A Rat Model of Diabetic Wound Infection for the Evaluation of Topical Antimicrobial Therapies

Diabetes mellitus is an epidemic multisystemic chronic disease that frequently is complicated by complex wound infections. Innovative topical antimicrobial therapy agents are potentially useful for multimodal treatment of these infections. However, an appropriately standardized in vivo model is currently not available to facilitate the screening of these emerging products and their effect on wound healing. To develop such a model, we analyzed, tested, and modified published models of wound healing. We optimized various aspects of the model, including animal species, diabetes induction method, hair removal technique, splint and dressing methods, the control of unintentional bacterial infection, sampling methods for the evaluation of bacterial burden, and aspects of the microscopic and macroscopic assessment of wound healing, all while taking into consideration animal welfare and the '3Rs' principle. We thus developed a new wound infection model in rats that is optimized for testing topical antimicrobial therapy agents. This model accurately reproduces the pathophysiology of infected diabetic wound healing and includes the current standard treatment (that is, debridement). The numerous benefits of this model include the ready availability of necessary materials, simple techniques, high reproducibility, and practicality for experiments with large sample sizes. Furthermore, given its similarities to infected-wound healing and treatment in humans, our new model can serve as a valid alternative for applied research.

Strange Dynamics in a Fractional Derivative of Complex-Order Network of Chaotic Oscillators

We study the peculiar dynamical features of a fractional derivative of complex-order network. The network is composed of two unidirectional rings of cells, coupled through a "buffer" cell. The network has a Z3 × Z5 cyclic symmetry group. The complex derivative Dα±jβ, with α, β ∈ R+ is a generalization of the concept of integer order derivative, where α = 1, β = 0. Each cell is modeled by the Chen oscillator. Numerical simulations of the coupled cell system associated with the network expose patterns such as equilibria, periodic orbits, relaxation oscillations, quasiperiodic motion, and chaos, in one or in two rings of cells. In addition, fixing β = 0.8, we perceive differences in the qualitative behavior of the system, as the parameter c ∈ [13, 24] of the Chen oscillator and/or the real part of the fractional derivative, α ∈ {0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0}, are varied. Some patterns produced by the coupled system are constrained by the network architecture, but other features are only understood in the light of the internal dynamics of each cell, in this case, the Chen oscillator. What is more important, architecture and/or internal dynamics?

Fate Hazardous elements in soils surrounding a coal-fired power plant complex

Proceedings of the 13th International UFZ-Deltares Conference on Sustainable Use and Management of Soil, Sediment and Water Resources - 9–12 June 2015 • Copenhagen, Denmark

Excretion-secretion products and proteases from live Sporothrix schenckii yeast phase: immunological detection and cleavage of human IgG

Antigenic preparations from Sporothrix schenckii usually involve materials from mixed cultures of yeast and mycelia presenting cross-reactions with other deep mycoses. We have standardized pure yeast phase with high viability of the cells suitable to obtain specific excretion-secretion products without somatic contaminations. These excretion-secretion products were highly immunogenic and did not produce noticeable cross-reactions in either double immunodiffusion or Western blot. The antigenic preparation consists mainly of proteins with molecular weights between 40 and 70 kDa, some of them with proteolytic activity in mild acidic conditions. We also observed cathepsin-like activity at two days of culture and chymotrypsin-like activity at four days of culture consistent with the change in concentration of different secreted proteins. The proteases were able to cleave different subclasses of human IgG suggesting a sequential production of antigens and molecules that could interact and interfere with the immune response of the host.

On the analysis of data emerging in non-linear and complex systemscomparison of two X-Ray prony spectra

New arguments proving that successive (repeated) measurements have a memory and actually remember each other are presented. The recognition of this peculiarity can change essentially the existing paradigm associated with conventional observation in behavior of different complex systems and lead towards the application of an intermediate model (IM). This IM can provide a very accurate fit of the measured data in terms of the Prony's decomposition. This decomposition, in turn, contains a small set of the fitting parameters relatively to the number of initial data points and allows comparing the measured data in cases where the “best fit” model based on some specific physical principles is absent. As an example, we consider two X-ray diffractometers (defined in paper as A- (“cheap”) and B- (“expensive”) that are used after their proper calibration for the measuring of the same substance (corundum a-Al2O3). The amplitude-frequency response (AFR) obtained in the frame of the Prony's decomposition can be used for comparison of the spectra recorded from (A) and (B) - X-ray diffractometers (XRDs) for calibration and other practical purposes. We prove also that the Fourier decomposition can be adapted to “ideal” experiment without memory while the Prony's decomposition corresponds to real measurement and can be fitted in the frame of the IM in this case. New statistical parameters describing the properties of experimental equipment (irrespective to their internal “filling”) are found. The suggested approach is rather general and can be used for calibration and comparison of different complex dynamical systems in practical purposes.

Effects of Chlorophenoxy Herbicides and Their Main Transformation Products on DNA Damage and Acetylcholinesterase Activity

Persistent pesticide transformation products (TPs) are increasingly being detected among different environmental compartments, including groundwater and surface water. However, there is no sufficient experimental data on their toxicological potential to assess the risk associated with TPs, even if their occurrence is known. In this study, the interaction of chlorophenoxy herbicides (MCPA, mecoprop, 2,4-D and dichlorprop) and their main transformation products with calf thymus DNA by UV-visible absorption spectroscopy has been assessed. Additionally, the toxicity of the chlorophenoxy herbicides and TPs was also assessed evaluating the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity. On the basis of the results found, it seems that AChE is not the main target of chlorophenoxy herbicides and their TPs. However, the results found showed that the transformation products displayed a higher inhibitory activity when compared with the parent herbicides. The results obtained in the DNA interaction studies showed, in general, a slight effect on the stability of the double helix. However, the data found for 4-chloro-2-methyl-6-nitrophenol suggest that this transformation product can interact with DNA through a noncovalent mode.

Significance of Biogenic Amines in Cold-Smoked Fish and Their Relation to Microbiological Characteristics of Products Available in Portuguese Retail Markets

Studies on microbial characterization of cold-smoked salmon and salmon trout during cold storage were performed on samples available in the Portuguese market. Samples were also classified microbiologically according to guidelines for ready-to-eat (RTE) products. Further investigations on sample variability and microbial abilities to produce tyramine and histamine were also performed. The coefficient of variation for viable counts of different groups of microorganisms of samples collected at retail market point was high in the first 2 wk of storage, mainly in the Enterobacteriaceae group and aerobic plate count (APC), suggesting that microbiological characteristics of samples were different in numbers, even within the same batch from the same producer. This variation seemed to be decreased when storage and temperature were controlled under lab conditions. The numbers of Enterobacteriaceae were influenced by storage temperature, as indicated by low microbial numbers in samples from controlled refrigeration. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and Enterobacteriaceae were predominant in commercial products, a significant percentage of which were tyramine and less histamine producers. These results might be influenced by (1) the technological processes in the early stages of production, (2) contamination during the smoking process, and (3) conditions and temperature fluctuations during cold storage at retail market point of sale.

Produção de biodiesel a partir de pastas de gordura e resíduo de glicerol

O principal objectivo deste trabalho consistiu na produção de biodiesel a partir de resíduos fornecidos pela Empresa SOCIPOLE, S.A. Esta, forneceu, pastas de gordura (depósito formado nos óleos usados), só aproveitadas pela empresa para a produção de sabões, e resíduo de glicerol proveniente da produção de biodiesel. Com as pastas de gordura, foi feito um estudo onde se variaram alguns parâmetros, tais como: o tipo de reactor, catalisador, temperatura, agitação, tempo de reacção, razão molar gordura:metanol e condições de secagem. O estudo mais pormenorizado foi efectuado com o NaOH, como catalisador. Foram feitos vários ensaios para os tempos de reacção de 30minutos, 1hora e 2horas, a 65ºC e razão molar gordura:metanol 1:6, tendo-se obtido respectivamente 86,7; 88,1 e 87,5% para o teor de ésteres. No caso da resina catiónica forte como catalisador, aparentemente não houve reacção ao fim de 12h, enquanto no ensaio que utilizou o ácido sulfúrico, o teor de ésteres foi de 82,6%, ao fim de 12h com razão molar gordura:metanol igual a 1:11. Quanto à produção de biodiesel a partir do resíduo de ácidos gordos resultante da purificação do resíduo de glicerol, foi feito um estudo preliminar usando diferentes catalisadores, uma resina catiónica forte, ácido sulfúrico e zircónia sulfatada. Este resíduo continha cerca de 60% de ácidos gordos e aproximadamente 39% de ésteres metílicos. Dos três catalisadores usados, o que permitiu obter maior teor de ésteres foi a zircónia sulfatada, tendo-se obtido 82,9% trabalhando a 60ºC durante 18horas com agitação de 230rpm e razão molar ácidos gordos:metanol de 1:12 . O ensaio em que se obteve menor percentagem de ésteres (56,4%) foi com resina catiónica. Com as duas matérias-primas obteve-se sempre um teor de ésteres, no produto final, abaixo dos 96,5% estabelecidos pela Norma Europeia EN 14103. Estes resultados reflectem provavelmente a composição complexa das matérias-primas. As pastas de gordura podem conter compostos não esterificáveis, solúveis no biodiesel, ou mais dificilmente esterificáveis nas condições operacionais usadas. Já o resíduo de ácidos gordos apresenta uma cor escura o que indica a existência de compostos corados, talvez polímeros. Portanto, para se tirar conclusões fundamentadas é necessário fazer análises mais completas das pastas de gordura e do resíduo de ácidos gordos, assim como ao biodiesel produzido de forma a identificar as possíveis contaminações existentes nos produtos com esta proveniência.

Sandfly fauna (Diptera: Psychodidae) in Parque do Sabiá complex, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Between April 2003 and May 2009 phlebotomine sandflies were collected in Parque do Sabiá complex, Uberlândia municipality, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, using CDC and Shannon traps. The objective was to associate the sandfly species captured to the risk of the transmission of leishmaniasis in the municipality. The 126 captured specimens belonging to six species of phlebotomine, among which Lutzomyia (Psychodopygus) davisi (Root, 1934) predominated with 113 specimens (89.7%). The remaining captured species were Lutzomyia (Pintomyia) mamedei Oliveira, Afonso, Dias & Brazil, 1994 - five specimens (3.9%); Lutzomyia (Nyssomyia) flaviscutellata (Mangabeira, 1942) - four specimens (3.2%); Lutzomyia lenti (Mangabeira, 1938) - two specimens (1.6%); Brumptomyia avellari (Costa Lima, 1932) - one specimen (0.8%); and Lutzomyia (Nyssomyia) whitmani (Antunes & Coutinho, 1939) - one specimen (0.8%). The collection of species that may be involved in the transmission of Leishmania reveals the need for continuous entomological surveillance.

Genetic diversity and primary resistance among HIV-1-positive patients from Maringá, Paraná, Brazil

The objective of this study is to identify subtypes of Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) and to analyze the presence of mutations associated to antiretroviral resistance in the protease (PR) and reverse transcriptase (RT) regions from 48 HIV-1 positive treatment naïve patients from an outpatient clinic in Maringá, Paraná, Brazil. Sequencing was conducted using PR, partial RT and group-specific antigen gene (gag) nested PCR products from retrotranscribed RNA. Transmitted resistance was determined according to the Surveillance Drug Resistance Mutation List (SDRM) algorithm. Phylogenetic and SimPlot analysis of concatenated genetic segments classified sequences as subtype B 19/48 (39.6%), subtype C 12/48 (25%), subtype F 4/48 (8.3%), with 13/48 (27.1%) recombinant forms. Most recombinant forms were B mosaics (B/F 12.5%, B/C 10.4%), with one C/F (2.1%) and one complex B/C/F mosaic (2.1%). Low levels of transmitted resistance were found in this study, 2/48 (2.1% to NRTIs and 2.1% for PI). This preliminary data may subsidize the monitoring of the HIV evolution in the region.

Estudo da qualidade de processos na fabricação de semicondutores

A indústria de semicondutores é um sector em permanente evolução tecnológica. A tendência de miniaturização e de otimização do espaço, a necessidade de produzir circuitos cada vez mais complexos, a tendência para o incremento do número de camadas em cada circuito integrado, são as condições necessárias para que a evolução tecnológica nesta área seja uma constante. Os processos ligados à produção de semicondutores estão também em permanente evolução, dada a pressão efetuada pelas necessidades acima expostas. Os equipamentos necessitam de uma crescente precisão, a qual tem que ser acompanhada de procedimentos rigorosos para que a qualidade atingida tenha sempre o patamar desejado. No entanto, a constante evolução nem sempre permite um adequado levantamento de todas as causas que estão na origem de alguns problemas detetados na fabricação de semicondutores. Este trabalho teve por objetivo efetuar um levantamento dos processos ligados ao fabrico de semicondutores a partir de uma pastilha de silício (wafer) previamente realizada, identificando para cada processo os possíveis defeitos introduzidos pelo mesmo, procurando inventariar as causas possíveis que possam estar na origem desse defeito e realizar procedimentos que permitam criar regras e procedimentos perfeitamente estabelecidos que permitam aprender com os erros e evitar que os mesmos problemas se possam vir a repetir em situações análogas em outros produtos de uma mesma família.

Farm 2.0 Using Wordpress to Manage Geocontent and Promote Regional Food Products

Dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Geospatial Technologies.

POLYCLONAL OUTBREAK OF BLOODSTREAM INFECTIONS CAUSED BY Burkholderia cepacia COMPLEX IN HEMATOLOGY AND BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT OUTPATIENT UNITS

Aim: The objective was to describe an outbreak of bloodstream infections by Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) in bone marrow transplant and hematology outpatients.Methods: On February 15, 2008 a Bcc outbreak was suspected. 24 cases were identified. Demographic and clinical data were evaluated. Environment and healthcare workers' (HCW) hands were cultured. Species were determined and typed. Reinforcement of hand hygiene, central venous catheter (CVC) care, infusion therapy, and maintenance of laminar flow cabinet were undertaken. 16 different HCWs had cared for the CVCs. Multi-dose heparin and saline were prepared on counter common to both units.Findings: 14 patients had B. multivorans(one patient had also B. cenopacia), six non-multivorans Bcc and one did not belong to Bcc. Clone A B. multivorans occurred in 12 patients (from Hematology); in 10 their CVC had been used on February 11/12. Environmental and HCW cultures were negative. All patients were treated with meropenem, and ceftazidime lock-therapy. Eight patients (30%) were hospitalized. No deaths occurred. After control measures (multidose vial for single patient; CVC lock with ceftazidime; cleaning of laminar flow cabinet; hand hygiene improvement; use of cabinet to store prepared medication), no new cases occurred.Conclusions: This polyclonal outbreak may be explained by a common source containing multiple species of Bcc, maybe the laminar flow cabinet common to both units. There may have been contamination by B. multivorans (clone A) of multi-dose vials.

Distributed processing of large remote sensing images using MapReduce - A case of Edge Detection

Dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Geospatial Technologies.

Redes Neuronais Artificiais na Otimização do Processo de Digestão Anaeróbia - Aplicação a uma ETAR da AdCL

Numa sociedade com elevado consumo energético, a dependência de combustíveis fósseis em evidente diminuição de disponibilidades é um tema cada vez mais preocupante, assim como a poluição atmosférica resultante da sua utilização. Existe, portanto, uma necessidade crescente de recorrer a energias renováveis e promover a otimização e utilização de recursos. A digestão anaeróbia (DA) de lamas é um processo de estabilização de lamas utilizado nas Estações de Tratamento de Águas Residuais (ETAR) e tem, como produtos finais, a lama digerida e o biogás. Maioritariamente constituído por gás metano, o biogás pode ser utilizado como fonte de energia, reduzindo, deste modo, a dependência energética da ETAR e a emissão de gases com efeito de estufa para a atmosfera. A otimização do processo de DA das lamas é essencial para o aumento da produção de biogás. No presente relatório de estágio, as Redes Neuronais Artificiais (RNA) foram aplicadas ao processo de DA de lamas de ETAR. As RNA são modelos simplificados inspirados no funcionamento das células neuronais humanas e que adquirem conhecimento através da experiência. Quando a RNA é criada e treinada, produz valores de output aproximadamente corretos para os inputs fornecidos. Uma vez que as DA são um processo bastante complexo, a sua otimização apresenta diversas dificuldades. Foi esse o motivo para recorrer a RNA na otimização da produção de biogás nos digestores das ETAR de Espinho e de Ílhavo da AdCL, utilizando o software NeuralToolsTM da PalisadeTM, contribuindo, desta forma, para a compreensão do processo e do impacto de algumas variáveis na produção de biogás.