Progress and challenges in valorisation of biomass waste from ornamental trees pruning through pyrolysis processes. Prospects in the bioenergy sector

Nowadays, the scarcity of energy resources is promoting the search for alternative energy sources, boosting interest in the use of forest lignocellulosic residue in the energy sector. In this study, the focus is on the energy recovery from two lignocellulosic residues originated during the pruning of ornamental trees (Horse Chestnut, CI, and False Acacia, FA). Both conventional and flash pyrolysis techniques were applied. The experimental pyrolysis variables were obtained from the study of the thermal behaviour of the pruning residues in thermogravimetric analysis. It was carried out under 5 heating rates and kinetic parameters were estimated using Flynn-Wall-Ozawa method. Results denoted higher maximum mass loss rate values for the same release temperature regions under FA experiments. Also, FA samples had lower final residues for the processes. However, activation energy values were so close for both species. FA was also linked to the faster reactions according frequency factor outcomes. Conventional pyrolysis of pruning residues was carried out in a horizontal oven of original design at a heating rate of 25 °C/min, at 750 °C and 60 min of permanence at that temperature; flash pyrolysis was tested in that oven at 750 and 850 °C. In these pyrolysis processes, three fractions were obtained: bio-char, bio-oil and gas. The physicochemical attributes of the bio-chars suggested their potential utility as biofuels (28.4-29.8 MJ/kg), adsorbent precursors or soil additives. Conventional pyrolysis bio-oils had a dominant monoaromatic hydrocarbons nature, with phenols being the most abundant (≥60%), while flash bio-oils contain mainly polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Conventional pyrolysis gases contained up to 60 vol% of CO2; flash pyrolysis gases had high combustible gas content (CO, CH4, H2) and a low CO2 content (<25 vol%). As a result, their calorific value (18.06 MJ/kg) exhibited a threefold increase compared to the gas produced through conventional pyrolysis (6.04 MJ/kg).

The role of microbial interactions on rhizobial fitness

Rhizobia are soil bacteria that can establish a nitrogen-fixing symbiosis with legume plants. As horizontally transmitted symbionts, the life cycle of rhizobia includes a free-living phase in the soil and a plant-associated symbiotic phase. Throughout this life cycle, rhizobia are exposed to a myriad of other microorganisms that interact with them, modulating their fitness and symbiotic performance. In this review, we describe the diversity of interactions between rhizobia and other microorganisms that can occur in the rhizosphere, during the initiation of nodulation, and within nodules. Some of these rhizobia-microbe interactions are indirect, and occur when the presence of some microbes modifies plant physiology in a way that feeds back on rhizobial fitness. We further describe how these interactions can impose significant selective pressures on rhizobia and modify their evolutionary trajectories. More extensive investigations on the eco-evolutionary dynamics of rhizobia in complex biotic environments will likely reveal fascinating new aspects of this well-studied symbiotic interaction and provide critical knowledge for future agronomical applications.

Role of Nitric Oxide of Bacterial Origin in the Medicago truncatula-Sinorhizobium meliloti Symbiosis

Nitric oxide (NO) is a small ubiquitous gaseous molecule that has been found in many host-pathogen interactions. NO has been shown to be part of the defense arsenal of animal cells and more recently of plant cells. To fight this molecular weapon, pathogens have evolved responses consisting of adaptation to NO or degradation of this toxic molecule. More recently, it was shown that NO could also be produced by the pathogen and contributes likewise to the success of the host cell infection. NO is also present during symbiotic interactions. Despite growing knowledge about the role of NO during friendly interactions, data on the specificity of action of NO produced by each partner are scarce, partly due to the multiplicity of NO production systems. In the nitrogen-fixing symbiosis between the soil bacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti and the model legume Medicago truncatula, NO has been detected at all steps of the interaction, where it displays various roles. Both partners contribute to NO production inside the legume root nodules where nitrogen fixation occurs. The study focuses on the role of bacterial NO in this interaction. We used a genetic approach to identify bacterial NO sources in the symbiotic context and to test the phenotype in planta of bacterial mutants affected in NO production. Our results show that only denitrification is a source of bacterial NO in Medicago nodules, giving insight into the role of bacteria-derived NO at different steps of the symbiotic interaction. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license.

A dual legume-rhizobium transcriptome of symbiotic nodule senescence reveals coordinated plant and bacterial responses

Senescence determines plant organ lifespan depending on aging and environmental cues. During the endosymbiotic interaction with rhizobia, legume plants develop a specific organ, the root nodule, which houses nitrogen (N)-fixing bacteria. Unlike earlier processes of the legume-rhizobium interaction (nodule formation, N fixation), mechanisms controlling nodule senescence remain poorly understood. To identify nodule senescence-associated genes, we performed a dual plant-bacteria RNA sequencing approach on Medicago truncatula-Sinorhizobium meliloti nodules having initiated senescence either naturally (aging) or following an environmental trigger (nitrate treatment or salt stress). The resulting data allowed the identification of hundreds of plant and bacterial genes differentially regulated during nodule senescence, thus providing an unprecedented comprehensive resource of new candidate genes associated with this process. Remarkably, several plant and bacterial genes related to the cell cycle and stress responses were regulated in senescent nodules, including the rhizobial RpoE2-dependent general stress response. Analysis of selected core nodule senescence plant genes allowed showing that MtNAC969 and MtS40, both homologous to leaf senescence-associated genes, negatively regulate the transition between N fixation and senescence. In contrast, overexpression of a gene involved in the biosynthesis of cytokinins, well-known negative regulators of leaf senescence, may promote the transition from N fixation to senescence in nodules.

Food industrial biowaste-based magnetic activated carbons as sustainable adsorbents for anthropogenic mercury emissions

Bio-derived magnetic activated carbons from industrial chestnut shell waste have been obtained through a novel, optimized and sustainable methodology where impregnation, pyrolysis, acid washing or other intermediate steps commonly used in the activation process were eliminated saving time, energy and costs. The resulting materials (MACs) were obtained at 220-800 °C showed interesting properties: textural (SBET up to 568 m² g-1) and magnetic (different iron species developed), depending on the activation temperature employed. Data showed outstanding results when MACs were tested for Hg removal in pollution emissions at 150 °C in lab-scale device. In MACs obtained at 500-600 °C, where the highest concentration of magnetite was found, the best Hg adsorption capacity was achieved, while it decreased when metallic iron or iron carbides were present (MACs obtained at 800 °C). Moreover, the difference of Hg0 removal/adsorption in N2+O2 and Simulated Flue Gas atmosphere between MACs obtained at 500 and 600 °C pointed out the influence on Hg removal of additional parameters, as surface chemistry and the existence of sulfur or chloride. The determination of Hg species in post-retention solids confirmed the mercury oxidation by high-valence iron ions (Fe3+) and the involvement of physisorption and chemisorption processes for the gas-solid interaction mechanism.

The B56α subunit of PP2A is necessary for mesenchymal stem cell commitment to adipocyte

Adipose tissue plays a major role in maintaining organismal metabolic equilibrium. Control over the fate decision from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to adipocyte differentiation involves coordinated command of phosphorylation. Protein phosphatase 2A plays an important role in Wnt pathway and adipocyte development, yet how PP2A complexes actively respond to adipocyte differentiation signals and acquire specificity in the face of the promiscuous activity of its catalytic subunit remains unknown. Here, we report the PP2A phosphatase B subunit B56α is specifically induced during adipocyte differentiation and mediates PP2A to dephosphorylate GSK3β, thereby blocking Wnt activity and driving adipocyte differentiation. Using an inducible B56α knock-out mouse, we further demonstrate that B56α is essential for gonadal adipose tissue development in vivo and required for the fate decision of adipocytes over osteoblasts. Moreover, we show B56α expression is driven by the adipocyte transcription factor PPARγ thereby establishing a novel link between PPARγ signaling and Wnt blockade. Overall, our results reveal B56α is a necessary part of the machinery dictating the transition from pre-adipocyte to mature adipocyte and provide fundamental insights into how PP2A complex specifically and actively regulates unique signaling pathway in biology.

P1188Oral antibiotic treatment for local cardiac implantable electronic device infections: our 6-year experience

INTRODUCTION

Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infection is a severe disease with an increasing incidence due to the rise in the number of CIEDs implanted world-wide. Complete hardware removal is the treatment of choice, but there is little clinical data about the best antimicrobial strategy, such as the best choice of antibiotics, treatment duration and when to switch to oral administration in cases of local CIED infections.

PURPOSE

  In 2013, we designed a new protocol for CIED infection management, by which local infections were treated with complete hardware removal followed by empiric parenteral antibiotic during the first 72h, which was replaced to an oral agent (in case of negative blood cultures) and continued for 10 days. The oral antibiotic was selected according to the local cultures when positive, or to Clindamicin, Levofloxacin or Cotrimoxazole when no germ was identified. Our purpose is to describe our experience and results after the implementation of this strategy.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all consecutive local CIED infection cases from the implementation of the protocol until September 2019, and evaluated the population characteristics, type of infection, rate of positive cultures and outcomes.

RESULTS

We identified 74 cases of CIED infection, of which 46 (62%) were local. The average age of this population was 75.3 ± 13.2 yo and 65% (30) were male. The predominant comorbidities were diabetes (41%), congestive heart failure (30%), and malignancies (22%). Eighteen patients (39%) had previous local infection treated medically without hardware removal. Mean number of previous procedures was 2.65 ± 1.8, and 34 (74%) of the devices were pacemakers (single and dual chamber), 5 (11%) ICDs, 6 (13%)CRT-P and 1 (2%) CRT-D. Blood cultures were negative in all cases, whereas local cultures (exudate or intraoperative tissue) were positive in 32 (70%). The most frequent microorganisms were Staphylococcus epidermidis in 18 (56%) and Staphylococcus aureus in 8 (25%), including 1 case of meticillin-resistance.  Intravenous Vancomycin was administered in all cases during 72 h, followed by oral antibiotics for a mean duration of 8.8 ± 3.3 days. Hardware removal was intended in all cases, with complete or clinical success in 42 and 3 cases respectively (global success rate 97.8%), and in one case (2.2%) an epicardial lead was not removed. During a mean follow-up of 30 months, 1 infection-related death occurred (2%) due to a side effect of intravenous antibiotic therapy, and there was 1 infection relapse (2%) in the only patient without complete hardware removal, related to the remnant epicardial lead.

CONCLUSIONS

Oral antimicrobial treatment with good bioavailability agents, associated with complete hardware removal is an effective strategy for the management of local CIED infections, with a low recurrence rate, and avoiding long hospitalizations and potential side effects of intravenous antibiotic therapy.

Epithelial Migration and Non-adhesive Periderm Are Required for Digit Separation during Mammalian Development

The fusion of digits or toes, syndactyly, can be part of complex syndromes, including van der Woude syndrome. A subset of van der Woude cases is caused by dominant-negative mutations in the epithelial transcription factor Grainyhead like-3 (GRHL3), and Grhl3^-/-mice have soft-tissue syndactyly. Although impaired interdigital cell death of mesenchymal cells causes syndactyly in multiple genetic mutants, Grhl3^-/- embryos had normal interdigital cell death, suggesting alternative mechanisms for syndactyly. We found that in digit separation, the overlying epidermis forms a migrating interdigital epithelial tongue (IET) when the epithelium invaginates to separate the digits. Normally, the non-adhesive surface periderm allows the IET to bifurcate as the digits separate. In contrast, in Grhl3^-/- embryos, the IET moves normally between the digits but fails to bifurcate because of abnormal adhesion of the periderm. Our study identifies epidermal developmental processes required for digit separation.

Detection of Approximal Caries Lesions in Adults: A Cross-sectional Study

Detection and management of posterior approximal caries lesions are still problematic. Inspection of approximal surfaces is challenging, and bitewing radiographs are used when direct vision is not possible. Unfortunately, there is no definite radiographic appearance to identify lesion cavitation with absolute certainty. Many lesions detected radiographically within the outer half of dentin are not cavitated, often resulting in unnecessary restorative treatment. Our study compared radiographic depth of approximal caries lesions with presence of cavitation in adults using visual inspection following temporary tooth separation (TTS). We conducted this observational descriptive cross-sectional study at two dental schools in two cities in Chile. Clinicians were unaware of radiographic depths of lesions and examined 147 participants (57.3% female and 42.7% male) following TTS. Using the common classification system that consists of E0 (no lesion), E1 (lesion within the outer half of enamel), E2 (lesion within the inner half of enamel), D1 (lesion within the outer third of dentin), D2 (lesion within the middle third of dentin), and D3 (lesion within the inner third of dentin), a trained dentist evaluated all the processed films. Cavitation was detected in only three sites (0.22%) within the E0 category, seven sites (3.41%) in E1, five sites (14.8%) in E2, four sites (14.8%) in D1, six sites (50%) in D2, and eight sites (61.5%) in D3. Considering that restorative treatment should be indicated strictly for cavitated lesions, our findings support indication for restorative treatment for D3 lesions and the rationale for TTS for D1-D2 caries lesions to allow direct visual inspection to determine whether there is surface cavitation.

The Nitrate Assimilatory Pathway in Sinorhizobium meliloti: Contribution to NO Production

The interaction between rhizobia and their legume host plants culminates in the formation of specialized root organs called nodules in which differentiated endosymbiotic bacteria (bacteroids) fix atmospheric nitrogen to the benefit of the plant. Interestingly, nitric oxide (NO) has been detected at various steps of the rhizobium-legume symbiosis where it has been shown to play multifaceted roles. It is recognized that both bacterial and plant partners of the Sinorhizobium meliloti–Medicago truncatula symbiosis are involved in NO synthesis in nodules. S. meliloti can also produce NO from nitrate when living as free cells in the soil. S. meliloti does not possess any NO synthase gene in its genome. Instead, the denitrification pathway is often described as the main driver of NO production with nitrate as substrate. This pathway includes the periplasmic nitrate reductase (Nap) which reduces nitrate into nitrite, and the nitrite reductase (Nir) which reduces nitrite into NO. However, additional genes encoding putative nitrate and nitrite reductases (called narB and nirB, respectively) have been identified in the S. meliloti genome. Here we examined the conditions where these genes are expressed, investigated their involvement in nitrate assimilation and NO synthesis in culture and their potential role in planta. We found that narB and nirB are expressed under aerobic conditions in absence of ammonium in the medium and most likely belong to the nitrate assimilatory pathway. Even though these genes are clearly expressed in the fixation zone of legume root nodule, they do not play a crucial role in symbiosis. Our results support the hypothesis that in S. meliloti, denitrification remains the main enzymatic way to produce NO while the assimilatory pathway involving NarB and NirB participates indirectly to NO synthesis by cooperating with the denitrification pathway.

Sewage biogas efficient purification by means of lignocellulosic waste-based activated carbons

The present paper evaluates the efficiency of sustainable activated carbons obtained from the valorization of lignocellulosic waste in removing siloxanes and volatile organic compounds for the purification of anaerobic digester biogas. Pyrolized and non-pyrolized lignocellulosic residues generated in food and wood industries were used as precursor materials to obtain experimental adsorbents by a chemical activation process using several activating agents. The highest porosity was obtained by non-pyrolized residue activated by K₂CO₃ at 900 °C. The performance of the experimental materials was compared with that of commercial activated carbons in gas adsorption tests of siloxanes (octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane and hexamethyldisiloxane) and volatile organic compounds (toluene and limonene). The waste-based activated carbons developed in this work proved to be more efficient for the removal of both siloxanes and VOCs than the commercial samples in most of the conditions tested. Adsorption capacities correlated with porosity, while the more relevant pore size depends on the adsorbate.

Hydrochars from industrial macroalgae "Gelidium Sesquipedale" biomass wastes

Macroalgae wastes from the Agar-Agar industry were used as a feedstock to obtain hydrochars by means of hydrothermal carbonization. The effect of temperature (200 °C and 230 °C) and time (2 h and 6 h) on the yield, higher heating value (HHV) and chemical-morphological-textural properties of the hydrochars was studied. The carbon content and the higher heating value were observed to increase with the hydrothermal carbonization. The hydrochars yields (up to 60%) were much higher than yields obtained using conventional char (27.5-33.5%). The hydrochar obtained at 230 °C and after 6 h showed a HHV of 23.25 MJ/kg, which is similar to that of lignite HHV. The H/C and O/C atomic ratios decreased as a consequence of the dehydration and decarboxilation reactions. Hydrothermal carbonization barely changed the vegetal structure of the macroalgae waste. The hydrochars were found to be essentially meso-macroporous with average pore sizes of up to 110.5 nm.

IgE-Api m 4 Is Useful for Identifying a Particular Phenotype of Bee Venom Allergy

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Different clinical behaviors have been identified in patients allergic to bee venom. Compound-resolved diagnosis could be an appropriate tool for investigating these differences. The aims of this study were to analyze whether specific IgE to Api m 4 (sIgE-Api m 4) can identify a particular kind of bee venom allergy and to describe response to bee venom immunotherapy (bVIT).

METHODS

Prospective study of 31 patients allergic to bee venom who were assigned to phenotype group A (sIgE-Api m 4 <0.98 kU/L), treated with native aqueous (NA) extract, or phenotype group B (sIgE-Api m 4 ≥0.98 kU/L), treated with purified aqueous (PA) extract. Sex, age, cardiovascular risk, severity of preceding sting reaction, exposure to beekeeping, and immunological data (intradermal test, sIgE/sIgG4-Apis-nApi m 1, and sIgE-rApi m 2-Api m 4 were analyzed. Systemic reactions (SRs) during bVIT build-up were analyzed. Immunological and sting challenge outcomes were evaluated in each group after 1 and 2 years of bVIT.

RESULTS

Phenotype B patients had more severe reactions (P=.049) and higher skin sensitivity (P=.011), baseline sIgE-Apis (P=.0004), sIgE-nApi m 1 (P=.0004), and sIgG4-Apis (P=.027) than phenotype A patients. Furthermore, 41% of patients in group B experienced SRs during the build-up phase with NA; the sting challenge success rate in this group was 82%. There were no significant reductions in serial intradermal test results, but an intense reduction in sIgE-nApi m 1 (P=.013) and sIgE-Api m 4 (P=.004) was observed after the first year of bVIT.

CONCLUSION

Use of IgE-Api m 4 as the only discrimination criterion demonstrated differences in bee venom allergy. Further investigation with larger populations is necessary.

Probiotic Compared with Standard Milk for High-caries Children

The aim of this study was to compare milk supplemented with probiotic lactobacilli with standard milk for the increment of caries in preschool children after 10 mo of intervention. The study was a triple-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial. Participants were children aged 2 and 3 y ( n = 261) attending 16 nursery schools in a metropolitan region in Chile. Nursery schools were randomly assigned to 2 parallel groups: children in the intervention group were given 150 mL of milk supplemented with Lactobacillus rhamnosus SP1 (107 CFU/mL), while children in the control group were given standard milk. Interventions took place on weekdays for 10 mo. Data were collected through a clinical examination of participants. The primary outcome measure was the increment of caries in preschool children. This was assessed using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS). The dropout rate was 21%. No differences in caries prevalence were detected between the groups at baseline ( P = 0.68). After 10 mo of probiotic intake, the caries prevalence was 54.4% in the probiotic group and 65.8% in the control group. The percentage of new individuals who developed cavitated lesions (ICDAS 5-6) in the control group (24.3%) was significantly higher than that in the probiotic group (9.7%). The increment of dental caries showed an odds ratio of 0.35 ( P < 0.05) in favor of the probiotic group. At the cavitated lesion level, the increment of new caries lesions within the groups showed 1.13 new lesions per child in the probiotic group compared with 1.75 lesions in the control group ( P < 0.05). The probiotic group showed an increment of 0.58 ± 1.17 new lesions compared with 1.08 ± 1.70 new lesions observed in the control group. The difference in caries increment was significant at the cavitated lesion level ( P < 0.01). In conclusion, the regular long-term intake of probiotic-supplemented milk may reduce caries development in high-caries preschool children (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01648075).

Klf2 and Tfcp2l1, Two Wnt/β-Catenin Targets, Act Synergistically to Induce and Maintain Naive Pluripotency

Activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling can induce both self-renewal and differentiation in naive pluripotent embryonic stem cells (ESCs). To gain insights into the mechanism by which Wnt/β-catenin regulates ESC fate, we screened and characterized its downstream targets. Here, we show that the self-renewal-promoting effect of Wnt/β-catenin signaling is mainly mediated by two of its downstream targets, Klf2 and Tfcp2l1. Forced expression of Klf2 and Tfcp2l1 can not only induce reprogramming of primed state pluripotency into naive state ESCs, but also is sufficient to maintain the naive pluripotent state of ESCs. Conversely, downregulation of Klf2 and Tfcp2l1 impairs ESC self-renewal mediated by Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Our study therefore establishes the pivotal role of Klf2 and Tfcp2l1 in mediating ESC self-renewal promoted by Wnt/β-catenin signaling.

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Klf2 and Tfcp2l1 are downstream targets of Wnt/β-catenin

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Klf2 and Tfcp2l1 overexpression maintains mESC self-renewal

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Downregulation of Klf2 and Tfcp2l1 impairs mESC self-renewal mediated by 2i

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KLF2 and TFCP2L1 promote reprogramming of EpiSCs to naive ESCs

Impact of oxy-fuel combustion gases on mercury retention in activated carbons from a macroalgae waste: effect of water

The aim of this study is to understand the different sorption behaviors of mercury species on activated carbons in the oxy-fuel combustion of coal and the effect of high quantities of water vapor on the retention process. The work evaluates the interactions between the mercury species and a series of activated carbons prepared from a macroalgae waste (algae meal) from the agar-agar industry in oxy-combustion atmospheres, focussing on the role that the high concentration of water in the flue gases plays in mercury retention. Two novel aspects are considered in this work (i) the impact of oxy-combustion gases on the retention of mercury by activated carbons and (ii) the performance of activated carbons prepared from biomass algae wastes for this application. The results obtained at laboratory scale indicate that the effect of the chemical and textural characteristics of the activated carbons on mercury capture is not as important as that of reactive gases, such as the SOx and water vapor present in the flue gas. Mercury retention was found to be much lower in the oxy-combustion atmosphere than in the O2+N2 (12.6% O2) atmosphere. However, the oxidation of elemental mercury (Hg0) to form oxidized mercury (Hg2+) amounted to 60%, resulting in an enhancement of mercury retention in the flue gas desulfurization units and a reduction in the amalgamation of Hg0 in the CO2 compression unit. This result is of considerable importance for the development of technologies based on activated carbon sorbents for mercury control in oxy-combustion processes.

Longitudinal Validation of the Spanish Version of the Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire for Hymenoptera Venom Allergy (HRQLHA)

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The Spanish version of the health-related quality of life questionnaire for allergy to hymenoptera venom (HRQLHA) has been shown to be reliable, internally consistent, and externally valid. The aim of this study was to complete the validation of the HRQLHA by analyzing its sensitivity to changes (longitudinal validity) using the sting challenge test (SCT) as the variable of change.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients over the age of 17 years with a systemic allergic reaction to Apis, Vespula, or Polistes venom were included during their first year of venom-specific immunotherapy. Patients were assigned to either a group that underwent the SCT or a control group that did not. All patients completed the HRQLHA at baseline and after a period of 2 to 4 months, during which time the SCT was performed in the active group, with no intervention in the control group.

RESULTS

Fifty patients were included in the study: 25 in the SCT group and 25 in the control group. The patients in the SCT group showed a significant improvement in mean HRQLHA score (+0.35, P=.03) after the SCT, while those in the control group showed no significant changes in questionnaire scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate the sensitivity of the HRQLHA to changes and thus complete the longitudinal validation of the questionnaire. A well-tolerated SCT improves the quality of life of venom-allergic patients as it reduces anxiety associated with the fear of being stung.

Citrus essential oils and their influence on the anaerobic digestion process: an overview

Citrus waste accounts for more than half of the whole fruit when processed for juice extraction. Among valorisation possibilities, anaerobic digestion for methane generation appears to be the most technically feasible and environmentally friendly alternative. However, citrus essential oils can inhibit this biological process. In this paper, the characteristics of citrus essential oils, as well as the mechanisms of their antimicrobial effects and potential adaptation mechanisms are reviewed. Previous studies of anaerobic digestion of citrus waste under different conditions are presented; however, some controversy exists regarding the limiting dosage of limonene for a stable process (24-192 mg of citrus essential oil per liter of digester and day). Successful strategies to avoid process inhibition by citrus essential oils are based either on recovery or removal of the limonene, by extraction or fungal pre-treatment respectively.

Investigating an outbreak of Clostridium perfringens gastroenteritis in a school using smartphone technology, London, March 2013

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches

Acute adverse reactions to iopromide vs iomeprol: a retrospective analysis of spontaneous reporting from a radiology department

OBJECTIVE

To compare the safety of iopromide and iomeprol use in a hospital that switched from the former to the latter and found an apparent increase in the number (and a different profile) of adverse reactions reported for iomeprol, putting the safety of its use into question.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of cases of acute reactions to iopromide and iomeprol reported in two successive time periods. Data from examinations using iopromide (62539 CT scans and 10348 urography scans) and iomeprol (34308 CT scans and 2846 urography scans) were obtained from the computer system of the hospital.

RESULTS

For each period, 154 cases of reactions were reported for iopromide and 86 for iomeprol, being severe in 10 (6.5%) patients for iopromide vs 17 (19.8%) patients for iomeprol; a statistically significant difference of p<0.003 was recorded. The most frequent adverse reactions (%/%) for iopromide/iomeprol were urticaria (29.1/17.2), pruritus (22.6/15.6), upper respiratory tract signs and symptoms (12.1/16.7), oedema (4.3/0), erythemas (3.4/5.0), nausea or vomiting (1.2/11.7) and chest pain (0/3.9) (p<0.0001 for the global comparison). The distribution of the reactions (%/%) by System Organ Class for iopromide/iomeprol was skin (56.7/41.1), respiratory (19.2/26.7), vascular (6.8/2.2), general (5.3/7.2), gastrointestinal (4.6/15.0) and others (7.4/7.9) (p<0.0002 for the global comparison).

CONCLUSION

Adverse reactions were more severe for iomeprol. Skin and vascular reactions with no chest pain were more frequent for iopromide, whereas gastrointestinal reactions were more frequent for iomeprol.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

Comparative studies of media contrast safety are scarce and summary information on product characteristics is insufficient. This study showed the differences in severity and profile of adverse reactions between iopromide and iomeprol.

Conventional and microwave pyrolysis of a macroalgae waste from the Agar-Agar industry. Prospects for bio-fuel production

A comparative study of the pyrolysis of a macroalgae industrial solid waste (algae meal) in an electrical conventional furnace and in a microwave furnace has been carried out. It was found that the chars obtained from both pyrolyses are similar and show good properties for performing as a solid bio-fuel and as a precursor of activated carbon. Bio-oils from conventional pyrolysis have a greater number of phenolic, pyrrole and alkane compounds whereas benzene and pyridine compounds are more predominant in microwave pyrolysis with a major presence of light compounds. The bio-gas fraction from microwave pyrolysis presents a much higher syngas content (H2+CO), and a lower CO2 and CH4 proportion than that obtained by conventional pyrolysis. Yields are similar for both treatments with a slightly higher gas yield in the case of microwave pyrolysis due to the fact that microwave heating favors heterogeneous reactions between the gases and the char.

Anaerobic co-digestion of cattle manure with rice straw: economic & energy feasibility

Rice straw (RS) is one of the most abundant wastes generated in Valencia (Spain). Traditional waste disposal methods are harmful to the environment. The straw burning emits large amounts of toxic air pollutants and the straw burying produces uncontrolled anaerobic fermentation in the soil. The aim of this research was to evaluate the feasibility of cow manure anaerobic co-digestion with RS in a semi-continuous plug flow pilot-scale reactor. Three different periods of co-digestion were carried out as the RS dose was increased. When the addition of RS was 1, 2 and 5% (on weight basis) the biogas productivity increased by 4, 28 and 54% respectively. Furthermore, economic and energy feasibility were analysed considering the logistics cost of the RS (baling, collection, crushing and transportation). Two different scenarios were analysed. In scenario 1, the anaerobic co-digestion process was considered that take place in a new biogas installation, and in scenario 2 the process was considered that take place in a biogas plant already in operation. In scenario 1, the cow manure co-digestion with 2% of RS in a biogas installation of 500 kW showed the best economic analysis (net present value of 13.23%). In scenario 2, the results showed that the maximum distance between the rice field and the biogas plant that produces a positive economic balance was less than 95 km (2% RS) and 74 km (5% RS). In the case of the addition of 1% RS the economic balance is negative. Energy balance is positive in the three mixtures analysed.

NLRP1 influences the systemic sclerosis phenotype: a new clue for the contribution of innate immunity in systemic sclerosis-related fibrosing alveolitis pathogenesis

BACKGROUND

Recent evidence has highlighted a potential role of interleukin 1β (IL-1β) in systemic sclerosis (SSc). NLRP1 provides a scaffold for the assembly of the inflammasome that promotes the processing and maturation of pro-IL-1β. In addition, NLRP1 variants were found to confer susceptibility to autoimmune disorders.

OBJECTIVE

/st> To study a possible association of the NLRP1 rs6502867, rs2670660 and rs8182352, rs12150220 and rs4790797 with SSc in the European Caucasian population.

METHODS

NLRP1 single nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped in 3227 individuals comprising a discovery set (870 SSc patients and 962 controls) and a replication set including individuals from Germany (532 SSc patients and 324 controls) and Italy (527 SSc patients and 301 controls), all individuals being of European Caucasian origin.

RESULTS

Conditional analyses revealed a significant association for the NLRP1 rs8182352 variant with both anti-topoisomerase-positive and SSc-related fibrosing alveolitis (FA) subsets under an additive model: p=0.0042, OR 1.23 (95% CI 1.07 to 1.41) and p=0.0065 OR 1.19 (95% CI 1.05 to 1.36), respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed an additive effect of IRF5 rs2004640, STAT4 rs7574865 and NLRP1 rs8182352 risk alleles on SSc-related FA.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results establish NLRP1 as a new genetic susceptibility factor for SSc-related pulmonary fibrosis and anti-topoisomerase-positive SSc phenotypes. This provides new insights into the pathogenesis of SSc, underlining the potential role of innate immunity in particular in the FA-positive SSc subphenotype, which represents a severe subset of the disease.

The initial rise method extended to multiple trapping levels in thermoluminescent materials

The well known Initial Rise Method (IR) is commonly used to determine the activation energy when only one glow peak is presented and analysed in the phosphor materials. However, when the glow peak is more complex, a wide peak and some holders appear in the structure. The application of the Initial Rise Method is not valid because multiple trapping levels are considered and then the thermoluminescent analysis becomes difficult to perform. This paper shows the case of a complex glow curve structure as an example and shows that the calculation is also possible using the IR method. The aim of the paper is to extend the well known Initial Rise Method (IR) to the case of multiple trapping levels. The IR method is applied to minerals extracted from Nopal cactus and Oregano spices because the thermoluminescent glow curve's shape suggests a trap distribution instead of a single trapping level.

Association of the TNFAIP3 rs5029939 variant with systemic sclerosis in the European Caucasian population

BACKGROUND

TNFAIP3 encodes the ubiquitin-modifying enzyme, a key regulator of inflammatory signalling pathways. Convincing associations between TNFAIP3 variants and autoimmune diseases have been reported.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association of TNFAIP3 polymorphisms with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

METHODS

Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a set of 1018 patients with SSc and 1012 controls of French Caucasian origin were genotyped. Two intergenic SNPs, rs10499194 and rs6920220, and one located in TNFAIP3 intron 2, rs5029939, were selected. The TNFAIP3 rs5029939 found to be associated with SSc in this first set was then genotyped in a second set of 465 patients with SSc and 182 controls from Germany and 184 patients with SSc and 124 controls from Italy. Pooled odd ratios were calculated by Mantel-Haenszel meta-analysis.

RESULTS

The rs5029939 G allele was found to be significantly associated with SSc susceptibility (pooled OR=2.08 (95% CI 1.59 to 2.72); p=1.16×10⁻⁷), whereas the rs10499194 and rs6920220 variants displayed no association. Only one of the predicted haplotypes investigated in the French sample was significantly associated with SSc (p=8.91×10⁻⁸), and this haplotype was discriminating only in the presence of the rs5029939 risk allele, suggesting that this SNP tags the association signal. The strongest associations of rs5029939 with subphenotypes, having large magnitudes for complex genetic disorders, were observed for diffuse cutaneous SSc (pooled OR=2.71 (1.94 to 3.79), p=5.2×10⁻⁹), fibrosing alveolitis (pooled OR=2.26 (1.61 to 3.17), p=2.5×10⁻⁶) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (pooled OR=3.11 (1.86 to 5.17), p=1.3×10⁻⁵).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that TNFAIP3 is a genetic susceptibility factor for SSc.

Progression of a solitary, malignant cutaneous plasma-cell tumour to multiple myeloma in a cat

An 11-year-old male domestic shorthair cat was examined because of a soft-tissue mass on the left tarsus previously diagnosed as a malignant extramedullary plasmacytoma. Findings of further diagnostic tests carried out to evaluate the patient for multiple myeloma were negative. Five months later, the cat developed clinical evidence of multiple myeloma based on positive Bence Jones proteinuria, monoclonal gammopathy and circulating atypical plasma cells. This case represents an unusual presentation for this disease and documents progression of an extramedullary plasmacytoma to multiple myeloma in the cat.