An ecotoxicological approach to assessing the impact of tanning industry effluent on river health

A study was conducted to investigate the sediment health and water quality of the River Sagana, Kenya, as impacted by the local tanning industry. Chemical analysis identified the main chemical pollutants (pentachlorophenols and chromium) while a bioassay addressed pollutant bioavailability. The bioassay, exploiting the luminescence response of a lux marked bacterial biosensor, was coupled to a dehydrogenase and Dapnia magna test to determine toxicity effects on sediments. Results highlighted the toxicity of the tannery effluent to the sediments at the point of discharge (64% of control bioluminescence) with gradual improvement downstream. There was a significant increase in dehydrogenase downstream, with the enzyme activity attaining a peak at 600 m, also indicating a gradual reduction of toxicity. Biological oxygen demand (19.56 mg L(-1)) dissolved oxygen (3.97 mg L(-1)) and high lethal dose value (85%) of D. magna also confirmed an initial stress at the point of discharge and recovery downstream. Optical density of surface water demonstrated an increase in suspended particulates and colour after the discharge point, eventually decreasing beyond 400 m. In conclusion, the study highlighted the importance of understanding the biogeochemistry of river systems impacted by industries discharging effluent into them and the invaluable role of a biosensor-based ecotoxicological approach to address effluent hazards, particularly in relation to river sediments.

Mutation screening and genotype:phenotype correlation in familial hypercholesterolaemia

The aim of this study was to develop a mutation screening protocol for familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) patients and to assess genotype/phenotype effects in terms of pre-treatment lipid profiles and presentation of tendon xanthomata (TX). A total of 158 families with clinical definitions of possible (120) or definite (38) FH were studied using a tiered screening protocol. Mutations were identified in 52 families, 44 families showing 23 different LDLR gene defects and eight families showing the common Apo B100 gene defect R3500Q. LDLR defects were detected in various regions of the gene with 56% in the LDL binding domain (exons 2-6) and 37% in the EGF precursor homology domain (exons 7-14). The most common mutations were D461N(7), C210X(5), 932delA(5), and C163Y(4). Frameshift mutations accounted for 20% with nonsense 13%, mis-sense 35%, splice 3%, Apo B 13% and 2% large deletion, 13% of clinically definite FH remained undefined. In conclusion, DNA based diagnosis is possible in 79% (30/38) of clinically definite FH families and of the 120 possible FH families at the start of the screening program, 18% (22/120) now have defined mutations. Overall 60 families from the original 158 meet the clinical and/or genetic criteria for definite FH. Tendon xanthomata were present in only 58% (30/52) of genetically defined FH families, thus limiting its use as a strict diagnostic criteria. Families with low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) defects present with higher total and LDL cholesterol levels and a higher incidence of TX than do those with the common Apo B variant, and frameshift mutations appear to have the most severe presentation. Copyright (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.

The host galaxy of the super-luminous SN 2010gx and limits on explosive nickel-56 production

Super-luminous supernovae have a tendency to occur in faint host galaxies which are likely to have low mass and low metallicity. While these extremely luminous explosions have been observed from z=0.1 to 1.55, the closest explosions allow more detailed investigations of their host galaxies. We present a detailed analysis of the host galaxy of SN 2010gx (z=0.23), one of the best studied super-luminous type Ic supernovae. The host is a dwarf galaxy (M_g=-17.42+/-0.17) with a high specific star formation rate. It has a remarkably low metallicity of 12+log(O/H)=7.5+/-0.1 dex as determined from the detection of the [OIII] 4363 Angs line. This is the first reliable metallicity determination of a super-luminous stripped-envelope supernova host. We collected deep multi-epoch imaging with Gemini + GMOS between 240-560 days after explosion to search for any sign of radioactive nickel-56, which might provide further insights on the explosion mechanism and the progenitor's nature. We reach griz magnitudes of m_AB~26, but do not detect SN 2010gx at these epochs. The limit implies that any nickel-56 production was similar to or below that of SN 1998bw (a luminous type Ic SN that produced around 0.4 M_sun of nickel-56). The low volumetric rates of these supernovae (~10^-4 of the core-collapse population) could be qualitatively matched if the explosion mechanism requires a combination of low-metallicity (below 0.2 Z_sun), high progenitor mass (>60 M_sun) and high rotation rate (fastest 10% of rotators).

Family-based associations in measures of psychological distress and quality of life in a cardiac screening clinic for inheritable cardiac diseases: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Family-based cardiac screening programmes for persons at risk for genetic cardiac diseases are now recommended. However, the psychological wellbeing and health related quality of life (QoL) of such screened patients is poorly understood, especially in younger patients. We sought to examine wellbeing and QoL in a representative group of adults aged 16 and over in a dedicated family cardiac screening clinic.

METHODS: Prospective survey of consecutive consenting patients attending a cardiac screening clinic, over a 12 month period. Data were collected using two health measurement tools: the Short Form 12 (version 2) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), along with baseline demographic and screening visit-related data. The HADS and SF-12v.2 outcomes were compared by age group. Associations with a higher HADS score were examined using logistic regression, with multi-level modelling used to account for the family-based structure of the data.

RESULTS: There was a study response rate of 86.6%, with n=334 patients providing valid HADS data (valid response rate 79.5%), and data on n=316 retained for analysis. One-fifth of patients were aged under 25 (n=61). Younger patients were less likely than older to describe significant depression on their HADS scale (p<0.0001), although there were overall no difference between the prevalence of a significant HADS score between the younger and older age groups (18.0% vs 20.0%, p=0.73). Significant positive associates of a higher HADS score were having lower educational attainment, being single or separated, and being closely related to the family proband. Between-family variance in anxiety and depression scores was greater than within-family variance.

CONCLUSIONS: High levels of anxiety were seen amongst patients attending a family-based cardiac screening clinic.Younger patients also had high rates of clinically significant anxiety. Higher levels of anxiety and depression tends to run in families, and this has implications for family screening and intervention programmes.

Molecular cloning, full-length sequence and preliminary characterization of a 56-kDa protein induced by human interferons

Among the various proteins which are induced when human cells are are treatened with interferon, a predominant protein of unknown function, with molecular mass 56 kDa, has been observed. With the aim of exploring the molecular basis of the regulation of this protein and of its mRNA, in order to understand its biological functionand its possible contribution to the various antiviral and non-antiviral actions exerted by interferons.

Unesp Ciência, 2014, ano 6, número 56

Revista elaborada pela Assessoria de Comunicação e Imprensa da Reitoria da UNESP

Microstructure, mechanical properties and chemical degradation of brazed AISI 316 stainless steel/alumina systems

The main aims of the present study are simultaneously to relate the brazing parameters with: (i) the correspondent interfacial microstructure, (ii) the resultant mechanical properties and (iii) the electrochemical degradation behaviour of AISI 316 stainless steel/alumina brazed joints. Filler metals on such as Ag–26.5Cu–3Ti and Ag–34.5Cu–1.5Ti were used to produce the joints. Three different brazing temperatures (850, 900 and 950 °C), keeping a constant holding time of 20 min, were tested. The objective was to understand the influence of the brazing temperature on the final microstructure and properties of the joints. The mechanical properties of the metal/ceramic (M/C) joints were assessed from bond strength tests carried out using a shear solicitation loading scheme. The fracture surfaces were studied both morphologically and structurally using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The degradation behaviour of the M/C joints was assessed by means of electrochemical techniques. It was found that using a Ag–26.5Cu–3Ti brazing alloy and a brazing temperature of 850 °C, produces the best results in terms of bond strength, 234 ± 18 MPa. The mechanical properties obtained could be explained on the basis of the different compounds identified on the fracture surfaces by XRD. On the other hand, the use of the Ag–34.5Cu–1.5Ti brazing alloy and a brazing temperature of 850 °C produces the best results in terms of corrosion rates (lower corrosion current density), 0.76 ± 0.21 μA cm−2. Nevertheless, the joints produced at 850 °C using a Ag–26.5Cu–3Ti brazing alloy present the best compromise between mechanical properties and degradation behaviour, 234 ± 18 MPa and 1.26 ± 0.58 μA cm−2, respectively. The role of Ti diffusion is fundamental in terms of the final value achieved for the M/C bond strength. On the contrary, the Ag and Cu distribution along the brazed interface seem to play the most relevant role in the metal/ceramic joints electrochemical performance.

Les filles de marbre : drame en cinq actes, mêlé de chant. [Suivi de] Le cousin du Roi : comédie en un acte, en vers. Livr. 316 / par MM. Théodore Barrière et Lambert Thiboust... ; par MM. Philoxène Boyer et Théodore de Banville

Collection : Théâtre contemporain illustré ; 316e et 317e livraisons

Jacobus de Voragine. Ogerius Locediensis. Guillelmus de Malliaco.

F. 13-142v [Jacobus de Voragine, Sermones excerpti e collectione sermonum festivalium per anni circulum]; cf. Schneyer, Repert. lat. Serm., III, 246-268. [In Nativitate]; cf. ibid., n° 319, incomplet du début, et n° 324 (13-18v); — « In circumcissione [sic] Domini »; cf. ibid., n° 346 et 347 (18v-24); — « In Epiphania Domini »; cf. ibid., n° 351 et 354 (24-28v); — « In Purificatione sancte Marie »; cf. ibid., n° 374 et 376 (28v-34); — « In Adnunciatione beate Marie.; cf. ibid., n° 396 (34-36v) et n° 397, incomplet du début par lacune matérielle (38-39); — « De s. Johanne Baptista »; cf. ibid., n° 465 et 467 (39-44); — « De apostolis Petro et Paulo »; cf. ibid., n° 471 et 473 (44-49v); — « De b. Paulo apostolo »; cf. ibid., n° 474 (49v-53); — « De s. Maria Magdalena »; cf. ibid., n° 479 et 480 (53-59v); — « De b. Laurentio martyre »; cf. ibid., n° 497 et 499 (59v-65); — « In Assumpcione b. Marie »; cf. ibid., n° 504 et 509 (65-72v); — « De s. Augustino »; cf. ibid., n° 521 et 523 (72v-79v); — « In Nativitate b. Marie »; cf. ibid., n° 528 et 530, incomplet de la fin, en réclame « virginis » (79v-84v); — [De s. Michaele]; cf. ibid., n° 544, incomplet du début par lacune matérielle, et n° 550 (86-90v); — « In festo omnium sanctorum »; cf. ibid., n° 568 et 570 (90v-96v); — « De mortuis »; cf. ibid., n° 574-577 (96v-107v); — « De s. Martino »; cf. ibid., n° 582, incomplet de la fin (107v-109v) et n° 583 incomplet du début par lacune matérielle (111-113v); — « De b. Katerina »; cf. ibid., n° 591 et 592 (113v-119v); — « De dedicacione ecclesie »; cf. ibid., n° 594 et 595 (119v-127); — « De consecracione altaris »; cf. ibid., n° 597 (127-130); — « De vestibus sacris sacerdotis quid significant »; cf. ibid., n° 598 (130-134); — « De exposicione misse »; cf. ibid., n° 599 et 600 (134-142v). F. 142v-146 « Sermo ad religiosos. Quia existis indesertum... (Mt. XI, 7). Istam questionem quam fecit Dominus... ». F. 146-150v [Guillelmus de Malliaco, Sermo excerptus e collectione sermonum de Tempore dicta « Abjiciamus »]; cf. Schneyer, op. cit., II, 483-489. « De visitacione et officio visitacionis »; cf. ibid., n° 72. F. 150v-158 Sermones. « In concilio magnatum. Quoniam ecce reges terre... (Ps. XLVII, 5). Hic duo tanguntur scilicet magnorum conveniencia temporalis... » (150v-151v); — « In synodo clericorum. Pro patribus tui nati sunt tibi filii... (Ps. XLIV, 17). Adtendant ecclesiarum prelati tria... » (151v-155); — « Sermo ad religiosos. Deus qui habit are facit unanimes in domo secundum hebraicam veritatem et secundum Johannem. Deus qui habitare racit monachos... » (155-158). F. 158-160v [Jacobus de Voragine, Sermo de s. Mathia] « Sermo in electione », incomplet par lacune matérielle, en réclame « vir perfectus »; cr. Schneyer, loc. cit., n° 382, moins développé. F. 161-169v [Ogerius Locediensis] « Planctus b. Bernardi de dolore Marie virginis propter filium » (en titre-courant). « Quis dabit capiti meo aquam et oculis meis imbrem sicut presens dies demostrat [sic] cunctis aperte. Inclita regina celica rosa flos sine spina// ...memento mei »; extrait du De Laudibus b. Virginis, rédaction B; cf. H. Barré, dans Revue d'ascétique et de mystique, XXVIII (1952), 243-266, mss. et éditions. Le texte est incomplet par lacune matérielle, un f. ayant été coupé entre les fr. 163 et 164. F. 169v-184 Sermones. « Sermo in Assumptione b. Marie. Surrexit rex in occursum... (III Reg. II, 19). Quam multiplici figura Salomon ille... », incomplet de la fin (169v-171v); — sermon incomplet du début par lacune matérielle (174); — « Sermo in capite jejunii. Convertimini ad Dominum Deum vestrum... (Joel II, 13). Agreditur hodie Spiritus sanctus multitudinem peccatorum... » (174-175v); — « Sermo in Paraceve. Cum egressus fuero de urbe... (Ex. lX, 29). Verba ista sunt Moysi qui gerit typum Salvatoris... » (175v-180v); — « Alius sermo in Paraceve. O vos omnes qui transitis per viam... (Thren. I, 12). Consideranti michi piam et superpiam materiam... » (180v-183v); — « Domine, bonum est nos hic esse... (Lc. lX, 33). Ubi? Petro. Isti enim tria tanguntur in mentis sublimitate... » (183v-184). F. 184v Table des ff. 1 à 193. — Addition fin XIVe s. F. 185-193 Sermones. « Sermo in Nativitate. Sicut lux aurore oriente sole... (II Reg. XXIII, 4, 2). Verba sunt David cui Dominus... » (185-186); — « Sermo in Paraceve. Deducant oculi nostri lacrimas... (Jer. lX, 18). ...ut gloriosa Virgo septies flevisse.. » (186-191); — « Quod Corpus Christi vere sit in altari. Cenantibus autem eis, accepit Jesus panem... Item Joh. (VI, 51): Ego sum panis vivus... Credebant enim quod manducaretur sicut alie carnes. ..) (191-193). F. 193v Table des ff. 194 à 285. — Addition fin XIVe s. La suite de la table a été coupée. F. 194-335v Sermones de Tempore, excerpti praesertim e collectione « Abjiciamus » Guillelmi de Malliaco et e collectionibus De Tempore et De Sanctis et festis Jacobi de Voragine; cf. Schneyer, op. cit., II, 483-489 et III, 221-233 et 246-268. F. 194-208. [Guillelmus de Malliaco] « Dom. 1a in Adventu Domini »; cf. Schneyer, II, loc. cit., n° 1 et 2 (194-203); Dom. 2a »; cf. ibid., n° 3 (203-208). F. 208-213 [Jacobus de Voragine] « Dom. 2a in Adventu Domini »; cf. Schneyer, III, loc. cit., n° 5. F. 213-218 [Guillelmus de Malliaco] « Dom. 3a »; cf. Schneyer, II, n° 6. F. 218-222 [Jacobus de Voragine] « Dom. 3a »; cf. Schneyer, III, n° 8. F. 222v-228 [Guillelmus de Malliaco] « Dom. 4a »; cf. Schneyer, II, n° 7. F. 228-232 [Jacobus de Voragine] « Dom. eadem »; cf. Schneyer, III, n° 11. F. 232-236. « Feria 4a in capite jejunii. Cum jejunatis nolite fieri... (Mt. VI, 16). Hodie incipit tempus penitentie... ». F. 236-240 « De eadem feria. Convertimini ad me in toto corde... (Joel II, 12). Homo per peccatum tria mala incurrit... ». F. 240-246 [Guillelmus de Malliaco] « Dom. 1a in quadragesima »; cf. Schneyer, II, n° 25. F. 246-319 [Jacobus de Voragine] « Dom. eadem »; cf. Schneyer, 111, n° 41 (246-251v); — « Dom. 2a in quadragesima »; cf. ibid. n° 44 et 45 (251v-259v); — « Dom. 3a in quadragesima »; cf. ibid., n° 47 et 48 (259v-270); — « Dom. 4a in quadragesima »; cf. ibid., n° 50 et 51 (270-279v); — « Dom. de passione »; cf. ibid., n° 53 et 54 (279v-290); — « Dom. de Ramis »; cf. ibid., n° 56 et 57 (290-302); — « In Cena Domini »; cf. ibid., n° 401 et 402 (302-307v); — « In Parasceve »; cf. ibid., n° 405 et 411 (307v-312); — « In die Pasce »; cf. ibid., n° 414 et 415 (312-316v); — « Feria 2a post Pasca »; cf. ibid., n° 419 (316v-319). F. 319-325v « De eadem feria. Duo ex discipulis Jhesu ibant... (Lc. XXIV, 13). Introduxit nos Dominus in terram fluentem lac... » F. 326-334 [Jacobus de Voragine] « In adscensione Domini »; cf. ibid., n° 446 et 445 (326-329v); — [In Pentecoste]; cf. ibid., n° 452 et 457 (329v-334). F. 334-335v « De eodem. Ad Deum [sic pro: eum] veniemus et mansionem... (Job. XIV, 23). Super illo verbo dicit b. Eusebius... ». F. 335v-337v Extraits patristiques. « Incipiunt quedam problemata. Lingua mea calamus ego sum. » Sont cités s. Grégoire, s. Paul, s. Augustin, s. Isidore, Boèce, Bède, Josèphe, s. Hilaire, etc.