Characterization of a biotrickling filter treating methanol vapours

[Abstract] The aim of this research is to characterize a biotrickling filter (BTF) treating methanol vapour emissions. The parameters studied were the nitrogen concentration in the nutrient solution and the empty bed residence time (EBRT). The effect of continuously recycling the nutrient solution was also analyzed. At nitrogen concentrations as low as 0.001 gN L-1, the BTF presented removal efficiencies higher than 70 % for an inlet load of 110 g m-3 h-1. A nitrogen concentration of 0.005 gN L-1 was used to study the effect of EBRT and the continuous recirculation of nutrient solution. At a constant methanol inlet concentration of 1500 ppmv, the BTF was operated in a range of EBRT from 20 to 265 s and the removal efficiencies respectively attained were 40 and 90 %. Methanol vapours were absorbed into the lixiviate and were taken into account in analysing the results

Silver nanoparticles: applications and toxic risks to human health and environment

Se estima que de todos los nanomateriales utilizados en productos para el consumo, las nanopartículas de plata (AgNPs) son las que tienen un mayor grado de comercialización. Se utilizan en electrónica, ropa, pinturas, cosméticos, bactericidas, biofungicidas, aplicaciones biomédicas, en la industria médico-farmaceútica y alimentaria. Por ello, se hace tremendamente necesario que los productos fabricados con nanopartículas así como sus aplicaciones sean seguros tanto para la salud de las personas como del medio ambiente. Algunos estudios han mostrado que la toxicidad intrínseca de las AgNPs depende de una serie de factores como son el tamaño, la forma, el área superficial, la carga superficial, la solubilidad y el estado de aglomeración. Asimismo, numerosas investigaciones in vitro indican que las AgNPs son tóxicas para las células de mamífero. Además, consecuencias inflamatorias, oxidativas y genotóxicas están asociadas con la exposición de AgNPs. Este artículo muestra una visión global de las principales aplicaciones de las AgNPs, sus vías de exposición, sus efectos tóxicos y los mecanismos de toxicidad implicados.It is estimated that of all the nanomaterials used in consumer products, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) currently have the highest degree of commercialization. They are used in electronics, clothing, paints, cosmetic, bactericides, bio-fungicides, biomedical applications, in the medical-pharmaceutical industry and food industry. Therefore, it is extremely necessary that products made with nanoparticles as well as their applications are safe for the health and the environment. Some studies have shown that the intrinsic toxicity of AgNPs depend on a range of factors such as, size, shape, surface area, surface charge, solubility and state of agglomeration. In addition, a number of in vitro studies indicate that AgNPs are toxic to mammalian cells. Furthermore, inflammatory, oxidative and genotoxic consequences are associated with AgNPs exposure. This paper shows a global view of the main applications of AgNPs, their routes of exposure, toxic effects and toxicity mechanisms involved

NXP Semiconductor, Guadalajara

ITESO, A.C

He I λ 10 830 Å in the transmission spectrum of HD 209458 b

Context. Recently, the He I triplet at 10 830 Å was rediscovered as an excellent probe of the extended and possibly evaporating atmospheres of close-in transiting planets. This has already resulted in detections of this triplet in the atmospheres of a handful of planets, both from space and from the ground. However, while a strong signal is expected for the hot Jupiter HD 209458 b, only upper limits have been obtained so far. Aims. Our goal is to measure the helium excess absorption from HD 209458 b and assess the extended atmosphere of the planet and possible evaporation. Methods. We obtained new high-resolution spectral transit time-series of HD 209458 b using CARMENES at the 3.5 m Calar Alto telescope, targeting the He I triplet at 10 830 Å at a spectral resolving power of 80 400. The observed spectra were corrected for stellar absorption lines using out-of-transit data, for telluric absorption using the MOLECFIT software, and for the sky emission lines using simultaneous sky measurements through a second fibre. Results. We detect He I absorption at a level of 0.91 ± 0.10% (9σ) at mid-transit. The absorption follows the radial velocity change of the planet during transit, unambiguously identifying the planet as the source of the absorption. The core of the absorption exhibits a net blueshift of 1.8 ± 1.3 km s^(−1) . Possible low-level excess absorption is seen further blueward from the main absorption near the centre of the transit, which could be caused by an extended tail. However, this needs to be confirmed. Conclusions. Our results further support a close relation between the strength of planetary absorption in the helium triplet lines and the level of ionising, stellar X-ray, and extreme-UV irradiation

Changes in the “minor surgery” program at a health center after 10 years. Differences in techniques, diagnoses, coverage and efficiency

Objetivos. Se desean conocer los cambios en el programa de cirugía menor de un centro de salud urbano tras una década desde su implantación, valorando la cobertura, las características de los pacientes y los profesionales implicados, los procedimientos realizados, la concordancia diagnóstica y la eficiencia del mismo. Material y métodos. Se diseña un estudio descriptivo transversal, mediante auditoría de historias y registros clínicos escritos entre los años 2007 y 2017. Se recoge el tipo de procedimiento realizado, la edad del paciente, el profesional que interviene, el envío de muestras a anatomía patológica, así como los diagnósticos clínicos y anatomopatológicos. Se estimará la diferencia del gasto realizado con el ocasionado en caso de derivación al hospital. Se realizará un análisis descriptivo y bivariante según el año de estudio. Resultados. Se valoran 477 actos quirúrgicos (53% en 2017), con edad media del paciente de 49,9 años (±17,9) (superior en 9 años en 2017, p<0,001 t Student). Se incrementa el porcentaje de MIR y enfermeros participantes al doble (p<0,05 Χ2) aunque el principal actor es el médico de familia. Mejora el envío correcto de muestras a anatomía patológica un 16% (p<0,001 Χ2) con una moderada- alta concordancia entre diagnóstico clínico y anatomopatológico (kappa 0,746 en 2007, 0,554 en 2017; p<0,001 Χ2). Incrementan las escisiones de piel e infiltraciones, disminuye el uso de la criocirugía y algunos procedimientos (matricectomía, drenaje) siguen sin realizarse. Se estima un coste inferior al hospitalario en un 320%. Conclusiones. La cirugía menor realizada en el centro de salud se muestra capaz tanto en patologías tratadas como en cuanto ahorro respecto a otros ámbitos. La diversidad de intervenciones y de personal sanitario hace necesario una mayor incorporación de plantilla y de formación.Our objective is to assess the changes occurred in the minor surgery program of an urban health centre. We designed a cross-sectional descriptive study to perform audits of patients history and clinical records of 2007 and 2017.477 surgical acts were evaluated. Patient mean age is 49,9 years. Percentage of resident doctors and participating nurses is double on 2017, although the main actor is the general practitioner. The right consignment of tissue samples to pathological anatomy is improved in a 16% with a high diagnostic concordance (kappa 0,703). Skin excisions and infiltrations are increased, cryosurgery is decreased. Costs are estimated to be 320% lower to hospital ones. The results of minor surgery carried out in primary-care are comparable to hospitals; however, costs are lower in primary setting. The diversity of interventions and health staff involved, makes necessary a greater incorporation of staff and training hours