Rietveld Quantitative Phase Analysis of Oil Well Cement: in Situ Hydration Study at 150 Bars and 150 °C

Oil and gas well cements are multimineral materials that hydrate under high pressure and temperature. Their overall reactivity at early ages is studied by a number of techniques including through the use of the consistometer. However, for a proper understanding of the performance of these cements in the field, the reactivity of every component, in real‐world conditions, must be analysed. To date, in situ high energy synchrotron powder diffraction studies of hydrating oil well cement pastes have been carried out, but the quality of the data was not appropriated for Rietveld quantitative phase analyses. Therefore, the phase reactivities were followed by the inspection of the evolution of non‐overlapped diffraction peaks. Very recently, we have developed a new cell specially designed to rotate under high pressure and temperature. Here, this spinning capillary cell is used for in situ studies of the hydration of a commercial oil well cement paste at 150 bars and 150 °C. The powder diffraction data were analysed by the Rietveld method to quantitatively determine the reactivities of each component phase. The reaction degree of alite was 90% after 7 hours, and that of belite was 42% at 14 hours. These analyses are accurate, as the in situ measured crystalline portlandite content at the end of the experiment, 12.9 wt%, compares relatively well with the value determined ex situ by thermal analysis, i.e., 14.0 wt%. The crystalline calcium silicates forming at 150 bars and 150 °C are also discussed.This research was funded by Spanish MINECO, grant number BIA2017‐82391‐R which is co‐funded by FEDER. We thank Marc Malfois for his help during the experiment performed at NCD‐SWEET beamline at ALBA synchrotron. We also thank Marcus Paul (Dyckerhoff GmbH) for providing the OWC sample with its characterization and helpful discussions

Fried potatoes: Impact of prolonged frying in monounsaturated oils

Fresh potatoes were intermittently deep-fried up to recommended limits (175 °C, 8 h/day, 28 h) in extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO), peanut oil (PO) and canola oil (CO), and compared for diverse chemical components and sensorial attributes, aiming to quantify the impact of prolonged frying on potatoes nutrients, and the potential alterations resulting from the use of different monounsaturated-rich oils. Independently of oil type, its degradation promotes time-dependent losses of important potato nutrients, as vitamin C. Regarding the monounsaturated-rich oils tested, potatoes fried in CO had more equilibrated fatty acid profiles, but higher amounts of aldehydes derived from PUFA oxidation, while in EVOO were enriched with phenolic compounds. Acrylamide amounts were not affected by oil type or frying hours. Sensory degradation was gradually perceived by the panellists, except in PO. Prolonged frying should not be studied only on the basis of oil degradation because, even if within regulated limits, it induces loss of important food compounds.The authors acknowledge the financial support from PRODER (Contract n° 53988), co-financed by FAEDER, and from project UID/QUI/50006/2013 – POCI/01/0145/FEDER/007265 with financial support from FCT/MEC through national funds, co-financed by FEDER, under the Partnership Agreement PT2020 and the PhD Grant—SFRH/BD/82285/2011 attributed to Carla S.P. Santos. Lucía Molina García also acknowledges the financial support from Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario (ceiA3) and University of Jaén, from Spain

Plataforma de control de mensajeria instantanea bajo sistemas AACS CHATAACS

Existe en el mercado una variedad de tecnologías de apoyo para mejorar la funcionalidad social de los SAACs, como por ejemplo los sistemas de gestión de pictogramas para la comunicación, o los dispositivos alternativos para la interacción con la máquina. Los usuarios con diversidad funcional que utilizan los SAACs quieren mejorar sus posibilidades de acción en diferentes áreas relacionadas con las Nuevas Tecnologías. Sin embargo, tienen importantes dificultades para encontrar plataformas estables y actuales, que permitan ir resolviendo diferentes necesidades integrando nuevas funcionalidades, que se adapten a la diversidad funcional del colectivo y que no impliquen costes desproporcionados. Desde la UPM presentamos >, plataforma de control de un chat gratuito bajo SAACs, permitiendo a usuarios con diversidad funcional (parálisis cerebral) el acceso y disfrute de las nuevas tecnologías. Desde el punto de vista tecnológico, se ofrecerá una mayor portabilidad en tecnologías punteras fomentando la accesibilidad mediante dispositivos de acceso alternativos. Se logrará una estructura de símbolos dinámica para que el sistema no se ralentice. Desde el punto de vista del usuario conseguiremos que el sistema sea amigable y fácil de usar, que se pueda utilizar esta plataforma con distintos sistemas de comunicación bajo criterios de usabilidad universal

Diet and Genotype Effects on n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids of Beef Lipids

The aim of this study was to study the effects of four feeding systems on n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs) in Longissimus dorsi muscle lipids from three different steer genotypes and discuss the current finding concerning the role of these factors on alfa-linolenic acid conversion into n-3 long chain PUFAs. The feeding systems described here, represent productive models widespread in Argentina Pampeana region, ranging from pasture exclusive diet, to the feedlot system. C18:2 n-6 (LA) increased whereas C18:3 n-3 (ALA) decreased according to the increase in grain in the diet. The LA/ALA and n-6/n-3 PUFAs ratios increased as the grain in the diet increased. We concluded that by feeding animals correctly, we address the problem of consuming a high n-6/n-3 PUFAs ratio without virtually changing normal diets. Although these changes appear modest, for non-sea fish eaters, animal products such as beef are the only sources of long-chain n-3 PUFAs, and any improvement in the fatty acid composition of beef will result in an increase in the consumption of n-3 fatty acids.El objetivo de este estudio fue estudiar los efectos de cuatro sistemas de alimentación sobre los ácidos grasos poliinsaturados (PUFA) n-3 en los lípidos del músculo Longissimus dorsi de tres genotipos de novillo diferentes y discutir los hallazgos actuales sobre el papel de estos factores en el ácido alfa-linolénico. . conversión en PUFA de cadena larga n-3. Los sistemas de alimentación descritos aquí, representan modelos productivos muy difundidos en la región Pampeana Argentina, que van desde la dieta exclusiva a pasto, hasta el sistema feedlot. C18:2 n-6 (LA) aumentó mientras que C18:3 n-3 (ALA) disminuyó de acuerdo con el aumento de grano en la dieta. Las relaciones LA/ALA y PUFA n-6/n-3 aumentaron a medida que aumentaba el grano en la dieta. Llegamos a la conclusión de que al alimentar a los animales correctamente, abordamos el problema de consumir una proporción alta de PUFA n-6/n-3 sin cambiar prácticamente las dietas normales. Aunque estos cambios parecen modestos, para los consumidores de pescado que no son de mar, los productos animales como la carne de res son las únicas fuentes de AGPI n-3 de cadena larga, y cualquier mejora en la composición de ácidos grasos de la carne de res dará como resultado un aumento en el consumo de ácidos grasos n-3.Instituto de Investigación de Tecnología de Alimentos (ITA)Fil: García, Pilar Teresa. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Investigación Tecnología de Alimentos; Argentina.Fil: Latimori, Nestor Juan. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Marcos Juárez; Argentina.Fil: Sancho, Ana Maria. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Investigación Tecnología de Alimentos; Argentina.Fil: Casal, Jorge José. Universidad de Morón. Facultad de Agronomía y Ciencias Agroalimentarias; Argentina

Phase Transitions and Adsorption Isotherm in Multilayer Adsorbates with Lateral Interactions

We analyze here a model for an adsorbate system composed of many layers by extending a theoretical approach used to describe pattern formation on a monolayer of adsorbates with lateral interactions. The approach shows, in addition to a first order phase transition in the first layer, a transition in the second layer together with evidence of a "cascade" of transitions if more layers are included. The transition profiles, showing a staircase structure, corroborate this picture. The adsorption isotherm that came out of this approach is in qualitative agreement with numerical and experimental results.Comment: Submited to Physica A, LaTex, 22 pgs, 6 figure

A rapid landscape review of postpartum anaemia measurement: challenges and opportunities

BACKGROUND: Anaemia is a reduction in haemoglobin concentration below a threshold, resulting from various factors including severe blood loss during and after childbirth. Symptoms of anaemia include fatigue and weakness, among others, affecting health and quality of life. Anaemic pregnant women have an increased risk of premature delivery, a low-birthweight infant, and postpartum depression. They are also more likely to have anaemia in the postpartum period which can lead to an ongoing condition and affect subsequent pregnancies. In 2019 nearly 37% of pregnant women globally had anaemia, and estimates suggest that 50-80% of postpartum women in low- and middle-income countries have anaemia, but currently there is no standard measurement or classification for postpartum anaemia. METHODS: A rapid landscape review was conducted to identify and characterize postpartum anaemia measurement searching references within three published systematic reviews of anaemia, including studies published between 2012 and 2021. We then conducted a new search for relevant literature from February 2021 to April 2022 in EMBASE and MEDLINE using a similar search strategy as used in the published reviews. RESULTS: In total, we identified 53 relevant studies. The timing of haemoglobin measurement ranged from within the immediate postpartum period to over 6 weeks. The thresholds used to diagnose anaemia in postpartum women varied considerably, with < 120, < 110, < 100 and < 80 g/L the most frequently reported. Other laboratory results frequently reported included ferritin and transferrin receptor. Clinical outcomes reported in 32 out of 53 studies included postpartum depression, quality of life, and fatigue. Haemoglobin measurements were performed in a laboratory, although it is unclear from the studies if venous samples and automatic analysers were used in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: This review demonstrates the need for improving postpartum anaemia measurement given the variability observed in published measures. With the high prevalence of anaemia, the relatively simple treatment for non-severe cases of iron deficiency anaemia, and its importance to public health with multi-generational effects, it is crucial to develop common measures for women in the postpartum period and promote rapid uptake and reporting

Overall Survival and Biomarker Analysis of Neoadjuvant Nivolumab Plus Chemotherapy in Operable Stage IIIA Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NADIM phase II trial)

Càncer de pulmó; Quimioteràpia neoadjuvantCáncer de pulmón; Quimioterapia neoadyuvanteLung cancer; Neoadjuvant chemotherapyPURPOSE Neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus nivolumab has been shown to be effective in resectable non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the NADIM trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03081689). The 3-year overall survival (OS) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis have not been reported. METHODS This was an open-label, multicenter, single-arm, phase II trial in which patients with stage IIIA NSCLC, who were deemed to be surgically resectable, were treated with neoadjuvant paclitaxel (200 mg/m2 once a day) and carboplatin (area under curve 6) plus nivolumab (360 mg) once on day 1 of each 21-day cycle, for three cycles, followed by adjuvant nivolumab monotherapy for 1 year (240 mg once every 2 weeks for 4 months, followed by 480 mg once every 4 weeks for 8 months). The 3-year OS and ctDNA analysis were secondary objectives of the trial. RESULTS OS at 36 months was 81.9% (95% CI, 66.8 to 90.6) in the intention-to-treat population, rising to 91.0% (95% CI, 74.2 to 97.0) in the per-protocol population. Neither tumor mutation burden nor programmed cell death ligand-1 staining was predictive of survival. Conversely, low pretreatment levels of ctDNA were significantly associated with improved progression-free survival and OS (hazard ratio [HR], 0.20; 95% CI, 0.06 to 0.63, and HR, 0.07; 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.39, respectively). Clinical responses according to RECIST v1.1 criteria did not predict survival outcomes. However, undetectable ctDNA levels after neoadjuvant treatment were significantly associated with progression-free survival and OS (HR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.07 to 0.93, and HR, 0.04; 95% CI, 0.00 to 0.55, respectively). The C-index to predict OS for ctDNA levels after neoadjuvant treatment (0.82) was superior to that of RECIST criteria (0.72). CONCLUSION The efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus nivolumab in resectable NSCLC is supported by 3-year OS. ctDNA levels were significantly associated with OS and outperformed radiologic assessments in the prediction of survival

Current calcium fortification experiences: a review

Low dietary calcium is very common in many populations, contributing to nutritional rickets/osteomalacia in children/adults and increasing the risk of several health problems. Calcium is a nutrient of concern as the recommended nutrient requirements are difficult to meet in the absence of dairy products. The provision of culturally acceptable calcium-fortified foods may improve calcium intake when it is a feasible and cost-effective strategy in a particular setting. This landscape review was conducted in 2019 and describes current calcium fortification efforts and lessons learned from these experiences. Worldwide, the United Kingdom is the only country where calcium fortification of wheat flour is mandatory. It is estimated that this fortified staple ingredient contributes to 13–14% of calcium intake of the British population. Other items voluntary fortified with calcium include maize flour, rice, and water. Current calcium fortification programs may lack qualified personnel/training, clear guidelines on implementation, regulation, monitoring/evaluation, and functional indicators. Also, the cost of calcium premix is high and the target groups may be hard to reach. There is a lack of rigorous evaluation, particularly in settings with multiple micronutrient programs implemented simultaneously, with low quality of the evidence. Further research is needed to assess the impact of calcium fortification programs.Fil: Palacios, Cristina. Florida International University; Estados UnidosFil: Hofmeyr, G. Justus. No especifíca;Fil: Cormick, Gabriela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Centro de Investigaciones en Epidemiología y Salud Pública. Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria. Centro de Investigaciones en Epidemiología y Salud Pública; ArgentinaFil: Garcia Casal, Maria Nieves. World Health Organization; SuizaFil: Peña Rosas, Juan Pablo. World Health Organization; SuizaFil: Betrán, Ana Pilar. World Health Organization; Suiz

Comparative Fingerprint Changes of Toxic Volatiles in Low PUFA Vegetable Oils Under Deep-Frying

The volatile fraction of three vegetable oils recommended for deep-frying due to their high MUFA:PUFA ratios, namely extra-virgin olive oil, peanut oil and canola oil, was compared before and after frying potatoes, with a particular focus on toxic volatiles. For the purpose, a headspace solid-phase-micro extraction technique coupled with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry was optimized, with semi-quantification achieved using two internal standards. Significant qualitative and quantitative differences were observed, both before and after frying. From a total of 51 compounds, aldehydes were the main group formed after deep-frying, their nature and abundance being highly associated with the initial fatty acid composition, particularly linoleic acid (r2 = −0.999, p ≤ 0.001). Globally, extra-virgin olive oil revealed fewer formations of unsaturated aldehydes, including toxic ones, and correlated with lower amounts of degradation indicators, as polar compounds (r2 = 0.998, p ≤ 0.001) and p-anisidine value (r2 = 0.991, p ≤ 0.001). Despite the similarities in total unsaturation degree between canola and peanut oils, the former presented lower amount of volatiles, including E,E-2,4-decadienal and acrolein, the more toxic ones. These results highlight for the pertinence of volatile analyses to evaluate and compare oil degradation under thermal and oxidative stress, while complementing other degradation indicators. Additionally, the optimized methodology allows a direct comparison of different oil matrices, supporting further developments into more general methods for volatiles quantification, enabling more efficient comparison of results between research teams.The authors acknowledge the financial support from PRODER (Contract No. 53989), co-financed by FAEDER, and from project UID/QUI/50006/2013-POCI/01/0145/FEDER/007265 with financial support from FCT/MEC through national funds, cofinanced by FEDER, under the Partnership Agreement PT2020 and the PhD Grant—SFRH/BD/82285/2011 attributed to CSPS. LMG also acknowledges the financial support from Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario (ceiA3) and University of Jaén, from Spain