN is unaffected. At later stages of this rat model, there is a decrease of synapsin I expression in SN which correlates with a "down-regulation" in the expression of both BDNF and trkB in this basal ganglia nucleus. It is possible that synaptic transmission may be modified in SN by biphasic changes in the expression of both BDNF and its trkB receptor during presymptomatic stages of PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. >90 % of cancer-related deaths are due to metastasis, a process that depends on the ability of cancer cells to leave the primary tumor, migrate, and colonize different tissues. Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP 3 R)-mediated Ca 2+ signaling plays an essential role in maintaining the homeostasis of cancer cells and the sustained proliferation. Desmethylxestospongin B (dmXeB) is a specific inhibitor of the IP 3 R that selectively arrests cell proliferation and promotes cancer cell death at high concentrations. However, whether migration, invasion and metastasis can be affected by this drug is unknown. Here, by using the highly metastatic triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line MDA-MB-231, we demonstrate that a prolonged inhibition of IP 3 R-mediated Ca 2+ signals with dmXeB significantly reduces cell migration and invasion in vitro and metastasis in vivo. We found that this phenomenon was independent of the bioenergetic control of IP 3 R over the mitochondria and AMPK activation. Furthermore, employing a tandem LC3-GFP-mcherry assay, we found that prolonged inhibition of IP 3 R with dmXeB leads to diminished autophagic flux. This reduction can be attributed to impaired lysosomal acidification, as evidenced by assessments using DQ-BSA and pHrodo. Since cell migration requires appropriate assembly and disassembly of focal adhesions, along with the internalization and recycling of integrins via autophagy, we explored the dependency of integrin recycling from autophagosomes, finding that IP 3 R inhibition with dmXeB impaired the recycling of β1-integrins, which accumulated within autophagosomes. Our findings reveal an unexpected effect of IP 3 R inhibition with dmXeB in cancer cells that could represent a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cancer metastasis., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Armen Zakarian and J. Cesar Cardenas hold a patent on the synthesis of dmXeB., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to (I) evaluate the evidence on the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in hypertensive patients; (II) determine whether HIIT impacts SBP and DBP differently; and (III) assess the clinical relevance of these effects., Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple electronic databases, resulting in the inclusion of seven randomized clinical trials in the meta-analysis. The outcomes were analyzed using random-effects models to compute mean differences (MD) and standardized mean differences (SMD) for SBP and DBP., Results: A small reduction in SBP was observed with HIIT interventions (MD -3.00; 95% CI -4.61 to -1.39; p < 0.0001; SMD -0.28; 95% CI -0.42 to -0.13; p = 0.0003). However, no statistically significant reductions were detected for DBP (MD -0.70; 95% CI -1.80 to 0.39; p = 0.21; SMD -0.07; 95% CI -0.22 to 0.08; p = 0.35). Despite demonstrating statistical significance for SBP, the effects did not reach clinical relevance., Conclusions: HIIT interventions yield small reductions in SBP, with minimal impact on DBP. These findings suggest limited clinical relevance in the management of hypertension. Further randomized controlled trials are necessary to standardize HIIT protocols, with specific emphasis on intensity control and manipulation, to better understand their potential role in hypertensive populations.

Increasing evidence supports the hypothesis that cancer progression is under mitochondrial control. Mitochondrial fission plays a pivotal role in the maintenance of cancer cell homeostasis. The inhibition of DRP1, the main regulator of mitochondrial fission, with the mitochondrial division inhibitor (mdivi-1) had been associated with cancer cell sensitivity to chemotherapeutics and decrease proliferation. Here, using breast cancer cells we find that mdivi-1 induces the detachment of the cells, leading to a bulk of floating cells that conserved their viability. Despite a decrease in their proliferative and clonogenic capabilities, these floating cells maintain the capacity to re-adhere upon re-seeding and retain their migratory and invasive potential. Interestingly, the cell detachment induced by mdivi-1 is independent of DRP1 but relies on inhibition of mitochondrial complex I. Furthermore, mdivi-1 induces cell detachment rely on glucose and the pentose phosphate pathway. Our data evidence a novel DRP1-independent effect of mdivi-1 in the attachment of cancer cells. The generation of floating viable cells restricts the use of mdivi-1 as a therapeutic agent and demonstrates that mdivi-1 effect on cancer cells are more complex than anticipated., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

The axial functionalization of Subporphyrazines (SubPzs) with unreported alkoxy groups, carboxy and carboperoxy rests, as well as sulfanyl, aryl and amino groups, forming B-O, B-S, B-C, and B-N bonds, respectively, has been investigated. The studied oxygen nucleophiles include aromatic and sterically demanding aliphatic alcohols, along with carboxylic acids and peracids. In general, direct substitution of the chloro-SubPz by oxygen nucleophiles of diverse nature proceeds smoothly, with yields of the isolated alkoxy and carboxy-substituted SubPzs ranging from 49 to 100 %. Conversely, direct substitution with sulphur, carbon and nitrogen nucleophiles do not afford the corresponding substituted SubPzs. In these cases, a stepwise procedure involving an axial triflate-SubPz intermediate was employed, affording only the phenyl-SubPz in 8 % yield. The major compound under these conditions was the unreported SubPz μ-oxo dimer, presumably arising from substitution of the triflate-SubPz by the in situ generated hydroxy-SubPz. This result indicates a quite low reactivity of the TfO-SubPz intermediate with carbon, sulphur and nitrogen nucleophiles. All SubPzs prepared in this work exhibited fluorescence at 510-515 nm with quantum yields ranging from 0.1 to 0.24. Additionally, all SubPzs generated singlet oxygen, with Φ Δ values ranging from 0.15 to 0.57, which show no apparent correlation with the axial substituents., (© 2024 The Authors. ChemPlusChem published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

We present an intriguing case involving a rare occurrence of sclerosing angiomatoid nodular transformation (SANT) in a 57-year-old woman with a history of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). Despite the extensive literature on SANT, its pathogenesis remains elusive. The patient, diagnosed with serum anti-proteinase 3 antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (PR3-ANCA)-positive GPA seven years earlier, exhibited a splenic lesion during imaging, leading to laparoscopic splenectomy due to severe abdominal pain. Microscopic analysis unveiled nodular structures with vascular elements surrounded by fibrosclerotic stroma and chronic inflammatory cells. This case raises questions about the interplay between SANT, GPA activity, and vascular damage. Hypotheses regarding SANT's origin, including its potential association with organized hematoma or alterations in splenic blood flow, are discussed. The uniqueness of this case lies in the coexistence of PR3-ANCA-positive GPA and SANT, suggesting a potential link between GPA activity, vascular damage, and SANT development. While causality remains uncertain, this report marks the first documented case of a patient with PR3-ANCA-positive GPA developing SANT. The findings prompt reflection on a potential common pathophysiological mechanism and underscore the importance of considering SANT in cases of splenic lesions associated with conditions causing alterations in splenic blood flow. This contribution serves as a valuable addition to the existing knowledge, urging further research and consideration of SANT in diagnostic scenarios involving splenic abnormalities., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2024, Delgado-de la Mora et al.)

A subporphyrazine (SubPz)-dithienylethene (DTE) photochromic device with 1o and 1c states, was developed and characterized. In this device, the DTE unit can reversibly switch the SubPz absorbance from green to near-infrared [λ max (o/c) = 527 nm/740 nm], as well as the SubPz fluorescence and singlet oxygen quantum yields. The core of this design involves using a highly tunable SubPz chromophore that shares its quasi-isolated ethene moiety with a DTE photoswitch.

Background: Predicting beat-to-beat blood pressure has several clinical applications. While most machine learning models focus on accuracy, it is necessary to build models that explain the relationships of hemodynamical parameters with blood pressure without sacrificing accuracy, especially during exercise., Objective: The aim of this study is to use the RuleFit model to measure the importance, interactions, and relationships among several parameters extracted from photoplethysmography (PPG) and electrocardiography (ECG) signals during a dynamic weight-bearing test (WBT) and to assess the accuracy and interpretability of the model results., Methods: RuleFit was applied to hemodynamical ECG and PPG parameters during rest and WBT in six healthy young subjects. The WBT involves holding a 500 g weight in the left hand for 2 min. Blood pressure is taken in the opposite arm before and during exercise thereof., Results: The root mean square error of the model residuals was 4.72 and 2.68 mmHg for systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure, respectively, during rest and 4.59 and 4.01 mmHg, respectively, during the WBT. Furthermore, the blood pressure measurements appeared to be nonlinear, and interaction effects were observed. Moreover, blood pressure predictions based on PPG parameters showed a strong correlation with individual characteristics and responses to exercise., Conclusion: The RuleFit model is an excellent tool to study interactions among variables for predicting blood pressure. Compared to other models, the RuleFit model showed superior performance. RuleFit can be used for predicting and interpreting relationships among predictors extracted from PPG and ECG signals.

Abstract: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic brought countless clinical and pathophysiological questions. Although mucocutaneous infections are the most visible, they are among the least studied. This article provides relevant information to characterize morphologically and immunohistochemically the dermatoses from patients with COVID-19, during the first year of the pandemic. Immunohistochemistry reactions against the spike protein were performed in 48 skin biopsies, and the positive cases were classified according to their histomorphology; at the end, 41 biopsies led us to identify 12 morphological patterns that mimic other skin pathologies, among which pityriasiform patterns predominate. For the literature review, we selected cases of SARS-CoV-2 dermatoses that included complete histopathological information and that were published during the same interval of time; after careful evaluation, 205 biopsies were selected and then classified into 8 groups according to previously published proposals. Dermatoses associated with SARS-CoV-2 are as diverse in their clinical expression as in their histopathology, mimicking entities totally unrelated to COVID-19. Furthermore, some of these groups are characteristically associated with an aggressive course of the disease. Undoubtedly, it is necessary to delve into the possibility that these findings are translatable into prognostic and therapeutic factors., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Academic achievement, measured with the grade point average (GPA), is a stable characteristic that has been associated with many sociodemographic and psychological variables; however, the relation of these variables with GPA has not been totally elucidated. The objective of this study was to perform an association of health, psychological and personal variables with GPA and non-verbal intelligence in low-academic performance population according to sex. We invited health sciences university students who had failed the same subject twice to complete a set of sociodemographic and psychological variables and a non-verbal intelligence test. The GPA, admission exam test and preparatory GPA were obtained. We included 124 students, and found that GPA was associated with non-verbal intelligence in women but not in men; in whom, having a job and having a romantic partner, were more correlated. In women, positive relations with others, emotion perception and weekly physical activity hours were marginally correlated with GPA; while in men, emotion regulation and self-motivation had a tendency of correlation with GPA. In addition, we found that non-verbal intelligence was associated somatization and the number of diseases in women. Academic achievement is regulated by different variables in each sex; therefore, intervention programs addressed by sex are needed to increase it.