Gymnomyces sublevisporus (Russulales, una nueva especie de la región mediterránea

Gymnomyces sublevisporus (Russulales), una nueva especie de la región mediterrànea. Se describe Gymnomyces sublevisporus Moreno-Arroyo, Llistosella et Romero de la Osa, una nueva especie gasteroide de las Russulales de la región mediterranea andaluza (S de España). Se describen e ilustran los principales caracteres macro y microscópicos de este nuevo taxón, y se aportan fotografías en color y al microscopio electrónico de barrido . Se comenta y discute su adscripción taxonómica dentro de las Russulales.Gymnomyces sublevisporus (Russulales), a new species from the mediterranean region. Gymnomyces sublevisporus Moreno-Arroyo, Llistosella et Romero de la Osa, a new gasteroid and hypogeous species, found in Andalucía (S Spain, W mediterranean region) is described, and colour and scanning micrographs are given. Its taxonomic adscription amongst the different genera of Russulales, and its relationships with neighbouring species are discussed

Gymnomyces sublevisporus (Russulales, una nueva especie de la región mediterránea

Gymnomyces sublevisporus (Russulales), una nueva especie de la región mediterrànea. Se describe Gymnomyces sublevisporus Moreno-Arroyo, Llistosella et Romero de la Osa, una nueva especie gasteroide de las Russulales de la región mediterranea andaluza (S de España). Se describen e ilustran los principales caracteres macro y microscópicos de este nuevo taxón, y se aportan fotografías en color y al microscopio electrónico de barrido . Se comenta y discute su adscripción taxonómica dentro de las Russulales.Gymnomyces sublevisporus (Russulales), a new species from the mediterranean region. Gymnomyces sublevisporus Moreno-Arroyo, Llistosella et Romero de la Osa, a new gasteroid and hypogeous species, found in Andalucía (S Spain, W mediterranean region) is described, and colour and scanning micrographs are given. Its taxonomic adscription amongst the different genera of Russulales, and its relationships with neighbouring species are discussed

Influence of a Zeolite-Based Cascade Layer on Fischer–Tropsch Fuels Production over Silicon Carbide Supported Cobalt Catalyst

In this work, selective production of middle distillate from synthesis gas was conducted over a cascade catalytic system in a single unit. Co/β-SiC was chosen as an efficient Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) catalyst (first layer) while proton-type H-ZSM-5 and H-βeta zeolites (second layer) were tested for the subsequent hydroprocessing to produce middle distillate from waxes. Moreover, in order to compare, a prior FTS reference experiment was performed. Catalytic materials were characterized by means of Atomic Absorption, Thermogravimetric analysis, X-Ray diffraction, N2 adsorption–desorption, Temperature-Programmed Reduction and Temperature-Programmed Desorption. From catalytic results, a distinguishable enhancement of commercial fuels products was observed under the proposed cascade operation compared to the stand-alone configuration or physical mixture. Regardless the zeolite type, FTS over Co/β-SiC with subsequent upgrading was demonstrated to result in the complete elimination of waxes, solving the main weakness of a conventional fixed-bed reactor. Moreover, apart from a selective production of gasoline, the proposed concept provided a significant enhancement of both kerosene and diesel yields, particularly when zeolite H-βeta is incorporated to the cascade system due to its mild acidity and larger pore size.En este trabajo se realizó la producción selectiva de destilado medio a partir de gas de síntesis sobre un sistema catalítico en cascada en una sola unidad. Se eligió Co/β-SiC como catalizador eficiente de la síntesis de Fischer-Tropsch (FTS) (primera capa), mientras que las zeolitas H-ZSM-5 y H-βeta de tipo protón (segunda capa) se probaron para el subsiguiente hidroprocesamiento para producir un destilado medio. de ceras. Además, con el fin de comparar, se realizó un experimento de referencia FTS previo. Los materiales catalíticos se caracterizaron mediante Absorción Atómica, Análisis Termogravimétrico, Difracción de Rayos X, N 2adsorción-desorción, reducción a temperatura programada y desorción a temperatura programada. A partir de los resultados catalíticos, se observó una mejora distinguible de los productos de combustibles comerciales bajo la operación en cascada propuesta en comparación con la configuración independiente o la mezcla física. Independientemente del tipo de zeolita, se demostró que FTS sobre Co/β-SiC con mejora posterior da como resultado la eliminación completa de ceras, resolviendo la principal debilidad de un reactor de lecho fijo convencional. Además, además de una producción selectiva de gasolina, el concepto propuesto proporcionó una mejora significativa de los rendimientos de queroseno y diesel, particularmente cuando se incorpora zeolita H-βeta al sistema en cascada debido a su acidez suave y tamaño de poro más grande

Spatial distribution of sporocarp production of ECM fungi Amanita ponderosa Malençon & R. Heim during six consecutive years at a holm-oak forest (dehesa) in the Sierra de Aracena (Huelva)

Se ha estudiado durante seis años consecutivos el número y la localización de los esporocarpos de Amanita ponderosa Malençon & R. Heim en una parcela de 3 ha ubicada en un encinar adehesado localizado en el Parque Natural «Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche» (Huelva). Los datos indican que las áreas productoras de setas presentan un tamaño y una forma similares año tras año, aunque algunas zonas específicas muestran variaciones que sugieren la existencia de cierta alternancia o vecería. Esta especie fructifica solamente en primavera durante seis a ocho semanas, desde mediados de febrero hasta abril, cuando comienza a ascender la temperatura media tras el invierno. Las diferencias observadas en la duración del periodo de fructificación y la producción total de setas dependen fundamentalmente de las lluvias y la temperatura. Los resultados sugieren que las lluvias tempranas a finales de verano o principios de otoño son cruciales para la fructificación de la primavera siguiente, y que las lluvias caídas durante el periodo de fructificación tienen una menor influencia. Durante el periodo de fructificación, la producción es muy dependiente de la temperatura del suelo

Optimization of the catalytic support and membrane for the electrochemical reforming of ethanol in alkaline media

BACKGROUND: In this work, the influence of the anodic catalyst carbonaceous support and the membrane on the electrochem-ical reforming of ethanol for hydrogen production in alkaline media has been studied. Physicochemical characterization andelectrochemical activity measurements were performed for different palladium-based anodic catalysts. The best anodic catalystwas scaled up to two different membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) based on anion exchange membranes (AEMs): Tokuyamaand KOH-doped polybenzimidazole (PBI) membranes. In both systems, the influence of the temperature and the stability wereevaluated for the electrochemical reforming of ethanol.RESULTS: Among the different investigated catalysts, palladium supported on non-functionalized low-surface nanofibers wasthe best anodic catalyst for the electrochemical reforming of ethanol in alkaline media, which was attributed to the specificphysicochemical and textural properties of this material. In addition, the use of a Tokuyama membrane allowed to obtainthe highest electrocatalytic activity in hydrogen production together with a suitable stability behavior. Under the optimizedconditions, current density values up to 120 mA cm−2at 1.4 V were obtained, leading to lower energy values for hydrogenproduction compared with those of water electrolysis in commercial alkaline electrolyzers.CONCLUSION: The choice of palladium supported on non-functionalized nanofibers as anodic catalyst and a Tokuyamamembrane allows to obtain the best MEA configuration for the electrochemical reforming of ethanol for hydrogen production.ANTECEDENTES En este trabajo se ha estudiado la influencia del soporte carbonoso del catalizador anódico y la membrana en el reformado electroquímico de etanol para la producción de hidrógeno en medios alcalinos. Se realizaron caracterizaciones fisicoquímicas y mediciones de actividad electroquímica para diferentes catalizadores anódicos basados ​​en paladio. El mejor catalizador anódico se amplió a dos conjuntos de electrodos de membrana (MEA) diferentes basados ​​en membranas de intercambio aniónico (AEM): Tokuyama y membranas de polibencimidazol (PBI) dopadas con KOH. En ambos sistemas se evaluó la influencia de la temperatura y la estabilidad para el reformado electroquímico del etanol. RESULTADOS Entre los diferentes catalizadores investigados, el paladio soportado sobre nanofibras de baja superficie no funcionalizadas fue el mejor catalizador anódico para el reformado electroquímico de etanol en medios alcalinos, lo que se atribuyó a las propiedades fisicoquímicas y texturales específicas de este material. Además, el uso de una membrana Tokuyama permitió obtener la mayor actividad electrocatalítica en la producción de hidrógeno junto con un adecuado comportamiento de estabilidad. En las condiciones optimizadas, se obtuvieron valores de densidad de corriente de hasta 120 mA cm- 2 a 1,4 V, lo que llevó a valores de energía más bajos para la producción de hidrógeno en comparación con los de la electrólisis de agua en electrolizadores alcalinos comerciales. CONCLUSIÓN La elección de paladio soportado sobre nanofibras no funcionalizadas como catalizador anódico y una membrana Tokuyama permite obtener la mejor configuración MEA para el reformado electroquímico de etanol para la producción de hidrógeno. © 2019 Sociedad de la Industria Químic

Different strategies to simultaneously N-doping and reduce graphene oxide for electrocatalytic applications

Two different approaches to simultaneously introduce nitrogen atoms within the graphene framework and, reduce graphene oxide nanoplatelets (GO), have been explored in order to improve the electrocatalytic activity of the resulting materials. Thus, a facile hydrothermal method using 2-chloroethylamine under conditions at 180 °C and, another one, based in the formation of polypyrrole (PPy) on graphene oxide nanoplatelets by in situ polymerization of pyrrole monomer in the presence of GO, were compared through a deep characterization of the final materials by SEM, RAMAN, FTIR, XPS, Zeta potential, XRD and TGA analysis. Physico-chemical properties of the graphene-based materials were subsequently related with their electron transfer efficiency and electrocatalytic activity. The as prepared rGO prepared by the PPy method showed an N content quite superior (~6–8%) than the rGO prepared by the hydrothermal one (~1%) being an important part of their nitrogen state pyridinic type. The electrocatalytic results showed that GO exhibited higher specific capacitance than rGO materials due to its intrinsic higher porosity. However, the presence of N species seems to have a positive effect on the ORR activity, although the N incorporation through the PPy-rGO synthesis method seems to be the preferred one according for the complete ORR pathway.Se han explorado dos enfoques diferentes para introducir simultáneamente átomos de nitrógeno dentro del marco de grafeno y reducir las nanoplaquetas de óxido de grafeno ( GO) con el fin de mejorar la actividad electrocatalítica de los materiales resultantes. Así, se comparó un método hidrotermal fácil usando 2-cloroetilamina en condiciones a 180 °C y otro, basado en la formación de polipirrol (PPy) sobre nanoplaquetas de óxido de grafeno por polimerización in situ del monómero pirrol en presencia de GO. una caracterización profunda de los materiales finales por SEM, RAMAN, FTIR, XPS , potencial Zeta , XRD yanálisis TGA . Las propiedades fisicoquímicas de los materiales a base de grafeno se relacionaron posteriormente con su eficiencia de transferencia de electrones y su actividad electrocatalítica. El rGO preparado por el método PPy mostró un contenido de N bastante superior (~6–8%) que el rGO preparado por el hidrotermal (~1%) siendo una parte importante de su estado nitrogenado de tipo piridínico. Los resultados electrocatalíticos mostraron que GO exhibió una capacitancia específica más alta que los materiales rGO debido a su mayor porosidad intrínseca. Sin embargo, la presencia de especies de N parece tener un efecto positivo sobre la actividad de ORR, aunque la incorporación de N a través del método de síntesis de PPy-rGO parece ser el preferido según la vía completa de ORR

Mechanisms by which the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator may influence SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 disease severity

Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) exhibit pronounced respiratory damage and were initially considered among those at highest risk for serious harm from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Numerous clinical studies have subsequently reported that individuals with CF in North America and Europe—while susceptible to severe COVID-19—are often spared from the highest levels of virus-associated mortality. To understand features that might influence COVID-19 among patients with cystic fibrosis, we studied relationships between SARS-CoV-2 and the gene responsible for CF (i.e., the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, CFTR). In contrast to previous reports, we found no association between CFTR carrier status (mutation heterozygosity) and more severe COVID-19 clinical outcomes. We did observe an unexpected trend toward higher mortality among control individuals compared with silent carriers of the common F508del CFTR variant—a finding that will require further study. We next performed experiments to test the influence of homozygous CFTR deficiency on viral propagation and showed that SARS-CoV-2 production in primary airway cells was not altered by the absence of functional CFTR using two independent protocols. On the contrary, experiments performed in vitro strongly indicated that virus proliferation depended on features of the mucosal fluid layer known to be disrupted by absent CFTR in patients with CF, including both low pH and increased viscosity. These results point to the acidic, viscous, and mucus-obstructed airways in patients with cystic fibrosis as unfavorable for the establishment of coronaviral infection. Our findings provide new and important information concerning relationships between the CF clinical phenotype and severity of COVID-19.This work was supported by the Italian Ministry of Health (Ministero della Salute) [Ricerca Finalizzata RF-2016-02364358]; Fondazione IRCCS Ca′ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Ricerca corrente; Fondazione IRCCS Ca′ Granda core COVID-19 Biobank [RC100017A]; “Liver BIBLE” [PR-0391]; and Innovative Medicines Initiative 2 joint undertaking of the European Union (EU) Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme and European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations Programme Horizon 2020 [under grant agreement No. 777377] for the project LITMUS and the European Union, programme “Photonics” [under grant agreement 101016726] to LV. JCH was funded by the Research Council of Norway [grant no 312780] and a philanthropic donation from Vivaldi Invest A/S owned by Jon Stephenson von Tetzchner. The funders had no role in study design, data collection, data analysis, data interpretation, or writing of the report. AF was supported by a grant from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research [01KI20197]. This work was also funded by a generous philanthropic donation from Banca Intesa San Paolo to RA. This study makes use of data generated by the GCATI Genomes for Life. Cohort study of the Genomes of Catalonia from Institut Germans Trias I Pujol (IGTP); IGTP is part of the CERCA Program/Generalitat de Catalunya. GCAT is supported by Acción de Dinamización del ISCIII-MINECO and the Ministry of Health of the Generalitat of Catalunya [ADE 10/00026], with additional support by the Agència de Gestió d'Ajuts Universitaris i de Recerca (AGAUR) [2017-SGR 529], National Grant [PI18/01512], and VEIS project [001-P-001647], co-funded by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), “A way to build Europe.” EdW and BNW were supported by the Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH). PRT and SGS received funding from NIH NIAID [R01 AI167356].Peer reviewe

Anti-tumour necrosis factor discontinuation in inflammatory bowel disease patients in remission: study protocol of a prospective, multicentre, randomized clinical trial

Background: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease who achieve remission with anti-tumour necrosis factor (anti-TNF) drugs may have treatment withdrawn due to safety concerns and cost considerations, but there is a lack of prospective, controlled data investigating this strategy. The primary study aim is to compare the rates of clinical remission at 1?year in patients who discontinue anti-TNF treatment versus those who continue treatment. Methods: This is an ongoing, prospective, double-blind, multicentre, randomized, placebo-controlled study in patients with Crohn?s disease or ulcerative colitis who have achieved clinical remission for ?6?months with an anti-TNF treatment and an immunosuppressant. Patients are being randomized 1:1 to discontinue anti-TNF therapy or continue therapy. Randomization stratifies patients by the type of inflammatory bowel disease and drug (infliximab versus adalimumab) at study inclusion. The primary endpoint of the study is sustained clinical remission at 1?year. Other endpoints include endoscopic and radiological activity, patient-reported outcomes (quality of life, work productivity), safety and predictive factors for relapse. The required sample size is 194 patients. In addition to the main analysis (discontinuation versus continuation), subanalyses will include stratification by type of inflammatory bowel disease, phenotype and previous treatment. Biological samples will be obtained to identify factors predictive of relapse after treatment withdrawal. Results: Enrolment began in 2016, and the study is expected to end in 2020. Conclusions: This study will contribute prospective, controlled data on outcomes and predictors of relapse in patients with inflammatory bowel disease after withdrawal of anti-TNF agents following achievement of clinical remission. Clinical trial reference number: EudraCT 2015-001410-1

Aracena nevada

Imagen cedida por Santiago Moren

Influence of Cobalt Precursor on Efficient Production of Commercial Fuels over FTS Co/SiC Catalyst

β-SiC-supported cobalt catalysts have been prepared from nitrate, acetate, chloride and citrate salts to study the dependence of Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) on the type of precursor. Com/SiC catalysts were synthetized by vacuum-assisted impregnation while N2 adsorption/desorption, XRD, TEM, TPR, O2 pulses and acid/base titrations were used as characterization techniques. FTS catalytic performance was carried out at 220 °C and 250 °C while keeping constant the pressure (20 bar), space velocity (6000 Ncm3/g·h) and syngas composition (H2/CO:2). The nature of cobalt precursor was found to influence basic behavior, extent of reduction and metallic particle size. For β-SiC-supported catalysts, the use of cobalt nitrate resulted in big Co crystallites, an enhanced degree of reduction and higher basicity compared to acetate, chloride and citrate-based catalysts. Consequently, cobalt nitrate provided a better activity and selectivity to C5+ (less than 10% methane was formed), which was centered in kerosene-diesel fraction (α = 0.90). On the contrary, catalyst from cobalt citrate, characterized by the highest viscosity and acidity values, presented a highly dispersed distribution of Co nanoparticles leading to a lower reducibility. Therefore, a lower FTS activity was obtained and chain growth probability was shortened as observed from methane and gasoline-kerosene (α = 0.76) production when using cobalt citrate