Application of catalytic hydrodechlorination for the fast removal of chlorinated azole pesticides in drinking water

Catalytic hydrodechlorination (HDC) is regarded as a promising purifying technology for drinking water treatment. So far, it has proved to be highly effective for the removal of different groups of chlorinated micropollutants including pharmaceuticals, neonicotinoid pesticides, personal care products or chloroacetic acids. The azole pesticides, recently included in the EU Watch Lists (Decisions 2020/1161 and 2022/1307), are a group of micropollutants of particular concern for drinking water given their high toxicity, persistence, and bioaccumulation potential. In this work, the feasibility of HDC for the removal of a representative group of chlorinated azole pesticides tebuconazole (TEB), tetraconazole (TET), prochloraz (PCZ), penconazole (PEN), metconazole (MET) and imazalil (IMZ)) is demonstrated, and their reactivity is compared with that observed for other halogenated micropollutant groups. Notably, all the pesticides investigated in this work (100 μg L− 1 ) were completely dechlorinated within 30 min under ambient conditions using a 1 wt% Pd/Al2O3 catalyst concentration of 0.25 g L− 1 and a H2 feeding of 50 mL N min− 1 . The experimental data were accurately described by a pseudo-first order kinetic equation and rate constant values in the range from 1.08 to 2.60 L gcat − 1 min− 1 were obtained. These values are quite close to those achieved for the most reactive neonicotinoid pesticides and significantly higher than the obtained for chloroacetic acids and most pharmaceuticals (e.g. diclofenac, sertraline or chlorpromazine). From the identification of the generated reaction intermediates and the final nonchlorinated products, sequential reaction pathways were proposed for each pollutant. Remarkably, despite the high toxicity exhibited by the azole pesticides tested, with LC50 values within the 0.4–7.0 mg L− 1 range using A. salina, HDC effluents were non-toxic in all cases. Furthermore, the catalyst showed a remarkable stability upon three consecutive runs. Finally, the versatility of the process was demonstrated in the treatment of real aqueous matrices such as DWTP and tap water, where no significant differences were found either in terms of activity or stabilityThis research has been supported by the Spanish MINECO through project PID2019-105079RB-I00 and by the CM through project P2018/ EMT-4341. J. Nieto-Sandoval and M. Munoz thanks the MINECO for the FPI contract (BES-2017-081346) and the Ramon ´ y Cajal postdoctoral contract (RYC-2016-20648), respectively. R. B. del Olmo thanks the Operational Program for Youth Employment and the Youth Employment Initiative (YEI) of the CM for his contract as Research Assistant (PEJ2020-AI/AMB-19161

Surveillance of imported malaria in Spain: The useful tool of the Semi-Nested Multiplex PCR

The use of a new PCR-based method for the diagnosis of malaria in the Spanish Malaria Reference Laboratory has promoted an increase in confirmed cases of malaria. From August 1997 to July 1998, a total of 192 whole-blood samples and 71 serum samples from 168 patients were received from the hospitals of the Spanish National Health System. Most of the patients came from west-central African countries (85%). This molecular method showed more sensitivity and specificity than microscopy, detecting 12.4% more positive samples than microscopy and 13% of mixed infections undetectable by Giemsa stain. Plasmodium falciparum was the main species detected, with 68% of the total positive malaria cases, followed by Plasmodium malariae (29%), Plasmodium vivax (14%), and Plasmodium ovale (7%), including mixed infections in all cases. This report consists of the first wide, centralized survey of malaria surveillance in Spain. The reference laboratory conducted the analysis of all imported cases in order to detect trends in acquisition. The use of a seminested multiplex PCR permitted confirmation of the origins of the infections and the Plasmodium species involved and confirmation of the effectiveness of drug treatments. This PCR also allowed the detection of the presence in Spain of primaquine-tolerant P. vivax strains from west-central Africa, as well as the detection of a P. falciparum infection induced by transfusion.This work was supported by the Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias (FIS) (contract number 96/0216) and the Spanish Agency of International Cooperation (AECI). J. M. Rubio was granted a postdoctoral fellowship from the Comunidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain. J. Alvar was supported by a B.A.E. from the FIS (contract number 99/5038) and by the Christ’s College, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdo

Tumour growth: An approach to calibrate parameters of a multiphase porous media model based on in vitro observations of Neuroblastoma spheroid growth in a hydrogel microenvironment

To unravel processes that lead to the growth of solid tumours, it is necessary to link knowledge of cancer biology with the physical properties of the tumour and its interaction with the surrounding microenvironment. Our understanding of the underlying mechanisms is however still imprecise. We therefore developed computational physics-based models, which incorporate the interaction of the tumour with its surroundings based on the theory of porous media. However, the experimental validation of such models represents a challenge to its clinical use as a prognostic tool. This study combines a physics-based model with in vitro experiments based on microfluidic devices used to mimic a three-dimensional tumour microenvironment. By conducting a global sensitivity analysis, we identify the most influential input parameters and infer their posterior distribution based on Bayesian calibration. The resulting probability density is in agreement with the scattering of the experimental data and thus validates the proposed workflow. This study demonstrates the huge challenges associated with determining precise parameters with usually only limited data for such complex processes and models, but also demonstrates in general how to indirectly characterise the mechanical properties of neuroblastoma spheroids that cannot feasibly be measured experimentally

Efficacy of Artesunate + Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine (AS + SP) and Amodiaquine + Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine (AQ + SP) for Uncomplicated falciparum Malaria in Equatorial Guinea (Central Africa)

Objectives. The objectives of the study were (i) to evaluate the efficacy of combination drugs, such as artesunate + sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (AS + SP) and amodiaquine + sulphadoxine-pyripethamine (AQ + SP) in treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria (ii) to differentiate recrudescence from reinfection by analysing msp-1 and msp-2 genes of Plasmodium falciparum in treatment failure cases. Methods. We carried out an in vivo study in the year 2005 in 206 children between 6 to 59 months age groups. Of the 206, 120 received AQ + SP, and 86 received AS + SP. A clinical and parasitological followup during 14 days was undertaken. Finger-prick blood sample from each patient was taken on Whatman filter paper (no. 3) on days 0, 7, 14 and also the day when the parasite and symptoms reappeared for PCR analysis. Results. Late treatment failure was observed in 3.5% (4/114) with AQ + SP, and 2.5% (2/79) with AS + SP. The success rate was 96.5% with AQ + SP and 97.5% with AS + SP. No deaths and severe reactions were recorded. Out of the 6 treatment failure cases, one was reinfection as observed by PCR analysis of msp-1 and msp-2 genes on day 14. Discussion. Both the combinations found to be efficacious and safe and could be used as a first-line treatment for uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Equatorial Guinea

Validation of a questionnaire to assess stress, tobacco use, physical activity, and dietary supplementation

Introduction: Given the large expansion of gyms, reliable instruments are needed to assess and obtain information about the behavior of gym members, and these instruments may be able to assist in the implementation of planning and health promotion strategies in this population. Objective: To develop and validate a questionnaire to assess the lifestyle habits, physical activity, and dietary supplementation of gym members. Materials and Methods: A 44-item questionnaire was developed. The Delphi technique was used for content and appearance validity using the content validity index (CVI). Construct validity was verified by exploratory factor analysis (EFA) in several phases. Reliability analysis was assessed by internal consistency and temporal reproducibility using Cronbach’s alpha and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), respectively. Results: Two rounds of the Delphi technique identified a total CVI of 100%. The final model was composed of eight items, with excellent quality in the EFA adjustment, and distributed into four factors. Internal consistency was adequate in all factors, with ICC 0.997, 0.916, 0.698, and 0.631. Conclusions: This study provides a reliable and valid questionnaire to assess stress, smoking, physical activity, and dietary supplementation of fitness center members

Validação de questionário para avaliação de estresse, tabaco, atividade física e suplementação alimentar

Introduction: Given the large expansion of gyms, reliable instruments are needed to assess and obtain information about the behavior of gym members, and these instruments may be able to assist in the implementation of planning and health promotion strategies in this population. Objective: To develop and validate a questionnaire to assess the lifestyle habits, physical activity, and dietary supplementation of gym members. Materials and Methods: A 44-item questionnaire was developed. The Delphi technique was used for content and appearance validity using the content validity index (CVI). Construct validity was verified by exploratory factor analysis (EFA) in several phases. Reliability analysis was assessed by internal consistency and temporal reproducibility using Cronbach’s alpha and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), respectively. Results: Two rounds of the Delphi technique identified a total CVI of 100%. The final model was composed of eight items, with excellent quality in the EFA adjustment, and distributed into four factors. Internal consistency was adequate in all factors, with ICC 0.997, 0.916, 0.698, and 0.631. Conclusions: This study provides a reliable and valid questionnaire to assess stress, smoking, physical activity, and dietary supplementation of fitness center members.Introdução: Diante da grande expansão de academias, são necessários instrumentos confiáveis para avaliar e obter informações acerca do comportamento de praticantes de academia, podendo esses instrumentos serem capazes de auxiliar na implementação de planejamento e estratégias de promoção da saúde para essa população. Objetivo: Desenvolver e validar um questionário para avaliar os hábitos de vida, a atividade física e a suplementação dietética de praticantes de academia. Materiais e Métodos: Foi desenvolvido um questionário de 44 itens. A técnica Delphi foi utilizada para validar o conteúdo e a aparência usando o índice de validade do conteúdo (IVC). A validade construtiva foi verificada pela análise fatorial exploratória (AFE) em várias fases. A análise de confiabilidade foi avaliada pela consistência interna e reprodutibilidade temporal usando o alfa de Cronbach e o coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (CCI), respectivamente. Resultados: Duas rodadas da técnica Delphi identificaram um IVC total de 100%. O modelo final foi composto de oito itens, com excelente qualidade no ajuste do AFE, e distribuído em quatro fatores. A consistência interna foi adequada em todos os fatores, com CCIs 0,997, 0,916, 0,698, e 0,631. Conclusões: Este estudo fornece um questionário confiável e válido para avaliar o estresse, o consumo de fumo, a atividade física e a suplementação dietética de praticantes de academia

A protective personal factor against disability and dependence in the elderly: an ordinal regression analysis with nine geographically-defined samples from Spain

Background: Sense of Coherence (SOC) is defined as a tendency to perceive life experiences as comprehensible, manageable and meaningful. The construct is split in three major domains: Comprehensibility, Manageability, and Meaningfulness. SOC has been associated with successful coping strategies in the face of illness and traumatic events and is a predictor of self-reported and objective health in a variety of contexts. In the present study we aim to evaluate the association of SOC with disability and dependence in Spanish elders. Methods: A total of 377 participants aged 75 years or over from nine locations across Spain participated in the study (Mean age: 80.9 years; 65.3% women). SOC levels were considered independent variables in two ordinal logistic models on disability and dependence, respectively. Disability was established with the World health Organization-Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (36-item version), while dependence was measured with the Extended Katz Index on personal and instrumental activities of daily living. The models included personal (sex, age, social contacts, availability of an intimate confidant), environmental (municipality size, access to social resources) and health-related covariates (morbidity). Results: High Meaningfulness was a strong protective factor against both disability (Odds Ratio [OR] = 0.50; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 0.29-0.87) and dependence (OR = 0.33; 95% CI = 0.19-0.58) while moderate and high Comprehensibility was protective for disability (OR = 0.40; 95% CI = 0.22-0.70 and OR = 0.39; 95% CI = 0.21-0.74), but not for dependence. Easy access to social and health resources was also highly protective against both disability and dependence. Conclusions: Our results are consistent with the view that high levels of SOC are protective against disability and dependence in the elderly. Elderly individuals with limited access to social and health resources and with low SOC may be a group at risk for dependence and disability in Spain

The relative age effect on physical fitness in preschool children

The aim of the present study was to investigate the existence of a relative age effect (RAE) on physical fitness of preschoolers. Anthropometry and physical fitness were assessed in 3147 children (3–5 years old) using the PREFIT battery. Based on the birth year, participants were divided into 3year groups (3-, 4- and 5-years). Within each year group, 4quarter groups were created: quarter 1, preschoolers born from January to March; quarter 2, from April to June; quarter 3, from July to September; quarter 4, from October to December. The MANCOVA analysis revealed a main effect of year group (Wilks’ λ = 0.383; F10,5996 = 369.64; p < 0.001, ηp 2 = 0.381) and of quarter (Wilks’ λ = 0.874; F15,8276.6 = 27.67; p < 0.001; ηp 2 = 0.044) over the whole battery of tests. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the existence of RAE at the preschool stage. In general, performance improved as the relative age increased (i.e., those born in quarter 1 performed better than those in the other quarters). Individualization strategies should be addressed within the same academic year not only in elementary or secondary years but also in preschoolers

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

Clinical Study Efficacy of Artesunate + Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine (AS + SP) and Amodiaquine + Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine (AQ + SP) for Uncomplicated falciparum Malaria in Equatorial Guinea (Central Africa)

Recommended by Sukla Biswas Objectives. The objectives of the study were (i) to evaluate the efficacy of combination drugs, such as artesunate + sulphadoxinepyrimethamine (AS + SP) and amodiaquine + sulphadoxine-pyripethamine (AQ + SP) in treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria (ii) to differentiate recrudescence from reinfection by analysing msp-1 and msp-2 genes of Plasmodium falciparum in treatment failure cases. Methods. We carried out an in vivo study in the year 2005 in 206 children between 6 to 59 months age groups. Of the 206, 120 received AQ + SP, and 86 received AS + SP. A clinical and parasitological followup during 14 days was undertaken. Finger-prick blood sample from each patient was taken on Whatman filter paper (no. 3) on days 0, 7, 14 and also the day when the parasite and symptoms reappeared for PCR analysis. Results. Late treatment failure was observed in 3.5% (4/114) with AQ + SP, and 2.5% (2/79) with AS + SP. The success rate was 96.5% with AQ + SP and 97.5% with AS + SP. No deaths and severe reactions were recorded. Out of the 6 treatment failure cases, one was reinfection as observed by PCR analysis of msp-1 and msp-2 genes on day 14. Discussion. Both the combinations found to be efficacious and safe and could be used as a first-line treatment for uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Equatorial Guinea