Use of Pineapple Waste as Fuel in Microbial Fuel Cell for the Generation of Bioelectricity.

The excessive use of fossil sources for the generation of electrical energy and the increase in different organic wastes have caused great damage to the environment; these problems have promoted new ways of generating electricity in an eco-friendly manner using organic waste. In this sense, this research uses single-chamber microbial fuel cells with zinc and copper as electrodes and pineapple waste as fuel (substrate). Current and voltage peaks of 4.95667 ± 0.54775 mA and 0.99 ± 0.03 V were generated on days 16 and 20, respectively, with the substrate operating at an acid pH of 5.21 ± 0.18 and an electrical conductivity of 145.16 ± 9.86 mS/cm at two degrees Brix. Thus, it was also found that the internal resistance of the cells was 865.845 ± 4.726 Ω, and a maximum power density of 513.99 ± 6.54 mW/m2 was generated at a current density of 6.123 A/m2, and the final FTIR spectrum showed a clear decrease in the initial transmittance peaks. Finally, from the biofilm formed on the anodic electrode, it was possible to molecularly identify the yeast Wickerhamomyces anomalus with 99.82% accuracy. In this way, this research provides a method that companies exporting and importing this fruit may use to generate electrical energy from its waste.

Electric Current Generation by Increasing Sucrose in Papaya Waste in Microbial Fuel Cells.

The accelerated increase in energy consumption by human activity has generated an increase in the search for new energies that do not pollute the environment, due to this, microbial fuel cells are shown as a promising technology. The objective of this research was to observe the influence on the generation of bioelectricity of sucrose, with different percentages (0%, 5%, 10% and 20%), in papaya waste using microbial fuel cells (MFCs). It was possible to generate voltage and current peaks of 0.955 V and 5.079 mA for the cell with 20% sucrose, which operated at an optimal pH of 4.98 on day fifteen. In the same way, the internal resistance values of all the cells were influenced by the increase in sucrose, showing that the cell without sucrose was 0.1952 ± 0.00214 KΩ and with 20% it was 0.044306 ± 0.0014 KΩ. The maximum power density was 583.09 mW/cm2 at a current density of 407.13 A/cm2 and with a peak voltage of 910.94 mV, while phenolic compounds are the ones with the greatest presence in the FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) absorbance spectrum. We were able to molecularly identify the species Achromobacter xylosoxidans (99.32%), Acinetobacter bereziniae (99.93%) and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (100%) present in the anode electrode of the MFCs. This research gives a novel use for sucrose to increase the energy values in a microbial fuel cell, improving the existing ones and generating a novel way of generating electricity that is friendly to the environment.

Exactitud diagnóstica de la imagen fotográfica en la granulación de las úlceras diabéticas mediante segmentación / Diagnostic accuracy of photographic imaging in the granulation of diabetic ulcers by segmentation

Introducción: La evaluación del estado de las úlceras por imagen fotográfica se realiza cuando se encuentran los colores rojo y rosado, que corresponden a granulación. Objetivo: Determinar la sensibilidad, especificidad y exactitud de la imagen fotográfica con respecto al estudio histológico en la granulación de úlceras diabéticas. Métodos: El diseño fue una prueba diagnóstica realizada a 29 pacientes diabéticos con 45 úlceras diabéticas no infectadas, en la cual se comparó la observación directa de un área de granulación por imagen fotográfica como prueba diagnóstica en la evaluación referente al estándar por anatomía patológica, a través de una biopsia sacabocado. La imagen fotográfica se obtuvo mediante un Smartphone CATS61 y se analizó a través de la segmentación en colores rojo y negro con el software ImageJ. El estudio lo autorizó un comité de ética. Las estadísticas se realizaron con el software SPSS 22 y EPIDAT 4.4. Resultados: Las úlceras diabéticas presentaron un promedio de 3,03 ± 2,39 cm de largo y 2,26 ± 1,62 cm de ancho; de la úlcera tipo 2 según Wagner en 73,3 por ciento; y de la úlcera tipo A, según la Universidad de Texas en 60 por ciento. Las pruebas de diagnóstico por imagen fotográfica mostraron una sensibilidad, especificidad y exactitud en 90 por ciento, 33,3 por ciento y 61,6 por ciento, respectivamente. Conclusiones: La identificación de la imagen fotográfica y el estudio histológico de las úlceras diabéticas con granulación fueron factibles. La sensibilidad, especificidad y exactitud de la imagen fotográfica resultaron elevada, baja y moderada(AU)

Introduction: The evaluation of the state of the ulcers by photographic image is carried out when the red and pink colors are found, which correspond to granulation. Objective: Determine the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the photographic image with respect to the histological study in the granulation of diabetic ulcers. Methods: The design was a diagnostic test performed on 29 diabetic patients with 45 uninfected diabetic ulcers, in which the direct observation of an area of granulation by photographic image was compared as a diagnostic test in the evaluation referring to the standard by pathological anatomy, through a punch biopsy. The photographic image was obtained using a CATS61 Smartphone and analyzed through segmentation in red and black colors with the ImageJ software. The study was authorized by an ethics committee. Statistics were performed with SPSS 22 and EPIDAT 4.4 softwares. Results: Diabetic ulcers presented an average of 3.03 ± 2.39 cm long and 2.26 ± 1.62 cm wide; of type 2 ulcer according to Wagner in 73.3 percent, and type A ulcer, according to the University of Texas at 60 percent. Photographic imaging tests showed sensitivity, specificity and accuracy in 90 percent, 33.3 percent and 61.6 percent, respectively. Conclusions: The identification of the photographic image and the histological study of diabetic ulcers with granulation were feasible. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the photographic image were high, low and moderate(AU)

Use of Onion Waste as Fuel for the Generation of Bioelectricity.

The enormous environmental problems that arise from organic waste have increased due to the significant population increase worldwide. Microbial fuel cells provide a novel solution for the use of waste as fuel for electricity generation. In this investigation, onion waste was used, and managed to generate maximum peaks of 4.459 ± 0.0608 mA and 0.991 ± 0.02 V of current and voltage, respectively. The conductivity values increased rapidly to 179,987 ± 2859 mS/cm, while the optimal pH in which the most significant current was generated was 6968 ± 0.286, and the ° Brix values decreased rapidly due to the degradation of organic matter. The microbial fuel cells showed a low internal resistance (154,389 ± 5228 Ω), with a power density of 595.69 ± 15.05 mW/cm2 at a current density of 6.02 A/cm2; these values are higher than those reported by other authors in the literature. The diffractogram spectra of the onion debris from FTIR show a decrease in the most intense peaks, compared to the initial ones with the final ones. It was possible to identify the species Pseudomona eruginosa, Acinetobacter bereziniae, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and Yarrowia lipolytica adhered to the anode electrode at the end of the monitoring using the molecular technique.

Mediciones de imágenes fotográficas del pie como una metodología no invasiva y válida en la exploración clínica / Photographic imaging measurements of the foot as a non-invasive and valid methodology for clinical examination

Introducción: La evaluación anatómica musculoesquelética por imagen en la exploración clínica del pie es la fotografía digital que evalúa la morfología superficial. Objetivos: Validar la obtención de las imágenes fotográficas del pie, calcular las mediciones longitudinales, angulares y el índice del arco plantar de las imágenes mencionadas usando un podoscopio y fotogrametría en sujetos sanos y categorizar la normalidad de las mediciones. Métodos: Este estudio fue exploratorio y se realizó utilizando un prototipo de cámaras alrededor de un podoscopio y un software de análisis de imágenes. La imagen fotográfica fue evaluada por mediciones longitudinales, angulares y el índice plantar. Resultados: Los 30 sujetos sanos evaluados tenían una edad media de 25,06 ± 11,95 años, predominaban las mujeres con un 53,3 por ciento. La longitud total del pie, anchura del metatarso y altura del empeine media para el lado derecho en 226,55 ± 36,49mm, 98,99 ± 22,71 mm, y 36,32 ± 4,07 mm respectivamente; y para el lado izquierdo en 229,81 ± 42,25 mm, 104,49 ± 16,84mm y 36,31 ± 3,32 mm, respectivamente. El ángulo intermetatarsal del 1-2 rayo, ángulo intermetatarsal del 4-5 rayo y ángulo del retropié para el lado derecho fueron 14 ± 4º, 11 ± 3º y 2 ± 2º respectivamente, para el lado Izquierdo 14 ± 3º, 9 ± 3º y 2 ± 2º respectivamente y el índice plantar del arco derecho e izquierdo fueron 0,23 ± 0,2 y 0,22 ± 0,1, respectivamente. La variabilidad solo se presentó en el antepié en 20 por ciento. Conclusiones: La obtención de las imágenes fotográficas del pie fueron válidas, las mediciones fueron menores o similares a otros estudios. La variabilidad de normalidad solo se presentó en antepié(AU)

Introduction: Musculoskeletal anatomical assessment by imaging in clinical examination of the foot is digital photography assessing surface morphology. Objectives: To validate the acquisition of photographic images of the foot, to calculate the longitudinal, angular and plantar arch index measurements of the above images using a podoscope and photogrammetry in healthy subjects and to categorize the normality of the measurements. Methods: This study was exploratory and was performed using a prototype camera around a podoscope and image analysis software. The photographic image was evaluated by longitudinal, angular and plantar index measurements. Results: The 30 healthy subjects evaluated had a mean age of 25.06 ± 11.95 years, females predominated with 53.3 percent. The mean total foot length, metatarsal width and instep height for the right side at 226 55 ± 36.49mm, 98.99 ± 22.71 mm, and 36.32 ± 4.07 mm respectively; and for the left side at 229.81 ± 42.25 mm, 104.49 ± 16.84mm and 36.31 ± 3.32mm respectively. The 1-2 ray intermetatarsal angle, 4-5 ray intermetatarsal angle and rearfoot angle for the right side were 14 ± 4º, 11 ± 3º and 2 ± 2º respectively; for the Left side 14 ± 3º, 9 ± 3º and 2 ± 2º respectively and the plantar index of the right and left arch were 0.23 ± 0.2 and 0.22 ± 0.1 respectively. Variability was only present in the forefoot at 20 percent. Conclusions: The photographic images of the foot were valid, the measurements were lower or similar to other studies. The variability of normality was only present in the forefoot(AU)

Nanoparticle-Based Biosensing Assay for Universally Accessible Low-Cost TB Detection with Comparable Sensitivity as Culture.

Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of death globally, surpassing HIV. Furthermore, multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant TB have become global public health threats. Care of TB patients starts with quality, accessible, and affordable diagnosis. The study presents a novel technique called nanoparticle-based colorimetric biosensing assay (NCBA) based on the principles of magnetically activated cell enrichment. A total of 1108 sputum samples were subjected to sputum smear microscopy (SSM), NCBA, and standard culture. SSM and NCBA were completed in 20 min; culture was completed in 8 weeks. Results show that NCBA has matching sensitivity of 100.0% and specificity of 99.7% compared to the gold standard culture method at a cost of $0.50/test based on Peruvian conditions. Sputum smear microscopy has 63.87% sensitivity compared to culture. NCBA has the potential of being used in local health clinics as it only requires a microscope that is widely available in many rural areas. Because NCBA could detect low levels of bacterial load comparable to culture, it could be used for rapid and early TB-onset detection. The gain in time is critical as TB is airborne and highly infectious, minimizing contact exposure. Early detection could lead to early treatment, while the patient's immune system is still high. The low cost makes NCBA affordable and accessible to those who need them the most.

Abandonment of therapy in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis: Associated factors in a region with a high burden of the disease in Perú / Abandono del tratamiento en tuberculosis multirresistente: factores asociados en una región con alta carga de la enfermedad en Perú

Introduction: In the context of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, abandonment of therapy represents a serious public health problem that affects the quality of life of patients, families, and communities. Managing this phenomenon places a burden on health systems since it causes free sources of transmission in the community, thereby increasing prevalence and mortality. Thus, there is a need to study factors associated with this problem. Objective: This study sought to identify risk factors associated with the abandonment of therapy by patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in the Peruvian region of Callao. Materials and methods: We conducted an analytical case-control study (cases=80; controls=180) in patients under treatment from January 1st, 2010, to December 31, 2012. Risk factors were identified using logistic regression; odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Results: The multivariate analysis identified the following risk factors: Being unaware of the disease (OR=23.10; 95% CI 3.6-36.79; p=0.002); not believing in healing (OR=117.34; 95% CI 13.57-124.6; p=0.000); not having social support (OR=19.16; 95% CI 1.32-27.77; p=0.030); considering the hours of attention to be inadequate (OR=78.13; 95% CI 4.84-125.97; p=0.002), and not receiving laboratory reports (OR=46.13; 95% CI 2.85-74.77; p=0.007). Conclusion: Health services must focus on the early detection of conditions that may represent risk factors to proactively implement effective, rapid and high-impact interventions.

Introducción. En la tuberculosis multirresistente, el abandono del tratamiento constituye un grave problema de salud pública que afecta la calidad de vida de los pacientes, sus familias y la comunidad. El enfrentarlo supone una carga para los sistemas sanitarios debido a que provoca fuentes de transmisión libre en la comunidad e incrementa la prevalencia y la mortalidad. De ahí, la necesidad de investigar los factores asociados con esta situación. Objetivo. Determinar los factores de riesgo asociados con el abandono del tratamiento en pacientes con tuberculosis multirresistente en la región de Callao (Perú). Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio analítico de casos y controles (80 casos y 180 controles) en tratamiento entre el 1° enero del 2010 y el 31 diciembre del 2012. Los factores se determinaron mediante regresión logística, y se calcularon los odds ratios (OR) y los intervalos de confianza (IC) del 95 %. Resultados. En el análisis multivariado se determinaron los siguientes factores de riesgo: no tener conocimiento de la enfermedad (OR=23,10; IC95%: 3,6-36,79; p=0,002); no creer en la curación (OR=117,34; IC95%: 13,57-124,6; p=0,000); no tener apoyo social (OR=19,16; IC95%: 1,32-27,77; p=0,030); no considerar adecuado el horario de atención (OR=78,13; IC95%: 4,84-125,97; p=0,002), y no recibir los resultados de laboratorio (OR=46,13; IC95%: 2,85-74,77; p=0,007). Conclusión. Los servicios de salud deben esforzarse en la determinación precoz de las condiciones que podrían convertirse en factores de riesgo, lo cual ayudaría a implementar preventivamente intervenciones efectivas, rápidas y de alto impacto.

Abandono del tratamiento en tuberculosis multirresistente: factores asociados en una región con alta carga de la enfermedad en Perú / Abandonment of therapy in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis: Associated factors in a region with a high burden of the disease in Perú

Resumen Introducción. En la tuberculosis multirresistente, el abandono del tratamiento constituye un grave problema de salud pública que afecta la calidad de vida de los pacientes, sus familias y la comunidad. El enfrentarlo supone una carga para los sistemas sanitarios debido a que provoca fuentes de transmisión libre en la comunidad e incrementa la prevalencia y la mortalidad. De ahí, la necesidad de investigar los factores asociados con esta situación. Objetivo. Determinar los factores de riesgo asociados con el abandono del tratamiento en pacientes con tuberculosis multirresistente en la región de Callao (Perú). Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio analítico de casos y controles (80 casos y 180 controles) en tratamiento entre el 1° enero del 2010 y el 31 diciembre del 2012. Los factores se determinaron mediante regresión logística, y se calcularon los odds ratios (OR) y los intervalos de confianza (IC) del 95 %. Resultados. En el análisis multivariado se determinaron los siguientes factores de riesgo: no tener conocimiento de la enfermedad (OR=23,10; IC95%: 3,6-36,79; p=0,002); no creer en la curación (OR=117,34; IC95%: 13,57-124,6; p=0,000); no tener apoyo social (OR=19,16; IC95%: 1,32-27,77; p=0,030); no considerar adecuado el horario de atención (OR=78,13; IC95%: 4,84-125,97; p=0,002), y no recibir los resultados de laboratorio (OR=46,13; IC95%: 2,85-74,77; p=0,007). Conclusión. Los servicios de salud deben esforzarse en la determinación precoz de las condiciones que podrían convertirse en factores de riesgo, lo cual ayudaría a implementar preventivamente intervenciones efectivas, rápidas y de alto impacto.

Abstract Introduction: In the context of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, abandonment of therapy represents a serious public health problem that affects the quality of life of patients, families, and communities. Managing this phenomenon places a burden on health systems since it causes free sources of transmission in the community, thereby increasing prevalence and mortality. Thus, there is a need to study factors associated with this problem. Objective: This study sought to identify risk factors associated with the abandonment of therapy by patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in the Peruvian region of Callao. Materials and methods: We conducted an analytical case-control study (cases=80; controls=180) in patients under treatment from January 1st, 2010, to December 31, 2012. Risk factors were identified using logistic regression; odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Results: The multivariate analysis identified the following risk factors: Being unaware of the disease (OR=23.10; 95% CI 3.6-36.79; p=0.002); not believing in healing (OR=117.34; 95% CI 13.57-124.6; p=0.000); not having social support (OR=19.16; 95% CI 1.32-27.77; p=0.030); considering the hours of attention to be inadequate (OR=78.13; 95% CI 4.84-125.97; p=0.002), and not receiving laboratory reports (OR=46.13; 95% CI 2.85-74.77; p=0.007). Conclusion: Health services must focus on the early detection of conditions that may represent risk factors to proactively implement effective, rapid and high-impact interventions.