Anti-motion Artifact Performance Test System for Ambulatory ECG Monitoring Equipment / 中国医疗器械杂志

Anti-motion artifact is one of the most important properties of ambulatory ECG monitoring equipment. At present, there is a lack of standardized means to test the performance of anti-motion artifact. ECG simulator and special conductive leather are used to build the simulator, it is used to simulate human skin, to generate ECG signal input for the ECG monitoring equipment attached to it. The mechanical arm and fixed support are used to build a motion simulation system to fix the conductive leather. The mechanical arm is programmed to simulate various motion states of the human body, so that the ECG monitoring equipment can produce corresponding motion artifacts. The collected ECG signals are read wirelessly, observed, analyzed and compared, and the anti-motion artifact performance of ECG monitoring equipment is evaluated. The test results show that by artificially creating the small difference between the two groups of ambulatory ECG monitoring equipment, the system can accurately test the interference signals introduced under the conditions of controlled movement such as tension and torsion, and compare the advantages and disadvantages. The research shows that the test system can provide convenient and accurate verification means for the research of optimizing anti-motion interference.

Extrato de Echinodorus grandiflorus apresenta efeito renoprotetor em ratos com nefrotoxicidade aguda induzida pela ciclofosfamida / Extract of Echinodorus grandiflorus presents renoprotetic effect on rats with acute nephrotoxicity induced by cyclophosphamid / El extracto de Echinodorus grandiflorus tiene un efecto renoprotector en ratas con nefrotoxicidad aguda inducida por ciclofosfamida

Pelas características anatômicas e fisiológicas dos rins, a lesão renal aguda tem sua origem nefrotóxica pela alta circulação local, o que favorece a alta concentração de substâncias tóxicas e seus metabólitos no tecido. A lesão renal aguda é uma complicação comum em internações hospitalares e principalmente em internações em unidades de terapia intensiva. A ciclofosfamida, um quimioterápico utilizado no tratamento de doenças autoimunes e neoplasias sólidas, pode causar nefrotoxicidade com disfunção glomerular e tubular. O uso de plantas medicinais, pelas suas potentes ações antioxidantes, tem sido usado para prevenção ou tratamento de lesões celulares induzidas pelo desequilíbrio entre enzimas antioxidantes e oxidantes. Por esse motivo, o objetivo do experimento foi avaliar o potencial efeito protetor da Echinodorus grandiflorus na prevenção da nefrotoxidade induzida pela ciclofosfamida. Para isso, foi realizado o experimento com a utilização de 35 ratos machos, Wistar, divididos em seis grupos experimentais, sendo administrado a ciclofosfamida na dose de 150mg/kg nos grupos G2 a G6 e diferentes doses da Echinodorus grandiflorus, com posterior análise de parâmetros sanguíneos e histológicos. A administração de ciclofosfamida na dose de 150mg/kg de massa corporal, em dose única, foi capaz de induzir a nefrotoxicidade aguda em todos os ratos. O extrato bruto de Echinodorus grandiflorus apresentou potencial efeito renoprotetor ao uso da ciclofosfamida, na dose de 300mg/kg de massa corporal, sendo possível observar redução dos efeitos nefrotóxicos do quimioterápico, pela redução dos danos tubulares e pela diminuição dos espaços capsulas, nitidamente encontradas alterados no grupo que recebeu apenas ciclofosfamida, denotando resultados promissores para utilização desta planta medicinal na prevenção da nefrotoxicidade induzida pelo fármaco. Contudo, novos estudos dos efeitos renoprotetor do chapéu de couro, poderão elucidar os mecanismos envolvidos na ação do extrato bruto do chapéu de couro. A utilização de extrato bruto de plantas medicinais torna-se um adjuvante aos tratamentos pelo baixo custo e pela facilidade de acesso das diferentes populações as plantas desde que devidamente orientados pelos profissionais habilitados.

Due to the anatomical and physiological characteristics of the kidneys, acute kidney injury has its nephrotoxic origin due to the high local circulation, which favors the high concentration of toxic substances and their metabolites in the tissue. Acute kidney injury is a common complication in hospital admissions and especially in intensive care unit admissions. Cyclophosphamide, a chemotherapy drug used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases and solid neoplasms, can cause nephrotoxicity with glomerular and tubular dysfunction. The use of medicinal plants, due to their potent antioxidant actions, has been used for the prevention or treatment of cellular injuries induced by the imbalance between antioxidant and oxidant enzymes. For this reason, the aim of the experiment was to evaluate the potential protective effect of Echinodorus grandiflorus in preventing cyclophosphamide-induced nephrotoxicity. For this, the experiment was carried out with the use of 35 male Wistar rats, divided into six experimental groups, being administered cyclophosphamide at a dose of 150mg/kg in groups G2 to G6 and different doses of Echinodorus grandiflorus, with subsequent analysis of parameters blood and histology. The administration of cyclophosphamide at a dose of 150mg/kg of body weight, in a single dose, was able to induce acute nephrotoxicity in all rats. The crude extract of Echinodorus grandiflorus showed a potential renoprotective effect with the use of cyclophosphamide, at a dose of 300mg/kg of body mass, and it was possible to observe a reduction in the nephrotoxic effects of the chemotherapy, due to the reduction of tubular damage and the reduction of capsule spaces, clearly found altered in the group that received only cyclophosphamide, showing promising results for the use of this medicinal plant in the prevention of drug-induced nephrotoxicity. However, further studies of the renoprotective effects of the leather hat may elucidate the mechanisms involved in the action of the crude extract of the leather hat. The use of raw extract of medicinal plants becomes an adjuvant to treatments due to the low cost and ease of access of different populations to plants, provided that they are properly guided by qualified professionals.

Debido a las características anatómicas y fisiológicas de los riñones, la lesión renal aguda tiene su origen nefrotóxico por la elevada circulación local, que favorece la alta concentración de sustancias tóxicas y sus metabolitos en el tejido. La lesión renal aguda es una complicación frecuente en los ingresos hospitalarios y principalmente en las unidades de cuidados intensivos. La ciclofosfamida, un quimioterápico utilizado en el tratamiento de enfermedades autoinmunes y neoplasias sólidas, puede causar nefrotoxicidad con disfunción glomerular y tubular. El uso de plantas medicinales, debido a sus potentes acciones antioxidantes, se ha utilizado para la prevención o el tratamiento de lesiones celulares inducidas por el desequilibrio entre enzimas antioxidantes y oxidantes. Por este motivo, el objetivo del experimento era evaluar el posible efecto protector del Echinodorus grandiflorus en la prevención de la nefrotoxicidad inducida por la ciclofosfamida. Para ello, se realizó el experimento utilizando 35 ratas Wistar macho, divididas en seis grupos experimentales, administrándoseles ciclofosfamida a una dosis de 150mg/kg en los grupos G2 a G6 y diferentes dosis de Echinodorus grandiflorus, con posterior análisis de sangre y parámetros histológicos. La administración de ciclofosfamida a una dosis de 150mg/kg de masa corporal, en dosis única, fue capaz de inducir nefrotoxicidad aguda en todas las ratas. El extracto crudo de Echinodorus grandiflorus presentó un potencial efecto renoprotector al uso de ciclofosfamida, a una dosis de 300mg/kg de masa corporal, siendo posible observar una reducción de los efectos nefrotóxicos de la quimioterapia, por la reducción del daño tubular y por la disminución de los espacios capsulares, encontrándose claramente alterados en el grupo que recibió solamente ciclofosfamida, denotando resultados promisorios para el uso de esta planta medicinal en la prevención de la nefrotoxicidad inducida por el fármaco. Sin embargo, nuevos estudios sobre los efectos renoprotectores del sombrero de cuero podrían dilucidar los mecanismos implicados en la acción del extracto crudo de sombrero de cuero. El uso de extractos crudos de plantas medicinales se convierte en un coadyuvante de los tratamientos por su bajo coste y la facilidad de acceso de las diferentes poblaciones a las plantas desde que son guiadas adecuadamente por profesionales cualificados.

Efeito protetivo do extrato de Echinodorus grandiflorus sobre o urotelio vesical de ratos com cistite induzida por ciclofosfamida / Extract of echinodorus grandiflorus presents renoprotetic effect on rats with acute nephrotoxicity induced by cyclophosphamid / Extracto de Echinodorus grandiflorus presenta efecto renoprotético en ratas con nefrotoxicidad aguda inducida por ciclofosfamida

cistite hemorrágica e a cistite intersticial expressam uma etiologia variável, desde idiopática à provocada por fármacos, dentre eles a ciclofosfamida. A cistite apresenta tratamento multifatorial, e o potencial efeito satisfatório do uso da medicina complementar, vem ganhando espaço na prática médica. Assim o objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o efeito protetivo do extrato bruto de Echinodorus grandiflorus sobre a bexiga de ratos induzidos a cistite por ciclofosfamida. Utilizou-se neste estudo, 35 ratos, machos, Wistar, com peso médio de 321g, que foram submetidos a indução de cistite com uso de ciclofosfamida por via intraperitoneal e tratados com diferentes doses de extrato de Echinodorus grandiflorus (30, 100, 300mg) e o grupo controle com o fármaco Mesna. Todos os animais foram mortos no décimo sétimo dia e suas bexigas urinarias foram ressecadas para avaliação macro e microscópica, além da análise de hemograma e leucograma. A análise do sangue mostrou leucopenia com diferença significativa em todos os animais que receberam a ciclofosfamida. Observou-se que a dose de 300mg/kg do extrato bruto da planta, apresentou efeito protetivo no urotélio vesical, porém, inferior ao uso de Mesna. Diante dos resultados apresentados neste estudo sugere-se que o extrato de Echinodorus grandiflorus apresenta efeito protetivo no urotélio vesical na dose de 300mg/kg, porém estudos futuros quanto a dose e também a uma possível associação terapêutica ao Mesna devam ser realizados. Por se tratar de uma patologia com prevalência importante e ser muitas vezes desagradável e limitante à vida, faz-se necessário o empenho em métodos terapêuticos alternativos aos atuais, afim de, diminuírem os custos e efeitos colaterais dos métodos já documentados.

Hemorrhagic cystitis and interstitial cystitis have a variable etiology, from idiopathic to drug-induced, including cyclophosphamide. Cystitis has a multifactorial treatment, and the potential satisfactory effect of the use of complementary medicine has been gaining ground in medical practice. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the protective effect of the crude extract of Echinodorus grandiflorus on the bladder of rats induced to cystitis by cyclophosphamide. In this study, 35 male Wistar rats, with an average weight of 321g, were submitted to cystitis induction with intraperitoneal use of cyclophosphamide and treated with different doses of Echinodorus grandiflorus extract (30, 100, 300mg) and the control group with the drug Mesna. All animals were killed on the seventeenth day and their urinary bladders were resected for macro and microscopic evaluation, in addition to the analysis of blood count and leukogram. Blood analysis showed leukopenia with a significant difference in all animals that received cyclophosphamide. It was observed that the dose of 300mg/kg of the crude extract of the plant had a protective effect on the vesical urothelium, however, it was inferior to the use of Mesna. In view of the results presented in this study, it is suggested that the Echinodorus grandiflorus extract has a protective effect on the vesical urothelium at a dose of 300mg/kg, but future studies regarding the dose and also a possible therapeutic association with Mesna should be carried out. Because it is a pathology with significant prevalence and is often unpleasant and life-limiting, it is necessary to commit to alternative therapeutic methods to the current ones, in order to reduce the costs and side effects of the methods already documented.

cistitis hemorrágica y la cistitis intersticial tienen una etiología variable, desde idiopática hasta inducida por fármacos, incluida la ciclofosfamida. La cistitis tiene un tratamiento multifactorial, y el potencial efecto satisfactorio del uso de la medicina complementaria ha ido ganando terreno en la práctica médica. Así, el objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar el efecto protector del extracto crudo de Echinodorus grandiflorus sobre la vejiga de ratas inducidas a cistitis por ciclofosfamida. En este estudio, 35 ratas Wistar macho, con un peso promedio de 321g, fueron sometidas a inducción de cistitis con uso intraperitoneal de ciclofosfamida y tratadas con diferentes dosis de extracto de Echinodorus grandiflorus (30, 100, 300mg) y el grupo control con el fármaco Mesna. Todos los animales fueron sacrificados al decimoséptimo día y sus vejigas urinarias fueron resecadas para evaluación macro y microscópica, además del análisis de hemograma y leucograma. El análisis de sangre mostró leucopenia con una diferencia significativa en todos los animales que recibieron ciclofosfamida. Se observó que la dosis de 300 mg/kg del extracto crudo de la planta tuvo un efecto protector sobre el urotelio vesical, sin embargo, fue inferior al uso de Mesna. En vista de los resultados presentados en este estudio, se sugiere que el extracto de Echinodorus grandiflorus tiene un efecto protector sobre el urotelio vesical a una dosis de 300 mg/kg, pero se deben realizar estudios futuros sobre la dosis y también una posible asociación terapéutica con Mesna. llevado a cabo. Por tratarse de una patología con una prevalencia importante y muchas veces desagradable y

Carcass Traits and Leather Quality Characteristics of Blackhead Ogaden Sheep Fed Different

An experiment was conducted to assess the effect of varying level of roughage to concentrate ratios on carcass traits and leather quality characteristics of Blackhead Ogaden sheep aged 2 years (20.8±1.8 initial body weight). Twenty four lambs were blocked into 6 groups of four lambs based on initial body weight and randomly assigned within group to 4 diets. Roughage composed of natural grass hay and haricot bean hauls (50:50 ratio) and concentrate mixture composed of wheat bran (69%) and 31% of oil seed meal (noug seed cake and cottonseed meal in the ratio of 1.1:1) were offered at roughage (R) to concentrate (C) ratios of 60R:40C, 50R:50C, 40R:60C, and 30R:70C. Roughage and supplement were offered separately and percentages of the two feeds were determined based on ad libitum consumption of individual animal on dry matter (DM) basis. After the completion of stall feeding, animals were slaughtered for carcass parameters and leather quality evaluation. Slaughter body weight, hot carcass weight, dressing percentage as a proportion of slaughter body weight, empty body weight, and total usable products are greater in group consumed 30R:70C than 60R:40C ration (P<0.05). Fat content and elongation percentage of leather produced from sheep consumed 60R:40C was higher (p<0.05) than 30R:70C. However, the other chemical and physico-mechanical quality of leather were not affect by the treatment diet (P>0.05). Thus, we conclude that feeding of roughage and concentrate at the ratio of 30R:70C could be recommended as better feeding strategy for better performances of finishing sheep

Las curtiembres de el cerrito (valle del cauca): una mirada en torno a su realidad socioeconómica y ambiental

El curtido de pieles es un proceso reconocido por el vertimiento de desechos químicos y orgánicos, así como por la liberación de compuestos volátiles de olores desagradables y desechos sólidos, que contaminan el agua, el aire y el suelo, produciendo efectos negativos en el ambiente natural y en la salud de la población. Considerando que este comportamiento está influenciado por componentes interrelacionados, el propósito de esta investigación fue identificar los principales factores socioeconómicos y ambientales que caracterizan la actividad curtidora en el municipio de El Cerrito, Valle del Cauca. Mediante el empleo de métodos cuantitativos y cualitativos, que incluyeron entrevistas con actores sociales clave, revisión bibliográfica y trabajo de campo, se pudo establecer que de 13 curtiembres activas, una de ellas corresponde a mediana empresa y las 12 restantes a microempresas (McEs), con cerca de 272 empleados directos. Dichas empresas han diversificado su actividad, dedicándose al curtido de pieles y al alquiler de servicios a curtidores informales. Las McEs presentan una baja capacidad de inversión en maquinaria y en equipos, en modernización tecnológica y en la adopción de programas e infraestructura de mejoramiento ambiental. Se evidenció la falta de conciencia ambiental, de planes de capacitación, de acompañamiento técnico y de políticas gubernamentales que promuevan su desarrollo y la adopción efectiva de programas de control y de prevención de la contaminación. Las características de este sector industrial hacen necesaria la implementación de programas integrales y adaptables a las McEs, de tal manera que conduzcan a mejorar su competitividad y sostenibilidad.

Tanning is a process recognized for the dumping of chemical and organic wastes, as well as the release of volatile compounds of unpleasant odors and solid wastes that pollute water, air and soil, producing negative effects on the environment and the health of the population. Since this behavior is influenced by interrelated components, the purpose of this research was to identify the main socioeconomic and environmental factors that characterize the tanning activity in the municipality of El Cerrito, Valle del Cauca. By using quantitative and qualitative methods, which included interviews with key social actors, literature review and fieldwork, it was established that 13 active tanneries, one corresponding to amedium enterprise and the remaining 12 to microenterprises (ECMs) with about 272 direct employees. These companies have diversified their activities, dedicated to tanning and rental services to informal tanners. ECMs have a low capacity for investment in machinery and equipment, technological modernization and the adoption of environmental programs and infrastructure improvement. The lack of environmental awareness, training plans, technical support and government policies that promote the development and adoption of effective control programs and pollution prevention was evident. The characteristics of this industry require the implementation of comprehensive and adaptable programs for ECMs, so leading to improve their competitiveness and sustainability.

Clinical observation of the segmented external dissection and internal ligation and leather bridge ligation plastic surgery in treatment of circumferential mixed hemorrhoids / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective To observe the effect of segmented external dissection and internal ligation and leather bridge ligation plastic surgery in treatment of circumferential mixed hemorrhoids. Methods One hundred and twenty patients with circumferential mixed hemorrhoids were enrolled in this study, and they were divided into observation group and control group according to operation methods, with 60 cases in each group. The patients in two groups were treated with segmented Milligan-Morgan. The patients in observation group were treated with leather bridge ligation plastic surgery, and the patients in control group were treated with slit skin bridge plastic surgery. Postoperative complications and effect were observed. Results The pain scores on the first day and the third day after operation in two groups had no significant differences (P>0.05). On the seventh day after operation, the pain scores in observation group was significantly better than that in control group (P 0.05). The number of broken leather bridge in observation group was significantly shorter than that in control group (P<0.01). The healing time in the observation group was significantly shorter than that in control group:(24.0 ± 3.6) d vs. (29.6 ± 4.70) d, t =- 6.05, P<0.01. Conclusions Segmented external dissection and internal ligation and leather bridge ligation plastic surgery in treatment of circumferential mixed hemorrhoids is safe and easy to operate, and it has a significant clinical effect.

Assessment of pollution of river Ganges by tannery effluents using genotoxicity biomarkers in murrel fish, Channa punctatus (Bloch).

River pollution due to rapid industrialization and anthropogenic activities adversely affects the aquatic organisms, especially fish. Here, we assessed the genotoxicity, mutagenicity and bioaccumulative aspects of tannery effluents in freshwater murrel, Channa punctatus, an inhabitant of river Gange. Test specimens were collected from three different polluted sites of the river within and nearby Kanpur area during different seasons and blood samples of these specimens were processed for comet assay and micronucleus test as genotoxicity biomarkers. A significantly (P <0.05) higher micronuclei induction, nuclear abnormalities and % tail DNA was observed in the specimens collected from the polluted sites. Bioaccumulation studies in the muscle (1.202 µg/g) and gill tissues (<0.300 µg/g) of the specimens revealed the concentration of chromium (core component of tanning industry) above the maximum permissible limits as prescribed by World Health Organization (WHO). The findings of the present analysis indicated contamination of river Ganges with tannery effluents which induce genotoxicity in fish with seasonal variation.

Aprovechamiento de cromo eliminado en aguas residuales de curtiembres (San Benito, Bogotá), mediante tratamiento con sulfato de sodio / Chromium rcovereed and re-sed from tannery residual water (located in sann benito, bogotá), by treatment with sodyum sulphate

El proceso de curtido consiste en transformar la piel de ganado vacuno u otros animales, en cuero, mediante la aplicación de taninos que son sustancias de origen vegetal, o también de cromo. Este elemento es un contaminante cuya concentración máxima permisible en vertimientos industriales es de 1 mg/L, según la Resolución 1074 de 1997 del Departamento Administrativo de Medio Ambiente (DAMA), para el Distrito Capital, por la cual se establecen estándares ambientales en materia de vertimientos. Se evaluó la factibilidad técnica para recuperar y reutilizar cromo de las aguas residuales del proceso de curtido de una curtiembre en San Benito (Bogotá), precipitándolo con soda cáustica 4 M y regenerándolo con sulfato de sodio y ácido fórmico grado industrial en reemplazo de ácido sulfúrico, regulado por estupefacientes, para reutilizar la sal de cromo en el mismo proceso de curtido. Su implementación minimiza contaminación de aguas con cromo y disminuye costos de producción. Se redujo el contenido de cromo del agua residual del proceso de curtido en 99,9% desde concentraciones promedio de 2.475 mg/L hasta niveles inferiores a 1,0 mg/L, permitiendo reutilización del agua para lavado de pieles saladas que ingresan al proceso, después de tratamiento con hidroxicloruro de aluminio e hipoclorito de sodio, disminuyendo significativamente su consumo. Se determinó la calidad del cuero obtenido mediante pruebas de encogimiento y resistencia a la flexión. Los procesos de reutilización de materiales producidos como desecho en procesos de curtiembres son fundamentales en la sostenibilidad ambiental de estas industrias.

The tan processes consist in the transformation of cattle or other animal skin in leather through the application of tannins which are substances from vegetal origin, or also with chromium. This element is a pollutant which maximum allowed concentration from industrial disposal is 1 mg/L, under Resolution 1074 of 1997 from the Administrative Department of the Environment (ADE) for the Capital District which establishes environmental standards on dumping. Technical feasibility for chrome recovery and reuse of wastewater from the tanning process in a tannery in San Benito (Bogotá) was evaluated, accelerating it with 4 M caustic soda and regenerating it with sodium sulfate and formic acid (industrial grade) in place of sulfuric acid, regulated by drugs, to reuse the chromium salt in the tanning process. Its implementation minimizes water pollution with chromium and decreases production costs. Chromium content of residual water in the tanning process decreased 99.9% from average concentrations of 2,475 mg / L to levels below 1,0 mg/L, allowing reuse water for salted skins wash that start the process after treatment with aluminum chloride hydroxide and sodium hypochlorite, reducing its consumption significantly. The quality of leather obtained was determined by shrinkage tests and bending strength. Processes of materials produced reuse as waste in tan processes are fundamental to the environmental sustainability of these industries.

Characterization and antimicrobial performance of nano silver coatings on leather materials

In this study, the characterization and the antimicrobial properties of nano silver (nAg) coating on leather were investigated. For this purpose, turbidity, viscosity and pH of nAg solutions prepared by the sol-gel method were measured. The formation of films from these solutions was characterized according to temperature by Differential Thermal Analysis-Thermogravimetry (DTA-TG) equipment. The surface morphology of treated leathers was observed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The antimicrobial performance of nAg coatings on leather materials to the test microorganisms as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans and Aspergillius niger was evaluated by the application of qualitative (Agar overlay method) and quantitative (percentage of microbial reduction) tests. According to qualitative test results it was found that 20 μg/cm2 and higher concentrations of nAg on the leather samples were effective against all microorganisms tested. Moreover, quantitative test results showed that leather samples treated with 20 μg/cm2 of nAg demonstrated the highest antibacterial activity against E. coli with 99.25% bacterium removal, whereas a 10 μg/cm2 concentration of nAg on leather was enough to exhibit the excellent percentage reduction against S. aureus of 99.91%. The results are promising for the use of colloidal nano silver solution on lining leather as antimicrobial coating.

Chromium accumulation potential of Zea mays grown under four different fertilizers.

Chromium (Cr) contamination in soil is a growing concern in sustainable agriculture production and food safety. We performed pot experiment with chromium (30 mg/ soil) to assess the accumulation potential of Zea mays and study the influence of four fertilizers, viz. Farm Yard Manure (FYM), NPK, Panchakavya (PK) and Vermicompost (VC) with respect to Cr accumulation. The oxidative stress and pigment (chlorophyll) levels were also examined. The results showed increased accumulation of chromium in both shoots and roots of Zea mays under FYM and NPK supply, and reduced with PK and VC. While the protein and pigment contents decreased in Cr treated plants, the fertilizers substantiated the loss to overcome the stress. Similarly, accumulation of Cr increased the levels of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase (POD) indicating the enhanced damage control activity. However, these levels were relatively low in plants supplemented with fertilizers. Our results confirm that the maize can play an effective role in bioremediation of soils polluted with chromium, particularly in supplementation with fertilizers such as farm yard manure and NPK.

Effect of leather industry effluents on soil microbial and protease activity.

Release of leather industry effluents into the agricultural fields causes indicative changes in nutrient cycling and organic matter processing. In the present study, leather industry effluent discharged soil (test) and undischarged soil (control) were collected from the surrounding areas of industry. The physico-chemical, biological properties and soil protease activity were examined. The study reflected the average mean value of pH, electrical conductivity and water holding capacity of the test soil was found to be 7.94, 0.89 =Mhos cm-1 and 0.51 ml g-1, respectively. In chemical parameters, organic matter, total nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium has the mean of 6.73%, 0.23 g kg-1, 4.28 mg g-1 and 28 =g g-1, respectively. In all the respects, the test soil showed higher values than the control. The soil protease enzyme activity was determined by using substrate casein and the activity was found to be higher (180 =g TE g-1 24 hr-1) in test soil than the control soil (63 =g TE g-1 24 hr-1).

Optimization studies on production of a salt-tolerant protease from Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain BC1 and its application on tannery saline wastewater treatment

Treatment and safe disposal of tannery saline wastewater, a primary effluent stream that is generated by soaking salt-laden hides and skin is one of the major problems faced by the leather manufacturing industries. Conventional treatment methods like solar evaporation ponds and land composting are not eco-friendly as they deteriorate the ground water quality. Though, this waste stream is comprised of high concentration of dissolved proteins the presence of high salinity (1-6 percent NaCl by wt) makes it non-biodegradable. Enzymatic treatment is one of the positive alternatives for management of such kind of waste streams. A novel salt-tolerant alkaline protease obtained from P.aeruginosa (isolated from tannery saline wastewater) was used for enzymatic degradation studies. The effect of various physical factors including pH, temperature, incubation time, protein source and salinity on the activity of identified protease were investigated. Kinetic parameters (Km , Vmax) were calculated for the identified alkaline protease at varying substrate concentrations. Tannery saline wastewater treated with identified salt tolerant protease showed 75 percent protein removal at 6 h duration and 2 percent (v/v) protease addition was found to be the optimum dosage value.

Tamanho relativo dos órgãos internos e do trato gastrintestinal de bovinos indubrasil e mestiços leiteiros em fase de engorda / Relative size of the internal organs and gastrointestinal tract of dairy crossbreeds and zebu steers in fattening

Utilizaram-se 12 bovinos machos castrados, com peso vivo médio de 276kg, sendo quatro indubrasil e oito mestiços leiteiros (quatro ½ sangue HolandêsxGir e quatro ½ sangue HolandêsxGuzerá). Foram pesados e distribuídos em dois tratamentos (indubrasil e mestiços leiteiros), em fase de engorda. Os animais foram avaliados até atingirem 480kg de peso vivo. O volumoso utilizado foi o feno de capim Tifton 85 (Cynodon dactylon). Por ocasião do abate foram coletadas amostras de rúmen, retículo, omaso, abomaso e intestinos, após o seu esvaziamento e limpeza, obtendo-se ainda os pesos e amostras de sangue, couro, pés, cabeça, fígado, rins, pulmões, língua, baço e gordura interna (mesentério e gorduras perirenal e pericardíaca). O peso do corpo vazio (PCVZ) foi obtido pela soma dos pesos da carcaça, sangue, couro, pés, rabo, vísceras e órgãos. Animais da raça indubrasil apresentam o conjunto cabeça-pés-couro mais pesado do que animais mestiços leiteiros. Animais mestiços leiteiros e indubrasil, em fase de engorda, não apresentam diferenças significativas quanto ao peso total de intestinos e órgãos. Animais mestiços leiteiros apresentam, em fase de engorda, maiores proporções de gordura interna do que animais indubrasil.

Twelve steers have been used, when they had average live weight of 276kg, being four indubrasil and eight dairy crossbreeds (four crossbreeds HolsteinxGir and four HolsteinxGuzera). They have been weighted and distributed into two treatments (indubrasil and dairy crossbreeds), in phase fattening. The animals were studied up to 480kg of live weight. Grass hay Tifton 85 (Cynodon dactylon) have been used as feedstuff. After slaughtering samples of rumen, reticulum, omasum, abomasum and intestines have been collected after emptying and cleaning. Weight and samples values of blood, leather, feet, head, liver, kidneys, lung, tongue, spleen and internal fat (mesenterium plus perirenal and pericardia fats) have been collected. Empty body weight (EBW) have been obtained by summing weights of carcass, blood, leather, feet, tail, intestines and organs. The group head-foot-leather of indubrasil steers have been heaver than in dairy crossbreeds. The animals indubrasil and dairy crossbreeds, in fattening phase, have not presented significant differences for total weight of intestines and organs. The animals dairy crossbreeds present, in fattening phase, higher fat proportions intern than indubrasil animals.

Testes físico-mecânicos e físico-químicos do couro da tilápia vermelha / Physical-mechanical and physical-chemical tests of red tilapia leather

Realizaram-se testes físico-mecânicos e físico-químicos em couro de tilápia vermelha (Oreochromis spp.) a fim de testar a sua resistência. As amostras foram distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso com dois tratamentos: no T1, procedeu-se à retirada do corpo-de-prova no sentido longitudinal e, no T2, à retirada do corpo-de-prova no sentido transversal. Para os testes de determinação da resistência à tração, alongamento e rasgamento progressivo, foi utilizado o dinamômetro EMIC, com velocidade de afastamento entre as cargas de 100 ± 20mm/min, em ambiente climatizado (± 23ºC e UR do ar de 50 por cento), por 24 horas. A espessura do couro variou de 0,61 a 0,75mm, mas não houve diferença entre os sentidos analisados. O couro apresentou maior resistência à tração no sentido transversal, 25,89N/mm², (P<0,01), comparado ao sentido longitudinal, 14,20 N/mm². O alongamento foi significativamente (P<0,05) maior no sentido longitudinal, 80,8 por cento, em relação ao transversal, 62,6 por cento. Não houve diferença para o rasgamento progressivo entre os tratamentos. O couro apresentou teor de óxido de cromo de 3,8 por cento, graxa de 15,1 por cento e pH e cifra diferencial de 3,5 e 0,5, respectivamente. Os valores nos testes de resistência e físico-químicos apresentados pelo couro indicam que ele pode ser utilizado para a confecção de vestuário e artefatos de couro em geral.

Physical-mechanical and physical-chemical tests were carried out on red tilapia leather. They were distributed in a completely randomized design with two treatments: T1 = longitudinal body of proof; T2 = transversal body of proof. It was used the EMIC dynamometer for the tests of resistance to traction and elongation and the progressive tearing, with the speed of 100±20mm/min away between the charges, in an acclimatized room (±23ºC and relative humidity of 50 percent) during 24 hours. The thickness of the analyzed leathers ranged from 0.61 to 0.75mm, without differing between the analyzed ways. The leather demonstrated a higher resistance to traction in the transversal direction (25.89N/mm²) (P<0.01), when compared to the longitudinal one (14.20N/mm²). However, the elongation was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the longitudinal direction (80.8 percent) when compared to the transversal (62.6 percent). There was no significant difference for the progressive tearing between the treatments (longitudinal = 18.56N/mm; transversal = 21.90N/mm). The leather demonstrated a content of 3.8 percent of chromium oxide, 15.1 percent of grease, and pH and difference value of 3.5 and 0.5, respectively. The values in the resistance and physical-chemical tests shown by the leather indicate that it may be used for clothing and leather artifacts in general.

A Case of Chromium Contact Dermatitis due to Exposure from a Golf Glove

Chromium is a transition metal and has been shown to elicit contact dermatitis. Although leather products have been known to be the most significant source of chromium exposure these days, the majority of reports have been related to exposure from shoe products. We herein report a professional golfer who became allergic to golf gloves made of chromium-tanned leather. A 27-year-old woman golfer presented with recurrent, pruritic, erythematous plaques that had been occurring on both hands for several years. The lesions developed whenever she had worn golf gloves for an extended period of time, especially during tournament season. To identify the causative agent, patch tests were performed and the results demonstrated a strong positive reaction to potassium dichromate 0.5% and to her own glove. The amount of chromium in her golf glove was analyzed to be 308.91 ppm and based on this, a diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis due to a chromium-tanned leather glove was made. She was treated with oral antihistamines combined with topical steroids and advised to wear chromium-free leather gloves. There has been no evidence of recurrence during a six month follow-up period.

Effect of microbial activities on stored raw buffalo hide.

‘Keeping qualities’ of hides are dependent on the total microbial flora associated with the hides and the biochemical changes brought about by these microorganisms during short-term storage at ambient temperature (28±2 oC). It was evident that within first 24 hr of hide’s ambient storage, bacterial load was raised to 8.8 log cfu g-1 hide from 6.1 log cfu g-1 hide. Nonlinear parabolic increase in release of hydroxyproline and tyrosine from stored hide was observed starting from 0 hr and confirming proteolytic activities. Continuous release of CO2 from the stored hide suggested its mineralization. Exponential release of free fatty acids during storage indicated simultaneous lipolysis. Thus the process of biodegradation during the course of ambient storage of hide piece was found to progress steadily and seems to be interrelated as well as very complex. During the storage period, the liquefaction of hide piece was also observed visually within 96 hr. Present studies of assessment of bacterial activities on hide with respect to total bacterial load, release of amino acids, free fatty acids and evolved CO2 provide data that can be used to formulate and evaluate hide curing agent(s) other than salt, thus rendering leather industry a platform to design bio-based technologies for efficient and ecofriendly preservation of raw materials.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans de cuero cabelludo / Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans of scalp

El Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans (DFSP), es una tumoración poco frecuente, representa del 2 al 6 por ciento de todos los sarcomas de tejido blandos, se considera de origen dérmico. Se caracteriza por ser de una malignidad intermedia, con poca potencialidad metastásica aun que lo puede hacer tardíamente en el desarrollo de la enfermedad, es de crecimiento por lo general lento, localmente agresivo y con altos índices de recurrencia luego de los tratamientos. Mayormente afecta pacientes entre los 20 y 50 años aunque se han descrito casos en niños y ancianos, como es este caso. Se presenta el caso de un paciente de 91 años de edad, con una tumoración localizada en cuero cabelludo, el procedimiento quirúrgico de extirpación el para estudio histopatológico de toda la masa tumoral, que permitió efectuar el diagnóstico de Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans. Se discute aspectos clínicos, diagnósticos y terapéuticos de este caso.

Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans (DFSP) is a rare tumor, accounts for 2 to 6 per cent of all soft tissue sarcomas, it is considered of dermal origin. It is characterized as intermediate malignancy with low metastaic potencial, it can do even late in the development of the disease, is usually slow growing, locally aggressive with high recurrence rates after treatment. Mainly affects patients between 20 and 50 years although cases, have been reported in children and the elderly, as in this case. A case of a patient 91 years old with a tumor located on the scalp, the surgical procedure of removal for histopathological study of the whole tumor mass, allowed the diagnosis of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. We discuss clinical, Diagnostic and therapeutic in this case.

Seed germination characteristics of broad bean, lentil and common bean irrigated with different dilutions of pre-tanning effluents / Características de la germinación de semillas de haba, lenteja y frijol irrigadas con diferentes diluciones de efluentes de preteñido de tenería / Características da germinação de sementes de feijão-fava, lentilha e feijão comum irrigadas com diferentes diluições de efluentes de pre tingimento de curtume

Leather manufacturing is a worldwide industry that has been carried out for centuries and has achieved great importance in Turkey. However, the leather industry is associated with the generation of large amounts of waste water and solid wastes that are a threat to the environment. A germination experiment was conducted to determine the effect of different dilutions of pre-tanning effluents on the germination characteristics of broad bean, lentil and common bean. The experiment was designed as a completely randomized block with three replications. Seeds of each species were sown and irrigated with different dilutions of pre-tanning effluents (1:10, 1:40 and 1:80 tap water:effluent), undiluted pre-tanning effluent, and tap water (control). Number of germinated seeds, germination percentage, root length, root weight, shoot length, shoot weight and root+shoot weight were measured at 15days after planting. All germination properties varied considerably, and significant differences among them were determined (P<0.05). Undiluted pre-tanning effluent had adverse effects and no germination occurred for any of the tested plant materials. Except for the undiluted pre-tanning effluent, no significant differences were detected in the number of germinated seeds and germination percentage, whereas some differences among treatments were observed for the remaining characteristics.

La manufactura del cuero ha sido practicada por siglos en el mundo entero y en Turquía reviste gran importancia. No obstante, la industria del cuero se asocia con la generación de grandes cantidades de aguas residuales y residuos sólidos que constituyen una amenaza para el ambiente. Se llevó a cabo un experimento de germinación para determinar los efectos de diferentes diluciones de efluentes del preteñido de una tenería sobre las características germinativas de habas, lentejas y frijol común. El experimento fue diseñado como un bloque completamente al azar con tres réplicas. Las semillas de cada especie fueron sembradas e irrigadas con diferentes diluciones de efluentes (1:10, 1:40 y 1:80 agua corriente:efluente), efluente sin diluir y agua corriente (control). A los 15 días después de la plantación se midieron el número de semillas germinadas, porcentaje de germinación, longitud de la raíz, peso de la parte aérea y peso de la planta entera. Todas las propiedades de germinación variaron considerablemente, determinándose diferencias significativas (P<0,50) entre ellas. El efluente de preteñido sin diluir tuvo efectos adversos y no hubo germinación en ninguna de las plantas ensayadas. Exceptuando el del efluente sin diluir, no hubo diferencias significativas en el número de semillas germinadas y porcentaje de germinación, mientras que se observaron diferencias entre los tratamientos en las demás características.

A manufatura do couro tem sido praticada por séculos no mundo inteiro e na Turquía reveste grande importância. No entanto, a indústria do couro está associada à geração de grandes quantidades de águas residuais e resíduos sólidos que constituem uma ameaça para o ambiente. Realizou-se um experimento de germinação para determinar os efeitos de diferentes diluições de efluentes do pre tingimento de um curtume sobre as características germinativas de feijões de fava, lentilhas e feijão comum. O experimento foi desenhado como um bloco completamente aleatório com três réplicas. As sementes de cada espécie foram plantadas e irrigadas com diferentes diluições de efluentes (1:10, 1:40 e 1:80 água corrente:efluente), efluente sem diluir e água corrente (controle). Aos 15 dias após a plantação foram medidos; o número de sementes germinadas, porcentagem de germinação, longitude da raíz, peso da parte aérea e peso da planta inteira. Todas as propriedades de germinação variaram consideravelmente, determinando-se diferenças significativas (P<0,50) entre elas. O efluente de pre tingimento sem diluir teve efeitos adversos e não houve germinação em nenhuma das plantas ensaiadas. Com excesão do efluente sem diluir, não houve diferenças significativas no número de sementes germinadas e porcentagem de germinação, enquanto que se observaram diferenças entre os tratamentos nas demais características.

Niveles de cromo y alteraciones de salud en una población expuesta a las actividades de curtiembres en Bogotá, Colombia / Chromium levels and their relationship with alterations in the health of tannery workers living and working in Bogotá, Colombia

Objetivo Determinar si los niveles de cromo en orina están más altos de los permitidos y contrastarlos con alteraciones de salud en personas del barrio San Benito en Bogotá. Métodos En una muestra de 827 personas, se cuantificó cromo total en orina como biomarcador de exposición y se contrastó con alteraciones de salud atribuibles a exposición a cromo. La exposición se definió, por la "Ocupación actual" relacionada con la labor en curtiembres. Se definieron dos estratos: "Directamente expuestos" 26 por ciento y "Potencial alta exposición" 73 por ciento. Resultados Un 6,3 por ciento presentó niveles de cromo >10 ug/L (intervalo de confianza: 4,64-7,96 por ciento). No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los dos estratos. El 34,3 por ciento presentó diagnósticos posiblemente atribuibles a la exposición a cromo. El 23,3 por ciento otorrinolaringológico; 6,5 por ciento dermatológico; 2,9 por ciento oftalmológico; 1,6 por ciento cavidad oral y el 65,7 por ciento no relacionados. Se halló asociación entre niveles >10ug/L y residir en la zona (OR 4,94 IC:1,2- 20,7 por ciento). Los resultados sugieren asociación entre ocupación y alteraciones de salud atribuibles a la exposición a compuestos de cromo. Conclusiones Las personas que participan del proceso productivo del cuero tienen un riesgo significativo de presentar hallazgos clínicos posiblemente atribuibles a la exposición a cromo, OR 4,33 (3,12-6,02). La población general se esta viendo expuesta de manera no diferente a aquella con ocupación relacionada con las curtiembres, lo que puede deberse a que los habitantes del sector están en contacto con cromo o compuestos por vías diferentes a la ocupacional, como contaminación ambiental.

Objective Determining whether chromium levels in urine samples were higher than limits and contrasting them with alterations in the health of people living and working in the San Benito neighbourhood of Bogotá. Methods The total amount of chromium in urine was measured as a biological marker of exposure in a sample of 827 people. This was contrasted with health alterations attributed to chromium exposition. Exposure was defined by being whether current economic activity was related to working in a tannery. Two groups were defined: being directly exposed (26 percent) and having potentially high exposure (73 percent). Results 6.3 percent presented >10 ug/L chromium levels (4.64 percent to 7.96 percent confidence interval). No significant statistical differences were found between both groups. 34.3 percent presented a diagnosis of possible attribution to chromium exposure, of whom 23.3 percent were due to otorhinolaryngologic issues, 6.5 percent to dermatological ones, 2.9 percent to ophthalmologic ones and 1.6 percent to oral cavity issues. The remaining 65.7 percent of cases were not related. >10ug/L levels and living in the particular neighbourhood in question were associated (4.94 odds ratio; 1.18 percent-20.69 percent CI). The results suggested a connection between economic activity and health alterations due to chromium components. Conclusions The people involved in producing leather have a significant risk of presenting clinical conditions attributed to chromium exposure (4.33 OR; 3.12-6.02 CI). San Benito´s inhabitants are being exposed to chromium as if they were actually working in a tannery as they are in daily contact with chromium or its components through non work-related activities, such as environmental contamination. Concern at such exposure should lead to further in-depth studies.