Search

Bioconversion is a biological process by which organic materials are converted into products with higher biological and commercial value. During its larval stage the black soldier fly Hermetia illucens is extremely voracious and can feed on a wide variety of organic materials. To study the impact of different fruit byproducts on the insect's growth, final larval biomass, substrate reduction, bioconversion parameters, and larval nutritional composition, 10 000 black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) were reared on 7.0 kg of one of three substrates (strawberry, tangerine, or orange) or on a standard diet as a control. The results highlight that BSFL can successfully feed and grow on each of these diets, though their development time, growth rate, and final biomass were differently impacted by the substrates, with strawberry being the most suitable. The lipid and protein contents of BSFL were similar among larvae fed on different substrates; however, major differences were detected in ash, micronutrient, fiber, fatty acid, and amino acid contents. Overall, the results indicate that fruit waste management through the BSFL bioconversion process represents a commercially promising resource for regional and national agrifood companies. Our study offers new perspectives for sustainable and environmentally friendly industrial development by which fruit byproducts or waste might be disposed of or unconventionally enhanced to create secondary products of high biological and economic value, including BSFL biomass as animal feed or, in perspective, as alternative protein source for human nutrition.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a signaling molecule in eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms. NO levels transiently boost upon induction of conidiation in Aspergillus nidulans. Only one pathway for NO synthesis involving nitrate reductase has been reported in filamentous fungi so far, but this does not satisfy all the NO produced in fungal cells. Here we provide evidence for at least one additional biosynthetic pathway in A. nidulans involving L-arginine or an intermediate metabolite as a substrate. Under certain growth conditions, the addition of L-arginine to liquid media elicited a burst of nitric oxide that was not dependent on any of the urea cycle genes. The NO levels were controlled by the metabolically available arginine, which was regulated by mobilization from the vacuoles and during development. In vitro assays with protein extracts and amino acid profiling strongly suggested the existence of an arginine-dependent NO pathway analogous to the mammalian nitric oxide synthase. Addition of polyamines induced NO synthesis, and mutations in the polyamine synthesis genes puA and spdA reduced the production of NO. In conclusion, here we report an additional pathway for the synthesis of NO in A. nidulans using urea cycle intermediates. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Producción Científica, Evaporative cooling has a major role to play in fighting climate change and in achieving a low-carbon economy. As it helps to reduce energy demand for air conditioning, it is gaining attention in terms of improving energy efficiency in buildings. Evaporative cooling from wetted media can enhance water–air contact, thereby improving heat and mass transfer further and avoiding aerosols. Wetted media are commonly called evaporative cooling pads and are widely used in greenhouses, intensive livestock farming, and industrial facilities. However, a deep understanding of evaporative cooling pad performance can enhance their application to indoor occupied spaces such as residential or commercial cooling, or in hybrid air conditioning systems. Most studies analyze pad performance mainly in terms of pressure drop and saturation effectiveness. However, some studies propose alternative cooling efficiency parameters and others provide insights into key aspects such as power requirements and the coefficient of performance, water consumption, risk of water entrainment, material decay, and air quality, as well as the effect of water temperature and salinity, solar radiation, or wind speed. Existing results on these less studied performance issues are reviewed, and we identify the gaps in the literature in addition to highlighting the main challenges encountered, in an effort to guide future researchers in the field and enhance the application of direct evaporative cooling., Junta de Castilla y León - Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (grant VA272P18)

Aquatic risk assessment of personal care chemicals requires quantifying the contribution of all product types containing these ingredients to down-the-drain emissions. We developed a probabilistic model framework embracing stochastic variability associated with individual consumers and their behaviors in the European Union, as well as other sources of uncertainty related to losses following applications (e.g., volatilization). The model was applied to decamethylcyclopentasoloxane (D5), an emollient used in wash-off (WO) and leave-on (LO) products. Quantifying contributions from each product category containing D5 to down-the-drain emissions is necessary to inform optimal risk management options. Simulation results for the baseline scenario in 2012 support the argument that LO products make up a minor contribution (7.1%) to down-the-drain emissions of D5, with only 0.20% of the D5 used in LO products being released to wastewater. The most influential model parameters are the release factor from WO products and the time between application and use for various LO product types, stressing the importance of embracing stochastic variability across individuals' behavior when assessing contributions of various product types to environmental emissions. The downward trend in WO use from 2010 to 2016 is reflected in declining concentrations in wastewater influent during the same period. Uncertainty remains about future levels of D5, once phasing out WO products is complete. The probabilistic model in conjunction with high-tier data of consumer habits is a promising high-tier tool for the characterization of complex emission scenarios of personal care ingredients. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2019;00:1-12. © 2019 SETAC.

AIMS Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) reduces mortality in selected patients. However, its role in patients older than 75 years is not well established. METHODS AND RESULTS We performed a retrospective, non-randomized study using a historical cohort from a single centre. Between January 2008 and July 2014, we assessed patients aged ≥75 years with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 35%, identifying 385 patients with a Class I or IIa recommendation for ICD implantation. At the decision of the patient or attending cardiologists, 92 patients received an ICD. To avoid potential confounding factors, we used propensity-score matching. Finally, 126 patients were included (63 with ICD). The mean age was 79.1 ± 3.1 years (86.5% male). As compared with the medical therapy group, the ICD patients had a lower percentage of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (19.0% vs. 38.1%, P

Tacrolimus is the cornerstone of immunosuppressive therapy after kidney transplantation. Its narrow therapeutic window mandates serum level strict monitoring and dose adjustments to ensure the optimal risk-benefit balance. This observational retrospective study analyzed the effectiveness and safety of conversion from twice-daily immediate-release tacrolimus (IR-Tac) or once-daily prolonged-release tacrolimus (PR-Tac) to the recent formulation once-daily MeltDose® extended-release tacrolimus (LCP-Tac) in 365 stable kidney transplant recipients. We compared kidney function three months before and three months after the conversion. Three months after conversion, the total daily dose was reduced ~35% (P < .0001), and improved bioavailability and stable serum LCP-Tac concentrations were observed. There was no increase in the number of patients requiring tacrolimus dose adjustments after conversion. Renal function was unaltered, and no cases of BPAR were reported. Reports of tremors, as collected in the clinical histories for each patient, decreased from pre-conversion (20.8%) to post-conversion (11.8%, P < .0001). LCP-Tac generated a cost reduction of 63% compared with PR-Tac. In conclusion, the conversion strategy to LCP-Tac from other tacrolimus formulations in stable kidney transplant patients showed safety and effectiveness in a real-world setting, confirming the data from RCTs. The specific pharmacokinetic properties of LCP-Tac could be potentially advantageous in patients with tacrolimus-related adverse events.

Objective Functional assessment of coronary artery stenosis is performed by measuring the fractional flow reserve (FFR) under hyperemic conditions (Adenosine). However, the use of adenosine portends limitations. Objective We sought to investigate the relationship and correlation between FFR and the Pd/Pa value obtained just after the intracoronary infusion (acute drop) of nitroglycerin (Pd/Pa-NTG) and if this parameter enhances diagnostic accuracy for FFR prediction compared to the resting baseline Pd/Pa. Methods We conducted a multicenter study including prospectively patients presenting intermediate coronary artery stenosis (30–70%) evaluated with pressure wire. Resting baseline Pd/Pa, Pd/Pa-NTG and FFR were measured. Results 283 patients (335 lesions) were included. Resting baseline Pd/Pa value was 0.72 to 1.0 (0.93 ± 0.04), Pd/Pa-NTG was 0.60 to 1.0 (0.87 ± 0.07) and FFR 0.55 to 1.0 (0.83 ± 0.08). The ROC curves for resting baseline Pd/Pa and for Pd/Pa-NTG, using a FFR ≤ 0.80 showed an AUC of 0.88 (95% CI: 0.84–0.92, P 0.80, were >0.96 and >0.88, respectively. These values were present in a 29.8% (n = 100) and a 47.1% (n = 158), of the total lesions. Scatter plots showed a better correlation and agreement points with Pd/Pa-NTG than resting baseline Pd/Pa. The cutoff value of Pd/Pa-NTG > 0.88 showed an excellent NPV (96.2% for FFR > 0.8 and 100% for FFR > 0.75) and sensitivity (95% for FFR > 0.8 and 100% for FFR > 0.75) which were consistently high across all the subgroups analysis. Conclusion The cutoff value of acute Pd/Pa-NTG > 0.88 has a high NPV meaning adenosine-FFR can be avoided in almost half of lesions. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Given the large number of chemicals under regulatory scrutiny, models play a crucial role in the screening phase of the environmental risk assessment. The sewage treatment plant (STP) model SimpleTreat 3.1 is routinely applied as part of the European Union System for the Evaluation of Substances to estimate the fate and elimination of organic chemicals discharged via sewage. SimpleTreat estimates tend to be conservative and therefore only useful for lower-tier assessments. A probabilistic version of SimpleTreat was built on the updated version of the model (SimpleTreat 3.2, presented in a parallel article in this issue), embracing likeliest as well as worst-case conditions in a statistically robust way. Probabilistic parameters representing the variability of sewage characteristics, STP design, and operational parameters were based on actual STP conditions for activated sludge plants in Europe. An evaluation study was carried out for 4 chemicals with distinct sorption and biodegradability profiles: tonalide, triclosan, trimethoprim, and linear alkylbenzene sulfonate. Simulations incorporated information on biodegradability simulation studies with activated sludge (OECD 314B and OECD 303A tests). Good agreement for both median values and variability ranges was observed between model estimates and monitoring data. The uncertainty analysis highlighted the importance of refined data on partitioning and biodegradability in activated sludge to achieve realistic estimates. The study indicates that the best strategy to refine the exposure assessment of down-the-drain chemicals is by integrating higher-tier laboratory data with probabilistic STP simulations and, if possible, by comparing them with monitoring data for validation.

Aim: We assessed the efficacy, reliability and cost of an in-home control service, devoted to debilitated patients with pacemakers, during long-term follow up. Methods: We admitted 802 patients (mean age 87.8 ± 6.9 years) with pacemakers into our program, which were monitored periodically during in-home visits by nurses. During these controls, patients underwent a standard electrocardiogram with and without magnet, during which stimulation intervals were measured. In-home pacemaker assessments were performed by a portable programmer only for patients with Biotronik pacemakers. Electrocardiograms and technical data were evaluated at hospital, and a report was sent by mail to the patient. Moreover, we compared the costs for the hospital, patients and society between in-home and ambulatory assessments. Results: During 80 months of follow up, 2418 controls were performed. The monthly average of patients who were followed at home was 283.9 ± 23.9. The mean number of controls per month was 30.2 ± 10 (range 4–51). One hundred and twenty-three pacemakers were replaced due to battery exhaustion, after a mean device longevity of 7.4 years (range 4.9–12.4 years). Four hundred and sixty-eight patients died (8.7% annual mortality). Fifteen patients (annual incidence 0.3%) were invited to in-hospital visits for reprogramming. The cumulative cost for in-home assessment were 20.5% lower than conventional in-hospital controls and 66.5% lower if patients are transported by ambulance. Conclusion: Elderly debilitated patients can be monitored by effective and reliable pacemaker assessments at home, alleviating them and their families from the issues that are associated with their transfer from the home to the hospital and concurrently reducing overall costs. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; 12: 30–35.

Chrysomela populi beetles feed on poplar leaves and extensively damage plantations. We investigated whether olfactory cues orientate landing and feeding. Young, unexpanded leaves of hybrid poplar emit constitutively a blend of monoterpenes, primarily (E)-beta-ocimene and linalool. This blend attracts inexperienced adults of C. populi that were not previously fed with poplar leaves. In mature leaves constitutively emitting isoprene, insect attack induces biosynthesis and emission of the same blend of monoterpenes, but in larger amount than in young leaves. The olfactometric test indicates that inexperienced beetles are more attracted by adult than by young attacked leaves, suggesting that attraction by induced monoterpenes is dose dependent. The blend does not attract adults that previously fed on poplar leaves. Insect-induced emission of monoterpenes peaks 4 d after the attack, and is also detected in non-attacked leaves. Induced monoterpene emission is associated in mature leaves with a larger decrease of isoprene emission. The reduction of isoprene emission is faster than photosynthesis reduction in attacked leaves, and also occurs in non-attacked leaves. Insect-induced monoterpenes are quickly and completely labelled by 13C. It is speculated that photosynthetic carbon preferentially allocated to constitutive isoprene in healthy leaves is in part diverted to induced monoterpenes after the insect attack.

We have cloned and characterized a cDNA clone, called Fapmsr, coding for a putative peptide methionine sulphoxide [Met(O)] reductase (PMSR, EC 1.8.4.6) from strawberry fruits (Fragaria x ananassa). This gene is involved in the repair of inactive peptides and proteins caused for the oxidation of methionine residues to Met(O). Expression of the Fapmsr was only detected in the receptacles of red mature fruits and not in young or immature fruits nor in other plant tissues such as flowers, leaves, runners, roots or achenes. Expression of the Fapmsr gene was activated in green immature fruits when achenes were removed from receptacles, and this was prevented by the application of exogenous auxins such as naphthaleneacetic acid. The enzyme produced and purified by cloning the strawberry cDNA in frame with the C-terminal sequence of the glutathione S-transferase gene can reduce free Met(O) to methionine as analysed by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography. We have also set up a PMSR protection assay that demonstrates that this enzyme can protect in vivo against the damage produced by the addition of H2O2.

The identification of subjects with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) at higher risk for sudden death is an unresolved issue. An influence of the autonomic activity on the genesis of ventricular arrhythmias was postulated. Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis provides a useful method to measure autonomic activity, and is a predictor of increased risk of death after myocardial infarction. For these reasons, the aim of the study was to evaluate HRV and its correlations with ventricular arrhythmias, heart function, and prognostic outcome in patients with ARVC. The study included 46 patients with ARVC who were not taking antiarrhythmic medications. The diagnosis was made by ECG, echocardiography, angiography, and endomyocardial biopsy. Exercise stress test and Holter monitoring were obtained in all patients. Time-domain analysis of HRV was expressed as the standard deviation of all normal to normal NN intervals (SDNN) detected during 24-hour Holter monitoring. Thirty healthy subjects represented a control group for HRV analysis. The mean follow-up was 10.8 +/- 1.86 years. SDNN was reduced in patients with ARVC in comparison with the control group (151 +/- 36 vs 176 +/- 34, P = 0.00042). Moreover, there was a significant correlation of this index with the age of the patients (r = - 0.59, P0.001), with the left (r = 0.44, P = 0.002) and right (r = 0.47, P = 0.001) ventricle ejection fraction, with the right ventricular end diastolic volume (r = - 0.62, P0.001), and with the ventricular arrhythmias, detected during the same Holter record used for HRV analysis (patients with isolated ventricular ectopic beats1,000/24 hours, 184 +/- 34; patients with isolated ventricular ectopic beats1,000/24 hours and/or couplets, 156 +/- 25; patients with repetitive ventricular ectopic beats (or = 3) and/or ventricular tachycardia, 129 +/- 25; P0.001). During follow-up two patients showed a transient but significant reduction of SDNN and a concomitant increase of the arrhythmic events. In eight patients an episode of sustained ventricular tachycardia occurred, but the mean SDNN of this subgroup did not differ from the mean value of the remaining patients (152 +/- 15 vs 150 +/- 39; P = NS). Only one subject died after heart transplantation during follow-up (case censored). Time-domain analysis of HRV seems to be a useful method to assess the autonomic influences in ARVC. A reduction of vagal influences correlates with the extent of the disease. The significant correlation between SDNN and ventricular arrhythmias confirmed the influences of autonomic activity in the modulation of the electrical instability in ARVC patients. However, SDNN was not predictive of spontaneous episodes of sustained ventricular tachycardia.

We evaluated the incidence of atrial fibrillation in 189 patients (92 males, 97 females, mean age 75 +/- 12 yrs, range 41-100 yrs) with pacemaker, during a mean follow-up of 5.5 yrs (range 1-24 yrs). The indications for implant were: complete AV block (115 pts), second degree Möbitz 2 AV block (51 pts), bifascicular block (5 pts), sick sinus syndrome (14 pts), symptomatic bradycardia (4 pts). The mode of stimulation considered were VVI (105 pt), VVI rate responsive (21 pts), single lead VDD (43 pts), DDD (20 pts). The occurrence of retrograde VA conduction in patients with VVI or VVI rate responsive pacing was also evaluated. Atrial fibrillation occurred in 40 pts (21%). The highest incidence was evidenced in patients with sick sinus syndrome (9 pts, 64%), and in patients with VVI stimulation (28 pts, 27%). On the contrary, the lowest incidence was found in single lead VDD stimulation (4 pts, 9%). The patients with dual chamber pacing showed a relatively high incidence of the arrhythmia (5 pts, 25%). Atrial fibrillation occurred in 9 out of 32 patients with retrograde VA conduction, and in 22 out of 94 patients without retrograde conduction (28% versus 23%, p = NS). In conclusion, it is confirmed that patients with sick sinus syndrome are at high risk for atrial fibrillation. Single lead VDD stimulation seems to be the better mode of pacing in preventing atrial fibrillation, while dual chamber pacing showed minor efficacy. The presence of retrograde VA conduction could not predict the occurrence of the arrhythmia.

We describe a 47-year-old man affected with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and frequent episodes of syncope. During ambulatory Holter monitoring and head-up tilt test, a syncopal attack was associated with sinus arrest and hypotension. This case suggests an additional mechanism of syncope in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Methylammonium cannot be used as a nitrogen source by the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardii and, like ammonia, caused the repression of nitrate reductase without affecting the photosynthetic activity. Glutamine synthetase catalyzed the conversion ofmethylammonium to a single product, identified as γ-N-methylglutamine, which accumulated in the cells. Derepression of nitrate reductase was accompanied by a decrease in the intracellular concentration of methylammonium and a concomitant accumulation of γ-N-methylglutamine inside the cells. These facts strongly suggest that ammonium (methylammonium) per se, and not a product of its metabolism, is the co-repressor of nitrate reductase in C. reinhardii

The NAD(P)H-nitrate reductase complex (overall-NR) of Chlamydomonas reinhardii exhibits two partial activities: NAD(P)H-cytochrome c reductase (diaphorase) and reduced benzyl viologen-NR (terminal-NR). Mild tryptic digestion of the enzyme complex resulted in the loss of both overall and terminal-NR activities, whereas diaphorase activity remained unaltered. The diaphorase activity of mutant 104 and the terminal-NR activity of mutant 305 of C. reinhardii, which are the sole activities related to NR present in these mutants, responded to tryptic treatment to the same extent as the corresponding activities of the wild enzyme complex. Trypsin disassembled the 220-kd NR native complex by destroying the aggregation capability of the diaphorase subunits without affecting their activity nor molecular size (45 kd). A 67-kd thermostable protein, containing molybdenum co-factor, was also released from trypsin-treated NR. This protein lacked diaphorase and NR activities but was able to reconstitute the overall-NR complex by complementation with untreated diaphorase subunit of mutant 104. Our results support a tetrameric structure for the C. reinhardii NR complex, containing two kinds of subunits.