How important is the (001) plane of M1 for selective oxidation of propane to acrylic acid?

The role of the (001) crystallographic plane of the M1 phase of MoVTeNb mixed oxide catalysts in selective oxidation of propane to acrylic acid has been addressed by investigating a phase-pure M1 material preferentially exposing this surface. A model catalyst has been prepared by com-plete silylation of M1 followed by breakage of the SiO2 covered needles. Using this approach, the reactivity of the M1 (001) surface has been investigated by combining a micro-reactor study of propane oxidation with High-Sensitivity Low Energy Ion Scattering (HS-LEIS). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) have been used to study shape and microstructure of the model system and to verify the surface exposure of the model catalyst. The specific formation rate of acrylic acid on the model catalyst is similar to that on the phase-pure M1 reference material indicating that the (001) plane of the M1 crystal structure does not possess enhanced catalytic properties com-pared to the lateral surface of M1 needles in propane oxidation

Predicting the onset and persistence of episodes of depression in primary health care. The predictD-Spain study: Methodology

Background: The effects of putative risk factors on the onset and/or persistence of depression remain unclear. We aim to develop comprehensive models to predict the onset and persistence of episodes of depression in primary care. Here we explain the general methodology of the predictD-Spain study and evaluate the reliability of the questionnaires used. Methods: This is a prospective cohort study. A systematic random sample of general practice attendees aged 18 to 75 has been recruited in seven Spanish provinces. Depression is being measured with the CIDI at baseline, and at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months. A set of individual, environmental, genetic, professional and organizational risk factors are to be assessed at each follow-up point. In a separate reliability study, a proportional random sample of 401 participants completed the test-retest (251 researcher-administered and 150 self-administered) between October 2005 and February 2006. We have also checked 118,398 items for data entry from a random sample of 480 patients stratified by province. Results: All items and questionnaires had good test-retest reliability for both methods of administration, except for the use of recreational drugs over the previous six months. Cronbach's alphas were good and their factorial analyses coherent for the three scales evaluated (social support from family and friends, dissatisfaction with paid work, and dissatisfaction with unpaid work). There were 191 (0.16%) data entry errors. Conclusion: The items and questionnaires were reliable and data quality control was excellent. When we eventually obtain our risk index for the onset and persistence of depression, we will be able to determine the individual risk of each patient evaluated in primary health car

Análisis de la relevancia y factibilidad de indicadores de calidad en las unidades de nutrición

Introducción: La evaluación de la calidad en las actividades sanitarias exige la elección de unos indicadores acordes con los resultados que queremos medir. De todos los posibles, debemos priorizar aquellos que nos permitan obtener la información más relevante sin sobrecargar el trabajo habitual de nuestras Unidades. Objetivo: Conocer la opinión de los socios de SENPE respecto a la relevancia y la viabilidad del uso de una selección de indicadores de calidad para su aplicación en nutrición clínica. Métodos: Encuesta remitida mediante correo electrónico a los socios de SENPE solicitando a los mismos su opinión sobre 12 indicadores de calidad, valorándose cada uno en cuanto a su relevancia y factibilidad de la aplicación en su medio. Resultados: Contestaron 40 encuestados de 40 centros diferentes de 12 comunidades autónomas. En general, los indicadores fueron considerados más relevantes que factibles. Los indicadores mejor puntuados fueron: “identificación en las bolsas de nutrición artificial”, “posición semi-incorporada del paciente con nutrición enteral por sonda nasogástrica” y “protocolos clínicos básicos”. Considerando los indicadores por grupos (de estructura, proceso o resultado) los mejor valorados fueron: “identificación del paciente en las bolsas de nutrición artificial” (estructura), “posición semi-incorporada” y “protocolos clínicos básicos” (proceso), y “cumplimiento del objetivo calórico” (resultado). Conclusión: Los resultados de la encuesta permiten seleccionar indicadores prioritarios para su aplicación en las Unidades de NutriciónIntroduction: The quality assessment in health activities requires the choice of indicators in line with the results we want to measure. Of all possible, we should prioritize those that allow us to obtain the most relevant information without overloading the regular work of our units. Objective: To determine the opinion of the members of SENPE regarding the relevance and feasibility of using a selection of quality indicators designed for use in clinical nutrition. Methods: E-mail survey sent to members of SENPE asking them their views on 12 quality indicators, evaluating each in terms of their relevance and feasibility of implementation in their environment. Results: 40 respondents answered from 40 centers in 12 different regions. In general, the indicators were considered more relevant than feasible. The indicators best rated were: “identification in artificial nutrition bags, “semi-recumbent position in patient with nasogastric tube feeding” and “basic clinical protocols”. Considering the type of indicator: “patient identification in the bags of artificial nutrition (structure),” a semi-incorporated “and” basic clinical protocols (process), and “fulfillment of the caloric goal” (result). Conclusion: The results of the survey can make a selection of indicators that could be considered for first-line introduction in a Nutrition Uni

Rol de Bacillus subtilis y dosis de fósforo en la concentración, distribución y absorción de macronutrientes en frijol común

El conocimiento sobre la absorción y distribución de macronutrientes es indispensable en los programas de fertilización en el cultivo de frijol (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Al respecto, el empleo de rizobacterias promotoras de crecimiento vegetal (PGPR) en combinación con la fertilización fosfatada, podrían ejercer un efecto sinérgico y potencializar la absorción y distribución de nutrientes en este cultivo. Se estableció un experimento con el propósito de investigar la respuesta del cultivo de frijol a cuatro dosis de fósforo (P), (0, 25, 50, 100 kg ha-1 P2O5) y a la cepa Bacillus subtilis Q11 (Bs) (inoculación a la semilla y un testigo sin inocular) en la concentración, distribución y acumulación de macronutrientes. El experimento se estableció bajo un diseño de parcelas divididas en bloques al azar con tres repeticiones. Según los resultados obtenidos, la acumulación de biomasa se afectó de forma individual por el P y Bs. La mayor acumulación de biomasa se obtuvo con dosis de P mayores a los 50 kg ha-1, mientras que la inoculación con Bs produjo mayor biomasa que el testigo. La interacción P × Bs afectó la concentración de nitrógeno, fósforo, potasio, calcio y magnesio en los órganos de la planta en todas las etapas fenológicas, excepto en la vaina durante la etapa de llenado de grano. La acumulación de nutrientes presentó un patrón característico sigmoidal y se modificó individualmente por el P y la inoculación con Bs. La dosis de 50 kg ha-1 de P incrementó la acumulación de macronutrientes, sobre todo en la etapa de llenado de grano, mientras que el uso de Bs incrementó la absorción en las etapas de llenado de grano y madurez fisiológica. En conclusión, se comprobó la utilidad de la combinación de Bs con P en la modificación de la concentración, absorción y acumulación de nutrientes en frijol

Diagnostic and treatment pathways for men with prostate cancer in Queensland: investigating spatial and demographic inequalities

Background: Patterns of diagnosis and management for men diagnosed with prostate cancer in Queensland, Australia, have not yet been systematically documented and so assumptions of equity are untested. This longitudinal study investigates the association between prostate cancer diagnostic and treatment outcomes and key area-level characteristics and individual-level demographic, clinical and psychosocial factors.---------- Methods/Design: A total of 1064 men diagnosed with prostate cancer between February 2005 and July 2007 were recruited through hospital-based urology outpatient clinics and private practices in the centres of Brisbane, Townsville and Mackay (82% of those referred). Additional clinical and diagnostic information for all 6609 men diagnosed with prostate cancer in Queensland during the study period was obtained via the population-based Queensland Cancer Registry. Respondent data are collected using telephone and self-administered questionnaires at pre-treatment and at 2 months, 6 months, 12 months, 24 months, 36 months, 48 months and 60 months post-treatment. Assessments include demographics, medical history, patterns of care, disease and treatment characteristics together with outcomes associated with prostate cancer, as well as information about quality of life and psychological adjustment. Complementary detailed treatment information is abstracted from participants’ medical records held in hospitals and private treatment facilities and collated with health service utilisation data obtained from Medicare Australia. Information about the characteristics of geographical areas is being obtained from data custodians such as the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Geo-coding and spatial technology will be used to calculate road travel distances from patients’ residences to treatment centres. Analyses will be conducted using standard statistical methods along with multilevel regression models including individual and area-level components.---------- Conclusions: Information about the diagnostic and treatment patterns of men diagnosed with prostate cancer is crucial for rational planning and development of health delivery and supportive care services to ensure equitable access to health services, regardless of geographical location and individual characteristics. This study is a secondary outcome of the randomised controlled trial registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12607000233426