Publications by authors named "Cassini S"

This work reports an efficient method to detect SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in blood samples based on SERS combined with a machine learning tool. For this purpose, gold nanoparticles directly conjugated with spike protein were used in human blood samples to identify anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The comprehensive database utilized Raman spectra from all 594 blood serum samples.

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Contamination of black pepper (Piper nigrum) with Salmonella is a frequent problem in retail and imported shipments. However, there is scarce information about the prevalence of the pathogen in the initial stages of black pepper production chain. This study sought to bridge this gap in research by determining the prevalence, as well as quantifying, and identifying the main Salmonella serovars present during black pepper primary production and processing.

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Textile wastewater is commonly released into water bodies without appropriated treatment, resulting in environmental damages. Processes involving separation and adsorption using nanomagnetic supports have been considered a promising alternative to address this concern. However, challenges concerning the low stability of nanoparticles and the reproducibility of experiments make their large-scale application difficult.

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Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is a valuable tool for investigating the existence, prevalence, and spread of pathogens, such as SARS-CoV-2, in a given population. WBE, proposed as part of the SARS-CoV-2 surveillance strategy for monitoring virus circulation, may complement clinical data and contribute to reducing the spread of the disease through early detection. In developing countries such as Brazil, where clinical data are scarce, information obtained from wastewater monitoring can be crucial for designing public health interventions.

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Aims: This paper aims to review the main sludge concentration methods used for SARS-CoV-2 detection in sewage sludge samples, discussing the main methods and sample volume related to increased viral load. In addition, we aim to evaluate the countries associated with increased positivity rates for SARS-CoV-2 in sludge samples.

Methods: This systematic methodology was registered in PROSPERO and followed the PRISMA guidelines.

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The use of enzymes immobilized on nanomagnetic supports has produced surprising results in catalysis, mainly due to the increase in surface area and the potential for recovery and reuse. However, the meticulous control of the process and difficulties in reproducibility have made industrial-scale applications unfeasible. Furthermore, the role of conjugation strategies in the catalytic activity and recycling of catalysts is unclear.

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Lipases are triacylglycerol hydrolases that catalyze hydrolysis, esterification, interesterification, and transesterification reactions. These enzymes are targets of several industrial and biotech applications, such as catalysts, detergent production, food, biofuels, wastewater treatment, and others. Microbial enzymes are preferable for large scale production due to ease of production and extraction.

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Microalgae biomass is a versatile option for a myriad of purposes, as it does not require farmable land for cultivation and due of its high CO fixation efficiency during growth. However, biomass harvesting is considered a bottleneck in the process because of its high cost. Magnetic harvesting is a promising method on account of its low cost, high harvesting speed, and efficiency, which can be used to improve the results of other harvesting methods.

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The immediate refrigeration of meat after slaughter is a key issue for the proper storage and aging of meat. The industry standard cold chain relies on low temperatures and ventilation to lower the internal carcass temperature to 0-4 °C within the first 48 h, i.e.

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Background: Studies on robot-assisted gait training rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis have reported positive effects on mobility and quality of life. However, their effects on cognitive functions are difficult to determine because not all trials have included cognition assessments. Virtual reality-based training provides enhanced opportunity for stimulating cognitive abilities by repetitive practice, feedback information, and motivation for endurance practice.

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This study was conducted to evaluate the microbiological quality of a mangrove estuary in the Vitória Bay region, Espírito Santo, Brazil. We analyzed the presence and concentration of enteric viruses and thermotolerant coliforms in water, mussels (Mytella charruana and Mytella guyanensis), and oysters (Crassostrea rhizophorae), collected over a 13-month period. Human adenovirus, rotavirus A (RVA), and norovirus genogroup II were analyzed by quantitative PCR.

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Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) is a significant cause of child mortality worldwide. In Brazil, despite the reduction in infant mortality achieved in recent years, many children still die because of undiagnosed AGE. The prevalence, viral load, and circulating genotypes of rotavirus A (RVA), human adenovirus (HAdV), and norovirus GII (NoV GII) were investigated in children with AGE during 12 months in Vitoria, Espírito Santo, Southeastern Brazil.

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Effluents from municipal wastewater treatment have been long recognized as suitable media for the cultivation of microalgae biomass. However, few studies report data concerning biomass productivity in continuous reactors using unsterilized wastewater effluents. This study focuses on indigenous microalgae strains that grow with native bacteria and are applicable for biomass production and tertiary wastewater treatment in continuous growth mode.

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Mangroves are vital part of the local economy for some communities in the region of Vitória, Brazil. Oysters, mussels, and crabs, which are naturally abundant in the mangroves, are harvested and largely consumed in restaurants and by the population. In recent years, unusually high rates of annual gastroenteritis cases have been reported in the region suggesting an association between the consumption of contaminated shellfish and the development of gastrointestinal diseases.

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We characterized indigenous common bean rhizobia from five districts of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The isolates were trapped by two common bean varieties, the Mineiro Precoce (Andean origin) and Ouro Negro (Mesoamerican origin). Analysis by BOX-PCR of selected isolates detected a high level of genetic diversity.

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The sanitary quality and productivity of hydroponic lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) plants cultivated under greenhouse conditions and treated with effluent from anaerobic reactor + polishing pond followed by physical-chemical treatment was evaluated. Two hydroponic cultivations were performed at summer and winter time at Vitoria-ES, Brazil.

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Sludge samples from an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor and four submerged aerated biofilters (BFs) of a wastewater treatment plant (1,000 inhab.) were processed at bench scale by alkaline and acid hydrolysis with the objective to evaluate the organic matter solubilization, volatile solids (VS) destruction and the effect of hydrolytic processes on the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) fraction of the sludge samples. The results showed that alkaline hydrolysis of sludge samples treatment with 1.

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Removal efficiency of faecal coliforms and helminth eggs was evaluated in a small wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) serving a population of 1,000. This system was formed by the association in series of a UASB reactor and four submerged aerated biofilters. The density of faecal coliforms and the count of helminth eggs were estimated in the liquid and solid phases of the system.

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The aim of this study was to verify the efficiency of removal of microorganisms in effluents of a Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) comprising an association of a UASB reactor followed by three submerged aerated biofilters (BAF) and one tertiary filter. The WWTP designed to treat domestic wastewater from a population of 1,000 inhabitants showed high removal efficiency for organic matter and suspended solids. Helminth eggs were also efficiently removed from the tertiary effluent and were found in the sludge from the UASB reactor; however, removal of bacteria in this system was very low.

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The aim of this study was to verify the efficiency of UV irradiation in the inactivation of Salmonella spp. in treated wastewater with different levels of turbidity and exposed to increasing doses of UV irradiation. Experiments were carried out in a batch reactor and in a real scale reactor.

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Results from one year of experimental monitoring the wastewater treatment plant of UFES (Federal University of Espírito Santo) treating a residential urban area of city of Vitoria ES, Brazil, have shown a good performance by a UASB reactor as a part of domestic sewage treatment and also performing aerobic sludge thickening and digestion. The total solids concentration around 6% was obtained in main sludge blanket at bottom of reactor despite a high daily aerobic sludge load discharged from four aerobic submerged biofilters containing 0.4% TS and 80% of VS/TS.

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