Hydrothermal carbonization of lignocellulosic biomass: Effect of process conditions on hydrochar properties

Although hydrothermal carbonization of biomass components is known to be mainly governed by reaction temperature, consistent reports on the effect and statistical significance of process conditions on hydrochar properties are still lacking. The objective of this research was to determine the importance and significance of reaction temperature, retention time and solid load on the properties of hydrochar produced from an industrial lignocellulosic sludge residue. According to the results, reaction temperature and retention time had a statistically significant effect on hydrochar ash content, solid yield, carbon content, O/C-ratio, energy densification and energy yield as reactor solid load was statistically insignificant for all acquired models within the design range. Although statistically significant, the effect of retention time was 3–7 times lower than that of reaction temperature. Predicted dry ash-free solid yields of attained hydrochar decreased to approximately 40% due to the dissolution of biomass components at higher reaction temperatures, as respective oxygen contents were comparable to subbituminous coal. Significant increases in the carbon contents of hydrochar led to predicted energy densification ratios of 1–1.5 with respective energy yields of 60–100%. Estimated theoretical energy requirements of carbonization were dependent on the literature method used and mainly controlled by reaction temperature and reactor solid load. The attained results enable future prediction of hydrochar properties from this feedstock and help to understand the effect of process conditions on hydrothermal treatment of lignocellulosic biomass.

Ameliorative effect and potential mechanism of Ermiao san on adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats

Purpose: To investigate the effect and mechanism of action of Ermiao san (EMS), a traditional Chinese herbal formula, on inflammation development and production of inflammatory mediators in adjuvantinduced arthritis (AIA). Methods: AIA was induced by injection of 0.1 ml Freund’s complete adjuvant (FCA, 10 mg/ml) in the left hind footpad of the rats. AIA rats were intragastricly treated with 0.5, 1, 2 g/kg EMS or 0.1 g/kg methotrexate from day 7 to 28 after FCA challenge. Foot volume and histological score were measured. Osteoclast number was calculated by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining assay. Levels of prostaglandin (PG) E2, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) -α and interleukin (IL)-1β in serum were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) while the level of nitric oxide (NO) in serum was analyzed by Griess reaction method. Results: Foot volume, histological score, osteoclast number and serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, PGE2 and NO were all increased in AIA group rats on day 28 after FCA challenge (all p < 0.01) compared with control. EMS (1 and 2 g/kg) significantly decreased the foot volume of AIA rats by 10 % (p < 0.05) and 19 % (p < 0.01), respectively, compared with AIA group. Furthermore, 1 and 2 g/kg EMS significantly reduced histological score by about 28 % (p < 0.05) and 46 % (p < 0.01), respectively, as well as osteoclast number by 12 % (p < 0.05) and 15 % (p < 0.05), respectively, compared with AIA group. In addition, 1 and 2 g/kg EMS significantly decreased the serum levels of TNF-α about 23 % (p < 0.05) and 43 % (p < 0.01), IL-1β by15 % (p < 0.05) and 26 % (p < 0.01), NO 13 % (p < 0.05) and 26 % (p < 0.01) as well as PGE2 by 11 % (p < 0.05) and 15 % (p < 0.01), respectively, compared with AIA group. Conclusion: These results suggest that EMS probably alleviates arthritis development and joint destruction by decreasing the production of inflammatory mediators in AIA rats.

Artificial fertilization of oocytes and sperm activation in pacu: effects of the spermatozoa:oocyte ratio, water volume, and in natura semen preservation

Objetivou-se foi avaliar a fertilização artificial e a duração da motilidade espermática em pacus com diferentes doses inseminantes, volumes de água e preservação do sêmen in natura. Foram realizados quatro experimentos para avaliação do efeito de doses inseminantes (7x10³, 7x10(4), 7x10(5), 7x10(6) e 7x10(7) espermatozoides ovócito-1) sobre a fertilização artificial dos ovócitos; do efeito do volume de água (0,5; 15,0; 30,0; 45,0 e 60,0 mL de água mL-1 de ovócitos) com doses inseminantes de 105.481 e 210.963 espermatozoides ovócito-1; do efeito de diluição do sêmen (0,005; 0,05; 0,5 e 5,0 µL de sêmen mL-1 de água) sobre a duração da motilidade espermática; e do efeito do armazenamento a 15 ºC por 9 h sobre a duração da motilidade espermática e o índice de sobrevivência espermática. Os maiores resultados obtidos foram: doses inseminantes entre 7x10³ e 7x10(7) espermatozoides ovócito-1; 15 a 60 mL de água mL-1 de ovócitos; diluição de 0.005 µL sêmen mL-1 de água e 98,65% de sobrevivência espermática até o tempo de preservação de 2h45min36s. A preservação a 15ºC por 9 horas não influencia a duração da motilidade espermática. As maiores taxas de fertilização podem ser observadas no emprego de 0,27 a 270 µL de sêmen mL-1 de ovócitos, com 15 a 60 mL de água para ativação.

Effect of Urucu oil (Brazilian Amazon) on the biomass of the aquatic macrophyte Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms (Pontederiaceae)

Os rios e lagos de várzea da província petrolífera de Urucu, na Amazônia Central, são amplamente colonizados por macrófitas aquáticas, que podem ser afetadas por acidentes durante a exploração e o transporte de petróleo. Entre as macrófitas, a espécie flutuante Eichhornia crassipes (aguapé) ocorre abundantemente na região; OBJETIVO: O objetivo desse estudo foi verificar o efeito de diferentes dosagens do petróleo de Urucu (0; 0,5; 1,5 e 3,0 L.m-2) na biomassa viva e morta de E. crassipes e em algumas características físicas e químicas da água; MÉTODOS: O experimento teve oitenta e quatro dias de duração. A cada sete dias foi determinada a biomassa (viva e morta) de E. crassipes e os valores de temperatura, pH, condutividade elétrica e oxigênio dissolvido da água; RESULTADOS: A dosagem de 0,5 L.m-2 foi suficiente para causar mortalidade parcial (48%) em E. crassipes após trinta e cinco dias de exposição ao petróleo. A dosagem de 3,0 L.m-2 causou mortalidade total (100%) em E. crassipes em oitenta e quatro dias de exposição. A decomposição do petróleo e da biomassa morta de E. crassipes provocam a redução do oxigênio dissolvido e do pH, e aumento da condutividade elétrica e de fósforo total na água; CONCLUSÕES: Nós concluímos que um derramamento de petróleo pode provocar mortalidade total em uma população de uma espécie de macrófita, mas não em uma outra. Isto pode alterar a diversidade de espécies de macrófitas na região impactada. No caso de Eichhornia crassipes e Pistia stratiotes, um derramamento de petróleo de Urucu pode favorecer E. crassipes, a espécie menos sensível ao petróleo.

Effects of the spermatozoa: oocyte ratio, water volume and water temperature on artificial fertilization and sperm activation of cascudo-preto

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of water volume and water temperature on the sperm motility duration and the number of spermatozoa, and the water volume on the fertilization rates of oocytes of Rhinelepis aspera. Experiments were carried out to evaluate the effect of semen dilutions (1.74×10-5, 1.74×10-4, 1.74×10-3, 1.74×10-2, 1.74×10-1 and 1.00 mL of sperm.mL-1 of water) and water temperature (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50 ºC) on spermatozoa motility duration. In addition, the effects of insemination dose (7×10³, 7×10(4), 7×10(5), 7×10(6) and 7×10(7) spermatozoa.oocyte-1) and water volume (1.0, 30.0, 60.0, 90.0 and 120.0 mL water.2.0 mL-1 oocytes) on the artificial fertilization rates of oocytes were evaluated. The longest sperm motility duration were observed for the semen dilution of 1.74×10-5 mL semen.mL-1 water and in water at 5 ºC. The highest fertilization rates were obtained for insemination doses between 7.00×10³ and 1.23×10(7) spermatozoa. oocyte-1 and water volume of 28.11 mL water.2.0 mL-1 oocytes.

DEVELOPMENT OF A 2-DIMENSIONAL FINITE VOLUME MODEL TO ASSESS HYDRODYNAMIC AND MICROBIAL CONTROLS ON DNAPL DISSOLUTION AND DETOXIFICATION

Tetrachloroethene (PCE) and trichloroethene (TCE) form dense non-aqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs), which are persistent groundwater contaminants. DNAPL dissolution can be "bioenhanced" via dissolved contaminant biodegradation at the DNAPL-water interface. This research hypothesized that: (1) competitive interactions between different dehalorespiring strains can significantly impact the bioenhancement effect, and extent of PCE dechlorination; and (2) hydrodynamics will affect the outcome of competition and the potential for bioenhancement and detoxification. A two-dimensional coupled flowtransport model was developed, with a DNAPL pool source and multiple microbial species. In the scenario presented, Dehalococcoides mccartyi 195 competes with Desulfuromonas michiganensis for the electron acceptors PCE and TCE. Simulations under biostimulation and low velocity (vx) conditions suggest that the bioenhancement with Dsm. michiganensis alone was modestly increased by Dhc. mccartyi 195. However, the presence of Dhc. mccartyi 195 enhanced the extent of PCE transformation. Hydrodynamic conditions impacted the results by changing the dominant population under low and high vx conditions.

Anti-inflammatory effect of exercise training in subjects with type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome is dependent on exercise modalities and independent of weight loss

We investigated the effect of different exercise modalities on high sensitivity-C reactive protein (hs-CRP) and other inflammatory markers in patients with type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome. Eighty-two patients were randomized into 4 groups: sedentary control (A); receiving counseling to perform low-intensity physical activity (B); performing prescribed and supervised high-intensity aerobic (C) or aerobic + resistance (D) exercise (with the same caloric expenditure) for 12 months. Evaluation of leisure-time physical activity and assessment of physical fitness, cardiovascular risk factors and inflammatory biomarkers was performed at baseline and every 3 months. Volume of physical activity increased and HbA1c decreased in Groups B–D. VO2max, HOMA-IR index, HDL-cholesterol, waist circumference and albuminuria improved in Groups C and D, whereas strength and flexibility improved only in Group D. Levels of hs-CRP decreased in all three exercising groups, but the reduction was significant only in Groups C and D, and particularly in Group D. Changes in VO2max and the exercise modalities were strong predictors of hs-CRP reduction, independent of body weight. Leptin, resistin and interleukin-6 decreased, whereas adiponectin increased in Groups C and D. Interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ decreased, whereas anti-inflammatory interleukin-4 and 10 increased only in Group D. In conclusion, physical exercise in type 2 diabetic patients with the metabolic syndrome is associated with a significant reduction of hs-CRP and other inflammatory and insulin resistance biomarkers, independent of weight loss. Long-term high-intensity (preferably mixed) training, in addition to daytime physical activity, is required to obtain a significant anti-inflammatory effect.

Depresión en pacientes con epilepsia: Revisión sistemática de la literatura

Esta revisión sistemática de la literatura tuvo como objetivo investigar sobre la depresión en personas con epilepsia en la última década (2005-2015), enfocándose en identificar en el paciente con epilepsia: características sociodemográficas, prevalencia de la depresión, tipos de intervención para el manejo de la depresión, factores asociados con la aparición y el mantenimiento de la depresión y por último, identificar las tendencias en investigación en el estudio de la depresión en pacientes con epilepsia. Se revisaron 103 artículos publicados entre 2005 y 2015 en bases de datos especializadas. Los resultados revelaron que la prevalencia de depresión en pacientes con epilepsia es diversa y oscila en un rango amplio entre 3 y 70 %, por otro lado, que las principales características sociodemográficas asociadas a la depresión está el ser mujer, tener un estado civil soltero y tener una edad comprendida entre los 25 y los 45 años. A esto se añade, que los tratamientos conformados por terapia psicológica y fármacos, son la mejor opción para garantizar la eficacia en los resultados del manejo de la depresión en los pacientes con epilepsia. Con respecto a los factores asociados a la aparición de la depresión en pacientes con epilepsia, se identificaron causas tanto neurobiológicas como psicosociales, asimismo los factores principales asociados al mantenimiento fueron una percepción de baja calidad de vida y una baja auto-eficacia. Y finalmente los tipos de investigación más comunes son de tipo aplicado, de carácter descriptivo, transversales y de medición cuantitativa.

Obesity And Inflammation And The Effect On The Hematopoietic System.

Bone marrow is organized in specialized microenvironments known as 'marrow niches'. These are important for the maintenance of stem cells and their hematopoietic progenitors whose homeostasis also depends on other cell types present in the tissue. Extrinsic factors, such as infection and inflammatory states, may affect this system by causing cytokine dysregulation (imbalance in cytokine production) and changes in cell proliferation and self-renewal rates, and may also induce changes in the metabolism and cell cycle. Known to relate to chronic inflammation, obesity is responsible for systemic changes that are best studied in the cardiovascular system. Little is known regarding the changes in the hematopoietic system induced by the inflammatory state carried by obesity or the cell and molecular mechanisms involved. The understanding of the biological behavior of hematopoietic stem cells under obesity-induced chronic inflammation could help elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in other inflammatory processes, such as neoplastic diseases and bone marrow failure syndromes.

Effect Of Platform Connection And Abutment Material On Stress Distribution In Single Anterior Implant-supported Restorations: A Nonlinear 3-dimensional Finite Element Analysis.

Although various abutment connections and materials have recently been introduced, insufficient data exist regarding the effect of stress distribution on their mechanical performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of different abutment materials and platform connections on stress distribution in single anterior implant-supported restorations with the finite element method. Nine experimental groups were modeled from the combination of 3 platform connections (external hexagon, internal hexagon, and Morse tapered) and 3 abutment materials (titanium, zirconia, and hybrid) as follows: external hexagon-titanium, external hexagon-zirconia, external hexagon-hybrid, internal hexagon-titanium, internal hexagon-zirconia, internal hexagon-hybrid, Morse tapered-titanium, Morse tapered-zirconia, and Morse tapered-hybrid. Finite element models consisted of a 4×13-mm implant, anatomic abutment, and lithium disilicate central incisor crown cemented over the abutment. The 49 N occlusal loading was applied in 6 steps to simulate the incisal guidance. Equivalent von Mises stress (σvM) was used for both the qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the implant and abutment in all the groups and the maximum (σmax) and minimum (σmin) principal stresses for the numerical comparison of the zirconia parts. The highest abutment σvM occurred in the Morse-tapered groups and the lowest in the external hexagon-hybrid, internal hexagon-titanium, and internal hexagon-hybrid groups. The σmax and σmin values were lower in the hybrid groups than in the zirconia groups. The stress distribution concentrated in the abutment-implant interface in all the groups, regardless of the platform connection or abutment material. The platform connection influenced the stress on abutments more than the abutment material. The stress values for implants were similar among different platform connections, but greater stress concentrations were observed in internal connections.

Ihwg-μnir: A Miniaturised Near-infrared Gas Sensor Based On Substrate-integrated Hollow Waveguides Coupled To A Micro-nir-spectrophotometer.

A miniaturised gas analyser is described and evaluated based on the use of a substrate-integrated hollow waveguide (iHWG) coupled to a microsized near-infrared spectrophotometer comprising a linear variable filter and an array of InGaAs detectors. This gas sensing system was applied to analyse surrogate samples of natural fuel gas containing methane, ethane, propane and butane, quantified by using multivariate regression models based on partial least square (PLS) algorithms and Savitzky-Golay 1(st) derivative data preprocessing. The external validation of the obtained models reveals root mean square errors of prediction of 0.37, 0.36, 0.67 and 0.37% (v/v), for methane, ethane, propane and butane, respectively. The developed sensing system provides particularly rapid response times upon composition changes of the gaseous sample (approximately 2 s) due the minute volume of the iHWG-based measurement cell. The sensing system developed in this study is fully portable with a hand-held sized analyser footprint, and thus ideally suited for field analysis. Last but not least, the obtained results corroborate the potential of NIR-iHWG analysers for monitoring the quality of natural gas and petrochemical gaseous products.

The Effect Of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training Alone Or In Combination With Electrostimulation In The Treatment Of Sexual Dysfunction In Women With Multiple Sclerosis.

Sexual dysfunction (SD) affects up to 80% of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) play an important role in the sexual function of these patients. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the impact of a rehabilitation program to treat lower urinary tract symptoms on SD of women with MS. Thirty MS women were randomly allocated to one of three groups: pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) with electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback and sham neuromuscular electrostimulation (NMES) (Group I), PFMT with EMG biofeedback and intravaginal NMES (Group II), and PFMT with EMG biofeedback and transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) (Group III). Assessments, before and after the treatment, included: PFM function, PFM tone, flexibility of the vaginal opening and ability to relax the PFMs, and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire. After treatment, all groups showed improvements in all domains of the PERFECT scheme. PFM tone and flexibility of the vaginal opening was lower after the intervention only for Group II. All groups improved in arousal, lubrication, satisfaction and total score domains of the FSFI questionnaire. This study indicates that PFMT alone or in combination with intravaginal NMES or TTNS contributes to the improvement of SD.

A New Extraction Approach To Correct The Effect Of Apparent Increase In The Secoiridoid Content After Filtration Of Virgin Olive Oil.

In the current study, a new approach has been developed for correcting the effect that moisture reduction after virgin olive oil (VOO) filtration exerts on the apparent increase of the secoiridoid content by using an internal standard during extraction. Firstly, two main Spanish varieties (Picual and Hojiblanca) were submitted to industrial filtration of VOOs. Afterwards, the moisture content was determined in unfiltered and filtered VOOs, and liquid-liquid extraction of phenolic compounds was performed using different internal standards. The resulting extracts were analyzed by HPLC-ESI-TOF/MS, in order to gain maximum information concerning the phenolic profiles of the samples under study. The reduction effect of filtration on the moisture content, phenolic alcohols, and flavones was confirmed at the industrial scale. Oleuropein was chosen as internal standard and, for the first time, the apparent increase of secoiridoids in filtered VOO was corrected, using a correction coefficient (Cc) calculated from the variation of internal standard area in filtered and unfiltered VOO during extraction. This approach gave the real concentration of secoiridoids in filtered VOO, and clarified the effect of the filtration step on the phenolic fraction. This finding is of great importance for future studies that seek to quantify phenolic compounds in VOOs.

Exploratory Study Of The Effect Of Lifestyle Counselling On Bone Mineral Density And Body Composition In Users Of The Contraceptive Depot-medroxyprogesterone Acetate.

To compare variations in bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition (BC) in depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) users and nonusers after providing counselling on healthy lifestyle habits. An exploratory study in which women aged 18 to 40 years participated: 29 new DMPA users and 25 new non-hormonal contraceptive users. All participants were advised on healthy lifestyle habits: sun exposure, walking and calcium intake. BMD and BC were assessed at baseline and 12 months later. Statistical analysis included the Mann-Whitney test or Student's t-test followed by multiple linear regression analysis. Compared to the controls, DMPA users had lower BMD at vertebrae L1 and L4 after 12 months of use. They also had a mean increase of 2 kg in total fat mass and an increase of 2.2% in body fat compared to the non-hormonal contraceptive users. BMD loss at L1 was less pronounced in DMPA users with a calcium intake ≥ 1 g/day compared to DMPA users with a lower calcium intake. DMPA use was apparently associated with lower BMD and an increase in fat mass at 12 months of use. Calcium intake ≥ 1 g/day attenuates BMD loss in DMPA users. Counselling on healthy lifestyle habits failed to achieve its aims.

Effect Of Simulated Microwave Disinfection On The Linear Dimensional Change, Hardness And Impact Strength Of Acrylic Resins Processed By Different Polymerizing Cycles.

This study investigated the effect of simulated microwave disinfection (SMD) on the linear dimensional changes, hardness and impact strength of acrylic resins under different polymerization cycles. Metal dies with referential points were embedded in flasks with dental stone. Samples of Classico and Vipi acrylic resins were made following the manufacturers' recommendations. The assessed polymerization cycles were: A-- water bath at 74ºC for 9 h; B-- water bath at 74ºC for 8 h and temperature increased to 100ºC for 1 h; C-- water bath at 74ºC for 2 h and temperature increased to 100ºC for 1 h;; and D-- water bath at 120ºC and pressure of 60 pounds. Linear dimensional distances in length and width were measured after SMD and water storage at 37ºC for 7 and 30 days using an optical microscope. SMD was carried out with the samples immersed in 150 mL of water in an oven (650 W for 3 min). A load of 25 gf for 10 sec was used in the hardness test. Charpy impact test was performed with 40 kpcm. Data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey's test (5%). The Classico resin was dimensionally steady in length in the A and D cycles for all periods, while the Vipi resin was steady in the A, B and C cycles for all periods. The Classico resin was dimensionally steady in width in the C and D cycles for all periods, and the Vipi resin was steady in all cycles and periods. The hardness values for Classico resin were steady in all cycles and periods, while the Vipi resin was steady only in the C cycle for all periods. Impact strength values for Classico resin were steady in the A, C and D cycles for all periods, while Vipi resin was steady in all cycles and periods. SMD promoted different effects on the linear dimensional changes, hardness and impact strength of acrylic resins submitted to different polymerization cycles when after SMD and water storage were considered.