Hydrogen production from cheese whey by catalytic steam reforming: Preliminary study using lactose as a model compound

Cheese whey is a yellowish liquid by-product of the cheese making process. Owing to its high BOD and COD values, this feedstock should not be directly discharged into the environment without appropriate treatment. Before dealing with real cheese whey, this work addresses the production of a rich hydrogen gas from lactose (the largest organic constituent of this waste) by catalytic steam reforming. This reforming process has been theoretically and experimentally studied. The theoretical study examines the effect of the temperature (300-600 °C), lactose concentration (1-10 wt.%) and N2 (0-80 cm3 STP/min) and liquid flow (0.1-0.5 mL/min) rates on the thermodynamic composition of the gas. The results show that the temperature and lactose concentration exerted the greatest influence on the thermodynamics. The experimental study, conducted in a fixed bed reactor using a Ni-based catalyst, considers the effect of the temperature (300-600 °C), lactose concentration (1-10 wt.%) and spatial time (4-16 g catalyst min/g lactose) on the global lactose conversion, product distribution on a carbon basis (gas, liquid and solid) and the compositions of the gas and liquid phases. Complete lactose conversion was achieved under all the experimental conditions. The carbon converted into gas, liquid and solid was 2-97%, 0-66% and 0-94%, respectively. The gas phase was made up of a mixture of H2 (0-70 vol.%), CO2 (20-70 vol.%), CO (2-34 vol.%) and CH4 (0-3 vol.%). The liquid phase consisted of a mixture of aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, sugars, furans, alcohols and phenols. Optimal conditions for cheese whey valorisation were sought considering the energetic aspects of the process. Using a lactose concentration similar to that of cheese whey (5.5 wt.%), maxima for the CC gas (88%) and the proportion of H2 (67 vol.%) in the gas together with a carbon-free liquid stream can be achieved at 586 °C using a spatial time of 16 g catalyst min/g lactose. Theoretically, the combustion of 20% of this gas provides the energy necessary for the process enabling the transformation of 68% of the carbon present in the initial effluent into a H2 rich gas (67 vol.%) with a global H2 yield of 16 mol H2/mol lactose. In a real case it would be necessary to increase the amount of gas combusted to compensate for heat losses

Transmission ratio distortion detection by neutral genetic markers in the Pura Raza Española horse breed

Transmission Ratio Distortion (TRD) is a genetic phenomenon widely demonstrated in several livestock species, but barely in equine species. The TRD occurs when certain genotypes are over- or under-represented in the offspring of a particular mating and can be caused by a variety of factors during gamete formation or during embryonic development. For this study, 126 394 trios consisting of a stallion, mare, and offspring were genotyped using a panel of 17 neutral microsatellite markers recommended by the International Society for Animal Genetics for paternity tests and individual identification. The number of alleles available for each marker ranges from 13 to 18, been 268 the total number of alleles investigated. The TRDscan v.2.0 software was used with the biallelic procedure to identify regions with distorted segregation ratios. After completing the analysis, a total of 12 alleles (out of 11 microsatellites) were identified with decisive evidence for genotypic TRD; 3 and 9 with additive and heterosis patterns, respectively. In addition, 19 alleles (out of 10 microsatellites) were identified displaying allelic TRD. Among them, 14 and 5 were parent-unspecific and stallion-mare-specific TRD. Out of the TRD regions, 24 genes were identified and annotated, predominantly associated with cholesterol metabolism and homeostasis. These genes are often linked to non-specific symptoms like impaired fertility, stunted growth, and compromised overall health. The results suggest a significant impact on the inheritance of certain genetic traits in horses. Further analysis and validation are needed to better understand the TRD impact before the potential implementation in the horse breeding programme strategies.</p

Prevalence of Sex-Related Chromosomal Abnormalities in a Large Cohort of Spanish Purebred Horses

Chromosomal abnormalities are largely associated with fertility impairments in the domestic horse. To date, over 600 cases of individuals carrying abnormal chromosome complements have been reported, making the domestic horse the species with the highest prevalence. However, studies analyzing the prevalence of chromosomal diseases in whole populations are scarce. We, therefore, employed a two-step molecular tool to screen and diagnose chromosomal abnormalities in a large population of 25,237 Pura Raza Español horses. Individuals were first screened using short tandem repeats parentage testing results and phenotypic evaluations. Those animals showing results suggesting chromosomal abnormalities were re-tested using a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based diagnostic methodology to accurately determine the chromosomal complements. Thirteen individuals showed a positive screening, all of which were diagnosed as chromosomally abnormal, including five 64,XY mares with sex development disorders (DSD) and four cases of blood chimerism (two male/female and two female/female cases). In addition, we detected one Turner and one Klinefelter syndrome and two individuals carrying complex karyotypes. The overall prevalence in the entire population was ~0.05%, with the prevalence of 64,XY DSD and blood chimerism ~0.02% and ~0.016%, respectively. However, the overall results should be taken with caution since the individuals carrying Turner syndrome (in full (63,X) or mosaic (mos 63,X/64,XX) forms) cannot be detected due to limitations in the methodology employed. Finally, the lack of agreement between populational studies performed using karyotyping or molecular methods is discussed. To our knowledge, this is the largest populational study performed evaluating the prevalence of the most common chromosomal abnormalities in the domestic horse

Screening and detection of chromosomal copy number alterations in the domestic horse using SNP‐array genotyping data

Chromosomal abnormalities are a common cause of infertility in horses. However, they are difficult to detect using automated methods. Here, we propose a simple methodology based on single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-array data that allows us to detect the main chromosomal abnormalities in horses in a single procedure. As proof of concept, we were able to detect chromosomal abnormalities in 33 out of 268 individuals, including monosomies, chimerisms, and male and female sex-reversions, by analyzing the raw signal intensity produced by an SNP array-based genotyping platform. We also demonstrated that the procedure is not affected by the SNP density of the array employed or by the inbreeding level of the individuals. Finally, the methodology proposed in this study could be performed in an open bioinformatic environment, thus permitting its integration as a flexible screening tool in diagnostic laboratories and genomic breeding programs.Fil: Pirosanto, Yamila. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico CONICET- La Plata. Instituto de Genética Veterinaria "Ing. Fernando Noel Dulout". Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Instituto de Genética Veterinaria; ArgentinaFil: Laseca, Nora. Universidad de Córdoba; EspañaFil: Valera, M.. Universidad de Sevilla; EspañaFil: Molina, A.. Universidad de Córdoba; EspañaFil: Moreno Millán, Miguel. Universidad de Córdoba; EspañaFil: Bugno Poniewierska, M.. Universidad Agrícola de Cracovia; PoloniaFil: Ross, P.. University of California at Davis; Estados UnidosFil: Azor, P.. Asociación Nacional de Criadores de Caballos de Pura Raza; EspañaFil: Demyda Peyrás, Sebastián. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico CONICET- La Plata. Instituto de Genética Veterinaria "Ing. Fernando Noel Dulout". Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Instituto de Genética Veterinaria; Argentin

Screening and detection of chromosomal copy number alterations in the domestic horse using SNP-array genotyping data

Chromosomal abnormalities are a common cause of infertility in horses. However, they are difficult to detect using automated methods. Here, we propose a simple methodology based on single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-array data that allows us to detect the main chromosomal abnormalities in horses in a single procedure. As proof of concept, we were able to detect chromosomal abnormalities in 33 out of 268 individuals, including monosomies, chimerisms, and male and female sex-reversions, by analyzing the raw signal intensity produced by an SNP array-based genotyping platform. We also demonstrated that the procedure is not affected by the SNP density of the array employed or by the inbreeding level of the individuals. Finally, the methodology proposed in this study could be performed in an open bioinformatic environment, thus permitting its integration as a flexible screening tool in diagnostic laboratories and genomic breeding programs.Fil: Pirosanto, Yamila. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico CONICET- La Plata. Instituto de Genética Veterinaria "Ing. Fernando Noel Dulout". Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Instituto de Genética Veterinaria; ArgentinaFil: Laseca, Nora. Universidad de Córdoba; EspañaFil: Valera, M.. Universidad de Sevilla; EspañaFil: Molina, A.. Universidad de Córdoba; EspañaFil: Moreno Millán, Miguel. Universidad de Córdoba; EspañaFil: Bugno Poniewierska, M.. Universidad Agrícola de Cracovia; PoloniaFil: Ross, P.. University of California at Davis; Estados UnidosFil: Azor, P.. Asociación Nacional de Criadores de Caballos de Pura Raza; EspañaFil: Demyda Peyrás, Sebastián. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico CONICET- La Plata. Instituto de Genética Veterinaria "Ing. Fernando Noel Dulout". Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Instituto de Genética Veterinaria; Argentin

Semicircular lipoatrophy, a form of sick building syndrome. A review of the literature

Se han revisado las publicaciones científicas sobre la lipoatrofia semicircular, desde 1974 a octubre de 2010 en Medline y Google Académico. Nuestro objetivo era obtener toda la bibliografía científica médica disponible y la documentación elaborada por los organismos oficiales y situarla en relación con el síndrome del edificio enfermo. Se han utilizado las palabras clave “Lipoatrophia semicircularis” y “Semicircular lipoatrophy”. Se ha encontrado escasa bibliografía, exclusivamente 32 artículos en Medline. El 33% de ellos pertenece a autores españoles. La lipoatrofia semicircular es un defecto estético más que una enfermedad, es una lesión benigna y reversible considerada banal. Sin embargo, ha sorprendido al siglo XXI apareciendo en el entorno que se consideraba más seguro de todos los laborales. Donde sólo se preveían patologías musculoesqueléticas, oculares y psicosociales, ha surgido una nueva enfermedad que parece estar relacionada con el sexo femenino, los microtraumatismos y las cargas electrostáticas. En conclusión, debemos encuadrar la lipoatrofia semicircular como una enfermedad propia de los edificios (al igual que la legionelosis, por ejemplo) y distinta al síndrome del edificio enfermo. Son necesarios más estudios para responder a las preguntas aún abiertas sobre su fisiopatogenia.We have rewiewed the entries on “semircular lipoatrophy” in the Medline and Academic Google databases for the period from 1974 to October 2010, with the aim to retrieve all the available scientific-medical publications and the documentation prepared by official authorities and to set in relation to the “sick building syndrome”. The key terms “Lipoatrophia semicircularis” and “Semicirular lipoatrophy were used for the search. The bibliography found was scarce, with only 32 articles in the Medline database. Among them, 33% had been written by Spanish authors. Semicircular lipoatrophy is an aesthetic defect rather than disease; it is a reversible and benign condition which is considered banal. It has however surprised scientists in the XXI Century, as it has appeared it the environment which was considered safest among all working ones. Where only musculoskeletal disorders, eye conditions an psychosocial derangements were expected or foreseen, a new condition has emerged which apparently correlates with the females gender, microtraumatisms and static electricy charge. Semicircular lipoatrophy should be considered a building-related condition (the same as, for example, Legionnaire’s disease), and apart from the “sick building syndrome”. Further studies are required in order to answer the still-open questions regarding its pathogenesis.Sin financiación0.100 SJR (2010) Q4, 443/445 Public health, environmental and occupational healthUE

Lymphovascular Space Invasion in Early-Stage Endometrial Cancer (LySEC) : Patterns of Recurrence and Predictors. A Multicentre Retrospective Cohort Study of the Spain Gynecologic Oncology Group

In patients with early-stage endometrioid endometrial cancer, the presence of lymph vascular space involvement (LVSI) correlates with nodal metastases, shorter disease-free survival and overall survival. However, the effect of LVSI on recurrence patterns of these patients has been poorly studied, and the optimal adjuvant treatment remains unclear. Additionally, positive LVSI is indicative for nodal assessment, however, this parameter is usually not Known until a final pathology report. The main aim of our study was to analyze oncological outcomes and patterns of recurrence of these patients according to LVSI status, as well as to determine preoperative predictors of positive LVSI. We confirmed in a large multi-institutional cohort of patients (3546 participants), that positive LVSI is an independent prognostic factor for distant recurrences (HR 2.37) but not for local recurrence. In addition, deep myometrial invasion, high-grade tumors, cervical stroma invasion, and tumor diameter ≥ 2 cm are independent predictors of positive LVSI. The main aim is to compare oncological outcomes and patterns of recurrence of patients with early-stage endometrioid endometrial cancer according to lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) status. The secondary objective is to determine preoperative predictors of LVSI. We performed a multicenter retrospective cohort study. A total of 3546 women diagnosed with postoperative early-stage (FIGO I-II, 2009) endometrioid endometrial cancer were included. Co-primary endpoints were disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and pattern of recurrence. Cox proportional hazard models were used for time-to-event analysis. Univariate and multivariate logistical regression models were employed. Positive LVSI was identified in 528 patients (14.6%) and was an independent prognostic factor for DFS (HR 1.8), OS (HR 2.1) and distant recurrences (HR 2.37). Distant recurrences were more frequent in patients with positive LVSI (78.2% vs. 61.3%, p < 0.01). Deep myometrial invasion (OR 3.04), high-grade tumors (OR 2.54), cervical stroma invasion (OR 2.01), and tumor diameter ≥ 2 cm (OR 2.03) were independent predictors of LVSI. In conclusion, in these patients, LVSI is an independent risk factor for shorter DFS and OS, and distant recurrence, but not for local recurrence. Deep myometrial invasion, cervical stroma invasion, high-grade tumors, and a tumor diameter ≥ 2 cm are independent predictors of LVSI

Lymphovascular Space Invasion in Early-Stage Endometrial Cancer (LySEC): Patterns of Recurrence and Predictors. A Multicentre Retrospective Cohort Study of the Spain Gynecologic Oncology Group

The main aim is to compare oncological outcomes and patterns of recurrence of patients with early-stage endometrioid endometrial cancer according to lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) status. The secondary objective is to determine preoperative predictors of LVSI. We performed a multicenter retrospective cohort study. A total of 3546 women diagnosed with postoperative early-stage (FIGO I-II, 2009) endometrioid endometrial cancer were included. Co-primary endpoints were disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and pattern of recurrence. Cox proportional hazard models were used for time-to-event analysis. Univariate and multivariate logistical regression models were employed. Positive LVSI was identified in 528 patients (14.6%) and was an independent prognostic factor for DFS (HR 1.8), OS (HR 2.1) and distant recurrences (HR 2.37). Distant recurrences were more frequent in patients with positive LVSI (78.2% vs. 61.3%, p < 0.01). Deep myometrial invasion (OR 3.04), high-grade tumors (OR 2.54), cervical stroma invasion (OR 2.01), and tumor diameter ≥ 2 cm (OR 2.03) were independent predictors of LVSI. In conclusion, in these patients, LVSI is an independent risk factor for shorter DFS and OS, and distant recurrence, but not for local recurrence. Deep myometrial invasion, cervical stroma invasion, high-grade tumors, and a tumor diameter ≥ 2 cm are independent predictors of LVSI