Promoting the circular economy: Valorization of a residue from industrial char to activated carbon with potential environmental applications as adsorbents.

Pyrolysis of residues enriched with carbon, such as in agroforestry or industrial activities, has been postulated as an emerging technology to promote the production of biofuels, contributing to the circular economy and minimizing waste. However, during the pyrolysis processes a solid fraction residue is generated. This work aims to study the viability of these chars to develop porous carbonaceous materials that can be used for environmental applications. Diverse chars discharged by an industrial pyrolysis factory have been activated with KOH. Concretely, the char residues came from the pyrolysis of olive stone, pine, and acacia splinters, spent residues fuel, and cellulose artificial casings. The changes in the textural, structural, and composition characteristics after the activation process were studied by N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms, scanning electron microscopy, FTIR, elemental analysis, and XPS. A great porosity was developed, SBET within 776-1186 m2 g-1 and pore volume of 0.37-0.59 cm3 g-1 with 70-90% of micropores contribution. The activated chars were used for the adsorption of CO2, leading to CO2 maximum uptakes of 90-130 mg g-1. There was a good correlation between the CO2 uptake with microporosity and oxygenated surface groups of the activated chars. Moreover, their ability to adsorption of contaminants in aqueous solution was also evaluated. Concretely, there was studied the adsorption of aqueous heavy metals, i.e., Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn, and organic pollutants of emerging concern such as caffeine, diclofenac, and acetaminophen.

Conversion of char from pyrolysis of plastic wastes into alternative activated carbons for heavy metal removal.

The valorization of post-consumer mixed plastics in pyrolysis processes represents an abundant reservoir of carbon that can be effectively converted into useful chars. This process not only holds appeal in terms of improving plastic waste concerns but also contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, thus aligning with the principles of a circular economy paradigm. In this study, the char produced from the pyrolysis of post-consumer mixed plastic waste has been activated with Na2CO3, KOH, NaOH, and K2CO3 to improve the textural, structural, and composition characteristics, leading to improved adsorption capability. These characteristics were studied by N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms, scanning electron microscopy, elemental and immediate analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The developed surface area (SBET) was 573, 939, 704 and 592 m2 g-1 for Na2CO3, KOH, NaOH and K2CO3 activated carbons, respectively. These activated chars (ACs) were tested for the adsorption of heavy metals in both synthetic waters containing Pb, Cd, and Cu and industrial wastewater collected at an agrochemical production plant. Na2CO3-AC was the best performing material. The metal uptake in synthetic waters using a batch set-up was 40, 13 and 12 mg g-1 for Pb, Cd and Cu. Experiments in a column set-up using Na2CO3-AC resulted in a saturation time of 290, 16, and 80 min for Pb, Cd, and Cu synthetic waters, respectively, and metal uptakes of 26.8, 4.1, and 7.9 mg g-1, respectively. The agrochemical effluents, containing mainly Cr, Cu, Mn, and Zn were tested in a plug-flow column. The metal uptake notably decreased compared to synthetic water due to a competition effect for active sites.

Escisión transcervical de un adenoma paratiroideo mediastínico gigante / Transcervical Excision of a Giant Mediastinal Parathyroid Adenoma

Resumen El hiperparatiroidismo primario (HPTP) es el tercer trastorno neuroendocrino más común, cuya principal causa es el adenoma paratiroideo. Dentro de la clasificación aquellos adenomas que pesan más de 3.5 g se clasifican como adenomas paratiroideos gigantes (APG), se asocian a una peor evolución y malignidad. El propósito de este artículo es presentar nuestro enfoque diagnóstico y terapéutico, en el abordaje de una paciente con HPTP asociado a un APG mediastínico. Una búsqueda en la literatura internacional de los últimos 10 años reveló que solo otros 8 centros han informado la extracción de un APG de localización y dimensiones similares al nuestro. Presentación del caso: Mujer de 66 años con antecedente de bocio multinodular, se solicitan perfil tiroideo y medición de parathormona (PTH) con reporte de 350.60 pg/mL. Se decidió realizar una gammagrafía tiroidea/paratiroidea con 99mTc sestaMIBI que reportó persistencia de una zona focal de la concentración localizada en topografía de polo inferior del lóbulo tiroideo derecho. Se complementó dicho estudio con SPECT-CT, donde se reportó imagen de paratiroides inferior derecha hiperfuncionante compatible con adenoma y se diagnosticó a la paciente con HPTP. Finalmente, se realizó resección obteniendo tumoración de 7.0 × 4.5 × 2.0 cm, con un peso de 24.5 g. Conclusiones: Nuestro caso destacó el uso de los estudios de imagen para facilitar la localización y lograr el diagnóstico aunado a la presentación clínica y el perfil bioquímico. El tratamiento selectivo se logró de manera segura a través de una técnica transcervical mínimamente invasiva, combinada con la medición de los niveles de PTH.

Abstract Primary hyperparathyroidism (HPTP) is the third most com- mon neuroendocrine disorder, its main cause is parathyroid adenoma. Within the classification, those adenomas that weigh more than 3.5 g are classified as giant parathyroid adenomas (APG), and are associated with a worse evolution and malignancy. The purpose of this article is to present our diagnostic and therapeutic approach of a patient with HPTP associated with a mediastinal APG. A search in the international literature of the last 10 years revealed that only 8 other centers have reported the extraction of an APG of similar dimensions to ours and in a similar location. Case presentation: A 66-year-old woman with a history of multinodular goiter, thyroid profile and parathormone (PTH) measurement were requested, with a report of 350.60 pg/ mL. A thyroid/parathyroid scintigraphy was performed with 99mTc sestaMIBI which reported persistence of a focal area of the concentration located in the topography of the lower pole of the right thyroid lobe. This study was complemented with SPECT-CT, which reported an image of hyperfunctioning right inferior parathyroid compatible with adenoma and the patient was diagnosed with PTH. Finally, resection was performed, obtaining a tumor measuring 7.0 × 4.5 × 2.0 cm, with a weight of 24.5 g. Conclusions: Our case highlights the use of imaging studies to facilitate localization and achieve diagnosis together with clinical presentation and biochemical profile. Selective treatment was achieved safely through a minimally invasive transcervical technique, combined with the measurement of PTH.

Fascitis necrotizante cervical: experiencia en el Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González, Ciudad de México, / Cervical necrotizing fasciitis: Experience in the Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González, Mexico City,

Introducción: la fascitis necrotizante cervical es una entidad poco frecuente en la cabeza y el cuello, pero su importancia está dada por la elevada tasa de mortalidad. La importancia clínica de este estudio se debe al hecho de que no hay muchos reportes de casos de esta patología en América Latina, por lo cual queremos describir la experiencia en nuestro Hospital. Objetivo: describir la experiencia en fascitis necrotizante cervical en el Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González. Materiales y métodos: estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo y transversal de historias clínicas del Servicio de Otorrinolaringología y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello del Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González, de 2011 a 2017. Resultados: se incluyeron 11 historias clínicas con diagnóstico de fascitis necrotizante cervical, de las cuales 8 (72,7 %) eran hombres y 3 (27,2%) mujeres, con una edad promedio de 49,1 años. 5 (45,4 %) pacientes debutaron con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2). El origen de la infección fue odontogénico en 3 (27,2 %) pacientes. Los microorganismos más frecuentes fueron Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus anginosus y Staphylococcus epidermidis. Los 11 pacientes (100 %) fueron intervenidos quirúrgicamente e impregnados con antimicrobianos empíricos, que posteriormente fueron modificados o no según los resultados del antibiograma. La hospitalización promedio fue de 18,7 días. 3 (27,2 %) pacientes presentaron mediastinitis como complicación. Hubo 2 muertes (18,1 %). Conclusión: el diagnóstico temprano y el tratamiento antimicrobiano empírico y quirúrgico agresivo pueden reducir significativamente la morbimortalidad.

Introduction: Cervical necrotizing fasciitis is a rare entity in the head and neck, but its importance is given by the high mortality rate. The clinical importance of this study is due to the fact that there are not many case reports of this pathology in Latin America, which is why we want to describe the experience in our hospital. Objective: To describe the experience in cervical necrotizing fasciitis at the Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González. Materials and methods: Descriptive, retrospective and cross-sectional study of medical records of the Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery Service of the Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González, from 2011 to 2017. Results: 11 medical records with a diagnosis of cervical necrotizing fasciitis were included, of which 8 (72.7%) were men and 3 (27.2%) were women, with a mean age of 49.1 years. 5 (45.4%) patients presented with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The origin of the infection was odontogenic in 3 (27.2%) patients. The most frequent microorganisms were Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus anginosus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The 11 patients (100%) underwent surgery and impregnated with empirical antimicrobials, which were later modified or not, according to the results of the antibiogram. The average hospitalization was 18.7 days. 3 (27.2%) patients presented mediastinitis as a complication. There were two deaths (18.1%). Conclusion: Early diagnosis and aggressive empirical and surgical antimicrobial treatment can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality.

Noma and Noma-like disease in HIV/AIDS patients, a comorbid interaction: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Noma is an opportunistic polymicrobial infection that cause necrosis of the mouth and face, with high morbidity and mortality, predominantly affecting malnourished children and persons with debilitating diseases. Cases of noma-like disease in adults, although rare, have been increasingly reported in HIV/AIDS patients particularly in developing countries but also in more developed countries. METHODOLOGY: A systematic review of the literature to assess the occurrence and clinical impact of noma and noma-like disease in HIV/AIDS patients was performed on PubMed, Virtual Health Library, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar using the keywords "HIV"[ All Fields] AND "Noma"[All Fields] in December 2016 (years includead for the search: 1985 to 2016). RESULTS: Twenty-four published studies were identified that document the occurrence of noma or noma-like disease in a total of 133 HIV/AIDS children and adult patients in the last 22 years. Although HIV infection is not the principal risk factor for noma, in some regions may play a substantial role in its pathogenesis. The mortality rate for noma-like disease in HIV/AIDS patients was 54.3%, compared to the 15% mortality rate of treated noma patients without HIV/AIDS. Most of the cases have never been on antiretroviral therapy, and their HIV infection was discovered because of the noma-like disease. CONCLUSIONS: The syndemic interaction between HIV/AIDS and noma-like disease adversely impacts the severity of the disease and the mortality rate. Noma-like disease, although not yet considered a specific or frequent disease associated with HIV infection, should be considered as an opportunistic infection for AIDS.

Myocutaneous sternocleidomastoid flap for reconstruction after the resection of a parapharyngeal heterotopic glioma in a child with cleft palate, and systematic review of parapharyngeal glial heterotopia.

We describe the surgery and reconstruction employed with a sternocleidomastoid myocutaneous flap for the treatment of a heterotopic glioma in a 2-year-old boy with incomplete palatal fissure who presented with dysphagia and snoring, in whom a lateral pharyngeal wall mass obstructing 60% of the airway was noted. Heterotopic gliomas are uncommonly reported in the parapharyngeal space and should be included in the differential diagnosis at this location in children. Parapharyngeal tumors present difficult diagnostic and management challenges; head and neck surgeons must be prepared not only for the resection but also for the reconstruction of these rare lesions.

[Histology of submandibular gland tumours, 10 years' experience]. / Histología de tumores de glándulas submandibulares. Experiencia de 10 años.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: There are few reports focused on neoplasms in the submandibular gland because they are uncommon and are frequently grouped with the other salivary glands tumours. In the classical studies, the proportion of malignancy reported in these cases is around 50%. OBJECTIVES: Determining the proportion of malignancy, the most frequent histological types, the gender distribution and average age at diagnosis in patients with submandibular gland neoplasms who were treated in our hospital from 2000 year to 2010. METHODS: A retrospective review of our department database of the patients who underwent surgery for submandibular gland neoplasm in a ten-year period was performed. RESULTS: Twenty-two patient records were included, in which 19 (86%) patients presented benign disease and 3 were of a malignant type (adenocarcinoma, well-differentiated epidermoid carcinoma, follicular lymphoma). Two of the 3 cases of malignant neoplasms were in men. CONCLUSIONS: A greater proportion of benign neoplasm was found in submandibular tumours. The most frequent benign tumour is the pleomorphic adenoma. Women are more commonly affected (76%). Benign tumours appear in younger patients than do malignant ones.