Upgrading of solid recovered fuel (SRF) by dechlorination and catalytic pyrolysis over nanocrystalline ZSM-5 zeolite.

Globally increasing concern related to municipal solid waste generation is encouraging research efforts on developing alternative routes to valorize mixed refused wastes. In this way, catalytic pyrolysis is emerging as an interesting and efficient technology due to its great flexibility in terms of feedstock. In the current work, upgrading of a Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) has been investigated by catalytic pyrolysis over nanocrystalline ZSM-5 zeolite (n-ZSM-5), paying special attention to dechlorination effects due to the high Cl content of the raw waste. Thus, pretreatment of the SRF by water washing and mild thermal processing allows for a significant reduction of the Cl concentration. Regarding the catalytic pyrolysis step, the best conditions correspond with a temperature of 400 °C in the catalyst bed and 0.50 catalyst/SRF mass ratio, which lead to ca. 30 wt% oil yield (rich in aromatic hydrocarbons) together with about 40 wt% gas yield (rich in C3-C4 olefins). Accordingly, these products could find use as raw chemicals or for the production of advanced fuels. In addition, zeolite reutilization has been tested for several cycles, denoting a progressive modification of the products distribution because of coke deposition. However, an almost total recovery of the n-ZSM-5 zeolite catalytic performance is achieved after regeneration by air calcination, affording the production of an oil fraction with a Cl content as low as 40 ppm.

Esophageal Achalasia: From Laparoscopic to Robotic Heller Myotomy and Dor Fundoplication.

Objective: Laparoscopic Heller myotomy and Dor fundoplication has become the gold standard in treating esophageal achalasia and robotic surgical platform represents its natural evolution. The objective of our study was to assess durable long-term clinical outcomes in our cohort. Methods and Procedures: Between June 1, 1999 and June 30, 2019, 111 patients underwent minimally invasive treatment for achalasia (96 laparoscopically and 15 robotically). Fifty-two were males. Mean age was 49 years (20 - 96). Esophageal manometry confirmed the diagnosis. Fifty patients underwent pH monitoring study, with pathologic reflux in 18. Preoperative esophageal dilation was performed in 76 patients and 21 patients received botulin injection. Dysphagia was universally present, and mean duration was 96 months (5 - 480). Results: Median operative time was 144 minutes (90 - 200). One patient required conversion to open approach. Four mucosal perforations occurred in the laparoscopic group and were repaired intraoperatively. Seven patients underwent completion esophageal myotomy and added Dor fundoplication. Upper gastrointestinal series was performed before discharge. Median hospital stay was 39 hours (24 - 312). Median follow up was 157 months (6 - 240), and dysphagia was resolved in 94% of patients. Seven patients required postoperative esophageal dilation. Conclusions: Minimally invasive Heller myotomy and Dor fundoplication are feasible. The operation is challenging, but excellent results hinge on the operative techniques and experience. The high dexterity, three-dimensional view, and the ergonomic movements of robotic surgery allow application of all the technical elements, achieving the best durable outcome for the patient. Robotic surgery is the natural evolution of minimally invasive treatment of esophageal achalasia.

Robotic Fundoplication for Large Paraesophageal Hiatal Hernias.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic fundoplication is now a cornerstone in the treatment of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) with sliding hernia. The best outcomes are achieved in those patients who have some response to medical treatment compared to those who do not. Robotic fundoplication is considered a novel approach in treating GERD with large paraesophageal hiatal hernias. Our goal was to examine the feasibility of this technique. METHODS: Seventy patients (23 males and 47 females) with mean age 64 y old (22-92), preoperatively diagnosed with a large paraesophageal hiatal hernia, were treated with a robotic approach. Biosynthetic tissue absorbable mesh was applied for hiatal closure reinforcement. Fifty-eight patients underwent total fundoplication, 11 patients had partial fundoplication, and one patient had a Collis-Nissen fundoplication for acquired short esophagus. RESULTS: All procedures were completed robotically, without laparoscopic or open conversion. Mean operative time was 223 min (180-360). Mean length of stay was 38 h (24-96). Median follow-up was 29 mo (7-51). Moderate postoperative dysphagia was noted in eight patients, all of which resolved after 3 mo without esophageal dilation. No mesh-related complications were detected. There were six hernia recurrences. Four patients were treated with redo-robotic fundoplication, and two were treated medically. CONCLUSIONS: The success of robotic fundoplication depends on adhering to a few important technical principles. In our experience, the robotic surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease with large paraesophageal hernias may afford the surgeon increased dexterity and is feasible with comparable outcomes compared with traditional laparoscopic approaches.

Recommendations on the Use of Ultrasound Guidance for Central and Peripheral Vascular Access in Adults: A Position Statement of the Society of Hospital Medicine.

PREPROCEDURE: 1)We recommend that providers should be familiar with the operation of their specific ultrasound machine prior to initiation of a vascular access procedure. 2)We recommend that providers should use a high-frequency linear transducer with a sterile sheath and sterile gel to perform vascular access procedures. 3)We recommend that providers should use two-dimensional ultrasound to evaluate for anatomical variations and absence of vascular thrombosis during preprocedural site selection. 4)We recommend that providers should evaluate the target blood vessel size and depth during preprocedural ultrasound evaluation. TECHNIQUES: General Techniques 5) We recommend that providers should avoid using static ultrasound alone to mark the needle insertion site for vascular access procedures. 6)We recommend that providers should use real-time (dynamic), two-dimensional ultrasound guidance with a high-frequency linear transducer for central venous catheter (CVC) insertion, regardless of the provider's level of experience. 7)We suggest using either a transverse (short-axis) or longitudinal (long-axis) approach when performing real-time ultrasound-guided vascular access procedures. 8)We recommend that providers should visualize the needle tip and guidewire in the target vein prior to vessel dilatation. 9)To increase the success rate of ultrasound-guided vascular access procedures, we recommend that providers should utilize echogenic needles, plastic needle guides, and/or ultrasound beam steering when available. Central Venous Access Techniques 10) We recommend that providers should use a standardized procedure checklist that includes the use of real-time ultrasound guidance to reduce the risk of central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) from CVC insertion. 11)We recommend that providers should use real-time ultrasound guidance, combined with aseptic technique and maximal sterile barrier precautions, to reduce the incidence of infectious complications from CVC insertion. 12)We recommend that providers should use real-time ultrasound guidance for internal jugular vein catheterization, which reduces the risk of mechanical and infectious complications, the number of needle passes, and time to cannulation and increases overall procedure success rates. 13)We recommend that providers who routinely insert subclavian vein CVCs should use real-time ultrasound guidance, which has been shown to reduce the risk of mechanical complications and number of needle passes and increase overall procedure success rates compared with landmark-based techniques. 14)We recommend that providers should use real-time ultrasound guidance for femoral venous access, which has been shown to reduce the risk of arterial punctures and total procedure time and increase overall procedure success rates. Peripheral Venous Access Techniques 15) We recommend that providers should use real-time ultrasound guidance for the insertion of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs), which is associated with higher procedure success rates and may be more cost effective compared with landmark-based techniques. 16)We recommend that providers should use real-time ultrasound guidance for the placement of peripheral intravenous lines (PIV) in patients with difficult peripheral venous access to reduce the total procedure time, needle insertion attempts, and needle redirections. Ultrasound-guided PIV insertion is also an effective alternative to CVC insertion in patients with difficult venous access. 17)We suggest using real-time ultrasound guidance to reduce the risk of vascular, infectious, and neurological complications during PIV insertion, particularly in patients with difficult venous access. Arterial Access Techniques 18)We recommend that providers should use real-time ultrasound guidance for arterial access, which has been shown to increase first-pass success rates, reduce the time to cannulation, and reduce the risk of hematoma development compared with landmark-based techniques. 19)We recommend that providers should use real-time ultrasound guidance for femoral arterial access, which has been shown to increase first-pass success rates and reduce the risk of vascular complications. 20)We recommend that providers should use real-time ultrasound guidance for radial arterial access, which has been shown to increase first-pass success rates, reduce the time to successful cannulation, and reduce the risk of complications compared with landmark-based techniques. POSTPROCEDURE: 21) We recommend that post-procedure pneumothorax should be ruled out by the detection of bilateral lung sliding using a high-frequency linear transducer before and after insertion of internal jugular and subclavian vein CVCs. 22)We recommend that providers should use ultrasound with rapid infusion of agitated saline to visualize a right atrial swirl sign (RASS) for detecting catheter tip misplacement during CVC insertion. The use of RASS to detect the catheter tip may be considered an advanced skill that requires specific training and expertise. TRAINING: 23) To reduce the risk of mechanical and infectious complications, we recommend that novice providers should complete a systematic training program that includes a combination of simulation-based practice, supervised insertion on patients, and evaluation by an expert operator before attempting ultrasound-guided CVC insertion independently on patients. 24)We recommend that cognitive training in ultrasound-guided CVC insertion should include basic anatomy, ultrasound physics, ultrasound machine knobology, fundamentals of image acquisition and interpretation, detection and management of procedural complications, infection prevention strategies, and pathways to attain competency. 25)We recommend that trainees should demonstrate minimal competence before placing ultrasound-guided CVCs independently. A minimum number of CVC insertions may inform this determination, but a proctored assessment of competence is most important. 26)We recommend that didactic and hands-on training for trainees should coincide with anticipated times of increased performance of vascular access procedures. Refresher training sessions should be offered periodically. 27)We recommend that competency assessments should include formal evaluation of knowledge and technical skills using standardized assessment tools. 28)We recommend that competency assessments should evaluate for proficiency in the following knowledge and skills of CVC insertion: (a) Knowledge of the target vein anatomy, proper vessel identification, and recognition of anatomical variants; (b) Demonstration of CVC insertion with no technical errors based on a procedural checklist; (c) Recognition and management of acute complications, including emergency management of life-threatening complications; (d) Real-time needle tip tracking with ultrasound and cannulation on the first attempt in at least five consecutive simulation. 29)We recommend a periodic proficiency assessment of all operators should be conducted to ensure maintenance of competency.

Control sintomático y cuidados paliativos en pacientes que fallecen en un Servicio de Medicina Interna / No disponible

Objetivo: el objetivo de este estudio es describir las características clínicas de los pacientes fallecidos en el Servicio de Medicina Interna del Hospital Cruz Roja de Madrid durante el año 2007, analizando aquellos que fallecieron tras una fase de agonía (describiendo síntomas, control sintomático, fármacos usados y cuidados paliativos no farmacológicos). Material y métodos: se diseñó un estudio observacional retrospectivo donde se examinaron las historias clínicas, excluyendo aquellas que correspondían a pacientes que fallecieron a menos de 24 horas de su ingreso hospitalario o tras maniobras de reanimación avanzada. Resultado: de 861 pacientes ingresados fallecieron 42; el 87,5% fueron catalogados como agónicos y el síntoma principal que presentaron fue la disnea (85,7%), teniendo esta, al igual que los otros síntomas recogidos un control deficitario (sólo el 7,1% falleció con la totalidad de sus síntomas controlados). No se recogió, en las historias clínicas, ningún otro tipo de abordaje paliativo no farmacológico (psicosocial, espiritual o atención tras el duelo). Conclusiones: existe un porcentaje elevado de pacientes que fallecen en agonía en una planta de hospitalización convencional. Los síntomas recogidos en estos pacientes no difieren de los recogidos en las Unidades de Cuidados Paliativos, aunque predomina la disnea y es menos frecuente el dolor no controlado. El control sintomático es dificultoso, pero mejora al emplear fármacos habituales en cuidados paliativos (morfina, midazolam y butilescopolamina). No se recoge de manera habitual o sistemática el uso de cuidados paliativos no farmacológicos en las historias clínicas (AU)

Objective: the aim of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics of patients who died in an Internal Medicine department during 2007, including those who passed over after a phase of agony (including symptoms, symptom control, drugs used, and non-pharmacological palliative care). Materials and methods: this was an observational prospective study that analyzed medical records, excluding those who died less than 24 hours after hospital admission or after advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Result: of 861 admissions 42 subjects died; 87.5% were catalogued as agonizing, and their main symptom was dyspnea (85.7%); control was in adequate for dyspnea as well as for other silent symptoms (only 7.1% died with all symptoms controlled). There were no references in their medical records to any other type of palliative non-pharmacological approach (psychosocial, spiritual, or grief care). Conclusions: there is a high percentage of patients who die in agony in conventional hospitalization wards. Symptoms collected from these patients do not differ from those seen in palliative care units, although dyspnea is most usual and uncontrolled pain is less frequent. Symptom control is difficult but improves with standard palliative drugs (morphine, midazolam and butylscopolamine). There were no systematic references to non-pharmacological palliative care in medical records (AU)

[Multiple paraganglioma: careful with surgery!]. / Paraganglioma multicéntrico: cuidado con la cirugía.

INTRODUCTION: Extraadrenal paragangliomas are exceptional tumors. They prevail the carotid, jugulotympanic, and vagal ones. They are frequently multiple and its treatment is controversial in view of the fact that bilateral removal can go with severe morbidity. The case of a patient with bilateral paraganglioma and postoperative baroreflex dysfunction with severe arterial hypertension and hypotension episodes is presented. CLINICAL OBSERVATION: A 23-year-old woman with a diagnosis of left carotid and right vagal paraganglioma by TC and angiography. In January 1999 the left carotid paraganglioma was operated. The patient showed dysphonia, dysphagia, and lingual dysmotility in the postoperative course, with spontaneous improvement after some months. In December 1999, after the removal of the right vagal paraganglioma, the same complications appeared and hypertension crises (230/140), associated with headache, dizziness, and rash, and alternating with severe hypotension episodes (70/50). Blood biochemistry and the levels of cortisol, thyroid hormones, catecholamines, and metabolites were normal. Imaging techniques discarded tumor at another level and the registry of the ambulatory monitoring of blood pressure (AMBP) confirmed an important pressure lability. The neurophysiological study of the autonomous nervous system demonstrated the failure of the fast regulation mechanisms of the blood pressure. With the diagnosis of baroreceptors dysfunction and paralyses of cranial nerves IX, X and XII a treatment with clonidine was started with poor tolerability and incomplete response. DISCUSSION: This case illustrates the treatment difficulties of paragangliomas, especially when they are bilateral, and in which the surgery can go with severe morbidity. Baroreflex dysfunction should be entertained in the differential diagnosis of the extreme pressure lability.

Paraganglioma multicéntrico: cuidado con la cirugía / Multiple paraganglioma: careful with surgery!

Introducción. Los paragangliomas extraadrenales son tumores excepcionales. Predominan los carotídeos, yugulotimpánicos y vagales. Con frecuencia son múltiples y su tratamiento es motivo de controversia dado que la extirpación bilateral puede acompañarse de importante morbilidad. Se presenta el caso de una paciente con paraganglioma bilateral y disfunción barorrefleja posquirúrgica que le ocasionaba crisis de hipertensión e hipotensión arterial severas. Observación clínica. Mujer de 23 años diagnosticada de paraganglioma carotídeo izquierdo y vagal derecho por tomografía computarizada (TC) y angiografía. En enero de 1999 fue intervenida del paraganglioma carotídeo izquierdo. En el postoperatorio presentó disfonía, disfagia y dismotilidad lingual, con mejoría espontánea en unos meses. En diciembre de 1999, tras la extirpación del paraganglioma vagal derecho, presentó las mismas complicaciones y crisis de hipertensión arterial (230/140 mmHg) acompañadas de cefalea, mareo y rash, alternando con episodios de hipotensión severa (70/50 mmHg).La analítica general y las determinaciones de cortisol, hormonas tiroideas, catecolaminas y metabolitos fueron normales. Las pruebas de imagen descartaron tumor a otro nivel y el registro de la monitorización ambulatoria de presión arterial (MAPA) confirmó una importante labilidad tensional. El estudio neurofisiológico del sistema nervioso autónomo demostró fallo de los mecanismos de regulación rápida de la tensión arterial. Con el diagnóstico de disfunción de barrorreceptores y parálisis de pares craneales IX, X y XII se inició tratamiento con clonidina con mala tolerancia y respuesta incompleta. Discusión. La paciente ilustra la dificultad de tratar los paragangliomas, especialmente si son bilaterales, en los cuales la cirugía puede ocasionar una morbilidad importante. La disfunción del barorreflejo debe ser considerada en el diagnóstico diferencial de la labilidad tensional extrema (AU)

[Fabry's disease associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Multisystemic crossroads]. / Enfermedad de Fabry asociada a artritis reumatoide. Una encrucijada multisistémica.

Fabry's disease is a rare congenic disorder of glycosphingolipid catabolism resulting from deficient activity of the alpha galactosidasa. Is an X-linked disorder and in hemizygous males the activity of this enzyme is very low, resulting in severe manifestations. Fabry disease is confirmed by the lack alfa-galactosidase in serum. In the literature have been reported a few cases of coexistent Fabry's disease and connective disorders, but there is not cases of rheumatoid arthritis coexistent. This report describes a case of a female with Fabry's disease who vas subsequently diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. The suspect diagnosis was very important because the two disorders are multisystem and new symptoms could be attributed to Fabry's disease. The accumulation of lipids may results in numerous pathogenic autoantibodies, which could make immunocomplex. This is the potential pathogenic mechanisms explaining the association between Fabry's disease and autoimmune diseases.

Chronic relapsing thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in adult onset Still's disease.

We report the first known case of chronic relapsing thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura associated with adult-onset Still's disease. The patient presented with diffuse arthralgias, sore throat, and a maculopapular rash involving the trunk and extremities; she was hospitalized with fever and confusion. Thrombocytopenia, renal failure, and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia developed within several days. After a diagnosis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura was made, she responded well to a series of plasma exchanges. Evaluation for infection, autoimmune disorders, and malignancy was negative. She was discharged to home in good condition, with normal renal function and normal platelet count. Two more episodes of TTP developed 7 and 9 months after the first hospitalization. The diagnosis of adult-onset Still's disease was then determined on the basis of clinical and laboratory criteria. She was successfully treated with plasma exchange, prednisone, and azathioprine. She later had splenectomy and has subsequently been without recurrence of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura for 2 years.

Enfermedad de Fabry asociada a artritis reumatoide. Una encrucijada multisistémica / Fabry's disease associated with rheumatoid arthritis. A multisystem crossroad

La enfermedad de Fabry es una alteración congénita poco frecuente, del metabolismo de los glucoesfingolípidos, en la cual existe un déficit de la enzima alfa galactosidasa A. Se trasmite de modo recesivo ligada al X por lo que las manifestaciones clínicas son más severas en varones hemicigóticos. El diagnóstico se lleva a cabo mediante la determinación de los niveles del enzima alfa-galactosidasa. En la literatura se han descrito varios casos de enfermedad de Fabry asociada a enfermedades del tejido conectivo, pero no se ha encontrado ningún caso coexistiendo con artritis reumatoide. Presentamos un caso de una paciente con enfermedad de Fabry que, posteriormente se diagnosticó de artritis reumatoide. El diagnóstico de sospecha fue fundamental ya que el carácter multisistémico de las manifestaciones clínicas de ambas enfermedades hace que sea difícil no atribuir nuevos signos a la enfermedad de Fabry. El acúmulo de lípidos provoca un estímulo antigénico prolongado que es capaz de formar inmunocomplejos. Esta es la hipótesis patogénica por la que creemos que la enfermedad de Fabry se asocia a enfermedades autoinmunes (AU)

Bronquiolitis obliterante con neumonía organizada asociada a vasculitis cutánea

No disponible

Bilirubinate granules: main pathologic bile component in patients with idiopathic acute pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the main pathologic component of bile obtained by biliary drainage in patients with acute idiopathic pancreatitis and therapeutic implications. METHOD: Eighteen patients diagnosed with idiopathic acute pancreatitis underwent biliary drainage. Microscopic evaluation of bile was performed and pathologic components were classified in cholesterol microcrystals, bilirubinate granules, and calcium microspherolites. RESULTS: Five patients showed no abnormalities. In 11 patients, bilirubinate granules were found, cholesterol microcrystals in two, and Giardia lamblia in two. CONCLUSION: Bilirubinate granules are the main pathologic component of bile in patients with acute idiopathic pancreatitis. Cholecystectomy is the preferred therapeutic approach.