A review on role of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules in enhancing sustainable water production capacity of solar distillation units.

Sustainable production of potable water is one of the United Nations sustainable development goals set for 2030. Among available renewable energy resources, solar energy is abundantly available in most of the fresh water scarce rural and remote locations. Moreover, solar distillation units and solar photovoltaic (PV) modules have been acknowledged as suitable candidates for addressing rising fresh water and electricity demands in these regions. In recent years, researchers have proposed a number of novel hybrid solar distillation units where the solar PV modules are integrated with solar thermal distillation units in different ways to harvest both electric power and potable water. In this work, a detailed review highlighting the classification, working principle, performance and features of these novel hybrid units have been carried out. In most of these hybrid units, integration is highly beneficial for solar thermal distillation units rather than for PV modules. Direct utilization of PV module as absorber, condenser and reflector in solar stills has few drawbacks. However, indirect utilization like utilizing electric power and waste heat energy recovered from PV module in distillation units has posed significant distillate yield enhancement up to 300.0%. In some cases, the integrated PV module has even generated sufficient power for carrying out essential domestic activities. Integrated PV module's performance has also improved significantly in few studies but the magnitude of improvement has not been disclosed clearly in most of the studies as more focus has been given to distillation units rather than PV modules. However, these novel hybrid configurations have not been fully explored & optimized and their techno-enviro-economic aspects have not yet been disclosed in these available precious literatures and they are still available as a potential research gap.

Performance of the SolWat system operating in static mode vs. dynamic for wastewater treatment: Power generation and obtaining reclaimed water.

Two hybrid SolWat systems operating in static (without flow circulation) versus dynamic (with flow circulation) mode were simultaneously compared. This work aims to demonstrate the viability of SolWat in dynamic mode to: a) adapt to the operation of the WWTP with a continuous flow, in which the wastewater flows continuously for treatment, b) treat a larger volume of water in the system and c) increase the cooling of the PV modules thanks to the cooling of the temperature of the water sample to improve the energy efficiency in the system. Real secondary wastewater effluents from wastewater treatment plants were used, using solar energy for water disinfection and photovoltaic energy production, in order to use the SolWat systems and implement it as a tertiary treatment. A total of five experiments were performed during autumn, winter, spring and summer. Solar disinfection of Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis and Clostridium perfringens was assessed, and physicochemical parameters were also analysed. The UV dose received by the SolWat systems was the same, but not for the microorganisms in the water sample. The static SolWat irradiated a particle (microorganism) for 4 h, while the dynamic SolWat irradiated intermittently, so the latter system received a shorter UV exposure time, and therefore a lower UV dose. Results indicated that, although the microorganisms did not obtain the absolute bacterial inactivation during the SODIS treatment in any SolWat system, adequate inactivation levels were achieved to allow the reuse of the water for various uses (Royal Decree 1620/2007, Regulation (EU) 2020/741), although to a lesser extent for SolWat in dynamic mode, which treated twice the volume of water and reached cooler temperatures. C. perfringens proved to be the most resistant bacterium tested. The total photovoltaic energy production in the dynamic mode system was more energy efficient than the static mode, being even more efficient than the single PV reference system during the spring (3.5%) and summer (2.7%) test, due to the compensating effect by the cooling of the water on the photovoltaic module against the losses caused by radiation.

Recommendations for the coordinated management of psoriatic arthritis by rheumatologists and dermatologists: a Delphi study.

Psoriatic arthritis, a chronic inflammatory musculoskeletal disease that is associated with psoriasis, causes joint erosions, accompanied by loss of function and quality-of-life. The clinical presentation is variable, with extreme phenotypes that can mimic rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis. Because psoriasis usually presents before psoriatic arthritis, the dermatologist plays a key role in early detection of the latter. As many treatments used in psoriasis are also used in psoriatic arthritis, treatment recommendations should take into consideration the type and severity of both conditions. This consensus paper presents guidelines for the coordinated management of psoriatic arthritis by rheumatologists and dermatologists. The paper was drafted by a multidisciplinary group (6rheumatologists, 6dermatologists, and 2epidemiologists) using the Delphi method and contains recommendations, tables, and algorithms for the diagnosis, referral, and treatment of patients with psoriatic arthritis.

An anisaldehyde sodium bisulfite derivative: poly[[µ4-(hydroxy)(4-methoxyphenyl)methanesulfonato]sodium].

The title complex, [Na(C(8)H(9)O(5)S)](n), is polymeric and consists of broad layers parallel to (100) made up of an inner hydrophilic core of Na(+) cations and polar SO(3)C(OH)- groups, padded on both sides by two hydrophobic layers of pendant methoxyphenyl groups. The Na(+) cations in the inner core are six-coordinated into highly distorted NaO(6) octahedra by four symmetry-related (hydroxy)(4-methoxyphenyl)methanesulfonate anions, leading to a tightly woven two-dimensional structure. While there are some hydrogen bonds providing interplanar cohesion, interactions between adjacent layers are weak hydrophobic ones. The present compound appears to be the first reported structure containing the (hydroxy)(4-methoxyphenyl)methanesulfonate ligand.

Deactivating environmental strains of Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis and Clostridium perfringens from a real wastewater effluent using UV-LEDs.

Environmental bacteria strains are known to be more resistant but studies on UV-LEDs are scarce, especially for Clostridium perfringens and Enterococcus faecalis. UV-LEDs of different wavelengths (268 nm, 279 nm and 307 nm) have been used for treating real wastewater from the effluent of the municipal plant in Linares (Spain), with real organic matter content, for E. coli, Enterococcus faecalis and Clostridium perfringens disinfection. Experimental results demonstrate that 268 nm was the most effective wavelength for inactivation of the three different bacteria strains: E. coli showed an inactivation rate of 0.561 at 268 nm vs. 0.245 at 279 nm and 0.0029 for 307 nm; E. faecalis inactivation rate was 0.313 at 268 nm, 0.231 at 279 nm and 0.0023 at 307 nm; and C. perfringens inactivation rate was 0.084 at 268 nm, 0.033 at 279 nm and 6.9e-4 at 307 nm. In general, 307 nm wavelength showed a significantly lower inactivation rate so it would not be recommended for practical applications. C. Perfringens required higher UV doses and longer times to achieve complete inactivation.

Disease activity indexes might not capture the same disease aspects in males and females with ankylosing spondylitis: A real-world nationwide analysis.

Background: To evaluate gender differences in disease activity and health status (HS) in patients with radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA)/ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Methods: Ancillary analysis of the MIDAS study, an observational, non-interventional, cross-sectional and retrospective multicenter nationwide study to assess disease activity and its relationship with HS in clinical practice. Adult patients with AS diagnosis, fulfilling ASAS and modified New York criteria, treated for ≥3 months upon study inclusion according to clinical practice were included. The primary outcome was "disease control" assessed by the percentage of patients in remission and low disease activity (BASDAI and ASDAS-CRP scores). HS was evaluated using the ASAS health index (ASAS-HI). Patients' responses and characteristics were analyzed by gender. Results: We analyzed 313 patients with AS, 237 (75.7%) males and 76 (24.3%) females. A total of 202 (64.5%) patients had adequate disease control (BASDAI < 4); 69.2% of males [mean (SD) BASDAI 2.9 (2.1)] and 50.0% of females [mean (SD) BASDAI 3.8 (2.4); p = 0.01]. According to ASDAS-CRP, 57.5% of patients were adequately controlled (ASDAS-ID +ASDAS-LDA); 138 (58.2%) males and 42 (55.3%) females. The mean (SD) ASDAS-CRP was 1.9 (1.1); being 1.9 (1.0) in males and 2.0 (1.1) in females. Overall, the impact of AS on HS was low to moderate [mean (SD) ASAS-HI 5.8 (4.4)]; being 5.5 (4.4) for males and 6.8 (4.2) for females (p = 0.02). Conclusion: This study showed a higher proportion of females with AS and active disease using the BASDAI definition. When using the ASDAS-CRP definition these differences by gender were less pronounced. The impact of disease activity on HS appears to be higher in females than males.

Photovoltaic and solar disinfection technology meeting the needs of water and electricity of a typical household in developing countries: From a Solar Home System to a full-functional hybrid system.

A novel SolWat system designed exclusively as a Solar Home System that also meets the drinking water access in a family of a rural community in a developing country has been designed, manufactured and tested outdoors. The system is composed of 5 photovoltaic modules of monocrystalline silicon solar cells technology, each 20 Wp, parallel-interconnected, adding up to a 100 Wp system. The modules have a water reactor on top with the capacity of providing a minimum of 37.5 L per day for a family of 5 members, guaranteeing the minimum daily needs. Experimental campaign run tests of SODIS of 3 h each, running the system 3 times per day (with a total of 9 h of experimentation per day). Results show that the water treatment of 3 h should be increased at certain periods of the day when the UV dose is not sufficient (late in the afternoon). E. coli and Enterococcus spp achieved total inactivation or almost total disinfection. Regarding electrical production, although energy losses of 5.6-10% were observed in comparison with a single PV module, it was sufficient to fully meet the load demand of the solar home system. The system could be used in a household of a developing country, using only solar energy to meet the electricity and drinking water demand.

The problem of drinking water access: A review of disinfection technologies with an emphasis on solar treatment methods.

The lack of access to safe drinking water is one of the biggest challenges facing humanity in the 21st century. Despite the collective global effort that has been made, the drinking water sources of at least 2 billion people are faecally contaminated, resulting in more than half a million diarrhoeal deaths each year, with the majority occurring in developing countries. Technologies for the inactivation of pathogenic microorganisms in water are therefore of great significance for human health and well-being. However, conventional technologies to provide drinking water, although effective, present limitations that impede their global application. These treatment methods often have high energy and chemical demands, which limits their application for the prevention of waterborne diseases in the most vulnerable regions. These shortcomings have led to rapid research and development of advanced alternative technologies. One of these alternative methods is solar disinfection, which is recognised by the World Health Organization as one of the most appropriate methods for producing drinkable water in developing countries. This study reviews conventional technologies that are being applied at medium to large scales to purify water and emerging technologies currently in development. In addition, this paper describes the merits, demerits, and limitations of these technologies. Finally, the review focuses on solar disinfection, including a novel technology recently developed in this field.

Molecular typing of a large nosocomial outbreak of KPC-producing bacteria in the biggest tertiary-care hospital of Quito, Ecuador.

OBJECTIVES: Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic pathogen associated with nosocomial infections worldwide. Isolates with a K. pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-producing phenotype show reduced susceptibility to first-choice antibiotics. Between 2012-2013, the largest public tertiary-care hospital in Quito (Ecuador) reported an outbreak of KPC-producing bacteria with more than 800 cases. We developed a molecular epidemiological approach to analyse the clonality of K. pneumoniae isolates recovered from selected hospital services and patient samples. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed based on microbial isolates and their corresponding records from the hospital and referred to Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública (INSPI). From 800 isolates that were collected between 2012-2013, a total of 100 isolates were randomly selected for this study. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Genotypic detection and phylogenetic relationship analysis were performed by multilocus sequence typing (MLST). The blaKPC carbapenemase gene was also amplified by PCR and was sequenced using Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: Molecular analysis showed that the outbreak had a polyclonal origin with two predominant genotypes, comprising sequence types ST25 and ST258, present in 38 and 36 cases, respectively. These genotypes were found in all studied hospital services including general surgery, intensive care unit and emergency. TheblaKPC-5 gene was the most prevalent blaKPC variant in this study. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that KPC-producing polyclonal K. pneumoniae are frequent causes of nosocomial hospital outbreaks in South America. Similar genotypes have been reported in Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, North America and Asia.

Disodium zinc bis-(sulfate) tetra-hydrate (zinc astrakanite) revisited.

We present a new low-temperature refinement of disodium zinc bis-(sulfate) tetra-hydrate {systematic name: poly[tetra-µ-aqua-di-µ-sulfato-zinc(II)disodium(I)]}, [Na(2)Zn(SO(4))(2)(H(2)O)(4)](n) or Zn astrakanite, which is an upgrade of previously reported data [Bukin & Nozik (1974 ▶). Zh. Strukt. Khim.15, 712-716]. The compound is part of an isostructural family containing the Mg (the original astrakanite mineral), Co and Ni species. The very regular ZnO(aqua)(4)O(sulfate)(2) octa-hedra lie on centres of symmetry, while the rather distorted NaO(aqua)(2)O(sulfate)(4) octa-hedra appear at general positions, linked into a three-dimensional network by the bridging water mol-ecules and the fully coordinated sulfate groups.

A critical review on iodine presence in drinking water access at the Saharawi refugee camps (Tindouf, Algeria).

Iodine content in drinking water at the Saharawi refugee camps was analysed to assess the controversy in the origin of the prevalence of goitre among this population. A review on the iodine presence in drinking water reported in the literature was conducted, along with international standards and guidelines for iodine intake and iodine concentration in drinking water were also consulted. Chinese legislation was taken as the reference standard to evaluate the iodine concentration in water as adequate (10-150µg/L) or not (high iodine >150µg/L and iodine excess goitre >300µg/L). Water sampling was conducted in 2015 and 2016 at the Saharawi camps (El Aiun, Awserd, Smara, Boujador and Dakhla) and at the institutional capital of Rabouni. The water supply in the camps is organized in three zones: El Aiun and Awserd where each 'wilaya' receives treated water 20days and raw water another 20days; Smara, Rabouni and Boujador receiving treated water continuously and Dakhla receiving raw water continuously. Results show that Smara, Rabouni and Boujador have access to drinking water with adequate iodine levels, as it occurs in Dakhla where raw water meets the Chinese standard, however in El Aiun and Awserd all population should have access to treated water given the current quality of the raw water supply. External supplies of water and animal milk could be also contributing to the high iodine intake. In conclusion, the contribution of drinking water as the main source of iodine to the urinary iodine concentration (UIC) and goitre prevalence among the Saharawi refugee population is not clear. Further studies should be conducted to assess the iodine content among all the nutritional sources of the population with a detailed study on the daily intake of these foods and drinks, including UIC and goitre prevalence studies.

Recommendations for the evaluation and management of patients with rheumatic autoimmune and inflammatory diseases during the reproductive age, pregnancy, postpartum and breastfeeding. / Recomendaciones sobre actuaciones a seguir durante la edad fértil, el embarazo, posparto y lactancia en pacientes con enfermedades reumáticas inflamatorias y autoinmunes.

OBJECTIVE: To develop recommendations on the evaluation and management of patients with rheumatic autoimmune and inflammatory diseases during the reproductive age, pregnancy, post-partum and breastfeeding based on the best evidence and experience. METHODS: Recommendations were generated using nominal group and Delphi techniques. An expert panel of 12 rheumatologists was established. A systematic literature review and a narrative review (websites, clinical guidelines and other relevant documentation) were performed and presented to the panel in its 1st meeting to be discussed and to help define recommendations. A first draft of recommendations was generated and circulated for comments and wording refinement. A national survey analyzing different aspects of this topic was undertaken separately, followed by a Delphi process (2 rounds). Agreement with each recommendation was ranked on a scale of 1 (total disagreement) to 10 (total agreement), and was considered to be achieved if at least 70% voted≥7. The level of evidence and grade of recommendation were assessed using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine Levels of Evidence. RESULTS: A total of 14 recommendations were generated for the preconception period (oral and hormonal contraception, reproductive techniques), pregnancy (planning, treatment and follow-up), and breastfeeding (treatment and follow-up). High-risk situations such as lupus or antiphospholipid syndrome were included. A consensus>90% was reached for all but one recommendation. CONCLUSIONS: These recommendations are intended to provide rheumatologists, patients, families and other stakeholders with a consensus on the evaluation and management of patients with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases during the reproductive age, pregnancy, postpartum and breastfeeding.

An insight into the drinking-water access in the health institutions at the Saharawi refugee camps in Tindouf (Algeria) after 40years of conflict.

Drinking water access in the Saharawi refugee camps located in the Algerian desert is a challenge that is still an on-going problem after 40years of conflict. This work presents an analysis of the situation with emphasis on the water supply in health institutions (quantity and quality) including both sanitary inspections and a comprehensive water quality study. Results from sanitary inspections show that only half of the water supply installations at the hospitals are in adequate conditions and the rest present high risk of microbiological contamination. Water access in small medical community centres on the other hand present issues related to the non-availability of food-grade water tanks for the institutions (70%), the use of small 10l containers as the main water supply (40%), poor maintenance (60% under antihygienic conditions and 30% with damaged covers), and insufficient chlorine levels that prevent microbiological contamination. Regarding water quality analyses, raw water supply in Smara, El Aiun and Awserd camps present high conductivity and high levels of fluoride, chloride, nitrate and sulphate, but dropping to normal levels within the drinking-water standards after water treatment via reverse osmosis plants. But for the case of El Aiun and Awserd, the reverse osmosis plant only provides treated water to the population each 20days, so the population receives raw water directly and health risks should be evaluated. Finally, Dakhla water supply is the best in terms of physico-chemical parameters quality, currently providing safe drinking water after a chlorination stage. In summary, drinking water access has improved dramatically in the last years due to the efforts of local and international authorities but several issues remain to be solved: access to treated water for all the population, improved water quality controls (especially in Dakhla), expansion of distribution networks, and adequate storage systems and maintenance.

Serum affects the characteristics of excitatory amino acid-binding sites on Müller cells.

The binding of [3H]L-aspartate to membranes obtained from primary cultures of chick retinal Müller cells (glia) was studied Cells seeded in low-serum-containing medium (1%) and maintained in this condition showed an increased number of binding site from 1 to 5 days in vitro (DIV), when compared with controls cultured in medium containing 10% serum; these changes were not reversed by the addition of 10% serum after 48 h in vitro. Increased binding at this age was due to the expression of a low affinity binding system, competitively inhibited by the glutamate uptake blocker L-aspartate-beta-hydroxamate, suggesting that high serum might inhibit the expression of uptake sites at precise maturation stages. Experiments showed the effect was due to a thermolabile serum component. The increase in binding sites is parallel in time to both an increase in aspartate uptake and the initiation of synaptogenesis in the whole retina. Our results suggest that the presence of serum at defined stages in retinal development, could result in the elevation of extracellular glutamate and the concomitant excitotoxic death of neuronal cells, due to a decreased glutamate uptake by glial cells.

[Sclerodermia and nephro-urological tumors. Presentation of two cases]. / Esclerodermia y tumores nefrourológicos. A propósito de dos casos.

The association between sclerodermia and malignant diseases is estimated around 3-7%. We present two cases of this disease concomitant to nephro-urological tumors. In one of these cases, we detected a hypernephroma in a patient with signs of florid sclerodermia, which did not disappear after nephrectomy and later showing evidence of metastasis. The other patient showed sclerodermiform signs developing quickly after transurethral resection of a vesical carcinoma. The highest incidence of associated neoplasias is observed in lung and breast cancers, hematological carcinoids and melanomas. Nephro-urological tumors are present in 0.3-0.5%.

[Chronic monoarthritis caused by osteoid osteoma]. / Monoartritis crónica por osteoma osteoide.

Osteoid osteoma is a nonmalignant tumour that rarely localizes intraarticularly. When this happens, the tumour provokes arthritis and its recognition is delayed from months to years. We report the case of a 34 year old man with a previously known HIV infection, but no evidence of immunosuppression. He develops a chronic monoarthritis of the left elbow that is initially interpreted as infectious disease. CT provides diagnostic suspicion of osteoma, that is confirmed by pathologic examination two years after the onset of the clinical complaints. CT is the radiologic technique of election in the evaluation of osteoid osteoma. Synovitis is interpreted in the literature as secondary to prostaglandin secretion by the tumour.

Power Doppler ultrasonography assessment of entheses in spondyloarthropathies: response to therapy of entheseal abnormalities.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the response to therapy of entheseal abnormalities assessed with power Doppler (PD) ultrasound (US) in spondyloarthropathies (SpA). METHODS: A total of 327 patients with active SpA who were starting anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy were prospectively recruited at 35 Spanish centers. A PDUS examination of 14 peripheral entheses was performed by the same investigator in each center at baseline and at 6 months. The following elementary lesions were assessed at each enthesis (presence/absence): morphologic abnormalities (hypoechogenicity and/or thickening), entheseal calcific deposits, cortical abnormalities (bone erosion and/or proliferation), adjacent bursitis and intraenthesis and perienthesis (tendon body and/or bursa) PD signal. Response to therapy of each elementary lesion was assessed by calculating change in the cumulative presence from baseline to 6 months. Intraobserver reliability of PDUS was evaluated by blindly assessing the stored baseline images 3 months after the real-time examination. RESULTS: Complete data were obtained on 197 patients who received anti-TNF therapy for 6 months. In 91.4% of the patients there were gray-scale or PD elementary lesions at baseline and at 6 months. Cumulative entheseal morphologic abnormalities, intraenthesis PD, perienthesis PD, and bursitis showed a significant decrease from baseline to 6 months (p < 0.05). There was high intraobserver reliability for all elementary lesions (interclass correlation coefficient > 0.90, p < 0.0005). CONCLUSION: Entheseal morphologic abnormalities, PD signal, and bursitis were US abnormalities that were responsive to anti-TNF therapy in SpA. PDUS can be a reproducible method for multicenter monitoring of therapeutic response in enthesitis of SpA.