A Combined Experimental-Numerical Investigation of the Thermal Efficiency of the Vessel in Domestic Induction Systems

New studies are emerging to reduce energy costs and become a more sustainable society. One of the processes where the greatest savings can be made is in cooking, due to its large-scale global use. In this vein, this study aims to analyse the influence of the vessel in the thermal efficiency at the cooking process. For that purpose, a numerical model of a cooking vessel was designed and validated with three different experimental heating tests. One of the key factors of the process is the contact between the vessel and the glass, therefore, two new approaches to model the thermal contact between the vessel and the cooktop were explored. Once the numerical models were calibrated, a full factorial analysis was performed to quantify the influence of the key parameters of the vessel in the heating process during cooking (thermal conductivity, specific heat, convection and radiation coefficients, and vessel concavity). Two of the most influential parameters in the heating process are the conductivity and the thermal contact between the vessel and the glass. Higher cooking efficiency can be achieved both with a low thermal conductivity vessel and with a high concavity, i.e., increasing the isolation between the vessel and the glass

Epidemiología de las quemaduras. Pacientes ingresados 2010

The burns are a vital experience, destructive and traumatic to the personal biography with functional and aesthetic evident sequels and with a great repercussion in the familiar, social and labor life of the patient. A descriptive, retrospective and longitudinal section study was made to the hospitalized patients at “Celia Sánchez Manduley” Hospital of Manzanillo, Granma in the year 2010, in the Aesthetic and Caumatology Caumatology Service. To achieve these objectives there were taken into consideration: age, sex, way of production, etiologic agent, life prognosis and the health condition at the time of the discharge. The ages between 15 and 59 prevailed as well as the male sex. The survival of the great burned was over the established prognosis. It is important to create health preventive programs to avoid burns, through the different mass media like the radio, television, papers, community, schools, and places of work and in the National Health System Centers.Las quemaduras son una experiencia vital traumática y destructiva para la biografía personal con secuelas funcionales y estéticas evidentes y con una enorme repercusión en la vida familiar, social y laboral del paciente. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo y de corte longitudinal de los pacientes ingresados en el Hospital Provincial Clínico Quirúrgico Docente “Celia Sánchez Manduley” de Manzanillo, Granma en el año 2010, en el Servicio de Cirugía Plástica y Caumatología. Se evaluaron las variables de: edad, sexo, modo de producción, agente etiológico, pronóstico de vida y estado al egreso. Predominaron las edades entre 15 a 59 años y el sexo masculino. Los accidentes fueron el principal modo de producción y los líquidos calientes y/o hirvientes la principal causa, los pacientes con lesiones menos graves predominaron. La supervivencia de los grandes quemados se comportó por encima de los pronósticos establecidos. Se sugiere crear programas de prevención de salud efectivos para evitar las quemaduras utilizando los diferentes medios de difusión como la televisión, radio, prensa escrita, comunidad, centros de estudio, centros de trabajo y centros del Sistema Nacional de Salud

Liver CPT1A gene therapy reduces diet-induced hepatic steatosis in mice and highlights potential lipid biomarkers for human NAFLD

The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has increased drastically due to the global obesity pandemic but at present there are no approved therapies. Here, we aimed to revert high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity and NAFLD in mice by enhancing liver fatty acid oxidation (FAO). Moreover, we searched for potential new lipid biomarkers for monitoring liver steatosis in humans. We used adeno-associated virus (AAV) to deliver a permanently active mutant form of human carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (hCPT1AM), the key enzyme in FAO, in the liver of a mouse model of HFD-induced obesity and NAFLD. Expression of hCPT1AM enhanced hepatic FAO and autophagy, reduced liver steatosis, and improved glucose homeostasis. Lipidomic analysis in mice and humans before and after therapeutic interventions, such as hepatic AAV9-hCPT1AM administration and RYGB surgery, respectively, led to the identification of specific triacylglyceride (TAG) specie (C50:1) as a potential biomarker to monitor NAFFLD disease. To sum up, here we show for the first time that liver hCPT1AM gene therapy in a mouse model of established obesity, diabetes, and NAFLD can reduce HFD-induced derangements. Moreover, our study highlights TAG (C50:1) as a potential noninvasive biomarker that might be useful to monitor NAFLD in mice and humans

Association between long term exposure to particulate matter and incident hypertension in Spain

Exposure to air particulate matter has been linked with hypertension and blood pressure levels. The metabolic risks of air pollution could vary according to the specific characteristics of each area, and has not been sufficiently evaluated in Spain. We analyzed 1103 individuals, participants in a Spanish nationwide population based cohort study ([email protected]), who were free of hypertension at baseline (2008-2010) and completed a follow-up exam of the cohort (2016-2017). Cohort participants were assigned air pollution concentrations for particulate matter < 10 mu m (PM10) and < 2.5 mu m (PM2.5) during follow-up (2008-2016) obtained through modeling combined with measurements taken at air quality stations (CHIMERE chemistry-transport model). Mean and SD concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 were 20.17 +/- 3.91 mu g/m(3) and 10.83 +/- 2.08 mu g/m(3) respectively. During follow-up 282 cases of incident hypertension were recorded. In the fully adjusted model, compared with the lowest quartile of PM10, the multivariate weighted ORs (95% CIs) for developing hypertension with increasing PM10 exposures were 0.82 (0.59-1.14), 1.28 (0.93-1.78) and 1.45 (1.05-2.01) in quartile 2, 3 and 4 respectively (p for a trend of 0.003). The corresponding weighted ORs according to PM2.5 exposures were 0.80 (0.57-1.13), 1.11 (0.80-1.53) and 1.48 (1.09-2.00) (p for trend 0.004). For each 5-mu g/m(3) increment in PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations, the odds for incident hypertension increased 1.22 (1.06-1.41) p = 0.007 and 1.39 (1.07-1.81) p = 0.02 respectively. In conclusion, our study contributes to assessing the impact of particulate pollution on the incidence of hypertension in Spain, reinforcing the need for improving air quality as much as possible in order to decrease the risk of cardiometabolic disease in the population

Association between exposure to air pollution and blood lipids in the general population of Spain.

Background and Aims: We aimed to assess the associations of exposure to air pollutants and standard and advanced lipoprotein measures, in a nationwide sample representative of the adult population of Spain.Methods: We included 4647 adults (>18 years), participants in the national, cross- sectional, population- based [email protected] study, conducted in 2008– 2010. Standard lipid measurements were analysed on an Architect C8000 Analyzer (Abbott Laboratories SA). Lipoprotein analysis was made by an advanced 1H- NMR lipoprotein test (Liposcale®). Participants were assigned air pollution con-centrations for particulate matter <10 μm (PM10), <2.5 μm (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), corresponding to the health examination year, obtained by mod-elling combined with measurements taken at air quality stations (CHIMERE chemistry- transport model).Results: In multivariate linear regression models, each IQR increase in PM10, PM2.5 and NO2 was associated with 3.3%, 3.3% and 3% lower levels of HDL- c and 1.3%, 1.4% and 1.1% lower HDL particle (HDL- p) concentrations (p< .001 for all associations). In multivariate logistic regression, there was a significant associa-tion between PM10, PM2.5 and NO2 concentrations and the odds of presenting low HDL- c (<40 mg/dL), low HDL- p (<p25) and higher LDL particle (LDL- p) concentrations (≥p75). In subgroup analyses there were stronger associations be-tween PM10 and NO2 and low HDL- p in men (p for interaction .008 and .034), and between NO2 and low HDL- p in individuals with obesity (p for interaction .015).Conclusions: Our study shows an association between the exposure to air pol-lutants and blood lipids in the general population of Spain, suggesting a link to atherosclerosisFunding for open access charge: Universidad de Málaga / CBU

Ambient air pollution and thyroid function in Spanish adults. A nationwide population-based study ([email protected] study)

Background Recent reports have suggested that air pollution may impact thyroid function, although the evidence is still scarce and inconclusive. In this study we evaluated the association of exposure to air pollutants to thyroid function parameters in a nationwide sample representative of the adult population of Spain. Methods The [email protected] study is a national, cross-sectional, population-based survey which was conducted in 2008-2010 using a random cluster sampling of the Spanish population. The present analyses included 3859 individuals, without a previous thyroid disease diagnosis, and with negative thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO Abs) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels of 0.1-20 mIU/L. Participants were assigned air pollution concentrations for particulate matter <2.5 mu m (PM2.5) and Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), corresponding to the health examination year, obtained by means of modeling combined with measurements taken at air quality stations (CHIMERE chemistry-transport model). TSH, free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3) and TPO Abs concentrations were analyzed using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (Modular Analytics E170 Roche). Results In multivariate linear regression models, there was a highly significant negative correlation between PM2.5 concentrations and both FT4 (p<0.001), and FT3 levels (p<0.001). In multivariate logistic regression, there was a significant association between PM2.5 concentrations and the odds of presenting high TSH [OR 1.24 (1.01-1.52) p=0.043], lower FT4 [OR 1.25 (1.02-1.54) p=0.032] and low FT3 levels [1.48 (1.19-1.84) p=<0.001] per each IQR increase in PM2.5 (4.86 mu g/m(3)). There was no association between NO2 concentrations and thyroid hormone levels. No significant heterogeneity was seen in the results between groups of men, pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women. Conclusions Exposures to PM2.5 in the general population were associated with mild alterations in thyroid function.CIBERDEM (Ministerio de Economia, Industria y Competitividad-ISCIII), Ministerio de Sanidad, Servicios Sociales e Igualdad-ISCIII, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (PI17/02136, PI20/01322), Consejeria de Salud y familias (PI-0144-2018), European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) "A way to build Europe". GRM belongs to the regional Nicolas Monardes research program of the Consejeria de Salud (RC-0006-2016; Junta de Andalucia, Spain). CMA is recipient of a "Rio Hortega" research contract (CM19/00186, Instituto de Salud Carlos III). VKDG is recipient of a "Rio Hortega" research contract (CM21/00214, Instituto de Salud Carlos III)

Healthcare workers hospitalized due to COVID-19 have no higher risk of death than general population. Data from the Spanish SEMI-COVID-19 Registry

Aim To determine whether healthcare workers (HCW) hospitalized in Spain due to COVID-19 have a worse prognosis than non-healthcare workers (NHCW). Methods Observational cohort study based on the SEMI-COVID-19 Registry, a nationwide registry that collects sociodemographic, clinical, laboratory, and treatment data on patients hospitalised with COVID-19 in Spain. Patients aged 20-65 years were selected. A multivariate logistic regression model was performed to identify factors associated with mortality. Results As of 22 May 2020, 4393 patients were included, of whom 419 (9.5%) were HCW. Median (interquartile range) age of HCW was 52 (15) years and 62.4% were women. Prevalence of comorbidities and severe radiological findings upon admission were less frequent in HCW. There were no difference in need of respiratory support and admission to intensive care unit, but occurrence of sepsis and in-hospital mortality was lower in HCW (1.7% vs. 3.9%; p = 0.024 and 0.7% vs. 4.8%; p<0.001 respectively). Age, male sex and comorbidity, were independently associated with higher in-hospital mortality and healthcare working with lower mortality (OR 0.211, 95%CI 0.067-0.667, p = 0.008). 30-days survival was higher in HCW (0.968 vs. 0.851 p<0.001). Conclusions Hospitalized COVID-19 HCW had fewer comorbidities and a better prognosis than NHCW. Our results suggest that professional exposure to COVID-19 in HCW does not carry more clinical severity nor mortality

IL-6 serum levels predict severity and response to tocilizumab in COVID-19: An observational study

Background: Patients with coronavirus disaese 2019 (COVID-19) can develop a cytokine release syndrome that eventually leads to acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). Because IL-6 is a relevant cytokine in acute respiratory distress syndrome, the blockade of its receptor with tocilizumab (TCZ) could reduce mortality and/or morbidity in severe COVID-19. Objective: We sought to determine whether baseline IL-6 serum levels can predict the need for IMV and the response to TCZ. Methods: A retrospective observational study was performed in hospitalized patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Clinical information and laboratory findings, including IL-6 levels, were collected approximately 3 and 9 days after admission to be matched with preadministration and postadministration of TCZ. Multivariable logistic and linear regressions and survival analysis were performed depending on outcomes: need for IMV, evolution of arterial oxygen tension/fraction of inspired oxygen ratio, or mortality. Results: One hundred forty-six patients were studied, predominantly males (66%); median age was 63 years. Forty-four patients (30%) required IMV, and 58 patients (40%) received treatment with TCZ. IL-6 levels greater than 30 pg/mL was the best predictor for IMV (odds ratio, 7.1; P < .001). Early administration of TCZ was associated with improvement in oxygenation (arterial oxygen tension/fraction of inspired oxygen ratio) in patients with high IL-6 (P = .048). Patients with high IL-6 not treated with TCZ showed high mortality (hazard ratio, 4.6; P = .003), as well as those with low IL-6 treated with TCZ (hazard ratio, 3.6; P = .016). No relevant serious adverse events were observed in TCZ-treated patients. Conclusions: Baseline IL-6 greater than 30 pg/mL predicts IMV requirement in patients with COVID-19 and contributes to establish an adequate indication for TCZ administrationThis study was funded by Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness (MINECO) and Instituto de Salud Carlos III (grant nos. RD16/0011/0012 and PI18/ 0371 to I.G.A., grant no. PI19/00549 to A.A., and grant no. SAF2017-82886-R to F.S.-M.) and co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund. The study was also funded by ‘‘La Caixa Banking Foundation’’ (grant no. HR17-00016 to F.S.-M.) and ‘‘Fondos Supera COVID19’’ by Banco de Santander and CRUE. None of these sponsors have had any role in study design; in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; in the writing of the report; and in the decision to submit the article for publicatio

Human Intestinal Dendritic Cells Decrease Cytokine Release against Salmonella Infection in the Presence of Lactobacillus paracasei upon TLR Activation

Probiotic bacteria have been shown to modulate immune responses and could have therapeutic effects in allergic and inflammatory disorders. However, little is known about the signalling pathways that are engaged by probiotics. Dendritic cells (DCs) are antigen-presenting cells that are involved in immunity and tolerance. Monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MoDCs) and murine DCs are different from human gut DCs; therefore, in this study, we used human DCs generated from CD34+ progenitor cells (hematopoietic stem cells) harvested from umbilical cord blood; those DCs exhibited surface antigens of dendritic Langerhans cells, similar to the lamina propria DCs in the gut. We report that both a novel probiotic strain isolated from faeces of exclusively breast-fed newborn infants, Lactobacillus paracasei CNCM I-4034, and its cell-free culture supernatant (CFS) decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in human intestinal DCs challenged with Salmonella. Interestingly, the supernatant was as effective as the bacteria in reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. In contrast, the bacterium was a potent inducer of TGF-β2 secretion, whereas the supernatant increased the secretion of TGF-β1 in response to Salmonella. We also showed that both the bacteria and its supernatant enhanced innate immunity through the activation of Toll-like receptor (TLR) signalling. These treatments strongly induced the transcription of the TLR9 gene. In addition, upregulation of the CASP8 and TOLLIP genes was observed. This work demonstrates that L. paracasei CNCM I-4034 enhanced innate immune responses, as evidenced by the activation of TLR signalling and the downregulation of a broad array of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The use of supernatants like the one described in this paper could be an effective and safe alternative to using live bacteria in functional foods.This work was funded by Hero Spain S.A. through the contract n° 3143 signed with the Fundación General Universidad de Granada Empresa and co-sponsored by the CDTI, a public entity of the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness of the Spanish Government. Carolina Gomez-Llorente received a postdoctoral fellowship from Plan Propio of University of Granada