Three-dimensional Reconstruction of the Caspe Geological Structure (Spain) for Evaluation as a Potential CO2 Storage Site

The Caspe geological structure was formed by the convergence of the Iberian Range and the Catalonian Coastal Range, during the Tertiary compression. Traditionally, the Caspe structure has been interpreted from seismic profiles without considering surface structural data. The aim of this study is to build a 3D geological model taking into account the structural data from the geological map, stress fields and lineaments, and evaluate its possibility as potential CO2 storage site. Four surfaces have been modelled: Buntsandstein Top, Muschelkalk-I Top, Muschelkalk-II Top and Cenozoic Bottom. Considering the geometry and depth for storage the target reservoir was considered to be the Buntsandstein facies. The available seismic data indicate that the Buntsandstein facies top is at approximately 500 m depth and hosts a deep saline aquifer. The target reservoir series include the conglomerate and sandstone of the Hoz del Gallo and Cañizar Fms (Buntsandstein Facies) with an average thickness of 500 m and 21% porosity. The seal comprises the shales and silts of the Röt Fm with an average thickness of 100-150 m. The structure volume was calculated based on the -500 mbsl for the Buntsandstein top deepest closed contour lines. The estimated volume is 5, 800 Mm3 with most of CO2 in gaseous state

Three-dimensional Reconstruction of the Caspe Geological Structure (Spain) for Evaluation as a Potential CO2 Storage Site

The Caspe geological structure was formed by the convergence of the Iberian Range and the Catalonian Coastal Range, during the Tertiary compression. Traditionally, the Caspe structure has been interpreted from seismic profiles without considering surface structural data. The aim of this study is to build a 3D geological model taking into account the structural data from the geological map, stress fields and lineaments, and evaluate its possibility as potential CO2 storage site. Four surfaces have been modelled: Buntsandstein Top, Muschelkalk-I Top, Muschelkalk-II Top and Cenozoic Bottom. Considering the geometry and depth for storage the target reservoir was considered to be the Buntsandstein facies. The available seismic data indicate that the Buntsandstein facies top is at approximately 500 m depth and hosts a deep saline aquifer. The target reservoir series include the conglomerate and sandstone of the Hoz del Gallo and Cañizar Fms (Buntsandstein Facies) with an average thickness of 500 m and 21% porosity. The seal comprises the shales and silts of the Röt Fm with an average thickness of 100-150 m. The structure volume was calculated based on the -500 mbsl for the Buntsandstein top deepest closed contour lines. The estimated volume is 5,800 Mm3 with most of CO2 in gaseous state.Financial support for this study was received from the Spanish administration through the Instituto para la Reestructuración de la Minería del Carbón y el Desarrollo Alternativo de las Comarcas Mineras (IRMC).Peer reviewe

Effects of Lactobacillus coryniformis K8 CECT5711 on the immune response to influenza vaccination and the assessment of common respiratory symptoms in elderly subjects: a randomized controlled trial.

Elderly people are particularly vulnerable to seasonal influenza. Therefore, vaccination is strongly recommended. However, the vaccine efficacy is lower in the elderly, owing to immunosenescence. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the ability of the probiotic strain Lactobacillus coryniformis K8 CECT5711 to enhance the immune response to the influenza vaccine in the elderly and to assess the effects on symptoms related to respiratory infections. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted between November 2015 and April 2016. A total of 98 nursing home residents, more than 65 years of age were randomly assigned to receive L. coryniformis K8 CECT5711 (3 × 109 CFU/day) or a placebo for 2 weeks before influenza vaccination. The primary outcome was the percentage of seroconversion. The secondary outcomes were the incidence of influenza-like illness (ILI) and respiratory symptoms associated with respiratory infections during the 5-month follow-up period. The serum cytokine and immunoglobulin levels were also evaluated. The percentage of responders to vaccination was higher in the probiotic group than in the control group (p = 0.036). L. coryniformis ingestion was associated with a significantly lower incidence of respiratory symptoms commonly associated with respiratory infections (p = 0.007) and lower consumption of analgesics (p = 0.008). The administration of L. coryniformis K8 CECT5711 to an elderly population increased the immune response against the influenza vaccine and decreased symptoms associated with respiratory infections. Probiotic administration may be a natural and safe strategy to improve the efficacy of vaccines and to protect against common respiratory infections in susceptible populations