Therapeutic plasma exchange for neuromyelitis optica attacks: Evidence and challenges from a real-world cohort from Brazil.

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) can improve disability recovery after neuromyelitis optica spectrum disease (NMOSD) attacks, but its effectiveness and safety in Latin-American patients with access barriers and diverse ethnicity is underexplored. We carried out a retrospective cohort study with NMOSD patients that underwent TPE. 84 NMOSD attacks in 68 patients were evaluated. Despite a median 25-day delay from symptom onset to TPE, 65,5% of patients showed significant improvement. Adverse events occurred in 39% of patients, usually transitory and with no fatalities.

Identificação do contexto familiar e social em registros de consultas de enfermagem ao binômio mãe-bebê / Identificación del contexto familiar y social en registros de consultas de enfermería para el binomio madre-bebé / Identification of the family and social context in records of nursing consultations with the mother-baby binomial

Objetivo: identificar informações relacionadas ao contexto familiar e social em registros da primeira consulta de enfermagem ao binômio mãe-bebê. Método: estudo de Métodos Mistos com Estratégia Incorporada Concomitante de Dados. Utilizou-se roteiro composto por oito questões com respostas do tipo dicotômicas e espaço para transcrever as sentenças relacionadas ao contexto familiar e social. Dados analisados por estatística descritiva e análise de conteúdo dedutiva. Resultados: dos 326 registros, 30% descreveram a presença de outros familiares na consulta e o estado emocional da puérpera. Informações sobre estrutura familiar e rede de apoio estavam presentes em 27,3 e 21,8% deles, respectivamente. A experiência da gestação foi o aspecto menos mencionado (4,3%). O diagnóstico comumente incluído foi "Vínculo mãe e filho preservado". As sentenças convergiram com os dados quantitativos ao indicar limitada exploração do contexto e centralidade no modelo biomédico. Conclusão: na maioria dos registros não constava informações sobre o contexto familiar e social.

Objective: to identify information related to the family and social context in records of the first nursing consultation with the mother-baby binomial. Method: Mixed-methods study with Concomitant Data Incorporated Strategy. A script was used consisting of eight questions with dichotomous answers and space to transcribe the sentences related to the family and social context. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and deductive content analysis. Results: of the 326 records, 30% described the presence of other family members at the appointment and the emotional state of the puerperal woman. Information on family structure and support networks was present in 27.3 and 21.8% of them, respectively. The experience of pregnancy was the least mentioned aspect (4.3%). The diagnosis most commonly included was "Mother-child bond preserved". The sentences converged and indicated a limited exploration of the context and a focus on the biomedical model. Conclusion: the majority of records lacked information on the family and social context.

Objetivo: identificar información relacionada al contexto familiar y social en registros de la primera consulta de enfermería para el binomio madre-bebé. Método: estudio de métodos mixtos con estrategia integrada de datos concomitantes. Se utilizó un guion compuesto por ocho preguntas con respuestas dicotómicas y espacio para transcribir las frases relacionadas con el contexto familiar y social. Datos analizados mediante estadística descriptiva y análisis de contenido deductivo. Resultados: de los 326 registros, el 30% describió la presencia de otros familiares en la consulta y el estado emocional de la puérpera. La información sobre la estructura familiar y la red de apoyo estuvo presente en el 27,3 y el 21,8% de ellos, respectivamente. La experiencia del embarazo fue el aspecto menos mencionado (4,3%). El diagnóstico comúnmente incluido fue "Vínculo preservado entre madre e hijo". Las frases convergieron con los datos cuantitativos al indicar una exploración limitada del contexto y la centralidad en el modelo biomédico. Conclusión: la mayoría de los registros no contenían información sobre el contexto familiar y social.

Clozapine-Induced Eosinophilia: a Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic drug eligible for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. It frequently represents the best and the only choice in resistant schizophrenia. However, its use is feared by many professionals due to its possible adverse effects, such as eosinophilia. CASE REPORT: We report a case of a young white male suffering from treatment-resistant schizophrenia who rapidly developed eosinophilia after starting clozapine. DISCUSSION: We present a case of a 26-year-old white man diagnosed with schizophrenia with poor clinical response to several antipsychotics owing to which clozapine was started. Psychotic symptoms improved dramatically but a progressively ascendant eosinophilia was reported during serial haematological analyses. The patient remained physically asymptomatic. An exhaustive assessment with ancillary diagnostic tests revealed no cause for eosinophilia. Thus, a diagnosis of clozapine-induced eosinophilia was made. The drug was discontinued and eosinophil count progressively returned to normal but psychotic symptoms worsened. CONCLUSIONS: Clozapine treatment is frequently feared due to its possible side effects and complications, delaying its use in refractory schizophrenia. Also, to our knowledge, there are no specific guidelines on how to manage haematological side effects such as eosinophilia. This is problematic as, in some cases, it may lead to an unnecessary withdrawal of clozapine with a worsening of psychotic symptoms. We present a brief discussion of the recent literature on the subject.

Real-world application of the 2022 diagnostic criteria for first-ever episode of optic neuritis.

Optic neuritis (ON) admits diverse differential diagnoses. Petzold proposed diagnostic criteria for ON in 2022, although real-world application of these criteria is missing. We conducted a retrospective review of patients with ON. We classified patients into definite or possible ON, and into groups A (typical neuritis), B (painless), or C (binocular) and estimated the frequency of etiologies for each group. We included 77 patients, with 62% definite and 38% possible ON. CRION and NMOSD-AQP4 negative-ON were less commonly seen in definite ON. Application of the 2022 criteria revealed a lower-than-expected frequency of definite ON, particularly for seronegative non-MS causes.

A comparative study of visual outcome in patients with optic neuritis treated with five or seven days of intravenous corticosteroid treatment.

BACKGROUND: Optic neuritis (ON), a major cause of visual impairment in young adults, is generally associated with rapid visual recovery when treated with intravenous methylprednisolone treatment (IVMPT). However, the optimal duration of such treatment is unknown, ranging from three to seven days in clinical practice. We aimed to compare the visual recovery in patients treated with 5-day or 7-day duration IVMPT. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients with ON in São Paulo, Brazil, from 2016 to 2021. We compared the proportion of participants with visual impairment in 5-day and 7-day treatment schedules at discharge, at 1 month and between 6 and 12 months after the diagnosis of ON. The findings were adjusted to age, severity of the visual impairment, co-intervention with plasma exchange, time from symptom onset to IVMPT and the etiology of the ON to mitigate indication bias. RESULTS: We included 73 patients with ON treated with 5 or 7-day duration of 1 g/d intravenous methylprednisolone therapy. Visual impairment at 6-12 months in the 5-day or the 7-day treatment groups was similar (57% x 59%, p > 0.9, Odds Ratio 1.03 [95% CI 0.59-1.84]). The results were similar after adjusting for prognostic variables and when observed at different time points. CONCLUSION: Visual recovery is similar in patients treated with 5-day and 7-day duration treatments of 1 g/day intravenous methylprednisolone, suggesting a ceiling effect. Limiting the duration of the treatment can reduce hospital stay and costs, without interfering with clinical benefit.

Synthesis of hexyl butyrate (apple and citrus aroma) by Candida rugosa lipase immobilized on Diaion HP-20 using the Box-Behnken design.

This study aims at the synthesis of hexyl butyrate by Candida rugosa lipase (CRL) immobilized on Diaion HP 20. The lipase load used was 28.7 ± 2.1 mg/g (mg of lipase/g of support), whose hydrolytic activity was 132.0 ± 2.5 U/g. To obtain the maximum production of hexyl butyrate, the Box-Behnken design statistical planning was used, having as independent variables; biocatalyst concentration, temperature and acid:alcohol molar ratio and ester conversion as a dependent variable at 60, 180 and 480 min. For 60 min, 90.8% conversion was obtained at 47.25 ºC, 1:1.4 molar ratio and 17.65% of biocatalyst; 180 min, 94.5% conversion at 59.5 ºC, 1:2 molar ratio and 15.8% biocatalyst; 480 min, 95.01% conversion at 47.0 ºC, 1:2 molar ratio and 16.9% biocatalyst. CRL-Diaion HP 20 retained 60% of its initial activity after ten cycles of reactions showing potential for industrial use. The ester produced was identified by gas chromatography analyses. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-022-01200-1.

Co-Stimulatory Bispecific Antibodies Induce Enhanced T Cell Activation and Tumor Cell Killing in Breast Cancer Models.

Although T cell-recruiting CD3-binding bispecific antibodies (BiMAb) have been proven to be clinically effective for hematologic malignancies, the success of BiMAb targeting solid tumor-associated antigens (TAA) in carcinomas so far remains poor. We reasoned that provision of co-stimulatory BiMAb in combination with αTAA-αCD3 BiMAb would boost T cell activation and proliferative capacity, and thereby facilitate the targeting of weakly or heterogeneously expressed tumor antigens. Various αTAA-αCD3 and αTAA-αCD28 BiMAb in a tetravalent IgG1-Fc based format have been analyzed, targeting multiple breast cancer antigens including HER2, EGFR, CEA, and EpCAM. Moreover, bifunctional fusion proteins of αTAA-tumor necrosis factor ligand (TNFL) superfamily members including 4-1BBL, OX40L, CD70 and TL1A have been tested. The functional activity of BiMAb was assessed using co-cultures of tumor cell lines and purified T cells in monolayer and tumor spheroid models. Only in the presence of tumor cells, αTAA-αCD3 BiMAb activated T cells and induced cytotoxicity in vitro, indicating a strict dependence on cross-linking. Combination treatment of αTAA-αCD3 BiMAb and co-stimulatory αTAA-αCD28 or αTAA-TNFL fusion proteins drastically enhanced T cell activation in terms of proliferation, activation marker expression, cytokine secretion and tumor cytotoxicity. Furthermore, BiMAb providing co-stimulation were shown to reduce the minimally required dose to achieve T cell activation by at least tenfold. Immuno-suppressive effects of TGF-ß and IL-10 on T cell activation and memory cell formation could be overcome by co-stimulation. BiMAb-mediated co-stimulation was further augmented by immune checkpoint-inhibiting antibodies. Effective co-stimulation could be achieved by targeting a second breast cancer antigen, or by targeting fibroblast activation protein (FAP) expressed on another target cell. In tumor spheroids derived from pleural effusions of breast cancer patients, co-stimulatory BiMAb were essential for the activation tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and cytotoxic anti-tumor responses against breast cancer cells. Taken together we showed that co-stimulation significantly potentiated the tumoricidal activity of T cell-activating BiMAb while preserving the dependence on TAA recognition. This approach could provide for a more localized activation of the immune system with higher efficacy and reduced peripheral toxicities.

Clozapine-Induced Eosinophilia: a Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic drug eligible for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. It frequently represents the best and the only choice in resistant schizophrenia. However, its use is feared by many professionals due to its possible adverse effects, such as eosinophilia. CASE REPORT: We report a case of a young white male suffering from treatment-resistant schizophrenia who rapidly developed eosinophilia after starting clozapine. DISCUSSION: We present a case of a 26-year-old white man diagnosed with schizophrenia with poor clinical response to several antipsychotics owing to which clozapine was started. Psychotic symptoms improved dramatically but a progressively ascendant eosinophilia was reported during serial haematological analyses. The patient remained physically asymptomatic. An exhaustive assessment with ancillary diagnostic tests revealed no cause for eosinophilia. Thus, a diagnosis of clozapine-induced eosinophilia was made. The drug was discontinued and eosinophil count progressively returned to normal but psychotic symptoms worsened. CONCLUSIONS: Clozapine treatment is frequently feared due to its possible side effects and complications, delaying its use in refractory schizophrenia. Also, to our knowledge, there are no specific guidelines on how to manage haematological side effects such as eosinophilia. This is problematic as, in some cases, it may lead to an unnecessary withdrawal of clozapine with a worsening of psychotic symptoms. We present a brief discussion of the recent literature on the subject.

Clinical, cerebrospinal fluid, and neuroimaging findings in COVID-19 encephalopathy: a case series.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical, neurological, neuroimaging, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings associated with encephalopathy in patients admitted to a COVID-19 tertiary reference center. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed records of consecutive patients with COVID-19 evaluated by a consulting neurology team from March 30, 2020 through May 15, 2020. RESULTS: Fifty-five patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 were included, 43 of whom showed encephalopathy, and were further divided into mild, moderate, and severe encephalopathy groups. Nineteen patients (44%) had undergone mechanical ventilation and received intravenous sedatives. Eleven (26%) patients were on dialysis. Laboratory markers of COVID-19 severity were very common in encephalopathy patients, but did not correlate with the severity of encephalopathy. Thirty-nine patients underwent neuroimaging studies, which showed mostly non-specific changes. One patient showed lesions possibly related to CNS demyelination. Four had suffered an acute stroke. SARS-CoV-2 was detected by RT-PCR in only one of 21 CSF samples. Two CSF samples showed elevated white blood cell count and all were negative for oligoclonal bands. In our case series, the severity of encephalopathy correlated with higher probability of death during hospitalization (OR = 5.5 for each increment in the degree of encephalopathy, from absent (0) to mild (1), moderate (2), or severe (3), p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In our consecutive series with 43 encephalopathy cases, neuroimaging and CSF analysis did not support the role of direct viral CNS invasion or CNS inflammation as the cause of encephalopathy.

Application of lipase immobilized on a hydrophobic support for the synthesis of aromatic esters.

The present study aimed at preparing three biocatalysts via physical adsorption of lipases from Candida rugosa (CRL), Mucor javanicus, and Candida sp. on a hydrophobic and mesoporous support (Diaion HP-20). These biocatalysts were later applied to the synthesis of aromatic esters of apple peel and citrus (hexyl butyrate), apple and rose (geranyl butyrate), and apricot and pineapple (propyl butyrate). Scanning electron microscopy and gel electrophoresis confirmed a selective adsorption of lipases on Diaion, thus endorsing simultaneous immobilization and purification. Gibbs free energy (∆G) evinced the spontaneity of the process (-17.9 kJ/mol ≤ ∆G ≤ -5.1 kJ/mol). Maximum immobilized protein concentration of 30 mg/g support by CRL. This biocatalyst was the most active in olive oil hydrolysis (hydrolytic activity of 126.0 ± 2.0 U/g) and in the synthesis of aromatic esters. Maximum conversion yield of 89.1% was attained after 150 Min for the synthesis of hexyl butyrate, followed by the synthesis of geranyl butyrate (87.3% after 240 Min) and propyl butyrate (80.0% after 150 Min). CRL immobilized on Diaion retained around 93% of its original activity after six consecutive cycles of 150 Min for the synthesis of hexyl butyrate.

Neurological consultations and diagnoses in a large, dedicated COVID-19 university hospital.

BACKGROUND: More than one-third of COVID-19 patients present neurological symptoms ranging from anosmia to stroke and encephalopathy. Furthermore, pre-existing neurological conditions may require special treatment and may be associated with worse outcomes. Notwithstanding, the role of neurologists in COVID-19 is probably underrecognized. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to report the reasons for requesting neurological consultations by internists and intensivists in a COVID-19-dedicated hospital. METHODS: This retrospective study was carried out at Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil, a 900-bed COVID-19 dedicated center (including 300 intensive care unit beds). COVID-19 diagnosis was confirmed by SARS-CoV-2-RT-PCR in nasal swabs. All inpatient neurology consultations between March 23rd and May 23rd, 2020 were analyzed. Neurologists performed the neurological exam, assessed all available data to diagnose the neurological condition, and requested additional tests deemed necessary. Difficult diagnoses were established in consensus meetings. After diagnosis, neurologists were involved in the treatment. RESULTS: Neurological consultations were requested for 89 out of 1,208 (7.4%) inpatient COVID admissions during that period. Main neurological diagnoses included: encephalopathy (44.4%), stroke (16.7%), previous neurological diseases (9.0%), seizures (9.0%), neuromuscular disorders (5.6%), other acute brain lesions (3.4%), and other mild nonspecific symptoms (11.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Most neurological consultations in a COVID-19-dedicated hospital were requested for severe conditions that could have an impact on the outcome. First-line doctors should be able to recognize neurological symptoms; neurologists are important members of the medical team in COVID-19 hospital care.

Neurological consultations and diagnoses in a large, dedicated COVID-19 university hospital / Consultas neurológicas e diagnósticos em um grande hospital universitário dedicado a COVID-19

ABSTRACT Background: More than one-third of COVID-19 patients present neurological symptoms ranging from anosmia to stroke and encephalopathy. Furthermore, pre-existing neurological conditions may require special treatment and may be associated with worse outcomes. Notwithstanding, the role of neurologists in COVID-19 is probably underrecognized. Objective: The aim of this study was to report the reasons for requesting neurological consultations by internists and intensivists in a COVID-19-dedicated hospital. Methods: This retrospective study was carried out at Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil, a 900-bed COVID-19 dedicated center (including 300 intensive care unit beds). COVID-19 diagnosis was confirmed by SARS-CoV-2-RT-PCR in nasal swabs. All inpatient neurology consultations between March 23rd and May 23rd, 2020 were analyzed. Neurologists performed the neurological exam, assessed all available data to diagnose the neurological condition, and requested additional tests deemed necessary. Difficult diagnoses were established in consensus meetings. After diagnosis, neurologists were involved in the treatment. Results: Neurological consultations were requested for 89 out of 1,208 (7.4%) inpatient COVID admissions during that period. Main neurological diagnoses included: encephalopathy (44.4%), stroke (16.7%), previous neurological diseases (9.0%), seizures (9.0%), neuromuscular disorders (5.6%), other acute brain lesions (3.4%), and other mild nonspecific symptoms (11.2%). Conclusions: Most neurological consultations in a COVID-19-dedicated hospital were requested for severe conditions that could have an impact on the outcome. First-line doctors should be able to recognize neurological symptoms; neurologists are important members of the medical team in COVID-19 hospital care.

RESUMO Introdução: Mais de um terço dos pacientes com COVID-19 apresentam sintomas neurológicos que variam de anosmia a AVC e encefalopatia. Além disso, doenças neurológicas prévias podem exigir tratamento especial e estar associadas a piores desfechos. Não obstante, o papel dos neurologistas na COVID-19 é provavelmente pouco reconhecido. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi relatar os motivos para solicitar consultas neurológicas por clínicos e intensivistas em um hospital dedicado à COVID-19. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo realizado no Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil, um centro dedicado à COVID-19 com 900 leitos (incluindo 300 leitos para unidades de terapia intensiva). O diagnóstico de COVID-19 foi confirmado por SARS-CoV-2-RT-PCR em swabs nasais. Todas as interconsultas de neurologia hospitalar entre 23 de março e 23 de maio de 2020 foram analisadas. Os neurologistas realizaram o exame neurológico, avaliaram todos os dados disponíveis para diagnosticar a patologia neurológica e solicitaram exames adicionais conforme necessidade. Diagnósticos difíceis foram estabelecidos em reuniões de consenso. Após o diagnóstico, os neurologistas participaram da condução dos casos. Resultados: Foram solicitadas consultas neurológicas para 89 de 1.208 (7,4%) em pacientes internados por COVID-19 durante o período. Os principais diagnósticos neurológicos incluíram: encefalopatia (44,4%), acidente vascular cerebral (16,7%), doenças neurológicas prévias (9,0%), crises epilépticas (9,0%), transtornos neuromusculares (5,6%), outras lesões encefálicas agudas (3,4%) e outros sintomas leves inespecíficos (11,2%). Conclusões: A maioria das consultas neurológicas em um hospital dedicado à COVID-19 foi solicitada para condições graves que poderiam afetar o desfecho clínico. Os médicos na linha de frente devem ser capazes de reconhecer sintomas neurológicos. Os neurologistas são membros importantes da equipe médica no atendimento hospitalar à COVID-19.

Neurological consultations and diagnoses in a large, dedicated COVID-19 university hospital / Consultas neurológicas e diagnósticos em um grande hospital universitário dedicado a COVID-19

Background: More than one-third of COVID-19 patients present neurological symptomsranging from anosmia to stroke and encephalopathy. Furthermore, pre-existingneurological conditions may require special treatment and may be associated with worseoutcomes. Notwithstanding, the role of neurologists in COVID-19 is probablyunderrecognized. Objective: The aim of this study was to report the reasons forrequesting neurological consultations by internists and intensivists in a COVID-19-dedicated hospital. Methods: This retrospective study was carried out at Hospital dasClínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil, a 900-bedCOVID-19 dedicated center (including 300 intensive care unit beds). COVID-19 diagnosiswas confirmed by SARS-CoV-2-RT-PCR in nasal swabs. All inpatient neurologyconsultations between March 23rd and May 23rd, 2020 were analyzed. Neurologistsperformed the neurological exam, assessed all available data to diagnose theneurological condition, and requested additional tests deemed necessary. Difficultdiagnoses were established in consensus meetings. After diagnosis, neurologists wereinvolved in the treatment. Results: Neurological consultations were requested for 89 outof 1,208 (7.4%) inpatient COVID admissions during that period. Main neurologicaldiagnoses included: encephalopathy (44.4%), stroke (16.7%), previous neurologicaldiseases (9.0%), seizures (9.0%), neuromuscular disorders (5.6%), other acute brainlesions (3.4%), and other mild nonspecific symptoms (11.2%). Conclusions: Mostneurological consultations in a COVID-19-dedicated hospital were requested for severeconditions that could have an impact on the outcome. First-line doctors should be able torecognize neurological symptoms; neurologists are important members of the medicalteam in COVID-19 hospital care.

Introdução: Mais de um terço dos pacientes com COVID-19 apresentam sintomasneurológicos que variam de anosmia a AVC e encefalopatia. Além disso, doençasneurológicas prévias podem exigir tratamento especial e estar associadas a pioresdesfechos. Não obstante, o papel dos neurologistas na COVID-19 é provavelmentepouco reconhecido. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi relatar os motivos para solicitarconsultas neurológicas por clínicos e intensivistas em um hospital dedicado à COVID-19. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo realizado no Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade deMedicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil, um centro dedicado à COVID-19 com900 leitos (incluindo 300 leitos para unidades de terapia intensiva). O diagnóstico deCOVID-19 foi confirmado por SARS-CoV-2-RT-PCR em swabs nasais. Todas asinterconsultas de neurologia hospitalar entre 23 de março e 23 de maio de 2020 foramanalisadas. Os neurologistas realizaram o exame neurológico, avaliaram todos os dadosdisponíveis para diagnosticar a patologia neurológica e solicitaram exames adicionaisconforme necessidade. Diagnósticos difíceis foram estabelecidos em reuniões deconsenso. Após o diagnóstico, os neurologistas participaram da condução dos casos.Resultados: Foram solicitadas consultas neurológicas para 89 de 1.208 (7,4%) empacientes internados por COVID-19 durante o período. Os principais diagnósticosneurológicos incluíram: encefalopatia (44,4%), acidente vascular cerebral (16,7%),doenças neurológicas prévias (9,0%), crises epilépticas (9,0%), transtornosneuromusculares (5,6%), outras lesões encefálicas agudas (3,4%) e outros sintomasleves inespecíficos (11,2%). Conclusões: A maioria das consultas neurológicas em umhospital dedicado à COVID-19 foi solicitada para condições graves que poderiam afetaro desfecho clínico. Os médicos na linha de frente devem ser capazes de reconhecersintomas neurológicos. Os neurologistas são membros importantes da equipe médica noatendimento hospitalar à COVID-19.

Combined photocatalytic and biological process for textile wastewater treatments.

Azo dyes, common in textile wastewater, have high photolytic and chemical stabilities, which make them difficult to be removed using conventional treatments. This study aims to evaluate a combined process using heterogeneous photocatalysis, with ZnO/UV or TiO2 /UV (0.6 g catalyst L-1 solution/2-hr UV radiation), and a biological process for textile wastewater treatment. After the proposed treatments, the color and organic matter removals from synthetic wastewater (SW) and industrial wastewater (IW) were evaluated. For SW, the coupled photocatalytic (ZnO/UV or TiO2 /UV)-biological system promoted a high extent of color removal (98%) and total organic carbon (TOC) reduction (>80%). Promising results were obtained with IW using combined photocatalytic (TiO2 /UV)-biological treatments, reaching 97% and 63% of color and TOC removal, respectively. This process, coupling heterogeneous photocatalysis and a bioprocess, has proved to be a good alternative for the treatment of textile wastewater, not only for color removal but also for dye mineralization purposes. PRACTITIONER POINTS: A combined process using heterogeneous photocatalysis (ZnO/UV or TiO2 /UV) and biological process was evaluated for synthetic (SW) and industrial (IW) textile wastewaters treatment. For SW, coupled process promoted high extent of colour and organic matter removals. For IW, promising results were obtained with TiO2 /UV-biological treatment (97% of colour and 63% of organic matter removals).

Lipase Production by Aspergillus niger C by Submerged Fermentation

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the effects of variables on the process of lipases production by Aspergillus niger C by submerged fermentation (SmF). The production assays were performed in shake flasks for 72 hours at 150 rpm and 32°C. First, a fractional factorial design 25-1 (FFD) was carried out to evaluate the effect of the following process variables: sucrose, ammonium sulphate, soybean oil, yeast extract concentration and pH. After the selection of the variables that significantly influenced the lipase production, a central composite rotational design 22 (CCRD) was used, aiming to find the most favorable operational conditions. The selected assay condition (15.0 g.L-1 sucrose, 4.0 g.L-1 ammonium sulphate, 4.0 g.L-1 soybean oil and 1.0 g.L-1 yeast extract at pH 5.0) was the one that presented a lipase activity of 27.46 U.mL-1. It was very close to that best assay (30.76 U.mL-1), but using half of the inducer concentration, consequently reducing process cost. The kinetics of lipase production showed that the highest specific activity was 57.17 U.mg-1. The pH and temperature effects on lipase activity produced in this study was investigated. The optimum activity was found in a more acidic pH (5.0-6.0) and 55°C.

Desempenho cognitivo através do mini-exame do estado mental na distrofia muscular de Duchenne / Cognitive performance by mini mental state examination in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

OBJETIVO: A distrofia muscular de Duchenne (DMD) é frequentemente associada à deficiência intelectual (DI) e ao prejuízo de funções superiores como leitura, raciocínio, lógica, e memória. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o desempenho cognitivo de pacientes com DMD através do Mini-Exame do Estado Mental (MEEM), um teste simples e rápido, usado como primeiro rastreio intelectual, principalmente quando baterias psicométricas complexas, dependentes de psicólogos especializados, não estão disponíveis. MÉTODO: Foi realizado um estudo observacional de trinta e quatro meninos com DMD, com idades entre 8 e 22 anos, separados em dois grupos de acordo com a presença de DI moderada-grave, conforme a definição clínica do funcionamento adaptativo do Manual Estatístico e Diagnóstico de Desordens Mentais 5º edição (DSM-5). Foram avaliados a pontuação no MEEM, marcos do desenvolvimento, independência nas atividades de vida cotidiana e capacidade de alfabetização. RESULTADOS: Os marcos motores e de linguagem estavam atrasados (16 meses), e a média no MEEM foi 21, ponto de corte mais baixo do que verificado em pares da mesma idade. O grupo com DI moderada-grave apresentou uma média de 12 no MEEM, e os subtestes de orientação, atenção e cálculo e linguagem foram os que demonstraram piores desempenhos. O ponto de corte de maior acurácia para distinguir DI moderada-grave nos pacientes com DMD foi 21. CONCLUSÃO: O MEEM apresentou adequada sensibilidade (100%) e especificidade (90%) para o ponto de corte de 21, revelando-se um bom método de triagem cognitiva para DI moderada-grave na DMD.

BACKGROUND: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is often associated with intellectual disability (ID) and with impairment of higher mental functions as reading, learning, logical thinking and memory. The goal of this study was evaluate the cognitive performance of DMD patients by Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), first bedside screening test, widely used in pediatrics, when neuropsychologic batteries, dependent on specialized psychologists, are not easily available in public health system. METHODS: An observational study of thirty-four boys with DMD, aged 8-22 years, was performed, spliting this group into two sub-groups, according to the presence of moderate-severe, defined by Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) adaptative functioning clinical criteria. The MMSE scores, developmental milestones, independence in daily life activities and literacy skills were evaluated. RESULTS: Motor and language milestones were reached with 16 months, later than usual and mean on MMSE was 21, lower than in healthy pairs. In assessment by groups, patients with moderate-severe intellectual disability presented a performance in total MMSE (12) and orientation, attention/calculation and language MMSE subtests lower than patients without ID. The most accurate cutoff value on MMSE to distinguish moderate-severe intellectual disability in DMD patients was 21. CONCLUSION: This study has shown adequate sensitivity and specificity of the MMSE for detection of moderate-severe intellectual disability, with almost 100% sensitivity and 90% specificity for cutoff values of 21 points in DMD.

Effects of N-acetylcysteine supplementation on cellular damage and oxidative stress indicators in volleyball athletes.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) supplementation on cellular damage and oxidative stress indicators in volleyball athletes. Twenty male volleyball athletes at national level performed a physical training session and were divided into 2 groups, which for 7 days took the placebo substance or NAC. After 7 days the athletes repeated the same training session. In both sessions, blood samples were collected 30 min before and immediately after the training session to measure cellular damage and oxidative stress markers. The main results show that, although higher concentrations of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase were observed in post-session 1 than those in postsession 2, the other markers showed an increase in antioxidant action after supplementation of NAC, once the effect of experimental conditions (P=0.030) were observed in: time effect (P<0.001) and interaction (P=0.019) for total glutathione; time effect (P<0.001) and interaction (P<0.001) for reduced glutathione; and time effect (P<0.001) for ferric-reducing antioxidant potential. The oxidant action indicated by the protein carbonyl was higher in the placebo group than in the NAC group (P=0.028), but a time effect (P<0.001) for the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances showed lower values in presession 1 than in presession 2. For the cellular damage markers, antagonistic results between markers were found. Based in the results, the supplementation of NAC during a short period was effective in reducing oxidant action and increasing antioxidant action. However, conclusive alterations in the responses of the cellular damage markers were not obtained.

Validity and reliability of assessing diaphragmatic mobility by area on X-rays of healthy subjects.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the concurrent validity, as well as the intra- and inter-rater reliability, of assessing diaphragmatic mobility by area (DMarea) on chest X-rays of healthy adults. METHODS: We evaluated anthropometric parameters, pulmonary function, and diaphragmatic mobility in 43 participants. Two observers (rater A and rater B) determined diaphragmatic mobility at two time points. We used Pearson's correlation coefficient to evaluate the correlation between DMarea and the assessment of diaphragmatic mobility by distance (DMdist). To evaluate intra- and inter-rater reliability, we used the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC [2,1]), 95% CI, and Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS: A significant correlation was found between the DMarea and DMdist methods (r = 0.743; p < 0.0001). For DMarea, the intra-rater reliability was found to be quite high for the right hemidiaphragm (RHD)-ICC (2,1) = 0.92 (95% CI: 0.86-0.95) for rater A and ICC (2,1) = 0.90 (95% CI: 0.84-0.94) for rater B-and the left hemidiaphragm (LHD)-ICC (2,1) = 0.96 (95% CI: 0.93-0.97) for rater A and ICC (2,1) = 0.91 (95% CI: 0.81-0.95) for rater B-(p < 0.0001 for all). Also for DMarea, the inter-rater reliability was found to be quite high for the first and second evaluations of the RHD-ICC (2,1) = 0.99 (95% CI: 0.98-0.99) and ICC (2,1) = 0.95 (95% CI: 0.86-0.97), respectively-and the LHD-ICC (2,1) = 0.99 (95% CI: 0.98-0.99) and ICC (2,1) = 0.94 (95% CI: 0.87-0.97)-(p < 0.0001 for both). The Bland-Altman analysis showed good agreement between the mobility of the RHD and that of the LHD. CONCLUSIONS: The DMarea method proved to be a valid, reliable measure of diaphragmatic mobility.

Mobilidade diafragmática direita e esquerda em indivíduos saudáveis e na doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica / Movilidad diafragmática derecha e izquierda en individuos saludables y en la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica / Mobility of right and left hemidiaphragms in healthy individuals and in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

RESUMO Avaliar o músculo diafragma é importante para verificar suas possíveis alterações ou disfunções. Existem várias formas de avaliar a mobilidade diafragmática, mas poucos estudos que comparam a mobilidade do hemidiafragma direito com o esquerdo. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar se existem diferenças entre a mobilidade diafragmática das hemicúpulas direita e esquerda em indivíduos saudáveis e em indivíduos com Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crônica (DOCP), bem como comparar a mobilidade diafragmática entre homens e mulheres, e entre pacientes saudáveis e com DPOC. Foram avaliados 40 indivíduos saudáveis e 40 indivíduos com diagnóstico clínico de DPOC. Utilizaram-se os parâmetros antropométricos, cardiopulmonares e avaliação da mobilidade diafragmática pelo método radiográfico. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente e tratados com análise descritiva (média e desvio-padrão) e análise inferencial. Para comparar a mobilidade das hemicúpulas diafragmáticas direita e esquerda, utilizou-se o teste t pareado. O nível de significância adotado para o tratamento estatístico foi de 5% (p<0,05). Não houve diferença da mobilidade diafragmática tanto do lado direito quanto do lado esquerdo nos indivíduos saudáveis (p=0,45) e nos indivíduos com DPOC (p=0,77), assim como não houve diferenças quando os grupos foram separados por sexo. Foi encontrada uma diferença importante comparando tanto a mobilidade diafragmática do lado direito quanto do lado esquerdo entre indivíduos saudáveis e DPOC (p<0,001). Concluiu-se que a mobilidade diafragmática das hemicúpulas direita e esquerda em indivíduos saudáveis e em indivíduos com DPOC é a mesma. Não há diferença da mobilidade entre homens e mulheres. A mobilidade diafragmática é reduzida em paciente com DPOC.

RESUMEN Evaluar el músculo diafragma es importante para certificar sus posibles alteraciones o disfunciones. Hay varias maneras de evaluar la movilidad diafragmática, sin embargo, pocos estudios que comparan la movilidad del hemidiafragma derecho con el izquierdo. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar si hay diferencias entre la movilidad diafragmática de las hemicúpulas derecha e izquierda en individuos saludables y en individuos con Enfermedad Pulmonar Obstructiva Crónica (EPOC), así como comparar la movilidad diafragmática entre hombres y mujeres, y entre pacientes saludables y con EPOC. Fueron evaluados 40 individuos saludables y 40 individuos con diagnóstico clínico de EPOC. Se utilizaron los parámetros antropométricos, los cardiopulmonares y la evaluación de la movilidad diafragmática por el método radiográfico. Los datos fueron analizados estadísticamente y tratados con el análisis descriptivo (promedio y desviación estándar) y el análisis inferencial. Para comparar la movilidad de las hemicúpulas diafragmáticas derecha e izquierda, se utilizó la prueba t pareada. El nivel de significancia adoptado para el tratamiento estadístico fue del 5% (p<0,05). No hubo diferencia de la movilidad diafragmática tanto del lado derecho cuanto del lado izquierdo en los individuos saludables (p=0,45) y en los individuos con EPOC (p=0,77), así como no hubo diferencias cuando los grupos fueron separados por sexo. Fue encontrada una diferencia importante comparando tanto la movilidad diafragmática del lado derecho cuanto del lado izquierdo entre individuos saludables y EPOC (p<0,001). Se concluyó que la movilidad diafragmática de las hemicúpulas derecha e izquierda en individuos saludables y en individuos con EPOC es la misma. No hay diferencia de la movilidad entre hombres y mujeres. La movilidad diafragmática es reducida en paciente con EPOC.

ABSTRACT To evaluate the diaphragm muscle is important for verifying its possible changes or malfunctions. There are several ways to evaluate the diaphragmatic mobility, but only a few compare the mobility of the right hemidiaphragm with the left one. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether there are differences between the mobility of right and left hemidiaphragms in healthy individuals and individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as to evaluate the diaphragmatic mobility between men and women, and between healthy and COPD patients. We evaluated 40 healthy individuals and 40 individuals with clinical diagnosis of COPD. Anthropometric and cardiopulmonary parameters were used. The diaphragmatic mobility was evaluated by radiography. Data were statistically analyzed and processed with descriptive analysis (mean and standard deviation) and inferential analysis. To compare the mobilities of the right and left hemidiaphragms, the paired t-test was used. The significance level adopted for statistical treatment was 5% (p<0.05). There was no difference of the diaphragmatic mobility for both left and right sides in healthy individuals (p=0.45) and individuals with COPD (p=0.77). Also, no differences were found when groups were separated according to sex. An important difference was found comparing both diaphragmatic mobilities of the right and left sides between healthy and COPD individuals (p<0.001). We concluded that mobility of left and right hemidiaphragms in healthy and COPD individuals is the same. There is no difference for mobility between men and women. Diaphragmatic mobility is reduced in COPD patients.