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ObjectiveAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by loss of smell and olfactory system pathology that precedes the diagnosis of dementia. Understanding these early processes can potentially identify diagnostic and therapeutic targets to slow AD progression. Here we analyzed differential gene and protein expression in the olfactory bulb (OB) and olfactory tract (OT) of familial AD (FAD) individuals carrying the autosomal dominant presenilin 1 E280A paisa mutation and age-matched controls.MethodsFormalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections containing both the OB and OT from 6 FAD individuals and 6 age-matched controls were obtained. Tissue morphology and composition were characterized by immunohistochemistry using antibodies against the myelin marker proteolipid protein (PLP), amyloid-beta (Aβ), and microglia/macrophage markers Iba1 and CD68, respectively. OB and OT were analyzed separately by targeted RNA sequencing of the whole human transcriptome (BioSpyder TempO-Seq); ingenuity pathway analysis and R-computational program were used to identify differentially expressed genes and pathways between groups. The nanoString spatial proteomics assay for 88 proteins, including markers for AD and immune responses, was used to complement gene expression findings.ResultsCompared to control OT, FAD OT had significantly increased immunostaining for Aβ and CD68 in the high and low myelinated regions, as well as increased immunostaining for Iba1 in the high myelinated region only; both control and FAD OT samples had similar total area of high and low myelinated regions. In FAD samples, RNA sequencing showed a transcription profile consistent with: (1) viral infection in the OB; (2) inflammation in the OT that carries information via entorhinal cortex from the OB to hippocampus, a brain region essential for learning and memory; and (3) decreased oligodendrocyte deconvolved transcripts, indicating dysregulation of myelination. Interestingly, spatial proteomic analysis confirmed altered myelination in the OT of FAD individuals, implying dysfunction of communication between the OB and hippocampus.ConclusionsThese findings raise the possibility that viral infection and associated inflammation and dysregulation of myelination of the olfactory system may disrupt downstream hippocampal function, contributing to acceleration of FAD progression.

The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the performance of a nonwoven (NT) with cellulosic material from cigarette butts. The NT used as a filtering medium had a diameter of 7 cm, height of 24 cm, a surface area of 528 cm2 and a total volume of 692 cm3. The NT was applied for the filtration of water from a pond. To evaluate NT performance, NT characterization, grammage, absorption capacity and permeability analyzes were performed. The results showed that NT was characterized as a microporous material and presented a good absorption performance (values in the order of 4.01 g g-1 to 4.99 g g-1), weight of 115 g m-2, permeability between 3.787 L m-² h-1 and 3.422 L m-² h-1. The NT developed showed potential for use as a filtering medium for the surface water pre-treatment. In addition to helping to reduce the negative environmental impacts caused by the residues of cigarette butts present in the environment.

O segmento da produção industrial de papel e celulose é de grande relevância no desenvolvimento econômico e social do Brasil. Contudo, esse ramo de atividade também pode apresentar problemas de ordem ambiental, devido ao grande consumo de água e à geração de efluentes. Quando não tratados adequadamente, esses efluentes podem provocar impactos negativos e até mesmo danos irreparáveis. Dentre as técnicas mais promissoras voltadas ao tratamento de efluentes industriais, destacam-se os processos oxidativos avançados. O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar o desempenho do processo UV/H2O2 no pós-tratamento de efluentes de uma indústria de papel e celulose. Durante 120 minutos de irradiação UV, foram testadas seis concentrações de H2O2, que variaram entre 15 e 200 mg.L-1. Os resultados revelaram a efetividade do processo na remoção da DQO em 84% e da DBO5 em até 91%. A remoção de sólidos suspensos totais variou entre 80 e 100%. Para os sólidos totais, os índices de remoção ficaram ente 16 e 50%. O desempenho do processo UV/H2O2 foi influenciado pela disponibilidade de H2O2 e pelo tempo de irradiação UV. Palavras-chave: Processo UV/H2O2. Efluente industrial. Papel e celulose.

This study evaluated the removal mechanisms of azo dyes from synthetic textile wastewater using spent mushroom substrate (SMS). The simultaneous adsorption and enzymatic degradation were analyzed. The effect of pH, SMS concentration and temperature were studied. The maximum enzymatic degradation (16.36%) was obtained at pH 4 and 65 g SMS L-1, whereas the maximum adsorption (62.86%) at pH 8 and 155 g SMS L-1, both at 25°C. The simultaneous enzymatic degradation and adsorption led to the removal of 75.67%. with increased color change. The kinetic study showed that dye adsorption was obtained in the first 30 minutes while the enzymatic degradation increased slowly over the time. The treatment with SMS resulted in the removal of 28.75% of the true color and no increase of effluent toxicity.

This study evaluated the adsorption and enzymatic degradation of azo dyes when using SMS. The laccase present in the SMS was characterised, and the maximum activity was obtained at pH 2, a temperature of 45°C, a Michaelis–Menten constant (Km) of 0.264 mM, and a maximum reaction rate (Vmax) of 117.95 µmol L−1 min−1. The presence of NaCl at 5 mM inhibited enzyme activity while no inhibition was observed by Na2SO4, typically found in textile wastewater. The maximum dye adsorption (57.22%) was achieved at pH 8.0, 25°C, and 100 g L−1 of SMS while the maximum enzymatic degradation (14.18%) was obtained under the same conditions, except at pH 4.0. The enzymes laccase, lignin peroxidase, and manganese peroxidase trapped in the SMS resulted in higher dye discolouration when compared to that extracted with aqueous solution, meaning that SMS has strong adsorption capacity and is a natural immobilisation matrix, which improves the enzymatic degradation of the dyes. Thus, SMS can be used in the treatment of textile effluents for dye removal by simultaneous mechanisms of adsorption and enzymatic degradation, with reduction of environmental impacts for SMS disposal and reduction of the costs associated with commercial enzymes and adsorbents.

The performance of an anoxic-oxic membrane bioreactor electrochemically assisted (A/O-eMBR) was assessed as an alternative for azo dye (Remazol Brilhant Violet -RBV) removal from textile wastewater. The A/O-eMBR was operated under three experimental conditions (runs I, II and III), in which different solids retention time (SRT) (45 and 20 d) and exposure mode to electric current (6´ON/30´OFF and 6´ON/12´OFF) were assessed. The reactor exhibited excellent performance on the decolorization process for all experimental conditions, with average dye removal efficiency ranging from 94.3 to 98.2%. Activity batch assays showed that the dye removal rate (DRR) decreased from 16.8 to 10.2 mg RBV L− 1 h− 1 when the SRT was reduced from 45 to 20 d. a behavior attributed to the lower biomass content under these conditions. When the exposure mode was 6 ON´/ 12´OFF, a more substantial decrease of DRR to 1.5 mg RBV L− 1 h− 1 was noticed, suggesting a possible inhibitory effect on dye removal via biodegradation. By reducing the SRT to 20 d, a worse mixed liquor filterability condition was observed, with a membrane fouling rate (MFR) of 0.979 kPa d− 1. In contrast, the use of electric current to exposure mode of 6 ON´/ 12´OFF resulted in lower membrane fouling propensity, with a MFR of 0.333 kPa d− 1. A more attractive cost-benefit ratio in terms of dye removal was obtained by using the exposure mode of 6´ON/30´OFF, for which the energy demand was estimated at 21.9–22.6 kWh kg dye− 1removed, 92–99% lower than that observed for the mode of 6´ON/12´OFF.

Herpes zoster (HZ; shingles) caused by varicella zoster virus reactivation increases stroke risk for up to 1 year after HZ. The underlying mechanisms are unclear, however, the development of stroke distant from the site of zoster (eg, thoracic, lumbar, sacral) that can occur months after resolution of rash points to a long-lasting, virus-induced soluble factor (or factors) that can trigger thrombosis and/or vasculitis. Herein, we investigated the content and contributions of circulating plasma exosomes from HZ and non-HZ patient samples. Compared with non-HZ exosomes, HZ exosomes (1) contained proteins conferring a prothrombotic state to recipient cells and (2) activated platelets leading to the formation of platelet-leukocyte aggregates. Exosomes 3 months after HZ yielded similar results and also triggered cerebrovascular cells to secrete the proinflammatory cytokines, interleukin 6 and 8. These results can potentially change clinical practice through addition of antiplatelet agents for HZ and initiatives to increase HZ vaccine uptake to decrease stroke risk.

Background Understanding viral infection of the olfactory epithelium is essential because the olfactory nerve is an important route of entry for viruses to the central nervous system. Specialized chemosensory epithelial cells that express the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 5 (TRPM5) are found throughout the airways and intestinal epithelium and are involved in responses to viral infection. Results Herein we performed deep transcriptional profiling of olfactory epithelial cells sorted by flow cytometry based on the expression of mCherry as a marker for olfactory sensory neurons and for eGFP in OMP-H2B::mCherry/TRPM5-eGFP transgenic mice (Mus musculus). We find profuse expression of transcripts involved in inflammation, immunity and viral infection in TRPM5-expressing microvillous cells compared to olfactory sensory neurons. Conclusion Our study provides new insights into a potential role for TRPM5-expressing microvillous cells in viral infection of the olfactory epithelium. We find that, as found for solitary chemosensory cells (SCCs) and brush cells in the airway epithelium, and for tuft cells in the intestine, the transcriptome of TRPM5-expressing microvillous cells indicates that they are likely involved in the inflammatory response elicited by viral infection of the olfactory epithelium.

Varicella and zoster, produced by varicella-zoster virus (VZV), are associated with an increased risk of stroke that may be due to persistent inflammation and hypercoagulability. Because substance P is associated with inflammation, hypercoagulability, and atherosclerotic plaque rupture that may contribute to increased stroke risk after VZV infection, we measured serum substance P in simian varicella virus-infected rhesus macaques. We found significantly increased and persistent serum substance P concentrations during varicella and zoster compared with pre-inoculation, supporting the hypothesis that VZV-induced increases in serum substance P may contribute to increased stroke risk associated with VZV infection.

Polyacrylonitrile membranes (PAN) have high stability against chemical agents, making them suitable for a wide range of applications as such Ultrafiltration processes. Ultrafiltration membranes composed of PAN/Superfine powder activated carbon (S-PAC) mixtures can be a good research route, aiming the development of a new separation processes for water treatment. The association of materials to form a single product can have technological and economic advantages in separation processes. In this study, S-PAC impregnated into PAN membranes were prepared, characterized and used, as a case study, to remove diclofenac (DCF) from water. The membranes (PAN/S-PAC) were synthesized with different concentrations of S-PAC (0.2, 0.6, 1.0, 3.0 and 5.0 wt%) by a phase inversion process. The results of the TEM characterizations of the S-PAC indicated the presence of micro and nanoparticles (∼10 nm) and tending to form micrometric clusters. The infrared spectra of the membranes were characteristic of PAN; however, vibrational bands attributed to the S-PAC spectrum were also observed, which indicated an interaction between the materials. The case study showed an increase in the water flux and in the DCF rejection efficiency, for composite membranes (PAN/S-PAC) with higher concentration of S-PAC. The results of static adsorption tests indicated that the mechanism of DCF rejection occurred predominantly by adsorption. There were indications that the PAN/S-PAC membranes formed a composite material and the PAN/S-PAC (3.0) presented the best study composition given the results. Although the research is in its initial phase, the results indicated that the composition can improve many water treatment systems.

Summary Human motor neuron (MN) diseases encompass a spectrum of disorders. A critical barrier to dissecting disease mechanisms is the lack of appropriate human MN models. Here, we describe a scalable, suspension-based differentiation system to generate functional human MN diseases in 3 weeks. Using this model, we translated recent findings that mRNA mis-localization plays a role in disease development to the human context by establishing a membrane-based system that allows efficient fractionation of MN cell soma and neurites. In response to hypoxia, used to mimic diabetic neuropathies, MNs upregulated mitochondrial transcripts in neurites; however, mitochondria were decreased. These data suggest that hypoxia may disrupt translation of mitochondrial mRNA, potentially leading to neurite damage and development of neuropathies. We report the development of a novel human MN model system to investigate mechanisms of disease affecting soma and/or neurites that facilitates the rapid generation and testing of patient-specific MN diseases., Graphical Abstract, Highlights • Differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells into motor neurons in 3 weeks • Global transcriptomes of motor neuron soma and neurite fractionations • Modeling of diabetic neuropathies by hypoxia reveals neurite-specific defects • Study suggests mRNA mis-localization as novel disease mechanism, Russ and colleagues present here a rapid, scalable, suspension-culture system for the efficient generation of functional human motor neurons from pluripotent stem cells. Using a soma and neurite fractionation approach, they reveal that mitochondrial transcripts, but not proteins, are neurite enriched under conditions modeling diabetic neuropathies. These findings suggest mRNA mis-localizations as a potential novel disease mechanism in motor neurons.

O carreamento para corpos hídricos de efluentes ácidos contendo compostos oxidados de ferro e enxofre, oriundos da mineração de carvão, constitui a drenagem ácida de minas (DAM) que leva à degradação da qualidade da água. Trabalhos recentes mostram possibilidades no tratamento conjunto de DAM com outros efluentes, devido à capacidade coagulante da mistura. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o tratamento integrado de DAM e efluente têxtil seguido por processo oxidativo avançado foto-Fenton, utilizando o próprio ferro presente na DAM para o processo de oxidação. Verificou-se que a proporção de mistura em que houve efeito de coagulação foi de 13:7 (650 mL de DAM e 350 mL de efluente têxtil). O processo conjugado obteve eficiências de remoção de 99% para cor, 99% para turbidez, 91% para carbono orgânico dissolvido (COD), 95% para compostos aromáticos, 99% para sólidos totais e 83% para sólidos suspensos, mostrando ser efetivo no tratamento do efluente da indústria têxtil.

O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a tratabilidade e a toxicidade de efluente têxtil submetido ao processo Foto-Fenton heterogêneo utilizando sementes de alface (Lactuca sativa) como organismos-teste. As amostras de efluentes foram coletadas na ETE de uma indústria têxtil e submetidas ao tratamento oxidativo, que teve duração de 105 minutos. Em intervalos de tempo (15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90 e 105 minutos), alíquotas foram retiradas para análises da toxicidade e para análises físico-químicas (cor, compostos aromáticos, turbidez, nível de pH e peróxido residual). As respostas da toxicidade foram avaliadas a partir dos resultados do percentual de germinação e da inibição de crescimento da radícula e do hipocótilo da planta. A taxa média de germinação absoluta após o tratamento foi de 72,5%. Uma inibição de 30,6% do hipocótilo e de 99% da radícula foi observada. Em relação aos parâmetros físico-químicos, o processo foto-Fenton heterogêneo foi efetivo, apresentando uma remoção de cor de 90%, dos compostos aromáticos de 80 % e da turbidez de 30%.

Devido, muitas vezes, à ineficiência dos processos de tratamento convencionais de efluentes têxteis utilizados pelas indústrias, a eletrocoagulação (EC) surge como alternativa. Neste contexto, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo encontrar a melhor configuração de um reator eletroquímico, por meio de um planejamento fatorial 2³, tendo como respostas a remoção de cor e de compostos aromáticos. Para isso, foram realizados ensaios em reator de bancada com capacidade de 1,1 L, e eletrodos de alumínio conectados a uma fonte de corrente contínua com variação de 0-10A e 0-30V. As melhores eficiências foram alcançadas em pH 3, distância entre as placas de 3 cm e densidade de corrente de 200 A.m-2. Em 15 minutos de tratamento atingiu-se remoção de 92%, 82%, 82% e 64% para os parâmetros cor, compostos aromáticos, turbidez e carbono orgânico dissolvido (COD), respectivamente.

This study aimed to evaluate a nonwoven (NW) production and performance from cellulose acetate fiber from cigarette butts andapplied to a filtration system for surface water pre-treatment. The system had a surface area of 528 cm2, cellulose acetate from cigarette butt as filter media, was used and was fed with surface water from a pond. In order to evaluate the treatment performance of the filtration system were evaluated in the raw water (RW) and the filtered water (FW) the classical parameter of water quality as turbidity, total suspended solids (TSS), apparent color, true color, and total organic carbon (TOC) and heavy metals (iron, copper, and cadmium). Moreover, the presence of nicotine was investigated in the FW. The results showed a mean removal efficiency in order to 62.01%, 54.42%, 50.36 %, 6.73%, and 5.20% for turbidity, TSS, apparent color, true color, and TOC, respectively. The removal of metals varied in the order of 72.26%, 9.61%, and 2.12% for cadmium, iron, and copper, respectively. The presence of nicotine in RW and FW was not identified. In this way, besides reducing the negative environmental impacts caused by cigarette butts present in the environment, the developed technology showed potential for removing pollutants present in surface waters.

The objective of this study is to obtain a more detailed assessment of particles that contain rare-earth elements (REEs) in abandoned deposits of Brazilian fine coal tailings (BFCTs), so as to aid current coal mining industries in the identification of methodologies for extracting such elements (Santa Catarina State, Brazil). The BFCT areas were sampled for traditional mineralogical analysis by X-ray Diffraction, Raman Spectroscopy and nanomineralogy by a dual beam focused ion beam (FIB) coupled with field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) coupled with an energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis system (EDS). The results show that the smaller the sampled coal fines were, the higher the proportion of rare-earth elements they contained. Although the concentration of REEs is below what would normally be considered an economic grade, the fact that these deposits are already ground and close to the surface negate the need for mining (only uncovering). This makes it significantly easier for REEs to be extracted. In addition, owing to their proximity to road and rail transport in the regions under study, the opportunity exists for such resources (BFCTs) to be utilized as a secondary market as opposed to simply being discarded as has been done in the past.

Background and ObjectivesVaricella zoster virus (VZV) antigen has been detected in temporal arteries (TAs) of individuals with giant cell arteritis (GCA), the most common systemic vasculitis in older adults. Thus, we explored the contribution of VZV to GCA pathogenesis.MethodsFormalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded TA sections from biopsy-positive GCA participants with VZV antigen (GCA/VZV-positive; n = 20) and without (GCA/VZV-negative, n = 20) and from normal participants with VZV antigen (control/VZV-positive, n = 11) and without (control/VZV-negative, n = 20) were analyzed by targeted RNA sequencing of the whole human transcriptome (BioSpyder TempO-Seq). Ingenuity pathway analysis and R-computational program were used to identify differentially expressed genes and pathways between groups.ResultsCompared with control/VZV-negative TAs, GCA/VZV-negative and GCA/VZV-positive TAs were significantly enriched for human transcripts specific for pathways involved in viral infections, including viral entry, nuclear factor kappa B activation by viruses, and other pathogen-related immune activation pathways. Similarly, human gene sets supporting viral infection were found in control/VZV-positive TAs that showed no morphological signs of inflammation, suggesting that the enriched pathways were not nonspecific signatures of infiltrating immune cells. All GCA TAs and control/VZV-positive TAs showed enrichment of transcripts involved in vascular remodeling, including smooth muscle cell migration.DiscussionThe detection of viral and immune activation pathways in GCA TAs supports a role for virus infection in GCA pathogenesis. In addition, the detection of viral pathways in control/VZV-positive TAs, along with vascular remodeling pathways, suggests that these samples may represent early infection with progression to clinical disease, depending on host and other environmental factors.

Background and ObjectivesCompared with stroke controls, patients with varicella zoster virus (VZV) vasculopathy have increased amyloid in CSF, along with increased amylin (islet amyloid polypeptide [IAPP]) and anti-VZV antibodies. Thus, we examined the gene expression profiles of VZV-infected primary human brain vascular adventitial fibroblasts (HBVAFs), one of the initial arterial cells infected in VZV vasculopathy, to determine whether they are a potential source of amyloid that can disrupt vasculature and potentiate inflammation.MethodsMock- and VZV-infected quiescent HBVAFs were harvested at 3 days postinfection. Targeted RNA sequencing of the whole-human transcriptome (BioSpyder Technologies, TempO-Seq) was conducted followed by gene set enrichment and pathway analysis. Selected pathways unique to VZV-infected cells were confirmed by enzyme-linked immunoassays, migration assays, and immunofluorescence analysis (IFA) that included antibodies against amylin and amyloid-beta, as well as amyloid staining by Thioflavin-T.ResultsCompared with mock, VZV-infected HBVAFs had significantly enriched gene expression pathways involved in vascular remodeling and vascular diseases; confirmatory studies showed secretion of matrix metalloproteinase-3 and -10, as well increased migration of infected cells and uninfected cells when exposed to conditioned media from VZV-infected cells. In addition, significantly enriched pathways involved in amyloid-associated diseases (diabetes mellitus, amyloidosis, and Alzheimer disease), tauopathy, and progressive neurologic disorder were identified; predicted upstream regulators included amyloid precursor protein, apolipoprotein E, microtubule-associated protein tau, presenilin 1, and IAPP. Confirmatory IFA showed that VZV-infected HBVAFs contained amyloidogenic peptides (amyloid-beta and amylin) and intracellular amyloid.DiscussionGene expression profiles and pathway enrichment analysis of VZV-infected HBVAFs, as well as phenotypic studies, reveal features of pathologic vascular remodeling (e.g., increased cell migration and changes in the extracellular matrix) that can contribute to cerebrovascular disease. Furthermore, the discovery of amyloid-associated transcriptional pathways and intracellular amyloid deposition in HBVAFs raise the possibility that VZV vasculopathy is an amyloid disease. Amyloid deposition may contribute to cell death and loss of vascular wall integrity, as well as potentiate chronic inflammation in VZV vasculopathy, with disease severity and recurrence determined by the host's ability to clear virus infection and amyloid deposition and by the coexistence of other amyloid-associated diseases (i.e., Alzheimer disease and diabetes mellitus).

Latent varicella zoster virus (VZV) has been detected in human adrenal glands, raising the possibility of virus-induced adrenal damage and dysfunction during primary infection or reactivation. Rare cases of bilateral adrenal hemorrhage and insufficiency associated with VZV reactivation have been reported. Since there is no animal model for VZV infection of adrenal glands, we obtained adrenal glands from two non-human primates (NHPs) that spontaneously developed varicella from primary simian varicella virus (SVV) infection, the NHP VZV homolog. Histological and immunohistochemical analysis revealed SVV antigen and DNA in the adrenal medulla and cortex of both animals. Adrenal glands were observed to have Cowdry A inclusion bodies, cellular necrosis, multiple areas of hemorrhage, and varying amounts of polymorphonuclear cells. No specific association of SVV antigen with βIII-tubulin-positive nerve fibers was found. Overall, we found that SVV can productively infect NHP adrenal glands, and is associated with inflammation, hemorrhage, and cell death. These findings suggest that further studies are warranted to examine the contribution of VZV infection to human adrenal disease. This study also suggests that VZV infection may present itself as acute adrenal dysfunction with “long-hauler” symptoms of fatigue, weakness, myalgias/arthralgias, and hypotension.

Brazil has become the world's largest consumer of pesticides since 2008, which can lead to serious environmental, health and social risks. Practices to mitigate the impact caused by pesticide effluents in rural areas have increased in importance, given the impossibility of carrying out conventional treatment of these residues in industrial plants. Among these practices, the use of fixed-bed bioreactors, known as Biobed, stands out in reducing point contamination. It is known that this model of reactor faces difficulties in the biodegradation of some pesticides, including the fungicide tebuconazole, which can negatively interfere with its efficiency. This problem needs to be addressed in order for the biological system to meet the required environmental safety parameters. And one of these alternatives is the use of the UV/H2O2 Advanced Oxidation Process as a pre-treatment, so the pesticide effluent can reach lower concentrations before being disposed in a Biobed. The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of the pre-treatment in relation to the Biobed. Pre-treated and untreated effluents were applied in the bioreactor in the form of columns, being evaluated at 1, 84 and 168 days after contamination, through gas chromatography that determined the concentration of the pesticide residues. The results showed that the pre-treatment fulfilled its role of reducing effluent pesticide concentration (68.1 %), without inhibiting the biological action of the Biobed reactor still serving to increase the efficiency of the tebuconazole degradation, in relation to the contaminated reactors without pre-treatment. These results allow the recommendation of Biobed systems usage with oxidative pre-treatment UV/H2O2.

A indústria têxtil desempenha papel vital para o desenvolvimento econômico de muitos países. No entanto, a descarga de seus efluentes no meio ambiente causa considerável poluição dos corpos receptores e sérios fatores de risco à saúde. Em geral, o tratamento convencional não degrada totalmente seus poluentes. Então, novos métodos de tratamento vêm sendo estudados na última década, destacando- -se a eletrocoagulação. O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar a otimização do processo da eletrocoagulação aplicado em efluente têxtil sintético, a fim de investigar o efeito da intensidade de corrente e do pH com relação à remoção da cor. Os resultados revelaram o potencial da aplicação do processo com valores de intensidade de corrente de 33A e pH inicial 3, expondo remoção de cor na ordem de 95%. O tempo de eletrólise estabelecido em 30 minutos contribuiu para a efetividade do processo no tratamento do efluente têxtil sintético e demostrou capacidade para aplicação em efluentes em escala real.

RESUMO Neste trabalho foi avaliado o processo foto-Fenton solar mediado por ferrioxalato como tratamento primário de um efluente têxtil bruto (E1) e como um processo de polimento, após processo de lodos ativados (E2). Por um ano, ao menos uma vez por mês, a eficiência de descoloração e o comportamento dos sólidos foram avaliados sob condições naturais de radiação, temperatura e características dos efluentes. As condições operacionais foram as seguintes: 50 mg L-1 de ferro, pH 5, 525 mg L-1 de H2O2, administrados em dosagens decrescentes. O oxalato foi adicionado na razão molar de 1:3 [Fe+3:(C2O4)-2]. A descoloração máxima de E1 foi de 67% para intensidade de radiação de 690 W m-2; já a de E2 foi de 95% para intensidade de 620 W m-2. Houve considerável aumento na turbidez e nos sólidos suspensos em função da precipitação do ferro e de sua ação coagulante. A degradação do complexante durante o processo no E2 em dias ensolarados provocou elevada sedimentabilidade dos sólidos do efluente final, resultando em um sobrenadante clarificado, o que não ocorreu em dias nublados.

BackgroundIn temporal arteries (TAs) from patients with giant cell arteritis, varicella zoster virus (VZV) is seen in perineurial cells that surround adventitial nerve bundles and form the peripheral nerve-extrafascicular tissue barrier (perineurium). We hypothesized that during VZV reactivation from ganglia, virus travels transaxonally and disrupts the perineurium to infect surrounding cells.MethodsMock- and VZV-infected primary human perineurial cells (HPNCs) were examined for alterations in claudin-1, E-cadherin, and N-cadherin. Conditioned supernatant was analyzed for a soluble factor(s) mediating these alterations and for the ability to increase cell migration. To corroborate in vitro findings, a VZV-infected TA was examined.ResultsIn VZV-infected HPNCs, claudin-1 redistributed to the nucleus; E-cadherin was lost and N-cadherin gained, with similar changes seen in VZV-infected perineurial cells in a TA. VZV-conditioned supernatant contained increased interleukin 6 (IL-6) that induced E-cadherin loss and N-cadherin gain and increased cell migration when added to uninfected HPNCs; anti-IL-6 receptor antibody prevented these changes.ConclusionsIL-6 secreted from VZV-infected HPNCs facilitated changes in E- and N-cadherin expression and cell migration, reminiscent of an epithelial-to-mesenchymal cell transition, potentially contributing to loss of perineurial cell barrier integrity and viral spread. Importantly, an anti-IL-6 receptor antibody prevented virus-induced perineurial cell disruption.

O presente trabalho consistiu na aplicação da metodologia de avaliação de custo de ciclo de vida para estimar os custos de operação de um biorreator a membrana hipotético projetado para ser implementado em Santa Catarina/Brasil, visando à produção de água de reúso. Foram levantados dados de custo referentes à aquisição e troca de membranas, consumo energético, disposição final de lodo e funcionários para um biorreator a membrana dimensionado para tratar 6.060 m³d-1 (50.000 hab). Foram estimados valores equivalentes a R$0,63/m³ ou R$2,10 por kg de DBO removida, os quais vão ao encontro de outros estudos realizados abordando custos de biorreatores a membrana. O sistema proposto se apresentou competitivo para produzir água de reúso, apresentando custo de tratamento (R$/m³) inferior ao valor cobrado pela água potável.

In the Coal Minning Region of Santa Catarina is located the largest pole producing ceramic floors in Brazil. Considering the large volume of alkali feldspar rich waste that is generated during the porcelain polishing step. The ceramic industry is great generator of solid waste, usually deposited in landfills, being responsible for the pollution of extensive areas. There is a great availability of this alkaline material that can potentially be used as a neutralizing agent to prevent the generation of AMD in the coal minning. In this work the characterization of the potential of the generation of DAM through static and kinetic tests of a coal waste obtained in a beneficiation plant of the coal minning region, was characterized chemically the waste originated during the step of polishing in the production of porcelain tiles and determined the neutralization potential of the alkali feldspar waste. The results indicate that the coal mining waste presents a high potential of acidity (AP), the waste of the production of porcelanates presents as a major component of its composition silicon oxide and aluminum oxide, but also other oxides such as of potassium and has a moderate neutralization potential (NP). The results indicate a moderate potential of use as an alkaline additive in the prevention of AMD generation. However other uses are recommended, such as the production of soil-cement with this waste.