Ash Interaction with Two Cu-Based Magnetic Oxygen Carriers during Biomass Combustion by the Chemical Looping with Oxygen Uncoupling Process.

Chemical-looping combustion (CLC) stands out as a promising method for carbon capture and storage for the purpose of mitigating climate change. The process involves the conversion of fuel facilitated by an oxygen carrier, with the resulting CO2 inherently separated from other air components. Notably, when applied to biomass combustion this process offers a pathway to achieving negative CO2 emissions. However, a significant challenge for CLC, particularly in its application to biomass, is the management of interactions between ash and oxygen carriers. Biomass-derived ashes typically contain substantial quantities of reactive ash-forming substances, such as alkaline and alkali earth elements. These interactions can impact the performance and longevity of the oxygen carrier, necessitating careful consideration and mitigation strategies in CLC systems utilizing biomass feedstocks. This study examined the interaction between biomass ash components and two recently developed oxygen carriers, Cu30MnFekao7.5 and Cu30MnFe, during combustion in a 1.5 kWth continuous unit. Both oxygen carriers achieved 100% combustion efficiency and a CO2 capture efficiency of 95% at 900 °C. Although the copper in both oxygen carriers did not exhibit any noticeable interaction with ash components, the accumulative presence of potassium and magnesium in Cu30MnFekao7.5 was identified by inductively coupled plasma and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray analysis, indicating an increase in the amount of both elements in the particles after combustion operation. No problems of agglomeration or fluidization were observed in any of the experiments.

Response, complications and risk of leukemic transformation of phosphorus-32p treatment in philadelphia-negative chronic myeloproliferative syndromes.

OBJECTIVE: Describe our experience in treatment with Phosphorus-32P for refractory Philadelphia negative chronic myeloproliferative syndromes or with side effects to the usual treatment, its complications and risk of leukemic transformation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective descriptive study including 17 patients with a diagnosis of Philadelphia-negative chronic myeloproliferative syndrome treated with Phosphorus-32P in our hospital from January 1985 to March 2017. Indications, response to treatment, as well as early and late complications have been analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 17 patients treated with 32P (11 men, 6 women; mean age 79,8 years), 6 patients had Polycythemia Vera and 11 Essential Thrombocytosis. A single dose was administered in 9 of the subjects, the rest required two or more doses due to inadequate hematological response and/or relapse. The total dose range of Phosphorus-32P administered was 116-951 MBq (median: 236 MBq). In 14 patients treated with Phosphorus-32P, complete or partial response was achieved in hematimetry. In 11 patients, the response was complete, established as a platelet count <400.000/mm3 in those diagnosed with Essential Thrombocythemia and a hematocrit <45% in cases of Polycythemia Vera. The median follow-up of patients from the date of the first treatment of Phosphorus-32P until study completion or death was 37 months (range: 5-230 months). Regarding early complications, 2 cases of anemia requiring blood transfusion were observed, and 1 case of mild thrombocytopenia. No leukemic transformation was identified. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, treatment with Phosphorus-32P has been a useful therapeutic option in Philadelphia-negative chronic myeloproliferative syndromes in elderly patients who showed poor tolerance and/or resistance to first-line treatment. No leukemic transformation was identified.

Extraction of homogeneous lignin oligomers by ozonation of Miscanthus giganteus and vine shoots in a pilot scale reactor.

Lignin, a complex phenolic polymer crucial for plant structure, is mostly used as fuel but it can be harnessed for environmentally friendly applications. This article explores ozonation as a green method for lignin extraction from lignocellulosic biomass, aiming to uncover the benefits of the extracted lignin. A pilot-scale ozonation reactor was employed to extract lignin from Miscanthus giganteus (a grass variety) and vine shoots (a woody biomass). The study examined the lignin extraction and modification of the fractions and identified the generation of phenolic and organic acids. About 48 % of lignin was successfully extracted from both biomass types. Phenolic monomers were produced, vine shoots yielding fewer monomers than Miscanthus giganteus. Ozonation generated homogeneous lignin oligomers, although their molecular weight decreased during ozonation, with vine shoot oligomers exhibiting greater resistance to ozone. Extracted fractions were stable at 200 °C, despite the low molecular weight, outlining the potential of these phenolic fractions.

Endocrine diseases associated with COVID-19 vaccination: case report. / Enfermedades endocrinas asociadas a vacunación por la COVID-19: reporte de casos.

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is not free of adverse effects. We present two cases of endocrine involvement associated with COVID-19 vaccination. A 46-year-old woman who, after receiving the first COVID-19 vaccination dose, presented persistent fever and signs of thyrotoxicosis after being diagnosed with subacute thyroiditis associated with COVID-19 vaccination; the condition remitted with the use of corticoids. A 71-year-old male, who after COVID-19 vaccination, presented hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia, testing positive for anti-insulin antibodies; he was diagnosed with autoimmune hypoglycemia associated with COVID-19 vaccination and received treatment with prednisone, controlling the episodes of hypoglycemia. In conclusion, endocrine diseases associated with COVID-19 vaccination are extremely rare and their timely detection allows adequate treatment.

La vacunación contra el SARS-CoV-2 no está exenta de efectos adversos. Se presenta dos casos de afectación endocrina asociada a la vacunación por la COVID-19. Mujer de 46 años que, luego de la primera dosis, presentó fiebre persistente y signos de tirotoxicosis, tras el diagnóstico de tiroiditis subaguda asociada a vacunación por la COVID-19, el cuadro remitió con el uso de corticoides. Varón de 71 años, que luego de la vacunación por la COVID-19, presentó hipoglicemias hiperinsulinemicas, con resultado positivo de anticuerpos antiinsulina. Se le diagnosticó con una hipoglicemia autoinmune asociada a la vacunación por la COVID-19 y recibió tratamiento con prednisona, controlando los episodios de hipoglicemia. En conclusión, las enfermedades endocrinas asociadas a vacunación por la COVID-19 son extremadamente raras y su detección oportuna permite su tratamiento adecuado.

Sulfur Interaction and Regeneration of CaMn0.775Ti0.125Mg0.1O2.9-δ Perovskite as Oxygen Carrier during Combustion of Sour Gas in a 500 Wth Chemical Looping Combustion Unit.

In the present study, the performance of a CaMn0.775Ti0.125Mg0.1O2.9-δ perovskite used as an oxygen carrier to burn sour gas with different H2S concentrations (up to 3000 vppm) in a continuous 500 Wth chemical looping combustion (CLC) prototype was investigated. After 29 h of sour gas combustion, the combustion efficiency had dropped by 18% in comparison with the reference test without sulfur addition. The characterization of the used particles of the perovskite confirmed that the presence of sulfur in the fuel gas had a poisonous effect through the formation of undesired compounds, such as CaSO4. The reactivity with CH4 and oxygen uncoupling capacity decreased, which could explain the decrease in the combustion efficiency. Two regeneration processes, one at high temperature (1273 K) and another one at low temperature (773-873 K), were carried out in a batch fluidized bed reactor to remove the amount of sulfur accumulated in the oxygen carrier particles. The detection of appreciable amounts of gaseous sulfur-based compounds (SO2 and H2S) during the experimentation and the postcharacterization results obtained through different techniques such as X-ray diffraction, ultimate analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the effectiveness of both processes. Finally, the feasibility of implementation of the regeneration processes in a commercial CLC unit was thoroughly analyzed.

Enfermedades endocrinas asociadas a vacunación por la COVID-19: Reporte de Casoss / Endocrine diseases associated with COVID-19 vaccination: case reports

La vacunación contra el SARS-CoV-2 no está exenta de efectos adversos. Se presenta dos casos de afectación endocrina asociada a la vacunación por la COVID-19. Mujer de 46 años que, luego de la primera dosis, presentó fiebre persistente y signos de tirotoxicosis, tras el diagnóstico de tiroiditis subaguda asociada a vacunación por la COVID-19, el cuadro remitió con el uso de corticoides. Varón de 71 años, que luego de la vacunación por la COVID-19, presentó hipoglicemias hiperinsulinemicas, con resultado positivo de anticuerpos antiinsulina. Se le diagnosticó con una hipoglicemia autoinmune asociada a la vacunación por la COVID-19 y recibió tratamiento con prednisona, controlando los episodios de hipoglicemia. En conclusión, las enfermedades endocrinas asociadas a vacunación por la COVID-19 son extremadamente raras y su detección oportuna permite su tratamiento adecuado.

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is not free of adverse effects. We present two cases of endocrine involvement associated with COVID-19 vaccination. A 46-year-old woman who, after receiving the first COVID-19 vaccination dose, presented persistent fever and signs of thyrotoxicosis after being diagnosed with subacute thyroiditis associated with COVID-19 vaccination; the condition remitted with the use of corticoids. A 71-year-old male, who after COVID-19 vaccination, presented hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia, testing positive for anti-insulin antibodies; he was diagnosed with autoimmune hypoglycemia associated with COVID-19 vaccination and received treatment with prednisone, controlling the episodes of hypoglycemia. In conclusion, endocrine diseases associated with COVID-19 vaccination are extremely rare and their timely detection allows adequate treatment.

Pectin-based aerogel particles for drug delivery: Effect of pectin composition on aerogel structure and release properties.

In this work, nanostructured pectin aerogels were prepared via a sol-gel process and subsequent drying under supercritical conditions. To this end, three commercially available citrus pectins and an in-house produced and enzymatically modified watermelon rind pectin (WRP) were compared. Then, the effect of pectin's structure and composition on the aerogel properties were analysed and its potential application as a delivery system was explored by impregnating them with vanillin. Results showed that the molecular weight, degree of esterification and branching degree of the pectin samples played a main role in the production of hydrogels and subsequent aerogels. The developed aerogel particles showed high specific surface areas (468-584 m2/g) and low bulk density (0.025-0.10 g/cm3). The shrinkage effect during aerogel formation was significantly affected by the pectin concentration and structure, while vanillin loading in aerogels and its release profile was also seen to be influenced by the affinity between pectin and vanillin. Furthermore, the results highlight the interest of WRP as a carrier of active compounds which might have potential application in food and biomedical areas, among others.

Tomography of irregular rough particles using the error-reduction algorithm with multi-views interferometric particle imaging.

This work reports the 3D reconstruction of a particle from a set of three simulated interferometric images of this particle (from three perpendicular angles of view). The reconstruction of each view from its corresponding interferometric pattern uses the error-reduction (ER) algorithm. The 3D reconstruction enables an estimation of the volume of the particle. The method is tested on a dendrite-like particle. An experimental demonstration of the technique is done using a digital micromirror device (DMD) that generates the interferometric images of "programmable" rough particles.

The Jamaican Haemophilia Registry: Describing the burden of disease.

INTRODUCTION: Jamaica has an estimated 200 persons with haemophilia (PWH), who face significant constraints in access to specialized haemophilia care, including access to clotting factor concentrates. AIM: The aim of this paper is to establish the current burden of disease in PWH in Jamaica. METHODS: PWH were enrolled through the University Hospital of the West Indies, Jamaica. The impact of haemophilia was assessed using a comprehensive battery of heath outcome measures that included the following: laboratory, clinical information and validated outcome measures of joint structure and function, activity, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) to provide a health profile of the Jamaican haemophilia population. RESULTS: In all, 45 PWH were registered (mean age: 29, range: 0.17-69 years), including 13 children (<18 years of age) and 32 adults. In this sample, 41 had haemophilia A (30 severe) and 4 had haemophilia B (3 severe); 10 patients with haemophilia A were inhibitor positive. The results indicate that adults with haemophilia in Jamaica have significant joint damage: mean Haemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS) = 42.1 (SD = 17.3); moderate activity levels - mean Haemophilia Activities List (HAL) score = 64.8 (SD = 17.8); and low HRQoL scores - mean Haemo-QoL-A score = 62.3 (SD = 19.4). Results for children are also reported but should be interpreted with caution due to the small sample size. CONCLUSIONS: There is a very high burden of disease in PWH in Jamaica. The health profiles reported in this paper are an essential first step in advocating for a multidisciplinary Comprehensive Care Program for assessment and care of PWH in Jamaica.

Genotype-based selection of treatment of patients with advanced colorectal cancer (SETICC): a pharmacogenetic-based randomized phase II trial.

Background: There has been little progress toward personalized therapy for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). TYMS-3' untranslated region (UTR) 6 bp ins/del and ERCC1-118C/T polymorphisms were previously reported to facilitate selecting patients for fluoropyrimidine-based treatment in combination with oxaliplatin as first-line therapy. We assessed the utility of these markers in selecting therapy for patients with mCRC. Patients and methods: This randomized, open-label phase II trial compared bevacizumab plus XELOX (control) versus treatment tailored according to TYMS-3'UTR 6 bp ins/del and ERCC1-118C/T polymorphisms. Patients randomized to the experimental treatment received bevacizumab plus FUOX, FUIRI, XELIRI, or XELOX depending on their combination of favorable polymorphisms for FUOX treatment (TYMS-3'UTR ins/del or del/del; ERCC1-118T/T). Progression-free survival (PFS) was the primary end point. Results: Overall, 195 patients were randomized (control n = 65; experimental n = 130). The primary objective was not met: median PFS was 9.4 months in the control group and 10.1 months in the experimental group (P = 0.745). Median overall survival was similar in both groups (16.5 versus 19.1 months, respectively; P = 0.797). Patients in the experimental group had a significantly higher overall response rate (ORR; 65% versus 47% in the control group; P = 0.042) and R0 resection rate (86% versus 44%, respectively; P = 0.018). Neuropathy, hand-foot syndrome, thrombocytopenia, and dysesthesia were significantly less common in the experimental group. Conclusions: This study did not show survival benefits after treatment personalization based on polymorphisms in mCRC. However, the improved ORR and R0 resection rate and fewer disabling toxicities suggest that tailoring therapy by TYMS-3'UTR and ERCC1-118 polymorphisms warrants further investigation in patients with mCRC. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01071655.

The assessment of medical competencies. / La evaluación de competencias en Medicina.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the most widely used tools in the assessment of medical competencies, analyse their prevalence of use, their advantages and disadvantages and propose an appropriate model for our context. METHODS: We conducted a narrative review of articles from MEDLINE, following the PRISM protocol, and analysed a total of 62 articles. RESULTS: The assessment of competencies is heterogeneous, especially in the educational and professional settings. The specific and technical competencies acquired during university education are mainly assessed using the objective structured clinical assessment. In the professional setting, core competencies are assessed using the 360° technique. CONCLUSIONS: We need a rigorous empiric comparison of the efficiency of the tools according to the type of competency. We propose a competency management model for the «undergraduate/graduate/active professional¼ continuum, whose goal is to improve training and professional practice and thereby increase the quality of patient care.

Comparing the burden of illness of haemophilia between resource-constrained and unconstrained countries: the São Paulo-Toronto Hemophilia Study.

INTRODUCTION: Although the regular replacement of clotting factor concentrates (prophylaxis) has been well established as the standard of care for severe haemophilia, the high cost of factor concentrates has limited access to prophylaxis in countries with under-developed or developing economies. AIMS: We studied the health gap that could be addressed by providing unlimited access to clotting factor concentrates with implementation of long-term prophylaxis initiated from an early age in life. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study of a random, representative sample of boys with moderate and severe haemophilia at three haemophilia treatment centres in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and one centre in Toronto, Canada. RESULTS: Canadian subjects were more often treated with prophylaxis, and began treatment at an earlier age. Fewer Canadian subjects had bleeds within the preceding 6 months (19 vs. 34, P = 0.003). Canadian subjects had lower (better) Pettersson radiographic scores (1.5 vs. 6.0, P = 0.0016), lower (better) Hemophilia Joint Health Scores (5.5 vs. 10.5, P = 0.0038), higher (better) Activity Scale for Kids scores (96.6 vs. 92.0, P = 0.033), more time spent in vigorous activity, and higher (better) social participation scores. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that increasing access to clotting factor concentrates for young boys with severe haemophilia is a global imperative.

Pilot study of once-a-day prophylaxis for youth and young adults with severe haemophilia A.

INTRODUCTION: Standard prophylaxis has been shown to be an effective treatment for severe haemophilia A. According to pharmacokinetic principles, daily factor infusions of smaller doses can maintain similar trough factor VIII (FVIII) levels, and perhaps the same protection as standard prophylaxis. AIM: This multicentre study examined the feasibility of daily prophylaxis for youth and young adults with severe haemophilia A in Montreal and Toronto. METHODS: Bleeding rates, joint status, quality of life and physical activity were monitored for 14 patients during this study. At baseline, subjects continued their regular treatment regimen and switched to daily prophylaxis after 4 months; nine had begun daily prophylaxis before enrolment. Additional visits occurred at 8 and 12 months which included a physical examination, inhibitor testing, HJHS and FISH assessments, the CHO-KLAT/Haemo-QoL-A and PDPAR. Treatment satisfaction was assessed using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication ver.II and perceived difficulty questions at the end of study. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant changes in quality of life except for concerns with the demanding daily infusion schedule. The number of bleeds did not statistically differ from the initial 4 months of the study to the last 8 months. Monthly bleeding rates from the year prior to the study and during the intervention phase were not statistically different. It was also found that daily prophylaxis used 24% less FVIII compared to standard prophylaxis. Taking all of this into account, we have found that providing daily prophylaxis is feasible and that it is feasible to prospectively study daily prophylaxis in youth and young adults.

Validity of the Portuguese CHO-KLAT in Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: It is essential to assess the health-related quality of life outcomes of boys with haemophilia in Brazil. The Canadian Haemophilia Outcomes-Kids Life Assessment Tool (CHO-KLAT) was recently adapted for this population. AIM: To test the construct validity of the Portuguese version of the CHO-KLAT. METHODS: We recruited 50 boys, with moderate [factor VIII (FVIII) level 1-5%] or severe (FVIII level <1%) haemophilia, to participate in a descriptive study to establish a baseline understanding of the current status of boys with haemophilia in Brazil. All boys were required to complete the Brazilian CHO-KLAT and Brazilian Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) by self-report. We examined the correlation between the CHO-KLAT and PedsQL scores to establish the construct validity of the Brazilian version of the CHO-KLAT. RESULTS: We obtained CHO-KLAT and PedsQL data from 35 boys with severe haemophilia and 15 with moderate haemophilia. They ranged in age from 7.3 to 18.0 years, with a mean of 13.0 years. They reported a mean CHO-KLAT score of 72.3 (range = 44.1-93.9). The mean PedsQL score was 79.9 (range = 45.7-96.7), with physical health (mean of 83.9) being better than psychosocial health (77.8). The Pearson's correlation between CHO-KLAT and PedsQL was 0.47 respectively (P < 0.001). The CHO-KLAT had a moderate and inverse relationship with the degree to which they were bothered by their haemophilia (ρ = -0.53), while the PedsQL had a weaker relationship (ρ = -0.27). CONCLUSION: The results confirm the validity of the Portuguese version of the CHO-KLAT. This measure is now available for clinical trials in boys with haemophilia in Brazil.

An environmental generalised Luenberger-Hicks-Moorsteen productivity indicator and an environmental generalised Hicks-Moorsteen productivity index.

The purpose of this paper is to introduce an environmental generalised productivity indicator and its ratio-based counterpart. The innovative environmental generalised total factor productivity measures inherit the basic structure of both Hicks-Moorsteen productivity index and Luenberger-Hicks-Moorsteen productivity indicator. This methodological contribution shows that these new environmental generalised total factor productivity measures yield the earlier standard Hicks-Moorsteen index and Luenberger-Hicks-Moorsteen indicator, as well as environmental performance index, as special cases.

Breath methane in functional constipation: response to treatment with Ispaghula husk.

BACKGROUND: Colonic fermentation produces hydrogen (H2 ), and also produces methane (CH4 ) in subjects with methanogenic flora (M+). Methane production has been associated with chronic constipation (CC) and with changes in gut motility. To determine CH4 production in CC compared to controls, and to assess whether the therapeutic response to Ispaghula husk in CC differs between CH4 -producers and non-producers. METHODS: Forty-eight patients with functional constipation or irritable bowel syndrome-constipation and 19 healthy age-and-sex-matched volunteers (HV) filled in a 1-week symptom diary and a dietary questionnaire. They then underwent a lactulose breath test (LBT) to measure H2 and CH4 production (peak and area under the time-concentration curve, AUC-) and a colonic transit time (CTT) assessment. In patients, measurements were repeated after a 4-week treatment with Ispaghula husk. KEY RESULTS: Prevalence of M+ in patients was 60.5% vs 52.6% in HV (p = 0.37). Patients had significantly longer CTT and greater production of both H2 and CH4 during LBT. There was a significant correlation between CH4 production and CTT (r = 0.51; p = 0.07). Treatment response rate was similar for M+ and M- patients (58.3% vs 52.9%; p = 0.76) as were the increases in bowel movements and Bristol score, changes in abdominal discomfort and bloating. In M+, treatment reduced CTT (-10 ± 35 h; p = 0.029 vs baseline) and CH4 levels: peak CH4 (-13 ± 24 ppm; p = 0.014) and CH4 -AUC (-817 ± 3100 ppm/min; p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: Although CH4 production has been associated with CC pathophysiology, we found that CH4 status did not negatively affect the response to Ispaghula husk treatment. The measurement of CH4 levels as a biomarker tool for CC requires further appraisal.

Location of the sciatic nerve at the popliteal fossa in the adult population: Relationship with gender and anthropometric data studied. Implications for daily practice.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the location of the sciatic nerve (SN) at the popliteal fossa is related to anthropometric variables in the adult population, and to identify possible anatomical variations and their possible implications for clinical practice. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Prospective observational study in elective ambulatory surgery patients. Patients were examined using ultrasound, looking at depth, laterality and distance at which the SN bifurcates at the level of the popliteal fossa. These measurements were linked to gender and the anthropometric data of the patients. RESULTS: A total of 62 patients were included, with 124 measurements. A statistically significant association was found between SN depth and the diameter of the thigh measured at 10 cm from the popliteal crease (P<.001). Mean depth: 3.32 ± 0.8 cm, mean laterality: 1.43 ± 0.9 cm, mean SN bifurcation distance: 61.78 ± 12 mm and mean SN diameter: 7.45 ± 1.17 mm. There were no statistical differences when comparing the measured variables with the age and gender. Similar results were obtained between measurements when comparing both lower limbs in the same patient. There was no statistical difference between height and distance at which the SN bifurcates. CONCLUSIONS: The depth and laterality of SN are independent of gender, weight and height. The depth at which the SN is located at the level of the popliteal fossa is related to the diameter of the thigh. The bifurcation of SN in popliteal fossa is not related to height.