A molecular survey reveals high occurrence of co-infections in intensive pork production farms with increased rates of mummified swine fetuses in Southern Brazil / [Pesquisa molecular revela alta ocorrência de coinfecções em granjas de produção intensiva de suínos com altas taxas de mumificação fetal no sul do Brasil]

Neste estudo, 308 amostras de fetos mumificados foram testadas para parvovírus suíno (PPV), circovírus suíno tipos 2 e 3 (PCV2 e PCV3) e leptospiras patogênicas. A idade gestacional no momento da perda gestacional e a frequência da mumificação fetal de acordo com a ordem de parto também foram investigadas. As amostras foram coletadas em granjas comerciais de criação de suínos da região sul do Brasil que apresentassem taxas de mumificação fetal igual ou maiores a 2,5%. Fragmentos de pulmão, rim, fígado e coração de fetos suínos mumificados foram coletados para análise molecular. Resultados da PCR foram classificados de acordo com a região de origem das amostras, tendo Santa Catarina, Paraná e Rio Grande do Sul contabilizado 87 (28,25%), 89 (28,90%) e 132 (42,86%) do total de amostras de fetos suínos mumificados, respectivamente. Coinfecções foram observadas na maioria dos casos e PCV3 foi o agente mais prevalente detectado, encontrado em 298 amostras (96,75%). A maioria das perdas gestacionais foi observada entre 50 e 70 dias de gestação (168; 54,5%) e a mumificação fetal não foi associada à ordem de parto das matrizes. Os achados sugerem que as altas taxas de fetos suínos mumificados na região Sul do Brasil podem ser explicadas pela infecção com esses agentes virais.(AU)

Molecular characterization of the species Salvinia (Salviniaceae) from the upper Paraná River floodplain.

The pteridophytes Salvinia minima, S. herzogii, and S. auriculata are among the most abundant aquatic macrophytes in the upper Paraná River floodplain. Since some species have highly similar morphological features, it is very difficult to identify members of this genus to the species level. An indication of this difficulty is a set of poorly differentiated taxa comprising S. auriculata and S. herzogii known as the 'S. auriculata complex', which is found in the Paraná River together with other Salvinia species such as S. biloba and S. molesta. Some authors have reported the existence of inter-species hybrids. Despite the complex Salvinia taxonomy, few genetic studies have been performed on purported species within the genus to resolve this complexity. The present study was conducted to determine useful molecular sequences for the discrimination of Salvinia species of the upper Paraná River floodplain. Molecular data were compared with data of other species of the genus to clarify phylogenetic relationships, employing the nucleotide sequence trnL-trnF from the chloroplast DNA. The results revealed that Salvinia populations in the upper Paraná River floodplain belong to different species and indicated that species of the S. auriculata complex may be distinguished from one another after the division of the S. minima group, corroborating results by other researchers. Although the taxonomic position of S. oblongifolia was clarified, as high closeness between S. oblongifolia and the S. auriculata complex was reported, Salvinia kinship is still not thoroughly established and further investigations in morphology and molecular diversity are required.

Prediction of anastomotic leak in colorectal cancer surgery based on a new prognostic index PROCOLE (prognostic colorectal leakage) developed from the meta-analysis of observational studies of risk factors.

PURPOSE: To obtain a prognostic index, which has been named PROCOLE (prognostic colorectal leakage), it can predict the risk that a certain individual may suffer anastomotic leakage. METHODS: The methodology consists of a systematic review to identify potential risk factors for anastomotic leakage and a meta-analysis of studies of each of these factors. In the meta-analysis, the prognostic index integrates factors that are statistically significant, which are weighted according to the estimated value of the effect size. The prognostic index was validated using retrospectively collected data from patients who underwent colorectal cancer surgery anastomosis at our institution. RESULTS: The mean and standard deviation of the PROCOLE prognostic index in patients with anastomotic leakage is 1.9 ± 6.13, whereas in controls, it is 3.63 ± 2.1. The predictive ability of the PROCOLE, assessed by calculating the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC), results in an AUC of 0.82 with a 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.75, 0.89) of the AUC, and it can be considered a good prognostic indicator. CONCLUSIONS: The PROCOLE prognostic index predicts the risk of a certain individual developing anastomotic leakage after colorectal cancer surgery. Specifically, the PROCOLE prognostic index establishes a discrimination value threshold of 4.83 for recommending the implementation of a protective stoma. We have developed free software with a simple interface that only requires the selection of risk factors to obtain the PROCOLE value.

Electrochemical immunosensor for ethinylestradiol using diazonium salt grafting onto silver nanoparticles-silica-graphene oxide hybrids.

This work describes the preparation of an electrochemical immunosensor for ethinylestradiol (EE2) based on grafting of diazonium salt of 4-aminobenzoic acid onto a glassy carbon electrode modified with silver nanoparticles/SiO2/graphene oxide hybrid followed by covalent binding of anti-ethinylestradiol (anti-EE2) to activated carboxyl groups. A competitive immunoassay was developed for the determination of the hormone using peroxidase-labeled ethinylestradiol (HRP-EE2) and measurement of the amperometric response at -200mV in the presence of hydroquinone (HQ) as redox mediator. The calibration curve for EE2 exhibited a linear range between 0.1 and 50ng/mL (r(2)=0.996), with a detection limit of 65pg/mL. Interference studies with other hormones related with EE2 revealed the practical specificity of the developed method for the analyte. A good reproducibility, with RSD=4.5% (n=10) was also observed. The operating stability of a single bioelectrode modified with anti-EE2 was maintained at least for 15 days when it was stored at 4°C under humid conditions between measurements. The developed immunosensor was applied to the analysis of spiked urine with good results.

4'-Aminochalcones as novel inhibitors of the chlorinating activity of myeloperoxidase.

The excessive activation of neutrophils generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the secretion of primary granular enzymes, such as myeloperoxidase (MPO), which is implicated in numerous inflammatory diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate chalcones as inhibitors of the chlorinating activity of MPO using in vitro and ex vivo assays. In addition to cytotoxic properties, the inhibition of respiratory burst, the scavenger capacity, and the oxidation potential were measured. 4'-Aminochalcone (1), 4'-amino-4- fluorochalcone (2), and 4'-amino-4-methylchalcone (3) exhibited potent inhibition of the chlorinating activity of MPO, as evaluated in a neutrophil system and a free cell system, to the following degree: (1) IC50 = 0.265 � 0.036 µmol L-1; (2) IC50 = 0.250 � 0.081 µmol L-1; and (3) IC50 = 0.250 � 0.012 µmol L-1. These values were similar to those for 5-fluorotryptamine (IC50 = 0.192 � 0.012 µmol L-1), a compound considered to be a potent MPO inhibitor. These aminochalcones were not toxic to neutrophils at concentrations below 100 µmol L- 1, as determined by the trypan blue exclusion assay. Compounds 1-3 presented a high oxidation potential (Epa1 ≉ 0.80 V), low scavenger capacity against DPPH• and HOCl, and low inhibition of respiratory burst. These data indicated that aminochalcones are potent inhibitors of MPO chlorinating activity, a new property for chalcone derivatives, given that they are neither antioxidant agents nor inhibitors of respiratory burst. In conclusion, the selected aminochalcones have potential as pharmacological agents for inflammatory diseases.

Photo-assisted electrochemical degradation of the commercial herbicide atrazine.

This paper presents a degradation study of the pesticide atrazine using photo-assisted electrochemical methods at a dimensionally stable anode (DSA(®)) of nominal composition Ti/Ru(0.3)Ti(0.7)O(2) in a prototype reactor. The effects of current density, electrolyte flow-rate, as well as the use of different atrazine concentrations are reported. The results indicate that the energy consumption is substantially reduced for the combined photochemical and electrochemical processes when compared to the isolated systems. It is observed that complete atrazine removal is achieved at low current densities when using the combined method, thus reducing the energy required to operate the electrochemical system. The results also include the investigation of the phytotoxicity of the treated solutions.

Study of photo-assisted electrochemical degradation of carbaryl at dimensionally stable anodes (DSA).

This paper presents the results concerning the degradation of the pesticide carbaryl comparing two methods: electrochemical (EC) and photo-assisted electrochemical (PAEC). The experimental variables of applied current density, electrolyte flow-rate and initial carbaryl concentration were investigated. The results demonstrate that the electrochemical degradation of carbaryl was greatly enhanced when simultaneous UV light was applied. The greatest difference between the PAEC and EC method was apparent when lower current densities were applied. The extent of COD removal was much enhanced for the combined method, independent of the applied current density. It should be noted that the complete removal of carbaryl was achieved with out the need to add NaCl to the reaction mixture, avoiding the risk of chlorinated organic species formation.

Decolourisation of real textile waste using electrochemical techniques: effect of electrode composition.

The present paper presents the study of the decolourisation of real textile effluent by constant current electrolysis in a flow-cell using a DSA type material. The effect of using different anode materials (Ti/Ru(0.3)Ti(0.7)O(2); Ti/Ir(0.3)Ti(0.7)O(2); Ti/Ru(X)Sn(1-X)O(2), where X=0.1, 0.2 or 0.3) on the efficiency of colour removal is discussed. Attempts to perform galvanostatic oxidation (40 and 60 mA cm(-2)) on the as-received effluent demonstrate that colour removal and total organic carbon (TOC) removal are limited. In this case the greatest degree of colour removal is achieved when anode containing 90% SnO(2) is used. If the conductivity of the effluent is increased by adding NaCl (0.1 mol L(-1)) appreciable colour/TOC removal is observed. The efficiencies of colour and TOC removal are discussed in terms of the energy per order (E(EO)/kW h m(-3)order(-1)) and energy consumption (E(C)/kW h kg(-1)TOC), respectively. Finally, the extent of colour removal is compared to consent levels presented in the literature.

Photo-assisted electrochemical oxidation of atrazine on a commercial Ti/Ru0.3Ti0.7O2 DSA electrode.

This paper presents the study of the degradation of the pesticide atrazine, employing photoassisted electrochemical methods at a dimensionally stable anode of nominal composition Ti/Ru0.3Ti0.7O2. All experiments were performed in a flow cell, and the effects of current density, electrolyte flow rate, as well the use of different supporting electrolytes are reported. The results indicate that the energy per order (E(EO)/kW h m(-3) order(-1)) is substantially reduced when the photochemical and electrochemical techniques are combined. It is observed that complete atrazine removal is achieved at low current densities when the combined method is employed, thus reducing the energy required to operate the electrochemical system. The study of the electrolyte flow rate through the cell indicates that the photoassisted removal of atrazine is controlled by mass transfer. The degradation of commercial atrazine solutions is also presented, and the results show that the efficiency of atrazine removal is reduced compared with that of simulated solutions, due to the presence of the additional components present in the commercial formula.

Decolorisation of real textile waste using electrochemical techniques: effect of the chloride concentration.

The present paper presents the study of the decolorisation of real textile effluent by constant current electrolysis in a flow-cell using a Ti/Ru(0.3)Ti(0.7)O(2) DSA type electrode. The effect of increasing the chloride ion concentration on the efficiency of colour removal is discussed. Attempts to perform galvanostatic oxidation (40 and 60 mA cm(-2)) on the as-received effluent demonstrate that colour removal and total organic carbon (TOC) removal are limited. If the conductivity of the effluent is increased by adding 0.033 mol L(-1) Na(2)SO(4), little increase in the extent of colour/TOC removal is observed. However, when Na(2)SO(4) is substituted, stepwise, with NaCl (while maintaining the ionic strength constant) appreciable colour/TOC removal is observed. The study of the effect of increasing the current density demonstrates that total colour removal is possible at high currents. The efficiencies of colour and TOC removal are discussed in terms of the Energy per order (E(EO)/kWh m(-3)order(-1)) and Energy consumption (E(C)/kWh kg(-1)TOC), respectively. Finally, the extent of colour removal is compared to consent levels presented in the literature.

Electrochemical degradation of carbaryl on oxide electrodes.

This paper presents the study of a prospective electrochemical treatment system for the pesticide carbaryl. Three different dimensionally stable anodes were employed (Ti/Ru0.3 Ti0.7 O2, Ti/Ru0.3 Sn0.7 O2 and Ti/Ir0.3 Ti0.7 O2) and the effect of current density (10, 20, 40 and 60 mA cm(-2)) and supporting electrolyte (0.1 mol L(-1) NaCl and 0.033 mol L(-1) H2SO4) is discussed. All the electrodes present a low level of carbaryl and total organic carbon removal in H2SO4, even at highly positive potentials, indicating that the application of current is not, in itself, sufficient to promote effective oxidation of the pesticide and its products. However, in the presence of NaCl all the electrodes used present rapid diminishing of the carbaryl and total organic carbon content, thus suggesting enhanced activity. The results demonstrate the participation of partially oxidised Cl- species at the electrode surface, which act as an intermediate in the electron transfer between the pesticide molecule and the electrode. Thus, under such conditions, the feasibility of the electrochemical route for the treatment (total or partial) of waste that contains carbaryl is evident.

Oxidation of the pesticide atrazine at DSA electrodes.

This paper presents the study of the electrochemical oxidation of the pesticide atrazine at a Ti/Ru(0.3)Ti(0.7)O(2) dimensionally stable anodes (DSA). The effect of using different supporting electrolytes (NaCl, NaOH, NaNO(3), NaClO(4), H(2)SO(4) and Na(2)SO(4)) during the galvanostatic electrolysis of atrazine was investigated. It was observed that the removal of atrazine and total organic carbon (TOC) was only achieved at appreciable rates when NaCl was used as the supporting electrolyte, due to the oxidising species formed in this electrolyte (e.g. ClO(-)). Variation of the NaCl concentration demonstrated that, although only low concentrations of NaCl are necessary to result in the complete removal of atrazine in solution, TOC removal is almost linearly dependent on the quantity of NaCl in solution. Examination of the applied current density indicates that the efficiency of TOC removal reaches a maximum at 60 mA cm(-2). Testing of alternative electrode materials containing SnO(2) did not improve the efficiency of atrazine removal in Na(2)SO(4), but in NaCl a small increase was observed. Overall there appears to be no great advantage in using SnO(2)-containing electrodes over the Ti/Ru(0.3)Ti(0.7)O(2) electrode.

Electrochemical detection of the herbicide paraquat in natural water and citric fruit juices using microelectrodes.

A novel electroanalytical procedure for detecting the paraquat herbicide in natural water and citric fruit juice samples using gold microelectrodes and square wave voltammetry at high frequencies is proposed. The results obtained showed two reversible peaks for the reduction of paraquat, the first peak associated with the reduction of the paraquat molecule in solution, with subsequent adsorption of the intermediate on the electrode surface. This adsorbed species was shown to undergo electroreduction in a reaction associated to the second voltammetric peak. The variation in pH and square wave parameters indicated that the best conditions under which paraquat could be reduced were a pH of 5.0, a frequency of 1000s-1, a scan increment of 2mV and a square wave amplitude of 50mV. Under these conditions, the variation of the concentrations of paraquat from 1.00×10-6 to 1.66×10-4molL-1 presented, for peak 1, detection and quantification limits of 4.51 and 15.05µgL-1 respectively in pure electrolyte with a recovery factor of 99.50%. The proposed analytical procedure was also applied to natural water samples giving recovery factors of 95.00, 89.50 and 92.50% in three water samples collected from an urban stream. The recovery factor was observed to depend on the content of organic matter which was determined by the biochemical and chemical oxygen demand. In lemon and orange juice samples that were spiked with 5.70×10-5molL-1 of paraquat, the recovery factors obtained were 94.30 and 92.70% respectively.

Mitochondrial distribution and adenosine triphosphate content of bovine oocytes before and after in vitro maturation: correlation with morphological criteria and developmental capacity after in vitro fertilization and culture.

In this study, we evaluated mitochondrial distribution and ATP content of individual bovine oocytes before and after in vitro maturation (IVM). Cumulus-oocyte complexes were classified according to morphological criteria: category 1, homogeneous oocyte cytoplasm, compact multilayered cumulus oophorus; category 2, cytoplasm with small inhomogeneous areas, more than five layers of compact cumulus; category 3, heterogeneous/vacuolated cytoplasm, three to five layers of cumulus including small areas of denuded zona pellucida; category 4, heterogeneous cytoplasm, completely or in great part denuded. In immature oocytes, staining with MitoTracker green revealed mitochondrial clumps in the periphery of the cytoplasm, with a strong homogenous signal in category 1 oocytes, a weaker staining in category 2 oocytes, allocation of mitochondria around vacuoles in category 3 oocytes, and poor staining of mitochondria in category 4 oocytes. After IVM, mitochondrial clumps were allocated more toward the center, became larger, and stained more intensive in category 1 and 2 oocytes. This was also true for category 3 oocytes; however, mitochondria maintained their perivacuolar distribution. No mitochondrial reorganization was seen for category 4 oocytes. Before IVM, the average ATP content of category 1 oocytes (1.8 pmol) tended to be higher than that of category 2 oocytes (1.6 pmol) and was significantly (P < 0.01) higher than in category 3 (1.4 pmol) and 4 oocytes (0.9 pmol). The IVM resulted in a significant (P < 0.01) increase in the average ATP content of all oocyte categories, with no difference between oocytes extruding versus nonextruding a polar body. After in vitro fertilization (IVF) and culture, significantly (P < 0.05) more category 1 and 2 than category 3 and 4 oocytes developed to the morula or blastocyst stage (determined 168 h after IVF). Total cell numbers of expanded blastocysts derived from category 1 and 2 oocytes were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than of those originating from category 3 and 4 oocytes. These data indicate that mitochondrial reorganization and ATP levels are different between morphologically good and poor oocytes and may be responsible for their different developmental capacity after IVF.