Unraveling biochemical spatial patterns: Machine learning approaches to the inverse problem of stationary Turing patterns.

The diffusion-driven Turing instability is a potential mechanism for spatial pattern formation in numerous biological and chemical systems. However, engineering these patterns and demonstrating that they are produced by this mechanism is challenging. To address this, we aim to solve the inverse problem in artificial and experimental Turing patterns. This task is challenging since patterns are often corrupted by noise and slight changes in initial conditions can lead to different patterns. We used both least squares to explore the problem and physics-informed neural networks to build a noise-robust method. We elucidate the functionality of our network in scenarios mimicking biological noise levels and showcase its application using an experimentally obtained chemical pattern. The findings reveal the significant promise of machine learning in steering the creation of synthetic patterns in bioengineering, thereby advancing our grasp of morphological intricacies within biological systems while acknowledging existing limitations.

Transient Performance Analysis of Centrifugal Left Ventricular Assist Devices Coupled With Windkessel Model: Large Eddy Simulations Study on Continuous and Pulsatile Flow Operation.

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are widely used to develop and analyze blood-contacting medical devices such as left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). This work presents an analysis of the transient behavior of two centrifugal LVADs with different designs: HeartWare VAD and HeartMate3. A scale-resolving methodology is followed through Large Eddy Simulations, which allows for the visualization of turbulent structures. The three-dimensional (3D) LVAD models are coupled to a zero-dimensional (0D) 2-element Windkessel model, which accounts for the vascular resistance and compliance of the arterial system downstream of the device. Furthermore, both continuous- and pulsatile-flow operation modes are analyzed. For the pulsatile conditions, the artificial pulse of HeartMate3 is imposed, leading to a larger variation of performance variables in HeartWare VAD than in HeartMate3. Moreover, CFD results of pulsatile-flow simulations are compared to those obtained by accessing the quasi-steady maps of the pumps. The quasi-steady approach is a predictive tool used to provide a preliminary approximation of the pulsatile evolution of flow rate, pressure head, and power, by only imposing a speed pulse and vascular parameters. This preliminary quasi-steady solution can be useful for deciding the characteristics of the pulsatile speed law before running a transient CFD simulation, as the former entails a significant reduction in computational cost in comparison to the latter.

Textbook outcome in patients with biliary duct injury during cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: Iatrogenic bile duct injury (BDI) during cholecystectomy is associated with a complex and heterogeneous management owing to the burden of morbidity until their definitive treatment. This study aimed to define the textbook outcomes (TOs) after BDI with the purpose to indicate the ideal treatment and to improve it management. METHODS: We collected data from patients with an BDI between 1990 and 2022 from 27 hospitals. TO was defined as a successful conservative treatment of the iatrogenic BDI or only minor complications after BDI or patients in whom the first repair resolves the iatrogenic BDI without complications or with minor complications. RESULTS: We included 808 patients and a total of 394 patients (46.9%) achieved TO. Overall complications in TO and non-TO groups were 11.9% and 86%, respectively (P < .001). Major complications and mortality in the non-TO group were 57.4% and 9.2%, respectively. The use of end-to-end bile duct anastomosis repair was higher in the non-TO group (23.1 vs 7.8, P < .001). Factors associated with achieving a TO were injury in a specialized center (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 4.01; 95% CI, 2.68-5.99; P < .001), transfer for a first repair (aOR, 5.72; 95% CI, 3.51-9.34; P < .001), conservative management (aOR, 5.00; 95% CI, 1.63-15.36; P = .005), or surgical management (aOR, 2.45; 95% CI, 1.50-4.00; P < .001). CONCLUSION: TO largely depends on where the BDI is managed and the type of injury. It allows hepatobiliary centers to identify domains of improvement of perioperative management of patients with BDI.

cGPS Record of Active Extension in Moroccan Meseta and Shortening in Atlasic Chains under the Eurasia-Nubia Convergence.

The northwest-southeast convergence of the Eurasian and Nubian (African) plates in the western Mediterranean region propagates inside the Nubian plate and affects the Moroccan Meseta and the neighboring Atlasic belt. Five continuous Global Positioning System (cGPS) stations were installed in this area in 2009 and provide significant new data, despite a certain degree of errors (between 0.5 and 1.2 mm year-1, 95% confidence) due to slow rates. The cGPS network reveals 1 mm year-1 North/South shortening accommodated within the High Atlas Mountains, and unexpected 2 mm year-1 north-northwest/south-southeast extensional-to-transtensional tectonics within the Meseta and the Middle Atlas, which have been quantified for the first time. Moreover, the Alpine Rif Cordillera drifts towards the south-southeast against its Prerifian foreland basins and the Meseta. In this context, the geological extension foreseen in the Moroccan Meseta and Middle Atlas agrees with a crustal thinning due to the combined effect of the anomalous mantle beneath both the Meseta and Middle-High Atlasic system, from which Quaternary basalts were sourced, and the roll-back tectonics in the Rif Cordillera. Overall, the new cGPS data provide reliable support for understanding the geodynamic mechanism that built the prominent Atlasic Cordillera, and reveal the heterogeneous present-day behavior of the Eurasia-Nubia collisional boundary.

Frank's sign associated with the severity of ischemic heart disease in patients under 65 years old.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Frank's sign is the diagonal ear fold which has been associated with ischemic heart disease. The objective of this work was to evaluate the relationship of Frank's sign with severity of ischemic heart disease in adults ≤ 65 years old in the northeast of Mexico. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in patients ≤ 65 years old who underwent coronary angiography consecutively over a period of 5 months in 2022. Severe coronary artery disease (CAD) was associated with Frank's sign and other common cardiovascular risks. To determine the association, bivariate and multivariate analysis was performed using logistic regression that included variables with a value of p<0.05. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS version 22. RESULTS: We included 311 patients ≤ 65 years, of whom 80% were men. The median age was 57 years (range 28-65). Frank's sign was positive in 62% of the population. The main clinical characteristics in patients with Frank's sign were type 2 diabetes mellitus (55%), p=0.003, dyslipidemia (53%), p=0.026 and smoking (68%), p=0.002. In the multivariate analysis, the independent variables associated with severe CAD were Frank's Sign OR 3.26; 95% CI (1.98-5.38), p≤0.001, male gender OR 2.28; 95% CI (1.20-4.35), p=0.012, and dyslipidemia OR 1.81; 95% CI (1.11-2.97), p=0.017. CONCLUSIONS: There is an independent association between Frank's sign with the presence of severe CAD in patients ≤ 65 years old, which may be useful for screening and prevention.

Hemocompatibility and hemodynamic comparison of two centrifugal LVADs: HVAD and HeartMate3.

Mechanical circulatory support using ventricular assist devices is a common technique for treating patients suffering from advanced heart failure. The latest generation of devices is characterized by centrifugal turbopumps which employ magnetic levitation bearings to ensure a gap clearance between moving and static parts. Despite the increasing use of these devices as a destination therapy, several long-term complications still exist regarding their hemocompatibility. The blood damage associated with different pump designs has been investigated profoundly in the literature, while the hemodynamic performance has been hardly considered. This work presents a novel comparison between the two main devices of the latest generation-HVAD and HM3-from both perspectives, hemodynamic performance and blood damage. Computational fluid dynamics simulations are performed to model the considered LVADs, and computational results are compared to experimental measurements of pressure head to validate the model. Enhanced performance and hemocompatibility are detected for HM3 owing to its design incorporating more conventional blades and larger gap clearances.

Vagus Nerve Stimulation in the Carotid Triangle: An Effective Method for Monitoring the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve in Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective is the description of the technique of vagus nerve stimulation in carotid triangle in order to monitor the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) during thyroid and parathyroid surgery. METHODS: We stimulated the vagus nerve in the carotid triangle during 150 thyroid or parathyroid surgeries using a monopolar electromyography electrode inserted under the mastoid process towards the jugular foramen as a cathode, and using another subdermal electrode in the mastoid as an anode. Another complementary method of vagus stimulation was achieved with a pair of subdermal electrodes, placing the cathode at the mandibular angle and the anode at the mastoid. RESULTS: In all patients, compound muscle action potential (CMAP) was recorded in the vocal cords with both stimulation techniques, allowing semi-continuous monitoring to be carried out. Intraoperative lesions were detected in 16 of the cases; 9 of them were transient with CMAP recovery achieved when modifying surgical maneuvers. CONCLUSIONS: Vagus nerve stimulation in the carotid triangle is a reliable technique for monitoring the RLN in thyroid surgery. Vagus nerve stimulation in the carotid triangle is effective and safe for RLN monitoring, and it is a clear alternative to direct continuous stimulation of the nerve that by contrast requires its dissection in the carotid sheath.

Optimization of the Pentachlorophenol Adsorption by Organo-Clays Based on Response Surface Methodology.

The aim of this study is to optimize the adsorption of pentachlorophenol (PCP) using an organo-clay under the response surface methodology. The adsorbent was selected from a montmorillonite exchanged by various cations, such as Fe3+, Al3+, Zn2+, Mg2+, Na+, and modified by bromide cetyltrimethylammonium (CTAB) as surfactant. The obtained organo-montmorillonite was characterized using several techniques, such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and nitrogen adsorption, performed at -196 °C. The results showed an increase in basal space from 1.65 to 1.88 nm and a decrease in the specific surface and pore volume, with an increase in pore diameter, including the presence of characteristic bands of -CH2- and -CH3- groups at 2926 and 2854 cm-1 in the FTIR spectrum after the modification. The optimization of PCP removal by clay adsorbents is achieved using the response surface methodology (RSM) with a four-factor central composite model, including pH of solution, mass of adsorbent, contact time, and initial concentration. The results proved the validity of the regression model, wherein the adsorption capacity reaches its maximum value of 38 mg/g at a lower adsorbent mass of 20 mg, pH of 6, contact time (tc) of 5 h, and initial concentration of 8 mg/L.

Analysis of adrenalectomy for the treatment of adrenal diseases performed by the Public Health Service in São Paulo between 2008 and 2019.

INTRODUCTION: treating benign (hormonally active or nonfunctional) and malignant adrenal cancer includes adrenalectomy. The expertise of surgeons and surgery performed by high-volume surgeons were associated with fewer complications and lower cost. We aimed to describe and compare the number of surgeries, mortality rate, and length of hospital stay for adrenalectomies performed between 2008 and 2019 in the public health system of São Paulo. METHODS: this was an ecological study. The data were collected using the TabNet Platform of the Unified Health System Department of Informatics. Outcomes analyzed included the number of surgeries performed, mortality rate during hospital stay, and length of hospital stay. Public hospitals in Sao Paulo were divided into three subgroups according to the surgical volume of adrenalectomies performed as well as hospitals with and without a residency program in Urology, and the results were compared among them. RESULTS: a total of 943 adrenalectomies were performed in Sao Paulo between 2008 and 2019. Mortality rates during hospital stay according to hospital surgical volume were no reported deaths in low-volume, 0.015% in intermediate-volume, and 0.004% in high-volume hospitals. The average length of the ICU stay was 1.03 days in low-volume, 2.8 in intermediate-volume, and 1.12 in high-volume hospitals (analysis between intermediate and high volume centers with statistical significance, p=0.016). CONCLUSIONS: despite no statistically significant differences among the groups analyzed, mortality rates were very low in all groups. ICU stay was shorter in high-volume centers than in intermediate-volume centers.

Machine Learning-Based Analysis in the Management of Iatrogenic Bile Duct Injury During Cholecystectomy: a Nationwide Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: Iatrogenic bile duct injury (IBDI) is a challenging surgical complication. IBDI management can be guided by artificial intelligence models. Our study identified the factors associated with successful initial repair of IBDI and predicted the success of definitive repair based on patient risk levels. METHODS: This is a retrospective multi-institution cohort of patients with IBDI after cholecystectomy conducted between 1990 and 2020. We implemented a decision tree analysis to determine the factors that contribute to successful initial repair and developed a risk-scoring model based on the Comprehensive Complication Index. RESULTS: We analyzed 748 patients across 22 hospitals. Our decision tree model was 82.8% accurate in predicting the success of the initial repair. Non-type E (p < 0.01), treatment in specialized centers (p < 0.01), and surgical repair (p < 0.001) were associated with better prognosis. The risk-scoring model was 82.3% (79.0-85.3%, 95% confidence interval [CI]) and 71.7% (63.8-78.7%, 95% CI) accurate in predicting success in the development and validation cohorts, respectively. Surgical repair, successful initial repair, and repair between 2 and 6 weeks were associated with better outcomes. DISCUSSION: Machine learning algorithms for IBDI are a novel tool may help to improve the decision-making process and guide management of these patients.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia surgical treatment trends in the Public Health System in São Paulo, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and compare the number of surgeries, mortality rate, length of hospital stay, and costs of transurethral resection of the prostate and open prostatectomy for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, between 2008 and 2018, in the Public Health System in São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: Ecological and retrospective study using data from the informatics department of the Brazilian Public Health System database. Procedure codes were "open prostatectomy" and "transurethral resection of the prostate." The outcomes analyzed were compared between transurethral resection of the prostate and open prostatectomy according to the hospital surgical volume and presence or absence of a residency program. RESULTS: A total of 18,874 surgeries were analyzed (77% transurethral resection of the prostate) and overall mortality was not statistically different between procedures. Intermediate and high-volume centers had shorter length of hospital stay than low-volume centers for transurethral resection of the prostate (3.28, 3.02, and 6.58 days, respectively, p=0.01 and p=0.004). Length of hospital stay was also shorter for open prostatectomy in high-volume compared to low-volume centers (4.86 versus 10.76 days, p=0.036). Intrahospital mortality was inversely associated with surgical volume for transurethral resection of the prostate. Centers with residency program had shorter length of hospital stay considering open prostatectomy and less mortality regarding transurethral resection of the prostate. Open prostatectomy was 64% more expensive than transurethral resection of the prostate. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest the importance of investing in specialized centers, which could be potential referral centers for surgical cases.

Progress and Recent Strategies in the Synthesis and Catalytic Applications of Perovskites Based on Lanthanum and Aluminum.

Lanthanum aluminate-based perovskite (LaAlO3) has excellent stability at high temperatures, low toxicity, and high chemical resistance and also offers wide versatility to the substitution of La3+ and Al3+, thus, allowing it to be applied as a catalyst, nano-adsorbent, sensor, and microwave dielectric resonator, amongst other equally important uses. As such, LaAlO3 perovskites have gained importance in recent years. This review considers the extensive literature of the past 10 years on the synthesis and catalytic applications of perovskites based on lanthanum and aluminum (LaAlO3). The aim is, first, to provide an overview of the structure, properties, and classification of perovskites. Secondly, the most recent advances in synthetic methods, such as solid-state methods, solution-mediated methods (co-precipitation, sol-gel, and Pechini synthesis), thermal treatments (combustion, microwave, and freeze drying), and hydrothermal and solvothermal methods, are also discussed. The most recent energetic catalytic applications (the dry and steam reforming of methane; steam reforming of toluene, glycerol, and ethanol; and oxidative coupling of methane, amongst others) using these functional materials are also addressed. Finally, the synthetic challenges, advantages, and limitations associated with the preparation methods and catalytic applications are discussed.

CFD analysis of the HVAD's hemodynamic performance and blood damage with insight into gap clearance.

Mechanical circulatory support using ventricular assist devices has become commonplace in the treatment of patients suffering from advanced stages of heart failure. While blood damage generated by these devices has been evaluated in depth, their hemodynamic performance has been investigated much less. This work presents the analysis of the complete operating map of a left ventricular assist device, in terms of pressure head, power and efficiency. Further investigation into its hemocompatibility is included as well. To achieve these objectives, computational fluid dynamics simulations of a centrifugal blood pump with a wide-blade impeller were performed. Several conditions were considered by varying the rotational speed and volumetric flow rate. Regarding the device's hemocompatibility, blood damage was evaluated by means of the hemolysis index. By relating the hemocompatibility of the device to its hemodynamic performance, the results have demonstrated that the highest hemolysis occurs at low flow rates, corresponding to operating conditions of low efficiency. Both performance and hemocompatibility are affected by the gap clearance. An innovative investigation into the influence of this design parameter has yielded decreased efficiencies and increased hemolysis as the gap clearance is reduced. As a further novelty, pump operating maps were non-dimensionalized to highlight the influence of Reynolds number, which allows their application to any working condition. The pump's operating range places it in the transitional regime between laminar and turbulent, leading to enhanced efficiency for the highest Reynolds number.

The Campo de Dalias GNSS Network Unveils the Interaction between Roll-Back and Indentation Tectonics in the Gibraltar Arc.

The Gibraltar Arc includes the Betic and Rif Cordilleras surrounding the Alboran Sea; it is formed at the northwest-southeast Eurasia-Nubia convergent plate boundary in the westernmost Mediterranean. Since 2006, the Campo de Dalias GNSS network has monitored active tectonic deformation of the most seismically active area on the north coast of the Alboran Sea. Our results show that the residual deformation rates with respect to Eurasia range from 1.7 to 3.0 mm/year; roughly homogenous west-southwestward displacements of the northern sites occur, while the southern sites evidence irregular displacements towards the west and northwest. This deformation pattern supports simultaneous east-northeast-west-southwest extension, accommodated by normal and oblique faults, and north-northwest-south-southeast shortening that develops east-northeast-west-southwest folds. Moreover, the GNSS results point to dextral creep of the main northwest-southeast Balanegra Fault. These GNNS results thus reveal, for the first time, present-day interaction of the roll-back tectonics of the Rif-Gibraltar-Betic slab in the western part of the Gibraltar Arc with the indentation tectonics affecting the eastern and southern areas, providing new insights for improving tectonic models of arcuate orogens.

Systematic review and meta-analysis: analysis of variables influencing the interpretation of clinical trial results in NAFLD.

BACKGROUND: NAFLD clinical trials have shown suboptimal results, particularly for liver fibrosis, despite the robust preclinical drug development. We aimed to assess the histological response after the experimental treatment versus placebo by carrying out a meta-analysis of NAFLD clinical trials. METHODS: After a systematic review of NAFLD clinical trials to May 2021, applying strict selection criteria, the following primary outcomes were observed: (a) NASH resolution, with no worsening of fibrosis when available; (b) fibrosis improvement ≥ 1 stage, with no worsening of NAS when available; (c) worsening of NAS; (d) worsening of liver fibrosis ≥ 1 stage, including the progression to cirrhosis on histopathology. Other histological, clinical, and biochemical outcomes were considered secondary endpoints. Heterogeneity was explored by subgroup and sensitivity analyses, and univariable meta-regression. RESULTS: Twenty-seven randomized clinical trials were included. The pooled efficacy for NASH resolution receiving experimental therapy was 19% (95%CI 15-23; I2 96.2%) compared with placebo 10% (95%CI 7-12; I2 85.8%) (OR 1.66 (95%CI 1.24-2.21); I2 57.8%), while it was 26% (95%CI 22-29); I2 90%)) versus 18% (95%CI 15-21; I2 59%)) for fibrosis improvement (OR 1.34 (95%CI 1.13-1.58); I2 25.4%). For these outcomes, the therapy showed higher efficacy in trials longer than 48 weeks, with < 60% of diabetic population, and when it targeted FXR, PPAR, and antidiabetic mechanisms, and with a NAS < 5 for NASH resolution. Also, NASH (OR 0.57 (95%CI 0.39-0.84); I2 67%) and fibrosis worsening (OR 0.65 (95%CI 0.46-0.92); I2 61.9%) were prevented with the therapy. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis provides information about the efficacy of the therapy versus placebo by comparing different and combined trial outcomes such as NASH resolution, fibrosis improvement, and NAS and fibrosis worsening. Changes in the experimental design and selection criteria of the clinical trials might be suitable to increase the efficacy.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia surgical treatment trends in the Public Health System in São Paulo, Brazil

ABSTRACT Objective To describe and compare the number of surgeries, mortality rate, length of hospital stay, and costs of transurethral resection of the prostate and open prostatectomy for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, between 2008 and 2018, in the Public Health System in São Paulo, Brazil. Methods Ecological and retrospective study using data from the informatics department of the Brazilian Public Health System database. Procedure codes were "open prostatectomy" and "transurethral resection of the prostate." The outcomes analyzed were compared between transurethral resection of the prostate and open prostatectomy according to the hospital surgical volume and presence or absence of a residency program. Results A total of 18,874 surgeries were analyzed (77% transurethral resection of the prostate) and overall mortality was not statistically different between procedures. Intermediate and high-volume centers had shorter length of hospital stay than low-volume centers for transurethral resection of the prostate (3.28, 3.02, and 6.58 days, respectively, p=0.01 and p=0.004). Length of hospital stay was also shorter for open prostatectomy in high-volume compared to low-volume centers (4.86 versus 10.76 days, p=0.036). Intrahospital mortality was inversely associated with surgical volume for transurethral resection of the prostate. Centers with residency program had shorter length of hospital stay considering open prostatectomy and less mortality regarding transurethral resection of the prostate. Open prostatectomy was 64% more expensive than transurethral resection of the prostate. Conclusion The findings suggest the importance of investing in specialized centers, which could be potential referral centers for surgical cases.

Analysis of adrenalectomy for the treatment of adrenal diseases performed by the Public Health Service in São Paulo between 2008 and 2019 / Análise da adrenalectomia para tratamento de doenças adrenais realizadas pelo Serviço Público de Saúde de São Paulo entre 2008 e 2019

ABSTRACT Introduction: treating benign (hormonally active or nonfunctional) and malignant adrenal cancer includes adrenalectomy. The expertise of surgeons and surgery performed by high-volume surgeons were associated with fewer complications and lower cost. We aimed to describe and compare the number of surgeries, mortality rate, and length of hospital stay for adrenalectomies performed between 2008 and 2019 in the public health system of São Paulo. Methods: this was an ecological study. The data were collected using the TabNet Platform of the Unified Health System Department of Informatics. Outcomes analyzed included the number of surgeries performed, mortality rate during hospital stay, and length of hospital stay. Public hospitals in Sao Paulo were divided into three subgroups according to the surgical volume of adrenalectomies performed as well as hospitals with and without a residency program in Urology, and the results were compared among them. Results: a total of 943 adrenalectomies were performed in Sao Paulo between 2008 and 2019. Mortality rates during hospital stay according to hospital surgical volume were no reported deaths in low-volume, 0.015% in intermediate-volume, and 0.004% in high-volume hospitals. The average length of the ICU stay was 1.03 days in low-volume, 2.8 in intermediate-volume, and 1.12 in high-volume hospitals (analysis between intermediate and high volume centers with statistical significance, p=0.016). Conclusions: despite no statistically significant differences among the groups analyzed, mortality rates were very low in all groups. ICU stay was shorter in high-volume centers than in intermediate-volume centers.

RESUMO Introdução: o tratamento do câncer de adrenal benigno (hormonalmente ativo ou não funcional) e maligno inclui a adrenalectomia. A experiência dos cirurgiões e a cirurgia realizada por cirurgiões de alto volume foram associadas a menos complicações e menor custo. O objetivo do estudo foi descrever e comparar o número de cirurgias, a taxa de mortalidade e o tempo de internação para adrenalectomias realizadas entre 2008 e 2019 na rede pública de saúde de São Paulo. Métodos: trata-se de um estudo ecológico. Os dados foram coletados da Plataforma TabNet do Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde. Os hospitais foram divididos em três subgrupos de acordo com o volume cirúrgico e hospitais com e sem programa de residência médica em Urologia. Os resultados foram comparados entre os grupos. Resultados: no período estudado, 943 adrenalectomias foram realizadas em São Paulo. As taxas de mortalidade durante a internação de acordo com o volume cirúrgico hospitalar foram: não foram relatados óbitos em hospitais de baixo volume; 0,015% em hospitais de volume intermediário e 0,004% em alto volume. O tempo médio de permanência na UTI foi de 1,03 dias nos hospitais de baixo volume; 2,8 nos de médio volume e 1,12 nos de alto volume (análise entre centros de médio e alto volume com significância estatística, p=0,016). Conclusão: as taxas de mortalidade foram muito baixas em todos os grupos. A permanência na UTI foi menor em centros de alto volume do que em centros de volume intermediário.

Solketal Removal from Aqueous Solutions Using Activated Carbon and a Metal-Organic Framework as Adsorbents.

The worldwide rise in biodiesel production has generated an excess of glycerol, a byproduct of the process. One of the most interesting alternative uses of glycerol is the production of solketal, a bioadditive that can improve the properties of both diesel and gasoline fuels. Even with its promising future, not much research has been performed on its toxicity in aqueous environments. In this work, solketal adsorption has been tested with two different commercial adsorbents: an activated carbon (Hydrodarco 3000) and a metal-organic framework (MIL-53). Diclofenac and caffeine were also chosen as emerging contaminants for comparison purposes. The effect of various parameters, such as the adsorbent mass or initial concentration of pollutants, has been studied. Adsorption kinetics with a better fit to a pseudo-second-order model, intraparticle diffusion, and effective diffusion coefficient were studied as well. Various isotherm equation models were employed to study the equilibrium process. The results obtained indicate that activated carbon is more effective in removing solketal from aqueous solutions than the metal-organic framework.

Hydrothermal Liquefaction of Biomass as One of the Most Promising Alternatives for the Synthesis of Advanced Liquid Biofuels: A Review.

The use of biofuels offers advantages over existing fuels because they come from renewable sources, they are biodegradable, their storage and transport are safer, and their emissions into the atmosphere are lower. Biomass is one of the most promising sustainable energy sources with a wide variety of organic materials as raw material. Chemical, biochemical, and thermochemical methods have been proposed to obtain biofuels from raw materials from biomass. In recent years, a thermochemical method that has generated great interest is hydrothermal liquefaction. In this paper, a brief review of the main sources for liquid biofuels and the synthesis processes is presented, with special emphasis on the production of biofuels using hydrothermal liquefaction by using waste generated by human activity as raw material.

Efficacy of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination 4 Years After Conization for High-Grade Cervical Neoplasia.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to estimate human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination efficacy in reducing recurrence risk within 4 years after conization for high-grade cervical neoplasia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2012 to June 2015, we performed a longitudinal, observational study (case-series study) on patients diagnosed with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2-3 neoplasia. Efficacy was estimated by a 95% CI of the relative risk, relative risk reduction, attributable risk, and number needed to treat. Parametric and nonparametric tests were used as appropriate to compare 160 vaccinated with 171 nonvaccinated patients. To estimate the hazard ratio of the vaccinated status, patients were subjected to multivariable analyses based on the Cox proportional hazard model. To compare recurrence-free survival, a Kaplan-Meier model and a log-rank test were applied. RESULTS: The overall recurrence was 9.4% in the nonvaccinated and 2.5% in the vaccinated group (p = .009). Vaccination was associated with a significant decrease in the relative risk (73.5%, 95% CI = 21.8%-90.9%) with a mean number needed to treat of 14 patients per relapse prevented. Although positive conization margins were related to the highest recurrence risk, not being vaccinated independently increased this risk 3.5-fold in a 4-year follow-up (p = .025). Cumulative recurrence-free rates differed significantly between both groups (log-rank test: p = .009). CONCLUSIONS: Our study corroborates the benefits of HPV vaccination, recommends a closer and longer follow-up in nonvaccinated women, and offers a 4-year prognosis for patients undergoing conization for high-grade cervical lesions.