Using CALPUFF to determine the environmental impact of a coal mine open pit

ABSTRACT: This analysis seeks to evaluate the impacts of an open-pit coal mine located in the north of Colombia. It was used as the main tool CALPUFF, model Lagrangian, to determine the dispersion and transport of PM10 due to the emissions of the mining activities. The model was calibrated and validated with the environmental concentrations data of PM10 in 5 receivers. It was determined the contributions above of 45 km distances from sources. We use the concept of intake fraction, which is defined as the fraction of material or its precursor released from a source that finally is inhaled or ingested by a population. The results of the model show that the PM10 can be transported over long distances. to 50 km from the industrial zone of the mine, the average contribution of emissions of the mine can reach 9.12 μg/m3 and to 60 km contributions of 6.13 μg/m3. The modelling estimates that simulations of domain extending about 45 km from the source would only capture on average 54.83% of the total population intake fractions of PM10, and less for many geographic settings. The results show that the emission of PM10 is a problem of pollution on a regional scale. This analysis can serve as input to the competent authorities for better environmental management

Prediction and analysis of the contribution of PM10 from coal piles in an open pit mining

RESUMEN: Se determinaron las contribuciones de PM10 en al medio ambiente en una zona industrial minera en el norte de Colombia por actividades implicadas en el almacenamiento de 3.2 Mton carbón. Se utilizó como principal herramienta el software CALPUFF para determinar el aporte de PM10 durante 10 días de modelado durante un mes. Se midieron las concentraciones ambientales de PM10 en 5 receptores. Aunque las mayores emisiones se producen en horas diurnas, caracterizada por altos valores en la velocidad del viento y mayor insolación, la mayor receptividad de PM10 en las estaciones de mediciones se produce en horas nocturnas por la disminución de la altura de mezcla. Los resultados de la modelación muestran que las actividades implicadas en el almacenamiento de carbón pueden aportar un 14.5% de las concentraciones ambientales diarias en receptores ubicados a 16.2 km viento abajo de la fuente.ABSTRACT: The contributions of PM10 to the environment were determined in a mining industrial zone in northern Colombia for activities involved in storing 3.2 Mton of coal. As the main modeling tool the software CALPUFF was used to determine the contribution of PM10 for 10 days modeling during a month period. Ambient concentrations of PM10 in five receivers were measured. Although higher emissions occur during daytime, characterized by high values of wind speed and higher solar radiation, the greater receptivity of PM10 measurements stations occurred during night hours due to the decreasing the mixing height. The modeling results show that the activities involved in carbon storage can provide 14.5% of daily ambient concentrations at receptors located 16.2 km downwind from the source

Insights into Growth Factors in Liver Carcinogenesis and Regeneration: An Ongoing Debate on Minimizing Cancer Recurrence after Liver Resection

This research was funded by the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovacion y Universidades (Project Grant RTI2018-095114-B-I00) Madrid, Spain; European Union (Fondos FEDER, "una manera de hacer Europa"); CERCA Program/Generalitat de Catalunya; the Secretaria d' Universitats I Recerca del Departament d' Economia I Coneixement (Project Grant 2017_SGR_551) Barcelona, Spain, by the COST action Programs CA17103 (DARTER), CA17112 (PRO-EURO-DILI-NET), CA17121 (COMULIS) and CA17126 (TUMIEE), and by the Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia (CONACYT), Fondo Sectorial de Investigacion para la Educacion (Project grant 257743), Mexico. Marc Mico-Carnero is the recipient of a fellowship from FCT (Fundacio Catalana de Trasplantament), Spain.Hepatocellular carcinoma has become a leading cause of cancer-associated mortality throughout the world, and is of great concern. Currently used chemotherapeutic drugs in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma lead to severe side effects, thus underscoring the need for further research to develop novel and safer therapies. Liver resection in cancer patients is routinely performed. After partial resection, liver regeneration is a perfectly calibrated response apparently sensed by the body’s required liver function. This process hinges on the effect of several growth factors, among other molecules. However, dysregulation of growth factor signals also leads to growth signaling autonomy and tumor progression, so control of growth factor expression may prevent tumor progression. This review describes the role of some of the main growth factors whose dysregulation promotes liver tumor progression, and are also key in regenerating the remaining liver following resection. We herein summarize and discuss studies focused on partial hepatectomy and liver carcinogenesis, referring to hepatocyte growth factor, insulin-like growth factor, and epidermal growth factor, as well as their suitability as targets in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Finally, and given that drugs remain one of the mainstay treatment options in liver carcinogenesis, we have reviewed the current pharmacological approaches approved for clinical use or research targeting these factors.Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovacion y Universidades Madrid, Spain RTI2018-095114-B-I00European Union (Fondos FEDER, "una manera de hacer Europa")General ElectricSecretaria d' Universitats I Recerca del Departament d' Economia I Coneixement Barcelona, Spain 2017_SGR_551COST action Programs CA17103 CA17112 CA17121 CA17126Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia (CONACyT)Fondo Sectorial de Investigacion para la Educacion, Mexico 257743FCT (Fundacio Catalana de Trasplantament), Spai

Factor and cluster analysis for PM10 concentrations in an open pit coal mine : Cerrejón, Colombia

RESUMEN: La mina de carbón a cielo abierto del Cerrejón, ubicada al norte de Colombia, es una de las más grandes de Suramérica. Tiene una red de calidad de aire con más de 30 años de registro de niveles de material particulado. Entre enero 2012 y noviembre 2013 se registraron las concentraciones medias diarias de PM10 cada tres días en 8 estaciones de la red de calidad de aire, utilizando muestreadores de alto volumen. De igual manera, se estudiaron las mediciones de dirección y velocidad del viento en ese periodo de tiempo. El promedio de las concentraciones de PM10 en todas las estaciones variaron entre 17,49 y 42,01μg·m-3. Estos niveles no excedieron el nivel máximo diario permisible según lo establecido en la guía de la Organiza ción Mundial de la Salud. Las técnicas de factor analysis (FA), cluster analysis (CA) y dirección y velocidad del viento fueron utilizados para inferir sobre las principales fuentes de contaminación y para determinar los patrones especiales de las concentraciones de PM10. El FA identifico dos grupos con tres estaciones cada uno con el mismo comportamiento de concentraciones. Estos dos grupos tienen tajos (o canteras) de extracción viento arriba de su ubicación. Los resultados de CA mostraron tres clúster diferenciables con las mismas estaciones obtenidas en el FA. Los resultados de FA, CA y dirección y velocidad identificaron como fuentes potenciales de emisión los tajos o canteras de carbón ubicados viento arriba de las estaciones.ABSTRACT: The Cerrejon coal mine in the north of Colombia is one of the largest open pits in South America. The Cerrejon has an air quality monitoring network with over 30 years of records of the levels of particulate material. Between January 2012 and November 2013, the mean daily concentrations of PM10 were registered in eight stations of the air quality monitoring network using high volume samplers. Similarly, measurements of wind speed and direction were studied during this period. The average concentrations of PM10 in the eight stations varied in the range 17,49-42,01μg·m-3. These levels do not exceed the maximum permissible daily level as laid down in the guide of the World Health Organization. The techniques of factor analysis (FA) and cluster analysis (CA) as well as the wind direction and speed were used to infer the main sources of pollution and to determine the special patterns of PM10 concentrations. The FA identified two groups with the same concentration behavior; these two groups have extraction pits located upwind. The results of the CA showed three differential clusters with the same stations identified in the FA. These techniques identified the coal pits located upwind of the stations as potential sources of PM10

Inter-acciones: apuestas regionales de la investigación en comunicación

Transformación social, desarrollo y gestión de la comunicación en investigación; Educación y comunicación en procesos de transformación cultural; y Medios, convergencia y cibercultura. Además, responde a la pregunta: ¿qué líneas aborda la investigación en Comunicación Social desde la modalidad virtual y a distancia de UNIMINUTO? Lo anterior, con el objetivo de acoplar la investigación básica y aplicada desde el nivel de pregrado, en atención a los retos que afronta la formación del nuevo comunicador social con respecto al componente de investigación e innovación desde los semilleros de investigación; además, en consideración a que los semilleros son un espacio institucional para el fomento de la cultura investigativa institucional y de programas, propiciar la interacción entre la comunidad académica con miras al fortalecimiento de la excelencia académica, el desarrollo social y el progreso científico de la comunidad, así como la generación de la capacidad de trabajo en grupo, la interdisciplinariedad y el establecimiento de redes de investigación

Effects of Gut Metabolites and Microbiota in Healthy and Marginal Livers Submitted to Surgery

We thank Toffa (Language Advisory Service, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain) for revising the English textMicrobiota is defined as the collection of microorganisms within the gastrointestinal ecosystem. These microbes are strongly implicated in the stimulation of immune responses. An unbalanced microbiota, termed dysbiosis, is related to the development of several liver diseases. The bidirectional relationship between the gut, its microbiota and the liver is referred to as the gut–liver axis. The translocation of bacterial products from the intestine to the liver induces inflammation in different cell types such as Kupffer cells, and a fibrotic response in hepatic stellate cells, resulting in deleterious effects on hepatocytes. Moreover, ischemia-reperfusion injury, a consequence of liver surgery, alters the microbiota profile, affecting inflammation, the immune response and even liver regeneration. Microbiota also seems to play an important role in post-operative outcomes (i.e., liver transplantation or liver resection). Nonetheless, studies to determine changes in the gut microbial populations produced during and after surgery, and affecting liver function and regeneration are scarce. In the present review we analyze and discuss the preclinical and clinical studies reported in the literature focused on the evaluation of alterations in microbiota and its products as well as their effects on post-operative outcomes in hepatic surgery.Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovacion y Universidades (MCIU) Madrid, Spain RTI2018-095114-B-I00European Union (Fondos Feder, "Una manera de hacer Europa")CERCA Program/Generalitat de CatalunyaSecretaria d'Universitats i Recerca Barcelona, Spain 2017SGR-551COST action Programs CA17103 CA1712

The Role of Neuregulin-1 in Steatotic and Non-Steatotic Liver Transplantation from Brain-Dead Donors

Background. Brain death (BD) and steatosis are key risk factors to predict adverse post-transplant outcomes. We investigated the role of Neuregulin-1 (NRG1) in rat steatotic and non-steatotic liver transplantation (LT) from brain death donors (DBD). Methods: NRG1 pathways were characterized after surgery. Results: NRG1 and p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1) levels increased in steatotic and non-steatotic grafts from DBDs. The abolishment of NRG1 effects reduced PAK1. When the effect of either NRG1 nor PAK1 was inhibited, injury and regenerative failure were exacerbated. The benefits of the NRG-1-PAK1 axis in liver grafts from DBDs were associated with increased vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGFA) and insulin growth factor-1 (IGF1) levels, respectively. Indeed, VEGFA administration in non-steatotic livers and IGF1 treatment in steatotic grafts prevented damage and regenerative failure resulting from the inhibition of either NRG1 or PAK-1 activity in each type of liver. Exogenous NRG1 induced greater injury than BD induction. Conclusions: This study indicates the benefits of endogenous NRG1 in liver grafts from DBDs and underscores the specificity of the NRG1 signaling pathway depending on the type of liver: NRG1-PAK1-VEGFA in non-steatotic livers and NRG1-PAK1-IGF1 in steatotic livers. Exogenous NRG1 is not an appropriate strategy to apply to liver grafts from DBD

Role of FGF15 in Hepatic Surgery in the Presence of Tumorigenesis: Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde?

This research was supported by the "Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovacion y Universidades (MCIU)" (RTI2018-095114-B-I00) Madrid, Spain, by the European Union (Fondos Feder, "Una manera de hacer Europa"), by "CERCA Program/Generalitat de Catalunya", and by the "Secretaria d'Universitats i Recerca" (2017SGR-551) Barcelona, Spain, and by the COST action Programs CA17103 (DARTER), CA17121 (COMULIS), CA17112 (PROEURO-DILI-NETWORK) and CA17126 (TUMIEE). Marc Mico-Carnero is a recipient of a fellowship from "Fundacio Catalana de trasplantament" (FCT).The pro-tumorigenic activity of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 19 (FGF15 in its rodent orthologue) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as well as the unsolved problem that ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury supposes in liver surgeries, are well known. However, it has been shown that FGF15 administration protects against liver damage and regenerative failure in liver transplantation (LT) from brain-dead donors without tumor signals, providing a benefit in avoiding IR injury. The protection provided by FGF15/19 is due to its anti-apoptotic and pro-regenerative properties, which make this molecule a potentially beneficial or harmful factor, depending on the disease. In the present review, we describe the preclinical models currently available to understand the signaling pathways responsible for the apparent controversial effects of FGF15/19 in the liver (to repair a damaged liver or to promote tumorigenesis). As well, we study the potential pharmacological use that has the activation or inhibition of FGF15/19 pathways depending on the disease to be treated. We also discuss whether FGF15/19 non-pro-tumorigenic variants, which have been developed for the treatment of liver diseases, might be promising approaches in the surgery of hepatic resections and LT using healthy livers and livers from extended-criteria donors."Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovacion y Universidades (MCIU)", Madrid, Spain RTI2018-095114-B-I00European Union (Fondos Feder, "Una manera de hacer Europa")CERCA Program/Generalitat de Catalunya"Secretaria d'Universitats i Recerca", Barcelona, Spain 2017SGR-551European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) CA17103 CA17121 CA17112 CA17126"Fundacio Catalana de trasplantament" (FCT

A Potential Route to Reduce Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Organ Preservation

The pathophysiological process of ischemia and reperfusion injury (IRI), an inevitable step in organ transplantation, causes important biochemical and structural changes that can result in serious organ damage. IRI is relevant for early graft dysfunction and graft survival. Today, in a global context of organ shortages, most organs come from extended criteria donors (ECDs), which are more sensitive to IRI. The main objective of organ preservation solutions is to protect against IRI through the application of specific, nonphysiological components, under conditions of no blood or oxygen, and then under conditions of metabolic reduction by hypothermia. The composition of hypothermic solutions includes osmotic and oncotic buffering components, and they are intracellular (rich in potassium) or extracellular (rich in sodium). However, above all, they all contain the same type of components intended to protect against IRI, such as glutathione, adenosine and allopurinol. These components have not changed for more than 30 years, even though our knowledge of IRI, and much of the relevant literature, questions their stability or efficacy. In addition, several pharmacological molecules have been the subjects of preclinical studies to optimize this protection. Among them, trimetazidine, tacrolimus and carvedilol have shown the most benefits. In fact, these drugs are already in clinical use, and it is a question of repositioning them for this novel use, without additional risk. This new strategy of including them would allow us to shift from cold storage solutions to cold preservation solutions including multitarget pharmacological components, offering protection against IRI and thus protecting today’s more vulnerable organs

New Insights Into the Role of Autophagy in Liver Surgery in the Setting of Metabolic Syndrome and Related Diseases

Visceral obesity is an important component of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of diseases that also includes diabetes and insulin resistance. A combination of these metabolic disorders damages liver function, which manifests as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD is a common cause of abnormal liver function, and numerous studies have established the enormously deleterious role of hepatic steatosis in ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury that inevitably occurs in both liver resection and transplantation. Thus, steatotic livers exhibit a higher frequency of post-surgical complications after hepatectomy, and using liver grafts from donors with NAFLD is associated with an increased risk of post-surgical morbidity and mortality in the recipient. Diabetes, another MetS-related metabolic disorder, also worsens hepatic I/R injury, and similar to NAFLD, diabetes is associated with a poor prognosis after liver surgery. Due to the large increase in the prevalence of MetS, NAFLD, and diabetes, their association is frequent in the population and therefore, in patients requiring liver resection and in potential liver graft donors. This scenario requires advancement in therapies to improve postoperative results in patients suffering from metabolic diseases and undergoing liver surgery; and in this sense, the bases for designing therapeutic strategies are in-depth knowledge about the molecular signaling pathways underlying the effects of MetS-related diseases and I/R injury on liver tissue. A common denominator in all these diseases is autophagy. In fact, in the context of obesity, autophagy is profoundly diminished in hepatocytes and alters mitochondrial functions in the liver. In insulin resistance conditions, there is a suppression of autophagy in the liver, which is associated with the accumulation of lipids, being this is a risk factor for NAFLD. Also, oxidative stress occurring in hepatic I/R injury promotes autophagy. The present review aims to shed some light on the role of autophagy in livers undergoing surgery and also suffering from metabolic diseases, which may lead to the discovery of effective therapeutic targets that could be translated from laboratory to clinical practice, to improve postoperative results of liver surgeries when performed in the presence of one or more metabolic diseases.This research was funded by the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (Project Grant RTI2018-095114-B-I00) Madrid, Spain; European Union (Fondos FEDER, “una manera de hacer Europa”); CERCA Program/Generalitat de Catalunya; the Secretaria d’ Universitats I Recerca del Departament d’ Economia I Coneixement (Project Grant 2017_SGR_551) Barcelona, Spain, by the COST action Programs CA17103 (DARTER), CA17112 (PRO-EURO-DILI-NET), CA17121 (COMULIS), and CA17126 (TUMIEE), and by the Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACYT), Fondo Sectorial de Investigación para la Educación (Project grant 257743), México. MM-C is the recipient of a fellowship from FCT (Fundació Catalana de trasplantament), Spain.Ye